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Post by Lord Biru on Mar 20, 2015 14:28:11 GMT
All the time the Imperial Wizard mingled with the man's new allies, Lord Biru remained silent and in deep thought, considering the Kolyarut's question carefully. In captivity, the man was put under a temporal stasis, completely thrown out of time in an endless non-existence, incapable of moving, hearing, seeing or feeling. There were times when his consciousness was aware, but he assumed now it was due to the Imperials making so many Simulacrums. That was not good, because their sole purpose was to fabricate something truly dangerous.
The Blood Elemental.
Lord Biru was reminded of his wife, and the woman's face as she was taken from him forever, dragged into the murky crimson, screaming his name and reaching futilely for his hand. When the mage conjured his first Elemental, it was by accident, and appeared in the only form it had ever consumed: Adrianna.
Having summoned a primordial being, he knew his pursuit was dangerous; blood was a source, and like all beginnings there came a mystery none in the modern world could understand. Blood Elementals were the stuff of the Elder World, the primal forces of passion, life and rage, spirits that couldn't be controlled no matter how hard you tried. They had no sentience beyond destroying in the most outrageous fashion, drowning out life with their very substance and adding it to their form.
Adrianna was how his particular Elemental became free on the Material Plane. Had he known what he did now, Lord Biru may have never brought it forth to begin with. His mindset back then was to take revenge on his former masters, the High Wizards of Namorn, to completely and utterly destroy everything they stood for, and then some.
He never thought Adrianna would get in the way, let alone attempt to take on such a dark force he'd brought to the world.
And now the Imperial Wizardry wanted one. Biru's other sentient personality, his Simulacrum mind, told him they wished to use it for several purposes, one of which included freeing the Imperial Wizard Lucian from his mechanical prison, giving flesh and blood to the monstrosity. Other pursuits included the obvious, creating a volatile army of living blood, one that would flood the planet so they could begin anew, under their absolute control.
He couldn't wrap his head around it, but when he saw the Imperial Wizard still awaiting an answer, the man shook his head.
"They cannot be controlled or contained," he said. "I spent years as your prisoner so you could make another? No doubt you saw what happened to the city you found me in; it lies now as nothing but a red-stained crater; you wouldn't benefit from such a pursuit."
The blood in the Wizard's veins curdled at his words, a presence somewhere deep down in his body seemingly huffing at his words. The man was overcome and had to prop himself against the nearby wall, lest he be taken down by indignant blood. The elemental--his wife, his dear Adrianna--had replaced his own blood that day, and they would never let him go.
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Post by Midnight on Mar 23, 2015 15:31:47 GMT
While Lucian busied himself with the questions he had for Lord Biru, Midnight moved to her other minions. She smirked, reaching up to pat Jace's hair lightly as she spoke. "You heard the man. The Imperial Wizardry is now at my disposal. This was a very productive meeting..." she said with a light chuckle. She then turned her eyes on Eleisia, a sharpness there as she lifted a hand to run her fingers through the woman's hair.
"My dear... if you wanted our friend the Baron so badly, you might've told me BEFORE the meeting..." she intoned, then gripped tightly at those frost white tresses in order to pull the woman dangerously close to her own face. They were practically within a centimeter of each other, as though about to embrace when the Goddess looked directly into the plague-bringer's eyes, asserting dominance as she whispered to the woman. "Do NOT embarrass me by allowing your little pet to get too close, Eleisia... I can see it in his posture and his shadow that he WILL try to worm his way into your heart, and when he does he will break it. That's the only warning I'm going to give..."
She released the woman sharply, since all that needed to be said there had been said. Frankly, she didn't even want to do that much since it all worked out in her favor, really. However, the Goddess could sense that the dreaded former Saint expected punishment of some sort and if she failed to live up to that expectation then her position of dominance might come into question. Mercy wasn't exactly Midnight's normal modus operandi, but she needed the illness mage for later phases of her plan. Better to show a little force now than to have a rebellion later.
"Moving on..." Midnight muttered, looking now to Jace. "While Lucian and I discuss further matters, I need you to run a small errand for me, love..." she said, then held out a hand. From the shadows, she pulled a large roll of parchment on which was printed an ancient map with runes written in several locations. "Find where they keep their scholars and give them this. Instruct them that I want mages to check the locations on this map and report back to you directly if they find what it is I am looking for. They'll know what that is when they look into the runes. If they find nothing, send them to look again. If they happen to report success, kill them. We cannot afford others knowing until I'm ready to put the knowledge into play."
With a smile, she patted Jace's shoulder again. "I know I've already asked you twice to move without me close behind, but no matter what I am still at your side..." she said, then nodded to the shadow at his feet. "All shades are my servants, and this one knows to keep me in the loop. I am NEVER far from your side. Remember that..." she said, then turned the youth and patted his rear to get him moving. "Get to work."
She then looked to Eleisia once more. The matter was resolved regarding Mordock as far as she was concerned, so it was now time to move on to more pressing matters. "While Jace works on that, I want you to get a team together and lead an expedition to the Shoggoth Tundra. Imperial Wizards make great cannons but we need infantry. Recruit the goblins and whatever else you can up there. If you can think of any other potentially powerful allies, you have my permission to seek them out. I'll keep an eye on things through your shadow, so don't feel you need to waste time with reports and unnecessary trips. If I'm displeased, you'll know."
She then pointed to the Baron, smirking lightly. "Use him. As a Grand Mage, he might have some connections that are useful. As I recall, he has a bit of a history regarding harem girls and exotic tobaccos..." she offered, then nodded to Eleisia. "Don't let me down."
She then turned from her generals, moving in to the mechanical Lucian and the blood mage. "Everything going well over here?"
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Post by Jace McMillan on Mar 24, 2015 14:53:09 GMT
His heart swelling with pride, Jace McMillan reserved only silent sympathy for his partner-in-crime, Eleisia; she had made a rather bold move, taking that arrogant bastard for her puppy. He wasn't so sure having the Baron tagging along was wise, but for years the young man trusted the Plague-Bringer's judgment. Even the Shadow's apparent displeasure made him wonder, did she foresee this? Was this one of the Goddess's angles from the start? He considered this for some time until the Matron of Darkness came to his side, causing a familiar shudder of butterflies to race about in his stomach. Humbly the boy nodded, feigning a smile as best he could, given the circumstances.
For Midnight to dismiss herself from the Entropomancer's side was previously unheard of, but in the last few days she'd left him not once, but twice now. As discomforting as it was to bear no living Shadow in his future travels, Jace had a higher purpose, one that would please his Mistress in the long-term.
Once more he smiled, but this time it felt more sincere, and the young sorcerer bowed his head. Taking the scroll in hand, he looked it over with a curious eye, but made sure not to be too suspicious, as the Goddess had little patience.
"Shadow, if I can help in any way, please tell me. If I were to know what you're looking for, then maybe I can assist in the search. I will ensure success, no matter the price. If it claims my life, then I can rest easy knowing at least you've succeeded in your goal."
He then spun to the Clockwork Wizard, and held up the roll. "Where is your library--your hall of records?"
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Post by Saint Eleisia on Mar 24, 2015 15:13:10 GMT
Saint Eleisia was frightened, as one should be given the proximity of the Goddess at this very moment. Holding back tears, she swallowed hard and listened carefully to the Shadow's specific wording. She only glanced to the collared man on the floor for a second before gazing back into Midnight's ancient eyes, sensing the wisdom in them.
Showing that she understood the Goddess's directive, the woman nodded twice, and backed away. "As you wish, Mistress. There is a tribe that makes camp in the shadow of the Frigid Wall, consisting of Dhukaari traitors--I believe there may have been some Maedelsi among them. They have no loyalty to the Hobgoblin King or the Sylvan Trinity; on top of that they defected to Shoggoth, pursued by Maedelsi legionaries...if we were to side with them against the envoy, they may just offer their support to our cause.
"It may take some bending of the truth..." she looked to Mordock once more. "Maedelsa has hit the Eveliegh Empire hard in the past, but even their Council fears the Rainbow Tower...the Baron may serve us well among the Moon Elves in their ranks. The Goblins may be trickier, but tend to rally behind a stronger force whenever possible. Once Dhukaar was claimed by Maedelsa, their numbers split. Civil war is commonplace in the goblin homeland, so after Shoggoth, I suggest we go there."
Turning back to Midnight, she smiled, hoping the Goddess would still see some purpose in keeping the woman around just a bit longer.
"If I'm correct, I believe there is also a small settlement of Trolls living in the woodlands just west of the Tundra. They are an unintelligent race, but with numbers can be subjugated like any other animal."
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Post by The Imperial Wizardry on Mar 24, 2015 15:30:23 GMT
Lucian's featureless face remained frozen as it listened to Lord Biru, gauging what the Hemomancer said and generally taking it with a grain of salt. In his past Lord Biru was a man to be feared, having created one of the first truly monstrous creatures of the current century. That alone was no mean feat, but to back this the wizard was terribly powerful in his own right, having sacked entire cities single-handed.
How much of Biru's words were true, Lucian couldn't tell, but determination was a trait all Kolyaruts possessed, and were very difficult to persuade otherwise. The automaton's eyes flickered momentarily and the creature looked to the private discussions Midnight was having, and then back facing Lord Biru.
"Although your inexperience with such a force was less than desirable, I believe with the proper education anything can be tamed. That aside I have many at my disposal, all with powers rivaling that of some of the strongest wizards alive. One Elemental versus the Imperial Wizardry will not live long if it cannot behave. I can guarantee this.
"The creature hiding among your very bones is a testament to my argument; they can be controlled, one way or another. You may not be in charge of the forces embedded in your veins, but I know what is...do not underestimate the persistence of my kind, Lord Biru. I know full well who is in there, who keeps the monster at bay, and why you are reserving any trust for me.
"You have a goddess holding the reigns to your very fate now, boy. I'm sure given Her standing she can explore what power this Elemental has over you and your dear Adrianna. She may be captive of this extraplanar creature, but with the right amount of assistance, you may yet restore what has been lost. A simple test of loyalty is all I ask in return. I'll put in a handful of my own to help. I will shed my flawed form and perfect my being through your cooperation, have no doubt of this. One way or another, I will have a Blood Elemental of my own. We have studied you and your research for years, but without your mind to help haven't had the key...but here you are, standing before me."
The Kolyarut chuckled, a tinny ring muffled by the porcelain mask covering its face.
Finally the creature turned its attention to Jace, giving him instructions to head upstairs from the end of the hallway just outside the door, and take the right-winding path once he exited the elevator. Once he was sure the boy could memorize his instructions, the Kolyarut faced Midnight.
"What is your next move, Mother of Night?"
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Post by Midnight on Mar 26, 2015 5:41:23 GMT
With the unpleasant business out of the way, Midnight was able once again to get back to work. Being a goddess of chaos, she was rather astute at juggling her attention and the three-way barrage was the kind of thing that suited her well. It was good being in charge and not having to sneak for a little while. Granted, there were still portions of her master scheme she had to keep to herself, but setting it all in motion was definitely a good feeling.
First, she'd handle the boy.
She grinned to the boy as a finger hovered over her lips to indicate her desire to remain silent on the matter. "What good is a surprise if you tell everyone about it right away, my dear? A great man once said 'deception is the most direct path to victory' and I stand by that wisdom. Besides... I want you alive to see what your Shadow has in store for this world. They'll know what they're looking for when they find it... IF they find it..." she hinted, shrugging lightly at the possibility of failure. "I'm planning for the final steps NOW while things are easy and no one knows what I want..." she added. With a gesture, she dismissed Jace to get to work. "If you want to go looking yourself, put my mind at ease and select a suitable companion, Jace dear... I have confidence in your abilities, yes, but as I suggested before... It is important to maintain appearances. Do you understand?" she asked, looking over her shoulder at him.
She hoped he got the clue. She was, after all, looking at him through the guise of a fragile human female's form, looking sickly and unable to do much. Yes, Lucian was a smart man to see past the disguise, but that didn't mean she would simply stride in, full glory, into a hornets nest either...
Next, she would handle Eleisia. With a slight smirk, she nodded to the woman's wisdom. "Your knowledge serves us well. Do it," she said simply, though she would add as a side-observation the words "I do like pets..."
With that, she turned her attention finally to Lucian. She sauntered over to his side, lifting a hand to trail her fingertips over his shoulders before leaning lightly on his arm. "Weren't you listening? It's no fun to just give away the best surprises right at the beginning..." she said with a chuckle. "I'll tell you this, though... you're gonna LOVE what I've got in store for the future. For the time being, I'll stay here. Take in some of your infamous hospitality while I use the castle as a base of operations while I plan the next phase. PLEASE tell me you still have pain mages on hand? I could use a good bleeding..." she purred into his ear suggestively. She knew the likelihood of actually seducing a kolyarut was laughable, but she was more interested in pursuing personal pleasures at the moment. While she had time, why not enjoy her new body's capacity for pain?
She walked over to Biru's side, slipping an arm through his. "Perhaps your new boytoy could give me a more formal tour of the castle? I'd like to see what I can do to 'assist' your spy network's... shall we call it 'productivity'?" she suggested. There were other matters she needed to keep an eye on, and without being a part of the ether any longer she was no longer omnipresent. She needed those extra eyes...
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Post by Ixis on Mar 27, 2015 4:55:01 GMT
Meanwhile, in another part of the flying castle, the slow, rhythmic tone of metal against metal resounded against the walls. The caw of a raven in flight echoed as feathers black as night fluttered against the still air of a hall filled with death. On all sides, walls rose like towers of knowledge, laden down so heavy with magical tomes, bottles of various ingredients, and thickly-wrapped scrolls that their shelves bent under the weight, each with a large statue of the angel of death separating the next, its hooded face looking down upon the room. A ghostly sort of light played about the room, produced from purple flames hanging in mid-air. Shadows danced cryptically along a floor divided into two sections, a larger surrounding arch which was raised slightly and an inner area carved with intricate arcane circles and ancient writings connected by a small set of three steps. Brittle, long studied papers covered dark-stained tables with legs ornately carved into the limbs of beasts so detailed they might walk away of their own accord.
This room, several stories high and round, began to fill with the shapes of strange visitors. The sounds of shuffling fabric joined the metallic melody in short order, called to this place by magics that connect the master of the castle to his servants. The floating, phantasmal figures in robes of black and silver swooped in and began to move those large, oaken tables about to better suit the needs of the one whom they've been instructed to serve. A haze of dust from time long past hung in the air like a cloud, offending the lungs with its oppressive presence.
And still the grate of sharpening steel marched on, unaffected by the movement in the room. Deft hands held the whetstone as it made its way along the curve of the elven blade. Each stroke was a work of precision. Nimbly, those hands moved like an artist, gliding across the silvery edge with the practice of a hundred years. The runes that burned along the weapon's side in a blaze to match the hanging spheres of unnatural fire, a hue which reflected itself against the onyx color of the crafter's armor. The breastplate curved about a lithe, feminine form, matching her contour while allowing ample room for movement. Despite the many plates and layers, it was no heavier than a greedy man's coinpurse. The woman continued to sharpen the cursed sword, silver eyes focusing on the work at hand... eyes that never once looked up as the hooded figures tended their duty to the master nor fluttered when those wings of darkness carried aloft a large raven which perched upon her shoulder.
The only acknowledgement the woman would offer would be a slight tilting of her head to allow the avian creature to caw lightly into a pale, pointed ear. She did not react, but listened to the whispers of the bird that had flown through the entire castle to find her. She listened, and she nodded.
At long last, the female elf stood from her spot, perched atop the hooded cranium of the statue directly opposite the entryway. Even with the raven upon her shoulder, she was not of impressive height but maintained a commanding air of superior training and knowledge. Her eyes fixed upon the open hall across from her position while she expertly sliced her sword through the air and sheathed it in a single motion to her hip. The bird quickly took flight, choosing instead to roost upon the top hand-hold of the little staircase separating the room into its two parts. As for the woman, she stepped gracefully from the head of the reaper and landed lightly at its feet in a slight crouch.
She straightened slowly, meticulously. She was in no hurry. A deep inhalation through the nose was the only sound she offered before casually striding forward. She descended those short steps and began to cross the room with purpose, eyes never leaving her target. As she passed, the cloaked figures bowed their heads and floated backward into position around the room, aligned with the statues but on the ground floor. By the time she reached the exposed hallway, all was in readiness. The figures waited for orders, the tables were arranged for ease of use, and even the choking haze of filth had again settled.
Now, there was nothing but to wait. No figure, save only the preening raven, moved a muscle. All was prepared and ready... and would remain so until the entropomancer made his appearance.
The woman, too, was still as death. Silver irises scanned the darkness, seeing through shadows better than any human's vision would allow. She would be the first to see him when he came, and she would be the first to greet him... in a manner of speaking.
So was the order given to Ixis Umareth.
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Post by Jace McMillan on Mar 27, 2015 14:28:58 GMT
At first Jace looked to Eleisia, hearing 'suitable companion', but then remembered the Baron was at her knee now. The two had been separated, for better or worse, at the whim of Midnight and the Saint's brash move. He glared down his nose at the Grand Mage, his fists clenched together until each knuckle was white, and felt a strong presence of chaotic energy swelling in his chest. Given the opportunity, the Entropomancer would have executed the man on the spot.
But as he suspected when dealing with the Wizardry...all of it came with a price. Whether losing his most valued companion, as well as his Shadow, to this whole affair, well it wasn't an obvious answer whatsoever. But the goddess Midnight seemed to be pleased so far, so maybe he ought to give her the benefit of the doubt, at least for now. If all else failed, the two generals would one day serve solely as the Shadow's hands again...
"If that is your wish, Shadow," he said finally, bowing his head low, something akin to how Eleisia would, and spun to his former comrade.
"Eleisia," Jace breathed, fiery eyes piercing the darkness and staring menacingly into the Baron's own as he spoke. "if this mongrel gives you trouble, I expect you to not falter as women typically do. It is uncharacteristic behavior, and once is enough. I hope you know what you're doing, my friend." He moved in to embrace his old friend, and she returned his grip equally and warm. The two had separated in the past, but typically on missions requiring only one of them. Within only hours the three would be together again, traveling the world at Midnight's directive. This was a happy period for the young Sorcerer, and he wondered if it had ended today.
"I wouldn't forgive myself if you let him get the better of you..."
And then it was time. Inhaling deeply, Jace McMillan gave his companion, and his Shadow, one last look with a hearty smile, before nodding respectively to the Kolyarut before them and exiting the Imperial's chamber.
In the pitch hallway he was met with by a masked guide dressed in heavy robes, an Imperial Wizard who unlike his associates, walked and did not hover. It led the boy in silence through several halls and corridors, up a flight of stairs and even another elevator before stopping just short of the main hall leading to the fortress's great horde.
Jace questioned if the man would follow, but when he turned to gauge his silent reaction, the guide was gone. He wrinkled his nose and then, with a shrug, pressed on and up the last flight of stairs, feeling as if he were about to enter the capital building to some Black Market government.
Instead, the dimly-lit room opened to a violet haze, a grandiose hall fitting for wizards of the highest caliber, with walls covered in books and saving little room for open air. Hovering orbs served as lights, and brilliant menacing statues stood guard over the pavilion, ever watchful of their visitors. At first he didn't see her, but as he closed in to the room's carefully built center, her form became easier to make out.
An elven maiden with jet hair that shined like a river of molten tar, and silver eyes glowing in the room's strange light. A squat creature perched nearby indicated he was being monitored carefully, and for a moment wondered if this might be another mage in disguise. He ignored the raven for now and marched towards the woman, setting the scroll his Shadow'd given him gently on the table nearby.
"You must be the Master of the library--Keeper of Knowledge?" he asked, gazing up and about the room scanning it for sentries. Several figures in robes levitated about in perfect stillness, and he nodded to them in kind.
"I am to set to work immediately, and speak with your scholars." He unraveled the scroll slowly, and used a bottle of ink to hold it down, while pressing his hand firmly down on the other side. "I have been given specific instructions by Midnight Herself."
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Post by Saint Eleisia on Mar 27, 2015 14:35:11 GMT
"Your will be done, Mistress," Eleisia said happily and turned, but paused only momentarily as Jace had closed in on her, enveloping her tightly. The poor boy, he must have been suffering some manner of separation anxiety at this point, having severed his deep and personal connection to the Goddess, and now couldn't even travel with the Plague-Bringer. She held back a short fall of tears that had settled behind her eyelids when she feared Midnight would punish her, but when the boy enveloped her, they fell out silently, and the woman gazed over to Midnight.
At his warning, Eleisia nodded and in response collected the Baron with one arm, helping him off the floor with a sharp tug, but gently at the same time. To Jace she smiled, "Thank you, my dearest friend. I will not disappoint you or our Mistress, rest assured. Please be safe out there. I know it will be difficult moving on without Her at your side. But remember, she will always remain. After all, you still carry with you a shadow."
She patted his shoulder before he left, and then spun to the Goddess and bit her lip nervously.
"Mistress...you will keep an eye on Jace, won't you?"
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Post by Baron Mordock on Mar 27, 2015 20:20:32 GMT
To the boy, he would spare a hateful glare. He had already put the boy in his place once, but the effect was already wearing off thanks to the evoker's new found subservient position. It made it difficult to assert oneself when technically the aggressor outranked you. Annoying though it may be, the Baron would have to endure the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune for the time being. Still... he had a personal dislike for the word "mongrel". Many days of being looked down upon by the royals had bred in him a small amount of hatred for certain terms. "Street vermin" was another one.
If there was solace to take in any of this, it was that they made no attempt to hide the fact that they were frightened of him, or his capabilities, or both. The Goddess had straight-forward warned the Saint not to let him get in, which meant there truly was a hole in the armor he could exploit to win back his freedom. This fact was compounded by Jace's own warnings and that statement that he would not forgive himself if the Baron had "gotten the better of her". That was an encouraging thought.
And he had been watching. He hadn't noticed it before, but the woman who was now his master was... shockingly delicate. The slightest hint of displeasure from her goddess and the woman was practically a wreck. When Midnight commanded they split their forces and achieve two different tasks, Mordock was quick to spot a tear rolling down the plague-bringer's eye.
Now that simply would not do.
As he was brought to his feet, the Baron swiftly produced a silk handkerchief from the sleeve of his robes and slipped it into Eleisia's hand. "Quickly..." he urged while pointing his chin in the direction of the Goddess' back. Servant though he may now be, he would not allow himself to be SEEN in the service of a weak master regardless his intentions. If the Goddess spotted that offending droplet, who knows what kind of repercussions there would be for the Saint, and by extension himself. Besides, with what finer blade to cut free the ties of slavery than with one of apparent compassion and kindness? By showing himself to be on her side, she would soon lower her defenses enough that perhaps she might even release this damnable collar around his neck.
What he'd do next... well, he wasn't entire certain just yet. By rights he should strangle the woman for attempting to make him a slave - to treat him, a grand mage, like property. On the other hand, he couldn't help but wonder if she herself was not in a similar predicament. Perhaps not through physical means was she bound to the Goddess' will, yet she nevertheless was powerless to disobey. That tear had told him that much.
He'd have to watch more carefully from here on out... Perhaps at the end of the day it wouldn't be only himself that he saved...?
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Post by Ixis on Mar 27, 2015 20:37:22 GMT
The woman looked Jace up and down once, an eyebrow quirking in appraisal. A hand found itself resting upon her hip as he spoke, though she did not return the salutations in verbal manner. When he asked if she was the keeper of knowledge, she would merely jerk her head over her shoulder to indicate that he was to follow.
"Ixis is no simple librarian, child..." came a voice from somewhere else. As the woman turned on the spot and strode to the nearest table, the raven fluttered from its perching place and reclaimed a spot on her shoulder. Intelligent eyes looked to Jace, mimicking the woman's once-over. "She's simply keeping an eye on things since our last keeper of tomes has just recently met a rather unfortunate fate in the hallways. I suppose we have your patroness to thank for that," it said in a somewhat sarcastic tone.
The woman herself reached over to collect another vial of ink as well as a stone paperweight to place on the side of the scroll being held by Jace's hand. As she flattened the parchment, her companion scoffed at Jace's statement. "Yes, yes, we all know who you serve, boy. Trying to frighten us by evoking the Night Mother's name won't get you anywhere here, I'm afraid!" declared the bird, head held slightly higher to puff out its chest indignantly, eyes closed to further emphasize the point.
The silent moon elf slowly stood to her full height and reached into a pouch on her hip. From it, she produced a small rodent still squeaking and struggling to win its freedom though its kicking legs would garner it not even an inch as she held it aloft by its tail before the beak of the avian beast upon her shoulder. Her face, so stern and cold, showed only the slightest sign of softening - so subtle in fact that one would almost have to be an empath to notice. The bird, however, would open an eye and observe the offering.
"Ixis, are you attempting to bribe me?" the bird replied, glancing to its master. The woman would only respond by lifting her eyebrows. The raven looked again to Jace, eyes never leaving the man as its head snapped forward and grabbed the squealing morsel. It took off to enjoy its treat atop one of the statues overlooking the room.
As for Ixis herself, her stern expression quickly returned as she looked to Jace once more. Without a word, she held up a hand and snapped her fingers. One of the robed figures glided forward with its head down and its arms neatly folded upon one another. It stopped only a few feet away and bowed low. "We are the scholars you have requested, my liege," it spoke with a voice that was at both gravelly and seeming to drown, like a poisoned brook bubbling over a desert. "We will happily study this parchment for whatever secrets it may hold..."
It looked up and took a precursory glance at the paper. "Ah..." it said quickly, reaching out with one of its arms. A hand (of sorts), comprised of twisting, slimy, tentacle like appendages swooped over the blank surface. Slowly, ink began to bleed onto the surface, revealing a map of the world with a great many locations circled and noted upon with ancient runes. "Yes, I see... The translation may take some time, but is my lord going on a voyage? Shall we send scouts once we know more or will you be partaking this journey alone...?" it asked...
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Post by The Imperial Wizardry on Mar 29, 2015 18:44:45 GMT
"I believe the Wracker still fools around with her old Inquisition collection on A-level," said Lucian in an ohh-handed matter, waving nonchalantly as if madochism were as common as dinner plans. "Her playhouse should be sufficient, and if you bring our friend with you, you're likely to have more fun. Do enjoy yourself, and as the humans say it, 'make yourself at home'."
The Kolyarut spun and met Jace's eyes, trailing him with its own as the boy left. No doubt she would be waiting for him at the other end--the girl could use some company for a time. Without his armored disease at his side, or even a Shadow to keep him safe, someone would need to.
"I believe your Void has a heavy heart, Midnight. You have kept close to him in his years--may I ask why? He is rather attached to you. But do not fret, I have dispatched a special agent to travel with him until his quest is completed. If he accepts her company, that is. She is, as I said, special."
Finally Lucian met with Eleisia and Mordock. The automaton brushed up to the Saint's side just as she finished wiping away her stray tear, and cocked its head. A second's glance to the Baron, and the Imperial Wizard chuckled.
"This will do, indeed. Tell me, Priestess--in all your dreams, did you ever wonder what could have been had you not burned down the Church what made you what you are? I was led to believe not only did you venerate your patron's abilities, but quickly empowered your abilities through the faithful. Could you have simply granted your Mistress a prize of followers? Worry not, because you now have the Cannon. You can rally support from educated Mages. But think about it. The power of a congregation can be monumental to further success."
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Post by Saint Eleisia on Mar 29, 2015 18:52:14 GMT
Jace's shoulders broadened as the squawking became fluid language, audible and coherent to the Human ear, albeit in a comical, snappy voice. The boy wrinkled his nose at the creature's brevity, and were he in a position of power here, he might teach the creature a lesson. Instead he just gawked at the beautiful Elven woman, astounded she let the creature speak so on her behalf.
He was the Shadow's ally, the host to a Goddess's shade! No longer was she bound to him, but he would be damned if they forgot their place and his importance. He strode forward and shouldered the woman aside, mostly trying to harass the bird as he focused on his mission: the scholars.
He pointed down at the map and shook his head.
"That is yet to be seen. I would like to hear your thoughts on this; anything you can describe might help. Alone i don't know how useful I'll be. Do you have any agents willing and able to come along? I expect you to send scholars where I direct, but I will need a ground unit."
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Post by Midnight on Mar 29, 2015 20:26:07 GMT
Midnight audibly purred when she heard of the inquisition tools still being on site. At the mention of it, she pulled Biru a little closer, a wry grin crossing her features as she lifted an eyebrow at him. "What do you say, big guy? Show a girl a good time?" she teased, then looked back to Lucian to answer his question.
"I've been grooming him for a long time, yes, but not so long in the grand scheme of things. I've cultivated his loyalty like a mother does her child, but the boy is a man now and it is time for him to begin striking off on his own a little. Now that I have a corporeal form, he can do that and I know no matter how far away we are separated he will always serve me and my desires because we are... for lack of a better term, FAMILY..."
When Lucian mentioned a companion, Midnight actually nodded in approval, looking in the direction the boy had wandered off. "She'd better be cute. I've been thinking about finding him a nice little girlfriend for a while now. Eleisia almost took the spot, but she acts more like a big sister than a love interest..." she said with a tease, winking over to Eleisia. She had caught a flash of color only microseconds before... but said nothing of it. The faithful were being tested quite heavily today, so a small amount of cracking on the surface was to be expected.
"And Lucian, baby... don't be so hard on my plague mistress. If I wanted those faithless tarts as followers, I'd have them. She was the only one who heard the Truth when it called to her, the wheat among the chaff. Once the harvest was reaped, she burned down the field and I could not have been more pleased. I'd rather have a single, powerful, and dependable weapon than all the grains of sand in the desert..." she offered. It was a two-part deal, informing the mecha-man to not be so eager to try and make her soldiers second-guess themselves and a subtle offering of praise to Eleisia. After all, she had not yet rewarded the woman for her good work thus far. This would have to do, her good word in the face of a shaky ally.
With that, Midnight pulled on Biru's arm lightly. "Why are we dallying around here when there are thumbscrews and torture racks to enjoy?" she purred, walking in the direction Lucian had informed them of as she did. While they walked, Midnight allowed her voice to whisper into Biru's ear softly, using the shadows to carry her message so that the eyes in the walls would not see her lips moving.
"That went well..." she secretly relayed to the blood mage. "I expect the doddering old fool will be keeping a closer eye on you from here on out, or at least have some of his scholars working with you directly. I want you to keep track of everything that happens. You're my little fly on the wall while the machine continues to remain cooperative, understand?"
She'd pause at the doorway, looking over her shoulder to the others in the room. "Oh, and Lucian? Thank you for your time. You're as sweetly demeanor-ed as I had hoped you'd be. If there's nothing else..." she said, trailing off to indicate her eagerness to get upstairs...
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Post by Ixis on Mar 29, 2015 20:43:33 GMT
When the boy attempted to shove his way past her and cause her familiar harm, Ixis was not pleased. Above, the dancing lights that illuminated the space briefly flared in rage while she threw one arm up to protect the raven. The other hand gripped the hilt of her sword, ready to make an example of the boy for his imputance. The only thing that stopped her from making a scene right now was the wisdom of her companion just before he took flight to enjoy his treat above their heads. They were sent here to assist the boy, not execute him. It would displease the Wizardry if any harm came to him by the hand of their chief bodyguard.
Reluctantly, she released her grip.
Knowing now that the entropomancer liked to shove people around, she opted to walk around to the opposite side of the table. She cocked her hip to one side and crossed her arms but never spoke. She glared down at the map as the scholar on hand waved his slimy, inhuman tendrils over the parchment.
"Hmm... the runes are ancient, yess..." it spoke, as alien in its sound as ever. "It will take time to translate, but on a precursory evaluation..." It pointed to a small rune dotted here and there about the map, in at least five different places. It was a cross with an x through it, similar to an asterisk. "This symbol is most likely a representation of the cogwheel, a symbol of the clockwork nirvana. It appears in several places, some of which are rumored to be the birthplace of the Marut, the immortal enforcer of death's laws... It is possible that what we seek is an entry way or a tether to their realm. This of course, warrants further study."
Another symbol was pointed to, and the creature's tone dropped lightly as the other scholars began to slide forward to get a look. "And this... Five arrows, pointing upward. This is undoubtedly the sigil of Tiamat. Whatever your goddess seeks, it can only lead to death and destruction..." it warned.
By now, the scholars were gathered around, each attempting to get a good look at the map. With a roll of her eyes, Ixis moved to Jace's side once more and grabbed his arm by the elbow. Unannounced and unceremoniously, she pulled him away from the rabble, allowing them space to indulge their curiosity. By now, the raven above had for the most part finished his small meal and flew down to perch on the handrail at their side.
"The scholars will do what you ask, don't worry..." the thing said as it busied itself with cleaning its beak and claws. Above, a bloody smear drizzled down the face of the second-to-last reaper. "As for support, Ixis will be staying by your side. We have orders from THE Wizard to stick close. She's this organization's chief bodyguard, so you could do worse."
Ixis spared the raven a reproachful gaze. "What?" it responded immediately. "Its a compliment. As for myself, young man, I go by Clawfoot and I am the lady Ixis' familiar. You might want to remember that next time you go swatting at my wings..."
With that, Ixis rolled a shoulder back so that she could stand perpendicular to Jace, her eyes looking over to the gathered Scholars. Clawfoot would be the one to speak up, however. "So, what IS your lady's master plan if she's got us studying a map with those particulars on it, hm?"
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