Ironworks Gaming Forum - The Tale of the Ugly Troll (cont. Part III)

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- - The Tale of the Ugly Troll (cont. Part III) (http://www.ironworksforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=61849)

For the first time since he'd met Jena, Galein smiled, though, it was somehow sad, but also held understanding within. "Thank you..." He replied, his tone and words as soft as his glass-green eyes. In that instant, he reminded her more of Aeriah then ever. A peace seemed to settle over him, as though, somehow, questions had been answered and for the first time, he was at ease - even for a brief moment. His smile increased in warmth, and his eyes were equally stunning, and wordlessly, the elf lightly embraced her, just holding her as friends do.

Finally, he added, his words holding a slightly sheepish tone, "You are right, of course." He smiled again, though, this time self-consciously, and a little embaressed. Then he sighed deeply, and finished, "I was born to rule... it is my destiny... and... moreover, my people need me. If I do not assume the throne, or at least attempt to take the mantle, they will continue to suffer... if only to exchange one tyrant to another," Galein smiled sadly again, his eyes so distant and lost with memories, "At least I'll have friends to support me - and kick me if I start being a moron." His eyes flashed back to the present and his eyes smiled, though his mouth did not, and taking Jena by the hand, he added, "Come on you; you're almost asleep on your feet." Glancing around, he muttered, "I think we all are."

At that point, Thhiro decided to make an apperance (again) and wandered up to the two, purring in satisfaction and pressing her head against mouth of them, nuzzling them in affection. Kyr was still with Fai, but she too, was smiling.

With that, Galein laughed, surprisingly light hearted and sounding more like Aeriah then Galein - he proceeded to lead them back to the others.

~~~

The trip took about fifteen minutes and by the time they had arrived back at the other cave, everyone was practically falling asleep, so tired where they.

---
OOC: I'll let the rest of you comment now - and allow Dru and Verrion to do a "past" thing and catch up to the present. Then the party can rest, if they choose, and we'll continue. Unless someone has a better idea? ;) .

Jena 33/36

Once they arrived back to where the others were, Jena yawned sleepily. She glanced questionably at Faironi. “Fai…do you mind if I sleep in your tent this evening? I think at this point it would be the best thing…” 

Jena felt that perhaps Galein would feel uncomfortable with her rooming with him so soon after meeting her for the first time. (as Galein) That, however, was only one reason. She was still very much in love with him, and her being alone in the tent with him would only put unnecessary temptation before her: and she knew she’d not be able to forgive herself should they become any closer than friends so soon.

At this, Galein chuckled, and then raised his hands, palms towards Jena defensively, "Please, don't misunderstand or take offense... it's just... the idea... of sleeping in a tent when we're in a cave. Have fun pitching it."

Kyr shot him a black look, and flew over to Jena and whispered something that nobody save the human could make out, "Well, maybe he wants to change in front of everyone, but I doubt the rest of us do. Males." she snorted, obviously unamused by his behaviour. "For someone who wants to save the realm, he has a remarkable amount to learn about his subjects... and their needs."

Galein rolled his eyes as the 'girls' conferred and muttered something about taking first watch, although it was obvious he was just as tired, if not more so, then the rest of them. He began to look around the cave for anything that might be used for firewood, but found none. Any firewood he had in his pack was already used up, and so, he settled down to wait, his back pointedly turned to Fai, Kyr and Jena, although, his backpack he had left with them.

ooc: ok, who's really asleep, me or Jena? <snicker> s'ok, I'll put the blame on her ;)

Jena frowned at Galein's words. "Sorry...I am half asleep and I'm therefore a little slow. You, of all people, ...Aeriah, ...are in most need of rest. I insist that you go to sleep immediately. It will do none of us any good if we are approched upon by something dangerous and deadly and the watch guard is sleeping on the job." Uttering a small sigh, a mixture of exhaustion and frustration, Jena silently crept a little further into the cave alone. She glanced around, and not seeing anyone, quickly changed.

"Elves require little rest... far less then you hum-" Galein cut off with a loud yawn, "ans." He finished. Sighing, he conceeded that maybe he did need some rest and took out his rolled up bed and set it down, not bothering to undress and fell into the blankets, asleep before his head hit the pillow. Somehow, his features seemed peaceful and calm, as though, for once, he was actually relaxed. As he slept, he reminded Jena so strongly of Aeriah that for the longest time, she couldn't tell the difference between the two of them...

Jena laid down on her side on the ground several feet from where Galein rested and she faced him, just watching him and thinking. Eventually she surrendered to the unavoidable weariness that overtook her. Finally she closed her eyes and as she slept peacefully anyone else that was still awake would be hear small feminine snores coming from her.

Jena 33/36

She was in a field: the scent of lily’s surrounded her and she skipped and danced happily in her pretty yellow-flowered sundress. Her dark hair bounced as she hopped, and her blue eyes danced. Everyone always said she looked just like her beautiful mother. Right now she was a child again: a youth barely at the age of 8, and her mother brought her here for a picnic. It was just the two of them: a mother and daughter event. They had just finished lunch and Jena curled up in her mothers lap and put her small arms around her neck, hugging her tightly. “Mother, tell me the story of the elves again.” Jena’s mother smiled sweetly. “As you wish, my princess.” 

Jena’s mother beamed as she glowed at her younger daughter. “A long, long time ago, there was a fair maiden. She was naughty because she ventured into the woods when she was supposed to be doing her chores. The young woman, being only 16 years old, always seemed to get into trouble. One day she came upon a strange village of people that did not look like she did: their ears were pointy and they were a tall and beautiful race. That’s when the young woman saw him: he was the most wonderful thing she had ever seen before in her life: so agile and handsome.” 

Jena glanced at her mom as she continued with her story. When she reached the part when the girl and the elf met for the first time, Jena realized to her horror that the flowers around her became blood red and her mother began screaming.

 “MOMMY!” Jena screamed out loud as she woke with a start. She sat straight up, inhaled and exhaled deeply, and wiped the sweat from her brow.

Drusalia 13/22

She peered up the tunnel since Verrion was taking much too long to get down.

"You coming?" - she shouted up the tunnel.

Fairioni 27/27

Fai looks at Jena with a bit of concern, having been meditating where she was sitting "Are you okay?" she asks, her new quarterstaff laying across her lap, probably acting as her focus for the mediation

Galein dreamt...

The sky was grey; gathered ominous clouds above heralded the coming of a storm. Wind swept through the mountains, the trees and the forest. In the distance, the horizon darkened, and the low echo of thunder rolled. The dark greens of the forest below seemed somehow, more alive, and brighten then did normally. Shafts of sunlight shone through broken clouds above, whilst in the distance, the darkness grew.

The elf stood upon the cliff, his gaze diverted to the forest below. The greys of the mountain stood beside and behind him, and from his vantage point, he could see for miles. His ice-grey hair was tossed by the breeze, as though some playful pixie was toying with it, though his glass-green eyes were as hard as the granites of the mountain. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply and exhaled with a sigh. The shadows from the clouds stretched far… and soon the sun would fade and then it would be time to strike. Shouldering his bow, the elf turned to his companions, to his right, a beautiful tall female, garbed in long robes of blue, varying in hue from azure to sapphire, highlighted with sky-blue and greys. Her eyes were amber and her hair, silver. Standing at 5’11, she was taller then the elf who stood before her. To his left, was another – again, a female, but one with cruel eyes, and a slightly sullen twisted pout to her mouth. She wasn’t happy at being out here, and standing at 5’8, was not happy at the prospect of the weather looking as though it would turn cold. Black hair caught and swept up by the wind rippled from her head, and cold stone-grey eyes and her hand rested on the hilt of her sword.

Shaking his head slightly, the elf turned to the taller of the two and whispered a few words, lost upon the wind. A moment after conferring with her, the elf turned away in disgust and walked back towards the mountains, his long, grey heavy fur-lined cloak flapping out behind him. A moment later, the black haired elf followed, glaring at the silver haired one, who simply sighed and shook her head. Why that one had been chosen, she would never know. She had a cruel streak within her that did not suit her mate to be…

~~~

The scene shifted. The elf stood within a forest clearing, gazing upon a pool. A long moment passed, and then, the water rose; forming a portal of sorts, the frame resembling a life-size mirror. The liquid turned dark, and the elf stared within… the reflection changed… to that of another. A single word formed within his mind… Aeriah…