View Full Version : Light in the Darkness
HLGStrider
09-29-2002, 09:10 PM
"Who are your people, Gru?" Chel questioned. "Your accent is strange to me?" Before Gru could answer she reached down to touch the stone. "This has been here long... It has seen much darkness but in it is great power towards light. It is strange indeed... Being that it is in a lake... do you think Ulmo himself would have anything to do with it? It has been long since the valar interfered with the ways of men or elves."
Nenya Evenstar
09-29-2002, 09:38 PM
Gru' was watching Chel very closely and seemed to be thinking deeply about all she said. "My people are the Couirans, My Lady, and my native language is that of my people. I do not know anything about this Ulmo and the Valar for my people are not too fond of believing the myths and legends of the past."
"Perhaps you should put more faith in the myths and legends of the past then!" said Yan taking the stone out of Chel's hands and holding it up. Suddenly, the waters around Chel's knees started swirling and around the edges of the lake could be seen ripples in the water. Out of the swirling mists and currents could be heard voices chanting in an ancient language. The company listened in amazement at the beauty of the sounds.
The words were like beautiful music hovering over the surface of the pool. From where they stood, Vaughn heard Kraa flutter his wings. The bird, and all of his companions, came flying out into the lake, searching for the source of the meddley was coming from. They landed within a yard of Vaughn, and sat, listening.
The music soon faded leaving the team in awe.
"If we want to make it to Baztak we need to head out." Gru' says.
"True, let us go." Vaughn replies
The team mount thier griffons and they set off.
HLGStrider
09-30-2002, 04:22 AM
The air seemed lighter about them and somehow the voices of the griffens were less harsh. The music still rang in Chel's ears. The words she could not understand haunted her... What were they trying to tell her?
Soon Barack was on the horizon. The sun sunk behind it causing the buildings to glow a gentle red.
"Oh, finally!" Gru' yelled in excitement.
"Maybe someone here can read this stone." Vaughn muttered to himself.
They landed on the outskirts of Baztak.
Nenya Evenstar
09-30-2002, 04:45 AM
"Come!" said Gru'. "Follow me and I will lead you to the best inn in Barack: The Sun on the Horizon. There we can enjoy a warm bed and the best beer within a one hundred mile radius."
"Haha!!!!!" Crum yelled in delight.
Leaving the griffons behind on the outskirts of town with the promise to return early in the morning, Gru' led the others through the outskirts of town which seemed friendly enough and on through the main gates into the main part of town. They walked silently through quiet streets until they came to a part of town which still seemed to swarm with activity. A large statue was centered in the middle of a square, and the sides of the square were surrounded by inns. The square had a very cheerful look, and the laughter and song which drifted out of the many inns gave the weary company heart. Gru' led them towards one inn with a rizing sun swinging merrily on its sign post. Unobserved by any of the company, a dark shadow followed them into the common room of the inn.
HLGStrider
09-30-2002, 09:30 PM
Despite the warm, smokey atmosphere of the common room Chel felt chilled. She hung near her friends looking around the room. She knew they were being watched but she could not sense by whom in that throng of people, both good and evil like any crowd.
Nenya Evenstar
09-30-2002, 10:49 PM
Yan and Vaughn stood by Chel and looked around the room while Gru' went up to a thin, spindley man. "Hey! Rawlings!" Gru' drawled out over the din of voices.
"Gru'!" shouted the thin man. "What can I do for you?" He hurried over to Gru' and gave him a friendly pat on the back
"Well, 'ol buddy, can you get me and my three friends a couple o' rooms and a private sitting room?"
"Eh! No problem!" said Rawlings with a grin. "This way, this way."
Gru' nodded to Yan, Vaughn, and Chel to follow the innkeeper. They exited the noisy common room by a small door on the far end of the room. Passing through, they came into a dimly lit hallway lit by smoky lanterns secured to the wall. Gru' noticed that Chel had lines of worry on her face and that his other two companions seemed to be looking in every direction warily. Then suddenly, he felt it too. Like a sweeping cloud they were enveloped in a feeling so evil that Gru' had a hard time keeping himself from falling to the floor. Rawlings was already lying face down on the floor as white as a ghost. Yan and Vaughn drew their swords and stood on either side of Chel. Gru' had just enough wit left to follow their example, although with chattering teeth. The evil grew even stronger.
They waited for a moment. Nothing happened...
"What is it?" Vaughn muttered to himself.
Crum stood proudly on Vaughn shoulders and yelled.
"Show yourself, now!"
Evil laughs could be heard.
"Ghosts!" Gru' yelled.
"Ghosts...A possibility." Vaugh replied.
Crum jumps off Vaughns shoulder and on to the ground. He begins chanting. He casted a spell that revealed the spirits. There were three ghosts surrounding them.
Vaughn's sword swung through the misty spirit. The blade cut only the air, leaving the ghost unharmed. Vaughn turned to Chel and spoke hastily, "Run Chel, go to the griffons. Tell them we will arrive shortly, and if we don't... leave." The last word was spoken with sadness, but as an order. Chel ran, taking Gru with her as a gaurdian.
Vaughn, Yan and Crum were left with the ghosts.
Nenya Evenstar
10-01-2002, 05:50 AM
Chel and Gru' ran out of the town and through the outskirts. Chel was weeping as she ran, and Gru' tried to comfort her in his own clumsy way. They reached the Griffons, turned around, and looked hopefully back at the town.
HLGStrider
10-01-2002, 07:02 AM
Chel sunk her head into the feathery portion of the nearest griffon and closed her eyes...
"Please let them live..." She then took out her canteen and unwrapped the stone from one of the Griffon's saddle bags. She slowly poured the water over it. The stone turned white and started to glow softly... Warmth spread from it and with the warmth a quiet music, slowly calming all those within ear shot.
Nenya Evenstar
10-01-2002, 05:28 PM
Gru' looked at Chel and the stone with wonder in his eyes. What was this new magic? The people who were milling slowly around the outskirts of town stopped and listened to the music as it soothed their stressed minds and brought peace into their hearts. Some looked curiously at the Griffons and the two people, but being more afraid of the music than anything, they left Gru' and Chel alone.
Vaughn, Yan, and Crum were soon outnumbered. Moreand more of the creatures appeared, breathing hate, and smelling of the stench of evil. 'My time has come' Vaughn thought.
HLGStrider
10-01-2002, 10:05 PM
The music penetrated the walls of the inn but only fainted. Yan drew a sharp breath, his keen ears catching the sound.
"Back up slowly, Vaughn... It will weaken it if we can get it close enough to the music.. Not destroy but weaken..."
"But will it follow us?" Vaughn frowned. "This darkness is great."
"That is a risk we must take here." said Yan. The three quickly dashed out of the corridor, leaving Rawlings with the ghost. They burst through the door af the inn and came running down the street. Vaughn whistled and they waited. Suddenly, Kraa came flying in with Yan's griffon also. Vaughn and Crum rode Kraa, while Yan rode his bird. They flew off with such speed, the townsfolk wondered if this event had actually happened.
When they arrived at where Chel and Gru were, Vaughn jumped off of Kraa, and told Chel of the events that had unfolded.
"We must stop them, Vaughn."
"I know, but what are we to do?"
"I will face them."
"But Lady Chel..."
"I must do this."
"Then I will go with you."
"No, you must'nt."
Vaughn stood silent for a few seconds, "But I have* promised you, Chel. I will not let you face peril alone. Your life is worth a thousand of mine, for if it were not for you we all would have perished."
"Very well Vaughn... Thank you."
A tear streamed down her face, and fell from her Chin. Vaughn smiled, "We will leave when you are ready Mistress Chel." He smiled at her, and a tear formed in his eye, but was swiftly brushed away. She knew that he was her most loyal friend and that he would risk his life for her, or for anyone.
"I am ready Vaughn."
Nenya Evenstar
10-02-2002, 12:32 AM
Gru' swalowed, looked helplessly around himself, and waited.
Crum was shaking in fear.
"I don't think this is such a good idea, ya know?"
"Yes, it is the only way." Vaugh replies.
"But you may stay here if you like."
Crum rolls his eyes..
"And leave all the action for you guys? YEAH RIGHT!" He yelled.
"Lets do this."
The team gripped there weapons and ran toward the streets.
HLGStrider
10-02-2002, 05:50 AM
Chel held the stone in her lap as they flew for she knew it had great strength, the strength of some ancient water sprite. If only the words were clear to her... If only the darkness was not so great and so many of her friends dead.
They arrived quickly, but it seemed as an eternity to Chel. The burden of Javlynn was buried deep inside her, and only the one whom she had loved and was gone could remove her suffering. She clung tightly to the stone and held it close to her now.
The town appeared calm, but a persistent evil emitted out of the tavern. Vaughn and Chel ran in, and looked around. There was noone to be seen, but they could sense the souls of the ancients, rising against them. Chel grasped the stone. It began to radiate warmth, soothing her hands, and spreading across her body. She held it high into the air, and a pale blue light enveloped the room. The ghosts were visible now, and were readily afraid. Chel could feel the stone pulling away from her hand. She let go of it and watched it thud to the floor. The ghosts came in a desperate rush, for their only escape was out of which Vaughn and Chel had entered. When they were within an arms reach of Chel, they were suddenly pulled down, into the stone. The stones glow grew more radiant, with a more powerful light than before. Then, it stopped. The stone returned to its calm state, and sat on the floor. Vaughn could only stare as Chel bent down to pick up the stone.
"That was an amazing turn of events... Chel, its seems to me that you are what holds us together. You are the Master of these stones, it seems, for they do your bidding, even if their words fall upon our deaf ears. That stone has revealed to us its hidden power."
Chel stood, staring at Vaughn, but not hearing any of his words. The stone was speaking to her, in the language in which they had first heard, yet now... now she understood these sayings.
"Vaughn." she whispered in a manner in which was almost inaudible, "I hear the stone. It is speaking in riddles which are far from me, but I can understand what it speaks."
"What have you heard, Chel?"
"It speaks of a seed. This seed was planted, and began to grow. It was growing in the land of where peril lies. It grew taller, and was firmly rooted." she paused, thinking to herself and listening. "The lord of this accursed land soon knew of the seed, which had grown even larger. It had grown with trouble, but was persistent. it broke the surface of the rocky earth, and shone brightly on the land. Soon, the seeds surroundings were green as well. The lord came and cut down the plant, and all of the surrounding plants. He built a great tower there. The towers foundation was placed atop the where the plant had once grown. When the tower was completed, the owner made it his dwelling place. The seed, which had only been cut down, deepened its roots, and began to grow once again. It cracked the foundation, and the tower fell. The owner was destroyed with the tower, and had no heirs. The land became fertile, and the roots of the seed, gave life to others."
Vaughn paused, taking all of this in. He knew of a meaning for this, but was not affirmed of it. He spoke to Chel, "How did you... how did you understand."
"I don't know."
It was at that moment that the others arrived in the tavern. Gru immediately went to find Rawlings. He came back with the man, and to the amazement of all, Rawlings was alright. He propped himself against an overturned table, and tried to speak. "Tha..." It was too difficult for him to speak the words, but all knew what he was trying to say. They gave him a potion, and rested in an upstairs room for the night.
HLGStrider
10-04-2002, 05:45 AM
Chel could not sleep for the whole night the words ran through her head and along with them images... images of cold dark towers and mountains... of seeds and trees... of tall kings and rulers... and most of all of the stones. She could see the three evil stones underneath her stone, the stone of the lake with the voice of the waters inside...
Finally she slipped into rest. As she slept she heard a noise, the rushing of many waters. She felt them trickling down her body. She was lying underneath a waterfall. A great cataract, and the stone was in her arms. It was again shining and the voices were singing. Light was everywhere and the earth was again alive... Water... somehow water was the key.
Nenya Evenstar
10-04-2002, 06:01 AM
The others slept peacefully that night. It was the first night in a real bed they had had in a long time and that Gru' had had in who knows how long. He slept silently and contentedly, happy that his friend was alive.
The morning sun flooded through a crack in the curtains covering the window. Gru' sat up and stretched his arms out and saw that the sunlight had woken the others too. "Good morning!" he said happily for the sun had a strange affect on him as it looked so bright and cheery. Darkness, after all, could not last forever.
Vaughn had already risen and was sitting downstairs with Crum. They were talking lightheartedly and merrily laughing. The new day had brought new joy and contentment. Vaughn was eating breakfast when Gru finally walked down the creeking wooden stairs. The inn looked as if nothing had happened, but only Vaughn, Chel, Crum, Gru and Rawlings knew of the events. Rawlings spoke with the customers and told of the story, but none succumbed to his pleading efforts to persuade them of the truth. Vaughn silently laughed at the man for how ridiculous he looked, but was given renewed solemnity when he realized that the truth could not be so easily accepted by all.
HLGStrider
10-05-2002, 04:54 AM
The day outside was light and many had already forgotten the terrilbe night that it followed.
Chel breathed deeply, glad the air was fresh. She could hear the waters running through a nearby creek...
Nenya Evenstar
10-05-2002, 06:09 AM
Gru' listened to Rawlings as he tried to convince his guests of the happenings of the day before. He looked over at Vaughn and rolled his eyes. Walking by the table where Vaughn sat, he whispered, "The least I can do is try to convince him not to make a fool out of himself!" and walked on towards where Rawlings was having a rather heated discussion with two strangers.
"Hey, Gru'!" Rawlings almost shouted, "tell these men that what I'm saying is true! They won't believe me!"
"Common, 'ol buddy," Gru' answered, "just let them believe whatever they want to believe for some people cannot even comprehend the truth. Don't waste your breath!" The two strangers did not like the sound of that and began to eye Gru' up and down. "Hey!" Gru' said seeing their looks, "I wasn't meaning to get involved in anything here. Just needing a word with my friend." He pulled Rawlings away from the two swarthy men and began to try to convince him that silence would be a better route. Vaughn couldn't help but laugh at the whole thing - it was so absurd! Crum was laughing quite loud and annoying Gru' very much.
Suddenly, as Gru' was trying to talk to Rawlings, Chel walked into the room. Gru' was startled out of his conversation in an instant as his ears suddenly picked up a sound. Chel was looking out of the window with a faraway look in her eyes, and Gru' looked at her in wonder. "Water," she murmured quietly and Gru' immediately recognized the sound he had heard in his ears. It was the sound of water! He looked curiously at Chel, forgetting all about Rawlings, and wondered at the sound. Chel was deep in thought.
Vaughn also saw this, and could only stare in awe. He watched as Chel left, then turned to Gru. "Should we follow her?"
Nenya Evenstar
10-05-2002, 07:05 AM
Gru' shrugged. "Why not? I can't see letting her go off alone..." Chel was heading for the door with the same faraway look in her eyes. Vaughn nodded, and the two of them followed her outside leaving Yan and Crum inside the inn. Chel walked down the street in the chilly morning air heedless of her two companions. Abruptly she turned to the right and headed towards a sparkling stream that ran merrily through a green space of lawn in the midst of the town.
When she arrived at the stream, she knelt to her knees, and cupped her hand. She dipped her cupped hand into the water, and brought it to her mouth to drink of it.
"She must be walking in her sleep." said Gru.
"She may be, but do not wake her." Vaughn commanded softly.
Chel stood once again, and walked into the shallow stream. She began to walk with the stream as if being moved by the current of the water. She moved slowly, for the streams water was calm at this hour. She continued along away from the town for a half mile. It was then she arrived at the waterfall. The same waterfall as in her dream. She left the River, and went down until the stream was passed the waterfall.
Vaughn noticed that her fist was clamped tightly around something. It appeared to be the stone, but gave Vaughn a sense of unsurity.
It was then that Yan and Crum arrived with Vaughn and Gru.
HLGStrider
10-06-2002, 04:39 AM
The waters playfully leapt towards her feet as if drawing her in. Chel could hear the singing. It was also leading her to the water. She kept walking. The waters reached up, embraced her, for a moment she stood upon them as if on solid ground then they arose and engulfed her...
Nenya Evenstar
10-06-2002, 06:18 AM
Gru' started forward with a cry, but Vaughn grabbed him. The waters had engulfed Chel completely and her body was slipping down underneath the water. "Do not disturb her!" he ordered. Gru' shook his head, hoping that Vaughn knew what he was talking about.
HLGStrider
10-06-2002, 08:22 PM
The waters ripple about her. The voices sang with the water, babbling from time to time, swirling, dancing, rushing, and flowing. It flowed into her. Again the tree was growing. It grew before her. It's roots grasped the foundations of the great tower and tore them up. The building crumbled. The tree grew over it, higher and higher until it brushed the clouds, sending cooling rain down upon the peoples and the parched land. The waters rose up and swirled about the tree, covering the landscape, indundating it with healing waves. In the waters were the voices, the ecstacy of the sounds and the delight of the very words.
Chel rose again out of the water. Like a giant hand it gently placed her on the bank, and again she sunk down and cried. There was nothing so beautiful as what she had just left. Despite her experiences, she was completly dry. When she waded back into the waters she found them only knee deep. The magic was broken. She approached the water fall. It had been in the dream. Perhaps behind it was the answer.
Nenya Evenstar
10-06-2002, 08:39 PM
Chel was in the middle of the stream looking at the water fall. Tears of joy and sadness were streaming down her face, but the whole thing was lost on Vaughn and Gru' who did not understand anything that had happened. They waded into the stream and tried to draw Chel out, tried to comfort her, but for a while she would not move or do anything but stare at the beautiful fall falling playfully about her feet. "This has to be the answer!" she said suddenly.
HLGStrider
10-06-2002, 08:44 PM
She approached the fall, arms outstretched. The water parted like a curtain. Behind it, to everyone's shock, was an ornately carved door of gold and green. The water reflected its ripples upon its surface. Yan approached.
"By the Valar," he whispered. "I have never seen anything like it."
The doorway was a silent gaurdian, for it had stood unscathed over the ages. In the center was a small indention, about three inches in diameter. Vaughn saw the solemn gaze in Chel's eyes, looking far off as if into the very halls of the Valar. Chel slowly revealed the stone, letting it rest in the palm of her hand. She reached forward, holding the stone gently. The music of the stone began to be revived, and grew ever stronger as she placed the stone in the door. A dull blue glow enveloped them, and the door slowly opened. Miraculously, the water was held back for the passageway. They found the interior of this "cave" to be clad in a beautiful silver. The stone remained in the door, and would rest there until Middle Earth was broken. At the back of the cave were three stools, each covered by a purple linen cloth. Yan walked forward, and read the inscription on the wall behind them, "The stones that will defeat the first and last evil are kept here. They are sacred, and shall not be removed by anyone other than a Valar, or the Opener of the Gate."
Vaughn spoke, "That would be you, Chel."
Chel nodded and stepped forward. She rested her hand on the first pedestool, and removed the sheet ever so carefully, as if not to disturb the Valar. under it was a beutiful stone, a stone almost identical to the stone in which the door now beheld. Chel slowly lifted it, and gazed deeply into the depths of the stone. Her gaze remained fixed on the stone, until Yan spoke. "Lady Chel, the other stones must be taken also."
Chel stared at The other two pedestools, and after placing the first stone into her pocket, walked to the second. The second, the tallest of the pedestools, held a necklace. The necklace was of the purest silver, and none other could hold such beauty.
The third, a wide pedestool, measured 8 feet by 2 feet. Under the cloth that covered it was a scimitar, almost identical to Javlynn's; a longsword; a staff; a bow; an and a spear, engraved with inscriptions in the tongue of men, elves and dwarves. At the very end of the table was a small knife and a two-handed sword.
Vaughn took the spear and the longsword, wearing them over his back. Gru took the two-handed sword, and Yan the bow and the scimitar. Chel took the staff which had a clawlike protrusion on the end. She placed the stone on the end, as if an instinct, and watched in awe as the staffclamped the stone. Lastly, Crum took the small knife.
The necklace adorned Chel's neck, and gave her a beauty Vaughn, Yan, or Gru had never beheld. They found a table in the room which contained a great feast, and they merrily feasted, and had no sorrow that day, for they were in the presence of Valar-although the Valar were unseen by them, they knew that there presence was there.
HLGStrider
10-07-2002, 08:02 PM
They rested in the cave that night, lulled to sleep by the sounds of water and a dull murmur that was the echo of the Valar song. The necklace seemed to radiate warmth and strength into Chel's heart. She slept peacefully. Yan sat up, not needing rest. He stared at the wonder around him. Never had he been so close to the Valar or the undying lands.
Vaughn slept well through the night, but during that time he heard the voice of one, if not many, crying out- wanting to be set free. He subconciously knew that these were the people of Middle Earth. Their fate was in the hands of the company, and the comany stood on unsturdy ground. So many had died, but there was still hope. Hope that Javlynn would return... hope that the stone would defeat Kurayami, and on a larger scale, darkness. This hope became almost a vision to him, for the face of Javlynn was in his dreams, returned and clothed in the rament of a great warrior and magician, for that is what he was. Vaughn soon awkoke to the smell of a massive breakfast, with a table with more food than anyone had seen for what seemed an eternity. The food was nourishing, and came from the hand of the Valar. They savored the meal as long as they could allow, and left the sacred place. The door slowly closed as they left, and would remain sealed to all else but Chel and her companions for eternity.
Crum stood proudly on Vaughns shoulder. Grippin his new sword.
"I love it, I love it!" he yelled in Vaughn's ear.
"A need to be so loud?" Vaughn replied.
They walked over from the small creek. Crum looked at Chel and swallowed hard.
"What? What now?" He asked her.
Before Chel could answer, small bands of disowned orcs were around them. Crum was instantly off of the shoulder of Vaughn. Vaughn, Chel, Gru and Yan drew their weapons, but found that Crum had stabbed two of the orcs. Black orc-blood spilt from their wounds, and they both fell to the ground. A young orc plunged forward, with great force, at Chel. His body fell at her feet, with an arrow lodged in his throat.
Chel turned to Yan, and said a quiet thank you. Then she turned and swung her staff with an unearthly precision. The staff hit the temple of another orc, and it fell dead on the ground. Crum came behind another, and administered a mortal wound on the orc's back.
Vaughn's sword swung, and killed a nearby orc. He turned around to see another orc, swinging a mace down at his head. He ducked to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. He slew the orc quickly.
When the battle stopped the team stood in awe and stared at Crum.
"What is it?!" he yelled.
"I didnt know you had that in ya!" Gru yelled and laughed.
"well.."
The team walked on for a little while stepping over the dead bodies of the orcs.
"Where are we goin?" Crum asked
"Don't worry. I think Valar is leading us." Vaughn replied.
HLGStrider
10-09-2002, 05:16 AM
"Yes, they are undoubtably leading us," Yan smiled. "Now let us continue on our way. We still have to destroy the evil, even if we are aided by the good."
Nenya Evenstar
10-09-2002, 06:22 PM
Adelia had had very disturbing dreams the past few nights and had not been able to sleep because of them. Her dreams and thoughts had been getting worse as of late, for it was almost like she could feel something calling her, and yet she did not know what the call was or from where it came. She was usually a very cheerful and happy person lending laughter and fun to everyone she was around, but today she was walking the streets pondering about what she had dreamt about in past nights and trying to make sense of her feelings. As of yet she had found nothing, understood nothing, and only felt troubled. She was a very different Adelia Harmond than usual.
She walked down the main street of Barack trying to drink in the regular everyday atmosphere that permeated the streets, but was unable to enjoy any of it. She went into the blacksmith's shop to see if the sight of a new knife would perhaps elevate her low spirits, but it didn't help. Something was calling her, and she did not know what it was. Adelia left the blacksmith's without even taking a second glance at the weapons like she usually did and continued to walk the streets searching - for what she did not know. Her footsteps took her past the apothecary shop, past the tailor's, and on past Inn Square. From there she wandered towards the greensward to take a look at the flowers and try to soothe her puzzled and frustrated head. She walked over to the little stream with the waterfall, looked into it, and saw her reflection creased with worry. Suddenly, as she gazed into the clear water in a daze, she heard cries like that of fighting. Without knowing it, she was immediately running across the grass to the far end of the the lawn on the outskirts of town. There she could see a battle taking place between many fell creatures and a few people, who were killing the orcs right and left. Instead of running like all those around her, Adelia stood rooted to the ground watching the fight until all the orcs were either dead or fleeing, and then, without her meaning to, her feet took her towards the three men and one lady who had begun to walk away from the town. She was unable to stop them from moving but knew suddenly that she must talk to these people - perhaps they were her answer.
Vaughn, Gru', Yan, and Chel were walking slowing so as to regain their breath after the fight. "Now that's what I call some first-class swordsmanship!" shouted little Crum from his perch on Vaughn's shoulder. "Betcha can't beat that!"
He was never answered, for behind the four travelers came a voice. "Excuse me!" it said in clear tones. They turned around and to Chel's darkened eyes could be seen a clear light emanating from the speaker. The others saw a young woman with worry outlined in her face peering at them from large brown eyes which were enveloped in long lashes. She was quite pale and looked rather delicate, but her face gave the sensation that she was not exactly as she seemed. Her long golden hair hung down her back in voluptuous curls and accented her dark blue riding dress embroidered with flowers which was studded here and there with crystal jewels. She was obviously from a wealthy family.
"How may we help you, my lady?" asked Vaughn giving her a little bow.
Her little brown boots could be seen as she took a step forward and answered, "I saw you fighting and was drawn here - by what I do not know! For some reason, I felt that I needed to talk to you."
Vaughn shook his head at Chel.
"You have been called?" Vaughn asked.
"Yes, but I don't know by what. I had a feelin you guys could help me."
The team stood in silence for a couple seconds.
"You have been called." Yan mumbled to himself.
"What was that?" The girl questioned.
"You have been called." he responded in a loud voice.
"Do you have the answer?" She asked Chel
"You...are a strong girl. Perhaps you have been called to journey with us." Chel replied.
"Oh really? Can I?"
"Well, lets see what your made of first!" Crum yelled.
The team went of in the nearby woods looking for a fight. They eventually came upon a group of feeding goblins. They were eating a dead griffon.
"Here, fight them!" Crum yelled.
"Fine, I will!"
"No," Vaughn spoke "She needs not to risk her life to proof that she can be a help to us. Look Crum, she is without a weapon."
Crum looked at her and spoke softly, "O... she is. I am sorry Mistress..."
"Adelia."
"Adelia... pretty name. Well, I'm sorry."
Crum hopped off of Vaughns shoulder and went over to the goblins. There he slew them, but was ignored by the conversation between the company and Adelia.
Vaughn was the first to speak after Crum left. "You'll have to excuse our friend here. He is a fighter by nature. I am Vaughn, Adelia. It is an honor to meet one as beautiful as yourself.
She smiled at him and spoke, "Why thank you Vaughn." Her solemnness returned, "I am here for a reason that I do not know. But I feel as if I should go with you. Something has called me here."
Vaughn looked at her and saw the look in her eyes. He knew that she was serious about what she said.
"Very well. You will accompany us. have you ever handled a spear?"
He motioned to Gru and she was given the beautiful halberd.
Nenya Evenstar
10-10-2002, 01:01 AM
"Thank you!" she said softly looking back at Vaughn with a small smile. "You will never know what it means to me to be able to join you - it just feels right." The others looked like they understood what she meant - especially Yan. "I have never handled a spear before, but I have seen one used often enough to defend myself with it if necessary." She fingered the halberd.
Crum took off his small helmet.
"Man, its getting hot in there." he said.
"Well, your not supposed to wear the helmet all the time." Vaughn replied.
"Well, I think it looks cool" The frog responded. "Lets head back to the village for a while."
Nenya Evenstar
10-10-2002, 05:21 AM
Adelia started to laugh. "You are quite the character, aren't you?" she asked the frog, still laughing.
Crum only looked offended and said nothing. Vaughn laughed, looked at the little creature, and said, "She's right, you know."
"No comment!" Crum grimaced. That produced a laugh from the others.
"Did you find anything in the village?" Adelia asked seriously. "Is there really any need to go back?" Chel seemed to be thinking seriously about the question, so Adelia looked to her for an answer. "If you do decide to go back, perhaps I can be of some help since this is my home town."
HLGStrider
10-10-2002, 06:38 AM
"We will need food for a long journey... very long and most likely hard... but no more weapons... and water. Water from the falls... Each of us must carry a small canteen of it. It will help us and has heeling powers." She then turned to Adelia...
"You have something we need, I can feel it... but I know not what. Something within your possession, small, and seemingly normal, will aid us. Go to your possessions and pick three things. Do not worry about what we need. Take the thing that means the most to you, the thing that you first see upon entring the room, and the thing that your eye lands upon just before you leave."
Chel then returned to the water. Sitting beside it she rested her feet in the cooling stream and waited.
Nenya Evenstar
10-10-2002, 07:09 AM
Adelia looked a little puzzled but said nothing. She had the feeling that these people knew what they were talking about. "Very well," she replied, "I will do as you say." Chel nodded. "I can help you get the food however, and for no cost. Come to my house, and you will be able to help yourselves to whatever you wish. There I will be able to do what Chel has asked. I can also provide containers for this healing water."
They walked to the town, and it took a longer time than usual. They talked of Adelia's history and of her family. Chel and Vaughn told of their story and how they came to meet Gru, Crum, Yan and the griffons.
Adelia spoke in a questioning manner, "You ride griffons? But how? The men of our town have for many years tried to tame even one, but have never accomplished the task. We have a caged griffon in town. I feed him daily, and have came almost to love the creature. He has not flown for many years, and that has harmed his pride. I plan to free him soon, but have not set a time to do so."
Vaughn now spoke, in a thoughtful manner, "This griffon, does it ever try to bite you when you feed it?"
"It did, at first. Now, it is tame when I am about, because I give it food of course."
"Does it trust you?"
"Why, yes... I think so."
"Then I must leave now, but I will be back."
Vaughn gave a loud whistle, and soon Kraa was at his side. He jumped upon the bird, and flew off. Adelia watched in amazement.
Crum who had hopped off of Vaughns shoulder spoke to her jokingly, "What, never seen a griffon fly before?" He laughed, seeming to enjoy his jest longer than it was deemed humourous.
Vaughn flew off with Kraa, and soon arrived at The Nest, the home of all griffons. The others instantly came at in anger, but were stopped by Kraa. Kraa spoke to the griffons, and Vaughn could understand, for he had learned much of the language from Kraa. The other griffons discussed amongst themselves, and relayed the information through Kraa to Vaughn.
'The one whom is in the village is my mate' said Kraa, 'If you free her, She will go with us. My clan will help, too. What you need we will help do.'
Vaughn spoke loudly, as was the griffon custom, in the language of the griffons (called griffish by Kraa). "Thank you friends." The griffons were startled by the man speaking their tongue. They joyfully laughed, and gathered aroung Vaughn. They proclaimed him 'Griffon Friend' and gave him the leg of a killed deer, as a sign of affection.
When the ceremony was finished, Vaughn spoke to Kraa, "Do you want this deer leg?"
"It is a gift. You do not return a gift."
"Very well, but I must cook it for me to eat."
"Yes. You humans are not like us when you eat. You burn the food to get rid of all the blood. Blood is the best part of a meal."
"We all have are opinions, friend."
"Yes, but tommorrow, you bring friends to Nest. They will be 'Griffon Friends' too.
"Very well, but tonight we will free your wife. I know someone who can ride her."
"Yes, so we can be together again," said Kraa with a tear.
"Yes, you will be together again."
They arrived outside the village, and Vaughn entered. He was found outside the Inn by Crum, who had gotten drunk again.
"Hey, Vaughn! Wanna go get a drink?"
"No Crum, but you can take me to the house of Adelia."
"Ok, follow me!"
Vaughn arrived at the house and found Yan, Chel, Gru and Adelia talking.
"Welcome to my home, Vaughn."
"Thank you, Adelia"
"Have a seat."
"I am sorry, but I cannot. I must free the griffon. You must take me to her."
"The griffon... ok, follow me, but speak none of this to anyone."
They left the warmth of the house into the cool nighttime breeze. The streets were empty, except for a few drunkards and beggars. They walked until they reached the south end of the village.
"You will find her in there. Good Luck." Adelia left.
Vaughn silently entered, and saw the great caged bird. The creature saw him first and gave a hateful screech. Vaughn quickly spoke in Griffish, and told the bird that he was ther to help. The bird spoke back, "Who are you, and why do you try to free me. You know I will surely kill you."
"I am willing to do this, not for you, but for Kraa."
"Kraa, you know where he is?"
"Yes, and I will take you to him if you only follow me."
"Alright human, I will."
Vaughn took out his sword and broke the lock. He then opened the door and watched as the griffon walked out of the cage.
"Follow me, quickly."
They left silently and left the village to the south. Vaugh whistled again, and watched as Kraa flew with delight, for his mate was free, and with him.
Nenya Evenstar
10-11-2002, 05:45 AM
Adelia turned from the door after watching Vaughn depart with the griffon. "Please," she said to those seated in the sitting room, "make yourselves at home! I will be back presently." She pressed a button on the wall, and in a few seconds a plump little maid came scurrying into the room. "Goldie," Adelia ordered, "see to it that these people are comfortable."
"Yes, M'Lady!" Goldie replied with a quick curtsey.
Adelia, with a smile at her guests, left the room and made her way to her apartments on the upper floor of the large house. Her mind was a mixed jumble of thoughts and confusion, and she felt like everything was happening far quicker than it should. There was something about Chel, Yan was so mysterious, Crum was.... hilarious, Gru' was just normal, and Vaughn.... She cut the thought off abruptly. Opening the door to her room, she entered and closed herself in. First she changed her dress into a warm blue riding dress without any decorations adorning it, yet it still looked extremely rich. Oh well! It was the best she could do.... She looked with satisfaction at her little riding boots for she knew that they would be perfect. She took out a warm cloak and laid it over the foot of the bed along with her favorite brown scarf. "This is probably all I should take," she thought to herself, "I do not believe I will be able to carry any more." She then stooped by a little table and picket up a locket. It was green and shaped like a leaf with many veins of gold, and it sparkled as though it was reflecting many lights. Adelia loved that locket for it had been her mother's who had passed away when she was quite young, and it meant more to her than anything else she possesed. She picked it up and fastened it around her pale neck by a golden chain. For some reason the locket had never opened, and Adelia had never seen what was inside of it try though she may. Then Adelia turned around and stared at the knife which lay on her coverlet. "How did it get there?" Adelia was puzzled. She bent down and picked it up with shaking fingers, for it had been the first thing that her eyes had seen when she entered the room. The knife was her father's from the library downstairs, but it had always before been locked up behind glass doors. How did it get here? What was it doing? Adelia felt a strange sensation as she picked it up and added it to her cloak and scarf, knowing that it was tied to her and her new companions in some odd way. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and turned slowly around preparing herself for what she would see when she opened them. Keeping her eyes closed, she walked towards the door feeling oddly guided by some unseen hand, and then finally opened her eyes. She was standing almost outside her room, yet her eyes rested on a ceramic face which lay on the bureau. Adelia shook her head and grabbed it before she could see anything else, pratically ran out of the room, and shut the door. She was breathing hard. Why this ugly face? Adelia had always hated the ceramic face with two black horns coming out of its head in arched curves, bright red eyes, a hideously smiling white mouth, and yellow cheeks. The thing had always been in her room and she had never been able to part with it even though she hated it. The smile had always reminded her of someone who was smiling with hate and greed over something evil they had done. She shuddered and put the face out of sight beneath her cloak, and began to make her way downstairs. One stop on the way furnished her with a pair of knit blue mittens, and then she was back in the sitting room with her guests.
Vaughn quickly took up to the sky with Kraa, and the mate of the griffon followed. Amazingly, her wings were strong and she had not lost her ability to fly. They flew to The Nest and showed the other griffons that Kraas mate was healthy and living. After feasting once again, they departed and arrived in the village once again.
Vaughn quickly entered Adelia's house and found her walking down the stairway with some of her belongings. "Adelia," he said, "Follow me. I have something to show you."
He led her out of the house and out to where Kraa and his mate, Seekra, were. Adelia looked in wonder at the two great birds. Vaughn spoke, in griffish, "Seekra, this is your new rider. Her name is Adelia. You may know her because she was the human who fed you."
Seekra looked at Adelia, and replied in Griffish, "Adelia will be my rider, but she does not know how to fly."
"Nor did I," said Vaughn, "But I learned. She will do the same."
Crum sat there on an old coffie table.
"Darn, I wonder why are just waiting here. Im leaving!"
Crum jumps off and runs out the door.
HLGStrider
10-13-2002, 04:58 AM
"CRUM!!! Come back!!!" Chel yelled, but he hopped away, going into the crowd. "I certainly hope he doesn't get into trouble," she sighed.
Nenya Evenstar
10-13-2002, 08:51 PM
Adelia looked at Vaughn nervously. "I'm supposed to fly?"
"Yes," replied Vaughn, "and don't worry, it's not all that frightening - you'll get used to it."
"Ok..." Adelia gave him a look which said she didn't quite trust his explanation. Seekra was standing there patiently, and Adelia climed up onto her back with the help of Vaughn. The Griffon then rose up into the air and made a short swooping journey some fifteen feet high, but the flight didn't last long, and she soon landed again on the ground with a scowl on her face. Adelia had both her eyes shut and looked like she was holding on for dear life.
"I cannot fly with a human stuck to my back like a leach!" Seekra spoke to Vaughn in Griffish. "She will pull out all my feathers!"
Vaughn couldn't help but laugh. "Adelia!" he said, "you can't pinch - Seekra isn't able to fly when you do."
Adelia opened her eyes. "It's a little sickening, you know, and I find it hard to put my life in the hands of a Griffon. They've always been so ferocious around humans... it's just extremely difficult to get used to. Besides the fact that I'm not on the ground.... and DON'T you laugh at me!" she glared teasingly at Vaughn.
"Hahaha!" laughed Vaughn. Then, abruptly stopping his laughter he said, "Try again, and this time try not to pinch! Just trust Seekra - she's more than capable of keeping you on her back." He gave her an encouraging smile
"Alright," Adelia replied taking a deep breath and settling herself upright on the Griffon. "I'll try to do better this time."
"She's ready," Vaughn said in Griffish, and away flew the Griffon at the same low height.
HLGStrider
10-13-2002, 09:07 PM
When Crum did not return after a half an hour Chel stumbled after him. Yan remained sitting, half asleep.
She felt her way through the crowd. Suddenly she felt something behind her. It was an evil that penetrated the throng. She swallowed hard and decided to go back to the house.
She turned and started on her way.... The darkness lingered for a minute but then followed again... She started to feel frightened. She was alone and unarmed. The people about her were acting normally. Whatever it was had not frightened them.
Meanwhile...
Adelia was beginning to feel safe on the back of the griffon, and soon rode without as tight a grip on the feathers of the bird's back. Vaughn flew up beside her and gave her instruction on how to ride the great bird. After an hour of lessons, she could ride Seekra well enough to stay on the back of the bird. After the lessons were finished, Adelia retire to her home, but Vaughn and Kraa rode off. Vaughn killed a deer and made a saddle for Adelia. Vaughn carefully stitched the leather together, and removed all of the loose threads. He tested the saddle on the back of Kraa, and perfected it until the ride was smoother than that of any other's. He carefully packed the new saddle and flew back to the house where he contentedly slept. His dreams were pleasant, and the night air soothed his spirit.
Nenya Evenstar
10-14-2002, 03:02 AM
Adelia was getting worried. It was already quite late but she hadn't been able to sleep. Yan and Vaughn were sleeping in the guest rooms being very exhausted, but Adelia felt no loss of strength. Her mind was rushing. That same feeling of danger and fear from her dreams had crept into her mind. It had to do with Chel and Crum, for she could not get her mind off the two. Where were they? Adelia couldn't handle the suspense anymore and slipped on her cloak and went out into the cold night.
HLGStrider
10-15-2002, 08:03 AM
Chel huddled in a dark alley way shivering. She had tried to get home, desperately, but everytime she approached the house it grew stronger, eviller. She was also worried about Crum, of whom she had heard nothing. The evil grew nearer. She cowered down. She could no longer feel her strength... she was so cold...
Back at the house Yan arose and awakened his friends.
"We must leave. I will go find Chel. Meet us outside of town." They stared at him at first but obeyed. A soft light was glowing about his skin.
Chel quivered... she forced herself to stand.
"DEPART DARKNESS!!!" she stammered. "You have no place or power here!" She heard a thin, menacing laugh. "Depart," she whimpered.
A light shone suddenly before her, cutting through the darkness. She fell upon the ground, exhausted. Yan rushed forward out of nowhere and took her trembling body into his arms. He strode through the evil, through the darkness. It abated before him, shriveling like mist in the morning sun. He whispered to her in a soft, strange tongue. She slept peacefully in this goodness.
Nenya Evenstar
10-15-2002, 09:17 PM
Adelia was almost running. Ever since she had left the house the sense of urgency had kept growing in her mind. Something was not right. So she had been running, looking for something but not knowing what. Perhaps she was trying to find Chel or Crum, but she did not know. Suddenly, the sense of urgency passed and was no more. The shock of the departure was so great that Adelia fell to her knees on the cobblestone street and covered her face. When the shock had passed, she opened her eyes just in time to see Crums little legs vanish behind the door of a tavern in a flash of light and laughter.
Adelia took a deep breath and stood up. Yan looked around and made sure nothing was around them. Adelia slowly walked over toward the Tavern doors followed by Yan. They looked around for Crum and found him on a tall stool. they approached him.
"Come on. Your coming with us right now." Adelia commanded.
"But...I want a drink." he responded.
"No, something is not right. You are coming with us."
"okay." he said sadly.
They ran out the doors and for the house as fast as they could.
"I don't know whats wrong guys, but I think I can feel evil." Crum yelled.
"You can" Yan said in a quite voice.
A heavy mist swallowed them and they were forced to stop.
"OH NO!" Adelia yelled.
"We are seperated!" Crum yelled.
"Stay were you are, and keep talking." Yan said in a calm mannner.
He eventually found her on the ground shaking.
"something...Something is in this mist." Yan said.
they began to hear screams of pain. But they werent human screams.
HLGStrider
10-16-2002, 06:44 AM
Chel stayed close to Yan's chest... there seemed to be music his his breath. He held her close, still whispering in that tongue.
Suddenly a light shone from him.
A little ways away Adelia saw it, light a door way through the fog. She ran to his side, Crum still with her. The screams continued.
"We must hurry," Yan frowned.
Nenya Evenstar
10-16-2002, 08:38 PM
Adelia stooped down and picked up Crum for she did not wish to risk losing him in the fog. Crum was frightened, though he tried not to show it, and sat huddled on her shoulder dejectedly. The screams were all around them now as though a hundred voices called out in terror, and the doorway at the end of the fog began to shrink, and Adelia, without knowing, began to run toward it as if some madness had overtaken her. She felt as though she was being chased by countless beings of darkness and that if one touched her she would become a part of that darkness. But she was running toward the darkness and the light was now behind her. She felt a hand on her shoulder that stayed her fierce running flight and she screamed. But it was only Yan, and Adelia collapsed into the strong arm that he held out. He then scooped Adelia up in his arm and carried her. Adelia looked across his chest at Chel who was resting in his other arm and their eyes met and grew wide, for glow seemed to be emanating from Yan, and the darkness was a little less wherever he walked. But he seemed to have grown. He was holding Adelia in one arm and Chel in the other and his feet towered below like two pillars and his head seemed unrealistically large. The two women could only stare at each other in speachless amazement. The light from Yan kept growing brighter and brighter until the darkness began to flee away and the doorway stood once more like a bright escape. Yan stepped through and set the two women down. They were back in Adelia's house and Yan had shrunk back into his original size. Adelia felt like one waking from a dream and was refreshed to see Vaughn walking down a hallway. She shook her head, staring around at her friends in bewilderment.
HLGStrider
10-17-2002, 07:36 AM
Yan lay Chel upon a sofa. She was unconscious.
"The darkness came too close," he mumbled. "Still it is not yet too late... Give me the water from the falls..."
Slowly he let the water trickle over Chel's forhead. She smiled in her sleep. The water vaporized as it touched her skin.
"She will rest until morning, but Barok is no longer safe for us. We must leave soon."
SEVERAL MILES AWAY...
Nain and his troup of Undead waited as the emissary approached. He was clad in a long, heavy cloak. Only his pale hands were visible.
"I come from Kuriyama on the business of the stones," he hissed. Nain put his hand on his axe shaft.
"The stones will be mine," he frowned.
The Emissary walked away with speed.
Nain spoke to the Undead archer at his right, "See that he does not give his message to Kurayami."
The twisted face of the risen corpse turned and fired quickly. The arrows drove itself through the back of the emissary, and his blood spilled out onto the grass. The area around him burned in great fury, and Kurayami came forward. An arrow flew through his dark shadow, and was engulfed in the blackness of Kurayamis evil spirit. Nain stood boldly and yelled at Kurayami, "You shall not have what is not yours. You have made a foolish mistake."
The ground gave off a mighty tremor, throwing Nain and all of his undead to the ground. Nain stood once again. "You have no army, but my undead, they are numerous. You will be utterly defeated.
Kurayami paused. Suddenly, great flames surrounded Nain's massive army. Out of the flames came tall ghostlike men. They all wore the raiment of a noble prince, yet their faces were full of an evil that would never sleep.
The earths shook once again, this time greater than the last. It was felt in Baraak, and Vaughn, Chel, Yan, Adelia, Gru and Crum prepared for their departure.
They made haste and packed up their things.
"Lets go, now! We should check out what that tremor was all about."
Crum yelled.
"Good Idea" Adelia said. "But what about the evil in this city."
Vaughn looks up at Adelia and looks into her eyes.
"Its not our problem right now." he said softly.
Vaugn whistled loudly at the city gates and the griffons flew toward them. They mounted the griffons and flew over head looking for the cause of the tremor.
"There they are! What is going on?!" Crum yelled.
HLGStrider
10-18-2002, 05:49 AM
"The evil is here because of us," Yan said calmly. "It will depart with us... It's whole purpose is our destruction. This village is little more than a battle ground for it."
....
The ground beneath Nain shook and trembled. The ghosts approached, hewing into his undead. Just then, however there was a great cracking noise. The earth gave the moan of one in pain. A chasm opened beneath the evil army of Nain and they were gone. Kuriyama fell back in amazement. This work was not his. The earth was likewise trembling beneath his few human soldiers. He and his ghosts disappeared, leaving the mortal followers to perish beneath the earth.
The noise was great...
The griffons hovered above the ground.
"What was that?!" Crum yelled in amazement.
"The earth." Yan said.
"The earth?" Gru' asked in awe.
"That is what I said, the earth is alive, you know."
"Thats right! And its going to die unless we stop darkness." Gru' yelled.
After the tremors stoped the Griffon's landed on the nearby ground.
"I don't think this is such a good idea." Crum told the party.
"I agree, What are we doing here?" Gru' responded.
"We are checking things out." Vaughn said softly.
They searched all around for a while but had no luck finding anything that could be useful. All around them they heard the screams. Coming from the earth. An evil laugh rose from the earth. The laugh was familar. They turned around and pulled their weapons and saw Kuriyami.
But he wasn't the same, he looked more powerful than the time before. And his face...was more clear.
HLGStrider
10-18-2002, 11:40 PM
"You are all that stand between me and total victory and you are weak," he stated, his voice cold and expressionless. "It will be easy to destroy you... Easier than I'd hoped."
He approached, raising his cruel hands above his head. In his left fist appeared a cold, white sword. Chel started to tremble.
Just then Yan also raised his hands.
A gentle, yet powerful light emitted from the soft palms of the tall, stone-faced elf. The light began to flatten, forming the shaped of a sword, yet no sword was seen. Then light suddenly dies, and Yan held in his hand a sword, wreathed in a fiery white flame.
Vaughn unsheathed his sword, and saw that it glowed in the same radiance. Gru, after seeing the swords of Vaughn and Yan, did the same. The three swords glowed bright white, and blinded Kurayami and his spirit warriors. Chel's staff leapt to her hand, as did the halberd of Adelia. Crum's small dagger was out, even before Yan's, for he was a fighter by all means and was never found without a ready sword.
Adelia crept to Vaughn, and looked into his eyes. He smiled at her and gave her an assuring look. It comforted him as much as it did her.
The battle began...
HLGStrider
10-19-2002, 04:25 AM
A mist sprung up about the travelers. In it flashed vague, menacing shapes, barely human. They carried long blades... The heroes faced them back to back, in a tight circle.
"Let them come," Crum laughed. Chel gave a whimper. She was battling already for she could feel the darkness tearing at her heart. Vaughn and Gru drew their swords. Yan stood with his hands still raised and his eyes tightly closed.
The blades of the attackers came flinging down, and were repelled by the warriors. Vaughn, after avoiding the spirit's great blade, sprang forward. His sword, glowing with a holy radiance, instantly slew the misty warlord. Vaughn dropped back into formation and prepared for the next assault.
Then it came...
HLGStrider
10-19-2002, 10:19 PM
The cloud came in over the tree tops, a dark, cumulous cloud. Lightening sparked in its crown. Kuriama raise up his arms then drew them into his chest, as if pulling the cloud to them. It descended with a shriek. The cloud itself was a live, a dark presence of evil.
HLGStrider
10-21-2002, 01:24 AM
The cloud shrunk before them, taking on an onimous form. Lightening flashed in the cloudy eyes... Teeth formed... hard, despite their misty appearance. It gave forth a cruel howl...
"It's a shadow wolf," Yan said quietly. "I have not seen one for many years..."
The beast gave out a mighty roar and the team gripped thier weapons tight. It jumped at them.....
HLGStrider
10-21-2002, 02:53 AM
Chel fell back with a cry but steadied herself quickly. She jabbed forward with her spear, knocking herself and the beast to the ground. Vaughn leapt forward, weapon in hand, but his blade went through the beast's body as if he was made of air. It righted itself and again approached. Chel again jabbed at it, but with no results.... Lightening flashed about it... Chel gave out a scream... The creature gave a cry of pain and fell back as her voice hit it... Again Vaughn struck and again the blade did nothing.
The beast leapt towards the warrior...
"NO!!!" Chel ordered. Again the creature fell back at her voice... She positioned herself between it and her friends. "You shall perish darkness," she snarled. The brute winced at every word.
Crum and Gru' looked at eachother and nodded their heads. They plunged at the beast at the same time. Their bodies went straight through the creatures body. Crum's body falls on the ground and Gru lands on Crum. Gru jumped up quikly. "Crum!!!!"
The frog lay unmoving, but the fight spared no time to mourn. The wolf was now circling Adelia. It sprang, but Vaughn jumped into its path, and stabbed it with his blade. The wolf, not prepared for such a move, had come out of its ghostly state and become matter, as to maul his victim with the greatest of force. Vaughn's sword lodged deep into the wolf's shoulder, and it howled in pain and fury. Its wound bled nought, but sealed itself as if no sword had ever touched it. Vaughn lay in pain on the hard dirt earth. His arm was numb, and he could not move it. He tried to stand, but to no avail.
The wolf, seeing this dove at his body, as if to gore its inflictor of pain and watch his flesh be torn apart. As he descended, Vaughn's quest flashed before his eyes. The meeting in Mirkwood. The fight with the dragon. Smyern.... Javlynn.... He knew that he was the next to die. He watched the wolf come down upon him for what seemed hours. Then the creature landed. Its claws sunk deep into Vaughn's skin. Its foaming mouth snarled in delight of its victims pain. Its teeth sunk deep into the chest of Vaughn, and tore the flesh off, exposing his ribs. It suddenly fell back in pain, laying dead on the ground.
Blood spilt out of the wound, staining the ground a dark crimson. Vaughn could not speak, although he attempted. His body would not respond to his mind. Only deep pulsating thrusts of pain could be felt. His spirit suddenly seemed to rise, slowly watching his body, his friends and his enemies as he drifted away. He saw Adelia, looking down at his fallen body. He wished to return, just to speak with her again. He began to descend, but was overcome with the grief of Middle Earth. He stopped, but pressed on. He fought until his spirit could no longer contend with anything else
Chel ran to the body of Vaughn. A tear fell off of her cheek. She knelt down, and saw his bloody wound. She slowly lifted her hand. The same blue glow appeared and pulsated around Vaughn's wound.
Vaughn found himself again in his body, but alone. He heard great shouts of battle, but could not see any of the happenings. The ground about him was damp. He felt it. Realizing that he had regained his feeling, Vaughn put his hand on his chest. He found no wound, only the rythmic beatings of his heart. He tried to sit up, and after a wearying struggle succeeded. He turned to see his sword laying on the ground, the wolf, burnt by some holy fire, and Yan standing, engulfed by the warm glow emitting from his body. He turned once again to see Adelia and Chel, smiling at him.
Vaughn sat until he had regained his strength fully, which took little time. The healing powers of Chel had rejuvenated him, giving him a new strength. He slowly stood, and found himself feeling sore, but glad to still be alive. Kurayami had been held back by Yan, and had retreated for the moment. Vaughn picked up his sword, and spoke to Chel, "I am forever indebted to you. I thank you deeply."
HLGStrider
10-22-2002, 06:27 AM
"It is I who are in your debt... and so in Chel's," Adelia smiled, her young face moist with dewy tears.
"It was Yan more than I," Chel cast a wandering glance upon the tall elf. "I... Yan, what are you? Such power can not exist? Not in Middle Earth, not in this life!" Yan approached and took her hand.
"Much exists beyond this earth and even beyond this life, my fair maid," he whispered. "Do not fear. We must continue our journey... Can you walk, Vaughn?"
The warrior nodded and with Adelia's help managed to stand... Just then Chel gave a cry of horror.
"CRUM!!!"
Chel and Adelia ran as fast as they could toward Crum's body. Azog took a deep breathe and sat back down while Gru' accompanied him.
"Crum! Are you okay?" Chel yelled in fear.
"ouch!" He mumbled softly.
A smile came on Chel's face.
"you are!"
Crum jumped off the ground and started bouncing around.
"Of course, Im okay!" he yelled.
"but....where Yan? and Javlynn?"
"Hmmm, seems you have lost your memory my friend." Azog says softly as he walks over.
"No, I havn't. He always seems to show up at times like these. So where is he?!"
OOC: not yet.
HLGStrider
10-23-2002, 05:48 AM
"Javlynn is gone," Yan frowned. "Men are not bound to this sphere and his keeping is for Iluvatar to decide... Come, let us go. We must find the remaining stones."
"What are the stones?" Adelia asked. "Do we even know what we seek? Who made them? Why do they plague us and hold such a power?"
Yan drew a deep breath.
"It is a long, painful story. Years ago... ages to you but days to me... there was an evil far greater than what we see now holding dominion over what you call Middle Earth. A group of elves and men, instructed by a Vala created three stones to destroy the evil, but before the final spells could be made the stones were captured and corrupted, made to defend instead of destroy the terror of the darkness. The couragous band sacrificed their lives to steal and hide these stones. Now they have again fallen into fell hands and must be destroyed at all costs."
His gray eyes softened.
"The Valar never should've put such power on this sphere, for good or for evil... Long has the one who did regretted his actions. While meant for good they have done much harm... much harm..."
He awoke to what he was saying and shook his head.
"Come, our quest is not yet complete."
Vaughn walked with the company, but still had to rest to regain his strength. The soreness had not yet departed, and he stiffly walked along when he could. Yan walked ahead of the company, solemnly looking out for any attackers. A slight tremor in the ground was felt, and continued for a long while. Suddenly, the earth calmed.
Nenya Evenstar
10-23-2002, 09:59 PM
Adelia was shaken though she tried to hide it. She was not at all used to battles.... She shook her head trying to focus her mind. She had been strangely worried about Crum when he had been crushed and then extremely relieve when he had been found to be all right. Crum looked over at her and smiled in his frog-like way and Adelia knew that they were going to be great friends after this and hoped to somehow make some sense out of this wild amphibian.
Crum jumped from Chel's pocket and onto Adelia's shoulder.
"So...how are things?" he asked her.
Adelia smiled at Crum.
Vaughn soon had to stop to rest, and he sat beside Adelia and the frog. They talked lightly, but soon had to rise and continue on their journey.
Vaughn walked beside Chel, and they spoke with heavy hearts, remembering long lost friends, and happily rejoicing for their luck in finding such good company.
HLGStrider
10-24-2002, 06:40 AM
Yan's pace was quick, as if he were late for something. Occasionally his eyes darted from side to side or even up. Occasionally he spoke to his companions but not often. Something was on his mind...
Nenya Evenstar
10-24-2002, 10:17 PM
Adelia and Crum were deep in talk. They talked about all sorts of things at first slowly but they gradually quickened their pace as they got to know each other better. Adelia shared with Crum her unnerving dreams, her feeling of surety that she was now in the right place, and her feelings of unsurety too. Crum told Adelia about his life before he had met up with these "weird people", as he termed it, and told her how much more exciting life was for him now. He told her about Javlynn and how he had been lost, but he seemed to be hopeful that Javlynn was not forever gone. Adelia was enjoying the talk with this amphibian, and was learning to love his boisterious personality.
After another hour of walking, a small break was again needed, but this time Yan urged them to press on, "Something is following us... It brings evil. I would quicken my pace if I was any of you, for this... creature is following us. It will be perilous to rest now. Vaughn, you must press on."
Vaughn reluctantly rose again, for he had quickly sat when they stopped. "I will continue with you, and if I must, I will run with you."
Yan gave a quick smile, and seemed to overpower all of them with his presence. Yan walked up to Vaughn and supported him. They continued walking.
"Something is following us?!" Crum yelled.
"yes, be quite." Yan said in a loud whisper voice.
As they continued walking they could feel it getting closer and closer.
"What should we do?" Crum said softly.
"We need to do something to lose them, or it." Adelia replied.
"What if it is Javlynn, we all know he will return soon." Crum asked.
"It is something evil. I asure that it is not Javlynn." Chel said.
"I say we stay and fight it." Gru' said proudly.
"I have a better idea...how about we dont!" Crum yelled in a scared way.
As they kept walking they heard voices and loud noises all around them.
"A dragon, maybe?" Crum asked.
"Maybe, but......."
HLGStrider
10-25-2002, 11:09 PM
"No," Chel interupted. "Even dragons do not send out such a strong presence of evil... Yan, do you know what it is?"
"Something stronger than any of you have faced before.... and something perhaps stronger than your combined strength," the elf breathed. "We must face it. Stand ready."
Nenya Evenstar
10-26-2002, 01:17 AM
Adelia took a deep breath and turned around. Instead of a long prarie like was there a moment ago, she saw what looked like a gaping chasm out of which smoke poured. It was as though the ground had opened like a mouth and was belching forth fumes and orcs. The noise was deafening, as orcs poured out of the fissure yelling barbarically. But they did not attack. The company stared in disbelief as they were surrounded by the orcs on every side so that all chance of escape was made impossible. Drums could be heard and the ground shook. Dust fell like rain from the heavens and the very air was a poisonous fume. Yan was staring at the gaping mouth with pain and fear written across his face as though waiting for something which he knew must come. The drum beats deepened and the sky grew even darker. Still the orcs did not attack but stayed at a watchful distance, hemming the wanderers in. The ground began to shake and out of the gaping fissure before them from whence all the stench and darkness came could be heard poundings as though some great beast was making its way to the surface.
The fissures began, softly, but growing much stronger by the second. The presence of this creature of the earth was felt, as it slowly ascended, continuing up, up to where the earth had been broken. Yan's eyes flashed bright white, and the light instantly gave all courage, and strength. Vaughn, who had been bent over in weariness, now had an abundant amount of it.
The earth began to tremble greatly, and cracks in the earth were beginning to form about them. The earth shuddered again, throwing Chel to the ground. Vaughn quickly helped her to her feet. Suddenly, only 30 meters ahead, a great fire shot out of the ground. The fireball arched and came flying down at them. Yan's glowing eyes emitted an even greater light. He threw his arms out, sending a vibrant white meteor into the air. Yan's glowing sphere, on impact sent out a great flame. The flame blazed, flickering down upon all. It slowly subsided, and none of the fireball of the earth was left.
The chasm ahead spilt out fire, and a giant flame arose. Inside of the flame, something was seen. It was the figure of someone, but only a silhouette could be seen.
They all looked harder to try and make out the figure.
"Javlynn? is that you?" Chel asked
"No, its not Javlynn." Yan spoke softly.
They slowly approached the figure....
HLGStrider
10-26-2002, 11:17 PM
"I know you..." it whispered in a voice scarcely audible above the hiss of steam.
"Wh... Who do you know?" Chel stammered. "We know you not...."
"Yes... he knows me," it smirked, teeth flashing like flames in the obscurity of the smoke. "We have met before... before when I served the evil the stones were meant to defeat... the evil I now possess. The evil that makes me greater than him or even his master."
"You can never be greater than my master," Yan growled. "You are a weak, perverted thing, turned asside from your origenal purpose."
Chel shivered as Yan's light again flickered. The siloutte quailed somewhat but then arose again.
"Yes... I am and will be. You put your power in the stones and I have consumed them. They are now me. Your strength is mine."
The creature grew, ominously looming above them. It's eyes glared in a screaming evil. His long bloodstained fangs gleamed as he hatefully laughed.
"Return to whence you came!" shouted Yan.
The creature shuddered, yet persisted.
Yan stepped towards the evil being and shouted again, "Return you abomination!"
The beast's hand opened, and a dark fiery flail formed. It swung the weapon with great force at Yan. Yan dove to the side, dodging from the weapon's path. A great crater lay beside him, going deep into the earth.
Yan's eyes glowed a holy white, and he jumped forward at the being. He jumped up, and into the cloud surrounding the shadowy figure, only to land on the other side of it.
Nenya Evenstar
10-30-2002, 11:48 PM
Shadow and black cloud crept ever outward from the creature, and soon all light was extinguished except for a small sphere which seemed to envelope Yan, except the sphere was coming from Yan and from somewhere without at the same time. Wherever Yan went his light seemed to eat up a portion of the blackness emanating from the foe, but as he moved the darkness swallowed up the light.
The group stood huddled around Chel who held the two stones hidden in a pouch in her hand. Gru' and Vaughn stood like two guards holding their weapons and eyeing the orcs on every side while trying to look somewhat invincible. Adelia was there, pure terror in her eyes, holding her spear like a pitchfork. Little Crum was perched on her shoulder, and it must be said that he seemed to be enjoying the thought of a battle, no matter how deadly the outcome looked. The orcs in surrounding field still did not move, but only waited - for what, no one could tell. They leered and stomped, lashed their whips and drank in the darkness and smoke.
Suddenly the huddled group in the middle felt a presence that was so staggering that they stepped back a few paces. Chel looked up and saw a shadow looking down at her from the heights. It was pitch black, blacker than the blackest night, and she quailed under the glare in fear. Yan tried to distract the creature, but to no avail. It wanted nothing more to do with Yan and with a short yell sent half the orc legion to distract the elf, while he himself made fun his sport.
"I am here to barter, my little blind woman!"
"Now, to have some fun with you!"
The dark creature lowered itself to the ground. And slowly floated toward Chel.
"I will have fun with you!" It yelled in a deep demonic voice.
Suddenly Vaughn and Adelia ran over and stepped in between the two.
"No, no you won't!" Adelia cried out.
Vaughn gripped his sword and swallowed hard.
"You think you scare me with your mortal weapons? A matter of fact, I have something for you, Chel. Something you love very much."
Out of the darkness came a human-like figure.
"Its, is that Javlynn?!" Adelia yelled in fear.
"Its not, its a trick." Vaughn said softly.
"A trick? A trick?! Hmmm..." The figure began to laugh.
"That is not Javlynn's laugh." Vaughn said.
Chel saw the darkness surrounding the figure.
"It...its not Javlynn."
The dark shadow leaped toward Vaugh and cut his face with a small blade.
"Oh, Vaughn! Looks like you have gotten slower, whats goin on buddy?" it said to him.
"Shut up. You are not Javlynn." Vaughn responded.
"Or am I...?"
Vaughn signaled to the others to step back.
"I will handle this alone."
The creature leapt at Vaughn again, but this time he grapped the arm of the figure and snapped it, but it only made the figure more furious. Its eyes glowed like that of a cat in the darkness, then...he dissapeared into the ground. Vaughn stood in silence, expecting another attack but nothing came. Suddenly, it rose behind him. Knowing this, Vaughn turned and shoved his hunting knife into the lower torso of the shadow, but it only laughed. The team began to hear voices from all around them. Suddenly it began to get lighter. The orcs paused in battle, staring at amazement. The light showed the face of the shadow. It was Javlynn. Vaughn stood still holding his weapon tight.
"Now, Vaughn! Kill your best friend." The huge creature said watching the fight in excitement.
"No! Don't kill him!" Adelia cried loudly.
Vaughn stood still. And looked at Javlynn in the face.
"Do it! Do it!" Javlynn yelled.
"I...I can't!" Vaughn yelled back. He let go of his weapon and the sound of it hitting the ground echoed through out.
"As I thought!" The large dark shadow said laughing.
Javlynn stood there, and his body slowly started fading away."
Vaughn had a look of anger on his face, more anger than he had ever felt. He then ran over to the beast and began striking it furiously, but it did no good.
"Why do you get so angry?" It said to him. "I will make you a irresistable offer my friend. You give me the stones...and I will spare all your lifes. Including that of your friend, Javlynn."
Vaughn looked over at Chel, she nodded and slowly walked over toward the two. She opened the small pouch and emptied the two stones out onto her hand. She held them tightly, then reached out and gave them to the creature."
"Foolish humans, you will all die."
The shadow suddenly vaporized, leaving no trace of the transaction that had occured. Vaughn picked up his sword and yelled, "For Javlynn we have done this, now we must avenge!"
He leapt forward, and saw that the orcs had regrouped, and were in a wedge formation. Vaughn tightened his grip, glaring with an utter hatred for the servants of Darkness. He saw an orc drift forward, cursing at them in its foul tongue. Its words, not understood by Vaughn, were full of hatred and malice. It yelled at them, and raised its hands into the air, giving a war cry that was spawned by the evil within its soul. It gave Vaughn an even greater hate, and he stood, silent, and waiting to smell the blood of these foul creatures. The orcs charged.
Vaughn leapt forward, alone, and was lost within the mass of orcs. His blade rose and fell, and his body snaked through their numbers, slaying many. His sword glistened with the black blood of the orcs, and the fire in his eyes overpowered them.
Crum, seeing that the battle was raging without him leapt forward, weaving through the legs of the orcs, and removing many of the orcs limbs.
Gru joined the fray, hacking the bodies of the foul creatures to bits of flesh. His sword was soon stained black as well.
Blood stained thier clothes, some thier own. They persisted valiantly, fending off many attacks and inflicting many mortal wounds. Vaughns knuckles bled from his tight grip, and his teeth were clamped together so tightly that his jaws became weak.
Yan was resting off to the side, tired from the spiritual fray in which he had joined. Chel and Adelia stared in fear- of the orcs... of thier companions's safety.
Vaughn was surrounded by four orcs. He stabbed one with his blade, planted his foot into its ribs and withdrew the blade, flipping over the enemy behind him. The blade stabbed through the front of its neck, protruding out of its back. He brought the blade forward, splitting the orc in two. His clothes were now stained a heavy black with the blood of the foul creatures. He dove forward as two orcs collided into each other with their spears, impaling each other.
Crum continued, unseen slashing at the legs and feet of the orcs. A large orc, overweight, saw Crum. He lunged forward, trying to step on the nimble frog. Crum dove to the side and jumped up on the orcs shoulder. He swung his knife with all of his might, and severed the fat Orc's head. The limp body fell to the ground, resting beside the head of its owner.
Vaughn, Gru and Crum continued to fight, slaying many more. The orcs began a retreat, but before they left the field, the remaining burst into flames. Vaughn looked at Yan, only to find the elf resting as before.
HLGStrider
10-31-2002, 07:31 AM
"My strength is nearly gone... It has gone stronger... but its tricks are the same, deception and evil," Yan slowly arose. "I did not expect it to have such strength without the stone... and now it does have them. I am not sure how to face this."
Chel burst into tears.
"I... I... shouldn't have... I didn't...I just wanted him back!" she fell at Yan's feet. "Forgive me, my friends. Please forgive me. I should've known."
"None of us knew," Vaughn swallowed, gazing at his own blood stained hands.
Yan stooped and pick Chel up. Gently he kissed her above the eyes.
"You are not to blame, milady," he whispered. "The heart may lead a man astray, but it is more to be trusted than the eye... This darkness was almost beyond me. It is no shame to falter in such a storm... We must find the stones. Now that they have been reunited the monster is stronger than any power upon Middle Earth... perhaps including my own."
With Chel still resting upon his shoulder he started to walk away.
Nenya Evenstar
10-31-2002, 06:22 PM
Adelia's mouth was practically hanging open. Who was this Yan? She stared at his retreating back, her mind a flurry of thoughts and visions. Suddenly at her side she heard a small voice, "Adelia?" Looking down, she saw a blood-stained Crum with fire in his eyes. She picked him up and placed him on her shoulder without any words, for her heart was numb and thinking was laborious.
Vaughn and Gru' came up to her, and with gentle words pressed her to move on. They walked along the burnt grass and watched as the smoke and murk cleared. The sun came out, a breath of fresh air like spring danced in, and the very sky seemed to sparkle with a radiance.
"All cannot be defeated!" Adelia said suddenly. "Certainly some greater power than we will ever know is protecting us! Though we have lost the stones, we are all still alive, and that in itself is a precious gift." A bird sang and twittered as though to confirm her words. Darkness would never conquer all.
HLGStrider
10-31-2002, 08:58 PM
They rested under the trees about a mile away. They barely had the strength needed to walk from the battle field. They were all weary. Chel was especially tired. She lay still the entire night.
They slept while the sun was above. Yan did not sleep. He remained ever alert, pacing about them.
If they were to take on this evil they needed to prepare... to learn how to face and defeat it.
Vaughn.... You know who I am. You will never destroy me, for I am your true Master. What power I gave you, you squandered. What strength I gave you you threw away. You are and abomination my eyes. You had a future under me. You would have been more powerful than myself.... and we... YOU.... would have ruled. You have thrown it all away my son...
Vaughn's dreams haunted him. The same repetatice messae went through his mind the entire night.
"Wake up!" Crum yelled loudly in Vaughn's ear. "Your talking in your sleep, and keeping me up!"
Vaughn turned his head toward Crum but didn't say a word.
"Oh well, I will sleep over there." He pointed about 10 yards away to a area of thick bushes.
Nenya Evenstar
11-01-2002, 01:49 AM
The noise woke Adelia up out of a deep sleep. She saw Vaughn, sweat broken out all over his forehead, lying in a dream. She shook her head at Crum and whispered, "Shhh! Do not awaken him!" Crum merely gave her an angry glance and hobbled over to his picked bush with his blankets and tried to make himself comfortable. Adelia shook her head again and settled back down in her blankets. She was soon asleep.
And the sun rose casting its firey golden rays on the sleeping group with warmth as though to summon them to a new day full of promise.
The last line spoken was very close to Vaughn. It was his father's voice, yet there was a hollowness. He had* heard his father's screams of pain when he had died, but Vaughn never truly knew that his father was dead. His father was somehow alive, and he could feel it. He saw in his mind a picture, one of a dark valley stained with blood. His father stood there, but spoke naught. The peril was greatly about, and his father stirred naught. His body, bruised greatly stood powerfully. Vaughn ran to him, and spoke, but an answer was not upon his father's lips.
Then he awoke, and was in a great sweat. His knees prevented him from standing. He knew his father was near, and willed for him to use what was given to him. Vaughn felt a sharp pain in his hand, and was amazed to see a small flame emitting from it. The pain was not great, and was not burning his flesh.
Nenya Evenstar
11-01-2002, 08:00 AM
The sun now shone brightly on the drowsy group just awoken, each from their different dreams of peace, fear, or anger. Adelia had prepared a cup of warm tea and walked over and gave it to Vaughn with a smile and a look of encouragement. He looked terrible. She saw the flame, and a short cry escaped from her mouth as she looked at him questioningly.
"It is nothing!" Azog told her hiding the flame. When he removed his hands, the burning had gone.
"But... you were burning!" Adelia insisted.
"It was not a phyisical burn like you would normaly see...." Vaughn stopped, unsure of where to go next.
HLGStrider
11-01-2002, 08:05 AM
He was spared the trouble for Yan yelled out to them, interupted the conversation.
"We need to move," he said with a frown. "We must find what we came to find. We cannot defeat this evil alone. We will be led to things that will aid us, but we will not find them here. Come."
The party made haste, packing all of thier things in a hurry, as if they had a certain time to be somewhere. Crum stopped through the rushing.
"Let me ask you guys something! Why are we moving so fast?" he yelled out.
Yan slowly walked over to him and knealt down to him.
"The planed still continues to suffer, we must act quickly my friend." he responded.
Crum have a look of confusion then continued packing. After a few more minutes of rush they were ready to set out.
They took of on a swift jog, stopping for nothing. Yan illuminated them , giving them endurance. Vaughn ran ahead of all, for his heart was heavy, and he wanted to escape from his mind. Away from himself... away from Him...
His thoughts drifted from the world, and he found himself staring far away, running faster, until he was sprinting for something... Someone...
The rythmic pounding of his feet fell upon his deaf ears. Suddenly he fell to his knees. He knew not how long, but fell asleep, lying on the ground, as one who is dead. He awoke to the soft voice of Adelia.
Nenya Evenstar
11-02-2002, 05:31 AM
As they jogged along Adelia looked around herself at the surrounding fields and plains, mountains and meadows, flowers and trees, and thought of the darkness. The sky was not so clear as it had been, the air not so crisp, and the birds not so happy, and a foggy mist seemed to cloud Adelia's mind. Where was the hope that she had felt yesterday? She thought of the darkness, and stopped short, a cry of desperation on her lips. But at that moment Vaughn dropped to his knees as though exhausted and fell forward on his face limply. Adelia's thoughts fled in an instant.
"Vaughn!" she ran to his side and tried to turn him over onto his face. His eyes were closed. She layed her head on his chest to see if he were breathing, and found to her relief that he was - and quite normally at that. She looked up to see her companions looking down with fear and worry lining their faces.
"Yan," Adelia pleaded, "do you have any idea?" The elf stooped down and placed his hands on Vaughn's forehead. Some lines of worry that had crept their way into the Vaughn's face uncreased and vanished, but he still slept on.
"Why don't you just shake 'im?" Gru' asked. He decided to take matters into his own hands and stooped down towards Vaughn and shook him as hard as he could, but Yan stopped him.
"Shaking will do no good! Leave him!" Gru backed away. "I do not know what this is, for it is strange to me, but my heart tells me that he must sleep." Gru' stared. "There is nothing we can do."
************************
It was evening. The fire cast a bright glow on the faces of the group huddled around, as it warmed and strengthened them. They had spent the day resting, for Yan had ordered that Vaughn be left alone. And Vaughn had continued to sleep. Adelia and Crum watched him almost the entire day as he seemed to dream somewhere out of the realms and lands of the Earth.
"He still sleeps!" Crum was getting impatient. "If he sleeps much more then we will have to carry him... and he'll have to pay me back if I do any such thing for him!"
Adelia laughed. "But you wouldn't be the one doing the carrying anyway! You're far too small!" She prodded the amphibian in the side with her finger. "Before you start talking about receiving interest on something you'd never be able to do, I'd think about growing," she teased.
Crum showed her his tongue.
"But don't disturb him! Perhaps he will awaken soon... would you go put some water over the fire? I believe he will need something warm when he awakes after such a long day on the ground." Crum obeyed, and Adelia sat in the shadows humming to herself. And Vaughn awoke.
There he had been... Vaughn's father. He had seen him so clearly... yet it was hazed over. His mind rushed only to find himself again there... the familiar blue mist... the dark eyes... the foul stench of the creature... of Darkness... 'Vaughn, I am here now... You do not see me because you cannot... but I am here... all around you... Chel has given me life anew... for she has one weakness... love.... her love for her friends will be her downfall... but you, Vaughn... you are strong... I should never have trusted you! I will annihilate you, and feed your carcass to the birds!
The dream suddenly reverted back to his father... back to times of joy.
He had been peacefully sleeping until he finally awoke...
HLGStrider
11-02-2002, 07:27 AM
The wind passed over the surface of the earth... It circled away from them. It was not part of the world but it could feel the strength of it. It now felt that that strength was dying. The world cried out...
Away flew the breeze. It went far from the group of friends. Swiftly it reached a tall ridge. There stood a tall, lean man, looking out over the lower lands before him. It ruffled his dark hair. He knew the earth was dying. He could feel it in the wind. Slowly he turned from the view and mounted the dark steed behind him.
Somehow he had to discover the cause of the death, and destroy it. The wind followed him.
Crum still sat on Adelia's shoulder and waited.
"What now? Can't we just go defeat darkness now? I am in the mood for a good fight!" he yelled aloud.
"you are always in the mood for a good fight my friend. Now, be quite and wait. Lets wait for it to guide us." Yan said softly.
"IT?"
"You shall find out soon enough, friend." Yan replied softly. "Now we must move on."
Vaughn now spoke. "Something is coming. Hide."
They hid in the bushes, ready and waiting. A patrol of orcs came, and upon seeing their fallen began cursing in their foul tongue.
Yan whispered to Vaughn. "Vaughn my friend, do now what you feel you must."
A grave look came to Vaughn's face. He nodded and opened the palm of his hand. A small flame burned in a crisp white peak, dashing about in its encircling beauty. Vaughn silently placed his palm on the soft earth. He gripped his sword tightly with the other.
Suddenly, he dashed out of his cover, suprising both his companions and the orcs. He swung his blade, one-handed, in a swift motion at an unknowing orc. It passed through his body swiftly, leaving no sign of a wound. The orc's upper body suddenly slid forwards, falling on the ground alone. The legs of the creature fell backwards and landed at Vaughn's feet.
Vaughn could feel the rage entrapped within his palm. He unleashed the tightly clamped fingers, sending a burst of flame forward. Sparks emitted, burning the eyes of the orcs. The fireball, hurling with great force, hit the leader of the group. His body exploded, sending flesh and blood strewn about upon the earth. Vaughn's blade came down again, sending another of the foul creatures of Morgoth to its death.
The entrapped flame in his hands was not withheld. Another ball of fire flew, sending the body of another orc to the earth, scattered with the remains of his deceased overlord. Another flame, and yet another orc, charred to ash, and taken away by the wind.
Vaughn opened his palm once again, facing heavenward. He smoothly guided his blade across his palm, setting it alight. His mind was at a standstill, yet his body moved as if he was a Lord of Swords bearers. He swung once again, and again, and again, until at last his tired body stood among the remains of the dead flesh-eating abominations.
His arm waved across his chest, sending an encircling flame out. The flames ate the remains of the orcs, and diminished. All was silent once again.
HLGStrider
11-05-2002, 04:41 AM
Chel gave a quiet gasp. The flames were still dancing before her for they had penetrated even her blindness.
"Vaughn... How is this possible?" she swallowed. "What magic is this?"
Vaughn just walked back to his friends and shook Yan's hand.
"You are somehow the strength behind us all, Yan," he stated. "It is you who must lead us."
"All of you have hidden strengths," Yan smiled. "I am just here to help you use them."
Vaughn's looked at Yan with great respect.
"Thank you, Yan. You are a gift from Eru. Without you we would have fallen, but you have only made us stronger... and closer."
Vaughn turned and stared at the field. The grass remained green, unblemished by the fire.
"How is that so?" questioned Vaughn
"What so?" asked Adelia
"The fields... they are not burnt."
"That is your gift, Vaughn." Yan now spoke. "Your fire only is an enemy of evil."
Nenya Evenstar
11-05-2002, 05:43 AM
Adelia could feel her mouth dropping open. Who had she joined? What new surprises would jump out at her from around the next bend?
"Come! We must move on!" Yan commanded.
"But where to? Where exactly are we going?" Adelia begged. "Do we even know where our foe lies hidden?"
Yan looked at her with compassion, "We will know, we will know." Adelia could only nod before following Yan and her companions out of the bush and away from the field. Slowly they crossed its expanse towards the other side where they meant to take cover in a strip of trees that lay there.
"All of you have hidden strengths..." Yan's voice echoed over and over in Adelia's mind. What was her hidden strength? Why did she even have a hidden strength? She fingered her halberd and smiled.
HLGStrider
11-05-2002, 06:03 AM
Chel hung near her friends... suddenly before her eyes flashed a vision... a tall man on a dark horse, riding over the grass, galloping towards them. She fell back with a gasp... how could she see that... and why?
Chel fell to her knees and stared at the ground. The team saw this and ran over to her.
"Chel! What is wrong, m'lady?" Crum asked proudly.
HLGStrider
11-06-2002, 05:38 AM
"I know not," she swallowed. "Someone is coming towards us... He's still a way off but somehow he is linked to us. For good or for evil I know not."
"Shall we await him or approach him?" Vaughn swallowed.
"Continue as we have been... He shall find us if he is meant to."
Nenya Evenstar
11-06-2002, 07:39 AM
Chel struggled to her feet but still looked shaken. "Yes, we must move on." Yan merely nodded and led the group on. They had reached the trees by this time, and Yan attempted to keep going on straight through the them, but Chel touched his arm and stopped him. She was looking back in the direction from whence they had come. There on a little crest of a hill was a tall man sitting on a majestic steed framed in by the blue sky and clouds behind. His figure looked dark, and because of the sunlight and distance between her and the figure, Chel could not tell if it was darkness or light which emanated from his body. She and her companions stared at the horseman who was scanning the plain for any signs of people, but he had not yet spotted the little group huddled underneath the cover of the sparse trees.
HLGStrider
11-06-2002, 09:26 PM
The man approached, leading his horse down the hill. Chel stared, for even without the sun behind him there was a cloud about his being, something she could not penetrate. She gripped Yan's hand hard.
He stopped when he saw them.
"Who are you?" Chel heard herself stammer.
"A traveler," he said ambiguously. "Am I required to give account of myself to strangers?"
"We are not strangers!" Crum burst out. "I am Crum. This is Adelia, Chel, and Gru... and Yan and Vaughn..."
"That's nice," the stranger smiled. "You're standing in my way." He mounted his horse to brush past them... then he stopped, staring down at Adelia. At her belt was clasped her father's dagger. "Where'd you get that?" he breathed.
"It was my father's," Adelia replied, "And what is it to you?"
"Nothing." He said quickly, as if taken by suprise by her response.
Chel could see light in him, yet it was clouded, as if something was withing his heart that showed not to any.
"May I ask who you are?" said Vaughn, stepping forward. He was slightly shorter than the man, yet his strength was much greater.
HLGStrider
11-07-2002, 08:37 PM
"I'm called Orin, if you must know," the man scowled. "I do not see how it is your business, however."
"Not many walk the wilds in this area and chance meetings are rare... in fact, I would say this isn't chance," Yan frowned.
"I'd say you're wrong," Orin said. Vaughn scowled back. The man had a disagreeable abrupt manner. "That knife... interests me. Where did your father get it?"
"I know not," Adelia swallowed.
"If you come with us you might find out."
Everyone turned and stared for the voice was Chel's. Her eyes were mistier than usual.
"I just might," he swallowed. "Chel, isn't it?" She nodded. "Well... I'll stay with you until your path deviates from mine... that might be awhile."
Vaughn relaxed, and spoke to the man, "Welcome along, Orin. I can assure you that, other than me, you are in good company."
Orin laughed, "I will remember that."
They all sat, guarded by Yan and Vaughn.
"Where are you from?" Crum asked.
"Is it necessary for you to know?"
"No... tell me!"
"I will not let a frog control what I reveal to you all."
"Fine." Crum said, rather begrudgingly.
Crum hopped over to Vaughn and leapt upon his shoulder.
"I don't like him." Crum whispered into Vaughn's ear.
"Neither do I... but if Chel wills it... he will join us."
Yan heard this and strode over to Vaughn.
"Do not be troubled. Orin is good."
"How do you know, Yan?" asked Vaughn respectfully.
"There are many things that I know that have not been revealed to you."
HLGStrider
11-08-2002, 07:03 AM
Chel swallowed hard. She knew from the voice and the shadow about him that this was the man in her vision, the man she'd been allowed to see. Now he was with them... but why? He seemed so hard... so surly.
Orin mounted his horse. He was about to urge it into a trot but stopped. He cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"If you ladies have no mounts... in my culture it is not acceptable for a man to ride while women walk, except if that man is old or feeble and I am neither... My steed can support you both?" He looked at them quizzically. Adelia and Chel accepted the offer. The horse sniffed nervously at this change of riders. "Where are we going?" Orin then asked, gazing at Yan and Vaughn who he took to be the leaders.
"Where the wind leads us," Yan smiled.
Nenya Evenstar
11-08-2002, 03:31 PM
Adelia and Chel sat on the horse glad of the change of pace. For them it felt good, and Adelia couldn't help but wonder if the rest of the company aught to purchase horses sometime. She had the money. The wind brushed past her ears, flowed on through her hair, and then broke past the company in a dancing whirl leaving everyone light of heart.
Vaughn stopped, and gave a shrill whistle.
"Orin, we need no horse, for our friends will bear us."
Within seconds, Kraa and 5 other griffons were within their site. They screeched loudly, and landed in front of Vaughn.
"Good to see you again, Kraa. I missed you."
Vaughn leapt upon the back of Kraa, which still bore his saddle. He motioned to Yan and Gru and they mounted as well. Vaughn suddenly dismounted, walking over to help Adelia and Chel off of Orin's horse. They also mounted a griffon each.
"I see we only have 5." said Vaughn, "I shall re