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Post by Trinn on Nov 15, 2012 19:30:11 GMT -5
Morna laughed anew at the fury she saw within Marola. She reveled in the pain it caused the mother. However, this also seemed to make Marola a more ferocious fighter. Morna found herself having to concentrate a bit harder on fending off the redheads attacks. "Looks like I struck a nerve." she mocked. "Although I don't know what you're so mad about. Little Glory is much better off with Katriana. Now Glory can do something useful. Like kill and kill and kill!"
Morna started laughing again, with as much true mirth as a shade could have. She barely blocked Antien's attack, but against his magic she was too late. Flames sprang up over her body, once more, incinerating the flesh that had just healed from her other recent burn. Shrieking, Morna uttered a spell and reappeared fifty feet away, her skin flame free but raw. "You will pay for that!"
***
"NEV-" Eva began to say, but what felt like a punch to her whole body sent her flying backwards. Her wards had been drained already, and so this attack she had not been prepared for. For what seemed like the hundreth time, she gasped for air, the wind knocked clean from her lungs. She sat up dizzily, watching first Elaine's battle with Tyrant, and then Antien's battle. "Aunt Marola?" she whispered, confused when she spotted Marola fighting alongside Antien.
***
Elaine ignored Eva's sudden disappearance. The girl was tough. A knock backwards would only put her out for a little while. "You seem to think me easy prey." Elaine said to the shade, a cool expression on her face. "That, loathsome creature, is a mistake." And she renewed her attack on Tyrant, moving into the most complicated slashes and thrusts she new. The earth shuddered a second later, announcing Eridor's presence. He roared and opened his maw, releasing a pillar of searing flame at Tyrant. Elaine didn't bother dodging. Her wards protected her from her bonds fiery attack.
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Post by Tismri on Nov 15, 2012 23:18:30 GMT -5
Marola grit her teeth at the Shade's taunts. The thought of her sweet daughter becoming a killer was like a realization of her most terrible nightmares. But, in retrospect, she always saw a lot of herself in Gloriann. Not just her fiery hair, but her matching spirit. And Glory was too smart for her own good. Marola knew that knowledge could sometimes lead the way to make more stupid mistakes.
Still, the angered mother didn't say a word. Speaking to the Shade would be pointless; all she would get in response would be taunts, lies, and other crazed words. Instead, she let her actions speak for her. At the elf's unleashed fireball, Marola darted in a near instant behind where Morna landed, thrusting her sword toward the location of the twisted creature's heart.
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Post by Max452 on Nov 16, 2012 0:49:22 GMT -5
Antien glared at Morna as she disappeared and reappeared a few meters away from him. At her threat, Antien brought his sword up to his face, giving her a daring salute. "Recompense for mocking a Rider." He replied roughly, his elegant features not giving away any clues on which Rider he was referring to. "And I intend to take your heart next." Antien growled out right as Marola attacked Morna. Antien was about to charge when a flying figure darted across his peripheral vision. Recognizing the figure, Antien turned with a worried and conflicted expression on his face as he spotted Eva being knocked backward. He badly desired to go to her aide, but this greenish fiend had to be killed. He turned back to Morna, knowing that Eva would scold him for letting the Shade get away and Rider Elaine seemed to be taking care of the male one.
Perhaps it was best, Antien thought, as Eva was still too inexperienced to fight a Shade - he would fix that - by herself. His eyes lingered on her for another moment, making sure she seemed to be well and alert before assaulting Morna again on her right side.
***
Tyrant's eyes went wide as he spotted the torrent of flames elope him. Not again... Was the thought that came to his mind as he felt himself burn from the hotness. He cried out in pain - though he had casted a spell to protect him, but it still wasn't enough - from the intensity of the flames and retreated backward, body aflamed. He groaned in agony, as his body slumped to the ground. He could feel his body healing from the powers he possessed, but this was too much. His mind calculated their chances of survival. Morna would despise him for retreating, but Tyrant cared too much for his own hide. They would have to retreat for now. He snarled at Elaine, glaring at her through red eyes that were momentarily charred around the edges. "We will fight again Rider! And I will watch your dragon scream as I tear out your heart!" He spat out before zipping away to Morna's side, blocking Antien's attack with his own sword.
Antien narrowed his eyes in surprise at the appearance of the other Shade. He drew back, preparing to attack the burnt Shade.
"Morna! Enough play time! We'll kill them later; Katriana will expect our report!" Tyrant growled out, not liking the idea of retreating, but he desired to live, if only to accomplish his goals at a more later time. Now, he only hoped Morna would agree and escape with him.
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Post by Trinn on Nov 17, 2012 12:51:59 GMT -5
Morna watched Marola dart behind her, and dodged somewhat clumsily. Her reward was a gash in her side, that exposed part of her ribcage. "Well played!" She sniped, turning with evil in her eyes towards Marola. She seemed to growl when Antien joined the fight again, having to divide her attention between to opponents once more. "Ha! How sad it is, that an ancient, well sung elf can't battle me all by his lonesome! Such tough warriors have to teem up! ha!" As she was cackling and preparing to parry Antien's sword, Tyr intervened. Secretly, she was grateful. Retreat was not her cup of tea. "Right you are comrade!" she said, smiling graciously at Tyrant. "Until next time, little elf, Glory's mother. Perhaps, next time, you'll be fighting your daughter. Ha!" And with that, Morna seemed to vanish, an echo of her mad laugh lingering.
***
Elaine dashed after Tyrant, but by the time she reached him, he and the female shade had vanished. She looked at each of the fighters, recognizing Marola, and only vaguely the elf. "Well met, friends." she said, before looking over her shoulder. Eva was just now getting to her feet, a pained expression on her face. "Our young ally fought well today." Elaine noted. She went to Eva's side and lent the girl an arm.
"Are you alright?" Eva shook her head.
"No, I think my ribs are broke." She said, worry in her voice.
***
Eva avoided looking at Antien. She had not been impressive this fight. In fact, she felt she had been more of a nuisance than anything. With the help of the grey rider, she reached the group. "Marola!" She said, and moved to her aunt, hugging her. "I'm sorry." She said, referring to Glory, to her failure to protect her aunts daughter. Perhaps from the shock of the fight and other things, Eva began to cry. She hated herself a bit for doing so, and it was all she could do not to sob outright. She felt Eos move over to her side, to nuzzle her shoulder comfortingly. The dragon emanated relief, glad that her rider had escaped the fight alive, even if damaged.
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Post by Max452 on Nov 17, 2012 14:50:08 GMT -5
With Morna, Tyrant vanished from the presence of the enemy and began to make their trek back to Katriana. Wounded, but healing, Tyrant swore that next time he would have their heads on pikes for all the world to see!
***
Antien snarled at Morna's departing taunts. He would make her regret those words the next time they meet. Sheathing his sword, his eyes instantly softened as he thought about Eva. Darting those grey eyes over to where he last spotted her, Antien's worried expression appeared as he saw her, wounded, and coming toward them with Rider Elaine.
His eyes did not miss the girl's avoidance of eye contact and that alone pained him. She must be feeling unworthy and shamed for her performance of the fight, or being wounded. Antien desired her to know that there was nothing to be ashamed off. She fought her best and that was all anyone could expect, and she should be proud of it, but desire to improve as well. Ignoring his own wounds, Antien approached Eva's free side, but stood back as she hugged her Aunt (whom he had deduced so from the knowledge that this was Glory's mother). "Eva..." Antien spoke softly as she began to cry, desiring to comfort her in some way but finding it inappropriate to do so with others around them. Speaking of which, he turned to face Marola and Elaine.
He twisted his two fingers before him, honoring and respecting the riders of the pervious war, and recited the elven greeting. "Atra esterní ono thelduin"
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Post by Tismri on Nov 17, 2012 19:36:32 GMT -5
Marola's eyes narrowed as the Shades departed. She was not surprised; when outmatched, even just a little, Tyr would always save his own skin just to maintain his pride. Even death had not changed that spirit in the slightest.
"Curse you, Valentine," she muttered to herself angrily. "I swear if you so much as touch my daughter, I will mutilate you beyond recognition." She turned when she sensed Elaine and Eva walking toward them. She gazed at her niece with concern; after all, look at what she had been fighting. Marola was just thankful the girl survived. She wrapped her arms around her, stroking her hair as she began to cry.
"Shh," she whispered. "It's all right, Eva. None of this was your fault. You did very very well in this fight." She gave Eva a smile, though it didn't conceal the tired, angry, and worried expression from her face. Now that she knew what had happened to Gloriann, her concern only increased. Still, she was glad at least Eva was still safe. "I'm very proud of you; I'm sure your parents will be as well, whenever they hear of this."
Next, Marola turned to look at her niece's companion. She was fairly certain she'd seen this elf at least a couple of times in Bromsland, but had never formally met him.
"Atra du evarinya ono varda," she responded to his greeting. She'd learned the formal introduction between elves from a few of her friends over the years, when she cared enough to know about them. "Well met." Finally, she turned to Elaine, giving her a nod.
"Your timing could not have been better, Argetlam," she said, sincerely. Marola was glad she had this friend she could entrust her life with outside of Celesti. Though her relationship with Elaine had been rather rocky to begin with, the years had brough them as close as any two blood sisters could be, as close as she was to Einar and Gianna. Who knew being a member of the murderous Family could bring about something good?
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Post by Trinn on Nov 19, 2012 19:27:00 GMT -5
Eva found Marola's words only slightly comforting. The need to prove herself, to make up for Glory's disappearance, still lingered. How it would ever go away, Eva didn't know. The only cure would be Glory's return, by her own hands. Hearing Antien's concerned voice, Eva turned away from Marola, releasing her from the hug, and looked at Antien. The motion caused her to grimmace. The pain in her side was like a twisting knife. She did her best not to let it show too much.
***
Elaine didn't return the elven greeting, but merely nodded respectfully to Antien. She gave Marola a wide smile. "Likewise, friend." She said, feeling a sense of relief to have an ally like Marola. "I only wish the circumstances weren't so dire." Elaine's face softened, showing regret. "I am deeply sorry about the news of your daughter, Marola. I was on my way to Bromsland, however... I would be more happy to aid you in whatever quest you are upon." She looked to Eva and Antien. "Were the two of you traveling together?" She watched as Eva nodded, and her eyes brightened with pain. "Oh! Yes, your ribs, poor girl." Elaine began to move over to Eva's side to heal the young riders wounds.
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Post by Max452 on Nov 19, 2012 20:39:05 GMT -5
Antien finished the greeting with Marola before turning to give a polite nod to Elaine. His attention, however, was mostly on Eva. A worried look graced the elf's features. Although his focus was on Eva, he heard the words that transpired between the two older Riders. He merely nodded that he was with Eva, and then noticed her twinge in pain. Beating Elaine to it, Antien held out his hand to immediately heal Eva's broken ribs; ignoring his own wounds. "Are you hurt anywhere else?" His voice low, concerned. "You fought well," He told her as he searched to heal any other injuries, "especially against a Shade; not many live to survive." He commended her as he finished healing her wounds.
OOC: I like how he's ignoring everyone but Eva lol.
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Post by Tismri on Nov 19, 2012 21:26:52 GMT -5
Marola looked at Eva in concern, noticing her injuries. She made a motion to heal her niece when the elf suddenly beat her to it. Marola was momentarily surprised, but a smile crossed her face. The expression the elf gave suggested a deep care that she well recognized. She decided to let the two of them be for a moment. She turned her attention back to Elaine, giving her friend a pained expression. "Thank you," she said, replying to her offer. "I just don't understand what could have happened. How did the Shade get her hands on my Glory in the first place?" She put her head in her hands. Guilt welled up in her; this had always been her worst fear. The thought of her children making the same mistakes she once had, going down that painful path, made her feel sick to her stomach. Her old fears of being a terrible mother still haunted her, and she felt as if she had somehow failed Gloriann. If she were honested with herself, however, she could understand what happened. However the Shade got to Glory, the girl became easily tricked. Marola knew her daughter could be gullible, especially when someone she really wanted was offered. Glory was probably the child that was most like her out of the five. OOC: Poor Rola...just wait until she gets home and learns about Daeron. lol, and then learn that Tally has a dragon. Oh, lord, I think she's going to pass out.  |
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Post by Trinn on Nov 20, 2012 15:54:49 GMT -5
Elaine felt her heart ache for Marola. To lose a child... She placed a hand on Marola's shoulder, trying to give her some comfort. "Never fear, Marola. Young children are often confused and easily misled. That doesn't mean they are irretrievable. We can get your daughter back, and I believe, she will realize her deception. Come, Marola. Enough of despair. We must think of a plan!"
***
"Only my pride." Eva said, grimacing as the sensation of magical healing filled her side. When Antien was finished, she took a deep breath, experimenting. Her ribs no longer pained her, and it was as if the fight had never taken place. For good measure, she took another deep breath. She had been deprived of too much air during the fray. "Nothing else." she confirmed to Antien, glancing up at him, and finding herself trapped in the gaze of his smooth grey eyes. For a moment she didn't know what to do. He had her feeling all sorts of confused. "Thank you, Antien. If not for the more experienced warriors here, I surely would have died."
Eos sidled even closer to Eva, feeling particularly protective. The yellow dragon's gaze kept moving to Eridor and Rauthr, impressed by their size and obvious strength. She considered Rauthr a relative of sorts, having been around during Eva's upbringing. He was, in a way, an honorary uncle. Eos tentatively stretched out her mind to Rauthr in greeting, while she attempted to think the dragon called Stormwing. The grey dragon hunched stoically behind Elaine, eyes half-lidded, as if the fight had not worried him in the least.
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Post by Max452 on Nov 20, 2012 20:59:50 GMT -5
Antien let out a mental sigh at Eva's words. "Dwell on it not, dear Eva; experience comes with time. You will be a fierce and honorable warrior with more practice. However, for now, be ever proud that your current skills were enough to bay off a Shade for as long as you had; you will be great one day." He shared his truthful opinion. After another moment of silence, Antien whispered to Eva in an unguarded affectionate voice. "I am glad you are well, Eva."
With his thoughts shared, he turned to the Riders of the last war. "I thank you Riders, for protecting Eva when I could not. And you, Silver Hand," he turned to speak with Marola. "I ache with your loss, but as Rider Elaine has expressed, what was lost can always be found - if you will allow me, I wish to aide you in this plight, as Eva, I know, will not rest until her cousin is returned; where ere she goes, I will always follow." He bowed respectfully to Marola.
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Post by Tismri on Nov 21, 2012 1:06:11 GMT -5
Marola accepted Elaine's comforting hand and words with a slight smile. The days since learning Glory's fate had been a strain on her, and it showed. She nodded to the elf's offer, though she felt it was more for Eva's sake than her own. Marola could easily see the affection the elf held for her niece.
"I thank you," she told both of them. She closed her eyes as Elaine mentioned coming up with a plan. "I know if I can just speak with Glory, I can bring her back to us. But she's in the midst of a spawling enemy encampment right now, buried within miles of foes." She sighed, displeased at the thought of her daughter among Shades and other enemies.
Marola started slightly when she sensed her scrying mirror, indicating that someone was trying to contact her. She pulled the mirror out and saw Cortell's face.
"What is it, son?" she asked, her worried expression increasing. Cortell looked extremely hesitant, the kind of face someone has when they are the bearer of both good and bad news.
"Mother...Some things have happened...I think you should come home." Marola studied her son's face. Through their mental connection, she could sense he was almost as worried as she was, but at the same time rather happy too.
"What happened?" she asked Cortell again. "Is everyone all right?" She thought of Daeron, Tally, and Lyta, concerned that something might have happened to them. Or worse, that something might have happened to Marcus.
"I...Just...We need you home, Mother," Cortell said, his face downcast. "It's too much to try to explain through scrying."
"I'm on my way," she said, putting her scrying mirror away. She looked around at the others. Her expression was suddenly determined. Something had happened to one of her children. She knew it.
"I must return home," she stated. "Celesti is perhaps a good place for us to regroup as well." She let the suggestion hang as she mounted Rauthr. The verdant dragon had landed near her sometime after the fighting had died down, just watching over her contentedly, but now he was as worried about Marola's hatchlings as she was.
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Post by Trinn on Nov 21, 2012 17:10:32 GMT -5
Elaine respectfully turned her face away from the scrying mirror. She allowed Marola to converse with her son privately, and took the time to study the young rider that was apparently Marola's niece. "You are the daughter of Einar and Gianna Celesti?"
"Aye, I am indeed. My name is Eva. And my bond is Eos. I haven't had a chance to thank you properly yet. Allow me to do so now. If not for you and your brave dragon, Eos and I would have become pray to that shade." Elaine smiled at the girls good manners.
"Think nothing of it. We riders must always help each other out. Perhaps one day you can return the favor." Elaine's attention was turned to Marola as her friend mounted Rauthr. She thought of Marola's offer for a moment, before coming to a clear decision. "Eridor and I will go with you, Marola. I haven't seen Gianna or Einar for quite sometime. It would be nice to visit, as well as form a plan of action." She turned to Antien and Eva.
"I hope the two of you will be joining us. If only to allow yourselves a rest before tackling the journey again." Eva seemed to frown a bit, even as she nodded.
"Perhaps we shall. Antien," and the girl turned to look at the tall elf, a glimmer of hesitance in her green eyes, "what do you think? Shall we regroup in Celesti? Or continue on our way?"
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Post by Max452 on Nov 21, 2012 19:47:33 GMT -5
Antien nodded to Elaine, considering the request made by Marola. His grey eyes turned to gaze over at Eva as she addressed him. "I feel it is the most logical choice for us. We're both wounded and tired; it will give us some time to resupply and rest." He told her, noting a slight hesitancy in her eyes, but not understanding the reason why. "It will also allow us to search for information on any news of Gloriann and Sundavar." He added, grimacing a bit as he turned to face her properly; he had not healed the wound that Morna had given him. "I am also quite interested to see where you've grown up, Eva - it must be a beautiful place to have produced a beautiful woman." He gave her his humored smile, feeling a bit more of himself as he motioned toward Eos, not caring about censoring his flirtations, as he had nearly lost her moments ago.
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Post by Tismri on Nov 27, 2012 14:25:49 GMT -5
OOC: Whoops...kinda forgot about here...in the midst of all the torture. lol
Marola waited, patiently but anxiously while the others decided whether or not to come with her. Cortell's words and expressions would not leave her mind. What had happened while she was gone? It had only been a few days. Every bad thing possible seemed to present itself to her mind.
Relax, Rola, Rauthr told her, looking back at her. We will know what happened when we get there. Until we do, there is no point to worrying. Marola took her bond's words to heart and attempted to calm fears while she waited to go.
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