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On a separate plane of reality, a young girl must save her family from chilling spell. |
| [Introduction] Cold Stone, Warm Heart In the kingdom of Aryeth, a place hidden deep within the mountains of Cyrus, there exists a world much unlike our own. The year is 2009, but because it exists on a plane of reality entirely separate from the world as we know it, the society is like that of the pre-Middle Ages. Kings rule, knights live to protect their King and the serfs serve the whims of their monarch. _ Year:1989 Things in Aryeth were going well. Times had been prosperous for all and the king was in the process of moving his people away from the monarchy to a more democratic approach to ruling in hopes that maybe then he could spend more time with his family. However, one of his advisors didn’t like that idea the slightest bit. The advisor, a man named Ricken, gathered his allies to move against the Royal Family. Much loved by their people, he could hardly risk the kingdom falling into a state of chaos by killing them, so he hired a strong mage to remove them from power. The mage struck one evening, casting a spell over the family and its loyal followers to turn them to stone. He had them scattered throughout the kingdom, content that his spell would hold. Only the blood of another of the Royal line could free them from their state. Unbeknownst to Ricken and the mage though, an infant six months of age had been laid on the doorstep of an herbwoman. The child was Bainia, twin to the King’s own son and the hope of the land of Aryeth. _ Now she is twenty years of age and beginning her journey to reawaken her spellbound family. This is where you come in... a quick note: there is the possibility of a hidden portal between Aryeth and a cave in the Appalachian Mountains if you so choose to use it. |
| ((OT: Okay, so far she DOESN’T know who she is, I figured she could meet some of your people and then the ‘big occurrence’ will happen. Kinda have that sketched out already so I’ll handle that.)) ”Bainia,” Lana , the miller’s oldest daughter, hissed. “Owyn just walked in here and is headed this way. I know today’s your birthday, but…” The Blonde smiled and gently touched her friend’s hand. ”I understand. I will come by and see you later.” Gratitude flooded the young lady’s face. She was the only one, besides Bainia, who had yet to wed and had had her eye on the blacksmith’s apprentice for some time. “Greetings to you, Owyn.” ”Greetings, Bainia. How are your parents?” ”They’re fine, I’ve got some errands to run so I’d best get going.” He smiled after her, she and her mother had once healed his broken leg. Once outside the shop, Bainia gathered her skirts and basket and hurried toward the market. Many of the shopkeepers greeted her cheerily as she carefully ducked through the crowd. She worked her way toward the far end of Merkatplaz Lane to start her shopping. ”Halt!” Bainia froze in place. “Ms. Greenstone, are you aware that you just stepped on my foot?” ”I’m so sorry, sir. I was in such a hurry that I didn’t notice.” A pair of Royal Guards emerged, stalking towards her. The larger of the two drew his sword, stepping forward to lay the blade under her chin. She swallowed hard. Ever since Ricken had taken control, most of the justice system had fallen into a state of lawlessness. Each was concerned with only two people: his or her own self and obeying Ricken. Every Aryethian had been hounded at one time or another and the proper bribe usually solved the problem. ”You scuffed my boot and I can’t let that go.” ”I’d be willing to replace it.” The guard smiled. ”With what, my dear? A simple herbwoman’s daughter can hardly afford to replace the boots of a highly-esteemed guard such as myself.” He lowered his sword, stepping closer to cup her chin in his hand. “But perhaps you could work out to price in another way.” Her dark blue eyes flashed with purple and she drew back. “I don’t think so.” The guard roughly gripped her arm. |
| Conan gazed sadly from the stables as the young girl was dragged into the palace. He hated seeing countless women brought in and dragged out again. He wanted nothing to do with Ricken's court. But he was powerless to sotp it, if he 'betrayed' the King, he would be killed. He had already tried to escape one time, and had been tortured so harshly that he had never tried again. Conan was appointed the 'Royal Animal Keeper'. He had a way with animals, he just seemed to understand their way of thinking, better then anyone else. So Ricken had him torn away from his home in the country, after murdering his parents, and stole both him and his younger sister, now the only family he had left. Ricken, for some unknown reason, had let his sister go after a year of captivity. Perhaps he had got bored of her. The girl being dragged in looked over directly at him, and he knew that she realised he was here by force. It wasn't hard to guess, he was often beaten by guards if he stood up to them, and there was a large bruise on the side of his face. Conan sighed, took the reins of his horse, Homer, and swung up onto the saddle. He clicked his tongue and tapped his heels slightly. Homer moved forward without any delay. He bowed his head at the girl, and hoped silently that no harm would befall her. Then something in him snapped. He turned Homer around, grabbed another pair of reins, led the pony out after Homer and breathed in deeply. He couldn't believe what he was about to do, but he knew he had to. The palace gates were wide open, the guards were being carless, and it took at least ten minutes to close the massive iron gates. Conan led Homer up behind the guard that was holding the girl by the arm, and hit him, hard, across the back of the head. It was a lucky shot, the guard fell down immediatley. "Get on! Hurry!" Yelled Conan. The girl didn't waste any time, shw swung up onto the pony, and they both galloped towards the gates. The guards had obviously been slacking off, some were only just waking up when the pair of new fugitives were out of the gates. They kept galloping through the town, never looking back. Finally they reached the outskirts of town, and shot into the forest. Conan looked over at the girl, she looked frightened. "It's alright, they won't find us. But I can't go back there now. I'm a fugitive. If you want to join me," offered Conan, " I'll wait here until dusk. I will leave then, regardless of whether you're here or not. If you want to risk staying in the village, feel free. I'm Conan, by the way." The girl just stared at him, blue eyes gazing into his almost yellow eyes. "I don't know. I have to go. I am Bainia. I don't know if I'm coming back or not." She dismounted and ran back towards the village. |
Enola smiled at anyone who passed her caravan. A girl of just 16, and almost impossibly small and thin for her age, Enola was an acrobat, among other things, in a traveling circus that went from Fereval all the way to Aryeth. She had a cute little nose that turned up slightly at the tip, short boyish brown hair with a single braid that went behind her ear and down her chest, eyes of a blue much like the sky, and an all around mousy appearance, coupled with the fact that she was so tiny. Her normal attire was the standard white sort of puffy shirt, fingerless gloves, a black vest, blue pants and small black boots that went to her ankles. She was far away from her homeland, but almost nothing could ever change her sunny disposition. She'd lost her parents to illness when she was young, and now the circus was her family. Many would say that that sort of life isn't proper for a young lady, but in fact there was really nothing proper about her to begin with. They would reach Aryeth today, but had stopped at the small village outlying the large kingdom first. All of the people seemed to have a permanent cringe. Things really had gotten worse here. Enola had only heard rumors, but now they seemed to be almost entirely accurate. Apparently the true royal family had disappeared under mysterious circumstances, and the person who replaced them was said to be nothing but a snake. Well, it would just make Enola work harder to bring a little joy to these sad people. "Here! Over here, sir." She called and waved to a little boy who was walking with his mother. He seemed to enjoy being called sir, and ran over to her, despite his mothers protests. Enola only had to bend a little to reach his height. "How about this. If you can answer my riddle, than you can have that shiny charm up there." She pointed to the small item hanging in one of the booths. "It'll bring you luck." She looked back at him and raised an eyebrow, smiling. "Okay." He said, excited. "What never needs clothes, but is never cold, and can always climb high, no matter how old?" The boy scratched his head and bit his lip, thinking hard. "Um..." Suddenly he caught sight of the small primate climbing up the booth. "Monkey!" He cried. Enola turned her head and smiled at her pet, then turned back to the boy. "That is correct, sir. Peanut? If you would retrieve the good mans prize..." The monkey grabbed the charm and jumped on her shoulder, then dropped the charm into her palm when she extended her hand. "Here you are." Enola smiled and gave the boy the charm. "Thanks!" He smiled at her, showing a missing tooth. "My pleasure." She straightened and pulled another charm out of her booth, and handed it to the boys mother. "This is a healing charm, ma'am. You won't have to worry about pox while thats with you." Enola smiled. "But I couldn't possibly-" The woman started. "Here, won't you take one of these cakes?" She extended the basket she was holding and when Enola opened it, she could see about five small cakes. "Alright then, its a trade." She smiled and shook hands with the woman. She retrieved her cake and put it in a cloth and tucked it in her pocket, then handed the basket back. A young man emerged from the forest with his horse and headed towards the small crowd. He kept looking around warily, and was a tad jumpy too, as if he expected something horrible to jump out at any moment. When he reached her booth he asked: "Do you have any food here?" "Its not my specialty, but I have a little." She said. "I'll just go to a different booth then." He said, and started to head off. "But you don't want to miss out on what I have." She cried after him, causing him to stop. "A love charm, maybe? It doesn't cause people to fall in love with you, but it tells you when you've found the right one." She smiled cheerily. He scoffed, but then seemed to apologize. "No thanks." "Then a protective charm, perhaps? You seem to be on edge. Got on the wrong side of someone?" His eyes flashed. "Its my business. I don't need it, and I don't believe in magic." She apologized. "Please take it though, I give things free when I know someone needs them." He seemed hesitant, but finally took it anyway. "Good luck!" She called as he left. She decided to close her booth for a little bit and walked around the others, Peanut on her shoulder. Enola walked in to Madam Fino's tent. She was the fortune teller. "Madam Fino?" Enola asked as she looked around the tent, filled with pillows and strong smelling incense. "I have a cake and I was wondering if you wanted to share it with me." "Over here, child." Said the elderly woman weakly. She was slumped on some pillows in the corner. "All you alright!?" Enola hurried to her side. The Madam smiled. "Yes, yes. I'm quite alright." She propped herself up with a grunt. "I've just had a vision... you know how those tire me." "Then let me help you with-" "No!" Madam Fino grabbed her arm. "This was an important vision. One that may help change this land for the better." "Well... what is it?" "You must go with the young man you met." Madam Fino said. Enola cocked her head and frowned. "The little boy?" "No! The young man who was looking for food." "Oooh..." Enola smiled. "The one who didn't believe in magic?" "He is apart of a group who will restore the rightful leaders to the throne of Aryeth, and you are destined to become one of them." "Er... a royal or one of the group?" Madam Fino rolled her eyes. "The group, child." She sighed. "Now go! They will be gone by dusk." "What if their already gone?" "Their camp is in the forest, I will tell you the way." |
| "Hey Phil...." an younger man in a red flannel shirt and blue work jeans asked his elder hunting buddy as they hiked up the thicker part of the Appalachian Mountains to shoot some game like moose and deer for their annual barbaque. Their boots scuffeled on the rocks as they started their incline up the actual mountanoius parts, not the forested region. "Yes'm Jeff?" the counterpart Phil asked, shouldering his .45 hunting rifle and fishing into his pocket for a few bullets to load his gun, in case of a black bear attack. Always had to be cautious, never know when one of em'll be right 'round the corner. "I hadda thought...Yah ever been up in there?" Jeff pointed his own rifle at a small alcove in the mountain, unobservable from any spot except this exact angle they happed to be standing on at that moment. "...Why no Jeff, Ah've lived 'round 'ere all mah life n' never went up there...That 'um spot gives me them heebee jeebees...Once' Ah was watchin' a deer go in that there alcove, an' never come out...sincin' there ain't no grass up in them hills, it shouldn't of wanted tuh stay....it'd of come right out normal like..." The rebelious Jefferson Steelflex grew a small smile as he listioned to his buddy's tale. The smirk brightened his pearly face and showed off his not so pearly teath, them all a bit crooked. The smile also drew lines of intrest in Jeff's forehead, a little dirty perhaps but nothing a quick shower wouldn't clean. Jeff stopped walking for a moment and pulled a few rounds from his pack, loading and cocking his gun. "Ahma gunna go up there Phil....Ah'll go n' prove there ain't no spooky specter's an' whatnot up innem hills...." "You shure? What if there be a grizzly in there?" "Ain't nuthin ol painless here can't solve," Jeff replied, his eyes on the cave and his hands petting Ol' Painless. Phil sighed a pulled a few cartons of bullets from his pack, along with a few strips of jerkey, and handed them to Jeff. "Yer lucky Ah got extra bud....Ah ain't stayin' round fer them ghosts tuh get me...Ahma goin' back to the cabin...You have fun on yer Ghostbustin' hunt...." And with that, he was gone, Phil's steps echoing slowly back on the stones to the pathway of the Cabin. "You bettcha ah will Phil. Ah should be back 'fore sunndown..." Ha. Back before sundown he says. But this isn't a story solved in a day is it? Oh no, Our Mr. Jeff here will embark on a journey into the wilds of a whole new world....The first keystone of the grand alignment of universes....An exploit that shall take more than a simple day. Here is the tale told when the magic of one world meets the technology of another...The one place where science and spells collide. |
| The sun was starting to go down when Conan returned to the camp. Trekking straight into the village had been risky, but tackling these woods without weapons and supplies was even riskier. Robbers prowled around every corner, their fingers itching to slide around whatever goods you carried. In the village he had bought as much flour, water, and a bit of salt as he could, as well as a bow and arrow so he could hunt. He'd also invested in a long-sword, crafted finely, and had even bought a small dagger for Bainia, if she chose to return. If not, a spare dagger would come in handy. And of course, the free charm from the magic-user. He remembered her and smiled, she was a pretty girl, if not a bit 'different'-looking, in a good way, maybe a year or two younger than himself. A rustling sound alerted him of someone approaching. He couldn't tell if it was Bainia or not, so he unsheated his sword, in case it was a guard. To his surprise, it wasn't Bainia, or a guard. The girl from the booth, who had given him the charm. Nevertheless, he pointed the sword at her. She may be a spy of Ricken's, "What are you doing here?" Inquired Conan. "Madam Fino had a vision. I'll tell you all about it if you stopped pointing the sword at me," she answered. Slowly, he lowered it. "Why should I trust what you say?" He asked. "Well, I can't really think of an answer to that, I suppose to make your own mind up. Anyway, in her vision, Madam Fino said that we were going to re-establish the actual royal line. She told me where to find you, looks like you and I are travelling buddies," Enola answered, with a satisfied grin. Conan looked at the Homer and the pony. "I ride Homer, but if Bainia comes, you'll have to share the pony. Homer doesn't like anyone but me, and there are a fair few bruises on guards to prove it." "I won't be doing any sharing of horses." Enola and Conan looked over, as Bainia appeared in the small clearing, leading another pony. Thankfully, it was packed with saddlebags full of supplies as well. "Who's that?" Asked Bainia, not unkindly. "Time for introductions later, we need to leave, now," said Conan, mounting Homer. "And where exactly do you propose we go?" Inquired Enola. "As far into the Rezar Woods as we can allow, heading south. We can figure out our plan later. I don't know about this 'saving the royal line' thing, but I don't want to be caught before we can get it started." |
"I cant say I was prepared for this, but I do believe it'll be fun." Enola said, leaping onto the pony and patting its slightly round belly. "Fun?" Conan eyed her sarcastically. "Do you call being an outlaw fun? Being chased from town to town?" "Well, I'm used to traveling." Bainia was looking her over. "I'm Bainia." "Enola! Nice to meet you." Suddenly Peanut climbed into view and Bainia seemed surprised. "Ah, sorry. I'll introduce you, shh." Enola rubbed the monkey's chin. "This-" She outstrechted her arm and the small monkey walked out onto it. "-is Peanut. Trusted advisor." "R-really?" Bainia seem amused. Enola paused for a moment and then smiled. "No." "Do womanfolk always talk this much?" Conan asked. Enola and Bainia exchanged grins and replied as one. "Yep." |
<it may be a little awkward to begin with, I'm wading back into the game and trying to get a feel for Bainia again. BTW, TSC has bowed out of the game so her character's actions are free for anyone and everyone to use  >Bainia sat on her saddle with an amused smile still on her face. This Enola was quite funny, but as her clothing suggested, she was a circus performer so that trait made sense. Conan. She was ever grateful for him saving her from the guards. Had they managed to get her inside, there's no telling what would have happened. She reflected back on how her mother had been shocked to see her. Thankfully shocked, but shocked all the same. The blood had drained from her face when Bainia had told her what happened, it had been she who had practically pushed her to leave. She'd told her that she'd be safer, especially since the guards would now be looking for her. Pricilia, her pony, craned her neck around to touch Bainia's knee with her muzzled and whickered. With a smile, the girl patted the equine's dark neck. |
| <Should we just scrap those characters? Might flow more easily without, no offense, but it's hard to know what they had in mind and how on earth it'd work. By the way, kudos to your characters, I think we have good variety and that they work well together :D > Night was approaching, and Bainia had started a small campfire to cook on, while Conan tended to the ponies and Homer. Enola was collecting herbs to start a collection for a medicine pouch, of which they were sorely in need. Once dinner was had, it wasn't long before they all drifted off to sleep. ******************** Conan snapped his yellow eyes open with a small yelp, feeling clammy and nauseous. His heartrate was accelerated, and cold beads of sweat ran down his forhead , streaking his dark hair. Dreams and visions of his troubled past often haunted him, but he had not thought of the girls discovering this shame of nightmares. Even though he only turned eighteen a few months ago, his entry into manhood meant he was supposed to be strong and fearless, not thwarted by horrors of the night. If Bainia or Enola found out, he would not be able to live with the shame. He rolled over and closed his eyes, but the images were still there. The small colt running around the field, whinnying with fear, its' mother strewn in the grass. The colour red staining the night sky, and more screaming than a little boy could have thought possible. A strong hand grabbing a fistful of his hair and dragging him away from his screaming mother, until she screamed no longer... "Do you want to talk about it?" Conan jumped and made a feeble attempt at passing it up as a stretch. "Talk about what?" Enola's eyes pierced his own, until he had to look away in fear of her seeing the images in his eyes. He lay back down and turned his back to her, praying to the gods to stop his visions. He clutched the protection charm to his heart. He heard Bainia whisper "What's wrong with him? He seems upset." There was no reply, but Conan sensed Enola shrug. ************************** At first dawn, they set off again, not really knowing where they were headed, but knowing it was as far away from Aryeth as possible. |
"Morning, morning, its a beautiful day is it not?" Enola said, uber cheerful. She picked another flower. "I guess." Conan murmured. It seemed that his nightmare, or whatever it had been, had kept him from getting much sleep. She smiled as she saw the protection charm she'd given him dangling around his neck. Bainia was softly stroking her horses mane. She looked up and around the nearly empty camp. "Are we ready to leave yet? Its already late morning..." Bainia said. "Almost done packing up." Conan replied, making sure his pack was securely tied to Homer. "Alright, that'll be a about it I suppose." He lifted himself onto Homer and grabbed the reigns, then asked. "Any idea where were going?" Bainia thought a moment. "North... towards the mountains." "But if we go east the road is far less overgrown-" Conan objected. "-There's nothing to the north but old ruins." He shrugged. "Palace ruins." Enola pointed it, just throwing it out there. "I just... I feel that's where we need to be." Bainia said, touching the area above her heart with a hand and looking wistful. Conan didn't say anything for moment, then tugged Homer's reigns and steered him north. "Fine." Enola threw the flowers she'd picked at them just for kicks, then got on her horse as well, smiling. "What are we waiting for then?" |
| <<<A new writer has joined out midst I'm skipping so they can get their character established.>>> |
| Two dark green eyes stared back at Gabriel from the blade of his sword. It was his fathers blade that was passed down before he died. A sword that is unaffected by magic, the sword is able to block and repel spells. Gabriel's grandfathers words echoed in his head. "This sword is for protecting two things, the true royal family and that which is close to your heart. There is nothing stronger than the heart of a warrior. An arrow whizzed past Gabriel's head his chocolate brown hair swaying as the arrow whizzed past. A smirk found its way across Gabriel's face. They were getting desperate, too many of there men had fallen at close combat so now they were resorting to ranged weaponry. "Give it up kid" one of the archers called with new found confidence now that the space between himself and Gabriel was larger. "Maybe if you put down your sword well let you and the girl go. Gabriel smiled slowly placing his sword on the ground next to his feet as he was standing his hand gripping something hidden in his clothes quickly and skillfully hiding two small throwing knives in his sleeves Gabriel stood sizing up the three archers and the two remaining swordsmen. "I don't know whos in charge here but your the sorriest group of bandits i've ever met. What was it twelve to one and you couldn't even put up a decent fight. I bet this young women could of handled you herself anyway. Gabriel said gesturing to the person behind him. He had heard her screaming and came running only to find this group of bandits tearing at her clothes like a pack of wild animals. It made him sick. "Ive had enough of this! Archers Fire!" The head archer shouted, before the other two archers could react they hit the floor dead a knife in each of there heads. The head archers arrow resting in Gabriel's hand. "That was amazing!" the young woman said amazed. "It was mostly just for show, had another of those archers fired off i doubt i could have stopped it." Gabriel replied paying no mind to the quickly retreating bandits. "Do you live nearby? I'll walk you home to make sure you get there safely. My name is Gabriel Ryder, and you are? |
| <<Quick reminder, there is a discussion board for this campfire(link is listed above) for plotting the plot out. I'm also bored and felt like using color>> "I'm Alanna and yes I do live nearby. There's a small settlement up the hill by the river where my parents are. Where did you learn those moves? I've heard stories about warriors like you but they existed two whole decades ago. They died out when the monarchs disappeared." She kept up a constant chatter as they walked along the path in the woods, relief loosening her tongue. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bainia laughed as the flowers rained down on her. She gathered her reins and gently kicked Pricilia into a walk as she silently tried to figure out what this feeling was that was telling her to go to the ruins. There was nothing there of interest, her mother had always spoken of it with a wistfulness that made Bainia wonder if she'd worked there at some time. Now it was known as cursed land, as the site of where the royal family disappeared it was said that the ghosts of the family still walked the grounds. But there was this tug in her heart that seemed to be drawing her that way. She felt like she HAD to check it out. She was still jittery from her near arrest and missed the comforting noises of her neighborhood. Things were too quiet in these woods, every crack of a branch or rustling of leaves had her looking around for the cause.The forest that she and her mother explored for their herbs wasn't near as wild as these trees seemed to be. It was beautiful, but the scrub that covered the ground could hide anything and there was no telling what could come from the canopy overhead. At least she wasn't alone, she would have just stayed home and taken her chances with the guards if that had been the case. Bainia carefully touched the dagger strapped to her hip, it was considerate of him to provide her with a way of protecting herself, even if she didn't know how to use it. Her skirt snagged on a branch and she sighed, pulling Pricilia to a halt so she could untangle the thorns from the cloth without it ripping. That was one of the downfalls of her attire, it was always catching on things. But she was glad of the protection it had provided yesterday after they'd been riding for a while and her sidesaddle had started to get uncomfortable. She only hoped that her normally calm mare wouldn't start, her seat wasn't as certain in this saddle as it would be if she were riding bareback, but no lady did that. |
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