Lord of Azure Flame Chapter 3: A peaceful respite?

[Snowy_One]

Twenty five years ago, the Lord of Azure Flame walked the land, dominating and destroying all about him with legions upon legions of demonic warriors and his own immense power. When the world reached the brink of disaster, six hero's arose to challenge the Lord of Azure Flame. Engaging him in pitched battle, they sealed away the source of his power within a medallion that became known as the Fire Emblem. Yet as it was sealed away, hellfire arose and licked about the emblem, turning to crystal in an attempt to crush and destroy it. The hero's shattered these crystals and, taking the shards, tempered them with the power of Light and forged them into powerful weapons. These weapons became known as the Crimson Weapons. However, scattered remnants of the Lord of Azure Flame's demon horde stole what weapons they could away. On the run, they stashed them within children, binding the weapons to them and intending to recover the weapons at a later date.

Now, at last, the weapons are starting to resurface as children have matured to adulthood. Recently, a mercenary girl by the name of Esphyr has taken to the small town of Darien within the ruined nation of Vaorin, seeking to earn money to support her family. Within her possession is one of the Crimson Weapons, the Sword of Bloody Wrath. Meanwhile, searching for the wielders of the Crimson Weapons, a soldier by the name of Daiman; the son of the man who forged the Crimson Weapons, had at last arrived within the town. His presence is not well received. The townspeople start to riot and revolt, angry at Daiman for the negligence his father and the other six hero's had so frequently displayed in the years after the felling of the Lord in helping to rebuild those nations ravished by the demon armies. Seizing the moment of chaos, several bandits whom had infiltrated the village decided to attack. Though easily repulsed by the appearance of several more warriors, of which some wielded Crimson Weapons as well, the fighting did little to ease the citizens who forced the hero's out of the town.

Upon being repulsed, the bandits took the advise of a young thief girl seeking revenge on one of the Crimson Weapon wielders, and formulated an assault plan. Trying a second time, once again the bandits were repulsed and their leader slain. The heros failed, however, to keep Darien from their wrath before they fled into the wilds. It was not long before the group fell upon the discovery of a vast field of corrupted mesh which had sucked the very life out of the land around it. The group is quickly surrounded and assaulted by the mesh, though it proves to be an overall easy fight and they soon manage to escape. However, before they break free, Esphyr unwittingly touches the mesh and unleashes a bought of the blue flame which is the sign of the Lord of Azure Flame. However, the mesh no longer posed a threat and served as little more than a hindrance to the group. Taking a southernly route, they continue on their way to Elyisima.

Unknown

Deep within the bowels of the earth, a sinister figure slowly snaked her way about within a monstrous cavern. No speck of light was cast within, nor would it have served any chance of illuminating the dark ebon of the draconic flesh that slowly wove its way about the room. A thousand tiny tendrils, the roots of mushrooms (or rather, their bodies), flowed from the spaces in her scales like a myriad of whiskers, each sensing and feeling the space about her as they stretched forth into the walls of the cavern and even beyond them unto the corners of the earth; each connected to one of her many minions and each serving as her connection to them.

For ages she had watched from her eternal spot, hidden away, drawing sustenance through them to sustain herself, never venturing outside of her cavern. For ages, this had been her life, until about a hour ago. An hour ago, something had happened. A hour ago, she had felt something warm, something comforting. A hour ago, she had felt the touch of her master once again! The azure flames which had signified his immense power, his dominating presence, the sheer force of hell itself had brushed against her again! She could feel the flesh of her maw pulling back as a thin smile crept across her dragons face.

"Master... You have returned at last." she whispered into the dark stillness of her cavern. And the darkness answered.

"It has been too long, my faithful pet. Far too long."

The Lord of Azure Flame was slowly beginning to break free. And his scout would be there to serve him until the end!

---

Elyisima border

Since leaving the field, Esphyr had remained mostly silent. Something was bothering her; bothering her very much. Every third moment, she would glance at her sword, then at Morgan, then in turn at each one of those who wielded a crimson weapon. They had all fought the meshwork, so why was it that only her sword had cast the blue flame? Why not Morgan? Or anyone else? It outright bothered her. She wanted to chalk it up to being her poor luck once again, but that couldn't just be it. If it was simply the nature of the meshes that had caused it, why only her?

Yet she had to push the thought from her mind. They had been traveling about a hour, following the prescribed route that Esphyr herself had suggested, and it had not proven wrong. Before them now lay the road to Elyisima, the sight of the border fortress before them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, that there is Elyisima. Golden crown of our abused world and land of magic and prostitution. The mages within are second to none, and the nightlife of the capitol is in near constant party and everyones hands in in your pockets twenty four hours a day, seven days a week... If you have anything valuable on you, I suggest keeping a firm grip on it at all times. Expect to leave either your money or your dignity. Morgan. That goes double for you. If we reach a mages guild, I can assure you that they will taunt you for being... less than Elyisian. Bite your tongue and ignore them. Same for any other magic users in our group except Tessa."

It had been a long time since Esphyr had been to Elyisima, but the memories she had were more than clear enough. Two heros resided within Elyisima, Harold and Julius. Both were perfect examples of the land. Lavish and extravagant on the outside; monsters on the inside. Esphyr was not looking forwards to this.

Useable units:Esphyr

Katie (NPC)

Damian

Aiya

Morgan

Irina

Isotov

Michael

Helios

Mark

Ian?

Kelas

Tessa

OOC: If I forgot, just mention it. I will see if I can handle EXP tomorrow when I'm not busy.

[Phoenix]

OOC: You want it. YOU GOT IT!!! BTW sorry for my unusual formatting. It's comfortable for me this way and it's hard to read over things.

High over the outskirts of Elyisima, the two wyvern riders Ivan and Lev flew as fast as they could. As they passed over the roads, caravan escorts and guard patrols stopped to look up at the passing riders.

Ivan: Holy wyvern! Where is that girl?!

Lev: Calm down, man. We'll find her soon.

Ivan: Like hell we will! First we find out that Isotov isn't actually dead after all this time, then Ivanko sends us to Elyisima to find the little punk, and now we can't find Irina! Why are we always flying round continent like delivery boys?! >_<

Lev: Irina can't be too far away, right? So we keep looking. Simple.

Ivan: And what about the demons?!

Lev: Ivanko was doing a splended job smashing them to pieces before we left. I'm certain they will be fine while we gather up the siblings.

Ivan: <_<

Esphyr's and her companions were steadily closing on Elyisima when she looked up and saw the two wyvern riders swiftly passing overhead! Esphyr turned to Irina.

Esphyr: Are those the two riders from before?

Irina: Holy wyvern!! It's a five days trip from here back to the fortress! They've only been gone two days! What's going on?!

She quickly overcame her shock and mounted Kiev! As soon as she was snug on the saddle, Kiev took off kicking up a mountain of dust! She flew up behind Ivan and Lev and called out to them!

Irina: Ivan! Lev! Hello?! Hey, turn around!

Ivan: You hear something?

Lev: I sure did!

Lev turned around and saw Irina closing in on them fast! He smiled and waved back to her while Ivan wondered what was happening.

Lev: Ah there she is. Time to land.

Once all three riders were safely on the ground. Ivan and Lev explained the situation to her while the other listened from a few meters away.

Irina: Okay, how did you get back so fast?

Lev: Lady Luck can't keep her hands off me ;)

Ivan: Ivanko accepted another contract when we left home before. Some village near Elyisima was suffering from constant bandit attacks, and their last protectors were utterly wiped out one day for some odd reason. Not likely bandits though. They figured the only safe bet was to hire Ivanko's Mercenaries to help. You know your uncle, Irina. He takes it personally when cowards like bandits are involved.

Irina: Y-yeah ... I know ... -_-

Lev: Well it's a good thing he decided to take the job personally. The village was attacked by a whole bunch of demons. We think they were responsible for the other mercs' deaths.

Irina: Demons?!

Lev: Well ... maybe I shouldn't go that far. "Demon" is just a term we like to use for creepy little bastards we don't quite recognize. Not necessarily demons, but definitely worth "exorcising" nonetheless. There's been a lot of demon attacks lately ....

Irina: Is My uncle alright?

Ivan: Don't know. There were at least a hundred, and Ivanko only had two other men with him.

Lev: Don't worry, Irina. When I looked back over my shoulder, I could have sworn I saw him off of his wyvern and stomping on the head of one of those things. I felt kind of sorry for them actually. It really wasn't a fair fight

Irina soon noticed that everyone was just staring at them. She didn't want the tension to build up any further so she quickly grabbed both of the riders and pulled them closer to the group!

Irina: Everyone, to the left is Lev, he's laid back for the most part ....

Lev: Pretty much.

Irina: And this Ivan, he's ... emotionally invested in life. Yeah! That's a positive spin :)

Ivan took a quick look at the group. He noticed that Morgan was holding a tome and his face lit up! He leaned into Lev and whispered to him.

Ivan: That woman! She's a magic user!

Lev: Uh oh, not this again ....

Ivan: I must introduce myself!

Lev grabbed Ivan and held him by the collar!

Lev: That is a shaman! Shamans use dark magic, idiot! She'll probably conger up an army of undead warriors to tear off your arms and beat you to death with them! You're wasting your time on this magic fetish!

Ivan: ... ... ... you're making that up ....

Irina: This is why I usually travel alone.

Lev: Irina, the reason we're here is because your uncle said that Isotov may be in Elyisima somewhere.

Irina: What?! I always had a feeling that he was alive after all, but he's in Elyisima? He's this close?

Lev: Yep. He sent us back to find him, find you, and make sure you two stay together.

Ivan: When he's done fighting off the demon attacks, he'll probably come to meet us in the city or something. Now, if you will excuse me.

Irina and Lev stood there as Ivan walked over to his wyvern and grabbed its leash. He then led the steed over to the group and stopped by Morgan who immediately took a cautious stance.

Lev:

Ivan: Good day to you, Lady Shaman. Might I have your name?

Irina: Lev ... do something.

Lev: He's in his maker's hands now XD

OOC: There's a bold limit?! For crying out loud!

[riariadne]

OOC: I'm not on the list :( And until theonefate comes back, can I have the Crimson Bow?

Chase put on the hooded cloak. He looked around the buliten board for news of him, and quickly found it:

"... Wow, that's pretty high. But the picture is pretty old. Still... I'll need a fake name for a while. Hmm... I'll have to think of one."

Edited April 27, 2010 by Lightning

[Phoenix]

OOC: I'm not on the list :( And until theonefate comes back, can I have the Crimson Bow?

Chase put on the hooded cloak. He looked around the buliten board for news of him, and quickly found it:

WANTED

Chase Veshkal

Wanted for: Theivery, treason, resisting the government, underground activity

REWARD: 137,500 gold Alive

"... Wow, that's pretty high. But the picture is pretty old. Still... I'll need a fake name for a while. Hmm... I'll have to think of one."

OOC: Hey, Rein. Most wanted posters from that time were black and white or all tan from wear and tear. Not that you'll need to check a sign like that again, but maybe a grayscaled blurry version of that pic would be better? Just a thought :D

[Inactive Account]

OOC: I'm pretty sure Crimson Weapons can't be passed around (they're attached to their wielder's soul, or something.) If theonefate doesn't come back, I think Snowy'll work something out about that. The wanted poster... doesn't matter too terribly, and it's a good reminder of what he looks like since it's not his avatar anymore :P

As they approached the border fortress, Kelas wrapped a scarf around her own head as well. While she had no quarrel with any authority, she felt no need to be recognized. They were bound to attract attention anyway, what with the pair of wyvern riders who had just joined them. She took the packhorse's lead in one hand, keeping her mare's reins in the other... guards did not generally appreciate loose animals. Would this uncanny country of mages be where she found him? she thought to herself. The last letter had been from one of the cities near the border... was she close?

"For the moment, you're Arr-- Corin, my younger brother," she told Chase, willing him to ignore the slip in the false name. "You're under a Silence curse, so you can't talk. We'll figure out what to do with you once we're further in."

[riariadne]

OOC: I'm pretty sure Crimson Weapons can't be passed around (they're attached to their wielder's soul, or something.) If theonefate doesn't come back, I think Snowy'll work something out about that. The wanted poster... doesn't matter too terribly, and it's a good reminder of what he looks like since it's not his avatar anymore :P

As they approached the border fortress, Kelas wrapped a scarf around her own head as well. While she had no quarrel with any authority, she felt no need to be recognized. They were bound to attract attention anyway, what with the pair of wyvern riders who had just joined them. She took the packhorse's lead in one hand, keeping her mare's reins in the other... guards did not generally appreciate loose animals. Would this uncanny country of mages be where she found him? she thought to herself. The last letter had been from one of the cities near the border... was she close?

"For the moment, you're Arr-- Corin, my younger brother," she told Chase, willing him to ignore the slip in the false name. "You're under a Silence curse, so you can't talk. We'll figure out what to do with you once we're further in."

OOC: Well i suppose that works a bit. Also that was sort of another reason for the picture as a reminder, and I lowered the bounty (if it was that high you guys would probably turn me in :P

IC: "Okay... I mean, err, what does a quiet person say? Oh yeah. I'll be quiet now".

[-Cynthia-]

OOC: Kieran looks really good with a goatee!

She rolled her eyes at Esphyr's suggestion. If some half-wit anima mage wished to trifle with her, then so be it.

Morgan replied to the newcomers "I am Morgan. I hope you bring some news of the Crimson Weapons? I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival." She noted that one of the men seemed rather interested in her, perahps he was curious about magic.

Edited April 27, 2010 by -Cynthia-

[Ansem]

OOC: I sent Ian away.

Helios studied the men. "Wyverns" he muttered. He scoffed at the knights remarks. Helios looked around. He remembered how much he hated coming here as a child. He knew there were many mages here but he also remembered how arrogant they were. He decided to stay quiet for the moment. He took out his book and started reading. Something that meant that he did not care.

Edited April 27, 2010 by Kai-Sama

[riariadne]

OOC: Uh, Cynthia, would the 'newcomers' include me? Are we even in the same area? I'm a bit lost...

Edited April 27, 2010 by Lightning

[Ansem]

OOC: Newcomers are the wyvern knights and yes we are all together

Edited April 27, 2010 by Kai-Sama

[-Cynthia-]

OOC: Yes it's the WKs, I haven't even really noticed you yet.

[Snowy_One]

OOC: Quick refresher. Do any characters have a mustache or beard?

IC: About three minutes away; at the guard station

Two guards stood at their posts at the edge of the border posts. Having shown that their sense of perception was greater than that of a dead pig, they had spotted the first of the group members as they came into their vision. A quick look shot between both guards as more and more of the group members became visible to the two guards. It was a look of worry and confusion. This was no small group at all, but rather a decently large one; far bigger than any normal trade caravan or normal group should be.

"Eh. Steve... Look." the first of the guards raised his spear; pointing down the road. He was outright panicked at the sight of such a huge group! So panicked he even got up out of his chair which he had so carefully positioned at the corner gate and let loose a HUUUUUUUGE battlecry of fear... or rather a slow and lazy yawn of annoyance at having to get up out of his chair.

"Just a bunch of bumpkin louts from that place... What's it's name again?" replied Steve, his voice atremble with fear and... apathy for the group. "Either way, just take the tax and jot it down somewhere. Let me get back to sleep."

"Why? I mean... eh. Shouldn't we at least check them to see if any are criminals or something?"

"No need. If they try anything, they'll get on the bad side of somebody and be somebody elses problem. With some luck, they'll try to steal from Harold and we can watch them mouth out begs for pity before we kick them around a bit into a gutter."

"But still... It just dun seem right."

Steve suddenly rose up from his resting position to his full hight. He was a towering bear of a man; complete with massive arms easily the size of thick poles and a body covered in hair so thick that it would be easy to mistake him for a bear anyways.

"You know what? FINE! If you're gonna insist, then we will question them! You take the males, and I'll question the ladies."

"What? NO! I wanna question the girls!" shot back the other soldier, clearly unafraid of the man.

"No! I will!"

"Well screw it! We'll both question them then!"

"That's more like it!" bellowed out Steve, taking his pan-sized hands and slapping his companion firmly across the back.

OOC: Yea... I got nothing.

[Phoenix]

OOC: @Cynthia. I know right?

The whole group seemed to be a bit on edge. Irina and Lev watched as Ivan and Morgan conversed. Lev was holding his mouth shut and struggling not to laugh at him.

Ivan: Ah, Morgan. A lovely name! It rolls off the tongue with such grace. And you are a wielder of dark magic, yes?

Morgan: Indeed, though the actual term is "Elder Magic".

As she corrected Lev's previous statement, he stopped chuckling and started scratching the back of his neck.

Ivan: And no doubt you are extremely talented :D

Morgan: I am a wielder of a crimson weapon, and that brings me back to my previous question. Do either of you have any news regarding these weapons?

Ivan: Umm ... well of course, but wouldn't you rather talk more first-

Lev shoved Ivan out of the way and started walking next to her. Some of the others listened while he explained.

Lev: As I told, Irina, her uncle is in the region battling- err ... annihilating these strange demonic creatures. He sent us back to find Irina, and Isotov, Irina's older brother. He went missing years ago and we assumed he'd been killed. The part that should interest you, Miss Shaman, is the fact that Isotov possesses a crimson weapon. The Fire Tome, they call it the Red Firestorm ... or simply "Proxima". He's supposed to be in the city somewhere. One more crimson weapon wielder ought to make this group of yours more secure than most ;)

While Lev conveyed the news about Isotov, Ivan put his hand on Irina's shoulder and she saw the dread in his eyes.

Irina: Please don't give me that look. You look like you're about to cry.

Ivan: Argh! I can't go through with it, I just can't. I will not quit until every last magic user in the world rejects me.

Irina: I don't see what's so special about magic wielders <_<

Ivan: The beauty, the grace, the sheer knowledge of power and the arcane.

Irina: If you want to fix this problem, you may have to look outside the magic community.

Ivan: Why?

Irina: Because what if she can conger up an army of the undead? She'd have a serious upper hand in the relationship :P

Ivan: ... ... point taken ....

[riariadne]

"Right. The fact that I see a sign means we're probably near some town. Being a border town, there's probably going to be guards. Being guards, they'll probably question us. If they find anything suspicious about you guys, or they figure out who I am, we'll probably have to fight, maybe not. Most likely it'll be the former if we're found suspicious. So, uh, be on your guard... I guess...

OC: If anyone can make that image I used above transparent, I could make a statsheet for the fight I think we're about to get into.

Edited April 27, 2010 by Lightning

[Ansem]

Helios decided that he was going to ask a very naive question. "Uh now that we are here, what do we do"?

[Phoenix]

OC: If anyone can make that image I used above transparent, I could make a statsheet for the fight I think we're about to get into.

OOC: I'll take care of it B)

[-Cynthia-]

Morgan smiled. Finally some progress! "Our course of action is clear then. We must find this Isotov person as quickly as possible. Any leads or information that is relevant? Questioning every fire mage in this city would be a rather time consuming endeavor."

She pondered the wyvern rider's information. Demonic creatures...that was not a good omen.

[Ansem]

"Fire mage huh" Helios groaned. "I hope you realize that the whole city is filled with mages". "We can split up and look for this Isotov person".

Edited April 27, 2010 by Kai-Sama

[riariadne]

"Yeah, we're going to have to get to the city first... speaking of which, we're only about a quarter of a mile from it. And there is, in fact, guards."

[Snowy_One]

"If we're looking for a mage of any kind, the best thing to do is check the academies." said Esphyr, offering a potential suggestion as to how to handle finding this man. "As for the arcane... just imagine how good a cook she would be if she use fire magic though. I bet Morgan here could probably make some good roast boar if she were... well... you know..."

[Ether]

"If Chase being recognised is our biggest issue,i could crop his hair...it might buy us some time."

Aiya said,hand reaching toward her Silver Sword.

[Ansem]

OOC: Isotov is a dude

Helios scoffed. "I dont think he will comply" he said with a big grin on his face

Edited April 27, 2010 by Kai-Sama

[riariadne]

"Who's Morgan? The shaman? I still don't know everyone's name yet. Aaaand here we are, the border of the city of... of... well, anyways, we're here. And don't even think about it, uh, Aiya..."

OOC: My statsheet is in my sig now, yay. The dagger thing isn't a weapon, more of a utility-thing. As of now it does nothing, so don't worry about it.

Edited April 27, 2010 by Lightning

[Ansem]

Helios groaned. "Remember this" he said. "This is Morgan" he said pointing at the Shaman. "That is Esphyr" he said pointing at the swordsman. "Redhead next to the soldier is Aiya and the soldier is Damian". "This is Kelas" he said pointing at the Nomad. "That is Irina and her two flunkies" he said pointing to the knights. "And i am Helios". "Need i remind you who you are" Helios asked. He was quite annoyed. "Kids theses days" he scoffed

Edited April 27, 2010 by Kai-Sama

[Inactive Account]

Kelas held out the packhorse's halter to Chase. "You're not the most convincing of nomads, even leading a horse, but we'll have to make do... just keep your hood up and look blank, all right?" She looked to the gate. A pair of lazy-looking guards had appeared and were approaching the group. A closer inspection found that they were looking appreciatively over both the females and packs of the group... Kelas shrugged her shoulders, hoping that her loose tunic would keep her gender ambiguous, and kept her eyes on her packs. There wasn't anything to worry about, she told herself, but all the same, I rather don't like border guards.