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Post by Max452 on Sept 14, 2008 22:13:32 GMT -5
Absorbing the darkness, Tara sat atop the roof of Mave's massive mansion in Teirm; her favorite spot whenever she couldn't sleep. Incoherent dreams occupied her mind as she stared up into the stars. Why can't I remember? What do these dreams mean? Who am I? These questions occupied her mind as she stared at the stars; always feeling a sense of awe and familiarity with them, as if they understood how alone and lost she felt.
She heaved a sigh as she wrapped her white cloak around her to protect herself from the chilled air.
"Tara?" Mave's voice called up to her from below.
Tara...the only thing I seem to know about myself...why is it I know my name, but nothing else? Tara asked herself as she stood up from her seat and wiped the dust off from her rear and legs.
"I'm coming." Tara called out to Mave and nimbly climbed down the roof by means of the bricks that were designed to be placed outward slightly on the sides of the large home. She hopped down and greeted her friend.
"Dinner is ready. Eat up and then get some rest. I need you to watch a shipment for me." Mave gestured for her to walk beside him as they walked to the front door and towards the supper room.
"Aye. Where am I going now?" Tara asked.
"Reavstone in Surda."
"Surda?"
"Aye, I know what you are thinking, but this shipment is very important. I have a very rich client who wants his cargo to be in Surda as soon as possible. He was very persistent in having it done by water; he's covering all the expenses, so I'm not one to complain."
"But the maelstroms...are you willing to risk your crew? your shipment?"
"Not usually, but ever since you've ventured into my life, you've been rather lucky in getting my shipment to its proper location...and on time as well. Besides, the client was very particular about having you on board. He said that he heard about your dealings and wanted the best."
"I'm flattered, but even my skills can't protect us from the Gods."
Mave stopped in the doorway to the dining room. "Please, Tara. Do this for me, besides, you've yet to venture into Surda. Perhaps it may lead you to your identity, eh?"
Tara sighed, slightly amused that Mave would stoop that low. "Very well."
***
In the morning, Tara breathed in the salt air as she watched the crew load the cargo onto the large cargo ship. She already said her goodbyes to Mave and his family and was now going through with the motions that the wind desired her to go.
The only thing that occupied her mind now was who this wealthly client was and what he was shipping; despite the fact that all matters were disclosed.
She yawned out of exhaustion; another sleepless and dreamful night. "When will it ever end." She mumbled to herself as the crew got ready to set sail.
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Post by Tismri on Sept 15, 2008 21:51:46 GMT -5
River sat in her room at Aberon, staring out the window. She was slowly learning how to quiet the voices, though they could never go away entirely. She still felt numerous thoughts and feelings rushing to her every moment, but she no longer had to figure out which thoughts were her own and which belonged to other people in the city. She was glad about that. It seemed Simon was right. Surda was a good place for them to be. She sat contentedly on her bed, just watching the window.
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Post by Max452 on Sept 16, 2008 18:45:50 GMT -5
Tyr heaved a rope, allowing the sails to be ready to be loose. His disguise as a sailor was working perfectly so far. His assignment was clear: to get to Surda and gather information about the Varden and Rebellion. He was unsure why they didn't send him off to kill King Orrin or the Varden leader; his only worry was that Einar was sent inside. That unnerved him! He was tired of living in that half-breed's shadow. He ground his teeth as he pulled the rope harder; his eyes diverted around the ship, and he spotted a woman in a cloak. Mmm...interesting... He studied her figure for a moment, before getting snapped at by the first mate to go faster.
"Aye!" Tyr shouted and continued his work; although in any other occassion, he would have killed the insolent man for even gazing at him.
"SET SAIL!" The first mate shouted. "GET OUT THE OARS AND PREPARE THE SAILS, YOU SCUM!"
Tara sighed as she made her way to the bridge, where the Captain was directing a Sailor of their coordinates.
"Captain." Tara greeted and stood on the bridge.
"Tara." The Captain gruffed out. "Starboard 35 degrees Mr. Mallow."
"Aye-aye, Captain." Mr Mallow, who was at the helm turned the massive wheel.
"How long until Surda?"
"Two maybe three weeks....depending on the dangers that lie ahead."
"Understood." Tara nodded and gazed out into the ocean. Blah...I hate the ocean....land...land and green...that's where I should be.
They sailed onward, wondering what troubles they may encounter.
***
Faolan surveyed the castle's perimeters atop the highest guard tower, while Jade circled above him. "It appears that all is calm."
"Isn't that a good thing, sir?" A soldier asked him.
"It is always calm before the storm." Faolan answered and walked off to meet Arya, who was with Lady Nasuada. "Jade." Faolan looked up and the hawk quickly decided onto her master's armband.
With one more gaze towards the land of Surda, Faolan couldn't shake off the feeling that something was coming.
***
Arya stood casually before Lady Nasuada. "We've still received no news of the Empire's attempts to invade. It worries me greatly that the Empire lies quietly."
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Post by Trinn on Sept 18, 2008 23:39:07 GMT -5
Nasuada nodded, thankful for Arya's presence in such dangerous times. "Aye. It worries me as well. I feel as if something big may be coming. Such quiet can only end with an explosion." She could imigane all too well what sort of explosion the empire might be planning. They could decide to send the whole force of their riders into Surda. The king could send everything he had to destroy the country, but, in particular, the varden. No, I swear, as daughter of Ajihad, as leader of the varden, we will not fall. "Arya, I would like to thank you for being here. I am aware that it must be difficult for you to be away from your own people during this war against Galbatorix."
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Post by Max452 on Sept 19, 2008 1:21:18 GMT -5
Arya nodded in agreement. "Yes, I agree. I sense that their silence may be of three things: they plan a full frontal attack upon Surda, or the plan to kill King Orrin, and even yourself. You have suffered one assassination attempt, I fear that there are many more to come." She expressed her concerns. "I take your thanks graciously, for it brightens my spirits to be of use to you and the Varden. It may be difficult, but it must occur." She replied.
A knock on the door echoed inside the room. Awaiting entrance, Faolan waited outside while a guard went to inform Lady Nasuada of his presence.
***
Tara gazed out at the enormous port in Surda; it was huge - at least three times bigger than Teirm. She never witnessed such a place...or at least she remembered not. She sighed, hoping to get this over with and to find some evidence of who she was.
"Are you going to just stand and gaze at it all afternoon?" Tyr asked Tara as began tying some ropes onto the side of the ship.
Tara smiled. She had gotten to know this particular sailor over their weeks of travel; he seemed nice. He called himself Ryt (right).
"I've never seen anything so big before."
Tyr shrugged, intrigued with the woman. "Eh. I barely noticed it anymore, but it does grow on you."
Tara nodded. "Aye, that it does."
"Is someone going to pick up the cargo? or are we gonna have to a hail it?" A sailor walked over to Tara.
"It'll be a pick up. Just unload the cargo onto the storage dock. Compartment 7, I believe." Tara ordered.
"Are you going to go exploring?" Tyr asked.
"Aye, after the shipment has been signed off. I'll be exploring the city."
Tyr nodded.
"Hey! Ryt! Stop being lazy and get your arse below! You got wash detail!" The first mate yelled.
Tyr shrugged and grinned at Tara. "I'll see ya around."
Tara nodded and walked off the ship, thankful to be on solid ground and not near the maelstorms...which to her surprise, they had avoided with ease. What good fortune. She thought as she walked around one of the many docks, instructing the men to move the cargo to the wagons, where they would be then taken to the storage facility, and there, the client was suppose to meet them and pay them. Then she planned on looking around, for anything familiar. Maybe she could go see the palace...she heard it was extravagant.
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Post by Trinn on Sept 20, 2008 1:57:42 GMT -5
A guard entered the room, and Nasuada listened to his message calmly. On the inside, she was feeling overwhelmed. The three possibilities Arya had outlined were three she had considered as well. The assassinations might not be tough to avoid. With Elva in the castle, Nasuada was almost perfectly safe. Almost. What she feared herself was the massive attack that was possible. Letting the weighty thoughts churn through her mind, she addressed the guard. "I see. Let him pass." If Arya trusted Faolan, then Nasuada would as well.
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Post by Tismri on Sept 20, 2008 2:47:40 GMT -5
Elva sat quietly behind Nasuada as she and Arya discussed the safety of the Varden. She had a curious feeling when she sensed Faolan was near. It wasn't misfortune she felt, really. But it was a distict change in his fate...and for the fate of his lost love, Tara.
OOC: are there any other dangers I need to be feeling? lol
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Post by Max452 on Sept 22, 2008 16:42:07 GMT -5
Faolan inclined his head respectfully at the two women. "There is no immediate threat to Surda at the moment, yet I would suggest that we fortify the soldiers. There is an unease presence in the air." The elf proclaimed. His eyes gazed at them, and then at Elva, who he had just noticed behind the Lady of the Varden. The young child intrigued him, for she seemed to be watching him most carefully.
Arya listened intently at her old friend. He had sensed the odd calmness as well.
"I agree, particularly in the castle. You and King Orrin are my main concerns at this point in time. If an attempt on your life is to be made, I will be there to deter it." The elf princess assured her friend.
***
Tara had dropped off the supplies and was now roaming around the city, intrigued with the businesses and people. Nothing seemed to be familiar, and yet the city drew her in. She ventured further into the area, heading towards the castle, taking in the sights and sounds.
Tyr watched Tara in the shadows, no longer holding his sailor presona or clothing. He had easily escaped the eyes of the crew and began to ennact his true colors. Walking carefully with a cloak about him, Tyr was curious to see Tara moving towards the castle. He wondered what business she had there, and decided to follow the beautiful woman. He figured that he might as well have some fun before doing what he came to do.
He scoffed lightly. The last man they sent from the Black Hand was killed and it intrigued him on how his comrade was caught; they were trained in stealth and yet he was caught. What magic is behind the Rebellion? Tyr wondered.
OOC: i dunno, im just going through the motions.
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Post by Tismri on Sept 22, 2008 17:30:28 GMT -5
Elva perked up her head and moved to the window. She felt a sense of danger just coming, though she was not yet certain where it originated, or what kind of danger approached. She spotted two people approaching the castle. The woman wouldn't have caused her any concern. She was more interested in the man who followed her, apparently trying to avoid being seen steathliy. She would not have even noticed him if she had not known where to look. She tilted her head slightly, her sense of danger rising.
"Nasuada, I would suggest you put more guards around the castle, especially toward the south," she said, staring down at the two approaching figures.
~~~~~
River was walking through the corridors of the castle, trying to think on her own. Two voices suddenly stood out in her mind. One was a woman's, and there seemed to be a void there, as if there was a hole in her mind (OOC: good old B5 quote. lol). The other seemed dark, with evil intentions. The feeling of it gave her a chill, but she did not know what to do about it. So she just kept walking.
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Post by Trinn on Sept 25, 2008 22:23:46 GMT -5
Gratified by Arya's concern and determination to protect her life, Nasuada could only incline her head and give a small, yet sincere smile of thanks. "Hopefully that won't be neccessary. Your life is as important as mine, Arya Drottningu." Her attention was then diverted by Elva's cynical voice. A chill swept down her spine at the sound, and Nasuada ignored it as always. "Thank you, Elva." Looking to a guard standing within the room, she clapped her hands and addressed him. "Do as she suggests. Thicken the guard, and concentrate on the southern side." Giving a bow, the guard left the room to see to the demands.
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Post by Tismri on Sept 25, 2008 22:27:56 GMT -5
Suddenly, Elva gave a small smile, a very rare thing for her.
"I believe Faolan should go, too," she suggested. She gave no reason for her suggestion, but she knew that something would happen if he went.
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Post by Max452 on Sept 28, 2008 19:44:00 GMT -5
Faolan looked at the little girl, if it even was a girl anymore, with slight intrigue and caution. The girl that was blessed and cursed.
Arya seemed to shrug off the issue of her own life importance with a small tilt of her head. "I am honored for you to think such." The elf princess remarked. "Aye. Faolan, if Elva believes you are needed in the south, we will oblige. You can be spare for a little while." A smile seemed to play and vanish on her lips momentarily; she was delighted that her friend wouldn't have to watch her constantly, which is the reason why, she knew, her mother had sent him for.
Faolan nodded and twisted his forefingers. "As you wish." He inclined his head at the three women and exited. Outside he was able to gather some soldiers and relay the command of fortifying the castle.
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Post by Backabuth on Sept 30, 2008 21:24:45 GMT -5
Eli walked up the steps of a house and knocked on the door. A man answered the door. "Yes?" Eli smiled at him. "I was just wondering if I could stay here for a couple days. A friend of mine, Lathem to be exact, referred you." The man's face went blank. "L-Lathem?" Eli frowned. "Yes...isn't this the house of Uafan?" The man stuttered slightly. "Y-yes."
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Post by Tismri on Oct 23, 2008 18:25:49 GMT -5
Elva watched Faolan leave, then glanced back out at the woman out there. She smiled ever so faintly, knowing exactly who she was.
~~~~~
River walked cautiously outside, trying to keep the voices quiet as she looked around. She held the woman's voice in her mind, curious about what made her mind so.
Instead, she felt the dark mind. It was getting closer. She stood still, wondering if he would get any closer.
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Post by Max452 on Oct 25, 2008 3:00:19 GMT -5
Sensing someone behind her, Tara glanced around. Her instincts told her she was being followed, and yet, she saw no one. Grumbling, Tara felt useless and abnormal in her own skin; she wondered if she would ever be able to distinguish and trust herself.
She continued to head towards the castle, wondering why she felt such a strong urge to go there.
***
Tyr pulled back into the shadows as Tara turned around. Once he felt that it was safe, he again pursued her.
As they entered the outer walls of the castle, Tyr eyes flared as he felt a familiar and chaotic presence. Glancing around silently, he spotted a nervous and unsure young woman near the entrance of the inner wall of the castle.
Pushing aside sellers and merchants, Tyr headed towards the original target, slightly disappointed that he would have to leave Tara. A smile played across his lips as he headed straight for River.
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