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Welcome to Elenlond, an original medieval fantasy roleplaying forum! We strive for creative, free-form roleplaying, in the hopes of allowing each and every single member the power to achieve their potential.
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| Welcome to Elenlond, an original medieval fantasy forum! We're always looking for new, dedicated members. Elenlond is composed of two continents: Soare and Esiria. Esiria, a land now isolated due to the efforts of the last remaining Goddess, is inaccessible to all beings and lies in the east. Soare, a continent in the west, is composed of three distinct nations: Ashoka, Soto, and Morrim. Lying between the two major continents are the Scattered Isles. Since the dissolution of the pantheon and the fall of the gods, these countries have existed in relative peace and prosperity. But how long will that peace last? Enter Elenlond; Turn the pages and tell your own tale. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
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| So Far From Home; [Reserved for Razarod] | |
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| Topic Started: Apr 3 2008, 01:39 PM (484 Views) | |
| MidnightShadow | Apr 3 2008, 01:39 PM Post #1 |
If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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He held her tight, her head pressed to his chest, her ear listening to the beating of his heart. The thought of him leaving to go wandering was a foreign thought - wasn't she the one who was gripped by a nomad's desperate urges to be just that: nomadic? And yet, here they were, Alex whispering soft words of comfort as he fought to console her. After some time Shadow stubbornly pulled away from him and stepped back. If there had been tears in her eyes, they had either vanished, or had been absorbed by his shirt. Their eyes met for a moment, his a mixture of grey, blue, and green, hers a vivid emerald. "Do you really have to do this?" He nodded, almost sadly. "Very well... I'll miss you." "I'll miss you too." He leaned down and kissed her softly. Shadow's eyes closed for a moment before they broke apart. He turned away from her then, departing from her chambers. The tears welled in her eyes as she watched him go, slipping down her cheeks only after she was sure he wasn't going to return. The journey to Angkar had been a long one. Despite Mystic's natural ability to fly, the young goddess had chosen to forego her faithful pegasus, choosing instead to take a normal mount. The beast - an aging, greying mare - had given her some trouble along the way, but not enough for the fighter to seek out a new mount. Together they had ridden from the west coast of the Water Kingdom to the eastern coast of the Light Kingdom, up to the small protrusion of land in the north. There the Goddess of Water, MidnightShadow, had boarded a vessel and, with mild interest, sailed with the crew to the Middle Isles, in particular, Angkar. She had departed from the ship after coming to port at Zedrin and, after some hunting, had found a man who would lead her to Ildri, the capital. Several days had passed since then, and as the two of them rode towards the large, red wall that surrounded the city, the guide drew his stallion to a halt. "This be as far as Imma go," he said. He held out his hand. The cloaked young woman that he had led through the Borodora Forest dropped a small purse of coin into his hand. Quickly he checked its contents before he wheeled his mount around. The woman thanked him before she urged her mare into the city. It was late morning, the sun making its way towards its zenith quickly. As Shadow rode slowly towards the centre of Ildri, she watched passersby silently, her vivid emerald eyes scanning each face. None noticed her, which was a good thing. She had heard of the island's general dislike towards the deities of Soare and Esiria, and if they had recognized her... She didn't quite know what to expect. As the hooded, cloaked rider passed by the market square, she continued onward, following several citizens who she deemed to be of some small interest. They carried objects with them, although Shadow hadn't seen a temple at this point (and there didn't appear to be one in sight), so those objects weren't to be used as items of worship. Her ponderings were soon answered, however: the people stopped before a magnificent palace, kneeling at the steps. Shadow's eyes followed those stairs silently to their landing, yet there was nobody there. Do they worship any gods? she wondered silently. Or is the monarch the only one they wish to obey? Curious, she and her mare remained where they were in the centre of the cobblestone street, waiting to see if something would come of the citizens' offering. More of Ildri's inhabitants were beginning to trickle towards the palace. Apparently the morning haggling was finished for the time being. |
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| Razarod | Apr 8 2008, 08:05 PM Post #2 |
King of Angkar
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What is being carried to the palace is not an offering, but a tax which has been placed upon the businesses. And the people do not worship the gods. They only wish to obey the land’s monarch, who, in very few years has made Ankgar from a collection of poor villages into the most powerful free force and a center of trade. Of course, the young woman cloaked in the streets probably doesn’t know these facts; Ankgar is not an area of concern for many of Elenlond’s citizens, nor for its deities. But Ankgar is where this one has found herself. And these streets may be emptying out, but they are far from dead. The morning haggling may be over, but there is still business a plenty. The younger children play along the sides of the streets, their mothers walking through the bazaars doing their shopping. And it is one of these children that will be one to break down the Goddess’s disguise. A young boy playfully runs over and grabs at the young woman’s cloak, pulling the hood from her face. He runs over to his mother, laughing. The mother grabs her son’s shoulders and begins to scold him, although it is impossible to make out what she’s telling him from a distance. However, she soon looks up, and her scolding goes silent, a look of shock, and then fear, spreading over her face. She turns and whispers to the nearby guard, who glances at the young woman’s now exposed face, and then quickly runs off towards the castle. And this woman isn’t the only one who has noticed the deity’s presence. Of course, nobody utters that word. That would give away that they know. They continue to whisper amongst themselves, slowly moving away, and before long, the entire area is cleared. The shoppers have all moved down the street several yards, and the shopkeepers have all retreated into the rear of their tents. By this time, the guard has reached the monarch’s chambers, and alerted him to the presence of the Goddess of Water, Midnight Shadow. The monarch, however, does not express the fear that the other citizens have displayed. He is concerned yes. But his reaction is not to cower or to run away, he does not rally the army nor fortify the castle, nor fortify anything else. He simply stands, and begins to make his way down to the square on foot. The only sign of being ready for battle is the presence of his sword at his side, there aren’t even any guards accompanying him. For while she may not know much about where she is or who the ruler is, this man knows exactly who he’s dealing with. |
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| MidnightShadow | Apr 9 2008, 04:53 PM Post #3 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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Ildri was hardly different from any of the other cities she had visited in that there were still a great number of people wandering the streets, and that these people were all doing, more or less, the same things: tending to the daily chores, purchasing and haggling food and other luxury items for the family, taking the children out of the house to promote physical and mental growth. Indeed, in those aspects she was reminded fondly of Hohoemi and, on a lesser scale, Reine. For a brief moment a feeling akin to homesickness welled in her chest. She pushed it down, unwilling to relent to a feeling that, prior to that moment, she'd never actually experienced. Shadow's eyes scanned the street, emerald pools watching children dart by, playing with a small ball, on the opposite side another group of girls dragging a ragged doll with them as they sought a place to play 'house'. It was one of the children from the former group who ran towards her. The mare beneath her wasn't spooked by the sudden appearance of the youth, although it did snort and paw at the earth, as if annoyed that he should dare approach them. Shadow turned her head towards the child as she gently soothed the mare, her lips parting to speak, when that child did something she hadn't expected: He yanked the hem of her cloak, tearing it from her body. It hadn't been fastened very tightly. She also hadn't expected someone to run up and pull it off of her, either. The material glided towards the street, lying there, exposing the young woman for all she was. Brunette hair fell to her shoulders in an uneven, layered cut. She had garbed herself in a navy shirt that cut off above her midriff and was slightly more ragged in appearance than the typical tunic; bracers that were laced to hold them in place covered the entirety of her forearms. Upon her back she carried her bastard sword, and around her waist were six daggers, each one sheathed, each one sharpened. Her attire, apart from that, hadn't changed much - a few added belts, shorter pants, and the boots that she had always favoured. If one looked closely they could see the rings on her finger, the most important being the one that denoted her as a deity. Whispers exploded in the streets. It didn't take a genius to realize what it was that fascinated the citizens, and their sudden backing away from her only confirmed the matter. Wheeling the greying mare around in a tihgt circle, Shadow's bright eyes turned to stare at each face in turn, her teeth gritting together. She had wanted to avoid this situation if at all possible. At least they haven't tried to kill me. Yet... she thought grimly. That, if nothing else, was a slight comfort. |
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| Razarod | Apr 21 2008, 08:29 PM Post #4 |
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King of Angkar
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As the goddess turns around, the townspeople all gasp, and back away more quickly as she makes eye contact. She isn’t left with long to intimidate them though, for the island’s monarch shows up roughly at the point. His footsteps slowly grow louder as he advances into the square. She looks quite different to him, as is expected. Six years will do that to a person. And as Razarod, the island’s ruler, is a very distinctive looking person, it is likely that she would recognize him as well, as much as he has changed. His hair still flows just past waist length, but locks which were once jet black are now navy blue. His dark green eyes have instead become lime green, and his face now bears a goatee. His ragged armor has been replaced with a more regal garb, yet his penchant for a red and black color scheme is as strong as it ever was. The sword tied at his waist is also something rather unique: It is entirely gold in color, and almost immediately after it begins, the blade forks out into giant steel V. Although he knows who she is immediately, his face shows no sign of recognizing her at all. The overly talkative and easy to read Galarod of the past is now silent, wearing a confident, enigmatic smirk on his face instead of the oft-confused look he once wore. He stands before her, watching her for nearly a full minute before he finally speaks with that all too familiar voice. “MidnightShadow…. I certainly wasn’t expecting to find the likes of you here in Ankgar. If you could come with me… it appears we have something to discuss… and it would be much easier for both of us to do this in private, I’m sure…” The townspeople appear more at ease now that their king is present. And it is easy to see why. He is a giant of a man, standing well over six feet high, and of a very powerful build. He stands before the Goddess of Water, not showing a single sign of fear, not displaying tension in the least. He maintains his strong image and his composure perfectly as he awaits her response, the silence in the square growing ever thicker, weighing down more as time bears on. The king is silent, and the townspeople dare not speak, at risk of interrupting this spectacle before them. |
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| MidnightShadow | May 1 2008, 03:01 PM Post #5 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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An unsettling calm seemed to fall over the people as Shadow did another rotation. As her horse came to another halt (snorting and pawing at the earth in an agitated manner while she was at it), Shadow's eyes settled on a man who was obviously different from the rest who had decided to approach her willingly. As she observed him silently there was a stirring in her memory - did she know him? He seemed vaguely familiar, as if she had met him before... Shadow shrugged it off. If she did, she would soon find out from where. He addressed her. Had she not been a Goddess, Shadow would have acknowledged the fact that she must have known him from somewhere, either from her recent or distant past. Be that as it may, however, she was one, and those who knew of her knew her full name as well. A slight smirk pressed itself onto her lips. It didn't take a genius to realize that this man was the apparent monarch of the free island. "Not many would. Of course... if I had wanted your island, I would not have come here in secret." At this she flashed a wicked grin, bright and devious emerald eyes glancing towards the people. A few staggered backwards. She was still a threat, even if their Lord was present. "Things to discuss? If it's about your island, I don't want it. I grow weary of my own domain, so I choose to travel. Of course, I've visited much of Soare and Esiria. I have not, however, visited Angkar." Naturally the shapeshifter was curious - who was this man, what things did he wish to discuss, and why had he taken such an interest in her? She dismounted from her mare, leading the older horse forward. She had had half a mind to ride the beast up into the palace, but she beat down that urge. Her feet reached the first of many steps before she turned around, reins still in hand. "If anybody dares approach my mare, I will not hesitate to smite you." Not that she expected anybody to do so anyway. She grinned again before she released the leather and turned towards the steps, scaling them with ease. |
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| Razarod | May 2 2008, 07:47 PM Post #6 |
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King of Angkar
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The lord of Ankgar watches her as she turns around to see that he has arrived on the scene. Yes, this is definitely her. But does she remember? He tries to read her expressions, to see whether or not she remembers. That puzzled look could go either way, but it probably means she’s at least getting an air of déjà vu. And that smirk... That could either mean that she’s figured it out, or that she’s trying to show that she’s confident and in control. Finally she has spoken. “I can tell your intentions aren’t a hostile takeover. Were that the case, as you say, you wouldn’t have come in secret. And I doubt you would have come alone.” He fights the urge to roll his eyes as she stops to flash the evil grin at the city-dwellers. It would appear she hasn’t changed, at least in that way... He listens as she reassures him that she isn’t after the island, but was simply traveling. “I thought as much, but I still have some things I wish to discuss with you. It’s not every day one gets such an opportunity, to speak with someone held in such esteem as yourself. How could I possibly pass this chance up?” He wonders if she’s figured it out yet, or if she is still puzzled. However, the goddess follows him to the palace stairs, so at least she’s willing to speak. He watches as she leaves the mare at the gates, and begins climbing the stairs. The walk is silent for the first several seconds, until all the guards are out of earshot. When he finally speaks, the authoritative tone has been dropped in favor of a somewhat more casual tone. “Sorry about that, Shadow… My name’s Razarod Evermore, and I’m the king of Ankgar now. We’ve met, a long time ago. It must be five or six years now…” |
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| MidnightShadow | May 4 2008, 08:45 PM Post #7 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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Now, whether Shadow would have come alone or not was debateable. The shapeshifter, having a little too much confidence in herself and being a tad too headstrong, felt she was entirely capable of taking over an island on her own. It was logic and rational reason, however, that would never allow her attempt such a thing. Shadow was also one who, when interested in accomplishing a goal, would go to great lengths to ensure that her plan, whatever it was, was as close to being flawless as possible in order to achieve a favourable end. If she wanted something, hell and high water would have to stop her before she backed down. "Heh. Esteem. Speak to some of the citizens of Soare or Esiria. They do not hold us in high esteem." She paused. "I'm also sure there will be others." She expected that other deities would, in time, visit Angkar and some - Raziel, to name one - would endeavour to conquer the place. Conquest was a form of power, and if there was something those of a darker nature yearned for, it was power. The two of them entered the palace shortly after the goddess had left her mare. Her eyes scanned the walls, the floor, the ceiling; they strayed to the guards that flanked them until there were no more. She walked in silence with the king, hardly caring for his status or what he stood for - and that wasn't the deity within her speaking, either. Had she been a lowly commoner and he her lord, she still would have spat at his feet and spoken impudently. And although she hardly knew who her mother was, she knew that that was exactly where that trait had come from. Her father had been passive and her mother... Well... Fiesty, to say the least. Shadow glanced towards Razarod as he introduced himself. The name rung no bells in her head. Yet he said they had met. Not during the Migration... That wasn't too long ago. Six years ago I was twelve and I was... No, she couldn't recall ever meeting a man named Razarod. "Really, now?" the fighter asked quietly, her fingers flicking to her daggers absently. She took comfort in touching her weapons; she would sooner have slept with them than without. "Unfortunately I have not met a Razarod, and although you do bear resemblance to someone I vaguely remember... No, I don't believe I know you. Or, if I did, I don't any longer." She kept her emerald gaze forward as she spoke, her eyes still absorbing her setting. That explains the feeling of familiarity... Yet, she still had no recollection. Then again, so many things had happened in the past three or four years that she could hardly be expected to. Although Razarod may have taken her to be the same person, she certainly wasn't. Not anymore, anyway. And he, clearly, wasn't either. |
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| Razarod | May 23 2008, 10:07 AM Post #8 |
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King of Angkar
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The young Goddess has told him there will be others… and he’s sure of it. As the largest free force, growing more powerful all the time, eventually someone will want to conquer it. Any ruler must know and accept this. What’s important is how you handle it. “I’m sure there will be others. And rest assured, I’ll be ready for them.” He detects the tension in the air as they enter the palace. He remembers that Shadow never had much of a respect for people in positions of authority. Obviously, age and being in a position of authority herself hasn’t done anything to change that. But people who don’t allow themselves to be walked over make the best leaders. “I thought you might not remember me. Of course, you definitely wouldn’t remember me under the name Razarod. I’m not who I was back then. Or I am, but I’m someone else too… hard to explain.” Since then, he has merged bodies and souls with another person. Raziel, master strategist and wizard, became a subservient part of who was once Galarod Evermore, rather than to die. And he has contributed intelligence, a cooler demeanor, magical aptitude, and a rather shocking shade of blue to his hair. “If you remember me at all, you’d remember me as Galarod. Oh, and you’d remember Kenna, I would think. She’s doing fine. Neither of us are Messengers anymore. They decided that I was… tainted… and she gave it up rather abandon me. Something I’m thankful for every day… I’d let you see her, but she’s going to be out for quite a while. Off doing dignitary things….” He says that last sentence with a tone of exasperation to his voice, as though he didn’t enjoy these dignitary things he speaks of. “I’m sure you know what I mean. The power to make a difference is great. And it’s nice to be respected. But… sometimes being treated as a symbol feels a bit….” He trails off, unsure exactly how to describe how it feels. The king notices the young woman’s fingers still on her weapons. “You can relax. If I planned on hurting you I would have just started an epic showdown out in the square. A method I think you’d be rather partial to.” His face, however, retains the confident look it held in the square, but a bit less enigmatic now, no longer interested in hiding anything. Perhaps he’s still as confident as he always was. |
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| MidnightShadow | May 23 2008, 03:14 PM Post #9 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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"So you say. I'd like to see you face a deity - might be rather amusing. I assure you we're not all pushovers." Whether she was referring to herself or the gentler deities who ruled over Esiria and Soare wasn't known. Granted, some had fallen since the time of their intial arrival to the New World, but most were still there, and not all were blood-thirsty and interested only in themselves. When he revealed his name to her, Shadow's pace slowed, her eyebrows knotted as she stared hard at him. She did, in fact, come to a complete stop and stared at his slow, retreating figure with a certain amount of consternation. "Galarod...?" The name was a whisper, nothing more. She hadn't known him particularly well, but enough that his name brought forth a surge of memories - of people, of places, and of events that had long since passed and that had, in some way, affected her some time ago. Shadow jogged to catch up, coming to walk in step with him once again. She was silent as she listened to him discuss Kenna, missed the way he treated and thought of these 'dignitary' meetings. What did she care? Although she was an ambassador for her Kingdom, meetings bored her nearly to tears and it was all anyone could do to keep her from fidgeting restlessly. She had known Kenna slightly better than she had Galarod, but she couldn't recall him ever being a Messenger. Or perhaps I simply didn't pay enough attention... Those last few months are all still a blur. "You learn to ignore those who treat you differently, or who want to idolize you; you learn to be who you are rather than something you're not. At least, I did. People can hail me as their Goddess and bow before me, but at the end of the day, I'll still just be Shadow." She smiled, although it was only slight. "It's a habit... If I'd thought you'd hurt me, I probably would have stabbed you first. Better to be safe than sorry." At this the shapeshift grinned wide. Her thoughts turned from herself to him as she glanced in his general direction again. "What's with the name change? And the change in hair colour? Felt like being somebody else for a change?" Shadow couldn't quite remember what he looked like exactly, but she knew there had been numerous changes, however small. |
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| Razarod | May 28 2008, 12:07 PM Post #10 |
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King of Angkar
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He laughs as she mentions how interesting it would be to see him face a diety.The two of them had crossed swords in the past once, although he was not in control of himself at the time. Since he is still alive and well today, he obviously handled himself quite well. But he decides not to bring this up. "Luckily, this position does still allow me to be who I am. You never knew this, but this is where I was originally from. Born and raised in Ankgar. Back when every town was completely autonomous. Most of them weren't faring well, so my family left to find a better life somewhere. Anyway, to make a long story somewhat less long... I returned here several years ago, and decided to clean up the place, make it a respectable and thriving land. Admittedly I kinda took over the place... But I've put a lot of work into it. What was once assorted hut villages and slums have become thriving cities. It's not perfect yet, and not everybody likes what I've done, but... I think I'm doing some good." He laughs as she remarks on her habit of holding her weapons, and stabbing him before he causes trouble. "In some ways you've changed a lot. But in others.... you're exactly how I remember you." Then she asks about the name change. He figured this would come eventually. People don't often transform into entirely different people without someone raising a question or two. "To tell you about how I became Razarod... I'd have to tell you about Raziel. And about the Alma Kinan village. Small place off in the woods back on Katimos. I was staying there for a while when it was raided by a gang of bandits. More like a small army, really. Once they got their sights on somewhere, they weren't deterred easily. Anyway, Raziel. He was a brilliant man, very skilled wizard. Friend of the village elder. He was gravely injured during one of the battles. But rather than die naturally, he asked me to allow his soul, his thoughts, his memories, to fuse with my own. I accepted. Nearly all of his knowledge, talents, part of his personality, became my own. So I changed my name since I was now two people. I felt like I didn't have a choice on whether or not to change it, really... As for the hair color, his was bright blue. Part of his appearance became mixed in with mine as well." He stops for a second after finishing his story. "So now you know what I meant when I said that I was still myself, but someone else as well. Far more literal than I imagine you expected it to be." He sighs, the memories of those times coming back and hitting him. "That's why I'm no longer a Messenger. They considered me tainted because of Raziel." He turns to look at the young woman beside him. "You can't deny you've changed a lot as well. What have you been doing these past years?" |
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| MidnightShadow | May 30 2008, 02:43 PM Post #11 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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She mulled over what he had said, running it all through her head. It was almost hard to believe that he could still be who he was, being the King of an apparently successful island and, in her past, having been what she might have called a psychotic man with one hell of a sword - And an ego, she thought, hiding a very slight grin. I'm not sure how much you've changed - you still strike me a little on the arrogant side, but then... Aren't we all? She kept her thoughts to herself. "You can't please everyone." That was certainly the truth. No matter what choices one made, whether they were for an entire nation or for a group of friends, not everyone was happy. Ever. And with an entire nation... Well, given that there were so many varying political views and so many thoughts and feelings on an innumerable number of issues, it was damn near impossible to get everyone to agree. Usually you had to choose the road that would give the overall place the most success, or the road that followed the majority's whims. And, on the whole, nobody seemed to be able to agree on what those roads entailed. "Why would he choose you to fuse with?" Hadn't Galarod had more physical prowess as opposed to magical? Why merge physical with magical when it would be far more beneficial to merge magical with magical? She couldn't remember - it'd been far too long since she'd last seen him. "I suppose it's reason enough to change one's name, even if the old man's long gone." The fact that the Messengers had thought him tainted - and no, she knew very little about the group, only that they were very Holy - made her wonder exactly what kind of wizard this Raziel had been. Only Darker magic was considered impure, to her knowledge. Unless the Messengers had had some warped view about magic in all its entirety. Which, I suppose, is entirely possible... Years. Yes, it had been years. Many years. "Where do I start?" At this Shadow laughed softly, her eyes searching the floor, the walls, the ceiling overhead. "I suppose what I've always done: wandered. Was almost killed by a past lunatic lover. Married at fourteen. Ascended at thirteen. Watched a planet on the verge of imploding. Founded my own niche here. I suppose that really is everything... In a nutshell. I'm a restless person - can't stay in one place for too long or I grow bored." The details, the ones that had never really mattered, had been long forgotten. What she had said, however, had been the highlights, so to speak. Until something else came along to disturb the peace, which she would add to that growing list of the 'Things I've Done/Witnessed in My Life'. |
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| Razarod | Jun 8 2008, 08:23 PM Post #12 |
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King of Angkar
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The lord of Ankgar notices the goddess looking rather thoughtful, as well as a somewhat odd expression... Is that a smile? If it is, she's hiding it really well. He remains silent as she tells him how you can never please everyone, only giving a knowing nod. "Why would he have fused with me? I actually asked him the same exact question. What he wanted was not the person who could necessarily use his powers the best, but the person who was willing to actually put them to use. In that small and rather peaceful village, he was about the only person with above average combat ability, of any sort. Even the best mages there practiced healing magic almost exclusively. I, on the other hand, have no qualms with causing an explosion or two if need be." Razarod listens as Shadow regales the rather condensed tale of the last six years of her life. "Wow, you've certainly been through a lot. Already knew about your ascension. Congratulations, by the way." He smirks, knowing the rather aloof response that is likely to provoke. "We keep up with that sort of thing quite well here. As you could see from the peoples' reaction to your presence outside. Speaking of which, aren't you a lot more comfortable in here than out there with them?" It would honestly be hard not to be more comfortable in here. Now that they have climbed the first interior staircase, they are in a grand room, a circular floor with hallways and staircases branching out in various directions. The interior is make up of a lot of dark woodwoorking, and the carpets and walls are mostly crimson, with some burnt orange and a splash of yellow. There are golden light fixtures, the crystals upon them reflecting and refracting the light about the large room. "Let's get out of this entryway though, come with me." He leads Shadow to a room through a hallway to his right, and through a large dark wooden door, into what resembles a small study with two large soft chairs. The scheme of the room is similar to the entryway they were previously in. |
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| MidnightShadow | Jun 12 2008, 07:12 PM Post #13 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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"I suppose that makes sense." She said it in such a way that one could wonder if she was being sarcastic, or if she were serious. In reality she was being serious - it did make sense, as far as magical capabilities and the nature of said magic were concerned - but he could decide that for himself. In many ways Shadow was something of an imp, devious and mischievous mixed with a sense of duty, solemnity, and righteousness. She waved aside his congratulations. "I've come to realize I never really cared for the place in society it gave me, nor all of the 'luxuries' it brought with it. But, being young and naive helps push decisions along, whether or not you know they'll prove to be good or bad in the long run." Looking back, becoming a deity was the farthest thing from what she had ever wanted. She had liked being mortal, had rather enjoyed the life she had led before she'd strayed from the path down this one. She didn't mind the burdens and the duties that had come with godhood, but she had found life to be just that much more pleasant before her ascension. She was bound to this life now, however, and, if she had to remain there to maintain the peace in her sector of the world, she would do so willingly. After all, she owed it to her people, if nothing else. "Of course you would keep up with it - those who came here during the Migration weren't native to this land, so in a sense we're foreigners. Most who ascended did not do so here, which only makes the situation all the more worse - in the eyes of both those who have been 'conquered' as they say, and those who haven't." She paused, but only to take a longer breath. "It wasn't uncomfortable out there. If anything, it was amusing. Your citizens, no matter how afraid, wouldn't attack me, even if they wanted to. The word 'deity' is a deterrent for those who would otherwise cause harm, even if it weren't true. But yes, it's nice here." Shadow's eyes scanned the large room that they had just entered, admiring the choice in colour, wood, and its overall appearance. For someone who had often struck her as being a little over-the-top, he certainly had done well with palace decor - provided, of course, that he had chosen it and not someone else. Perhaps Kenna did... she mused. The shapeshifter did have a hard time believing that Galarod - Razarod, she chided herself - could have decorated the interior, given his earlier choices in appearance. Unlike most, once they had entered the new room that looked much like the last one, Shadow didn't bother to wait for permission to sit. Instead, she casually threw herself into the nearest chair and leaned back into it, closing her emerald eyes for a moment before they fixed themselves on her companion once again. One may have attributed this blatant disregard for royalty as a sign that she thought herself better due to her status, but that wasn't the case. She simply did as she pleased, whether she was commoner or god. |
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| Razarod | Jul 20 2008, 10:12 PM Post #14 |
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King of Angkar
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"Of course it makes sense. Why give someone a gift that they aren't going to put to any real use? If I were to pass all of my abilities to someone, I'd want it to be someone who would put it to good use. I mean, if they aren't going to use it, is there a point?" However, this line of conversation is quickly cut short. There is a knock on the door and one of the guards comes in. He is a fairly large man by the standards of most people, but he still seems rather diminutive next to the king whom he is to protect. The man is dressed from head to toe in a suit of chain mail, which is decorated in the same colors which adorn much of the castle and its flags, signifying for certain that he is an agent of Razarod's guard. He carries a both a short sword and a crossbow He casts a nervous and surprised glance at the water goddess who is casually sitting in Razarod's chair. "Um... sir... I'm getting a lot of questions from... concerned citizens outside about...." He trails off here, not sure what to say, especially with the obvious reason for his concern sitting right there only a few feet from him. Razarod seems rather unconcerned by this intrusion, however, simply motioning for the man to come into the room. "You shouldn't worry so much. I'm entirely capable of handling myself for a little while. Oh, and, Shadow, this is.... Mikael. Mikael, Shadow." The guard's expression is one of absolute shock as his king introduces him so casually to one of the many elemental deities that the citizens of Ankgar fear. Not that he needed to be introduced to know who she was, the identities of these beings are something that nearly all of Ankgar's citizens are familiar with. Mikael is the next to speak up. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Shadow..." His expression isn't quite one of a person who is pleased, however, Not disgust or anger, either, but of fear, and disbelief. |
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| MidnightShadow | Jul 26 2008, 08:30 PM Post #15 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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Shadow could only arch an eyebrow at Razarod's seemingly random rant. Of course the fighter had only intended her statement to be rhetorical, something to say that was both witty and characteristic of her personality. Instead the shapeshifter had been landed with a rant by a man who apparently thought she had meant something by those words. If she had meant to point out his folly in responding, she wasn't quite given the chance, as her head swivelled towards the direction of the door as the King admitted another man, this one as terrified as the rest had been. "I really should just blow the roof off this place to see what happens," Shadow commented quietly, turning full-body in her chair so that she could grin at the man wickedly. "Only people who want their throats cut call me by my full name," she continued after Razarod had introduced them. "And I assure you, Shadow isn't my full name. The pleasure's all mine, really. I should know better than to scare innocent citizens who don't know how to defend themselves properly, nor how to properly gauge a threat when they see one." It was quite obvious that he was disconcerted by her presence. The thing was, he needn't be. Not only did she have no intention of harming him, but as her wandering spirit had begun to take hold, she could also feel a waning in her power. She had yet to tell anybody of it, but the more she pondered it, the more she suspected it was somehow linked to Alex. She had no proof of that, but with his disappearance, she had to wonder. "So what are they saying, exactly? That I'm a monster who's out to kill your king? Or is it something else, something better? I'd really love to know - people have been talking about me my entire life. After a while these sorts of things don't bother you, but interest you instead. And believe me: I'm interested." Shadow was grinning woflishly as she turned to face Razarod again. Her arms were folded over her chest and her legs were crossed. At that moment she looked every inch an imp, and if not for the fact that she was human, could easily have been confused for one. |
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| Razarod | Jul 28 2008, 10:19 AM Post #16 |
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King of Angkar
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The guard's look of confusion persists, perhaps even becomes stronger, as the goddess addresses him. When she says that nobody should ever say her full name, he jumps away from her, afraid of the impending attack. But that attack never comes. Then she clarifies. She is not at all what he expected her to act like... Not as serious as he'd expected. When he's finally able to speak again, his response is filled with stammering. "What... do you mean.... gauge a threat when they see one?" Mikael then takes a step back as she asks what they're saying about her. Does he dare repeat it? What will she do when she hears it? "They... They're saying that one of you has finally come for us. And.... they're wondering which one of you is going to walk out of here..." Razarod simply sits back for this whole exchange, his face showing little surprise. This is something Shadow would do, that's for sure. He can't help but laugh a little when Mikael relays to them what the people are wondering. What they are thinking couldn't be further from the truth. And their assumption that the two of them are inside her right now battling to the death... Mikael looks even more disconcerted, with Shadow's mischievous grin and Razarod's now-nervous laughter the only response so far to his words. How could the two of them be so calm in such a situation? Of course, Razarod's laughter is nervous not because he is afraid of Shadow's presence, like Mikael, but because she is, and always has been, quite unpredictable. There's no way of telling what she'll do now. |
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| MidnightShadow | Jul 29 2008, 04:26 PM Post #17 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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((I assumed there was a desk in the room. If not, I can fix my post.)) "What does it sound like I mean?" she asked, glancing at the guard again. Her expression was quite serious now, although it wasn't apparently obvious as to whether it was just a facade or not. "I am a threat, you know. Whether you'd like to believe it or not, I could probably kill you, armour and all. And not simply because of what I am. How skilled are you in the art of combat?" Shadow's arrogance was beginning to shine through, that devil-may-care sort of attitude coming to the forefront. Now, she didn't know if she actually could take him on or not, but she figured she could - at least, with her daggers. "One of us has finally come for you? They think I'm here to usurp an island? Bah, your people know nothing of the main continents, do they?" This last question was directed at Razarod as she stared at him pointedly. If his people had ever been educated, and she doubted it had been well, they certainly weren't showing it. Maybe they were just too nervous or scared to remember their teachings? Either way, they were throwing her into that group of people bent on the destructions of others. That simply would not do. "I'm one of the last people who would try to conquer an island. If I don't much care for my own place, why would I want someone else's? Pfft, you're all either like chickens, or like sheep - I haven't decided which yet." Shadow stood then, glancing back at Mikael before she set her sights on Razarod. The king's nervous laughter puzzled her, yet she didn't touch on it in conversation. Instead she strode towards him, her fingers toying with the hilts of her daggers. "I wonder who would walk out of here alive. If I were... to denounce my power-" her fingers lifted to toy with the one ring around her finger, the one with the sapphire "-who do you suppose would walk out alive? You? Or me?" She paused. "I would like to say me, but you have power and strength and wisdom on your side - I have naught but speed." And was speed such a bad thing? Speed meant that assaults were typically weaker and less fatal, but it also meant wearing out an opponent, thereby opening that opportunity to make the fatal blow. Still, she doubted that she would be victorious against Razarod. With or without magic to aid her, only the power she had inherited with her ascension would be enough to actually overpower Razarod. Shadow pulled the ring from her finger. Holding it up, the sapphire - blue, this time - shimmered beneath the torchlight. "You realize that if I were to lay this on the desk, I would be mortal? Every ounce of power would be gone, every single shred. And I would no longer be a god." In her mind it seemed unwise to admit this to someone like Mikael, but it didn't matter - she had no intention of allowing the guard to wrest the item from her hands, and if he did, he'd be smarting the next morning. The fighter glanced towards him, now standing beside Razarod, the tiny ring held between thumb and forefinger. Her emerald eyes seemed to dare the man to come take it from her. |
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| Razarod | Jul 30 2008, 10:11 AM Post #18 |
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King of Angkar
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Mikael's eyes widen as the goddess's expression hardens. As strange as it was to see the water goddess taking this all like a joke, he liked that version of her better. This more serious and more overtly threatening version of Shadow is exactly what the people are so afraid of. "Skilled enough to...." But what exactly he believes he is skilled enough to do, Shadow will never hear him say. The words stick in the man's throat, the courage to speak boldly in the face of one of the few beings he was taught to fear at a young age can not come to him. Razarod smirks a bit at her comments about the people's assumptions, that she is here to usurp the island. "They certainly don't... I've been trying to tell them that there are more threats out there than the Elenlond dieties for the last five years." His turn in the hot seat comes soon enough, as she turns her attention more directly toward him. Her threats don't have as much of an effect on the king, however. He knows perfectly well that she isn't going to actually carry through her threatening mannerisms. She may be crazy, but... certainly not stupid. A smirk spreads over his face as she brings up the question of who would make it out alive. Shadow and Razarod fought once in the past, when he was still Galarod. While few injuries were incurred, it became clear that both are excellent warriors, and that neither is to be crossed lightly. Using magic, she could probably win. But in a straight swordfight, Razarod would have the upper hand. He's sure she knows this as well, but decides to just continue smirking and gives a non-committal shrug of his shoulders. Mikael eyes the ring in the young woman's hand from across the room. Just a few steps and a quick grab, and she would no longer be a threat to their kingdom... unless she's telling the truth, and she's not really a threat to the kingdom right now anyway. Razarod certainly doesn't seem very concerned... Besides, she probably could take him, goddess or not. Just like she's said before. It's no use even trying. So Mikael takes a deep breath before finally finding the strength to speak again. "I'll go tell everyone that everything's fine... I'll just... take my leave of you now..." With that, he turns and exits the room, headed back outside where the masses await his report. |
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| MidnightShadow | Aug 2 2008, 10:03 PM Post #19 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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Much awkwardness ensued, most of it on the part of Mikael's. Shadow watched him steadily until he finally decided he would take his leave, choosing to tell the people the truth, as opposed to exaggerating what the people already thought - at least, that's what he claimed. After Mikael had departed the chamber, Shadow glanced towards Razarod, sliding the ring back onto her finger. The sapphire pulsed gently as it connected fully to her power. If anything, it seemed to magnify her magic rather than add to it. "If you'll excuse me a moment, there's something I would like to do." Shadow flashed Razarod a mischievous smile and before he could stop her - or even answer, for that matter - she had taken off to follow after Mikael. Once she was outside of the room and was certain that the guard wouldn't see her, she tapped into the power passed down to her by her father and transformed. Flesh became coated in fur, ears became furry, a tail sprouted from her tailbone, and in a matter of moments the fighter had become a black-spotted leopard. Sharp claws clacked against the marble floor. When Mikael's scent flared in her nostrils, she slowed until her paws pressed against the floor silently. She slunk after him, her tail flicking. The man burst out of the front of the palace and, behind him, a feline. She approached the half-closed doors cautiously. As light filtered across her face, she finally decided to slip between the gap, coming to sit right beside the guard. Her tail continued to flick. The man, fervently endeavouring to calm the people as he explained that their 'guest' was just that, a guest, gradually trailed off as his eyes scanned the faces of those congregated at the foot of the steps of the palace. Slowly his eyes shifted from the peoples' frightened ones to the wildcat at his feet. Startled, Mikael shrieked and leapt back, fumbling for the weapon that was strapped to his hip. He didn't manage to pull it free as she peered up at him, an almost bemused smile upon her feline features. He continued to stutter incoherently as the people took several steps back. If there was anything particularly intriguing about her, it was the fact that she still possessed her vivacious emerald eyes. As if to startle Mikael further, her voice erupted in his mind. He flinched, his hands snapping from his weapon to his ears. The people below were absolutely silent, frozen in fear. Afraid of me, still? After the kind words that I said to you just a few moments ago? This has nothing to do with my power; it's an innate ability, given to me by my father. If you really want to impress these people, you'll come pet the kitty's head. Her voice sounded almost like a purr in his mind. The guard slowly lowered his arms, realizing that no harm had come to him from the mind-voice. Slowly, warily, he approached her. When he was close enough, he reached out and managed to touch her head briefly before he leapt back, twitching violently, his face contorted with fear. A quiet gasp emitted from the crowd. Had Shadow been human, she would have been grinning from ear-to-ear. She purred loudly as she turned and sauntered away. Mikael watched her, dumbstruck. Once Shadow was within the main hall, she transformed, becoming human once again. She hardly expected Razarod to remain in the room while she simply disappeared for a time. For that reason, she walked quickly, but not so quickly that she was obviously trying to get back before she was missed. If anything, Shadow half-expected Razarod to stalk her as she had stalked Mikael. She watched with amused, dancing eyes, glancing up and down the corridor, looking for the king. If she didn't run into him, she would certainly find him back at the room. Which was... Shadow paused. Good question. She didn't even recognize where she was anymore. Where was the room? |
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| Razarod | Sep 4 2008, 08:44 PM Post #20 |
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King of Angkar
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The people all remained reeled back in shock and horror as the giant cat returns into the castle. But now their previous burning question has been replaced with another: Where did this huge cat come from? And for that matter, why is a large predatory feline roaming the castle grounds and behaving so oddly? Of course, within seconds, come the waves of voices asking what that was all about. While Mikael racks his brains about how to answer their questions, Shadow is surrounded mostly by emptiness in the castle's hall. There are two guards, each to one side of the door, but other than watching her intently, they are completely silent and utterly motionless, simply standing at attention and keeping their hands near their weapons, as has been the case every time Shadow has been around them. A fourth person enters the hall though, standing out quite a bit from the two guards. He stands over six feet tall and looks solidly built. He has a well-trimmed mustache and a shaved head, but wears the simple brown robes of the castle's staff. He comes from the hallway to behind Shadow, barely slowing down as he walks by her, saying "You should run around here looking like that, miss. People might think you're up to no good..." and proceeds to continue walking. |
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| MidnightShadow | Sep 7 2008, 09:28 PM Post #21 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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Shadow arched an eyebrow as the man walked by. She hadn't been standing there for long - less than a minute, for certain, as she hadn't had much time to decide whether she wanted to prowl up and down the corridors or not. Glancing towards the man who had walked by her, she dashed after him, streaking by, before she slowed and turned, walking backwards with a mischievous smile twitching on her lips. She may have been eighteen, but that didn't mean she couldn't retain her impishness from her earlier years. "They already do. And what if I am? You don't know who I am, do you?" Shadow cocked her head to the side as she surveyed him, looking almost mock wary. "Forget I said that," she said after another pause. "Who're you? Mischief's my middle name, in case you didn't know. And besides, even if it weren't, the people still think I'm up to no good anyway. They must all be psychic..." She frowned. It was clear by the way she spoke, her tone of voice, and the wicked grin that had plastered itself to her lips that she was only partially serious. Shadow continued to follow him down the hall backwards. She was almost surprised that he hadn't commented on her arsenal of weaponry or the fact that she could be easily mistaken for one out to kill the King, someone who was far more interested in money or dastardly deeds than in morals. Let's see how far I can push him before he reacts... The smile upon her face became one of mock innocence. |
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| Razarod | Sep 22 2008, 09:01 PM Post #22 |
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King of Angkar
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The man raises an eyebrow as the young woman follows him down the corridor. Or, precedes him, more like it. "Oh, really? Mischief's your name? I would have sworn it was something Shadow..." Balthazar, not being native to Ankgar, or any area where Shadow was worshiped, would not actually recognize her. However, he was in the castle when that huge commotion outside occurred when a small boy tore her cloak off. And by now, every soul in Ildri knows of Shadow's presence in the castle, and exactly what she looks like. "And it's no wonder people know you're up to no good, running around looking like that. Barely dressed, armed to the teeth, and wearing that... grin...." Balthazar stops walking and leans against the wall casually. "So what are you planning to do with all that? I'd guess that you were around to do a little king-killing, but you seem to have already had several chances, so that can't be it.... Oh! I know! You're here for me, aren't you?" Balthazar's manner of speaking reveals that, of course, he is anything but serious. "You've come for old Balthazar... Those blathering idiots in the town square had it all wrong..." Balthazar bursts out laughing at this point, so highly entertained by his own sarcasm that he can no longer contain it. |
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| MidnightShadow | Sep 27 2008, 08:34 PM Post #23 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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"MidnightShadow. But I don't go by my full name - why bother? It's long and only indicative of my past, which, fortunately for you, you don't know." She arched an eyebrow at him. "Barely dressed? I'm far more dressed than the harlots who walk these city streets." Shadow glanced down at herself. Was she under-dressed? She certainly didn't think so. The cloak, of course, was gone now, but it wasn't as though her breasts were practically hanging from small strips of cloth covering them, or that all she wore was a skimpy loincloth that hardly covered her crotch, let alone her thighs and legs. No, indeed, she was dressed finely, in her light blue breeches and navy tunic. While the tunic did not cover her abdomen or her arms, it still kept most of her figure hidden. Besides, she doubted one would be looking at her midriff anyway - not with eight daggers at her hips and a sword strapped to her back. She could forgive him for the comment on her grin - of course people would feel wary around that, given it was your stereotypical devil-may-care grin. "Maybe I'm just waiting for the opportune moment? When the hype's died down and people aren't keeping me under careful scrutiny? Once people think you're trustworthy and could never ever fathom you killing the one they grovel at, it becomes quite an easy task. That, and if I really wanted to, I think I could probably blow Razarod to bits. I do believe that I'm a tad more magically inclined than he is." A low chuckle tumbled from her throat. She had paused with him and now that he was leaning agaisnt the wall, she drew her daggers. Two flicked into her hand as she swept towards him, shoulders hunched, blades shimmering in the dim torchlight. Although she had to stand on her toes, it didn't make her seem any less intimidating as she approached, until she was standing directly in front of him, weapons raised. Shadow slid one against his throat, her emerald eyes glimmering wickedly. "But of course, you are indeed correct. If I want to get to the king, I might as well take out his advisors and staff before I do him in too. The more bloodshed, the better." She pressed the blade against his flesh, the sadistic grin returning. Old or not, she liked to take things to the extreme, to make others uncomfortable. The sharp blade drew a trickle of blood from the old man's neck. How long would his amusement last now? |
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| Razarod | Oct 7 2008, 11:51 AM Post #24 |
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King of Angkar
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Balthazar freezes as the dagger is pressed against his neck. His skin gathers into goosebumps as the cold steel touches him. If she kills anyone in the castle, she'll have all of Ankgar upon her... Surely she isn't crazy enough to actually try that? Then again, she was crazy enough to go this far.... Not that it would offend him terribly if she were to kill Razarod. Part of his job here is actually to set up a plot to assassinate the king and queen, among gathering information and stealing privileged documents. Of course, he had not been planning on having any daggers to his throat before this happened. Nor had he expected to run into any goddesses. But here one is, with her knife touching the flesh of his neck right now. The spy works hard to not make a sound or show any reaction as she blade pierces is skin and a few drops of blood trickle out. He looks for a reply to her taunting words, but is able to find nothing. Luckily, he doesn't have to, however. There is the sound of footsteps from around the corner, and as Shadow's arms relax and the steel blades move away from his throat, Balthazar darts away and disappears down the nearest side corridor. It is none other than Razarod himself who comes around the corner, greeting by the sight of Shadow facing a wall, daggers drawn, apparently threatening some sort of invisible opponent. The king raises an eyebrow in confusion at Shadow's actions, asking the obvious question. "What are you doing way over here? Forget that... what the hell are you doing, period?" |
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| MidnightShadow | Nov 2 2008, 09:35 PM Post #25 |
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If she were warm and fuzzy she'd be a kitten
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It wasn't clear whether Shadow was withdrawing the blades because she had lost interest in her little game, or if it was becasue of the footsteps that were now carrying down the hallway. In any case, the blade slid away and a moment later the man had suddenly vanished, darting out of her grasp like some scared, little animal. Shadow arched an eyebrow, her blade still hovering in the air, the few droplets of blood that had touched it still tainting its surface. For a moment she was perplexed. It quickly faded away as she glanced over her shoulder to see Razarod. She grinned sheepishly. The daggers spun back as she wiped the bloody one on the leg of her breeches. Both were easily sheathed as she turned to face the king of Angkar. "I got lost - couldn't find my way around your massive stone building so I decided to wander a bit. I ran into someone, decided to toy with this man. He fled as soon as he heard you. He mustn't like his king very much, if he's running from the very man he's submit himself to. Shame. I would have liked to have toyed with him for a little longer, to see him crack. He was starting to, though." Shadow was either talking to herself, to Razarod, or both, although it seemed that she was doing a combination of both - half musing to herself, half answering Razarod's question. In any case, it did give the king a vague indication of what she was up to: what she was, in fact, always up to. Mischief. "Sorry," she continued casually, waving her hand as if to dismiss the entire ordeal as nothing. "I just find it highly amusing that all of your subjects are so... tense while I'm around. Whatever shall they do when I leave? Rejoice? They'll have to. Or else blame me for any mishaps and petition you to send a force over to Soare to bring me down. Too bad I'd end up blowing you out of the water. Literally." The shifter's grin had become large and mischievous again as she strode past Razarod, her head held high. She walked briskly down the hall, paused, and glanced back at him. "If you don't hurry I might get lost again and who knows what that will lead to. Unless, of course, that'd what you want..." She smiled slyly. |
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