james
Junior Member
Posts: 90 
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Post by james on Jul 16, 2013 17:45:55 GMT
No rush it's for fun!
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Post by fruitbat on Jul 16, 2013 18:54:56 GMT
Absolutely! Take your time, kei. Don't put yourself under any pressure. More than happy to wait for as long as you wish. Enjoy your trip away!
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Post by kei on Jul 17, 2013 12:04:53 GMT
Oh, definitely fun. No pressure at all (Just ignore my rantings, most of my writing is set to deadlines - easy to forget that's not important in the games.) Anyways, I found a moment just now, been writing over a decent cuppa coffee. though now you won't hear from me until monday 'cause things are going fubar as they always do when I make plans.
Here you guys go: (by the way - i have no idea what kind of Race Khulas main inhabitants are)
Dulin watched the three eyed librarian silently. His third eye was flicking between her, the drawf -'Staicus, did he say?' - and the annoying little pixie. His main eyes were focused on the approaching guard. Three abreast they strode towards them, the sun catching on their silver Armour. The greenish leather of the tunics beneath the silver appeared to be of the same material as the metal tipped boots they all wore. Raising her bow, she prepared to take out the leader who was striding confidently in front of the troops heading right for them.
"Dulin! Lower it! They are not enemies."
It was against all her instincts but some power in Tegraines voice prevented her from resisting and Dulin slackened her hold on the bow.
"Peace my good friends." Tegraine called when they had reached hailing distance. "I am Professor Tegraine from the planet Yarbil. I believe I am expected."
The leader bowed his head slightly touching his forehead in the customary sign of respect. "General Kohtera of the Khula defense. We got word that you were coming from the moons of Gotisis. I apologize for the welcome. If you'd have contacted us when you entered our atmosphere we would have sent ships to guide you in safely, then the backlightes wouldn't have dared to attack you."
"Well, in the here and now, everything's a mess. I could use your help to get the remaining books to a place of safety and my ship is going to need repairing before I can travel on."
"I'll have the Calamita come out and pick everything up. She's big enough to transport your ship to the city. If you and your 'friends' follow me we'll escort you to the conclave."
Dulin tightened her grip on the bow raising it slightly as she did having picked up on the slant he had put on the word friends.She was not a friend of this group, she had never even met them before today and she was willing to go to any lengths to prove it.
Tegraine stepped forward to prevent the situation from escalating."My friends were brought out the books by the magic of Yarbil. Before I come with you to meet the conclave I really need to set them about collecting my lost tomes, please-"
"It is against our law to allow any visitor to wonder freely without first being seen by the conclave." The general replied looking at the trio with new wonder in his eyes. "Brought here by the magic of yarbil you say? You cannot send them back?"
"Between them they have the skills needed to get my collection back in order, and even if I wanted to, my powers are drained, I will need rest before I attempt any such spells again. These books are precious commodities and if they land near any of the trees of Corteza they could be damaged or enhanced by the magic that surrounds them, with un-comprehensible consequences. This is important."
"I understand, but I am afraid I must hold to my sword on this. The conclave should see no reason to forbid them from finding your tomes, but I must insist you speak to them yourself first. Garathus, you and your unit, stay here until the Calamita arrives."
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Post by fruitbat on Jul 17, 2013 20:27:11 GMT
Terrific section, kei! I like the way you have set it up for each to go on his or her own mission. It will be fun to write!  |
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james
Junior Member
Posts: 90
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Post by james on Jul 20, 2013 9:39:34 GMT
The creature with the bow seemed intent on shooting someone. Stacius was determined that it would not be him but he was torn between moving towards these new warriors or the archer. With a low growl he decided he would have to talk his way out, he had plenty of axe for everyone but there was only one of him.
“Magic? Books? What nonsense are you talking. I'm not going to meet any 'conclave' of shiny weaklings; I've got things to do, I need to help my friends.”
The general shifted when he heard 'shiny weaklings', but before he could react Tegraine spoke.
"Stacius, we mean you no harm and I apologise for interrupting your mission. I will send you back as soon as I am able. First though I must ask for your help. As you have no doubt gathered I am a Librarian, I have several important books that I need recovering. I will give you valuable aid that will help on your mission in the tunnels. I know how to stop the Scuttlers and how to turn back the 'Hungering Shale' that is coating the walls of your mines. Will you help?"
Stacius looked around him; he was surrounded, he had no friends in sight. As soon as I know how to get back home, I will leave. I owe nothing to those here, but if I refuse I may never see my home again, I will play along for now.
"I will help you Librarian, Tell me what I need to do. I must warn you though, my technology does not work here so far from it's power source, already the systems fail. I am left as you see me."
"I hope that neither your armour, nor your weapon are needed on this mission. I will give you a description of the books I seek shortly."
As Tegraine turned to speak quietly to the alien General Stacius looked superstitiously at the archer who still had not returned her arrow to it's quiver. Stacious knew a dangerous foe when he saw one. As soon as he was out of sight of the others he would remove that threat, permanently. He may have no friends here, but he could cut down the number of enemies.
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Post by fruitbat on Jul 22, 2013 10:48:23 GMT
Raisa the pixie pulled the makeshift blanket around her shoulders. She was still cold and she hated waiting. She wondered how long it would take for the Calamita to arrive. Unlike the dwarf and the archer, who seemed unfamiliar with the Librarian, Raisa and he had met before. He had come to her homeland of Sastre five millimoons ago as part of his book gathering quest. Her people had been suspicious of him but they had helped. They had entrusted him with many of their treasured tomes on Gothic culture and customs, but not before a robust discussion had taken place between the Librarian and her parents, Sastre’s cultural leaders. As their only daughter, Raisa had been given the lofty title of ‘regent cultural ambassador’ even though it had often been remarked that her erratic temperament was at variance with such a role. Raisa neither liked nor tolerated most other beings. The creatures with which she had the greatest affinity were animals, but at present, there was a definite lack of this species to provide her with any sense of security.
She knew why Tegraine had brought her here. He had observed her unique skill during his time on Sastre. Raisa did not realise that she was being watched when she was playing with her pet Lemur. She thought they were alone. It was a private moment, a moment of delight in play when she changed her form to match that of her pet’s. Even though it was exhausting, Raisa so loved to play with Primavero she would often change for him. He loved it when she became like him, but at the same time, Raisa felt his loneliness, his desire for a true mate. It often brought her to tears. Raisa knew that Primavero would never find a partner. He was the last Lemur on Sastre. She was reverting back to her pixie form when she saw the Librarian. He was standing at the window on the high bridge overlooking the courtyard. She had forgotten about that window. The way he had looked at her, like he had discovered a valuable secret. She knew then he would not be able to forget her, that one day, he would seek her help. Now, here she was.
As far as Raisa was concerned, he could not have summoned her at more inconvenient moment. She was half naked as she was having a fitting with the court tailor for a new outfit. It was a beautiful garment, made of fine, black silk with velvet inserts. The sleeves were hand-made lace of a delicate filigree, weaving an intricate pattern down her arms and ending in a trailing point. Raisa started to pout as she remembered the indignity of being ripped away, half dressed, to this strange, and as she was quickly discovering, dangerous place. She trusted that the tailor would keep her garment safe in her absence, which she hoped would be short.
Raisa looked at the Librarian, who was still engaged in a whispered conversation with the Khula General. She had had enough. She pulled the ragged blanket around her shoulders and marched over.
“Excuse me for interrupting your important conversation, but if you’re the one in charge, do you think you might get me some clothes, since I’m stuck here because of him and with it being so cold!” Tegraine and the General broke off their conversation instantly and looked at the tiny pixie in surprise. Never had the General been spoken to so directly by anyone other than his wife and to be given an order by a strange being half his size was a new experience. A mixture of shock and embarrassment crossed Tegraine’s face as he opened his mouth in an attempt to limit the potential damage the pixie’s words might mean for his mission. The General spared him the indignity.
“You can ask the Calamita yourself.” The General’s words were frosty, but the smile that was starting at the corners of his mouth betrayed him. “They will be able to give you all that you require. Here they are now.” Raisa, Tegraine, Dulin and Stacius turned as one to follow the General’s gaze. The conclave had arrived.
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james
Junior Member
Posts: 90
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Post by james on Jul 22, 2013 15:40:38 GMT
Like it! Raisa is going to be fun to read!
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Post by kei on Jul 23, 2013 10:42:59 GMT
Guys I love it! The characters are really starting to come to life. Staicus is so cool and Raisa is simply amazing. I'm gonna hold it up a bit - the entire lady in the loft submission system seems to have collapsed while i was away, things are a bit of a mess here. I won't be away much longer this story is simply too much fun.
Will have some more art work too - had to do something on that train.
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Post by kei on Jul 23, 2013 11:20:36 GMT
just noticed we've stopped putting the story pieces on the story board. Last piece up was Dulins entrance. Can't think off top of my head what came next but we need to place the new pieces up there.  |
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Post by fruitbat on Jul 23, 2013 18:37:30 GMT
I think the next piece to go up is James' beginning 'Stacius sluggishly hefted his axe' and then me, you kei, and then James again etc. Hope all is well. No rush for the next piece. It all seems to be coming along very well! |
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Post by kei on Jul 24, 2013 11:38:46 GMT
All is well. The gallery is updated, and I've finished the next piece. Stayed away from Raisa for the moment, as I assume she's staying close to Tegraine while waiting on her clothes. Brought the Calamita into view -she's pretty magnificent (i just followed lines of thought that brewed with the coffee) and played a little on Saticus' obvious dislike of myself. The insult being I don't judge him enough of a threat or warrior to keep my eye on him. It's up to him whether he reacts to that. So here it is: Fear. That was something that Dulin had not felt in a long time. Never in her life had she seen a ship so huge, and this one was flying! 'If this is the work of the sorcerers of Ferklie the resistance does not stand a chance.' But even as this thought crossed Dulins mind she knew that that was not the case. This giant was not of her world, and in it's own way, it was beautifully magnificent. Shaped as one of the vessels of the sea, it's masts were as silver trees reaching into the sky with it's many branches- The greatest of these tress stood at the center of the ship with its roots spreading over its sides. The Bow was adorned with the figure of a woman with her golden arms reaching back as she held on to the roots of the trees. Her Legs went from the gold of her skin to silver roots that covered the Keel of the ship from bow to stern. The name Calamita was engraved in green with silver shadow. "Beautiful isn't she!" The General called above the winds the Calamita had stirred. "She is the pride of our city, the flagship of our fleet. Decades she took to build and no expense was spared. The Conclave will be on board." The Calamita came to a halt above them, hovering a few miles above the ground, casting its shadow for miles around them. The soilders started as a unit, catching long lengths of solid rope that flew down from branches of the silver trees like vines. They held these as more soldiers began to slide down the vines landing in the ground with expert ease, many of them carrying long staves which they then used a green magic to bury them into the ground. The vines were then tied to these by other soldiers who had begun to join them on the ground. Dulin watched them cautiously as she gave her black cloak a twitch making sure her last defense was hidden. "Impressive." Dulin turned to face the librarian who was now watching the proceedings with amazement. His voice both drew her and confused her, it was familiar and yet new, terrifying and yet warm. "I want to go home." She said quietly to herself, as she sighed with the defeat of one lost at a crossways and forced to ask directions of a stranger whom she did not trust. 'Just go with it, Dulin,' She told herself sternly. 'Go with it until you know how to get away from this insanity.' Feeling eyes on her she shifted her gaze from the ship to the dwarf. He had his eyes on her and his hands gripped his axe tighter as their eyes met. Feeling her eyes turn red with the fire of battle Dulin turned away from the dwarf. Among her people this was the worst insult she could offer. She put her arrow back in its quiver and gripped her bow with both hands as she would when fighting with a stave and waited for the battle cry that would normally meet her challenge. |
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Post by fruitbat on Jul 24, 2013 21:00:41 GMT
Love the description of the Calamita! I could really imagine it.
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james
Junior Member
Posts: 90
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Post by james on Jul 25, 2013 9:27:47 GMT
She looked away! Stacius was stunned, he had noted her slight figure but the way she carried herself and the sure grip on her bow had led him to believe she was a warrior. No fighter of any worth would look away from the clear challenge he had issued. To show such fear was unthinkable! Still it would not save her. Years of seeing his friends die had hardened him to the necessity of war, where there were 'honorable' options he would take them but otherwise... he would do what was needed.
He turned his attention upward. He had been trying to close his mind to what he knew was true, a flying vessel. Stacius realised he would have to pay closer attention. At home up was only forwards at an angle. His neck hurt as he pivoted his head to take in the immense sight above. He felt a sensation akin to the moments before battle, he recognised it as fear. The fear before battle was like an unwelcome house guest, irritating but you could deal with it, this was new and uncomfortable, like hearing the rocks above your head shifting.
A handful of soldiers had all clustered around one of the vines, that tethered the great ship to the earth. The staves they carried flashed; blue, brown and green light washed over the vine which began to expand. It looked to Stacius to be growing like some monstrous root boring into the ground. The vine began to corkscrew and twist. As the light faded he could see that the giant root had become a serviceable pathway to the vessel above. He squinted as he tried to make out the point where the vine met the ship. He thought he saw movement but could not be sure it was so far away.
The soldiers that had descended for the ship formed a double column at the base of the vine and waited standing axe-haft straight. The soldiers who had arrived with the shiny general all formed an honour guard around him facing the vine, they too waited.
Stacius checked around again for danger, as an after-thought he glanced upward again. Satisfied he turned his thoughts inward, back to the conversation with Tegraine. He had mentioned books, Stacius was sure he had misunderstood that part, it sounded like he had been brought out of a book, but surly Tegraine had meant he had been brought here by magic from a book. His eyes scanned the floor, ignoring the blood and other mess he focused on a book that lay near his feet. 'The book of the Dwarf' he read from the dark brown cover, beneath in smaller writing he read 'Volume IV. The Hungering shale - Tales of Stacius and the fight for the Smelt range caverns'. Stacius felt a fierce heat rush through his body as his head swam, the book could not be about him. He opened the first page to see an etching of a dwarf swinging an axe. The artist had the warrior without a faceplate leaving the face clearly visible, Stacius felt his hands tremble as he recognised himself. With a mix of fear and hunger he turned over the next page, it was blank. With increasing frustration he leafed through he book finding all the pages blank. He looked up determined to ask Tegraine for an explanation, he saw him near the double column of soldiers. Movement further up the vine caught his attention. Clutching the book he began walking towards Tegraine.
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Post by kei on Jul 25, 2013 9:45:23 GMT
wow James. Hadn't even occurred to me how we'd feel when we realized we were pulled from a book. I like the fact that the pages are blank too. The clash of cultures is also amusing - I'm going to enjoy arguing with you.
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james
Junior Member
Posts: 90
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Post by james on Jul 25, 2013 9:57:52 GMT
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