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Post by Jenny on Jul 11, 2014 20:35:28 GMT -5
Ro thought she heard Tristan’s voice shouting to her, but she did not turn. She did not want him to see the tears that refused to stop falling from her eyes. She blinked them back, desperately, so that they did not blur her vision more than a fraction of a second. It was true, the retreat had been called, but Andal was dead, or dying, and nothing… no one… could have survived that. If it only had been she who had died…. Then she would not have to feel this wrenching pain in her heart, this desperate sadness that made her afraid… for the first time in her life. And she was angry, so angry she thought she could burst into flames.
The Illion host were on the attack, shouting cries for blood and death. When they saw a single woman, in a dusty cape and flaming red hair, charging to meet them some burst out in a bawdy laugh at how ridiculous the notion was. One woman standing against an entire army? Their enemy may be desperate or else this woman was mad.
Ro paid no mind to their laughter, she was too far gone to be offended by it. She would quiet them soon enough with a taste of her naginata. When she was within distance, she let out a fierce cry, leaping over the spears lowered in her direction. She practically danced along the spear points, perfectly balanced, perfectly attuned to her body. Her naginata whirrd through the air and the enemy were cut down before they even had time to realize that they were dying.
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Post by Joe on Jul 11, 2014 21:26:03 GMT -5
A vortex of light rushed by him, he was falling upwards, a thousand voices whispering in his ear.
"You promised." Lori whispered.
"I'll be there." Rendell laughed.
"It's your fault." Hissed his father.
"Don't leave her." His mother begged.
"I love you." Aurelia moaned.
A blackened sky now hung above him, a wide-eyed surgeon knelt over him. He tried to stand, the pain rushing in.
"M-My lord!" The surgeon reached his hands out, "We have to get you out of here." Andal tried to speak but dirt clogged his throat, he coughed, freeing the sand. "What happened?" Andal croaked. "There was an explosion, we're retreating." Andal summoned his strength again, sitting up, but his arm painfully cracked. He yelled in pain, it was broken, badly. "Sling it!" Andal yelled at the surgeon. "I'll do my best, my lord." The surgeon hastily splinted and slung the arm, Andal grimacing in pain, "It's the best I can do my lord, we need to get you to safe-"
"My companions, are they safe?" Andal stood, frowning at the broken sword hilt in his hand. "I do not know my lord, I was summoned here by-" "You've done well.. get out of here, get to safety.
The pain flowed through him and he stumbled to catch his footing with each step. Tristan suddenly rushed into his sight, "How in- You were dead!" Andal frowned, the memories of his brief respite already fleeing his mind like a dream. "Where are the others?"
Tristan perked up, remembering Ro again, "I do not know about the others, but look Lord Andal, Ro has rushed the enemy ranks! She saw your body and.." He trailed off, gesturing towards the field of battle.
Andal rushed to the battlement, seeing ahead the whirl of steel and blood as Ro cut down the enemy lines. They were surrounding her, she couldn't kill them all. "Lord Ondreau, find Klaus and the princess.. and Blackwell if you can, get out of here. Get her to safety."
Tristan gazed at his back in silence for a moment, "It will be done. Suns guide you." Without a further word he turned and ran for the stairs.
Andal looked at the broken sword again and dropped it to the ground, bracing himself as he slid down the embankment formed from the ruins of the wall. His feet hit the dirt of the battlefield and he started towards Ro, breaking into a jog, then a run. His broken arm and limp displaying a pained gait. The shadows gathered around him, wrapped his legs and arms, his form turning from pained and broken to strong and complete. They enveloped him, his form nothing but a towering humanoid maelstrom of shadow. It charged across the field at full speed, its footfalls shaking the ground.
The ranks that had formed around Ro turned and regarded the approaching giant. They did not break, but regarded each other with hesitation and uncertainty, holding their spears out in a wall.
It reached them and swept its arm down, the shadowy appendage sweeping through the weapons and striking the men sending a shockwave of force through the line. Men screamed and sailed through the air. Its arms were a whirlwind as it cut a swathe towards Ro, spears from all around striking through and piercing the form of the shadow before being swept aside.
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Post by Jenny on Jul 11, 2014 21:37:56 GMT -5
Ro knew she couldn’t keep this up, by the ancestors, it made her feel good to use her naginata again, and even if it may be revenge and pure hatred, she reveled in the emotions she felt, not allowing the numbness in … suddenly the shouts to surround her, to put her down, to take her head silenced as all eyes went towards the distance, their spears lowering as the forgot themselves and their fight. Ro spun around and let out a cry of victory. It was Andal, she was sure of it! As the shadow cleared a path to her so she did to Andal, those that did not run in fear… When all that had been before her had been swept away, or killed, she stood tall, her red hair whipping about her from the maelstrom his power created. She held up her naginata and cried out for joy.
“You’re alive!”
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Post by Joe on Jul 11, 2014 21:53:51 GMT -5
The form reached her and stood tall before her for a moment before reaching a hand down and grabbing her, sweeping her into the air in one motion. The mouthless face of the form seemed to eye her momentarily with the same hatred as it held for the men around them; then it turned and sprinted back towards the walls of the castle, holding her in its fist. The mass of soldiers behind them began to yell and charge again. Arrows rained around them and the form drew her close to its chest, shielding her as arrows pierced its smoking flesh.
It leapt into the air, clearing the top of the wall and landing on the walkway, setting her down carefully. The shadows began to flow out of the form, shrinking and ducking away into corners. Soon enough it completely dissipated, and Andal fell to the ground from within, coughing blood onto the blackened stone beneath them. It ended prematurely, his current strength not able to maintain it. He struggled to his feet, holding his arm, "Ro.. I can't." His knees gave out and he fell to his hands, scraping them on the rough stone. "Go, run, please.."
He wanted to go back, they were waiting for him. Would she ever let him? How long would he have to live?
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Post by Jenny on Jul 11, 2014 22:05:39 GMT -5
Serena looked down at the clothing that Klaus had her put on. She was dressed as a common soldier, her hair braided and tucked beneath the chain mail hood attached to the shirt that hung down to her knees. She had pulled on hose to match the jerkin in Velris’s colors. Though she was a beauty, if surrounded by other soldiers, and her companions, she would not be recognized from afar.
“It’s heavy,” she gasped.
Klaus laughed. “For you, perhaps…”
They turned to the door when Tristan and Blackwell burst through the door. They almost didn’t recognize the girl. Blackwell grinned when he realized that it was Serena.
“Clever girl.”
“It was Klaus’s idea,” she said quickly, blushing a bit. She felt weighted down, and foolish. “Where is Ro and Andal?”
“Preoccupied,” Tristan said much too quickly, as if rehearsed. “They will join us with the others.”
“We are retreating?” She gasped.
“Aye, child… let’s get going, no more questions.”
The three ushered her out, and were joined by other soldiers, when Klaus instructed them to surround her, joining a platoon which marched towards the rallying point.
Serena’s eyes went wide as she looked around, seeing dead bodies and rubble. Klaus reached out and placed his hand on her head, pushing it down gently so her eyes were on the floor.
“Do not look up child, this is too much for you to see right now.”
Serena let out a whimper and nodded, obeying.
------
Ro made no complaint when his shadow form lifted her up. As the eyes regarded her she stared back into his, the gaze the shadow gave her, full of spite and hatred, did not fill her with fear but with pity. Did he carry so much hatred within him, or was it this power inside him that made his eyes look at her so? She closed her eyes, willing to give him her life, if it wished to close its hand and crush her. But it did not that. Instead, it whisked her away, and protected her from all harm.
She opened them again as the shadow leapt over the wall of the fortress and she looked down as he set her on her feet so that she may not waver. As the shadows dissipated, she watched them fade from him. She bolted forward when Andal fell to the ground and tried to help him stand. Ro touched to arm that had been splinted, saw the exhaustion in his body, the pain in his eyes. She felt so helpless then… unable to take this pain away.
When he fell to his knees a second time, pleading for her to run, she refused, shaking her head fervently. “I stay by your side, always. Always…”
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Post by Joe on Jul 12, 2014 9:23:22 GMT -5
Andal grimaced and looked to her, confusion and sadness in his eyes, "Then you must carry me."
---
Tristan looked all around them at the former camp behind the castle. The soldiers were abandoning all they could not carry, wagons hastily packed and tents left standing. The castle was a smoldering ruin behind them, the sound of screams still echoing from its parapet. Soldier, noble, and peasant alike were forming a long line as they fled to the west. Would the Illios chase them and try to ride them down? The slow pace of the proceeding concerned him.
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Post by Jenny on Jul 12, 2014 20:31:33 GMT -5
He had Ro’s loyalty, and having been close to losing him, she did not want to lose sight of him. He was visibly weakened, not having the strength to harness his power to it’s full extent and only in bursts. She would not leave him behind, not for anything. She smiled a little and sheathed her naginata.
“Of course, I will lift you onto my back, and do favor your arm.”
She threw his good arm over her shoulder, intending to carry him piggyback, and shifted his weight more securely when he complied, putting her arms under his legs.
“Brace yourself.”
She began to jog off in the direction of the former army camp and continued on when she saw that every last soldier was carrying off what they could. She was holding more precious cargo than they ever could. She had faith that the other companions had seen to Serena’s safety. Without stopping to ask about them, she continued to run as fast as she dared, keeping her strides even and smooth, not wanting Andal to be jostled too greatly. Carrying him did not bother her, for she was fit enough, and it pleased her to be so close to him.
Ro did not know what the enemy would do, but her blood lust had been satisfied. Her main concern was now Andal. She heard him coughing, practically choking on his own blood, with countless injuries both inside and outside his body. She pressed her lips in a fine line, and willed her legs to go faster, for she wanted to bring him to the army medic.
When they reached the rallying point, she eased Andal off her back, bending to one knee and breathing hard.
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Post by Joe on Jul 13, 2014 18:53:18 GMT -5
Andal eased himself up from one knee, looking to Ro, "Thank you.." The trail of refugees was still flowing into the small town of Eastover. Families came out from their homes looking concerned, some of them shutting their doors and windows tightly. The keep in the distance was now burning brightly, huge pillars of smoke flowing into the stars. Andal snarled, fighting through the pain, "I must find Serena, ensure she is safe."
The doors of the Eastover town hall groaned open and Andal stepped through, looking to the table where Lord Velris and his surviving companions sat.
"By the sun, Lord Andal!" Lord Velris stood from the table, rushing to the side of the crippled lord. "We all thought you were dead."
Andal nodded, "Your fears were not unfounded. Where is Serena?"
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Post by Jenny on Jul 13, 2014 19:43:23 GMT -5
Ro gave him a brilliant smile. “I know you’d pull through.”
She looked behind them as Andal’s eyes shifted to the burning ruins of Velris Keep. Her look was somber as she watched the smoke blot out the sun. She looked at Andal as he spoke, giving him a weak smile as she helped him to his feet. She followed him into the Eastover town hall, keeping close at hand in case he should need her support. It was as if he was the Earth and she was his Moon, moving in synch with him.
The companions bolted to their feet when Ro and Andal showed themselves, with mixed emotions of disbelief, the ease of their anxiety, and joy at seeing that both of them were safe. She shifted to the side in respect to Lord Eckard’s position, smiling softly. Tristan looked particularly at Ro and went to her and took her arm, pulling her away from the men.
“Are you mad, running off to fight a whole army on your own?!” He said in exasperation. “What use to the Princess would you be if you had been killed? It was suicide. Just how… did you… stay alive?” His eyes went wide and mouth agape.
Ro did not immediately shrug off Tristan, but gently tugged her arm free after he had asked her the question. “Lord Andal saved me, with his power. But it has weakened him considerably. I don’t think he could survive if he were to summon his power a second time.”
Tristan looked grave. “Then we must take care.”
“We have to,” Ro agreed, giving Andal a sideways glance.
“Andal? Andal!” The Lady Belmont had seen his state as she stood up from her place beside the podium at the front of the hall. She still wore the soldier’s uniform, but had pulled down the chain mail hood so that it exposed her long braid and the whole of her face. Her eyes filled with tears and she placed a hand over her mouth to see him so hurt. His clothes were torn and dusty, he had scratches and bruises all over what skin was exposed, and his arm had been hastily splinted.
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Post by Joe on Jul 13, 2014 20:05:01 GMT -5
Upon seeing Serena Andal smiled, slowly walking over to her. He took a step back, looking her over, "A disguise, good thinking." Klaus and Andal exchanged nods from the table. "Are you injured? Did anything happen?"
Lord Velris summoned a medic who began cleaning and treating Andal's various wounds, repeatedly muttering about the severity of his wounds and his fortune at being alive.
Lord Velris returned to his place at the head of the table, clearing his throat. "Well, initial reports by the quartermaster suggest that someone infiltrated the keep and set off an explosion. We did not have enough ordnance to cause such a blast, so it is unclear what caused it. Clearly some sort of agent of the Illios who wished us defeat.. and unfortunately succeeded.
This town is too small for us to properly defend against attack. Our casualties were high in the blast, for now we must shift to evasive tactics until we are reinforced. I have the guarantee of Lord Gilroy that his men will reach us soon." Eckard shifted and turned to Andal, "My lord, your coming to us before the battle was a coincidental blessing, we were very thankful for the support of you and your companions during the battle. This is not your fight though, it is my recommendation that you continue on with the princess and ensure her coronation at Duskwell. Keeping her here on the frontline is too risky, I'm sure you agree."
Andal nodded, "I do." Turning to his companions he spoke, "Our defeat at the siege was a great loss, but our hope is still alive." Smiling quickly at Serena, he continued, "It will not take long to reach Duskwell, but we must be vigilant in our protection of Princess Serena. I fear the agents of the enemy will soon be upon us, and will take every risk to end her life." With a sigh he went on, "Rest here while you can, we will leave soon."
Eckard cleared his throat once more, "The inn in town has been accommodating in providing their best rooms for your party."
Andal bowed, "I will give them my thanks." Passing by Ro he cleared his throat, "Come with me, if you will."
Outside the town hall the tensions in the air was surprisingly light. Despite having suffered a defeat, the soldiers seemed in good spirits, some of them cheering at the sight of Andal's lack of death. The inn was modest, its main room being converted to temporary housing for the soldiers. Dozens of men and women littered the ground, curled up on makeshift beds. Andal climbed the stairs and entered one of the empty rooms, holding the door for Ro, "Come in, please."
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Post by Jenny on Jul 13, 2014 20:20:21 GMT -5
“I’m fine,” Serena was so joyous to see him at last that she beamed. “Klaus kept me safe.” A touch of her youth came back upon her and she suddenly threw her arms around him, trying not to crush his arm, and gave him a squeeze. “I’m glad you’re all right, Andal.” She let him go and stepped back, looking a little shy at her boldness. Then as the medic took him aside she sat back down again where she had been sitting, trying not to get in the way. It was still odd to her that everyone was talking of her safety, of her protection, or the need to flee these fine people when they were in need. But she did not let out any sound of protest. She trusted Andal to make the right decisions, and she knew everyone would do the same. So why was she so anxious?
Ro listened to the conversation without words, content to allow Velris and Andal to communicate with one another. She smiled at Velris when he spoke of his thanks, giving him a firm nod. She turned her attention immediately when he spoke to them. She thought that it was Andal who was in need of rest, and at mention that they would be housed in an inn for a while, she breathed out a sigh of relief. Still, it would be difficult to allow herself to relax completely. She blinked at Andal as he indicated that she should follow him and did so immediately.
Her brow furrowed to see the refugees within the main hall of the inn. She stepped among them carefully, not wanting to disturb their sleep, barely even daring to breathe. She paused at the door and looked at him steadily, then entered the empty room before him. She settled herself to perch on the end of the bed, looking up at him.
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Post by Joe on Jul 13, 2014 20:32:17 GMT -5
Andal was taken aback by her embrace, looking surprised a moment before patting her back with his good arm. "Fear not, my work is not quite finished."
---
Andal closed the door, limping to a dresser at the wall. A cloudy mirror sat atop it, Andal gazed at his reflection, his back to Ro. "What were you doing out there.. in the field?"
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Post by Jenny on Jul 13, 2014 20:42:15 GMT -5
Ro hadn’t expected what he would have to say to her and her jaw went slack before she recovered and shook her head to come out as if in a daze. As if he hadn’t known…
“You… I thought you died.” She said, looking away, to hide the sudden blush on her cheeks. “I was so upset, so angry that the Illios had managed to… you know, hurt you.” She corrected herself. “I could only think to take out as many as I could… before…” She paused and looked at him. “It was foolish, I know. I should have thought for Serena’s sake. But I was so angry.”
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Post by Joe on Jul 13, 2014 20:58:38 GMT -5
Andal looked down at his arm, the broken bone was turning the skin near his elbow a sickening purple.
"To be so angry.. to be willing to die." He turned around, facing her, "You must care for me." He looked down, not sure what to say. "I.." He looked at his hand, the scar of his mark faded after so many years. "I care for you too, Ro. More than the others.. I am finding.." Andal cleared his throat, surprised at his own words. "Though I am afraid. You do not know me.. my past." He did not blush, only raised his eyes, staring at her's.
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Post by Jenny on Jul 13, 2014 21:03:50 GMT -5
Ro watched him closely as he spoke, as if hanging on to every word, as if he would disappear like a phantom before her eyes.
“I do,” she said bluntly. “I care about you more than you may know.”
She smiled softly. “I would like to know about you, anything you wish to say in my confidence. Time is fleeting for all of us, Andal.”
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