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Post by Caine Faerin on Jan 6, 2008 15:36:31 GMT -5
Great. I just put my foot in my mouth, haven’t I... But he seriously didn’t noticed that they went for him directly? And that one back there... It wanted to take him, not kill him... Maybe he really is clueless...
I watch as Askyre walks into the tunnel and talks to Tino before dashing through. Moments later, Tino rushes in himself and then back out, crashing into Alaric. I cringe, hoping that the fall doesn’t give Alaric a concussion.
Wait... Where’s Askyre?
I look around and don’t see him. Considering his mood when he left, I can see why, I suppose.
Disappointed for some reason, I get up and launch myself into the air, this time taking my time to try and enjoy the sensation a little.
The rest of my stuff is still at the inn. I’ll have to go back, before moving on to my parents cavern
...... I don’t want to go home...
It’s a quick flight back to Miyoor, and all too soon I land in the now cleared square outside the inn. I walk up to the inn and notice a piece of paper fluttering on the door. Smoothing it out, I immediately look at the fancy scrawl on the bottom.
“Rethen? Oh, that alchemist...”
Reading it, I find that it’s directions to his house in Miyoor, and an invitation to visit. I commit the directions to memory and walk into the inn.
Don’t know if I want to go... Some might just call it “stalling.”
I quickly move up the stairs and to the room I was staying in. All my things are there, just as they were last night. I pick up the clothes that I’d put over a chair, and sigh. They’re disgusting. Caked with dirt and mud, that I’m not really in the mood to clean off. Rooting through my bag, I find clean pants and shirt, and pull them on after stuffing the dirty ones roughly into the very bottom of the bag.
After that, all that needs to be done is leave. I walk slowly down the stairs, out of the inn, and sit on what remains of the fountain.
Should I go see those two elves, or should I just leave Miyoor... Nyosik! I lean back and stare at the sky. Who am I kidding... I’m just making excuses to not leave until I’ve cleared this up with Askyre!
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Post by Casidaen on Jan 6, 2008 16:48:36 GMT -5
Casidaen yawned again, nodding as if Rethen could see him. He glanced around the room, not really seeing any couches to lay on and sighed, taking a seat on a chair instead.
He closed his eyes, resting his head against the table, not really caring how ridiculous he looked at the moment. He just wanted to sleep and eat, and maybe ever shower later. He stunk of restoratives and blood. But right now, he was just going to rest for a bit.
Slowly, he drifted off into a dreamless sleep.
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Post by Rethen Kel'Sviet on Jan 6, 2008 17:31:30 GMT -5
Rethen opened the long window between the kitchen and the atrium and looked over at Casidaen. The tall dark elf was sleeping soundly, hunched over on the table. The forest elf chuckled lightly and shook his head. He too wished he could pass out. Last night had been exhausting.
Now that he was alone in consciousness, he let his mask fall. The elf's smile disappeared and he stared at the pot thoughtfully. The stew bubbled slowly, on a burner from last night. The new pot held the beginnings of a cider. He distractedly threw several sticks of cinimnon and two pealed apples into the bot, listening as they splashed into the brandy and brew mixture on the stove.
The Plaguewalkers of Itis were never seen out of their boundaries. If there were any mutations in the poison samples he had collected, he intended to find them quickly and isolate what made the walkers come here. He smirked lightly. He also had the wonderful joy of having the poison and acid samples to help craft some new and interesting poisons and explosives. Business in death and destruction was good.
"Proprietary information that pays the rent," he murmured, stirring the stew absently. He looked back over to Casidaen. "Would you still travel if you knew I was a merchant of death?" he asked softly. Shaking his head, he turned back to his concoctions. "I wonder if I should wander over to the inn and see if anyone has returned..."
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Post by Alaric on Jan 6, 2008 19:39:43 GMT -5
Everything happened in a blur and Alaric stood on his ground all that time. Suddenly, Tino started to move swiftly across the cave to the venomous rattlers. The elf wanted to call out to the er hoc but it was too late to do so. Under his breath he cursed that he wasn't gifted with the ability to sneak quietly and unnoticed.
With a beating chest he watched Tino as he somehow avoided the snakes and grabbed the flowers which grew inside. Tino then rushed to the mouth of the cave as soon as possible-- away from the danger. During this time, the er hoc just wanted to get out of the cave and so he did not put much importance on where he was stepping.... That is why right at this moment the er hoc was lying on top of the elf.
"T..Tino?" he said with a heavy groan, the er hoc crashed into him with a lot of force.
"Are you alright?" he managed to say, as he looked up on the boy's face, making his heart beat more rapidly than before.
Then he realized that they were in fact still near the cave and not out of danger just yet. He grabbed Tino's body and pulled him away from the single snake that was seemingly slithering towards them, quite angry they disturbed him.
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Post by Tino on Jan 7, 2008 0:18:05 GMT -5
Still in Alaric's grasp, Tino glanced back and blinked at the lone snake that was wandering out of the cave. His heart was still pounding from the escape, but that fact fell from his consciousness as his eyes were instantly fixed onto the slithering animal. It was two-thirds a meter long but didn't seem quite that old from the rattle, he noted.
Shifting his weight onto his knees, the healer slowly reached out to the snake as it approached them and snapped his grip around its throat. The snake, feeling the choking hand, opened its jaws to spurt venom from its fangs while its tail coiled around the boy's arm. With his other hand he snatched out a thin leatherskin bag from underneath his backpack and tucked the snake in, sealing the opening with ropes.
Seeing present danger solved, Tino quickly took out another bag and placed the patch of blue flowers in it. Once he was done sealing it, he let the two bags sit on the red-brown floor of dust and stared blankly at them as he breathed out his exhaustion. He could feel a buzz in his drooping ears, his body almost succumbing to a limp and his mind was getting fuzzy.
I need to get back to the inn...
The er hoc started to get back up on his feet, but stumbled --- only to realize that he was still sitting on the high elf.
"Uh, sorry," he blurted out while still dizzy from the fall, being unable to concentrate on more practical things to say.
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Post by Askyre on Jan 7, 2008 1:39:29 GMT -5
"Trijilk," Askyre muttered, leaning against a boulder to rub his foot. Sighing, he turned his glare over to the offensive stone. Sneering, the imp pushed off from the oversized rock, continuing on his way.
"I should be there soon, from what I can recall..."
Coming to a crossroads, the young man decided to take a left down a slightly winding road, obscuring his vision ahead. The sun now blazed overhead, morning having announced itself fully some times ago.
Lifting his hand to shield his eyes, the imp lowered his eyes, allowing his mind to race through his built up thoughts as he continued along the path, arms swaying in a relaxed manner at his sides. Stepping carefully over a few protruding rocks, the imp was quickly lost in thought.
Hmph. I knew that Tino er hoc was no good. Nyosik, we met by him gassing me half to death! And Alaric... well, as far as acquaintances go, he's not too bad. Rethen was acting a little... forward, I suppose one might say. His behaviour was rather peculiar...
Looking up ahead, the imp paused for a moment, features hardening as he glared towards the fountain. Keeping his head level, the imp followed through his predetermined path, intent on ignoring the dragonette and heading directly for the inn.
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Post by Caine Faerin on Jan 7, 2008 1:59:58 GMT -5
Hearing a slightly limping shuffle, I look back down from staring at the sky and look straight at Askyre. Askyre, however, tenses immediately and walks stiffly past.
Either he truly hates me now, or he's sulking... Or both. Sigh. And the way he's been acting... something's not right.
"Exactly what did you see back there, after you ran from the inn?"
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Post by Askyre on Jan 7, 2008 2:05:21 GMT -5
The imp froze, his mind going blank as the confrontation with the Beast Man from earlier ripped through his mind's eye, leaving a pained expression on his heart.
Turning slowly towards Caine, who stood, Askyre glared at the ground towards the dragonette.
"What.. do you mean.. 'What did you see,'? Do you think I'm blind..?" The imp shuddered slightly, eyes darting around. "A huge.. beast man, with a battle axe.... fangs.."
Askyre caught himself before he began rambling. Frowning, he turned back towards the inn.
"What does it matter to you..?"
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Post by Caine Faerin on Jan 7, 2008 2:17:36 GMT -5
Beast-man? That, and the name 'Kitla...' His memories are overlaying reality, it looks like. Poor guy.
I sit down again, thinking he'll feel better when I'm at a lower level.
"They weren't Beast-men, Ask. They were Plaguewalkers. They knocked you out, and were trying to take you."
I tense a little, in case he tries to get out of this by running. He needs to hear this. I'll pin him down if that's what it takes for him to listen, but he will listen!
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Post by Askyre on Jan 7, 2008 2:58:59 GMT -5
"Try-trying to take me?" Askyre ran a hand through his hair haggardly, letting out a shaky breath. He was beginning to perspire once again, and he wasn't even sure why.
"Even if they were Plaguewalkers... why.." The imp shuddered slightly as his body lit on fire, heat coursing throughout, stretching to the tips of his fingers and toes, coming to pool in his gut. Shaking his head, Askyre faced the dragonette, who seemed a little wary.
"Why would it matter to you..."
The imp leaned over Caine now, resting his hands on un-level shards of stone, remnants of the once glorious fountain. The position was giving the young man a strange sense of power. Askyre could feel some sort of inner struggle against making any sudden movements.
"Well?" He asked again, this time in lower voice, surprised to find it husky, his eyes lidded and narrow.
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Post by Alaric on Jan 7, 2008 7:22:10 GMT -5
Alaric watched as the snake was struggling for it's life inside the pouch that Tino had brought out, and was impressed at Tino's fast actions. The er hoc held the delicate blue flowers on his hands, the flowers that almost cost him his life.
What is it with those flowers anyway..
Looking at the boy, he realized that the er hoc was a healer so maybe those flowers were some kind of rare item? The elf's eyes lit up despite the heavy bags that formed on his young pale face, he looked like a little boy in a toy shop.
"Rare--" he looked at Tino, who was looking very tired at that moment. The er hoc's bright emerald eyes flickered as he stared at the item he possessed. Alaric decided to ask him about these things later on.
"Uh, sorry." Tino then muttered to the elf who was right now, still on top of him.
Tino looked like he was about to collapse and Alaric knew the feeling because the past few hours were just full of action. Sitting up from the ground with the er hoc on him, he wrapped his arms around the boy and helped him stand up, holding him firmly. He didn't mind if Tino resisted his help, as long as he was alright.
"You're at your limit, Tino." he said, not looking at the er hoc's face as he dragged him out of the cave.
The sun now hit the two people, Alaric squinted from the sudden brightness. He and Tino needed to go back to the inn, or at least... somewhere they could rest.
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Post by Caine Faerin on Jan 7, 2008 7:37:15 GMT -5
I tense more as the imp leans over me, face inches from my own.
Fear, and... rage? He really as no control over himself, does he.
I speak softly, to counter the gruffness now evident in Askyre's voice. "I might be chasing shadows with this; might be wrong. But the possibility exists, Askyre. If someone is targeting you, they surely know who you've come in contact with. If that's the case, and even if it isn't, it'd be best to let the other travelers know to watch their backs."
I close my eyes before continuing. "Because I have met imps on less than friendly occasions in the best, I dislike the race as a whole. Despite that, once I started talking to you, I find I don't hate you at all. I would like to help you if I can."
I reach up and pat him on the head, and he cringes a little. I take the opportunity to stand up.
"I'm going to go say goodbye to Rethen and Casidaen, and then I'm leaving Miyoor." I start walking off, then pause. "If you don't know where you're going next, Askyre, feel free to come with me. God knows having company around would make it easier for me to face my father."
Before I can think about what I just said to the imp, I follow the directions now stored in my head and find Rethen's house with surprisingly little difficulty.
Wow, this place definitely suits that alchemist. I smile ruefully, and knock on the door. Why did I say that to him?! It's not like he'll really come or anything; he dislikes me as much as anyone else.
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Post by Tino on Jan 7, 2008 9:57:34 GMT -5
Tino reacted with an urge to squirm out of Alaric's grasp as he tried to help him stand up, but his body didn't comply. In spite of himself this amused him, and he wondered curiously why he didn't feel a need to push Alaric away.
It could be that he's too tired. Maybe he'd found that the elf was a relatively reliable ally somewhen back in the cave. Maybe he'd already gotten used to Alaric grabbing at him after the last couple of minutes. Or maybe it was because he had a rattlesnake squirming away in the bag already. He gripped tightly onto the two bags.
With a little frown he tried a last-minute squirm, but quickly gave up as the elf ignored him.
"You're at your limit, Tino."
He mumbled something in an annoyed manner underneath his breath, then tried to stall in some practical thinking. He looked up behind him at the canyon wall as Alaric dragged him out of the tunnel.
Probably not a good idea to jump over it now..., he thought idly.
The er hoc, now dazed again by the sun, gave the elf a random tug on the cloak. "The gate's at the east. Follow down in that direction," he pointed with his hand, sentences abbreviated to point form. "Around 10 minutes' walk. I think I can walk by myself," he said in the tone of a suggestion and tried to pull away so they can walk back faster to the inn.
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Post by Casidaen on Jan 7, 2008 16:12:54 GMT -5
Casidaen had gone into quiet, deep breaths now in full slumber. He was dreaming about nothing, or maybe something, but mostly it was just a blackened canvas as he slept on. His eyes fluttered open, and he began standing up awkwardly from the table, still fully asleep.
His body began sleep walking. It happened on rare occasions when he hadn't gotten enough rest. The man's body walked towards Rethen, moving like it normally did when he was awake. From behind, his arms wrapped around the forest elf's middle and bent over slightly so he could kiss his neck. Casidaen's body was craving sexual release. When awake, the man was normally good about suppressing any sexual thought since he had other things on his mind constantly. He wasn't exactly a virgin, but he hadn't had any sex in the last ten years or so.
"Ichk normawe ghenau," an ancient language flowed from the sleeping man's lips as he nipped at Rethen's neck.
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Post by Rethen Kel'Sviet on Jan 7, 2008 16:42:47 GMT -5
Rethen tensed when he felt arms wrap around his middle. He tightened his grip on the spoon he had procured to stir the stew and stood still. His eyes widened when he felt the first kiss pressed against his neck. The second caused him to moan.
Rethen had always had a soft spot for neck play. He writhed lightly, letting the moan slip through his lips and his eyes flutter closed. He pressed back into the embrace, almost desperate for more contact. The last time he had been touched by anyone other than himself had been onf Fasemoor.
"Fasemoor...CASIDAEN!" Rethen thought, his eyes snapping open. He was about to push away when the first bite was applied to his neck. He moaned loudly, his legs wobbled lightly and he fell deeper into the embrace, his eyes fluttering closed. He reached up, wrapping a hand around the back of the person's neck and pulled them closer. He barely heard the ancient words whispered into his neck. He didn't care what they meant: they sounded sexy.
Hell, anything sounded sexy right now.
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Post by Alaric on Jan 7, 2008 18:10:02 GMT -5
Alaric felt a small tug on his cape and nodded silently as Tino gave him directions to the exit gates. He held the er hoc up with his arm, not really caring if he himself was getting tired fast.
"I think I can walk by myself." the er hoc then said as he straightened up his body and removed his arm from the elf's shoulder.
The elf gave gave him a disapproving look because he knew that the er hoc had exhausted himself completely and with the rays on the sun on them, it made matters worse.
I wonder where that imp and dragonette went.., the elf thought as they came upon a deep depression in the canyons. He leaped over it and looked at Tino if he needed any help. He did not want to seem like he was too pushy. Still, Alaric's expression was as though he was thinking very hard. He wanted answers to the questions in his head.
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Post by Askyre on Jan 7, 2008 19:52:14 GMT -5
Placing his hands on either side of the door frame, Askyre successfully boxed in the dragonette, whom was still unaware of the imp's presence. Leaning in towards Caine's ear, he whispered softly, with pure intentions.
"Why would you want to help me..?"
The sudden vocalized thought startled the dragonette, making him spin on the spot. The imp tilted his head, nearly the same level as Caine, while relishing in his state of control and power. He waited for a reply, but before the elder male was able to get even a short string of words out, a moan rippled through the door, eliciting an odd spark in the imp.
Askyre's eyes widened, the dragonette's gaze traveling towards the door behind him, before eventually returning to stare at the imp. Ignoring Caine at this point, the nimble imp leaned forward, pressing his ear against the door, nose buried in the dragonette's neck as he listened, their bodies touching in a dangerous way.
The imp failed to notice his consequences.
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Post by Caine Faerin on Jan 7, 2008 22:23:51 GMT -5
"Why would you want to help me..?"
Startled, I spin around and find myself practically pinned to the door by Askyre.
Why? That’s what I’d like to know...
Just then I hear an unmistakable sound, though it’s muffled through the door. I turn to glance at the door, then return my attention to the imp in front me.
Alright... Maybe we should come back la--
I tense up as Askyre suddenly leans forward and presses his ear to the door. I can feel his breath tickling my neck, and I close my eyes.
Too close... does he realize what he’s doing?! ...Somehow, I don’t think so.
“Askyre... you’re eavesdropping.” I whisper, my voice strained.
Whether or not he hears me, I can’t tell; he doesn’t budge and I lean my head back till it bumps against the door. The sounds coming from Rethen’s home are started to get a little more complex, and Askyre’s tongue flicks out, brushing my neck a little. My arms circle his waist of their own volition, and my wings close around the two us a little.
Not good, not good!
“Ask? Do you... have any idea what you’re doing right now?” My voice is still strained, but a hint of a barely restrained growl lurks behind it. Do you have any idea what you're making me want to do right now?
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Post by Askyre on Jan 7, 2008 23:52:37 GMT -5
"Askyre... you're eavesdropping."
The imp growled a little at this, a forewarning to shush as he pressed harder against the dragonette, something driving him to listen to the unknown occurrence behind the door. Another moan made the imp shudder, releasing his tongue momentarily as it slid along Caine's neck for a second before once again retreating to its rightful home.
The imp remained relaxed when two arms snaked around his waist, the air space becoming cramped as the dragonette curled his wings around them.
"Shh..." The imp hissed, leaning into the older man who was once pinned. What's going on..? I feel so tingly... Nn...
"Ask? Do you... have any idea what you're doing right now?"
Caine's voice sounded strange, yet the ragged breathing made something pulse within the imp.
"I said... be quiet!"
Askyre replied, voice rising in volume as he clutched onto the dragonette's shoulders, pulling away before thrusting hard against the other male, relishing the sudden cry as the wooden door knocked violently under the force, stimulating the imp further.
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Post by Tino on Jan 8, 2008 1:13:28 GMT -5
Tino ignored the high elf's frown and walked by him in silence. He wanted to walk around to the gates that was just two minutes away, but Alaric had shown preference for crossing over the lowrise point of the canyon wall. The er hoc wanted to just walk off by himself, but Alaric was looking at him seemingly expecting him to follow. And he had a stern expression too. Tino sighed, the elf seemed to have something preoccupying his mind and the tired er hoc didn't want to argue. At the same time, he was amused again by how naturally he was reading the high elf's personality.
Kicking lightly into the copper dust beneath his feet, he managed a relaxing but nonetheless high leap over the lowrise and landed right beside Alaric. Before his weight settled, he took another leap down the wall to the other side. Tino turned around and glanced up, waiting for the high elf to follow and possibly lead the way. Judging by Alaric's face, there seemed to be some issues he wants to take care of before they go back or something.
Meanwhile, Tino tried to plan how he can escape back to the inn and get some rest.
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