Order of the Dark Flame: The Adventures Continue (no spam-story)

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Mon Sep 10, 2001 6:13 pm

Darkpoet suddenly looked tired. "I'm fine, just too much, happening at once. I still can't believe, that half my family is gone. Thanks for asking."

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Mon Sep 10, 2001 6:15 pm

After taking off her armor, Teshana put on a robe and headed to the hot springs, to relax and clean up. She disrobed and slowly, leaned back in the springs. Sighing as she closed her eyes, Teshana started to think of her next move. Thinking for a bit, she snapped her fingers, for her servant. He was a well-built human, named Galen. “Can I help you mistress?” Galen asked. “Mmmmmmmm yes slave, I need a towel and something cool to drink.” “Yes mistress.” He replied and left quickly. Teshana, hated the smell of fear, this human, stunk of fear. As Galen approached, he held out the towel for her. Teshana looked into his eyes, she could see the fear. Taking the towel, Teshana wraps herself in it. She then takes the glass of wine, that Galen had brought her. Taking a sip, Teshana stares at Galen. He meets her gaze, and then quickly looks away. Galen, backs himself away from Teshana. She takes another sip of wine, watching him, with her red eyes. Teshana finished her wine, she then held out the glass to Galen. As he took the glass, Teshana smile and turned to leave. As she turned to go out the door, Teshana threw her dagger. Catching Galen in the throat, his eyes widened, the glass fell to the floor. Galen sank to the floor, gurgling as blood poured out of his throat. Teshana walked over and removed the dagger from the lifeless human body. Cleaning the dagger on the slave’s tunic, she looked at it in disgust.

“Teshana, that’s the. How many human slaves, does that make since the one escaped?” Teshana turned, smiling. “Kerlin, don’t worry your pretty little head, about the way I treat my slaves. I’m getting closer to Darkpoet, I’ll have him back soon.” Kerlin shook her head. “Are you going to kill him, or keep him for yourself? You never did, break his spirit. You cared for him too much, that was your problem. He is closer than you think.” Teshana’s mouth fell open, closing it quickly. “How do you know this?” Kerlin smiled. “I tortured a Paladin, to get information, to see if any of the Orders, are joining the Elves, in battling us. They are staying out of it for now. I did find out, who he is with, the Dark Flames. That is all I know, other than the Flames, is rumored to be in the ancient land of Tris.” Teshana gently touched Kerlin’s cheek. “Thank you Kerlin, you are not as dumb, as you look.” Teshana, left to put her armor back on and gather her troops.

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Mon Sep 10, 2001 6:32 pm

Georgi paused with her hand on the doorhandle. "Your... family?" she heard Dragonwench say distantly, and then footsteps over to where DP sat. She slipped out of the door unheeded, and walked along the passage to her room. She felt terrible for DP, but it was all too familiar suddenly. She busied herself with her armour and weapons, donning her elven chain mail, and strapping on her scabbard. She needed to keep herself from thinking too much about it... a quick scout over to the castle as DP had suggested was a good plan.

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Mon Sep 10, 2001 6:56 pm

Georgi trotted down the spiralling staircase, and looked around. She spotted Gwally, and passed on the information they had gleaned from DP. He listened, and then asked where she was going. "I'm going to check in with Rai'ya."

Gwally frowned. "Be careful..."

"There are plenty of troops around," Georgi said, brushing him off. "A constant stream of Menadir's people, as well as Rai'ya's fortifications. I'll be fine."

He nodded. "I should get back to tending these people... Take care..." he called, as Georgi headed out to the stables. She swiftly saddled her palamino stallion, and was soon heading out towards the castle.

[ 09-10-2001: Message edited by: Georgi ]

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Tue Sep 11, 2001 10:04 am

Dragon Wench looked at Dark Poet, anxiety in her expression. She was unsure whether or not to speak. Finally,she stood up, gently laid a hand on his shoulder in emapthy, and left the room.

{OOC, welcome Harry, nice entry.

Has anyone else considered the horrible irony of our story and real life events?)

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Tue Sep 11, 2001 10:20 am

@ DW I had actually thought the exact the same thing...

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Wed Sep 12, 2001 1:22 pm

Loner rifled through the papers in the bottom of the trunk. She was seeking the wish scroll.

Hitomi’s illness had been healing successfully; but he still needed lots of rest, and would be out of commission for some time yet. More importantly, Lomoro himself had been brought to the Keep only a week previously. He had been teleported from Kara-Tur in the hope that the creature seeking him would be thrown off track; or at least, that some time would be bought to come up with a plan, before the monster found him. Unfortunately no plans had been made, circumstances being what they had been of late. Loner had not finished fully recuperating; but she felt strongly that time was running out, and fast. So after Kramor had left her, making sure the open window with a book seated her comfortably, and telling her on his way out to drink the whole glass of water he’d brought, Loner listened to his footfalls receding down the corridor. When she could sense that his presence had gone a safe distance away, she rose slowly and began her search.

Where in this world did such a monster come from? She wondered as she went through trunks and drawers and boxes. Then with a shudder she realized: perhaps not from this world at all. She shivered. Nippy’s description of the beast had truly frightened her. Worse than a dragon…or so she imagined, never having seen or fought a dragon before. But it was on its way, and the only thing that could be done was to stand against it, come what may.

“Loner, my best student,” Lomoro had said, when he’d first arrived. Loner had spoken to him of her fear. “Remember your training.”

Great, she thought. All he can say is remember you training? Sometimes these kensai masters could get annoying…

Loner had searched the entire room unsuccessfully, and was getting tired. Her hand knocked the bottom of the trunk – and found it hollow. With a spark of hope, she remembered that this trunk had a false bottom. Removing it, she found a scroll, and smiled. But her smile faded when she read the worn label on the scroll. “Protection from Acid. Great.” She tossed the scroll onto the bed.

Discouraged, she rose stiffly and walked across the room, to clear her head. She was more exhausted than she had thought, however, and suddenly felt she collapsing. With a soft cry she caught herself by stretching a hand toward the wall.

When her hand hit the cold stone, she heard a deep scraping noise. Looking a bit to her left, she saw that one of the stones was slightly askew. Going over to investigate, she jarred the loose stone…and slowly a narrow dark split appeared in the wall close by.

Loner gasped. Kramor had told her about the “secret” passages that had been discovered in the Keep…could this be an undiscovered passage?

Loner grabbed a torch, lit it, and stepped through the opening. The room before her was small, of polished stone, and absolutely spotless. The only object to be seen was a large chest, over against the opposite wall. She approached, tried the lid, and found to her surprise that the chest was not locked. Nor did the hinges protest; it opened easily. The inside was stuffed full of scrolls, of a seemingly earlier make than most she had seen. They were not labeled. She would have to take them to Vivien; perhaps she would be able to decipher them. There was just a chance there might be something useful…

Loner returned to the room and grabbed her pack. She gingerly placed the scrolls inside; but to her surprise they were in good condition and showed no inclination to crumbling. When the pack was full, Loner noticed something that looked like a small, ancient tome resting in the bottom of the chest. Loner picked up the tome. Looking at it, she noticed it had Elvin writing on the cover. Loner thought, she should so this to Darkpoet or T’lainya. She shut the lid and left the little chamber. Back in her own room, she hid the pack under the bed and jarred the loose stone until the opening closed. She would have to tell Kramor…

Now she was really fatigued. Can’t sleep…have to fight monster, she thought with the simplicity of a tired child, as she fell onto the bed, and to sleep. The tome fell on the floor.

Kramor went to check on Loner, he found her lying across the bed, sleeping. He glanced over by the table, noticing that she didn’t drink the water. Kramor was half temped to pour it on her. Instead, he gently moved her and put a blanket over her. When he finished, turning he kick something across the room. “What the?” he thought. Walking over, Kramor picked up the tome. He noticed the Elvin writing on the cover. Kramor headed over to Darkpoet’s room. He found Darkpoet sitting staring out the window. “Why are you looking so, gloomy for?” Darkpoet looked a Kramor. “For one thing, you putting me in charge of the Keep. Why did you do that?” Kramor leaned on the wall. “Ria’ya asked me too, actually requested it.” Darkpoet frowned. “Did she say why?” Kramor shook his head. “Nope, but she insisted. Oh here, Loner found this. It’s in Elvin, I thought you or T’lainya, would know what this is” Kramor hands the tome to Darkpoet. After reading a few pages, he paled. “Nine hells!” he quietly exclaimed. “This is what we have been looking for. This is on, raising the dead, those who have been dead a long time. As soon as T’lainya returns, I’ll show it to her. I wonder if it goes with the jewelry we found.” Kramor looked shocked, he couldn’t believe what he had just heard. “So, you’re saying, we could resurrect Ria’ya?” Darkpoet nodded, “If we have everything, some of this, I don’t understand. T’lainaya will have to study this.” Kramor looked out the window, “I have to check on Loner, let me know what you two find out.” Darkpoet sits back down on the chair. “Okay Kramor, I’ll let you know, hope Loner is doing better.” He went back to reading the tome.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Fri Sep 14, 2001 2:56 pm

The elves had set up a sort of triage system in the keep’s courtyard. Large tents were erected and the wounded were laid on the ground around the tents. Litter-bearers moved through the bodies, selecting some to be treated in the tents. After treatment, the wounded were moved to beds and pallets within the castle ruins for recovery. Gwalchmai stepped through the bodies, at a loss as to how he could best help, where he could start. He noted that many of the bodies were already dead, doubtlessly waiting to be raised. He marveled that war could so easily be waged despite the conveniences of priests and their Raid Dead spell. As a druid, Gwalchmai was unable to raise the dead, and his understanding of those arcane arts and their implications was minimal.

Gwalchmai’s eye was caught by a large warrior lying on the ground. He had never seen so large an elf. He had been horribly burnt, probably having caught the brunt of several fire-ball spells. His skin was blackened, and it sluffed off in flaky, gooey layers. Despite this, the warrior yet lived, though not for much longer. He was awake, and through the pain, his eyes betrayed his great sadness. He knew he was going to die. Gwalchmai knelt beside the large man and muttered the words to a healing spell. The blackened skin turned pink, and healed somewhat. The warrior was not completely healed, blisters and sores were apparent in places, but at least now the great warrior would not die.

“What do you think you’re doing?” croaked the warrior, trying to sit up.

“I could not let you die, my friend,” Gwalchmai said. “But you will still need attention. Those burns should be dressed, and you may need to find a regeneration potion if you want your ears to be pointed again.”

“I thank, you. I most humbly thank you,” the warrior sighed, fingering the stumps of his ears, “but clerics should be working in the tents. That is where the healing is done to the ones who matter most.”

“I’m a druid, and if I had not healed you, you would have died soon.”

“That is the way of it. I am infantry. Officers, Mages, Calvary, and Archers are healed first.”

Gwalchmai watched the litter-bearers for a moment, and saw them selecting wounded based on rank rather than on degree of need. “They would heal a scratched officer before a dying soldier That is unthinkable! Its so.... unbalanced!” Angry, he spat on the ground and considered giving the elven clerics a piece of his mind. ‘High Elves’ indeed.

The warrior smiled, painfully, at the Gwalchmai’s anger, “Druid, you should calm yourself. This is how wars are fought. Our hierarchy has served us for centuries.” The warrior laughed wryly, “I even once saw an officer’s horse raised from the dead while a hundred men lay dying. You get used to it. Still, you have given me a great gift, and I owe you. What is your name?”

“Gwalchmai of the Dark Flames.”

“I am Queltan of the 5th Company of Green Guards. Well met.” The old warrior offered a meaty hand in greeting, then looked around at the other bodies, “If you insist on maintaining Nature’s balance by healing the unworthy, I would suggest that you look for another of my troop. She is an.... elf, and would be wearing the same uniform as I. I saw her go down with at least two arrows in her side. It would be.... better if the clerics did not have a chance to see her wounds. Her name is Gineer.”

“I will do my best.”

“I would be forever indebted to you. She is.... special.”

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Fri Sep 14, 2001 5:06 pm

Teshana moved quickly out of her room, as she walked out. She rechecked, making sure that her armor, fit right. Teshana check the maps, for the location, Kerlin told her about. Find it, she marked it on her own map. Teshana’s people were ready and waiting for her. She doubled checked her saddle, making sure there was enough supplies in the saddlebags. Getting on her horse, Teshana moved out with her people. As the group moved quietly through the woods, they found the caravan of wounded. So they decided to follow the caravan of wounded. Teshana couldn’t believe her luck; the caravan took them right where she wanted to go. Going back deeper in the woods, one of Teshana’s scouts found a cave, where they could set up camp. While setting up camp, Teshana set up picket duty and gave the roster to her second in command.

Teshana took a cloak out of her pack, after putting it on; she slipped out into the woods. Stopping at the edge, she studied what lay before her. She couldn’t believe her eyes, there was a castle, where ruins should be. In her mind she sketched, the castle. Noticing that no army, any size could defeat it. Too her right, Teshana studied the sloping ground to the Keep. What really caught her interest was the Standard of the Black Archers, between two gravestones. She wondered whose graves they were. Teshana settled down against a tree, watching for Darkpoet. A light rain started to fall, Teshana swore under her breath. She adjusted her cloak, so she wouldn’t get wet. As the rain lighted up, the sun came out from behind the clouds. The sun shone down no Teshana’s back, she didn’t realize how tired she was. Her eyes slowly close, she would jerk awake, looking cautiously around. Finally Teshana, lost the battle to stay awake, she slowly fell asleep.

Darkpoet finished going through the tome, he wondered where T’lainya was. Figuring that she must have gotten busy, putting the tome on the bed. He left her a message that, he would be at his father’s gravesite. Putting on his swords, he walked through the courtyard. Stopping to check on those, he recognized. Slowly shaking his head, wishing he there at the fighting. He walked to the top of the hill, enjoying the heat of the sunlight. Darkpoet knelt beside his father’s grave, closing his eyes. “I was wondering who’s grave that was. Somebody you know, Darkpoet?” Darkpoet rolled, pulling out both swords, as he stood facing the person who spoke. He was facing someone in a camouflaged cloak. Not seeing any weapons, Darkpoet relaxes. “To whom, do I have the honor of speaking to? The graves are of my brother and father, they were killed by a Drow raiding party.” The cloaked figure stiffened, as the figure, drew back the hood. “I’m sorry Darkpoet, I didn’t mean to kill your father. I was angry that you left me, all I thought of was making you pay. I was wrong.” “Teshana!!!” Darkpoet paled………

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sun Sep 16, 2001 12:24 pm

After leaving Dark Poet's room, Dragon Wench wandered through the chaotic passages of the keep. The screams of the dying and the wounded echoed off the stone walls. Shuddering at the absolute horror before her eyes, she retreated to her room; feeling utterly helpless, she sat on her bed and closed her eyes, trying to erase the spectacle of war from her mind.

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Sun Sep 16, 2001 1:31 pm

The activity at the castle mirrored that of the keep. Soldiers and civilians hurried to and fro, preparing fortifications and tending to the injured. Georgi dismounted her horse and made her way inside, marvelling at the repairs that had been made to what had until so recently been ruins. She caught a glimpse of Rai'ya, surrounded by people but apparently calm despite the chaos around her. She hovered at the back of the room until Rai'ya noticed her, and beckoned her forward.

"What can I do for you, child of the Dark Flame?" she asked, smiling.

"Actually, I was wondering if you needed any help? But it looks like you have everything under control..." Georgi sighed.

"Is there nothing for you to do at the Keep?" Rai'ya asked.

Georgi shook her head. "They could use more healers, but me... there's not much I can do. Besides, I'd rather go out and take care of some Drow," she growled.

Rai'ya looked sharply at her. "Best not to invite trouble child... it can have a nasty habit of finding you," she cautioned.

"Don't worry, I'll be ready for it," Georgi replied confidently, placing a hand on the pommel of her sword. "Anyway, I suppose if you don't need any help here, I'll get back to the Keep... no sense in hanging around, is there?" she said briskly, turning to leave.

Vivien · Post by **Vivien** » Mon Sep 17, 2001 8:50 am

Vivien rose from the boy she had healed, trying to think how many that made. She had lost count. But, she couldn’t seem to stop, she had to keep trying, to fix what had been broken. She swayed slightly and wondered if her feet would hold her, but they caught firm ground at the end. Too many wounded; they couldn’t help them all. At that, her rebellious side shot through, and she gripped her hands into fists, feeling the hardness of the ring on her finger. It was warm and pulsating, in rhythm with her blood. vibrating with some strange hum. It had started after she had healed that first wounded, and seemed to be increasing with each use. It also seemed that the world around her had changed. She could see the people around her so much more clearly, see each intake of breath, the moisture that surrounded everyone, the light that was faintly visible in each person. She shook her head slowly at that, wondering if she was starting to see things.

There were more to heal more to help.

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Mon Sep 17, 2001 10:35 am

She pulled her cowl tighter around herself, more against the strangeness of her surroundings, than the bitter wind that was lifting and whipping her relentlessly.

She had not travelled further than two days on foot since her youth, where as an ambitious and restless soul she had headed for the city she now called home. Her heart was heavy and spirit tired. Yshania paused to consider the climb ahead before dropping her head, gritting her teeth, and pushing on. This half elf felt like she belonged no-where now, driven from her city by the violence that numbed her, no longer welcome in the village of her birth. Outsider. She sought refuge in the wilderness, but the animals she loved now echoed the screams of fear and vengeance, and the keening of grief that she had left behind…

Always aware that co-existence could not always be peaceful, she was grateful that at least they had lived with respect for each other’s differences, and admired how those differences and tolerances had woven the thread of this rich tapestry that was life. The city she had called home was a city of travellers, many came and went – sharing their tales over campfires. Now that was to be no more. Never before had their differences been more obvious than just a drunken brawl…and now this wonderful tapestry was fraying...

She had packed a bag and fled, the burning fires the only illumination in this starless night, knowing that she was useless alone to prevent what was happening, and not wanting to bear witness to the evils that were unfolding…

As dawn approached she sought shelter beneath a great oak, thankful for it’s mighty canopy as the rain began to fall. For the sixth day she lay down her head and thought of home, gripping the talisman bequeathed by her Mother she fell into a restless slumber.

Later she woke, damp and cold. She lit a fire, concerned by her diminishing supplies, she promised herself she would get herself warm enough then head on as night fell again. She needed to find company soon – alone was so dangerous and the perceived threat was everywhere…

Yshania packed her belongings and stamped out the fire. Looking up into the sky she saw stars, millions of them, twinkling in defiance of the horrors she had witnessed. She smiled, slightly encouraged, tugged on her cape and set off again into the night.

Just before dawn she saw a great keep in the distance, maybe a days walk away. Excited, but fearful, she kept to the skirts of the forest until she was within good sight of the majestic stone towers. She lay on her stomach and observed, wondering on what lay beyond those great doors…

That night a fever took her…starving, shivering and miserable she considered her fate…how did it come to this? Having neither the energy – nor the inclination – to spend another damp night alone, without food or medical supplies she staggered to her feet. Almost delirious, half running half falling, she eventually came upon the gates of the keep. There she collapsed, exhausted and praying for charity…was there any goodness left in this world?

She fell into a fevered sleep, having not the strength to bang on the doors…

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Sep 17, 2001 12:20 pm

(OOC, welcome Yshania

)

The sensations of unmitigated horror and foreboding pervaded the countryside, permeating even the seemingly solid walls of the keep. Dragon Wench, sitting cross-legged on her bed, thought about the Drow, and she wondered at their motivation for this sudden attack. She realised that, outside of their notorious reputation for spreading terror, she knew very little about them.
She felt, both as a warrior and as a member of her society, that it was critically important to understand one's foe. Troubled, she began her decent down to the keep's libary, hoping to find elusive answers to even more elusive questions.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Mon Sep 17, 2001 4:57 pm

Gineer lay among a group of recently-arrived bodies of the wounded, dying, and dead. Fevered from the twin poisons of the drow arrows and infection, she made weak movements with her hands, trying in vain to crawl away to a more private corner. Delirious, she mumbled incoherent words in an unknown language.

Gwalchmai recognized the green embroidered designs on the young woman’s padded armor as a soldier who belonged to the same company as Queltan, and the two drow arrows in her side confirmed her identity. First he would have to remove the arrows before any healing could be performed. He tore at her tunic and armor, and was surprised to see the skin around her wounds discolored a strange blueish color. He thought that the poison must be extremely virulent to cause such extensive damage, but he could not trace the limits of the discoloration, try as he might. Then a suspicion dawned on him, and he looked to her face. Lifting her hair, he could see the same blue-colored skin just at the edge of her face, and the roots of her blond hair were clearly white. He touched her face, and found the kind of paint used by bards when they take to the stage. Glancing from side to side to be sure that no one was paying attention to him, he quietly cast a Detect Evil spell, and saw only goodness radiating from Gineer.

Her identity being her own business as long as her intentions were good, Gwalchmai shrugged, and worked on her wounds. The arrows were not barbed, but were made for piercing and were deeply buried. Once removed, he cured the poison, then cast a few healing spells. He could not heal her completely, for he wanted to save what healing he could for others who were also in need. But now she would live, and could heal on her own. Geneer fell into a deep sleep as he bound her wounds, careful to cover all exposed skin. He lifted the small woman in his arms and carried her back to Queltan’s pallet under a shelter in the recovery area. A shared glance, and Queltan understood that Gwalchmai knew their secret but would not reveal it.

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Tue Sep 18, 2001 1:44 pm

Nippy had decided to go out for a jog. He had nothing to do and needed something to occupy himself with. He had already used up his healing for the day and could do nothing more. Nippy jogged out of the keep feeling the fresh wind against his face. This woke him up quickly. Within 20 steps of his exit he heard something, the hacking of smoke-filled lungs. He worried that one of the Elven warriors had been left out of the keep so he rushed over to find the most beautiful women he had ever seen in his life, even though her face was dirty with soot and light burns she had a commanding aura and Nippy was instantly smitten by her. He felt her Ki and detected a strong tie to nature she was surely a Druid. However there was some hidden and dark part in her soul. Nippy vowed to find out more about her.

However, this was not the time. Nippy's investigative spells had found that her lungs were burnt. She would choke unless she was helped soon. Nippy cried out.

"Torm I demand that you help me! I have saved your faithful and now I request that you help me! Give me one spell, one last spell damn you!"

A lightning bolt descended from the sky. Nippy braced himself from the attack but instead a warm glow encompassed him. Nippy put his hands to his maiden. As the warm glow increased light coursed from Nippy's hands to the unknown maidens. As the spell was completed she drew a sharp breath, her burns were healed and her lungs were cleaned from the soot and foul smoke. She looked at Nippy and fell unconcious again. While she was healthy she was exhausted. Nippy picked her up and carried her to his room. She slept soundly and Nippy sat patiently at her bedside. She would find out everything about this beautiful women before him.

About an hour later she stirred from her deep slumber...

OOC: There you go Ysh.

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Tue Sep 18, 2001 2:11 pm

...Yshania awoke, reluctantly fighting the drag back into slumber. She felt...warm again, and curiously free of the pain...

As her sight cleared the vision of a concerned face swam before her...

'Th..thank you' she managed. The swirl of questions unasked drown her, becoming increasingly incoherent and suddenly unimportant. This time she slept, strangely content...

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Tue Sep 18, 2001 3:47 pm

Nippy was startled when the Elven lady spoke. She managed a thanks before she fell unconcious again. Nippy searched her Ki again. It felt calmer and contented, however the dark pocket was still there. Nippy went to fetch some water and food for his guest.

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Wed Sep 19, 2001 7:41 am

As the rain, started to fall again. Teshana removed her lowered the hood of the cloak, she was wearing. Smiling sadly, Teshana spoke softly to Darkpoet. “All these years, I have never forgotten you. After you took off with my pet, I found no one to replace you. You have stolen my heart, Darkpoet.” Teshana took a step, towards Darkpoet. As she stepped forward, Darkpoet was over the initial shock, of seeing Teshana. He stepped back, his eyes narrowed. “Took off with your pet? I seem to remember, you put him inside my head to control me. It seemed that, he had other plans. He wanted me to kill you, before I left. But, as you know, I didn’t and to this day. I still do not know why.” Darkpoet saw that Teshana wasn’t armed. He put one sword away, the other he stuck in the ground, next to his hand. He fought to control his rage that boiled inside him. Rage, that he had forgotten, years ago. Looking at Teshana, he noticed something different. Other than looking soggy, her eyes didn’t show, the madness he remembered. The other thing that caught his eye was the way the wet cloak, clung to her body. As Teshana stepped forward, Darkpoet saw tears in her large eyes. “Drow, are not suppose to show or even have emotions.” He thought, “What is wrong with you, Darkpoet? Here is the one person you have vowed to kill. Who killed Odessa, before your very own eyes, made you a servant. Put a psycho demon in your head, which lead you to murder and mayhem. She then leads an attack on your village, killing your father and brother. Now she is apologizing?” Teshana’s gentle touch on his forearm pulled Darkpoet out from his thoughts. He felt a chill go down his spine, as she whispered to him. “Please forgive me, I didn’t know I had these feelings, until I saw you walking up the hill.”
Darkpoet was stunned he didn’t know what to say. Teshana even made it worse for Darkpoet, as she leaned against him, putting her head on his chest. ”This is too much.” He thought, pushing Teshana back, at arms length. “Wait a minute. What is it you want?”

T’lainya rushed up the stairs to the bedroom.
“Darkpoet?” She called into the empty room. She looked around impatiently and her eyes fell on the book. She glanced at it, her eye caught by the rich leather binding. She picked it up and rapidly started reading. She was fascinated by the book, but thought she should try to find Darkpoet. She thought for a moment and bit her lip as she realized where she would most likely find him.
She stopped at the guestroom assigned to Darkpoets mother, Caladriwien. She peeked in and smiled at the sleeping elf. Darkpoets sister was curled up next to her mother. T’lainya thought how young and fragile she looked, having the delicate elven features of her mother. T’lainya murmured a prayer of thanks to the Seldarine for their safety, even as she prayed for the souls of Jelaric and T’alas. She ran down to the secret grotto and gathered some of the blooms to place upon the graves.
As she exited the keep she saw Darkpoet speaking to a cloaked figure. She shivered suddenly with some premonition and quickened her pace. T’lainya wasn’t sure why the sight of the elf standing next to Darkpoet worried her. As she got nearer she realized with a sharp jealousy that the figure was female. T’lainya was unprepared for the searing dislike she felt towards the unknown woman. She’s probably looking for her fellow soldiers T’lainya thought uneasily. That notion was shattered as she drew closer. Her senses were screaming and she realized why…the woman was a drow. No! No! She thought. Her first instinct was to protect Darkpoet and strike at the drow. She restrained herself with more than the usual difficulty. She heard the woman ask for Darkpoets forgiveness and her blood turned to ice. T’lainya didn’t trust herself to speak. When the drow put her head against Darkpoets chest, the priestess had reached her breaking point. She strode forward in time to hear Darkpoet’s bewildered question. Before he could speak, before he noticed her standing there, Tlainya spoke.
“I’ll tell you what she wants Darkpoet. She wants you.” The priestess’ voice was silky and low, the anger dripping like venom. T’lainyas hair gleamed like fire in the sunlight as she stood watching. She faced the drow woman who was glaring back just as fiercely. Green eyes met red in a clash of wills that made the air around the women crackle with energy. The silence hung while Darkpoet stared at the two women.

[ 09-19-2001: Message edited by: T'lainya ]

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Wed Sep 19, 2001 3:31 pm

Gwalchmai had spent hours working beside Thantor and other healers, exhausting his spells doing what healing he could. Ultimately, he resorted to binding the punctures, stitching the cuts, splinting the breaks, and dressing the burns using more mundane methods. Finally, the tide of wounded tapered off, and he left the raising of the dead to the clerics.

Walking back toward the keep, he spotted young Nippy carrying a young woman. The woman was dressed in a black tunic embroidered with the holy symbols of a druid, though Gwalchmai did not recognize her sect. She had long curly hair that drug on the ground and through the mud as Nippy carried her. Twice, Nippy stepped on her pony tail, yanking her head back. Fortunately, she was unconscious, for she surely would have cried out in pain.

Gwalchmai thought to offer his help, but Nippy entered the keep before he could catch up. Following him, Gwalchmai saw Nippy take the young druid into Nippy’s own room. Gwalchmi’s eyebrow raised in suspicion. Nippy’s actions were often unfathomable, and his motives were never clear. Why would Nippy take an unconscious woman into his room when there were recovery areas set up for the wounded? Gwalchmai lurked near the closed door to Nippy’s room, and just when he was about to pound on the door and demand an explanation, the door opened. Nippy left the room and headed toward the kitchen without seeing Gwalchmai. Gwalchmai took the opportunity to peek in. The woman appeared asleep and unmolested. Satisfied that Nippy’s motives were, at least, not un-clean, Gwalchmai also went to find sustenance and to rest, though he made it a point to walk past Nippy’s room often in order to check on the situation.