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Post by Tino on Jan 5, 2008 4:29:23 GMT -5
As Alaric started to come through the tunnel, Tino's dazzled mind snapped back to reality and quickly took note that some rocks are still falling.
"Shhh!" He hushed the elf, reinforcing it with a finger-to-lips gesture in case he couldn't hear him and motioned for him to run over. Just in case --- they didn't know if the tunnel was done crumbling yet. What made the matter worse, is that Tino's ears could catch some angry, excited and dwarven-accented shouts getting louder from the other side of the tunnel.
Frowning, he waited for the elf to run over.
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Post by Caine Faerin on Jan 5, 2008 4:35:41 GMT -5
Note to self: He's afraid of heights...
"Sorry, Askyre... but if I hadn't, we'd be pancakes right about now. Didn't you see the size of that boulder?"
The imp's only reaction is clench his fists more tightly. I decide to get a better grip and shift his weight so it won't cause any hindrance to my flying.
A small voice in the back of my mind whispers, Too bad...
I look for a clear spot to land, and notice the shine of someone's blond hair. Circling the place, I see Tino, standing stock still, and someone walking towards him. From the cloak, I decide it must be Alaric.
Hmmmm...
Askyre whimpers a little and I give a mental sigh. Decision made, I land lightly on a spot that looks stable enough. Tino and Alaric could see us if they looked our way, but they have the option of privacy if they wanted it.
I realize that Askyre is still holding on with what amounts to a death-grip; he hasn't become aware of the fact that we're not in the air anymore.
"Um... Askyre? You... can let go if you want. We're on the ground."
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Post by Alaric on Jan 5, 2008 4:40:02 GMT -5
Alaric knew that they weren't safe just yet from the falling boulders. Following Tino's plea of silence he stopped trying to make up excuses in his head of why he was there. The high elf gracefully ran to the er hoc who was standing there motionless, with his gazed fixed on the tunnel.
Quietly, the elf looked at the tunnel and saw a few figures in the darkness of the tunnel who were coming right out. Looking at the er hoc questionably he decided to just keep quiet at the moment. If they would attack him it would be no problem since he still had a lot of energy let in his body.
Feeling protective, he then stood in front of Tino and ran his fingers on the hilt of his small dagger that was in his belt, hidden by his cape.
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Post by Askyre on Jan 5, 2008 4:41:18 GMT -5
"Um... Askyre? You... can let go if you want. We're on the ground."
The imp slowly squinted through one eye, before tentatively peering around to take note that, yes, in fact, they were on solid ground.
Opening his eyes fully now, Askyre loosened his hold, yet didn't release it entirely. He was unaware of this being noticed.
"Well... glad to see we survived. But where are we now?" The imp asked, curiosity drawing him away from Caine, taking a few steps to survey the damage below. He sucked in lightly.
"Holy jince..."
Only then did he notice Alaric, in a similar fashion to a face-off with none other than Tino.
Suddenly, the elf ran forward moments after the younger of the two shushed him, before drawing his katana.
Askyre furrowed his brow in confusion.
"What's going on..?"
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Post by Tino on Jan 5, 2008 5:02:20 GMT -5
Noticing Caine and Askyre approaching, Tino automatically stepped back from where he stood. In the first place, he was rather disturbed by the dragonette's presence, and now he's with the imp, together. The fact that the healer suspected someone luring in those plaguewalkers didn't help either.
Whipping around to check on Alaric, he was surprised by how the elf was already in front of him, the shape of his cloak showing what seemed like a fighting stance underneath.
Tino frowned, rubbing his forehead through his headband. "Alaric..." His voice trailed off from weakness and a lack of words. The young er hoc was not in the mood or shape for a battle. He casted a neutral glance at the dragonette and imp and simply shuffled away, not wanting extra action or attention to take tolls on his body.
With a little sigh he turned away from the drama scene.
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Post by Alaric on Jan 5, 2008 5:13:58 GMT -5
Alaric removed his fingers from the hilt of his dagger as Tino called out to him with a somewhat tired voice. He looked at the two other men who just came into the scene. As the dragonette's wings fluttered behind him he saw the imp clinging violently onto him, as if scared to fall. Confused by this turn of events Alaric eyed them with a serious stare.
"You guys injured?" he said in a monotone voice, he felt his legs weaken from all the action of the night and this morning.
He did not wait for a response from the two who were breathing heavily. As Tino turned away the elf decided to check out the tunnel peacefully without drawing his sword, he didn't want to bother the er hoc with any more injuries or battles.
Alaric then walked towards the tunnel, just for the sake of finding out what was really in it and see where the sounds were coming from.
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Post by Casidaen on Jan 5, 2008 17:35:14 GMT -5
Casidaen gave a small jump when the torches in the hall were lit next to him. He watched amused as shutters opened, knowing it was all Rethen's doing. Well, the house definitely said, "RETHEN'S HOUSE".
The dark elf removed his cloak and set down his staff. He saw a glimpse of Rethen's heel slip around a corner and he followed, but stopped at the main room's doorway, not wanting to intrude.
Then he felt the ground rumble, and quirked up an eyebrow. "As intriguing as your house is, I don't think that's a gimmick. Shall I go check to see what it is?" he shouted, now that the door was shut.
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Post by Tino on Jan 5, 2008 18:50:14 GMT -5
Seeing Alaric going into the tunnel, Tino wanted to hiss at him but found himself lacking the strength to do so.
I thought elves should be more cautious, he frowned making a mental comment.
First of all, the rocks haven't done crumbling yet. Second of all, he knew some angry dwarves are going to be on their way over to check things out. Third of all....
Tino blinked.
An odd chorus of echos came floating out of the tunnel, and by instinct Tino suspected something bad. He ran into the mouth of the tunnel to drag the elven boy out, and froze just before he could reach Alaric.
He stood there, eyes wide. On either side of the path, a colony of rattlers slithered and trembled to warn the intruders, like a river of black whirlpools.
And on the walls of the tunnel, tiny flowers the size of one's fingernails bloomed in patches, glowing a dim blue in the darkness.
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Post by Caine Faerin on Jan 5, 2008 18:54:57 GMT -5
"I'm not sure. Looks like Alaric has put is sword away, though." I sigh. "From the look Tino gave us, I'd say he doesn't want us here, so let's just sit down and rest, alright?"
Suiting actions to words, I stretch and sit down, propping my chin up with a hand.
"Nyosik... I've only had four hours of sleep in the last two days. I'm tired."
Strange. I seem to be more comfortable around Askyre than I thought I'd be. Is it because I saw him break down earlier? I sigh, and blow hair out of my face. I look to the newly created tunnel and notice that Alaric and Tino were walking into it.
Well, if we hear screaming, we can go save the day or something.
I yawn, then remember that I'd ask the imp something earlier.
"Ah, Askyre? Do you remember what I was asking you... before that rock-slide? About the Plaguewalkers targeting you?"
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Post by Rethen Kel'Sviet on Jan 5, 2008 20:42:03 GMT -5
Rethen stuck his head out and pointed to a list on the far side of the store. "Look on there and see if there are any scheduled blasting sites for today!" He grinned and walked out, shutting his lab's door behind him. "The government hands out a list to warn people about the earthshaking that happens around here. While you look, I'm going to get changed and grab another belt of potions."
The forest elf raced through his atrium and upstairs, slipping into his bedroom to throw off the bloodied leggings, tunic, and coat and pull on a matching set. Satisfied, he raced around the second floor and into his weapon storage room: he gathered up a fresh belt of explosives, a second dirk, four more throwing knives and a large Dwarven longbow and quiver of arrows, before running back downstairs and skidding around the corner and back into the store.
"Anything seismic scheduled for today?"
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Post by Casidaen on Jan 5, 2008 23:34:49 GMT -5
The dark elf headed to where Rethen had pointed, looking puzzled. His eyes scanned the room for any pieces of paper, and he even moved some things off a small shelf. Finally he spotted it, running a hand through his hair as he read the list. It didn't look like there was anything scheduled for today, he knitted his eyebrows.
Casidaen rubbed his right shoulder with his left hand, feeling it starting to tense from healing to many people. There were a lot saved, and many who couldn't escape from the walkers and he grimaced. Plaguewalkers. He had read an entire book on them when he was in the Maiorn region a few years back. Last night was the first time he had actually encountered them.
Plaguewalkers were generally soulless and mindless. Puppets. So there had to have been someone infecting a population to control.
He heard the forest elf's bouncy footsteps and turned to face him.
"Anything seismic scheduled for today?"
The northerner shook his head and shrugged. "I'm sure the others have taken care of it."
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Post by Rethen Kel'Sviet on Jan 6, 2008 1:54:17 GMT -5
Rethen giggled lightly and put the bow and quiver on a table in the shop. He really liked Casidaen's company. The older elf was a great pacifying influence on him. He giggled lightly and blushed.
"I promised you dinner didn't I?" Rethen said softly, looking up at the dark elf. "Well...I think I failed on that point. But breakfast I can do now!" He grinned and bounded off, heading into the kitchen. "And I insist you help yourself to anything from the bar!" He shed his coat over a chair and pulled on an apron. He set about chopping and dicing and generally preparing food.
"You should get some rest Mr. Casidaen!" Rethen cried out as he placed a large pot on the stove."
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Post by Alaric on Jan 6, 2008 3:50:06 GMT -5
The moment Alaric stepped in the cave he heard low hisses coming from within the darkness. The tunnel was quite a spectacle, there was a soft light that peeked at the cracks and this showed the pile of rattlers scattered throughout the cave. The walls were decorated with vines and leaves that you could see the intricate design even in the darkness.
The elf stood in his place, motionless, making movements for the other people not to enter as he himself stepped backward slowly. He stared at the single slithering snake that was near him, not letting it stray away from his sight. He glanced behind him and saw Tino near him, he wanted to whisper a warning but the er hoc's gaze was transfixed on a certain thing in the cave. But.. what could be more important than safety right now?
The elf was sure Tino was a rational person and wouldn't do anything rash...
"Tino." the elf whispered while motioning the er hoc to stay away.
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Post by Askyre on Jan 6, 2008 4:16:20 GMT -5
The imp glanced casually back to Caine, pulled out of his curiosity by force.
"Plaguewalkers?" Askyre began, his face rather blank as he tore his eyes away from the mountainous wall. "Those... weird, foul things that attacked us last night?" The imp paused for a moment.
"What do you mean, 'targeting'? They were attacking everyone..!"
Askyre sounded slightly offended, turning away from the dragonette as he scowled, lifting himself from the sitting position he was in.
"Look, I don't know what gave you the idea to assume that I was being targeted," The imp drew out his correction, sure to send a glare over his shoulder at the drawn back look Caine gave him in return. "But I assure you-just because I'm an imp, doesn't mean that everything terrible that occurs around here is linked to me!"
With that, Askyre went on to investigate the disturbance within the new-found tunnel, turning his back on the dragonette.
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Post by Tino on Jan 6, 2008 5:00:01 GMT -5
For a splitmoment thousands of pieces of information ran through Tino's head. Type of the rattler, how to deal with a whole nest of them, how to not startle them, the strength of toxicity in these snakes, how many minutes would it take until venom drifts to his heart, what cure he has on him, what kind of doctors were in Miyoor, all circulating around the sole objective: how he can get to the flowers on the tunnel walls. It was only when Alaric whispered back to him did he reined his speeding thoughts in.
He was now sure to not get ahead of himself, but his objective was to get the flowers nonetheless. He examined throughly to make sure no other moving organisms nested on the walls and contemplated how far the snakes could snap.
Alaric was motioning for him to back away, and he frowned, realizing that the logical decision right now is to make a retreat first. But he wants the flower before the dwarves get here.
And he won't get Alaric involved.
The er hoc reached out his hand slowly to grab onto Alaric's arm, pulling him back so they could switch places. The rattlers were still making their warning... It's not too late to cast a plan yet.
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Post by Askyre on Jan 6, 2008 5:11:35 GMT -5
Rather perturbed by Caine's sudden assumption, the imp trekked carefully over to where the er hoc and elf were standing, standing ground cautiously as if something from inside the tunnel were to attack them.
"Alaric..! Tino!" Askyre called out softly once he was some feet away. Following their steady gazes, he peered inside the cave, a soft blue glowing form within. Eyes widening, the imp's mouth opened slightly out of amazement.
"Why are these growing.." He trailed off as he turned to Tino, who seemed rather annoyed at not only the presence of Alaric and himself, but something more. He seemed deep in though, and was preferring to ignore the company of the imp.
Frowning, the imp started forward a little, ears twitching at the voices of dwarves.
"Oy! Watch wher' ya be steppin', lard-side!"
Askyre's face fell into a flat line, obviously unimpressed with the savage behavior. Eying the powder-blue flowers once again, the imp slowly moved forward towards the mouth of the cavernous opening.
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Post by Tino on Jan 6, 2008 5:36:33 GMT -5
Tino hissed underneath his breath. The imp was coming over as if he couldn't see the swirling rattlesnakes, and he could hear voices from the other end of the tunnel already. With any sudden voice or movement the snakes could well strike them right on the spot. The 'sudden voice' part was almost guarenteed by the nearing dwarves, and the 'movement' part was just about covered by Askyre's approach.
Stupid imp.
While casting a glare back at Askyre, Tino's eyes drifted to Askyre's feet. He noticed that they were awfully light. An emergency strategy clicked in his head.
"Askyre," he whispered in a serious tone, "keep your voice down and run as softly as you can to the other side and keep the dwarves from getting in here. Just listen to me for now. If you don't we'll all die." He left an urgent threat at the last of his request to communicate severity.
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Post by Askyre on Jan 6, 2008 6:02:56 GMT -5
Askyre froze himself, turning his gaze towards Tino, whilst keeping his body poised. Once the er hoc finished his instructions, the imp returned his eyes to the cave. Narrowing his sight, he took in the snakes, rattling dangerously around the tunnel.
Sighing, the imp started forward, searching for the safest path around the snakes, yet one that would allow him within arm's reach of the flowers.
Moments after surveying the quickest and most convenient path, Askyre moved swiftly, lightly dodging the deadly snakes, passing nearby a cluster of flowers. In a fluid motion, he reached out his arm, swiping several of the bloomed buds, not once faltering in his steps around and over the hissing rattlers.
They hardly paid attention to the stealthy imp.
Reaching a small alcove created from the boulders, the imp hoisted himself up and over the barrier, halting atop the large stone. Pressing himself down against it, the roof of the cave feet overhead, Askyre gazed below him.
Several dwarves were wandering near the edge of the cave, appearing a little confused and lacking instructions. The imp smirked.
Perfect.
Dropping to the ground gently, Askyre moved towards the dwarves, ever wary of the rustling rattlers. Looking up, the imp cursed. One of the rowdier dwarves was pacing around impatiently.
"I dun' care whut the stoopid ol' man be sayin'! I'm noot waitin' any longer fer permisshun!"
Askyre's eyes widened, body stiff as the heavy dwarf stomped towards the inner part of the cave, stumpy feet clomping loudly.
Jince.
Sprinting out of pure terror, the imp fled the cave, plowing powerfully into the dwarf, who let out a string of curse words in surprise.
"An' who the jince be ye?! Lemme go, I say!"
Askyre threw the man down sharply, snarling as the dwarf looked up, face slightly pained as he cowered.
"Listen here, dwarf. You just about trodded right into a rattler's nest. Unless you'd rather have crushed it with your large, clumsy feet," The imp spat, glowering at the offended man now, "Then I'm sorry for saving your life."
Askyre pushed past the gathering crowd of dwarves who immediately swarmed their forcefully shamed comrade, cursing the imp behind their hands. The imp could care less as he trudged forwards, intent on returning to the inn, and finding himself some food.
Pulling his pouch forward, Askyre pulled out the few flowers he'd managed to snag along the way. He snickered lightly, amused with himself.
"Let's see Tino get that lucky..."
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Post by Alaric on Jan 6, 2008 6:15:51 GMT -5
Alaric was surprised when Tino grabbed his arm and pulled him gently to the side.
"What--", now Tino was in front of him seemingly trying to form a plan in his head to go into the cave, but for what?
The elf saw the imp move carelessly into the cave, looking at the plants that adorned the dark tunnel.
Are you blind?!, he screamed mentally.
He then noticed Tino whisper something to the imp. Right now the elf was quite far from Tino and Askyre and he did not want to move an inch in fear of the serpents who might attack them all. The imp took of without another word. Alaric did not hear their conversation at all and was now very confused. He took a step backward and stared at Tino if he was going to do anything.
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Post by Tino on Jan 6, 2008 7:04:28 GMT -5
Now in front of Alaric, Tino pushed the high elf back with his arms. "Get out," he commanded rather forcefully. "Don't use fire magic no matter what. They strike faster than they burn."
He glared as the imp started back to the inn with some of the flowers, and knew that he was smirking as he turned to cast them a last glance.
Imps certainly can't be trusted...though he at least stopped the dwarves from venturing in.
Tino felt annoyed. He thought the way the imp acted had bothered him, but as he tried to smooth his annoyance out his Master's voice caught him offguard.
"I do not tolerate non-wolves in my house."
Tino's brows tightened. He forced Alaric back with slow steps out of the cave, neverminding his reaction. Once he made sure Alaric was out, he snatched a scalpel from behind his belt, held it between his teeth and ran back into the cave. The er hoc targeted a sharp surface on the wall and leapt above the pool of snakes, some of them already snapping at his feet.
Grabbing onto the delicate support, he landed himself on the wall, using a single arm to hold his weight on the uneven surface of the wall while his other arm took the scalpel and unrooted a nearby patch of the blue flowers. Dropping the scalpel, he instantly grabbed onto the falling flowers. He could feel the air tense up as the scalpel sharply sank into the black whirlpool beneath and the swirls began uncoiling in order to reach him. Tino felt his heartbeat get heavy.
With a push in the supporting arm and his feet, he leapt for the path between the two parallel rivers and ran as fast as he can out of the tunnel, black snakes flying after his cloak.
In his haste he slammed into Alaric and knocked him over. He quickly glanced behind --- the snakes were repelled by the sunlight and slithered at the mouth of the cave, as if to shun the intruders from their sanctuary.
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