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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Jul 9, 2014 0:42:48 GMT -5
The sky was overcast bringing with it a cool breeze that rustled the leaves above. Some, with the most striking colors, broke free and fluttered, like the last butterflies of the season, to the ground. Hoof beats could be heard on the dry ground as a horse carried a young woman along a wide dirt road. The clouds above had been looming for weeks and spoke the promise of autumn showers. Heavy thunder and the scent of rain brought its promise from the towering Ironclads of the west as well as the lush Shyrsiire forests of the south. This, however, did not trouble the woman, for there was something darker plaguing her mind.
A thousand years of peace had been shattered by the vision of a king. The gift of clairvoyance, said to be but a fable, had emerged, but why? The fact that most people so readily accepted it as truth without second thought was unsettling. Where was the proof that the destruction the vision had showed was in fact certain? If the vision was indeed real then from where had it come and for what purpose was it granted? Was the vision truly of a prophetic nature or was it more akin to a dark and sinister whisper meant to corrupt and manipulate the minds of men?
The young woman rode briskly along the road, her horse was strong and full of pride as it carried her along. She herself, however, was something of a mysterious figure dressed in leather and furs with a hooded cloak that covered her head and shadowed her face. Her attire was akin to the tundra people of the cold northeast and seemed out of place in the Central Valley region.
As she rode south along the road she passed by three rugged wagons heading north. In the back of these wagons sat many tall, fair skinned figures covered in filth and clad in rags all chained together with somber looks on their faces. She noticed the points of their ears that defined them as having elvish heritage and therefor prisoners of war. They seemed to mutter quietly amongst each other as they swayed with the bouncing motion of the wagons moving along the road.
There was suddenly the crack of a whip across the back of one of the three wagons from a rider behind, “keep quiet back there ya dagger eared filth!”
The men driving the caravan were clad in basic chainmail armor covered by a red surcoat with white sleeves. The seal of Delrock sat emblazoned upon the front of their surcoats which consisted of a gold dragon coiled around a sword with the blade pointing down. These men were not even soldiers, mostly men drafted to act as guards and enforcers around the kingdom.
The young woman rode on, paying little attention to a scene that she had already seen too much of in the last four years. Her destination was not far now, denoted by a high tower that rose above the tree line ahead. This was the central tower of Ardenvale Citadel, where the Council of Magical Affairs had been based for the last five centuries. Ahead she could see the town gates being opened for a trio of riders that appeared, at a distance, to be royal messengers, likely sent by the High King of Delrock. The actual town of Ardenvale itself was small, but fairly prominent since it was a community of people associated with the most prestigious magical order in the region. Prominent enough to have its own wall and gates, and was under the protection of the citadel’s guard force.
“They’re likely here on business, but knowing the kind of dogs that ride around in the name of the king these days I’m sure they’ll stir up trouble”, the young woman muttered to herself. She gave the reins a snap which urged the horse to move a bit faster as she rode for the town gate.
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Post by Cendra on Jul 11, 2014 16:43:20 GMT -5
A single figure dressed in variegated greens, grays and browns made their way through a younger patch of the forest near Ardenvale. Ever since the start of the war, traveling around these parts was more dangerous than before. Especially for those such as her. It was because of this that she left the road a few miles before the start of any town patrols and took to the trees. Now that she stood at the edge of the clearing around the town's walls, she pulled on green gloves to cover the pale skin of her hands and lifted the hood of her cloak to cover copper hair and slightly pointed ears.
“Let's hope Brennen is on duty today.” She whispered to herself. Even though she had been a messenger in this area long before the beginning of the war, once violence broke out, anyone with elven lineage became a target for the bloodthirsty brutes that hung about. Only a select few guards, that she had become close to prior, would let her in without trouble now. This side gate was quietest way into Ardenvale which was neutral territory in this region. How the Counsel of Magic Affairs managed it was beyond her.
Trying not to show her caution, the half elf left the comfort of the tree line and began to make her way across the clearing. She knew she would be spotted right away and attempted to not act as suspicious as she was sure she was dressed.
“Who goes there!” the unsure voice of a youth came from the wall. The redhead in turn fought back a groan. Not only was it not Brennen, it was a new trainee.
“A messenger of the people!” She called up. Just then a burly middle aged man came into view.
“Celly? That you?” The man's deep voice carried easily over the wall. Celevire gave a sign of relief and waved happily to the owner.
“Good day, Brennen!” She said cheerily.
“Ah! I wondered when you would be coming around again!” Brennen slapped the gangly youth on the back making him sway slightly. “This Lady is a messenger of the land, Druin. She's no trouble.” he lowered his voice, “and a bit of a looker, but don't be telling my wife I said so.” The young man's eyes glanced at her nervously then went back to Brennen. Celevire rolled her eyes. She could only imagine what he was telling the boy.
“Are you going to let me in today? I know the crest is still good here!” She said holding up her wooden token that depicted a sealed scroll, the symbol of a registered messenger. Brennen nodded in acknowledgment and in a few minutes the small door at the bottom of the wall was opened.
“We have quite a stack waiting for you, girl. You've been gone too long!” Celevire winced as he patted her head upon her entrance into the city.
“You could have just given it to one of the others.” She grumbled as she rubbed a tender spot left by the giant hand. Brennen gave her a stern look.
“Not these. You know that, Red.” Celevire let out a sigh and nodded as she accepted the stack of twenty or so and a small bag of coins.
“I'll make sure they get there.”
“Course you will. That's why we wait for you.” He gave her a wink and Celevire smirked. “Best you get going so you can be out before the shift change. Garen is on next. You know how he gets.” Needing no more prompting the young woman started on her way.
“Thank you, Brennen! I'll be seeing you in a bit.” She said over her shoulder as she started out on the back roads to the Citadel.
Ardenvale wasn't anything special in her eyes. It still had its rich and its poor, brilliance and rubbish like the many other towns she had been to. The only difference here was the amount of hostility she would be met with if any discovered her heritage. Passing a street that led to the main road she saw one of the many prison carts filled with Highland Elves. They always entered full and came out empty. A shiver ran down her spine, she could only imagine what happened to them. It was more a fear for herself than them, however. Even though they shared blood, the Highland Elves never accepted her or her family because of the mix. They believed their bloodline should remain untainted by the other races and shunned any who believed otherwise.
Celevire continued on as the guard of the cart began yelling at those inside the cage. She didn't wish them ill, but there was just as much danger for both of them in this part of the town. After putting a good distance between them, the redhead broke off into a jog all the way to the citadel's gates.
“Messenger of the land!” She called out to the gate keeper, showing the same emblem she had shown to Brennen at the outer wall and waited for entrance.
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Jul 13, 2014 23:39:06 GMT -5
The figure of an armor clad man looked over the side of the wall from above the gate and then turned his head back as he withdrew. “Messenger of the land! Open the gates!”
The gates of the citadel were massive, old, iron gates, darkened with age and tightly crisscrossed with a pattern of etched lines. In the center of the gates was a large diamond shaped engraving that depicted a spiraling staff with a large spherical crystal at the top between the ends of the two parts of the spiral.
As the gates began to open the diamond shaped crest in the middle remained intact, leaving a half diamond shaped chunk missing from the left gate. The aged iron groaned deeply as the gates slowly swung out, and a portcullis gate behind it rose quickly. On the other side of gates was a large courtyard bustling with robed figures going about the organization’s business.
The gates had only just finished opening when there was a sudden ruckus and clamoring of people near the town’s main street behind Celevire. Three riders on horses dressed in the red and white colors of the kingdom rounded the corner off of the main street heading straight for the open gates. They rode at full stride with little regard for the people in the street who had to throw themselves out of the way to escape.
“Royal messenger! Out of the way!” the lead rider shouted loudly.
Within a matter of minutes the riders were upon Celevire, who had scarcely even turned around to see what all of the noise was about.
“Messenger of the king! Clear the way!” the lead rider shouted again as he was about to plow her over.
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Post by Cendra on Jul 16, 2014 11:02:57 GMT -5
Celevire tumbled out of the way as the thundering hooves connected with the ground where she had been standing only moments before. As soon as the messengers had passed, she got up and dusted herself off, a frown etched on her face. No permanent damage done, but just like any sane person, she was not one for close calls. Who needed three riders for the same message anyway?
“You coming in, girl?” Came a voice from the gate.
“Yes, I'm coming. I'm coming.” Irritation was clear in her voice as she hurried through the gate. After straightening her hood and gloves once again she set herself to the task at hand. Finding the citadel was no difficult feat. Celevire had been there hundreds of of times, but even so, the giant structure was hard to miss. On an average day she wouldn't even have been as concerned with her attire, but with the king's messengers around it made things less simple. She shifted uneasily as her destination grew nearer and gave more than a passing thought about waiting until the three riders had gone. However, there was a very low chance that they would have all the messengers in the same room at once, so against her better judgment she entered the building.
“Messenger of the Land for Agrius, Arch Wizard.” She said to the apprentice at the door.
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Jul 18, 2014 0:28:56 GMT -5
The apprentice at the door was clad in long, dark green robes with the hood down and the robes were clasped shut by the same diamond shaped crest depicting the spiral staff that had been on the front gates. After seeing the wooden token verifying the woman before him was indeed a messenger of the land he motioned to the open door on his right and spoke softly.
“You will find the Arch Wizard in the council chamber on the opposite side of the main floor and if not, his quarters lay just beyond. As you can imagine the Arch Wizard is very busy so please refrain from interrupting him and wait for his acknowledgment.” He then gave a slightly annoyed sigh. “And before you ask, no, you may not touch the Staff of Light in the center of the main floor.”
Just as the apprentice had finished his speech the sound of the heavy iron gates opening again and the clacking of hooves on stone were heard. The rider stopped by the citadel’s stables, where the horses of the three riders that had nearly run Celevire down were being tended. The young woman slid easily off the proud, grey horse and patted its side.
“Take good care of her Malik, we had a long journey,” she said to the stable keeper, a fairly scrawny old man clad in simple clothes, as he took the reins from her.
“Don’t you worry dear, I’ll take good care of her,” the old man responded, with a nearly toothless grin as he led the horse into a stall.
The young woman seemed cold and rigid as she turned and approached the doorway where Celevire and the apprentice were standing. The fur lined hood of her cloak continued to shadow her face as she approached, preserving the veil of mystery that hung over her. Her attire was all of various light shades of tan and brown other than her shin length, reddish-brown leather boots, which held the distinct sheen of being new. She looked over Celevire, and quickly discerned that she was either a messenger of some kind or potentially another of elven heritage looking for sanctuary.
“Is there a problem here?” she asked, as she glanced between Celevire and the apprentice.
The apprentice quickly cleared his throat. “Uh no, no ma’am,” he said nervously. “This is a messenger of the land here for the Arch Wizard.”
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Post by Cendra on Jul 20, 2014 13:50:31 GMT -5
Celevire dipped her head briefly in respect, “ Good day, Lady Triest, it is a pleasure to see you again. I hope your travels have seen you well.” She knew the woman would not know her. Messengers came and went regularly and her own were rarely anything of exceeding importance. Besides, the young lady in front of her seemed to always exude a bristly demeanor that generally discouraged any from wanting to get too familiar with her. Celevire tired to recall the last time she had seen her by the Arch Wizard, it had been at least one or two Summers before. A long journey indeed if she was away all that time.
“As the lad said, I'm just here do deliver a message. I've been here many times. No need to fret.” Celevire showed her the token briefly. Courtesy seemed to be in short supply these days. Put a new apprentice at the door and everyone gets suspicious again. “I should be getting on my way. Will that be all, Lady?”
Standing in the entrance when the king's messengers might leave any minute was not ideal.
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Jul 23, 2014 13:16:22 GMT -5
Triest looked Celevire up and down once more, her bright, green eyes narrowing slightly as she then glanced at the apprentice who fidgeted nervously. “You do seem…vaguely familiar,” she responded after a few moments.
“Come messenger,” she said as she brushed past the apprentice who backed against the wall as she passed and then lowered his head nervously. “I will see you to the Arch Wizard,” Triest announced as she entered through the open door, her cloak fluttering lightly around her body.
Inside was the main chamber of the citadel with pristine, white marble floors and high vaulted ceilings supported by ornate stone columns. In the center of the floor was a large circular platform sunk a few inches down from the rest of the floor. In the center of the platform was a small hole in the floor into which the base of the spiraled staff itself fit into snugly. The staff was an extremely shiny silver color covered in a weaving pattern of glowing blue lines. At its crown the two pieces that made up the spiraled shape of the body separated outward wide enough for them to curve inward and have their ends meet on either side of the large, spherical gemstone on top. The stone itself possessed an almost mesmerizing white gleam.
All around the main chamber robed figures bustled about carrying tomes, scrolls, staves, scepters, artifacts, and all other manner of magical item from wing to wing of the citadel. This was the everyday level of activity within the citadel as the organization always seemed to be busy with something. As Triest proceeded across the main floor in a quiet yet stern demeanor those that were in her path hurried out of her way and those about to cross her path stopped dead in their tracks until she had passed. Every person she passed by seemed to exude the same nervous behavior as the apprentice at the door, avoiding eye contact and lowering their heads if she looked at them. Her cloak continued to flutter around her body, her arms and hands hidden beneath and the fur lined hood bounced lightly as she walked, still veiling her face in shadow.
The council chamber was up ahead and the closer to the door one got the more apparent the sounds of arguing from within became.
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Post by Cendra on Jul 27, 2014 15:16:46 GMT -5
“Thank you, Lady.” Celevire said with a small bow and mild surprise at the recognition.
As they made their way to the chamber, she attempted to keep her amusement in check. The reactions of those they passes were comical to say the least. If nothing else, Lady Triest's demeanor heavily out weighed her own, keeping her from being the focal point of attention as long as she kept at the right pace behind the woman. Getting too close would raise the crowd's curiosity and being to far behind would warrant a comment from her guide.
The way they went was just as she remembered it. From the swirling, white marble floors to the citadel's famed silver staff, land marks fell into place in her mind. Navigation was essential in her profession after all. One had to be able to recognize the land even after years of absence. Everything grew with time and this place was no exception. It seemed more and more apprentices and scholars roamed the building than ever before.
Celevire's ears perked at the voices ahead. At first she could quite make out what was going on, but by the time they reached the door, shouts could be heard well from the hall.
“Perhaps it would be best if I waited without, Lady Triest.” Celevire fidgeted as she made out the voices of both the Arch Wizard and the riders inside.
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Aug 4, 2014 23:02:49 GMT -5
“Nonsense,” Triest stated bluntly as she pushed the large set of double doors open and walked into the council meeting hall. The hall was a long, oblong, oval shaped room with white marble flooring similar to that in the main chamber. There were several rows of seating in the lower section where the main doors had opened into and many robed figures sat there. At the other end of this lower section was a slightly elevated speaking podium where cases were presented before the council. Upon this platform currently stood the three riders that had nearly plowed Celevire into the road when they arrived.
The rest of the room consisted of an elevated section starting as ramps on either side of the main doors that rose gradually along the walls along the length of the room. These two ramps crested at the far end of the room where they met each other behind the high podium seat of the Arch Wizard. Four lower podium seats rested next to the Arch Wizard’s seat, two on either side for the other members of the council.
Triest paused momentarily as she looked over the hall and then turned and proceeded to the right and up the ramp as the leader of the three riders continued to shout at the council.
“Everything that I’ve said thus far is in this official, royal decree!” the man shouted as he held up an unrolled scroll. “You are hereby commanded by the High King of Delrock to send aid to the front!”
“Enough!” the Arch Wizard thundered as he stood up, the long, dark green robes of his office swaying around him as he walked to one side of his seat. “Perhaps High King Theoros, in his desperation, has forgotten that the Council of Magical Affairs is an independent organization, and it does not answer to him!”
“You are mistaken, considering the fact that Ardenvale is within the borders of Delrock!”
“Irrelevant! The council has been seated at this citadel for the last five centuries and remained neutral, and there is no intention amongst us to change that now!”
“Clearly you have made your decision then! The High King of Delrock will not let this betrayal go unpunished!” The man shouted before turning away and storming towards the door with the other two men close behind.
Triest was completely unphased by the heated argument as she ascended the ramp, some of the robed figures seated in the lower section below now catching notice of her, watching and whispering.
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Post by Cendra on Aug 8, 2014 20:30:05 GMT -5
Celevire pulled the hood of her cloak a little farther over her face as the argument continued. If she was noticed, it was clear where this was going to go for her. Even if the counsel was standing by it's decision to be neutral, that didn't guarantee her safety when she left if her lineage was guessed by the intruders. After more harsh words and slammed doors Celevire breathed out a sign of relief. Now all that was left were the eyes of old wizards. That, she could handle. Quickly she straightened her cloak and lower her hood as was proper in such a setting as she came to halt behind Triest. Because of Triest's status Celevire waited hands clasped in front of her for the Lady to speak first before delivering her own message.
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Aug 13, 2014 23:57:45 GMT -5
As the Arch Wizard’s gaze turned from the three riders that had just exited and turned upon Triest, his stern expression suddenly gave way to a joyful smile and his dark eyes lightened. “My dear child! At last you have returned!”
“Agrius,” she said in a joyful tone as she approached him and pushed the fur trimmed hood of her cloak back. Her face was now fully revealed for the first time, the veil of shadow lifted from it. Her hair was a vibrant red with a slight bit of curliness to it, though it was tied in a bun at the back of her head with only a few curly strands hanging on either side of her face. A small piece of what appeared to be a tattoo of some kind could be seen on the lower back of her neck in blue. Triest’s bristly demeanor seemed to give way to a degree of warmth and a smile actually stretched across her face as she took the outstretched hands of the Arch Wizard and bowed her head lightly.
Agrius placed a soft, fatherly kiss upon her head before releasing her hands. He was a fairly tall man that appeared to be in his fifties or so with ear length grey-black hair and a short beard of the same color. The robes of his position were a dark green and so long they nearly swept the floor when he moved. As he turned back towards the rest of the hall the diamond shaped crest containing the spiral staff could be seen weaved in gold upon the back of his robe.
“This session is adjourned until tomorrow,” he said aloud, the other council members nodding to him in acknowledgement.
The other members of the council were also dressed in ceremonial robes, though theirs were blue. Three of the council members were men that all looked of similar age to Agrius while the fourth was a woman that looked somewhat older. While the three male members of the council looked upon Agrius with great respect, the older woman seemed cold and disdainful as she left in the opposite direction, effectively avoiding him. Agrius didn’t seem to notice her as he moved to the doorway behind his podium seat with Triest. “Did you get it?” he asked in a hopeful tone.
Triest smiled again. “I thought you’d never ask.” She fished a piece of light colored cloth out of a satchel under her cloak and held it up. It was impossible to tell anything more than the fact that there was a solid, circular object of some kind within the cloth.
“Excellent!” Agrius exclaimed quickly as he ushered Triest through the doorway before looking to Celevire and motioning for her to come. “Come dear, don’t be shy. It isn’t as if we’ve never met before.”
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Post by Cendra on Oct 2, 2014 19:05:32 GMT -5
Celevire felt a bit as though she was intruding on the reunion of the two. Her fingers fidgeted with her cloak as the other counsel members exited the room. Not all of them seemed to be pleased with the outcome of the days activities. Once the room was emptied she approached with a light smile when she was waved over.
“Good day, Arch Wizard.” she said warmly with a bow. “ I have message for you, as usual. I took extra precautions just as you asked.” Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a small package and a letter placing it gently into the Wizards worn, but capable hands.
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Oct 9, 2014 18:18:20 GMT -5
Agrius took the package and letter from Celevire with a warm smile and bowed graciously. “Thank you my dear, I knew I could count on you. Now come, there is much to be discussed.”
He ushered the two of them through the door and into his personal quarters and then closed the heavy wooden door behind them. The room was fairly large and round with four large windows high on the back wall opposite the door. There was a general homey feel about the room with its richly colored wood panel walls and floor, and lighting from the windows as well as many candles.
In the center of the room sat a bronze colored staff, its base fitted into a hole in the floor similar to the one holding the spiraled staff in the main hall of the citadel. The crown of the staff consisted of an upside down triangle sort of shape.
Warmth radiated from a glowing fire in the hearth on the back wall beneath the high windows. Flanking the hearth were long tables that followed the curve of the wall and stretched about halfway around the room. The right hand table contained a full set of alchemy equipment and various small cabinets filled with ingredients. A large array of bottled potions sat to the far right of the equipment near the end of the table. The left hand table was covered in old documents and unrolled scrolls as well as a few tomes, some of which lay open. The wall above the table had a large, old looking map tacked to it along with various smaller pieces of old paper covered in ancient runes.
To the right of the door was a staircase along the curve of the wall going up to a second floor beyond the flat ceiling. On the left side of the door was a collection of tall bookcases containing various old tomes and scrolls.
Agrius moved towards the table on the left with all of the papers and scrolls and set the package down. “Forgive me for the clutter, I haven’t gotten around to cleaning things up recently.” He began flipping through the pages of one of the open tomes that lay on the table and mumbling to himself.
“Ah,” he exclaimed lightly as he finally reached a certain page that showed an ancient sketching of some circular artifact.
“Is that the piece that I recovered?” Triest asked as she pulled a similar looking circular object from the piece of light colored cloth that she had been holding.
Agrius held up the open tome as the two of them examined the picture and physical object side by side. “It appears to be the same, yes.”
He then glanced up from the tome to Celevire. “Before we get too deeply into this I believe we should explain to your new partner exactly what’s going on.”
Triest blinked a bit, seeming as if she didn’t hear correctly, and then glanced first at Celevire, and then back at Agrius. “Partner?”
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Post by Cendra on Oct 13, 2014 18:46:37 GMT -5
To say this development was unexpected would be an understatement. Never before had she been summoned into Wizard Agruis' personal quarters. The splendor inside was just as much as that without, but somehow more warm and welcoming.
However, the next words from her companions banished all thoughts of her surroundings and pinned her attention completely on them. She never imagined that the Arch Wizard would ever consider her for something more than delivering his messages. Not to say she ever went looking for a position above what she had. Celevire took her job very seriously, knowing that from time to time she carried messages of greater importance than most.
“Me?” she said incredulously, looking first left then right to make sure she wasn't misinterpreting the situation, then looked back to the Wizard with wide eyes.
“Are you sure that's a good idea?” She blurted out, then stumbled over her words to explain herself.
“ Uh, I mean, Sir, not to question your wisdom, but in my eyes I do seem to be a poor choice.” she finished meekly.
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Oct 17, 2014 13:08:49 GMT -5
Agrius simply gave a warm smile in response to Celevire. “Nonsense child, you shall do just fine. Besides, how can you say you are not the best choice when you do not yet even know what the job is?” he commented, as he plucked the half medallion from Triest’s hand.
Triest blinked a bit and then frowned slightly as the piece of light colored cloth dropped from her hand, and she crossed her arms beneath her cloak. “What do I need a partner for? Have I not proven yet that I can handle these errands alone?”
Agrius hummed a bit as he examined the medallion piece more closely and then spoke. “Delving into a dangerous old ruin in search of an ancient map is no mere errand my dear,” he declared. “It is a job for two at the very least.”
“But...Agrius, you know why I prefer to work alone.” She glanced at Celevire after that statement, a frown still clearly etched on her face. Her eyes, on the other hand, betrayed an intense fear.
Agrius turned from the table and placed his hand on the left side of her face softly. “Yes, I know dear, but the stakes are simply too high,” he said in a fatherly tone. “No one person can see this through alone, and right now the two of you are the only ones I know for certain I can trust.”
Triest sighed a bit and let her arms drop to her sides beneath her cloak as she walked up to the table next to Agrius. “I understand.”
“Come closer Celevire, and listen carefully,” Agrius stated, in a sort of down to business tone, as he picked up the medallion piece once again.
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Post by Cendra on Oct 17, 2014 17:51:47 GMT -5
“Yes, Sir.” Despite being an adult herself, Agrius made Celevire feel very much like a child in his presents. This was reflected in her hasty obedience to his directions. As she made her way to the Wizard she glanced at Lady Triest. The frown was still firmly in place on her lips making it clear she wasn't exactly thrilled with their new arrangement.
Well, I'm not exactly bubbling with excitement to work with you either. She thought taking some offense at the look. Turning her attention back to the Arch Wizard, the sight of the medallion again sparking her excitement. The fact that what he was about to say was only disclosed to a certain few made her feel both honored and perhaps slightly anxious. She had so many questions about the ruins and map he had mentions, but she held herself back sensing she would get her answers in due time.
Celevire's mother had always joked, saying her love for ancient things had come from her father. He would argue, of course, saying “If that's so, then why are my most prized treasures so new?” ending with a wink in her mother's direction. Celevire used to roll her eyes at them, but now that she was grown it was one of her fondest memories of home. She was sure the scenario would play out even in these halls if they could see her now.
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Oct 20, 2014 12:09:34 GMT -5
Triest pointed to the sketch of the medallion piece in the open tome on the table. “I noticed when I first acquired the piece that it has an inscription on the front, and the back looks as if there is a second piece that attaches to it.”
“Indeed.” Agrius handed the piece to her and began opening the package that Celevire had delivered.
Triest ran her thumb over the inscription on the piece and muttered to herself, struggling to read the inscription. “I speak Old Tongue fine, but I’ve always had trouble reading it.”
“Reading it requires far more practice than speaking it,” Agrius stated as he pulled a piece of cloth out of the small box and began to unfold it.
“I didn’t have much time to practice while I was retrieving that artifact, unfortunately.”
Agrius finished unfolding the cloth and removed the second half of the medallion from it. “This is what you were delivering for me with such caution Celevire.”
The second half of the medallion appeared to fit together with the backside of the first half on one side while the other side held another inscription in Old Tongue runes. The inscription encircled a centerpiece that seemed as if it should fit into something like a key.
“Interesting,” Agrius proclaimed. “It would appear that this medallion is not merely a clue, but literally a key.”
Triest shot a fierce glare in Celevire’s direction before handing her half back to Agrius. “Please tell me that we actually need the piece that I retrieved in order for that half to work.”
“I am certain…” Agrius stalled slightly as he slowly brought the two halves of the medallion together, ”...that there is more to this artifact…” he was suddenly interrupted by the two halves clinking together. They then began twisting in opposite directions with a loud clicking sound as the medallion rose from his hands and seemed to levitate. The halves twisted fully all the way back around to the initial position Agrius had placed them together in. Once they stopped there was a final distinct click, and then the Old Tongue runes on the front and back glowed darkly for a second before reverting back to their normal state.
“There is definitely more to this artifact than meets the eye,” Agrius concluded, as the medallion drifted back down into his hands.
His gaze then went past the medallion to Celevire. “Tell me child, what do you know of the fabled Clairvoyance?”
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Post by Cendra on Oct 24, 2014 18:18:37 GMT -5
Celevire grew even more fascinated as the pieces swirled, revealing their true nature. The possibilities brought to the world through alchemy always kept her thinking on her toes. Agrius' questioning voice changed the course of her thoughts as she tried to remember.
“Whispers of rumors mostly, Sir. However, there are many who claim to have such abilities. Some believe it to be a gift to the people and others believe it to bring destruction. It's no surprise really, considering the events of recent years.” Her brows furrowed, somewhat guarded as she spoke her next questions. “Is that what you seek? To possess it?”
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Oct 28, 2014 15:21:31 GMT -5
Agrius’ expression darkened at Celevire’s question, and he closed his fist around the medallion. “There is only ever one true clairvoyant every few centuries, no matter how many claim to have such powers.”
He turned back to the table and glared down at the open tome before him. “In my research over the past four years I have read of each slowly going mad until they committed hideous atrocities. This so called 'Clairvoyance' has cut a dark swath of mass murder and destruction through the last two thousand years of history, which is a surprising contrast from all accounts put forth by the church.”
He turned his dark glare upon Celevire now. “Posses it? No, my dear child.” He held up his fist, clenching the medallion tightly as if trying to crush it. “I seek to snuff it out.”
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Post by Cendra on Nov 9, 2014 13:10:47 GMT -5
To say Celevire was a slightly uneasy with the wizard's change in demeanor would be an understatement. While she logically knew his anger wasn't directed at her, she felt as though she was being scolded for asking such a question. A wizard's sour mood was never something you waned to be on there receiving end of.
“I apologize, Arch Wizard Agrius.” Celevire bowed her head to the wizard, “As I said before, not much of the clairvoyance's true nature is known to those of us outside these walls.”
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Nov 17, 2014 18:02:32 GMT -5
Agrius held his dark gaze upon Celevire for several minutes before his expression slowly eased again. “In truth, very little of the Clairvoyance’s true nature is even known to those of us within these walls,” he announced, feeling somewhat defeated.
Throughout the entire exchange between Agrius and Celevire, Triest had been leaning against the alchemy table at the other end of the room, nonchalantly snacking on a piece of dried jerky meat of some kind, as if the entire scene were perfectly normal. She seemed highly amused by Celevire’s reaction to Agrius giving her the dark gaze, but otherwise remained mostly expressionless and closed off.
Agrius hadn’t seemed to notice Triest’s amusement at the time and continued with his performance. He now turned back to the table with the open tome and set the medallion down next to it and turned his gaze to the large, old map on the wall. He raised his finger to point at a location on the map somewhere in the woodlands of the eastern side of the Central Valley region, beyond the borders of Delrock. “That is where you must venture,” he began. “I have studied all historical records, outside the accounts of the Holy Sanctist Church, concerning the clairvoyants that came about within the last two thousand years. Thus far, I have found no clue to the origins of the Clairvoyance except that it has been around since before the collapse of the Quixarian Empire. Unfortunately, any historical records from before the collapse of that empire were either lost long ago or secretly kept under lock and key.”
Triest cleared her throat. “Isn’t that where the fabled Lost Archives of Zark come into play?”
“Indeed, but there are no records or maps denoting the location of those archives. None that I’ve been able to find at least. Supposedly all of the empire’s historical records were kept there, so if we could find it we would have a wealth of information to work with.”
Agrius returned his gaze to the map on the wall. “The only ruin from the Quixarian Empire known to still exist intact is the City of Exgamare. It lies within the Eastern Woodlands near the edge of the valley. There are plenty of cities that have existed since that era, but many of them have grown and changed so much over the last two thousand years it is doubtful anything of use could still be found today.”
Triest stepped forward from her place leaned against the alchemy table, a serious expression on her face. “The medallion is supposedly the key that opens the Archives of Zark, but that doesn’t do us much good if we don’t know where the archives are. The ruins of Exgamare may contain something that will help us locate the archives, but there’s no telling what awaits us in that place, and the woodlands around it aren’t exactly safe either.”
“The decision is yours to make Celevire,” Agrius assured. “But I do believe that we could use your help in stopping this great evil as this is far too massive an undertaking for only two people.”
Triest rolled her eyes a bit. “The point is, I honestly think I can handle this on my own, but Agrius believes we need help and you’re one of few people he feels he can trust with this. I prefer to work alone, but it seems I don’t get much of a choice here, so if you’re in then woman up and say so. Otherwise don’t waste our time.”
Agrius smiled a bit. “Don’t mind her child, she’s just a bit grumpy after her long trip and needs rest.”
Triest gave an aggravated groan at that and headed for the door. “I’ll be in my quarters.” The heavy wooden door of the wizard’s quarters slammed heavily behind her as she left.
“Now then child, what will it be?” Agrius asked, a hopeful expression on his face, his hands clasped together at his waist.
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Post by Cendra on Dec 5, 2014 15:21:03 GMT -5
Celevire winced slightly as the door slammed behind her, the sound echoing through the room. Taking a deep breath she looked away from Agrius' face as he posed the question.
Their world was very precious to her. The Wood Elves had always taught that those living in Aeon were it's care takers, received it's benefits in return for its protection. The thought that something so malicious had passed through the ages unrevealed made a cold shiver crawl up her spine. That it had survived so long meant it would surely not reveal it's secrets easily. Yet, the future of the world was theirs, the actions of the ones within it.
“It's not as though we're going out to fight the darkness itself. Surely once all is revealed he will send more than just two against it.” She told herself, “It's just some forgotten archives. No need to get ahead of the situation.”
Dark hazel eyes met the wizard's once again. It would still be a hard journey and she could only imagine her parent's worry, but it was necessary it seemed. Celevire gave a small nod of consent to Agrius.
“I will do this task.” She paused before continuing, “However, I would ask for provisions for such a journey. I'm afraid I am ill equipped for much, but short travel.”
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Jan 7, 2015 18:06:44 GMT -5
“Excellent!” Agrius quickly exclaimed, in a joyful tone, seeming as if he didn’t hear her request for provisions.
“You should rest up here at the citadel for the night, and you’d best be up early and already packed as Triest will want to leave at dawn, and I doubt she’ll wait for you.” He instructed as he moved to the door. He looked as if he were about to say something more when there was a loud knock on the door just as he reached for it which gave him a moment of pause before pulling it open. “Yes, yes, who is it?”
“It’s just me Agrius,” said a young man’s voice from the open door.
“Oh, Geleon. Come in, come in.”
A well built young man walked in carrying a large crate full of scrolls in various types of wooden and metal cases as well as rolled pieces of paper. He had short, dark hair and wore a sleeveless cloth tunic of a light color, and dark leather pants and boots. He had a handsome face, warm, caring brown eyes, and well muscled arms. “I found all of those scrolls and maps that Iticus borrowed from you.”
“Ah good, good. Just put it on the floor over there between the bookcases and the table,” Agrius instructed.
He did so and then brushed his hands together to remove some dust. “Is there anything else I can help with?”
“Hmmm as a matter of fact you can find this young lady a bed for the evening, show her the dining hall as well and see that she gets a horse by dawn tomorrow.”
“Alright,” Geleon said with a nod as he approached. He took Celevire’s hand gently and bowed slightly before placing a light kiss on the back of it. “A pleasure milady.” He smiled as he stood straight again.
“Shall we?” he asked, motioning to the door.
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Post by Cendra on Jan 9, 2015 18:36:29 GMT -5
“Lead on, M'lord.” Celevire gave a courteous bow to the man in front of her and pulled her hood back around her red head. It was mostly to cover her ears, but also a light blush had crept its way onto her pale cheeks. She had to admit the man in front of her was not unattractive, however, she was not used to such attentions due to her social standing and line of work.
Geleon held the door as they made their exit, but before she stepped over the threshold Celevire remembered herself and turned with a bow to the Arch Wizard once more.
“Thank you, Sir. I will take care, as always.” she said offering a small smile, then again faced the white hall she had walked down only an hour before.
“You are Geleon, yes?” Celevire broke the silence between herself and her dark haired guide. She may as well try to have a conversation while she could. Triest didn't seem like the type to share, conversation or otherwise, and after a long trek alone from her last destination, friendly company would be most welcome. “I am called Celevire.” she introduced herself.
“I don't recall you from any of my previous stops here. Are you new to the citadel?” she ask curiously.
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Post by SHADOWMASTER89 on Jan 10, 2015 17:23:38 GMT -5
“Lord? Hardly milady.” he gave a slight chuckle.
“It is a pleasure to meet you Celevire.” Geleon gave a slight bow as they walked. “I’m not new to the citadel, I’ve actually been here most of my life in fact.”
He led the way from the council hall, and then across the main hall, heading to the left past the spiral staff in the center of the floor. Most of the usual hustle and bustle from earlier had slowed by now, leaving the main hall far emptier than it had been when Celevire arrived. “Over here we have the housing wings for guests as well as the dining hall.”
Geleon pointed to the hall on the far left. “All of the rooms on that hall are vacant so you can choose whichever room you prefer, and the dining hall is at the far end of the wing.”
“Now,” he said as he turned to face her. “As for why you’ve never seen me before, I can only guess that it’s because I’m usually running errands for the citadel around town, and when I’m here I spend most of my time working with Iticus in the enchanting wing.”
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Post by Cendra on Jan 17, 2015 19:12:50 GMT -5
“That makes the most sense I suppose. I'm never stayed here for every long myself.” she spoke as she went to her usual room five doors down the hall. It wasn't very often she spent the night here, but it was surely a welcome reprieve from the hard ground and cold streams that were usually her bed and bath. As she entered the room the familiar sight of it's layout greeted her. In the left corner was a simple, but sturdy wooden wardrobe, which she never had a use for, but somehow felt as though it belonged. Beside it, was a small vanity with a quality mirror, wash basin with a pitcher and chair sitting in front. A large bed was located on the right side of the room dressed in a simple, but warm blanket with sheets and a fluffy down pillow lay on top. Lastly was the window at the far end of the room that over looked the entrance way to the citadel. Red curtains rested on either side of it and swirled with an embroidered design. Celevire sighed and plopped her small bag on top of the metal and wood chest in front of the bed.
“Thank you for showing me here, Geleon.” She said as she turned back to her escort. “I was actually hoping I might take my meals here, if that's not too much trouble. I can't say I'm much of one for crowded rooms.” She smiled sheepishly.
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