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Post by Naucoaran on Mar 22, 2010 16:40:43 GMT -8
"Isn't the point of a distraction, not to be there?" Auzidor asked as the two demons made their way to the dining hall. The words certainly were a valid argument. It hadn't taken much for word to spread what was going down and the location and time was made known to all the right reasons, including some of the looser tongued individuals that would get the word to the authorities.
"Why go through such trouble to set this up if we don't even make ourselves seen? Enjoy it a little bit, we'll leave before the fun is over." With those reassurances, along with a handful of others, Zariach finally got Auzy to settle in at the party. The attendees were primarily demons, for they always knew the best ways to party, along wit the select few of the other races who knew how to have a good time. One particular bawdy faerii caught Zariach’s attention, raising Auzidor's eyebrows for a second. "Truly surprised that I would not willingly stick to just our race? True, our kind is the most skilled in these matters, but the exotic ways of different cultures is something to behold indeed, my friend! Faerii's are quite the flexible ones, you know." He said with a knowing wink. Zariach soon disappeared into the crowd to find the faerii woman. If he were lucky, then they wouldn't have to leave too soon. If they did, he would just have to make himself a promise to visit her when he returned.
The general mood of the party was quite rowdy, with several things ending up broken or scattered about. More than one adventurous couple would periodically become too heated and leap upon the table, other cheering them on or throwing coins at them. It was rumored, and spotted by many, that a roaming pack of particularly feisty demon women would prowl looking for lone demons and entertain them in ways they saw fit.
Not long into the party, Zariach thought it time to get moving. Although he was sad that he had not progressed as far as he would have liked with his chosen woman, he was quite amused to see that the prowling demons had caught Auzidor in a corner. They had forced the poor soul into a chair and had started pressing themselves against him in various ways, generally invading the demons personal space. They were about to rip his shirt off when Zariach intervened, pulling him out of the chair. "I'm sorry ladies," he looked them over again, "truly, sorry. We must be going, important business to attend to!"
With that he whisked Auzy out the soon-to-be escape corridor and traveled down the shadowed areas to find Ithron's room. Not long after they left, the headmaster along with many of the school security, leaving only a skeleton force behind to guard the halls, went to break up the party.
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Post by Gwyn on Apr 6, 2010 22:01:28 GMT -8
Ithron had been with professor Nénharma when the call came of a "unscheduled affair" as the Professor preferred to call it. It was either the faery or the demons. What they chose to do in the forests was not his direct concern but within the school it was a different matter.
The Professor had been discussing the power of the staff and how it amplifies and focuses the force that that is fed into it. He was just explaining that staff was tuned to the thoughts of one bearer and that a staff once used will work for none other. This was a somewhat tedious discussion for Ithron for he had heard it on two previous occasions. The real reason he was here would be brought up shortly and it was most likely to be the dangers of going into the human world. The professor knew that something was up but more than that he did not know.
"Did you know of the gathering?" He asked Ithron.
"I knew nothing of it. I do not think I would be on included on the guest list. You see people have a tendency to stop talking when I walk into a informal gathering. Not like my youth years." In spite of all that had happened to Ithron he missed the gatherings or the coming together of friends.
"You can remain here; I'll tend to this." Nénharma told him.
Ithron sat and closed his eyes allowing his mind to wander freely. Only minutes later did a hand rest on his shoulder breaking his meditation. It was the Headmaster Glawar, creator of the school and first elf to travel to the human realm. Ithron stood and bowed deeply.
"My lord."
"Stand my boy for you have little time. You have a task before you and you must leave now. I have seen your pathway and those that accompany. This distraction is their doing, go now they await." He laid his hand On Ithron's head. "May the Creator of all be your guide."
Ithron bowed and left the room quickly. He made it to his dorm and was not surprised to see the others there. He changed quickly into the clothing Aaug had given to him but he took his time folding his robes and placing them in the wardrobe.
"Your doing?" Ithron asked Zariach.
"Let us say I'm carrying my own weight and leave it at that." Zariach replied with a hiss and sneer.
Ithron smiled and docked his head.
Everyone had a duffle bag of sorts and quickly made their way out of the school grounds following Zariach's lead. Once into the dark of the forest Aaug and Ithron took the lead walking briskly and not stopping for nearly an hour. There was no moon and every now and then someone would stumble over a root or stone. The forest began to thin and they climbed several small rocky rises and just before they crested one of these hills Aaug an Ithron came to a stop in front of a V cut into the stone. It was nothing more than cut into the rock formed by water tumbling down during the Spring snow melt.
Katie glad for the stop and looked around.
"Do you think we're being followed? She asked.
"No, no one will be following, of that I'm certain." Ithron replied. "There are only two others who can go where we're going. Anyone else would just keep on going and end up in one of the elven homelands. But we go no further. Aaug would make sure everything is ready?"
Aaug waited for a moment while Ithron closed his eyes and then slowly raised his staff. He proceeded to walk through a large boulder and disappear seemingly within it. A minute later Aaug returned again coming through the boulder.
"Everything is ready." Ithron nodded but remained focused. "Alright this is what you're all here for; follow me." Aaug commanded Ithron was the last to come through. As soon as the portal closed he smelled the difference in the air and it was much heavier. As arranged by Aaug the humans were there with transportation. Ithron knew from Aaug and the pictures he'd seen in the newspapers what cars were but to see one was quite a shock and the vile smell and smoke that come from it poisoned the very air they had to breath. How could humans use such things. As everyone was taken to their car Katie took Ithron's arm and assured him it was all quite safe.
They left the area very quickly. It was dark but here the moon was out but it was not in the sky where it should have been in Amdir and it was much smaller. What a strange land this is. Thought Ithron. The drive was short but the speed at which they drove was unbelievable.
"Do they always move about so quickly?" He asked Katie.
Katie chuckled. "This is slow Ithron. We are driving across a field and we can't go any faster. Wait until we get onto the roads and then you'll see how fast we go."
Ithron smiled and nodded but wasn't so sure he wanted to see what the roads were and how fast they'd go. This was quite fast enough.
It wasn't long before they turned onto a long driveway and stopped at the home of the human friends. Not until they were all inside were lights turned on and only then did the hosts get a good look at the other world folk. Ithron removed his toque exposing his ears. The humans were quite amused with them. Aaug introduced everyone and the race they represented. The hosts were a little awkward not knowing what to say or do in greeting. Katie and Aaug quickly stepped in and it wasn't long before everyone was comfortably seated in the living room with a coal fire burning in the hearth. They were all given food and drinks. Ithron took a glass of wine and accepted something made with bread called a sandwich. It wasn't like any bread he knew and it lacked flavour but the filling was good. The surroundings were very strange and it wasn't long before questions began. Ithron realised then that they may not be as prepared as he thought they were. There was a lot he didn't understand of this world.
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Post by Bessain on Apr 12, 2010 21:40:13 GMT -8
Auzzy took in a deep breath of smog as soon as he entered the human world and found it strangely comforting. He wasn't quite sure why. It might have been the fact that the area did not smell at all like the place he left, and so there was less chance for Auzidor to run into any old acquaintanceship. He took a seat in the provided vehicle and took the ride in silence. When they arrived at the house of their hosts, Auzidor noticed that the demons were regarded with skepticism. He made a mental note to remind Zariach that demons, in the human world, were not something humans usually associated themselves with. Most of them went out of their way to avoid what they called 'heralds of woe', even though demonic appearance was not well recognized. Zariach's antics might send them all running.
As they sat around the living room of the cozy ranch style home, Aaug introduced them all but seemed keen to make sure the two boys did not speak up. Zariach wore a smug expression and, for once, Auzzy agreed with Aaug's decision. They were told that they were currently on a dairy farm in south-west England, but their location was not revealed past that. This bothered Auzzy a bit, but he accepted it.
The farmers son walked in the house soon after, complaining of a complication outside. No one jumped up immediately to assist him, so Auzzy shrugged and walked over to the young man. He looked over at Zariach, who quite clearly had no intention of handling livestock and getting dirty. Auzzy chuckled quietly to himself and followed the boy out the door.
The demon really didn't know anything about animals, other than the fact that they all seemed afraid of him, but he did want to do a little exploring.
"I'm Niles by the way," the young man said, extending his hand.
"Auzidor." he grunted.
"...Excuse me? Could you say that again?" Niles seemed uncomfortable now.
"Just call me Auzzy."
Niles gave him the look over more then once before settling on Auzzy's snake bites. "You guys really aren't from around here are you."
"I suppose that depends where here is... for me anyway."
Niles ignored the statement for some odd reason and led Auzzy into a large pavillion. Inside were chutes and pens and all sorts of equipment for moving large animals. Moving to a big round pen, Niles pointed out fifteen heifers that needed to be run into a tub for sorting.
"I can't work the chute and move the cows at the same time, so just hop in the pen and run them down the lane."
Auzidor did as he was told. It wasn't all that hard for him, since the animals sensed something strange and different about Auzzy and immediately bolted from him. The demon took the opportunity to glean information out of Niles when all the cows were caught in the chute.
"Would we happen to be anywhere near Clatworthy?" he asked.
"Yea thats a bit of a drive up north. Shouldn't take you too long. You have family up there?"
"You could say that." Auzzy grumbled. "I have a feeling I was only brought along on this trip as a tour guide."
The young man had no idea what that meant or if it was even for him to hear, so he moved on. "Auzzy... I don't mean to be rude... but what are you anyway? Dad said you guys were... different. And theres something about you I can't put my finger on."
"I'll let your father explain that one."
Niles decided to change the subject. "What it like? This school that your from. Dad mentioned you guys being students."
"More of a zoo than a school to tell you the truth."
Niles gave a small chuckle, visibly starting to relax around the stranger in his home. "Sounds normal enough... you can head back inside now if you like. I can take it from here."
"Oh I'd like to stick around for a minute if thats alright."
Niles nodded.
The two chatted idly for some time, getting a feel for the other race. It was easier for Niles to cope with Auzzy's odd presence when school was mentioned. Auzidor assumed that it was the fact that the two worlds were so similar put his mind to rest.
"Listen Auzzy, if you guys need a ride up tomorrow I can take you. I don't imagine you guys drive." the young man said quietly almost sounding shy.
"Thanks Niles," Auzidor said with a smile.
An awkward silence followed and Auzzy took the time to retreat back to the house. Ithron and the group were still reclining in the living room. "We have a destination planned for tomorrow and a ride. I think it's something you all needed to see."
Auzzy left it at that. He did his part for the afternoon and was glad of the opportunity. It was hard for him to get excited about his own news, since the place they would be heading to was Auzzy's last home.
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Post by Gwyn on Apr 17, 2010 23:18:24 GMT -8
Ithron went outside. He found the sitting room to close and warm and the food the hosts had provided, though it was tasty, did not sit well. Their bread was thickly sliced and very heavy, quite different from elven bread. It was only a few minutes before Katie joined him.
"Well what do you think of the mens' world?" she asked.
"It would be far to presumptive of me to make any judgement on the little I have seen. The hosts are kind and well meaning people. But they too have a secondary motive for agreeing to give us shelter."
"I saw him make the request when we were seated in his car. There seemed to be a flash and then I saw it played out in my mind's eye. He plans to ask you this evening. How do you know about it?"
"You still do not understand all our ways Katie." he said in a kind tone. "It is not profit they look for but something greater. They are truthful in what they say, their eyes tell us that. But I can find more truth in a handshake than in hours of discussion. I do not know if we can help them in this matter." He turned and looked at her. "I assure you we will do all we can for them. Later I will need your council for I do not know the ways of men and understand their perils." He took her hand and smiled. "In a day or two I will discuss it with you."
The door opened and the farmer, Mr. Chatswold came out. He seemed a little awkward and groped for words to break the silence.
"It's a grand night." He started as he stared at the night sky. "They say you'll have fair weather while you're here." It was quiet for a moment. "For being the leader and all you're a might to quiet and let the others do all the talking. The last time the leader was an elf too, and he spoke a great deal of peace and your world but you say nothing of it."
"There is nothing to say to such matters for we will not be staying. Once we have freed our kinsmen I would doubt if words of peace would appease the authorities wrath."
"That's as true as I've heard. Chatswold commented in his local dialect. "Well if you have a plan and all we'd like to know. What to plan on and the like. We know the lay of the land and the folk a might better than your people. I don't intend no disrespect sir but this is going to be a difficult task for folk who have never been here. What about weapons? You're going to need something to convince the MI5 boys to give up their prize possessions. They won't take kindly to you walking off with them"
"We have no need of weapons Mr Chatswold, as for a plan, there is none. Knowing the date of the transfer is all we need."
"You mean to say that you've come here from some fairy tale land and you don't know the land, don't know the people, you don't know a dam things about us and you've no plan or weapons. I thought this was some sort of crack operation to sneak into this world breakout your people and leave before anyone knew better. You're going to get yourself and your friends caught or killed. This is turned out to be a fool's errand." Mr Chatswold felt as though they played him for a fool but he'd have none of it.
"Katie could you please ask Zariach and Aaug to step out for a moment?" Ithron looked squarely at the famer's face. Chatswold didn't like it but he held the gaze though only for a moment. Ithron made a slight move and the back screen door began to open and slam shut of its own accord. Chatswold started. The next instant the car moved on its own accord and stopped in the midst of the cow pen. The screen door stopped opening and closing as suddenly as it started. Katie and the others arrived and the then all the outdoor house lights, yard lights and all vehicle lights flashed on.
"Zariach would you please show this gentleman what utter darkness is." Zariach smiled, the fool farmer was getting a lesson. He enjoyed teaching anyone a lesson but a Ithron sanctioned lesson was quite as much fun but with a smile he complied. Zariach sucked in the powers from the shadows, and amplified them. The world went black, in a magical darkness that no light no light could penetrate. All sounds stopped. It was utterly dark and quiet. The only sound was from inside the house. Mrs Chatswold was somewhat panicked and called for her husband.
"Alright, alright end this hellish darkness. You've made your point." he said in a cowering voice.
Zariach obliged though he took pleasure in the farmer's fright.
"Aaug would like to demonstrate your unique tallent?" Ithron asked
"No I won't look; you made your point." The farmer shut his eyes tight and turned away.
"But you will look and know that we are not some otherworldly rabble." Ithron was angered at the man's petulant attitude
Ithron made a command and the farmer's eyes flew open and he had no power to close them. He stood and watched Aaug disappear in front of him and from nowhere came Aaug's sinister laugh.
"Alright I've had enough, I said you've made your point." His view of his guests had dramatically changed. He grabbed onto the rail to steady himself.
"Mr Chatswold I am sorry. I do not wish to make you or your family fear us, there is no need of that and that is not our purpose here. We have all the weapons we need controlled within us. Auzidor, who is with your son, could instantly set a fire so hot it would melt these iron machines, (tractors cars and the like) and Katie here has power to foresee and other powers beside. We once used these powers against one another but we have long lived at peace in our realm. Together we learn to control these gifts and use them in a peaceful existence. All life is sacred and to take a life is nearly unheard of and we do not desire to do any harm in either world. We will use what force needed to rescue our kinsmen but we do not wilfully intend to harm to anyone."
"Young Auzidor will be guiding us to those who can help and they understand your society well. He is only just aware of it now. I have no desire to implicate you in any deed we do and we will ensure that we cannot be traced back to your home. We ask only for shelter and transport. We must at some point return here for the portal to our world is here, where you awaited us. I know what you would ask of us as payment for your assistance. I must consider this deeply before I can give you the answer. I know not if it is within my right to grant this. I will do all I can for you, you have my word sir. Now the hour has grown late and we must start early, I bid you goodnight sir."
Ithron and Katie went inside leaving Auzidor and Aaug on their own with the farmer. It was only now that Mr Chatswold noticed that the car was back to its original spot. All lights but the house lights were again off. He had a cold shiver and went in. Under estimating his guests was something he wasn't going to do again.
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Post by Naucoaran on Apr 23, 2010 13:15:07 GMT -8
The rest of the night was uneventful, and eventually all wound up getting to bed at some time or another. Zariach had stayed up a little longer than the others to snoop around the grounds, getting a feel for the new world. He wound up on the roof, staring at a sky that was alien to him. Though a sight to behold, like the one back home, the stars seemed dimmer, the moon not as clear. For all the humans’ ability to control things, harnessing nature and bending it to their will, they could not stop the cost of such powers. The veil of pollution, while it may not be noticeable to a human, was clear for the visitors to this new world. It permeated the air, and left a foul stink about everything. Much like home, Zariach realized. His real home, back in the pits. The recollection made him weary, and he went to bed soon after.
Morning came quickly, and the group was ready to leave shortly after dawn. Everyone piled into the car, Auzzy sitting in the front with Niles. "If we are where we think I are, we should go that way." Auzzy said, pointing down the road to the north.
"Yes, up towards Clatworthy right? It shouldn't be too long." He started the car, the engine groaning and protesting before it finally turned over.
"This shall be interesting." Zariach said with a grin, one that grew as Katie was forced into the middle seat next to him. "Quite interesting." He said slyly. Ithron climbed in last and tried to get comfortable, still at an unease at how fast the cars could move.
~~~~~~
Mary awoke the same time as she did every day, with the first rays of sunlight piercing through her window and onto her face. She was out of bed soon after and out in the inner courtyard, same as every other day. She began her morning exercises, doing slow stretches and breathing exercises to get her body warmed up. Planting her feet, the young woman found her bodies energy, her lifeline, and moved it down to her feet. At that moment, with her energy grounding her, she was immobile, no matter who tried to knock her down. She shifted the energy back to normal and suddenly broke out into motion. She swung around to different fighting stances, going through routines that came natural to her. Years of practice had ingrained the memory of these movements into her muscles, each attack flowing to the next, ever adaptable to a different circumstance.
She ended soon after feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Mary went to the kitchen, just as the food was ready. She filled a plate and headed for the head priests room. He was old when he first took her in, and he was quite old now, nearly 80 years. He had trouble conducting the sermons now, and often had one of the younger men do it. This man was as close to a father Mary ever had, the closest thing to a parent she ever had, and she had took it upon herself to look after him now that he was too old to do it himself. Mary stepped into the dark room, opening the curtains and letting the light in.
"Father, it's time to get up. We can't have you sitting in bed all day, can we?" She said quietly as she sat in the chair next to the bed. "I've brought you breakfast, eat it while it's still warm." He said some mumbled and unheard words, and then sat up with a struggle. She helped him eat, and then dress, and then got him out of the room and to his study. As he sat in his chair, the old man coughed violently, the action shaking the frail body. He had developed the cough a few weeks ago, and ever since his condition has seemed to deteriorate at an accelerated pace. Mary winced at the sight, and then quickly replaced it with a smile. "You seem to be getting better, you'll be back up and healthy soon." she said, a slight strain on her face. He wasn't though; he was looking worse every day. Mary knew that it wouldn't be long before his body just stopped working.
The old priest laughed, which led to another coughing fit, sharing her thoughts. "We grow old, and we die, child. My time will be coming up soon too, that is the way of the world."
Mary nodded, and then started to leave. "Yes, father." She said quietly as she left. The young woman felt that she needed to do something productive to get her mind off the ailing health of her father figure, so she planned to work on the front gardens. No sooner did she leave the front doors, however, did a car pull up out front packed with people. They climbed out, and the tallest one wearing a set of robes walked over to the church. She went over and intercepted them. "Can I help you? Are you from a visiting congregation perhaps?" she said lightly, though a bit confused why someone would pull up in a car like that if they were from another church. "You are free to enter the chapel, of course, but Father Garnier is ill, and will most likely not be able to see anyone unless it’s of great importance." She said as she glanced about the strange party.
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Post by Bessain on Apr 27, 2010 22:26:57 GMT -8
((Joined post by Erbis and I))
There was something familiar about the young woman in front of the group. She looked very much like a young child that used to run the grounds, back when Auzzy frequented this place. How long had he been at that school? Or perhaps time just passed differently there.
Mary turned her gaze on Auzidor and he felt himself lock up a little on the inside. She gave a polite smile and regarded the rest in the group. The demon was able to relax when no flicker of recognition passed in her eyes.
Since Ithron had no idea where to go, Auzzy took the lead. "No thank you miss," he said awkwardly. "We're only visiting. No need to rouse your priest." Auzidor suppressed at visible cringe at mention of the old Father. He had a nasty run in his younger days with the old man and had no wish to initiate a reunion. "Excuse me for a moment." he said, grabbing Niles by the arm and escorting him back to the vehicle.
"Wait in the car." he commanded.
"what? Why? I didn't drive three hours to play chauffeur!" Niles complained.
Auzzy resisted the urge to ask why he did in fact drive three hours. "Niles, stay in the car." he said in a way that promised trouble, should the boy disobey. The demon's nerves were on edge already and some of that pent up energy was starting to backfire on Niles, but Auzzy didn't care. He shut the car door and returned to the group.
Mary, in fact, did not recognize Auzidor. She was very young when he had been in this world, and the demons that took refuge beneath the church tried to make it a point not to socialize with the humans above them.
As Auzidor returned to the group after his little dispute with Niles he found, to his horror, that Zariach was talking with the woman, who even then was starting to back away. She wore a confused and slightly disturbed expression on her face, not knowing what to say to the smarmy man talking to her. “What did you say to her?” Auzy said harshly in Zariach’s ear when he got to the group.
“I was trying to convince her that she should let us move about unrestrained while we’re visiting.” Auzidor of course knew what Zariach usually promised when trying to ‘convince’ someone. “She apparently is very prude. No sense of imagination, or desire for fun.”
Mary huffed at this, and then folded her arms over her chest, acting as a barrier against these strange people from getting close to her church. Something was undoubtedly wrong about this group, and she wasn’t about to let them anywhere close to the gate until she knew what this all was about.
Auzzy growled in Zariach's direction and had to remind himself not to spout smoke or flames as he normally did when annoyed. "Pardon our brother miss. He's part of the reason we're here. Just looking for a new congregation to hopefully rub off on him. We're trying out different churches this week."
This was not so unusual a thing... and clearly that young man needed saving. "Would you like a tour then?" Mary decided to try their alibi.
Auzzy really had no wish to enter, but she was testing them and he knew it. "Perhaps in a little while. We're waiting for a few others to join us."
Conveniently a car could be seen approaching in the distance. Mary nodded and accepted this. "Well just find me when you're ready." She retreated into the chapel.
Auzidor sighed in relief. "Aaug, make sure she doesn't come around to check on us." he suggested. Aaug started toward the chapel and disappeared.
The group came around the back of the chapel to walk amoungst a few tombstones from previous priests past. One large grave was set above ground encased in stone in case of a flood. On top of it stood an angel with a spear through the neck of a demon that lay prostrate and helpless at its feet. The scene marked the grave of some old priest who had specialized in exorcism. This rendition of good and evil had always bothered Auzidor, but the rest of the demon community had found it hilarious. Especially for their purposes. Auzzy looked around cautiously and approached the statue.
"Stand aside," he said in the demon tongue.
The demon on the stone slab suddenly got up and swung his legs over the side of the encased casket. "You dare approach in broad daylight!" said the guard, obviously outraged. His body gave an odd sort of shake and returned to it normal state, showing off his chameleon like talent.
Auzidor was suddenly afraid to respond. His friends were about the see the person he had once been. He hesitated for a moment and then regained his composure. "Stand aside," he growled, revealing fangs. He hopped up and pinned the guard to the stone, hands around his throat.
The pinned demon smiled wickedly. Welcome back Auzidor. We have missed you." He stood when Auzzy backed off and pushed a side of the casket away to show a set of descending stairs that pointed in the direction of the church. Aaug showed up minutes later and the group walked down into the dark catacombs.
"Keep Katie in between us at all times," Auzzy advised. "They will not like a human here."
~
Mary waited inside the church for a few minutes, an uneasy feeling hovering over her. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. She decided to do a quick meditation to steady herself and prepare for inviting this strange group into her home and place of worship. As she focused on her line of energy inside her, steadying and calming her breathing, her senses became more acute. Her breathing became slow and methodical, each one a conscious act as she worked on slowing it down.
Naturally, Aaug was a great sneak. He could keep his footfalls near silent, even on the stone floors inside the acoustical chapel. His own breathing was consciously slowed and near silence. To anyone not immersed in concentration, he would be completely invisible. Mary, however, was. Very slowly, she began to hear two different breaths, her own and someone else’s. Her eyes snapped open, and she looked around curiously, but could find no one. She could feel the presence though, the same one that seemed to follow her ever since she left the group. She tried to brush it away and continue to focus on her meditation.
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Post by Gwyn on Apr 28, 2010 13:48:16 GMT -8
The car ride was a entirely new element in Ithron's life. Despite his earlier view of cars, which was a curse on humans, he warmed to them slightly once on a smooth roadway. It was a great relief when they finally turned off the roadway and stopped in front of a quaint building and left the car. The building had a faint aura and this drew him to it. He was about to enter the building when at that moment a young woman came from the side of the building.
(Quote) Can I help you? Are you from a visiting congregation perhaps?" she said lightly, though a bit confused why someone would pull up in a car like that if they were from another church. "You are free to enter the chapel, of course, but Father Garnier is ill, and will most likely not be able to see anyone unless it’s of great importance." She said as she glanced about the strange party.
Unaccustomed to this situation Ithron said nothing and looked to Auzidor to make an explanation.
(Quote) "No thank you miss," he said awkwardly. "We're only visiting. No need to rouse your priest."
This seemed to placate the young woman called Mary and after a few pleasantries she turned and walked away. Ithron did not enter the building and followed the others to the rear and a small country cemetery. The cemetery was of interest to him since he had not seen one though there were such places in Amdir. The entrance to the demons' lair was ingeniously hidden. Auzzy's warning to cover Katie was also good advice. Demons could be very protective of their privacy and territory. Aaug had joined the group as they were about to walk down the stairs to Auzzy's former home. Ithron took a last glance back and spotted Mary ducking out of site; clearly her curiosity proved to strong in the end. When Ithron commented on it Aaug immediately started walking back to the church but Ithron caught him by his arm.
"I'll deal with this Aaug, you go ahead and join the others and cover Katie."
Aaug really didn't care so he waved Ithron on. Just as he got to the door Ithron heard a door latch clicking into place, she had become alarmed. The door latch posed no problem for Ithron who merely commanded the door to open. When he entered Mary was standing behind a table holding a small object in her hand. She seemed frightened of him.
"Who are you and what do you want... and what are you doing to that grave?" She spoke hesitantly. "I'll call the ppolice if you all don't leave now."
Ithron knew all too well who the police were because his kinsmen had been taken by them.
"I am called Ithron and we mean to harm no one. There is no need to call your police. We have come in peace and the grave is nothing more than an entrance to a liar."
"Mary, Mary is something wrong." Call a frail voice.
She looked up at the stairs from where the call came.
Ithron's face softened "You have no reason to fear me or my friends. Please, go to your father."
"No everything's alright father, it was just the radio."
There was no further comment from upstairs.
"He's not my father." She added
"Then who's father would he be if not yours? You call him father, has he taken you in?"
Mary looked at Ithron with some surprised. "He's the reverend father not my father."
"Ah I see." Ithron replied though the perplexed look on his face made it clear he didn't. "I take it then that this man reverend father, who is not your father, is the gentleman who is unwell?"
Mary unconsciously put the phone down on the table and reached for the pan that was on the stove. "You're not from here are you? By that I mean from somewhere in Asia or Africa perhaps?' Or Antartica she thought but didn't say. Mary began to wonder if this man in monks robes was a lunatic.
"I am from Amdir and so are those with me." Ithron removed his hood.
Mary's jaw dropped and so did the pan with a clatter. She quickly picked it up expecting more question from upstairs but it was silent.
"You've come back,... and you're an elf." She said quietly as she glanced at the stairs again. "I thought you'd never come back after what happened last time."
"We are only a few, as you have seen, and our return is not in the same matter as before; we are here clandestinely and for one purpose only." Violent coughing from upstairs interrupted the conversation as both looked at the stairwell.
"Take me to him please." Ithron asked softly.
Mary hesitated but in the end she took to the stairs with Ithron behind her.
"I don't know what to do for him anymore." Her eyes began to tear as they looked through the bedroom door at the old man lying there. "He said he wants to die here but am I being cruel? He should be in a hospital."
The coughing started again. Ithron went and laid his hand on the elderly man's head and the coughing eased. He fell into a deep quiet sleep.
"There nothing more anyone can do for him. His time in this world is very short but his aura is strong. He is a man of deep faith and he will move on to a much better realm." Ithron raised his hood and looked at her. "Come with me now to the grave stone that you might understand our purpose. What you see will be a shock, but you have the right to know. We came in the daylight which was a mistake. All we ask is that you say nothing of us to anyone."
Mary wasn't sure she wanted to know anything about these visitors but as before her curiosity over rule cautious nature. She agreed to Ithron's request for secrecy. When Aaug saw Ithron and Mary walking toward him his hissed.
"This is foolishness elf, we will be found out because of your folly." Aaug did not hide his displeasure and did not care if the human heard him.
"Well then you should have not have suggested a daylight journey. You said it didn't matter when Auzidor cautioned us about moving about in daylight. We must move on. We have no choice, what's done is done and she has been vowed to secrecy of her own free will. We can't ask for more than that." Ithron introduced Mary to Katie and ask her to keep Mary close by. Auzidor saw Mary and voiced his displeasure but nothing could be done about it now.
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Post by Naucoaran on May 4, 2010 23:12:45 GMT -8
There was an air of tension about the group as everyone stared at the newcomer. Of all the people in the group, Auzy and Katie were probably the only ones who really knew what a shock this den of devils might be for Mary. Without anymore debate, Auzy pushed open the thick stone door and the group started to make their way down the stairs, Auzy and Zariach leading, with the two humans in the middle. Ithron followed the two girls with Aaug in the back, keeping a lookout for anyone else that might be spying on the group as they entered the secret underground world.
As they descended, Mary began to feel a tightness in her chest. As she saw more and more, she began to realize what this was, and a sickness seemed to cover her like a thick shroud. "How is this possible." she whispered, a note of horror and repulsion in her voice. Ithron, sensing her turmoil, placed a calming hand on her shoulder, and she began to feel his powers work to soothe her. She instinctively struggled against it, knowing that she should leave, flee and find help. Someone had to be told of this monstrosity that lurked beneath her home, beneath this holy place of worship. But she couldn't, she knew, even without Ithron working to calm her, she knew if she tried to break out and run now, she would be hunted down by any number of the surrounding demons and caught before she made it out. She felt trapped and sickened at the realization of how powerless she was to stop any of it from happening.
"This is quite fascinating, such a colony has gone unnoticed for so long, so close to the humans. There must be great stories of this place locked up in that head of yours, Auzior. You must share them with me some time." Zariach remarked as they walked the passage. As they entered a larger cavern, the group saw the colony for how large it actually was. The stone had been molded by fire, magic, and metal to fit the needs of the inhabitants. Thick columns connected the ceiling to the floor, some ornamental, others structural. Stalagmites and stalactites sprouted up in different areas, a combination of the thick heat and natural water flows in the cavern. Along the walls were alcoves dug out to form living quarters, while other areas had houses built out of the floor.
It wasn't long before a messenger stopped the group. "Your entry has not gone unnoticed, deserter." He hissed at Auzidor "Your audience is requested by the strongman." He continued. Auzidor heard the message within the words, for the strongman did not "request" anything. He gave orders, and people obeyed, that was all.
"Home sweet home." was all the leading demon muttered as he waved the messenger away. "The strongman is the leader of the rabble." he explained. "Think of like a headmaster. His word is law, but if you break the law he has far worse punishments for you than detention. He is capable of great and terrible things, do not anger him." He said in all possible seriousness. Zariach started to scoff, but Auzidor cut him off with the most forceful stare the arrogant demon had ever seen him make.
"Lead on then, oh harbinger of doom." Zariach said with a large bow towards Auzidor. "If you've gotten us all in an irreparable situation that ends in my death, I will be very angry with you my friend." He added as he followed the other demon. Through this all, Mary had been reduced to a state of silent shock from the revelation of what sat beneath her church, and Ithron's soothing powers. She followed silently, feeling very lost and very helpless.
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Post by Bessain on May 11, 2010 20:15:01 GMT -8
"Zariach, please keep your mouth shut." Auzidor warned for what seemed like the hundredth time in the last ten minutes.
"I'm amazed how little faith you have in me!" he replied, pretending to appear wounded. "To think I'd ever be told off by my protege!"
"I'm serious!" Auzzy growled. "This isn't school. You can't go around toying with people here at your leisure. Better, stronger beings have been killed for less."
"I'm really getting tired of this Auzzy. What your complete omniscient position must be like." Zariach spat back.
Auzidor let it go. Getting Zariach riled before their meeting would not help their chances either.
The group traveled deeper and deeper underground, where stale air assaulted their lungs and darkness refused to dissipate even by the low hanging torches. The setting seemed to bother Ithron the most, as his race took delight in the open air and moonlit forests. Auzzy looked back constantly to check for any signs of panick attacks. He'd heard other races express dislike for such settings.
The closer they came to the great hall, the more appearances of sentry like demons appeared. They monitored the group but eventually let them pass.
"Odd." muttered Zariach.
"What?" squeaked Katie, who did not like the looks she was getting from the sentries at all.
"I wouldn't imagine a demon colony to maintain a central guard." he whispered as they passed.
Auzzy scowled. "We normally don't. Dictators in this place don't have long life expectancies. It's our way of election. Dinale, the current ruler, brought this new custom along with him. Some call it cowardice. Others say stupidity... because you can't trust any one of his guards. In any case, he's been in power longer than anyone I know of... and he's in no mood to have it challeneged, so don't question it."
Two large stone doors now blocked their path and Auzzy came to a stop before them. He took in a few deep breaths to calm his nerves and pressed a shoulder to the stone to gain entry.
The strongman sat at a large rectangle table, whispering hurridly to eight others seated around him. He looked up when Auzidor let his group in, and watched as they gathered in close proximity in the middle of the room.
"The Dionysus boy," taunted Dinale. "I did not think you would have been stupid enough to return."
"I am not here to--"
"Did I ask you to speak?" the older demon chuckled cruelly. "Honestly, I had merely planned on asking you to die... but you brought friends to help further our sport. We thank you for the women."
Ithron shifted menacingly behind him.
Dinale was skilled in telekinesis and Auzzy was certain Ithron and he were having some sort of mental battle this very moment. He continued to talk as he stared at the elf. "Boy, do you know how much trouble you have caused us? What makes you think I can just let you leave here today? You risked exposure of our world burning up the easterwing and the second chapel above it!"
"That was you!" Mary piped up in anger.
"Ah you have recruited the church girl. Good. I have always liked watching her out there." he smiled, now noticing Mary. He took some sort of perverted delight in watching her shiver at his voice.
"Lord," Auzzy started again, realizing that he would have to kiss a lot of ass this day to get out of there alive. "We are here on behalf of your brother."
That got his attention. "My brother?" the strongman inquired. He then dismissed his guard in the room and waited till he was alone with the intruders. "How do you know about him?"
Auzzy had only realized the family relation when Ithron had shown everyone the newspaper clipping. It was a bit of a relief to him really. Having a relative of the idiotic dictator among the kidnapped group was Auzzy's bargaining chip. It was the only thing that made him confident enough to enter back into this domain. "The elves told me."
He looked up at Ithron and met his gaze. "And so you will try and free your kind." It took a few moments. But eventually the demon began to laugh, a cold and mirthless laugh. "What makes you think I want my brother back here, when it was I who sent him on his fool's errand?"
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Post by Gwyn on May 17, 2010 8:39:08 GMT -8
When the threat to Auƶidor was made Ithron gripped his staff tightly ready to step in if required with whatever force was required. He was out of his element though and waited to see what course this play of words would take. He was then fully aware that the Demon Leader Dinale was attempting to read his thoughts. The conversation continued and took a turn, comments were made that Ithron couldn't let go. He to then used his telekinetic abilities.
"A fool's errand you say? Now it is I who laughs at your foolishness Dinale. Your brother has no intention of remaining in this realm. It is recorded that he considered these halls a reeking sulphurous den that was nothing more than a debauched hole in the ground in which your people hid in fear of the outside world. The leadership he considered as pathetic, weak and injudicious. It policies, if they can be considered as such, are irrelevant. The only item considered at depth is how to prevent the narcissistic megalomaniac leader from being murdered by his own kind. I do not believe you were the lord at that time but from my observations it seems that the only change you have brought about is to surround yourself with body guards. By accessing their thoughts I have learned they would gladly see your demise if there was the slightest profit involved for them. I have advised them to flee this place. Your twin brother, as it happens, returned to try and talk to you about returning to Amdir. He thought that since no one is required to hide themselves in these reeking holes for protection it may have enticed you. Your brother gained a great deal of respect from all the races in Amdir and was chosen to be in the council of nations. Though I now understand why you would prefer to remain here."
The leader rose from his chair fuming and ended his telekinetic conversation with Ithron.
"You're nothing more than a Nénharma lap dog, elf. Did he send you, a elfling child? Did he write down your little speech and have you memorise the words?" He rose and stepped down from the dais. "Your flesh is smooth and sweet elf and when we've stripped you of it one slice at a time we will eat it and then we'll send what's left of you back to him." Spittle was flying freely out of his mouth. "Who are you to come to my domain and dare to lecture me elfling?" Dinale made a surprisingly quick grab to try and get hold of Ithron around his throat. He fingers hit a wall that Ithron had placed around them all. Dinale also found his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth.
Ithron glared at him. "I am Istar! If you or any other dare try and harm any of this party it will be the last day you rule here. Do not make me use force Lord Dinale! We are here, as you guessed, on a rescue mission but we intend to no harm no one unless it is at great need. But don't make the mistake and think that I will hesitate for an instance."
The ladies screamed as the side door that the guards had used to leave the room flew open with a resounding bang and guards charge in. Three guards managed to get in before the door slammed shut at Ithron's command. They were differently dressed than those they first saw on their arrival but it didn't matter, their intent was clear. The three guards fell to the floor before taking their third step. They were dead. Dinale looked at the dead guards and smiled at first, then with his voice back he laughed heartily
"So you have a few tricks elfling." His returned to the dais and sat. "Shame Nénharma didn't show his tricks to the world. Things may have gone quite different." Will he approve of your little display, I don't think so but then he isn't here is he? First tell me what's in it for me. My services come at a premium."
From what Auƶidor had told Ithron he knew that so call gifts could sway Dinale , cause him to change his view as long as there was profit in it for him.
"All those you have banished or imprisoned may return with us to Amdir. They will be no longer a threat to your reign."
"That is of no profit to me elf." He waved it off. "I could with a word have them all killed if I considered them still to be a threat." He waved his arm in Auƶƶy's direction. "Auƶidor will confirm the fastness of our jails. Isn't that so." He glared at Auƶƶy. "I want profit and not bobbles and trinkets."
"Five pounds of gold to be paid just prior to us leaving this world with the captives and any of your race who you choose to send."
"Ahhh I see we understand each other. Have you this said gold in this realm. I want nothing from your world here."
"Yes the gold is here."
"Well then this is more like it. Let's say ten pounds of gold in total six in advance." Dinale seemed pleased at the turn of events. The three dead guards were nothing to him now, there was talk of gold about. Auƶƶy's infractions were for the moment also forgotten. Dinale was now planning how to find this gold of which the elf spoke.
Aaug and Katie turned on Ithron.
"We brought no gold with us and I've not lad up a supply other than that which we carry. You are playing a dangerous game Ithron and if this continues I will leave this quest of yours. I will chose to keep my skin even if you do not." Aaug was anxious with this new tactic Ithron was using and even Katie voiced her fears.
"You need not concern yourself with anything my friends." Ithron stepped past them and to the side of Auƶƶy.
"I also have a condition which you must meet. I want all charges against Auƶidor dropped."
"Ah I see you have taken a shine to our young Auƶidor. Does the elf keep you warm at night Auƶidor." Dinale laughed again. Auƶƶy's face flushed in anger.
"Say nothing Auƶidor. We need this percept to work." Ithron whispered grabbing his arm .
"Do we have an agreement then? You will provide the help we need?" Ithron asked making sure Dinale saw him holding Auƶƶy's arm.
"Yes, yes you provide the details and we'll discuss it. Perhaps a small gold token from you to seal the deal is in order?"
"We have only a few coins from Amdir but in light of your aversion to anything from my homeland there is nothing more I can offer you. We have given you all we had."
Ithron took a coin from his pocket and held it out for Dinale to take if he wished. They could see the battle the Demon Dictator had within himself. Gold lust filled him but his fear that anything from Amdir would lay a curse on him forced him in the end to refuse the gold coin. Ithron made it clear that Auƶidor would be the contact between the two groups. The whole process was easier than he'd expected but there was the issue of gold that they didn't have. Ithron would now need all the crafts and skills that Aaug, Auƶidor and Ƶariach could bring to his next plan. They needed ten pounds of gold and it would have to come from the demon treasury. Ithron intended to use Dinale's own gold to pay him. Doing it without being caught may be possible with help on the inside. Auƶidor would have to find those who hated Dinale enough to see this done. If they could bring in a higher ranking demon all the better. Any who helped would be allowed to enter Amdir. This was the only bargaining chip Ithron had.
The risk of this blowing up in his face was all too clear to Ithron.
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Post by Naucoaran on May 24, 2010 22:05:38 GMT -8
After the price of the deal was negotiated, the team promptly withdrew out of the main chamber and left the demon city all together. For Zariach, the idea of buying off the Strongman with his own gold was quite entertaining. Auzidor, however, was not swayed so easily.
"If he finds out what we've done before we're out of his reach, we'll all be killed." Auzy said, his tone showing that he was not committing to anything yet.
Mary piped in as well after Auzidor, finally working the strength up to speak after her revelation. "And what will he do to my Church if he can't get you? What will I do if he comes for me? He's bound to realize who I am and where I'm from."
Ithron had just one answer, and the determination in his eyes alone might have swayed their worries. "Then he just won't find out, ever. This has to be done perfectly. Auzidor can re-smelt the gold into unrecognizable pieces, and with Aaug and Zariach's talents, sneaking in to forge ledgers and steal the gold will be easy."
After he had convinced everyone that this would work, and that it was really their only chance, as they had already made the deal, he elaborated on the plan, with a few changes as the demons suggested what they could do to best use their powers. As night fell, the plan went into effect.
"I'm sure I didn't agree to this." Zariach tugged at his disguise. "Why would I agree to this?"
"Because you are the only one with the proper body shape." Auzy whispered as they neared the entrance to the underworld. Zariach fidgeted with his disguise again. He had altered his hair to look longer and fuller, and wore an impossibly tight bodice, complete with a set of buxom illusionary breasts. He also wore a miniskirt, but had to make it longer than planned. The illusions he could make with his shadows weren't completely perfect, but worked well enough. It was one thing to make additions, but taking away certain parts was beyond his talent. If anyone tried to get a peek under his skirt, they would have quite a shocking discovery.
To Zariach's credit, he played the part well. The girls had agreed to teach him how to walk like a woman, the subtle change of his gait and how his hips should sway. To his disappointment, he had to promise not to make any advances on them for a while. Good thing he never really seemed to keep promises, he thought. The gate guard was only slightly distracted by Zariach as they passed by.
"I don't remember you being with them." he said, staring at Zariach. He made an effort to push his chest out and purse his lips, fuller and darkened by some make-up. The guards eye's drifted down, and then snapped back up with some effort.
"I wasn't with them last time, its best not to show your greatest asset on first impressions. Leaves room for some fun surprises." Zariach said, he was playing his voice as quiet and husky to conceal his natural tone. Women with men's voices were such a turn-off. The two demons accompanying him rolled their eyes. Without much effort, they made it past the guard and snuck into the city.
Zariach pulled on the shadows, wrapping a veil of darkness around them as they moved. They weren't invisible, but the ragged blotch of darkness was quite hard to see in the dark caverns of the underworld. All they had to do now was find the treasury and get in, alter the ledgers of how much gold was there, and sneak out with the loot. Sneaking in turned out to be not as hard as expected. Every demon was out for themselves, first and foremost. That's just their nature. Guards who weren't able to be seduced then later duped were easy to bribe with freedom to come along. More than a few didn't even want to go to Amdir, they just liked the idea of pulling one over on the Strongman, then being able to leave and go where they pleased.
As they finally entered the treasury, Aaug went about finding the ledgers. He quickly studied the script of the person who kept it, then made the alterations accordingly with a perfect and steady hand. Zariach and Auzy dug through the different chests and vaults to find the more obscure pieces of gold to use. They wanted to avoid any jewelry, not knowing how important they may be, bars were good, coins better. Raw nuggets might have been the best, but they realized that they wouldn't be able to tell how pure the metal was until they left, and by that time it would be too late to come back to get more if needed.
The group ended up getting a few bags of coins, and a solid bar, apparently smelted and stamped in the underworld. The symbol on the bar was that of the previous Strongman, Auzy said. When power changes occurred, it was often that the new leader would re-smelt and stamp each bar, adding more to the stock from other gold as well. This was not always the case, however, or these bars may have just been overlooked. Aaug added the finishing touches to the ledger as they decided what they would be taking. "We should take something for ourselves; we're the ones risking our necks after all." Zariach said as he fingered some of the jewelry in one of the shelves.
"There's no point to it. You don't buy things in this world with gold anymore, and I'm sure anyone in Amdir would recognize that it isn't from there." Auzy said as he tried pulling Zariach away from the baubles. He was eventually convinced to leave everything alone, and they left the treasury. Exiting seemed to be even easier, with the guards turning a blind eye or missing from posts. It was arranged that the demons who wanted to leave for their help would leave the city later on that day when all was clear. They wanted to wait till after to release the demons, because if they chose to double-cross them, then they would still be in the city and held accountable to the deed.
"Let’s just get out of here." Aaug said, not wanting to stay in the city any longer than necessary now that they had the loot. The gate guard didn't even give them any trouble as they left, all the gold hidden safely in various hidden pouches and pockets.
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Post by Bessain on Jun 2, 2010 11:38:48 GMT -8
"Zariach! Lets go!" Auzzy hissed at his friend, who was still waving provocatively at one of the treasury guards. He pulled Zariach down the hall and out of sight.
"Relax Auzidor. I am merely playing my part." he said with a smile.
"Well play a little less! We're not out yet."
The trio made their way up through the catacombs without being bothered. Auzzy kept his hands in his pockets to keep all the coins he was smuggling from making any noise. He wondered briefly where Zaiach was stashing the gold bar they had just pilfered. It didn't take Auzzy long to decide that he didn't want to know.
As they drew closer to the surface, Aaug took the lead. He preffered to let Auzzy deal with Zariach anyway. When they arrived at the stone doorway, Aaug put his shoulder to the wall and gave such a strong shove, that it knocked the chameleon-like guard off his perch on the outside. Aaug strode past him without a second glance. Zariach snickered and followed in Aaug's wake. The guard found his feet by the time it was Auzzy's turn to walk out.
"What the hell was that for?" he growled and blocked Auzzy's path.
Auzidor knew better than to apologize, and confronted the guard. "Get over it! now move!"
Sensing the oncoming fight, Zariach and Aaug quickly turned back around. Auzzy, who had no intention of removing his hands from his pockets, was at a loss of how to resolve this normally violent confrontation. Quickly he brought a foot to the guards chest and sent him flying backwards to the ground. Auzzy tried to hurry over to Aaug and Zariach, but the gate guard scrambled to his knees and grabbed his arm.
The action tore Auzzy's hand from his pants along with the outer lining of his pocket. Gold coins littered the ground.
For a moment there was complete and utter silence. The guard stared down at the coins, recognizing the stamped insignia.
His jaw dropped. "Thief--"
Auzzy stopped him short and punched the guard in the gut, doubling him over. Aaug ran back to the stone portal and shut the door. The guard tried to crawl back to his post, but Zariach and Auzzy grabbed him around the ankles. He thrashed and fought, his body shifting from a brick wall texture, to one that matched the grass he clung to, then back to his original stone camoflauge. Zariach and Auzzy paid no mind and dragged him kicking and screaming into the church. Aaug lingered for a moment and collected the dropped coins before sprinting off after them.
They dragged the demon into the clerics quarters. The guards incessant screaming and howling brought Ithron and the girls into the room. Auzzy and Zariach bound the demon hand and foot.
"Do you honestly believe Dinale will let you go, Auzidor?" the guard taunted. "We all know how he loves to keep his word."
"Ithron! Shut him up!" Auzzy growled as he punched the guard in the face. The demons jaw suddenly fastened itself shut.
Auzzy lay back against the wall for a moment, his blood coursing with excess adrenaline. "This has to be done tonight, Ithron. They will miss their front guard."
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Post by Gwyn on Jun 7, 2010 18:47:00 GMT -8
This was a difficult situation and Ithron didn't know what to do. He stood looking down on the silenced demon and pondered, and pondered. Nothing came to him. He knew moving things up to this night would certainly cause alarm in the demon halls and arouse Dinale's suspicions. One could not remove 7 demons in trusted positions and hope no one would notice. Their entire effort would come to nothing, not including the threat to their own safety. For this to work he needed Dinale's help.
"Does he have family?" Ithron asked without directing it anyone specific. There was no reply so he turned and looked directly at Auƶidor. "Does he have any family? Is there anyone who would miss him if he were to disappear?"
"You're not thinking of killing him?" In spite of the gravity of the situation Auƶidor asked the question in a off handed manner.
"Family?"
"No. Demons in this realm have no family ties." Auƶƶy's voice remained calm but his eyes betrayed him.
The demons eyes grew large and his appearance began to change to his stone camouflage and then back to normal and then again to stone. He was now helpless and a god damn elf was going to kill him. How utterly humiliating.
Something unexpected happened and Ithron felt it. He closed his eyes and his appearance seemed to softened. He turned and walked over to Mary who still stood in the door way watching. His eyes were soft and it seemed a slight glow came from his face. "I am sorry Mary...the Reverend Father has left this world and found his peace."
Mary gasped and her eyes welled with tears. She turned and ran back up the stairs to the Father's room with Katie right behind.
"Well?" Aaug broke in caring little of the Reverend's death. "What are we to do? I will kill him if you don't have the stomach for it elf." Aaug stared down at the demon sniggering at him.
"We will be killing no one." Ithron replied his back to Aaug.
Aaug hissed. "We must kill him to keep his mouth shut. Unless... unless you can erase memory? Turn his mind to mush and let those in the halls have him. They would have such sport. You cannot delay this, if you do not do something quickly he will be missed and we will be doomed."
"I said there would be no killing unless at great need!" Ithron rounded on him. "This is not a great need!" A few moments passed while Ithron thought. "Aaug, you will take him back to the portal. Use the item I gave you to open the portal and send him through. Once on the other side he can do us not harm. You will take the gold back with you and ready it for smelting. Once you're done come back for us, we should be done well before you arrive."
"Auƶƶy, Ƶariach and I will go back to have a chat with Dinale. Ithron crouched down in front of the Door sentry. "I will keep several of the coins and toss them at his feet. Then I will recount the story of how his door guard tried to bribe Ƶariach into handing Mary over to him so he could then run off and drag her to one of the London clans. It seems his guard was tired of swearing loyalty to a ever changing leadership who cared nothing for the job he did. He felt it was time to move on. He'd apparently been watching Mary for some time and wanted to have some sport with her. We refused and he offered us the gold. I chased him off and he ran into the forest heading south. There will, no doubt, be a kill on sight order given. Dinale, being the type of demon he is, will order that his head is to be put on a pike inside the door as a warning to others."
He stood and looked down on the demon gate keeper. "You can go to Amdir and have a much better life or be killed by your own kind here. Should you escape, I, or any of those with me will kill you and hand your remains over to Dinale. I'm sorry to do this to you but our mission here comes before anything else. In Amdir you need not care for your safety and you will be out of Dinale's reach. No one will be the wiser. Cooperate and it will be a simple process." With that said Ithron tapped the demon with his staff and froze his limbs. With the gate keeper unable to move it would be easier to move him and for Aaug to toss him over the dividing line through the portal into Amdir. He was loaded into the car first then the gold. Aaug drove off without a word.
Ithron did not like the men's world and began to have some doubts, but too much was at stake. "Well gentlemen, we go to tell the biggest lie yet so make sure your acts are convincing. Our story is set other than the gate sentry running off and Aaug chasing after him. To discredit the gate keeper further I believe we should tell Dinale that he told you both of well connected friends in London. Auƶƶy, you could mention that you were told that if we waited a little while there would be a new chief, one who would look with favour on us if we helped him. When Dinale presses you for more information you can mention that you believed he had been bought, and was a spy for one of the London Clans and that Dinale was soon to be replaced. If it all works out the already insecure Dinale will crack under the pressure. I will suggest that I might be incline to help him an pay the gold in return for the aid that he gives us." Ithron, disbelieving of what he was doing, sat on a old wooden chair shaking his head.
"I'm sure you two have a great deal more experience in this than I do because I have none. I think this is what Aaug called playing the odds but I'm not entirely clear what that is. If we fail and Dinale orders us to be taken I will do whatever it takes to get us out of the demon halls. I prefer not to take a life but it may come to that. I'm asking a lot of you but if you think we have a chance we should strike now."
Now all that was left to do was to tell Mary and Katie of the plan should Dinale insist on talk to them. It was unfortunate to be involving Mary at this time but they could not delay this in spite of her loss.
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Post by Bessain on Jul 24, 2010 22:09:00 GMT -8
The night's events gave their plan an overly auspicious edge... that is, up until the gate guard was physically dragged into it. Despite having successfully acquired the gold, Auzzy still felt the need to vomit. Even when Aaug removed the guard from the premises, Auzidor felt ill.
Ithron left the room to find the girls and Auzzy followed him out. Auzidor caught the elf by the arm before they entered the Reverend's quarters.
"Ithron," he whispered, so as not to disturb the weeping girl in the next room. "I'm not going back in there. Not tonight anyway. Just go with Zariach, he's our best liar. Aaug will accompany you too, I'm sure, when he's done disposing of our baggage."
Auzidor felt cowardice gnaw at his heart and his pride swelled painfully. But fear alone would not allow the demon to face Dinale twice so soon. "It will go faster if I do the smelting anyway." he reasoned.
~
"Where now is my gold, elf?" Dinale growled, greed apparent in his voice. "Do not think that I cannot find your party outside these walls. I see your fire-spitting pet was foolish enough not to return."
"We come with news of your hoard." Ithron said calmly. He took a few moments to explain their fabricated details about the gate guard. If Ithron was not used to being a puppeteer, it was in no way detectable from his performance. Zariach almost started to believe that his presence would not be needed. This was of course an outrageous idea. Who wouldn't want to hear him talk?
Dinale listened quietly but managed to keep his derisive glances. "The London clan..." he muttered. Try as he might to appear unconvinced, the demon Lord felt the need to believe the elf. The ways of the past would have normally seen Dinale out of rule years ago. It was easy for him to believe the parts of the story that suggested mutiny. But the part about his subjects immigrating to Amdir? That was virtually unheard of! The only reason the fire elemental ended up there was because he had nowhere else to hide. He decided to let the elf continue with his lead. After all, he cared nothing for the gate guard.
"Elf," the demon lord said, turning a suspicious eye on Ithron. "I fail to see why you bother to report to me. If the London clan wishes my extermination, why not let them? I know at least one of you hates me. As for the guard? He is none of your concern, and when I find him he will be reminded of the ellon who sold him out." Dinale let the last part sink in for a second, as if the guard's future anguish would somehow wound Ithron.
Before Ithron or Zariach could answer, the large conference door opened to reveal two extra guests. Aaug and, surprisngly, Auzidor. Auzidor wore a stoic expression and almost looked as if it pained him to keep it that way. In his arms he held an old brown sac, with gold flashing out the end of it.
That got Dinale's attention and he stood with strange smile, dropping the previous conversation and welcoming his returned subject into the room.
"Auzidor," he sneered. "Come to praise your Sovereign?"
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Post by Gwyn on Dec 13, 2010 21:34:00 GMT -8
Ithron swung out his staff and stopped Auzidor, he then stepped between him and Dinale. He took a few steps and stood in front of the demon looking up at him.
“A quiet word please?” Ithron asked with a naughty smile on his face. Dinale snorted and the spray hit Ithron which made him smile as he bent to hear Ithron’s quiet word.
“Auzidor and I have a private arrangement back Amdir. Only a select few have any knowledge of it, if you understand my meaning. I would look on it most favourably if it was I who remained his Sovereign.”
Ithron stepped aside and motioned Auzidor forward. Dinale began to laugh, a deep guttural loud laugh.
“Keeps you warm at night does he elf.” He bellowed. “You’re more fairy than fair folk.” He laughed again. “You can have your toy boy elf as long as the gold’s all there.” He grabbed Ithron’s arm with surprising speed and shook him roughly. “I expect you to be here if those southern pigs show themselves. As for him, he’s a traitor in my eyes and if you don’t watch my back I’ll give you his warm heart to sleep with.” He gave Ithron a hard shove to the side and went to inspect the new addition to his golden hoard.
Ithron wiped his face in disgust and watched as the golden fever took hold of Dinale. He took it and caressed it, smelled it and tasted it. He turn and approved of the gold and agreed to supply Ithron with the help he needed. The Amdir group left when they were dismissed allowing Dinale to believe he had one upped the elf. For the moment Auzidor didn't have to worry about his standing in the eyes of Dinale.
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