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Post by Bellighul//Amilcar on Sept 2, 2022 13:41:49 GMT -5
A shimmering lake reflected the high sun which hungover numerous palm and date trees, casting intricate shadows over other lush vegetation. As serene as the Oasis was, a wonderous reprieve from the vast shifting dunes and merciless desert heat, it was bustling with conversation and business. Whilst tall camels and the occasional horse and mule drank from the lake's waters, their masters congregated together in various groups. Men and women from across Charon stopped here for trade and a needed rest. However, occupied by mainly Zeinavians and their diverse cultural heritage.
Robes and dresses of every color and material swayed in the light wind, as city folk and the nomads amassed together. Turbans of cotton and silk wrapped the wealthier traders from the Zeinav City bazaar. Women, with cowl and without, displayed golden amulets, bangles and rings of fine craftsmanship. The smell of handcrafted perfumes filled the air. The nomads, completely covered in wrappings to guard against the brutal sand and sun, sported dyed fabrics of rich vibrancy denoting their clans. Sugary pomegranate tobacco smoke danced upwards from old friends and dragonchess played on portable tables. A bard strummed an enormous lute; laying flat and tiled in a mosaic of turquoise and chiffon blue.
A nomad child danced to its music; in a Dervish style of swinging and leaping.
This was but some of the people of Bellighul; who emerged near the large stone fortification that was the Trading Post.
He had been chatting with a trader, bearing crimson turban adorned with silver brooches and chains denoting status in the Great Bazaar. A guffaw was bellowed from a large beard as the Tomb King muttered a few curses in jest.
The blackened robes of the Ebon Enigma traversed into the Trading Post, his skeletal mask made him easily recognizable to his peers. An albino camel nudging him with its head, his gloved hands tracing its strong neck only to slap it gently on the shoulder. However, this was not the only beast that greeted him.
"CAW! BELLIGHUL!" He heard from his left. Do my ears deceive me? He thought to himself.
Passing by a spice merchant, who slung various deals and discounts in his native tongue loud as anyone could here, the Necromancer made his way closer to the source of the sound. The void like eyes of his mask scanning in all directions in a frantic haste. When seconds felt like hours, the crowd was thinner today than normal but difficult to navigate on the main walkways, he spotted a woman with a black half veil, thin enough to follow the silhouette of her jaw line, hiding some beauty but not her cerulean eyes, which shimmered a more brilliant blue than the lake itself. Unmistakable. Mischief cawed once more. She was talking with another man; a scar, short beard and likewise black hair pulled backwards. His eyes like emeralds beneath a shemagh of quality material, one who knows braving this desert requires protection from it's oppressive sun.
He did not mean to interject, ever courteous of the social formalities, but his surprise had overtaken him. "It has been some time, Kamille of the Exalted Flames." He bowed, hand over heart as he came into view. The other man, he had not seen before surely as he was distinctive, but not of Zeinavian descent to be sure. Thus he too spoke the common tongue to Zak. "A pleasure to meet your acquaintance, I am known as Bellighul." Shadowy wisps of harmless energy rolled off his fingers as he extended his hand for a formal handshake, mindful of the silvery-gray wolf guarding his side.
"By Lunala's dark mysteries and fortune, I may be so bold as to suggest a bit of adventure. I was told, as the winds change the sands endlessly, that Kamaz nomads of the Northern Reaches spotted ruins unearthed but a short distance from here. A particular ancient site as it were...that of Ahriman. I am merely gathering my strength before I make my way to it's clutches. If you two are in search of relics, as per the Mage's Guild...there may be something of great importance." The Tomb King glanced over to Kamille, having told her of his former Obelisk in the past.
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Post by Zak on Sept 2, 2022 15:52:54 GMT -5
Gray drank from the lake beside him as Zak refilled his waterskin. It had been a draining trek over the dunes, but they had made good time having arrived at the oasis before the sun had reached its zenith. It was crowded today, and Zak looked around trying to find a place where he could camp away from most of the activity.
Not noticing a desirable location to make camp nearby, he started walking along the shoreline. Zak smiled as he passed the diverse groups of people mingling together. He had always appreciated the fact that even tribes with grievances against each other saw the Oasis as neutral ground. The need for basic survival tended to exceed other considerations.
As his gaze moved past a young nomad buying wares, Zak stilled. Raven feathers. It couldn’t be, could it? Zak immediately started walking in her direction. The long black hair flowing from underneath the exquisite veil wrapped around her head with her trademark raven feathers along her shoulders called to Zak. It was definitely Kamille.
"CAW! BELLIGHUL!"
Zak chuckled recognizing Mischief’s caw. He glanced at the large gray wolf at his side, wondering how the raven and Gray would get along. For a moment, he considered sending the wolf away but quickly realized that he wanted Kamille to meet his new companion.
“Kamille,” Zak said softly as he approached her, Gray at his side. “Fate has found reason for us to meet again.” Meeting her dark blue eyes, Zak’s face lit up with joy.
Before he could say more, a dark-robed figure with a skull-like iron mask adorning his face approached them. Obviously a friend of Kamille, Zak shook Bellighul's hand and listened cordially as Bellighul put forth quite an interesting proposal.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 2, 2022 18:55:20 GMT -5
Kamille had her spirits high that day. After meeting a friend at the desert, during what would otherwise be a lonely journey, she got to find what she was looking for. With the parts of the cactus safely put away in her alchemy purse, she thought she could reward herself with a pleasant walk through the outpost, curiously looking at the merchant's trades. The witch had been so absorbed and taken by a nice collection of jewels one merchant showed her; when she heard her name being called out, she straightened up with a fright.
Her blue eyes widened up as she looked around and found none other than Zak's green eyes staring back at her. Despite the addition of the black half veil to protect her face from the whiplashing sand, her eyes shone brightly with joy and he knew her to be smiling. If that wasn't enough, she promptly threw her arms around his neck, bringing him into a warm hug. The last time she met him was long ago - truth be told, she never expected to ever see him again. She stood at the tip of her feet to reach out to him.
"I can't believe it! Zak, it's you! It's been so long! I feel like the sands of the desert are being uncommonly gracious with me these last few days... What are you doing here?!"
But the day's excitement wasn't over. Mischief croaked something else, which made her step back from her hug with Zak and look around. Yet again, recognition shone in her eyes, as Bellighul approached. Kamille smiled one of those bright smiles again, barely containing herself of excitement. For the Lord of Ghouls she offered a flawless curtsy, worthy of a noble lady of the court.
"I can't believe it... For all of the places! Bellighul! What brings you here?"
Adventure, no doubt, she understood as Bellighul spoke of his intentions of seeking out a relic in the desert. She looked over from Zak to Bellighul.
"Perhaps we could talk it over a drink? Sounds like we got a lot to talk about... The Mage's Guild? But first, Bellighul, this is my friend, Zak. We met during a championship that took place a while ago. And Zak, this is Bellighul, a friend I made back home. And who might this one be?"
She turned to Gray, curious about the wolf by Zak's side. She remembered him mentioning a wolf he felt was his destiny, so she assumed it was this one. Yet, everything was happening so fast she needed some time to put things into perspective. Bellighul spoke of ruins and, what stood out to her, the Mage's Guild.
She wanted to know more.
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Post by Bellighul//Amilcar on Sept 4, 2022 3:07:13 GMT -5
"A drink? Say no more." Bellighul wholeheartedly agreed.
They were in a small recess in the crowd but with ease found a vendor of all manner of drink nearby. This particular Trading Post was host to numerous representatives to the finest vintners and brewers in Zeinav; perhaps all of Charon. As it was the surest point at which such goods may travel across the desert to the Inner Sea and the trade routes to the furthest reaches of the realms. Heaven for a drunkard. Yet, moderation was required if travel across the dunes was on the horizon. This would not stop the Lord of Ghouls from enjoying at least one.
Pulling up a small wooden table just outside the main courtyard, the trio sat on rather comfortable stools. A shading fabric outstretched above them as the dry desert wind entered from on high. A man sporting a rather elaborate moustache, six separated rings of waxed hair forming beyond his plump and rosy cheeks. His orange turban simple. He spoke to Bellighul in a local dialect, the two seemed to be arguing yet it was custom to haggle. If one did not, they would insult the vendor due to the fact only a fool or a thief would agree to pay such prices. After approximately a minute, the man shook the Tomb King's hand vigorously and went off to fetch the drinks.
"Forgive me for the exclusion, you see, some folk here refuse to speak the common tongue. In part, I concur. This is Zeinav after all...not Sol City." A hint of venom struck out as he spoke of the Capital, but did not elaborate.
As his sentence finished three moonstone chalices were presented, carved from a single piece of the wonderous material. Harbored for the most distinguished of guests. Their beautiful iridescence captured by the light as shades of blue, violet and a soft opaque white glistened.
Feeling comfortable amongst companions, notably his kin, he reached inward into his shemagh and released a number of clasps. His iron mask pulled from his pallid face and set aside before removing his cowl. His scarlet eyes meeting the Sapphire and Emerald irises of Kamille and Zak, respectively. Ashen locks hung loosely past his collarbones and contrasted heavily with his ebony robes. No less than a second latter, the vendor returned with a dusty green bottle, it's cork covered in a hand dipped black wax down the neck of the container.
Bellighul's white eyebrows lifted swiftly as a smirk warped his rather stoic demeanor as he gazed to the vendor. Suddenly, the vendor let out a battle cry that resonated across the masses. From behind him, he loosed a a short saber and slid the blade down the neck and into the cork. A loud pop sounded as the cork went barreling into the distance and a straw collared foam bellowed out before the vendor poured the contents equally in individual gem honed glassware.
Onlookers clapped vigorously as the Lord of Ghouls began to speak. "The day is early but the sun waits for no one...Kamile, you are an exception of course, but we do not wield flames at a whim." He jested, lifting the chalice to his future compatriots and fellow travelers. "Water is a necessity but the trek is not far...I long to show you the hidden mysteries of..."
Across the way, a drunken Nomad barely able to stand, screamed loudly at a golden armored patrol of Elves who passed by. "Glory be to great Zeinav!" His drink snatched and pardoned by the other vendor. Unrest was in the air, even though in small quantities.
Bellighul drank of his wine and said nothing on the matter, save for the meeting of the eyes of the Nomad and with a slight, barely perceptible nod. Thus he continued. "The hidden mysteries of Ahriman. I have heard rumors of a particular Obsidan Mirror of great interest. If we make haste we can recover the object before nightfall. Perhaps other treasures. I would not blindly lead you into such ruins without saying there is certainly danger...but nothing we could not handle. What say you both?"
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Post by Zak on Sept 4, 2022 19:52:07 GMT -5
Zak inhaled Kamille’s unique scent as he gathered her close, relishing the feel of her warmth against his body. He yearned to carry her off so they could be alone, but before he could even consider acting upon his thoughts, Kamille moved out of his arms and greeted a mysterious looking stranger with a formal curtsy worthy of a queen.
Zak smiled wryly. Kamille of the Exalted Flames had acquaintances throughout the land, and Zak the lowly tribesman was but one in a list of many. “Good to meet you Bellighul,” Zak greeted the masked man cordially with only a hint of his disappointment of the interruption apparent. After shaking Bellighul’s hand, Zak put his hand on the large wolf’s head. “Kamille. This is Gray.” Zak’s green eyes sparkled. “Gray, Kamille.” The large wolf moved forward a step and bumped Kamille’s hand with his snout before returning to Zak’s side. Zak’s smile grew even wider.
Bellighul led them to a table and once seated he took off his mask. What was the man’s story? Zak wondered. Who was he? Knowing those questions would have to wait, Zak kept quiet. At the moment, Bellighul was preoccupied with telling them of recent rumors of the hidden mysteries of Ahriman and the Obsidian Mirror. Did Zak want to join the man on his quest? Zak glanced at Kamille, meeting her gaze. If she wanted to help her friend, he would as well.
“Sir Bellighul. I usually don’t join in quests with someone of such short acquaintance, but if Kamille vouches for your trustworthiness, I offer you my help in your endeavor.”
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 5, 2022 9:19:56 GMT -5
It was all happening so fast, she didn’t know what to focus on first. She greeted Gray with a tender smile, but then Mischief made a weird, low caw he never done before. Perched up her shoulder, when she felt Gray's cold, moist snout on her hand, the raven's feathers ruffled up.
"Oh, please, Mischief.... Be nice to Gray. Don’t worry, Zak. Mischief is quicker to accept people, rather than other animals. He'll warm up to him."
As he always did. Then, Bellighul guided them to a place they could have a drink, and she couldn’t help but notice the small slight in his voice when he mentioned Sol City. She didn’t believe she ever mentioned to him the Court she was a part of was the King's Court, at Sol City. Despite abandoning her station, she still felt her heart attached and loyal to the King. The King had no bearings in the drama that ensued in her life, and even left the doors open for her.
Kamille exchanged a few meaningful glances with Zak, certainly not familiar with Zeinav's culture. In that regard, she thought as she saw Bellighul haggle with the merchant, maybe it was good to have someone from the region to help them around. A strange culture, indeed, she thought as the merchant brought them their drink.
Some drunk yelled something. She could feel the drama cooking in the background of that place and, if life at Court taught her something. She shook her head, trying to wave away such thoughts. She sat down close to Zak and Gray - when time allowed, she wished to know what he had been up to since the championship.
Bellighul spoke of an artifact, and that immediately caught her attention, making her stop mid gesture as she was taking her glass to her lips. There was a moment of silence as she clearly searched for a piece of information in her mind, her eyes locked at a vague point before her. Then, she turned to Bellighul.
"Does this place relate to the Mystical Archive in any way? I'm pretty sure I read something about it, but it's escaping me as of now...." When it was time to answer Zak's question, she offered him a reassuring smile. She gently squeezed his hand.
"You can rest assured Lord Bellighul is trustworthy. He is a friend. And I can bet Mistress Serra would be delighted to hear of your adventures through the desert, if you ask me. As for me, I'm sold. People have told me already my curiosity will one day kill me, and I'm certainly willing to prove them right."
She turned to Bellighul, with that spark in her eyes known to be any mage's or researcher's undoing.
"I'm interested."
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Post by Bellighul//Amilcar on Sept 6, 2022 13:39:19 GMT -5
"No need for such a title, Zak." Bellighul exchanged a nod and a thankful wave of the hand. "There are no 'sirs' in this land, but 'Pashas' and I am not one of them. Yet, you flattered my pride and for that, you and your wolf are welcome in my company any time." His Zeinavian adoration for titles and compliments were a cultural norm he was exemplary of. Stoking his ego was one of the surest ways to find favor with the Lord of Ghouls. He rose the moonstone chalice to toast and drank fully it's contents.
"I am inclined to believe so, the Obsidian Mirror is far older than Ahriman itself. A relic from the Age of Wonders. On it's reverse side details it's forger and former proprietors; a catalogue of ownership. Thus, the Mage's Guild would find it to be a welcome addition. For us, entry into the Guild itself surely and perhaps, Ahriman holds more secrets left better to private collections." His implications were very clear, a two-fold reason to brave a sand-sunk city for personal gain.
As Kamille vogued for his character, he did not speak on the title of 'Lord"; as he fully believed, and not without reason, that he was indeed master of the necrophagous undead and soon, all the dark arts.
"Excellent to hear!" he boisterously exclaimed. The vendor was summoned again and an aged Port Wine from the Eastern Shores was poured. Tapping his gloved finger on the wooden table, he continued. "We will begin soon, but no deal with a Banu Enzara is ever a true pact without a drink to crown it sacred. It represents the blood of our ancestors and the earth." He spoke of himself, the last of the ancient nomadic tribe. Curiously, dying out centuries ago before his return. It was a prestigious one but often thought of more in infamy in modern times. "May Lunala curse our lives forever should we betray another on this quest. On my honor."
He toasted to Zak once again, the vintage wine smelling of dried stone fruits, honey and wood barrels.
He then toasted to Kamille, but also mused. "That night when I told you of Ahriman, you offered a friend's artistry to bring it to page for me. Now, I shall show you were it's marvels once stood with our own eyes."
After the last drink, he encouraged the others to set off and follow him into the dunes. He gathered a few large flasks of water from the mustachioed vendor and tossed a few coppers onto the table. The vendor lifted them into his palms and bowed gratefully. Yet, before he became their guide, he excused himself for a moment and walked over to the Kamuz drunkard who belted out at the golden patrol prior. Likewise, he set a few coppers in front of him and out of earshot, Bellighul whispered to the side, loud enough to bypass the Nomad's Tagelmust; the long scarf that wrapped around the head, lower face and neck, his words in their native tongue. "Glory be to great Zeinav. May your horse never need water, brother of the sand. Hail to the Night Bringer."
"One day she will consume the Sun." He responded in kind, the two Zeinavians embraced each other by the forearm and pressed their foreheads together in comradery.
________________________________
__________
Sometime later...
After marching along a windswept path, the sands assailing the robes and coverings of the trio, short stone pillars served as markers towards the destination. Bellighul of course, had not been quiet on the journey and spoke of the Djinn and other fantastical, but not false, stories of the area.
Coming up to a deep valley, they stood on the peak of a large dune and surveyed the area. The sun was high and the black robes of the Tomb King fluttered with the eastward wind. His pride and joy was was but an echo of it's former self. Yet, his mind's eye took in the glory of it all, and projected his memories and dreams onto the desolate place.
"The Obelisk stood in the center of this valley, before it was as flat as a calm sea." He crouched down, burying his knees into the sand and traced his finger into the dune and drew a long straight line. He looked up at Kamille and then to Zak and continued. "This was the edge of the immense gardens which overflowed with abundance and canals carried the shallow boats deeper into this paradise."
He did not rise however, not for a moment anyway, he seemed to go quiet and into a deep veneration. His robes swirled with dark energy, evident of an incoming wave of melancholy. Before he could be consumed in his own despair, he found it wise to rise up and point in the distance. "There, the archway in the base of the dune, that is the entrance to the necropolis and underground section of the city. I remember it well, stay close however, dangers surely made their home and the halls are a labyrinth by design."
Thus they made their way down....
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Post by Zak on Sept 9, 2022 9:41:41 GMT -5
Zak remained quiet as Bellighul regaled them with his stories of Ahriman and the Obsidian Mirror. Kamille’s excitement and curiosity for the idea of finding a relic from the Age of Wonder piqued Zak’s interest as well, so it was an easy decision to decide to join the quest. Time passed while Bellighul spoke of his past and interacted with his fellow Zeinavians at the Oasis, seeming to revel in the camaraderie.
Eventually the three of them and the wolf set off into the dunes. When the stone pillars came into view and they stood overlooking a large valley, Bellighul spoke of the wonders that once occupied the valley below. Time had worn away most of the remnants of the past.
Together they maneuvered down the slope of the dune and moved through the archway at its base. Wings fluttered as dozens of bats became agitated as they entered the cave. Gray growled and for a brief moment Zak considered sending him away before quickly deciding instead to keep his canine companion by his side.
The vista spanned out in front of the trio. Stalactites hung from the cave ceiling and stalagmites rose from the ground, causing the light to reflect off the crystalline surfaces. Recesses in the walls appeared to contain catacombs. A series of tunnels and rock-formed stairways could be seen trailing off into the labyrinth beyond.
Zak stood still taking in the view and breathing in the atmosphere within the cave. He sensed the magick lurking within its walls, and it called to him. Senses on alert, Zak looked to Bellighul, and said. “Lead on, Lord Bellighul. I believe wonders await us.”
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 13, 2022 4:34:00 GMT -5
"I don't know if you believe in coincidences, Bellighul... But the friend I spoke of, the one that I offered to trade you a drawing, is actually close. I met him the other day, right here at the Oasis. He might be still around."
Something was escaping her, tugging at the corner of her mind, trying to warn her of something. She couldn't put her finger on what it was, but ended up just shrugging it off.
Kamille looked excited. After the drinks, when they started their journey with Bellighul as their guide, she put her veil back on to protect her face. Despite her heavy clothes, she didn't seem in distress because of the heat, following along happily. From time to time, she tried to get close enough to scratch behind Gray's ears, shining a bright smile to Zak.
Once again, during their walk, she turned to Zak.
"Have you ever thought about joining the Mage's Guild, Zak? I certainly have... I suppose it can become a little less lonely to be a mage like that, having people who can understand you. I once talked to a man named Alabaster, or Inanis, and he said he was denied into the Mage's guild, which caused him to sweep the town in pyrotechniques while he rode his lion accross the street. I'm telling you this because, if we ever actually join the Mage's guild, we're gonna have to outdo him."
There were few moments of silence when Kamille seemed so excited to have met her friends. She spoke of meeting friends on the roads, storytelling by campfires and lots of herb gathering. Lots and lots of herb gathering. That was apparently her main reason to travel by foot most of the times - learn and refil her cabinet of potions and herbs. She showed them a few herbs she gathered, but didn't tire them much with her geeking out over herbalism.
As much of a talker as she was, she also listened to their stories with interest. At some point, they reached the top of a large dune - and she saw nothing of what Bellighul spoke.
Once again, she perceived a hint of dark magic as their guide was taken in by melancholy. She shot a worried look at Zak for a brief second before turning to Bellighul.
"They say Ziev is just a watcher, so we cannot place blame on time. Therefore, I suppose we can only say the sands to be all consuming, in the end... There are somethings that endure, but most things are a part of the circle of life... I find it a beautiful thing, to be a part of the tapestry of reality, and not just a lose thread..."
Either way, they proceeded on their journey, her thoughts going back to the Obsidian Mirror they were after.
"By the way... What this Obsidian Mirror do, exactly?"
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Post by Bellighul//Amilcar on Sept 19, 2022 0:38:16 GMT -5
The cave, or as it so seemed slowly turned from roughly carved rock, Bellighul’s torch wavered as the desert wind bellowed down like a dragon’s exhale. Yet, the light remained steady, casting grim shadows upon the limestone. The sound of rocks creaking slightly above them, the weight of the dunes no less, yet it would remain true. To endure as it had for thousands of years.
He spoke to Kamille and Zak with a strong sense of authority, for he studied the legends of Old Zeinav and the fallen kingdoms lost in it’s sands with great interest.
“The Obsidian Mirror, was a scrying device in many ways, one could say but a place or name and reveal it within its reflection. Only powerful wards could betray the Mirror’s gaze. Said to be hewn from a solid block of Obsidian from Mount Drakholt. Yet, a powerful sorcerer could in fact was said to also see the future, or what was to come. I know not of how, for even Ahriman himself could summon such premonitions. The Age of Wonders truly was wondrous, I surmise it may need other arcane devices to preform such an act and Exalted in Space Domain to even attempt such a feat.”
Finally, it gave way to more polished stone, a high archway carved from a different mineral entirely, going from limestone to some quartz like rock. Etched across it’s face, the archway was carved with beautiful heiroglyphs, Bellighul wasted no time in translating.
“Behold Ahriman, the canal city and lands of plenty. May prosperity befall those who walk in its gardens and peace to those who travel on its waters.”
He ran his gloved hand across one of the pictographs which stood at eye level, depicting a large obelisk surrounded in gardens and the aforementioned canal ways. Though, he spoke little more of the matter as the trio marched on into the gloom. There they were taken to more open areas, large buildings crumbled down in a sea of debris. Lost memories and faded human accomplishment. The waterways were barren, shallow trenches now but easily navigable. Aside from the occasional fallen pillar who bore beautiful heiroglyphs as well. Stopping for a moment, as a hour had seemed to have passed by since the entrance, Bellighul pointed to the west and rose up from the trench, his composure was one of longing and sadness. Yet, he surely had tales to tell.
“Here stood the guild halls; I can almost hear the ghosts thundering on anvils, sawing on logs and the bending of reeds. Be mindful of the debris, for things are better left undisturbed whilst we travel.”
He was almost taken in a state of meditation, a calmness about him as his eyes seemed to reconstruct such events in his mind. Though, a silence had overtaken the area there was a shifting of the rocks on the north, allowing a small number to crash and rumble in the distance. Arming himself with a Chromatic Blast, purple wisps danced on his spare hand as he turned the torch in the sounds direction.
“Still yourselves…” His baritone voice spoke softly. “Something stirs before us.”
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Post by Zak on Sept 20, 2022 1:01:31 GMT -5
Zak’s steps were intentional as they trekked along the limestone pathways of the cave, attempting to leave the environs in the same shape it had been when they entered. “Hallowed ground,” Zak whispered to Kamille after hearing Bellighul speak of the Obsidian Mirror’s legacy. Thousands had lived here at one time. Zak sent a silent prayer to Ginma, thanking him for the opportunity to explore this glorious monument to a rich legacy.
“How marvelous,” Zak exclaimed quietly as they came upon an archway with hieroglyphs carved upon it. Listening to Bellighul’s translation reminded Zak of how much more he had to learn, and the Mage’s Guild Kamille had mentioned earlier might be an avenue to that knowledge.
As they traversed through wide expanses of ruins and the broken remains of a civilization, Zak was finally able to answer Kamille’s earlier question which he had avoided answering at the time. “I believe it would be quite interesting to join this Mage’s Guild you spoke of.” Zak let out a sheepish laugh. “To be honest with you, the mana I sense growing in power within me oftentimes confuse and overwhelm, as well as inspire and excite. Lately, only my time with my Mistress Serrafleur has brought me any sense of balance.” He paused, his thoughts going a different direction as his bright green eyes met Kamille’s gaze. “I wish I could say that my time with you has also brought control and balance but that’s not exactly how I would describe what I feel when I’m with you.” Zak laughed. “In control? Hmm. Not so much.”
No sooner had Zak made his provocative statement, Bellighul stopped and began speaking again of the ghosts who haunted these ruins. Even while Zak had been speaking with Kamille, he had been acutely aware of Bellighul’s demeanor. Bellighul’s emotions appeared to run the gamut as he immersed himself in the surroundings. Zak could sense something dark in Bellighul’s morose moments. Definitely something Zak would keep in mind as they continued their journey together.
Zak slowed his breathing, and readied himself for the unexpected.
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 20, 2022 10:23:05 GMT -5
Kamille was clearly taking in every detail she could during the trek, making few sounds but some "ahh"s or "hmm"s. Whenever the light flicked her way, her eyes shone with thousands of stars, clearly having some deep thoughts running wild as they passed stone, marks and hyeroglyphs.
It would take one Exalted in the Space domain to at least try to see into the Obsidian Mirror, eh? Kamille got very quiet about that. Mistress Serra, the Seer and Zak's Master, once said something that now stood out in her mind. Of course flattery - and wine - flowed freely at the moment, but she joked about Kamille maybe having the gift as well. She used to play around the Tarot cards, to everyone’s delight, but never took it really that serious.
Perhaps now was the time.
Her current thoughts were thrown off the track when she heard Zak. Even in the dim light, it was clear a beautiful, nice rosy hue colored her cheeks.
"Maybe control is a little overrated, Z'Khrta Putok..."
As they reached more open areas, she looked around trying to picture the place as Bellighul described in its times of oppulence and prosperity. Her mental image of the place was shattered when they heard some rocks sliding ahead. The air grew tense, as they all looked to the source of the noise and braced themselves for what’s to come.
Unlike Bellighul, Kamille took a step back and knelt, feeling the earth under her claws. She was ready to trap whatever it was that would come at them in a cocoon of stone and earth, allowing the two others to shot it down easily. What she didn’t foresee - nor anyone, apparently - was that the noise was merely a distraction. As discrete as most shadowy figures are, a subtle presence circled and loomed behind them, only really noticeable for those who were really looking for it.
A shadowy vine trailed behind them.
After a few seconds of tension and nothing happening, Kamille finally spoke up.
"Maybe we shou-AAAHHHHH!"
Kamille's scream shook the silent, hot air as a shadowy vine wrapped around her ankle, trying to drag her away, into the ruins of a nearby building.
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Post by Bellighul//Amilcar on Sept 20, 2022 12:35:28 GMT -5
A nameless horror lurked within the confines of ancient Ahriman, foul creatures which break through the fabric of space from distant realms far removed from the light of stars. Atrocities. Lurkers in the cold and dark...and now a dark tendril of one attempted to snatch Kamille into it's vile clutches. Bellighul was versed in the lore of such creatures; the books Occultus Nocturna, Cosmicum Mallum, and others have gone into great length regarding them. He knew well his powers against such a manifestation were limited, however a joined attack against such a foe was possible. After all, three mages of different domains.
Yet, to underestimate it would prove to be thier undoing. Thus, the Tomb King took point, his boldness brought upon by stygian encounters on both page and in presence.
"Away with you, spawn of Chzon'thun, Carcosa calls you back. Listen well to the endless void."
Suddenly, Bellighul raced towards Kamille, his fury flailing from him as his robes belched black smoke from thier shadows. From behind his skull-like visage, red optics gleamed brightly amidst the darkness that once consumed his gaze. Almost ripping from his back, a spectre in a ghastly white-green hue was summoned, it's likeness was uncanny. The spirit of a former Tomb King, long since dead. His Spirit Shroud now active, his spells enhanced greatly. He loosed the Chromatic Blast from his palm when in range of ten feet, a deep purple ray thundered forth as the Dark magic was increased two fold by the Shroud. Snake-like energy whips brought into a frenzy as the blast struck the tendril of the unearthly being.
Severing it in half. A faint echo of a spine chilling screech filled the once silent ruins.
A small crater formed from impact, residual Dark mana fading into the air with semblance of smoke and skulls.
This was but a minor victory, freeing the Pyromancer was upmost importance, for her might eclipsed the Necromancer and Zak too was Exalted and more outrightly powerful. Yet, Bellighul's charisma and bookish knowledge made him take point in the fray, calling to his fellow mages.
"This was a fraction of it's being, prepare yourselves...summon your courage. For we will need all of it to face this foe. Madness and fear are our enemies here." His Spirit hovered over his body, lurching over his shoulder and unleashed a phantom howl as it mustered along with it's master.
They gazed at the rubble, as it shifted out of place as a mass of blackness squirmed from it's lair, countless eyes flickering and moving from place to place as tendrils dug into the soil. A mouth of spear like teeth tore from it's side and contorted again and again in indescribable parody of life. Like a slug from Hell itself it began to crawl towards them, towering some fifteen feet in height and thrice that length.
"It is chaos incarnate...show this thing no mercy."
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Post by Zak on Sept 21, 2022 23:10:37 GMT -5
Kamille’s scream cut through Zak like a knife, his protective instincts bringing forth a burst of mana. Zak’s eyes glowed and his body flickered with a green mist as he turned prepared to attack. Dark shadowy tendrils had taken hold of Kamille and were dragging her away. Before Zak could react, black smoke swirled around Bellighul as a spectre emerged from his body and hovered above him radiating with Dark magick. Amethyst bolts burst forth from Bellighul’s hand, and, quicker than Zak could blink, severed the tendril that had wrapped itself around Kamille’s ankle. What in the hells! Zak cursed silently. Dark energy permeated the very air around them emanating from both a supposed friend and a foe. Bellighull's skull-like visage and his hovering twin spectre should have concerned Zak, but there was no time to contemplate such matters or even feel any relief that Kamille was no longer restrained. Out of a scattering of debris, an amorphous mass larger than life had emerged from the earth, multiple eyes flashing and tendrils reaching towards them. Mercy was the farthest thought from Zak’s mind. Tapping into the elemental forces within him, Zak raised his hand, and a beam of light magick burst forth from his fingers(1). The creature shrieked as the light energy struck true, amber flickers of light tearing and ripping away at its life force. Maw gaping open showing its spear-like teeth, it screamed and hissed as it slowly continued to slither toward them. Zak gathered his mana and prepared to strike again, declaring, "Dark and Light together can and will defeat this monstrous creature."
(1) Chromatic Blast
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Post by Lady Kamille Verlithax on Sept 22, 2022 5:25:08 GMT -5
When she stood up, disheveled and dishoriented from being dragged a couple of meters, she turned to meet a vision from Hell. Jagged teeth sprouting out a giant mouth, akin that of a shark, with several layers. It stood tall before them, dark magic seeping out of its shape. Once she was freed, Zak and Bellighul have already started to strike it, fear unable to crawl into their hearts as the unholy beast slowly crawled towards them.
She took a quick glance to them, checking if they were okay. So far, she wasn't familiar with either of their magic, but that would be a question for another time - and there would be certainly a lot of questions.
Then, a sudden spike on her mana could be felt to heat up the air around them, swooshing around and making the hairs of their scruff stand up. Flames enveloped her figure, dancing along her black clothes without provoking any damage, only to gather at her palms. Once she extended her arms forward, the fire gathered in a giant fireball, that violently left her hands to jump towards the abomination before them.
Kamille made it feel so effortless, but the explosion that came from it coming into contact with the beast made the ground shake - and from the gaping abbominable mouth before them, an unholy shriek of pain shook the still air. Flames lick at the slug-like figure, enveloping shadows, flesh and teeth alike.
How come such a huge amount of mana could be held by such a small, fragile vessel...
No words were uttered, no steps were taken back. In fact, Kamille was walking forward, towards the beast, with a clear determination that there was only one way through that situation, and she chose it to be by blasting a hole open into that monstrosity.
Her eyes were not the celestial, gentle blue anymore - but they burned with the colors of a furnace, flickering in reds, oranges and yellows. Even the ends of the feathers that adorned her flickered in red, as heated steel.
She had asked for her Father Ginma healing hands - and that was the blessing she received.
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