Order of the Dark Flame (Story, No Spam)

Vivien · Post by **Vivien** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 7:22 am

Vivien krept through the woods, blood pounding in her temples from excitement. Yes, bad guys would soon be taught not to beat up villagers if she had anything to do with it!

Her stealth was only marred by the crackling of leaves, the occasional running into a branch followed by an 'ouch', and sneezing whenever the forest dust got too bad.

She heard a movement in the darkness behind her and spun around, staff now in the ready position.

"Wh-who's there?" She called, while wondering if announcing her presence was not the best way to scout the area.

[ 06-05-2001: Message edited by: Vivien ]

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 7:43 am

"Viv? You call that stealthy?" hissed Georgi.

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 7:51 am

Since his injury, Kramor has been sitting in the courtyard. Unhappy, he wasn't able to do anything. Darkpoet came up to him, handing him some food.
"How are you doing?"

"I hurt like hell. I feel helpless too, I still can't lift my sword with my right hand."

"Those arrows, ripped up the muscles really good. You are going to be here for a while, don't try to take off. Or Loner will kill you."

Kramor smiled, "thanks Dp."

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:21 am

"Actually, I wouldn't call any of you particularly stealthy", offered a voice from off to the left. The party whirled in the direction of the sound. Leaning against a tree, regarding them with amusement, was a tall, dark hair figure. Somewhat difficult to make out in the shade and foliage, the man was cloaked and armored. He was obviously very comfortable in the forest, yet the condition of his outfit and his grooming spoke to a meticulous nature. He lazily levered himself off the tree and step forward, moving with the grace and poise of a fela. "Let's have a "look" at you, shall we?". He raised his hand, as if in greeting, and closed his eyes. Georgi was about to speak when she notice a subtle sensation in her body, a feeling like silk moving over her skin. The others must have felt it too, since no one said a word. Suddenly, his eyes opened and his head whipped around in the direction of Jennabard. At first, a small smile played around his lips, but then a hint of sadness appeared in his eyes. "Interesting," was all he said.

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:30 am

Loner went out into the courtyard to sit with Kramor. She ran a hand through his hair. "I know you're restless," she said, trying to comfort him in his inactivity. "Here," she said, handing him a small bottle. "It will ease the pain."

{OOC @thantor3 -- Nice addition! Glad you could join us!!

}

[ 06-05-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:36 am

"Thank you, I hate this. I can't even lift my sword." Taking a deep breath, from the pain. Kramor drank from the bottle.
"Have you been relaxing? Or are you still chomping at the bit?"

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:40 am

Loner sighed. "Still chomping, I'm afraid," she said. She hesitated to tell him what was going on; but he wouldn't rest if he knew she was on edge, and didn't know why.

"I'm concerned," she said at last. "Something terribly strange is going on with Jennabard...she was supposed to stay here for me to look after, but she went off with the others...and I'm concerned about them, too."

She paused a moment.

"Kramor...I have a very, very bad feeling, about all this...I've been having troubled dreams..."

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:45 am

Kramor's eyebrow went up, "What kind of dreams? Don't hold anything back, maybe I can help."

Vivien · Post by **Vivien** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:51 am

Vivien looked nervously at the other women and Gwalchmai. What had that feeling been, and how had he done it? Maybe a mage? She eyed the person before them with more interest, but fear remained foremost.

Drawing herself up, placing her hands firmly on her hips she tried to speak bravely.

"Who are you, and are you with the organization doing such horrible things?"

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:52 am

Loner took his hand, shaking her head. It's nothing I can really describe," she said. "Vague things, darkness, images of all of us, and a feeling of suffering...and I wake unrested." She took a deep breath. "Well, we've all been in bad situations before, and come out all right. I'll just have to trust that they'll come back soon."

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:54 am

Gwalchmai was happy to be afoot. Riding horses seemed unnatural to him. Feeling a little more at hope in the forest, he was enjoying himself, even though their mission was deadly serious. He was a little unnerved at the sudden appearance of the tall, dark man, and he did not appreciate the creepy feeling of silk across his body as their invisibility was forcibly dissolved. Two thoughts entered his mind simultaneously: "What does this stranger find so 'interesting' about Jennabard?" and "Why is every man we meet in Faerun 'tall and dark'?"

KramoR · Post by **KramoR** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 10:00 am

Looking at Loner, she had dark circles under her eyes. She needed to relax. Getting up slowly, he took her hand.
"Follow me."
Taking her along to where the tubs were, he pointed.
"Get in."
Smiling he turned his back.

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 12:52 pm

(Gwalchmai: According to my Dark Flame Writing Manual, Section B, p.4, it clearly states that all the men encounter by the Order of the Dark Flame must be tall and dark, give superb massages, and make a mean Tia Maria. Is my manual outdated?)

Without so much as a glance at the rest of the rapidly reappearing party, the stranger looked directly at Vivien with clear and honest gaze. "My name is Thantor -- Than to my friends. And no, my lady, I am not associated with the heinous individuals responsible for this outrage. Please forgive me for startling you and your companions. I had to be clear of your intentions before I made myself known to you." He looked briefly at each of the party members, lingering on Jennabard. "I didn't realize that Drow fashion was all the rage in this part of the world," he said with a smile. Turning back to Vivien, who looked a little less apprehensive, he ask quietly, "Would it be appropriate to ask for introductions and perhaps what all of you are doing here?"

jennabard · Post by **jennabard** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 6:38 pm

the dark stranger's appearance peeved jennabard to no end. while vivien was happily making introductions jenna could feel her darker self whisphering in her mind to use her power to smite him and all her companions.
"feed me...feed my hate...make them pay for all the pain in our heart. they are all traitors...they will hurt you like anomen did. don't save your gift on him alone...make them all feel the burning fire of our magic." the darkness continue her litany. driving the desparate bard into maddness.
as vivien and thantos turn to jennabard, she looked back with a mad glazed expression. quickly she drew out her knife. vivien and thantos took a step back in surprise while the rest try to stop jenna from attacking. before anyone could reach her, she plunged the dagger deep into her thigh. as she screamed out her rage and pain. a tree close to the bard burst into flames.

'no, i will not hurt my friends, i will not... will not...not...' jenna, continue her mantra. the darkness hissed out in her mind and subsided into silence.

round one. jennabard- one; dark b#$ch- zero.

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 6:42 pm

"Not so fast, friend," Georgi swiftly interrupted as Vivien opened her mouth to speak. "Having broken our cover, I'd quite like to know just what you are doing here. You'll forgive me if I seem a little rude, just a precaution, you understand."

Just then, Jennabard plunged her dagger into her own leg, screaming. The stranger was momentarily forgotten.

"Jennabard? Are you ok?"

[ 06-05-2001: Message edited by: Georgi ]

jennabard · Post by **jennabard** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 7:46 pm

dazed by the pain but feeling more in control than the last few days. jennabard looked up to georgi and gave her a weary smile. "yes, for now. lets find what clues we can and leave."
jennabard looked straight at the stranger and her face turned grim once again, "touch me with your magic again and you WILL die."

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 8:45 pm

Somewhat dazed from being introduced then unintroduced, Thantor met Jennabard's harsh gaze. "It was not magic, my lady. It was an outflowing of what we call in my order the ki or the life force. It is the same force that touches you from the trees or from the flowers. Since I could not see you, it was the only way to assess your party. Why it interrupted your spell, I have no idea." He paused, his eyes full of concern. "You walk the way of the Shadowpath. The Shadow Work is an inner quest of the highest order, but it is dangerous to do alone." He sighed. "It appears I have offended you, and I apologize. I will withdraw and go my way." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, rose colored sachet, which he handed to Jennabard. "This contains a mixture of healing herbs that may be of use to you in the days ahead. Their scent promotes courage and balance." He nodded to her and walked away.

[ 06-05-2001: Message edited by: thantor3 ]

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 8:55 pm

Loner decided to finally take Georgi's advice, and talk to Dragon Wench. DW shook her head. "All I know is," she said, "it has something to do with a magic that she's never quite learned to control. It's powerful, and that kind of power, if not properly dealt with, is threatening. Denial doesn't work forever, and that's how she's been handling it so far."

Loner's brow furrowed. Was that all?..."This must be some serious stuff," she said. "I mean, mages can deal with this kind of thing; not everyone goes...spooky...like that."

"Like I said," DW answered, "she hasn't attempted to deal with it. Perhaps out of fear of facing it, I don't know..." She turned her gaze to the distant wilderness. "Let's hope they've found help for their journey, and some answers to bring back to us."

jennabard · Post by **jennabard** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:01 pm

"wait, you have not answered georgi's question. and i cast no spell, stranger. magic flows in my veins. now, why are you here."

(OCC- hi thantor

)

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Tue Jun 05, 2001 9:36 pm

Loner took the Katana outside. She had been training with it more frequently, re-learning how to harness its power, and learning new aspects of the weapon every time. She was beginning to discover just what kind of a weapon Lomoro had given her...he must have thought her a very special student indeed. She had never realized that.

She wielded the great sword with calm and purpose. She was beginning once again to understand ki, and channel it as she had once done so long ago...but there was much work still to be done, and she had to go slowly.

She sheathed the Katana, and thought of her other teacher, the one who had guided her on her return from Kara-Tur. Thantor. She wondered what had become of him, and of Lomoro.

[ 06-06-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]