Leafblade & Freelight: The Barracks - Page 13

mistral4543 · 07-10-2006, 11:21 PM

Another intruder had arrived into their sanctuary. Would they never learn their lesson?

Apparently not, for this latest newcomer radiated determination. Foolish determination, for what use could his sword be, against the power of the forest? The leaves rustled their agreement just as the wind sighed its concurrence. At the hidden corners, the various creatures watched, their eyes glinting in the shadows.

When could they attack? When would the order be given? Perhaps a quick death was too easy for this bold two-legged one who ventured so audaciously inward. Perhaps there was another fate in store for him…

Whatever it was, they would not launch an offensive. Not until the sign came. And so, the deadly calm lingered long in the forest.

Deiter Leafblade · 07-11-2006, 02:28 AM

Paranoia began to creep up Rehan's spine as the silence lingered on. Why is it so quiet... It was unnatural and left the young man feeling apprehensive. Minutes felt like hours as he continued deeper into the heart of the forest. "Tree after tree after tree... Maybe I scared it off?" The foolish thought was doused the second it left his mouth. Sighing, he had nothing left to do but keep pressing forward.

The sound of a gurgling stream reached his ears after another half hour of walking. Relief filled him as the silence was broken and cast aside. Rehan's eyes widened as he drew closer to the stream. Never had he seen such clear water before. The purity of it locked away inside this corrupted forest seduced him to come closer. Leaning down, he cupped the cold liquid and splashed it against his face, releasing some of the tension that had built up inside him. Shaking beads of water from the tips of his hair, his gaze fell upon the stream again.

Its hold on the young man grew stronger as he desired nothing else but to submerge himself into it. He desperately wanted to feel the icy substance against his skin, tempting him to forget all of his troubles and jump in. Tantalizing images entered his mind at what he could have if he would only let himself be taken by the gentle currents. But this was all wrong. Streams could not inspire the personal feelings that were flowing through him leaving his face flushed. Closing his eyes with great difficulty, Rehan threw himself back against the grassy embankment, breathing heavily.

mistral4543 · 07-11-2006, 03:00 AM

There was a hushed gasp which spread from the blades of the grassy patch, up the wizened trunks of the nearby trees and thick foliage which shaded this sanctum from the casual traveler. Whisper they did, to one another and to the air which weaved itself tightly and then dragged itself over the holy ground so jealously guarded over the years.

He dares to pollute the waters! Aghast were the silent cries that rang in the shifty streams of air. He contaminates her precious pool!

One by one, the creatures stirred to life, trudging in the shadows that the vegetation provided. Never had a humanoid penetrated its way so audaciously into the heart of the forest, no, not as far as their memories could register. What would she do to him? Was it time to show him the consequences of his actions? Every living thing strained its ears, wincing at the tedium of inactivity.

Then, they heard her signal. A guttural scream it was, that sent their eardrums vibrating with an undying resonance long after the cry had ended. This was not a scream to kill… yet. But enough to lift their spirits. They were free! Free for some action at last!

Everywhere now, there was visibly movement. Branches were swaying, roots uplifted and treading all over the ground that shook the human off his balance. The birds, released from inertia, spread their wings and soared high above, chattering and shrieking with glee.

As for the animals… they, too, were enjoying this romp. They bounded amongst the trees, their tails thrashing about the undergrowth and their paws thrusting the dried leaves flying into the air. Where there seemed to be gaps of silence, they punctuated these with an orchestra of hollers and ferocious growls.

Yet, even after a while, this commotion became rather unsatisfying. For fear can only be experienced once, and a lack of real threat, as any creature knew, would boost the morale of the victim. Collectively then, they stepped out of the shadows and towards the stream, their hostile eyes shooting daggers and their unnatural grins baring razor sharp teeth. If one could view this scene objectively, one would actually be quite awe-stricken by the array of exotic creatures that now circled the human. Leopards, tigers, cheetahs, lions, panthers… and they radiated a restrained hostility as they awaited for the final instruction from their mistress.

The instruction of death.

Deiter Leafblade · 07-11-2006, 03:30 PM

The eruption of noises pierced his ears, snapping him out of the haze that the stream had left him in. Struggling to stand up, he started to notice the feline creatures that surrounded him. Rehan could only stare in shock. Never had he seen so many exotic beasts before.

Damnit Rehan, stop staring and think of something! These beasts could tear you apart any second now! But yet they didn't. Confusion passed over him on why they were just watching him. Gripping his sword, he held it defensively attempting to fend them off if they attacked. Death was staring him in the eyes and he refused to accept it.

dplax · 07-11-2006, 06:02 PM

OOC: thanks to Mistral for inviting me to this great game! [img]smile.gif[/img] I've just finished reading it all and I must say I was really entertained. I'm looking forward to participating, but I'm not really sure whether I can just start posting away with an idea. I'll PM my idea to both of you anyway.

mistral4543 · 07-11-2006, 08:02 PM

OOC: Thanks for popping by, dplax! I've sent you a PM [img]smile.gif[/img] And yes, please post ahead and have fun RP-ing with Deiter [img]graemlins/thewave.gif[/img]

dplax · 07-12-2006, 03:12 PM

OOC: I refer to her as she in this post as I haven't come up with a name yet. I'll probably have one for my next post. [img]smile.gif[/img]

A single tear slowly meandered on its solitary journey. So much sadness had invaded her previously joyful life. So much had changed for the worse.

"I'm not going to leave you father!" Determination echoed in her voice, mixing with the sadness at being asked to do what she least desired. "If I left you...you...you would die! Father, you are everything I have!"

His grey-blue eyes continued looking at her, pleading with her. "Stop it! You can't ask me to leave you here to die alone! My place is by your side!" His eyes did not leave her face, and with an almost superhuman effort, he opened his mouth to speak.

"My daughter. Even if you stayed by my side, I would still die. The fates hand out a candle to each person when they are born." His voice came out slow and barely a whisper, as though the mere effort of talking took all of his energy. His lips trembled as he spread them again. "My candle comes to its end, and despite all the wonderful help you could give me, my beloved daughter, you cannot forever postpone its extinction."

Another tear appeared at the corner of her eye, which she brushed away with her sleeve. "But I love you father!" she cried out in anguish, her mind seeing the reason in what her father had said, yet her heart failing to hear the mind's advice.

"My dearest. You are the one I love the most on this side of the afterlife, and it is for this reason that I beg you to go now. I do not wish to meet you soon on the other side, as you still have many decades of life ahead of you." He paused, and she dabbed a wet cloth at his temples, easing the worst of the fever away.

"She had been specific about the conditions, as you well know. Only as long as I lived, and in gratitude for me healing one of hers had she agreed to leaving you in peace. I am soon to depart, and the agreement draws to an end."

She was now crying openly, and it was he who brushed aside her tears.

"Do not mourn for me. I have gotten all I could have desired in this life. As your mother had been my dazzling sun in my younger days, so were you the evening star, bidding farewell to me on the last leg of my journey. It is my wish, my last wish that you try to live your life in happyness. Don't let yourself be burdened by the passing of an old fool like myself. It is the way for old men and women like me to leave their place to the new generation."

He murmured a brief sentence in the tongue he had never taught his daughter, and his face was briefly lit by an unearthly light.

"It is as I had sensed. There is another in these woods. You must seek him and ask for his help in leaving these woods, for they are treacherous, and once the agreement reaches its end, they shall no longer protect you. I beg you to do this. For me."

Her dying father's last wish was something she could not say no to. She took his deathly cold hand amongst hers and whispered a quick prayer to her gods, to speed him on his journey once it started.

Knowing that she had to act before her sudden resolve departed, she grabbed hold of her wooden staff. Her only possession besides the clothes she was wearing. She bent down and gently kissed her father on the forehead, then leant closer and allowed him to do the same.

"Go with my blessings my daughter. Oh and one more thing. Would you mind indulging me with the last bottle of spirits? I doubt that you'd take it with you, yet it would help ease the pain of the last moments."

--------------------------------------------

There was no end to her tears. Out in the open she let them flow freely, hoping that they'd at least carry part of her grief with her, but release did not come. Not yet.

The tracks of the countless beasts had been easy to follow. As with the previous intruders, the beast were converging on this one from all sides. She had to hurry, for only through haste could she reach the one her father had suggested before it was too late. For both of them.

[ 07-12-2006, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

mistral4543 · 07-12-2006, 08:22 PM

Moments passed as the animals stared at the male balefully. If only he had struck one of them, or displayed the hateful symptoms of cowardice and callousness that the others had done… he would have been shredded into unrecognizable bits by now. But this one had not… whether by cunning, or innateness, he stood there – albeit trembling, and with good reason – without harming anyone. Just the pool it was, and that call was something beyond them.

Then, amidst the circle, there was a stirring as they felt her presence. The crowd parted and she emerged. Their champion and beloved mistress, who walked amongst them with absolute ease and treated them as her equals. They relished her scent and caresses, their eyes following her with blind idolatry. And she knew they wanted her decision. Fast.

She sauntered forward, her grayish hair streaming against her back and icy blue eyes raking across the soldier’s face. Yes, this was a soldier… it was not that long ago that she had encountered his kind. But those that she had run into had worn hard expressions and cruel smiles. This one showed little of that. Interesting… very interesting.

Raising her gnarled hands, she pointed her right forefinger at him. The sound of her raspy voice grated on even her friends of the forest.

“What brings you into my forest?” The snarling that accompanied her pronouncement echoed throughout the woods.

[ 07-12-2006, 08:22 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

Deiter Leafblade · 07-12-2006, 11:17 PM

Rehan watched the woman warily as she made her way towards him. He knew she was the leader of these beasts with the respect they showed her. What do I say? If I tell her I came into the forest to destroy them they'll kill me, and I'm no match for all of them... Gathering up his courage, he looked her in the eye. "I was sent to investigate the troubles the city of Alesbridge has been enduring. I see that I've found it." Defiance started to build up inside him as he watched her unwaveringly. To an outsider though it was pure stupidity. How could someone such as him expect to live with beasts surrounding him and their leader's gaze upon him? Foolish determination to see it through alive was all he had.

mistral4543 · 07-12-2006, 11:49 PM

Her head flung backwards from the throaty laugh that escaped from her pale lips. “Troubles?” Her body shook from the violence of her chortles. “Enduring?” As the guffaw died down, so did the mirth that had momentarily filled her eyes. “You are quite mistaken, young one.”

The wrinkled hand which now unsheathed a gleaming sickle showed no signs of frailty. “The city has been traumatizing this sacred land… our land.” Steely was her voice as she gestured around her. “Those who chose to molest nature have had to pay the price. For nothing is free in this world.” The curved end of the sickle seemed to wink at the lad as it traveled softly down his left cheek and ended just slightly below his throat.

“I wonder if I should send you back to that spineless lord to relay my message… he has, after all, paid no heed to the ample warnings I’ve sent him.”

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07-10-2006, 11:21 PM	#121
mistral4543 Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: House of Freelight Age: 48 Posts: 3,159	Another intruder had arrived into their sanctuary. Would they never learn their lesson? Apparently not, for this latest newcomer radiated determination. Foolish determination, for what use could his sword be, against the power of the forest? The leaves rustled their agreement just as the wind sighed its concurrence. At the hidden corners, the various creatures watched, their eyes glinting in the shadows. When could they attack? When would the order be given? Perhaps a quick death was too easy for this bold two-legged one who ventured so audaciously inward. Perhaps there was another fate in store for him… Whatever it was, they would not launch an offensive. Not until the sign came. And so, the deadly calm lingered long in the forest.

07-11-2006, 02:28 AM	#122
Deiter Leafblade Emerald Dragon Join Date: October 1, 2001 Location: Somewhere Age: 38 Posts: 934	Paranoia began to creep up Rehan's spine as the silence lingered on. Why is it so quiet... It was unnatural and left the young man feeling apprehensive. Minutes felt like hours as he continued deeper into the heart of the forest. "Tree after tree after tree... Maybe I scared it off?" The foolish thought was doused the second it left his mouth. Sighing, he had nothing left to do but keep pressing forward. The sound of a gurgling stream reached his ears after another half hour of walking. Relief filled him as the silence was broken and cast aside. Rehan's eyes widened as he drew closer to the stream. Never had he seen such clear water before. The purity of it locked away inside this corrupted forest seduced him to come closer. Leaning down, he cupped the cold liquid and splashed it against his face, releasing some of the tension that had built up inside him. Shaking beads of water from the tips of his hair, his gaze fell upon the stream again. Its hold on the young man grew stronger as he desired nothing else but to submerge himself into it. He desperately wanted to feel the icy substance against his skin, tempting him to forget all of his troubles and jump in. Tantalizing images entered his mind at what he could have if he would only let himself be taken by the gentle currents. But this was all wrong. Streams could not inspire the personal feelings that were flowing through him leaving his face flushed. Closing his eyes with great difficulty, Rehan threw himself back against the grassy embankment, breathing heavily.

07-11-2006, 03:00 AM	#123
mistral4543 Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: House of Freelight Age: 48 Posts: 3,159	There was a hushed gasp which spread from the blades of the grassy patch, up the wizened trunks of the nearby trees and thick foliage which shaded this sanctum from the casual traveler. Whisper they did, to one another and to the air which weaved itself tightly and then dragged itself over the holy ground so jealously guarded over the years. He dares to pollute the waters! Aghast were the silent cries that rang in the shifty streams of air. He contaminates her precious pool! One by one, the creatures stirred to life, trudging in the shadows that the vegetation provided. Never had a humanoid penetrated its way so audaciously into the heart of the forest, no, not as far as their memories could register. What would she do to him? Was it time to show him the consequences of his actions? Every living thing strained its ears, wincing at the tedium of inactivity. Then, they heard her signal. A guttural scream it was, that sent their eardrums vibrating with an undying resonance long after the cry had ended. This was not a scream to kill… yet. But enough to lift their spirits. They were free! Free for some action at last! Everywhere now, there was visibly movement. Branches were swaying, roots uplifted and treading all over the ground that shook the human off his balance. The birds, released from inertia, spread their wings and soared high above, chattering and shrieking with glee. As for the animals… they, too, were enjoying this romp. They bounded amongst the trees, their tails thrashing about the undergrowth and their paws thrusting the dried leaves flying into the air. Where there seemed to be gaps of silence, they punctuated these with an orchestra of hollers and ferocious growls. Yet, even after a while, this commotion became rather unsatisfying. For fear can only be experienced once, and a lack of real threat, as any creature knew, would boost the morale of the victim. Collectively then, they stepped out of the shadows and towards the stream, their hostile eyes shooting daggers and their unnatural grins baring razor sharp teeth. If one could view this scene objectively, one would actually be quite awe-stricken by the array of exotic creatures that now circled the human. Leopards, tigers, cheetahs, lions, panthers… and they radiated a restrained hostility as they awaited for the final instruction from their mistress. The instruction of death.

07-11-2006, 03:30 PM	#124
Deiter Leafblade Emerald Dragon Join Date: October 1, 2001 Location: Somewhere Age: 38 Posts: 934	The eruption of noises pierced his ears, snapping him out of the haze that the stream had left him in. Struggling to stand up, he started to notice the feline creatures that surrounded him. Rehan could only stare in shock. Never had he seen so many exotic beasts before. Damnit Rehan, stop staring and think of something! These beasts could tear you apart any second now! But yet they didn't. Confusion passed over him on why they were just watching him. Gripping his sword, he held it defensively attempting to fend them off if they attacked. Death was staring him in the eyes and he refused to accept it.

07-11-2006, 06:02 PM	#125
dplax Jack Burton Join Date: July 19, 2003 Location: an expat living in France Age: 40 Posts: 5,577	OOC: thanks to Mistral for inviting me to this great game! [img]smile.gif[/img] I've just finished reading it all and I must say I was really entertained. I'm looking forward to participating, but I'm not really sure whether I can just start posting away with an idea. I'll PM my idea to both of you anyway.

07-11-2006, 08:02 PM	#126
mistral4543 Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: House of Freelight Age: 48 Posts: 3,159	OOC: Thanks for popping by, dplax! I've sent you a PM [img]smile.gif[/img] And yes, please post ahead and have fun RP-ing with Deiter [img]graemlins/thewave.gif[/img]

07-12-2006, 03:12 PM	#127
dplax Jack Burton Join Date: July 19, 2003 Location: an expat living in France Age: 40 Posts: 5,577	OOC: I refer to her as she in this post as I haven't come up with a name yet. I'll probably have one for my next post. [img]smile.gif[/img] A single tear slowly meandered on its solitary journey. So much sadness had invaded her previously joyful life. So much had changed for the worse. "I'm not going to leave you father!" Determination echoed in her voice, mixing with the sadness at being asked to do what she least desired. "If I left you...you...you would die! Father, you are everything I have!" His grey-blue eyes continued looking at her, pleading with her. "Stop it! You can't ask me to leave you here to die alone! My place is by your side!" His eyes did not leave her face, and with an almost superhuman effort, he opened his mouth to speak. "My daughter. Even if you stayed by my side, I would still die. The fates hand out a candle to each person when they are born." His voice came out slow and barely a whisper, as though the mere effort of talking took all of his energy. His lips trembled as he spread them again. "My candle comes to its end, and despite all the wonderful help you could give me, my beloved daughter, you cannot forever postpone its extinction." Another tear appeared at the corner of her eye, which she brushed away with her sleeve. "But I love you father!" she cried out in anguish, her mind seeing the reason in what her father had said, yet her heart failing to hear the mind's advice. "My dearest. You are the one I love the most on this side of the afterlife, and it is for this reason that I beg you to go now. I do not wish to meet you soon on the other side, as you still have many decades of life ahead of you." He paused, and she dabbed a wet cloth at his temples, easing the worst of the fever away. "She had been specific about the conditions, as you well know. Only as long as I lived, and in gratitude for me healing one of hers had she agreed to leaving you in peace. I am soon to depart, and the agreement draws to an end." She was now crying openly, and it was he who brushed aside her tears. "Do not mourn for me. I have gotten all I could have desired in this life. As your mother had been my dazzling sun in my younger days, so were you the evening star, bidding farewell to me on the last leg of my journey. It is my wish, my last wish that you try to live your life in happyness. Don't let yourself be burdened by the passing of an old fool like myself. It is the way for old men and women like me to leave their place to the new generation." He murmured a brief sentence in the tongue he had never taught his daughter, and his face was briefly lit by an unearthly light. "It is as I had sensed. There is another in these woods. You must seek him and ask for his help in leaving these woods, for they are treacherous, and once the agreement reaches its end, they shall no longer protect you. I beg you to do this. For me." Her dying father's last wish was something she could not say no to. She took his deathly cold hand amongst hers and whispered a quick prayer to her gods, to speed him on his journey once it started. Knowing that she had to act before her sudden resolve departed, she grabbed hold of her wooden staff. Her only possession besides the clothes she was wearing. She bent down and gently kissed her father on the forehead, then leant closer and allowed him to do the same. "Go with my blessings my daughter. Oh and one more thing. Would you mind indulging me with the last bottle of spirits? I doubt that you'd take it with you, yet it would help ease the pain of the last moments." -------------------------------------------- There was no end to her tears. Out in the open she let them flow freely, hoping that they'd at least carry part of her grief with her, but release did not come. Not yet. The tracks of the countless beasts had been easy to follow. As with the previous intruders, the beast were converging on this one from all sides. She had to hurry, for only through haste could she reach the one her father had suggested before it was too late. For both of them. [ 07-12-2006, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: dplax ]

07-12-2006, 08:22 PM	#128
mistral4543 Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: House of Freelight Age: 48 Posts: 3,159	Moments passed as the animals stared at the male balefully. If only he had struck one of them, or displayed the hateful symptoms of cowardice and callousness that the others had done… he would have been shredded into unrecognizable bits by now. But this one had not… whether by cunning, or innateness, he stood there – albeit trembling, and with good reason – without harming anyone. Just the pool it was, and that call was something beyond them. Then, amidst the circle, there was a stirring as they felt her presence. The crowd parted and she emerged. Their champion and beloved mistress, who walked amongst them with absolute ease and treated them as her equals. They relished her scent and caresses, their eyes following her with blind idolatry. And she knew they wanted her decision. Fast. She sauntered forward, her grayish hair streaming against her back and icy blue eyes raking across the soldier’s face. Yes, this was a soldier… it was not that long ago that she had encountered his kind. But those that she had run into had worn hard expressions and cruel smiles. This one showed little of that. Interesting… very interesting. Raising her gnarled hands, she pointed her right forefinger at him. The sound of her raspy voice grated on even her friends of the forest. “What brings you into my forest?” The snarling that accompanied her pronouncement echoed throughout the woods. [ 07-12-2006, 08:22 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

07-12-2006, 11:17 PM	#129
Deiter Leafblade Emerald Dragon Join Date: October 1, 2001 Location: Somewhere Age: 38 Posts: 934	Rehan watched the woman warily as she made her way towards him. He knew she was the leader of these beasts with the respect they showed her. What do I say? If I tell her I came into the forest to destroy them they'll kill me, and I'm no match for all of them... Gathering up his courage, he looked her in the eye. "I was sent to investigate the troubles the city of Alesbridge has been enduring. I see that I've found it." Defiance started to build up inside him as he watched her unwaveringly. To an outsider though it was pure stupidity. How could someone such as him expect to live with beasts surrounding him and their leader's gaze upon him? Foolish determination to see it through alive was all he had.

07-12-2006, 11:49 PM	#130
mistral4543 Ma'at - Goddess of Truth & Justice Join Date: September 5, 2001 Location: House of Freelight Age: 48 Posts: 3,159	Her head flung backwards from the throaty laugh that escaped from her pale lips. “Troubles?” Her body shook from the violence of her chortles. “Enduring?” As the guffaw died down, so did the mirth that had momentarily filled her eyes. “You are quite mistaken, young one.” The wrinkled hand which now unsheathed a gleaming sickle showed no signs of frailty. “The city has been traumatizing this sacred land… our land.” Steely was her voice as she gestured around her. “Those who chose to molest nature have had to pay the price. For nothing is free in this world.” The curved end of the sickle seemed to wink at the lad as it traveled softly down his left cheek and ended just slightly below his throat. “I wonder if I should send you back to that spineless lord to relay my message… he has, after all, paid no heed to the ample warnings I’ve sent him.”

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