RPG
Introduction
Inspiration:
This plot was inspired by extensive study of the Minoan-Atlantian connection. The Minoans (named for the story of King Minos by the archaeologist that uncovered it) were an advanced civilization that predated both the Greeks and Romans and had commonplace technology that surpassed either for many years. Many scholars believe their society, which was swallowed in the flames of the Santorini volcano and washed over with the tidal wave that followed it, was what Plato referred to as Atlantis (they believe his description of it being thousands of years before his time was a matter of mistranslation by a factor of ten; same with the distance from Egypt [i.e.: it was 960 years before, not 9600. And it was 250 miles away, not 2500---both of which fit Crete]). Passionate preaching aside, I am very adamant that it is the equivalent of Atlantis and so I like to play it as such. I label it 'ancient steampunk', because I am further inspired by the inventions of Heron of Alexandria (automatically opening doors [using water and weighs and pulleys], coin operated water dispensers, small robots, robotic theaters, et cetera). I combine these alluring stories to create my own world that I call Kethadria.
Story
Long before the Romans walked every known niche of their world, or the Greeks dominated the Mediterranean; before the Persians and Babylonians reached the heights of power, when the Sumerians still had their grasp on Mesopotamia, a single island civilization sprouted---it grew, it evolved, and it survived. Watching alongside the birth of nations, standing as right hand allies to Egypt, Kethadria was a pacifist nation that was respected for its technological mastery, the stunning command of its unrivaled navy, its wealth, and its legends. At its height, the eccentric King Minos reigns over the land and connects the forsaken cities in the west with their beloved capital and invaluable flow of trade with roads that run like veins through the heart of the nation, rivaling the later Roman's Appian Way in constructive ingenuity. His palace sits on a labyrinth, which houses a monster, designed by a genius who is the only one that knows all of its secrets. From its bowels, children walk into the light changed. Those that are sent into the darkness forever in the company of the beast do not always stay for eternity. Their eyes become golden, a mark of the Gifted, and they are endowed with abilities beyond even Kethadrian comprehension. This incites a political problem; the Gifted threaten the stability of the nation, but they must be honored because they are touched by the gods. Nations in the north are looking to exploit opportune weaknesses in Kethadria's defenses; its soldiers are being posted more actively to defend against the threat of attack. And amongst all the chaos, rumors of plots for assassination of the king, the uproar of a possible change of rule, sits another problem--- miles away, near a smaller island, a volcano bellows in waiting to erupt and cover the sky in a thick cloud of ash that will plunge them into darkness.
Kethadria:
Realm: Kethadria (capital dialect); Kateria (alternative dialect)
Basis: Atlantis
Location: Mediterranean sea (implied); Ancient Crete (implied)
Genre(s): Fantasy, reality, science fiction, ancient steam punk
Capital city: Aiatse
Harbor cities: , Aiatse (eastern central port), Fasea (southern port to Egypt), Natalan (lower eastern port to Mesopotamia), Nossas (northern port to Mycenea)
High commerce/trade cities: Natalan, Aiatse, Korsa, La'am, Solam (all coastal)
Open character positions:
King Minos
King's wife
King's son/daughter
Council members
Genius/crazy inventor
Sailors/merchants
Soldiers
Nobility
Street urchins/thieves
Gifted children
Acolytes and priests
Priests/priestesses of other religions
Doctors/nurses/healers
Hunters/rogues/assassins
The Watcher (keeps an eye on the beast in the Labyrinth; leads the sacrifices into the darkness)
The Minotaur (beast that sleeps in the center of the Labyrinth beneath the palace)
If somebody wishes to play the king, my only request is that the character be classified as. . . "weird". A king that is not very kingly. Perhaps too benevolant, too crazy, likes to get his hands dirty and invent things. The prince/princess role is intended to be the opposite of whatever the current king is, so if you would prefer to play an evil/crazy king or queen, then apply for the position of prince/princess. In canon, I would like an eventual assassination to happen (the player of the King can have another role pre-determined to be open for them afterward if they wish to continue in the plot).
Otherwise, all characters can be of your own making, unless you have a request of something specific (i.e.: foreign ruler, etc). I can always add more locations to this realm.
General Information:
Aiatse is a city strategically placed inland, surrounded by rings of water (massive mote rings said to be dug by the deities responsible for the land mass when designating a capital city, now used as water transportation, minor business/trading routes, et cetera). The waterways open into a harbor which leads to the western port of Natalan and out into the sea whose coasts lie on other major empires (implied: Egyptian, Mesopotamian). Because of Natalan's connections with the capital city, and the massive amount of trade that passes through those harbors to get there, it has become one of the richer cities of Kethadria; all massive importing goes through the Natalan port. The primary religion of Kethadria is general Paganism (since many inhabitants hail from other nations); Aiatse's primary recognized religion is called Syntana.
RELIGION:
Syntana:
A religion that recognizes seven deities as representing the elements of earth, and that all things are made up of these seven elements.
Spirit
Light/Darkness
Water/Air
Earth/Fire
Water, the deity Aisu (known in Kethadria as the female deity responsible for the existence of the land mass itself), is worshiped most importantly as the Kethadrian people are said to be children of the sea. The second highest deity in worship is Atiatu, the deity of light, said to have watched over the nation faithfully and guided it in the right directions. The elements are ranked according to their tangibility (spirit being the least tangible is the highest on the list, light and darkness as opposing intangible forces are ranked second. The collective four remaining elements are the earth elements and are ranked together in third. However, this hierarchy merely serves as a way to recognize which deities are closer to the Symphony and are more powerful; Syntana is not about worshiping the most powerful, but respecting the earth).
MAGIC:
The Symphony:
Within Syntana is a concept called The Symphony, which asserts the idea that all things are connected by a fundemental rhythm. All things are moving at all times, and there is no such thing as true stillness. Those who can tap into the essential rhythm of the world attain inner peace and power. This rhythm is recognized as their ultimate concept of God, for those who are out of tune with it can corrupt or die, and those who are aware of it and use it may prosper. This theory supports their use of magic through vibrations and manipulation of the six usable elements (the four lower ones being the most common). Not all magic users acknowledge this system, however.
SERVITUDE:
The servants of Kethadria are treated fairly well. Usually the result of debt or of being bought from another empire through the harbors, servants are asked to do the many tasks in life that Kethadrians simply don't have time for or need help with. The citizen class (usually bestowed upon them as gifts for various reasons, or when the family is owed a debt) uses them for house work, messengers, mentors/teachers, et cetera. Those of the citizen class are treated very well and given nice beds. Their attire tends to reflect for whom they work. Servants of the citizen force dress in simple cloth wraps with a single stripe of the family color; the actual family would wear three strips of silver beading accompanied by a thick stripe of their family color. The wealthier upper class would adorn their servants with a single strip of gold beading (where they would wear three). For the upper class, servants will accompany the mother and children almost everywhere and will be seen as almost part of the family, but this can also leave room to be looked down upon at the same time because they are still servants. In the citizen class, they are considered part of the family, as a general rule of thumb, though that doesn't mean every family treats them well.
The final level of servitude would be the servants of the king, who can be adorned however the imperial ruler wishes, usually with his distinct color of robe (not white linen), and gold and gems. The king treats his servants with a particular fondness and rewards them for being faithful servants.
GENERAL HIERARCHY:
King/Emperor
Royal Advisors/Politicians (The Council)
Upper class (priests, well-to-do families, architects, inventors)
Citizen/merchant class (trade and sale of goods; entrepreneurs--equivalent to middle class)
Labor class (agriculture, construction; 'dirty work'---equivalent to lower middle class)
Classless (poor and jobless, homeless, outcasts, rogues, outlaws)
The Gifted (children blessed by the gods with certain abilities; they must have golden/amber eyes as their mark)
TECHNOLOGY:
Kethadria (like Atlantis) possesses the most advanced technology of its day. In fact, of any near era.
I have made a point to incorporate all the inventions of Heron of Alexandria and similar ancient geniuses. This includes the use of ancient batteries, automatically opening doors (controlled by weights, pulleys, water pressure), coin operated dispensing technology, the prototype of the first steam engine, force pumps, and fountains.
One of the first nations to introduce the idea of a septic system, the toilets are stone slabs in each home with a decent sized hole carved into them that drops into a cesspit underneath the dwelling. Rushes of water from the motes (in Aiatse, the capital) or other sources of water which are irrigated to each household in the city or town dillutes the waste when a lever is tugged. The waste is then dropped into a smaller chamber and system of tubes which, by the end of its journey, will have flushed the waste out to sea. There is hot and cold running water to every home in the form of sinks, with levers that allow the water to flow (ancient versions of regular sinks); toilets and sinks among upper and citizen classes are furnished from polished stone with polished bronze accent to minimize erosion.
Transportation in Kethadria is typically by foot, but palki-like contraptions are adopted for royalty, advisors, and some upper class families---inspired by travel systems in India and China (a palki is a decorated and quite comfortable box with cushioned seats; four men carry the box by holding onto handles that extend from each corner on the outside).
Electrical energy and spiritual/magic energy are used to power things. Water ships, air ships, and weaponry can be experimented with. Each Kethadrian possesses a crystal around their neck which is chipped off of a much larger (possibly quartz) rock locked in a vault in Aiatse (said to be a gift from the earth goddess to the children of the sea). The larger crystal absorbs energy from the earth and magnifies it, concentrating it (much like a magnifying glass does to sunlight on an ant). The energy that can be magnified is electromagnetic and electrochemical energy which is said to govern the basis for their magic. So long as this crystal can absorb such energy, Kethadrians will have access to elemental manipulation. The crystals can be removed from the neck and used as keys by introducing a jolt of stored energy into a machine. You can come up with other ways to harness/use these crystals on your own.
You can pretty much take this one up for grabs, how advanced you want it to be---just make sure it's all cohesive. I've had alien type technologies suggested to me, some of which I've used, and others I leave up to the roleplayers in discussions to see how far they want to take it.
WAR:
Kethadrian people as a government are passive and do not partake in war. However, this could possibly change at any time at roleplayers' choice. There are small civil wars which break out quite frequently. Large scale wars may be played, as Kethadria trains a secret force of men behind the walls of the capital city and other select cities and is endowed with a powerful, unrivaled Navy blessed by the god of the sea. There is an army (and characters can be soldiers in, or any part of, the military) and the government does experiment in ancient clockwork robotics. This idea is based off of the story of Talos, a giant robot said to have run a circle around the perimeter of Crete three times a day to deter any threats. Generally, Kethadrians are viewed by Egyptians and other contemporary civilizations as being a worthy ally for trade, but their fortune and success is tempting to many rogue armies or newly formed nations.
I do plan to reenact the downfall of Crete by erupting the volcano. This will not end the roleplay by any means, it is simply another conflict to overcome. ;)
THE GIFTED:
The bulk of the roleplay is centered around the matter of the Gifted children of Kethadria. They are children who are found, born, or who survived the sacrificial ceremony of the beast within the Labyrinth and emerged with golden colored eyes (a sign they are blessed by Apollo). These children are currently under the protection of the Kethadrian military and of the High Priestess by order of the King. However, that is subject to change if the roleplayers choose to change rulers. The Council has also been known to want the disposal of the Gifted in fear they may someday overtake the government and remove them from power.
Rules
1.) I do not nazi post length, but keep your post length generally in tow with everyone around you or what's preferred in each location's description.
2.) Mind your grammar.
3.) Don't be an idiot or flamer. And don't take out of character drama in character, either.
4.) Do not power game.
5.) Post in the right "PLACE". General activity stream =/= the location of your roleplay. ALWAYS go to "Places" ---> and find the location you're involved in, otherwise it messes everybody up.
2.) Mind your grammar.
3.) Don't be an idiot or flamer. And don't take out of character drama in character, either.
4.) Do not power game.
5.) Post in the right "PLACE". General activity stream =/= the location of your roleplay. ALWAYS go to "Places" ---> and find the location you're involved in, otherwise it messes everybody up.
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View All »Characters
Kelius Denai played by Alias
Keli is a first generation Kethadrian, the son of two laborers of Mesopotamian origin. His citizenry was acquired through his apprenticeship to one of the inventor's workshops in Natalan.
Rogue sword practitioner from the far East; onna bugeisha; traveled west on caravans over the Silk Road to find adventure and work.
Noorani Yar Jung played by Ylanne
A traveling mystic from the Hindu Kush, traveled West to seek guidance in spirituality, and perhaps, followers.
King Minos played by Maestro
Malkon Asagura played by Malkon
Malkon is a gifted teenager who is unable to delve into his past to explain his present.
Asterion, Son of the Maze played by Gabriel_Whist
Sacrificed to the Minotaur as an infant, he emerged from the maze 12 years later, and has spent the last seven on the outskirts of nobel society
Queen Pasipha?? played by Lady Ethereal
The one called as "Witch Queen" due to her mysterious origins and lore of arcane sorcery magnified further by the veil of silence that adorned her tapestry of fate, which made her a prominent figure equal to her husband "King Minos".
Annipe Mahrat played by Oran Tarlin
The hideous half-breed. An old Egyptian woman with much dark pondering and wealth.
Alcaeus Ganis played by Haroth
A father who lost his daughter to the sacrificial ceremony of the Labyrinth, he was severely injured after soldiers took her away.
She is the third daughter of King Minos and Queen Pasipha. Unlike her parents she is much more kind, carring and sweet, but she, beeing the youngest child of King Minos, has never even left the palace grownds.
Visit »The Orphanage
These poor, unfortunate souls were once a part of this great world, but have been abandoned. Why don't you consider viewing their profiles and making a decision on whether or not you can roleplay them accurately?
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Places in Without Absolution
16 postsKethadria
The isle nation of Kethadria.
10 postsAiatse, The Capital
You are within the walls of the capital city.
11 postsMarketplace
Central part of citizen life; contains stationary merchant shops, restaurants, the bath house (separate location), amphitheater, et cetera.
17 postsBalnea (Bath House)
A place to relax in soothing water drawn from natural volcanic hot springs.
0 postsThe Capital Road - North East
A winding road that runs through Kethadria; from anywhere in the country, it leads to the capital city. It is also called 'The Light for the Lost'. North section, near the capital Aiatse.
7 postsGrand Palace
The palace is the residence of the royal family, including the King.
0 postsThe Labyrinth
The dark prison of the Minotaur.
4 postsNatalan
South-Eastern port to Mesopotamia.
0 postsFasea
Fasea, the southern port city where most trade from Egypt arrives. Connects through the southern section of trade road.
6 postsGrand Temple of Light
This is the grand temple of Aiatse, where the Gifted are tutored privately and where the King and nobles go to worship. It is headed by Simin the oracle and run by many priests, lesser priestesses, and acolytes.
0 postsThe Floating Gardens
Outdoor water garden located in the center of the building, surrounded by cloisters (pillar hallways).
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OOC Notes
The sea lay still beneath the weight of the night sky, draped like lovely velvet over the dark water. Creaking, groaning, bellowing like a hungry animal were the hulls of several ships, bobbing just as still along the surface, going neither forward to the new land, or back to the deserts they were built in. The sailors and merchants upon them began to stroke the oars to fight against time, to make it to shore by dawn, stirring the waves and waking them from their slumber. Beneath the liquid glass, the eyes of Aisu were always resting on a single island that was floating like a burning jewel beneath the stars. With its residents on the streets for a summer festival, the torches from the celebration lit up their capital city for miles beyond the harbor. The passengers looked on in wonder at the small fire on the sea, so isolated against the shadows as if it were struggling to stay alight.
The Kethadrian people, tonight, were merry. They drank wine and sat in public bath houses, joking about the Persians, joking about the Greeks, joking about the Chinese---oh, they had no faults of their own. They were utterly perfect, naturally; they were chosen by Poseidon himself. They were descended directly from him!---or so they believed. They drank until they were happy, and those that were happy drank until they were angry, and those that didn't continue to drink until they were tired began to fight. There were hoorahs rising from the streets as men of little wealth scrapped in the alleys, pummeling eachother into the torch-light where the wealthy looked on in horror. It was like any other society; they would always say, don't let a few bad figs spoil the harvest.
A small band of soldiers paraded down the walkway, followed by upper class thesbians acting scenes from plays about their nation. After the festivities, and the food and drink, the merchants pulled into the harbor at dawn to unload their goods. Not but an hour later, merchants were selling souveniers from as far as east Asia to Kethadrians that had never even left their capital city. It was then that the work day started---the King was awake doing business, the Council was busy advising him, the merchants were selling their goods, the craftsmen were finishing projects, the servants were serving their families. Amongst all of this, the newcomers---who would possibly someday be citizens---wandered about amazed at the circular waterways that fenced their city, the ships pulling in and out, the large bronze statues, stone walls, pillars---and the technology that ran it all. The doors opened without a touch, and the fountain in the center of the city had no visible pipes, but sprang beautifully from the carved stone basin. In the gardens, little bronze birds turned in their places and tweeted to greet the visitors each time they passed, and each time they did, a large bronze owl would open its eyes to peer at the birds. It was a thing of wonder!
They would always say, "This place is blessed by the gods themselves!" in a tone of complete awe, but in jest.
And little did they know---it was.
The Kethadrian people, tonight, were merry. They drank wine and sat in public bath houses, joking about the Persians, joking about the Greeks, joking about the Chinese---oh, they had no faults of their own. They were utterly perfect, naturally; they were chosen by Poseidon himself. They were descended directly from him!---or so they believed. They drank until they were happy, and those that were happy drank until they were angry, and those that didn't continue to drink until they were tired began to fight. There were hoorahs rising from the streets as men of little wealth scrapped in the alleys, pummeling eachother into the torch-light where the wealthy looked on in horror. It was like any other society; they would always say, don't let a few bad figs spoil the harvest.
A small band of soldiers paraded down the walkway, followed by upper class thesbians acting scenes from plays about their nation. After the festivities, and the food and drink, the merchants pulled into the harbor at dawn to unload their goods. Not but an hour later, merchants were selling souveniers from as far as east Asia to Kethadrians that had never even left their capital city. It was then that the work day started---the King was awake doing business, the Council was busy advising him, the merchants were selling their goods, the craftsmen were finishing projects, the servants were serving their families. Amongst all of this, the newcomers---who would possibly someday be citizens---wandered about amazed at the circular waterways that fenced their city, the ships pulling in and out, the large bronze statues, stone walls, pillars---and the technology that ran it all. The doors opened without a touch, and the fountain in the center of the city had no visible pipes, but sprang beautifully from the carved stone basin. In the gardens, little bronze birds turned in their places and tweeted to greet the visitors each time they passed, and each time they did, a large bronze owl would open its eyes to peer at the birds. It was a thing of wonder!
They would always say, "This place is blessed by the gods themselves!" in a tone of complete awe, but in jest.
And little did they know---it was.
OOC Notes
The sun was shining brightly as Phaistos made his way through the crowded marketplace to a secluded alley. The afternoon heat made his tunic cling to his skin, the sticky fabric becoming more and more uncomfortable. But here, the shade of the adjacent buildings provided a shadowed area for Phaistos to continue his work. Sweat beaded his brow as he drew his blood covered knife from its sheath. If only he hadn't been interrupted, this entire process could have been much less complicated. The blood of his latest quarry was now all over the inside of the sheath and had begun to dry on the blade. If he didn't clean them soon he'd be in the market for a new sheath and knife; and evidence would be available to those who would work against him. The other wet workers would certainly berate him for allowing a witness to escape. But in Phaistos's eyes his blade was meant solely for the quarry, no innocent blood would sully his soul.
Phaistos's latest mark had been a corrupt merchant. The man would convince other merchants to invest in the trade of newly discovered spices. He would than present them with forged scrolls and documents from Egypt or Mesopotamia, assuring them that the investment was sound. But once the money had been collected the new spice would be destroyed by an accident like a fire, drought, or pirates. The merchants were told that the investment had been lost, yet this man's wealth would continue to increase. In Phaistos's eyes this man was no better than a common pickpocket and deserved no mercy. Unfortunately, when Phaistos had made the kill he was discovered by a young woman, the merchant's mistress most likely. He'd had no time to clean his blade and was forced to exit out a window.
It was useless, the sheath would be impossible to clean. Thankfully, he was still able to clean the knife. So the hunter tucked the wicked blade into his belt and stashed the sheath into a crack in one of the buildings. He made a note to come back and properly dispose of it when there would be less witnesses. He did his best to reenter the crowd as inconspicuously as possible then started towards one of the stores a few yards away. This last job was the only one that had fit his standards in the past few weeks. He'd need to fall back on traditional hunting if he were to earn the money necessary to commission a new sheath. Phaistos ducked his head and entered the store.
Phaistos's latest mark had been a corrupt merchant. The man would convince other merchants to invest in the trade of newly discovered spices. He would than present them with forged scrolls and documents from Egypt or Mesopotamia, assuring them that the investment was sound. But once the money had been collected the new spice would be destroyed by an accident like a fire, drought, or pirates. The merchants were told that the investment had been lost, yet this man's wealth would continue to increase. In Phaistos's eyes this man was no better than a common pickpocket and deserved no mercy. Unfortunately, when Phaistos had made the kill he was discovered by a young woman, the merchant's mistress most likely. He'd had no time to clean his blade and was forced to exit out a window.
It was useless, the sheath would be impossible to clean. Thankfully, he was still able to clean the knife. So the hunter tucked the wicked blade into his belt and stashed the sheath into a crack in one of the buildings. He made a note to come back and properly dispose of it when there would be less witnesses. He did his best to reenter the crowd as inconspicuously as possible then started towards one of the stores a few yards away. This last job was the only one that had fit his standards in the past few weeks. He'd need to fall back on traditional hunting if he were to earn the money necessary to commission a new sheath. Phaistos ducked his head and entered the store.
OOC Notes
"She's crazy, I swear, just please give me the cat? You don't understand the hell I'll go through if I don't get it for her..."
"But, it's my last one, and if I'm to keep a clean shop, I need a cat to clean out the rats!"
"Please sir, the Lady has been asking for that cat for ages, and may I say it would be best to give it to her now."
"Are you threatening me?"
"Galno! How dare you!" Rang a vibrant voice which might be described as "meaty" in its texture and tone. "I send you to get a cat and I find you shaking down this poor gentleman?" The voice now had a sort of face, tucking up from behind a pile of boxes carrying many vials of vinegar, was what looked like some swirling fireball, engulfing a few flailing twigs. A toothless grin mouthing out the words from behind a vivid orange veil.
The twigs were "The Lady's" arms, the fireball was her swirling robes. As she stood up her entire person seemed to click and chime and glint with her various baubles.
"Sir, sir. Take this money, go buy yourself some soft cheese from young Amos across the way, and some poison from the Apothecary just up the street, you have to understand that your cat is going to become incredibly ill in a few days, as someone has planted those rats, and it is most surely an attempt on your life. You have to poison the cheese and leave it out, and make sure to do this for a few months to come."
The merchant stood rather awestruck, but simply nodded absentmindedly. Had he been hypnotized?
Annipe quickly scooped up the beautiful brown cat, and walked away quite contentedly.
The merchant "Was any of that true?"
Her servant "Not in the slightest, I'd also like to pick up some flat bread?"
"R-right this way" said the man, staring off into the bright orange fireball that was dancing away from him, faint, frantic "Meows" hanging in the air behind her.
Annipe had come out for her weekly day about the Forum. Parents hide your children, the half-breed is grinning today.
"But, it's my last one, and if I'm to keep a clean shop, I need a cat to clean out the rats!"
"Please sir, the Lady has been asking for that cat for ages, and may I say it would be best to give it to her now."
"Are you threatening me?"
"Galno! How dare you!" Rang a vibrant voice which might be described as "meaty" in its texture and tone. "I send you to get a cat and I find you shaking down this poor gentleman?" The voice now had a sort of face, tucking up from behind a pile of boxes carrying many vials of vinegar, was what looked like some swirling fireball, engulfing a few flailing twigs. A toothless grin mouthing out the words from behind a vivid orange veil.
The twigs were "The Lady's" arms, the fireball was her swirling robes. As she stood up her entire person seemed to click and chime and glint with her various baubles.
"Sir, sir. Take this money, go buy yourself some soft cheese from young Amos across the way, and some poison from the Apothecary just up the street, you have to understand that your cat is going to become incredibly ill in a few days, as someone has planted those rats, and it is most surely an attempt on your life. You have to poison the cheese and leave it out, and make sure to do this for a few months to come."
The merchant stood rather awestruck, but simply nodded absentmindedly. Had he been hypnotized?
Annipe quickly scooped up the beautiful brown cat, and walked away quite contentedly.
The merchant "Was any of that true?"
Her servant "Not in the slightest, I'd also like to pick up some flat bread?"
"R-right this way" said the man, staring off into the bright orange fireball that was dancing away from him, faint, frantic "Meows" hanging in the air behind her.
Annipe had come out for her weekly day about the Forum. Parents hide your children, the half-breed is grinning today.
OOC Notes
Asterion had heard tell of the Lady before, she seemed an interesting figure. Far more so than the preening court nobles or plodding servants he found as his only company in Kethadrian society at least. So when he spied the semi-legendary figure moving through the marketplace he took notice, a small, but rare, grin briefly cracking his hardened features as he took in the site of the wizened crone in flamboyant robes. Without thinking he grabbed a jug of wine from a merchant's table, and sauntered off, taking a long draught from its clay depths, and not caring as some spilled over his chest. The merchant made a noise of indignation, but Asterion took no notice, an the merchant was to fearful of the wild youth to do more than complain.
A few strides, and a small bound took Asterion sailing up to catch the lip of the building ahead of him with one hand, the wine jug dangling from the other. Swinging the jug on top of the roof, he grasped for purchase against the stone wall with his bare feet, and scrabbled on top of it. From here he could follow the bobbing orb of brightly colored flames that was the Lady with ease, picking a figure such as her out of the crowd was no hard task. He strolled lazily along the rooftops, drinking from his jug of wine, as he followed her, watching, and more amused than he had found himself in many a moon. Something about this old lady was far more wild and true than any other person he had found in Kethadria.
As she danced away from a stall with a cat in hand, Asterion dropped lightly off the roof behind her, calling out after her.
"So you're the infamous Lady aye?" He spoke with a note of merriment not commonly found in his cold, brief, and abrupt manner of speaking. He hadn't learned to speak until he had been brought into society at the age of twelve. Before then he had communicated far more simply, with actions, and with occasional heartful bellows, expressing naught more than pure emotion. He still felt words were over valued, and used them sparingly and infrequently, remaining largely taciturn.
"Would you care for a drink?" He held the vase out to here, his words coming slowly, clear and precise, like the sparkling waters of a calm, deep, river. "Seems as if the two of us might have a bit in common, being oddities among the Kethadrian court."
A few strides, and a small bound took Asterion sailing up to catch the lip of the building ahead of him with one hand, the wine jug dangling from the other. Swinging the jug on top of the roof, he grasped for purchase against the stone wall with his bare feet, and scrabbled on top of it. From here he could follow the bobbing orb of brightly colored flames that was the Lady with ease, picking a figure such as her out of the crowd was no hard task. He strolled lazily along the rooftops, drinking from his jug of wine, as he followed her, watching, and more amused than he had found himself in many a moon. Something about this old lady was far more wild and true than any other person he had found in Kethadria.
As she danced away from a stall with a cat in hand, Asterion dropped lightly off the roof behind her, calling out after her.
"So you're the infamous Lady aye?" He spoke with a note of merriment not commonly found in his cold, brief, and abrupt manner of speaking. He hadn't learned to speak until he had been brought into society at the age of twelve. Before then he had communicated far more simply, with actions, and with occasional heartful bellows, expressing naught more than pure emotion. He still felt words were over valued, and used them sparingly and infrequently, remaining largely taciturn.
"Would you care for a drink?" He held the vase out to here, his words coming slowly, clear and precise, like the sparkling waters of a calm, deep, river. "Seems as if the two of us might have a bit in common, being oddities among the Kethadrian court."
OOC Notes
Was it the Denai family name, or he, Kelius, who was worth nothing? Kelius came to slowly. I must still have my glasses on, he thought as he took in the blurriness of his surroundings. The light was dim - perhaps it is night and there is torchlight nearby - and a chill made him shudder, reaffirming that conclusion. The shiver, and the jarring motion he made to remove his glasses, resonated to awaken those aches and bruises which he had - apparently - forgotten. He realized that he had been lying down, the blood flow along his right arm cut off by his poorly positioned mass. Moreover, he recognized that he had been lying outside in an alleyway. His shirt, which hit against his back as he sat up, was uncomfortably wet.
Kelius let out a moan as all of the ailments coalesced. His head ached, his hip throbbed, his arm stung, his scabs had reopened, and he smelled of urine.
Yet all of those corporeal concerns were drowned out by an overwhelming despair; he felt his neck. His crystal was gone.
Kelius let out a moan as all of the ailments coalesced. His head ached, his hip throbbed, his arm stung, his scabs had reopened, and he smelled of urine.
Yet all of those corporeal concerns were drowned out by an overwhelming despair; he felt his neck. His crystal was gone.
OOC Notes
OOC Notes
“
{Pardon me, Please ignore this}
”
OOC Notes
I'm in heaven. Rain thought absently, as she sank down into the hot water of the female bath. Ducking under water completely, she scrubbed vigorously at her scalp. Her hair would take forever to dry, but it needed the cleaning. It felt like weeks since the last time she'd bathed at all, much less taken an actual bath. In actuality, it had only been that morning. Still she'd been without a real bath for several days. The baths had been a little pricey though... Clean feels good! She justified, refusing to let herself think of how precious little she had left to buy food with. At least she didn't have to worry about lodging. Not yet anyway. No one had come by the home that Morrin had given her demanding that she vacate it. Nor was it likely that anyone would. It had been bought and paid for after all and she was the only family he had had.
Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.
A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.
Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.
A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.
OOC Notes
I'm in heaven. Rain thought absently, as she sank down into the hot water of the female bath. Ducking under water completely, she scrubbed vigorously at her scalp. Her hair would take forever to dry, but it needed the cleaning. It felt like weeks since the last time she'd bathed at all, much less taken an actual bath. In actuality, it had only been that morning. Still she'd been without a real bath for several days. The baths had been a little pricey though... Clean feels good! She justified, refusing to let herself think of how precious little she had left to buy food with. At least she didn't have to worry about lodging. Not yet anyway. No one had come by the home that Morrin had given her demanding that she vacate it. Nor was it likely that anyone would. It had been bought and paid for after all and she was the only family he had had.
Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.
A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.
Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.
A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.
OOC Notes
I'm in heaven. Rain thought absently, as she sank down into the hot water of the female bath. Ducking under water completely, she scrubbed vigorously at her scalp. Her hair would take forever to dry, but it needed the cleaning. It felt like weeks since the last time she'd bathed at all, much less taken an actual bath. In actuality, it had only been that morning. Still she'd been without a real bath for several days. The baths had been a little pricey though... Clean feels good! She justified, refusing to let herself think of how precious little she had left to buy food with. At least she didn't have to worry about lodging. Not yet anyway. No one had come by the home that Morrin had given her demanding that she vacate it. Nor was it likely that anyone would. It had been bought and paid for after all and she was the only family he had had.
Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.
A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.
Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.
A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.
OOC Notes
I'm in heaven. Rain thought absently, as she sank down into the hot water of the female bath. Ducking under water completely, she scrubbed vigorously at her scalp. Her hair would take forever to dry, but it needed the cleaning. It felt like weeks since the last time she'd bathed at all, much less taken an actual bath. In actuality, it had only been that morning. Still she'd been without a real bath for several days. The baths had been a little pricey though... Clean feels good! She justified, refusing to let herself think of how precious little she had left to buy food with. At least she didn't have to worry about lodging. Not yet anyway. No one had come by the home that Morrin had given her demanding that she vacate it. Nor was it likely that anyone would. It had been bought and paid for after all and she was the only family he had had.
Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.
A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.
Tears started to fill her eyes as she thought about her lost one. She still hadn't given up on the search. Three months wasn't so very long after all. She had to keep up hope that she would find him. That he would come home. If he hadn't in another three months... By then I'll have found someone to travel with me. Rain assured herself. Traveling at all was hard on her. There were many sick on the road. Even more were injured. Sick was often easier for her to handle. Dizziness, the symptoms of a fever, the beat pain any day. Often sick was easier to correct as well. A large yawn issued forth from Rain's lips and she shook her head to rouse herself. She could go and fall asleep here. She'd drown. Then there would be no chance of finding Morrin. No one to even look for him.
A voice in the near distance drove Rain to her feet. That's why she'd come to the baths at this so very unpopular hour. To avoid the crowds. To avoid other people. She was too tired right now to handle their aches and pains won from an honest days labor. What little she had came from the life of a minstrel, playing in pubs and inns, wherever she could. Her music seemed appreciated. At least the number of coins that she usually ended up with told her as much. She loved people, really truly, but now... Longingly her eyes looked back to the large pool that was the female bath. She wouldn't have a chance like this again. With a smile that was half grim grin, half self depreciating humor, Rain plopped herself back into the water. She needed this, and if there really was someone coming to the bath that she was in, then really it might be worth any discomfort to see who it was.
OOC Notes
Phaistos scowled as he entered the bath house. He didn't like the danger of bathing in the city, too many people to see him. But, cleaning after a job was absolutely necessary, else he be stopped for some dried blood on his arm or a spot of dirt from a noble's yard on his face. The tiniest detail could condemn your life in his line of work. He entered the male baths and made his way to the bath farthest from view. As he reached it he began to strip off his clothing. He folded them neatly and placed it on a shelf on the wall. No other clothes were visible. This hour, usually free of other bathers, was perfect for Phaistos. As he placed his pants onto the shelf a small animal emerged from his pocket. It was a beech marten with a brown coat and a white underbelly not unlike Phaistos's own hair. It cocked its head in amusement as Phaistos eased himself into the stone tub. Phaistos shook his head in response; just because it was riskier to bathe here didn't mean he couldn't enjoy it.
The man proceeded to scrub himself from head to toe as thoroughly as possible. He made sure that every speck of dirt and every stain was eliminated from his skin. After what seemed forever, Phaistos felt that the job was done. He could finally enjoy the bath for what it was...warm. Streams and rivers may be refreshing but they could also be cold enough to make him appear a doe instead of a stag. He looked over at the marten who was busy cleaning itself off at the edge of the tub. It would reach down and rub its paws in the water, occasionally splashing some of the warm liquid on to its face. Phaistos smiled at his loyal friend.
"Well look at you," said Phaistos, sarcasm thick in his voice. "How far you've come oh mighty beast. From the days of scurrying around the undergrowth searching for a mere morsel, to lounging in the bath houses of Aiatse. The mighty boar himself would bow before you, the great and majestic Nixta!"
The marten ceased its own bathing to give what many would consider to be the specie's best attempt at a glare. It chattered angrily at the hunter, than proceeded to continue bathing.
"I'm one to talk?" responded Phaistos, tone shifting to amusement. "So, you're saying without you I'd still be scrounging around in the dirt too, with much less luck than yourself. The way I remember it my fuzzy little friend, is that I saved you."
Nixta turned its head, pouting. It stuck its tongue out at Phaistos and scurried toward the female baths.
"I really hope there isn't anyone there." said Phaistos through gritted teeth. "I'll catch all sorts of hell if she gets caught."
The man proceeded to scrub himself from head to toe as thoroughly as possible. He made sure that every speck of dirt and every stain was eliminated from his skin. After what seemed forever, Phaistos felt that the job was done. He could finally enjoy the bath for what it was...warm. Streams and rivers may be refreshing but they could also be cold enough to make him appear a doe instead of a stag. He looked over at the marten who was busy cleaning itself off at the edge of the tub. It would reach down and rub its paws in the water, occasionally splashing some of the warm liquid on to its face. Phaistos smiled at his loyal friend.
"Well look at you," said Phaistos, sarcasm thick in his voice. "How far you've come oh mighty beast. From the days of scurrying around the undergrowth searching for a mere morsel, to lounging in the bath houses of Aiatse. The mighty boar himself would bow before you, the great and majestic Nixta!"
The marten ceased its own bathing to give what many would consider to be the specie's best attempt at a glare. It chattered angrily at the hunter, than proceeded to continue bathing.
"I'm one to talk?" responded Phaistos, tone shifting to amusement. "So, you're saying without you I'd still be scrounging around in the dirt too, with much less luck than yourself. The way I remember it my fuzzy little friend, is that I saved you."
Nixta turned its head, pouting. It stuck its tongue out at Phaistos and scurried toward the female baths.
"I really hope there isn't anyone there." said Phaistos through gritted teeth. "I'll catch all sorts of hell if she gets caught."
OOC Notes
The Singing Crone, the Half-Breed, the Egyptian Sorceress, made no notice of the man following her. She moved with her rabbit like bounce from stall to stall, buying a variety of apparently useless and unrelated items.
A female servant adorned with the Orange stripe of the Lady's house brought forth a wicker basket, into which the cat was thrown. The servant promptly carted it away.
Turning flamboyantly, such a way in that it seemed everything about her ballooned and deflated all at once, she extended one long body, multi-jointed finger at the man following her.
"I'm not a Lady to be spoken of by Ladies and you seem not more Lady than cruelest Lady be. If as Lady you'll condemn me sir then Lady's Lady I shall not be, but Man's Lady and in other words, a common whore, give me that drink then."
Annipe was famed for her very rhythmic voice and almost chanting tempo to her words, as well as rarely making any sense, she snatched the wine out of his hands and threw up her thin orange face veil, pressing the jug to her gummy smile she made plenty of effort to tell everyone around she was drinking and enjoying it.
The veil was tented over the jug and her bent, bony arms. Finishing, she absentmindedly licked her lips and shoved the wine back into Asterion's hands.
She let out a long, refreshed "Ahhhhh"
"Well boy, run along, or else the Lady thinks to make a Lady out of you." She turned and continued her bouncing, flailing march across the marketplace.
A female servant adorned with the Orange stripe of the Lady's house brought forth a wicker basket, into which the cat was thrown. The servant promptly carted it away.
Turning flamboyantly, such a way in that it seemed everything about her ballooned and deflated all at once, she extended one long body, multi-jointed finger at the man following her.
"I'm not a Lady to be spoken of by Ladies and you seem not more Lady than cruelest Lady be. If as Lady you'll condemn me sir then Lady's Lady I shall not be, but Man's Lady and in other words, a common whore, give me that drink then."
Annipe was famed for her very rhythmic voice and almost chanting tempo to her words, as well as rarely making any sense, she snatched the wine out of his hands and threw up her thin orange face veil, pressing the jug to her gummy smile she made plenty of effort to tell everyone around she was drinking and enjoying it.
The veil was tented over the jug and her bent, bony arms. Finishing, she absentmindedly licked her lips and shoved the wine back into Asterion's hands.
She let out a long, refreshed "Ahhhhh"
"Well boy, run along, or else the Lady thinks to make a Lady out of you." She turned and continued her bouncing, flailing march across the marketplace.
OOC Notes
Perhaps it was only his assumption that others in Kethadria felt the same as he. Kelius, son of two immigrants from Mesopotamia, was destined to continue in his parent's footsteps - a laborer for his entire life. Were it not for the favorable family to whom his parents had been indentured, the Denais, and for his own apparent affinity for Kethadria's magics, Kelius would have likely led an uneventful life. But, at five, he had been tested and found worthy, and had worn a Kethadrian crystal of citizenry for the fourteen years since. Now, three years into his apprenticeship at Penelus Thanner, Master Tinker's workshop, Keli awoke after being mugged in an alleyway.
He had not parted with his crystal even since first laying eyes on it, and had never seen a citizen without it. He had not heard of a crystal even stolen before - not even after a murder. And yet here he was, still alive, but the crystal was missing. Keli groaned as he stood up with difficulty, unsure if the lost crystal or the aches were at fault.
He had not parted with his crystal even since first laying eyes on it, and had never seen a citizen without it. He had not heard of a crystal even stolen before - not even after a murder. And yet here he was, still alive, but the crystal was missing. Keli groaned as he stood up with difficulty, unsure if the lost crystal or the aches were at fault.
OOC Notes
Asterion was a bit flummoxed by the crone's manner of speech. He had a tenuous grasp of language, at best, and the way she skipped words off her tongue like pebbles of the water was both highly interesting, something language had never been before, and far beyond his limited scope of intelligence. Like a lost puppy, he continued following the wizened old woman, even as she wave him away. Still tongue tied he strode silently beside her, and a half pace behind, trying to conjure up the words to express what she represented to him. She was the first person since he had been stolen away from the maze, his guardian, the beast who had raised him, to spark any sort of interest in him. She was the first person to seem to move through the world the way he did, as if connected to the ever changing melodies of the world, as if she could hear, and feel them too.
Unable to express such convoluted thoughts and emotions in human speech, he gave up, breaking his silence by speaking in the only manner he truly knew. He stopped moving, threw his head back, and bellowed. The sound was inhuman. A heartfelt cry that was, in and of itself, a song, expressing his spirit, the way he saw life, what he felt, the man he was, released in one, long, and deeply mournful ululation. If the world could be described by the Symphony, than this was Asterion's Song, and for those with the ear carried his story in its quavering notes clearly, and plainly, displayed to the world for all to hear. But to beasts actions speak far louder than any words ever could, and so Asterion drew his sword, and took it by the blade, holding it hilt first out towards the crone as she walked away. Hoping that perhaps he had found a kindred spirit, one who would understand how lost, and lonely he felt in this refined and ordered world, how out of touch with himself and nature this society was forcing him to become. And how much he resented the change, how much he wished to be the simple boy in the maze again. Hoping that perhaps someone else was like him, or could show him a better way.
Unable to express such convoluted thoughts and emotions in human speech, he gave up, breaking his silence by speaking in the only manner he truly knew. He stopped moving, threw his head back, and bellowed. The sound was inhuman. A heartfelt cry that was, in and of itself, a song, expressing his spirit, the way he saw life, what he felt, the man he was, released in one, long, and deeply mournful ululation. If the world could be described by the Symphony, than this was Asterion's Song, and for those with the ear carried his story in its quavering notes clearly, and plainly, displayed to the world for all to hear. But to beasts actions speak far louder than any words ever could, and so Asterion drew his sword, and took it by the blade, holding it hilt first out towards the crone as she walked away. Hoping that perhaps he had found a kindred spirit, one who would understand how lost, and lonely he felt in this refined and ordered world, how out of touch with himself and nature this society was forcing him to become. And how much he resented the change, how much he wished to be the simple boy in the maze again. Hoping that perhaps someone else was like him, or could show him a better way.
OOC Notes
Skin still smarting, and a little red, from the scrubbing she'd given herself when a person had not followed the voice, Rain lounged in the pool forcing her mind to a song that she was working on. After all, you had to create to ever become a full bard. Bards could play anywhere, for nobles and royalty even. Surely if she were a bard she could find someone to accept her as friend. A place that was all her own. One that she had earned through her own hard work. A place she would be wanted. Morrin wanted me. But Morrin was gone now. Rain had to accept that. She knew she did. Not that she would give up looking that easily.
"That doesn't keep me from giving up hope," She whispered, slipping back under the water for a moment. Hoping the warm comforting caress of it against her bare skin would take away the bad thoughts. Return her sense of warmth, hope, and home. She opened her eyes, ignoring the bite of the water against them and watched her hair swirl around her. The patterns that it made where so very pretty, so she kept watching them. How long it was until she had to resurface to breath she wasn't sure. It couldn't have been too long. Even still, there was a new person in the room when she broke the surface.
Perhaps person isn't quite the right word, Rain chided herself. People seemed to think it odd that she put as much stock into the welfare of animals as she did into humans. Many didn't understand how she could look at them and see people. Very different yes, but then there were different races of man all over the place weren't there?
"No, I won't hurt you," She called softly, voice full of regret as the small, weasel like animal skittered back a few paces and chattered angrily at her sudden appearance. "How did you get in here?" She asked cocking her head at the animal as it came to a halt by her clothes. The animal glanced at her cocked it's head right back, then started to nose around in her clothes. Rain giggled. "There's no food in there sweet." Nor were there supposed to be animals in the baths, but that obviously hadn't stopped this one. Logic would imply that the small creature must belong to the owner of the voice that she'd heard earlier.
"Do you have a human around here somewhere?" She asked, not really expecting to get a reply. When the animal looked up from it's perusal of her boots just long enough to nod, she clapped in delight. "You're the most enchanting little creature." She murmured, and the thing preened. There was no other word for it. Then, without any warning at all, the little creature took off like shot from a sling, dragging her delicate well cared for and rather well polished brace of throwing daggers along behind it.
"That's mine! I need those!" Rain protested, coming rather clumsily out of the bath, and onto the tiles around it. Her body sluggish from the heat of the water, it was a wonder that she didn't slip and fall. She kept her feet, and grabbing a thick robe off of one of the benches, she donned it, holding up the bottom so that she didn't trip. Mobile, if not as graceful as usual, and decent enough now to be seen she headed after the small mammal with all the speed she could muster.
"That doesn't keep me from giving up hope," She whispered, slipping back under the water for a moment. Hoping the warm comforting caress of it against her bare skin would take away the bad thoughts. Return her sense of warmth, hope, and home. She opened her eyes, ignoring the bite of the water against them and watched her hair swirl around her. The patterns that it made where so very pretty, so she kept watching them. How long it was until she had to resurface to breath she wasn't sure. It couldn't have been too long. Even still, there was a new person in the room when she broke the surface.
Perhaps person isn't quite the right word, Rain chided herself. People seemed to think it odd that she put as much stock into the welfare of animals as she did into humans. Many didn't understand how she could look at them and see people. Very different yes, but then there were different races of man all over the place weren't there?
"No, I won't hurt you," She called softly, voice full of regret as the small, weasel like animal skittered back a few paces and chattered angrily at her sudden appearance. "How did you get in here?" She asked cocking her head at the animal as it came to a halt by her clothes. The animal glanced at her cocked it's head right back, then started to nose around in her clothes. Rain giggled. "There's no food in there sweet." Nor were there supposed to be animals in the baths, but that obviously hadn't stopped this one. Logic would imply that the small creature must belong to the owner of the voice that she'd heard earlier.
"Do you have a human around here somewhere?" She asked, not really expecting to get a reply. When the animal looked up from it's perusal of her boots just long enough to nod, she clapped in delight. "You're the most enchanting little creature." She murmured, and the thing preened. There was no other word for it. Then, without any warning at all, the little creature took off like shot from a sling, dragging her delicate well cared for and rather well polished brace of throwing daggers along behind it.
"That's mine! I need those!" Rain protested, coming rather clumsily out of the bath, and onto the tiles around it. Her body sluggish from the heat of the water, it was a wonder that she didn't slip and fall. She kept her feet, and grabbing a thick robe off of one of the benches, she donned it, holding up the bottom so that she didn't trip. Mobile, if not as graceful as usual, and decent enough now to be seen she headed after the small mammal with all the speed she could muster.
OOC Notes
The warm water was incredible on Phaistos's aching arms. His muscles had relaxed from their usual tense state. He knew he should feel vulnerable but it wasn't often that he got to relax. The life of an outlaw wasn't geared towards much luxury. Unfortunately, his peace was short lived. Phaistos started as Nixta came dashing around the corner from the second set of baths. In her mouth she carried an exquisite brace of throwing daggers. He quickly leapt from the bath as Nixta jumped into his arms and scurried up to his shoulder. She had a grin that stretched from one end of her face to the other as she dropped the daggers into his hands.
"What where you thinking?" exclaimed Phaistos.
The marten began to chatter wildly, bobbing up and down with excitement.
"This doesn't make you useful Nixta!" said Phaistos, starting to panic. "This makes you a liability. What part of low profile don't you understand?"
There argument was short lived though, as the sound of rushed footsteps became more audible with the second. Before Phaistos had time to react a woman with an incredible length of red hair came rounding the corner. For the first time in his life Phaistos was at a loss for what to do; his partner had just stolen a brace of daggers that most likely belonged to the woman, he was fresh off a job, and worst of all...he was naked.
"What where you thinking?" exclaimed Phaistos.
The marten began to chatter wildly, bobbing up and down with excitement.
"This doesn't make you useful Nixta!" said Phaistos, starting to panic. "This makes you a liability. What part of low profile don't you understand?"
There argument was short lived though, as the sound of rushed footsteps became more audible with the second. Before Phaistos had time to react a woman with an incredible length of red hair came rounding the corner. For the first time in his life Phaistos was at a loss for what to do; his partner had just stolen a brace of daggers that most likely belonged to the woman, he was fresh off a job, and worst of all...he was naked.
OOC Notes
The hustle of the marketplace, bouncing through crowds, shooing off children, reaching out for a fresh Persian Apple, oh now a bushel, oh now a cart's worth, lord did she love a Persian Apple.
It all sort of stopped, something inhuman, beautifully so, had swallowed up all the false dribble that had become so commonplace in the world of men.
Turning slowly, with large steps though she were stepping over great trenches, Annipe turned, her veiled eyes undoubtedly staring at Asterion, her toothless mouth gaping behind the veil. She let out a rough kind of caw, and very slowly reached to the two crystals hung around her neck.
She continued her slow approach, her legs wide apart and bowed as though she were trying to make her spindly form seem broader in its billowing robes.
Her eyes fixed on Asterion so intently the gray irises seemed somehow visible through the orange veil, she struck the long cylindrical crystal against the longer, slightly wider cone shaped one. To those around there was little more than a faint "ping"
But to those more in sync with the Symphony, there was a certain violent upheaval, like all the sounds around suddenly washed away. People mouthed words but not even a faint hum resounded, the street was unearthly quiet, the whole world suddenly seemed gloriously silent.
And a ways off, in the direction of the garden district, in the direction of the shoreline, and in the direction of the Labyrinth, there was an indescribable music, a strange distant thing, not so much music as merely harmonious sound, without any true order or pattern.
Then came the crashing wave.
All at once the roaring returned, crashed down on the scene like it had been dammed and freshly let loose. People stomping about, carts grinding against the stone, the heat of the sky even seemed to have a great roaring sound.
And the old woman was running at full, gangly speed down the nearest Alley, her old form foolishly sprinting grabbing at whatever was closest for balance, and turning effortlessly, while certainly not in her prime, Annipe ran much faster than a woman of her age should.
It all sort of stopped, something inhuman, beautifully so, had swallowed up all the false dribble that had become so commonplace in the world of men.
Turning slowly, with large steps though she were stepping over great trenches, Annipe turned, her veiled eyes undoubtedly staring at Asterion, her toothless mouth gaping behind the veil. She let out a rough kind of caw, and very slowly reached to the two crystals hung around her neck.
She continued her slow approach, her legs wide apart and bowed as though she were trying to make her spindly form seem broader in its billowing robes.
Her eyes fixed on Asterion so intently the gray irises seemed somehow visible through the orange veil, she struck the long cylindrical crystal against the longer, slightly wider cone shaped one. To those around there was little more than a faint "ping"
But to those more in sync with the Symphony, there was a certain violent upheaval, like all the sounds around suddenly washed away. People mouthed words but not even a faint hum resounded, the street was unearthly quiet, the whole world suddenly seemed gloriously silent.
And a ways off, in the direction of the garden district, in the direction of the shoreline, and in the direction of the Labyrinth, there was an indescribable music, a strange distant thing, not so much music as merely harmonious sound, without any true order or pattern.
Then came the crashing wave.
All at once the roaring returned, crashed down on the scene like it had been dammed and freshly let loose. People stomping about, carts grinding against the stone, the heat of the sky even seemed to have a great roaring sound.
And the old woman was running at full, gangly speed down the nearest Alley, her old form foolishly sprinting grabbing at whatever was closest for balance, and turning effortlessly, while certainly not in her prime, Annipe ran much faster than a woman of her age should.
OOC Notes
Who would have thought that such a small creature could drag my daggers that quickly? To be quite frank, Rain was impressed. She doubted she would be able to catch the little thief unless it stopped moving. Still, she wasn't going to give up that easily. Those daggers had been Morrin's birthday gift to her. Unaccustomed to running barefoot, much less on the stone floor of the bath house, Rain followed the little creature around a turn. Then skidded to a halt when she came face to abdominal level with a very much naked man. Or rather she tried to skid to a halt.
She had no more than half a second to gawk at the male form, which up until now the 14 year old girl had never seen so lacking in clothing. Then she was slipping, sliding on wet feet, and damped floor. Her muscles, still far from recovered from their time in the hot relaxing water, Rain had very little control over her direction. Before she could react, Rain plummeted into the pool that she could only assume that the dripping man had just vacated.
It was a soaked Rain that came up spluttering, tugging a suddenly uncooperative robe closed tight around her, while simultaneously trying to push a very heavy curtain of extremely wet hair from her face. Luckily she came up turned away from the naked man. "Give me just a moment, and I'll get out of your bath," She murmured face flaming. "You wouldn't have happened to see a small animal dragging an arm brace of throwing daggers not so very much smaller than it come this way would you?"
It wasn't that bad to look upon was it? Rain knew that voice. It was the one that got her into trouble. Made her ask unwise questions, or stick her nose where it truly had no right to be. It was also the second hardest part of herself to deny. Still, despite suddenly having a strong wish to see exactly what all of the fuss was about when it came to male bodies, this was one of those things that she just shouldn't let herself do. It wasn't polite. Has that ever stopped you before? Well, she really did have to admit that it hadn't.
"Could you possibly give me a hand out of here? This robe is so very heavy when it's wet." She pleaded as she started to turn around.
She had no more than half a second to gawk at the male form, which up until now the 14 year old girl had never seen so lacking in clothing. Then she was slipping, sliding on wet feet, and damped floor. Her muscles, still far from recovered from their time in the hot relaxing water, Rain had very little control over her direction. Before she could react, Rain plummeted into the pool that she could only assume that the dripping man had just vacated.
It was a soaked Rain that came up spluttering, tugging a suddenly uncooperative robe closed tight around her, while simultaneously trying to push a very heavy curtain of extremely wet hair from her face. Luckily she came up turned away from the naked man. "Give me just a moment, and I'll get out of your bath," She murmured face flaming. "You wouldn't have happened to see a small animal dragging an arm brace of throwing daggers not so very much smaller than it come this way would you?"
It wasn't that bad to look upon was it? Rain knew that voice. It was the one that got her into trouble. Made her ask unwise questions, or stick her nose where it truly had no right to be. It was also the second hardest part of herself to deny. Still, despite suddenly having a strong wish to see exactly what all of the fuss was about when it came to male bodies, this was one of those things that she just shouldn't let herself do. It wasn't polite. Has that ever stopped you before? Well, she really did have to admit that it hadn't.
"Could you possibly give me a hand out of here? This robe is so very heavy when it's wet." She pleaded as she started to turn around.
OOC Notes
Well, thought Phaistos, this is embarrassing. He wasn't exactly practiced in human interaction, and this was certainly a first for him. As the woman turned back towards him he remembered the very important fact that he was still naked. Phaistos quickly grabbed his pants off the shelf and began quickly throwing them onto his still soaking body. Nixta leapt from his shoulder at the sudden flurry of motion and landed on the shelf. She quickly took up chattering angrily at her partner.
"I'm very sorry for the trouble Nixta has caused." said Phaistos.
His cheeks were flushed red now, and not just from the soak. Bare chested he knelt down and helped the young woman out of the bathtub. The woman's unfortunate tumble into the tub had soaked her to the core. Her robe seemed heavy on her tiny frame and her mane of red hair clung close to her body. Despite her disheveled appearance Phaistos had to admit that she was a very pretty girl, if not a little young. He grabbed the daggers from the floor and handed them to her.
"She means well, but doesn't really consider the repercussions," he continued, "If I can compensate you for the trouble please allow me to. I have a little money, or if you could use my services I could compensate you that way. Just, if you could leave the authorities out of this I would greatly appreciate it."
"I'm very sorry for the trouble Nixta has caused." said Phaistos.
His cheeks were flushed red now, and not just from the soak. Bare chested he knelt down and helped the young woman out of the bathtub. The woman's unfortunate tumble into the tub had soaked her to the core. Her robe seemed heavy on her tiny frame and her mane of red hair clung close to her body. Despite her disheveled appearance Phaistos had to admit that she was a very pretty girl, if not a little young. He grabbed the daggers from the floor and handed them to her.
"She means well, but doesn't really consider the repercussions," he continued, "If I can compensate you for the trouble please allow me to. I have a little money, or if you could use my services I could compensate you that way. Just, if you could leave the authorities out of this I would greatly appreciate it."
OOC Notes
The walk back to the Denai residence was unbearable. Keli's feet tripped him up at every loose stone. His eyes refused to focus, even though he had removed his goggles. And the only thoughts that ran through his mind were of his stolen crystal - a part of him that was now gone. It had defined him - a child of laborers, accepted into the higher echelons of society. With the crystal gone, would he sink back down into the muck? A firm hand grasped his shoulder as the flickering torchlight was eclipsed by some large shape.
"Laborer! If I ask you again you will get the baton! Who is your owner?"
The large shape was a patrolman, towering above him just an arm's length away.
"I'm... I'm not a laborer, I'm a..."
His voice cracked before he could call himself a citizen. Through tearful sobs he named himself.
"I am Kelius Denai, apprentice to Penelus Thanner, Master Tinker. I was beaten and robbed... and my... crystal... was... stolen."
Kelius looked to the patrolman. The other's eyes betrayed his bewilderment.
"Laborer! If I ask you again you will get the baton! Who is your owner?"
The large shape was a patrolman, towering above him just an arm's length away.
"I'm... I'm not a laborer, I'm a..."
His voice cracked before he could call himself a citizen. Through tearful sobs he named himself.
"I am Kelius Denai, apprentice to Penelus Thanner, Master Tinker. I was beaten and robbed... and my... crystal... was... stolen."
Kelius looked to the patrolman. The other's eyes betrayed his bewilderment.
OOC Notes
Asterion watched, curious, as Annipe stopped, and turned, it felt as if her eyes were staring straight into him, seeing him, not the fabled Son of the Maze the rest of Kethadria saw when they looked at him. When the old woman struck her crystal, all the sound in the world stopped, and through the silence he heard music. Tears streamed suddenly, and uncontrollably down his face, at the sound of the song winding its way from the depths of the Labyrinth, through the silence, to him. His knees went weak, crumbled, and he fell, landing on his knees, sword in the street beside him, looking up at the sky, as the sound of the world crashed back in around him, like a shutting pair of scissors, severing the lone tenuous thread coming from the maze to his mind. He hardly noticed as the old woman sped off. Down on his knees he opened his mouth and let loose the worldess bellow once, praying that somehow it would make its way deep into the maze, an answering song to the source of the beauty he had heard after so, so very long alone.
When he came back to himself, he was on his knees in the middle of the street. People were staring, and whispering, a wide ring had formed around him, as others went about their business, and tried to avoid the mad Son of the Maze. A voice called from him, coming closer as it did so.
"Asterion? That you boy?" A guard called to him from down the street as he, and his three compatriots came towards him, called by the people who had noticed the ruckous. In a second he was on his feet again, sword in hand, and sprinting down the street. With a bound, and leap, he was back on the roof tops, fleeing from the guards. The four on the ground weren't the only ones after him either, the court was getting fed up with his wildness, and this strange display was unlikely to escape their notice. The guards on the street were just on patrol, alerted by the crowd, but the five in light weight armor, carrying bows as well as swords, were likely sent by the council to bring him back to the Temple, a place he had avoided with all his might since he had been found by the Kethadrians at the age of 12. Sleeping in the woods, roaming the wilds, that was the life he chose to lead. Unable to return to the maze, he hid in the wilds, staying away from the court, the temple, society, as much as possible. Floating on the fringes, a loner.
Now, for once, he wished that he was not, that he had some companion to help him evade these guards, a safe place he could hide. For a split second he had thought the crone might be such a kindred spirit, but she had fled him as well. None of these weak human's could look at him and not tremble it seemed. Walking the waking world alone is my destiny, he thought to himself as he fled the following men. What's the point in trying anymore, he silently cursed, I stand somewhere between man and beast, both wary of me, neither accepting. No home save the maze exists for my kind.
When he came back to himself, he was on his knees in the middle of the street. People were staring, and whispering, a wide ring had formed around him, as others went about their business, and tried to avoid the mad Son of the Maze. A voice called from him, coming closer as it did so.
"Asterion? That you boy?" A guard called to him from down the street as he, and his three compatriots came towards him, called by the people who had noticed the ruckous. In a second he was on his feet again, sword in hand, and sprinting down the street. With a bound, and leap, he was back on the roof tops, fleeing from the guards. The four on the ground weren't the only ones after him either, the court was getting fed up with his wildness, and this strange display was unlikely to escape their notice. The guards on the street were just on patrol, alerted by the crowd, but the five in light weight armor, carrying bows as well as swords, were likely sent by the council to bring him back to the Temple, a place he had avoided with all his might since he had been found by the Kethadrians at the age of 12. Sleeping in the woods, roaming the wilds, that was the life he chose to lead. Unable to return to the maze, he hid in the wilds, staying away from the court, the temple, society, as much as possible. Floating on the fringes, a loner.
Now, for once, he wished that he was not, that he had some companion to help him evade these guards, a safe place he could hide. For a split second he had thought the crone might be such a kindred spirit, but she had fled him as well. None of these weak human's could look at him and not tremble it seemed. Walking the waking world alone is my destiny, he thought to himself as he fled the following men. What's the point in trying anymore, he silently cursed, I stand somewhere between man and beast, both wary of me, neither accepting. No home save the maze exists for my kind.
OOC Notes
Adriane stood in a small room, there was a single window and a door, books were strewn across the ground, containers and ripped pages and paper were covering the counter, and stains were almost everywhere. In front of the window there was a set of metal containers containing various amounts of crushed particles and different liquids. Each one was labeled and she was carefully measuring everything out. She was smiling, it had taken months of tests but tonight she would do it. She would finally perfect it, finally escape. Outside of the window she could her the priests going about their work, other gifted going about her lives. She laughed as she poured a yellowish dust into the mixture. Gifted, HAH, as if. constantly watched, used by the king, kept under wraps and placed in the temple. Well I will not stay in this prison, I had more freedom in that damnable maze then I have here. There was a knock on the door, a man wearing a long robe and holding a candle walked into the room. Her teacher, if he could be called that, didn't teach her anymore, she all but taught him. Annoyed and worried about the flame she snapped out "FOOL, GET THAT FLAME OUT OF HER. FOR THE MILLIONTH TIME I DO NOT WANT TO DIE TODAY." Taken aback the man stepped out of the room. His face was covered in surprise but quickly turned to anger. He placed the candle on the ground and stormed towards her. "HOW DARE YOU, I AM YOUR TEACHER, NOT ONLY THAT BUT I AM YOUR ELDER, CHILD YOU GO TO FAR." He slammed his fist on the table and the force knocked the mixture to the ground. A little bit of it hit the open flame and ignited quickly burning towards the rest till they went up as well. She jumped up on the table "YOU STUPID OLD MAN." She jumped on top of him and slammed her fist right into his jaw. it was no use though, he was stronger and pulled her off of him screaming "FIRE GET THE WATER" all the while Adriane screamed "NO GET SAND, SAND"
It was useless though, a man ran up and poured a bucket of water onto the small flame. All Adriane could do was look on in horror as the water hit the flame and created a fireball. The servant caught fire and started flailing trying to get it out. More servants came with water but it only caused the fire to blaze all the more. Suddenly there was a loud hissing noise and everything seemed to happen in slow motion. She took off down the hall and she had only made a few steps before a massive explosion blew her off her feet and down the hallway. She looked back to see the hallway in pieces and her room in shatters. The roof across the garden had caught fire and was blazing away. As she stood up she felt a stabbing pain in her leg. She looked down and saw a piece of wood had embedded itself in her leg. She grabbed it and with a yell pulled it out before carrying on down two flights of stair and out into the main temple complex. All hell was breaking loose and people, citizens, servants, all of them were running around as if the whole world was ending. Her bloodied self stumbling out of that wing of the complex only worsened matters. A servant with an empty bucket ran by and she grabbed onto his robe and threw the bucket to the ground. She screamed into his face "GO TO THE GARDEN AND GET SAND, ONLY SAND WILL PUT THE FLAMES OUT." The servant was taken aback but upon looking at her eyes he nodded. He ran off to the garden and returned with his bucket full of sand. She stumbled out of the temple into the street and made her way into the market. This was not what she wanted, not like this, this was too much. But it didn't matter, planned or not she was away, it had created the distraction and she was free. First thing first though she had to find a healer, if not the blood loss would end her freedom short. She looked back over her head to see the classroom and living quarters of the Temple ablaze. She shuddered and felt tears coming to her eyes. On accident or not, she was responsible for this, all this damage, the loss of life, it was all her fault. She limped away, bleeding and crying while the panic and rush ensued.
It was useless though, a man ran up and poured a bucket of water onto the small flame. All Adriane could do was look on in horror as the water hit the flame and created a fireball. The servant caught fire and started flailing trying to get it out. More servants came with water but it only caused the fire to blaze all the more. Suddenly there was a loud hissing noise and everything seemed to happen in slow motion. She took off down the hall and she had only made a few steps before a massive explosion blew her off her feet and down the hallway. She looked back to see the hallway in pieces and her room in shatters. The roof across the garden had caught fire and was blazing away. As she stood up she felt a stabbing pain in her leg. She looked down and saw a piece of wood had embedded itself in her leg. She grabbed it and with a yell pulled it out before carrying on down two flights of stair and out into the main temple complex. All hell was breaking loose and people, citizens, servants, all of them were running around as if the whole world was ending. Her bloodied self stumbling out of that wing of the complex only worsened matters. A servant with an empty bucket ran by and she grabbed onto his robe and threw the bucket to the ground. She screamed into his face "GO TO THE GARDEN AND GET SAND, ONLY SAND WILL PUT THE FLAMES OUT." The servant was taken aback but upon looking at her eyes he nodded. He ran off to the garden and returned with his bucket full of sand. She stumbled out of the temple into the street and made her way into the market. This was not what she wanted, not like this, this was too much. But it didn't matter, planned or not she was away, it had created the distraction and she was free. First thing first though she had to find a healer, if not the blood loss would end her freedom short. She looked back over her head to see the classroom and living quarters of the Temple ablaze. She shuddered and felt tears coming to her eyes. On accident or not, she was responsible for this, all this damage, the loss of life, it was all her fault. She limped away, bleeding and crying while the panic and rush ensued.
OOC Notes
"Egh, my arm is acting up again." Alcaeus stretched his right arm as if he just had a sore shoulder, although instead of hearing the cracking of bones only a rattle of screws and other metal could be heard. He was sitting on the streets of Kethasdia, the cobblestones felt warm due to the sun that never seemed to go down and even though Alcaeus often complained about the hot weather, he considered the sun as one of the few gifts the country had to offer. He had just delivered some heavy boxes from the docks to the palace and felt the satisfying weight of hard earned coin in his pocket. The crates had to be delivered to the palace and they were known for their royal pay checks. "What would you say to me when you could see me now?" He muttered to himself while thinking about a distant past. With a grunt Alcaeus climbed up and sighed, he didn't want to think about that now, he had enough coins to drink himself into a stupor and forget about the world for a moment.
It was at that time he heard a loud bang coming from the palace followed by screams. He quickly turned his head to where the noise was coming from only to see flames coming from the place where he had just been. He remembered the servants that helped him out, he thought the servants at the palace were stuck up people who didn't know a thing about the real world, although they didn't deserve to get burned alive. But what was he going to do about it? It wasn't his responsibility, it wasn't his problem. He was about to turn his back to it all, when he suddenly saw a little girl limping down the street. She looked about as old as his daughter the last time he saw herr, although she was sickly pale and had hair even whiter than his own. He quickly noticed the piece of wood sticking out of her leg and the stream of blood coming out of it. It had been a long time since Alcaeus had felt sorry for another human being. He couldn't resist the urge to help out this injured puppy.
"Let me take a look at that wound." The girl startled since she didn't see him approaching, her eyes were blurred from the tears still streaming down her face. Not waiting for a reply Alcaeus quickly squatted down and examined the wound with great care. He wasn't an expert at this by far but he picked up a few things while he was still a mercenary, it seemed to him like none of the major arteries were hit although if she didn't see a doctor the wound could become infected. "Egh... You need to see someone who knows a damn about this. There ain't much I can do." The girl only seemed to stare at him with bewildered eyes, Alcaeus started to doubt if she had any idea about what was going on. "Let me take you back to the palace, I'm sure they have grea-..." Before he could finish his sentence he was interrupted by a loud "NO!" Her high pitched scream seemed to echo through the streets, and a few passer bys turned their head to the sudden interruption. Alcaeus was not in the mood for a big scene, and didn't feel like arguing with the kid. "Okay... Okay... Just lemme carry you then, maybe we can find you someone who isn't from the palace..." He reached out his metal hand to the child and tried to force a smile on his face.
It was at that time he heard a loud bang coming from the palace followed by screams. He quickly turned his head to where the noise was coming from only to see flames coming from the place where he had just been. He remembered the servants that helped him out, he thought the servants at the palace were stuck up people who didn't know a thing about the real world, although they didn't deserve to get burned alive. But what was he going to do about it? It wasn't his responsibility, it wasn't his problem. He was about to turn his back to it all, when he suddenly saw a little girl limping down the street. She looked about as old as his daughter the last time he saw herr, although she was sickly pale and had hair even whiter than his own. He quickly noticed the piece of wood sticking out of her leg and the stream of blood coming out of it. It had been a long time since Alcaeus had felt sorry for another human being. He couldn't resist the urge to help out this injured puppy.
"Let me take a look at that wound." The girl startled since she didn't see him approaching, her eyes were blurred from the tears still streaming down her face. Not waiting for a reply Alcaeus quickly squatted down and examined the wound with great care. He wasn't an expert at this by far but he picked up a few things while he was still a mercenary, it seemed to him like none of the major arteries were hit although if she didn't see a doctor the wound could become infected. "Egh... You need to see someone who knows a damn about this. There ain't much I can do." The girl only seemed to stare at him with bewildered eyes, Alcaeus started to doubt if she had any idea about what was going on. "Let me take you back to the palace, I'm sure they have grea-..." Before he could finish his sentence he was interrupted by a loud "NO!" Her high pitched scream seemed to echo through the streets, and a few passer bys turned their head to the sudden interruption. Alcaeus was not in the mood for a big scene, and didn't feel like arguing with the kid. "Okay... Okay... Just lemme carry you then, maybe we can find you someone who isn't from the palace..." He reached out his metal hand to the child and tried to force a smile on his face.
OOC Notes
Adriane stumbled down the street. The panic and her small shape had caused most people to overlook her and the blood loss was beginning to get to her. She felt her conscious drifting away from her but she always forced it back. Suddenly her leg gave out and fell down into the street. She struggled and struggles until finally she was able to get back onto her feet. Her head swam for a second and vision blurred but she had to keep going, had to find somebody. She took a few more wobbly steps and paused when an older man in tattered clothing caught her before she fell. He had said something but she was so far gone that most of it went over her head. "Let me take you back to the palace, I'm sure they have grea-..."
"NO" she screamed out. She would not go back there, she would not be a puppet for them.
"Okay... Okay... Just lemme carry you then, maybe we can find you someone who isn't from the palace..."
The man smiled at her and reached out with a steel hand and tried to smile at her. She looked at his hand and her eyes brightened slightly. She studied it for a second as the man picked her up to carry it. "That hand....... I can fix it." She whispered, it was hard to talk but if this man was going to help her then she must return some sort of service as well. Her eyes were blurring again but she fought off the blackness. She will not allow herself to fall unconscious, not until she knew she was away. She turned her head to the Palace and Temple, the fires were still burning but there was more smoke. A good portion of the complex was a light but it was getting under control. Tears started streaming down her face. This was all her fault, she was away but what was the cost. How many........how many had she killed....how many families would learn that a father, a mother, a child, would not be returning. She started crying and put her hands to her face and turned into the man carrying her. "no, no ,no it's all my fault. my fault, I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm sorry." she said softly, her voice broken from inhaling the smoke and her tears.
"NO" she screamed out. She would not go back there, she would not be a puppet for them.
"Okay... Okay... Just lemme carry you then, maybe we can find you someone who isn't from the palace..."
The man smiled at her and reached out with a steel hand and tried to smile at her. She looked at his hand and her eyes brightened slightly. She studied it for a second as the man picked her up to carry it. "That hand....... I can fix it." She whispered, it was hard to talk but if this man was going to help her then she must return some sort of service as well. Her eyes were blurring again but she fought off the blackness. She will not allow herself to fall unconscious, not until she knew she was away. She turned her head to the Palace and Temple, the fires were still burning but there was more smoke. A good portion of the complex was a light but it was getting under control. Tears started streaming down her face. This was all her fault, she was away but what was the cost. How many........how many had she killed....how many families would learn that a father, a mother, a child, would not be returning. She started crying and put her hands to her face and turned into the man carrying her. "no, no ,no it's all my fault. my fault, I'm sorry, I'm sorry I'm sorry." she said softly, her voice broken from inhaling the smoke and her tears.
- 71 posts here • Page 1 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
Without Absolution: Out Of Character (OOC)
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Without Absolution
1, 2, 3, 4by UnderINK on Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:22 pm
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on Sun Aug 15, 2010 8:50 pm
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Without Absolution
Most recent OOC posts in Without Absolution
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
Because of the fatal lack of development I think I'm gonna have to pull out of this roleplay. Sorry guys, it was fun while it lasted.
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
Hello there folks. I was chatting with UnderINK on AIM and she asked me to post her character responses, since she is unable to access the forum. Hopefully this will get some activity from everyone!
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
Also, I intend on updating the introduction to include an idea I wasn't sure in the beginning I wanted to add or not. It will involve a treasure at the center of the labyrinth and it will help centralize the plot on a specific object for conflict. :)
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
Sorry about the extended absence everyone. A lot of real life shit has been going on--- including me being in the middle of a move to Michigan. I'm staying with my mother for a few weeks until everything gets settled in. She has dialup and a really crappy computer, so it's VERY hard for me to log on here. But because I know I won't be moving until the beginning of the month, I will make more of an effort to sit through these load times for you guys. I will have to recap and come up with a reason for absence of my character, but once we do such, we will get moving at a steady pace. My fiance sort of has me involved with a bunch of random projects, on top of being a leader of the Mentors, so I'm juggling a lot. Hope you guys forgive me. ;)
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
I am so, so sorry for falling off the face of the earth. To say "Real Life got in the way" is the understatement of the century...
Thankfully I was conveniently outside the main storyline, I'd like to reincorporate myself, which may require a new character, either way, I'll read back and try and regroup.
I'm so so sorry, I used to pride myself on always saying when I'd be absent, and have just royally failed that...
Thankfully I was conveniently outside the main storyline, I'd like to reincorporate myself, which may require a new character, either way, I'll read back and try and regroup.
I'm so so sorry, I used to pride myself on always saying when I'd be absent, and have just royally failed that...
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
In an RP the time between posts means nothing. You don't assume time has moved forwards until people post as such. So no, it would not make sense to think time has advanced, not at all. With no posts to do so, there is nothing to have moved time forwards. The story cannot be moved forwards without players RPing it, you don't just assume that because days have passed between posts that the story timeline moves on. One cannot reasonably assume that it is hours since the fire started. Not until the players involved post saying as much.
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
well then..... I know they havn't posted but it would make sense. Of course they are working to put the fire out but, we shall see. No one has posted in 4 days and I can't because if this is true then I need to wait for everyone else to catch up in the RP. Hope people start posting again.
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
I hate to be rude Kawai, but I don't really care what you assume, just what UnderINK, the GM, says. And since no one has posted dealing with the fire since Asterion went in to find Simin, it doesn't make much sense to assume that hours have passed with the two of them just standing in the flames and nothing being done about it, now does it?
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
well I'm assuming it has been several hours in time since the fire started and now
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
UnderINK, in my last post I had Asterion stumbling into the smoke to find Simin. Since you're assuming the fire is being taken care of, should I just have Asterion pull Simin out of the blaze or something, so that she's not in the middle of the inferno when whoever takes care of it does so?
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
............
and uhh You sure you have NO IDEA how this happened >.<
This just seems like something you just wouldn't forget about lol
and uhh You sure you have NO IDEA how this happened >.<
This just seems like something you just wouldn't forget about lol
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
Tenrai would use earth (dirt, sand, etc), because they heard the exclamation directing someone to not use water.
Anyway, my finger is dislocated with fracturing. It's a little easier to type on now but not by much. I'm going to take the opportunity to work on some other projects momentarily and will post ASAP (extreme bruising all over my finger and I can't afford to have it x-rayed and splinted, so it's healing on its own).
Anyway, my finger is dislocated with fracturing. It's a little easier to type on now but not by much. I'm going to take the opportunity to work on some other projects momentarily and will post ASAP (extreme bruising all over my finger and I can't afford to have it x-rayed and splinted, so it's healing on its own).
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
It's no problem, sorry to hear about your finger :(
Hope it gets better soon.
I'm assuming that the last of the fire is getting put out right now. Once the immediate panic was over it would go out fairly quickly........as long as no water was used, teehee :D
Hope it gets better soon.
I'm assuming that the last of the fire is getting put out right now. Once the immediate panic was over it would go out fairly quickly........as long as no water was used, teehee :D
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
Sorry. I know I said I'd post tonight but I really f'd up my finger during an argument. I don't know what's wrong with it yet but the tip is purple and there's a black and blue line along my first joint, and it's EXCRUCIATING to type on. I'll wait and see if the swelling goes down tomorrow and try to post then. If not, I'll let you know what's wrong with it when I find out and try to splint it with something to help me type. Try to stall my entrance (and even assume the fire is being taken care of in the mean time, even if vaguely) until my finger doesn't feel so damn bad (this is scream-worthy right now so I'm going to stop)
Thanks.
Thanks.
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
Simin is a truth teller. She'll know what happened and your character won't get in trouble. Don't worry about it.
Given Maestro's most recent post, I feel it urgent to note to everyone (because I unfortunately didn't touch on it) that in Kethadria, women are a superior sex. They are not looked down upon, and most of the deities they worship are women. Part of the reason Kethadria is (and Crete was) so successful is that it was an equal gender nation. There was no oppression of women. When they enter a room, they are respectfully greeted and in a family, and in the government, they are valued for their intelligence and opinions. I corrected Maestro's post in private PM and would like if you two adjusted your posts to omit that interaction simply because I want to keep everything cohesive (that doesn't mean there can't be sexist characters, by the way; but generally that outburst would not happen in a meeting) and I intend to have oppression of women become a problem later in the plot as a conflict (after certain events unfold that I've already discussed with Maestro), so it's imperative that it stays intact right now that women are respected at all times.
I do NOT like to correct peoples' posts, so you will only see me do this if it affects the plot as a whole, so trust that it is important.
With my new Mentor duties, I became quite busy abruptly. I apologize for my absence from the roleplay and I will be posting tonight. :)
Given Maestro's most recent post, I feel it urgent to note to everyone (because I unfortunately didn't touch on it) that in Kethadria, women are a superior sex. They are not looked down upon, and most of the deities they worship are women. Part of the reason Kethadria is (and Crete was) so successful is that it was an equal gender nation. There was no oppression of women. When they enter a room, they are respectfully greeted and in a family, and in the government, they are valued for their intelligence and opinions. I corrected Maestro's post in private PM and would like if you two adjusted your posts to omit that interaction simply because I want to keep everything cohesive (that doesn't mean there can't be sexist characters, by the way; but generally that outburst would not happen in a meeting) and I intend to have oppression of women become a problem later in the plot as a conflict (after certain events unfold that I've already discussed with Maestro), so it's imperative that it stays intact right now that women are respected at all times.
I do NOT like to correct peoples' posts, so you will only see me do this if it affects the plot as a whole, so trust that it is important.
With my new Mentor duties, I became quite busy abruptly. I apologize for my absence from the roleplay and I will be posting tonight. :)
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
works all the same for me. Hrmm I wonder how I am going to get out of this.
Technically speaking I didn't start the fire. I was going to do, but it was going to be a small one, and probably not in the temple, and definitely be able to be put out more quickly XD
though I'm sure my Teacher will say I did in trial :( then it's, do you believe the teacher or the child.
Technically speaking I didn't start the fire. I was going to do, but it was going to be a small one, and probably not in the temple, and definitely be able to be put out more quickly XD
though I'm sure my Teacher will say I did in trial :( then it's, do you believe the teacher or the child.
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
Pardon to Heliaste but, my character is the queen and quite frankly. Are you kinda like god-modding? You said my character took your hand and went to the temple when Pashipae is still currently talking to Minos as of now... I am confused @_@
Re: [OOC] Without Absolution
Probably not the temple immediately. Probably a small jail-cell until they decide whether or not the character is innocent, which will require Simin's involvement in the trial or to appeal to the king directly (she's going there to talk to him anyway, so it's opportune as far as timing. :) )
