|
|
Post Reply
| Body |
Rene D'Arcy
(LoneKnight)
7/23/2010 11:35:53 AM
PostID: 367735
|
Thank you.
Rene turns to cling on to Sigmae for dear life holding her to him as if trying to steady himself and catch his balance after having spun dizzyingly around in circles to much. Confused and mentally discombobulated he closed his eyes trying to get his bearings and figure out and make some sense of what was going on. His world had came crashing down on him before proceeding to be turned upside down over and over again. He was at the point he didn’t know what was going on or which way was up anymore. He was quite sure if he was here or somewhere else or if he would stay here or be sent back or if here was even real. He clung to Sigmae telling himself to hold on. Now more then ever he needed to hold onto the one person that meant more to him then anything else in the world.
She was his anchor holding him in place less he drift away in a sea of confusion. Though after all he had been threw he found himself, was she even real? Is he here or does he just think he’s here? Wondering at this he furtively voices the question almost as if expecting a crushing devastating answer, Is that really you my love? Part of him feared to open his eyes less Sigmae be gone and it all had changed again in the blink of an eye. He was out of it for a little while and the world had gone crazy. He was off in some strange far off land reunited with his love after seven years. His daughters would be fiancé was there and had apparently grown wings. To top that off they were surrounded by strangers he didn’t know flying in the eye of a storm.
He thought back to the chain of events that had brought him here. He had steeled himself for the situation by abandoning all hope and not expecting to survive. Were his enemies now in his head trying to get him to give up the rod of the reaper? Well at least messing with him to get him to cooperate. Hope could be a dangerous thing and he was left to ask himself if this was all some sort of mind game? Were they trying to break him by giving it all back for an instant to remind him of what it was like only to take it back away to sap his will? Cruelly giving him hope in the form of a glorified conjugal visit only to soon turn around and snatch it away to make him see the reasonability of the proposed deal?
Of course he acknowledged the fact the rod of the reaper wasn’t worth loosing out on the rest of his life with the woman he loved and cherished. He was instilled from birth with the same survival instinct for self preservation as the rest of the human race. Of course he had those other thoughts that might allow him to somehow get out of this alive. It more then seemed like a done deal from the moment it was offered any child could see that. Still he didn’t go for it.
Why was he being so damn head strong and stubborn about it. Hey its not like he’s tied to the rod of the reaper anymore right? He certainly could not be held to blame for any evil worked with it once he turned it over right? He didn’t owe the people in Pont Du Faux a goddamn thing right? So what if it was his home city where he grew up. Home to two generations of D'arcy's since the time of his great grand father who was ousted out as ruler of Normandy. Hell all he had to do was just throw a bunch of people he didn’t know under the chariot, pay his 30 silver to the gith and Gringamore and be on his merry way right?
Still in this life and death struggle there had been no mention of the questions of what about principles? What about honor? What about integrity? What about pride? What about his fallen men and all of those who had come before to make it all possible? He was more then painfully aware that the difficult reality of the situation called for giving up the rod of the reaper. That was the logical thing to do the quick and easy way out... Perhaps the only way out. All he had to do was just accept the reality of his position and denounce everything he believed in and he would be spared and allowed to return home to his wife.
Why was is then he felt like he had an invisible steel rod in the place of his spine that that just wouldn’t allow him to bend. Hey it’s not like he didn’t know these concepts were all lies a man needed air not honor. Still these lies were needed to make their civilization possible make Lorraine what it was and only by faith, discipline, and being willing to die for those lies could they make them hold true. The graveyards were filled with the mortar and corner stones that upheld their society his would be no different and all things considered it may read many unflattering things but it would not read betrayer. All men die…
|
Rene D'Arcy
(LoneKnight)
7/23/2010 11:38:37 AM
PostID: 367738
|
He abandoned such thoughts able to feel the comforting reassuring embrace of Sigmae’s arms. The warm glow and soft pillowy padding of her flesh. He could hear the soothing melodious drum beat of her glorious heart. Breath in an delight in the familiar natural perfume of her hair that just made him relax and want to fall asleep peacefully while holding her close in his arms. The finger tips of his hands caressed and explored the living symmetry and contours of her body feeling the delicate near invisible tiny hairs of her arms. He opened his eyes to those blue pools he could get lost in for hours and the golden glow of her hair back lit by the sun. Is it really you? He held his sweet living goddess to him. She was the sweet loving kind compassionate generous soul that loved him and could instill hope and joy with but a smile. She was the sparkling jewel of his life the happiness and sacred light that was the woman he loved.
To him she was a living miracle brought into being she would exist but once in a trillion lifetimes a unique flower the likes of which would never quite be seen again. She was the center of his universe held to long and far apart and he held her ever tightly in his arms.
The dark and the grey of the world around him only seemed to serve to make her shine brighter when ever they were together. Whenever The world crumbled around him in despair when bad turned to worse and there seemed to be no hope and only the lies and delusions men fed themselves to keep going. Sometimes even “good” plans returned bad results and the sour harvest of the failing deeds of men. Confronted with his own seeming helplessness and insignificance where often he could do no more in defeat and frustration then shake his fist in defiance and voice sound and fury at the world around him. He held her close in the night taking solace in the one person that mattered more to him then anything else. He held her to him in embrace all the way to sweet heavenly oblivion only to wake in the morning from a dream to be reborn next to the woman he loved that drove him crazy. Drive him crazy and set his blood on fire like she was right now.
Well look at that….. Rene’s eyes light up with warm amusement. He'd managed to catch a flying bird after all. Intent on making the most of their time together he leans toward his lover as if about to divulge the most intimate of secrets before whispering in a voice full of affection. Well as long as you remember the safe word. Rene leans back and gives a head bow of acquiesce in a overly dramatic mock stage voice of villainy You may consider me Rene D'arcy master of the dark arts in your service my lady. He playfully twirls his mustache in jest before snickering. taking on a far more serious and passionately intense look he slowly moving forward as if about to pounce like a stalking tiger on the prowl. He warmly brushes up against her cheek before kissing her ever gently, closing his eyes, and holding her in his arms.
|
Sigmae du Lorraine
(SkaldSyrcha)
7/23/2010 10:57:55 PM
PostID: 367816
|
Sigmae wraps an arm reassuringly around her husband. Your here, as am I. We are just south east of the Vilyet sea, about to land in a safe house.
Sigmae focuses on directing her mount where to land as her dear Rene falls silent lost in thoughts of his own. When he speaks again she leans into his arms, allowing herself to relax and close her eyes momentarily. Sweet Rene, I'll never forget anything you tell me, I'm proud of you. She kisses him behind the ears and nibbles a little bit.
Once they land, Sigmae takes Rene's hand lightly in hers and impatiently waits to greet the host or hostess and very happily locks the door to their rooms the moment she and Rene are left alone. and soon after a great deal of cries, moans, incantantions, strange colored lights, and a great deal of enthusiastic thumping can be heard coming from the door. Sigmae's cries Yes! Again, my King! Let's do it again!! can be heard throughout the guest house followed by more desperate thumping. and that is how Sigmae and Rene's 8th child together...
Around breakfast time the next morning, Sigmae emerges glowing like an ethereal goddess with a huge smile that never dims.
OOC: LK, I loved your original post. You didn't have to edit the rating all the way down to G. :(
|
Luther von Bora
(LoneKnight)
7/24/2010 12:53:56 PM
PostID: 367858
|
Luther looks at Pook with alarm. The little brownie had somehow gotten caught up in all of this between him and Pohlala. She had sent Pook to watch over and take care of him and whenever he saw the brownie he was fondly reminded of her. Even after all these years apart he still deeply loved her and pending some beyond horrific deed or betrayal he didn‘t think that was ever going to change. He loved her maybe not entirely for the reasons she might obviously think he would but still he loved her. The very thought of her invoked a strong dreamy euphoric sense of happy cuddly warmth, contentment and bliss within him. He just wanted to hold her in his arms and drift off to fall asleep more then anything. He didn’t know why but he had felt safe with her. He didn’t remember the last time he felt safe before that not in many years anyway. He didn’t feel like she was trying to just get something from him, to use, abuse, lie to, manipulate, trick, haggle, or bargain with him before taking off on her merry way not giving a damn about him at all beyond getting what she wanted from him in the first place Such people left him cold and distrustful of others motives. Yet if she would just ask he would give to her freely just to make her happy which was the odd other half to it.
There of course was Brimora’s council but he had already thought of such things long ago when they first happened. To this day that alarm still went off, It was like an almost comical hyper pissed off rabid Gremlin jumping up and down gnashing its teeth as it screams, whipping a long wooden pointer up against a big mental presentation chart with a definitive cracking noises. On the big mental presentation chart a long list of checked off warning signs that had been subconsciously collected and stored away over a life time from a wide variety of sources for his own protection and supposed good. Things were written there like Heidi, drink of water, moon dance, lustful satyrs, blood trees, HONEY POT, Lyre of building, beautiful woman, manipulative man eater, tainted food, realm of the fey, Dankros, information gathering, captive princess, and other things painting a picture he just didn’t want to consider or deal with. He preferred to see a much more long term and mutually beneficial picture for all involved.
Instead he just got that dreamy feeling whenever he thought about Pohlala shaking his head before standing up to blow out the candles before exiting the room and closing the door behind him. This to the frustrated screams of the gremlin and a big pile of information on presentation cue cards furiously thrown up and scattered to the wind that it hadn’t even gotten to yet. Maybe he was wrong but he just wanted to belief in her so badly that he ignored it all and just mentally blocked it out. . He was so so… very sick and tired of the bullshit that was humanity trying to scramble and climb up over one another all to get one up on, have the upper hand, or be on the top all in the name of greed and garbage. It was annoying as a group of Incessant five year olds tugging for attention trying to claim credit and collect for this that and the other thing. He didn’t care instead he took his satisfaction in knowing for himself and leaving it there rather then piss on the accomplishments of others in a measuring contest. He wasn’t looking for their approval only his own which was the only thing that really mattered anyway.
The gremlin leaned up against and pounded its fist on the window behind him pressing a sign up to the glass for him to read “Dumb blind fool in love” and he just completely ignored it. He might be completely right but he wasn’t going to listen no not this time he wouldn’t let it sabotage and ruin it. Maybe he was blind he only saw the things that made him fall more in love with her. Visiting him on the boat on the way to Riga, saving him when he was poisoned not that he needed saving, her ability to tame the untamable gorgon, and perhaps greatest of all her ability to make plants grow with it. Instead of just taking and destroying and depleting the beauty of the natural world around them she could actually use it in a restorative manner. She didn’t have to do any of those things they were so completely unnecessary and yet had made him fall all that much more in love with her.
He knew that wasn’t fair to Irene but she had shown interest before her and he didn’t need to run off and fetch Durandal for It. He hadn’t asked for a divided heart that was just the way it was. Still he had given his word to her mother and Belros that he would return with it. They were not to blame it was his own doing not theirs. Next time he’ll send flowers. Besides this went beyond a sword now he and Irene had a son Gabriel who he hadn’t even seen yet. He was what six or was it seven now? He imagined that sobbing child pounding into his tired chest while crying out he couldn’t give that he wasn’t allowed to give up or oppositely not understanding the concept of giving your word why he would choose to chase a sword over him and his mother. It was not that simple. He gave up some of the best years of his life of being with the woman he loved and his son to come out here and put a stop to the plague. Yes he was tired Yes he missed them but he couldn't let that stop him from moving. he also had a responsibility to his people who he would never give up on or abandon for that he would need an army something Lorraine could provide if he became king something that would never happen if he couldn’t keep his word after all this time. At the same time he must recover the lyre of building and somewhere caught in between in all of this was poor little Pook.
Crushes come and go but this one had been going on for years now and he was reminded of Pohlala and all of that whenever he looked at Pook who served as his only remaining link and tie between his world and hers. He didn’t need a servant nor did he wish to be coddled like a child or revert into one because he started letting himself be taken care of like one again relinquishing his independence and sense of self reliance one little responsibility after another. On the other hand there was custom and the ways of the fey he didn’t know. Telling Pook not to do something might be conceived as a great insult. Also the gesture was appreciated more so because Pook was so small. Regardless he would much prefer him as a companion and an extra set of eyes to watch his back for him which of course he couldn’t do.
Before Pook can take off.
Woah! Hold on there! Your not running off on me to die just like that. Give me a moment here! Why… What has happened that you’ve aged so suddenly? Is this because you’ve been gone from the realm of the fey so long? Did Pohlala know something like this was going to happen to you?
Luther shakes his head flabbergasted before remembering he had a possible cure.
Ok listen carefully I have a gift for you but misused it could be dangerous so it’s very important you give me a moment and listen to what I have to say.
Luther produces an ivory unicorns horn and a thimble which he uses as a brownie sized cup. Speaking in a voice of reverence.
This unicorns horn is the horn of St. Epona. One drop of the sacred enchanted oil within mixed with a bath that you tale will make you five years younger. That’s my years as in 365 days per year in my world not realm of the fey time.
Luther fills the wooden thimble.
This should help rejuvenate you. I must warn you I am a little hesitant to give this to you because I don’t want you to melt. Fey and Saint magic from my experience don’t exactly seem to get together to well. Last time I started reading the holy book near Pohlala and I think I may have scorched some of her hair as well as dissolve and melt a few nearby house hold items. On the other hand this is the power of St. Epona who if any of the saints I would think would be friendly towards the fey. That and she is an older pagan goddess assimilated into the beliefs of the church. I know that fey means fated to die. However St. Epona's credo is “Victory over Death.” If you give me just a moment I can confirm if it will be save for you or not.
Luther felt a sense of anticipation and elation at having the red temple in sight after all these years. He told himself this was it what he had been searching for. He didn’t know what exactly he expected to find or what answers he might find or what questions would be born from those answers. Part of him was afraid at what he might find after all this time was it worth it or would it end in disappointment or worse disaster? He felt a sense of reluctant anxiety that made him suddenly want to avoid this place. He mentally kicked himself, He didn’t come all this way to just develop cold feet and back down now had he? What was he going to do stay here and stare at the temple like some unopened letter to be stuffed in a drawer and avoided? He told himself not to get his hopes up. It would make it easier to face disappointment and appreciate what good he did find. He pushed such thoughts from his mind he said he’d do something and he was here to make good on his word.
Luther turns to father Brosovitch sharing in his eagerness but decidedly choosing to stay calm and curve his enthusiasm. Now was the time to keep a level head and practice caution more then ever. Now when the urge to drop their guards and just rush in like starving men to a feast was the greatest.
I’m sure they are father. Still you know my policy walk softly and carry a big spear. Our responsibility is great and we must be careful in the protection of our charge. Lets approach this from a tactical stand point as if where about to walk into a carefully organized ambush set up by an unknown elite enemy force. If nothing else it will be good practice and we can all get a laugh out of it later. For now I would prefer to error on the side of caution.
As always we must consider what exactly it is we are transporting and it’s value is to an organization of over a million fanatical followers with deep pockets. That the lengths and expense to which they would commit towards it’s retrieval would be considerable by any standard. Now if only they knew where to go… I would point out that this is the last temple of the Sister’s of Mercy and the last bastion of saintly good this far out east. Again I would strongly consider the thought that the information of where we were going, that we went over back in Riga has been leaked to our enemies.
It is likely they know our current destination and our need for information if we are to travel further east then our current maps show. Not that it needed to be but it has been confirmed our foes know of this place and would certainly anticipate that we might stop here and the fanatical I’m sure would prepare accordingly despite any local risk.
I believe the Sister’s of Mercy are our allies here. However I must take into account that it was a fellow Teutonic knight claiming a family relation while possessed by the hand that lead me to the doors of the chapel of Raziel. It was from the chapel of Raziel I was directed to seek this place out. Directed by the spirit or ghost of a woman who from what I saw would share the same cause of death as the last sister of Mercy chained to a stake and burned here. While I believe in her benevolence, I must now also consider the possibility that the hand may have helped me find that place in it’s own desires to direct us here for it’s own ends.
From the book of Raziel I would note that V never ventured near the temple but tried several times to desecrate the place and failed. I would also note that it mentions that undead cannot come within two miles of the place. This makes sense to me in that V was already a undead lich. It was later when he was in the process of “Ascending” that his betraying lieutenant Kas and St. Arn attacked him taking his eye and hand. St. Arn was horribly injured and it was in treating him that the Sister’s of Mercy earned V’s hatred. So that leads me to believe for whatever reason V wanted to see this place desecrated before his ascension. However perhaps V did not ascend and continued to walk the world after or the protection was not put up until later. I hold to my first theory only based on the grounds that the protection was mentioned before the passage on V’s attacks.
Going back to the protection I have to wonder if it even works anymore. One of course is the fact that the sister of mercy appears to me to be some form of “undead“. I admit my ignorance here holy spirit or saintly vision might apply I don’t know but it makes me wonder if it is true wither this protection is active anymore. I would think of the hand as undead turned artifact and unable to come within two miles of the temple. On the other hand one must consider the fact that it appears that V or someone was ultimately successful in desecrating the temple when the last sister of mercy was chained to a stake and burned there.
Of course I can not speak to the accuracy of the book or the credibility of its author or what events have transpired in this place since it was written for that matter. If this is truly a safe place pilgrims, refugees, outcasts and all matter of sorts may have moved in here. At the same time there could be spies or even an army hidden down there waiting to jump us. Hiding an army even a big one isn’t difficult it’s getting your foes to walk into the trap that’s the hard part. Considering the hand knew this all it had to do was give me a nudge in the right direction of course I would never willingly accept help from it so it made a show of it.
It's time for a commune spell. Luther looks to Brymer for assistance. When the time comes he gives his list of questions.
Do the magical protections that keep undead from coming within two miles of the red temple still work?YES
Can the hand of Vecna as it is right now be taken within the temple?YES
Does the hand of Vecna seek to be taken within the red temple.NO
Has a trap or ambush been laid for us at the Red temple.NO
Is it safe to rest within the red temple?NO
Will Kas catch up to us tonight if we stay between here and the red temple?NO
Does Kas bring a vorpal weapon with him?YES
Will the Red Dragon catch up to us tonight if we stay between here and the red temple?NO
Will regular Dispel Evils stop the hand from charging with the magical energy to cast spells?NO
Will an anti-magic field stop the hand from using spells? YES
Is the fire Raziel once wielded powerful enough to destroy the hand of Vecna?NO
Can that fire be found within the red temple?YES
Is the celestial sword wielded by the sister of Mercy there powerful enough to destroy the Hand of Vecna?NO
Can that sword be found within the red temple??????????
Does the Tutonic knights order of the dragon have something to do with the dragon and how it encircled the red temple?NO
If things are left as they are now will Rene die in three days?YES
If things are left as they are now Will Rene revert back to his actual age in three days?YES
Do others besides the last sister of Mercy dwell that are alive dwell at the Red Temple.YES
Will the sacred oils of St Epona's horn harm Pook?YES
This post last edited on 7/29/2010 11:14:36 AM
|
Luther von Bora
(LoneKnight)
8/1/2010 1:56:00 PM
PostID: 369159
|
Luther's head sinks down with a dejected sigh. Looking at Pook with an apoligetic look of concern and worry.
I'm sorry it... doesn't look like it's going to work. I don't really know or understand why. He mentally ignored the pounding knocking noise the gremlin was making on the door behind him. He knew It had a few suggestions but he ignored it.
Luther looks at Rene curiously thinking how close the other just came to getting beaten down. Of course he never had any intention of killing him just knocking him out. Killing him would have caused a whole slew of bloody problems and sorrow no one needed. Not that any of it mattered anyway it wasn’t his way. He held life to be precious even if at times it seemed… cheap.
Luther watched Sigmae and Rene’s enthusiastic reunion. It seemed she had gotten that mage she wanted after all. Still Rene’s timing was bad. What was he doing here? What the hell was that grab for the hand all about? Could he trust him? Might he be under the control of another? No that much at least he had an answer to. This was the saints doing that much was now clear to him. He knew how long the blessing would last Rene had seventy two hours to live.
In a voice that still betrays some stunned confusion.
Excuse me my lord but I find your arrival here most disturbing. I realize you’ve been threw a lot and probably wish to be alone with your wife... Still may I ask just how is it Luther makes a swirling circling motion of his hands as if trying to put an encompassing bubble around something. All of this happened to come about.
This post last edited on 8/1/2010 2:33:55 PM
|
Sigmae du Lorraine
(SkaldSyrcha)
8/1/2010 2:27:27 PM
PostID: 369165
|
As Rene gets up to leave, Sigmae tugs on his arm silently pulling him back into her arms. She holds him tight. I love you, I've always loved you, don't die, don't leave me again. She has tears in her eyes. The saints say you could use permanency spell, then you would always be with me.
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
8/2/2010 12:29:52 AM
PostID: 369236
|
Pook stops, stares at Luther and smiles at him, his small brown eyes full of sadness and hope,Like you Luther, I chose this path, this death, for the better of all. I don't know all that much about gods and saints, pagan or not. I do know the Hand and it's creator are poison. What you see happening to me is the Hand's doing. It's what it will do, what it's owner will do, to all the world if not destroyed. I don't know why it effects us, the fey, the faerie folk and others like us. I just know that it does and if not destroyed, my family, my brothers and sisters and daughters will die, cease to be and never have been. Staying close to you, to help destroy the Hand, means staying close to the Hand itself. You are the scion of Raziel, the heir to the Defender of the Song of Life. All life Luther, not just those who follow the Saints, but all life blossoming from the first song of the Elders. I give my life to aid you in protecting the Song and avenging that what corrupts it. He waits patiently, a slight glimmer of a smile showing while he waits. It fades when Luther tells he can't help him. Pook nods and smiles before fading out. Luther can now tell Pook has gone to rest and gather his strength for the rest of the journey.
Looking down below them, they can see the Red Temple sits atop a high green hill overlooking the azure colored waters of the Aral Sea. There are a number of monks, nuns, and friars, all dressed in red robes, moving about the Temple, inside and out. Farther down the hill, two miles or so, are an abbey and monastery. There is a small town a mile farther down the road and between the town and abbey and all around, are vineyards and fields of wheat and barley. Instinctively, Luther and several others know the town and abbey is their greatest threat. It is there the foes would most likely hide. Luther knows no enemy could abide the Temple without screaming or being revealed. The closer he flies, the more he senses, or knows the Temple is not just sacred ground and protected by wards and ancient power. It has guardians all it's own, saintly, heavenly guardians, for they are the ones who sounded the bells and imbued them with such rejuvenating power.
It is not until they all land, Sigmae and Rene' in the lead with Sir Secaris beside them and all three flanked by Sigrid and Edval, that Luther can tell Raziel has walked here, has come to this Temple on more than one occasion. The Temple is also blessed by St. Soberoth and St. Bane.
Sigmae lands. Three friars in red robes slowly, and with great caution come to meet her. Just behind them is a tall priestess with gray eyes and long, flowing dark hair. The friars step close enough to touch the Ausprey, but don't. They then step aside, letting the priestess stand in clear view. She does not remove her hood, but stands tall and straight enough that Sigmae can see wisps of grey in her hair and the deep lines age and crow's feet etched across her face, Welcome to the Temple of Mercy weary travelers. I am Mother Superior Guldiera. What aid do you seek from us? While the friars and monks and other priestess farther back look shocked and in some awe at the Fellowship, Mother Guldiera is not. She does not look intimidated in the least. Her gaze is suspicious and questioning. She wants to know who they are and what they seek, if she likes the answers, she will help them, if not, she will send them down to the abbey or even the town. Sigmae and Luther quickly understand the Mother Superior is used to dealing with charlatans, thieves, spies and the agents of the enemy. Her stance and bearing brooks no foolishness or clever wit. She looks over the whole party, not smiling, but calculating and then stops to gaze at Sigmae, expecting an answer.
|
Rene D'Arcy
(LoneKnight)
8/2/2010 4:13:30 AM
PostID: 369268
|
Rene regards Sigmae as if trying to memorize her face to be remembered later on. He... didn't want this life that they had led all these years. He wanted the rolling fields of a vineyard/farm and her in a sun dress. His lovely washerwoman her bare feet stained with the juice as they stomped the grapes to make the wine to the warming rays of the sun. To roll around in the hay with her in the stable loft. To smoke bacon in the shed for their later enjoyment together. His meticulous anal retentive journal keeping track of every minute detail as he tried different variations in his quest to perfect his honey mead and wine recipes with every passing new batch. Milking the cows using the excess to make their own cheese. Butchering there animals before serving up the freshest rack of lamb so tender the meat practically fell off the bone. Bathing together beneath the small waterfall on their land with his own sweet “gold berry“ his sweet Sigmae.
Some people wanted to be rich some people wanted to be famous some people wanted to be powerful. Personally he just wanted to live free in peace in the land of milk and honey with the woman he loved. To be far away from the noise and commotion of the city far from the ambitions and the multiple collars of control society and it's brainwashing rules and teachings put on man kind to a place where their souls could breath free. Most of all to be in a place devoid of politics and beings trying to take what was his and hers.
He just wanted to devout the rest of his life to her as best he could and forget about the rest of the world. Forget about all the fighting, greed, hate, blood, and death that would never end. He did not want to spend another day without this woman he loved so much. She was his reason for living but if he gave in now he would shame himself no matter how many lies he tried to tell himself. He felt a sense of overwhelming weariness that had little to do with his physical state. After fighting so long he could not bare the thought of it anymore. He was tired of waking up in the morning reaching for her only to find her gone.
His life seemed so empty, pointless, meaningless, and miserable without her. He had hated it and his life before her wasn't worth mentioning at least that was his current oppinion. Still there was a time when power and material wealth mattered more to him then anything. All in the name of wine and a fling in the sack with some pretty lass. Now all the power and wealth of the world didn't mean a god damn thing to him without her and he would not be made to suffer another moment for that lie either.
I love you but if you think for even one moment you can just slap a bandage on this and cart me back to the throne room in Lorraine without you your sorely mistaken. I would go to war and fight even if it meant burning entire nations to ash from now until the end of days for you, but I will fight no more without you by my side. I would rather rot in the grave then be made to taste the cup of bitter pain and misery of loneliness of that cold throne room you have left for me even for one more day. I feel tired so very… very tired.
I have remained loyal and faithful to you all these years apart. Though I did not get married so I could take a vow of celibacy during the prime years of my life like one of your saints. You have been gone seven plus years now Sigmae and honestly… I’m just so sick of it. You minus well take the sun away from the flower and plunge the world into eternal night.
The burning fires of lust pale in comparison to the deeper feelings I have for you. In that you have tortured me all these years with your absence. No one could ever replace you not the woman I have spent over half a life time with. The woman I had a crush on when we were barley older then children that has been threw so much with me and grown with me. Even if I wanted to an and started today I would be a pile of rotting bones dead of old age long before I could even reach that point. I still see you as I saw you then when I first saw you. I still burn with passion for you as I did then but have bonded with you so deeply over the years I wouldn’t know how to describe it to someone who doesn’t know it for themselves. I cannot live without your love. All I can say is that I need you like the flower needs the sun, the air, the water and the earth it takes root in. Without you my soul and spirit withers and dies. *Sigh* Rene sighs closing his eyes for a moment before shaking his head as if he just walked into a tangle of cob webs. . This is not your fault. We have both suffered over the years I think it has been worse for you I at least had the joy of watching our children growing up these last seven years. Still as much as I care for my children it pales in comparison to my love for you.
Rene holds Sigmae closer not wanting to let go of her ever again.
|
Luther von Bora
(LoneKnight)
8/3/2010 7:14:06 PM
PostID: 369639
|
Luther looks at Pook pained and upset that the saints will not help him. Shaking his head in wonderment he asks.
What have you done Pook what sacrifice?
Luther meets Guldieras gaze with a steady sharp hawk like one of his own. Though his was not one of suspicion at least certainly not yet. He took no offense in her manner having come to understand more then just a little of what is was like to constantly be on the look out for the safety and protection of others. At the same time he could not help but wonder who these people were and if he stood in the presence of nuns or holy warriors. He stayed alert remaining watchful for the tell tale signs in there physique and movements. He took mental note if they followed the humble traditional customary religious mannerisms and movements that he might have learned about the sisters of mercy from the tome. Still he kept any open scrutinizing from his own curiosity in check knowing that he must focus on conversing with Guldieras. Instead he left such things to those who stood with him that he had come to trust and rely on.
At the same time he could not help but give a contagious good humored heart felt smile. All other things aside he personally was just happy to be there. To have finally reached this sacred hallowed place in the course of his pilgrimage after having heard about it for so long. Just being there made you feel like you were apart of something special.
He felt a sense of ecstatic eager energy running threw his veins that wanted to examine this place and explore it‘s many mysteries. He wanted to study and lean all that he could from this place and those he found there. To run his hand over and examine the architectural style of the stones that made up its very foundation to studying the customs, culture, and history of the people he found here. To learn their ways, their language, to experience their way of life to partake in their art, their knowledge, their mysterys of enlightenment, their forms of romance, their poetry, their music, their cuisine, their drink, their women. He wanted to get lost there and immerse himself in all of it to experience it to its fullest and document it extensively like some archeologist so that he might in someway bring it all back with him to share with others. Moments like this made him want to drop kick the hand and the sense of urgency it brought with it, into the holy obliteration of the sun even more so then usual.
Yet… the truly amusing thing about it all the true irony to him in all of this and what made him want to laugh in good spirits was the fact that these priest were standing there looking back at them with a similar level of awe that really said it all about this whole situation on so many levels when he thought about it.
Wait… priest? Weren’t the sisters of mercy an all female organization and thus no priest? Wasn’t mother superior a title used for the head of a nunnery. For that matter wasn’t the last sister of mercy dead? Who are these people? There were or course many logical answers they could be pilgrims visiting this place, whose to say this place wasn’t maintained by more then one holy order and so on and so forth. That was even before they got into the other worldly like Rene’s return. Still they were all wearing red and he just added it to the pile of questions to seek answers to that would of course result in more questions as always.
Luther steeled himself to make his introductions hiding his own sense of uncomfortable unease at going down the long list of his titles. Personally he rather fight a dragon then endure this. Not that it was something to be ashamed of still he did so as a matter of open honesty, completeness, and for the sake of formality rather then bragging. Something he was both uncomfortable with and despised as a general rule of thumb. It wasn’t a matter that he wasn’t proud of these things or didn’t take satisfaction or a sense of accomplishment in them he just didn’t like talking about it and felt somewhat self embarrassed in doing so. He just couldn’t stand self promoting blowhards and braggarts who made airs or a big stink about their own sense of self importance again as a general rule of thumb. He himself preferred to keep such things humbly to himself and god for the most part. There was of course another part of it in such proclamations It also had a tendency to draw unwanted focus and looks of attention to himself and encouraged others to set unreasonable high expectations that he might find himself realistically unable to meet. Still from time to time he found it was both appropriate, expected and even necessary for himself to do so wither he liked it or not. He had learned that such things just came with the territory and the best way to overcome it was to fully embrace it, to practice doing it over and over again until he became comfortable in doing so otherwise such things lost their sense of magical delivery. He told himself to get over it and say it like he meant it and to properly honor and respect those around him. He further did so by incorporating a very moderate amount of showmanship to add weight and delivery to his words like some purebred elite Aquantanian senator speaking before the senate body of the holy Aquatanian empire.
Luther slowly produces the prized tome of Raziel from where it has been kept safe and protected all this time to show while speaking in a cordial tone of the utmost reverence and respect.
Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sir Luther von Bora, descendant of Charlamagne. Son of Wilhealm and Gretta von Bora. Fury and scion of Raziel, the heir to the Defender of the Song of Life. I am the Baron of Julich and heir to the crown princedom of both Bovaria and Hesse. I am Grandmaster and leader of the new reformed chapter of Tutonic knigts, the Battle sisters of St. Dirk and the Krefeld rangers.
No that is not who I am. That is me being Inapproachable full of myself with blow hard titles that people call me by should I choose to hide behind formality all of which I really can‘t stand. I think I’ve also been labeled murderer, thief, pariah, heretic, mad man, lord murderer, hard headed, stubborn, difficult, outlaw, outcast, and many many other unpleasant things in my time that don't need repeating. Also all provided, defined, labeled, numbered, stamped and approved by others and all equally wrong in telling you really who I am.
The honest truth as I have come to see it is that I am a person who stands up to fights and protect others especially those who cannot protect themselves. I am a person who believes in keeping his word no matter how long and painful bringing that word about may seem. I am a person who would stand up to a god and try to better the lot of the people and make their lives and this world a better place then I found it. I am the seeker of Durandel striving for the perfection of my soul and the salvation of all who dwell here with us beneath the stars. These are the things I am most proud of that tell who I am that no name or amount of titles, or relations, or honors, can ever give or are needed for if that at all makes sense to you. Still I do prefer it when people just call me Luther.
Luther turned away to encompass the others with a sweep of his hand. He did not… get many naturally occurring chances or opportunities to tell them how much he appreciated them or more importantly how proud he was of them. His own sense of awkwardness did not extend to describing others and he was only further encouraged as it also helped to take some of the attention off him.
These brave stalwart souls that stand with me are my trusted companions and friends. People that I consider my family that I would both bleed and die for. Together we form a fraternity of individuals of all manners, from varying walks of life, and belief. Dedicated and committed to both one another and our cause. Every single one of them brings with them their own priceless unique perspective as well as varying degrees of diverse talents and specialties. Over the years we have to come to bleed, cry, and in some cases making the ultimate sacrifice while fighting side by side. This has resulted in the forging of an undying brotherhood of discipline, faith, and steel that has come to be known as the fellowship of the hand. We stand between the darkness and the light fighting to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Our mission to bring about the destruction of the hand of Vecna and help break it's masters death grip on this worlds throat and all souls and spirits within it.
Luther taps the hard bound cover of the tome of Raziel bringing attention back to it and their reason for coming here.
Secure Rolls:
Spot 1d20(4)+43 = 47
Listen 1d20(17)+23 = 40
Religion 1d20(1)+9 = 10
Diplomacy 1d20(19)+41 = 60
Perform Oral story telling 1d20(14)+27 = 41
Sense Motive 1d20(17)+23 = 40
This post last edited on 8/26/2010 5:59:12 AM
|
Sigmae du Lorraine
(SkaldSyrcha)
8/3/2010 10:35:45 PM
PostID: 369678
|
Sigmae straightens her shoulders even though she's dead tired, and wants Rene... badly. Her heart swells with pride over Luther's speech and story, she finds herself inspired by it.
I am Sigmae du Lux, Queen of Lorraine, descendant of Amra the Lion, favored by the Saints. Some call me the Light of the West. I carry the Staff of St. Ogma with me. Sigmae freely offers the staff to the Mother Superior. I heard the bells ringing for our souls as we flew in. I have dedicated myself to the cause of the Saints.
----------------------------------------------------
Sigmae holds Rene close, I do need a mage I can trust on this mission, come with us my sweet love, and we'll never part again.
This post last edited on 8/9/2010 6:57:37 AM
|
Game Master
(Rasgorn)
8/10/2010 5:03:48 AM
PostID: 370459
|
Pook's face crinkles in wry amusement at Luther's question and the little fey laughs at Luther's question. It is both a sad and happy sound, The Hand has poisoned me Luther. Getting close to it poisons any of the fey. Just as Morgoth changed the Song in the beginning of Days, the Hand changes us, corrupts our flesh, our senses until we are no longer what we first came into being. It does this to all the Fey, Unicorns, Dragons, dryads, Treants, any creature or thing of magic. Look at your friend Reinikka. His scales have slivers of white in them now. He too is dying, poisoned or infected just from the amount of time he has spent close to the Hand. Watch him Luther, he is weaker now than he was and will only continue to grow more so. Only the younger children of Eru, men and their kind are immune to this happening. Even Lorindol and Silesia will eventually succumb to it's power. It is why the Hand hates men so and and must actively seek to bend their minds and will to it's desires. It will not naturally happen like it does with so many of the other "Free Peoples." Pook bends down and kisses Luther on the cheek,Eonwe', Raziel the Furious One always fought for all of us, for all kind, not just the kindred of men. Do you see now Luther? Do you understand?
-----------------------
Luther and Sigmae step to the forefront of the Fellowship and address the waiting, deliberate scrutiny of the Mother Superior. While addressing her and introducing the Fellowship Luther catches on that she is not human. She is one of the Aasimar, humans who have a touch of celestial blood in their ancestry. It's quite possible she is over a hundred years old or older. Sigmae realizes it too, particularly when Guldiera's eyes settle on the Tome of Raziel and when she reaches out and reverently touches the Staff of Life, then half kneels, half bows before them,Welcome Dawnriders! Welcome to the Last Temple of Mercy, enter and be comforted! Luther has seen such bows before outlined in the book of Raziel. It is the common way that initiatives, those seeking to become one of the Sisters of Mercy, would greet and show their respect for members of the Order. Guldiera's words quicken and awe the others even more and after several moments of hesitation, they all kneel in a more formal and recgonizable manner. Guldiera rises quickly, smiling and letting her hood fall back as she reaches out to give Sigmae a generous and most welcoming hug. She doesn't even take Luther's hand though, curtseying instead and he catches just a hint of sadness and concern in her eyes that momentarily sends a ripple of trepidation through him. The other monks and priestes's also rise up and start helping the Fellowship inside. Some take the mounts to the stables, some show them all to their rooms. Guldiera presides and directs them and the others who have come running. She speaks in an almost breathless tone of excitement, Come and be welcome! I was greatly afraid this day would never come in my life. When I heard the holy chimes ringing for the first time, I instantly knew something was happening, something terrible and beautiful and irrevocable. I had hoped it was your coming and by the Saints, you have answered my prayers! Come Rene, you still have time, the Saint's have seen fit to bless your contrary soul! She is teasing him of course, laughing with him and reminding him at the same time where he walks and by whose will. She takes Sigmae by the arm and leads Sigmae and Rene to their room. Once there, she takes only a few moments to show them the austere two rooms of their quarters, a small bedroom with barely enough room for the double bed and fireplace and the entry room with a small table, wash basin, and several chairs. She shows them how to ring for baths and food and candles and whatever else they might need before quickly wishing them well and closing the door for their privacy.
One of the older monks takes Luther to his room, a simple one room cell with a single cot and wash basin. He notices a candle in the shape of a lantern, reminiscent of the one he has seen in the carvings and paintings of Soberoth's as he leads the faithful out of the darkness.
|
Luther von Bora
(LoneKnight)
8/19/2010 11:48:07 PM
PostID: 371537
|
At the thought of loosing Pook and the others Luther gets a worried distant look. His eyes begin to burn and he closes them from a moment nodding his voice filled with a pained mournful sadness.
I know Pook… I know… he still does… for all creation.
That ever with a frolic welcome took
The thunder and the sunshine, and opposed
Free hearts, free foreheads—you and I are old;
Old age hath yet his honour and his toil;
Death closes all: but something ere the end,
Some work of noble note, may yet be done,
Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods.
The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks:
The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep
Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends,
'Tis not too late to seek a newer world.
Push off, and sitting well in order smite
The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds
To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths
Of all the western stars, until I die.
It may be that the gulfs will wash us down:
It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles,
And see the great Achilles, whom we knew
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
He wanted to send Pook and the others away for their own safety and well being. He didn't want to see any of them hurt or worse killed. He needed them Silesia was his lock and trap expert and he needed Reinikka and Lorindol for their arcane power and expertise. He couldn't spare them even if he wanted to not without compromising their mission and all the lives at stake. Though he could in part heal and restore the others after a fashion but not Pook. He wouldn't be able to restore him or take his pain away when this was all over. Luther opens his eyes curious.
I’m not going to lie… I’m upset. You all shouldn’t have kept this from me I could have taken measures, precautions, steps to protect you. Luther gives a frustrated half gruble have irritate cry before sighing. I shouldn’t keep you any longer Pook being near me right now is bad for your health. I don’t want you to get hurt or die or take unnescary risk you don‘t have to. There are other extremely important things that are just as important that can contribute positively to what were doing. I have to think about how this effects the group so I’ll get back to you on that later. Take care Pook don’t go to far I’m not mad at you I’m just flustered…
Luther rides to the temple considering how preserve those around him or at least not waist them by reducing their exposure to the hand. He had a few ideas though he was considering them as secondary to the one that would allow them to destroy the hand right there and then. He refused to believe that the currently accepted method of destroying the hand was the only one.
This post last edited on 8/26/2010 5:31:35 PM
|
Rene D'Arcy
(LoneKnight)
8/22/2010 5:34:46 PM
PostID: 371729
|
Rene can’t help but give a friendly laugh and offer a kind smile at the blundered introduction. If circumstance had been different he might have putt his arm around Luther's shoulder like one might an old friend before taking him to the side speaking gently saying something perhaps to the effect of. In a wind mill moving parts in rubbing contact require lubrication to avoid excessive wear. Honorifics and formal politeness provide lubrication where people rub together.
It was to bad that often the very young, the untraveled, the naïve, the unsophisticated deplored these formalities as "empty“, "meaningless“, or "dishonest“, and scorn to use them. No matter how "pure" their motives, they thereby threw sand into machinery that didn't work too well at best. Flattery of course helps… Better the illusion that exalts us then ten thousand truths. Though money was the sincerest of all flattery. Women love to be flattered. So do men.
He might also suggest he leave the eccentricities of his personal philosophy out until after he got to know someone better. Of course such advice was completely unsolicited and would more then likely be received poorly but such was the right of a father in law. After all the boy wasn’t Athena you can’t just split Zeuses skull and expect him to spring into the world fully grown.
Rene gives a good hearted chuckle betraying his good mood despite the circumstances at the contrary soul comment.
Oh yes I can just imagine the lords of the pit scrambling over each other over this one. No greater love have a man then when he lay down his life for his brother. Not for millions, Not for glory, not for fame. For one person. In the dark cold and alone where no one will ever know or see." Yeah I can just see the other nauseous eight wishing they’d installed more then just that one bathroom now. Then again if they did that it just wouldn’t be hell.
Rene looks to Sigmae and smiles. Were her saints the kind to suddenly come to the rescue of a beaten resentful people. People who will have to rebuild. People who would have to rely on their will and good graces to survive. People that can be used and guided as they wish to guide them to do their work. Because if they were he'd though he'd rather deal with the other guy. He didn't trust a man who talked about ethics when he’s was picking his pocket. But if he was acting in his own self-interest and said so… he had usually been able to work out some way of doing business with him.
Now is the time to consider my options even the ones I don‘t like. Goasame may be an opportunistic thief but when your down on the ground cold, dead, and helpless someone showing up anyone showing up even some one acting completely out of self interest is a godsend. Then again the price of some favors come with to high of a price. Considering my circumstances and the current lack of competition to bring me back to life permanently it’s not exactly a buyers market.
Rene snuggles up to Sigmae giving a dreamy sigh as he holds her close. He lived for her warmth… He was in a happy contented heaven of euphoric bliss as if body and soul had been knitted back together again after being ripped apart for so long.
I did not believe we would share the same fate in the afterlife and pretty much would never be together again after death... I considered myself for lack of a better word… screwed in that sense. In light of Goasame's offer to bring me back to life I found myself with the options of either jumping off the burning roof of a two hundred foot high tower to the rocks below to escape the fire or let my self burn to death. Jumping I manage to escape one problem gaining a couple seconds to address the next. I realize 30-50 years may pale to eternity but a little of something is better then all of nothing.
Though if the saints are offering me the blessing of a get into heaven free card then I need to point out that this life is transitory. Loosing you for 30-50 years pales in comparison to having you lovingly in my arms for eternity. In which case maybe we should consider the bigger picture and plan for the long haul.
Rene offers a mischievous smile keeping his voice very low for just the two of them.
On the other hand If the universe has any purpose more important than topping a woman you love and making a baby with her hearty help, I've never heard of it. So short of us coming up with an alternative option to the current proposal on the table or some extremely damn good reason why I shouldn't, i'm going to accept his offer.
This will afford me the opportunity to handle another matter that has come about because of all of this. I have an obligation to my fallen men and their family's. i'll have to do a few things, plus forever give up the sword and it will take time but I can clone them and bring them back. I rather send them home to their loved ones then letters and honorary medals in their place any day. I can look into that now that I'm finally free of the rods grip over me. The problem of course is this will all take more time then I currently have not to mention other things i'll need.
Rene turns his head back to their most hospitable of host at all times remaining gracious. No matter how he cut it they didn't have to bring him back they could have just let him die.
Mother superior i'm sorry if i'm not handling this exactly with the best of graces. I will certainly pay my respects to the mercy of the saints later on after i've resolved a few matter and gotten reacquainted with my loving wife. I'm sure you more then understand that we have never found our selfs in a situation quite like this one and are going threw a lot on an emotional level individually and now as a couple. Not to mention desperate and vulnerable susceptible to false hope and those that would take advantage of us in our hour of need. Need to watch everyone like a hawk wither they have a white hat or black. I also have the well being and security of a nation to take into consideration. We want to make absolutely sure were not moving forward under any sort of delusions or misconceptions of what will happen. Given the gravity of the situation it's important for us to get the details and take all things into consideration exploring any available options before making an informed decision with what little time we have left.
I’m still very confused as to my current state. I understand that I will die again in three days if nothing is done. Though when that happens will I simply become immaterial again? Is this body real will it remain after? Is this my original body or is it still back there somewhere?
This post last edited on 8/26/2010 8:25:06 PM
|
Sigmae du Lorraine
(SkaldSyrcha)
8/27/2010 4:11:35 AM
PostID: 372631
|
Sigmae rubs Rene's back, leans into a hug with him. I think we should investigate the bells and those that rang them. I believe perhaps we can find a way to keep you. She rubs her neck against Rene's shoulder, wanting very much to keep him with her.
My Immortal Star, graces and love under revenge. Sigmae stretches out, uncurling arms, legs, hands, feet.
|
| page of 11 pages containing 214 items.Items per page: |
Data
|