OOC:


I want to use the 400th post to say:


HAPPY BIRTHDAY CRISPIAN!


Hope you had a great time


A worthy topic for the 400th post, boy oh boy is this story getting long It'll all be over by Christmas though, eh? <goes back to the trenches>

ooc


The number 4 stands for 400+ posts! NOT for the fourth page!!!


FORE! <golf swings the thread back to where it *should* be, page 1>


There, now hurry up and continue it!

/ooc still waiting for the fight

 

-----signature-----

/ooc waiting for azi... and lexi's last post to this thread...

"Defiler! Heretic! You will pay the ultimate price!" bellowed Ceowyr. As Tobyas nimbly rolled to his feet a blast of lightning came from Ceowyr's hands. It struck Tobyas full on, knocking him backwards. But surely if this ex-cleric had abandoned God, his powers would have gone as well? Then it occured to Tobyas, the bolt had not come from the rightious wrath, but was a spell, drawing upon the hate inside Ceowyr himself. Likewise he had used other spells and powers to masquerade as a cleric, revealing his hand only now.. but for what purpose? Tobyas knew he must survive this encounter and find out what was afoot. His own mace found it's way to his hands.


Tobyas swung mightly as he rushed Ceowyr. It was clear that he could not allow the man the freedom of being able to strike at him agian, for too many more assaults like that would stun or kill him.


They advanced and met each other, no longer two calm men of God, but two combatants locked in deep combat. Blows were struck on shields and armor as each strove to gain an edge on the other. Ceowyr had the greater power, but Tobyas' time afield was beginning to show. His practice and skill as a battle cleric was slowly givining him an edge.


Around the room they fought, with furniture taking blows that each avoided. Slowly, Tobyas pushed Ceowyr back, more and more gaining the edge. His battle-honed skills allowed him to gain openings the other allowed him. He could see the fatigue of battle growingin Ceowyr's eyes, even as a lint formed there in his rage and anger.


Tobyas' blows continued to rain in on the faltering Ceowyr as he gave ground. Time and again, Tobyas was able to smoothly deflect a blow with his shield, and meet his foe with the blunt of his mace. He kept from using more force than his blows neeeded, but made sure that each told clearly as they struck.


Ceowyr slipped, then fell. Tobyas clipped him with mace blows as he did, not letting up. The dark-armored cleric finally slumped to the ground, either unconscious or dead. Tobyas did not particularlly care as he sat to gain his breath.


Something was very wrong with this man and Tobyas hoped to delve deeper into what might be awry.

Arriving at the Snowdonia Station Arcalan dismounted with grace and made her way quickly inside, motioning to a stablehand t ready her second horse, and take care of the poor near lame beast she had just left in her wake. Foam flecked the flanks of the horse and it's breathing was rasping and fast, so much so that the stablelad couldn't hide a snarl of disgust at this Avalonian woman who disregarded the welfare of such a fine steed.


She stepped inside with a look of urgency and readiness. She knew the latest role she must play in this game...

"Innkeep" she said, but failing to drawn the man from his conversation she raised her voice and summoned him with an air of authority "INKEEPER". He moved over to the woman with a weariness at this kind of attitude.. people were always demanding and hurrying around here, he was fed up with it.

"es mam what kin I do for you?" he asked.

"ou have a guest staying here, an infiltraitor by the name of Marrak.. though he may use a false name" she said and seeing a nod of agreement pressed on "He has in his hands an artifact of extreme evil, and everyone in this region is in terrible danger." His eyes widened as she showed her badge of rank to lend weight to what she said. "As a Seneschal of St. Crispin's League I am here to arrest him and return the artifact to it's keeper. I'll need your help."

"Ah miss I'm an older man now, and I have kids to look after, wouldn't there be guards who could do this? I'm not in good health and.. and..." he fumbled for an excuse other than cowerdice.

"I just need you to show me his room and unlock the door, I am well trained enough to handle him.. but we have to hurry."

He nodded and trembled slightly as he fetched a key ring from behind the bar, and the two of them proceeded upstairs. Quietly they approached the room, and he slipped the key into the lock with the manner of a man slipping his hand into the jaws of a wolf. With a flick of the wrist he unlocked the door and kicked it hard to fling it open, before leaping back out of sight lest some uncanny spell turn him into a toad.


Before them lay the barely recognisable corpse of a man. The skin was brown and taut like a thin leathery coating across his skull. Dead eyes bulged in their sockets and a blackened purplish tongue lolled out at an obscene angle. The innkeeper screamed.


Arcalan moved frward to lift the white snake headed fragment from the floor, but a voice in her soul wanred her not to. The time was not right, she knew. She scooped the artifact into the box once more and shut the lid firmly. Turning to the inkeeper she remarked "This poor wretch has damned himself with evil magicks.. it should be safe to touch the corspe. If I were you though I'd burn it, in case it rises again. I will take the artifact where it can do no more harm, good sir, you have done a noble deed this day." and favoured him with a smile.

Still fixated on the corpse the inkeep nodded blankly and let Arcalan pass, recoiling from the box as though it were red hot to the touch. He didn't want to end up like that assassin.


________________________________


An echo of a shriek filled her mind as she mounted her new horse, and she knew that Ceowyr was in trouble. But so far away she could do nothing but swear that the loyal servant would be avenged. She spurred the horse from Snowdonia Station towards the Bearded Lake as fast as it would carry her.

Lady Winchell sat back with a deep scowl upon her face. Lines etched by years of overseeing the Church of Albion had made their mark on her. Her eyes, flat and unkind, bored into Toby's, who sat unflinching. "Demonic possession? I think you see this a bit too much, young Father!" she snapped. The conference, now in its second hour, had roused her from an afternoon of contemplation and put her in a mind most foul.


"es, Reverend Lady, I know that my activities leave me steeped in the area of possessions, but I tell you this truly. I have examind Ceowyr, as have colleagues of mine, Brother Michael, your own healer, as well as Lady Xyza of the League. No one can find any physical or magical reason for his state. I must conclude, must!, that he is in the embrace of a possessing Evil Spirit. I fear that this hidden master, Asteroth, has somehow visited upon Ceowyr a lesser Evil Spirit which has laid possession to his being. All I can hope is that, through our sacred ritual, we can dispell this Evil Spirit."


He waited as she scowled more, deeper even it seemed. "Arawnites run amok in our city, Morgana plagues the Land, and NOW you speak of possessions." She turned her gaze out over the cloister garth, watching the monks praying there a moment. "Very well, you may proceed. But, Father Tobyas," she favored him with a flat look, "I expect full report this time."


Tobyas bowed as he rose, his crimson and gold cloak swirling about him. "Oh course, Reverend Lady." He turned to exit, a small smile on his lips.

As the sisters rushed through the city streets toward Vetusta Abbey, Azaeli’s mind raced. She heard the soft jingle of Lexi’s armor as she followed close behind and grew angrier with every step. Why should she let this girl bother her so? She stewed in her own anger as she stormed through the streets, almost colliding with a familiar armsman.


"Tash!" She looked up at him, his red hair glowing in the moonlight, his usually kind, soft eyes now tired and red. His gaze moved to Lexi, flashing with relief and then pain as he took her in. Apolexia looked away, her face unreadable in the darkness. Azi looked from one to the other, then sighed with resolve. This had to be dealt with now, all of it. She frowned at her sister.


“We all need to talk. Lets find a place to sit." Azi said with resolve.


"es, sis.” Lexi nodded rather meekly, “We aren't far from the abbey. We can go there..." Tash looked from Lexi to Azi with a hint of confusion and obvious desperation, as if deciding whether he should stay or flee from this confrontation.


“No,” Azi said firmly, “Will you join us, Tash?” She gestured to the gardens of the city Church.


"Um.....” Tash looked away,

“Aye...yeah.......sure." Azaeli nodded, glad at the dim light that hid her angry flush. She forced herself calm. She was accustomed to being a diplomat and focusing on the matter at hand, but with all that was happening... She said a silent prayer for guidance and patience.


"I'm glad we ran into you, Tash.” She said as she and Lexi sat. She threw a stern look at her sister who lowered her head in return.


"Oh? ....Um..Lucky me, then.” He stood towering over them, crossing and uncrossing his arms nervously.


"Please sit, Tash. Lexi, what do you have to say for yourself?"


"Um...nay I am fine...standin’." Tash shifted his weight and cleared his throat, stealing a glance from time to time at Lexi.


"I was just... I dont know sis... it was stupid of me.. I ... just wanted to help.." Lexi kept her head low in uncharacteristic meekness.


"Very well, Tash.” Azaeli murmured, reddening further with anger, “Lexi..” She shook her head. Was her sister this oblivious to Tashtego’s feelings? Surely Tash had been searching for her non-stop since she’d disappeared, was Lexi this ignorant?!


"Where....where have ye been?" Tash managed to croak.


"I went up... to try and... save father..." Lexi frowned.


"Oh, stop!” Azaeli exploded at that, exasperated. Obviously Lexi didn’t want to touch on the other issue at hand. “If you wanted to help you wouldn't have run off! I know you, you wished us to run after you and rescue you again!” She glared. “And THEN you come back and deliberately disobey me AGAIN! You have no respect or care for the Hammerfel name!"


"B.. but sis..." Lexi looked stunned, as if Azi’s words had hit her worse than a blow.


"No, I won't listen to your excuses," Azaeli fumed. She was through curbing her anger where Lexi was concerned.


"An who saved ye from tha' bad decision?" Tash ventured softly.


"Sis did.." Lexi answered without a thought. Tash’s face fell.


"Umm..........when ye went ta Darkness Falls?" He looked at Lexi pleadingly, but still she wouldn’t acknowledge him.


"Pappa lays asleep, God only knows why or for how long!” Azaeli blessed herself, wincing at her shoulder, praying for patience. “And all I asked of you was to take up his smithing orders for ONE night! And you refused even that!"


"But I wanted to help..." Lexi frowned.


"HOW is it helping to deliberately disobey my wishes and eavesdrop?" Azi jumped to her feet, clenching her fists as Lexi winced and lowered her head at her sister's wrath.


"Its... not..." Lexi mumbled, once again giving Azaeli the answer she wanted to hear. Something she’d become a master of, Azi thought to herself. But this time, this time she was not going to let up so easily.

"ou obviously have no trust in my judgement and no respect for me," she said calmly.


"Tha's not true sis!" Lexi cried. Azi held up a slender hand.


"I’m tired of it Lexi. Tired of your excuses." She waited for an argument, but Lexi said nothing, lowering her head in shame. Was it true shame? Or an act, as usual? Azaeli’s eyes moved to Tash, who stood looking confused and left out. How had this conversation, meant to help him, turned once more to the sisters and their own issues? Her heart panged for him. She turned to Lexi again, releasing her anger with no care for patience or kindness.


"Tired of you disappearing with no regard for anyone who cares for you. Tash has been BESIDE himself and you do not even show remorse! You haven't even properly greeted him!"


"Lo Tash..." She said quietly.


"Oh well, who am I anyways? Jes...jes someone...who...." His jaw clenched and he blinked rapidly and looked away.


“ARGH!” Azaeli threw up her hands in frustration, then blushed as a friar peered out disapprovingly at them from the side door of the Church. She lowered her voice to a hiss. “Well? What do you have to say for yourself? I am weary of the same issues over and over.." Lexi said nothing, looking down at her hands.


"Well, by tha silence, I guess I be nobody..." He turned away to hide the pain on his face.


“I’m sorry..." Lexi sniffed.


“SORRY!?" Tash cried. Azaeli moved toward him, tears filling her eyes at his pain and her own anger.


"Sorry? How many times have you uttered that word?" She demanded mercilessly.


"Too many...." Lexi whispered. Azaeli snorted.


"It means nothing to me now, coming from you." This was the game then, she would continue spouting whatever Azi wanted to hear. She’d had enough of playing. She looked at Lexi, who sat still and quiet, avoiding the eyes of the two who stood over her. "No, you aren't getting away that easily, Lexi! Sorry!? Have you any idea?! -I- am sorry!"


"I...” Lexi looked up to Azi tear-stricken. “I.... just... wanted to help..." At this, Tash turned his back on them both, clearly fighting his own emotions. This made Azaeli fume even more.


"HOW?! HOW is running off to leave me at my greatest time of need HELPING? How is running off to do God knows what and put yourself in jeopardy as well as Pappa.. HOW is that helping? Please explain this to me!"


"I... cant..."


"No, you can't! Because it was a DAMN fool idea!" She ignored the eyes of passersby, her rage growing. How could this girl, who she’d only come to know in the past two months as a sister, bring her to such fury?


"es..." Lexi whispered.


"I hunted for ye fer days it seemed." Tash said softly, struggling for composure. It had only been a day, but Azi knew how he must have felt in his desperation. Couldn’t Lexi see how he cared for her? Was she that blind? "I slew more creatures than I thought I could jes lookin fer ye." He searched her eyes, but Lexi said nothing, frowning deeper. Azi thought Lexi would sink through the bench if she lowered her head any more.


“Well,” Azaeli persisted, “Are you going to answer him?"


"I... can't..."


"ou can and you shall. It is the least you can do."


"An now ye show up....here...” Tash seemed to find his composure again, “an’ act is if nothin' be wron' wit' it."


“I am truly sorry Tash...” Finally she raised tear-filled eyes to look at him. “Really... I am..."


"I don' know wha' tha' means anymore....I have felt.....more than I should methinks o'er this...an' now....I...I.." Tash swallowed and turned back to look at her. A soft breeze rustled the leaves as the moon rose overhead and the three looked at each other in silence. "...I feel like I need ta walk away from it jes ta try an divorce meself o' this pain."


"ou have plenty to learn about friendship and trust, Lexi." Azi moved to Tash’s side, resting a hand on his arm in comfort.


"...So ye have had yer freedom...I hope ye liked it...for I am free from ye now..ye don' know how much tha hurts me ta say." His hand covered Azi’s on his arm as he watched tears spill down Lexi’s cheeks. "No...I need ta leave methinks...I cannae be here...I...I..” Tash’s arm slipped from Azi’s hand. As he turned and disappeared out of the gates and into the city streets, Azi found herself in tears as well. She knew nothing could be said or done now to mend her sister’s selfishness.


"I’m weary of this..” She turned and looked down at Apolexia with cold eyes. “Weary from feeling heartless toward you. I've offered you everything I had to offer, taken you in as my sister. I've cared for you as a sister, as nobody else ever has. You've shown me no loyalty through it, and in my greatest time of need..." her voce trailed off.


"I run away...."


"..In our family's greatest time of need.. you left me.." She swallowed the lump in her throat. "After all I've offered you, after everything I've tried to do to come to your aid, Lexi.. And Tash.."


"I know... sis.." Lexi’s brown eyes looked up at her with innocence and sorrow. More games. At that moment Azaeli snapped from the stress of everything that was happening. She turned her back to Lexi and let out a sob, covering her face with her hands. How had she failed at this?


She heard Lexi rise and walk toward her, felt a hand rest gently on her shoulder.


"It'll be okay sis... father is safe... he will be fine... he's got a strong heart...." She spoke sincerely, but for Azaeli it was too late. She spun to face the young woman she’d called her sister for two months.


“How dare you try to comfort me?" Her blue eyes flashed with fire at the stunned look on Lexi’s face.


"-you're... my sis..." She whispered. Azaeli shook her head, grasping at the anger and fury in her heart, letting her eyes go cold.


"Was." It was time, she was through.


"Was...” Lexi choked, reluctantly taking her hand from Azi’s shoulder. "But... you're... all I have..." She said sadly, but the words held no meaning for Azi. She’d succumbed to Apolexia’s sentiment too many times before.


"That," Azaeli said with what little compusre she could muster, "is something you should have considered before." It was time now to show her that words and actions hold meaning and consequence. If she had to lose her sister for it, then so be it.


"But sis... no please..." Lexi clutched at Azi’s hand, sobbing openly.


"ou can't just LEAVE and come back.. and expect to be welcomed. Not after everything Pappa and I have done for you, and Tash! You can't just expect to keep being forgiven, Apolexia!"


"But... you're my... sis..." Lexi pleaded


"ou've forsaken me, and Pappa, and Tash..” Azi shook her head, with each moment growing more resolved. “No, Lexi. "


“So..... be it... si- I mean... Azaeli.... I shall.... go away..." She lowered her head in defeat, but Azi saw it only as an attempt to gain pity, and she wouldn’t be fooled by old tricks any longer.


"God bless you in your travels, Apolexia.." She turned her back again, refusing the tears that pushed at her.


"Good.... bye sis.... you won't... ever see me... again... I promise... and I will keep that one..." She tested Azaeli again, waiting for any sign from her sister that everything would be alright, but Azi stood firm. “I pray... father will be fine... and you..."


"Farewell." Azi said firmly, with much difficulty.


“Yes... goodbye.....”


Azaeli heard Lexi gasp tearfully, heard chain boots clink swiftly on the church lawn and out into the street. She brushed her bangs from her eyes and lowered herself onto the bench where Lexi had been sitting. Time seemed to stop as she let her sorrow overcome her. The lingering feeling of dread that had been blanketing her very soul deepened. A hundred thoughts raced through her mind as she sat weeping and praying for the sister she’d had and lost, and for battles to come, that she'd have to fight without her.

(( This'll be my last post to the thread. I thank everyone involved, whether you were a writer or reader. I just cannot keep up with this thread when I am never in game. I eagerly wait to hear how it's finished. ))


'How long has it been? Where are my feet leading me? So tired...' the thoughts raced sub-consciously in Lexi's mind. She had ran out into the night, and not stopped her run. The tears went down her eyes, and if she did look to where she was running she couldn't see through her tear-strained eyes anyhow. 'Was.' She heard her sister saying this word over and over. 'Was. Was. Was.' She remembered Tash. She fell and broke down, weary and exhausted, collapsing. She lifted her head up, and saw where her feet had led her, the Convent she was at before... there was still something to be done...


Gathering up her strength, she thanked God it was night-time, for few of those in the abbey would be awake. She turned to the side of the abbey, following it to the back where the graves were. She fell to her knees in front of Azaeli's mother gravestone. She rubbed the top of it, feeling its edges.


"Mom... if I can still call you that... I am sorry. I know that word means nothing... but... I wanted you to know. I have failed... I have failed everyone..." the tears in her eyes swelled again, Lexi could bearly talk straight. "I failed father... I failed sis... I failed my love..." Lexi stopped suddenly. 'What did I just say?' Lexi knew the word was true the instant she spoke it. Yes... Love... the one that was always there for her. The one that would take her aside and be patient with her. The one that gave his heart and so much more. The thought of this just brought more tears to her eyes. "In another time... mother... he might've been... he was my Ascot... but... I failed him, and the rest, and there cannot be going back..." Lexi wiped away some of her tears. "It would be best... if he never knew... it would be best... if I just never breathed again..." Lexi continued to rub the headstone of her mother's grave. Mom... do you think the Lord would forgive me... if I did?" Lexi felt her jambiya at her waist. Lifted it out, she rubbed the flat of the blade against her armor. "Mom... would it be so bad... if I were to join you this night? As long as I live... I cause pain... and I am sick of causing pain to the ones I love..." Her loved ones raced through her mind. Azaeli Hammerfel. Judan Hammerfel. Crispian Pontiff. Tashtego McGillavry. Apolexia McGillavry... Lexi shivered, though the night was not the cause. 'Why did I not ever let him know?' Lexi felt torn. 'He would understand... I can go back to him...' but then her sister's face came to her mind. The promise she made to her sister...


"'Good.... bye sis.... you won't... ever see me... again... I promise... and I will keep that one...'"


She knew that there was no going back. "But mom... I have nothing left to live for... Azi is no more... I cannot see Tash again without seeing her... father is hurt..." she rubbed her jambiya blade against her. "I'm sorry mom... I know I am just running away again... but it seems I am so good at it..." Lexi looked to the sky. The stars were disappearing as the morning approached. Lexi took off her armor, and set it beside her next to the grave. She felt the blade against her skin now. Lexi wasn't crying anymore, she had no more tears to spend. "I'll see you... soon mom... and father... please forgive me..." Lexi stood up, pointed the jambiya blade at the center of her chest. She felt the point against her stomach. She lifted up the blade and prayed: 'Lord... please forgive me... and do not cast me out from your presence... for the crime I now commit... keep my family and loved ones safe...'


Morning came, and a young nun walked out to tend to her chores. She froze in terror, as a body lay amongst the graves. She called for the mother superior, ran into the convent in terror. The body lay, next to the one marked with Azaeli's mother.

It was coming to pass as he had forseen.


The blood of another spilt in wrath by Azaeli upon the League floor. Hecathia had been removed that the way might come closer yet.


The blood of his enemy, shed in dispare, Azi's sister dead by her own hand.


One more death remained to be seen to to seal his return.


A sacrifice.


He would consume the power that he might be omnipotent... he would be a God.


Chill winds stirred his netherworldly home, for Prophecy was in motion this day.