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Post by ivy on Oct 12, 2009 19:13:31 GMT -6
Status: open thread Plot: There are rumors in the north of strange shadow beings terrorizing the land. Iyvienne is a bard and is curious to know what is going on, so she needs travel companions to get up to the frozen lands. My character(s): Iyvienne Klyos--- Iyvienne looked out into the streets from where she sat on a stone wall holding a small loaf of sweet bread in her hand. It was a chilly day but she was still wearing her summer clothes and her hair fell around her shoulders instead of the usual way she tied it up. Her traveling pack sat on the ground beneath her and while she nibbled on her snack she made sure to keep an eye on the small hardened leather bag that held all her possessions. It had been nearly 5 years since she had been home to Temarra and she had not returned on pleasant business. The dark rumors settling in the hearts of the people worried the scholarly bard. Too much talk of war drifting among the people. News of famine and attacks where all the stories to be heard around the campfires of travelers. She pulled her left leg up to rest her arms on her bent knee. She missed the days of old; when the stories were just stories and the people were fascinated not with tales of dark shadows and strangers but of the gallant heroes and mischievous gods, of love and romance, and trivial matters.
As she ate the last bit of her sweet bread she scanned the crowd. She needed to get to the north and that wasn’t an adventure she was willing to make alone. The company she had been traveling with were splitting here in Temarra and none of them were willing to continue on to Critria. Unfortunately for her this meant she would have to wait around until the next caravan left. Her green eyes leveled at the thought. She hated caravans. Most of the people who traveled in these caravans were boring with the same old generic tales she has heard a million times over again.
Reaching down she pulled the bag up and placed in on the stone wall beside where she sat. She rummaged in it for a while before pulling out a case about as long as her arm. She opened the case and pulled out her small fiddle. A few people passing by looked over at her with interest as she tuned the instrument. Her eyes glanced up with a smile and she rose to her feet. Iyvienne was already tall, and standing on the three foot stone wall just made her tower even more so over the crowd.
Placing the bow on the strings she started playing a jaunty tune, it was quick and crisp. Her fingers danced lightly over the strings as she playing swaying to the music. The music did what she wanted it to do, a couple of people stopped, some even clapped as they milled around the intersection in the street where she was playing. After a few minutes her fingers slowed down and her tune took on a mellow pace. This song wasn’t sad, but the minor key she twisted in the tune was intended to give her audience a sense of dread, a foreboding feeling, so they would listen to what she had to say.
She opened her mouth and sang long to the music. Her voice was soft and pleasant and drifted in perfect unison with the music she was playing.[/size] Come near good people and listen dear
Listen to tales both from far and near
I tell you of love
And I tell you fear
I tell you of the things that you need to hear
My love is the land and to her I am true
but she has wept and mourned and each day it grew
and now is my search
for any some clue
of what has my love thrown all askew.
There are stories, good people, of terror, of hate
Lost are the days of our peaceful state,
Do not despair for
Good news awaits
For in each our hands we hold our own fate.
Far in the north laden ice wind and snow
This is where our distant travels will go
Gather your courage
For soon we go fro
In hopes of peace and honor to bestow.
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Post by nero on Oct 12, 2009 21:04:20 GMT -6
A hawk circled high above the city, as the day drew on. Nero had seldom traveled to Temarra in the past few months, as high disturbances cried out for his help. He was a Paladin, servant to the powers of good, to bravely drive back the forces of darkness, but now, there was word of attack in the magical capital of the world now. Nero was there to offer his loyal and humble services to the people, as he had always done for the last 10,000 years of his life. The vampire that turned him had taught him the values of virtue, integrity, selflessness, compassion and most importantly, sacrifice, as Nero underwent his trials to become a Paladin. He did not expect to be given the gift of immortality, but it was such, that his mentor give it to him. The first few centuries were tough on the young Nero of that time, but he persevered and learned the values of doing the work of good, and the freedom within it.
Talks of strange beings terrorizing the land were enough to drive the Paladin to investigate. He was seldom one for simply asking around, for the wolf was normally amongst the sheep. As such, Nero listened in to the area around him, hopefully to pick up the information needed to find out what was going on, and where to head next. He pulled a small leather canteen from the inside of his coat and took a drink of the contents inside. Nero was taught to never drink from the blood of a human, and rather go for the substitute of human blood, such as animal blood. These days however, Nero hardly needed to feed on blood, but it was still essential to his survival. To Nero’s side was his steed, Valiant. Although his horse was quite large, Valiant was faster than he appeared, able to get Nero from one place to another in half the time it would take the average horse. Many a time, this steed had come to his aid. Many of time, this stallion helped Nero out of many situations in battle with many fearsome creatures.
As Nero and his stallion walked down the city street, they picked up a lovely melody in the air. One of which, Nero could not help but find the owner of such a beautiful sound and listen on to their song. Upon reaching the location, he listened carefully to the sound of the amazing creature before him. She was very beautiful, and as he was rather tall amongst the shorter people in the crowd, he had not a difficulty see the young lady before him and listen to her melody. The kind hearted Paladin stood in silence as he listened to the music the young lady sang to the crowd. She played her tune on a small fiddle and her voice was like that of Heavenly allure of the most divine kind. It moved Nero’s undead body in ways that he had not known in life. Music of her kind had touched his ears in the past, and never failed to amaze him. It was truly something that made life worth living.
As the music took an end, Nero was one of the first to applaud the young lady for her magical performance, and kindly bowed his head in respect to her. He then awaited for the crowd to leave, as he studied her form. She was one of great beauty, and grace with a fiddle. Although, Nero was more interested in speaking to her about word of any-at-all activity in the area. For such an innocence with a tune she played could not possibly be a minion of the dark!
Nero stood in utter silence for a moment until everyone had finally left at last, and he approached her quietly. “You weave such sweet music, mi lady,” Nero spoke kindly, “I am Nero Romulus, Paladin of good, and in the service of those that need help in warding off the forces of darkness. However, I was hoping if I could possibly ask you if you have gotten word of any trouble concerning shadow men in the area? They have been said to be causing trouble, and I was hoping you could possibly tell me if you have heard a whisper of anything going on.”
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Post by ivy on Oct 12, 2009 22:10:23 GMT -6
Iyvienne stood for a while longer on the wall as those around her praised her for her song. She was used to getting these comments yet she graciously thanked all of them for their attention regardless. After most of them hard started to move away she started to replace her fiddle gently back in it's case.
“You weave such sweet music, mi lady,” hearing a voice speak she looked up. She had thought her audience had moved on but a tall man stood before her. “I am Nero Romulus, Paladin of good, and in the service of those that need help in warding off the forces of darkness. However, I was hoping if I could possibly ask you if you have gotten word of any trouble concerning shadow men in the area? They have been said to be causing trouble, and I was hoping you could possibly tell me if you have heard a whisper of anything going on.”
She looked over at the tall paladin with a wide smile. "Well met Pladin Romulus. Iyvienne Klyos, Scholar of the histories and music, at your service." she gave a small theatrical bow as she spoke" Your praise as well as attention to my art is greatly appreciated." She sat down and began to repack her fiddle in her bag as she spoke "I have not heard much of anything from this area however i have only just arrived toda, i would check with the bar keep at the local tavern if you want the most recent news about the town, he's usually the one to ask." She gave a small wink as she closed up her bag and jumped down from the wall landing softly on her feet. As she stood up she looked over at the Paladin to find that she needed to look up at him. She wasn't short and was used to having to look down at most people, but this man was taller than her by at least five inches. She continued speaking as she pulled her traveling bag onto her back.
"Temerra seems to be keeping their borders rather well guarded. There are stories from the north of strange shadow creatures. That is where I am destined to next, once I can find others to travel with me." She started to replace the case with her fiddle in her bag. "People of my...character don't do well traveling alone. If you are at all interested, I would very much enjoy your company on my journey north if you are willing to join me."
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Post by nero on Oct 13, 2009 19:28:47 GMT -6
As Nero watched her pack away and as she acknowledged her wide smile, he smiled politely back in return. As she began to speak, the hawk that circled the sky flew in and landed softly on Nero’s shoulder. The hawk was yet another companion of Nero’s. It was named Light, because on the day of its hatching, his body glistened in the sun’s glow. Nero’s hawk was a perfect messenger and informer of anything that was ahead of its master, as to keep the Paladin’s travels safe as possible. Nero raised the hawk as well as he did his steed.
"Well met Pladin Romulus. Iyvienne Klyos, Scholar of the histories and music, at your service." she gave a small theatrical bow as she spoke" Your praise as well as attention to my art is greatly appreciated."
“Iyvienne…such a beautiful name.” he declared to her. Nero smiled as she thanked him for his praise, and responded, “Oh, no need for thanks, milady, your music was thanks enough for my hearty journeys ahead,” Nero placed a hand on his chest and tilted his head respectively, “It is seldom I ever find such a soothing tune as yours to ease my weary ears from the sounds of other dangers. May the powers of good bless you, none the less for your music.”
"I have not heard much of anything from this area however i have only just arrived toda, i would check with the bar keep at the local tavern if you want the most recent news about the town, he's usually the one to ask."
He listened to what she had to say about the town, and how it was well guarded, which relieved Nero for the most part, that there was no immediate danger inside the town. Thank the Heavens… he thought to himself softly. However, it only meant that the town was safe, not the area outside of the town. He would most likely have went to the bar keep, but before he would, he would finish the conversation at hand with the girl. It was considered extremely rude to just waltz away without so much as a departing goodbye, but then, it was discovered it would no longer be necessary. She had more to tell him, and it was something that Nero was glad to be informed of.
"Temerra seems to be keeping their borders rather well guarded. There are stories from the north of strange shadow creatures. That is where I am destined to next, once I can find others to travel with me."
Nero smiled at her and said, “Fates be praised. Then the north is where I shall go,” Nero watched as she placed her fiddle case in he bag, and listened to her offer to join her, bowing, Nero said, “It would be my honor to escort you on your journey to the north, Lady Iyvienne.” Within that moment, Nero’s hawk flew into the air, and Nero mounted his horse. Smiling back at Iyvienne, he extended a hand for her to take, allowing her to ride with Nero.
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Post by ivy on Oct 13, 2009 19:51:05 GMT -6
Iyvienne's eyes looked up further up into the sky as she noticed movement from above her. A glistening hawk she had not noticed before glided gracefully down and landed on the Paladin's shoulder. She looked at it for a moment in interest before looking back over at the Paladin when he spoke.
“Fates be praised. Then the north is where I shall go,” she felt relief wash over her, she really hadn't wanted to have to ride with a caravan. “It would be my honor to escort you on your journey to the north, Lady Iyvienne.” She smiled at his words and her eyes followed the hawk as it returned to the air. Looking back over she noticed that Nero had mounted his horse and extended a hand to her.
Her green eyes focused on his hand for a moment before it registered that he was asking her to join him. Her posture swayed away for a moment in uncertainty. She had never ridden double with a person before, however, the paladin seemed kind enough. Shaking her head a bit to clear her thoughts, she gave him a small smile as she spoke "You may call me Vienne, if you like." and with that she placed her hand in his and let him help her up.
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Post by nero on Oct 13, 2009 21:01:32 GMT -6
Nero helped Vienne onto Valiant with little to no effort at all. He continued to smile as his horse began to trot carefully through he city, past the ones walking nearby, making sure not stomp on any of them. Once they reached the outer parts of the city towards the north, he would allow Valiant to make great haste while Light traveled above them. As Nero directed the tall horse through the streets, he finally made it to an open area in which they could speed out of and towards the north. “Lady Vienne, I believe it is my duty to warn you that although this steed may be massive, Valiant is in no way slower than the average-sized horse, but rather faster,” the Paladin declared, “if you would please hold on tight, I do not wish for you to fall, should he prove too fast. There have been times when even, I, myself have nearly failed in catching up with my steed.”
With that, Nero whistled softly and as Valiant listened, the steed charged forth and sped far away from Temerra instantly. Time and time again, this stallion managed to get Nero to the location of his desire within no time. Now, he would follow Light to the north in hopes of finding the Shadow Creatures that were spoken of as of late. As a vampire lord, Nero’ strength was nearly unmatched. He was a powerful fighter and skilled in the art of taking down multiple enemies.
He looked over to the Lady at his back, and hoped that she was quite alright. After a while, Nero had Valiant slow, and the steed began to slowly trot forward, keeping an eye on the way. “So, where do you hail from, if you do not mind me asking, milady?” Nero asked softly, feeling the need for talk would be the perfect medicine for the silence that was amongst the two. Nero liked to know a little more about his companions, as it helped him establish a better relationship with them. He looked on as he spoke, not wanting to be caught off guard should the event rise.
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Post by ivy on Oct 13, 2009 22:35:54 GMT -6
Iyvienne settled herself behind the Paladin and looked around at the people staring at them as they made their way through the city. For the most part people parted before them, giving the large horse and it's riders plenty of room, but as for those who didn't manage to get out of the way, Nero did a good job about directing his horse around them.
“Lady Vienne, I believe it is my duty to warn you that although this steed may be massive, Valiant is in no way slower than the average-sized horse, but rather faster,” She leaned over to the side to hear him better as he spoke “if you would please hold on tight, I do not wish for you to fall, should he prove too fast. There have been times when even, I, myself have nearly failed in catching up with my steed.”
The thought of the tall paladin chasing after the horse caused her to laugh out loud and she nearly fell backwards as the horse took off. reaching forward she wrapped her arms around the Paladin's waist holding on for dear life.
The wind rushed past her ears; dragging her dark brown hair to stream out behind her and and her eyes were wide as they raced down the trail. The trees to either side of them looked like an artist's surreal depiction of the forestry and she couldn't help but laugh. All the horses she had ridden had been tame trail horses in caravans, she had never been on one that ran with such a fast gait as this one. And she was loving it.
As the horse slowed Ivienne relaxed her grip on the Paladin and sat back a bit and started to look around at where they were. “So, where do you hail from, if you do not mind me asking, milady?” she heard his question and she started thinking about what she should answer with.
"Well, I grew up with my mother in the woods a short ways west of Feriay. I spent most of my life in Temerra though, with my father. I'm a bard by trade, so i generally travel around a lot. I don't really have a place to call my home in the normal sense of the word. I count the entire land as my home and make my bed where ever possible." She grinned looking up to see the Hawk from before pass over them. "What abour yourself Noble Paladin. What is your story."
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Post by nero on Oct 15, 2009 13:10:25 GMT -6
It warmed Nero’s heart that his tale of him having to chase after his horse made her laugh. Many a time, there are warriors that would never admit times of humiliation, but he was a warrior proud of sharing his faults. It showed he had nothing to hide, and that he was not one of fear. Once she grabbed hold of him, he smiled. There had been many people to do such a thing, he was immune to the squeeze now.
Nero’s long, silver hair would have fluttered in the wind if it were not for Vienne against his back, holding it still. However, a few strands made if past, but as the horse later came to the stop, the hair came back perfectly. He had yet to witness any shadow creatures, but the moment he caught movement of anything that appeared abnormal, his sword would be the first to get on the solution. Nero then listened to Vienne’s history and her past, and took note of what she said.
"Well, I grew up with my mother in the woods a short ways west of Feriay. I spent most of my life in Temerra though, with my father. I'm a bard by trade, so i generally travel around a lot. I don't really have a place to call my home in the normal sense of the word. I count the entire land as my home and make my bed where ever possible."
“Feriay is a good place,” he commented, “I have traveled there often in my journeys. Though, a bard’s work is often a very rewarding one. You get the attention of many a person, and often meet the most interesting of folk. Though, you need not worry about feeling alone, for I, myself have not a home either, though I share your same ideology of a home. The world is my own, and I sleep when possible and wherever is possible. Often, I find myself traveling for months before finding a proper place for just an hour’s rest. I do not complain much though, for my job allows me great comfort that sleep cannot offer.”
"What abour yourself Noble Paladin. What is your story."
It was a fair question. It gave Nero a chance to reflect on his past and how long ago his trials took place. “I was born 10,000 years ago in the country of Sivion,” he began, “I was the son of a village king from long ago, but after the village was sacked, a friend of my father’s took me in. A wise Paladin by the name of Leo. I grew up knowing no other father, but Leo. It was he, that taught me the virtue of the Paladins, and that not all vampires were wicked blood drinkers. On my 25th year, I began the trials of the Paladin, a series of grueling tasks that expanded nearly a decade to complete. My last test was a test of purity. Though, I did not know that it was such a test. When I was given the chance to kill my defeated opponent, I chose not to, passing my test. Leo made me a Paladin, and a vampire that day. All of that was long, long ago. Since then, I have traveled the world, helping those that need it and offering my services to many a person.”
As Nero ceased speaking, Light hovered down and perched onto Nero’s shoulder, screeching twice. “We’re close,” he said, Light saw something, meaning something is near.” Nero’s body lifted into the air supernaturally and landed gracefully to the ground below his steed. His arms extended to help his companion off of Valiant.
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Post by ivy on Oct 18, 2009 11:39:47 GMT -6
The bard listened as the Vampire told her his story. She had noticed his "condition" before however being of a general neutral party she had decided not to bring it up. No point in discussing issues if they are not of importance.
“We’re close,” She looked over at him as he spoke. "Light saw something, meaning something is near.” Confusion swept across her face for a moment before the realization set it. Light, was the bird. Makes sense.
She waited as the Paladin dismounted and started to dismount herself when she saw him extend his hand to help her. She muttered a thank you and gladly took his help off the tall horse. Her feet met the ground with hardly a sound at all and she took several steps towards the forest. It was not that she realized that she was rather cold. While the air in Temarra had just held a faint crisp of the coming winter where they were now, much further north, was very chilly. Reaching up she let her bag drop to the ground and she rummaged through it for a few moments before finding what she wanted. An oilskin coat, perfect for keeping off any wet weather as well as keeping her warmth in.
Satisfied that she would be warm enough she once again faced the forest and softly reached out, using the skills her mother had taught her to listen to the voice of the forest. It was crying. Something was in there and it was perverting the woods. Her usual mirthful face fell and the despair the forest felt reflected in her bright green eyes.
"Yes, there is something there indeed." she murmured her voice not holding any of the warmth it had before. Grimly she bent down to her bag and dug around until she had found her twin daggers. She hadn't ever been formally trained in combat, but she knew a couple of things that would keep her safe should they find whatever it was that was causing the forest such pain.
Turning to face her comapanion she forced a smile onto her lips. "Well, shall we?"
With that Vienne slipped into the woods, tapping into the emotions of the forest, silently asking it for guidance. As she made her way along she felt the temperature drop, it was significantly colder now than it had been before. Alarmed she looked around. Wraiths hadn't been seen in these parts for years. As a scholar of history though, she had read the stories. Seeing nothing she relaxed, maybe she was just on edge. Just then she felt the forest scream. It wasn't a audible sound, but more like a scream of emotion, panic, fear, and pain mixed together. The halfbreed shook her head to clear it and then she saw it. A tall figure wrapped from head to toe in a pitch black robes that obscured of all if from sight, except two glowing red eyes.
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