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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: |
| Garden of Good and Evil; for Alyssa | |
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| Topic Started: Sep 26 2009, 03:07 PM (119 Views) | |
| Andromalius | Sep 26 2009, 03:07 PM Post #1 |
King of the Sexy Guys
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Dusk's streams of fiery orange and gold darted through the flourishing, leafy canopy. The air was crisp and temperate with a light breeze, the kind of amazing weather you only get a few times in a year. Overhead, puffy cumulo-nimbus clouds stirred, leaving a great hole in the sky from which the heavens could be seen. The moon was just waking up. Three men on horseback galloped down a beaten path with urgency. The trees here were enormous and ancient, each spaced adequately from one another to be able to fit whole carriages. It could have been a sacred place, or a lost portion of the forest that few have visited, for it seemed virtually untouched. Mold had been growing on this bark for centuries. Everything was green, cast in the golden light of the fading sun. The middle horse, and its carrier, slowed to a stop at the foot of one of the colossal trees, followed by the others. "Dismount and set camp for the night. No big fires." A pair of hollow, black eyes shifted through the environment. Soon, all of this would be gone, and when he parted from this world, it would all begin again. He'd taken two men with him, Morrim royal soldiers with specialty in secret operations, to visit Soto one last time before it was annhilated. Its scenary was almost a shame to demolish. The soldiers had dismounted, leashed their steeds, and had begun to unpack what would soon be tents. A single lantern was lit for light and set in the center of the encampment. It had taken no time for the mage to leave his horse, finding a giant beast between his legs to be somewhat unsettling. It had been necessary to stay within a group when entering an enemy nation, and that had meant horses. Already, the ancient vegetation was quivering at the presence of living death in the forest. The grass would use the breeze to bend away from his feet, and the great boughs would moan. He heard them, understood them, and smiled a bit at himself for a job well done with regaining his powers swiftly. The twitter of birds had begun to die away, and in doing so, he could hear the rustling of a creature not far away. Quietly, patiently, Andromalius followed, coming to rest against the trunk of a tree, flat against his back. Peering just beyond the other side, he could see a young buck sniffing at the ground. The creature had no time to register its death as a beam of violet shot through his neck. From the growing shadows of the forest, a dark elemental formed and approached the animal only to begin dragging it back to the encampment. There, dinner was accounted for for the soldiers. |
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| Kiki | Sep 26 2009, 04:14 PM Post #2 |
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What a day it had been, thought Alyssa as she walked through Erth'netora Forest. A forest she was quite accustomed to, having travelled its paths many times after leaving her parent's fiefdom. It felt almost like home, she felt welcomed by all the flora and fauna within, never having anything to fear. The various resident spirits that resided in the forest were kind to her as well, partly because she had family from their plane of existence, they would say a polite "Hello" in their faint whisper-like voices as they passed her by. Normally by the end of the day Alyssa would be found running amongst the wood nymphs who would be preparing for whatever celebration they were going to have that night. However Alyssa was not in the mood for conversing with anyone or anything for that matter. She wearily recalled the very long and one-sided conversation she had shared with a clover that enjoyed to gossip. She now knew: that a white chrysanthemum that grew in the shade of an oak tree had fallen in love with a dandelion, that a yellow rose bush had ceased to grow any thorns on its branches, that a violet's roots were hogging the soil space and most importantly that the clover's son looked like it was going to be growing into a four leaf clover. How one small clover could talk so much about pretty much everything she did not know, nor would she ever consider asking the clover to find out. Most of the day hadn't been terrible though, she had received news from a friend of her grandmother, Gardenia, that everyone at the castle was fine. She, was pleased to hear that, for word of Andromalius was beginning to reach the untouched haven of her home. She hoped that when the time came, her father wouldn't decide to side with a person who many claimed was a creature from hell, however knowing him, he would put the safety of his people before his own personal opinion. She wasn't sure if she would return home if that were to happen, the seclusion of the forest would perhaps suit her better if that were the case. Alyssa looked up at the sky, a fierce orange, the moon would soon come out to claim its reign as ruler of the night. She stretched, her feet failing to make a sound with each of her footsteps. The time would come for her to turn in for the night, and then continue her aimless journey across the land. She checked her bag, yes, everything was there, perhaps tomorrow she would grind some of her herbs up to sell in Madrid. She froze like an alerted deer, about to spring. A sensation of dread, and evil lingered within the air. It was a strong sense, as if she could swing her hand through the air and get some of it onto her hands. Her eyes fell upon the ground, hoof marks, here? Barely anyone knew of this section of the forest, and the tales of the spirits usually discouraged anyone from travelling through. Could they be lost, or were their intentions laced with malice. "Excuse me" she said to an oak tree that quivered despite a lack of wind. "Have you seen anyone ride pass here?" "Yes" replied the tree, its voice crackled with age and fear. "Two men travel willingly with death" "With death?!" exclaimed Alyssa, she was not fond of necromancers. Especially those which toyed with death as if it were theirs alone to play with, bringing about plague, or famine. She shuddered. "The death you see is another" stated the tree. She hated it when some of the more spiritual plants managed to read her mind without her permission, her grandmother said it was due to a lack of control on her own part "A man of immense power, twisted between the threads of life and death" Immense power was usually a bad thing when mentioned with death. Would it by wise for her to follow one so powerful? She knew it wasn't but to leave someone like that in the forest was never a good idea. Drawing upon adrenaline fueled strength she ran parallel to the hoof impressions into the ground, the sky growing darker as the sun set. The sense of death continually grew stronger as she got closer to its source, the very trees and plants seemed to quiver in its wake. Then she spotted the campsite, two men working and three horses could be seen. It was clear that the source of evil was not emanating from them, the third party must have left to go elsewhere. It was quiet, the normal sounds of nature could not be heard, it was very unnerving to Alyssa, who climbed the nearest tree which provided a perfect view of the camp. She drew her hood over her head, allowing her to blend into the foliage of the tree. Then she heard it, the sound of dragging. Could that be? No, why? The ghostly white skin and hair of which everyone was talking about. Andromalius the wicked. What was he doing here? Assimilating her presence with the nature around herself, providing a sense of unity and strength she mustered up the courage to speak. "Master Andromalius" she spoke respectfully "Welcome to the beauty that is nature" |
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| Andromalius | Sep 26 2009, 10:52 PM Post #3 |
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King of the Sexy Guys
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Bored, he watched the elemental carry his kill to set it next to the lantern mid-camp. The soldiers glanced up and nodded in thanks. They knew he had no need to eat. It had been an act of selflessness, confusing indeed to those that may think him unable to perform such an act. The winding tunnels of the Banshee's mind was far too intricate to make sense of sometimes. "Don't stray too far, M'lord," one of the men spoke up across the wilderness, able to see their master just in the distance. "Indeed," Andromalius replied. "Otherwise, what would be the point of you coming?" A subtle grin graced his features as he folded his arms across his chest and turned his attention back to the forest, which grew darker by the second. Only a moment passed before a voice, carried by the wind like falling leaves, made its appearance. It was female, and sweet. Judging by the fact that the voice could be heard in a great many directions, he tossed it up to be a forest spirit, or perhaps just a very very stealthy wanderer. His brows raised a bit in surprise. "What a cordial greeting!" he responded, showing his appreciation with a wide, reptilian grin. "I think that may be the most civil introduction anybody has given me in the last hundred years." His tone and pitch were casual. If she could cast her voice out anywhere, surely she would be in a position to hear his replies. The mage wandered closer to the camp as his shoulders shrugged off the cloak he'd been wearing, instead using a low-hanging branch to sling it upon. Beneath, his outfit was comprised of black, save the imagery of a tribal serpent, his crest, painted in white on the back of his sleeveless cotton shirt. His matching pants were held by a thick belt of black dragon skin, as were his shin-high boots, tied all the way up. Fingerless gloves, the same simple fabric but frayed at the edges, reached up past his elbows. A string of leather was tied around his left bicep, talons painted a gleaming ebony, and his hair was tied back into a high tail. "Why don't you come out so that we may introduce ourselves properly?" The same intense, dark eyes shifted about himself once more, expecting her to come from any corner. |
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| Kiki | Sep 27 2009, 01:48 PM Post #4 |
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Andromalius invited her into his presence, she shuddered. Alyssa had hoped that he would prefer the distance between them. She did not like the thought of being so near the source of the overwhelming sense of evil that surrounded the man. The very trees themselves leaned away from his presence wishing they could freely take up their roots and run away from the man. She sighed. There was nothing she could do without insulting Adromalius by rejecting his offer, she would not give him a reason to hate her, at least not yet. "Do you not see the elemental of darkness?" Alyssa nearly jumped out of the tree in fright; the voice had spoken directly beside her in a casual manner. A female figure shimmered beside her on the branch, a playful smile on her face. Her eyes were pink, her hair, long and brown with leaves throughout it, her skin had a pale greenish tone to it. Oak leaves scantily covered her chest and her lower waist concealing her modesty. It was clear to Alyssa that this person was a wood nymph, spirits of the forest she was well acquainted. "Yes" replied Alyssa after composing herself from her shock. “Then why are you going to meet a man who controls a being of darkness?” asked the nymph. “Just because someone controls darkness it does mean they’re pure evil.” Stated Alyssa plainly, though she believed it to be true she knew that people on paths of goodness tend to avoid dark magic, it was a very stretch. It was as clear as day that Andromalius was not one who walked on these paths. “Riiiiight” said the nymph sarcastically “Well I suppose it’s safe as long as we’re here” she pointed directly up, and Alyssa followed her finger, leading her gaze to the upper branches. Eyes of various colours stared down at her and at the camp, a troupe of wood nymphs, barely visible as they kept their mortal forms intertwined with nature. “You’re an anomaly, sister of wood” stated the nymph “We don’t want you to get hurt” she smiled with her hand out “I’m Zarai” Alyssa had not even noticed when the troupe had arrived, how had they gotten there without her even sensing their presence? She did not know, however they were full blooded nymphs and she was not. She was pleased to have the other nymphs around it made her feel less alone, and her fear was not as great despite being in the presence of Andromalius. “I’m Alyssa” she replied while shaking hands. “Let’s go” Alyssa placed her hand on the trunk of the tree. The branch they stood on groaned as it lowered Zarai and her down to the ground. They gracefully stepped off of the branch onto the ground. Alyssa kept her cloak around herself as she walked, giving her the appearance of fading into the surrounding background of trees yet still walking forward. Her image seemed to be there, yet not there, like a spectre caught between life and death. Zarai walked behind her silently, a reassuring sense as the feeling of darkness continued to thicken around them. Alyssa stopped just within the light of the fire her vibrant green eyes dancing with the flames. There she curtseyed. “Once again, I humbly welcome you to our forest” she said politely. The aura that surrounded Andromalius was near stifling for her, she caught a faint whiff of rose in the air. It brightened the atmosphere as well as her spirits. Alyssa found it to be relaxing, releasing some of the tension she was feeling, her stomach no longer in knots; she believed that she would be able to speak to Master Andromalius without fainting. A subconscious worry she had tucked within herself earlier. “You’re welcome, my sister” whispered the voice of Zarai into her mind. She smiled. She loved the sense of family and togetherness that all nymphs and spirits of nature shared with each other. It made her feel like she belonged. |
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| Andromalius | Sep 27 2009, 05:20 PM Post #5 |
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King of the Sexy Guys
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He'd waited for a response, ignorant to the fact that the source of the voice was entering a conversation with another spirit. He gave the place one more look-about before returning to camp entirely. The men were almost finished setting up their tents, two, one for each. The mage would not be sleeping tonight. This half mile radius would be his cage until dawn, as long as no unforseen incidents occur. "Who were you talking to?" the question came from one of the men who triumphantly sat back to marvel at his temporary sleeping quarters. Andromalius took a seat on a fallen log, resting his elbows over his knees, "I'm not sure. Could have been many things. This forest is very old, no doubt the home of many creatures." "Aye," responded the man. "Wolves, Nymphs, Fae, Elves, Yettie..." "Yettie?" finally, the other soldier turned, peaking a brow at the assumption of his mate. "Sure, you never seen one 'afore?" "No, I never seen one," he groaned, irritated. Just as the two started getting far enough into the conflict to call it an argument, the otherwise lethargic Emperor turned his head int eh direction of movement he'd caught from the corner of his eyes. There, a figure moved, making its way toward the encampment. Judging by the way she walked, it was safe to assume it was female after all, particularly as she came close enough to reveal some details. Andromalius rose to stand once again, taking a few steps forward to meet her, and stopped as she began to welcome him again for the second time. "Grand Master Andromalius the Wicked, King of half of Soare," he grinned wolfishly, bowing his head a very slight bit due to the fact that he was on their territory. Were it the other way around, she would have to be kneeling to find an appropriate gesture. "Well... I don't have my title entirely figured out quite yet. I'm waiting for a few things to happen first, but you get the idea. What is the name of the one who welcomes a soul like mine into a sacred place like this?" Obviously, he had not been expecting such a cordial greeting from anyone in these woods. If anything, he'd been expecting to leave with a few more bodies added to the body count. The air around him was indeed heavy with dread and wrought with death, but physically, he wasn't nearly as imposing as a title like his might suggest. He seemed fairly casual, and right now, comfortable, far from the mastermind conqueror he was. |
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| Kiki | Sep 30 2009, 03:52 PM Post #6 |
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The fire lit the features of Andromalius, his skin white as snow, reminded her of some of the air nymphs she had encountered, however even their skin had a very pale shade of blue to it, that was sometimes visible depending on their emotions or the direction of the sunlight. Alyssa had never met a vampire or any other undead creature before, but she assumed that they would look similar to him. Not exactly repulsive, for he was handsome, but she did not find him attractive for her tastes. She was slightly puzzled by his appearance up close, this was most definitely not the dreadful monster which many have claimed he was. She remembered stories as a child about Andromalius' withered claws rising out from the shadows to steal young children if they did not listen to their parents. Well, she could see him as the type to rise out of shadows, but his hands were not withered. Andromalius introduced himself, notably as king of half of Soare. Years of training as young Lady had stopped her from scowling at the comment. How many lives had he extinguished to reach his goal? Much more worryingly, how many lives until he attempted to take over this part of Soare? Her beloved forest, her family's fiefdom, could they all be destined to be ruled by a man surrounded by so much evil? Alyssa caught a scent of chamomile, and looked over to Zarai who smiled reassuringly. "I am Zarai, daughter of the mighty oaks" stated Zarai confidently, a breeze coincidentally blew after she had finished speaking. "Alyssa Orvacious" she said with a curtsy "Many people call me daughter of wood I suppose, though you may just call me Alyssa" she said with a sincere smile. She had refrained from mentioning that she was a lady in hopes of protecting her family. Perhaps he wouldn't recognize her family's name. She didn't want to think about what the man would or could do. People may have been wrong about Andromalius' appearance but there was no way they could be wrong about his powers which greatly surpassed many magi. This could all be a charade, perhaps he had planned to kill her the moment she turned her back. A scent of lavender brushed calmingly against her, she knew it was Zarai, and Zarai was right....Well what she thought Zarai was trying to tell her, which was that she must not let her imagination run rampant and her fears to bind her while in the midst of such an evil man. "What brings you and your men to our forest?" she asked politely "Surveying the beauty of nature, or just passing through? If I may ask your highness" |
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| Andromalius | Sep 30 2009, 07:06 PM Post #7 |
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King of the Sexy Guys
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"Zarai, Miss Orvacious," his wolfish grin faded, back into a more subtle, congenial smile. "It is lovely to meet you both, considering..." his eyes shifted to Zarai in particular, "...that nymphs rarely decide to show themselves. I'm very flattered." The mage turned, taking his cloak in hand, and set to work with draping the fabric over the forest ground on the other side of the small source of light.They had no chairs, and this was all he could offer, regardless that forest spirits probably wouldn't mind sitting on the leafy dirt. The soldiers gave a somewhat disinterested pass at the ladies before they, too, settled to sit comfortably in front of their respective tents. Andromalius took his seat on the fallen log once more before gesturing for them to join where ever they pleased. The more human-looking of the two had asked a simple question with a tricky answer. At least, the truth was tricky. Luckily, he had no problems with out-right deceiving them if he felt the need. At times, it came so effortless that he didn't even realize what he was doing. "A bit of both, really," he responded, gesturing with a lazy shrug of his shoulders. "I make it a point to know enemy territory to neutralize a home advantage." "...Sir." One of the men shot his king a quizzical look, as if he didn't understand why his lord might give out such information so easily. The mage waved a hand in dismissal at him. "It doesn't really matter if they know. I think it's safe to say that most already assume I never planned to stop with Ashoka." He turned his attention back to his guests. "Yes, I plan to sweep through here and force Soto into the same fate as its neighboring nations. Your home is in immanent danger of being destroyed. Regardless, tonight I mean you no harm, and I find no reason in fighting when we could instead be sharing pleasantries, and cherishing this time together we have as just ...people. When the day arrives for me to return, then we can fight." An arm raised, the hand of which rubbed at the back of his neck. "...And... even when I destroy everything, I won't last forever. When I'm gone, this place will flourish again, as is the cycle of life and death. Well... usually," he chuckled at himself and his own contradictory situation. "Maybe you could give me a tour tonight while the men catch their rest," his attention landed on Alyssa. "I don't believe there is a soul alive who wouldn't be able to appreciate the beauty of this place, myself included. I'd be very appreciative." Friends, enemies, loved ones, arch rivals... Civility was something Andromalius placed as high priority. To be unable to show this openly would be a sign of weakness, an inability to set emotions aside for the greater efficiency of a situation involving others. This night could end in many ways. He hoped to be able to manipulate it into, at the very least, one that ended with him and his men unscathed. "In return, I can offer you a guided tour of my kingdoms if ever you wish to visit. I'm not entirely sure if you would like what you see, but it is an open invitation." |
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| Kiki | Oct 3 2009, 09:34 PM Post #8 |
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Alyssa sat down on the cloak with a thankful nod, and pulled her legs close to her chest while Zarai sat beside her cross legged. Andromalius had such a kingly air about him, despite being in the middle of the forest on an old log, he managed to look as if he were sitting on a throne in her eyes. She wondered if her parents ever had that effect on the lower classed people who lived in the village on their land. She had vainly hoped that Andromalius would have no desire to destroy the forest, however she knew there would be no other reason for such a vile conqueror to come and visit. Had she expected him to drop by for a cup of tea? Her hopes were foolish. The forest exclaimed inaudibly, she could feel the collective grown of the plants, for they could understand what the man had said. Zarai's face remained expressionless, perhaps she had known their fate earlier and had come to accept it. The entire forest was quiet, aside from the sound of breathing and the crackling fire. The wind did not stir, the water did not murmur, the crickets didn't sing. It made her feel empty, and worried, the forest going quiet was usually not a good thing. Where were those warrior nymphs? She hoped they wouldn't do anything that would jeopardize them all. "Fear not young blossom" whispered a voice on the breath of wind "Our people will not bring harm to the master of darkness" She was relieved, though only slightly. Whom ever had spoken to her had said "our people." When ever a wood nymph spoke to her the nymph would usually say something along the lines of "sister". What would happen to the forest? She would have to save her worries for later. "It would be my pleasure to give you a tour of the forest, your majesty." said Alyssa enthusiastically while getting up. "There is so much to observe in these forests" Even when everything in the forest is trying to hide from the source of evil. He offered to show her around his castle in return. The mere thought of being in such a dreadful place was frightening. She would never go there unless she really needed to, it wasn't exactly on her list of vacation destinations. "You are generous your majesty" replied Alyssa "I would oblige to a tour if I'm within your grand walls" She turned away from the light of the fire towards the forest. Zarai stood beside her. "Would you like to leave now Master Andromalius?" |
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| Andromalius | Oct 4 2009, 02:51 PM Post #9 |
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King of the Sexy Guys
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The mage was not a whisperer of the woods. He could not converse with plants, nor did he have any earthy ties, but even so, he could feel the tremor of fear binding the forest into silence, as if this sacred place had suddenly changed into a cursed one. His eyes passed from Alyssa to Zarai, waiting expectantly for some kind of wild reaction. It never came. His eyes narrowed dangerously at the nymph. To hear that the man before them was going to destroy their home, yet they continue with their etiquette, as if it meant so little. What were they playing at? He nodded at her compliment of generosity, laughing on the inside at how entirely wrong it was. He never expected them to don his doorstep. Why would they? It would be like walking through a hall of torture, as any plant life around him would soon be either dead or decaying. Once the pair stood, he took a few moments before moving, telling his soldiers to relax once again, and have a good night. He would be back before they woke. The Banshee king rose to stand, moving around behind the ladies to grab his cloak back up, pulling it close over his shoulders before raising the hood over his head. Nearly fully concealed, no one would instantly recognize him unless they got close enough to see his face, and even then, he had a spell or two in his possession that could hide his paper white skin and abyssal eyes. "Lead on," he smiled, standing closer to the two of them then any time before, but still at a three foot distance. He was giving them a lot of ammunition right now. For one, he didn't know the forest like they did. Were they to leave him, he could find himself quite lost, or even worse, in a trap. Neither really intimidated him. He'd already returned to his full strength, and even now, was growing stronger than he had ever been before. He doubted many in the world had the ability to fight him without matching him up against a full-scale battle brigade. Even then... |
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| Kiki | Oct 7 2009, 04:25 PM Post #10 |
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Zarai led the way, opening the palm of her hand as a luminescent light flickered to life, brightening the path. Nymphs, and Alyssa had no need of the light for their eyes could see clearly in the night, though neither Alyssa nor Zarai were sure if people, or creatures, like Andromalius needed light to see in the darkness, it was no matter anyways, the places they intended to go always looked better with bright light, and the moon was only half full. Zarai walked in silence while Alyssa contemplated what sort of conversations she could strike up with an evil conqueror bent on taking over the world. After walking for what felt like hours though was more than likely fifteen minutes, they came to a grove, with crystal clear water shining like a mirror in the ground. There was a slight ripple, as air blew across the pristine surface. The reflection of the night sky clearly depicted in the pool of dark water as they gazed at it. Alyssa turned to face Andromalius "This is what we call the mirror of seers" she said cheerfully "Water nymphs usually rest by the pool and look into the future using this pool. Legend has it, the pool was formed from the tears of a fortuneteller who's lover had been killed in war." At the camp where Andromalius' men rested, the wood nymphs among the trees continued to watch them intently. Without any afterthought, one of the nymphs began to sing a very sad sounding song, her voice echoed within the small clearing. The lone singer's voice seeming to come from everywhere around them. Another nymph among the trees followed suit, and then the others, all of them singing in perfect harmony. The mixture of notes sounding beautiful though bringing a sense of sadness, fear, and loss. Nymphs of air, earth and water joined the grim chorus, the faint sound of harps, drums and other stringed instruments playing around them. Rising out of the earth, brown skinned women clad in various jewels stood still watching the men. Green skinned women dressed with leaves, flowers, and vines walked out from the trees, standing beside the other women. Very pale white women seemed to appear from nowhere, the only alerting factor a breeze of wind. They surrounded the camp, the singing continuing as they gazed at the men, unreadable emotions flickered in their eyes. A disturbance, Alyssa could sense it, hopefully that meant the forest was growing used to Andromalius' presence and were now willing to come out. Perhaps soon they would come across fireflies or a group of nymphs in celebration. Lord Andromalius might like to join a dance or two with the nymphs....unless he didn't like dancing. "I'm not sure if the mirror of seers work for anyone else" she said with a shrug "Shall we move on your majesty?" |
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| Andromalius | Oct 7 2009, 05:57 PM Post #11 |
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King of the Sexy Guys
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The walk was refreshing. He'd recently lost the need to use his legs for travel, instead opting for the air, so it was a bit of welcomed exercise. He stared at Zarai's back for the majority of the time, seemingly uninterested in the surroundings he'd convinced them to guide him through. He'd seen the trees though. Now, he was particularly fascinated by the full-blooded nymph in front of himself. He'd never been this close to one before, and declaring war on people so elusive may be trouble if he didn't study her as much as possible while he had the chance. The grove was upon them finally. Andromalius took a few shy steps out from the treeline, beneath the open canvas of night sky. The moon could not yet been seen. Still, he seemed to get his baring quickly, taking a few larger, more confident steps towards the water's edge. Just as Alyssa began explaining what exactly the significance of the pool was, his ghostly form drifted into the air, dancing across the water's surface in smooth, liquid movements. Oh yes, he was a fine dancer when he wished to be, but there was seldom a reason anymore. "Lover killed in a war, hmm?" he pulled the hood of his cloak back. Long wisps of crystal white floated about his figure like a kite tail. "It puts a whole new twist on the idea of crying rivers." He chuckled darkly. Such a tale may sound sweet to some, but to him it was only more garbage. His eyes flickered around the pool, perhaps attempting to catch the vision of a fleeing water spirit. Having one's fortune told sounded fun, but alas. At the encampment, the two men hunkered down in their tents, both of who's heads were sticking out of the entrances casually. The first rested on his belly, his mate on his back a few feet away, arms behind his head as they began to hear the lament of the forest. Even as the sound grew, even as the spirits began to reveal themselves, the men were unwavering, merely commenting to one another what beautiful voices they had been provided with, perhaps a lullaby to help them to sleep. Being in Andromalius's presence for as long as they had been was jarring enough. Compared to his cold, calculating eyes, this was surely a pleasing sight. The very edges of his cloak drifted in the water, feet standing firmly above in dry air. He was the source of a continuous stream of subtle ripples, as if the power he emitted was controlling the air directly in his vicinity. He tilted his head and smiled calmly at the girls before making his way back to the shore. "Alyssa, Zarai..." he began, his voice sweet like honey, soft as velvet. "...I'd like for the two of you to return to me when I destroy this place. The most I can offer you is a home after yours has been demolished, a little paradise for you and your sisters. It is within my control to preserve any and all vegetation..." as he said this, his hand slithered out from the folds of his cloak, fingers spidery and white as they crawled along the trunk of a mighty tree. From his hand, a pulse swept over the bark, turning it gray and lifeless. Leaves began to fall, and soon it came raining, as the tree gave one last groan and died. "...Or kill it." The hand disappeared back beneath the black drapery. "I'm not that bad once you get to know me." The sweet and delicate smile began to twist, taking form into a serpentine grin. |
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| Kiki | Oct 10 2009, 10:56 AM Post #12 |
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Alyssa watched as he danced gracefully over the water, it was so strange how a person filled with so much evil could display any gracefulness or beauty. All the stories about the great and evil sorcerer Andromalius, had been incorrect. Molded by time and tongue making him seem like a beast from your worst nightmares. Surely he probably commanded armies of monsters, but he himself was not one, and that was what she thought made him all the more dangerous. She wondered if Zarai felt the same, the nymph had not released any calming scents of chamomile or mint while they had been walking, she must have been tense. Alyssa watched without a glimmer of emotion passing across her face, despite the fact that he had mercilessly murdered a tree. Yes, murdered, for a tree was a living thing, and though many people cut down trees and uprooted them every day. She knew that Anromalius was intentionally killing the tree, going to the core of its very life and extinguishing the spark of life. She only hoped that no nymph had chosen that tree for a bond. Did he really expect them to turn their backs on the rest of the world, just so that they could protect the few scant plants he preserved? Nymphs may be an impartial race, but Andromalius was destroying nature, sucking out the sustenance of the earth, tainting waters with the blood of the innocent, polluting the air with the stench of death, hacking down vegetation, hiding the sun behind clouds of smoke. Return with him? Ha. They would fight to the end. She opened her mouth to politely tell him that they would consider his offer. However, Zarai's mask of silence broke abruptly, as the tree heaved over. "You monster!" she exclaimed "You demon!" vines began to coil around her feet as Zarai spoke "You were defeated once before and shall be defeated again!" Alyssa placed a comforting, yet calm hand on Zarai's shoulder. "Perhaps we should move on to another location" she said with a smile, as if nothing had happened "There is a grove up ahead, which should be much more alive than this one." She slightly pushed Zarai forward, the slithering vines falling back into an inanimate state, though Alyssa could sense the intense emotions flowing within the nymph. Hopefully Andromalius would laugh off her outburst, thinking it childish. At the encampment, a scream abruptly cut short the song of lament that the nymphs had been singing. The nymphs ran forward without hesitation, another song rising in their throats, a song of vengeance. Earth nymphs with long nails of diamond and sapphire charged forward, their nails destined to plunge into the hearts of the mortals. Trees began to lift their roots from the ground as wood nymphs rested on their branches, and ascended upon the small party. The air nymphs took flight, the most passive of the nymphs, watching in horror as nature would soon reclaim all that rested in the camp. |
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| Andromalius | Oct 10 2009, 01:20 PM Post #13 |
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"Cool your head, Zarai," the mage shifted his weight onto the other foot, folding his arms across his chest at her non-chalantly. "I already told you that this forest is going to be destroyed. My murdering this tree will mean little to nothing to you later. Besides, I just saved it from having to watch all of its brothers and sisters die. This one was the lucky one." He patted the petrified tree affectionately, smiling and kissing its dead bark before moving along beside Alyssa. "Apologies, Ladies. Walking through this place tests my restraints. It would be like you walking through a dead forest with the power to bring it back to life." Dark eyes shifted towards Zarai. "It is important to control yourselves around me. The slightest thing is likely to set me off. I think if you had attacked me, this would be the end of my tour. You should thank her." ---- The shriek which interrupted the lullaby startled the soldiers. They'd already been on edge, but hadn't planned to do anything unless provoked. Unfortunately, they had just been provoked. In a flash, they were back on their horses, each of which bucked and whinnied at the great amount of magic swirling around them. They armed themselves as they kicked off in the direction Andromalius had vanished, one with a great sword, the other handling a crossbow, shooting out at the nymphs which threatened to close in on them. "We need to find the King! Can you track him this quickly?" the long-range specialist called to the other. The other did not respond, already busy following the fresh footprints over the leaves and dirt flooring. "...I knew it was a stupid idea to come along..." These men were not just cavalry. They'd seen and been through far too much to be taken down this easily. ---- "Really, it hurts me every time people jump to conclusions about me," Andromalius continued, his steps slowing so that he may leave Alyssa's side and arrive at Zarai's. "Did you know that there is no such thing as good and evil?" he asked, peaking a brow. "They are only illusions, white lies to make ourselves feel better about the horrors we commit. What may be evil to you can be justice for another, it's all a matter of perception." He sighed, turning his gaze ahead at where he was being led to. "People never ask me why I do the things I do. They don't care. All they care about is that they are right and I am wrong, therefor I must die. My skin is white and my eyes are hollow because I am a ghost, the remnants of a past that I cannot remember. Our spirits move on when we die, but mine cannot because I am bound to this world by something I don't understand. It's a drive to unite everyone in the world, for one single instance, in their misery and pain. If I can do that, only then will I be able to rest." A taloned hand reached up to tuck the long white tresses of his bangs behind his ear. "And when your soul begins to rot because it is far past its shelf life, well... it's a rather indescribable kind of torture." "I wasn't deceiving you when I said I'm not that bad once you get to know me. It's simply that most people don't want to know me. I'm unnatural, in all senses of the word. It's a heavy burden to bare. I wish you would consider my proposal, " his attention shifted to Alyssa's back. "I'm tired of this loneliness." Hooves swiftly carried to two men past the pond. They were gaining, and soon the pair were upon the threesome on their way through the scenery. "My lord!" they said in unison, yanking on the reigns of their respective steeds to slow to a trot beside the Banshee. "Our encampment was attacked by the nymphs and they're right on our tails. I suggest we leave immediately." "We don't need to leave," their king stated calmly. "Just stay in front of me. I'm sure bloodshed can be avoided." |
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| Kiki | Oct 10 2009, 02:45 PM Post #14 |
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Alyssa could understand Master Andromalius to a degree, nymphs were usually impartial, neither following good or evil, just living. If living required them to rise up against the farmers cutting down their forest, they would do it. If living required them to send a bountiful harvest they would do it as well. She felt guilty when he stated that people jumped to conclusions, for she had done it too, Andromalius had become a word synonymous to evil or bad luck, however the poor soul was being tortured, for every day that he was cursed to endure. She looked over at Zarai who also seemed to be rethinking Andromalius. Alyssa could smell the calming scent of lavender. She knew that Zarai had done it more for calming herself than to calm Alyssa. What is good? What is evil? She was neither, she was nature. Alyssa turned her head to the sound of approaching hoof beats. Soon enough the men from the camp had arrived on their horses, exclaiming that nymphs had attacked them. It was what Alyssa was afraid would have happened, hopefully Andromalius was correct, hopefully bloodshed could be avoided. The air began to stir, a cold song of vengeance rang through the air as air nymphs flew by and around their small party. They were faintly visible, their long hair flowing in the wind as they flew in circles. The earth trembled as huge trees using their roots as long tentacles approached their group. They stopped a small distance away, the wood nymph's eyes visible in the moonlight as they stared at Andromalius though dared not get close. Earth nymphs erupted from the ground clad in armour made of precious jewels, the mirror of seers stirred, and out walked blue skinned women scantily dressed in clothing made of seaweed, and shells. "Sisters" called out one of the wood nymphs on the tree to Zarai and Alyssa "Join us in purging this weed from our garden of life" Alyssa shook her head, no this couldn't be happening, she didn't think they were any match for Andromalius. At least not yet, without any preparation of any kind. "We cannot do this my sisters" stated Zarai, once again before Alyssa got the chance to speak. "He does not know our ways" "He is a monster" stated one of the earth nymphs, "We will do all of Elenlond a favour if we eliminate him now, my cousin" "We are acting impulsive and irrational" stated Zarai. "What shall be the words you speak when he slays you" said the earth nymph before slipping back into the earth along with the rest of the earth nymphs. The water nymphs splashed back into the water, all things interesting passed, and the trees planted themselves in the ground, as the blinking eyes of the wood nymphs disappeared. "I'm so sorry your majesty" said Alyssa "I had no idea they intended to do that" ------- Those who stayed behind, surrounded the lifeless body of the wood nymph that had died along with her tree. They sang a song of mourning as they placed her body on the ground. Earth nymphs raised the ground over her, creating a mound of dirt. Wood nymphs stood around the mound of dirt and held hands solemnly. They danced in a slow circle around the mound of dirt, the sensation of nature magic filling the air. A small sprout raised from the mound of the ground, growing taller and greener with violet leaves. Bark grew along the thin stem, leaving it in tall and rigid. A young maple tree. "The rebirth of our lost sister" said one of the nymphs "Let this be a reminder of our spirits. That we are all not truly as immortal as we think, and the dangers that come with the bonding of one's spirit to a tree" She bowed her head, as did the other wood nymphs. "May she be reborn bright and spirited. Let her blossom into a protector of the woods" She raised her hand and thorny vines erupted from the ground around the young maple tree. The earth nymphs placed their hands on the ground and sent ripples through the earth, creating deep gorges, and raising the mound of earth and its young trees to a higher elevation, steep angles of stone rose from the ground around the small hill they had created. "May she grow in peace" stated the earth nymphs before slipping into the ground as if it were liquid. The forest nymphs ran disappeared silently, their hearts still saddened, but their eyes opened. The world was no longer the same, the time would come for them to prepare for war. |
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| Andromalius | Oct 13 2009, 01:37 PM Post #15 |
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The war song descended. Andromalius glanced skywards as his men fell back behind him, as ordered. From this melody sprung nymphs of all sorts, rising up all around them, pulsing with rage. His eyes fell specifically on an air spirit as she danced through the open tree canopy. Watching her as if watching a performance, he smiled slightly and became totally oblivious to most everything else going on around him. Their threats were meaningless. Why was it that people were so eager to die these days? Surely, recklessness has become deeply seeded in the modern world. "I love nymphs..." he sighed airily just as another declared him a monster. So feminine, so delicate and beautiful. He wished he could put a collar of each and every one of them, have them dance for him. As dead and withered as he was, he was still a man, and a horde of scantily-clad, beautiful warriors was all too tempting. Still, the conflict seemed to be falling into resolution. By the time Alyssa returned to him to apologize, he perked as if he'd forgotten she was even there. Turning his head down at her, he smiled wide. "No apology necessary. I quite enjoyed the sight. An air spirit was dancing for me. And that water nymph..." he pointed towards the pool. "I suppose potentially killing her home and all her loved ones wouldn't score me any points, huh?" A lighthearted chuckle followed as he began to turn his attention to the remaining spirits, watching as they began their death ritual for their fallen friend. So, wood nymphs were literally bound to the trees here, as in, they die when it dies. What a massive weakness! You'd think they'd be more protective over their plant life here. Or perhaps they did, just that their fear of him was more powerful. "You know..." he began, taking another step towards Alyssa. "...I'm not sure that I would have killed that tree had I known it would kill a nymph." His head turned back towards her again. "Sometimes even the most thoughtful cannot imagine the consequences of their actions. Tell me, what of the others? Are they also mortally tied to this place?" He scratched his chin idly. "I may have to re-think destroying this place." Behind him, the soldiers looked at one another as if having a whole conversation through direct eye contact. |
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| Kiki | Oct 31 2009, 09:32 AM Post #16 |
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Alyssa smiled at Andromalius' comment, it was the most she could do without cringing. She would never be able to truly laugh at the destruction of the mirror of seers, one of the most precious nymph hideaways. Though the destruction of all that inhabited within that might not have been too bad. No, that was mean, just because the water nymphs were nothing but flirtatious little...no she really had to stop going down that road. Though she wouldn't be surprised if the water nymphs would still be attracted to him. She would just leave it at that. She was slightly surprised that Andromalius said he wouldn't have killed the tree knowing that it was bonded to a nymph. It was actually very thoughtful of him. He didn't even have to bring up the matter again but he did anyways, it made her see him in another light once again. There were so many dimensions to Andromalius' being. He asked if other nymphs could suffer the same fate, Alyssa wasn't exactly sure whether it was wise to reveal such things, since most details were usually kept secret. Though if she could somehow make a friend, or at least an ally with Andromalius perhaps the forest could be protected. It was a faint hope, but it was worth a try, she could see from the look in Zarai's eyes that she too had thought of the potential saving of their forest. "Well" began Alyssa "Not all wood nymphs are bound to trees, which makes most of us (She wasn't exactly sure if she could really consider herself a nymph) purely immortal. The binding serves as a point where one becomes truly one with nature, which also grants power to the binded nymph." "The binding is a great honour among wood nymphs" stated Zarai. Alyssa nodded in agreement. "All nymphs are in a limbo between mortal and immortal, some of us are more mortal than others." It was with that statement that Alyssa realized that perhaps Andromalius wasn't as strange as she had previously thought. Except that nymphs were given the task to protect the balance of Elenlond. |
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| Andromalius | Nov 6 2009, 04:25 PM Post #17 |
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"Ah, I see. That I can empathize with," he replied to her statement concerning being trapped within the limbo of the mortal coil. The mage cast one last glance at the direction in which all the nymphs had left. It was a shame to hear that not all of them were tied to physical nature. If they had been, it would be incredibly easy to obliterate them all as enemies. At the very least, he'd be able to get rid of quite a few as well as corrupt one of their greatest honors with the threat of being killed as soon as one became bound. It was easy to trust this man. He spoke of himself openly to bring peoples' guards down, and used the pity they may give him from his tales of woe to manipulate. So far, the nymphs had been no harder to deceive than anyone else. Sometimes all one had to do was to remain civil. Still, he was not perfect, regardless of how much he wanted to believe that, and his true colors would sometimes bleed though, leaving people always guessing where his heart lies. "I have another question. If I were to someday come through and tear this land to pieces, would you ever forgive me?" All this time, throughout his conquest, it seemed to him almost as if he was anticipating his downfall with far more excitement that his uprising. It was because he didn't know what would happen, because he knew exactly how the events leading up to it would follow. And then? Well, that was the big question. Anything could happen. He could sprout wings and become an angel, or he could be mercilessly hunted for the remainder of his eternal unrest. And what if he failed to achieve his goal? What if his urge could never be satiated? What vile deeds could he have possibly done in his past life to deserve this? "I mean... if I were truly sorry, if I could do something to take it all back." |
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