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Sevral

"My swords are beauty, and beauty is balanced. Be wary of them."

0 · 874 views · located in Trinity

a character in “The Tale of Three Worlds- Before the Storm”, as played by Centi85

Description

Image
Name: Sevral
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Race: Human



Appearance
Standing near to 5’9” Sevral confronts the world with a calm, analytical, and sometimes skeptical but never condescending, gaze as his cool brown eyes assess his surroundings. His hair hangs long, neatly combed to the sides but still falling free, except in the back where its length exceeds his forward appearance and is tied into a careful tail. His features are still young, usually sporting a well groomed mustache and beard, or at least a shadow, but his presentation denotes one who has labored and endured, and who, even in youth, has still managed to unlock some of the secrets of life’s simpler pleasures.
Normally clad in a short-sleeved long-coat which falls to just around the man’s knees, Sevral dresses casually, preferring nothing terribly ostentatious. With a purple sash, overlapped by a black leather belt, fit snug around his waist, as well as a plain pair of leather boots and gloves, Sevral maintains a moderate look of middle-to-upper class to fit his aesthetic whims. A Brown leather satchel hangs across from his left shoulder.

Personality
Sevral is a modest man to say the least. Since his beginning he has had little, and so he enjoys simple things. As a crafter he has learned the aesthetic values around which the world is centered. Feeling that there is beauty in many things so long as they are balanced, Sevral may often come across as philosophical, though he himself simply sees it as a proper perception of life’s wonders. Sevral by habit can tend to be a perfectionist, and often he may look at something with a scrutinizing glare, determining immediate face-value of an object or person, and any and all noting flaws. Of course he has made no habit of expressing this in any way, especially not by making quick judgments, but he still finds himself adhered to this inescapable habit. Many times the man has learned that the miniscule imperfections make some things the most beautiful. The man’s careful gaze and eye for beauty can be seen in his work.



Equipment
Sevral utilizes a matching pair of longswords, hand-crafted by himself, and differing only with the fact that one blade remains sharpened while the other is not. Of his other belongings he carries a series of sharpeners, polishers and buffers for his swords, several writing utensils and paper, as well as a conglomeration of other small tools with which he can craft or construct miniscule projects, all of which reside within his satchel.

Training
Sevral is a well versed swordsman and maker, preferring to trust his own craft to wield instead of any other shady merchant's. The man’s speed and precision, both in creation and wielding, is a dazzling display of harmonic balance and deadly grace. Of his work in armor, weaponry and sometimes jewelry or other bauble, Sevral is known for its lasting durability, reliability, unique craft design and stunning efficiency either in combat, or in pleasure to the eye.



History
Sevral was born and left as an orphan within the industrialized infrastructure of the Creeds. Taken in by a small guild, he found an affinity and natural talent for designing and then forging out magnificent pieces of work. As he grew his products merely matured with him, with designs becoming more elaborate, as well as audacious. Sevral found pleasure in designing, and eventually began off in separate tangents. Soon Sevral’s craft encompassed both ends of an entire spectrum and more. Whether in a sword with no design except in how the satin was wrapped so delicately around the hilt, or in the construction of a Lion’s face whose mane was itself a battle enacted by miniature people, Sevral Capitalized on his skill, though never sacrificed the integrity of his product in exchange for profit.
Soon after his mentor had died, Sevral had taken over the growing guild for some time. For several years Sevral was maintaining a steadily increasing income, but found quickly that demand endangered to engulf supply. Greed sets in easily, and after several attempts by his guildsmen to offer knock-off creations under the false brand of Sevral’s own work, in addition to the tedious guidelines of the Creed, Sevral simply decided he would cease with his work to travel the world in search of other sources of inspiration. His craft, while still wildly spontaneous, still felt as though it had room to grow. Currently Sevral wanders wherever he feels, observing and taking notes. Often he’ll see his trademark seal, a purple Phoenix within a crimson circle, and though it hasn’t bothered him, he knows that most who brandish that insignia have no face to put behind the name of such beautiful work, but perhaps it is Sevral who puts his work to his name. Having no proper family, and subsequently no last name, to identify with, Sevral cherishes his work as his identification.

So begins...

Sevral's Story

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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Enuren blinked, looking Sevral over as he commented on the beauty of her hair. She had never thought about it, that her hair might be considered beautiful or noticeable to others. She spent so much time alone in her home she rarely gave her appearance any thought.

That Sevral might give her hair any thought baffled Enuren. She nodded her head to him in return but said nothing. His comments gave her something to think about that was not the task before them.

Around her the ship began its descent. She sensed the movement under her. Enuren watched Dravon stand and then the others. She followed suit and stood.

Enuren walked out and down the gangplank. Her eyes took in the surroundings. She followed closely. She appraised the group of men that met them upon arrival. She said nothing as one man addressed them. A platform moved under her feet. She quietly observed and listened to the men speak. Enuren made note of the man’s name and his talk of where they were headed.

Even as she was listening to the captains talk Enuren picked up the sound of Elruin speaking to Sevral. Despite the bored tone there was something between the men that Enuren did not understand. The Ash Fiend turned his attention to Dravon.
He inquired as to why they were hired and she found this to be a very smart question. He also voiced his suspicion that things were not as they seemed and Enuren could not fault him for this line of thought. The whole situation seemed odd. Keyra seemed to sense it as well.

Enuren turned to look at Sevral as he too spoke up. It seemed everyone seemed more alert, more aware of what might await them. She said nothing feeling that no more need be asked at this moment. There were many questions hanging over them already.

She stood, hands at her sides and her eyes carefully noting her surroundings as she continued to listen. The idea of going down. underground was not overly appealing to the woman who lived in the mountains. The lack of sunlight, blowing wind and confinement made her feel ill at ease though none of this showed on her face. Only a slight tension in her body would give away any sense of her discomfort. Enuren would not shy from this but combined with the lack of information on exactly what they might encounter she was not overly enthused either.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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Dravon looked on at the wall of the tunnel heading down, its surface passing like a rolled tapestry while they traveled deeper still. He knew that the others would already protest even from a normal standpoint on all the facts that had been given.

The Count was not too happy with the way things were being handled with the council and it showed on his face. The image was fleeting as Dravon recalled all that he could about his old companion. Silently mourning the fact that such a great man had been reduced to a husk of worries and sighed breath in only fifteen short years.
He ran his fingers along the edge of his sash as he recounted days gone by of the Crusades and his eyes pulled back to the soldiers as Elruin spoke to the two of them. Dravon and the Captain looked at one another for a moment as he spoke.

“If I may ask you something captain, why have we been hired? The counsel seems resourceful it would be easier to send eighty squads like your own then to gather five very expensive mercenaries. Now I’m voicing my concerns I would like to tell you Dravon it’s likely this mission is ‘different’ from what we expect and I don’t appreciate surprises.”

They both shared another look as if passing on a secret letter in the class on one simple morning.

In fact everyone had something to say and Dravon just looked down at his feet while mulling the idea of his predicament over in his mind. "I understand everyone" He gave his sash a tightening pull before looking back at them.
"To answer all of this plainly.. its the council. Simply put its their doing and we have very little to say about the matter."

"The Council has vast presence in each world.. even my own.. and in the end its a necessary evil. They ordered what they did because they wanted it as such. We should be happy that the Count had the idea to change the last of the order, we may need the legions help." It was obvious he was speaking of the soldiers sent to accompany them, several gave a stern nod in response to his words. Montague returned in that moment and looked at Sevral.

"I and my men have been fighting, long before our days in the legion. This would not be the first time the Council almost actively got us all killed.. and I say that with more then enough clarity."

Dravon raises his hand spiritedly. "I can attest to that as well.." His words come as the tunnel begins to widen and a whole new world comes to view in front of the whole group. It is as though there is a whole city underground, hundreds of lights appear on the ground of the massive cave system. Only to disappear as the elevator is swallowed by a large metal pipe and slows it halt onto a upper shelving. The last several feet of the decent are fast as the mechanism shunts slightly, dropping and cushioning its landing in quick succession.

"Listen.. I understand you have reservations about this.. I do to. More so then I'd like to admit, but this is the first time the council has offered such a reward for the work they ask. So they must be in a rather dire situation and need us deeply."

He nods at Montague as he rallies his men and they begin to trot off into one of the tunnels sitting opposite of the lift. Only two remained behind, taking torches in hand they stood to assist the group in seeing their way. Dravon on the side continued to speak "The choice is two fold.. you can follow the plan and help end whatever it is that troubles this place. Or.. you can go back up, go home.. and risk the council not letting you wake up in the morning..."

"There.. I said it."
Dravon knowing full well that he had let it slip that the council was basically holding a noose around their necks. The look on his face was a fact that he had already come to terms with this reality some time ago and that would be true. He was not new to the orders of their seedy lies and the way they did things. But still his resolve in the matter was stern and controlled as though a man set in the fact that he could not be touched.

He kept his hand resting on the hilt of his sword swung around the edge of his hip, as he awaited an answer.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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#, as written by Siryn
Image




Keyra listened to the exchange with narrowed eyes as they dropped down into darkness. Her wings constantly shifted, moving ever so slightly to her body completely balanced with the decent. Her arms crossed over her chest with one finger tapping relentlessly against the upper arm of the other. Her gaze shifted between them all as she waited for an answer to her own observation. However, that answer never came.

So, the council likes sending people to their deaths... not something new to me either, she thought to herself. She shifted her body just enough to look over to Dravon as he seconded the comment made by one of the men. It wasn't that she doubted his or any of their words at all. What she wanted answered was what else was in those tunnels that had them all being called down to investigate. Her thoughts shifted slightly as an exotic sight took her attention.

Passing down the shaft via the elevator like contraption, out in the distance was what appeared to be almost like a city with lights flashing about. It was beautiful, almost like an entirely different world. The cave system was surely very large. In the split second that she'd seen the lights, they were gone. Keyra felt the space get closer even though she didn't really feel it. It was more like a sensory thing that had her pulling her wings inwards and making her feel very cramped. Her teeth ground together slightly. This was going to be difficult. The Val wasn't meant to be underground, much less in small spaces.

Every muscle of her body grew tense as she stood there, her normal light-weighted feeling taken away by the fact that she'd pulled her wings in to compensate for the pipe that they'd descended into.

"Listen.. I understand you have reservations about this.. I do to. More so then I'd like to admit, but this is the first time the council has offered such a reward for the work they ask. So they must be in a rather dire situation and need us deeply."

The decent slowly stopped, a strange sort of falling very quickly and then halting as it neared the bottom of the elevator. Her wings twitched, spreading outwards every so often to help compensate, but her body was tense as she could feel the edges of her wings brushing the pipe lining that they'd come down whenever she spread them during the moments the lift suddenly began to slow. It wasn't anything like falling from a high place where her body would have drifted to the ground below via her wings. Keyra was beginning to hate it very much until it all finally stopped. A gentle sigh of relief escaped her as she turned and watched them men climb off the platform and go down into the tunnels.

The Val's eyes flicked back and forth as she was adjusting to the darkness with the flicker of the firelight torches as her only source of light. She didn't like this feeling. It was cold, musty and the air too heavy for her liking. To make matters worse, the tunnels were small, not even large enough for her to spread her wings open completely. Keyra grit her teeth together as she too stepped off the platform.

"The choice is two fold.. you can follow the plan and help end whatever it is that troubles this place. Or.. you can go back up, go home.. and risk the council not letting you wake up in the morning... There.. I said it."

Keyra scoffed at this as she looked to him when he spoke and then returned her gaze to the tunnels as they prepared to go down them. Tilting her head off to the side, she narrowed her gaze, jaw tight, "I've no intention of going back. My question is still not answered, Captain. There's something else in these tunnels, isn't there?" her voice was cold as she spoke. Either they knew something and were hiding it, or they knew nothing and just didn't want to say that. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that even these soldiers must have heard rumors in the least. Anything, any sort of information given to her would be more than enough to start making her deductions.

"I'm here to track, I must know what I'm tracking first," she added.

The setting changes from Trinity to Creeds

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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#, as written by Centi85
Sevral shrugged inwardly. He'd expected as much. Or, expected as little? Nevertheless, the man was content to accept gracefully the Good Captains words of reassurance. Sevral wasn't necessarily unsettled, the man merely wanted as much information as he could gain. It appeared following this current course would result in little more than what he had already received prior, with simply fortifications to his assumption that everyone else were none-the-wiser. Very well, Sevral thought contently. He could make do. Information came as it would and Sevral didn't wish to incur any disdain, a problem which seemed to breed around the man as his questions tended to contend the accepted and riling the content. This agreed upon with himself, Sevral allowed his mind and gaze to wander, though he still listened to the conversation as it carried on.

The underground was an interesting object to behold. Sevral had always marveled at the natural layering of soil and bedrock. Each layer older than the one above it, with an igneous intrusion or perhaps fault break here or there. Even in the beauty of nature's own creation, designs which, when carved out by years of waterways to paint stripes along the landscape, there were imperfections which seemed to make them all the more perfect. Of course, mining operations tended to lose much of this, the darkness and depth of capital overwhelming much else, but even so, Sevral had to marvel at the flip-side of the coin.

Man's precision and ingenuity was brilliant, and forged deep into the mantle was a civilization its own. It was a short glimpse, but one well worth it. Sevral couldn't say he detested the sight of man colonizing where he would, because the infrastructures were ingenious. One had to be careful when they were so far below earth, supporting the weight of the world, both economically for the raw material for Creeds craft, and literally the impressive pressure of the rocky ceiling which could destroy man's work in a moment should misfortune strike.

Sevral nodded approvingly. There were many sides to examine, many wonders to behold in this place, and yet the man was only here by order of the Council to give his life to their whims. Sevral glanced around him now as the platform came to a halt and Captain Montague's men disembarked. Keyra looked less than comfortable in the confines of this underground world. Sevral himself simply wished for a more fragrant smell and cleaner air, but he wouldn't complain. The man turned now to Dravon as he delivered his ultimatum.

"The choice is two fold.. you can follow the plan and help end whatever it is that troubles this place. Or.. you can go back up, go home.. and risk the council not letting you wake up in the morning...There.. I said it."


An eyebrow arched at this statement. It was bold, an employed gamble. Or merely an acknowledgement of the truth stated out of an acceptance and resignation. Sevral slapped himself mentally, deciding that for now he'd shut down his brain. The man laughed inwardly. If only.

"I've no intention of going back. My question is still not answered, Captain. There's something else in these tunnels, isn't there? I'm here to track, I must know what I'm tracking first," said Keyra.

A tracker? Interesting. No doubt the high senses of a Vall could be useful as such. Sevral nodded again, then glanced sidelong at Elruin as an ungodly light was unleashed. In the dusty abyss, Sevral had to blink before allowing the mage a roll of his eyes. Certainly this man could attempt to act humble. Or get a rock fallen on his head. The benign torches that the soldiers held even appeared to have cowered in defeat to this superior energy. Sevral almost sympathized for the little, forsaken fires. Man's greatest tool, accessible to all, superseded by magic. Sevral decided that it was simply his loathing towards the Mage's self gratification that allowed him to sympathize with fire, then he dismissed it entirely, adjusting back towards his indifference in order for a more cooperative work environment.

"Captain Dravon," Sevral said, standing forward without entirely cutting off Keyra's statement to the man. "I have no intentions of abandoning you, nor do I believe any of us do. I will not speak for them, but I am certain that collectively, we have undertaken this mission, and as such will see it to its completion, or ours." The man turned to Captain Montague now. "And Captain Montague, I meant no disrespect towards your men in my earlier inquiry. It was an observation that merely shows the underlying ability to appearance, not that they appear anything less. Something that may serve true to more than the capable troops here."

Sevral smiled slyly but respectively as he nodded to the Captain. He often enjoyed his inadvertent play-on-words. Despite this, or perhaps because of this, the man was genuine. This trait seemed to manifested itself in his words, displaying the man's many thoughts in a single phrase. Those that misread him would learn in time, the man knew, as he waited patiently for everyone to continue.

The setting changes from Creeds to Trinity

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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Enuren remained silent, listening to the others as they continued to descend. The Captain gave them the option to stay, though they knew not what they were walking into fully or to leave. She did not see the point in leaving. If they did not go down someone else would need to. No matter what the problem needed to be dealt with. The woman did not like the threat of the council killing them for not helping however. That seemed petty and vindictive. Enuren crossed her arms about her chest and frowned.

It was clear that Keyra was a bit tense. She stated that she was not going to go back but that she wanted her question answered. Enuren thought it fair that the woman wished her question answered.

She narrowed her eyes as a bright light appeared. Enuren had slowly grown used to the dimmer torch light, her eyes adjusting to allow her to see and now she blinked to help them adjust once more. Her head turned to see Elruin. Clearly the ash fiend was using magic. She caught the look Sevral gave the mage but thought nothing of it.

Sevral spoke saying he did not think any of them would be leaving and Enuren nodded her agreement. She glanced around, brushing long white strands of hair from her face. “I will not be leaving and while I understand a desire to have questions answered it appears that those answers are either not going to come or the answers are something we are to discover first hand. Unfortunately we will not be able to prepare as much as some of us would like.” She nodded to Keyra. She did not want the woman to be so on edge but she understood her position. “We shall simply have to get used to relying on each other as we embark into the unknown.”

Enuren was not entirely comfortable herself, she empathized with Keyra take on things. The platform below her feet moved her lower under the ground and Enuren let her eyes look up longingly to towards the surface. How lovely the air will feel on my face when this task is completed. She would have a new appreciation for the surface when this was over, of that Enuren was sure of.

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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Dravon settled himself as the majority of the legionnaires made their way through the winding tunnel ahead. He looked over his shoulders at the others and at the Captain that stood with him as Keyra asked her question once again. He gave a snicker before speaking.

"Well to be honest it can be any reason that would fit, they want to know and if I could guess it wouldn't be that far off from a fire breathing abomination.. then again we aren't that close to Cabal at all so our likely hood of seeing anything like that are remote at best." He plastered a sly smile on his face as Keyra's eyes caught his.
But the Captain was quick to chime in with what he knew as well.

"Well to be honest, there have always been little things going on down here.. but as of recently the miners have had a string of disappearances in the past few weeks. Twenty three men in all, a mix of races as well so there is no commonality between them in one bit."

Dravon stood for only a moment before moving on, beckoning everyone to follow.

The two other soldiers that stayed with them were in the mix of simply holding a light source as they both were. A small rustic lamp dangled from the hand of both of them as they moved separately, one behind Dravon and the other at the end of the groups span.

He looked back at the others and spoke frankly for the moment, seeing as nothing but stone and soil lay in attendance.

"You know, I'll be the first to admit that I have no love for the council. They roped everyone into that damn crusade which we are still reeling from today. But I still don't relish the idea of staying on their bad side, so they ask.. I comply."

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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#, as written by Siryn
Image




Right after she'd spoken the ash fiend had unleashed his ungodly power. The brilliant light flooded her vision, almost blinding her by the sudden luminescence. Keyra's golden eyes squinted as she waited for them to readjust to the light, which didn't take too long. Her lips pulled into a bit of a frown though as she shifted her gaze over to the tall man. She didn't care for the sudden display of power, though the light was useful. The Val didn't voice her thoughts though, preferring to keep things civil as much as possible, unless given reason otherwise.

Sevral spoke up then, moving so that he was just in view of their Captain as he announced his own thoughts. Of course they weren't going to leave. Whether by their own reasons or for the reward that the council offered, none would turn their backs. To add to that feeling, Dravon's announcement of the council having a very long arm and the threat of their lives on the line was sure to add to it.

“I will not be leaving and while I understand a desire to have questions answered it appears that those answers are either not going to come or the answers are something we are to discover first hand. Unfortunately we will not be able to prepare as much as some of us would like. We shall simply have to get used to relying on each other as we embark into the unknown.” Enuren said, the woman's voice soft in the brilliant light as she gave a slight nod to Keyra.

The Val only bowed her head forward slightly, a bit of a frown on her lips. Perhaps the woman was right though. They weren't going to find out anything by just asking. It seemed that these men didn't really know anything about the current situation anyway. Keyra gave an inward sigh as she shifted her body and looked around the tunnels as the men were getting ready to head off.

"Well to be honest it can be any reason that would fit, they want to know and if I could guess it wouldn't be that far off from a fire breathing abomination.. then again we aren't that close to Cabal at all so our likely hood of seeing anything like that are remote at best." Dravon added.

Keyra's eyes shifted to him and she controlled herself to not roll her eyes as he spoke of the fire breathing abomination. She didn't miss Dravon's sly smile as he spoke to her. She shook her head slightly a very small smile on her lips that lasted only a second. Even so, she had to be prepared for just about anything, even if it meant the unthinkable. The Val really couldn't criticize this planet for it's own creatures as her's had some pretty vile and strange ones as well.

"Well to be honest, there have always been little things going on down here.. but as of recently the miners have had a string of disappearances in the past few weeks. Twenty three men in all, a mix of races as well so there is no commonality between them in one bit."

Keyra tapped her bottom lip with a slender finger slightly as she took in the little bit of information given to her. A mix of races, so whatever it was that prowled the tunnels had no preference as to what it preyed upon. Her thoughts had taken over so she missed what Dravon said next. She only caught bits of his words; something about the council roping everyone in whenever they felt like it and intending to stay on their good side rather than being on the bad side. She huffed in response a bit as they started down the tunnels.

"Seems the council likes to wrap everyone around their little fingers don't they?" She muttered in reply. Her gaze shifted from one end of the tunnel to the next, her wings held tightly against her frame as the small space didn't allow for her to stretch them like usual. Or at least, that's how she felt anyway. She really disliked being underground, it made her feel cramped. Keyra's fingers twitched as she unconsciously reached back for her sword that was strapped to her lower back, the sheath moving ever so slightly up and down with her forward momentum.

"The men that have been taken, were they with others? Large groups perhaps? Or alone?" she asked suddenly as they traversed the tunnel. Should her answer be the latter, then she would propose her next thoughts. In order to find the thing that threatened the workers, baiting it would be the best option, especially since no one knew what it was, which made tracking almost impossible. Where she alone, or with only a single other, she would be able to use her skill more effectively. Their movements down the tunnel were already disturbing any tracks left behind by anything. Keyra didn't mind being bait either.

However, should the answer be the former, she would have to rethink her strategies. The only option for that would be for her to take the lead with one of the soldiers beside her to guide her way through the tunnels. Her wings fluttered a bit with her agitation, a finger gently tapping the hilt of her sword as she waited for her answer.

The setting changes from Trinity to Creeds

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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The sound of the surrounding tunnel echoed with the groups steps as each one padded on after the other.

Up ahead the sound of the air pressing its way through the open chambers was resounding like that of music at a concert hall. Everyone could feel the dampness as well, small puddles could be seen littering the ground as the gathered moisture dropped from the ceiling. This caused the a sound of droplets to be heard every so often.

Slowly a short draw of rumbling echoed from one end of the tunnel to the next.
The violence of the shacking was lite at best and only caused a mild disturbance to everyone in presence.

There was a short stop in everyone's steps as the young Captain spoke.
"Just a little tremor, they happen all the time down here so there is nothing to worry about."

The walk began to slow as voices started to grow from around the corner and the Captain waved everyone on with him. But as they rounded the corner what met them was several sets of eyes staring back from behind helmeted visages. The soldiers had taken a position around a vast hole in the was of the last chamber and two were inspecting digging items that had been left behind.

"What is wrong with this picture?" Dravon asked with a slant in his neck, turning his head towards the young captain.

"No.." He replied as he walked over past his men. Many of which had weapon drawn and was staring down the whole expanse of the tunnel itself. Kneeling he picked up a pickaxe and tossed it aside, letting it land on a collection of scattered stones and debris.

"There were six men here clearing the hole for us.. We left them right before coming to meet you."

Dravon looks about and scatters some dirt with his foot before turning his gaze down the tunnel.
"Well we didn't see them on the way in, so there is only one place they could have gone." He says as he points into the opening. He looks back at the others and places his hand on the hilt of his sword.

"I think this is about to get interesting."

He nods at the young captain who in turn brings his look to his men and they draw swords, readying themselves for the march down the tunnel.

The setting changes from Creeds to Trinity

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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Enuren remained silent for the rest of the trip. They kept moving, the air around them grew cooler and filled with an odd energy. It was as if they were all relaxed but it was more for show than anything.

She made mental notes of the strange occurrences the Captain spoke of. He called them little things but to her the disappearance of so many felt did feel very ‘little’. Twenty three men? A frown appeared on her face.

One look at Keyra told her that the woman was thinking over this new information as much as she was. Enuren wanted to ask Keyra what she was thinking but held her tongue. She did note the woman’s tension, the way she would reach slightly for her sword. Enuren felt it too, the whole situation felt as if they were walking into something much worse than everyone would have them believe. They talked of the council’s methods and disappearances as one might discuss the food on a dinner table.

They were walking, heading further down the tunnels. Enuren’s eyes scanned her surroundings. Admittedly she was not overly fond of being underground, preferring the open air of the mountains but caves and tunnels were no stranger to her. The mountains and her home were made up of a vast scattering of them.

Enuren only stopped for the briefest of moments as the tunnel lightly shook and a deep but short rumble sounded. The Captain assured them it happened often and like that she resumed her gait.

As they came around the corner it was instantly clear that something was amiss.

“I believe you now have twenty nine men missing.”

Enuren began to look around but as Dravon stated there was only one place the six men could have gone. They had not passed anyone, there were no other tunnels leading away. What puzzled her most was what could have caused them to go down the tunnel leaving axes behind. Were they dragged away? Did they go freely? Why leave an axe behind knowing there might be danger? The whole thing felt wrong.

The soldiers readied their weapons. Enuren did not draw a dagger or her bow. She followed, alert and ready for anything.

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Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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#, as written by Siryn
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As they continued down the tunnel, there was a sudden vibration underneath the Val's steps, making her pause for a moment. Then right after the entire structure shook violently. Keyra's fingers wrapped around the hilt of her weapon tightly as her wings snapped open wide, but not fully as she couldn't stretch them like normal. She balanced herself even further by dropping her body into a slight crouch.

"Just a little tremor, they happen all the time down here so there is nothing to worry about." The captain of the soldiers called out, to which she frowned.

Keyra kept her thoughts to herself this time though as they continued onwards. Her hand never left her weapon though as they walked down the tunnel. It was getting cooler, and the air was growing somewhat damp as well. More than a few times the Val had stepped through small puddles on the rocky floor. The entire group came around a bend in the tunnel soon after. Once there, they were met with a couple of soldiers inspecting the area.

Something was off...

"What is wrong with this picture?" Dravon asked, voicing Keyra's thoughts completely. The Val drew up next to him, her gaze flicking about the area as the soldiers shuffled through the mining equipment that had lay on the floor. Looking up, her eyes narrowed a bit as she gazed down into the pitch black of the rest of the tunnel.

"No.." the captain replied, his voice a bit heavier. He walked over to the area and picked up a mining axe. His men that surrounded them had drawn some of their weapons, confirming Keyra's original thoughts that something was definitely amiss here. Her hand drew her sword out a bit, unlocking it from the large sheath on her lower back.

"There were six men here clearing the hole for us.. We left them right before coming to meet you." The captain continued as he knelt there.

“I believe you now have twenty nine men missing.” Enuren commented as she came up next to them, her eyes also looking down into the tunnel after appraising the equipment that lay scattered around the tunnel. Keyra flicked her gaze over to the woman and gave a slight nod in agreement.

Well this answers my earlier question... Keyra thought as she took in the scene. She was beginning to have a bad feeling about their being down in the tunnels. Her earlier statement about what it was that lurked in the tunnels came back to her. This was definitely not the work of the natural creatures that lived underground. It didn't feel right...

"Well we didn't see them on the way in, so there is only one place they could have gone." Dravon said as he gestured down the tunnel to where Keyra had been looking. Glancing over his shoulder to the rest of the group, his hand fell upon his weapon.

"I doubt they went willingly," Keyra added softly.

"I think this is about to get interesting." the taller man commented lightly.

Keyra shifted so that she could glance up towards him briefly from the corner of her eye. Her wings fluttered as she shifted. In one smooth motion she drew her enormous weapon from it's sheath, the steel ringing clearly in the tunnel and stepped forward.

"I'll lead," she said and didn't wait to be told otherwise. With a slight pump of her wings, Keyra moved ahead of them a bit into the darkness, but not so far that the light of the Ash Fiend's magic didn't reach her. Once at the edge of the light, she slowed herself and started walking silently down the tunnel. Keyra kept her eyes on the ground before her, searching through the dark dirt beneath her feet, she tried to find anything that would tell her of what happened to those men.

Keyra halted in her steps, having gone down a good portion of the tunnel. She knelt, her sword held outwards to counterbalance herself. Gloved fingers reached forth and lightly touched the ground where she could just barely make out a strange print in the minimal dust. Mostly it was solid rock beneath them and little bits of dirt. Her lips pulled into a frown. The tremor before could have also been part of the cause to not having much to go off of.

Still... the oddly shaped print in the dirt definitely wasn't anyone's boot. Too large to be rats of any kind, fairly wide and seemingly short in length. There was also a small impression in the dirt at the back of the print, almost like a nail or claw of sorts that would make that sort of imprint. It was all she could make out though, there wasn't enough sand or dirt to give her anything else. Clicking her tongue a bit in annoyance she stood up slowly and gazed into the darkness ahead of them. Stepping over the print she'd found she continued on.

Her sword pointed to the print as she went, her voice softly carrying back to the others, "Found something. There's not enough dirt down here to figure out what would make that kind of print. The tremor earlier may have shifted the dirt as well, obscuring it," she added as she continued down the tunnel slowly. Keyra continued to search the floor for anything more substantial though she doubted she would find it. At this point though, she was beginning to feel as if danger was lurking ever closer and thus her gaze kept flicking around in the darkness before her as she moved forward. Her fingers curled tighter around her weapon as she slowly lifted it up to take it into both hands, still edging further into the tunnel.

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Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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#, as written by Centi85
Sevral walked quietly with the rest of the group, stoically investigating everything around him. His mind wandered aimlessly over the rough tunnel walls, and he listened idly to the rhythmic steps of those around him, mingled with the rustling of clothing or jostling armor and weapons, every now and again turning from a soft pad to wet slosh as one would step in a puddle. The man's eyes traced the marks of the tools of the tunnel builders as they proceeded forward, admiring the precision and strange designs they seemed to inadvertently engraved into the stone. Sevral stopped only because the rest of the group had taken a moments pause, and the man raised a curious brow as the cave belched, then the man looked to their Captain as he gave reassurance to their group that this was a natural occurrence. Sevral nodded acquiescence and remained within his realm of observation.

A frown creased the man's face as their group had rounded a corner and came upon an interesting peculiarity. Sevral need not say anything, for everyone else had beat him to it. Indeed, the men were missing. Gone without trace except for their tools with the only viable option being to proceed into the ominous looking hole. How cliche, Sevral thought. Out sword, and onward stride, forth into the abyss! Aye, verily we go! The man huffed at himself as he inspected the soldiers around the group, several of whom had drawn or readied their weapons. Sevral himself glanced to his swords and placed his hand on the hilt of one, thinking to himself whilst the others conversed lightly. There was no doubt as to the next course of action, and so the man followed easily as the party began its next endeavor.

“I just cast a spell to protect our minds if I drop died you have a minute before it ends.”

Sevral stopped momentarily, for the first time caught off guard. The man turned with a curious eyebrow towards the Ashfiend. What was that which was just displayed to him? No, perhaps it was nothing terribly noticeable at first. The words seemed to hold no true sentiment in their sounding, but the fact that they had sounded to begin with. Sevral inspected Elruin carefully. Sevral took heed of the warning, and then decided to file the rest away for later. He wouldn't bother himself with it yet. It was time to be quiet and alert, not mentally subdued and distracted.

"Noted," Sevral spoke back quietly as he walked behind the man.

After a short time in Keyra seemed to have located something. Sevral halted and waited patiently, watching the Vall as she worked to inspect it. When she stood and finally continued moving, Sevral stopped himself to peer at the print as well. Oddly enough he had no speculations. He wasn't working through any meanings or searching as he normally did. His mind was silent and alert, focusing on physical presences and immediate purpose. The man continued without a word with the rest of the group, his hands hanging readily at his sides. The man's eyes searched beyond Keyra who had taken point, though he was but a mere human. He couldn't see anything.

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As the group follows one another down the dark passage, soon the light of the lamps and torches become unnecessary. A bright glow can be seen issuing from the other end of the tunnel as the its stretch ends in another neatly round exit. Moving slowly and with great caution the guards ready themselves and Dravon now pulls his own sword as the group breaches the entrance. What lays before them was not expected to be seen however, it was a large and widely untouched room built of stone with pillars supporting its inner structure. There was a scooped divot in the wall that lead all along its length on both sides and it was from this that a strong flame burned, casting a constant amber light.

Dravon took a step only for his foot to hit something, looking down it was revealed to be a small section of leather padding. A piece that was taken off a section of armor or clothing. Everyone could see that it was not just one piece but a vast array of discarded objects and they made a trail upwards toward the center of the room. As their eyes followed a figure could be seen laying amongst the rubble and several small dark silhouettes moved about its surface.

When the group closed its distance it was easy to see now what was going on.
The figure was a man laying on the floor of the room and his body was being stripped of its protective gear. The dirt and filth caking his face and hands easily revealed him to be a member of the dig team, but life was not present in his features. His skin was pale and his eyes were wide from the last moments of his life as his face sat turned to the side and looking to them, as if asking for help even after the fact.

A lite scuttling noise could be heard from the creatures on him however, each was no bigger then the size of a large house cat and they moved with quick jutting motions. The Captain of the guardsman wiped some sweat from his face and knelt for a somewhat closer look. "Its a small collection of Krawl..why would they be stripping him of his clothing?"
One of the other guardsmen pulls up his rifle and takes aim but Dravon places his hand on the barrel and sways his head at the decision. There are only three of them at the moment and they have yet to even begin to notice the group since their arrival.

The little insect like creatures have dark nearly onyx color shells and a somewhat bulbous body, perpetually hunched over in a leaning figure. Each works with its small claws and mandibles to pull away sections of fabric, pulling off small sections of the mans protective clothing leaving only his underclothes. Only when they approach too close do the Krawl take notice and give some form of stance. Holding up their small pincer like claws and taking a broad stance like a crab on the shore, before running scared as they close into the last four feet. They flee out through a door at the opposite end of the room with their chitin covered legs snapping sounds against the stonework.

Dravon takes a knee at the mans side while the Captain sends his men ahead to secure what ground they can, just in case the Krawl return in force. Looking the man over for a few moments, Dravon reaches down to shut the eyes of the departed and begins to thumb through what belongings he still has. "His body has nearly been picked clean." He looks at the mans linen shirt and pulls at it with his fingers revealing a five inch long slit in his chest.
"Well.. whatever killed him could not have been the Krawl. A weapon was used.. and it cauterized the wound as well." With care he rolled the man over to reveal an equal would on his back, but this one had some small sign of blood and a lightly singed section of cloth around it. "I would say a sword, with a broad blade and a long reach.."

"He was killed right here as well."


He noticed as he ran a finger along a matching impression in the floor of the room.

Steps came back from the doorway as two of the guards returned with heavy looks on their faces. "Sir.. your going to want to see this." One said with a deep draw of his voice and the two ran back through the door.

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Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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Keyra came into the room with the group following right behind her. Her gaze swept the area quickly noting that they were the only ones to enter, aside from the departed laying on the floor. She narrowed her golden eyes at the insects that crawled along the man's body. It was the only body to have been located since entering the tunnels. Keyra adjusted her blade as she moved into the room. Dravon went to kneel next to the man's body, searching what little was left.

"His body has nearly been picked clean."

Keyra glanced over to him briefly. Why would those little creatures be taking his armor... I don't understand... she thought to herself as she slowly moved around the perimeter of the room. Unless they were being controlled by some other source, but even that sounded rather incomprehensible.

"Well.. whatever killed him could not have been the Krawl. A weapon was used.. and it cauterized the wound as well."

This caught Keyra's attention once more and she turned to move over to where Dravon was kneeling. She peered down at the man's back where their leader had pulled the cloth back. The deep cut was indeed burned, no blood having left the wound. The Val frowned as she eyed the wound. Letting the tip of her blade fall forward, the weapon clanged into the rock where she leaned lightly onto it, deep in thought.

"I would say a sword, with a broad blade and a long reach.. He was killed right here as well."

"The print from earlier would suggest a rather tall being," she offered softly as she was standing right behind Dravons' kneeling form, "Whatever it is could be nearby still. We've yet to find the other missing men."

Footsteps sounded through the tunnel and Keyra yanked up her weapon again, settling into a slight defensive position, unsure if they were about to face their foe just yet or not. When it was only a pair of guards, and they did not seem to have been chased, she settled a bit.

"Sir.. your going to want to see this."

They both retreated back down the tunnel they'd come from without waiting for an answer from any of them. Keyra glanced down to Dravon, waiting for his order all though her instincts were driving her to follow those men so she could find out more about the situation.

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Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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The whole scene was morbid to come across. Her eyes raked over the body, the discarded armour, the prints that Keyra pointed out, the creatures that moved. A slender hand reached to her shoulder and pulled the lean bow from its place.

Enuren turned when the other men returned. She did not like the tone of their statement. Another body or perhaps worse.
Looking about the cave she did not see anything that would mark the being that they might be dealing with. She was familiar with mountain or high cave dwelling things not those that made their home this far down in the into the earth. Enuren looked to Dravon, Keyra, Elruin and Sevral for some clue as to who or what they might be facing.

She heard tall, sword that cauterized the wound and it brought her no clear answers. From the look on the others face it was clear that they too were not sure what was lurking in dark and dirt.
Readying her bow she wait for Dravon to take the lead.

The setting changes from Trinity to Creeds

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Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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#, as written by Centi85
Sevral frowned inwardly at the scene which the group had stumbled upon, though outwardly remained stoic. The man's dark eyes rolled over the gruesome aftermath, encompassing everything there was to take in and analyzing it for what it was worth. The men, dead beyond reasonable doubt, their armor discarded or in the process of being such by means of creatures recognizable as Krawl, everyone none-the-wiser, and overall a less than pleasant find. The room itself was structurally sound, supported by capable pillar with either side of the room maintained by large divots which casted a brilliantly luminescent light and contrasting shadows throughout the room that danced with the breath of the flames. Sevral glanced around him and found that he wasn't the only one who had found interest in the fire, though Elruin's captivation extended to a rather interesting conclusion. The swordsman's eyebrow came up at the mage who held his hand in the fire, then dismissed it to inspect the corpse, taking position next to Keyra behind Dravon’s kneeling figure.

It has been determined easily that it was a blade which had slain this man, and on top of that, it had cauterized the wound. Sevral found this particularly interesting. Was the weapon a heated blade which cauterized as it cut, or had the wound been sealed afterward? Surely there would’ve been more blood if the latter were the case. It was all truly perplexing. Sevral ran a thoughtful hand through his hair, brushing back the hair which had fallen forward when he had looked down. The man chewed his tongue, trying to decipher some hidden message in it all, but failed.

"The print from earlier would suggest a rather tall being," said Keyra. "Whatever it is could be nearby still. We've yet to find the other missing men."

“Well it has to be intelligent or controlled by something intelligent,” added Elruin, still enthralled by the effects of the fire on his hands.

Sevral glanced up at the Vall, nodding in agreement, then turned suddenly as everyone’s attention was drawn to the far exit where footsteps echoed in their direction. Sevral straightened, sidestepping to see beyond Keyra as she took up a defensive stance. Sevral’s right hand took hold of one of the hilts of his swords, but fortunately no enemy was attempting any feat of audacity this time. Two of the Captain’s men had appeared.

"Sir.. your going to want to see this."

It wasn’t necessary to tell anyone any more, Enuren had drawn her bow and Elruin simply looked as displeased as ever, but it seemed no one wanted to move without the Captain’s orders. Sevral looked to Dravon now as well, his index finger tapping lightly on the polished steel pommel of his sword. The man’s eyes flicked back to the retreating figures of the guards as they descended back into the darkness of the tunnel, and the man could only imagine just what horrid or splendidly beautiful scene they were going to happen across next.

The setting changes from Creeds to Trinity

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Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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As the group was being lead down the tunnel, it became clear that the walkway was much less a burrowed tunnel and more a carved stone stair case that lead further down. It was leading them to a vast opening that gleamed with a equally large ambient light from somewhere above and as they exited the opening the whole spectacle was in front of them.

What sat before them was a massive chasm with them suspended upon a large bridge overlooking a pit so deep that it reached to a void that almost appeared to devour what light came its way. The moisture of the air and the sounds of the cracking stone all around could not distract form what sat at the end of the bridge several meters away.

A large stone structure sat perched upon the upper cliff face inside the cave with the bridge itself splitting near the end and entering through multiple doors on its far end. The ambient light can be seen coming from the roof of the large opening as it seems to be a large cloud of fire clinging up in the air basking the whole of the chasm in a warm inviting glow.

Many of the soldiers kept their wits about them as they began to move slowly along the edges of the bridge and keep their weapons drawn. The area was completely devoid of life as far as the eye could see and it was impossible for them to think that no one could be around.

Dravon looked out towards the large stone structure and took in its vast frame.
He had been to many places in all the known worlds but never had he seen stonework like this and in such a place it was a wonder how it had survived down here untouched. But as if by signal to that thought a small trimmer struck again and in that respect a small section of the stone work from the obelisk like building cracked, shunting itself away from the main section. "I guess standing the test of time was out of the question here.." He looked up at the top of the structure and around its frame as he studied it for a short while.

"Keyra do you think you can fly up and get a better look?" He turned to look at her as he continued.
"I think we should know if the bridge is secure enough.. before.. we.." It was then he stopped and kept his eyes fixed for a few moments as if his eyes could chase away what he was staring at. He reached out and took the young woman's shoulder moving her towards him and backing away with her. "No one make a sound.." His eyes stayed transfixed as he slowly backed away with her in hand lightly turning her as they walked.

The guardsmen reacted as well, drawing up their weapons preparing for the worst to happen.

Just above the doorway that they had used was the wall of the chasm and instead of it being pitch in color like the rest of the stone around, it appeared as though it were alive. In reality the wall was covered with a great majority of Krawl as they all seemed to be basking in the afterglow of the strange flame as well. Each one sat inverted on the wall with claws held out as if they were reaching for the distant glow in some way.

Only a few took notice of the group in general but still stayed on the wall and even less turned their attention from the glowing warmth that was enthralling the other Krawl. They would make small clattering noises as they kept a now close watch on the group and Dravon was quick to recant one of the guards as he pulled his rifle up towards the small beast. The Captain on the other hand was fast leading his men towards the other end of the bridge as Dravon's group lay closer towards the middle.

Leaving the guard he made his way back to the others "I think its time we move along and hopefully we can keep from attracting their attentions." But before his mind could issue another thought a deafening crack poured through the chasm and everyone was forced to turn. Seeing the nervous guardsman, literally standing there with the smoking gun.

The air filled with a tense sensation as everyone's eyes could see the entire stretch of the rock face looking back at them. Like a sea of black opals sitting on a sheet of dark grey paper. Not a single sound made its statement then, no clattering, no snapping of claw. The creatures just stared back down at them in silence.
The tension was so thick now that one could taste it floating in the air as Dravon took the initiative.

"Run!!"

As everyone started off the mass of Krawl poured off the wall like a water fall and slammed into the bridge, coursing down it like a fixed waterway. Their legs and shells scraping against the rest of the stonework as the large wave forced itself down the isle.

Several Guardsman turned from time to time so to fire behind them, but as the round struck its target killing it the creature. Another would simply takes its place in the greater movement, the dead ones carcase either devoured or destroyed by the moving mass.

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Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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#, as written by Siryn
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Keyra followed closely behind Dravon as they went back through the door the other soldiers had gone through, her sword sheathed as they'd left the other room. It soon turned into stairs that descended a ways down and once they were at the bottom it opened up into an unimaginable sight. Even the Val took a sharp breath as she came to a halt right next to their captain. The stone structure before them was quite the sight to see, enormous and looking to be well built as well as exquisite in detail.

Certainly well built to still be standing underground as it is, Keyra thought to herself as she moved slightly ahead of their group to eye the large bridge that led to the building at the end of it. As she thought, there was a deep rumble and the rocks shifted ever so slightly. The tremor ran it's way through the entirety of the tunnels and caverns before settling once again. Keyra had froze when the tremor hit, her gaze flicked around the area as she half expected the large bridge to suddenly drop into the darkness below. The bridge was suspended over a deep chasm that even had her own flesh chilling at the thought of having to walk over it. The Val's wings fluttered a bit as she eyed either side of the bridge, trying to determine if time had worn away at the stone work. It was difficult to tell from her vantage point, though.

It would have seemed that Dravon was thinking the same thing as he came up beside her and spoke, "Keyra do you think you can fly up and get a better look?"

She lifted an eyebrow as she regarded him. It was impossible for her to fly up and see anything. However, should she have the proper help, she could be propelled upwards and glide down slowly. That would effectively give her enough time to scour the bridge and give them a detailed account of the surface and if it was safe to traverse across. Of course, it would all depend on how high she could get and whom in their party could get her to that point. At first she thought of the ash fiend and his magic. Though she shoved it aside almost immediately. She didn't trust him quite that much to have him tossing her up into the air with his power. Even so, as Dravon continued and turned to her fully, his voice faltered partway through.

"I think we should know if the bridge is secure enough.. before.. we.."

He reached out and gripped her shoulders firmly but gently. Pulling her forward, the Val was startled at the sudden touch and direction. His gaze was hovered over her head though and he slowly backed away onto the start of the bridge. Her heart rate increased a bit as they stepped onto unknown territory. Every sense was highly pricked as she moved with him. Turning her head, she was able to witness what had put him on edge as he breathed out to everyone, telling them not to make a sound. Keyra obliged to his guidance, allowing him to turn her to see the horde that lay upon the wall. Her gaze narrowed as her wings dropped a bit, opening up more fully than before.

His hand left her shoulder as he retreated back to tell one of the soldiers not to fire his rifle. Tossing a quick glance over her shoulder to the man, she frowned at him. Was he trying to get them all killed? Dravon returned to them, his voice soft as he spoke, "I think its time we move along and hopefully we can keep from attracting their attentions."

The Val nodded slightly and slowly started to take a step backwards, her gaze trained on the few Krawl that had taken notice of their arrival. So far it seemed that they were much too enthralled with the strange fire light that emitted from the building at the other end of the chasm to be bothered by the group that had encroached on their territory. However, her hopes of all of them getting away without a problem were dashed as a nervous soldier fired off his rifle. The loud sound pierced the air, seemingly ripping their already fragile safety zone to shreds.

Keyra ground her teeth, hissing outwards in anger. Reaching back, she freed her weapon, her wings extending outwards and pumping slightly to lessen the weight of her body on her feet. Although she was prepared for battle, Dravon had other ideas as he shouted for them to run. Their group turned then at his order and shot off across the bridge, a torrential wave of onyx colored bugs scrambling after them.

As they ran, Elruin turned and unleashed his fire upon the critters, tossing a good many of them backwards in the air and burning most of them to a crisp. Even with his powerful attack, the wave seemed to have no end to it. Keyra dropped back a bit as they ran, her body having built up enough momentum for what she was going to do. Dropping down into a very low crouch, her wings spread outwards and she spun back around with her blade leveled against the stonework. Sparks flew from her swords edge as she cut across the stone quickly in a full circle. The weapon in turn tossed another good bunch of the Krawl into the chasm. With the added distance and somewhat lessened numbers, Keyra quickly stood up again.

Turning, she dashed off after her companions, her wings giving three full pumps to give her more speed. It almost looked like she'd flown across the bridge to reach them. She slowed herself as she got near them, turning her wings backwards to catch the air that she'd accumulated. Glancing over her shoulder to see if her attempt had brought them any more time, she grit her teeth yet again. The was literally no end to the damned things. On a brighter note, though, the group was fast approaching the end of the bridge. However, her next worry was built on the fact that there were different entrances into the structure beyond and she was more than certain the Krawl would be following after them without fail.

"Can you create a barrier on one of those openings, ash fiend?" she called out, her mind beginning to process a partial plan to get them out of the irritatingly tight situation they were in.

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Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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Enuren was alert, bow drawn and arrow at the ready. She took note of the noises around her, mostly the sound of feet and breathing from those she traveled with. The path took them lower still and before them a vast pit opened up.

A bridge spanned it though Enuren wasn’t entirely sure it would be secure enough to hold them all as they crossed.

There was conversation about Keyra flying to look at the bridge ahead but it was derailed as everyone looked to where Dravon now stared.

Enuren turned and was glad she did not need to breathe. She might have gasped in surprise at what looked back at them. She took a step backwards and slowly raised her bow, waiting for the signal to fire.

Everyone was at the ready, the tension was thick in the air. The shot went off. Enuren narrowed her eyes. Stupid, stupid man...

At the call to run Enuren did just that. The creatures came down the wall at them and without hesitation Enuren let an arrow fly. She ran only turning to fire arrow after arrow, aiming for the front creatures in an effort to slow down the rest.

By her fifth arrow it became clear that they were not slowing down and Enuren opted to simply run. Bow over her shoulder she ran. Behind her, Elruin let loose a blast of fire.

Near the end of the bridge Enuren jumped up on the rope and ran the last of its length until she could hop down on the rocky edge. She set her eyes on the coming wave, while drawing her bow once more. Her aim this time was for those that broke ahead even slightly. She wanted to give the others time to finish the journey until they could gain the advantage.

She heard Keyra call to the ash fiend asking about a barrier. Now is where we find out what we are all capable of.

Arrow flew and hit home. A krall fell, arrow in centre of its head. It had pushed ahead of the others by mere inches but that was all she needed. Another took its place at the ready on her bow.

"What is the plan?"

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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As the large ball of shell and claw crashed against the bridge, only one thing could be heard then.
A sound of cracking thunder ruptured through the chasm as its sound coalesced back and forth against the high rocky walls.

The group did very little to look behind them, frankly because the bridge was now splintering into vastly split sections forcing feet to worry where they tread. Dravon could see as the middle of the walk way was now falling apart, forcing the group to split almost evenly as they ran. He was forced to coax his group to one side running along the right of the bridge as the guard caption was forced to do the opposite with his men.

The center gate was now lost to the group as the bridge continued to fall away under their feet. It only left behind a few scant pieces of itself leaving a vastly strange honeycomb formation that only slightly resembled a bridge. The door that his group approach was large, compromised of dark metal clamps and what looked to be fossilized wood that betrayed its own age.

A swift kick forced the door to swing lightly as Dravon's and Sevral's bodies piled in against it with Keyra following behind shortly.

As the group passed through the section of the bridge they left snapped away from the main body, even taking some of the doors frame along with it. With the realization that the ordeal was over Dravon took a long sigh and breathed deep. He sat himself flat on the cold stone floor and leaned forward slightly.

"Next time we see that guardsman.. remind me to hit him.." He licked a dry word from the edge of his lips as he finished. Standing to get back to his own mission. He took in his surroundings inside this strange structure for a few moments and attempted to gain his bearings.

The room was large and its stonework was the same as the columned hallway from before.
Its stone was dark and cool to the touch with hints of small streaks of grey in the mortar used to bind them. All along the walls of the room were large stone objects that looked to be ornate boxes. Some in their condition were broken and scattered with what seem to be white sand having poured from them. The center of the room opposite the now broken door was a stair case leading up and into another section of the structure.

The setting changes from Trinity to Creeds

Setting

Characters Present

Character Portrait: Enuren Character Portrait: Dravon Morsano Character Portrait: Keyra Character Portrait: Sevral Character Portrait: Elruin Halfin
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#, as written by Centi85
Sevral wasn’t sure what he’d expected after the Captain’s soldiers had summoned their group with such an apparent sense of urgency. After the spectacularly perplexing discovery in the previous room, perhaps they’d stumble upon a great crypt or tomb, perhaps even a sacrificial pit wherein dozens of aged bodies had stacked in a vain attempt of escape. Would some malevolent figure in a cloak be awaiting their arrival, turning slowly with the shadows sprawled across his face menacingly, enigmatically? The mouth beneath the veil would then smirk a crooked crease across the pale face, then utter words of greeting followed by a snide remark or bitterness leading to confrontation, or perhaps of a profound intelligence lost to the world as the figure beckons forth the group to investigate the secrets of the universe, sealed deep within the Earth’s mantle.

Perhaps they’d simply stumble upon a massive chasm which dove far beyond where any light could reach it, Sevral observed dumbly as the group reached the so enthralling point of interest. The man stared across the great rift, his eyes cautiously navigating the bridge from where it began, mindful for faults in the structure, to the landing on the opposite end. Sevral glanced around, nodding admiration to himself. Suffice to say, the man was thoroughly impressed. The swordsman looked up and down the great structure at the end of the bridge, several doors seeming to serve as entrances inside where it continued upwards, soaring to its glowing top. The light which was emitted seemed warm, calming, almost welcoming. It was enticing to say the least. So much so that the man hadn’t realized he’d been marveling to the point where he almost cursed himself for not having turned to inspect the wall just over their heads.

Sevral took a careful step back to support himself, trying to get his gaze to encompass the entirety of the blinking wall without falling over. The man’s hand instinctively dropped to his sword hilt, but he knew better than to make any other movements. Besides, what could he necessarily do? The man was going over in his mind several scenarios at a time, meticulously working through dozens of cases at a time, accounting for each individual and their speculated abilities and unforeseen variables, along with the actions and repercussions to be enacted when suddenly a shot sounded. The loud crack echoed ominously, reverberating down the chasm and then returning like a diminished ghost, afraid of what it found at the bottom. Where the shot had impacted, Sevral couldn’t tell. The man waited, silent, paralyzed with the anticipation that was palpable in the air.
No one needed to be told twice when Dravon finally ordered the retreat. The tsunami of onyx moved as a single, amorphous, limitless mass. Their numbers were probably enough to overrun the chasm itself, and yet they funneled onto the bridge, hell-bent on overwhelming the group. Sevral wasn’t cowardly, but he wasn’t stupid. The man pulled back immediately. Elruin, someone capable of unleashing wide-range attacks that can cover multiple targets, and the soldiers and Enuren with their ranged weapons were far better suited than a melee combatant like Sevral. The man left the Mage to entertain his morbid curiosity, the vortex of fire momentarily purging a small section of the little beasts, only to have even more overrun their forward ranks and continue forward.

Sevral stopped near the end of the bridge, just where it began to diverge towards the many separate doors. The man glanced back now to investigate the extent of Elruin’s abilities as the man called up a tremendous wrecking ball comprised of the writhing bodies of the creatures. It came down with more power than Sevral had anticipated, and the man was thankful for the apparent integrity which would not surrender to the enormous tremor as the bridge was blasted away.
Dravon ushered his group quickly to one side as the collapsing stonework forced everyone to choose a side. Both Captains, at Sevral’s last glance, seemed to have gathered their respective units, and with some effort, the aged door gave way and allowed the little group to escape as the last of the bridge landing gave way, falling far below. Sevral slowed to a halt inside, catching his breath momentarily and glancing around.

"Next time we see that guardsman.. remind me to hit him.." Dravon said.

“I believe the Captain probably already has that covered,” Sevral joked, smiling dryly. The man then inspected the condition of the interior of the structure. It appeared to be much the same as they’d seen recently, though there were peculiar boxes lining the walls, some of which had broken and spilled over their contents. The man moved quietly to the wall and knelt, scooping up the small grains in his hand and inspecting them, allowing them to sift slowly through his fingers. White sand? Sevral flicked his fingers and watched the little dust cloud sit, suspended in front of his face in the dim light. The man nodded to himself, as if reaching some unspoken conclusion of great importance, then produced a small vile from his satchel. The man took a small sample then stood and turned. Another staircase in the center of the room was the only option.
Sevral moved to the steps, placing his foot on one and testing his weight. The man paced to the side now, gathering anything else he could. Finally he merely turned and looked to the Captain. “Well,” he said casually, “That was fun.”

The man took to thinking for a moment, keeping an airy sense of good humor simply for the sake of it. “Wasn’t any great hulking beast, but it was certainly unexpected. What now, Captain?”