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Post by Joe on Mar 19, 2014 21:24:43 GMT -5
Andal turned to her, giving a glance back at the two suitors, giving her a knowing smile. "My lady.. how do you fare? A lot has happened in a short time." The marshes spread out for miles around them. Hundreds of tiny pools of water and winding, sunken streams wound around then. Tall reeds and fetid fungi were the only vegetation about them, save the rare single tree, decrepit and drooping. Andal lead them slowly along a narrow dirt path that meandered through the marsh. The main road took a long detour around the marsh, this shortcut would save them a day of travel if all went well, not to mention the Illios would be patrolling the main routes with regularity.
Tristan rode behind Henry Blackwell, eyeing his back with a smirk. Clearing his throat, he addressed him, "My lord Blackwell, I must say I have never heard of your house.. might you tell me of your lands?" It was true that he had never heard his name. The Cities of the Bay kept to themselves, their culture was unique enough that they were almost a secluded nation, far south-west away from the snows that had taken most of the continent. The Illios taxed their province heavily, seeing their extravagance as an opportunity for profit. Their people were resilient though, still managing to maintain their traditions despite the sanctions.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 19, 2014 21:54:01 GMT -5
It was clear that the dreary, long and winding marshes affected her spirits, and upon Andal’s observation, perhaps having the insight that it was not their surroundings that had left her melancholy, she raised her head at the question, his voice sounding loud even on the stagnant wind, she gave him a smile, touched at his concern. “I would say that I am in good spirits, but that would be a deceit. Our stay with Lord Keller seemed all too short…” For that time with Cartell she had wished would have lingered longer… it pained her heart and she gave a heavy sigh. “I am anxious of our coming to Westress, for it will be then I must take my station. Do you think that I will do well as queen? Oh, Andal… I know nothing of what it means to be royalty, how to run the affairs of state… what if I were to make mistakes?” Her anxiety was real and clear on her face.
Blackwell turned in his saddle to regard Tristan. “And I have heard nothing of yours…” he darted back, yet spoken with a winning smile, assuming that his words might be a slight on his character. “Have you not been to the games? It seems that I have not yet had the honor to cross foils with you in tournament, Lord Ondreau. By the notches on your belt… (in this he meant proofs of victory in the games,) it is apparent that you are a champion.” He spoke with brashness, his voice dripping with pride and confidence. “My noble father is lord over the lands of Westhold, in the west, our serfs tilling lands with soil rich and black and we make do during the winter thanks to our rich harvests.” He let out a chuckle. “We do very well for ourselves there. I am surprised you know not of us, for our king rules over wide territories. Where do you hail from, good sir?”
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Post by Joe on Mar 19, 2014 22:18:41 GMT -5
Andal nodded, "Aye, our time in luxury was short-lived, but our task is far too important to linger." He listened to her concern and stayed silent a moment as he thought about days long ago, when he still was in the company of kings. "I cannot say how you will do. I've been impressed with your ability to adapt to your circumstances, and adaptation is a great skill for one who would lead. As for the rest.. it will come to you. You were born to rule, there is a power within you that none in this land hold. Not the Baron-kings in the south, not the Czars in the north, not even the "Hallowed King" in his holy city. Your parents ruled before you, your sist-" He paused, he had never mentioned her to Serena. "You will make mistakes.. it is the nature of learning, but you will not be alone. You will have advisors, courtiers, a private retinue. All will come together to see you in to your reign.. I would not worry, that day is far away." He gave her a gentle smile.
Tristan laughed at the quip, "Indeed, I have bested many a noble knight - though none as noble as you it would seem! I come from the Bay Cities, specifically from the city they call the Bay Jewel, Castellan, home to the finest wine and women in Cairnewn. I fear our dirt may be inferior though, I admit."
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Post by Jenny on Mar 19, 2014 22:30:54 GMT -5
Serena was grateful for his counsel, for it put a weight off of her mind and heart. “And will you be there beside me, Andal?” She truly looked anxious regarding this. He had been with her from the beginning, and she could not think of a future without him. But too had she counted on Cartell’s presence, and he had abandoned his place at her side, in which her naiveté had promised her that it would always be so. Even more, that she may have the freedom to love him. And so she had thought, before Cartell’s words the last night she saw him. She had not missed the pause in Andal’s speech… had she a sister? She would ask him, but Cartell was always first on her mind upon waking and before she slept. “Do you think Cartell is all right?” She said in a small voice.
“Dirt?” Blackwell snorted. “If you had seen our soil, you would not be so rash as to call it dirt. It is the lifeblood of crops and things that grow. Why, that very forest we left behind could not have so fine a soil as ours, if you find meaning in it. I would like to see these women and drink of your wine, if ever I have the chance to fight in your tourneys.” He chuckled, as if the thought were a small thing, easily conquered.
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Post by Joe on Mar 20, 2014 8:34:03 GMT -5
Andal nodded slowly, "I hope to be, my lady." At her mention he thought about Cartell, trying to think realistically about his expectations. "I fear I cannot say, the road to our lands are quite perilous, further still due to recent events. He has great potential as a warrior though, even though he doesn't seem to see it. However the odds are stacked against him. There are worse things than brigands in these lands." The thought made him turn a quick glance over his shoulder, scanning the horizon.
Tristan bowed his head, "I am sure the lists would gladly welcome you, but for the women I cannot speak." Growing tired of the jest, his eyes moved towards Serena. Her brilliant hair whipping behind her in the foul wind of this place. A smile came to his fair face as he daydreamed. Sitting next to her on a throne of gold, the people standing before them in awe. They were a sight, both fair of skin and hair, the image of the Golden Kingdom. He could tell she did not have a care for him, and neither Blackwell. He looked to Andal, he did not know this man's story, at least beyond hearsay. She trusted him, listened to him, perhaps he should try instead to win this man's heart? He laughed to himself, if Blackwell was any indication his charms had no effect on men.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 20, 2014 23:58:34 GMT -5
The odds are stacked against him… Serena breathed in sharply and let it out in a shudder, averted her eyes, blinking rapidly. She should not become emotional, but her worry for Cartell was overwhelming. She reached out and stroked the horses’ neck upon which she was riding, more to soothe herself with the motion. “Just how long does this stretch on, Andal?” She indicated the marsh stretching out along them. “Will we be forced to stay the night upon these trails?” She dearly hoped not. She could do well with a warm fire and a hot meal. Here it was miserable, damp and cold. She did not even want to touch the water, lest it chill her bones as well as her spirit.
Blackwell shrugged lightly. He cared not that the conversation had trailed off. He had not decided if he liked or disliked Lord Ondreau, but he desired to show that he was the better man. His time would come.
With the setting sun, the marsh insects began to drift towards the riders, emitting tiny but annoying buzzing noises, attracted by their body heat and the promise of stealing away some of their blood. Serena tried to wave them away. They hung like clouds. Great, this just made things all the worse. She wished they would just go away. Her horse was just as annoyed for it could only flick its ears and tail. She looked at Andal with dismay after swatting a stinging fly off of her arm.
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Post by Joe on Mar 22, 2014 21:17:58 GMT -5
Andal squinted his eyes, looking into the distant haze of the marsh. "Night will fall before we pass through it.. but I do not intend to stop. The nights in this marsh are.. unnatural."
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Cartell had entered the borders of Dire's End, the fortress of their house, Dire Hall, was still a day's ride away. Snow covered the ground in patches, most of it melting away until the next blizzard layered the ground again. Their land was mostly tundra and evergreen forest. The grass was a dark shade of green, mossy rocks spotted the landscape mingling with pine trees. Thick clouds hung overhead, Cartell frowned as it meant more snow was coming. He was still shaking with fright after his encounter with the beast in the woods. He rode his horse off the main road and found a secluded area to try and rest. He had been riding almost non-stop since he left Cairn's Crossing, and his horse too shook from the effort. He laid his bedroll down against a rock that sheltered him from the sun. He collapsed on it and tried to drive the thoughts of danger from his mind, if only for a short time. Cartell tried to think of Serena, but he wasn't sure how he felt now. He still loved her, there was no doubt of it, but was it requited? There was no future in loving a girl who didn't love you back, he had seen it before. He remembered all the other young lords and knights that had been at Lord Keller's manor, all more skilled and attractive than he was. That was going to change though, he only hoped it would actually mean something to Serena.
Cartell was awoken in the night by a voice calling him. He jerked awake and started to panic, but the voice began to calm him. "My lord, my lord you are safe! We have come for you." Desperately trying to blink and rub the blur from his eyes he saw two men standing over him, he saw the green tunics and capes, and the crest of his house upon their breasts. He slowly stood up and looked at them cautiously, "You serve the Holland's of Dire Hall?" The two men looked at each other and smiled, "Yes, Lord Holland, we serve you. Your brother Lord Andal warned us of your arrival." Cartell felt panic rise suddenly, "Does he seek to capture me? Return me to the south?" The men looked at each other, not sure if they had missed something. "No my lord, we are here to escort you back to the hall."
They were back on the main road, Cartell riding flanked by the two soldiers of his house. A small smile crept on to his face, he was starting to feel proud. It felt good to not simply be following in his brother's shadow. The moon was low in the eastern sky, the sun would rise soon. Cartell cleared his throat, "My brother told me the Illios have been raiding our land." The soldier to his left looked to him, nodding, "Aye my lord, we gather it is a small party. They strike small villages and outposts and flee before we can counterattack. So far they haven't struck anything valuable, but their numbers seem to be growing." Cartell nodded, he understood, but if he was meant to command the troops he wasn't sure where to begin. They traveled in silence for a few more hours before they crested a hill, and Cartell could see his home. Unlike most castles, Dire Hall was not surrounded by a city, save a small gathering of abodes where lived those who did not live within the castle itself. It was perched on the cliffs of a high waterfall, split into two halves with a great stone bridge spanning the gap. The frigid northern river ran between the two halves of the castle, falling down the cliff just beyond it. There was a long winding path of stone that lead up to the gates. The soldiers didn't break their stride, guiding him up the path as the sky in the west began to warm.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 23, 2014 0:53:12 GMT -5
Serena shuddered in agreement. Her eyes trailed down to the marshes surrounding their thin and winding trail. Much of the water was stagnant, the surface only shivering as water bugs skittered over the surface. The clouds in the night sky were hazy and masked the moon as they drifted by. Serena’s mind began to wander to other things, allowing her horse to plod on behind Andal’s own.
Cartell was a subject becoming increasingly painful to think about. She had come to amends with the fact that she may never see him again, but that did not mean it did not pain her. She tried to put it aside in her mind, but to not know where he was now, how he was faring, if he had reached his home or had instead met his end by the Illios was like a burr in her side. Her face screwed up in concentration as she tried to shove it all away. It was not difficult at this moment because she was so weary. Her mind was exhausted and her body all too willing to comply. Her face drooped as she began to nod off in the saddle, eased by the steady sway of the horse.
Her head jerked upwards when a wolf howled and she turned her head to the sound. It was much too close to comfort and her stomach fluttered nervously. Its high note trailed down until the marsh was quiet again. She chided her fears, telling herself it was just one wolf. One wolf was certainly not a threat against them. She gripped a tuft of her horse’s hair and wove her fingers deep into its mane, leaning forward slightly as she found herself dozing off again.
She heard the wolf again, and barely stirred. But when the howl was answered by a dozen more, scattered about the marsh and much too close, she sat up rigid in her seat. The clouds drifted away from the moon and the marsh was lit up by its light. Around them, creeping low, a pack of wolves were tracking them, having surrounded them in the quiet. They were thin and lanky beasts, their coats muddled and matted into tufts as if they carried diseases. They were scavengers of carrion that had met its end on the marshes, picking over the dead as well as hunting the mean game native to the area. Desperation for food was making them unwisely bold.“Andal?” Serena said in a small voice as she watched as one of them, its eyes glowing faintly in the light, picked up speed. In response the entire pack began to close in, their growls spooking the horses. Her own turned about and began to back up off the trail into the water having become skittish and fearful. “No!” She steered the horse forward, now askew to the rest. If she were not careful the horse may stumble and she may tumble to the ground. She certainly didn’t want that!
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Post by Joe on Mar 26, 2014 15:32:18 GMT -5
Andal whipped his horse around when he heard the wolves closing in. "Everyone! Stay on your horses, lest they bolt!" The others had long taken notice of the wolves and were lining up to meet them. The horses were skittish, but under their riders they held their ground. Klaus brandished his bow and drew back an arrow. He felled two of the beasts before they even reached the party. The manic beasts were no match for the group, and they were all slain or driven off within minutes. The horses had suffered a few scratches, but everyone was okay.
As the last of the wolves fled the bloody scene, the night grew strangely quiet. Andal perked up, there was the distant sound of scared whimpering then a sickening yelp. Then, there was another howl, but it was deeper and ended in a piercing screech. "That is no common animal.. hurry, we must fly!" Andal kicked his horse up into a gallop, making sure the others were following before leading them at a treacherous speed along the narrow path.
---
Cartell had been welcomed back into the castle graciously. Many of the old servants and staff chided him with memories and quips, but still bowed their head and called his lord. He had set his things down in the master bedroom, but he didn't mean to dally long before going to the depths. The sun hadn't yet come up, he still had time to commune with the Outlander. He made his way through the ancient stone keep, crossing the bridge to the other half of the castle. A small staircase wound around the outside of the castle and lead into the cliffs with the waterfall. It used to be a frightening trip, but they had had wooden rails put up and reinforced the stone path. The path lead into a dark cave, the sconces on the wall hadn't been lit in some time with the absence of his family. He had brought his own lantern, and continued down the dank hallway the stone starting to turn green from moss and lichen. At last he came to the chamber, it was a perfect dome carved into the rock, in the middle on a small pedestal was a bowl-like vessel filled with liquid. He approached it and set his lantern down on the edge. The silvery liquid inside was perfectly still, and showed no reflection.
It was his first time communing without Andal present, he wasn't even sure the Outlander would answer him. He held his hand over the pool of liquid and called out to him. "I am Cartell, son of Orden, brother of Andal, we are of your prodigy and I seek your counsel." A minute passed and the water did not move, but then it stirred, and a white hand burst from the liquid and grabbed Cartell's own. He had seen it before, but it still made him jump. As his skin came in contact with that of the other, a vision filled him. Before him in the room was a child. It wore no clothes and had no features, it was simply a form. "Blood of my kin." It said in a hollow voice. Cartell cleared his throat, he wasn't sure the proper way to ask such a thing so he simply spoke. "My friend, I seek a power, like that of my brother. I wish to earn the love of those I cherish.. and kill those who wish them harm." The form stood and walked towards him. It spoke from nowhere, "Your wish is my duty, close your eyes." Cartell did so and braced himself. He felt his arm go cold and then a burning pain shot through it. With a cry he released the hand and fell back onto the stone. His arm was on fire, he gritted his teeth and clenched his eyes - he knew this would happen. The veins on his arm stood out and something seemed to be flowing through them. It reached his hand, and a symbol began to slowly and painfully carve into his flesh. When it was finally done he let out his breath and cradled his hand. The symbol was an upside down V, crossed with a line.
Cartell stood up, slowly lifting his arm as the pain subsided. Something felt different, something was inside him and waited to be called. He turned to the stone wall and made a fist, trying to draw whatever it was. Then a dark form enveloped his arm, a black mist that clung to his flesh. It flowed down to his hand and came together as a great clawed hand. It followed his movement, it was a part of him. With a grunt he pulled his arm back and slammed it into the wall. The stone buckled and cratered, bits crumbling down from the impact. He smiled and then heard a voice.
Now we are one.
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Post by Jenny on Mar 28, 2014 22:38:04 GMT -5
Serena drew hard on the reigns in order to regain control of her horse, steering it back onto the solid ground. One wolf who drew too close to the horses would have remained crippled for life, having been struck by a horses’ hind leg, if it had not been taken down by an arrow. The others made quick work of the wolves. She had not the skill to help them and for that she felt unhappy. She held her breath the entire time, and she gasped for air when her lungs burned for it. She trembled in anxiety, looking at the others with wide eyes, eyes like that of a terrified child. Not many wolves escaped… only those who had skirted away from the arrows. Just as things should have calmed down she heard at a close distance the wolves who had escaped becoming themselves hunted prey, letting out strangled death cries with an abrupt and decisive end. She came to the understanding that a predator of predators was drawing close, and the sound of it made Serena feel like she had been plunged into cold water. She needed no convincing to flee and that their lives were in a greater danger than could be imagined. She coaxed her horse to keep pace with the rest, leaning into the horses’ neck, giving it all of the reign so it would not be hindered. She was terrified at the pace they were going but she did not dare object. She pressed her thighs hard against the horse’s sides and twisted her fingers into the mane so she would not be thrown off. Her body would quickly fatigue of it if lacking the surging adrenaline. Her heart felt like it would escape her chest it was beating so rapidly. She felt like she could die of fear. She pressed her eyes closed, her body almost flat against the horse, and prayed that they may not meet their end in this miserable place.
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Post by Joe on Apr 2, 2014 20:35:19 GMT -5
As they tore down the narrow path the other riders kept their horses under control only missing the path a few times and causing a loud splash in the shallow muck. Every turn of the road Andal turned back to make sure Serena was still behind him. Evening was quickly approaching, and the few times he dared to look back he could not make out a form, but he heard its loud splashes and thuds as it haphazardly gave chase. It's ethereal wails grew louder and fiercer as it gained on the rider in the back, Ro. Knowing any second it would grab hold of her, she deftly stood up on her horse and leapt to the next in line, landing in the saddle with Klaus. The horse gave a short neigh of pain but it was swiftly cut short. The dark shape stopped and stood over the fallen horse, likely feeding. Andal heard the commotion but wasn't sure what happened, he kept the party riding at a quick pace until he no longer could see any movement behind them. They had ridden several miles now deeper into the swamp. He turned in his saddle and yelled back, "Are we all accounted for?" Klaus yelled back, with a surprisingly cheerful tone, "Aye, we've lost a horse but I've gained a lovely partner." Ro said nothing. Andal nodded and looked to Serena.
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Post by Jenny on Apr 2, 2014 21:19:55 GMT -5
Serena kept her eyes ahead, not daring to look behind. It was practically snapping at the rear horses hackles and she could hear Ro urging the horse on and muttering all sorts of curses. How Ro managed to leap forward into Klaus’ saddle at the pace they were urging the horses to run she would have not thought possible. She could hear her horse stumble and slide to a halt, its shriek of fear stopping too abruptly. She could hear no further pursuit so she assumed that they were finally safe for a time. Enemy ahead, enemy behind, enemies all around them… As Andal at last called for a halt, Serena’s hands were shaking so much the reins slipped out of her hand. Her legs felt useless as they had pressed the horse so tight. She let out deep and shivering breaths, closing her eyes and pressing her face against the horses’ neck. Klaus’ merriment caused her to laugh, and she did so to shake off her dread and fatigue. She lifted her eyes to Andal, hoping beyond hope that they might at last have a rest, but alas the swamp stretched on. “I will need a moment,” she gasped breathlessly and groped around the saddlebags for her canteen. She took a few good swallows, paused to catch her breath and drank some more. She moved her horse about so that she was as close to Andal as she could be. “Do you know what that thing is back there? It looks nothing like any beast I have ever seen. It seems an abomination…”
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Post by Joe on Apr 6, 2014 11:37:27 GMT -5
Andal saw her fatigue and furrowed his brow, "We cannot stop, there could be more, and I do not think one horse will stop it for long. We shall keep our pace low." He beckoned the party to continue, though they all looked a bit harried. "As for the creature.. it is a dark tale." He motioned for her to ride a little closer, not wanting to shout the grim story for all to hear. "Before the Illios.. when two suns graced the sky, our world had many more energies. Magick, as you've seen us do.. was much more widespread, and took many forms. Many animals too had magickal properties or fed on those energies. It is said that.. these twisted things we see now, are those creatures who needed magick to survive. Deprived of it, they became wretched and twisted to evil." He glanced at her, hoping it was not too frightening, "They dwell in dark places like this.. many people don't know they exist, but they grow larger."
The sun was now well towards the horizon, the sun was reddening and the land around them grew dim. If they had been thinking of rest at all, it was impossible now.
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Post by Jenny on Apr 7, 2014 23:59:57 GMT -5
Yes, there could be more… and even now that thing could again chase their heels. She nodded and smiled in response to his promise that they should keep a lower pace than breakneck speed. Her heart was still pounding in her chest. She sat up straight and repositioned the reins in her hands as Andal beckoned her closer. He spoke again of magick, a concept she still could not completely wrap her head around. She was sure it would take many days just to describe the fundamentals of magick, and she did not want to ask. Not here on the road. In the future mayhap… But it did make complete sense to her that these creatures would become wretched and twisted when deprived of magick, like one would wither away without sustenance. She simply nodded, her face grave and pale, but she tried to keep her terror under control. “Then do not let us linger another minute than we must in this place. I am better composed now. Please…” she beckoned that they may proceed, grateful that no one had scolded her.
Lord Blackwell had often been surrounded by ladies of the court, usually fickle and silly things, prone to swooning and accentuating the frailty of their sex. He had expected the Lady Belmont to be quite the same, unaware of her upbringing. Most of the talk had been the attempt on her life by the Illios king and the tale of their flight. So he was surprised, and even impressed, that the Lady Serena had managed to compose herself rather than lingering in hysterics and fainting away. What a shame he hadn’t the opportunity to “offer his assistance,” invite her to share his saddle, now that Ro had been unhorsed. He pressed his lips together and shook his head as they trotted off to resume their journey.
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Post by Joe on Apr 12, 2014 12:03:33 GMT -5
Hours passed without incident, night had fallen. Andal looked back to the weary party, all hunched in their saddles ready to collapse. It would be their death to stop though, they could awake surrounded by shades and beasts of all kinds. So they pressed on through the night, Andal and Ro seeming the only ones not overly affected by the hour, ensuring the others did not fall or waver from the path.
Slowly but surely, the fetid pools and withering foliage gave way flowing grass and trees. They were passing from the swamp. Ahead of them were tall mountains, a rocky plain between the party and the peaks. They traveled for another hour, making sure that they were far enough from the swamps to be out of reach of its many parasites. Andal lead them to a small patch of trees, "Here." He said suddenly, breaking the long silence. "Lay down your things, we camp for the night."
He dismounted and began setting down his bedroll. The others did the same, though Ro simply sat against a rock, pulling her hood farther over her face. Andal and Klaus secured the perimeter before returning to their places. They all were forced to sleep closely together at Andal's instruction, they needed to keep their profile as low as possible, and the horses were already taking much of the space.
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