Ironworks Gaming Forum - View Single Post - Antagonist's Anarchy: Desolation in the Daylight

Calaethis Dragonsbane · 04-15-2006, 07:48 PM

OOC: Backtracking a tad – and then moving on.

“I – yes,” Isokla answered Ydalon as he asked his questions, but he had disappeared already. She sighed and shook her head, wondering exactly what she had let herself in for.

After he had gone, the girl rose, discarding her own prepared food and wandering away, down towards the river. Leaving without a word, her bright blue eyes were distant, perhaps thoughtful. Scooping up her satchel, she set it on her shoulder and slowly walked away from the camp fire. By now, it was quite, quite dark and the stars were twinkling in the sky.

Should any accompany her, she shook her head at them insisting she was to be left alone. With her ever present satchel, there was no trace she had been preparing food only moments earlier save for the rest of the fish. Whatever was troubling her she gave no clue to as she made her way to the river in silence. Wandering along its bank she eventually found a grassy spot overlooking the reeds and bulrushes and seated herself gracefully. For the longest time she stared at the crystal black waters and the reflection of the starry sky, watching the ripples of the gentle waves flow with only the barest smile touching the corners of her mouth. It was such a peaceful and beautiful night, the girl decided, her thoughts shifting to those of her companions.

‘Out of all of them, Nivram troubles me the most. He seems… the most human. He certainly has issues, but at least he seems to be sorting them out. It is good to see a sense of humour within him. Of Detheriel, well, he seems to be an all rounded person – he does not seem to have any immediate insecurities or complexes. Telryn seems… a little odd, as though one never quite knows what he is really thinking but he seems to wish to go with the flow of the group for the most part. No, Detheriel and Telryn seem almost docile in comparison. Nivram is certainly quite the character. Strong in his own way. At least he stands up for what he believes in…

…And finally, there is Ydalon. He seems… different. Distracted. There is more to this than he is telling – more than any of us realise. Star charts. He knows more. I wonder how much he knows… …could he suspect? No, none of them suspect for a moment. It would not be possible, and yet… well, we all have our pasts, our histories. Let them see mystery that is not there, if that is their want. I will not do anything to change their minds. It is better that none of them know and indeed, why should they?

Oh Kagarioni, I have failed you. My foolish student. You were not even a friend, and yet, you chose your own path.’

Isokla drew out the golden coins that her former student had given her and turned them in her fingers before replacing them back in a small leather belt purse which no one had known she possessed before. ‘But it was your own fault you know child. I warned you. I would not force you upon any path, and you chose what you believed was right – and paid the consequences for it. It was unfortunate you did not have a chance to learn from your mistakes, but you knew the risks you were taking. There was nothing I could have done…

…Ydalon. It always comes back to you, doesn’t it? You got that child killed, but it was her choice to follow you. How many more will die for you? Will they even realise it? The secrets you hide – are they worth it? Only you will know and when the time comes, you will account the cost of your pride and actions.’

Isokla no longer cared for her train of thought and sided, her smile having faded completely. Idly leaning forward and plucking a small golden-white flower, she turned it in her fingers and then wove it in with her hair. A single flower set in silver hair, lit up by the starlight and reflection from the water. Her reflection stared back at her and she blinked; she looked younger than she thought she did and the way her hair had fallen was quite flattering. Isokla found herself smiling in amusement; very rarely did she take the time to consider herself and her looks. She had always known she was pretty, but never paid much attention to it. There had always been other issues… more important things and vanity was just a little shallow. Her smile was also pretty, she decided admiring it for the first time in as long as she could remember.
‘How many had been charmed by it? They stare at me, at my eyes. Some even called me a ‘water nymph’ once. A compliment, followed by ‘water lily’ (one poetic translation of my namesake); ‘Silver ice-lily’; ‘Water opal’; ‘Shining sapphire’ and ‘moonstone’. All of these I’ve been compared too. Young men trying to woo me and always trying to have what they cannot get. How long has it been? I don’t remember. I don’t want to remember. I’m never going there again. ‘Silver ice-lily’ was pretty though, as was being compared to an orchid. No one will ever associate me with that again…’

Her smile had dropped for the second time. ‘Orchids and lotus no matter how pretty they are are always associated with …those girls or… worse. Crimson Orchids or Dark Orchids are a title I would sooner forget. Never again do I want to hear those words in unison. I’ve seen enough of their impact to last a lifetime. I doubt any here will even know the flower. Posion flowers they are. Venomous. Like the treachery of a serpent.

Flowers, metals and gems – ’ the girl sighed aloud, ‘It is a wonder that none of these have named me such. That fool – that self pitying bigot that claims ‘noble’ origin – even he has not had the gall to woo me such. Those at home put him comparatively on a level with babes as far as his subtleness and techniques go. It would almost be amusing – perhaps cute, if he were not so persistent and full of himself. I am surprised he is not dead yet. Him and that other one. Foolish children. ’ Isokla found herself sneering and stopped. ‘I don’t want to ruin tonight’s serenity by thinking of them. Solitude is all I need; the calm peaceful air…’ she shivered. ‘I should be getting back.. before the others worry. If they even notice I’m gone.’

The girl sighed and rose again, making her way back slowly to the camp, gliding with a swan-like grace as she picked her way carefully along the riverbank and retraced her steps. She arrived in time to hear Ydalon’s bold "And I suppose you're wondering a thing or two."

Isokla did not say a word, waiting until it was all over. When it finally was, she nodded slowly and suggested softly, “That is all well and good, but I wish to retire. The night grows colder and shortly, the dawn will be upon us. Five or six hours from now and the first rays of the dawn shall touch the sky. The midnight point has already gone.”

Without another word, the girl moved to the far side of the camp fire and began to set out her bedroll, not bothering to pitch a tent and within moments, she had set up her sleeping place with practised efficiency. “Tomorrow we shall depart and arrive in this town of yours,” she addressed Ydalon, although it was more of a statement. “We shall see what happens then. Although, I would prefer if we stopped at an inn – a bath would not go amiss.” she paused and smiled, perhaps to take any sting off her words, “But until then, I bid you all a good night.”

Isokla slipped out of her sandals and put them at her head beside her pack, her satchel firmly beside it and within seconds of her head touching her pillow, her eyes were closed. She was still fully dressed – perhaps she expected trouble? – but with her fur-lined blanket tucked right up against her chin, no one was any the wiser. That was, no one who had not seen her beforehand. The girl seemed peaceful – as though in sleep, the authoritative air that surrounded her was lifted and replaced with a calm serenity that only enhanced her appeal. Her breath was steady and she seemed to trust her all male companions…

~~~

When the morning comes, the group shall leave and two hours down the road encounter a wounded man fleeing four bandits, all armed with knives and swords, while a fifth lagging behind carries a bow. But until then, the protagonists are free to discuss with Ydalon what they will until sleep takes them…

---
OOC: Edit. I really should proofread my posts. Fixed a grammar/spelling typo.

[ 04-15-2006, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Calaethis Dragonsbane ]

04-15-2006, 07:48 PM	#26
Calaethis Dragonsbane Legion Symbol Join Date: May 29, 2002 Location: Somewhere in between Age: 40 Posts: 7,029	OOC: Backtracking a tad – and then moving on. “I – yes,” Isokla answered Ydalon as he asked his questions, but he had disappeared already. She sighed and shook her head, wondering exactly what she had let herself in for. After he had gone, the girl rose, discarding her own prepared food and wandering away, down towards the river. Leaving without a word, her bright blue eyes were distant, perhaps thoughtful. Scooping up her satchel, she set it on her shoulder and slowly walked away from the camp fire. By now, it was quite, quite dark and the stars were twinkling in the sky. Should any accompany her, she shook her head at them insisting she was to be left alone. With her ever present satchel, there was no trace she had been preparing food only moments earlier save for the rest of the fish. Whatever was troubling her she gave no clue to as she made her way to the river in silence. Wandering along its bank she eventually found a grassy spot overlooking the reeds and bulrushes and seated herself gracefully. For the longest time she stared at the crystal black waters and the reflection of the starry sky, watching the ripples of the gentle waves flow with only the barest smile touching the corners of her mouth. It was such a peaceful and beautiful night, the girl decided, her thoughts shifting to those of her companions. ‘Out of all of them, Nivram troubles me the most. He seems… the most human. He certainly has issues, but at least he seems to be sorting them out. It is good to see a sense of humour within him. Of Detheriel, well, he seems to be an all rounded person – he does not seem to have any immediate insecurities or complexes. Telryn seems… a little odd, as though one never quite knows what he is really thinking but he seems to wish to go with the flow of the group for the most part. No, Detheriel and Telryn seem almost docile in comparison. Nivram is certainly quite the character. Strong in his own way. At least he stands up for what he believes in… …And finally, there is Ydalon. He seems… different. Distracted. There is more to this than he is telling – more than any of us realise. Star charts. He knows more. I wonder how much he knows… …could he suspect? No, none of them suspect for a moment. It would not be possible, and yet… well, we all have our pasts, our histories. Let them see mystery that is not there, if that is their want. I will not do anything to change their minds. It is better that none of them know and indeed, why should they? Oh Kagarioni, I have failed you. My foolish student. You were not even a friend, and yet, you chose your own path.’ Isokla drew out the golden coins that her former student had given her and turned them in her fingers before replacing them back in a small leather belt purse which no one had known she possessed before. ‘But it was your own fault you know child. I warned you. I would not force you upon any path, and you chose what you believed was right – and paid the consequences for it. It was unfortunate you did not have a chance to learn from your mistakes, but you knew the risks you were taking. There was nothing I could have done… …Ydalon. It always comes back to you, doesn’t it? You got that child killed, but it was her choice to follow you. How many more will die for you? Will they even realise it? The secrets you hide – are they worth it? Only you will know and when the time comes, you will account the cost of your pride and actions.’ Isokla no longer cared for her train of thought and sided, her smile having faded completely. Idly leaning forward and plucking a small golden-white flower, she turned it in her fingers and then wove it in with her hair. A single flower set in silver hair, lit up by the starlight and reflection from the water. Her reflection stared back at her and she blinked; she looked younger than she thought she did and the way her hair had fallen was quite flattering. Isokla found herself smiling in amusement; very rarely did she take the time to consider herself and her looks. She had always known she was pretty, but never paid much attention to it. There had always been other issues… more important things and vanity was just a little shallow. Her smile was also pretty, she decided admiring it for the first time in as long as she could remember. ‘How many had been charmed by it? They stare at me, at my eyes. Some even called me a ‘water nymph’ once. A compliment, followed by ‘water lily’ (one poetic translation of my namesake); ‘Silver ice-lily’; ‘Water opal’; ‘Shining sapphire’ and ‘moonstone’. All of these I’ve been compared too. Young men trying to woo me and always trying to have what they cannot get. How long has it been? I don’t remember. I don’t want to remember. I’m never going there again. ‘Silver ice-lily’ was pretty though, as was being compared to an orchid. No one will ever associate me with that again…’ Her smile had dropped for the second time. ‘Orchids and lotus no matter how pretty they are are always associated with …those girls or… worse. Crimson Orchids or Dark Orchids are a title I would sooner forget. Never again do I want to hear those words in unison. I’ve seen enough of their impact to last a lifetime. I doubt any here will even know the flower. Posion flowers they are. Venomous. Like the treachery of a serpent. Flowers, metals and gems – ’ the girl sighed aloud, ‘It is a wonder that none of these have named me such. That fool – that self pitying bigot that claims ‘noble’ origin – even he has not had the gall to woo me such. Those at home put him comparatively on a level with babes as far as his subtleness and techniques go. It would almost be amusing – perhaps cute, if he were not so persistent and full of himself. I am surprised he is not dead yet. Him and that other one. Foolish children. ’ Isokla found herself sneering and stopped. ‘I don’t want to ruin tonight’s serenity by thinking of them. Solitude is all I need; the calm peaceful air…’ she shivered. ‘I should be getting back.. before the others worry. If they even notice I’m gone.’ The girl sighed and rose again, making her way back slowly to the camp, gliding with a swan-like grace as she picked her way carefully along the riverbank and retraced her steps. She arrived in time to hear Ydalon’s bold "And I suppose you're wondering a thing or two." Isokla did not say a word, waiting until it was all over. When it finally was, she nodded slowly and suggested softly, “That is all well and good, but I wish to retire. The night grows colder and shortly, the dawn will be upon us. Five or six hours from now and the first rays of the dawn shall touch the sky. The midnight point has already gone.” Without another word, the girl moved to the far side of the camp fire and began to set out her bedroll, not bothering to pitch a tent and within moments, she had set up her sleeping place with practised efficiency. “Tomorrow we shall depart and arrive in this town of yours,” she addressed Ydalon, although it was more of a statement. “We shall see what happens then. Although, I would prefer if we stopped at an inn – a bath would not go amiss.” she paused and smiled, perhaps to take any sting off her words, “But until then, I bid you all a good night.” Isokla slipped out of her sandals and put them at her head beside her pack, her satchel firmly beside it and within seconds of her head touching her pillow, her eyes were closed. She was still fully dressed – perhaps she expected trouble? – but with her fur-lined blanket tucked right up against her chin, no one was any the wiser. That was, no one who had not seen her beforehand. The girl seemed peaceful – as though in sleep, the authoritative air that surrounded her was lifted and replaced with a calm serenity that only enhanced her appeal. Her breath was steady and she seemed to trust her all male companions… ~~~ When the morning comes, the group shall leave and two hours down the road encounter a wounded man fleeing four bandits, all armed with knives and swords, while a fifth lagging behind carries a bow. But until then, the protagonists are free to discuss with Ydalon what they will until sleep takes them… --- OOC: Edit. I really should proofread my posts. Fixed a grammar/spelling typo. [ 04-15-2006, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Calaethis Dragonsbane ]