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Post by Jenny on Feb 19, 2015 1:38:19 GMT -5
Ro clutched Serena tightly, focused on the horror that was emerging from the well. Serena was horrified to see something so horrible come out of something as wondrous as the Duskwell.
“What is it?” She whispered, her voice hoarse.
“I don’t know,” Ro responded. “Stay back, my lady. We’re here to protect you.”
“No, don’t go near it, please!” Serena cried out as Ro and the others advanced.
Serena was almost afraid to look.
“Back, back!” Ro shouted bravely, putting herself before Serena. “Foul thing, attend to me!”
The hall rumbled as the knights stormed through the hall towards the creature, coming to assist them. Serena burst out a breath of relief, almost laughing with joy. But that was soon replaced by the sober reality that this thing was tearing the knights apart. Klaus was staggered to one side, holding his side with his teeth grit. Ro slashed at the humanoid with abandoned, her blades flashing in the fire light.
All around her, death and destruction. Serena was afraid even to move. She trembled, tears staining the dust that had settled on her skin from the breaking of the well. Then she heard a wonderful sound. Her neck arched towards Cartel and a smile spread across her face. She paid no mind that he looked different, there was no time to process that now, she ran towards him with open arms.
“Cartel!” She reached out for his hand like a drowning man craves breath. She trembled in relief when she took his hand. She was so glad to see that he was alive.
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Post by Joe on Feb 19, 2015 2:07:02 GMT -5
Taking her hand he pulled her into an embrace, holding it as rock and timber fell from the hall's steepled ceiling. The ethereal claw pulled him towards the creature, and he pulled away. "Serena, I have to finish this." He nodded to her and let her go, running towards the beast.
The knights pulled back to form a line with him. The monster turned to them, focusing on Cartel, seemingly alerted by him. Cartel raised the clawed hand and the shadows around it dissipated, turning to a white light. A form appeared next to Cartel, placing its hand with his, a woman in a white dress, a long strand of gold following it, suspended in the air. The beast bellowed, standing its ground and reaching for the two, seemingly struggling against an invisible force. Cartel struggled back, focusing his will against it, the force from his hand waning against the power of the nightmare. Andal was suddenly next to them, putting his own hand with that of Cartel's and the female form.
Cartel started, "No! It will-" But he felt something from the form comfort him.
Frowning, he looked to Andal who was staring into the eyes of the form, tears falling from his eyes. As all their hands touched, there was an ear-piercing cry from the beast and golden light poured forth from the group, tearing into the beast. Its flesh began to burn away, slowly dwindling in form against the brilliant golden light until little remained and a final explosion of force threw everyone in the room to the floor.
The well was quiet, a faint golden shimmer showing in the falling dust in the void left behind.
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Post by Jenny on Feb 19, 2015 2:20:36 GMT -5
Serena clutched Cartel tightly with her arms desperately. His form was solid and sure, and she needed his presence. She pulled away reluctantly and nodded at him, stepping aside before he ran at the beast. She held her breath, and prayed that he would succeed without getting hurt.
She watched the knights line up as Cartel rallied them. It was then she noticed that Cartel seemed to have gained Andal’s ability to manipulate shadow into a deadly weapon. She was surprised to see the clawed shadow become a beautiful light. As the form of the woman appeared, her eyes were compelled to follow her path as she linked her hand in his. She saw Andal struggling despite injury to link his hand with theirs. Serena pressed her hands against her ears at the piercing cry from the beast but dared not shut her eyes. Slowly she lowered her hands and stood up straight, watching in wonder as the beast was extinguished bit by bit. All at once, she found herself tumbling to her feet as a wave of energy hit her with such force she struggled to even get into a sitting position.
Andal, Cartel and the form seemed to continue to glow for a time afterwards when she managed to get her eyes on them again. Everything was lit up brilliantly by this light. She wondered who this light-woman was and her link with Cartel and Andal. She trailed her eyes over the ruined well. Had they failed?
She took in a deep breath when her lungs ached for air without realizing that she was holding it.
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Post by Joe on Feb 19, 2015 2:36:22 GMT -5
As everyone slowly stood, Cartel crawled toward the limp body of his brother. He cradled his head, pulling back Andal's hood. His eyes were closed, his face an expression of calm. "Andal!?" Cartel yelled, shaking him. Andal did not stir. Cartel looked back for the form that had aided them, but it was gone. He looked back to Andal, then to the others as they gathered. "He's.. gone."
Tristan staggered up to the group, holding his side "Fear not, I live. The beast in vanq-" Looking down to Andal, he fell silent, lowering his head.
Cartel stood, looking for Serena. "The spirit.. did you feel anything from it?" He looked back down to Andal's body, "It knew him.. knew what we needed to do."
Cartel stared down at the body of his brother, "It said everything would be fine.. damn it! How is this fine!?" He threw the sword from his own hand, the blade sparking against the stone floor and clattering loudly in the now silent hall. He slumped to his knees, his arms limp at his side.
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Post by Jenny on Feb 19, 2015 2:51:26 GMT -5
Serena realized with joy that the beast was defeated. No trace remained. As she looked here and there with a smile on her face, it faded to assess her companions. Her eyes fell again on Cartel’s face. It looked so sorrowful. She got to her feet to move towards them, a sinking feeling in her gut. Andal was far too still, limp in Cartel’s arms.
“Andal?” She hastened towards the two of them as she heard those dreadful words came from Cartel’s lips, barely audible from her distance from them, but the finality of it struck her like a blow. She put her hands on Cartel’s shoulders when she stood aside, looking at Andal’s peaceful face then back to Cartel as he spoke. She bit her bottom lip thoughtfully, realizing what the form could have been.
“I think it was Aurelia. It was, I’m sure of it. He got to see her one last time,” she said gently. “She was always here, waiting for him.”
She shook her head at his next words, digging her fingernails into her palms to see him in such distress, but her heard ached for the loss of Andal too.
“I’m sorry, Cartel,” she whispered into his ear, bending down beside him. Gently, she kissed his cheek.
Ro came up to pay her respects, lowering herself to her knees beside Andal’s still form. She smoothed out his clothing reflexively. “No one expected this. I don’t think anyone could have known.” Her red hair hung in her face, hiding it. But drops of moisture were beading along her chin. “I don’t know if Andal knew himself. But if that was Aurelia, he must be happy.”
Klaus sheathed his sword, folding his hands soberly before him, standing still despite his wound, having come up to pay his respects as well. “A good man, he. It’s a sorrowful loss.”
Tristan was silent, taking the bloody helmet from his hands. His body too was bloodied and wounded but he dared not speak.
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Post by Joe on Feb 19, 2015 13:25:09 GMT -5
Cartel slowly stood and walked somberly to the edge of the well, its edges now cracked and distorted, one of the great angel statues thrown to the floor. Thin rays of golden light peeked above the fountains edge. Cartel leaned forward, peering slowly over the edge and down the wall. A warm glow was alive in its depths, it was still alive, but weakened. He sighed and turned to the others, beckoning for Serena to come to him.
"Tell me, what happened before I arrived? Where did that beast come from?"
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Post by Jenny on Feb 19, 2015 16:49:36 GMT -5
She rose from her place beside Andal’s body and came to him, her eyes trailing over the weak but beautiful light. Her eyes misted at the sight because she realized that Andal’s desire had come to pass and they had not failed. The Duskwell, though not intact, had come back to life.
“Andal had me approach the Duskwell with him and gave me this necklace.” She lifted it up for Cartel to see clearly. It’s golden surface was marred slightly with her own blood but the stone inside still glowed warmly. “Then he cut my hand.” Her eyes showed the complication of emotions that had welled up inside her by the act. “The light began to shine but then Andal’s eyes were strange. There were shadows coming from him, out of his eyes. I don’t know why but it was frightening. I don’t think that was supposed to happen like that. Then the light turned green and the monster came out. It was horrible. I don’t know what would have happened to us if you didn’t get here in time.”
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Post by Joe on Feb 19, 2015 17:14:07 GMT -5
"I only knew because the spirit told me, now it's gone.. and my power with it." He held up his hand, mundane and bruised.
"That.. thing, I think I know what it was. The Outlander, or some embodiment of it." He looked over to Andal's body. "Andal kept much from me, but I knew he was unable to completely control his power. He couldn't act completely against it. I've seen him live through things that would kill any normal man, it kept him alive too. I suppose now we know why. Strange how close his own desires and that of the demon coincided.. I can only hope he his with Aurelia now."
Turning back to her he took both her hands, "Serena, I'm sorry I left.. but I needed to do something for myself. To prove something to myself." He took a deep breath. "However now, with Andal gone.. I'm not sure what to do."
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Post by Jenny on Feb 19, 2015 17:29:01 GMT -5
“That power that Andal had, and you had now, it seemed dangerous. Perhaps it’s for the better.” She said helpfully.
But the question was, was that the last they had seen of this Outlander? She set that aside for now.
Andal had most wanted to see her to the throne, she was sure of it. But now she wondered if there was more to it. Only Andal could have told her and now he was gone.
She hadn’t quite come to terms with the fact that he was dead. To have his spirit cut off like that, dead and gone, made her skin prickle and the little hairs on her arms rise. She was less sure of herself now that Andal was not there to lead her, to give her purpose. And as Cartel was revealing it seemed that he too thought the same thing for himself.
“You left me so quickly,” her brow knit and she frowned uncertainly. “I hope you succeeded. You’re so different. It’s like the weight of the world has been hard on you. You look older.” Had that much time passed? “And your eye…” She lifted a finger to brush his cheek gently beneath it. “What happened?”
She breathed in and out deeply, withdrawing her hand. “We must simply carry on without him. This is where our destiny has led us. Andal took the first step, now we must strive to renew this kingdom and oppose our enemy king. Look, you’ve brought men with you. It’s a start at least. There must be others who wish to see the Illion fall. We must gather in strength.”
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Post by Joe on Feb 19, 2015 17:52:49 GMT -5
Cartel's hand rose to the patch over his eye, rubbing the leather absent-mindedly. "Assassins, managed to fight them off but not without cost.. I'm still getting used to it."
He turned to the others in the hall, "Thank you all for your great sacrifice, let us tend to the dead and do our best to secure the palace, we must dwell here for a time."
Turning back to Serena he cleared his throat, "I will send word to the rest of the lords that we have reached Duskwell, we must rebuild quickly, the Illios will not rest. There's also the matter of crowning you.. but it's a formality at this point."
Cartel knelt before her, lowering his head, "My queen, if it is your desire, I would serve you as Lord Protector. I swear fealty and service to the kingdom of Westress, to the Lords and Commons of the kingdom, to fulfill my duties to the limits of my ability, by my words and my deeds. I shall do so in need or plenty, in peace or war, in living or dying, from this hour henceforth, until you release me, or death take me."
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Post by Jenny on Feb 19, 2015 18:09:47 GMT -5
Though she spoke she was trembling beneath the surface. She could scarcely believe that those words had come out from her mouth. She supposed that she had grown up too. But she would not fail now, not for anything. She would do Andal proud.
With those words, the wounded were tended to first and together, wounded or not, they began to carry the dead out of the palace to bury them. It would be a slow and somber process.
She folded her hands together as Cartel knelt before her, listening to his every word with soberness. “I could think of no one else that would be more suited to the position, Lord Cartel Holland of Dire’s End. I am glad to have you by my side. Your desire is granted.”
She smiled so her eyes sparkled. She was pleased that Cartel was here to stay with her. It pleased her greatly, but she couldn’t stop her heart from fluttering all the same though she tried to act like a woman instead of a silly girl. Cartel had changed, it was true, but her feelings for him had never changed.
“It’s good to have you here, again.”
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Post by Joe on Feb 19, 2015 18:45:19 GMT -5
Cartel smiled and stood. "We must.. find some time alone soon, for now, let us see to my brother."
In the hours following the rebirth of the Duskwell the dark clouds had all dissipated, the sun now shone bright, turning orange as it began its descend towards the ocean's horizon.
They all stood in a small courtyard, a cemetery where once many flowers bloomed. The royal family and many of their loyal servants had memorials here, as the custom in Westress was cremation.
Andal's body sat atop a pyre, his hood drawn, his family sword cradled under his arms. Cartel stood before the pyre, holding a ceremonial torch. He turned around, facing the group of those who had been his companions on the journey. "Would anyone like to speak before I send his body to the sky?"
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Post by Jenny on Feb 19, 2015 19:02:39 GMT -5
Ro stepped forward from the line. “Hold, I would like a moment.” She took in and out a deep breath, clearly awkward to have attention put upon her. She stood as close to Andal’s body as the pyre would allow her, reaching out to smooth her fingers against rough wood, looking almost stunned to see his body this way. Soon it would all be under flame and then only ash. This was her last goodbye. She bent in close to his hooded face, closing her eyes and whispered something low that was lost in the wind. She remained there for a time, simply whispering to Andal’s still form. She did not want to display her thoughts or say encouraging words. This was just between them. She withdrew her hands and stepped back, turning her face to the side, allowing her hair to be whipped in the stiff breeze and dry the moisture on her face, not bothering to wipe them away.
Serena moved forward, her hands folded before her. She trembled beneath her cloak from the wind. She felt a weight upon her, that she would have regrets if she did not speak ‘ere it would be too late.
“Lord Andal Holland was a great and worthy man. He was a loyal and fierce protector. Without him, I would not have seen this day. It was because of him that the Duskwell came back to life. He will be honored for the rest of our days, all which stand here. Let the light he brought into this world never be extinguished. I was honored to know him and to have him in my life. Let us set aside this day to remember him, and may tales of his victories never quiet in our halls. Lord Andal, you were so loved and you will be missed. You are in my heart, always.”
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Post by Joe on Aug 15, 2022 11:59:34 GMT -5
The pyre was burning, bathing the cemetery in warm light. Their companions and all the men who had come from Dire's End stood somberly around it in silent observation or quiet discussion. The unnatural storm clouds were cleared from the city's skies, the stars now gazing down at them. The spires of the palace now radiated a soft golden light, its old statues and battlements dimly glowing once again.
Cartell returned to Serena's side, his head low. His mind swam with conflicting thoughts. Being so close to her again was intoxicating, yet he had much to atone for.
"I can't imagine what you've faced in your journey here, I am sorry I wasn't by your side." He looked again at his hand, the mark of the Outlander gone, his power spent. He wrung his hands together nervously before speaking again, "I may not deserve your forgiveness, abandoning you as I did. As such I will understand if we be no more than our titles to one another."
His long journey had prepared him for this moment but still his heart sank. To be deprived of her affection would be a poison to his soul. Images raced through his mind. A future where he stood by the side as she lived and loved another. A shaking breath left him as he awaited her reply.
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Post by Jenny on Aug 15, 2022 16:45:09 GMT -5
Each companion, in turn, had mumbled quietly or boldly said their goodbyes to Andal, showing their utmost respect and sorrow at his passing. Ro had stepped away from the group, well beyond the edges of the fire, her eyes alit with passion and sorrow, having no more words for any mortal man. She would likely come around, but for now, she mourned for what was and what could have been. Her last thoughts had been wishes for Andal's eternal happiness wherever he may roam in the afterlife and that he would find joy with his beloved at long last. How she had wished it could be different, that she could have stood beside him until the end of their days, but it was not to be so. Now her full devotion and protection would live for Serena, in honor of her purity and goodness. As she had promised Andal, to the end.
Serena looked up at Cartell when at last he spoke, as it had fallen silent among them all. If he could be heard by any other than themselves, the companions did not show it. They turned their eyes away, and ruminatated on their own thoughts, and grief. Serena listened patiently, and with earnest, for Cartell's words still held sway deep within her heart. She raised her hand and placed it on his own clasped and wringing hands, trying to give him what reassurance she could.
"Yes, the journey here was not without it's trials, but you were ever on my mind. When you did not reply, I thought your feelings for me had changed. For a long time I thought, what I wouldn't give to change those last words I had said to you the night you left me without saying goodbye. I didn't know if I'd ever see you again, but ever I hoped. But, I do forgive you, Cartell, and I only ask that you stay by my side from this moment on. Please do not stray so far again. You do have my most deepest of affections, and ever as I had wished to tell you, and I do believe I love you too, ever the same and just as strongly as you love me, or did not so long ago. I cherished the time we had together, even if it had ended far too soon for my liking."
She chuckled a little, raised herself up on her toes and kissed his cheek softly. "As far as titles, yes, that it shall ever be, but I do wish for more than that, Cartell, if you have not changed your mind about me after all."
She drew back, looking a bit shy at her boldness. "These feelings are new, strange, and a little frightening. But they are strong, and I believe that together, our bond is unmatched. If you would be my consort, I would be most joyful. Please tell me again, how you feel, and if anything has changed between you and I. I will bear the truth as I can."
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