Lord of Azure Flame Chapter 21: In Destruction's Wake

[Psych]

Pary:

Pary slipped his hand in his pocket, feeling the charm. He quietly tip-toed over to Susann, placing the necklace in her saddlebag, being unnoticed by Viveka, who was busy in conversation. He walked back over to rejoin the group.

[Balcerzak]

Tessa was certainly relieved that Charlotte felt she was well enough, and answered back accordingly. "Well, I'm so glad you're fine Charlotte. And maybe it would have been better if you had stayed in the carriage... but then... oh, no that's right. I really need to thank you for healing me, don't I? Now I almost feel like I'm responsible, heh heh." A bit of a laugh escaped her here, starting out at first awkward, but then lightening into genuine. "But as you said, you did have other reasons too... As for Beau? We'll there's three of us, I think we might be able to get the job done fairly smoothly. Charlotte, if you take the legs, I'll take the waist, and Arrin can grab the shoulders? Resting in the carriage would really be better, and even if he's slightly disturbed he could probably fall back into a state of rest more comfortably there."

Edited November 30, 2010 by Balcerzak

[-Cynthia-]

"All right I'll..." Charlotte was interrupted by looking over at the commotion. Helios had his arm around someone...Dani? So it was her... She ran towards the woman. "Dani! Derek said you had left...what's going on?" she asked her. Why would she be attacking us? she thought to herself.

Morgan looked at the loud, gathering mass with irritation. It seemed to be centered around some mage girl. "Isotov, shouldn't you be going over there to obtain mating priveleges?" she asked the mage, not looking up from Proxima.

Edited November 30, 2010 by -Cynthia-

[Script]

Luc Altair

Luc had nothing to add to any of the events going on, so he kept himself distant and out of the way.

A Paul

Oh whew, no one heard him that time. With things finally settled here it seemed, Paul stealthy made his way back to his comfy bag resting on top of the carriage.

[Phoenix]

Isotov

Having been insulted yet again, Iso glared at Morgan and held out his hand. Proxima immediately vanished and reappeared in his hand.

Iso: ... I don't give a damn what your reasons are, but don't ever say anything like that to me again, or you're going to have much bigger problems on your hands than just a loose fire.

Thinking back on the last year and the two women that died, the latter having never been witnessed, Iso tightened his other fist.

Iso: You honestly don't know what it's like, do you? To have people you care about die. You may not know this, but people aren't just things you can replace, and I sure as hell am not going to go skirt chasing after the ENEMY. If that's what you think of me then after you get finished with your reading, stay the hell away from me. You'll be doing this whole damn group a favor.

With his last word he roughly tossed Proxima back to Morgan and turned to leave.

Iso: (She actually thinks that ... that it's all just one big joke. I should have never agreed to staying. Nothing is worth this.)

[Inactive Account]

"I don't know why she's still with us either, but I'm not about to make a big deal of it when she's healing, and when she helped us get Daranau back," Kelas replied.

"Not going to kill anyone who isn't trying to kill us," she agreed tentatively as Derek announced that he was bringing Dani or whoever over, though she kept a wary eye on both.

"Wh--" Kelas hadn't expected Morgan's remark, but wasn't about to let her get away with it. Of course, Isotov wasn't, either. "What's next," she muttered, "another crack at my sanity? Haven't we got better things to do today than petty insults?"

---------------------------------------------

"What-- I guess we should get him in the carriage, then find out what's going on," Arrin replied to Tessa as the commotion about Dani got louder. He took hold of Beau's shoulders. "I don't think he's too heavy... I guess we'd better try, anyway, or else one of the others can move him."

Edited November 30, 2010 by Kiryn

[Mercakete]

"Niket?" echoed Tas, as his attention was drawn to Irina, "Huh. Not too bad. It does seem to fit him pretty well, actually. Sort of... Heh. I'm not good at describing things. But I like it. Don't justb think of it as cute, though. Remember, Niket will be a full-grown wyvern someday." Tas smiled at the name. (I like it. I wish I was better with words but there's something about it that just fits.) Remembering his manners, Tas quickly tried to make up for his small social blunder, "Oh, by the way, Irina, this is Henry Jr. His mother's name is...um.. Kaileen, I think. Henry, this is Irina. She's my friend. Her wyvern's name is Kiev." Pointing out the plains wyvern, he mentioned, "He's over there."

The hatchling saw the familliar human, the bigger wyvern, annother bigger wyvern and a small human. What was going on? And why did they keep making similar sounds?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Beau stirred so slightly that it wasn't even noticable. In the back of his mind, his conciousness rose out of its black slumber just a bit. Then a bit more. The faintest of observations was made in his mind. (I feel something. Am I moving? Something is on my shoulders.)

Edited November 30, 2010 by Mercakete

[-Cynthia-]

"Oh, I do not think you are insane, just misinformed and delusional about certain matters." Morgan replied to Kelas. "And I did not realize your patterns of mating were such a sensitive topic. But if she starts providing you with nourishment and makes a lame attempt at instructing you, I would suggest we send animals to sense any attempts at baiting you." she said to Isotov.

"Also, I see no reason to summon your tome for a mere emotional outburst." Made me lose my page she thought to herself, thumbing through the pages until she had found where she had left off.

[Snowy_One]

As the small group made its way back through the forest, Kaileen let out a small sigh of relief. There had been no ambush, despite all the signs of there being one. Yet, she would still rather have been overly cautious and survive, than careless and die. Once back with the group, she made off in a swirl of motion towards her child. Sweeping around Jr. with her robes, she quickly came between his body and that of Namid. "Jr! I told you to stay put! You are lucky the wyvern didn't hurt you!"

"Yes mommy." replied Jr. in a sullen voice. He looked down at his feet and kicked a small rock lightly before he approached his mother, his arms looping about her waist as he snuggled into her body; his face buried in her robes.

"Come on now. Let us see if there are any more in need of healing, then we are on our way!"

[Mercakete]

"Excuse me, ma'am," Tas interjected, dismounting Namid and walking up to the one who was apparently Henry Jr.'s mother, "I assume you're Kaileen: Henry Jr.'s mother?" Tas did his best to be polite as he adressed the woman. He wasn't upset in the slightest. "Begging your pardon, I understand your concerns - and they are reasonably placed seeing as most wyverns can be quite dangerous - but isn't it a little rash to assume that a wyvern - even in the presence of his rider - is hostile and would mindlessly attack a child?"

[Phoenix]

Irina

Irina: Oh good, I was hoping you'd like it. Funny you mention that though. We actually do have a few wyverns that have some names that don't fit them now that they're grown up. I think "Niket" will still fit when he's an adult though. It fits when I imagine him full grown at least.

Tas also introduced her to Henry Jr and mentioned that his mother was Kaileen.

Irina: Kaileen? You mean the priestess Kaileen? Or just someone with the same name?

Before Tas had answered though, Kaileen returned and secured Henry Jr. Irina quickly took note of her clothing and staff.

Irina: (Well she certainly looks like a priestess.)

Isotov

While Iso had fully intended to simply walk away regardless of what Morgan's response was, he changed his mind and stood in place looking back slightly still completely boiled over in irritation.

Isotov: You didn't realize? Well maybe that should tell you something. Something like keeping your damn mouth shut, if not because you might start something, then just for the hell of it. Oh and great idea by the way, "let's send in the animals!" The same animals that caught Eric before he stabbed Charlotte and nearly wiped us out? Those animals? Absolutely brilliant fucking idea.

[Inactive Account]

"Calm down, just because she's incapable of being anything but an obnoxious ass doesn't mean she merits this much attention," Kelas said quietly, taking hold of Isotov's arm. She didn't think she'd actually have to restrain him, but maybe it would help remind him that there was more going on right now. "Come on, this is useless, we don't have to listen to this." She turned slightly, ready to move away from all the commotion and observe from a safe distance without arguing with anyone.

[Snowy_One]

"That title, the hero Kaileen, something that Harold made up for himself. I served in the war, did my duty. I healed the sick, tended to the wounded, fought off the demons and once it was over, continued on doing the same. Even when Jr. came along, I did not stop. I would rather you call me simply Sister or Mother." replied Kaileen, a bit snappy and flustered, but not at Irina. "I am sorry. Forgive my distrust of your wyverns. I do not wish harm to come to my son though and..." she reached down to her belly and rubbed it slightly. "I don't have much trust in riding animals. Forgive my foolish rambling though. May I have your names? If only out of politeness?"

[Script]

Luc Altair

Kaileen? The Hero? Luc glanced at the woman. She did match the characteristics he had been told but... He looked away. Unlike Jace or the others she had chosen to just go and hide away. Did that make her better? Or worse? Luc closed his eyes, thoughts of all the veterans still struggling after the war. It didn't matter now. She had helped them, and did not deserve resentment for that.

The Fargo

"Oh hey, Captain's back," Fargo announced and stood up. Jeez, he hadn't realized so many people had left and... wasn't that the girl who had attacked them? Oh man.

A Paul

People could just never keep their mouths shut.

[Mercakete]

There were things that Tas descerned from Kaileen: Firstly, she was apparently a hero by social standards. Secondly, she was indeed the boy's mother. Thirdly, she was a noble or scholar of some sort. Fourthly, she was trying to be respectful and was truly appologizing. And finally, he had neglected to introduce himself again. "Oh, I appologize. My name is Tas and my wyvern is Namid," he attempted to remedy, jabbing his thumb in Namid's direction, "I'm sorry: I don't remember hearing much about heroes. I know there was a wyvern rider who was considered a hero once. His partner was a wyvern named Atlas, I think. He fought in a war, but I never really heard a lot of the world's history growing up."

[Phoenix]

Irina

Irina: Mmm, no you're right to keep him away from pinky over there. She's not quite trained yet. Anyway, I'm Irina. And this little guy in my arms might be Niket.

She smiled while looking to Tas and then returned her attention to Kaileen.

Irina: It's nice to meet a hero ... who's not a complete let down. I mean Percy tried to kill us, that's the wyvern lord you were referring to Tas, um Harold showed up at the ball and caused a huge scene, Naelia stole some of our stuff, and Jace is making it so difficult to move around Septimus that I wish we could just stick everyone on wyverns and get the heck out of dodge.

Isotov

Iso wasn't feeling too great, and he certainly didn't want to walk away now, but deep down he knew nothing good was going to come from their disagreements and Kelas' encouragement helped pull him out of the blind anger he'd immersed himself in.

Iso: Okay, this is a waste. Let's just go. Just return Proxima to me when you're done with it, Morgan.

[-Cynthia-]

"You do make a good point about the animals, they are not a foolproof method of demon detection. However, my point is that our enemies can easily manipulate you with your patterns of mate preference. I did not know your mate preferences were so embarrassing, they did not seem particularly strange to me." Morgan said.

Morgan found a page written in all red, got up and showed it to Isotov. "Is this what you were looking for? For a supposed control guide, it appears to be rather nonspecific."

[Phoenix]

Isotov

Iso: They aren't embarrassing, I jus- Huh?

Apparently she had found something within Proxima's pages. Everything else could wait. Taking a look at the page, he noted two things, one of which annoyed him to no end. This was the very last page in Proxima, a page that was at all other times seen completely blank. It was however the same series of words he saw the moment he was severed. Before commenting on anything else, he let a few words slip.

Iso: For the love of all that is good and right in this world, please don't tell me that the only reason this page is showing up now is because you were looking for it.

The possibility was obviously bothering him. Looking at the page in more detail, it seemed as though she was right. The page made mention of things, but nothing that was specific.

This is Proxima the Crimson Fire tome. This tome wields the power of hellfire

and burns with a power greater than that of any earthly flame. It is able to

slay foe and foe only even under the harshest of conditions. Without a true

bond between wielder and tome, its true potential cannot be realized. Its

ultimate power will remain hidden within these pages, forever a mystery, and

forever a waste. You who have been bound to this tome, you are the one to

discover Proxima's true potential and unleash it.

Be forewarned that you are bound to this tome by your very soul. The fire in

your heart supplements the tome, and the hellfire it unleashes supplements

your own power. You and Proxima are one. This tome is part of your very soul.

Without this tome, you are nothing, for even as an earthly fire burns it is

blind, unable to distinguish friend from foe, and only Proxima can deviate from

such nature. Burning only its enemies is a gift of the gods, and something no

human can achieve on their own. Indeed, without Proxima you will no longer be

able to distinguish friend from foe, so hold fast the crimson tome, and slay

all who would dare tear Proxima away from its true owner. You.

Iso: ... true potential ... did Bethold write this?

[Mercakete]

"Oh, right. His name was Percival - I remember now," Tas replied in agreement with Irina. Then the rest sunk in. "...Gee, they sure don't sound like heroes to me," he muttered, wondering if Atlas had grown to be like his rider.

Niket ignored the humans' babbling and cuddled into his warmth source. That sound was strange. Maybe it was important when the humans grunted and clicked their tongues. "Nnkt, nnkt," he tried the sound on his own. What was so special about it?

[Snike]

Regroup

Yet another woman, another cleric, it seemed, came up to Elle and addressed her as Dani, asking why she had attacked, and mentioned a man named Derek. Confusion reigned yet again, before the silver-armored soldier took the cleric aside. Then, the green-haired giant returned, gesturing for the wind mage to move back to the main area. Unsure of what else to do, the sage followed her savior, getting followed in turn by the cavalier, who's sword was at the ready. It should have made her uneasy, But Elle felt strangely reassured by his presence. Maybe she had snapped. It didn't matter, anyways.

---

Alex stopped Charlotte from asking much from the sage by pulling her aside before she could say much. "Your Highness, I doubt she would recognize you," the general said, looking over as Derek went and escorted his sister back to the main camp. "She's calling herself Elle, and the fact is, it appears that she is scared of her own brother. She might have lost her memory."

---

Seeing as there were no complaints from anyone, Derek returned into the woods, and waved Helios through. As Elle passed, he turned and followed, sword at the ready just in case.

[-Cynthia-]

"I am not certain whether it is a lack of observational skills that did not allow you to find the page, or whether there is some other magic at work here. As for the author, I am not sure of that myself. Bethold may have been a master smith, but being an expert on all types of anima magic as well as elder magic seems rather unlikely." Morgan responded to Isotov.

"Dani..." Charlotte looked downward sadly. "Who would do something like this? We have to help her remember who she is." she said, looking around. She saw the woman who introduced herself as Kaileen. Charlotte had wanted to ask her for advice about the demons earlier, but that could wait.

[Phoenix]

Isotov

Isotov: Morgan, there's no page after this one. Every other time I've seen this page, it's been completely blank. Whatever though, the reasons don't matter. I wanted to find this page so I could study it and learn a way to master Proxima once and for all. It's not as helpful as I'd like though. Can't help but feel that I'm back at square one again.

[Script]

Luc Altair

Charlotte had begun to ask the natural question of who had done this. Luc desired to reply, but he didn't have an answer. Other than they were just some group after the Crimson weapons for some mad scheme, he knew nothing about them. Or even if they were after the weapons--it did seem natural to use that as the first reason though. The only lead was Reika, and Luc had no idea how in-depth she would defend her position. Though, after this attack, it would no doubt be weakened.

The other question--how did they do this--also forced itself a priority. Such deep conditioning took years, and memory lose to such a degree, to not notice or remember people? It was beyond anything Luc had heard of. That is, beyond anything he had heard of until recently. If Morgan could muddle with minds, then it would be within reason to think that other Shamans or Druids could as well. And that clown certainly had the power to do so, Luc recalled. But even if he didn't have the mental clarity, there were surely other Shamans or Druids who did. Yes, Luc nodded, this line of reasoning made sense. If it was elder-magic related, than time could restore it--as it did for Kamilla apparently--so Luc desired it to be such.

"I may have a theory as to some of the happenings regarding this event," Luc spoke out to whoever would respond.

[riariadne]

Completely missing the glare Helios had directed at him, Chase quizzically started to follow Dani before noticing Derek holding his sword at the ready. ... I'm starting to have second thoughts about getting up... I can only hope this is the worst of it all too. Ugh, he voicelessly complained, before suddenly noticing the lack of a certain someone who was almost always near Charlotte or Dani... Pining up, he asked, "Hey, where's Eric?"

OOC: ... and

here

we

go

[Dark Sage]

Going along with Derek and the others, Alferis heard Alex say she possibly lost her memory. Of course! That must be it. No way Dani would've turned on them.

Even so, there was seemingly no way to cure it amnesia as far as he knew. Of course there was always Morgan. Remembering at the ball how he heard Kamilla say she was mindwiped by Morgan, it was possible that Morgan possibly knew a spell for fixing Dani's memory. It was possible anyway.

Just when Luc was saying he had a theory on what was happened to Dani and Alf was going to try to suggest his idea for fixing the problem, Chase piped up to ask where Eric was.

Freezing up a bit, Alferis turned his towards Chase and only gave two words, not wanting to get into a whole thing about it. Especially when Charlotte was present.

"Not now."