Vengeance of the Heart

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Sat Jul 12, 2003 4:02 am

Feeling Magus stiffen a bit, Gurney glanced over at him. He suddenly noticed that his rapier was poking uncomfortably into his friend’s side. “Oh, excuse me,” he apologized, smiling ruefully as he released Magus.

“You needn’t apologize,” Magus replied automatically, looking relieved. To tell the truth, his discomfort had been only partly due to the rapier. He watched as Halya stumbled, slipping out of Gurney’s grasp as well. She immediately begged his forgiveness, grinning sheepishly. Magus suppressed a smirk as he recognized the ploy, then looked off into the distance, sighing quietly. So much for slipping away. Oh well, he couldn’t just leave now, especially since he’d been the one who’d suggested they go off on this adventure in the first place. He looked at Cel apologetically. She nodded slowly, understanding. He followed as they resumed walking after Serena, the conversation quiet once again.

“Help her do the right thing…”

Gurney turned as he heard the murmur, and saw Magus regarding him thoughtfully.

“You think she’s doing the right thing, then?” Magus glanced at Serena, his face unreadable.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Tue Jul 15, 2003 9:18 am

Gurney’s face clearly showed that his mood shifted. Instead of the smile that he usually wears, a frown came up. “I’m not sure…” He gazed down at his feet as he walked onwards slowly, dragging his feet over the ground a bit.

“I mean, I’m not sure what he did to her, but it must have been pretty bad. I’m not for taking justice into your own hands too easily, but sometimes there is no other way.”

He looked at Magus. “I however, haven’t said that I agree with she’s doing, at least not until I know the whole story.”

Then Gurney stopped and gazed forwards at Serena. “She can’t be all bad… I don’t believe that. So what I meant to say was, we… I will help her do the right thing. Not just for her, but for everyone. If ‘the right thing’ means that I should help her then I will, but if it means that I should stop her then I won’t hesitate to do so.”
He turned to Magus again with a seriousness in his eyes that Magus had not seen before. “Any way possible.”

After getting this out of his system, Gurney sighted and picked up the pass again.
“The mind of a troubled mind…” he muttered.

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 2:25 pm

“I’m glad we are agreed, then.” Magus seemed to brighten a little, though his look was still a bit distant. The half-elf still had a lot on his mind, apparently. Gurney wondered; did this matter with Serena trouble him that much, or was it something else? Gurney couldn’t tell. The mage was sociable as could be at times, and then suddenly he’d close up and distance himself, like he was now. Gurney glanced at the pixie on the mage’s shoulder, thinking with a smile that it’d be a dire day indeed when something got her down. He was all the more shocked when he saw her, staring glumly into the distance. What was with the two of them, anyway? Just by being near, he felt the melancholy seeping into him…

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Wed Aug 06, 2003 3:32 pm

The group set out once again and they were on the road for some days already, all be it in a different formation then before. The druid Acolytus decided that it was best for him to leave while he still could, for he was not spotted by Galuz, the baron’s eyes and ears. Then there was Halya to his place, her motivation and history covered in mist.

Gurney held up a sturdy pass and leads the way most of the time because of this; he is occasionally joined by the mage Magus. They seemed to get along best of the group, not so much because they had grown very fond of each other but perhaps more because of the strange composition of the group.

Neither of them sought the company of Gurdio after the exposure of his motivation that day at the opening. Halya kept mostly to herself, but given time she opens up more and more. She and Magus seem to like each other as well. Cell’s presence helped this too probably.

And then there was Serena, her moods as unpredictable as the weather had been. She could be bright as a sunny day or as dark as a thundercloud, as powerful and out bursting too…

Little had happened the last few days, other then the rain and bad weather which slowed them down significantly. Gurney couldn’t help but wonder if they had better not buy some horses in Umar Hills. Then they would probably be a lot closer to the Baron’s castle then they were now.
All had the feeling that someone followed their every move though, but other then strange sounds in the night, witch could also be caused by a passing animal, and they found no proof of someone following them.

They were alert never there less.

During the some casual conversation between Gurney and Magus, Gurney motioned that they were approaching a pleasant resting place. He mentioned something about getting new supplies for the group and an old friend.

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Mon Aug 11, 2003 4:52 am

Halya had been staying with the group for some time now. and she was getting more at ease, still not willing to tell them why she had joined their quest. Still afraid that she would seem childish and would be ridiquled by the elder members.

She had chosen to stay close to Magus, but this evening she decided to ask a question that had been riding her for some time now. She gently tugged Gurney's sleeve, and looked upon him with a wondering expression. "forgive me for asking Gurney, but why are we walking is such a pace.. are we running towards or from something?" her voice dropped to a whisper.

she had heard the noise that had been following them for days. and since Gurney seemed like the leader of the group, she wanted to somehow make sure that he too had heard it.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 9:19 am

Gurney looked back at Halya and smiled about her insight. “Both I guess.” He grinned. “I’m aware that we are being followed, but since whatever is following us hasn’t formed a thread to us so far; I think there is little to fear for now.”

Gurney looked back over his shoulder and noticed Halya doing the same.
“On the other hand… what is it waiting for? Backup? Who knows… Luckely, a friend of mine lives not far of here. He is a retired adventurer, we can get some good equipment at his place.”

A smile formed on Gurney’s face. “You know, I use much of his adventures as food for songs. And I’m not the only one.” Not in the mood for a song, Gurney continued. “I just hope we reach him in time, before something else reaches us.”

As Halya looked a bit worried, he tried to lift her mood by lifting his own. With great effort he acted happy and care free. “Don’t worry about it.” Then he looked at Halya, using his most charming smile, which worked well with most ladies in the past. “I’m sure we’re safe for now.”

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Wed Aug 20, 2003 6:05 am

The female elf resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Gurney’s attempt to calm her. Instead she just smiled .. “I could sing a song, to lighten our heavy steps today, mellon-nin” she said in a too chipper voice.. and fought not to follow Gurneys eyes as they looked at something behind her..

Elvish = Mellon-nin – my friend

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Tue Aug 26, 2003 10:37 am

“A song?” Gurney’s eyes widened. “Yes… I’d love to hear one.” He smiled. “Normally I’m the one doing the singing, so it would be nice to listen for a change.”

He remembered the last time he heard an elf sing. It was in a bar in Trademeet, about a month ago. It was a most gifted elf and he had enjoyed to him. Somehow, elves had that little twinkle in their voice that humans could never really meet.

Pushing aside this memory, he looked at Halya. “What will you be singing about?” His voice clearly showing his enthusiasm.

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Wed Aug 27, 2003 12:50 am

Halya smiled, "i will sing of another traveler" she said sweetly, and started to sing in her strange key.

Eärendil was a mariner
that tarried in Arvernien;
he built a boat of timber felled
in Nimbrethil to journey in;
her sails he wove of silver fair,
of silver were her lanterns made,
her prow was fashioned like a swan,
and light upon her banners laid.

In panoply of ancient kings,
in chained rings he armoured him;
his shining shield was scored with runes
to ward all wounds and harm from him;
his bow was made of dragon-horn,
his arrows shorn of ebony,
of silver was his habergeon,
his scabbard of chalcedony;
his sword of steel was valiant,
of adamant his helmet tall,
an eagle-plume upon his crest,
upon his breast an emerald.

Beneath the Moon and under star
he wandered far from northern strands,
bewildered on enchanted ways
beyond the days of mortal lands.
From gnashing of the Narrow Ice
where shadow lies on frozen hills,
from nether heats and burning waste
he turned in haste, and roving still
on starless waters far astray
at last he came to Night of Naught,
and passed, and never sight he saw
of shining shore nor light he sought.

The winds of wrath came driving him,
and blindly in the foam he fled
from west to east and errandless,
unheralded he homeward sped.

There flying Elwing came to him,
and flame was in the darkness lit;
more bright than light of diamond
the fire upon her carcanet.
The Silmaril she bound on him
and crowned him with the living light
and dauntless then with burning brow
he turned his prow; and in the night
from Otherworld beyond the Sea
there strong and free a storm arose,
a wind of power in Tarmenel;
by paths that seldom mortal goes
his boat it bore with biting breath
as might of death across the grey
and long-forsaken seas distressed:
from east to west he passed away.

Through Evernight he back was borne
on black and roaring waves that ran
o'er leagues unlit and foundered shores
that drowned before the Days began,
until he heard on strands of pearl
where ends the world the music long,
where ever-foaming billows roll
the yellow gold and jewels wan.

He saw the Mountain silent rise
where twilight lies upon the knees
of Valinor, and Eldamar
beheld afar beyond the seas.
A wanderer escaped from night
to haven white he came at last,
to Elvenhome the green and fair
where keen the air, where pale as glass
beneath the Hill of Ilmarin
a-glimmer in valley sheer
the lamplit towers of Tirion
are mirrored on the Shadowmere.

He tarried there from errantry,
and melodies they taught to him,
and sages old him marvels told,
and harps of gold they brought to him.
They clothed him then in elven-white,
and seven lights before him sent,
as through the Calacirian
to hidden land forlorn he went.
He came unto the timeless halls
where shining fall the countless years,
and endless reigns the Elder King
in Ilmarin on Mountain sheer;
and words unheard were spoken then
of folk of Men and Elven-kin.
Beyond the world were visions showed
forbid to those that dwell therein.

A ship then new they built for him
of mithril and of elven-glass
with shining prow; no shaven oar
nor sail she bore on silver mast:
the Silmaril as lantern light
and banner bright with living flame
to gleam thereon by Elbereth
herself was set, who thither came
and wings immortal made for him,
and laid on him undying doom,
to sail the shoreless skies and come
behind the Sun and light of Moon.

From Evereven's lofty hills
where softly silver fountains fall
his wings him bore, a wandering light,
beyond the mighty Mountain Wall.
From World's End then he turned away,
and yearned again to find afar
his home through shadows journeying,
and burning as an island star
on high above the mists he came,
a distant flame before the Sun,
a wonder ere the waking dawn
where grey the Norland waters run.

And over Middle-earth he passed
and heard at last the weeping sore
of women and of elven-maids
in Elder Days, in years of yore.
But on him mighty doom was laid,
till Moon should fade, an orbéd star
to pass, and tarry never more
on Hither Shores where mortals are;
for ever still a herald on
an errand that should never rest
to bear his shining lamp afar,
the Flammifer of Westernesse.

when she had sung the last stoke, she blushed - had she actually song this song for all these people?.
now she just hoped that she would not be rediculed, and perhaps, but perhaps did it have the effect she had wanted.
"G-Gurney?" she whispered, as he had stayed quiet, even after she had stopped.

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Wed Aug 27, 2003 5:18 am

"G-Gurney?"
He looked back at her, startled from the dream she had put him in. His body had been here the whole time but his mind had been with Eärendil, along side him on his journy. He had a tendensy to get swept away by his fantasy like this.

"Yes?" He cleared he throught. "Bravo, that we wonderfull. Thank you." His glanced focused upwards to the sky. "Well, well... I didn't know we walked this far already." Then he smiled at Halya again. "Must lost track of time during your beautyfull song. We should reach my friend's place in a day or two."

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Thu Aug 28, 2003 4:30 am

“You truly have a lovely voice.”

Halya turned as Magus walked up alongside her, a quiet smile on his face. He looked tired. Noticing her scrutiny, he immediately picked himself up, clearing his throat awkwardly. He gaze shifted to the setting sun, shining orange-red through an opening in the trees ahead of them. The sky shone a warm pink around it, as if embracing its receding partner. Softly, Magus began to hum. It was a song not of heroes or adventures, but of life itself…and what comes after. It was a beautiful tune, yet there was something haunting about it. As the final, mourning notes died away, there was a lingering emptiness, as if a small part of their souls had been stripped away, never to return.

Magus turned to Halya, smiling softly. “I heard it in a tavern once. I asked the bard about it…an aging elf with a voice to soothe the most fiery of heart. He told me it was an ancient song of the fall of Myth Drannor. He knew the words, of course…the language was some Old Elven tongue I wasn’t familiar with. It had been passed down in his family for generations, and now he was the last. I asked him if he would teach me…but he just shook his head.” Here Magus’s smile faded. “He looked me in the eye and told me that only an elf could do it justice. Better for it to fade away, as had its people, then for it to be corrupted by…some half-breed.”

He shook his head and sighed. He looked at Halya then, and in his eyes she saw a deep sadness…

…And at the moment he stumbled and went sprawling to the ground, a shrill squeak issuing from his shoulder as Cel grabbed his neck for dear life. More embarrassed than hurt, and seeing that Cel was okay (though a bit shaken), he got to his feet with a noticeable effort and started to feebly brush himself off…that is until he saw his still spotless robe and remembered the cleaning enchantment he’d placed on it. Noticing the others looking at him, he cleared his throat and started walking again, as if nothing had happened.

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Wed Sep 03, 2003 4:33 am

Halya hurried after Magus, and jerked his sleeve "don't be sad Magus, he might have found you unworthy for some reason, but *i* find you most capable" she said in a hurry, trying to comfort her friend.

she continued in a more relaxed tone "once we get to Gurneys friend, and we are well fed and rested, things will look brighter, i promise"

Rob-hin · Post by **Rob-hin** » Wed Sep 03, 2003 9:32 am

Gurney had watched Magus fall and tried not to laugh, it was not the right time to be laughing at his clumsiness. Instead, he slowed his pass and joined Gurdio who had been slow all the while. For an entertainer, he sure didn’t talk much. The two men nodded at each other, but otherwise kept silent.

The day had passed by fast and everyone looked tired.
When it started to rain, again, Gurney had enough. “How about getting some rest?” We made good progress today, so we deserve it.”

They walked on for a couple more minutes, looking for a good place to set up camp. A formation of rocks a couple feet from the road served well for this purpose.

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Tue Sep 09, 2003 7:27 pm

With camp finally set and the fire burning low but steadily, Magus sank to the ground thankfully. He hated to admit it, but he was pretty exhausted. They’d been moving at a quick walk all day, tacitly fleeing from the eyes that dogged their steps…and tacitly pursuing the dark figure ahead of them. She continued without rest, never slowing when they fell behind. Gurney’s appeal that they stop for the night had at first fallen on deaf ears, and only after a brief but heated argument had she finally given in. Then Gurdio had been against lighting the fire. Magus had insisted though, maintaining that their coming was already known; the fire wouldn’t give anything away that the enemy didn’t already know. Gurney had agreed, adding that a fire would help keep the beasts of the forest away. Gurdio ultimately relented, albeit reluctantly, his initial anger cooling to resentful silence. Though Magus was too polite to say it, he began to question Gurney’s judgement in insisting that Gurdio accompany them. Whatever his skills, his presence undermined the group’s unity, perhaps even more than Serena. At least she could be expected to see this through…whatever the outcome. Yet it was clear Gurido didn’t want to be there, and if it was up to Magus, he wouldn’t be. But Magus kept quiet, knowing that voicing his thoughts now would do more harm than good.

His mind wandering, Magus looked around for Halya. He spotted her leaning against a large rock, talking to Gurney. A few words managed to reach his ears…they seemed to be talking about music. He was glad Halya had come along, at least. Her cheerful attitude was good for the group’s morale, certainly…but he realized his reasons were probably mostly personal. There was something he liked about her, something that always seemed to make him smile when he talked with her. He remembered her words earlier:

"Don't be sad Magus, he might have found you unworthy for some reason, but *I* find you most capable. Once we get to Gurney’s friend, and we are well fed and rested, things will look brighter, I promise."

Suddenly his embarrassment over his clumsiness had become a different sort. He’d smiled, not so much because of the words themselves, but because he knew she was trying to cheer him up. Somehow, that made him happy…as silly as it sounded.

As he pondered that, he wondered what Celestia was doing. She’d been pretty quiet since they’d joined up with Serena. Maybe he should ask her about it. He looked at his shoulder, checked his pocket…but she was gone. His first instinct was to immediately go looking for her, but he decided to let her be, for now at least. She could take care of herself, and there wasn’t much mischief to be had in the middle of nowhere...so it was best to give her some distance, if that’s what she wanted.

And so Magus sat by the fire, his mind wandering from thought to thought as the sky darkened and the moon shined overhead.

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Wed Sep 17, 2003 3:04 am

She left Gurney still laughing. It had been some time since she had met someone that was not of her own kin that enjoyed singing as much as she did. This whole ordeal had her relaxing more. And she decided that she could stay here, and that the others did not think her incompetent and little.

She stopped laughing however when she saw Magus sitting by the fire looking like was he in deep thoughts. Her smile died as she walked over to squat down next to the mage, and when she padded him softly on the shoulder, her suspicion was affirmed. As he was so startled he neatly jumped up.

“you seem troubled” she said and crooked her head, blinking innocently.

“its nothing, I assure you” Magus answered and threw a little branch on the fire.

Halya gaze searched for the little familiar, but she was nowhere to be found. “where is your little friend?” the female elf said and looked puzzled. Magus just shrugged, and Halya decided to leave him be to his thoughts.

“mae tinnu” (good night) she whispered and left the fireplace, to go and find her blankets. Perhaps she would rest a little this night, since she had not noticed any of those strange noises for some time.

She found her blanket, and wrapped it around her, leaning up against a tree, not far from the others. She watched Magus, and wished there was something she could say or do to ease his mind.

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Fri Sep 26, 2003 9:54 am

Magus frowned as he watched Halya’s receding figure. He hadn’t intended to be so curt with her. Startled and preoccupied, it’d just come out. He sighed and took out his spellbook. There was no telling what tomorrow would bring, and he had to be prepared. But the incident continued to nag him, and he found he couldn’t concentrate. Maybe he should apologize.

He glanced around the camp, but didn’t see her anywhere. She was probably asleep. Oh well, he would just have to talk to her in the morning. Pushing the distraction to the back of his mind, he opened his spellbook again and started from the top.

Half the night would pass before he finally set it down.

* * * * *

“Is elf lady awake?”

Half asleep, Halya came to suddenly. Hovering in front of her was Magus’s little fairy, gazing at her expectantly.

“Celestia?” That was her name, right?

Cel nodded. Suddenly her eyes widened. “Oooh, magic!” Abruptly she was flitting about Halya, touching her sword, armor, and bow in turn. “Can Cel see?” she asked, her attention returning to the sword. Still a little confused, Halya obliged and drew it. Cel examined it, curiously eyeing the hilt and blade, then looking at her reflection in the shining metal. “Armor and bow has good magic, but sword has best magic.” She looked at Halya. “Elf lady has lots of magic. Almost as much as Magus. Does she have spellbook too?” Her eyes positively glowed with curiosity.

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Sat Sep 27, 2003 4:29 am

"no i do not have a spellbook" Halya chuckled, at Cel's obvious enthusiasm. "all elven armour is magic, you must know that"

Halya studied the little familiar, as she flew around the items in discussion.

the elf narrowed her eyes "why are you not with Magus?" Halya sheathed her sword once more "I think he needs your console, something seems to be troubling him"

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Sat Sep 27, 2003 11:32 am

Cel’s eager smile faded. She looked over at Magus, poring over his spellbook by the light of the fire. “Magus is sad. Cel not understand why. Wasn’t sad at inn. Wasn’t sad until the bad lady showed up.” She glared at Serena resentfully. “Black, dark…evil. It’s her fault. Cel knows.” She shivered a little, then looked back at Halya anxiously. “Magus like elf lady’s song. Elf lady teach Cel a song?”

Azmodan · Post by **Azmodan** » Mon Sep 29, 2003 11:55 am

Halya looked a bit suprised "a song?" she bit her lip and thought for a long time "sure i will teach you a song"

the elf looked over at Magus once more "but this will be a happy one"

Halya started to sing but her mind was somewhere else, was this woman evil?, did she infact inflict something terrible to this little party?

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Sat Oct 04, 2003 11:31 pm

Cel listened intently as Halya sang. She learned quickly, and it wasn’t long before she could recite the entire song back to Halya, much to the elf’s surprise. She had a pretty voice, innocent and childlike, soft and graceful. It had a natural allure wholly different from the trained voices of bards and musicians.

Cel finished and looked at Halya. Halya smiled and clapped her hands. Cel beamed back. “Cel thank elf lady. Master was right. Not all elves bad.” She paused, her expression becoming more serious as she eyed Halya quietly. “Elf lady worry about Magus. Why?”