(Oh sure... Blame the Hibernian One that has posted, at the end of the last page )


Ayslyn sighed. "Well, it makes no matter... Please give this letter to Azi when she awakes. I have some things that need doing so I will take my leave. I will be about. Ask any of the children in the Shadow Quarter for Brother Willow and they will find me. Good luck, and be careful" He handed the letter to Crispian and made ready to leave.

 

-----signature-----

Crispian took the missive with a bow.

 

-----signature-----

The little pebble on Crispian's desk sat up. It extended a small pair of legs and a craggy face appeared on one side, little more than a mouth and eyes. It looked round to see the elf exit the room and in time to catch Crispian's eye by hopping from foot to foot.

"Good day Lord Crispian" said a tiny but gravelly little voice from the pebble. "Master Toorc wants to convey his sincere apologies that he's not back home with the League yet, but the journey is long and he is in poor condition" it paused recollecting the rest of it's message.

"He says to warn you that there is a great evil brewing in the frontier, in the Hall of the Corrupt, something that threatens all the realms. He also says he knew you'd defeat D'Vena, and he's proud of you." the pebble danced from foot to foot again as it tried to remeber what else it was meant to say. "And he said to tell you to look after young Azi, and Aellona in his absence. Good day to you good knight!"

Having reached the end of all it was meant to say, the little pebble no longer needed the form of an elemental, curled back in on itself and went back to thinking about what pebbles usually think about. The small smooth stone sat gently wobbling on Crispian's desk, utterly inanimate once more.

((well here it is, after much anticipation...forgive the format...I hope it isn't too confusing. Taken directly from Chatlog.. thanks to all who helped!))


“HELP!!” Tashtego burst inta the Guild Hall carrying Lexi in his arms. His plate mottled half ta slag, he sets Lexi down on the closest chair an falls in exhaustion.


"Lexi? What happened, Tash?" Phalos jumped up from his chair by the fire, rushing to Tash’s side, as Tashtego collpased in exhaustion beside her.


“She was attacked in Drkness Falls,” he leaned to his side, fighting even to keep his head up. "I saved her jes in time. She wen after her father, Judan" He looked to Lexi who lay slumped in the chair, coughing softly.


"Hmm..” Phalos looked Tash over, “you don't look to good yourself, Tash. Get that armor off while we find a healer for you both.."

"<Stands in the doorway looking in>"

"Judan?” the young paladin Ethazar ventured from a neaby table, “why did he venture into th' Falls???"

"Sis...” Apolexia murmured, “must...”

"He din...he was...taken by the Cook," Tash pushed himself out of his chair and begane trying to pull off his half-melted armor.

Ethazar: "Hmm...” we be needin t' find a smith t' cut tha' armor off o ye, milord"

Azaeli: "<lays on a cot in Crispian's chamber>"

Phalos: "Eth, you work in armor.. help him. <looks abuot for a healer>"

Tashtego: "aye <still breathin heavy> I thin so"

Tashtego: “Lexi is fine, I managed ta remove the poison from her wound"

Apolexia: "<gets up and then falls back again> some one get my sis..."

Ethazar: "<gathers his smithing tools> allrigh' milord, lie out on tha' bench o'er there"

Ethazar: "Sakara... wou' ye go get Lady Azaeli please?"

Sakara: "Ethazar.. remove the bindings.. I shall pull off the armor peices.."

Sakara: "We must see to Tashtego first.."

Ethazar: "<starts chisling away at the melted slag of Tash's armor>"

Sakara: "<Digs her fingers under the loosened peices of armor, grunting and prying them off>"

Ethazar: "watch yourself, tha's liable t' be sharp"

Sakara: "No need to worry.. I'll tend to my own cuts once we dig him out of this!"

Ethazar: "Wou' someone please go get Lady Hammerfel? her sister be in need o' her"

Ethazar: "<breaks away the bindings on another piece of armor>"

Tashtego: "jes be careful please "

Sakara: "<Slowly prys the peice off once it is free>"

Tashtego: "<lookin o'er ta Lexi> Lexi, how are ye feelin? better?"

Ethazar: "careful? its me, im ALWAYS careful <accidentally drops his hammer> ... oops"

Sakara: "Ouch!" Sakara: "<calls out as the clang of the hammer agains her plate boot rings out>"

Preathien: "Where abouts is Lady Hammerfel Ethazar?"

Ethazar: "she be in Lord Crispians chamber"

Apolexia: "<gets up and walks to crispian's chamber>"

Tashtego: "someone get Azaeli"

Preathien: "<Hurries to Crispian's chamber"

Apolexia: "must get sis.."

Tashtego: "Lexi? sit back down"

"Ah.. Preathien.. would you be so kind as to heal Lexi and Tash?"

Ethazar: "gah... Lexi, ye need t' sit down"

Azaeli: "<lays with her eyes closed"

Apolexia: "<falls back down>"

Tashtego: "I'm jes exhausted is all"

Sakara: "<holds Tashtego down> Just stay still.. we don't want a jagged peice of the armor cuttin you..>"

Preathien: "Lady Hammerfel Yer sister Is hurt!"

Azaeli: "Lexi?"

Preathien: "Come Quickly!"

Ethazar: "<cuts off the last of the bindings on the melted armor>"

Azaeli: "<gets up in a daze and goes to the main room>"

Preathien: "<does what he can for Tashtego and Lexi>"

Sakara: "<prys off the peice holding it up for Tash to see>"

Apolexia: "<feels the healing energies of preathien course through her> thank you.."

Ethazar: "<picks Lexi up from where she has fallen and places her back in her chair>"

Tashtego: "ugh, all o me armor"

Ethazar: "dinnae worry abou' tha' milord, i'll try t' salvage as much as possible"

Sakara: "<Sets the last peice of melted armor into a small pile>"

Azaeli: "<comes to the main room in a daze>"

Tashtego: "<sighs> thankee fer yer assistance"

Ethazar: "o'er here, Lady Hammerfel <points to Lexi>"

Apolexia: "<looks over to azi> Sis... <gets up but is pushed back down by someone>"

Tashtego: "Lady Azaeli...<breathin heavy> we have news"

Azaeli: "Lexi.."

Sakara"<looks towards Tashtego> Second and thrid degree burns all over your body.. You were lucky however.."

Azaeli: "<looks completely empty of emotion>"

Apolexia: "sis... its not... you-know-who... thas done this..."

Azaeli: "I don't care who did it Lexi."

Apolexia: "Sis... we got to save him.."

Azaeli: "Pappa's gone."

Apolexia: "no hes not!"

Tashtego: "<lookin o'er ta his pile o half melted armor> Judan has been taken...by the Cook"

Apolexia: "Hes not dead... well not yet... but he will be if we dont do anything"

Azaeli: "I know.. and dragged underground.. and killed.."

Apolexia: "sis.. hes not dead!"

Tashtego: "nay, he not be dead"

Apolexia: "I went after him... they didnt kill him... yet..."

Tashtego: "he is a pawn..."

Azaeli: "Then why are you all standing here? "

Ethazar: "aye! th' time fer action is upon us"

Sakara: "We need to maintian our heads.."

"Hold.. hold, everyone, a moment.."

Azaeli: "Darkness Falls? He's suffering there and we stand idly??"

Sakara: "The entrance to the falls is closed! So.. how do you propose we get IN there?"

Azaeli: "Earn our way in, I don't care"

Tashtego: "...she is here because I saved her life back there, an brought her here ta get ye an anyone else who could help"

Azaeli: "I thank you Tash."

Tashtego: "don thank me till after I slay the Cook, fer I shall"

Ethazar: "<fingers the hilt of his greatsword> by cutting our way through the Norse barbarians, of course"

Sakara: "it's not as easy as that! We don't have anywhere near the force needed to do that!"

Azaeli: "Then we shall recruit them! I won't allow him to be down there any longer than ABSOLUTELY necessary"

Phalos: "Hmm.. we need more than us to take a keep."

Sakara: "Indeed.. we need an army!"

Ethazar: "we cannae jus' stand here..."

Apolexia: "Sis... les go find some help... we must get him..."

Tashtego: "call upon the whole o the League"

Azaeli: "we'll ask the alliance.. I’m certain there are those who’d like to see the entrance opened"

Apolexia: "then let’s do so <gets up putting back on her helm>"

Azaeli: "yes, not a moment to waste. Let us ride to Castle sauvage."

Phalos: "Who will ask the alliance?"

Ethazar: "Lexi... ye need some rest lass... ye cannae just go on charging around"

Azaeli: "I think you won't be able to stop her, Ethazar"

Apolexia: "<nods>"

Ethazar: "<grins ruefully> nae Lady Hammerfel... I think ye are right"

Tashtego: "does anyone ave armor I could use "

Ethazar: "aye milord, I 'ave some"

Sakara: "Eh.. I do, but it would not fit.."

You say, "COME why are you all standing around?!"

Apolexia: "les go to ludlow, from there mount to sauvage"

Tashtego: "ah, thankee Ethazar"

Ethazar: "one moment milord"

Apolexia: "MOVE!"

Sakara: "<shoves her healm on>"

Sakara: "Oh my.. I am going to die.. but who wants to live forever.. lets go!"


They left the guild hall, heading for Castle Sauvage and the frontier. Azi cried siletnly as she pressed her horse fast, tuning out the chatter of her guild brothers and sisters around her, and praying in desperation for their victory.


Phalos: "Let me see who I can find."

Allonan: "aye I shall call upon them once at Sauvage"

Phalos: "The scrolls list many many people in Odin's Gate..."

Allonan: "I hope the lil elf I have tied up at me keep does not escape her binds whilst Im gone"

Phalos: "Although there are none listed in Emain."

Sakara: "Heh, I hope not as well, lest you turn your affections on another."

Azaeli: "<kicks her horse faster, tears streaming from her face>"

Allonan: "shes quite a catch, and better than any the brothels have to offer in Camelot"

Allonan: "I shall tame her yet"

Allonan:"trolls?! bah to much lovin fer me"

Tashtego: "EXCUSE ME!?!?!?!?"

Sakara: "I hardly think this is the time or place for THAT discussion!"

Tashtego: "WATCH YER TONGUE!”

Apolexia: "MAKE HASTE TO MIDGARD! MOVE!"

Allonan: "aye! to the task at hand!"

Azaeli: "<stays quiet, pacing the portal platform>"


As the portcullis opened at Sauvage, Azaeli heard an unmistakably familira voice.

Arcalan: "ou'll need a sizable force to take the Lord of a Keep to task"


Azi fumed, eyes alight with anger as she stormed toward Arcalan.

"Sis.." Apolexia laid a hand on Azi's shoulder, knowing full well what her sister’s reaction would be.

Azaeli: "<points at Arcalan> What are YOU doing here? you have some nerve!"


Phalos: "Montoya tells me that Odin's is very busy at the moment."

Arcalan: "It is Marshal Phalos <ignores Azi>"

Phalos: "Perhaps we should try for a Hibernian keep?"

Apolexia says, "sis... please....."

Apolexia says, "we must remain focused.."

Sakara: "I agree. we may wish to think of takeing a Hiberian keep.."

Sakara: "Our chances of success are MUCH greater."

"Can we do it with no aid?" Still fuming, Azaeli tried desperatly to keep her head and ignore Arcalan.

Apolexia: "well make up our minds! Midgard or Hibernia?!"

Allonan: "Hib I say"

Arcalan: "Hibernia is best"

You say, "here, sis."

Azaeli: "then Hibernia.. whichever.."

Sakara: "Agree, I say Hiberia."

Allonan: "all Mid keeps are claimed by top 20 guilds in the land"

Apolexia says, "sis, we'll find him.."

Sakara taps her foot nervously>

<Sakara starts to sweat>

Arcalan: "We'll STILL need to field a proper sized army agains their keeps"

Apolexia: "I DONT CARE!"

Phalos: "We need to be prepared before we go to Hibernia."

Phalos: "We should wait here at CS."

Sakara: "Agreed!"

Sakara: "We need to gather before we travel over there!"

Azaeli: "Phalos, you have ram parts you say?"

Allonan: "I have one whole ram on me and can build/run"

Preathien: "I can build and carry a ram but am missing beak and harnesses"

Apolexia: "I'll bust down the doors by myself IF NEEDED"

Azaeli: "<softly> As will I."

Tashtego says, "m'Lady, we shall fin him an rescue him"

Arcalan: "Hammerfel was obviously as hot-headed as you two from what i hear.. <mutters>"

Azaeli: "Arcalan, dont you dare presume to know ANYTHING about my father."

Ethazar: "Lady Hammerfel! control yourself"

Tashtego says, "Arcalan, SHUTUP!"

Phalos: "I have two full rams, but I will not let any hold them here unless we settle down and -think-."

Azaeli: "I am sorry, Phalos."

Arcalan: "<smirks> If his blood runs in your viens it tell me plenty"

Sakara: "We will all be dead if we do not consider our plans!"

Tashtego: "Arcalan, SHUTUP"

Azaeli: "<walks away from Arcalan and stand alone>"

Tashtego: "if it was yer father, ye'd do the same thin"

Azaeli: "Please Phalos, I trust in you. I shall follow your lead."

Allonan: "aye get off the port plans are needed as well as aid in our attempts, do not let blind rage consume ye"

Azaeli: "Allonan, It isn't blind rage.. my father is everything tome."

Azaeli: "I just want him back."

Azaeli: "<cries>"

Tashtego: "<hugs his fair Lady>"

Ethazar: "and you shall get him back m'lady"

Sakara: "We know, but how will you aid him with your death!"

Sakara: "And the death of all of us! We must think our plans.. anger is the enemy here, moreso than the heathens, or the deamons!"

Tashtego: "ye speak wisely Sakara, I thank ee fer yer patience"

Phalos: "Azi, it does not matter why.. you are not thinking clearly."

Apolexia: "Please sis.. we'll get him.."

Allonan: "aye but if ye wish to reach him alive, adhere my words"

Azaeli: "yes, milord Allonan."

Allonan: "We need 2 groups and 4 rams"

Azaeli: "well who is not yet in a group?"

Allonan: "I have one ram on me"

Arcalan: "two STRONG groups"

Allonan: "aye"

Arcalan: "and I am not yet grouped"

Ethazar: "a trebuchet or three couldn't hurt either"

Ethazar: "i be in need o' a few stalwart companions, if'n there be room"

Arcalan: "Had lexi the patience to prepare we could have had all the materials we needed.."

Azaeli: "<glares at Arcalan>"

Apolexia: "HUSH YOU!" lest I pour more acid down your back! <Fumes<"

Azaeli: "Lexi, please"

Phalos: "I have asked the Brotherhood of the Wolf, Dragon's Shadow and the Guardians for help so far."

Allonan: "we can prevail but guards have to be enchanted with spells and everyone in this group at least should assist on me"

"We must hold until all are here, and then form proper groups for the assault."

Allonan: "Arcalan ye must begin to recruit the second group"

Tashtego: "<walks up ta Arcalan in anger> if ye wish ta aid us, then DO IT KINDLY, an if ye do not...."

Phalos: "Lexi, I will not help you if you are in this rage. Quiet down, and think how to help us take a keep."

Ethazar bows to Arcalan.

Sakara salutes Arcalan.

Ethazar: "All o' ye, quit threatening Arcalan, and Lady Hemlos, quit tormenting Lady Hammerfel"

Allonan: "Pardon all whilst I attempt to summon my friends from distant lands"

Allonan yells, "RAID forming to open the portal to DF recruiting now"

Ethazar: "hmmm... always good to have everyone in the vicinity purple"

Sakara: "Azaeli, Lexi.. you will succeed I am sure of it.. <puts her hands on each of the sister's shoulders> Any may the hand of god be with you both, during the battle to come."

Apolexia: "<nods> thank you"

Sakara: "And be carefull out there.. it is dangerous."

Azaeli: "Thank you sakara <quietly>"

Litrion howls in victory to Montoya!

Gundor cheers at Litrion!

Apolexia says, "Schmindrik! Can you help us?"

Ashanor yells, "just tell me what necklace to buy allonan"

Phalos yells, "Porting to Hibernia for the raid!"

Apolexia, "We goto hibernia"

Schmindrik says, "Hmm, help how?"

Apolexia says, "We need to open a portal to the falls of darkness... to save my father... hes been taken prisoner there.."

Azaeli: "Phalos, the rams?"

Allonan yells, "we are going to HIB"

Schmindrik says, "I'd rather kill Mids!"

Phalos: "Aye, I'll need help carring them."

Allonan:"if ye are able to carry rams seek Phalos"

Tashtego: "I can carry much"

Azaeli: "I shall help, which keep are we going to take?"

Apolexia says, "Chancellor... please..."

Apolexia says, "its my father.."

Allonan: "Dun Bolg"

Sakara: "I cannot go with you.. I am too old, and too weak in seasons to be anything but a hinderance in the frontierlands.."

Allonan: "ok we need a leader for this or ppl wil defect in a hurry"

Azaeli: "Allonan or phalos should lead"

<Arcalan glares at Azaeli>

<Azaeli glares at Arcalan>

Vecknon: "I have some wood and ram parts. Shall I grab them or do we already have enough?”

Tashtego: "Allonan, you will lead"

Apolexia says, "Thank you Schmindrik!!!"

Apolexia says, "Um... Chancellor Lytherly <curtseys>"

Apolexia curtseys to Schmindrik.

Schmindrik says, "Still, I would rather kill Mids."

Arcalan: "Allonan leads, we have a few rams already, more won't hurt."

Keblen: "<nods to Mang>"

Allonan: "preath can ye carry 300 wood"

Allonan: "Need a ram count I have one"

Tashtego: "I can carry wood Allonan"

Sakara says, "Please be very carefull, don't trust anything you see."

Sakara says, "And come back in one peice... ?"

Sakara: "I shall await near the entrnace to the falls.. and join the raiding party there, if I am welcomed."

Apolexia says, "We shall save him... I know it.."

You say, "So do I sis.. <wrings her hands>"

You say, "WHERE are the blasted MAGES?!"

Apolexia says, "coming sis..."

Apolexia says, "they'll be here.."


Azaeli looked around her at the force of allies that had formed. The chaos of battle preparation was upon them, with Allonan and Phalos calling out orders and young and old allies seeking their stations. It was a promising group, at least three squadrons of well-seasoned countrymen. Among them were three battering rams. Azaeli looked to Apolexia as they stood clutching each others’ hands on the portal pad, and the mages began their incantation.


You say, "Phalos.. i"m endebted to you for this"

Phalos says, "Never, Azi."

<Phalos smiles >

ashtego: "EVERYONE, follow yer lead please"

Allonan:"Group leaders send your ram count to phalos one last time"

Allonan: "Dun Bolg is primary target"

You whisper, "put your necklace back on, sis" to Apolexia

Allonan: "scouts once at destinations send me tells as to status"

Phalos: "Anyone else not have a group, or groups not have a healer or speed?"

Apolexia whispers, "I dont wear one sis"

You whisper, "you don't?" to Apolexia

Apolexia whispers, "dont have one.."

You whisper, "we shall have to get you one" to Apolexia

<Apolexia nods >

Tashtego: "DOES everyone have speed?!!?"

Allonan: "Group leaders if ye group has no speed say so now"

<Azaeli hugs Lexi>

<Apolexia hugs azi>

<Azaeli sighs >

Ethazar: "nae... i be in need o' a group to 'ave speed =/"

Azaeli: "I can't believe that witch had the nerve to show up"

Apolexia: "<gasps> SIS!"

Sydz: "who?"

Azaeli: "<bites her tongue>"

Apolexia: "<giggles> Though I agree, that witch should jump off a big cliff"

Azaeli: "well, I'd wager copper to gold that she had something to do with this, Lexi."

Apolexia: "yea sis... but stil.. we have no proof.."

Tashtego: "Azaeli, not now. Now, we find yer Father"

Keblen: "dont worry about Beno, we have another alliance goin to defend"

Arcalan: "<cheers the other alliance!>"

Javaira: "mids at amg at least 2 stealthers"

Allonan: "AF ON GROUP LEADERS, GROUP LEADERS AF ON ME,,,,FORM UP"

Tashtego: "stay calm you two<looking ta Lexi an Azaeli> we'll get through this"


Battle cries for Albion rang out as the force left the portal keep and ran through Albion’s gates in Emain Macha. Two dwarves were caught up in the current of the force, and Azaeli cried out in time with Arcalan as her mace landed the death blow on one of them. "Albion! Yay!" Arcalan’s eyes locked with Azaeli’s for a moment, and the man with the serpent flashed in Azi’s mind. He look turned to a glare, but Arcalan’s eyes showed only sadness in return.


Allonan: "FORM UP"

"We going sis..." Lexi pulled on Azi’s elbow, snapping her eyes from Arcalan’s.

Allonan: "MOVING Azaeli hurry"

Azaeli: "Im here."

Allonan: "NO ONE LEAVES main body to fight small numbers"

Apolexia: "kill the guards"

Allonan: "FORM UP!"

Allonan: "moving we have to rush this"

Allonan: "pull guards we have not much time"

Allonan: "UP THE HILL"


The force charged up the hill, clashing with guards and scouts. Swords flashed as Azaeli faced the celt before her, swinging her mace with fury. “For Pappa!” She screamed into the chaos as the mace landed hard into the woman’s ribs.


Allonan: "Tash need supplies"

Allonan: "hurry"

Allonan: "TASH"

You say, "Attack the door Lexi"

Arcalan: "take out archers"

Azaeli: "Tash give allonan your parts"

Apolexia says, "Building the ram sis.."

Ethazar: "wow... im not dead yet... interesting"

Allonan: "GET SECOND RAM UP"

Apolexia: "it is!"

Allonan: "ok third!"


The first door had been broken through, and Lexi was quick to build the second. Azaeli stood shoulder to shoulder with the force, driving her mace into the thick wood of the doors as her sister swung the harnesses and smashed at it with the ram. The second door was stronger, but came down with a loud cheer from the force.


“To the lord!” Allonan cried, echoed by a score of allies as they raised their weapons over their heads and charged up the ramp. Azaeli darted through the courtyard, searching desperately for Lexi and Tash, but they were lost in the confusion of battle.


Azi ran to the ramp and scrambled up, ignoring the arrows that glanced off her platemail. As she reached halfway up, an arrow flew fast from above, finding anopening between her helm and breastplate, and driving fast into her collarbone. She gasped and fell to her knees as the battle raged around her, then turned to see a terrible sight. Two squads of Hibernians rushed toward her, a firbolg at the lead. He raised a mace over his head and swung it fast, snapping the shaft of the arrow and driving it deeper into her. The others swarmed around her and she fell into darkness.


She woke at the bindstone in Castle Sauvage and rolled to her knees, holding herself back from wretching. She blinked away the blur of death, still feeling the head of the arrow lodged in her shoulder.

“Let me go Tash," Lexi’s hands rested on her jambiyas defiantly as Tash held her arms down.

Tashtego: "LOOK LEXI! I don trust her either, but NOT THIS WAY!"


"Lexi, please.. for me.. calm yourself." Azaeli pushed herself to her feet, hiding well the intense pain of the arrow.


Apolexia: "<looks to azi and to tash> For you sis... I do this <throws some dust into tash's helm, then slips off>"

Azaeli: "<chases after>"

"<grabs a horse and rides south>"

Azaeli: "Well, I am finished. She can care for herself."

Tashtego:<removes the dirt from his eyes, an finds the nearest horse ta be off after her>"

Azaeli: "<shakes her head at Tash> Not finished.. I mean... <breaks into tears>"

Tashtego: "<takes her into his arms>"

Azaeli: "Tash, please go find her.. I don't have the strength.. .."


She watched Tash ride off, then mounted her own horse toward Camelot. She would see a healer, the seek out reinforcements for battle. There was word as she rode that Caer Benowyc was rightfully claimed for Albion once more, and so only one keep stood in their way.


Crispian: "(enters hall, vaguely acknowledging salutes as he goes to his office)"

Azaeli: "<rides toward Camelot>"

Azaeli: "trudges listlessly into the guild hall"

Crispian: "(comes down in armor )"

Azaeli: "Hail Crispian.."

Crispian: "Azi!"

Azaeli: "<takes off her helm to show a bloodied tearstained defeated face>"

Crispian: "What is wrong, Azi?"

Azaeli: "what is WRONG?!"

Crispian: "(waves hand) I know about THAT"

Azaeli: “I’ve failed, Crispian! We failed!”

Azaeli: "<turns and slams her fist into the stone wall>"

Crispian: "Azi, we WILL succeed. It was only one failure."

Azaeli: "<sinks to the ground crying>"

Crispian: "(crouches down) We've beaten this type before"

Azaeli: "Crispian.. I can't bear it. Pappa.. I can't bear to think of him in there."

Crispian: "Azi, Judan is a strong and holy man"

Azaeli: "How could I fail him? After all we’ve suffered together? How could I fail him now?"

Crispian: "My lovliest, you have not"

Azaeli: "<leans against the wall, wiping her eyes> I would suffer it for him, Crispian. I would take his place without a second thought."

Crispian: "(nods) I know ya would, dearest, but tis not your lot this time."

Azaeli: "<pounds the wall again> How DARE she Crispian? Do you know who dared show her face tonight? Acting as though all was right with the world?"

Crispian: "Arc?"

Azaeli: "<eyes flash with anger>"

Azaeli: "How could she?"

Crispian: "(shakes head) I dunno, need to figure this all out AFTER we get Judan"

Azaeli: "<shaking> Yes, you're right. Though I need to calm down before I try to take orders on any kind of battle.."

Azaeli: "you were gone when I decided to leave. have tou found anything out?"

Crispian: "I was about to go to the Fall"

Azaeli: "Its closed.."

Crispian: "I know, but forces are out to open it. Many are concerned about Judan"

Azaeli: "where are the forces Crispian? I shall help."

Crispian: "Last I heard they had reclaimed Benowyc and were defending"

Tashtego: "<walks into the Guild Hall, his head low, without Lexi>"

Azaeli: "Tash?"

Tashtego: "<pained ta say wha he must> she slipped from me again..."

Azaeli: "she'll return, Tash."

Tashtego: "she is not helpin by doin this tho"

Azaeli: "I feel a bit better with the two of you here."

Tashtego: "I need ta rest methinks...me head is foggy...touchin the Circle this day ta save Lexi's life took much from me...it never answered me so quickly afore..."

Crispian: "Tash, take a break for a few"

Azaeli: "<nods> I understand, Tash.”

Tashtego: "<looks o'er ta the slag o his armor tha he had ta leave behind, an falls inta a chair>"

Crispian: "Toby said he thinks this may be very big"

Crispian: "but went back to the Archives"


<a pigeon flies down to Azi bearing a message>"


Sis, there is only one that can help us... I ride to find him... I know hes out there... he can save father... though the costs might be great... I'll write to you soon... with Love... your lil sis lexi...>"


Azaeli: "<reads the letter delivered by the pigeon>"

Azaeli: "Oh, by the Almighty.. what is she doing?"

Crispian: "Who?"

Azaeli: "<hands the letter to Crispian>"

Crispian: "(reads)"

Tashtego: "<makes himself some tea, an sits again sippin it lettin the hot tea fill his throat>"

Tashtego: "wha does it say?"

Crispian: "(groans) That arrogant little brat!"

Tashtego: "<shakes his head> tha is not good at all"

Azaeli: "no..it is not. She seeks Basaia I"m certain."

Azaeli: "She makes me choose..."

Azaeli: "Crispian, I MUST choose Pappa.."

Crispian: "No choice, we must focus on Judan!"

Crispian: "And Lexi will HAVE to understand that"

Tashtego: "<chokes down his Heart as he hears both o them say that>"

Crispian: "we'll have to get word to Jashen and Arc"

Azaeli: "I felt dead without him, Tash.. I cannot stand idle while he suffers that place. Allonan took me to see the cook just last week--<chokes>"

Tashtego: "goodnight then fair lady... <tears comin fresh ta him>"

Tashtego: "<feelin very torn at this moment, begins ta walk up ta his room an cry himself ta sleep>"

Azaeli: "Im sorry, Tash.."

Azaeli: "<looks at Crispian> I'm going to the frontier, Crispian."

Crispian: "A long trip back "

Azaeli: "I have no other choice"

Azaeli: "<breaks down in tears again>"

Crispian: "(comforts Azi)"

Azaeli: "well, tears solve nothing. I am going."

Azaeli: "<clamps her helm on her head and rushes out>"

Crispian: "(throws his hands up) WOMEN!"

Azaeli: "<turns> What? "

Crispian: "ou just charge off more full of emotions than men! "

Azaeli: "Im sorry. Will you come with me, Cris?"

Crispian: "To the Frontier?"

Azaeli: "<nods>"

Crispian: "Aye, alright, fast riders can find us there"

Lexi had ran from tashtego at the falls of darkness. She ran north, to sauvage, purchasing a mount for the ride into the lands of snowdonia... and from there... Llyn.


She did not knew if her grandpa had returned. She did not know if she could get any help. She did know that she had to try...


Getting off at Snowdonia, she ran down the so familiar paths leading to Barfog. Upon arriving, the avalonians drew on her. She held up her hands and called to them. "It's me! It's just me Lexi... I've come home..."


The avalonians looked at each other who guarded the entrance into the home, then nodded as they let her in. Her cousin Twr greeted her, and gave her a hug. "Lexi! My little cousin, welcome home!"


Lexi knew he was lying. Lexi knew he was cousin only due to the lies told to her by her grandfather. But... "Twr... I need to see grandpa..." the words escaped her before she could think of not saying them.


Twr smiled. "He is not here at the moment, why not go rest upstairs, in your old room. I'll send for him when I see him..."


Lexi nodded, walking slowly upstairs. She got in her old room, taking off her chain she found herself falling asleep immediatly, as the day's events took hold of her...

Judan's hammer decended again, beating the metal into shape. The Vessel was nearing completion, and he knew his life would not extend one moment beyond that moment. When he was finished would he become stew at the hands of Moloch? Or would this being snuff out his soul forever?

As immersed in despair as he was, his arms still worked powerfully, crafting non stop to finish the greatest and most vile creation he'd ever worked upon. The metal bent itself to his will, each piece a masterwork, as perfect as he'd ever laid eyes upon.


Before him the gigantic gauntlet flexed it's fingers as the near-formless being animated it. It curled and relaxed like a real living hand, so fine was the work carried ut upon it.


___________________


In Midgard a Troll Shaman yelled war cries and stirred the blood of his people, the Master didn't want the Falls to open to Albion yet...


_________


In Hibernia a sly Lurikeen coated his blade with poison, and headed out to the Albion milegate. Something had told him they'd be coming, the Albions.. and he was going to make sure they paid the price for trying to invade his realm...


_________


Arcalan's master was satisfied.. Azaeli had failed to open the Falls. Nothing could stop the Rebirth. But now that boy cleric was seeking his name in the Church libraries.. hmm, his name was mentioned only in a very few tomes, in the forbidden sections of that vast library. Most lore about him had passed into the realm of legend and been mixed with foolish superstition.. recasting him as a Fallen Angel. But still, what that Cleric learnt may be best kept secret..


Ceowyr sat up in his room and his head filled with a new vision.. Tobyas...he put on his shimmering black chainmail, and donned a red velvet lined cloak, feeling it's magic course through him. He had work to do.


_______________


Judan looked at the hollow helm, like the armor of a telamon, but far superior, and etched with runes and signs of ancient power. He shuddered with forboding, and began to prepare the last item of the Vessel. The Rebirth was near at hand.

Brother Michel frowned down at Azaeli, who lay on a cot in the inner halls of the Church of Albion.


"The arrowhead was in deep.." his voice echoed from the walls, "you should have come sooner. The wound has festered some. You need rest." She winced as he pressed a poultice into her shoulder and said a soft blessing to soothe the wound. Tears rolled from the corners of her eyes as she cursed Crispian under her breath. She would have been fine out there. She'd fought while wounded before. But she knew, too, that he'd have dragged her here physically if she'd refused him, and he was her seneschal after all.


"Are you almost finished?" she asked impatiently, forcing her voice to be even and calm. She had to aid Albion, to open the falls and rescue Pappa. "The relic, I must go..." She sat up and he pushed her down gently.


"ou will stay and rest," he frowned deeper, "ou'll be no good to anyone in this condition." The bloody bowl of water sloshed gently as he picked it up and turned to leave. And as he opened the door, Azi heard the crier's call.


"The Falls are open! Hail to Albion!"


((ooc more to come wait for meeeeee!!))

ooc just a little log from the chat while I have a minute, thanks to azi for this, what happened before lexi left


Apolexia: "<dismounts and bangs on the entrance to darkness falls>"

Apolexia: "LET ME IN!!!"

Tashtego: "alright then <mounts his horse again and rides hard fer Lexi's sake after her>"

Apolexia: "<collapses at the entranceway into tears>"

Tashtego: "<rides hard fer Darkness Falls>"

Apolexia: "<turns to borwyr the cursed> DAMN YOU!"

Tashtego: "<dismounts his horse an runs fer it>"

Tashtego: "LEXI!"

Apolexia: "<lays her hand against the blocked portal>"

Tashtego: "<sits quietly next to Lexi where he knew she would be>"

Tashtego: "Lexi?"

Apolexia: "Tash... he took me in... he was kind... and now... hes gone..."

Tashtego: "no..he is NOT gone"

Tashtego: "he is taken from us..."

Tashtego: "..an mark me words we will get him back"

Apolexia: "<cries into tash's armos>"

Tashtego: "we failed tonight..."

Tashtego: "<takes her inta his arms his Heart breakin listenin ta hear cryin>"

Tashtego: "I'm so sorry Lexi"

Tashtego: "we will get him back I promise you that

Apolexia: "<picks herself up crying> I must go see sis... she needs me... I shouldntve left her..."

Tashtego: "Lexi...please...don lose hope"

Tashtego: "<grabs her by the arm>"

Apolexia: "es Tash..."

Tashtego: "<pulls her back in> stop...jes stop"

Apolexia: "<sniffs> Please tash... les go..."

Tashtego: "if it was jes the Cook, I woulda killed him already...ye know I would in an instant fer ye.."

Apolexia: "dammit tash... les go or lest I throw more dirt at ya.."

Tashtego: "ye promise me ye will not run off again? not do anythin foolish?"

Apolexia: "es..."

Tashtego: "ssss"

Apolexia: "<takes off away from tash>"

Tashtego: "DAMN HER!"

Tashtego: "LEXI!"

The last hour was a blur. She had slipped out of the Church in just a robe,and ducked through the dark alleys to get home to dress in her armor. She had arrived at the Falls and slipped inside just as the rights passed into the hands of Midgard.


She peered at the corpse of the essence shredder that had been her undoing as a wicked howl erupted from the depths, and thanked the Almightly that she had been found by this group.


"Thank you noble Cleric," Azaeli said shakily as she accepted the hand of the highlander and pulled herself to her feet.

She steadied herself as the sickness of ressurrection coursed through her.


"Aye, lass. But this is no place to be roamin' about alone. Where are ye headed?" The cleric's face crinkled with lines as he smiled kindly at her.


"To kill Moloch the Cook," she said quietly, peering over his shoulder at the seasoned group of companions accompaning him. A lady friar pressed her lips together and a chuckle pased through the group. Azi shivered as another deathly cackle resounded from the depths.


"Seems you took a wrong turn at the rocots," the mercenary grunted, bowing. "Perillyn Bell."


"We've done that already," an armswoman called out blandly.


"Well, he's certain to have been called back by now," the highland cleric said, turning to his friends, "Let's help the lass. That is, if ye wish the aid, milady."


"I would be endebted to you all," Azaeli said solemly, looking at each of them, "For he holds my father, and so I cannot fail." Eyebrows were raised and confused looks exchanged, but finally all agreed to aid her in her quest.


"Right then," Perillyn nodded, "this way."


Aspcor the minstrel of the Order of Red Lions pulled forth his drum and they ran deep into the Falls. Azaeli shivered. She hated it here, the evilof the place was overwhelmig, sending constant chills through her and makig it very difficult for her to concentrate. As they neared the archway flanked with fire-breathing stone dragons, she secretly wished she'd waited for Crispian, Tash, and Lexi..


"Be ready!" Perillyn called as three molochan tempters sprung forth, cackling. Instinctively, Azi drew her archmace and swung, ignoring the pain in her shoulder. Over and over she swung, with each swing she prayed for Pappa. A stream of tempters assaulted them and she was relentless against them. She did not tire, but called out the chants she knew so well at the top of her voice with each swing. When they were finished, a dozen twisted corpses lay at thier feet.


"Well done, everyone, well done, lass," Turlough the highland cleric said with a smile.


"Now we go inside and rest there," Perillyn said. They rushed through the arch and into the depths of the Cook's chamber, ducking into a corner, and Azaeli fought back a cry. Never before, in all the things she'd seen, had she ever seen a place so evil, so horrid. Purple-blue steam rose from a bubbling brew in the center of the room, large enough to fit fifty men. There, hanging from an ornate arch, were the skeletal remains of two men, dripping with the residue of the wicked steam. She peered in deeper and this time cried out despite herself.


"Pappa!" she set her jaw firm, desperate to compose herself. There she saw him, her father, hammering blankly at blackened metal. Around him at least twenty tempters flew and bounced, cackling and giggling wickedly. And overseeing it all, cleaver in one hand and flaying knife in the other, was Moloch. Its lips stretched over its pointed teeth, dripping with drool and bits of flesh as it grinned at Judan.


"We must work fast, or he will call for help. Allow Aspcor to mezmerize them, and concentrate on the one I'm fighting." Perillyn said authoritatively. Azaeli felt a reassuring pat on her arm and looked to see the group's two friars smiling at her with reassurance.


"At the ready!" Perillyn drew his bow and let a swift shot fly right at the cook, landing it hard into its disgusting slime-coated chest. Chaos ensued as he charged them in a fury, followed by a swarm of twenty or thirty cackling tempters. All was a blur, but Azaeli was ready. Five of them swarmed her but she trusted in Aspcor and rushed to Perillyn's side as the mezmerize spell held the tempter's fast. An exhausting blur of steel and claws flashed around them as Azaeli swung over and over, turning to the next as each one fell.


Healing, battle, energizing, she called out everything she could, the chants melding together so even she knew not what she was shouting. Her voice was hoarse and her shoulder shook with pain and exhaustion but she pressed on with the others at her side, feeling Turlough's healing energies coursing through her. She heard a death cry in the chaos, and then two more, but the tempters were fast upon her as the mezmerize broke its hold.


"Cook is dead!" Someone called out triumphantly, but Azaeli had no time to rejoice. Four tempters were on her, clawing and screeching, and the heals had ceased. Knowing the cleric and friar had fallen, she pressed hard into the attack, concentrating on her healing chant. She afforded herself a glance about, and saw the other cleric, Cyddry, being assailed by two tempters. She and perillyn turned fast and rushed to his side, distracting them from the cleric. Just as she was about to fall, Cyddry called upon the Almighty and healing energy cursed through her. A few moments later, she dropped to the ground in exhaustion amongst the bloody corpses of the tempters and Moloch, and the fallen companions.


"I'm so sorry," she said hoarsely, gasping for breath.


"Nay, lass, let's get them up," Cyddry said, pushing himself to his feet and pulling her up. Azaeli looked up to Pappa who stood still as a statue, nodded reluctantly, and called Turlough back.


"our father," Turlough said, coughing. "Before they get called back..go!" Azaeli nodded, her heart pounding. She scrambled up the steps and into the depths of the chamber to Judan's side.


"Pappa! Quickly! We must hurry!" She pulled the hammer from his hand and threw it down, looking into his blank eyes. He stared back at her, unseeing. "Pappa!" She screeched, shaking him firmly. He blinked a slight flash of recognition, but stood firm. "Please, Pappa," she cried, slapping his face in desperation.


"Angel," Judan murmured, blinking again at Azaeli.


"es, Pappa!" She was crying now with joy, he was alright. It was then that she noticed the armor carefully stacked beside him. It gleamed black with utter perfection, its runes exuding power and darkness. Judan shook his head as if to clear it.


"Azaeli, quickly.. take this up." He thrust a helm at her and a breastplate, which she hastily put into her pack while he gathered up a good amount of metal bars and a pair of greaves. "Now, hurry.." The two rushed out together and met up with the group that had aided her.


"Lady Azaeli," Turlough nodded, "this came from Moloch, ye should have it." He handed her a flaying knife etched with ancient runes. Pappa swayed at her side and leaned into her aching shoulder.


"I thank you all..beyond words.." she choked. Perillyn looked at Judan, who was pale and fading with exhaustion, as a trio of tempters leapt at them.


"Go, hurry. We shall hold them." He shouted, drawing his sword. Azi looked to Pappa.


"I'm alright Angel," he said weakly, "come." Together they made thier way out of the falls, carrying the burden of wickedness in thier packs. The usually short journey home to Camelot seemed to take ten times as long. Pappa collapsed frequently and by the time they arrived at home, she had to carry him up the stairs and lay him into bed as she had had to do so many times in the past. For she had cared for Pappa through a curse during her childhood, and suffered his bouts of madness countless times.


She said a prayer over him as he lay passed out, asking for guidance and protection, and suddenly rememberd thier spoil of armor and metal. She would ask him about it when they woke, she thought as she stripped off her armor and curled up beside Pappa in her padding. It could wait until morning. Exhausted, but full of peace beside her father, now safe at home, she fell fast into a deep sleep.

Ayslyn slipped silently through the window. He watched Azi, curled up against her father, who still looked wane and troubled. He held a hand over Judan's breast and let some of the energy that Rhiannon had given him flow into the smith. The power washed away some of the stains on Judan's spirit, the mute and unseen testimony of his ordeal. "Rest now. None of the guilt for anything you did down there lies upon your shoulders." Aysyln swayed slightly, his vision blurring. Between this, and Magnoliah, his own strength was stretched thin. He shook his head to clear it. Turning to the packs they had brought back with them, he began to examine the armour, hoping to find some clue as to what was going on.

 

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