The Wood Between the Worlds
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
Who is online?
In total there are 5 users online :: 0 Registered, 0 Hidden and 5 Guests :: 1 Bot

None

[ View the whole list ]


Most users ever online was 77 on Wed Apr 07, 2021 12:40 am
Latest topics
» The "Bored at work" thread
Autumn 1372  - Page 23 EmptyWed Jul 19, 2023 9:31 pm by Magyc

» Fangwood Map
Autumn 1372  - Page 23 EmptySat Jul 15, 2023 8:04 pm by Magyc

» Introduction to Kestrillon
Autumn 1372  - Page 23 EmptyMon Jul 03, 2023 5:56 am by Eddick the Steady (XIV)

» Picturesque
Autumn 1372  - Page 23 EmptyMon Mar 13, 2023 1:11 pm by Magyc

» Pathfinder
Autumn 1372  - Page 23 EmptySun Nov 27, 2022 10:31 pm by TRU

» High Jumping
Autumn 1372  - Page 23 EmptyTue Oct 18, 2022 10:31 am by Magyc

» The Adolescence of Silas Trester
Autumn 1372  - Page 23 EmptyThu Jul 07, 2022 7:22 pm by The Sub-Creator

» Prophecy from the Vistani
Autumn 1372  - Page 23 EmptySun Jun 19, 2022 12:47 am by TRU

» Lettters of Correspondence
Autumn 1372  - Page 23 EmptyThu Apr 07, 2022 4:59 am by Colin Marcus


Autumn 1372

3 posters

Page 23 of 40 Previous  1 ... 13 ... 22, 23, 24 ... 31 ... 40  Next

Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Ashara

Post  Penelope Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:49 pm

The broken ogre was still scrambling to reach the half elf when Jorelon pulled the trigger on his crossbow and shot it in the chest. Still it persisted. Emotionless. Expressionless. Eerily like the bandits and undead that the Everdawns encountered shortly after entering the city. Mindless automatons? An ogre was about as dumb a brute as one could find among the humanoid races, but they felt pain same as any other! Was someone or something controlling them?

Ashara registered the oddness of the situation, but it was the unknown creature in the hall that consumed her focus. A mithril bullet was set into the soft leather pocket of her sling this time. She'd had them made for her during the Champions' time spent in Dagadar. They'd rarely been used, but this seemed like a good an opportunity as any!

As she whirled the simple weapon, Elric's cold iron sword struck true and the sizzling effect it had on the creature labeled it for what it was. Demon... They'd been expecting this though, right? They were prepared! She almost smiled in anticipation, but suddenly the half elf jerked forward awkwardly, struck by that serpentine head. Too fast for her to register! In her shock, Ashara wasn't able to loose the bullet in time, and the head disappeared back out into the hallway as Elric stumbled back toward them.

Blood pounded deafeningly in her ears. Redirecting her missile, the priestess layed low the badly wounded ogre before dropping her sling to the side and spinning behind the warrior to see the wound on the back of his shoulder. She winced at the sight.

Poison had never been much of a worry with magic available, but truth be told, they'd never encountered too many things that could cause a problem. Last night though, while researching at the Dawnspire, Ashara had come across the description of the Red Abashai. The type of devil they'd fought at Uvaren's Legacy. If the creature had struck Elric solidly with that toxic barb on its tail, there was little chance she could save him from that... But it hadn't! He dodged it as skillfully as he dodged everything else!

Whatever this thing was...a demon, but she hadn't read of any demons with snake heads! It was fast! Worse than that... Venomous...

Two large and deep puncture marks were clearly visible through the tatters of his shirt. Blood and venom oozed from the wounds, but without knowing what this type of venom did, or how long it might take to set in, Ashara didn't want to take chances!

Falling back upon Josiah's training, she pressed just below the wound on back and chest, hoping to slow down the spread of the poison, but his heart was beating so fast from the battle... So clean and large were the punctures, that there was no need to cut the skin further. Instead, she pressed her mouth against one of the holes in his flesh and drew in as much of the venom as she could before spitting it out and moving on to the next. The iron tang of the blood mingled with the nauseating bitterness of the venom, but Ashara was too mortified to be sick just yet...

As she repeated the process, a hulking red body stepped in front of the door, with wicked, double bladed axe in hand, and crouched down to reveal a snarling canine head set beside that same snake head that had just struck Elric.

THAT she definitely didn't remember reading about at the temple!!

"What...in the name of the Dawn is that thing??!!" Wide-eyed, Ashara wiped the blood from her chin and reached instinctively for Dawnspeaker. As the demon was too big to fit through the doorway, the companions were relatively safe at the back of the room, but it was also blocking the only exit...
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Kaldric

Post  The Sub-Creator Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:01 pm

"Molydeus," Kaldric breathed as if on cue, though its appearance in the door frame and not the Morninglord's question had drawn it out of him. He took a brief moment to reposition himself deeper into the tomb, far away from the things long reach. "A guardian demon . . . Very powerful and immune to everything but cold iron. I've nothing that can harm it."

Wrenching his eyes from the salivating tanar'ri, the Veil Initiate saw Ashara treating her husband's wound in a rather archaic fashion, and one that indicated poisoning. Gods be good, he thought in horror. "If that poison has entered into his blood stream, we're running short on time. Molydeus poison creates lesser demons from those infected by it. Without magic there'll be no stopping the process!

"Everyone with cold iron step forward," he announced, "because you're all we've got in this fight. Guard against the snake head, as that's the only venomous one of the three. If it injects you with venom, we'll have anywhere from ten minutes to an hour to get free of the Dead Magic area before the change becomes irreversible."

Kaldric lifted his eyes to the snarling demon again, sighed in disbelief, and offered a slight shake of the head. "Under our present circumstances, I'd rather be facing a Balor," he muttered as an afterthought.

The Sub-Creator

Posts : 537
Join date : 2009-09-19

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:47 pm

"That's my cue..." Elric said with a grimace.

"Step up then bags of meat... Feel the bites of the Abyss!!" The two heads spoke in eerie unison. "You've nowhere to hide.... Soon you'll all belong to me... "

Elric looked back at the band behind them and knew the monster was right. It was having a difficult time getting through the door. But the wall shaking thuds, meant it hadn't given up yet. One wall had already been torn down behind them... he held no illusions that this would hold indefinitely. As if he 'had' indefinitely.

The wound on his back hurt... but didn't burn the way he would associate with venom.. Ashara's quick thinking may have saved him... OR he may not know enough about demonic venom... Regardless it was time for action.

"It's right... We can't stay in here..." His mouth tightened as he looked back at the eager heads waiting for half-elf flesh. "I'll try to clear a path... if you see a hole, USE IT! Get to the Dawnspire..."

"I'll help how I can...." The dwarf said callused hands tightening on his axe... "Whether I can hurt it or not... This dwarf's going down swinging!"

Elric nodded and with what he hoped was a reassuring wink at his wife, charged the waiting beast.

Sadly, this beast was no simple orc... or anything they'd fought yet in the elven city. His heart sank as two strikes he was certain would be true, were parried with obvious ease as the demon spun his mighty axe defensively.

"You steal my puppets..." the twin heads spoke with more anger then their faces showed.. "Should you replace them or just die?"
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Ashara

Post  Penelope Tue Mar 01, 2011 4:38 pm

Ashara's face was a white as the Abbess' robes. The prospect of a venom that could turn someone into a demon was one of the more horrifying things she'd ever heard, and the fact that her husband had just been injected by said venom???! NO! Not going to happen... No one was getting turned into a demon on her watch!!

"I'm going to help distract that thing..." Determination hardening her features, she snatched her sling off the ground and quickly stowed it away as the half elf and dwarf charged the Molydeus. "You two get out of here! I'll be right behind you!"

Nodding to the mage and priest, Ashara held the shield out before her and with Dawnspeaker in hand, she charged the demon that had suddenly made life just that much more complicated. Kaldric's knowledge of the its weaknesses told her only that there was nothing she could do to hurt it, but she could at least help ensure that no one else was poisoned!

Elric and Durlan's vicious assaults, while not wounding the demon, had served to push it just back out of the doorway and slightly into the room with with the broken gate. They had done their job. A small opening to escape had been opened up!

The priestess couldn't match the strength of the two warriors and she didn't try. Instead of attempting to hit it with Dawnspeaker or push it farther back, she focused her attention on the serpent's fangs dripping that infernal poison... The snake head coiled back to lunge at Durlan just as she got within reach, and flinging her shield up in front of dwarf, she felt the strike bounce hard off steel sending waves of shock up her arm at the force of it.

The blocked attack set her off balance, and teetering on her back foot, she had to take a step backwards to recover. It was good that she did. Just as she reset her defense, the yellow canine teeth of the demon's second head snapped viciously mere inches in front of her, in the very spot where her face had just vacated.

Amid the chaos of fangs and metal, Ashara prayed that Jorelon and Kaldric could squeeze past the battle unharmed! And quickly!
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Tue Mar 01, 2011 5:00 pm

Elric was a little surprised to smell the familiar scent of roses at behind him... but he shouldn't have been. She was doing what she always did. Everything she could to get everyone home safely!

Unfortunately he seemed to be making her job that much harder! He twisted as best he could but he feared moving too far. In this case position was all important. If he moved to far, the opening would be closed and the others would be trapped. Still that knowledge was little comfort as he he felt the iron of the behemoth's axe crack two of his ribs and split the skin like it was paper.

Grunting hard he spun enough to keep his wounded side protected and continued his mission as doorman.

*******

Durlan was doing little better. He swung for all his worth, but the axe that had served him so long merely bounced off the demon's thick hide. The Molydeus barely registered him as a threat... but if the mages words were true, it must have figured one bite a piece should do the trick. Elric was getting the axe... and this time the snake came for him. If not for Ashara... He made a mental note to thank her if they made it out of this mess and kept swinging.
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Jorelon

Post  Penelope Tue Mar 01, 2011 5:24 pm

Jorelon let slip a brief yelp as the snake head launched toward the dwarf, fortunately to be blocked just in time. Not only did he want his old friend to make it through this ordeal safely, but he had no doubt that venom sucking duty would fall to him next! The populace at the Dawnspire was a very small, very tightly knit little community... If word got around that he sucked demon venom out of Durlan...well...that would be a running joke for a least a few centuries he figured. No matter if it saved his life!

That is, of course, if the dwarf would even allow such a thing to happen. He doubted it... It wouldn't suprise him a bit if Durlan would rather be turned into a demon than to suffer that kind of indignity!

A grunt of pain amid the melee hastened his pace, and with no desire to stand back and watch any more of the show, Jorelon snatched up the lantern and bolted for the doorway. Kalric was following closely behind as they squeezed through the narrow opening into the gate room beyond.
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Fri Mar 04, 2011 4:52 am

"YOU two next!!" Elric shouted as heard the footsteps echoing down the hall with the ruined gate. "I'll be... RIGHT behind you!!"

"There is no escape..." The twin heads growled as the battle continued. It's speed was immense, but so was Elric's skill. Two steaming gash with the sword showed he was beginning to get the demon's timing down.

The Molydeus was not pleased...

"GO!!!" The half-elf repeated.
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Ashara

Post  Penelope Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:14 am

Ashara was already running for the secret door to the east when the warrior shouted a second time. Obviously frustrated by his inability to injure the demon and having to retreat, Durlan conceded defeat for the time being but did so grumbling all the way down the hall.

The two secret doors between them and the stairway to the surface had been opened only enough for Elric to get a peek inside. The dwarf, considerably wider than the half elf, hit the wall at a dead sprint just to force it open a bit more. Ashara still had to tug on one of his arms from the other side of the door to get him through.

Hearing the battle going on behind them, knowing that Elric could be further injured, was the nearest thing to torture that she'd ever experienced, but she also knew that the longer they took, the longer he'd be fighting that thing to give them a good head start! Ashara wasn't about to let him take such risk in vain.

When Durlan muscled his way through the second secret door, she saw Kaldric and Jorelon step to the side of the stairs to allow him up first. Just in case there was more resistance above. Anything waiting for them on the surface was going to be in for a nasty surprise when the frothing mad dwarf burst through those doors...

Ashara quickly glanced back into the gate room before turning toward the exit. "Clear to the stairs!" She shouted back to the half elf, praying he wouldn't try holding the demon off for too long.

The hulking behemoth would definitely be slowed up trying to get through those narrow stone doorways, but then again...it was likely he knew a more efficient way to the exit...

Hopping over the rubble from the stairway, the priestess emerged from the crypt and blinked into the sudden brightness of the sun. Thankfully there was no ambush waiting for them, and the companions kept moving toward the invisible bridge.

Every step she took from the ruined tower felt heavier than the one before it. Elric had been the one bitten! He was the one on borrowed time if that venom had wormed its way into his system... She knew she'd have to check him as soon as they exited the magic dead area, because honestly she was pretty sure they wouldn't make the Dawnspire in that worst-case ten minute window that Kaldric had informed them the half elf had!

But the salk-sirra master was a fast runner, and he didn't need to wear bulky armor that would slow him down. He would catch up. If they didn't hurry, they'd just be slowing him down! Everything would be fine... They'd certainly made it out of worse scrapes than this!

In spite of these encouraging words that kept playing over and over in her brain, Ashara's heart was in her throat as the companions rushed across Arguth's bridge.
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:23 am

Back in the crypt things were going from bad to worse. Elric had a rough time occupying the guardian demon when he had two allies, now he had it's undivided attention. Still, as he listened to the echoes of fleeing feet, he swore to do what he had to do. The ring... the Dawnspire... That was the most important thing right now. He would buy them the time they needed...

How much time was starting to be in question though...

Twisting and dodging, his side was beginning to ache something fierce from the axe blow, when another came in. He tried twisting but the Molydeus... was skilled. Used to fighting for centuries in the Abyss, there were few tricks the half-elf had that it couldn't anticipate. The Dog head snatched down, biting hard.

Elric found himself snatched from the ground and thrown into the open hallway. As he landed hard, he felt the axe land hard on his shoulder. Bones cracked and his left arm screamed in agony as he struggled to regain his feet. The act, leaving himself vulnerable to the venomous head.

Spinning wildly he felt the sword snap across the serpents throat and the beast let him go. Twice now... Twice he'd been bitten by the snake, and he couldn't help his eyes turning toward the escape route. Even if Ashara had saved him the first time... Now he was on his own... and still fighting. This fight was going to be over soon.. one way or another... The terrible sound of the twin laughter told him the demon knew it too. bleeding hard from the broken arm he wasn't sure the Molydeus was wrong about the outcome...

The demon pressed the advantage, but Elric was more focused than ever. Pain sharpened his senses, sent him nearly into a trance. The strikes seemed to move slower somehow, and every time a head or axe came close, a blade of iron was there to meet it.

It was quickly becoming a stalemate... But with the bites he knew he couldn't count on a stalemate. Demon's were immortal, many could fight for years without ever getting tired.. Despite the grueling training that Eldorath had put him through... between his own mortality and the blood gushing out his arm... he had to get out there!

Slowly he tried working the fight back to the exit... but the Molydeus wasnt' a fool. Heads or Axe... that was the decision it forced the warrior to make. Kaldric's words filled him with dread though. The idea of losing himself. becoming a demon... Too horrible to Imagine. Death would be preferable. At the last minute the sword flashed upward warding off the two waiting mouths while the axe once again bit deep in his side.

Adrenaline alone seemed to be keeping him on his feet. Thoughts slowly forced their way past the haze of training. Thoughts that despite everything that he had defeated... the things he'd seen, the friendships he'd formed and the wife he'd found... it was a very real possibility that he was about to die... alone... in some long forgotten crypt in a ruined city.

No.

Not like that... Not today...

The Molydeus seemed to also be getting annoyed at the pesky morsel/soldier that just wouldn't die... The wounds Elric carried seemed to indicate it didn't care if he was a soldier anymore... he just wanted him dead. Suddenly he saw an opening. Ducking under the swipe of the axe, The warrior found himself right where he wanted to be.

With every last ounce of strength he had... he swung. He swung hard! Hissing iron cut deep into demonic flesh and severed ligament from bone. As Elric crippled the beast twin screams of pain and fury reverberated down the dark tunnels.

As the twin heads snapped at him in fury, he felt the sword slip from hands slick with the mixture of blood and ichor. Barely avoiding the strikes... Elric did what he thought was best. Run. Stuck in the leg of the monster was probably the best place for that sword anyway...

Feet numb he quickly crossed into the thresholds of the secret hall and quickly hazarded a look back in time to see it wrench the iron sword from it's leg and throw it across the room in fury. He knew it would be chasing him... but he hoped his attack had slowed it down some...

Quickly tearing off what remained of his blood soaked shirt, he desperately tried to tie off the worst of his wounds... but only able to move one hand hampered him, and though he did the best he could... he noticed no difference in the blood flow. He had to get to the others... fast.

Slow by his normal standards he was soon staring blinking into the sun. They hadn't been down there long, but at that moment it felt like a lifetime... Dazed he spun trying to remember which way to go when he saw his companions racing across the open water... invisible bridge... whatever...

Each step more agony then the one before, he limped after them.
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Ashara

Post  Penelope Sat Mar 05, 2011 10:37 am

Ashara was halfway across the bridge when she heard a gasp of pain from the island. Turning, she saw Elric stumbling towards them and her blood ran cold. His blood ran freely from half a dozen horrific wounds, he was holding his limp arm close to his body and by the ghostly pallor of his face, she wasn't sure he'd be able to make out of the DMZ conscious. She wasn't sure how he was still on his feet at all!

"Jorelon, help me!"

The priestess scrambled for bandages as she ran back over the bridge to her husband. He was a mess... His left arm wasn't far from being severed at the shoulder and between that and the gashes to his sides, she could only guess at the number of broken bones he had. As Jorelon rushed over, she was bandaging his arm in a tight sling to his body. It stemmed the flow of blood for the time being, unfortunately there was no time to do more! Ashara had no idea if the demon was still following or if Elric had killed him... She was about to ask when she spied a second set of all too familiar puncture marks on his back. Black venom slowly oozing out of the wounds...

She sucked in a sharp breath at the sight. "He's been bitten again! There's no time, brother, we've got to get him out of here now!"

"We can make it," the priest attempted to reassure, though the look on his face told that he was trying to convince himself of that as well as her, "the dead magic barrier isn't too far!"

Jorelon pulled the warrior's right arm over his shoulder for support and started moving, while Ashara trotted alongside them, feverishly wrapping more bandages around his torso to stop any further blood loss. He was conscious but groggy, and if he passed out it would be a lot more difficult to get him out of there in time!

"Lye caela lle, Aratoamin <We have you, my champion>," she whispered soothingly in his ear as she grabbed him around the waist at his left side to help him walk. "Kwara no', lle naa sha varna nan' i'ento ai lenn en' luume' nauva qualme... <Hold on, you're almost safe but this next short stretch of time will be agony...>"

The two priests assisted Elric back across the invisible bridge toward their other two companions who'd slowed a bit, in order for them to catch up. Moving as quickly as possible, they tried not to inflict any more damage to him but Ashara felt the half elf tense every time his ribs bumped against the side of her mithril plate. She cringed at his pain, but there was nothing to be done for it now.

Even less so when they realized they weren't alone...

As they neared the other side, hobgoblins started pouring out of the crypt behind them! Ashara had no doubt that they could handle them, but there was precious little time to spare if the venom had gotten into Elric's system and she hadn't a clue whether the molydeus would be incoming shortly!

Reaching for her belt, she pulled off a pouch and upended it there at the foot of the invisible bridge. Dozens of small, clear glass spheres scattered over the ground behind them. Normally, each would be glowing more brightly than a torch but here in the magic dead area, they were only marbles...and very hard to see lying motionless on the ground. They wouldn't do much, but they might slow their pursuers down a bit...

Ashara shot a determined look to her fellow priest, who met her eyes for only a split second. "Run!"

Concurring with her assessment of the situation, Jorelon picked the half elf up a bit higher on his shoulder and the pair bolted with Elric carried along between them.
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Sat Mar 05, 2011 2:08 pm

The pain was immense, but the half-elf fought the urge to pass out... pushing the ground weakly whenever he could to assist his rescuers. Conscious, but dazed he could only whisper to his wife.

"Amin hiraetha Melamin... Amin uume merne nae ikotane sai rashwe!" <I'm sorry, Melamin... I didn't want to be so much trouble!> He gritted his teeth as a sudden jolt threatened him with unconsciousness. "Amin olvanne lle vanima anmegil..." <I lost your beautiful longsword...>

Vaguely he recognized the dwarf standing at the ready to cover their rear as the priests ran past.

"Keep 'im movin'!" The gruff voice grumbled as the hobgoblins crossed the bridge. Various splashing in the background and a deep dwarven chuckle told the others that the rear guard may not be as rough a job as originally intended.

"Almost there!!" Jorelon huffed as the ran. "We're going to make it!"
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Kaldric

Post  The Sub-Creator Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:24 pm

The grievously wounded half-elf slowed the retreat to the point that Kaldric wondered if Jorelon's proclamation would hold true. Orcs and ogres were notoriously stupid beings, but hobgoblins held a reputation of being far craftier. He decided it better not to take chances. Two vials of green fluid suddenly appeared in his hand as the Veil Initiate whirled about to face the goblinkin crossing the bridge. Attempting to be crafty himself, Kaldric lobbed both vials at the same time, so as to ignite a fiery blaze that would effectively seal off the mouth of the bridge for a short time.

In hindsight, that probably wasn't the best decision he'd ever made.

One vial missed the bridge entirely, sailing far to the left and splooshing into the water below. The second vial hit . . . but forgot to shatter! The mage's mouth gaped in disbelief at witnessing the glass container of Greek fire tink tink to a stop where the bridge and road meet. By that time, Ashara and the dwarf were nearly upon him with the injured Elric, forcing him out of the stupor and back into retreat again.

The Sub-Creator

Posts : 537
Join date : 2009-09-19

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Ashara

Post  Penelope Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:36 pm

Ashara didn't stop to look behind them when she heard the splashes in the water, nor when she heard the explosion and screams when a hobgoblin stepped on a tiny vial of very volitile material.

"Well done, Kaldric," she cheered to the mage running beside them. "That should buy us a bit more time!"

A flood of warmth was her first indication that they'd made it through the dead magic barrier, and she nearly cried out for joy as Lathander's divine power filled her mind and soul once again. Then she felt the tingling sensation of her wounds begin to knit beneath her armor. The Regenerative spells she'd casts previously were now active! Elric however, had out of necessity, been given a less powerful version and she knew there was no way that the single spell would undo all the damage that the molydeus had done to him. That was not her greatest worry however...

"Keep going, Jorelon," she breathed, panting from the exertion of their flight. Ashara stepped away from Elric's side to begin the casting, as the priest and semi-conscious warrior continued on toward the Dawnspire. They could see it across the clearing now, but she didn't know how long he had... How long had it been since he'd been bitten the first time? Does a second bite hasten the effects? She cursed herself for not knowing more about this demon and resolved to rectify that before leaving the temple again!

Standing still only long enough to channel the Neutralize Poison spell she requested, Ashara felt the power focus itself in her fingertips and she sprinted off after the limping half elf.

She noticed upon approach that none of the four puncture wounds looked like what she would expect from a venomous bite. No swelling, no necrosis... No screaming in pain, except when he was jostled overmuch. Then again, she wasn't nearly as familiar with demon venom as she was with the normal types of snakes and spiders that could be found around Impresk. Still, it gave her hope!

Reaching out, the priestess laid her hand on his shoulder. She could tell that the black venom that had leaked from his wounds down his back, was Neutralized. The spell allowed her to sense that much... But what she didn't sense was any poison in his blood! Somehow he'd managed to either resist or bleed out two injections of the stuff!

Whether out of exhaustion or relief, Ashara started laughing as she took her place back at Elric's side and aided Jorelon in running with him toward the Dawnspire.

"He's fine, brother!" She grinned and blinked the tears from her eyes. "There's no poison..."

Mumbling a prayer of thanks, the priestess unclasped her scarlet cloak and wrapped it around him for warmth. "Lle tena? <Do you hear?>" She spoke softly to the woozy warrior. "Amin uuma sinta manka ta marth, curu ri' yuuyo, nan' lle naa il'quernien e'a rauko a're, verno'amin! <I don't know if it's luck, skill or both, but you're not turning into a demon today, my husband!>"

The half elf's wounds were slowly mending themselves. Too slowly for her liking, but as soon as they reached the area of safe casting that the Dawnstone provided, she'd be seeing to the rest of his injuries. The rest of all of their injuries! Those with the Regenerative spells should be knitting up nicely, but Durlan and Jorelon hadn't made it through the crypt unscathed. And it was only early afternoon!!
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Fri Mar 11, 2011 9:59 pm

"Cormamin linda a'tena ta...." <My heart sings to hear it....> Elric responded to the good news with gritted teeth. He could feel bone shards scraping and aligning. Muscles twisting and knitting. Soon the magic would have him feeling as good as ever... but that was little consolation now.

"If... hmmm.... You don't want to hurt, don't... get hit.." Elric muttered the old litany as he slowly tried to regain control of their exodus. The limp was less pronounced, and he was starting to regain the motion in his left hand.

"Still comin'!" Durlan called out from the back of the line. "Keep movin'... I got these stragglers..." Hefting his mighty axe he charged the two hobgoblins as they crossed.

Jorelon looked back and chuckled as the dwarf plowed into pair dispatching them as fast as he could swing. "Yeah... he 'REALLY' didn't like retreating..."

"It happens..." Elric answered. "I didn't quite... UGGgggg.... Kill it." Tears streaked clean spots off the blood and dungeon grime of his face. "I hurt it bad.. but it was getting.. a bit questionable down there..."
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Ashara

Post  Penelope Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:00 pm

"Retreat was...better than the alternative..." Ashara blinked the sweat from her eyes as they pressed on. The run from Gemblaunt to the Dawnspire...in platemail...half carrying a wounded warrior, was testing the limits of her endurance. "We got what we came for, and now we know what we could be up against... Hopefully...we can be better prepared next time."

Unfortunately she'd just created that cold iron longsword that morning, and she wouldn't be able to do it again until the next day. Perhaps there would be something in the armory that they could make use of, because there was little chance the group would just be taking it easy for the remainder of the afternoon. There were pieces of a magical arm to acquire, a dead magic zone to push back, the Seekers of the Dawn to save...they were swamped!

As they approached the Dawnspire, Jorelon ran up ahead waving to the priests on guard with their enormous aratha beetles. Elric was moving almost entirely on his own at this point, but she could tell he was still in a great deal of pain and she couldn't help but feel responsible. That had been far too close a call for her liking! If she'd insisted on staying at his side...

"If it ever comes to retreat..." Her voice wavered as she spoke her thoughts discreetly to the half elf, her eyes remaining focused on their destination. "I'd rather we stick together. I can't leave you like that again... I'm not saying I don't think you can handle yourself, Elric, I'm saying I can't leave you like that again..."

Ashara cleared the emotion from her throat and stepped up the pace just a bit. "Nevermind that now, let's just get you inside and get you healed!"

The gate of the Dawnspire was a most welcome sight indeed, and from all the bustle around the entrance it seemed their sprint to safety hadn't gone unnoticed!
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:04 pm

Fortunately, the long run and healing wounds had winded him greatly. Broken ribs were now bruised ribs, but even those brought sharp gasps with nearly every deep breath. For once he was glad for the forced silence. What could he say to that?

It seemed like just moments ago that the threat of dying alone hovered over him. It had been an unpleasant thought to say the least. That did not mean however... that he wished for company to share his end!

The doting husband knew he could face any threat, and would spit in death's eye if it bought a few moments for Ashara to escape. To know that if he fell, at least she had survived. He could DO that.

To know that when they fell... they would either both escape or both fall... That was harder. The bards made those stories of shared destiny sound romantic... but when you were actually LIVING them... it was something entirely different.

Then again... If the situations had been reversed, what then? Could she call the retreat and would he allow her to cover their escape... Hoping she'd catch up? Having lived what he just had... he had a difficult time believing that he could.

Fortunately, he couldn't give an answer at the time, and she didn't seem to want to have that discussion just then. Probably for the best. At the moment they were both alive, relatively safe, and together. Taking a little more weight onto himself he gave one of her braids a playful tug and tried to turn a grimace into a grin. With moderate success.

As soon as they passed the bustling crowd he heard Jorelon calling out for Durlan to come close. As the priest started to heal the dwarf of his wounds, He felt the familiar touch and wave of warmth flooding through himself as he listened to Ashara reciting the all too familiar prayer. Wounds closed and bruises faded as Lathander answered her pleas.

"Your back..." The cool voice of the Abbess came from the parting crowd. Her face seemed disappointed somehow. Of course despite all they'd just gone through the half-elf had to admit they weren't really gone all that long... and considering how he returned...

"How did the mission go? Did you gain entrance to the Gem-mage's tower?"
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Kaldric

Post  The Sub-Creator Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:11 pm

"We did," the mage gasped, lungs burning from oxygen deprivation. Despite his abundance of years amidst the terrible dangers of Myth Drannor, Kaldric remained unaccustomed to running so far so fast. In most cases, running simply meant you died with your back turned to the enemy. Not really a heroic way to die . . . even for a wizard.

Still gulping air, the Veil Initiate made a show of counting the number of heads from their exploration party and whispering the number as he went along. He completed the tally by placing a hand upon his own chest, and his spirits lifted at seeing the bright green robe that covered him. During the flight, worrying about whether the cantrips had reestablished themselves had somehow slipped his mind entirely.

"I count . . . five heads," he breathed, inhaling and exhaling deeply. "I believe that means . . . the mission was a . . . success."

His eyes widened with mock delight as the hand on his chest slid down to one of the satchels at his side. "Oh!" he exclaimed suddenly. "What's this?" Kaldric flipped open the bag to reveal numerous books of old. "Correction. A resounding success!"

The wizard patted the satchel warmly, then covered the tomes from the harmful sun's rays. "We gained entrance; whether we gained all that was needed is impossible to say until I've had time to explore our finds. I'll start in on deciphering these at once---or just as soon as I examine the ring we located to see if it actually is a Towerkin Ring.

"Unless, that is, you have more work for us, Abbess?" he inquired with a smirk.

The Sub-Creator

Posts : 537
Join date : 2009-09-19

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:14 pm

The rush of excitement to her eyes burned away the disappointment of a moment ago. Kaldric was a mage with large plans and grand hopes. Dreams she had little opportunity to support or aid. Needless to say, she was more used to seeing him disappointed at some damaged scroll or lost book then the joyous man she saw before her now.

His excitement fed her own, and she started to grin. "There's always work to be done Master Hueart.

"You are only the second of the four groups to have returned. Janus and his group returned from Uvaerens legacy an hour ago. They've filled everything to your instructions. Whatever the information they found is waiting in your quarters. They are also at your disposal should you have any questions."

She raised an eyebrow at the blood and gore covered, half-naked, half-elf. While the armorless warrior had looked the worst for wear, they all wore the marks of their adventure. Though she also knew that Lathander had relieved them of any physical trauma. She was certain they had a story to tell, and if she knew Jorelon it would be spread throughout the Dawnspire by midday tomorrow.

"There is still the Arm of Valor... It's pieces scattered" She reminded the crowd. " You all look like you have put in a full days work already... but I had hoped to send a party out this afternoon when more of the Seekers had returned. Volunteers aren't hard to find... but since the Everdawns brought it to us...." She left the offer hanging there.
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Ashara

Post  Penelope Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:15 pm

The sun was just a short way past its zenith, yet Ashara had no doubts that given the opportunity, she could crawl onto that soft mattress back in their room and pass out until Dawn. At least once she got the taste of blood out of her mouth...

She may have been tired, but how could she in good conscience, just put aside the looming threat to the Dawnspire when there was an opportunity for her to help do something about it!? The priestess wasn't the one who'd been mortally injured however. Magical healing could take away the physical trauma, but it was still a drain on the body, not to mention the threat of being turned into a demon could rightly be a traumatizing one!

"We did bring the first piece," she nodded, "and I'm sure we'd both love to see it through to the last! We may need to gather a few things before we leave however. Cold iron weapons specifically if you have them.

"We came across a...molydeus..." Ashara tested the word on her tongue and turned to Kaldric to be sure she'd pronounced it correctly. Seeing him nod, she continued. "The demon seemed to be controlling a group of ogres and orcs...hobgoblins too perhaps, or at least working with something that can enthrall them. There was some evidence that leads us to believe that an army of some size is being outfitted. For what purpose however, we're not sure yet, but this may be the 'something missing' that was hinted at while we were with the Dawnstone... If the molydeus is involved in this threat, we might just meet him again in future and I'd prefer to be better prepared next time."

Looking to her bloodied husband, she winced sympathetically.

"I can be ready shortly if we can get some cold iron together, but some of us have had a more difficult morning than others... What do you think, Elric, are you feeling up to heading out again this afternoon?"
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:17 pm

Elric let out a long breath. Truthfully he didn't like the idea of heading right back out into the dangerous city. However he liked the idea of sitting on the sidelines while others completed their treasure hunt even less. He definitely wanted to see this 'arm thing' through.

"Well... I'm ready whenever you are..." He couldn't help notice some of the 'peculiar' glances he was getting. He wasn't sure if they were what Ashara referred to as 'Appreciative' or simply stunned by the spectacle of the leftover gore covering him. Possibly both.

Blushing he conceded, "Given the choice, I should probably get cleaned up a bit, before I make a mess of myself again... At least wipe off the extra poison, get a new shirt. if we're done with dead magic for a bit, I'd like to collect my normal sword."

The 'Sword-of-I-go-first' had served him well against dragons, demons, and demi-gods.While he fully intended to retire it with the completion of the Everdawn Blade... that was mostly symbolic. The iron sword was good when needed, but that sword was like an extension of his arm. As long as it had it's enchantment, he doubted there was anything Myth Drannor could throw at him that was more than it had already handled...

"Molydeus?" Alaecathra's eyes went wide as she saw the small group in a new light. She now agreed with Kaldric. The fact that they all made it home was in itself a successful mission! Still something about their story didn't ring right... "Enthralled you say? Did the Dead magic end while you were down there?

"It's true that the higher powers of demons can bend wills to their own... including Molydeus', but it should have been powerless... and their kind aren't known for doing anything with mortals... They tend to concern themselves only with their own foul brethren from the Abyss..."
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Ashara

Post  Penelope Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:18 pm

Ashara just shook her head helplessly at Alaecathra's words. "No, we were well within the dead magic area, but all I can tell you is what we saw. The ogres and orcs were completely expressionless. They didn't react to pain or taunting or seem to have any fear as their fellows were being hacked to bits around them. And the molydeus..." She scrunched her eyebrows together to remember the wording correctly. "He called them his puppets. Among his threats, he toyed with the idea of whether to have us replace them or whether he'd just kill us outright."

Smiling up at the warrior, Ashara took his bloody hand and squeezed it gently. "Fortunately he didn't manage to do either. Elric alone held off the demon so we could make our escape... To ensure that we could bring these discoveries back to the Dawnspire. Though it was badly wounded, I'm not sure that we'd be lucky enough to be able to wash our hands of the beast.

"But you're quite right, Abbess," she said, returning to the question posed, "it couldn't be magical domination, but something had been done to those humanoids and I will say that I don't think this is the first time we've seen it...

"Two days ago we were northeast of Uvaeren's Legacy when we were attacked by what we believed at the time to be bandits. However, they acted...like automatons in a way... Like Blinky, but less cute, don't you think?" She looked to Elric and cocked her head to the side before returning her attention to the Abbess. "But there was no emotion, no fear. They fought to the death with no cries of pain and no concern for their fellows. There were also undead among them. Skeletons and zombies, but there was no wizard or priest among the group that I could see at least..."

She spied some movement in the group of Seekers and Dawnspire patrons behind Alaecathra. The three Fingers had arrived and their attentions were not focused as appropriately as Ashara would have liked. She couldn't blame them she supposed... The half elf cut an impressive figure standing there all heroic-like with chisled muscles covered in blood. No, she decided, she couldn't blame them at all.

Ignoring the three women for the time being, the priestess turned her attention back to her superior. "So if we could be given a few minutes to clean up and re-equip ourselves...maybe grab a couple of extra shirts just in case," she smirked, "then we'd be more than happy to go find these pieces.

"What of the rest of you," she asked, turning to their three other Gemblaunt delving companions. "Would you be willing to accompany us?"
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:22 pm

"Certainly sister!" Jorelon beamed enthusastically. His heart was racing from the mad escape and it had nearly stopped when the Molydeus had shown up... But Jorelon was no coward and this was the most excitement he'd had in a long time. Which in Myth Drannor was saying something! "Besides... You'll make better time if you have a decent guide!"

The dwarf grinned behind his beard. "Aye... Don't do any good for ye to find the weapons only to get yerself lost on the way back... Ye'd only make it that much harder to find 'em!"

"We're ready whenever you are..."
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Kaldric

Post  The Sub-Creator Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:29 pm

"Well," Kaldric hesitated, glancing down at the satchel once more. "I suppose . . . if you believe my services necessary, I mean. The four of you are a powerful crew in your own right, I need not even dare to say it, and if another crew has returned with more than what I carry now . . . " his voice trailed away.

The sheer weight of knowledge now in his possession tempted him more seductively than the goddess Sune herself might be able to and more awaited within his study. Who knew how long it would take him to find any answers for connecting with the Mythal, if answers existed there to be found? Did he dare to push that aside---the very opportunity he had awaited for so long---to brave the denizens of the ruin again? Less importantly, yet still worth mentioning, did these powerful allies even need him to get by out there? His four companions had proven themselves more than worthy with little aid from him on the Isle. Researching what resided within the ancient texts might very well be the best place for him at the moment.

Still, some measure of curiosity bubbled up inside him to find the pieces of that Arm, and if the artifact served as the resolution to the problem faced by the Dawnspire than his bowing out now would strictly be self-serving. Damnation. His face twisted up in consternation at having to make such a decision.

"I shall leave my fate in your hands," he said at last. "I'll come along to aid you if you believe it necessary. Otherwise, I'll stay and seek out my wife's riddle."

The Sub-Creator

Posts : 537
Join date : 2009-09-19

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Ashara

Post  Penelope Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:32 pm

Ashara could practically feel the half elf's brain spinning with possible witty retorts to Kaldric's last comment. She headed him off at the pass.

"Some would say that the tangled riddle that is a wife would take a dragon's lifespan to puzzle out." Grinning, she nudged Elric in his freshly healed side with her elbow. "And those people would do well to say such things only in whispers and out earshot of their wives..."

The ghoul dust, blood, venom, ichor and gods knew what else she might have been covered in at the time, did little to hide her bright smile after hearing Jorelon and Durlan's eagerness to continue on in their company, but Kaldric was understandably conflicted.

"It's hardly our place to determine your fate, Master Hueart, and no doubt your skills will be put to excellent use in either endeavor, but I will say that your assistance in finding these pieces will certainly bring us all back to the Dawnspire much more quickly. Not to mention that your knowledge of the ruins and of Myth Drannor's history has already proven invaluable down in Gemblaunt! I'd very much like you to continue with us if you would choose to do so, though I understand that wives can be very demanding of one's time...

"What I can promise," the priestess blushed, "is that there will be no more impromptu limmericks. Hopefully that might sweeten the deal just a bit!"
Penelope
Penelope

Posts : 1204
Join date : 2009-09-19
Location : Sandpoint

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Elric

Post  Colin Marcus Fri Mar 11, 2011 10:33 pm

"From her at least..." The half-elf chuckled. "Though I typically avoid 'limiricks', I make no such promise!"

"Ugggg.... I may be changin' me own mind then..." Quipped the dwarf and the young priest next to him burst into laughter.

"You five seem to be getting along fairly well..." The Abbess noted with a grin.

"Well... you know the deal. Chaos and danger form strong bonds." The half elf looked at his wife and winked. "And helping people keep their insides... inside, is a great way to get to know someone..."

"Well said Elric, a concept we at the Dawnspire know all too well..."

"As to Master Hueart's question... I agree with my wife. We'd love to have your expertise. As for priorities... I learned some time ago not to tell a wizard his priorities!" He sighed and looked up at the dawnspire. "You never know what you needed to do, till the time is past... I think we'll need you with us... if you think you need to be here... Who can say which is right..."
Colin Marcus
Colin Marcus
Admin

Posts : 1850
Join date : 2009-09-19
Age : 46
Location : Impresk

Back to top Go down

Autumn 1372  - Page 23 Empty Re: Autumn 1372

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Page 23 of 40 Previous  1 ... 13 ... 22, 23, 24 ... 31 ... 40  Next

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum