| Ladi Serena |
It was a dark, damp rainy night,
Serena squinted her eyes against the onslaught,
trying to see what lay before her. Guided only by
the pale illumination of the small lantern she
held before her. Peering into the trees around
her, all she could see was the eerie glow from
the eyes of some nearby mongbats. Though mongbats
were nothing to fear, twas the unknown ahead that
had her a little shaken, as she must now stray
from the poorly paved road and journey into the
dark forest. Tossing her rain soaked hair back
over her shoulder, she glanced back toward the
road, then into the forest yet again.. debating.
She knew she was being foolish. Why had she not
told anyone of her quest? Cerwidan would surely
have her head if she didn't manage to lose it in
the meantime. After all, she knew the Knights and
Soldiers of her army would gladly have
accompanied her and lay down their life for her
had the need arose, but she had promised herself
not to put her beloved friends in danger. As she
took the first few steps into the forest, she put
out the lantern and the precious little guidance
that it allowed her, so that she could wield her
axe and be ready for the worst. Not even a
quarter mile into the forest, she heard
footsteps, and .. voices? No, surely not.
"yes, there it is again" she said to
herself.. and she heard the footsteps stop again.
Quietly, she lay herself down in the mud,
straining to hear or see anything that shouldn't
be there. At first thought, she was sure it was
an errant lich that had smelled her human scent,
but she was all too familiar with the blood
curdlin laugh that a lich made while pursuing his
prey.... She heard her name carried on the wind
and that is when she knew.. She should never have
thought that her absence would go unnoticed, or
that she could put herself in that position
without someone coming after her to ensure her
safety... Relaxing a little, and trying to gain
her compusure, she pulled herself up out of the
thick mud, and brushed her hair out of her eyes.
She never had been one to care much about her
appearance, so it didnt' really bother her, she
was not your average "lady". She
prepared herself to give a scolding tongue
lashing to the one that dared to follow her, but
inside was secretely very thankful for the
company, ... Slowly, a lantern came into view,
and she heard her name called... "who is
there?" she called out..............
*out of character* Okay.. since everyone is kind
of new at this.. Here, you will start your own
post and incorporate your character into the
story... You may also incorporate other
characters, but you should control your own
character for the most part.... Your imagination
is the only limitation.... Do you talk her out of
going? Where is she going? what is she doing? Why
all the secrets? well.. click reply and let's
find out. |
| Momma Sin |
" 'Tis only I, Momma Sin,
Milady. And you have led me a merry chase. Why
are you out on such a night as this? And without
an escort? You have been very secretive lately
and the guildmembers are quite worried about
you"
The lady in the gold armour answered in a firm
voice, although she was quaking inside. This
lovely woman who feared none was looking quite
shaken as she pulled herself out of the mud.
"What can possibly going on?" Momma Sin
thought to herself. |
| Ladi Serena |
"Oh, Mama... I... I... I
was just... it's a lovely evening and I thought
it an opportune time to take a stroll... that's
all" Serena tried to compose herself as she
stuttered. Mama Sin was having none of it. She
quietly pointed out that it is raining like mad,
and a storm was brewing to the west. She was sure
that the Mistress was losing her mind... Not
wanting to pry, but worried about her, she asked
"Milady, is there anything I can do?"
Fear creeped into Mama Sin, knowing that
something in these woods, or something
somewhere... was frightening a Lady such as this.
"Please let me help... anything.. anything
at all." Serena half laughed, trying to seem
annoyed..."Tis nothing, Mama... Just a
walk... Just a walk.... Don't concern yourself
with me, go back home before your brand new armor
begins to rust." Mama, reluctant to leave,
but reluctant to trouble the lady more, stood
there in the mud debating on what she should do.
Mustering all the bravado that she could gather
within herself, she lifted her chin, stuck out
her chest, and said "M'lady, I may live to
regret this... *sigh* but I'm afraid that you
will just have to be angry with me and I will
take my punishment like a true warrior, but I can
not and WILL not leave you like this... please..
just tell me what I can do to help... I will not
let you down." Serena, though she was hard
as nails on the outside, and as vulgar as any
sailor, had a very soft spot for outright shows
of bravery and loyalty, so she could not be
angry, and in fact was very pleased. Amused and
impressed at the woman's declaration, she
realized that she was half smiling. Maybe it
would be alright to take her along. To hear
someone else speak besides that voice that nagged
her in her head. Serena put her hand on Mama
Sin's shoulder, and gave a nod of her head and
said "Very well then, as you wish".
Mama, wondering what she had gotten herself into,
fell into step behind Serena, who was being too
obviously nonchalant. When they were too wet and
cold to carry on, they stopped, and mama built a
campfire to warm themselves. It was then that
Mama got her first insight, the Lady spoke of her
childhood... and how she got these
"feelings" like she could feel the aura
of other people, sometimes foresee what was going
to happen, even days in advance. After an hour of
talking, they lay down upon their bedrolls, and
tried to get some sleep. The eerie sounds of the
forest assaulting them with each sway of the
trees.
In what seemed like minutes, but most have been
hours, Mama was jerked from her bedroll and
shoved behind a tree, onto the ground, and felt a
crushing weight on top of her as a hand closed
over her mouth to stop her scream... "SHH..
SHHHH.. Mama.. SHH.. it's me... be still.."
Both women stopped breathing, as Serena
listened.. for what, she did not know... she did
not know if it was reality, or just another one
of her visions. She relaxed her grip on mama, and
uncovered her mouth. Mama whispered.. "What
is it m'lady??" Mama was scared to death,
but could not show it. Serena shook her head as
if to clear it....and said quietly... "Mama,
be quiet and listen..." "but,"
Mama said... "MAMA shh... just listen... I
dont' know the answers to your questions.. I need
you to run back to the guildhouse... and Give
Lady Cerwidan a message. She pulled a piece of
parchment from her pack and scribble a note....
"go now, Mama, be safe and watch out"..
"No worries, Lady Cerwidan will know what to
do."
Determined to do this very important deed, Mama
double checked that he sword was sharp, and ran
like the wind, through the trees and mud.. to the
road... to the lake.. she stopped to get a
drink... the parchment was burning in her mind..
surely... it'd be okay if she just took a peek?
It wouldnt' change her mission of course... she
reached into her pack and unfolded the scroll....
She read to herself, confused...
"M'lady Cerwidan.....
|
| DerrinRPGWRTR |
Derrin watched from a distance
what was happening. He knew that Serena was not
imagining things for that was the reason he left
his home and his friends. He felt something also.
Some disturbance and it was so disturbing that he
wanted to try to protect his friends and guild
mates. But now was not the time to reveal
himself. He had to get a message to Kojak to see
what he knew and see if there was something he
needed to come back for. He also knew whatever
evil he was about to have to face he would have
to keep his beloved Guildmistress safe! At all
costs! He knew he would need his silver power
sword and he knew he needed it now. He took out a
piece of parchement and began to write. This note
had to be brief and to the point. One that left
no questions just blind following. That was
something that Kojak was good at. Following his
directions. And in Derrin's absense he knew that
Kojak would follow Serena and Cerwidan blindly!
Derrin has spent many a nights out here in the
wilderness alone and worried about the guild and
it's members. Haunting dreams of evil and
torturous things being done to Cerwidan and
Serena. THIS COULD NOT AND WILL NOT HAPPEN!!!!!!
He looked over the note and read it to himself.
"Kojak,
Serena and Cerwidan in a HUGE ammount of trouble.
GO directly to the guild house and tell Cer that
you are under my orders to keep her safe! Follow
her and get my best armor out and my best shield
and the best silver sword of mine you can find.
You will need it. Do not let Cer out of your
sight for even a second. If you do I will hunt
you down. I will watch over Serena but do not let
anyone else but Cer know I am still alive.
Derrin The Meek"
That should do it. Derrin took out his rune to
the new guildhouse of S@S and asked for Serena's
forgiveness quietly and cast mark on the rune.
"That should get me back." he said to
himself. Secretly hopeing Serena saw the light
and was comming to investigate but hopeing not
cause he wanted to protect her from afar and hope
nothing even got close enough to her to attack
her. Already he had killed 2 mongbats 1 lich and
2 dire wolves tonight. Trying to remember where
he put that silver power kat in his house he
started to cast recall on his rune to his house.
"I will be back soon Serena. Keep
safe!" he whispered to himself. AHA there is
where he put it! He directed the force of the
spell on his rune and another flash of light and
he was gone. He appeared right outside of his
house and ran in! Derrin placed the note to kojak
on the table on the bottom floor. If valkrist
found it he would give it to Koj anyway. He
grabbed his sword while reciting the recall spell
once again and then quickly concentrated on the
newly marked rune. It was successful and he
disappeared in a flash of light! He knew that
appearing in the woods at night ran a risk of
Serena spotting him so he planned on right after
he made sure she was there and safe to run around
to the other side of her camp.
He appeared behind the tree where he marked the
rune and looked around it and saw Serena still
laying in the mud. He then took off running
keeping Serena in sight till he got around to the
other side of the encampment. |
| Spitfire |
The tree provided an excellent
place to hide. As the young and brave warrior
Spitfire, slowly peaked through the branches and
bush that lay in front of him, he saw a shadow
approach the encampment of the Beloved Serena.
His sword slowly drawn, not knowing what the
thing or creature might be, he cautiously
approached the shadow from a distance. He got
behind his daring shadow, a person brave enough
to sneak up on the M'lady Serena, and began to
raise the vail on his helmet. "Derrin, is
that you?" he called. The voice of his
friend and guildmate answerd back. "wh, wh,
who's there?" he called out. "Spitfire,
what are you doing here" I said.
"Supposably, the same as you I would think,
am I not right?"he asked. "Well if you
heard errie sounds and is here to keep the M'lady
Serena safe, then we must be here for the same
reason". I answerd bravely. They both stood
there looking at Serena, as she lay on the mud,
scared, but not showing her fear, they knew
something had her spooked. A whisper came, almost
like something was calling the lady, making out
the wind's message, is when a lich came chasing
through the forest, Eye's wicked and Blazing a
indistinct color. He laughed a wicked laugh, and
began to pre-cast as he was coming after Serena.
All the warriors focused their attention to this
mad Lich, and drew their weapons ready for an
attack. Just as Spitfire and Derrin came charging
to Serena's Rescue, they realized the lich wasn't
alone, and 4 other liches suddenly appeared to
attack them all. Something was after Serena, what
no one could tell yet, but something didn't want
her to be in the forest..... |
| DerrinRPGWRTR |
Derrin noticed the liches and
yelled to Spitfire "Do not tell Serena I am
here!"
Derrin chuckled 4 liches was hardly an exercise
for him alone let alone 3 warriors. Hell Derrin
has taken on 7-8 liches alone before. But there
was somethinig trying to keep Serena out or
trying to keep her in!
Who was this guy that knew my name anyway? Has
Serena and Cerwidan been talking about me? Do
they really want me back?? Well those are
questions to be asked and answered later for now
I must protect! Derrin thought.
Derrin ran around the encampment and right into
the liches with his sword drawn! While he was
fighting the first lich he prepared a mass
protection spell and turned to cast it on the two
he left waiting behind. His beloved Serena and
the stranger. He cast it sucessfully and finished
off the first lich. He noticed the stranger
picking Serena up off the ground;"Man he
must either be new to the guild or really stupid
he is going to get soo chewed out." Derrin
thought to himself.
Derrin then turned to the other three. He needed
to get out of sight before Serena got close
enough to see him clearly. He also knew the
spells that liches cast so he hit each of them as
quickly as he could with his sword. But too late
one had already cast! Did it hit Serena?? Derrin
turned to see the strange guy bent over so he
continued to battle.
Derrin knowing Serena knew he had a few more
moments before Serena came into battle. She would
NEVER leave a guildmember down on the battle
field. Derrin finished off the second lich and
turned to look for Serena. What's this she was
running into the battle with the stranger. Derrin
took decisive action and bolted for the trees
leaving the loot and everything to Serena and her
friend.
As soon as he hit the forest he cast invisability
on himself and watched the rest of the battle
from there. If someone needed to be healed he
would cast greater heal but for now he just
watched from the trees. |
| Kojak |
Kojak enters the house,tired and worn out
from the daily hunt. He goes straight to the food
box and adds his meat to it for Roland to cook
for the supper later.He removes his armor,and
rubs his sore muscles.He's still feeling the
affects of the battle with the attack of the
liches,that he barely escapes.As he lays his
armor down,he notices Derrin's note.He picks up
the note,and starts to read it.
As he rereads the note,the worry on his face
showing more.He didn't like the idea of his
guildmistresses being in trouble.Not feeling the
soreness anymore,he runs upstairs to Derrin's
weapons and armor box,and grabs the best armor
and Silver weapon that Deuce,the blacksmith,had
made.He runs back downstairs and leaves a note
for Roland to let him know he'll be gone for a
few days.
He recalls to the Guildhouse,and notice a quick
flash running towards the woods.He starts to
follow,then realizes he better check inside to
make sure everything is ok.As he enters the
house,he gets the feeling that someone has been
here.He carefully checks everything out,room by
room.The house seems fine,and Cerwidian don't
look like she's been home yet,so he heads outside
and waits for Cewidian.
As he sits there,he reads the note once more.He
then decides that he'll battle to the death to
protect his guild leaders.He hides the note in
his bag,to make sure no other guild members find
it,and waits for Cer to show her the note.He
prays that Serena and his mentor will be fine.As
he looks up he sees Cerwidian coming up to the
house.......... |
| Cerwidan Ninebar |
"Cer! M'lady Cerwidan!" Momma's
voice rose above the sound of Valetta hammering
out armour on the anvil upstairs. There was a
muffled curse, a brief pause, then the sound of a
brestplate being rendered into ingots again. Cer
smiled to herself and looked up from the
cluttered chest she was trying to arrange. Her
smile froze when she saw Momma, wet and shivering
clutching a scrap of parchement in white-knuckled
fingers. "It's from Serena."
"Come sit down,
Momma! You look terrible. Shush now! the tale can
wait, but your health cannot. Eat something. Sit.
Rest." Momma gratefully sank into a plush
green chair and numbly bit into the offered
apple. Cer decided not to tell her that all her
store of apples came from liches as she traded
another apple for the parchement. The water
soaked scrap was still legible, and Cer silently
thanked the Powers That Be for permanent ink.
"M'lady
Cerwidan, I have taken The Axe. You know the one
I mean, and why. I am having that feeling again,
but the pull is so much stronger this time. It is
pulling me into that forest, where sunlight never
reaches. I don't know if I shall or will be able
to return. Keep the guild safe and lead as i
would have. DO NOT come after me, I must do this
alone. Keep Momma Sin from running back here
after me, she will not have a rune as I will send
her off too quick for that (And yes, Momma I know
you are reading this, so be good!) If all goes
well this will only be another warning. WAIT for
me to return. I can only wonder if this has
something to do with that stranger you told me
about... Serena, Guildmistress" Cer smiled
to herself despite the grave tidings of the
letter. No wonder Momma looked so shaken, she
didn't know the code. Of course she would leave
as soon as possible, as Serena had requested. The
real trick would be to do it carefully and not
arouse suspicion among the guild, who would
gladly run into the mouth of Doom for their Lady.
"Momma Sin, feel
free to rest here, I must attend to the
guild."
"Not on your
LIFE! I am not goin to let both of you get away
from me. And as Serena had guessed, I did read
that letter. If she is in trouble, no force in
Britania can keep me from defending her, or
you." Cer was doubly impressed with this
young warrior's heart, if nothing else.
"Let us go to
the guild and see what might be done..." |
| DerrinRPGWRTR |
Serena arrived at the liches a full 4 paces
in front of this stranger. Oh what a pleasure it
was too see my guild misstress again! But why is
she out here without Cerwidan. I hope that note
to Cerwidan was to summon her. This evil will be
a lot to handle. I can not believe I left like I
did though. Without even a word to my two very
dear very close friends or my squire Kojak.
PLease Cer and Serena PLEASE FORGIVE ME! I just
did not want you to get hurt for my stupidity!
Serena swung her axe with deadly accuracy.
Slicing into the lich like it was a spectre. The
lich let out a laugh and hit Serena over the head
with it's staff. I can see the pain in her eyes.
Or is that fear?? Who else but Cerwidan and I can
see fear in our Lady's eyes??
The guildmember that was with her tried to engage
a lich. Obviously still hurt from that first
flamestrike that was thrown into his chest. He
stumbled and to my relief Serena reached out and
snayched him up. She started putting a bandage on
him while she struggled to fight off the
remianing two liches.
It hurts soo much to be here hiding like a
coward. But I have to remain hidden. I prepare a
greater heal potion cause I notice Serena having
to neglect the bandage to stay alive. I give up!
"Serena I will heal your friend!!
FIGHT!!" I yelled from the shadows. She
instinctively stopped healing him and
concentrated on the liches. I finished my spell
and concentrated on the stranger. I swear if he
ever ever hurts Serena or Cerwidan I will burn
him to a crisp!!
He recieves the healing and stands up and I move
to another location cause I know Serena saw the
aura from my magic. Possibly even recognized it!
Serena slashed the lich one more time and it
falls with a mighty groan! She turns her
attention to the last lich! That new guy keeps
trying to get into the fight but Serena keeps
shoving him down. Hmmm did she notice something
else?? I scout around with my eyes and cast
nightsight on myself. I now cast invisability on
myself and wait the results with another Greater
Heal awaiting to be cast! Serena is yelling
something to this guy. I listen more intently.
She is Yelling at him for helping her up!! That
is why she is shoving him down. I can't help but
laugh.
Serena does this amazing spin and when comming
back around from spinning backwards and slices
the last liche in half!! And people wonder why
I... well I follow her.
Serena yells "OK NOW COME OUT WHOEVER YOU
ARE!!!!"
Good maybe she didn't recognize me. But then
again maybe she did.... I do not budge hehe she
was looking into the forest where I cast my last
spell from. I am now on her left side. Am I why
she is here? Could the evil be reaching those
that I love and care for?? Damn me for not
realizing the danger. Well For now she is safe. I
must keep my vigil. If that little pip-squeack
can keep my secret.
I wonder how he knows my name. Well if he is with
Serena and Cer he must be a good guy.
I take a step back and try to vanish into the
woods. I hope Serena does not use reveal spell
now or she would see me......What is this I feel
in my head?? Oh shoot my helmet is dented and
causing me a headache. I remove it and make a
mental note to fix it in the morning so as not to
attract attention tonight and place it into my
pack. Night Serena I will be keeping
watch............. |
| Momma Sin |
Momma Sin looks around in confusion as she
awakened from a deep sleep at the guild house
forge. What did Cer put in that last apple? Well,
at least I know she is on her way to Serena now,
as planned.
"And I WILL follow. as planned!!" She
thought to herself as she prepared for the
journey.
While running to the stable to get Demon, she
heard a noise, a soft whispery noise, that sent
chills down her spine and gave wings to her feet.
THAT noise again. The same one Serena heard in
the forest. Only much softer as if it were coming
from a great distance. Or fading.....? Or
guiding. Was that it? Was the whisper to guide me
to Serena? Or away?
As Demon reared, Momma made the decision to
follow the whisper as it was in the direction
that the forest lay anyway.
The storm from the west had arrived in full force
now and the lightning crackled and spit blue
flames all around her and Demon as they raced
through the stormy night. And all the while the
whispering could be heard even above the thunder.
Always ahead and just out of reach.
It was going to be a long ride..........
|
| Ladi Serena |
As Serena was chopping down the last lich,
Spitfire playfully lunged for her again..
"Durn it Spit, seriously, you're gonna ruin
my image treatin me like a girl" she said as
she shoved him down again. Spitfire let out a
little laugh as he watched her try to contend
with the lich and him at the same time. Spit had
come to join the guild a few months prior, and he
and Serena had spoken at length on several
occassions, and were very good friends. Serena
was trying not to let on that she seen the glow
of what could only be a hiding spell. She also
knew they wore off. Was it friend or foe? Making
eye contact with Spit, he knew instantly what she
was going to do. He continued the banter, so as
not to tip off the intruder. In the same amount
of time it took the lightening to streak across
the sky, Serena had lunged behind the tree, and
the clang of metal hitting the ground coincided
with the crash of thunder. From the other side of
the tree, Spitfire could see it was a helmet that
had made such noise. Spit rushed over to Serena
and stopped dead in his tracks. Inside, he was
laughing at the man who was at the Lady's mercy,
for she had his sword arm bent behind is back and
was pulling up on his arm, and she had put away
her axe in favor of a very sharp katana, which
she now held against his neck.. Tight enough that
the tip drew blood. "AAHHH M'lady, I see
time has not changed you... you are still geared
like a man. Serena relaxed her grip at the sound
of the once very familiar voice... was it?..
could it ...? surely not. Derrin took this moment
to catch her off guard, one of his favorite past
times. He laid his head back and put his weight
against her... and said.. "ahh yes, geared
like a man, but feel so much like a woman"
knowing that it would get her going, dreading the
words that were already spilling from her tongue.
At the latest comment, Serena let him go. Hard.
In one movement she had dropped Derrin on his
arse in the mud, and sheathed her katana,
registered the VERY amused look on Spitfire's
face, and proceeded to curse a blue streak.
"Hellfire and Damnation Derrin... Aren't you
supposed to be dead?" Derrin laughed and
said "Ahhh, pleasure to see you again as
well, M'lady" then righted himself and
bowed. Serena was trying to be angry, but
couldnt' stop the smile... She put her arms
around his neck and gave him a warm hug... She
had so many questions for him.. where had he
been? why did he go? why did he never leave a
word? why is he back? But all that could wait.
Serena squinted her eyes and looked as far into
the trees as she could see, wondering if there
were any more surprises hiding them. It was close
to dawn now, and the trio decided to find a small
cave and sit down for a bite to eat, the storm
was getting really bad.. They ate quietly, Serena
seemed to be concentrating on something. She was
frowning, and her eyes were as stormy as the sky.
"M'lady, what troubles you so?" Spit
asked. She shook her head as if to clear it, and
said.. "It's Mama.." "The weather
is getting bad and I hope that she found her way
alright. Cerwidan should be here by now, if she
was able to make out my note" Her voice
trailed off, as she rustled through her backpack,
assured that she still had her special axe, she
suggested that they try to sleep a bit. They all
brought out their bedrolls, sleep eluding them as
they waited... |
| DerrinRPGERTR |
When they got to the cave Derrin looked at
Serena! Surprised she was out here but relieved
that she had found him. No longer did he need to
hide in the shadows and try to protect her from
afar! And his plan was to use his strength and
Dexterity as he always did to get to the battle
first before his beloved Serena could. He knew
she would come cussing like a sailor and with a
bandage ready to heal him as she entered the
battle.
He knew she had many many questions. So he
started the conversation first. "Who is your
friend?"Derrin asked.
Serena:"This is Spitfire. He is a good
fellow. Nothing else to be said."
"Same ole huh Serena?"Derrin asks.
"Yeap"Serena Rebutted.
Derrin knew that meant trouble and also meant
that everyone was still trying to protect her.
Which she both liked and yet didn't like. Well
she was back with him and NOTHING I MEAN NOTHING
would harm her while he was still breathing.
"I will tell you what you want to know when
it is right." Derrin said as his glance
shifted to Spitfire.
Spitfire not knowing Derrin except through
reputation looked like he was feeling discomfort
and annoyed. Even he got the message that Derrin
was sending Serena. He didn't want to talk in
front of this guy. And from Derrin's reputation
of being a straight forward person he knew it was
something that was very important and only on a
need to know basis. And obviously Derrin thought
only Serena needed to know.
"It is good to have you near again
Serena."Derrin said. Fighting the urge to
take Serena's hand and hold it with a death grip
that he knows he would never let go. It hurt him
sooo much being away from his friends and his
Guild Family.
"So how is the family?" Derrin asked.
Serena knowing he meant the guild replied;
"Fine but could be better. If someone would
come home! But we are growing and having lots of
fun on hunts."
There was an odd silence as Derrin sat up against
the cave wall with his silver force Katana in his
hand as he watched Serena and Spitfire lay down
in thier bed rolls.
"I will take the first watch." Derrin
said and noticed the glare Serena gave him! He
knew she knew he had no plans on waking either of
them through the night. But she didn't say a
thing. Knowing Derrin does not sleep much and
when he does a noise 300 paces away awakens him
she felt safe. Well safer than she has in a while
and went to sleep. As she was dosing off she
heard Derrin talking to himself.
"Come on Cer and Koj! We will need you very
very soon!" Knowing the core peeps would be
here made even him feel better. This horror he
has lived in for the last 6 months was torturous
and now that his frineds may not know what is
going on with him at least they were there to
fight by his side. And maybe he will get the
chance to tell Serena tomorrow what has happened
and why his armor looks like it has not been
repaired by an armorer in a long time!
As he leaned forward to look at Serena and get a
better field of view outside. But mostly to get
nearer his old friend. He remembers some of the
old battles and wonders why he did not tell her.
Well he knew why. It was too dangerous. Yet now
they are together again. He felt that Cer's and
Koj's travel here to find them would be full of
peril and surprises. Maybe we should head back.
Just a day's journey........... |
| Ladi Serena |
Ladi stood under the awning on the porch of
the guildhouse, enjoying the storm that was now
in full swing. Where was everyone? Probably
hiding like little children. She was so sick of
the pretense, and trying to fit in with all the
little goodies goodies that she was surrounded by
day in and day out. She was pondering the reasons
why she stuck around when she KNEW nobody in this
godforsaken place liked her, not to say the
feeling wasn't mutual. She was of noble blood,
never could understand why people would work
their fingers to the bone at the forge, or bloody
their hands with the dregs of the land. And
ESPECIALLY for sport!! It was sickening. She
couldn't understand these people... standing
around reminiscing on their war stories, seeing
the love for the hunt on their faces.. Ugh. That
was so... so.. common! Her sister Serena was one
of the worst, always so sickeningly sweet. Little
Miss Know It All Do gooder. She was ashamed to
claim the girl as her sister. But she was here at
her Father's request, demand more like it, and it
wouldn't be long til he would summon her home.
"Learn some principals, your sister may not
wish to follow the family's heritage, but she has
good principals, she has good, strong, loyal
friends, you will never take your mother's place
if you don't attempt to temper that attitude,
that evil hidden in your heart.." She
remembered his words clearly. Tired of dwelling
on her "shortcomings" as they had been
called, she decided that she would find something
to while away the time, look for some amusement.
It was then that she saw a streak of gold and red
fly swiftly by... WHo was that? ahh, tis Momma
Sin.. " Hey Momma!!!" This one hadn't
got on her nerves too bad yet... she wondered
where she was off to in such a hurry. Momma
reigned Demon to a halt, and looked at Ladi...
She wasn't sure of the Mistress's sister... there
was something in her eyes that did not bode well.
She had gathered the impression that Ladi was not
well liked among any of the ranks. Since Ladi had
never really spoken to her, she trotted Demon up
to face her. "Please", she said "
I must be going" Ladi was all curiosity
now.. she didn't really want to get INVOLVED,
that would make people think she cared, but my!
she was bored. Momma looked in a terrible rush,
and seemed to be on a mission. Ladi said "
Momma, not that, ya know, I really care what
bloodthirsty quest you embark on, but maybe I
should go with you, to cease my boredomn here.
Without giving Momma a chance to respond, she
casted Paralyze on Momma so she could not leave
her behind, while she went to the stable to pick
up Lovely, her prized jet black mare. Momma stood
there, stuck, and it dawned on her why nobody
liked this insufferable wench... Momma didn't
WANT that conceited oaf following her about...
but there was naught she could do about it. In a
flash, Ladi was back, and the paralyze spell wore
off. Momma was tired of being the meek, mild one,
and this one had just pushed her last button...
She says "look, I dont' NEED you, or anyone
else, I am going to do what I have to do... If
you can keep up, you can go, but if you should
break a pretty little nail, then don't expect me
to stop while you piss and moan about it"
Ladi was startled! Nobody ever really spoke to
her... especially like that... Ahh to Hell with
it!If she got too sick of it, she'd just come
home.... without another word or a backward
glance, Momma kneed her horse and was off like
lightening. Ladi, left in her dust, choked,
cursed under her breath, and took off after
her... Where the heck is she going anyway? |
| Spitfire0101 |
Under Derrin's watchful eye, Spitfire and
Serena laided unharmed and fast asleep in thier
bags. Derrin knew that Cer and Koj would be here
or atleast close to the group and by that time,
he would be able to fill them in on his theroy of
what was after Serena, and how they had to
protect her from whatever it was. As Serena
turned to her right side and made the sweet sound
that made Derrin feel like he was home, and with
friends agian, a noise in the distance made his
ears twitch. He slowly got up and made his way to
the cave door, to get a better hearing of things.
The soft distant sound slowly started to get
louded almost like a horse galloping! It was
Cerwidan Ninebar and Kojak, and boy was he glad
to see his buddy koj. He raced out into the
woods, trying not to wake the others. When he got
near enough he called out " Cerwidan, and
koj, I am glad to see you guys". They
answered with a suprise to thier voices
"Derrin, is that you my good
man?"...... |
| Ladi Serena |
Serena rolled over,trying to block out the
muffled voices that she heard... what were they
doing here in her room anyway? She needed to get
that lock fixed..... She tried to block out the
voices but couldn't. Exasperated, she flopped
over on to what she had thought was her nice big
fluffy Harpy stuffed pillow, she cursed not so
quietly as her head hit the ground hard with a
Thud. Now that she was fully awake, she looked
around slowly and it all came back to her.
Voices... hmmm Derrin and Spitfire? She strained
her ears. Nay, that was a female. Where in
Sosaria were they anyway? She could barely hear
the whisper of their voices, and couldn't see a
durned thing! She walked over to the few sticks
of wood that they had thrown in the back of the
cave and picked up a few to throw on the fire..
WHOEVER it was, was probably cold and wet... was
the least she could do. "Welp," she
said as she brushed off her hands... "I have
done my domestic duty for the week". She
smiled at the thought of her standing there
talking to herself, and found her way outside to
see who was makin all the racket. Just to be on
the safe side, she walked very lightly, and
stayed in the shadows. Finally, the voices became
loud enough that she could make out parts of the
conversation. Were they keeping quiet because of
her? Because they did not want to wake her, or
because they did not want to hear what they were
talking about.... The voices became hushed again,
so Serena moved just a bit closer... She heard
Cer say in what was barely above a whisper,
"tis Ladi, I know it... ... not
tell......believe......saw her ... was
meditating... chanting..... Serena.... evil....
but...sisters.... can't say anything....
sure...... Promise... her own good." Serena
was frustrated... she could only make out a few
words that made absolutely no sense. She leaned
against a nearby tree so that maybe she could
lean in a bit closer.... she reached for the
branch above her head to brace herself. Of
course, the branch snapped with a loud CRACK!!...
it was just her luck. She smiled, and pretended
that she hadn't heard anything at all...
"Ahh Cer!!! Good to see you safe". She
surveyed the faces of the foursome, oddly none of
which would look her in the eyes. The quieted
murmurs had halted immediately when the blasted
tree limb gave way.. That was when she knew...
they were speaking of her... so quietly, so that
she wouldn't wake and overhear... Cerwidan and
Serena had never kept secrets between them. She
searched Cer's face, not wanting to have to ask.
After a minute or two of stone cold silence, she
looked at Derrin, who was staring at his feet...
and Kojak... rubbing his foot in the dirt.... and
Spit.. vigorously trying to remove some imaginary
dirt from his armor. She could tell that they
didn't know that she had overheard snatches of
their conversation... it was for the best. She
knew all these warriors enough to know that if
they kept a secret, if it WAS in fact a
secret...that they had a good reason in doing so,
and one of them would break down and tell her
eventually. Not wanting to dwell on it, she waved
it out of her head, and told Cer and Kojak to
come into the cave to warm up and get dry. The
rain would be letting up soon, and they could
continue to their destination... wherever that
may be... |
| DerrinRPGWRTR |
As Derrin left the cave to see who was
comming. He knew deep in his heart that it would
be Cerwidan and Kojak! Yet he still drew his
sword! When he saw the two he was relieved he
yelled to them and flagged them down. He told
them to hitch thier horses right outside the cave
and they needed to talk. Right away! Der and Koj
not asking many questions did as Derrin suggested
and tyied up thier horses to trees on either side
of the cave mouth. Derrin then found some shelter
and built a small fire.
Cerwidan embraced Derrin with a long hug. And
Kojak drew his sword and lunged at Derrin (This
was something Derrin expected when he was arouns
Koj. Kojak was alway trying to get a clean hit on
his master and friend.) Derrin still embracing
Cerwidan shifted his weight and moved Cer out of
the way of Koj's sword and let a kick fly. The
sword flew out of Kojaks hand as Derrin drew his
sword and put it to Koj's neck. His right hand
fully extended and the sword about half an inch
from Koj's neck they both smiled!
"You are getting better Kojak."Derrin
said; "You got closer this time. You must be
practicing."
He sheathed his sword and while Kojak was lookin
for his sword by torchlight Derrin and Cer
finished thier hug and looked at each other.
Cerwidan then punched Derrin where there was a
spot not covered with armor and said "How
could you let us believe you were dead??!!"
Derrin avoiding the question told them to sit and
eat some food he had prepared. They gladly sat
and started eating. Derrin knew they had been
riding all day and all night to get there. And he
was not going to tell them they were eating Dire
wolf. He just enjoyed seeing them eat and
enjoying thier presence.
"So why did you and Mi'lady summon
us??" Cerwidan asked.
"Well I am not sure why she summoned you but
I summoned Koj cause I knew she was summoning
you. And if I do not miss my guess we are all in
over our heads!" Derrin replied. Koj and Cer
knowing Derrin's hunches knew this was bad!
"So what is going on with you and why did
you disappear??" Kojak asked. KNowing this
would come up soon Derrin explained that that was
a story for another time.
"All I am willing to say right now is it was
a vision. And I must do what I must. I do however
regret not letting you know what it was or at
least telling you about my vision or that I was
leaving. But right now we need to keep You and
Serena safe!!" He said pointing to Cerwidan.
Cer looking confused began telling Derrin and
Kojak about Serena's last quest with the
"Magic Axe" and the cercumstances
behind thier secret code.
About this time Spitfire had gotten up and was
headed down the small hidden path to where the
group was beckened by the fire. Derrin heard him
and payed no attention He was sure that Cer had
heard him too. For she was sitting just to his
right and KOj had seen him cause he was sitting
on the other side of the fire. Kojak slid his
eyes toward Spitfire to warn us and Derrin just
shook his head. Koj.Cer,Derrin,And serena had an
intensive code of head and eye movments so both
Cer and Derrin when what Koj was saying. Cer
turned around and looked at spitfire (Still half
asleep) and told him to sit and warm up. At this
time they started discussing what each of them
knew.
Derrin sitting back listening to each story.
First Kojak's story. He went on about how he has
been keeping the house in order and that he did
not know about this "Magic Axe" and
that the last time Serena disappeared he and Cer
went to get her. And they brought her back but
Serena would not talk in front of him. Yet to
Kojak that was not strange. They talked to Derrin
and if Derrin though it was somthing he needed to
know then Derrin would tell him.
"I was suprised to get your note
master."Kojak said; "Even I was
starting to think you were dead! But when I saw
your signature on it I took off right away! That
is why I am here." He concluded!
Derrin smiled he knew Kojak would do what the
note said. Just as he knew that Serena would
summon Cerwidan. Then Spit fire began. He talked
about how he noticed Serena acting strange and
how that eveytime he tried following her she sent
him on some silly quest or something that was
easily done. After the thrid time he knew what
she was doing and decided to just follow her from
afar.
"and that is when she grabbed Derrin!"
Spirfire concluded.
The whole group laughed. Derrin should have been
ready for it but they knew the soft spot he had
for the ladies of the guild. Derrin chuckled
annoyingly. At least it was out. But he still
gave Spitfire some steady looking eyes that
transmitted his distaste in the matter. Spitfire
smiles as if he had just gotten a revenge of some
sort.
The Cerwidan started her story. She talked about
the "Magic Axe" And how the voices were
leading Serena to some aweful peril or reward.
But it was eerie and that she was conscerned.
And about that time Kojak cleared his throat and
slid his eyes again and Cer and Derrin got quiet.
Spit fire not knowing thier code and signals
looked questioningly at the group.
"What is it?? Why stop here Cer??" Spit
asked.
Just then they all heard a snap of the tree
branch and Cer and Derrin turned around slowly to
see Serena there behind a tree stumbling forward!
Derrin held back a chuckle and looke down to hide
it from Serena. The others got nervous about her
arrival and started doing things to keep from
having eye contact with her.
Derrin was greatly relieved that he did not have
to tell his story. He would save that for a later
time. But Serena he owed it to her to know. He
would pull her off the side later and tell her.
As soon as he could. She must know. He owed her
that much!
Serena told Koj and Cer to go into the cave and
dry up. Spitfire followed his head down. Not
wanting Serena to know what they were talking
about and leaving so he would not break down and
tell her. If the others did not want her to know
then he didn't either. They had thier reasons and
that was good enough for him too.
Well the time had come so Derrin nodded to Serena
and she followed him into the woods after the
others had gone into the cave. She knew he had to
tell her something very very important and she
was glad that the opportunity arrived before they
got too far along.
She did not ask even one question as the storm
started letting up. Derrin started to speak
"Well I owe you to know what has happened.
It all started with this vision I had. It was of
you and Cerwidan......................"
While Derrin and Serena talked Kojak and Cerwidan
finished eating and layed thier bed rolls out.
"Are we not going to go guard Serena??"
Spitfire asked.
Kojak busted out in a hearty laugh. "He has
not had time to fight along side Derrin yet has
he??"
Cerwidan said "Derrin and Serena can handle
anything the Gods throw at them. They have fought
elder gazers and titans alone! Leave them be and
guard us while we sleep if you must do
something."
"....and that is why I am out here my lady.
I must keep you two safe." Derrin said. That
was all the group of warriors heard as they
walked up to ask Serena and Derrin where they
were to go next. Derrin and Serena had not
noticed but the sun was now high in the sky.
"Must be about noonish." Cerwidan
observed.
Derrin looked to Serena and asked "Where to
Mi'Lady?" For he was not sure at this time
wheather his quest was the same as hers and yet
he knew he must protect her at all costs! |
| Momma Sin |
Momma Sin paced back and forth at the edge
small clearing like a caged tiger. Time was of an
essence now and this forced delay was making her
agitated. But she knew this was a neccesary
thing, and forced herself to calm down.
As she watched Ladi meditating, she looked so
peaceful, totally opposite of the conflict Momma
was dealing with.
The conflict and idea arose inside of Momma as
her and Ladi were racing through the night. They
say Ladi can speak to the spirits through her
"pets".
Well, there were spirits at loose this night. And
they were evil ones at that. Maybe that's where
the key to finding out what was happening to
Serena. Knowing that Serena was pure of heart,
she would never be able to actually communicate
with evil spirits, only the benevolent ones. But
Ladi, on the other hand was a totally different
story. The girl knew evil and was not so pure at
heart.
Momma didn't believe for a minute that Ladi would
intentionally bring harm to anyone in the guild,
nor could be so distant as she pretended to be,
and really thought her "prickly"
attitude was a cover for her true feelings.
Yet did she dare trust Ladi enough to tell her
what was going on and request her to attempt to
help her sister?
Nay, that was not a chance that Momma could take,
with Serena's life being the wager. But there WAS
a way.
So when Ladi asked Momma for the tenth time what
was going on, Momma spoke to her in a derisive
voice. "Why don't you ask that black mare of
yours, m'lady? I hear you think more of her than
you do anyone else in the guild-besides, would
you lower yourself to ask me, a mere Initiative
for information?"
In a more soft voice Momma exclaimed "Oh,
Ladi, I am sorry, I'm just not myself tonight. I
don't know what in the world is be-devilling me.
Of course I will tell you what's going on. It is
just that Serena has taken on a lover, and I am
trying to find out who it is. That's all."
Ladi laughed wickedly "oh, Momma you are
such a terrible liar!! Although I DO believe it
is concerning Serena but it is obvious that you
are not going to tell me what's going on, so
maybe I will take your advice and ask Lovely. She
probably knows more than you anyway, hehe.
"You may ride on Momma, I will catch up with
you shortly, I'm sure you will be okay without my
protection for a short time."
"As you wish" Momma replied as she
whirled Demon to race back into the night. But at
the edge of the clearing, she pulled her horse to
a halt and jumped off of his back, walking back
to where Ladi was already into her
"meditation" The coal black mare's mane
whipping in her face as she whispered into the
horse's ear.
She wasn't sure this was going to work, but it
was the only way she could think of to find out
what was happening to Serena.
Momma knew that Serena had the best and most
loyal knights of all Sosaria to fight by her
side. But they had to know WHAT they were
fighting, before the powerful warriors would know
HOW to fight it. They had slain demons, and
dragons and liches and probably enemies that
Momma had never even heard of yet. But this
unknown evil was a whole different thing.
Momma was jerked from her thoughts by the loud
neighing that Lovely was emitting. And Ladi began
to speak in sing song voice that Momma had never
heard before.....
"Serena must die before the next full moon
....." |
| Ladi Serena |
Serena didn't really know what to believe.
Her friends sneaking behind her back... and all
that whispering about her sister... "For
Cryin out loud, what could Ladi possibly have to
do with any of this? and what is for my own good?
" she wondered. The bits of conversation
played over again and again in her head. Bah!!
She is just going to have to ask Cer. Cer can not
tell lies, so if she asks her straight out, then
she will surely get the truth. She let the
nagging in the back of her head fade, as she
focused her attention on Derrin and his
explanation of his time away. He seemed to have
journeyed out on a quest of his own, and Serena
felt guilt ridden for draggin him into her
mess... Now he must deal with his own problems...
and .. hers. She could try to send him away, but
he would never go, she knew that. Excusing
herself from Derrin, she suddenly realized that
Cer had been here all day and had only said one
sentence to her. That was very odd. Something
must really be troubling her... Serena thought
maybe she should go offer to lend an ear, or a
shoulder, or whatever her friend needed. She made
up her mind... secrets or no... she was going to
find her, and see what in tarnation was going on.
She seen Cerwidan staring into a puddle just up
the road aways... she lengthened her stride.. She
was focused on her destination.. then it
happened... The pain sliced through her head like
a thousand orc chopper axes. The bright light,
the scream of pain, the soul shaking agony....
the vision... She bit her lip until she drew
blood, trying to bear the pain that ravaged her
entire body, because this time... this time she
could see a little bit more... much more than
what she wanted to see. She fell to her knees..
holding one hand to her head as if to hold it on
her shoulders, the other hand clawed at the earth
beneath her, "surely that isn't... this
can't.. oh NOO, god please... NOOOOO" she
wailed, "Mommmmmma... noooooo" She was
almost delirious now, the entire party had rushed
to her aid, but could only helplessly watch...
Serena had mentioned the "slightly
uncomfortable" feelings that the visions
brought her, but they had never imagined anything
like this... Serena was calming down .. but it
was still obvious that she was caught between the
planes of her vision and reality. Spitfire sat on
his knees, and coaxed the hysterical lady to lay
her head down upon his knee.... Cerwidan,
standing there, never feeling so helpless before,
a single tear sliding down her cheek.
"M'lady are you okay?, please, please just
be okay.. you'll be fine, you'll be fine... I
promise" Serena's eyes opened wide, as if
she was still seeing the image... she
whimpered... she began to cry... She was in a
state of dementia that none of them had ever
witnessed. She was tossing her head from side to
side... Spit desperately trying to hold her down,
a furrow in his brow. He was very worried...
Through the haze of unconsciousness... Serena
said "Ceeerrr... It was him, the letter, he
told her... he taught her.. she was always ....
Father .. disgrace... ritual.. .. too late...
Momma is... Momma need...
Mommmmma......noooooooooooooooooooooo!!!"
The last ounce of energy left her body, as she
lay limp in between Derrin and Spitfire. Cerwidan
dried the tears that fell down her face,
straightened her shoulders out and said
"Serena wants us to leave her here, she will
be fine... We must find Momma Sin NOW!.. Serena
will catch up to us.. she promised me right
before she passed out..." Derrin and kojak
looked at each other, wondering if they now must
deal with another hysterical female.... They sure
hadn't heard anything of the sort... "trust
me" Cer said... "just trust me" |
| DerrinRPGWRTR |
"LETS GO DERRIN!!!!" Cer had
managed to convince everyone to leave Serena but
Derrin. She knew whatever it was they needed to
leave now and they needed Derrin too.
"I HAVE LIVED IN THESE WOODS THE LAST 7
MONTHS I WILL NEVER LEAVE SOMEONE HELPLESS HERE
MUCH LESS SERENA!!" He screamed at Cer. She
may have known her and Serena's code. But she did
not know what was in these woods. Had she not
realized the worn look to his armor. Well not
worn look heel it was about to fall apart!
"We will need you." Cer said calmly.
She will be fine!
"I have an idea!" Derrin said. He let
out a loud whistle and an magnificent steed came
as if from nowhere and strode up to Derrin. It
was saddled and haltered. It had a hackamore
cause Derrin did not believe in using harmfull
bits in a horses mouth. He reached into it's
saddle bags and pulled out an healing potion. He
ran to Serena's helpless body and picked her head
up and made her drink of the potion.
"She will be conscious in a few hours. I
hope." Derrin said. "But do not think I
will leave her!" He glared at Cerwidan.
Cerwidan knew he would resign from the guild on
the spot if she demanded he leave her again!
"What will you do then?" She asked.
"We will need you down the road. You know
this forest better than any of us!"
Derrin picked his helpless friend off of the
ground and bound her to his saddle. He then took
his steed (Which was a very dark roan and stood
as tall as a nightmare) and pointed to Cer's
horse and simply said "Follow".
"Are you Daft Derrin? How will you get
around?? Serena did not bring her horse!!"
Cer scolded him.
Kojak laughed obviously Cer had forgotten how
fast Derrin was on his feet. Derrin took off and
yelled behind him "Are you comming or
not??"
Cer and the others kneed thier horses and they
took off in a blaze of speed following Derrin
through the woods headed for the opening that was
to be where Momma Sin was.
Now Derrin was wondering if it was he who brought
them in to his nightmare or has he been drug into
thiers............... |
| Cerwidan Ninebar |
Cer felt quite guilty about feeding Momma the
apples, knowing that the nightshade often found
in the packs with the apples had tainted them
just enough to give a weary person rest. While
heading to the bright white marble porch of the
guildhouse she spied an old friend waiting behind
the screen of vendors. Momma stumbled and
Cerwidan half carried her to safety. "Kojak,
help me get her comfortable please?" They
placed her on the second floor, near the forge
for warmth.
"What brings you by here? I haven't seen you
in ages!" Cer arched her eyebrow.
Kojak bowed deeply. "M'lady, Derrin bids me
to give you this." Cer saw the folded
parchment with the sure hand of Derrin the Meek.
Cer was begining to be tired of letters. She read
through the note quickly and nodded to herself.
It seemed she was destined to have a protector on
this mission, and she was not going to provoke
the Powers That Be by trying to get out of this
one. One glance told her Kojak was ready to leap,
he was wound so tightly. "M'lady? I have
taken the liberty of obtaining a mount for you,
if you can wait one moment i will go and get
it." Cer nodded and before another moment
passed Kojak had vanished in a smell of magic.
Cerwidan raced back to her house and gathered
extra food and bandages, her silver kriss,
and...she thought carefully, Yes. The vanquish
spear. If Serena died then all the great weapons
in the world would bring little comfort. The last
touch, her magic armor. It might look terrible,
but Cer knew it would protect her better than any
of Valetta's work. As she made a mental apology
to her smith, she turned to see Kojak waiting
with a gray streed in tow. The guilty look on his
face told her hed seen just a little more than he
should have. Inwardly she grinned, but she kept a
stern outer expression. "It isn't nice to
spy on ladies getting dressed, Koj." She
swung onto the horses back and galloped off,
knowing Kojak would be close behind. I have
wasted too much time already, I can only hope
Derrin is keeping her safe, Cer thought.
"And where HAS that Derrin been anyway??????
We all thought he was dead!"
"I truly don't know, M'lady. He will tell me
nothing, and I know him best. I think he is in
trouble and won't tell anyone because he wishes
to involve noone, least of all me. I wish he'd
give me a little credit once in a while!"
They rode on in silence to the forest Cer was
begining to dread so well.
A long ride later, in the mud left behind by the
terrible storm, Cer looked helplessly at the
ground where a battle had obviosly taken place.
Her tracking skills had long since been left
behind for a warrior's scars, however, the trail
was not hard to find or follow. What distressed
her most was the inability to find from the marks
what had happened. They rode on. For the first
time in hours, Cer wondered about Momma. She
doubted that Momma would stay at the guild, or
out of trouble. Cerwidan could only hope to
arrive ahead of her and solve this mystery before
momma got there.
The trail led to a small clearing where smoke
trailed to the sky from the opening of a small
cave. Cer galloped her mount straight into the
makeshift camp and skid to a stop.
"Derrin!!!!" |
| Cerwidan Nindar |
"It is time to tell what I know"
Cer bagan to tell the tale in hushed tones so as
not to awaken Serena sleeping in the cave
behind....
For some time now, Serena has been the subject of
some terrible vision. She will not tell me what
it is, but I sense it is grave, forgive the pun.
It began here in this forest one night when we
were hunting. Since then she has felt drawn here
periodically, often when the moon is full. What
she does NOT know, and what I fear the most is
what I have come to know just recently. The last
time she felt pulled I was not there. Instead, I
walked in on her sister, Ladi, chanting some
strange spell over a chalked pentagram late at
night. So deep was her trance that she did not
see me at the edge of the roof, behind the tables
and chairs she had moved to do her work. I know
not the words of power she used, they were
completely different than the ones I am used to.
I understood only one word of the whole chant,
and that was "Serena". I hid myself as
best I could and waited. After what seemed like
hours Ladi stirred from her trance and doused the
candles with a wave of her hand. She erased the
pentagram with another wave and spoke the Words
that activate a rune. When she was gone I
examined the area and found a much folded letter,
one often read. It appeared to be from their
father, telling Ladi to mend her ways or there
would be nothing for her to return to. Some of
the passages were marked in red, like the stains
of blood. Every red passage spoke of how Serena
was an example to be admired and followed. More
than half of these passages were blurred and very
hard to read. Friends, there were only two
passages left unmarked. Our dear Lady is in
danger.I fear the danger comes from that snake of
a sister. But we can not tell Serena, she would
never believe her sister had anything to do with
this! Can you imagine how hard this has been for
me, I have never kept anything from her before.
With all of us assembled we might be able to do
something, but we must keep watch over Serena.
I gave M'lady a special axe, and asked her to
take it with her if ever she felt the pull again.
It is a Repond, one made especially for slaying
humaniod forms. I told her I found it, but the
truth is I searched long and far to locate just
such a weapon. The strange thing is, just when I
had given up on ever finding one, I did find it,
on the body of a lich. At the time I was simply
grateful I had one, but thinking back perhaps it
was no mere chance that it came to me. The
question is: was it a gift from the Powers That
Be, or a trick from Ladi or the Power that seems
to be working through her? |
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