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Post by kei on Jul 25, 2013 9:39:41 GMT
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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james
Junior Member
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Post by james on Jul 30, 2013 18:34:09 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 fruitbat on Jul 30, 2013 18:53:47 GMT
Raisa craned her neck to look at the ship. She had never before seen anything so magnificent. There was certainly nothing to compare with this vessel on Sastre. She wavered for a moment, temporarily forgetting her anger in the wake of such majesty. Tegraine also seemed completely transfixed. There was so much anticipation for the conclave, with the rows of soldiers, all standing to attention. So where were they? All this waiting was infuriating! She was still cold and the blanket she held around her was hardly fitting for a being of her status. Just as Raisa was about to repeat her demands to the General, she saw movement at the top of the pathway. The conclave had begun to descend. Raisa stood in awe as a form, more liquid than solid started to flow down the vine ramp. It was so bright that all who did not have the face shields worn by the soldiers, had to raise their hands to shade their eyes. The flowing forms continued their pathway slowly down the ramp like molten gold, beaming enough light to illuminate everything for a mile in each direction. As the form reached the bottom of the ramp, it began to change, separating into four distinct elements. The elements became humanoid in shape but distinguished by their gold skin, which had now dulled to a shine fit for the eye to observe without being blinded. They stood tall, like men, their arms and legs slightly elongated and although their features were not distinct enough to call handsome, they radiated beauty. The figure in the middle began to speak:
“Apologies for the lateness of our arrival. We hope our appearance does not startle you. This is not our usual form but we trust that it is one that will be acceptable for our communication.” Tegraine, Raisa, Dulin and Stacius, who had arrived at the librarian’s side, lowered their hands now that the conclave’s brightness had diminished. “We are the conclave of Khula. We apologise for the poor start to your mission and we wish to make reparation for your pains. There are some here on Khula who do not share our values and we fear that you have already met them. We wish to help you. Speak your desires.”
Tegraine opened his mouth to address the four shining figures but Raisa was faster. Stepping in front of him, she nodded in a brusque acknowledgement of their status and began to speak.
“I am so glad that there are finally some here who know what they are doing.” Raisa glared up at Tegraine and the General. “I am Raisa DuChamp of Sastre. I have been brought here against my will and I demand clothing! I require something befitting the status of a cultural ambassador.”
“Regent cultural ambassador,” Tegraine cut in, his patience with Raisa finally wearing thin. He was starting to question the wisdom of bringing her out of the Book of Goth to aid him. Her skills were valuable but her temperament – in his haste, he had rather overlooked that aspect of the haughty pixie. Raisa’s whole body flashed purple in fury at Tegraine’s attempt to undermine her. She was about to give him the curt response he deserved when the conclave spoke.
“Naturally, Ambassador,” and they gave a small bow in deference to Raisa. This had an immediate calming effect on the pixie, who reverted back to her more usual skin shade of vampire pale. The conclave continued. “You shall be given not only clothing befitting your status but tools that will help you all on your important mission.” The conclave looked at the mismatched assortment of creatures before them, their words flowing like cool water, calming and reassuring. “Come. The Calamita will take you. Please. Step on board.”
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Post by kei on Aug 5, 2013 8:47:36 GMT
As the conclave finished speaking they raised their hands in unison, gold plates of light appeared beneath Tegraine (who seemed completely at ease with being raised of the ground) Raisa (who, after a gasp of surprise, drew herself up again to match Tegraines stance of elegant ease and Authority) Stacius was drawn up a second later (He fell to one knee with a cry of protest.) Dulin smiled at the panic of the drawf then cursed under her breath as she also rose into the air.
Looking down she felt her heart racing in her chest as she examined the golden mist that had engulfed her dark boots. Not worried by heights, she drew herself to her fullest height, doing her best to look confident as the group rose higher in the air heading smoothly towards the Calamita, and smiling quietly at the drawfs’ antics as he looked around the mist he was stood on, holding his axe ready to kill, what? She didn’t know.
Taking a breath Dulin finally allowed her mind to focus on some of the intriguing puzzles that she had been forcing to the back of her mind since…
‘Since when? How did I get here? Nothing looks right here, nothing is right here. That librarian, Tegraine, said something about bringing us out of books. That can’t be right. And he wants us to go on some mission. I have my own mission to worry about. If the generals are still alive when the final battle starts my people won’t stand a chance!’ Dulin smiled at herself as she shook her head. ‘My people? Goddess, so much has changed. I need to get back and as soon as I get a chance to tell this librarian I will persuade him to tell me how to get home or find my own way. I don’t have time for games and I don’t care about him or his problems and I… Oh, Goddess! This ship is huge!’
It had looked big from far off, but now, with it close enough to touch, it was massive in scope almost like a city in itself.
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james
Junior Member
Posts: 90
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Post by james on Aug 5, 2013 9:07:46 GMT
Stacius swallowed hard, he felt like being sick. This was intolerable, when he found out who was doing this to him there would be a price! For now he contented himself with staying absolutely still and trying to ignore the feelings of vertigo that were threatening to overcome him. This is foolish, he chided himself, I have ridden the Mica chasm lift without a tremble, now I'm shaking like an old drill going through granite.
As the great ship loomed above him his fears were forgotten. The technology that he saw above him was something he could appreciate. Just a shame it was in the air and not somewhere sensible, like deep underground.
He could see that the hull was perfectly smooth, but the colours varied from burnished silver to absolutely translucent. He assumed they were viewing ports. As he rose he saw the tangle of rigging above him come into view. He had assumed that the function was purely decorative but then he saw the tiny figures climbing along the spars and masts; his stomach spasmed again and his vertigo returned in a rush.
The deck came into view. There were more columns of soldiers waiting for them. He saw Tegraine land just ahead of him with a small step to keep his balance. Raisa landed elegantly only a slight darkening of her skin betrayed any discomfort. Dunlin stepped as she landed disguising the jolt. Stacius landed hard on his knee but sprang up awkwardly readying his axe, dropping the book he carried as he attempted to cover his embarrassment. He covered his eyes as the golden figures of the conclave formed on the deck.
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Post by fruitbat on Aug 5, 2013 10:00:03 GMT
“This is the Calamita. She is the pride of our fleet. Welcome on board. The journey is short but the take off might be disturbing. Please, relax.” As the conclave finished speaking, four chairs rose up beneath the passengers and golden ropes similar to those that had descended from the ship’s deck curled around their waists, locking them firmly in place. All except Tegraine began to struggle but none so much as Raisa, who took it as a personal affront to her status.
“What is the meaning of this? Are you imprisoning us?” she shouted to the conclave. Tegraine tried to quieten her with his hand but realised that his bonds prevented him from leaning towards her.
“Do not be alarmed,” the conclave spoke, “the restraints are merely for your safety when we take off. You will see.” Raisa’s anger began to dissipate along with the colour of her skin. The golden ropes were soft like skeins of silk and despite their tightness, surprisingly comfortable. “Just remain calm. The process is short. We will speak again after take off. In the meantime, we must also prepare ourselves.” At that moment, two soldiers stepped through the cabin’s entrance hatch and walked to either side of the four conclave members, who immediately dissolved into a golden liquid. One of the soldiers held a large, thick glass bottle, which he laid on the floor. Once four speaking humanoids, the golden liquid was now flowing across the floor and into the bottle like water. The four passengers watched in utter fascination as the last of the liquid entered the bottle and the other soldier capped it with a large glass stopper before carefully standing it upright. Immediately, the same golden ropes that held fast the passengers descended from the ceiling and twirled around the bottle containing the conclave, holding it firmly in place.
“In all my centuries,” said Tegraine with barely a whisper, “I have never seen anything quite as astonishing as that.” Raisa, who could usually find something to say on any subject, was silent. Stacius and Dulin also stared at the golden bottle, transfixed. The ship started to move.
At first it was no more than a judder, like a washing machine starting its spin cycle, but then the vibrations increased, pulsing through each of their bodies like a thousand speakers. Suddenly, the cabin darkened, the only light coming from a panel of wildly pulsating controls on the wall before them. Raisa felt a cold fear rise up to her throat. She hated not being in control and right now, she had never felt more powerless in her life. In her mind, she cursed Tegraine for risking her life, bringing her into such danger. When her parents found out, they would be so angry, they would surely order his death. Raisa started to think about how she had arrived on Khula. Exactly how did Tegraine bring her here? He said he had used great magic, which had now depleted him. What was this magic and why had he not first sought her permission? Raisa’s thoughts of indignation helped to distract her from the terrifying situation in which she now found herself. She felt a strange sensation, as if she were being subjected to a centrifugal force, pushing her skin against her frame, pushing her body deeper into the golden seat. Just when she thought that she could bear it no longer, the pressure began to ease and slowly, her body began to relax. The lights in the cabin faded up and the switchboard in front of them began to pulse in a more regular fashion.
Tegraine looked at the golden liquid that was the conclave. It was still now. He wondered how it would feel to be liquid on a flight such as this. Would the vibrations be felt more keenly or was it the perfect form to be when subject to such forces? As the conclave and the Calamita seemed to indicate, Khula was an advanced civilization so Tegraine assumed the latter. He looked about him. The cabin, like their seats, was a shining gold. Tegraine became aware of the seat beneath him shifting and changing to fit his posture. It was the most comfortable seat in which he had ever sat and it seemed to be responding to his every movement. Khula really were a very advanced race indeed! As he took in his surroundings, the walls, the floor, the ceiling, everything about him became completely translucent. It was as if they were flying in mid air without a ship! The view around them was breath taking.
He was so distracted by the landscape of this strange planet and the bizarre sensation of being in mid air with only a seat to hold him, he had not noticed the conclave reform into four figures. They appeared to be standing in mid air.
“We apologise for the velocity of the take off, it is something on which we are still working, but now that we are airborne, you may walk freely about the ship. Although the floor is transparent here in the cabin, it is quite safe, as you can see. The view is magnificent, is it not? Come! There is so much on board that we wish to show you.” The golden bonds which had held the four passengers in place unwrapped themselves from their bodies and retracted to the ceiling. All were now free to stand but all were reluctant. Feeling that it was his duty, Tegraine took the lead and slowly, he levered himself out of the comfortable chair to place his feet on what appeared to be thin air.
“It’s okay,” he reassured the others, “you can stand up. Look!”
“Please. Come with us,” said the conclave. “Meet the Calamita.”
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Post by kei on Aug 12, 2013 19:14:13 GMT
Trying not to look down, Dulin followed the strangers through a magnificently carved door and onto solid ground. Around them the ship buzzed with activity. The conclave, continually moving through the workers, gestured to aspects of the ship as they put forth the ships history of technological marvels with pride.
“The Calamita was a mere dream centuries ago, such skill was required to build it that with the land in constant warfare it was thought to be impossible. After an age of battle a time hit when no-one cared to fight anymore, no living being could even remember what we were fighting for. In such turmoil each faction of the living beings on this planet put forth a hero to broker for peace in the ruins of the Kanxie Monastery. It was there that those before us brought out the plans for the Calamita. This ship was to be such an undertaking it would need all beings to work together to build it, and in the name of peace that is what they agreed to do. Over the next Century everyone on the planet worked to build the Calamita in one way or another, each aspiring to outdo their one time enemies with beauty of their works, or the marvels of their engineering.
Skills in Carving, Skills in joining, skills in engineering, skills in magic, skills in painting, skills in crafting, skills in cloth and tapestry. The list goes on. Around the ship you will find signatures hidden away, like this one here.”
His golden hand rose with a white mist around it, this white mist lit up the tree-mast that they were passing and they could see, shining in the bark, the names ‘Gorfen and the Haendaels’. The inscription vanished with the mist on the conclaves hand and the history lesson continued;
“Gorfen was a Carpenter, well known for his sturdy bridges that he built over marshes to gain entry into enemy camps, the Haendaels were people of the trees. There is some debate as to whether these were another type of being or if they were like Gorfens people under a different tribal name, nether-the-less we know that they were once enemies, this inscription is part of the proof that the building project brought all people together. Through here please.”
They had reached the main mast, rising high above them the top branches could not be seen and it would take a full 15 minutes to walk around the base. The conclave stood in a line, all three of them gesturing in unison towards the doorway into the mast. Tegraine inclined his head towards them and put his hand to his fore head, already he was learning the ways of the local life. He then went through the door into the circular hall way beyond. Raisa followed him and Dulin, after glancing her eyes over the dwarf once more, followed them. The conclave entered behind Staicus and started to head down a large spiral staircase set in the center.
“The Calamita has 27 decks, the amount of rooms has never been counted, some of the spells placed upon areas mean that only certain beings can enter them. For instance no-one else but us can get into the quarters of the conclave. I can tell you there are 9 rooms in the conclave sector, all are magnificent, but this makes a thorough room count quite impossible. No –one has access to the entire ship.
“Here we have the guest sector. My friends, (Dulin crossed her arms in irritation) If you head through here you will find refreshments, rest and suitable attire, (He smiled at Raisa) and if you need anything else at all just ask. Professor Tegraine, we would speak with you some more, if you’d care to follow us.”
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james
Junior Member
Posts: 90
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Post by james on Aug 12, 2013 19:31:25 GMT
Stacius made sure he walked through the door last, twisting slightly to ensure he never fully exposed his back to anyone. The room inside was like nothing he had ever seen before, he felt waves of heat radiating from a chest sized rock which was held in an untarnished silver cage hanging from the wooden ceiling. Tressel tables overflowing with food occupied the left side of the room whilst tracks of strange clothing covered the right. The elf walked the length of the room sedately inspecting the contents. The tiny creature busily began sorting the through the clothes.
Time dragged past, he excited to eat some food but he vowed not to eat anything he had not seen someone else eat first. Poisoning was a foul come which no honorable dwarf would stoop to but who knew what these savages were capable of.
As his attention wanted Stacius heard footsteps and chattering voices approaching, after a free breaths the door opened and Tegraine and one of the gold conclave members entered.
"Ah good, good, here you are. Have you all eaten your fill? You two don't you fancy putting on something more comfortable?" asked Tegraine.
As Stoney stares met his words, he coughed and walked over to the food and helped himself to some of the tastiest looking morsels. Stacius watched intently to see if he would die.
Still very much alive Tegraine addressed them again
"Things are not as easy as I had hoped. The books I require you to recover are scattered over a continent, and whilst the people of this world are at peace their planet is not. The artifacts of the war live on: unspent magic traps, automated guardians, genetically modified beasts and treacherous swamps abound. It is all quite unpleasant."
"The knowledge in the books scatters below is of incalculable value, I beg you to do what you can to retrieve them. I know all of your personal stories. I know you all have your own trials and destinies, and this must seem like a pointless errand, but I don't ask this of you unmindfully. After you have completed this task I will assist you all in your own quests with the considerable powers and knowledge at my disposal.
Stacius stepped forward "Tell me again, how I came to be here. How does this book come to bear my name? I don't care in the slightest about your books, but you will tell me about this one." Stacius held up the book he carried.
"Ah, indeed and this is why you must help me, it is why my books are so important. I manifested you from the book you hold. The books I've lost also hold the links to other worlds and people; they have already been affected by my magic, the potential to open is imbued in their being. Should they open in the wrong circumstances terrible things could escape into this world or even creatures from this word break into the worlds in the books."
"Worlds in books? What if the books were fiction?" Stacius spat the final word like an insult.
"My magic links to events at any time or place, there would be nothing to link to in a fiction book. A fiction book would not react. The book you hold is suspended, the events frozen, awaiting your return."
"If I should die on this mission, what would happen to my world?"
"The magic would unlock and your world resumes, but without you. Think though Stacius of the things I can do for your world and of the help you require, this adventure gains you more than the task you were about when I brought you here." Stacius stood starting at the tomb on his hands.
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Post by fruitbat on Aug 12, 2013 20:42:24 GMT
Now dressed in a trailing garment of black velvet more befitting of her status, Raisa listened with interest to the librarian’s words. She was not convinced by what she heard. Apart from the magic that Tegraine had used to bring her here, and she only had his word for that, she had not seen any sign so far of his ‘powers’ and as for what he could do to help her back on Sastre, that was highly doubtful. But her parents had trusted this strange humanoid of books. For that reason only, Raisa decided that she would give him the benefit of the doubt.
“So, what is your plan? How are you going to utilise your reluctant warriors,” she looked to Dulin and Stacius, “to gather up your valuable books?” Tegraine’s expression changed from one of confidence to uncertainty as he placed down the golden apple he was about to bite into.
“Ah! There’s the rub,” he said, quoting from an early seventeenth century play of the planet earth that he had very much enjoyed reading. “I was rather hoping that you, Raisa, with your legendary organisational skills, renowned throughout Sastre, might assist me there.” Tegraine knew that the best way to get Raisa on side was to appeal to her sense of vanity. At the very least, he hoped his words had piqued her interest.
Raisa knew that she was being flattered, but Tegraine was correct. How he had known about her planning skills she couldn’t imagine, and then she remembered, it was all in the Book of Goth. Of course! The librarian would have studied it precisely before bringing her out of it. Now, according to what he had told the dwarf, because of him, her people’s history was on hold. She had to help him. There was no choice. Raisa held up her thin left arm in the air.
“Let’s see just how technologically advanced this ship really is,” she said, before she clicked her long fingers. “Map!” Instantly as the words sprang from her lips, a three-dimensional image of Khula appeared before them, hovering in mid air. As Raisa moved her arm, the map moved with her, giving them at once a detailed panoramic view of north to south and east to west. Raisa placed one long black nail against her chin as she surveyed the topography of the alien planet.
“Librarian, you say that the books are scattered over the entire continent. From the scale of this map, I would estimate the land area to be approximately 2,700 metras. If we were to proceed on foot, each taking a different direction and allowing for the variation in pace, that would take us around five centimoons.” Stacius spat on the floor.
“My hair will be grizzled by then!” he interjected.
“Travelling on foot for the entire journey may not be necessary,” Tegraine reassured the three assembled creatures. “The conclave have promised to assist us in any way they can and this, I hope, would also include transportation when required.” Stacius grumbled but it was clear from his demeanour that he was not entirely convinced. Dulin was still and said nothing, intent on assessing the large map before her. Raisa continued.
“Looking at the terrain in the north…” she opened her fingers, zooming in to reveal a large mountain range, “…compared to the south,” she waved her hand in the air and Khula’s flatter southern region appeared before them, “I think it would be advisable for us to tackle areas best suited to our stature and abilities. I propose that I begin in the south. The terrain is flat and the area has many forests. Amongst us, I am the one best able to proceed through this environment. I can hide easily amongst the large foliage if in danger and I can assume the form of any one of the forest creatures, should the need arise for me to blend in with my surroundings. It is not something I do lightly, but it is a skill I have and can use when necessary.” Raisa’s thoughts went immediately to her pet Lemur Primavero. She felt a pang of yearning and wondered who would be caring for him in her absence, whether he was missing her much as she was him. She swallowed down the lump in her throat. “If we look now at the west, you will see it is largely desert, perhaps where many of the unspent magic traps might still exist and now to the east, that is Khula’s most populous region. Who knows what help or hostility we might encounter there? We have already met some of the renegades of this planet. Stacius made light work of them, but who knows how many more there might be? So,” said Raisa, with the tone of one concluding a well-argued case, “I have staked my claim on the south, you three must decide amongst you which of the regions you will choose.”
The door to the guest sector slid open. Raisa snapped her fingers again and the map disappeared. The four members of the conclave slid into the room with the fluidity of oil.
“I hope that you are refreshed and I see, Raisa, that you are now properly attired. It is time to resume your seats in the panorama cabin. The transparent walls will allow you to see Khula’s main city as you descend. We find it an impressive sight. We hope that you will too. Come. Follow us.” Tegraine led the way. Reluctantly, the dwarf, elf and pixie followed behind.
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Post by kei on Aug 20, 2013 8:27:58 GMT
‘The book you hold is suspended, the events frozen, awaiting your return.- If I should die on this mission, what would happen to my world? - The magic would unlock and your world resumes, but without you.’ The words ran through Dulins head again and again. She knew beyond a doubt that if she failed to get home her people were doomed and her master would win. The frustrated demeanor of the dwarf read along similar lines. ‘That just means he’d be willing to do anything, double cross anyone to get home. This librarian, this magician requires us to find these books… the events are suspended in time… fine the quicker we get this done the better and if that dwarf gets in my way I’ll deal with him.’
Her mind made up, Dulin began to focus on the map that Raisa had brought to life in front of her. Her eyes flickered to each area the pixie described (in an annoyingly accurate fashion) and grudgingly (but silently) agreed with her deductions on the landscapes. Then as Raisa staked a claim to the south her eyes turned willingly to the other areas – if they were working alone then the job would be much easier. Alone is how Dulin worked best, but something in the look on Tegraines face suggested that he didn’t all together agree with Raisa’s decision.
The conclaves reappearance stopped all thoughts and plans. Tegraine followed them from the cabin with no comments and Raisa followed in his wake her head held high like some royal, the velvet cloth of her outfit flowing with her movements like the fluid of the conclave, whether due to some magic in the cloth or some skill in the walk of the pixie Dulin did not know.
Staicus made no move to follow, his eyes watching Dulin with a silent menace. Pulling up the hood on her travelling cloak Dulin once again turned her back on him and followed the others out of the room. She did not need to keep an eye on him when she could hear every step his heavy boots made on the ground behind her. Slow and bumbling in her eyes, a threat to others maybe but most certainly not to herself.
As they walked the Conclave was again talking about the Calamita and the historic day when the main mast was stood by the will, magic and skill of all species combined. Dulin stopped listening, moving away from the conclave she headed towards the side of the ship. No one stopped her, no one paid any heed as she walked with a determined step by all the workers busy with the ships many workings. Reaching the side she placed her dark hands on the root that acted as a safety guard. In front of her the view took her breath away.
Metras of land flowed out below her, thinking back to the map they had been studying she realised she was looking North to the mountains. Many of them reared so high the tops were hidden by clouds. Grey and lonely the tops she could see looked from this distance, then the purple of rock rolled into green hues of moss and grass with glints of silver from the odd Watercourse making its way to the feet of the mountainistic splendor.
“Madam Elf? The view is better from the Panorama, please follow me.”
'Madam elf?!' Dulin turned to the conclave member with as dark a look as she could muster but he had already turned away and was smoothly re-joining the others. Swallowing the angry retort that was bubbling in the back of her throat, and resisting the urge to make use of the throwing knife hidden in her gauntlet, Dulin moved swiftly to catch up with the group at the panorama entrance.
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james
Junior Member
Posts: 90
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Post by james on Sept 9, 2013 17:59:48 GMT
Stacius fixed his eyes on the gold face of a conclave member trying to ignore the vertigo that the view was causing him.
"Raisa, your plan makes sense but I'm afraid I cannot countenance it. I am ashamed of the danger I'm asking you to put yourselves in on my behalf, and the thought of any of you facing it alone is more than I can bear. Unfortunately the conclave is unable to supply soldiers for this expedition. The peace treaty specifies that soldiers can only act in defence of a citizen of the planet and I'm afraid none of you fit that bill. The conclave have however agreed that this ship will act as a rescue vessel should you need it. That is why you cannot split up, we can only be in one place at a time. To help I have a gift for you all." Tegrain produced a small book bound in harlequin checked leather.
"This is 'The chronicles of Grod'. Grod is a self-centred arrogant, trickster. He is some unfathomable mix of nature spirit and jester. His motives are convoluted but he had aided me in the past and I have reason to believe he will aid you now. He has little skill in martial or adventurous matters, but he will be able to reach me if you need to communicate with me. It is small aid I know, but I hope it helps." Tegraine placed the book on a side table.
Before Stacius could move a conclave member spoke.
"We regret that the laws of our world prevent us from taking a more active role in this venture, but such is the price of lasting peace. However we too have gifts to help on this mission."
An attendant walked in puling a truly with three chests on it.
"Dwarf step forward." Stacius did as he was bid.
"We admire the technology of your suit of armour but note that it's energy is depleted. To replace it we present you with a suit of Albourg riders plate. The Albourg riders used such suits when breaking young Albourg to the saddle, it is the most resilient armour that exists on the planet. We have chosen a suit which we believe will fit you." Stacius moved forward to look in the chest but as he did the announcement continued.
"Madam elf, your skills at stealth and concealment are unsurpassed, but some times we all need to be found. I present you with a spice prospectors candle. These were carried by the intrepid explorers who ventured deep into the wilderness in search of expensive and rare plants. If times grew desperate they would light the candle and it would act as a beacon to bring rescuers. Of course the prospectors died in the final stages of the war in the Galmite ambush."
With a Bow the golden creature turned to the pixie.
"And what would we give to you? This is a bracelet of piercing alarm. Young nobles wear them when they venture out, breaking the bracelet from your wrist will unleash a piercing noise which will deafen an attacker but not yourself. We hope it it's only useful for it's decorative effect."
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Post by fruitbat on Sept 9, 2013 22:32:05 GMT
Raisa took the bracelet in both hands, for its weight demanded that she did so. It was cool to the touch and so intricate, Raisa was temporarily mesmerised by its beauty. She doubted that such a heavy item would sit comfortably on her tiny forearm but no sooner had she placed there; the bracelet became light, an almost imperceptible presence. Raisa shook herself out of her fascination with this new gift. She had to remember its real purpose – an appeasement for the conclave’s lack of support. She should have known. They were probably watching from the moment Tegraine’s ship had crash-landed on their planet. A dark thought struck her. The renegades she now knew as ‘Backlighters’ – how had they found the ship? What if Khula was not at all what it seemed? What if it was the conclave itself that had sent the Backlighters to destroy them? After all, they only had the conclave’s word for…everything! A cool sweat began to bead on Raisa’s smooth skin. She knew her colour was changing to the pale green of mistrust. As much as Raisa relished the idea of being alone and ridding herself of the presumptuous librarian, not the mention the repugnant dwarf and the brooding elf, perhaps it was for the best that they stayed together. Even though Raisa trusted no one, she knew that at least with these creatures, she had the commonality of being ripped from all that was familiar, of being a stranger in a strange land.
Raisa fixed her gaze on the horizon. Beside her in the Panorama cabin, Tegraine, Dulin and Stacius were once more held in place with golden ropes and the conclave had resumed their liquid form, lapping gently at the sides of the heavy glass bottle. As the ship pitched east, they descended slowly towards Khula’s main city. Ahead, Raisa could see the sweep of the purple-tinged mountain range she had pinpointed on the ship’s holographic map. They were majestic but they also held a dangerous beauty. Raisa started to shiver at the thought of what peril might lie in that direction. She wondered if the modified beasts of which Tegraine had spoken lived there, deep in some mountain cave. And what of the magic traps, the strange sounding automated guardians, not to mention the Book of Grod? Would this ‘trickster’ really help them? For the first time in her life, Raisa felt completely out of her depth.
“Calm, Raisa. Have faith. Together, we will succeed and once the mission is over, you will return to Sastre. You have my word.” Tegraine was an ocean of calm beside her. Raisa sensed that he'd been watching her closely for some time. The fact that he'd been able to read her very thoughts alarmed her. Back in her own world, she would have ordered his immediate punishment for such a blatant invasion of her psyche, but here, now, so alone, it was oddly comforting.
Raisa gave the faint ghost of a smile towards the librarian before she looked away, her gaze falling to the beautiful bracelet around her arm. She covered it over with her sleeve and tried to think of it as no more than a trinket. Whether it would do what the conclave described remained to be seen. She agreed with them about one thing, she hoped that she never had to find out.
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Post by kei on Sept 11, 2013 11:25:42 GMT
Dulins eyes focused on the world below her: They were moving slowly over the outskirts of Khulas main city. The areas below them were not the pristine look that she had expected to find from the running of the Calamita. Land was raised over swampy areas, some of the buildings starting to fall into the murky waters, figures like that of ants were moving between the houses and markets by means of old bridges that had been pinned over the deeper areas of the marsh. Raising her eyes away from the familiar picture of the run down dregs of society another view caught her attention. The main city of Khula gleamed ahead, white washed walls shone like diamond in the light of the suns and the people of the inner city could scarcely been seen over the tall buildings and the constant moving magical transport. The biggest building, large square, with a hollow through its middle seemed to be where they were making.
"That's the palace of Khula." Tegraine spoke up his two eyes looking ahead while the third eye watched his three reluctant companions closely. "It was built upon the finish of the Calamita, designed so that this ship may park in her hollow and become part of the building. When we land we should be able to simply walk into the building we join to-"
"Then what?" Dulin spoke up her patience wearing quickly. "I need to get back home and don't have time to be running around, my people need me."
"Dulin, the resistance will be fine until you return, as I have stated previously the events in your life, your world, are on hold, nothing will change unless you end up dead and-"
"Nothing can kill me," Dulin growled. "Except the incompetence of others."
"Then you have nothing to worry about." Tegraine replied calmly. "Dulin, even if I could send you back today, which I am too drained to do anyway, I could not. I will need the book that brought you into this world to send you home, it is somewhere in the wreck of my ship and until I can take stock of what I have there I will not be able to find it."
"What do you mean a book? how does that work?" Dulin asked, noticing as she did the dwarf and the pixie sat a little straighter on their chairs as if also requiring a decent explanation.
"I collect books, this you are I hope, beginning to understand, I have certainly explained it enough times today. You three are out of books that tell your stories, history books if you will, no that doesn't sound right, books of important events and important people, or books of knowledge of other peoples, their problems, their customs, their language, not all of it is history, not yet anyways. These books are like doors, upon bringing you through these doors a spell has been placed on your homeworld, your planet, your people, your times, they have been held in stasis.
"I brought you out, Staicus, because I needed your immediate help, Raisa, the same with you, Dulin - not so much, but your skills will be handy for the current mission. I must admit I was surprised to see you but the way my spell shattered I guess I should have expected more company and should really be grateful I got you and not your former master. And," he carried on quickly as Dulin opened her mouth angrily. "Your skills with quick search and destroy missions are renown, I probably would have brought you out when I had more time to think on the issue. though i would prefer it if you did not destroy your findings while you are here. I have put too much work into this, too many years of my life into this too lose everything now."
"How long is this going to take?" Dulin snapped, feeling afronted with not being wanted in the first place. "You are asking us to gather these books, and to stay together. If you know anything about me you know I work alone. I will be faster alone."
"You will be faster, Dulin, if you work as a team, you each have skills that compliment the others perfectly, almost as if this joining was pre-ordained for some reason. I think you will learn to get along quite well, you may even learn something."
Dulin did not need to look at the other two to see the disbelief in there eyes as they made it all too clear with the growl, from the dwarf, and the humph, from the pixie. Fixing her eyes firmly onto Tegraines face she drew herself as high in her chair as the golden ropes would allow and stated in a clear voice ringing with horror and indignation: "I fail to see how a slow, stumpy, axe wielder and an overdressed, stuck up, pixie can offer any skills that anyone, let alone myself, can find of any use!"
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