Order of the Dark Flame (Story, No Spam)

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 10:39 am

As Loner approached Thantor's room, she heard music playing. The melody was at once seductive and impassioned, awakening something (ooops, sorry, alternative reality Melrose Place script).

Loner went to Thantor's room but did not find him there. Where could he have gone off to?

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 10:43 am

(OOC ROFLMAO

)

scully1 · Post by **scully1** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 10:46 am

{OOC: Thanks for taking over Loner for a bit Thantor

}

"Hmm," Loner mused softly as she turned from the room. She shifted her pack on her shoulder and started down the corridor again in search of Thantor.

As she passed one of the rooms, she saw Kramor, sitting by a window. She went in, and noticed he was injured. Why do I always miss stuff? she thought. She approached him, and knelt down by his side.

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 10:47 am

Nippy had travelled for a few days. He constantly rested or trained in his private quarters. He was physically strong, he knew that but he was worried about the mental toughness he knew to be important.

Eventually land was spotted and he disembarked at the docks. He travelled by horseback to Hitomi's training compound.
On the way to the compound he came across a monk being attacked by brigands. He helped the monk drive off the attackers. He found that the monk actually was working at Hitomi's temple.

Nippy travelled with the monk to the temple. He found out his name, Loren. Loren knew that this was Hitomi's student. He could feel the ancient power seep from the young warriors ki. He was truly powerful.

They eventually reached the temple and parted ways. Loren knew this young mans training would stretch him to his limits. He hoped that Nippy would succeed.

Nippy greeted his master and his master returned the greeting warmly, he had lost his gruff nature when Nippy had finished training. He treated him as an equal now.

Hitomi ordered Nippy to rest, the training would begin tomorrow...

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 11:13 am

OOC: @Georgi: Now we see the evil Shadow Master's REAL plan... a love rectangle designed to drive Kramor over the edge.

Didn't you guys torment him enough in the Raven thread?

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 11:14 am

Darkpoet quietly, slipped through the forest. He was covered in blood, and was looking for more. The demon thrived on it, it didn't matter if it was man, woman or child. It had to be killed, the Drow way. Darkpoet had already lost his horse miles back, he ran into some Elven archers. The horse was killed, so the archers had to die. Smelling smoke, he silently crept forward. Wondering who his next victim would be.

Georgi · Post by **Georgi** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 11:20 am

OOC@Thantor

What, you're going to get jealous now every time Georgi has a conversation with another guy?

)

Kramor shook his head. "They might have been able to, but DP never went back there."

"Well, I better go tell the others about this. I hope your wound gets better, Kramor."

Georgi turned to leave, smiling at Loner as she passed her on the way out.

[ 07-13-2001: Message edited by: Georgi ]

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 11:25 am

Originally posted by dragon wench:
<STRONG>"I owe you thanks. This morning you tried to save my life, and then...you brought me back before attending to your own wounds."

Then, feeling uncomfortable at the gravity of her own tone, she smiled lightly,
"By the way, that was a great presentation you gave, but you forgot the slides.</STRONG>

Catching Dragon Wench during a short lull in activity, Gwalchmai chose to address an earlier question of hers, "I meant to answer you before, about my healing you, but event have conspired to delay our conversation." Grinning at her, he continued,“For the healing, well, you are welcome, milady. Its just part of being a druid. As with most in the Priestly Classes, my main function in parties is to cast protection and healing spells for those in the front lines. I am comfortable with my role. Perhaps that is why I felt comfortable playing the part of you ‘slave’ a short time ago."

Gwalchmai's grin grew broader, then faded, "I thought by your anger that you may not have wanted to be healed, as inconceivable as that may be." Then he turned to walk toward the kitchen, but stopped, "By the way, I am glad you liked my summary. I had considered utilizing an array of graphs and flow charts, but I couldn’t find the markers and construction paper.”

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 12:02 pm

(OOC Alert! I'm coming out of lurk mode

)

Darkpoet followed the smoke to its source, a small campfire with a lone woman in front of it. He stalked her slowly with his sword drawn. The demon inside Darkpoet rejoiced in the paladins anguish. The demon loved slaughter, especially of innocents.
“Greetings Paladin, I’ve been waiting for you.” The woman’s voice rang through the silent glade. She didn’t turn to face the blood-splattered man behind her. “I think you should put the sword down. In fact, I insist.” The woman said something under her breath and the demon shrieked. Darkpoet felt a flash of pain and collapsed to the ground.

T’lainya shook her head sadly at the unconscious man before her. She was unsure of how she could help him, but she followed the will of Corellon. Her vision had been specific; she was to aid this man and those who traveled with him. Her senses were drawn to the tattoo on his arm; she felt the drow magic pounding through it, appearing like a purplish black miasma around him. Quietly she brewed some healing herbs in water and started to clean the blood from him.

“T’lainya?” Menadirs voice came softly through the trees. “Has the demon subsided for now?”
“Yes, for now. I’ll be all right Menadir. Here in this place with the light of the moon upon me, the demon loses power. You may depart now.” She smiled at the elf’s concern. The followers of Sheverash had pleaded for intercession and the Seldarine had agreed. She supposed the man had fought valiantly against the drow. The half elf murmured a prayer to the Seladarine and waited.

[ 07-13-2001: Message edited by: T'lainya ]

Vivien · Post by **Vivien** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 12:28 pm

Ooc: Welcome T'lainya

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 12:30 pm

Frowning slightly Dragon Wench wondered how Gwalchmai had known her reluctance at being brought back. She moved her shoulder and felt a sharp ache, a reminder from the morning's battle. Her impish grin returned,

"I don't suppose that a certain former slave could be prevailed upon for a massage later.....," she enquired roguishly.

OOC Hi T'lainya

[ 07-13-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 12:37 pm

The demon screamed so loud in Darkpoet's head. The brain temporarily shut down, causing him to collapse. The demon was afraid, it tried to wake Darkpoet, to get away from this area. Darkpoet slowly came to, rolling on his back with a groan. He opened one eye, seeing the elf sitting next to the fire. "This isn't going to be good" he thought.
He had killed those elves execution style, as the Drow would.
"You really stepped in it now Dp, no matter what you did for them in the past." he thought.
Closing his eye, taking a deep breath.

"What are you waiting for? Why don't you just kill me now and get it over with? Or do you like to torture, before you kill?"

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 1:03 pm

T’lainya walked over to the apprehensive man. The firelight cast a fiery glow, bathing the woman in its radiance. She stopped and knelt by his side. The long fiery hair framed the delicate features and pointed ears of a half elf. T’lainya looked deep into Darkpoets’ eyes, reading his emotions. Her green eyes held his in sympathy as she read his sorrow and pain. She realized his fear and shame at his recent deeds. She spoke in a calm, quiet voice, much like the voice she would use to calm a frightened animal.

“Darkpoet, your name and deeds, both glorious and ignoble, are known to me. Those you slew tonight will be laid to rest. You were driven this way for a reason. The followers of Sheverash the Black Archer pleaded for an end to your torment. Well they know the cruelty of the drow. They do remember your deeds, you know, elven memories are very long. You have…suffered, the pain and betrayal are written like flaming brands upon your soul. “ She stopped for a moment, lost in some memory. Then she continued,”I am here to try to help you rid yourself of this demonic presence. It was felt that we are more familiar with drow enchantment than many human mystics are.”

(OOC Hi DW, Hi Viv

)

thantor3 · Post by **thantor3** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 1:06 pm

OOC: @T'lainya: Hi, T'lainya! Nice to have you with us.
@Georgi: Now, now, please keep your fantasies in check.

Geez, one dance and they...

Thantor caught up with Georgi as she was coming out of Kramor's room and shared with her the same observations he had shared with Loner. "You seemed worried," she observed after he was through.

"Yes. This opponent is not to be underestimated... or trifled with."

"I say bring it on," said Georgi feistily. "We'll kick his butt.. if he has a butt," she finished with a grin. Thantor didn't know if Georgi meant the group as a whole or the two of them. He found it endearing all the same.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 1:13 pm

[OOC: So, we lose our only lurker

but gain a new character

! Woo-Hoo! Welcome, T'lainya.

Apparently, I am the house masseuse. If you ever feel a little stressed, you can fand me in the jacuzzi room...

]

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 1:23 pm

"Black Archer, good warriors. I have fought along side them, learned many things from them." Darkpoet whispered.

"From all the research I have done, the only way to rid me of the demon, is to kill me. So, do it, I have to pay for what I have done. Soon as the Order finds out, I'll be classed as fallen."

Darkpoet sits up, stares into the fire.

"I would rather be dead, than to put up with the humility and shame."

Looking at the elf, knowing he had seen her before. But, wasn't sure.

"You might as well, kill me. I can't control, the demon."

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 1:58 pm

The priestess furrowed her brow at the paladins words. “And that is your answer Darkpoet? You would let the drow and their demonic servant win another battle? I thought you would have more courage than that. The way Menadir described you, you were a man of honor. I will not kill you if there is another way. If you want to commit suicide, do it on your own. My people feel they owe you a debt, I am here to help repay it.” T’lainya rose and stared towards the sky. One star seemed to pulse with a brilliant azure fire, catching a pendant at her neck and flaring suddenly to illuminate the tattoo on Darkpoets arm. The priestess let the power wash over her, making an arcane gesture she touched the tattoo with a small silver wand. The tattoo faded somewhat, obscured by a silvery haze that seemed to dampen the power of the drow magic. “It’s your choice.” T’lainya turned from Darkpoet, waiting for his answer.

(OOC Hi Gwally, Hi Thantor...nice to meet you

)

Darkpoet · Post by **Darkpoet** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 2:22 pm

When the tatoo faded a little, the demon screamed. It was frantic, screaming to kill the elf. Darkpoet noticed for the first time, the tatoo did not burn. His brain didn't feel like it was going to explode. Touching his arm, it wasn't hot.

"I have had this thing in me for ten years. I want it out, if you can do it."

Darkpoet stands, touches T'lainya's shoulder.

"Your people don't owe me anything, I have a debt to pay back to them. Please, rid me of this demon."

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 2:57 pm

T’lainya smiled at the man beside her. “This will not be an easy task. But I have faith that you are sufficiently motivated. Now for the important question, are you hungry?”
T’lainya walked to the fire and started ladling out some stew into a beautifully carved wooden bowl. Darkpoet studied her. What he had thought was a tunic was actually a very finely wrought chain mail, so light it looked like fabric. The metal was a strange silvery color, worked with designs in azure. Darkpoet recognized the symbol of at least one elven god. Her hair was long and hung in a single braid woven with a spray of bell shaped flowers. The pendant at her neck was a single azure star by a crescent moon, the star hung unsupported by the other metal. Darkpoets eyes didn’t miss the heavy flail that hung by her side, the hilt worked with the same motif as the armor. T’lainya turned and if she was aware of his scrutiny she said nothing. She handed him the bowl and a spoon and told him to eat.

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Fri Jul 13, 2001 4:27 pm

Nippy awoke from a particuarly restful slumber. He had taken an herbal tea to help ease tension and relax the muscles.

He stirred in his bed and flet something was wrong.

He rolled out the side of the bed just as a halberd cut a swathe through his pillow. He rolled out from underneath his bed and decked his unknown assailant. Nippy proceeded to try to incapacitate his attacker and found him to be dead, he had a pouch of Deadly Nightshade and he was not afraid to use it.

The noise from the attack called the monks from nearby quarters. They burst into Nippy's room only to find a body lying prone of the floor with Nippy nearby.

Hitomi burst into the room.

"What in the God's name has occured here?"

Nippy proceeded to explain what had occured.

"This shadow master is truly powerful, he can conceal his followers in the most holy of places where dark magic should instantly be noticed. Come, Nippy we have much work to do in little time."

Nippy followed gathering his equipment.

He followed Hitomi to a clearing where sunlight beamed down onto a tree stump.

"Sit on the stump Nippy. Drink this tea, it should induce your dreams."

Nippy drunk the tisane and prepared himself. Hitomui had one last word of advice.

"You shall meet a Planetar, a most holy of beings, he will test you on five things. There is nothing more I can tell you as this is your test. Good luck!"

Nippy became groggy, the tisane was taking effect. He was suddenly in a coma-like slumber.

"Good luck my young friend, you have no idea how important this is."

Nippy was blinded by a sudden burst of light. A booming voice erupted from the corridor of light.

"Nippy, thou art to be judged on the Ancient magic, do you accept this trial?"

"I do my lord, this is not for me, this is for everyone I know and love in the Dark Flames!"

"Good," the voice laughed "you are certainly the strong willed one aren't you my little friend! Then let the first test begin!"

Nippy caught a glance of the figure, the head was similar to a fire elemental awash with flame but this flame was pure and white. It was similar to the Sunfire used in the Ancient Sun magic.

Nippy was suddenly transported to a tent, he was with a group of Paladins he recognised from the Order of the Radiant Heart.

"There is little we can do sire, our forces are too far spread and the enemy is beginning to overwhelm our soldiers."

"Ack, why tell me this Corran? 'Tis truly bad news."

Nippy looked at the battlemap they had placed on the table. He instantly saw an oppourtunity. There was a small gap in the enemy lines at the centre. Twenty horseman could break through and disrupt the line.

"Sire, if I may speak with you for a moment." said Nippy

"What is it Lieutenant? I have little time."

"Sire, if I may have twenty horseman I can break their line and give you an oppourtunity to retreat. Give me the men sir, you have to, it is our only hope..."

The captain looked at him. He was a new officer, inexperienced but a formidable fighter and at ease with his men. Aye, you may have them. Choose them at your whim."

Nippy selected some of the bravest men he could find. He chose the fastest stallions he could find. With a single cry from the bugle the men rode off into the line. They broke through and Nippy could see the captain and his officers call a retreat to a defendable pass. The line was disrupted but the men were falling, he was left with a young man, only about 19 summers.

"Ride man ride, live to see another day!"

Nippy slapped the flank of the mans horse and it broke through the line. He would make it back with the others. At this moment he was pierced with an arrow and dozens of hand pulled him off his horse, he was quickly slaughtered.

The strange light suddenly returned, he was back in the corridor of light.

"Well done Nippy, you have passed your first test!"

"But why? Nineteen good men died and I was killed!"

"Yes but you did not give up hope, you fought on and saved hundreds of lives with your sacrifice, this test was Hope and you succeeded. Onto the next test!"

The light was gone again and he appeared in a pit lined with spikes.

Suddenly a door sprang open, a tremedous roar escaped from the darkness.

Nippy was unarmed and suddenly quite afraid...

[ 07-17-2001: Message edited by: Nippy ]