Angel's & Demon's (Hallowed Death SL)

[Ophelia Harrington]

Prologue : Butcher of Bryony 

Ophelia & Kythin

ascending aria: Ophelia had been back and forth from the city to the cottage
all day; it had been a tiring one to say the least. At that moment in time
she was sat in her sitting room, in front of the small desk that rest against
the far wall. The
ascending aria: clink of coin against coin could be heard, as well as
Ophelia counting. " 51, 52, 53.. " Although it was under her breath and she
wasn't aware she was actually doing it. Sage was curled up on the sofa,
perhaps even asleep: she had
ascending aria: her eyes closed at least. Now she was home, she had removed
her bard regalia and was a simple white cotton dress with no decoration, or
adornment - she wasn't even wearing any shoes! Her legs were crossed beneath
her and for once
ascending aria: she looked very serious about what she was doing..
scales change: While Ophelia had been out and about, back and forth
throughout the day Kythin had slipped into a routine of avoidance if only not
to rile her up. After all there was no way of knowing if she remained angry
at him! Try as the Dragon
scales change: might even his patience could not hold out against Ophelia -
a fact striking out at him when her visage kept sneaking up in his paintings
all too often! And so the Knight found himself at the Bard's home.. watching
as he counted and
scales change: murmured something he couldn't quite make out. It was far
from immediately discernible what the lady was doing.. and Kythin was not
quite ready to risk speaking up. Oh, how much better it'd be for him if he
possessed the gift of
scales change: foresight, as opposed to hindsight.. -d
ascending aria: " Who knew.. " She started, without even looking up; now she
was going to be forced to count in her head and hope she didn't lose her
place! " That the Black Knight was afraid of a little girl.. perhaps I should
put that in my
ascending aria: next song. " He probably couldn't see it but she was
smirking. " Why are you hovering like a specter? You've already let yourself
in.. why stop there? " Even if she had wanted to turn around and look at him,
she couldn't.. there was
ascending aria: important coin counting to be done! " Try not to sit on my
purret.. I only just found her! " Well, Sage had found Ophelia but that
little detail would not be uttered by her lips: he would have to learn how to
speak to animals, to
ascending aria: garner that information..
scales change: " A little girl that keeps finding her way into my artwork..
and whose anger distresses me for being the source of it. " Well a pity that
from his perspective it distressed him far more than it did her! Alongside
the ability to
scales change: speak with animals, understanding women to was a much needed
trick that needed to be acquired ..and soon. His hovering at the doorway came
to an end with her words at least.. and the feline didn't become the victim
of his finding a
scales change: seat either. In fact he continued to stand! Honestly she was
lucky he hadn't decided to pace as well! -d
ascending aria: That was distracting, him just stood there.. like a statue.
In the end, she gave up trying to count out the money for Requiem and placed
the last coin down with a sigh. Turning in the chair, she rest her arm along
the back of it
ascending aria: before resting her chin upon it. " Let me ask you something,
dragon knight.. " She said it so casually, but then it came.. the question! "
Do you even know why I'm angry at you? " If he thought it was a test, then it
probably
ascending aria: was, though most of the time the woman didn't even realize
it until afterwards. The question forced an eyebrow to life as she awaited
the reply, intent on staring him out while he considered the answer! A lot
could be said by a
ascending aria: twitch of the lip, or the way he held his shoulders..
scales change: Was it a test.. man could never be certain especially not
when it came to the likes of Ophelia. Arms crossing at his chest the mistake
of holding that gaze of hers in silence for a moment or two before finally
relenting to answer
scales change: her question. " Context suggests jealously over my mention of
either Violeta or Mira. " He couldn't lump Violeta in as someone who had once
filled the spot Ophelia held.. because she'd simply never held it. " I
personally thing its
scales change: that.. and that you enjoy seeing me squirm knowing that I
have no inkling of where to begin. " -d
ascending aria: Apparently he had said the wrong thing because Ophelia was
on her feet within moments of his words. " You think I'm some simpering girl
who gets jealous of the mention of a mere name? " Her cloak was snatched from
the back of her
ascending aria: chair and she slung it around her shoulders. " For a smart
man, you grow increasingly dense! " She announced and flounced right past him
and into the garden. Once there, she flopped herself down onto the bench
quite dramatically.
ascending aria: The problem with being in a relationship with an artist, was
the fact they could over play their emotions.. and not even realize it! It
was both a curse and a blessing: today it was very much a curse. It hadn't
escaped her notice
ascending aria: that she had grabbed her cloak and not her shoes, so her
legs were crossed again so she didn't cut her feet on the gravel.
scales change: " I'm a dense man who feigns intelligence.. not an
intelligence man who is occasionally dense. " While far from being the idiot
brute that she once considered him.. Kythin knew his intelligence in that
reach a level in which learn-
scales change: ing things such as magic were ever going to be a possiblity.
For a dense man.. he did pick up on his lady's lack of footwear.. and though
the consideration should have been ignored or even used to his advantage..
the shoes were
scales change: acquired finally traveling in her wake. " I do not know why
you are angry. " -d
scales change: A poor greeting to say the least.. but one that at least came
with the peace offering of her shoes.. held out to her. She earned not being
manipulated into telling him through the trade of words for answers. -D
ascending aria: " Thank you. " She murmured in receipt of the shoes; they
were slipped on before she finally looked up to him. " You said you still
have feelings her - while offering your love and devotion to me on the next
breath! That's why I'm
ascending aria: angry at you, Kythin. " The fact she had to explain to him,
made her even more frustrated and she shook her head in consternation. " Part
of me wishes there was a man in my past that I could constantly bring up with
every tale I
ascending aria: tell. If it's not the woman I replaced, it's the other one!
" Maybe, just maybe.. though she'd never admit it.. there was a certain
amount of jealously, worming its way through her heart. " It also annoys me
that you stayed away for
ascending aria: so long. " While she was at it, she was going to add that on
too! As Kythin knew, there were only two ways to get to Ophelia's cottage:
one was from the city and the other was from the forest. That forest was
patrolled by Bear, and
ascending aria: anyone he didn't know, wasn't allowed through; that was why
it would be so surprising to hear someone crashing through the trees, on a
donkey no-less! The man was dressed in a brown monk's habit, he was balding
and definitely a
ascending aria: little portly.
scales change: " If I feel apathy it is an emotion I feel, assuming the
emotion I alluded to was love was merely presumptious. " He couldn't help
it.. from his point of view she had presumed what he felt rather than
asking.. leaving herself to be
scales change: angry over something rather open-ended when its filling was
left unexplained for its listener! " I view bothas being solely in the past.
I will not be looking back, not when my future hazy and uncertain though it
is..comes with a
scales change: voice and love that I fear losing. Though it may upset you..
I never fe-.. " A poor timing in the Knight's mind for the donkey-laden with
the portly fellow clad in monk-robes. Kythin could guess what happened.. the
Donkey had been
scales change: spooked and somehow the man kept his place on the beast's
back. " .... " -d
ascending aria: " Apathy is a lack of emotion! That's what the word means! "
She scowled at him, the frustration evident in her voice. " No, Kythin, it
isn't presumptuous.. if you had nothing but negative feelings, then you
portray as much! You
ascending aria: don't tell the woman you're currently sharing your bed
with.. " She paused, then corrected herself: " Sorry, sharing her bed with..
" Snide? Oh yes, but it felt good. " That you still feel emotion for someone!
" It was like talking
ascending aria: a very large, very pretty wall. Another round of verbal
assault was about to be unleashed when she heard the donkey and the monk sat
upon its back. It took a moment but her mouth fell agape. " Brother? "
Obviously it wasn't her
ascending aria: brother but a brother from the monastery! " What are you
doing here? "
ascending aria: The donkey eventually came a halt just outside the garden
gate and the monk gave up on his cling, as soon as he was able. He mustered
all his strength, to make sure he didn't fall off the beast and embarrass
himself. " Ah,
ascending aria: Ophelia.. " He said, breathlessly, his hand clutched to his
chest. " I came.. I came to warn you but.. " He shook his head and a smile
drifted along his lips. " It is good to see you child.. " The man with him
was given an abrasive
ascending aria: stare as he summed him up.
scales change: And Ophelia said she had no men in her life to bring up to
make her Knight jealous! It was a thought Kythin decided to not say out loud,
between the nuisance of company and the argument the arrival had paused for
the moment. The
scales change: interruption was not one he found favor with.. an argument
with Ophelia needed to be fought through. She needed the oppurtunity to win
her victories against him now didn't she? The scene the arrival led into
found the Black Knight
scales change: quiet .. the matter of 'warning' seemed enough to make a hand
lower to his swordbelt. Warnings never came at good times these days.. always
either way too early or when the threat was about to be upon them. -d
ascending aria: This man was a little different, so he didn't count. Still,
he did illicit a bright smile and she had vacated her place on the bench no
soon after her exclamation of his rank. The gate was opened for the monk and
she ushered him
ascending aria: inside. " Please, sit down before you fall down. " The
warning.. perhaps it was about the omens! That was her first thought, anyway.
The other idea she had was pushed right back into the recess of her mind. "
It has been a long
ascending aria: time, hasn't it? Oh.. " She suddenly remembered Kythin was
there and she said: " Brother, this is Kythin Steelfang the Black Knight of
Dunsany. " And then to Kythin, she said: " This is Brother.. " She also
realized she had no idea
ascending aria: what his moniker was! " Well, he's the man that saved me
from, well.. dying while I was traveling here. " She probably hadn't told him
that story.. had she? [d]
scales change: Kythin decided sometime before that Ophelia would be the one
to tell her tales at her own inclination.. else it took events that provided
her the details of his ties to a certain criminal organization. The good
Brother, and he did
scales change: assume it to be a good brother.. else Opehlia would unlikely
have much to do with them. Seeing as she'd introduced his name and title of
her own accord she left him little to do save remember his manners.. even if
they were fighting
scales change: this man appeared to be a friend of hers.. no reason not to
be somewhat pleasant. Which meant the hand hovering at his swordbelt was
instead offering to the Monk. Not a word offered up in regard to this title..
he figured the man
scales change: to be of Bryony.. and the magocracy was not far from Kullyr..
and Dunsany. -d
ascending aria: Fortunately, the monk was not one to judge and so, he placed
his hand into the Knight's. It was his off-handed remark to Ophelia, that
showed his true feelings. " I see your ability to pick the worst allies still
remains,
ascending aria: child. " His voice was teasing but at the same time, there
was a scolding to it. " Your reputation preceeds you, Black Knight. " There
was a brief shake before he lowered himself to the bench and exhaled, softly.
" A bear chased me
ascending aria: through the woods! That wasn't isn't the worst of it though.
I had to come to warn you. " His hold on his chest grew tighter, even as his
cheeks started to turn a deep red. " They found you, Ophelia. You have to.. "
He was about to
ascending aria: say more when his eyes closed and he collapsed, his head
lolling to the side. He was still breathing but he had gone extremely pale.
ascending aria: "Well, well, well… it took us a while to find you, Ophelia
but here you are, looking none-the-worse for wear. Nistrum is proud of you.
What for? Well, he was very surprised that you killed one of his
ascending aria: men but he always knew there was a killer in there
somewhere." Carver Nevis stepped out from the treeline, blood on his hands
and four men flanking him. He was a normal looking man, with black curly
ascending aria: hair down to his shoulders. He was thin and it was obvious
that he was athletic. There was also a very nonchalant, almost bored look on
his face - as if he didn't really want to be there. The blood on
ascending aria: his hands was wiped off, onto a silk hankerchief.
ascending aria: [ General RP! ]
scales change: " A reputation that never seems to promote that I am
honorable if not the most shining of Knights. " Being honorable meant a good
deal since being stabbed in the back wasn't something likely at all to occur!
Least not in literal
scales change: fashion. Kythin breathed out his nose in mild annoyance at
the warning. It seemed his presumption over warnings came true in an
unforunate way. The collapse of the monk followed all too soon by the arrival
of the men suggested bear
scales change: likely wasn't in any better a state than the portly monk. The
perpetual scowl of the Black Knight emerged easily in the face of a situation
like this.. and all the more annoying.. the bastards were ignoring him! All
the more reason
scales change: to set about dealing with them in his book.. which meant
Kythin was already to assualt the cocky fellow.. even if the information
coming was.. interesting. " Usually visits like this only occur when the
agents want a nice chat with
scales change: me.. this is .. new. " And no doubt related to that tattoo of
Ophelia's he could guess that much. -d
ascending aria: It was all too much for Ophelia, first her friend was
unconscious, then the voice of a man she thought long in her past pierced her
ears. It was the blood on his hands that made her blanche, it wasn't the
monks. " What did you do to
ascending aria: Bear?! " Of all the things to be upset about, it was her
animal-friend. Ophelia had hoped that the act of her killing someone would
never come out but there it was, in the open for all the world to hear. Pale
- well, paler than
ascending aria: usual - the bard stepped in front of the brother and Knight
both. " What do you want, Carver? " Kythin wasn't helping, that was for
sure.. but she didn't look back at him. Instead, the hair on the back of her
neck bristled with
ascending aria: annoyance and she muttered, for only him to hear. " I know!
It boggles the mind that the world doesn't revolve around you, doesn't it? "
scales change: Ophelia still being angry with him would not help the
situation before them.. it was clear enough to Kythin that dealing with
this.. Carver was necessary before they could see to the monk. Even then he
was trying to decide whether
scales change: the monk had collapsed due to a weak heart or was helped
along by poison. Though a poison likely would have dropped the fellow before
reaching the cottage. No, the end result of a chase seemed very likely for
the portal fellow.
scales change: Which brought that steel-grey gaze Carver's way. Well if
Ophelia wished to try handling it on her own then so be it. In the end.. the
trespassing and apparently attack on a beast he considered in somewhat
positive terms meant that
scales change: Kythin intended to shed some bled as well. Carver's own. -d
ascending aria: " The Bear was in my way and you know how I feel about
things that are in my way. " Carver smirked and tilted his head to look at
the man stood behind her. " Who is your puppet, Ophelia? Have you found a new
patron to dish your
ascending aria: wares for? Do you open your legs for this one? We had a
running tally on how long it would be before Karel took you to his bed. You
left a lot of people out of pocket. It's a wonder you managed to get out of
the Shard in one
ascending aria: piece. " All of this was said, of course, to elicit a
response. He had finished wiping his hands free of the blood by that point
and the hankerchief was tucked into his upper pocket. There was a sniff,
before he finally
ascending aria: said: " Now, to business. You own the Death a debt and I am
here to collect. One way or another you are leaving here with me; Karel would
prefer you alive, I'm sure but I imagine he would accept your corpse too. I'm
sure he
ascending aria: would enjoy re-animating you.. "
ascending aria: Defiant to the end, Ophelia jutted her chin out and looked
down her nose at him. " I'm not coming back there with you. " The rest had
been ignored, she wasn't going to give the man the benefit of showing her
annoyance and
ascending aria: embarrassment over his words. It was sat in the back of her
mind that he hadn't mentioned her family, which put a positive spin on this
whole thing. The thought of becoming a zombie, especially at a time like this
sent a shiver down
ascending aria: her spine and she took a step back, away from him and
towards Kythin. It was the only time she ever really showed fear.. when faced
with necromancy and the product of such. [d]
scales change: " Really now.. " It came with a click of his tongue, those
arms of his finally uncrossing from his chest. When he moved next it was more
fleet of foot than one expected after a brush of fingers during the
uncrossing met with his
scales change: brooch.. unleashing the folded Half-Plate into its full glory
alongside the heraldy the Black Knight of Dunsay was known for by that
reputation. While Ophelia had placed herself between he, the monk and Carver
the position changed
scales change: with Kythin taking up the spot that made him quite the living
shield for his mate. " threatening death and re-animation in the presence of
the Black Knight. " No chastisement came but the threat of bodily harm that
never actually
scales change: came up did turn into a promise with all too much sudden-ness
on the part of the Knight. While no blade had been drawn the shield had
been.. resulting in the attempt to bash its heraldy-marked surface into
Carver's face.. a show of
scales change: strength. There was plenty of it to be called upon if pressed
after all. [ Intidimation check ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 1 20-sided die: 14
scales change: [+8 str = 22 ]
scales change: [ Evil Brand +2 = 24 (if evil )]
ascending aria: [ Skill: Apathy - Immune to Intimidation / diplomacy ]
ascending aria: Caver chuckled, now he was growing bored with the back and
forth, he waved off the four thugs. "Kill the man, take the girl." He stayed
where he was stood, trying to dig dried blood out from under his
ascending aria: fingernails. The four men flanking him, now moved towards
the pair at an expedited pace.
ascending aria: [ Please state your character name and rank. Dice, HP, Heal
Points and Def DC ]
ascending aria: Ophelia Harrington, Sapphire Champion. [ 2d64 | 38HP | 18
Healing Points | DEF DC: 16 ]
scales change: Sir Kythin Steelfang | 2d80 | HP: 44 | Def DC: 22 | Self-Heal
26 | Vindicator/Knight
ascending aria: ( Thug1 /?? [??] - Kythin /44 [22] - Thug2 /?? [??] -
Ophelia /38 [16] - Carver (Ranged) /?? [??] - Thug 3/4 /?? [??] )
ascending aria: The thugs were just lackies but faced with the Knight and
Carver, they knew more about the man behind them. So, they approach in a line
- standing between Kythin, Ophelia and Carver. It was Thug1 who dared to head
in alone, he, like
ascending aria: the other three were big bruisers of men. Obviously they
were not used for singing or thieving, like Ophelia had. They had no weapons
to speak of, just their bare hands. That was why when he was close enough,
the man swung for
ascending aria: the Black Knight's weakest spot: his face.
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 1
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 6-sided die: 1
ascending aria: [ You stumble when you attack, your target gets an attack
upon you instantly. ]
ascending aria: [ Kythin ]
scales change: [ attack upon Tug 1 due to their crit fail roll of 1 then
taking turn ]
scales change: Kythin never had cared for being underestimated something
that appeared to be the case seeing as how the men were attacking.. with
their fists. While the fact they could be akin to the Heart's resident Zorcan
in use of their fists
scales change: as the only weapon they needed.. the first attempt at assualt
did not leave that impression at all. What that earned instead was a slash of
sword and sharp-edged shield into flesh and fabric..or armor. [ dual wield ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 1 20-sided die: 14
scales change: [+12 qck , +2 born by the blade = 28]
ascending aria: [ Hit ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 2 80-sided dice: 18 16
scales change: [ ghostbane broadsword 1d8 | heavy steel shield (shield
weapon | sharpened) 1d8 ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 2 8-sided dice: 4 6
scales change: [ +8 str, +3 Divine Judgement ]
ascending aria: [ +5 Padded Leather Armor. ]
ascending aria: [ 23 - 5 = 18 DMG ]
scales change: [ proceding with turn ]
scales change: Far from the sort to be merciful due to ill fate..
immediately after taking advantage of the thug's mistep the knight continued
the assualt. This time he sought to slash the blade across something vital..
the neck always presented a
scales change: tempting target. The blade fell to that.. while the
sharp-edged sought to come down on the wrist of that fist so eager to collide
with his face. [ dual wield ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 1 20-sided die: 8
scales change: [+14= 22]
ascending aria: [ Hit ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 2 80-sided dice: 66 27
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 2 8-sided dice: 4 1
scales change: [ +8 str , +3 d. judgement ]
ascending aria: [ Body Shield ] Thugs 3 & 4 stepped inbetween the vicious
Knight and their comrade, taking the brunt of his damage. The blades sank
through the leather of their armour, right into their flesh. It would be now,
that maybe Kythin
ascending aria: would see the lackluster look in their eyes. There was life
but it was minimal. There may have even been drool on the corners of their
mouths.
ascending aria: [ +10 DEF : Padded Leather Armor ]
ascending aria: [ 30 - 10 = 20 DMG to Thugs 3/4 ]
ascending aria: [ Thug 2 ]
ascending aria: This particular Thug had used Kythin's distraction to his
advantage and had moved around him, towards Ophelia. From his belt he removed
a magically enhanced leash. He threw it out, keeping a hold of the end while
the collar snapped
ascending aria: around her neck. [ Skill : Capture! Escape DC 13. ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 5
ascending aria: [ +6 QCK = 11, failed. Ophelia Captured! ]
ascending aria: [ Ophelia - chance to break free. ]
ascending aria: Ophelia had stayed behind Kythin, ready to get involved when
she could find an opening. That opening didn't come soon enough because while
she was watching her mate and the three thugs, the sneaky one had managed to
latch a collar
ascending aria: around her neck. She resisted the urge to scream, instead,
she took her dagger from her belt and tried to cut it loose, hoping that the
leather of the collar was pliable.. even if it was magical! [ Ophelia Roll
first, then opposing
ascending aria: roll. ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 8
ascending aria: [ +6 ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 9
ascending aria: [ +3 ]
ascending aria: [ Ophelia : 14 / Opposition: 12 - Ophelia breaks free! ]
ascending aria: [ Carver ]
ascending aria: Carver had many weapons in his arsenal but the most potent
were his wands; one was tugged off his belt and he called out. " Look,
Ophelia! Can you guess where I got this from? " Whether it was true or not,
wouldn't matter.. he
ascending aria: wanted to plant the seed of doubt. The wand, however, was
not pointed at the girl but her would-be-guardian. The tip of the
aforementioned weapon started to glow a bright white before hudreds of tiny
ice shards were sent hurtling
ascending aria: through the air towards Kythin. [ Skill: Wand Mastery. +2
Strike ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 2
ascending aria: [ +2, + 6 INT = 10. Miss ]
ascending aria: [ Thug 3/4 ]
scales change: Kythin had been about to rise his shield, but the
wand-wielding Carver missed.. by a wide margin. " ... Gods I'm in the middle
of an abduction attempt done by amateurs. "
scales change: -d
ascending aria: The Thugs used the brunt of strength in rushing at Kythin;
both, at the same time, in hopes of dinting his armour or something. [ Skill
: Bullrush - Shared Strike. ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 11
ascending aria: [ +3 - Miss ]
ascending aria: ( Thug1 18/?? [13] - Kythin /44 [22] - Thug2 /?? [13] -
Ophelia /38 [16] - Carver (Ranged) /?? [??] - Thug 3/4 20/?? [13] )
ascending aria: Thug one was dazed and so, did not make any action.
ascending aria: [ Kythin ]
scales change: If not for the simple fact someone among them had chosen to
provide some sort of leash and collar, Kythin may well have thought this a
horrid joke. The blank-stares gave an inkling into the goings on though..
enough that he knew
scales change: Carver was the true nuisance. Alas the nuisances were one
that needed to be dealt with first. Which meant Kythin would allow his ire to
be taken out upon the thug (#2) who had tried to capture his bard as if she
were some would be
scales change: slavegirl! The thought proved enough to put heated rage,
tempered by the Black Knight's cold attitude towards killing to send his
assualt into something more.. deadly if it wasn't avoided by the thug. [ dual
wield - Blade of Zeal (
scales change: 1d extra once per combat ][
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 1 20-sided die: 5
scales change: [19]
ascending aria: [ Hit ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 3 80-sided dice: 6 34 23
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 2 8-sided dice: 4 7
scales change: [+8 str , +3 d. judgement ]
ascending aria: [ +5 def ]
ascending aria: [ 23 DMG ]
ascending aria: ( Thug1 18/29 [13] - Kythin /44 [22] - Thug2 23/29 [13] -
Ophelia /38 [16] - Carver (Ranged) /?? [??] - Thug 3/4 20/29 [13] )
ascending aria: Thug 2 didn't even react to the wounds that were now seeping
with very real and very fresh blood. He just lumbered one towards Ophelia
and after climbing over the wall, she snatch her up by the hair and sent a
fist into her face in
ascending aria: an attempt to pacify her!
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 4
ascending aria: [ +3 = 7 - Miss ]
ascending aria: [ Ophelia ]
ascending aria: Ophelia was a wiley thing and managed to get out of the way
of the groping fist and the one that was coming towards her face. Crouching
low, she took her dagger from her belt and sent it up into Thug 2's belly, in
hopes to cut and
ascending aria: spill his guts all over the place. Unfortauntely, that also
meant her garden.. she supposed it was a small price to pay.
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 20
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 64-sided dice: 4 27
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 4-sided die: 3
ascending aria: [ -5 def! ]
ascending aria: [ 4 DMG ]
ascending aria: [ Carver ]
ascending aria: Carver wasn't stupid, he had been studying Kythin; his
reaction, his actions and even his attacks but most importantly, the weak
spots of his armour. He already had one of his throwing knives to hand, so
almost from out of
ascending aria: nowhere, Kythin would, hopefully, find a knife sticking out
of him somewhere unplesant. [ Armor Piercing Shot : No def. Extra 2d3 ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 12
ascending aria: [ 12 + 6 = 18 - Miss ]
ascending aria: [ Thug 3/4 ]
ascending aria: Confused by the fact they did not managed to even come close
to hitting the man, they came back around and with their fists swinging
wildly.. tried to pummel him to the ground or something! [ Double Fist. ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 8
ascending aria: [ 11 - Miss, of course! ]
ascending aria: ( Thug1 18/29 [13] - Kythin /44 [22] - Thug2 27/29 [13] -
Ophelia /38 [16] - Carver (Ranged) /?? [??] - Thug 3/4 20/29 [13] )
ascending aria: [ Thug1 ]
ascending aria: No longer dazed and no longer the subject of the Knight's
ire, the Thug also made his way towards Ophelia. They really only had one
mission and that was to capture the blonde girl. So, with the same sort of
shackle as his friend..
ascending aria: he whipped that thing around her neck and started to tug her
towards the trees.
ascending aria: [ Capture : Dc 13 ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 18
ascending aria: [ + 5 - 23 - Ophelia Escapes ]
ascending aria: [ Kythin ]
scales change: This just kept increasing the Knight's annoyance.. it wasn't
even anger any longer. Only annoyance.. these thugs were only here to
distract and agitate.. they were useless minions! But they were trying to
take what was his away and
scales change: that alone would earn them death. In the case of the thug
trying to capture Ophelia.. it was the attempt to slice off his head with
sharp-edged shield and broadsword alike.. and perhaps.. cause that head to
collide painfull with
scales change: another of the thugs.. [ dual wield ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 1 20-sided die: 17
scales change: [+14 = 31 ][
ascending aria: [ Hit ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 2 80-sided dice: 9 58
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 2 8-sided dice: 7 6
scales change: [+8, +3 ]
ascending aria: Thug 1
scales change: [ activating ruthless if it kills ]
ascending aria: 's head fell right off and rolled away from his body.. the
life-filled gaze remained and it stared blankley into the sky, not understand
what had just occurred.
ascending aria: [ okay ]
scales change: With the first thug's head rolling away the Black Knight kept
his momentum going due to the short distance the thug had succeded in
dragging Ophelia away. One of the two remaining teamwork loving thugs earned
the heel turning Knight
scales change: sharp edged killing things splitting flesh. [ ruthless - wpn
dmg and trait only for attack ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 2 8-sided dice: 8 5
scales change: [+8 str= 21 ]
ascending aria: [ Who was that on? ]
scales change: [ 3/4 ]
ascending aria: [ - 10 def ]
ascending aria: Thug's 3 and 4 fell, too.
ascending aria: [ Thug 2 ]
ascending aria: Part's of him were falling all over the ground and he didn't
even seem to notice. All he wanted to do was grab the girl and leave this
evil place! So he made one final grab for the girl, wrapping his arms around
Ophelia and
ascending aria: attempting to silence her by putting her to sleep. One arm
was placed across her throat, the other hand at the back of her neck and he
squeezed..
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 10
ascending aria: [ +3 - 13 ; Miss ]
ascending aria: [ Ophelia ]
ascending aria: Intent on staying free, she zipped out of the way and
wriggled down between his legs on the ground. Somehow, she managed to get
behind him and her dagger was once more employed. This time, she sent it
right into the centre of his
ascending aria: spine and twisted.
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 10
ascending aria: [ +6 = 16 - Hit ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 64-sided dice: 59 17
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 4-sided die: 4
ascending aria: [ -5 def ]
ascending aria: [ 9 DMG ]
ascending aria: Thug 2 died, twitching like a fish out of water.
ascending aria: ( Thug1 46/29 [13] - Kythin /44 [22] - Thug2 36/29 [13] -
Ophelia /38 [16] - Carver (Ranged) /?? [??] - Thug 3/4 31/29 [13] )
ascending aria: [ Carver ]
ascending aria: Angered by the fall of his guards, he lifted his wand again.
This time though, it was pointed at Ophelia. He narrowed his eye and instead
of ice shards, an intense beam of white energy flew towards her. [ Cull Wand
Essence ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 11
ascending aria: [ +6 - 17 ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 70-sided dice: 66 60
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 3 3-sided dice: 1 3 2
ascending aria: [ +7 DEF - Studded Leather, Animated Shield ]
ascending aria: [ +6 INT ]
ascending aria: [ 26 DMG ]
ascending aria: ( Thug1 46/29 [13] - Kythin /44 [22] - Thug2 36/29 [13] -
Ophelia 26/38 [16] - Carver (Ranged) /?? [??] - Thug 3/4 31/29 [13] )
ascending aria: [ Kythin ]
scales change: Kythin felt the raw white energy before he saw it reach
Ophelia. While the sight filled his black heart with blood-fueled rage.. the
Knight did not charge for Carver. Instead he ran for Ophelia.. really there
was no other action
scales change: that was ideal. While he couldn't heal her without lowering
his shield he could damn well prove quite the annoying Shield-wall. [ pass /
defending ]
ascending aria: Carver watched his men fall and he himself did not want to
suffer the same fate, he snarled a little but there was no real emotion
behind it and pointed at Ophelia and the Knight. "This isn't the end
ascending aria: girl; we know where you are now. Just wait…" with that, he
disappeared into the shadow of the trees and disappeared into the forest. [
Spot Check if you want to attempt to go after him. ]
scales change: Suspicion met with the anger that scream at him to make
chase. The suspicions told that another would only be laying in wait to take
advantage of his actions to capture Ophelia while he was otherwise engaged
with a chase. No, Kythin
scales change: wasn't going to be making that mistake.. This didn't stop him
from looking around as he sought to aid the bard as best he could without
letting up his ability to defend her. [ spot check anyway ]
ascending aria: [ Go ahead ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 1 20-sided die: 4
scales change: [+5 hawk eyes = 9 ]
ascending aria: Kythin would fail to see anything in the darkness, Carver
was as good as gone.
ascending aria: Ophelia was not used to so much brute force behind magic and
so, she had not been expecting such an attack. Her skin sizzled with burns
and she had all but fallen to the ground at the feet of the still unconscious
monk. Every part
ascending aria: of her hurt but she still found the gumption to say: " At
least I wasn't stabbed this time.. "
scales change: " ... Don't make me smile at a smile like this, Please.. " If
his pack was with him rather than inside the cottage he may well have been
feeding her potions right about then. Instead he had little more that could
be done save for
scales change: lifting her up with the intention of making it inside with
her. Kythin did not forget about her portly friend.. but the Knight was far
less generous to the unknown than he was to Ophelia. Hopefully he got her to
the bed.. " ... I'm
scales change: going to check on your friend, " And carry the monk inside as
well if he wasn't already deceased.. last he'd seen the fellow had been
alive.. if unconscious. -d
scales change: time like this*
ascending aria: Ophelia couldn't help it, she had to smile or else she'd
cry. Fortunately, her mate had big arms and she was slight of form.. so
carrying her to the bedroom wouldn't tax him at all. Her head hit the pillow
and for a moment, she
ascending aria: simply lie there, listening to him. " Try not to hurt
yourself. " She let a weak smile dance along her lips, and then she
remembered: " Bear! " She pushed herself up from the bed and attempted to
climb to her feet. " I need my
ascending aria: flute. " It was on the desk, in the sitting room - which was
also why she'd been using her dagger during the attempted kidnapping. The
flute would not only serve to heal her of her most grevious of wounds but it
would also allow
ascending aria: her to communicate with the forest dwelling bear.
scales change: " ..Stubborn girl. " Kythin would murmur prior to first doing
as she requested in the form of retrieving her flute for her. Knowing what it
meant to her served at the only reason the instrument earned a safe trip and
careful return
scales change: to its owner. " I'm not sure why you needed it.. but I know
enough to trust it'll help the situation. " Leaving Kythin capable of
hurrying his way to the portly monk! -d
ascending aria: When it came to the welfare of her animals, she was
definitely stubborn. It was not long after her flute had been delivered to
her, that it was placed to her lips and she started to play. The tune was
soft, wistful, filled with a
ascending aria: promise for tomorrow and a future filled with light. The
warm feeling it stirred within those that listened to it was often enough,
but today, mingled with her magic she was able to heal the most grevious of
the burns upon her skin.
ascending aria: It would take time for the rest to heal but at least she
would not feel so weak and useless. At the end of the song, she rest her head
back against the bed to enjoy the sensation of the magical influence over her
skin. From the
ascending aria: forest, they would both hear a scream followed by the ever
familiar growl of Bear. Obviously, he was still alive and he was hunting a
particular mage..
scales change: The familiar sound of screams followed by the unhappy sound
of an angry bear came about the time Kythin had reached the monk. " Afraid I
know little of healing others.. but hopefully something can be done for you.
" The basics of
scales change: checking for a pulse came as pretty much all he knew in that
regard. After that all she could do was carry the man inside and hope between
the two of them something could be done - if only because Ophelia considered
this fellow in
scales change: good terms. Even if he had led the enemy to her doorstep. -d
ascending aria: There wasn't much room for the monk, so once Ophelia was
back on her feet.. she pointed Kythin in the direction of the bed. " He'll
have to stay here until he's well again.. " There was so little room though.
" He didn't mean to
ascending aria: bring them, you know.. he was only trying to warn me they
were coming. I guess, they knew to follow him. " It was almost as if she read
his mind! Her hand was placed into his once his arms were freed, and she
wrapped her arm in
ascending aria: around her shoulders for comfort. " I'm going to have to
find somewhere else to stay.. " Or they were going to keep trying to kidnap
her!
scales change: " I must truly be predictable. " Kythin's response always did
seem to be a simple one when they weren't arguing. He even followed orders
passed down by the slight bard despite her lack of noble status! While the
monk received the
scales change: best the Knight could do between his strength and the less
than skinny fellow's wight to get him to the bed. Once that task was done
Kythin slumped down at the foot of the bed giving a sigh. " First of all.. I
love you, Ophelia,
scales change: trust in that no matter if I bring up something I'd be wiser
not to..second.. I'm retaking my castle. " Which wasn't really important in
terms of this.. due to its far too close borders with Bryony. " ... For the
time being we
scales change: should ask Maria for the use of one of her safehouses.. least
until I've the coin and the means again to have something of our own built in
secret. Maybe in Shalott.. Cait did mention that village full of fey.. " Yes,
he was trying
scales change: to distract a little from all the issues with the people
coming after them. He also figured an ocean and dragonknighs fierce enough
deterrents. -d
ascending aria: Ophelia sat on the floor at his feet and rest her head
against his knees; now she knew Bear was safe, she felt the tiring pull of
over extending her magic to heal herself. " I love you too. I suppose, if I
didn't, I wouldn't have
ascending aria: reacted in such a way. " She still would never admit there
was jealousy mixed in with her outbursts. Still, it was a step in the right
direction. Her eyes were closed by the time he'd finished speaking and she
simply nodded to his
ascending aria: ideas to give her consent. " Wherever you are, I want to be.
" She kissed his kneecap, of all places, and wrapped her arm around his leg.
It wasn't long afterwards.. that she was fast asleep and Kythin was trapped
between a clingy
ascending aria: nymph and a fat monk!

[Ophelia Harrington]

Part One : Commitment 
Ophelia & Kythin

ascending aria: Ophelia had planned it perfectly, every single detail had
been worked out in her mind right down to making sure Kythin was nowhere near
the inn while it was all set up. It would only be upon his return that he'd
come to realize that
ascending aria: the usually busy establishment was empty, even though the
fire was flickering happily in the fireplace and the smell of a beef stew was
wafting through the tap room. All the tables bar one had been removed, the
chairs too expect two
ascending aria: that were pushed beneath it; on top of the table was a small
black box, with no note or anything! It was just a small box, on an otherwise
empty table, in an empty inn. For the paranoid man, it would scream set up..
but Ophelia
ascending aria: hoped that there would be no sense of danger because of the
familiar scents and the warmth and welcome of the fireplace..
scales change: No doubt keeping Kythin away from the Inne could be arranged
with ease.. whether from feigned agitation directed his way from Ophelia or a
request handed down that he found no reason to refuse.. whatever the case his
return came in
scales change: time no matter what she had planned within the 'Let us In'.
Clad in his shiftweave garb holding the crimson favorite the empty
established gave the Black Knight pause.. after all a man could not be too
wary when a criminal organiza
scales change: tion happened to be after his mate. Of course he looked about
from the entrance way without progressing too far.. even employing the
enchanted contacts set upon his eyes! [ spot check! ha! ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 1 20-sided die: 16
scales change: [+5 hawk eyes = 21
ascending aria: Well, there was nothing to see because everything had been
removed bar the table, with the box on it!
scales change: Well .. from what he could percieve for himself Kythin
decided that either Ophelia decided to pull.. something or someone wished to
make it appear that way. Alas there really wasn't any way to find out without
heading over to the
scales change: table with the box. Maybe the immunties of his heritage made
him a little less worried over certaint hings than was wise.. even so the
decided to open up the box. Either he was brave or a fool! Or rather liked
the idea of Ophelia
scales change: trying to surprise him. -d
ascending aria: It was, in fact, Ophelia's attempt to surprise him; she had
considered pranking him.. the silent scowl and anger afterwards, would have
been worth the look on his face. The box snapped open as soon as he tried,
the lid lifting to
ascending aria: reveal the velvet covering on the inside, with a single slit
in the bottom half.. in the slot, was a Black Ring with a purple Amethyst
cradled in the setting. He would feel the magic eminating from it, even if he
had no idea what it
ascending aria: was. As soon as it was touched, Ophelia appeared beside him,
looking a little dazed but it only took her a couple of seconds to find her
bearings. A big smile danced along her lips and she said, to announce her
presence:
ascending aria: " Ta-da! "
scales change: Magic, much less realizing what it could do without trial and
error or a means of idenifying it!, truly was not Kythin's forte. Still his
hand did not move when the box snapped open.. earning him a more immediate
chance to look over
scales change: the contents. A ring.. Ophelia's daze appearance distracted
from the ring in its velvet box earning the Nymph with the large smile a look
paired with a rising brow. " If not for the ta-da.. I'd wonder if you were
trying to propose
scales change: . "
scales change: Yes, well someone had to say it.. and alas the only available
source for the comment was the Dragon himself. At least he did look
surprised, perhaps even pleased.. after all the realization was seeking in..
no matter any addition in
scales change: tentions.. this was a gift from Ophelia. An enchanted gift..
done by her perhaps? It seemed reasonable to assume it. " I'm both a little
wary and pleased that you would go through such troubles to surprise me.. "
-d
ascending aria: Ophelia laughed her delightful laugh at his comment before
sitting herself down on the edge of the table. " If I were to propose, my
dragon, it would be in song. " It made sense really, if one were to think
about it. Her head
ascending aria: tilted to the side a little and a dangerous look passed over
her features. " Why, what would you have said if I were? " Now he had a
reason to be wary.. mostly of what he was going to say in the next five
minutes. " Why are you
ascending aria: wary of a gift? " She asked, quite put out! " A girl goes
out of her way to surprise her mate and that's the reaction she gets? Next
time I have something made for you, I'll throw it at you - maybe that will
have more of an
ascending aria: impact! " She sniffed, as if she was about to start crying
but in all actuality, she was pretty amused by his reaction.. if not a little
hurt that there hadn't been more of an emotional reaction. [d]
scales change: It did happen to be a little difficult to pry a emotional
reaction from the Black Knight. Those who did found it came slowly and with
fevor when it finally came about. As she sniffed the smile came.. as she
explained how a girl
scales change: might be put out by his reaction.. she'd find herself
suddenly enveloped by those strong armos of his.. and much more noticeable ..
was that he'd taken that oppurtunity to physically draw her up to his level
so that those eyes of
scales change: of course could meet his without the need to look up.. though
the table earned him leaning against it. " The only reason you aren't being
kissed to is the threat of throwing something at me. " The explanation came..
prior to doing
scales change: something perhaps a little .. more out of character.. the
sudden playful nip at her nose. " I must admit I am surprised.. " And that
moment was chosen in order to take a hand away from her in order to day claim
to the box and hold
scales change: it up for his own inspection. " Hmm.. you've put a good deal
of thought into this.. maybe I should be expecting you to start serenading
me.. " A little teasing prior to finally lifting the ring out of the box to
be slipped on to
scales change: the most fitting finger at the time. -d
ascending aria: To stop herself looking like a rag doll, hanging there, in
his arms.. since he'd had to pull her up off the table perch.. she wrapped
her legs around his waist, and her arms around his neck. Her nose wiggled
after the kiss, and she
ascending aria: tilted her head a little. " Do you want me to serenade you?
" A grin formed, and she continued with. " Perhaps another one of my on the
spot ditties? The Black Knight and his Bard.. tried incredibly hard. With
sword and spell, their
ascending aria: enemies fell.. one by one around them! " She paused to note
a break in the song, before continuing. " At the end of the night, their
enemies having taken flight.. they sink into each others arms, to keep one
another from harm! " A
ascending aria: happy little smile formed upon her lips and she returned the
kiss to his nose, before turning her attention to the ring now on his finger.
" I guess this means we're getting married.. " It was merely a joke and the
look upon her
ascending aria: face said as much! " I had it made from the Black Bone from
the Ruin Guardian. It's linked to my new ring.. " She held up her hand, where
the quartz crystal ring with a matching amethyst was sat. " They are linked,
the enchantment
ascending aria: allows us to feel when the other is in mortal danger.. and
to teleport to them, upon command. You just have to speak my name! " She had
appeared that way, just moments ago! [d]
scales change: Some may have taken the news of that paticular enchantment as
her method of keeping track of him. Kythin decided that if it worked as
explained than anything lose was well worth it. After all try as he might..
Kythin knew his weak-
scales change: nesses were many.. and not limited to a certain lovely nymph
that clung so cutely to him right then. Rather than ruin her mood and how he
felt with words the lady earned a much more proper kiss..a quick brush of
lips over hers. "
scales change: Thank you, Lia. " It would be very fitting .. considering his
plans to have his oft-present wyrmtooth ring made into a tattoo.. there would
be a nice place for it on his hand! " .. Hm.. which finger are you wearing
yours on? " Oh
scales change: he had listened attentively to that little diddy of hers..
Kythin simply smirked in response.. " Marriage.. its a nice thought.. "
Though bonding to her through more mystical means also held its appeal. -d
ascending aria: It was a very good thing Ophelia was never privy to his
thoughts.. they would most likely have many more issues if she were. The very
thought that she wanted to keep track of him was insulting, both to her and
to their relationship!
ascending aria: The bard, however, was totally oblivious.. so she received
the kiss happily, and returned it with the same amount of zeal. " You are
most welcome, my Knight. " It had been a gamble really but Ophelia was glad
it had all paid off.
ascending aria: Her index finger was wiggled when he asked what finger it
was on, the total opposite of her marriage finger. " Is it? " She asked
curiously. " Is it a nice thought? Or is it just what is expected? " She
really didn't know but she
ascending aria: did know she wasn't ready to lose her identity to become his
wife - she was only eighteen years old. " We've never even spoken of where
we're going with our relationship.. " Speaking about their feelings and their
future? That never
ascending aria: seemed liked a conversation they were ready to have..
until.. it was just brought up, of course!
scales change: " Neither of us tend to follow what is expected of us, Lia. "
Besides for his tendacy to control he could not see Ophelia falling into the
dosmeicated role most viewed a wife.. especially within Kullyr.. or even
Dunsany. " I would
scales change: like us to become more in time.. " Kythin chose to admit, and
why not? " But not yet.. you've a goal after all.. travel, fame.. though.. I
would like to join you in those travels when you undertake them.. perhaps in
a less known
scales change: guise.. than Black Knight. " -d
ascending aria: A half-smile tugged at the left side of her mouth, as she
let a finger trail down his cheek. " We both have goals, my Knight. You have
a kingdom to restore - don't forget. " A kiss was planted on his lips but it
was fleeting and
ascending aria: then she was wriggling free of his hold, so she could plant
herself on the table again. His request to join her, as it were, brought a
brow to arch.. and she admitted: " I had planned to ask you to go with me.. I
just wasn't sure
ascending aria: you would, so I was afraid to leave and lose you in the
process. " It was quite hard for her to admit that but all that was pushed
aside so she could question the last part of that statement. " A less known
guise? " Curiosity, her
ascending aria: most base of weaknesses!
scales change: " I haven't forgotten.. but its not worth ignorning you in
favor of it. " A kingdom restored was not much without people to enjoy the
legacy he fashioned for himself. Listening to her told well much the
same..what was fame worth if
scales change: it lose loved ones in the process? Rather than speak more of
that, he elected to explain the matter of another guise. " My reputation
would overshadow yours for better or worse. It does not seem right to steal
it from you in such
scales change: a way,,,"-d
ascending aria: " No. " Ophelia stated, again, quite adamantly. " If I can't
travel with you.. as you, then what's the point? I may as well go alone. Have
you so little faith in my abilities, that you think whether you're stood
beside me or not, I
ascending aria: can't rise above it? You've said this same thing before and
it annoyed me then but I was new so I ignored it but now, I'm not and people
know my name. " Her shoulders were lifted in a shrug, before she looked down
to her new shiny
ascending aria: ring. " Your arrogance confounds me sometimes, Kythin. "
scales change: Kythin listened if only so he knew her feelings before
telling her exactly why he thought as he did on the matter. " You are skilled
and your reputation will rise above mine for much better reasons. I.. do not
want to taint your rep
scales change: utation, Lia. " This was not arrogance.. this was shame.. and
not wishing to taint how others viewed her due to it. It held similiarities
to the last time.. when shame did not have a place. Now.. now it did. -d
ascending aria: Ophelia stared at him for the longest time before she shook
her head from side to side. " You didn't seem so concerned about tainting my
reputation before now. The moment you decided that I was more than a casual
fling, everything
ascending aria: changed. How can you not see that? Cade stabbing me, has to
make you see.. that your actions already have an effect on me and the way
people see me. I take it in my stride though because I chose to be here, with
you. " Her hand was
ascending aria: motioned towards his new ring. " I chose to make a
commitment to you, knowing who you were and what you've done. It may not be a
proposal, Kythin but it's a declaration of that commitment. So you can either
learn to live with the
ascending aria: fact that your actions have consequences for the both of us
and that I'm prepared to live with it .. or just go. Leave and save the
reputation you seem so concerned about. " Of course, she didn't want him to
leave! [d]
scales change: " Commitment.. " Kythin murmured the word after she accepted
what he'd done and who he had become in the process. It was hard not to smile
now as he pondered over it. " If you are prepared to live with it.. than I
will make the
scales change: effort as well. " How could he not at least try if only
because she was willing to suffer physical pain despite the decision on her
part. " I'd like to travel with you.. where would I be without my Bard to
protect me? " Yes, he'd
scales change: grin after saying that.. -d
ascending aria: " Just know, Black Knight.. " She stabbed her finger into
his chest and pushed a little; she didn't have any expectation that she'd
actually move the brute of a man, of course. " I can live with what you've
done but that doesn't
ascending aria: give you a free pass to continue slaughtering everyone who
gets in your way. I told you before I have lines and I won't ignore then,
even for you. " Ophelia slipped off the table then and made her way to the
counter. " Are you
ascending aria: hungry? They left food for us.. "
scales change: " I do not slaughter everyone that gets in my way. I will
...try to make use of the courts instead then. " Why not.. he could still
bribe judges and baliffs and the like now couldn't he? It was after all how
things worked in the jud
scales change: icidial systems of most kingdoms. " No one has succeded in
making me want to .. reconsider my approach. " This included those .. former
lovers of his though no mention of them would be made by the Dragon. As she
left the table he
scales change: followed in her wake. " .. Hard not to feel loved despite you
pairing it with chastisement.. ..hm.. yes, I am.. " -d
ascending aria: " It wasn't a chastisement, it was a truth. I do love you
and even if a day comes where I can't stand by you, I will love you then. "
It would break her heart, if the day ever came that she was forced to walk
away. It was something
ascending aria: she didn't really want to think about, so she grabbed the
two bowls that were full of the rich, meaty stew and took them back to the
table.. despite his following her. Walking back to the bar, she grabbed the
board with the bread on
ascending aria: and then all the cutlery to go with it. " Sit down. " She
ordered, before making one final trip to the bar for two glasses and a bottle
of that wine he was always trying to get her to drink! [d]
scales change: Maybe the day would come that Ophelia would have to walk
away. Neither would expect it until that day was upon them.. a far off one if
it came at all. The Bard demanding that he take a seat found the Knight
rising a brow questionly.
scales change: As she made her trip to the bar, he begrudgingly followed the
order and retreated to their table.. taking one of the chairs. After all
looked as if she still possessed another part of this plan of hers. -d
ascending aria: There was nothing out of the ordinary planned, Ophelia had
simply wanted to serve him a meal. Most men enjoy it when a woman wanted to
wait on them. After cutting the bread, pouring the wine and setting out the
cutlery.. she sat in
ascending aria: the chair across from him and arched a brow; nothing was
said though, she just watched him.. in silence.

[Ophelia Harrington]

Part Two : Monster or Martyr
Ophelia & Kythin

scales change: Why Kythin kept staying in the inn when there was a perfectly
good castle was something of a mystery. Wanting to remain close to Ophelia
seemed prime among the reasons. " How long till that steak is done, Tully? "
Yes, sometimes the
scales change: poor fellow did let his stomach think for him.. perhaps that
draconic heritage affected a good many things!? If Phe happened to be among
them who could say till the Black Knight directed his attention awhile from
the halfling after
scales change: the small fellows answer.
ascending aria: " Viola really did some fine work on this coat.. " The bard
in question was sat at the same table as Kythin but she was not awaiting a
steak, instead.. she was smoothing out the shimmering material in her lap.
Her attention drifted
ascending aria: up to the dragon, and she tilted her head a little as she
said: " I'm surprised you don't eat your meat raw. " She was pretty sure
she'd met him once after hunting. Though, she could have also made that up in
her head as part of a
ascending aria: story. This thought forced her to scrunch her eyebrows
together, while she tried to decide if it was true or a fabrication. In the
end, she gave up and said: " We need to do something exciting, Kythin..
sitting around the Inn is
ascending aria: doing neither of us any good! "
scales change: " She's still around.. ? I'd have thought she'd make for more
exciting locales than Sarkotos by now. " Course who was he to say when he was
.. as she soon pointed out.. sitting around in an inn? " It doesn't taste as
good raw.. its
scales change: like how a canvas isn't art on its own. It needs.. something
more than its base state of existence. " She could certainly switch
directions easily enough now couldn't she!? " I'm surprised you've not given
me permission to hurt down
scales change: that.. problem of yours.. that would be exciting. " -d
ascending aria: " I don't need you to fight my battles for me, knight. I'm
quite capable of dealing with it on my own. " Well, she was pretty sure she
could try anyway.. and if she died in the process, then at least the trouble
would no longer
ascending aria: bother him or her family. This thought, however, was not
voiced especially considering what she was planning to do. " And of course
she's still around! She didn't travel all the way here.. just to leave after
a few days. " A
ascending aria: frown formed and she shook her head a little. " Though,
maybe I should encourage her to go.. and live vicariously through her. It
doesn't look like I'm ever getting out of Sarkotos.. " A little forlorn now,
she rest her elbow on
ascending aria: the table and cupped her chin in it.
scales change: Odds were if she made the Black Knight aware of what it was
she planned than she'd be told just how selfish, on his level at that, she
was being by making their judgement on her own. " And why wouldn't you get
out of Sarkotos..
scales change: after all I'm only waiting on you to give the word that we
are to begin or travels together. " All the more reason for her to not head
out on her own and get herself killed or captured now wasn't it!? -d
ascending aria: Ophelia had always been a selfish soul, that was why she was
in this position in the first place - he just hadn't seen that side of her.
His words caused a brow to arch, though she didn't hault her slouch at all. "
Really? " As if
ascending aria: he'd lie to her.. well, she wasn't sure whether he'd lie to
her, actually. " I wouldn't even know where to start. " The only map she had
now was of the old kingdoms, so that would be next to useless. ".. don't you
have a kingdom to
ascending aria: aid building? You can't really do that while you're
travelling Arith with me. "
scales change: " If I am traveling Arith with you than I am much less of a
target than were I to brood alone in my castle. Where would I be without you?
... Enjoying life a lot less to say the least.. " -d
ascending aria: " I'm sure it wouldn't take you long to find the joy in life
without me, Kythin. " Ophelia stood and pushed herself onto her feet, lying
the coat down on the back of the chair. The girl was restless and it was
obvious in the way she
ascending aria: paced and her snappy retort. For some reason, she was just
annoyed.. with everything, including him. Truth be told, Ophelia felt closed
in, crowded and felt like she was being suffocated by everything that was
going on in her life.
scales change: Kythin took this response in with a great deal of stunned
silence that was rare from the man. The tone rather than the words succeded
in setting his mind back a step or two as if trying to mull over what might
have set off the react
scales change: ion. Pondering gave little more than a slight ache growing in
his skull. Watching the young woman provided much more than the words ever
could. " ... Maybe you should begin your journey without me at first. Stretch
your legs, disman
scales change: tle that gilded cage under your own strength and will. "
There was a saying that he hated that came to mind now that the suggestion
had been given against his want to keep her close, safe, ... caged.. -d
ascending aria: Ophelia stopped pacing to rest her gaze on the man; there
wasn't much to say in response to his words, other than: " Fine. " The coat
she'd only just placed on the back of the chair was pulled off again, and it
and the girl.. in one
ascending aria: swift movement.. were flitting up the stairs, like she
didn't even need to tread upon the ground. It wouldn't take her long to pack,
especially now that she felt like she had no reason to stay. She already had
all the things she
ascending aria: needed to travel, apart from a map!
scales change: Kythin watched as she moved wondering if his phrasing had
been.. misinterpreted .. a simple enough fear when the foundation their
relationship stood upon often found them angry at the other.. usually she at
him in fact. Reason
scales change: enough to guide himself up the stairs in her wake. Try as he
might to be as resolute and unchanging as a stone wall.. there was an erosion
enough to move the Knight. And yet.. the knock to the likely closed, and
locked.. , door
scales change: still came about once he reached the stairs. " ... I do not
want you to come to resent me Ophelia. " Those words would come whether they
were to a door or to her face.. the latter certainly preferable to the man.-d
ascending aria: Ophelia hadn't taken the time to lock the door, so he could
easily open it himself. In the likelihood that he did, she didn't look up to
him when he spoke. instead, she continued to gently place all of her most
important items into
ascending aria: her traveling bag. " I just wish you'd make up your mind,
Kythin. I don't know what you want from me from one moment to the next. You
never talk to me, not really, not in the way that I talk to you. I guess I
expect too much, I
ascending aria: mean, deep down inside.. you're just evil and I'm not. I'm..
not this, either. Stuck in a city, playing house, sitting around inn's
talking about the next meal. " There were a lot of different thoughts flying
around her crazed head
ascending aria: at that moment and they all seemed to be clashing into one
another and becoming one big wave of words. [d]
scales change: " I'm.. just evil.. " That could be the only way to sum it
all up, or so it seemed now that the words had been spoken. Kythin grew
silent far too easily in the face of those words. The chaos of Phe's thoughts
spawned doubt in his
scales change: own. " You do not understand.. that I have no idea what I'm
doing. " No matter how ambitious, how powerful, how evil his actions. The
truth was always on display for those willing to see it. Just another lost
bully of a child acting
scales change: with the guidelines long ago set before him.. and twisted by
experience paired with necessity. " I have only one certainity, Lia. " -d
ascending aria: " If you don't understand what you're doing, then how am I
supposed to understand? " The few belongings she had in the inn were packed
now, her flute was placed in its pouch on her belt and she was already
running her arms through
ascending aria: the sleeves of her coat. His one certainty comment made
her shake her head back and forth, before saying: " Nothing in life is
certain, Kythin! I could be dead tomorrow. You, the same. " The bard was
close to him now, and she took
ascending aria: his hand into hers; something hard and cold was placed into
the palm, which was closed. " Perhaps I should leave here without you but
know that I love you, with all that I am. " Leaning up, she pressed a kiss to
his cheek before
ascending aria: dropping down onto her heels again. There was a brief pause
before she was off once more; at some point, she'd retrieved her bag which
was now on her back, too. [d]
scales change: " I need something to fight for, Ophelia, without it I am as
restless as you. " Being restless never suited Kythin, likely the exact
reason karma enjoyed taking its shots at him. " I will make it certain.. "
Little did it change
scales change: the course Phe appeared to have decided on as she finally
came close.. taking his hand. It was that hard, cold.. something that gave
the sense of dread the ability to take root. Gods.. don't be the ring, he
thought, prayed.. After
scales change: those words and the kiss she left on his cheek. The finality
of it made Kythin cringe, grit his teeth.. , and force his eyes to keep open
despite the want to close them. Doing so meant letting the misting of his
eyes be noted
scales change: whether he liked it or not, and he didn't... " Why do you act
as if you are leaving for good.. " He could not allow things to end on such
a note nor did he simply stand for it. Those hands of hers were seized if
only so that he
scales change: could lace the fingers of one.. and feel the item left in his
between the palms of the other. " I will be joining you soon, Lia. This is no
goodbye, there will be no goodbye. We will see each other again .. alive and
well no matter
scales change: what I must do too see that it be so. I love you, Ophelia,
and I'll not let the one sign of radiance disappear behind the cover of
stormclouds. I know what I want .. I will fight for it, I will survive for
it.. but I will not let
scales change: it just end due to uncertainity. " On whatever path his mind
had gone.. the end result came to the willingness to let her do what she felt
she must. But the hand she had slipped that cold, hard item int his with..
was not allowed
scales change: the same benefit. " If this is the twin to my ring, keep
it... if you can't bring yourself to wear it for fear I'll use it to come to
you then so be it. But keep it, for my sake keep it. " Course this would all
seem incredibly silly
scales change: if it wasn't that ring now wouldn't it? -d
ascending aria: Ophelia hadn't the heart to pull away when he laced his
fingers through hers, so she retraced her steps so she was at least close to
him, if not in front of him. It was at that moment in time that she was
grateful for the hood that
ascending aria: shadowed most of her features, for she did not want him to
see her tears; it would dissolve her resolve and she had to be strong, then.
Guilt wasn't an emotion she felt often but it was seeping through every
emotion and it almost
ascending aria: made her buckle; in the end, it was the fact she wanted them
to survive their ordeals, that made her firm. " I don't want it. " It was the
ring, it couldn't really be anything else. " I don't want you to be where I'm
going - don't
ascending aria: you understand, Kythin? You smother me; you think you're
protecting me but you don't let me breathe. You're in everything and
everywhere I go and I hate it. " Every word she spoke broke her heart, a
little piece at a time. There
ascending aria: was but a moment where she realized that saying those things
would push him away forever but.. in the grand scale of things, Ophelia knew,
that she had to go out and face her demons alone: she couldn't hide in the
shadow of the
ascending aria: Black Knight forever and she couldn't tell him that because
he'd never accept it.. so she had to force him to let her go. Her hand was
dropped to her side and she remained where she was stood for a time, until
she turned away from
ascending aria: him fully. " Whatever happens next.. it was always you. "
scales change: Rarely did Kythin feel cold.. not the chill of of a winter
day, or the bite of a Rumerian autumn.. just the sensation of something he
couldn't control..and the knowledge of it.. sparking cold anger that could
only be directed else
scales change: where. What made the feeling worse was the grumbled words of
the draconic tongue in his head. Another one, Little Dragon. When Kythin
finally acknowledged it the moment came with a heavy breath exhaled.. when
the inhalation came
scales change: there was only the mask. " You're either creating a martyr ..
or a Monster.. you can not have it both ways. I will be reviled, you will
hear my name everywhere you go. " There was suppose to be something more
wasn't there? Shouldn't
scales change: there... but no nothing more came.. what good would it do? He
couldn't hate her.. nor could he allow himself to be pushed away as if it all
meant nothing. Because the idea of her starting over without him only bred
anger. Whatever
scales change: anger he felt, whatever he said.. whatever else came to be
from this..when that hand that held the ring she had pushed into his
possession.. it was brought to his lips..the hand remained there for seeming
eternity. " The white
scales change: knight weeps, the grey suffers in silence, and the Black....
" Remained unspoken apparently as there was nothing left to be said it would
seem as Kythin turned away with footsteps heavier than they should have
been.. no weight taken
scales change: away.. all the more thrown upon his shoulders. What ever
could this mean... ? Only that the man kept still after turning away..
couldn't bring himself to leave. And how could he.. just a glorfied puppet of
a zealot after all. Could
scales change: n't be a voice for one of those for too long. -d
ascending aria: The girl, for really she was still only a girl, turned her
head to watch him turn away from her. There was a split moment in which she
almost fled, right back into his arms but it would serve no purpose. In the
end, she lowered her
ascending aria: head and watched the tears that were now spilling down her
cheek, hit the ground. " I love you, Kythin. " She whispered before, as
silent as a mouse, she disappeared from the corridor of the room they shared,
down the stairs and out
ascending aria: of the inn altogether.. the only thought she had at the
time, was that when it was all said and done, she hoped that he would forgive
her for deceiving him: even if she couldn't forgive herself.

[Ophelia Harrington]

Part Three : Confrontation
Ophelia

ascending aria: Ophelia fled Navahla after her confrontation with Kythin and
she hadn't slowed down until she was in the forests surrounding the city.
Tears flooded down her face and now that she was alone in the dank, dark
forest - she didn't care
ascending aria: to hide the sob of despair. Standing still, she looked down
to the ground, and subsequently her shoes, and took in a deep breath. " You
did it for all the right reasons, Ophelia. " Though she wasn't really sure
about that anymore.
ascending aria: Lifting her head, she sighed softly and turned her attention
down to the Purret at her side. " Do you know where he is? " The cat purred
loudly and ran herself through the bards legs. " Alright, let's go.. and get
this over and done
ascending aria: with, for better or for worse. " The Purret moved in front
of Ophelia, who moved silently through the woods. Her bow was drawn from her
back and an arrow developed by her tattoo was set in place.. she wanted to be
ready for the
ascending aria: eventuality that she would need to use her element of
surprise quickly.
ascending aria: #NPC# Carver had set up camp 30 or so minutes away from
Navahla, so he could keep an eye out for the Bard to try and get her alone.
It hadn't happened so far because she'd retreated into the city with the
armour clad baffoon. He was
ascending aria: currently sat outside his tent, using one of his throwing
knives to cut off pieces of apple before it was shoved in his mouth to chew,
quietly. No one else seemed to be around him for the time being at least; his
weapons were close
ascending aria: by but he really seemed to be minding his own business.
ascending aria: Sage had disappeared into the woods in front of her and
because it was dark, she was having trouble seeing where she was. She
couldn't turn on her lantern without giving away her position, nor could she
really move on.. for the same
ascending aria: reason. So Ophelia stopped and looked around, trying to make
out any distinguishing sounds or sights.
ascending aria: [ Spot Check ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 13
ascending aria: [ Listen Check ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 19
ascending aria: Ophelia could make out the tree line and could see a dim
light in the distance but that was about all but what she could hear was the
crackle of the fireplace, and the soft pad of her guides feet along the
undergrowth. Taking off
ascending aria: after the sound, she moved through the trees as quietly as
she could, so she could come upon the camp unseen.. and keep the element of
surprise.
ascending aria: [ Stealth Check - 15+ to remain hidden. ]
ascending aria: [ Stealth Check - Carver, opposing roll. Sorry. ]
ascending aria: [ Ophelia ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 3
ascending aria: [ +6 QCK - 9 ]
ascending aria: [ Carver ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 2
ascending aria: [ +6 - 8.]
ascending aria: #NPC# Carver looked up to the treeline, quite sure he had
heard something.. but in the end, he shrugged it off and looked back down to
the apple he was.. carving.. into.
ascending aria: Ophelia ducked down as soon as she came to the treeline,
sure she was about to be seen by the man she'd come to... well, why was she
here? To scare him off? To.. kill him? She wasn't sure but she knew that he
wouldn't be talked out
ascending aria: of chasing her. Pressing a hand to Sage's head, she spoke
upon a hushed whisper. " I want you to run back to Navahla and find Kythin,
bring him here.. whatever you have to do.. " The Purret didn't look happy but
in the end, she had
ascending aria: no choice but to follow her mistresses commands. As soon as
the Purret was gone, she inhaled sharply and closed her eyes. " You can do
this Ophelia.. " She said to herself, standing from her spot.. she lifted her
bow and the
ascending aria: already prepared arrow and let it fly..
ascending aria: [ Ophelia Harrington, Emerald Defender | 2d70, 41HP, DC: 16
]
ascending aria: [NPC: Carver Nevis, Emerald Defender | 2d70, 41HP, DC: 16 ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 14
ascending aria: [ +6 QCK - 20 : HIT ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 70-sided dice: 10 59
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 3-sided dice: 1 3
ascending aria: [ +6 QCK ]
ascending aria: [ 9 + 4 + 6 = 19 ]
ascending aria: [ Carver : -5 DEF: Padded Armor ]
ascending aria: [ 14 DMG ]
ascending aria: [ Ophelia /41 - Carver 14/41 ]
ascending aria: The arrow flew true and with a thud, sank into his
shoulder.. the shock on Carver's face was a great image.. one Ophelia would
remember forever. " Don't move, Carver! I have a whole ground of Heart people
with me.. ready to take you
ascending aria: down. " [ Bluff Check - Carver Opposing roll ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 9
ascending aria: [ +8 CHA : 17 ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 1
ascending aria: [ Ophelia passes ]
ascending aria: #NPC# Carver was so shocked by the arrow that was now
sticking out of his shoulder, that he didn't even disbelieve the voice he
knew as Ophelia's. He did glance around once but he couldn't see anything
through the trees, not even
ascending aria: the girl in question. " What do you want, girl? You know my
men will be back and then we'll tear you limb from limb.. I don't care what
Nistrum says.. " He pulled the arrow from his shoulder with little care for
the amount of blood
ascending aria: that was now spilling out onto the ground. The one good
thing about being sapped of all emotion, was that one rarely felt any sort of
pain. His will to live remained strong, though.
ascending aria: Ophelia paused, letting silence remain between her and
Carver for the time being. What did she want? " I want to be left alone! I
want you and your boss, to leave me be! I have nothing he wants anymore. "
And there was so much that
ascending aria: she wanted here. " We'll spare your life, if you leave here
now.. and tell Nistrum I'm dead. That I was killed on my journey here. " It
was the only hope she had, that he'd see the benefit of leaving her be. [d]
ascending aria: #NPC# Carver chuckled softly and shook his head from side to
side; all the while, his hand had dipped behind him and a wand was drawn out
from his belt. " You know I can't do that, Ophelia. You're going to be
famous.. and then my
ascending aria: life will be forfeit. " The wand was lifted and within a
flash, a cold bolt of ice was flying towards the general area of the voice.
It split into shards, draining the entire wand of its power. While that was
flying through the air,
ascending aria: he dropped down to grab his weapons. [ Wand Mastery / Cull
Wand Essence ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 8
ascending aria: [ +6 QCK + 2 Wand Mastery = 8 / 16 - HIT ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 70-sided dice: 15 60
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 3 3-sided dice: 3 2 2
ascending aria: [ Ophelia DEF : +9; Animated Shield, Glamerweave Coat,
Padded Leather ]
ascending aria: [ Carver : +6 INT ]
ascending aria: [ 11 + 7 + 6 = 24 - 9 = 15 DMG ]
ascending aria: [ Ophelia 15/41 - Carver 14/41 ]
ascending aria: Well, Ophelia supposed she had her answer now and they were
all flying at her at high speeds. The animated shield bounced down to catch
some of the shards and her coat and armour did their work too but that didn't
stop most of
ascending aria: them. She could feel them sinking through her flesh,
freezing the skin as they slid through it like butter. Steeling herself
against the pain, she moved out of the treeline.. it was pointless hiding
now. " You really should have
ascending aria: left when you could.. " Her bow was discarded to her side,
the element of surprise gone too. Her flute was what she fell back upon and
it was lifted to her lips. The melody that came from the instrument built
quickly, until a
ascending aria: piercing note was sent through the air to ricochet around
his head. The sound was so intense, it would be heard for him to think,
hear.. anything really. [ Passive: Limelight / Riff ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 13
ascending aria: [ +8 INT - 21 HIT ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 70-sided dice: 67 5
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 3-sided dice: 3 1
ascending aria: [ +8 INT ]
ascending aria: [ -5 DEF ]
ascending aria: [ 11 + 3 + 1 + 8 = 23 - 5 = 18 ]
ascending aria: #NPC# Carver screamed and clutched his head in his hands; he
hated this bitch, she had caused him more trouble than any other target he'd
had. " I'm going to gut you, bitch! " He screamed and ran at her. Two knives
were already in
ascending aria: his hands, he jumped to an astounding height before coming
down on the slight girl.. with hopes of cutting her up, so she would both
shut the hell up.. and die, with a pretty smile. Nistrum could always bring
her back as one of his
ascending aria: minions.
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 20
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 70-sided dice: 13 55
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 5-sided dice: 4 5
ascending aria: [ Critical Hit! ]
ascending aria: [ 9 + 9 + 5 + 4 = 27 - 9 DEF = 18 ]
ascending aria: [ Ophelia 33/41 - Carver 32/41 ]
ascending aria: The ice shards had been bad enough, the daggers were even
worse; she screamed as her flesh was torn, the jagged blades doing their
work. The close proximity left her little in the way of choices, he would
silence her spells and her
ascending aria: song. So, all she had left was the blade hidden in her
flute. She screamed again but in fury and slid her finger along the small
button that brought the hidden blade out. It was stabbed, right into his left
eye and she pushed as
ascending aria: hard as she could to get him off of her..
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 20-sided die: 15
ascending aria: [ +6 = 21 HIT ]
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 2 70-sided dice: 64 64
OnlineHost: ascending aria rolled 1 4-sided die: 2
ascending aria: [ 20 + 2 = 22 - 5 = 17 ]
ascending aria: [ Ophelia 33/41 - Carver 49/41 ]
ascending aria: #NPC# Carver screamed a blood curdling scream and stumbled
back from the bard, the flute was pulled out because she wasn't letting it
go.. making the bleeding even worse. He knew, that he should be dead, there
was no way he could
ascending aria: live through that but the Fate's had other ideas. With his
limited vision, the pain that coursed through him and no back up to speak of,
he couldn't win against her. Instead, he spat at her: " We'll be back for
you! " With that, he
ascending aria: stumbled away.. holding his face in his hands, agony rife
within him. This was not something he was ever going to forget and his
revenge was going to be blissful. ( Cheat Death )
ascending aria: Ophelia was injured, badly, and there was no real way she
could heal herself. Her backpack was still off in the trees and she couldn't
move without hurting herself. She just hoped that Kythin would follow Sage..
despite all the
ascending aria: horrible things she'd said to him..
ascending aria: [ log off - TBC! ]

[Ophelia Harrington]

Part Four : Aftermath
Ophelia & Kythin

scales change: A flare of cold emotion could only last for so long before
the last of its embers began to cool. Kythin felt the end come to his
smoldering anger as the Dragon finally sat up from less than ideal comforts
of the old Gypsy hideout he
scales change: had chosen to seclude himself in since the outrage of
Ophelia's words to him spurred him away from the Inn but not out of the city.
This was Canterly Lows and Kythin hated the place with an undiluted passion.
None of the artistic
scales change: flare and scholarly locales of the Greenlord Run it was a
bastion for the poverty-stricken and those with prices on their heads. It had
been the latter to draw the Black Knight there.. unable to bring himself to
cut down more
scales change: innocents like those of Lynd he'd taken to those more
deserving.. those who would always slip through the cracks of an imperfect
judicial system.. those who wouldn't be missed by the authorities. Those who
no one considered it a
scales change: crime to end the lives of no matter the reason. Those moments
of brutally short bloodletting were long gone now.. leaving the passing of
time to draw him towards mundane tasks.. the cleaning of blood from Ardent's
bloodglass blade
scales change: was at the top of the list.
ascending aria: #NPC# Sage had taken her time coming from the forests
because... at the end of the day, she was a Purret and she had a natural
curiosity about all things. It also took her some time to find the Knight,
despite having his scent
ascending aria: firmly planted in her head. So it was about a day after
Ophelia had sent her off to find him. The black cat came padding through the
streets, meowing at the top of its lungs for attention that no one was
willing to give it. Though,
ascending aria: there had been a few instances where someone had tried to
throttle the cat - it had not ended well, for either of them. That's why she
was limping when she finally caught the scent and found her charge. Poor
Kythin was treated to a
ascending aria: number of angry hisses and meows before she sat down on her
haunches and started to lick her injured front paw free of the blood that had
congealed in her fur. She had no real way of communicating with the beast,
other than sitting
ascending aria: there and waiting for him to figure it out..
scales change: There did not take too much to come to the realization that
the grating sounds akin to a blade down a slate slab could be coming from a
Purret. Sage especially came to the top of the list.. his suspicion concerned
about the same
scales change: the reclining Dragon lifted the blunderbuss in order to aim
it lazily at the noisy feline. A couple of seconds passed with an unrealized
stalemate before the firearm was lowered with a heavy sigh. " You don't
follow me out of any
scales change: sense of devotion, cat. What has your mistress got herself
into that she I won't just fill you with a few holes and leave her to
whatever fate she's earned for herself. " Kythin couldn't keep up the
consideration of not seeing what
scales change: he feline meant to lead him to all the same. " Fine.. I'll
follow. Get going.. I'll not wait long. " -d
scales change: she thinks I won't just*
ascending aria: #NPC# Sage didn't even flinch when he pointed the weapon at
her; it did earn him a stare though, one of those evil cat stares.. he could
be pretty sure she was plotting some sort of revenge for the future. Her paw
clean, she placed
ascending aria: it on the ground and stared at him before pushing herself
back up onto all fours. Of course, she couldn't go anywhere without first
stretching herself out, first her front paws and then her back. There was
also something interesting
ascending aria: in one of the hideout corners, that caused her to sit around
for a while.. in the end though, she padded off, not bothering to check if
the Knight was behind her or not. With her tail held high, she padded through
the streets,
ascending aria: ignoring everyone and everything on the way. For a Purret,
it was a long walk back to the forests she'd come from.. at least Kythin was
there this time, to keep her on track. Sage lead him through the streets,
only stopping once
ascending aria: when she spied a mouse in a gutter. There was no stopping
her then, she had to chase it, it was ingrained in her DNA. Course, Kythin
was going to have to follow her.. [d]
scales change: If only the feline happened to not be as arrogant as the
Dragon they could have worked together a good deal more in order to progress
towards where ever the destination happened to be. Kythin did not bother to
waste time beyond
scales change: grabbing his sword and heading off after the Purret. A long
walk made even longer by the nuisance of vermin and the mangy sack of fur
rushing after it. Second by second Kythin began to become agitated with the
mere thought of Ophel-
scales change: ia brought on by the feline. The little beast more similiar
to the woman than he cared for.. a fact that made him wish all the more that
he had just shot the cat rather than followed it! " Damn cat stop going after
vermin and take
scales change: me to Ophelia. " -d
ascending aria: #NPC# As much as it seemed Sage understood common, she
didn't.. she just understood Ophelia because they had formed a connection
over the years. That's why she blatantly ignored the dragon and eventually
returned with the mouse in
ascending aria: her mouth. Its head was hanging on by a thread of sinew and
she was padding along with so much pride. Purely because Ophelia wasn't there
and the Purret knew of the Knight and her mistresses' connection, she dropped
the mouse at his
ascending aria: feet and waited until he picked it up. It would just not do
to ignore her gift, if he wanted to get to where she was leading him. Growing
bored with waiting, the Purret sniffed and continued on, not once getting
side-tracked until
ascending aria: they were on the edge of the forest, near Ophelia's cottage.
It took all of Sage's willpower to walk past, instead of running in and
curling up in her comfortable chair.. surrounded by familiar things. Bear no
longer haunted the
ascending aria: edge of the forest now he had a family, so all that stood
between Ophelia and Kythin were the trees. All in all, it took them a few
hours to reach Ophelia but Sage disappeared, about ten minutes walk away
because that is where she
ascending aria: had left her.
scales change: Once the cottage made it into his field of vision the
possiblity that Ophelia had truly come up against something unpleasant. Try
as he might Kythin could not help but worry over the bard's fate. Seemingly
left in the middle of the
scales change: forest by the Purret Kythin was left to have to look around
for any sign of the bard. Speak aloud to see if she responded to him? No, the
man was no fool.. if the man she called Carver was still about.. and there
was no reason to as
scales change: assume* that the bastard was not.. he set his eyes to work
and his actions towards a proper search through the immediate area. [ Search
Check ]
OnlineHost: scales change rolled 1 20-sided die: 14
scales change: [+5 Hawk Eyes = 19 ]
ascending aria: It would be hard to miss Ophelia's presence in the forest;
although she was light of foot, she had left her backpack and her bow in the
trees where she'd fired her first shot. All he would have to do once finding
them, was look
ascending aria: through the trees to see the fallen bard. She was still
alive, but barely, her life was hanging on a thin thread. The blood from the
vicious blade assault had all congealed around her wounds, thankfully, so she
wasn't bleeding
ascending aria: out. However, she was black and blue, full of stab wound
holes and the small holes the ice shards had caused.. it suffices to say,
she looked a little worse for wear. The campsite was empty apart from her,
Carver had left all his
ascending aria: stuff behind.
scales change: When the bard came to his notice there came a moment of pause
as the injuries were glanced over. He had never seen her this bloodied and
wounded from what he could only suspect was the work of Carver. Shrugging off
the pack from his
scales change: shoulders, the Dragon knelt near her.. and smacked her cheek
a couple of times. " Wake up or these potions are not going to do you a damn
bit of good. " No telling if she could even be conscious enough for any such
thing. Kythin
scales change: enjoyed nothing of this sight. Whether Ophelia awoke or not
he began rummaging through the pack in order to pull out the healing potions.
He only needed to get one swallowed to start doing her some good. Which meant
being sure that
scales change: there weren't anything stuck in her wouns. Accomplished with
little more than a look over of the poor, broken bard. " I wonder if coming
here was your plan all long.. " -d
ascending aria: Poor Ophelia was close to death and he was smacking her
cheek; what a bed side manner! She was in no state to actually respond,
though but there was a glimmer of movement at least. Her fingertips were
moved to rest against his knee,
ascending aria: and her eyes opened but there was none of the usual light in
them, no spark of constant amusement; they were dull, damp and dark. She
couldn't even enjoy the fact that she had won her fight, because she had lost
so much in the
ascending aria: process. At least she was awake, all be it barely, so he
could administer one of the potions, if he really wished to. It was a gamble,
asking him to come.. knowing how angry he was. There was a part of her that
wondered if he was so
ascending aria: angry and so dark inside, that he would just leave her there
to die. It was a foolish thought, from a foolish girl..
scales change: Those notions she let pop into her head were not nearly as
foolish as she may have begun to believe now that the Knight happened to be
at her side. The moment found Kythin pausing as Ophelia awoke enough that she
no doubt could see
scales change: him. Looking at her led to considering if she would not be
better of if he just .. ended it for her. Those eyes of hers were not the
ones he had grown to love.. eventually the bloodglass sword grasped at the
hilt..the thought slowly
scales change: taking hold more and more until a more selfish thought shoved
it away. Kythin could not let her go quite as easily as using the blade she
had enchanted for him to end her life. Finally his left hand lifted up the
potion bottle and
scales change: uncorked it.. before seeking to cradle her head enough to
make swallowing the concoction a little easier for the entertainer. " You
went after Carver didn't you.. without me.. " Perhaps the Black Knight would
prove forgiving and
scales change: understanding? " You fool.. you are lucky you aren't collared
and bound on your way back to Bryony at his mercy. " No matter if she won the
fight or not.. a hollow, pointless victory was no victory at all.. all the
more because he
scales change: saw no sign of Carver's corpse.. meaning at best the nuisance
had only been driven off for a time. " If this was what you had planned you
should have told me.. even if I had to leave you to fight him on your own..
knowing you had my
scales change: support alone.. could have kept you from winding up like
this.. " While the words could have been considered understanding, even
kind.. the tone was a harsh, cold whisper.. all the while he was slowly
pouring the healing draught
scales change: pass her lips pausing now and then to let the liquid be
gulped down. " But you could not do that.. you had to use my fears against
me, that I smothered you.. that my wish to protect you was only forcing you
away. Do you have any
scales change: idea how much worse it is to wonder if all that was naught
but lies? That you would lie to me.. betray me just to go off and get
yourself killed.. " -d
ascending aria: A new emotion did enter her stare as she watched him: fear.
It did not go away either, the longer he spoke, especially as he held her
head. He would be able to feel her shaking, though.. it would be easy to pass
it off as a side
ascending aria: effect of her wounds. Ophelia had felt many things about the
Knight but never before had she considered that she had reason to be scared
of him - until now. The potion had the desired effect and the worst of her
wounds started to
ascending aria: knit back together under the magic it weaved upon her
fragile body. It never had the full desired effect, though, all her bruises
remained and some of the deeper stab wounds: she just had some sort of
strange immunity to healing
ascending aria: spells, even the liquid variety. As soon as she was able
Ophelia pulled herself free of him and moved away some, sitting down and
leaning a little so that she was propped up by her hands: she had been badly
injured and despite the
ascending aria: draught, it would take a while for her to heal emotionally.
" Perhaps if I had died, then you wouldn't have had the obviously difficult
decision of whether to help me or not. " She couldn't even look at him,
especially the sword:
ascending aria: she had given it, its power and now she wanted nothing more
to do with it. " I should have sent Sage to Violet. Thank you for your help,
Sir Steelfang. " Her voice was colder than she'd ever heard it before. There
was an attempt to
ascending aria: push herself up onto her feet and she managed, with a wobble
or two before she stood up straight. " I won't bother you any longer. " She
had hoped that he would forgive her but it seemed, that forgiveness was very
far away from
ascending aria: where he was.. considering his actions.
scales change: What she had said to him wind up in this place.. those words
had led to a very dark place for Kythin. He couldn't be sure if something in
him had broken or if he way of coping with loss meant ending lives. Hearing
Ophelia speak now
scales change: .. as if she wanted nothing more to do with him.. brought
those emotions back to the surface.. without the cold rage to surpress the
weakness felt in failing to make her feel as if she could depend on him. It
took only a handful of
scales change: seconds before Kythin just sat down with knees to his chest
and laid his face against his knees. " Why didn't you trust me to help you ..
even if it just meant letting you go? " When his head rose from his knees the
black clad
scales change: knight looked to finally be letting emotions aside from anger
have their way with his psyche. " I was willing to give up a kingdom for you,
so that I would not be divided in loyalty between it and you.. please..
just.. why? " Least
scales change: the Black Knight did not wholly break down.. a thin facade
remained .. only enough to limit the tears to twin streams shining.. whether
in moonlight or sunlight. -d
ascending aria: Ophelia couldn't stand up long, so she sat herself down on
the same log Carver had been sat upon when she first arrived. It put a safe
distance between them, obviously he hadn't picked up on the fact that she was
now scared of
ascending aria: him. " Because you would never have let me go. You slept on
my roof to protect me from a threat that wasn't even directed at me.. until I
invited you to my bed. You haven't left my side since then, Kythin. " Her
gaze dropped and she
ascending aria: shook her head from side to side. " And I hid behind you. I
hid like a scared little girl because it was easy and it was safe but I
didn't come here to hide! I came here to find myself, not become another
cause for the Black Knight
ascending aria: of Dunsany. " There was a pause before she said: " I didn't
want you to give up anything to be with me! Why can't we be our own person
and still be together? Why do we have to give up things? I said all of those
things to hurt you,
ascending aria: to force you to let me go, knowing you'd probably never
forgive me for it. I did it because.. I love you but I can't just be the girl
the hides in your shadow when things get tough. " Shaking her head, she was
silent for a short
ascending aria: while before she finally said: " You were going to kill me.
You stood over me.. with your sword and you were going to kill me. How could
you even think it? " Her voice had grown quieter and quieter until her words
were barely above
ascending aria: a whisper, there was a very prominent thread of fear in
those words too.
scales change: Slowly.. ever so slowly did the realization begin to drop
into his mind that what he saw on that face looking back at him - was fear.
All the efforts put into instilling fear in those who faced him and it only
served to make even
scales change: the woman he loved fear for her life in his presence. The
thought seized his heart in icy claws.. and squeezed until the Dragon finally
gave a choked sob. Had he truly fallen so far as to have let such a thought
enter his mind with-
scales change: out being cast off immediately? Ophelia spoke and while
Kythin listened to all she had to say it was with that thin mask between him
and breaking down finally earned the last few cracks necessary to bring
another sob cracking the
scales change: air just in time for the accusation to come.. one that he
could not deny.. that horrified even the Black Knight to know was true. When
the ability to speak finally came back with a sob breaking up the speech
Kythin set his eyes upon
scales change: her.. trying his best to hold eye contact if she did not look
away or never allowed the connection to be forged to begin with. " You left
as Mira did ... I did not think having an explanation.. even a lie.. told to
me for why could
scales change: hurt more than no reason at all. There is too much darkness
in me, Ophelia..I cannot lose those I care about just to find them near
death.. expecting me to save them when I can barely keep myself from drowning
in the weight of my
scales change: sins. " Killing the woman that hurt him could have been the
easy way out.. if not for his own inability to let her go.. she would likely
not have had the chance to say those words to him now. " I'm leaving,
Ophelia.. the Heart.,
scales change: this kingdom, I cannot help but see all of which I am guilty
in those of the Heart. Even the one soul that I came to love and saw the
innocence of.. " What ever the words that were suppose to come would have
been they came to an
scales change: end. " You fear for your life in my presence.. no amount of
love and gentleness from me could ever hope to fix that.. " When those words
were finally said the Knight began to ease up to his feet. " If you ever see
me again.. just
scales change: leave me be. You are strong.. you don't need me, you never
needed me. " When that sword was finally seized again only the sound of it
being returned to its sheathe came of it. " I do love you Ophelia.. but you
have no place for a
scales change: Monster in your life. " -d
ascending aria: Ophelia had never experienced heart break before and as she
sat there and listened to his words, she wondered if she was dying all over
again. In the end, she decided that this was worse; she felt like the world
was going to cave in
ascending aria: on her at any moment, that the ground was going to open up
and swallow her whole. Her heart felt like it had stopped beating and was
about to explode at any moment and the pain in her head was so sharp, that
she could barely see
ascending aria: through her newly blurred vision. It was then that she
realized she was crying, that her tears were moist and the droplets were
falling upon her hand at an alarming rate. " You're leaving me. " Three words
she never expected to
ascending aria: speak, let alone hear. Everything went cold, even the tears
against her cheeks and all the sounds of the forest around her blurred into a
sound she couldn't even begin to understand. She had expected him to be
angry but this was
ascending aria: all too much; the girl pulled her knees up to her chest and
wrapped her arms around then, her gaze glazed and there was silence. It was
hard to imagine a bard without a song, without words.. but at that moment in
time there was
ascending aria: nothing, she even held her breath until nature took its
course and forced her to do so. The words returned, even if the song didn't:
" How can you say you love me and then leave me? I never cared about the
darkness within you, I
ascending aria: loved you anyway. I accepted you for every fault and I stood
by your side. I thought you knew me but I was wrong. You still compare me to
all those that have come before me! You harbour old resentments and hold me
on a pedestal so
ascending aria: far above them.. is it any wonder that I fell so hard out of
the light? I'm sorry that I'm not the angel you wanted. " She couldn't even
look at him anymore. She really didn't know what to say; if this was the end,
then what could
ascending aria: she do? " If you're going to go then go.. but don't ever
come back and look for me. If you walk away from me, then stay away. " Rather
than angry, she sounded quite lost. [d]
scales change: He hated when she felt he compared her to others.. especially
when it came to those relationships before their own. Hated how she couldn't
rise above the jealouslies, and hated all the more than he couldn't have done
the same. While
scales change: the Knight had set his feet on the ground, he could not tear
his gaze from her. Stalling like that allowed her to sink her claws in and
those words to stab deep. " I do not truly know you Ophelia, you do not truly
know me. We could
scales change: not even begin to share the truth with eachother .. you
wouldn't tell me of Nistrum. I wouldn't tell you of the Man of the Black
Cloth. " It did not matter that he had a point.. because in his mind it kept
coming right back that
scales change: he'd been an hairs width away from staining Ardent with her
blood. The thought just wouldn't go away. " I compared you to no one
Ophelia.. maybe if I had been as free of prior relationships as you than I
could have made you see that
scales change: .. " While more words came he failed to walk away.. in fact
he moved toward her instead daring even to undo that swordbelt from his waist
and let it fall with an obvious thud to the ground. She'd find Kythin
kneeling before her
scales change: whether she liked it or not. " I never wanted an angel, I
only wanted a woman who could accept me and be upfront with me. In your own
ways.. you are everything I wanted .. the grounding I needed to keep from
taking a turn that I
scales change: could never have come back from.. and still I nearly became
exactly that.. even if for an instant I thought about it, Ophelia. I
considered ending your life.. the reasons do not matter.. the fact that it
came into my mind at all
scales change: horrifies me to no end. Can you honestly say that we could
fix this? That you could lose this fear of me? Because I pray that it is.. "
-d
scales change: that it is.. that you could.. " *
ascending aria: His kneeling before her was much preferable with being
forced to feel him walk away, given the warning he'd been given only moments
ago. It helped that he'd removed the sword; still, she wouldn't look at him,
not through fear but
ascending aria: because she didn't want him to look into her eyes and see
just how broken she was at that moment in time. It was like nothing she had
ever felt before and she hated it, she hated all of it.. and part of her
hated him for making her
ascending aria: feel it. All the defenses she'd built around herself and
he'd smashed down were slowly starting to build up around her again; a broken
toy who was about to be throw aside unless she said exactly what he wanted to
hear. " How do we
ascending aria: fix that you were willing to end my life? How do I sleep
beside you.. knowing that you wanted me to die, even for a split second? I
know I caused you pain and I will never forgive myself ..but I.. I didn't
deserve that! " It wasn't
ascending aria: a dismissal, she really wanted to know how they were
supposed to fix it. There wasn't an elixir or balm for something like this
and it wasn't something that could be pushed away and dealt with another day.
" The thought of you
ascending aria: leaving me.. silences my song. " It probably sounded silly
but it was the most terrible thing for her; a life without song. Her head
dropped so low, that her chin was against her chest; she tried to hide that
she was crying behind
ascending aria: the mass of hair that fell into her face but it was obvious
by the way her shoulders moved. No more words came from her, just the subtle
sound of her sobs caused by the new round of tears. She didn't know whether
he would be there
ascending aria: when she looked up again and that terrified her more than
anything else..
scales change: " It cannot be fixed.. not easily.. not like magic.. " Well
truth was that it could be fixed just like that.. but Kythin lacked the
knowledge and the will to follow through with abusing a Byronish wedding
tradition that he didn't
scales change: even know about. His horror finally fell away to something
that should not have been worse, yet knowing Ophelia as he did meant that
those words whatever piece of resolve there may have been to leave her. He
couldn't do it.. no
scales change: .. the Black Knight couldn't bring silence to a song that
could captivate even his blackened soul. When his awareness began to flood
back from the first sound of her sobbing stole away his focus. No amount of
horror at his thought
scales change: thoughts and actions could quite keep the Dragon from
embracing the sobbing young woman. There was nothing to say.. Kythin could
only hope that she would accept the embrace as his willingness to try fixing
.. them. -d
ascending aria: His words and his actions were such opposites that Ophelia
found herself confused as to what it was he actually wanted. His embrace was
accepted, despite the flinch at his touch in the very beginning. Her head
fell in to rest
ascending aria: against his shoulder and she continued to sob silently. It
was only when she felt like her head would explode if she didn't stop
expelling tears, that she pulled her head up and pushed him, gently, away.
Quite furiously, she looked
ascending aria: up to the Knight and said, with a furor: " If you are only
staying because I was crying, because of my words.. then don't. I would
rather be alone and silent, than you stay with me because you felt sorry for
me. " She really wasn't
ascending aria: sure which feeling was worse: the fear of his thoughts, his
pity or the fact they had done so much damage that neither of them could see
beyond it. She knew who was to blame for the vast majority of it, she was
not in denial about
ascending aria: that but she was pretty secure in the fact that she didn't
and hadn't deserved death. " Stay because you really do love me and want to
fix this.. no other reason. " Ophelia finally looked up to him, her gaze
settling on his own
ascending aria: briefly before dropping and she found herself wondering if
someone with such a dark heart, could really love anyone at all.. [d]
scales change: The gentle push away from her served to both seperate him
from her and left the Knight listening as she spoke her mind.. once more
showing that she did not quite know him as well as she thought. " I wouldn't
have dropped my sword if
scales change: only pitied you Ophelia. " While she let her gaze drop he
reached for her hands.. and while one sought to lace fingers with hers as
they once had.. the other was drawn towards his chest.. towards his heart. "
I would have let you go
scales change: you know.. to face him on your own. Even though you didn't..
even though you chose to lie instead.. I respect what you intended, what you
did.. it doesn't make it hurt any less. " Nor did it lessen what he felt for
her. " I want to
scales change: stay, to fix this. " -d
ascending aria: " It's easy to say that now. " In truth, she didn't believe
he would have just let her go.. he would have found some way to follow her,
or be close by. Her attention was on their hands, the pair rest against his
chest until she
ascending aria: looked up to him again. " What I did, what I said - doesn't
excuse what you did, what you said. " It would probably take a lot of work
for either one of them to find any sort of forgiveness for the other; of this
fact, Ophelia was
ascending aria: acutely aware but she didn't speak the thought. Instead, she
pulled him, by the hand that held hers, in closer to him. Her lips were
pressed in against his and after freeing her hand she clung, almost
desperately to him, in hopes
ascending aria: that he actually returned the embrace. It was all she could
do not to run away and find a nice place to hide. He had seen the worst of
her now, how easy it was for her to lie, deceive and just how easy it was to
turn everything off
ascending aria: when it came to it; Ophelia just hoped that he would
continue to see the good in her, rather than the bad.
scales change: " Nothing excuses what I said and Did. " That Ophelia would
even allow a chance after that.. made it easier to think things could be
fixed - with a lot of work.. but that it could in fact be fixed however
slowly. Still the embrace
scales change: and even the kiss came as a surprise that served to stiffen
the Knight at first. This.. made him wonder if the hurt he saw on her face..
was only the tip of the iceberg of what she truly felt. He could not help but
return the
scales change: embrace, slowly easing into it out of fear that she would
take flight if it came too suddenly. She had lied to him.. something he saw
as a betrayal.. the twisted honor of the cult ingrained in his mind couldn't
accept it.. some part
scales change: of him was more forgiving.. but he couldn't tell her that..
not when it seemed such an excuse. She had many good qualities..some had
helped in his falling for her.. just enough that even the revelation of her
negatives made him will
scales change: ing to.. try. -d

[Ophelia Harrington]

Part Five : Redemption
Ophelia & Kythin


ascending aria: Ophelia had returned to the Letter's Inn when she was able;
though she had secured herself a different room. It had felt strange, being
alone in there, so she hadn't stayed in it.. instead, she had found herself
sat in a comfortable
ascending aria: chair in front of the fireplace. That's where she was at
that moment in time with her legs curled up beneath her, her head rest
against the high back and her gaze rest on the pages of a book, sat in her
lap. Her fingertips were
ascending aria: carefully leafing through the corners, while she looked for
a specific passage. The book itself was on languages; something she was very
interested in learning, should she ever actually go on her travels. The
thought of such made
ascending aria: her a little sad; she wasn't going anywhere now, she didn't
have the heart for it. She didn't have the heart for much anymore, other than
sitting there.. with her books. Everything around her was a little colder
now and she felt
ascending aria: detached, despite their agreement to work on fixing things.
scales change: Kythin had practically avoided returning to the Letters Inn
in the wake of finding Ophelia in the forests all too near her cottage home.
He knew that it wasn't Ophelia that caused his aversion to the
establishment.. it was the
scales change: memory.. one wonderful, heartfelt.. and the other a crushing
blow to a psyche already baringly kept above drowning in the inky black
waves. When finally the Black Knight could push himself to go through the
door of the halfling ran
scales change: establishment it was with purpose.. he was seeking the bard -
running the pad of his thumb over the ring crafted from singing quartz. She'd
left the ring, her ring, in his possession.. returning it to her seemed
right.. which left
scales change: the knight looking for the slight half-nymph. Whether the
broken bard noticed him at first or not she would by the time he was looking
down at her.. and then easing into a kneel before the book-reading young
woman. He said not a
scales change: word.. words never had been his strong suit.
ascending aria: A soft sighed escaped her and she eventually closed the book
in her lap, letting the two heavy bindings thump together. It was hard to
miss his looming presence and her shoulders tightened a little; it was hard
to forget the
ascending aria: fresh memory of what he'd done, the last time he'd stood
over in such a way.. which was why, she didn't turn around. It didn't stop
her from resting her gaze upon him when he knelt before her and a soft,
half-smile tugged at the
ascending aria: corners of her lips. " Good morning.. " Though, it was
probably afternoon by now: she didn't bother to check nor did she reach out
to touch him. He had flinched, stiffened, the last time he had.. and she
didn't want to feel like she
ascending aria: was forcing him to do something he no longer wished to do.
There was little for her to say, so eventually, after her greeting her gaze
dropped into her lap and she watched her hand toy with a loose piece of
thread from her
ascending aria: dress: she hadn't realized how thread worn it was starting
to look.
scales change: Strange how difficult looking upon that lovely visage could
be when so much of the light and happiness had been drained away. It pulled
the cold rock up from my gut.. making it sit there heavy and comfortable
until it was forced
scales change: back down from the pit it came from for the time being. When
one of her hands dropped to her lap to play with that loose thread.. his hand
finally sought to gently take hold of the appendage..easing the ring between
their palms much
scales change: as it had been the evening of her ill-fated words. " Its
afternoon.. and you.. " That hand of hers recieve a little gentle
manipulation until she'd find a finger grazing down the length of the digit
the ring belonged on. " deserve
scales change: this back.. if .. you will accept it? " -d
ascending aria: Tears sprang into the corners of her eyes and no soon
afterwards, tiny droplets of salty tears were falling down her cheeks. The
ring felt so heavy on her finger but it wasn't that, that was making her cry.
It was the memory of the
ascending aria: night she gave him his ring and how she had ruined it all,
by giving him hers, too. Her nose wrinkled with a sniff, and her free hand
was lifted to wipe away the tears. " I'll take the link off, if you like.. "
Did he really want
ascending aria: to be linked to her anymore? It wasn't so much the fear that
was catapulting her into her grief but the guilt. It bore down upon her
shoulders like a ten tonne weight and she couldn't shift it. The trouble with
artists was the
ascending aria: depth in which they felt things, they were magnified, ten
fold.. and she found herself sinking further and further into a deep
melancholy. If he had asked, she probably would have admitted that she felt
it was all her fault and that
ascending aria: he should have killed her, when he had the chance.
scales change: Perhaps she had forgotten.. that while not an artist on the
same depth and level as she that the Black Knight had his talents that did
not involve the sword even if they to were tainted with blood. " I want the
link to remain,
scales change: we are still linked with or without the rings to play symbols
of it. " Whether she liked it or not he took that instant to slip the ring
onto her finger just before rising enough to bring his head just slightly
above hers.. at which
scales change: point he leaned in.. easing an arm about her shoulders. " I
do not know if you can forgive my words and actions, but I do forgive you for
yours. I wish you had explained the situation to me.. I still do not truly
know why Carver and
scales change: his superiors were after you.. I did not ask nor was it my
place to demand answers from you. I do not forgive you easily, Lia. We will
get no where if we can not be wholly honest with each other.. I want you to
come to realize in
scales change: time that I can be trusted.. that my affection for you is
very real. That is why I forgive you, si itov wux. " -d
ascending aria: " I've always been famous for my voice.. " He had never
heard her sing, she had stopped the minute she realized the power she held
with it. That was why she played the flute. " I can play any instrument that
is put into my hands but
ascending aria: it was my voice, that's my true gift. " Ophelia sighed
softly and rest herself into her dragon; her head resting in the dip of the
arm around her. " I was never happy with what I had; I was selfish,
arrogant.. and
ascending aria: worst of all, foolish. Nistrum.. he gave me everything I
ever wanted and in return, I used my voice to captivate his targets. To charm
his competitors, so that he could get rid of them.. I knew what he was doing
but I enjoyed the
ascending aria: power my voice gave me. " There was a whole heap of shame
laced through every word she uttered and her gaze, once more, dropped to her
hand but this time, it settled on the ring. " He's one of the most powerful
Mage's that has even
ascending aria: ever* come from Bryony except he became twisted by the
power, he was banished from the Council of Wands for his atrocities.
Atrocities I aided him in committing. One day though.. he had me sing this
family to sleep and I didn't
ascending aria: know why.. I didn't ask. I should have asked but I didn't
care. He burnt their house to the ground, with them inside.. asleep because
of my song. They were only babies. I decided then that I had to get away, I
had to stop.. I wasn't
ascending aria: powerful enough to stop him and you've met just one of his
Lieutenants. Carver has a brother, more powerful than he and there are
others. So I saved as much money as I could and I ran away, from my home,
from my family. They were
ascending aria: safe because the Council of Wands are their customers.
That's when I came here.. I thought if I did enough good things, that I could
wash away my sins.. but they followed me. Now people I love are involved and
my sister is here. I
ascending aria: can't protect you all, so I ran away from you.. I really
thought Carver would kill me and then it would all be over. Sure, you would
be hurt but you'd move on. " Ophelia fell silent after that admission: he had
wanted the truth and
ascending aria: now he had it all.
scales change: While the Dragon could listen in silence, while he could
accept what she had done because he had done much worse and knowingly
commited those evils in the name of his God. He knew by her words that she
was repentant.. that she could
scales change: not keep standing under the weight of her own sins as he
could.. least until recently. When Ophelia finished Kythin shook his head
prior to reaching out to cup the bard's cheek.. lightly letting the pad of
his thumb caress the flesh
scales change: of her jawline. " I am a Vindicator of Pain and Torture,
Ophelia. I would have hunted Carver down and exercised all my knowledge to
cripple any capability he possessed to speak and cast spells.. even properly
hold a wand. I would
scales change: have led a crusade against Nistrum even I had to wait a
century for Dunsany to amass the power and wealth necessary for the campaign.
I'd have seen them all bereft of everything.. of home, happiness, and
beautiful things as they
scales change: would have left me by taking you so thoroughly away from me.
" The brutal honesty of it had always been there.. that the same passion that
he once gave without thought to his God.. a waning faith.. had been channeled
into something
scales change: worthwhile.. the very thought of losing that.. could give man
a dark purpose.. because it affected him, it affected people.. much like her
song.. her life affected many. As she had spoken the truth.. the mention of
the cult once
scales change: again by his own tongue.. set his mind to speaking more of
them. " I am not easily able to speak much of the cult even now, Ophelia. I
had lived to see my siblings disappear into the swamps of Madder, my parents
manipulated, and my
scales change: self forced to take a place among those who orchestrated it
all. I watched as the leader of the cult trained the eldest of his twin sons
in torture, in the torture of his twin, I learned as they did and when the
oppurtunity came to
scales change: turn away I instead spurred others on in breaking away under
a divergent faith. In the end for whatever reason even they abandoned me. I
am a Warrior of Faith that has been losing that faith for a long time.. "
Maybe he really
scales change: couldn't share as she did.. it seemed so.. paltry in
comparison to her admission.. but what could be expected.. when he did not
feel any need for repentence of his actions as a Zealot.. only for his
actions since joining the Heart
scales change: and ever since.. -d
ascending aria: " You ask for honesty but only show me a glimmer, the
surface when I shared my deepest shame. " Ophelia looked up to the Knight and
the man she had grown to love, and depend upon. " Perhaps you are just not
ready for this.. " The
ascending aria: symbol of their link, their rings, were side by side as they
held hands and it was to that, that she was referring. " .. for us and for
me. " There may not have been as much darkness in her past but she had bared
her soul to him,
ascending aria: even the parts that were broken beyond repair. Her eyebrows
knit together, and she looked over to the empty fireplace, instead of at him
and her lap. " Do you even regret anything you've done? " Her brow was still
scrunched in
ascending aria: thought as she looked back to him. It had never mattered to
her before, his feelings on his past.. because she didn't know much about it
but now, it mattered. Now, she wanted to know. " Where is the path you travel
taking you,
ascending aria: Kythin? " And then, most importantly, she asked: " Are you
ready to snuff out what little is left of my light so that I can follow you
down it? " [d]
scales change: The idea that he was unrepentant was not altogether true nor
had it ever been. While some acts no longer bothered him many others did if
only because they had been situations where that precious honor his father
had instilled in him
scales change: had begun to bend, to be tarnished from its once shining
ideals under the Paladin to the twisted parody it had become in his hands.
Finally when asked of his regrets his mind immediately pulled up the memory
of the man who had tried
scales change: to save him from both himself.. and the cult. " ... I regret
all the acts that have tainted my father's code.. I tried to follow it
despite the evil of orders I was to carry out.. I never murdered children or
women not trained to
scales change: fight back.. no matter what the cult said. " None of this was
what she asked of him. He truly didn't want to divulge his greatest shame.
Thinking on it at all kept his eyes from being able to remain on hers.. but
when they finally
scales change: settled on that face of hers.. on those eyes he slowly
released a breath he hadn't realized had been held so long. " The cult was
about toture and pain.. they knew how best to inflict it.. they accomplished
it. You truly want to
scales change: know my greatest shame? Only my father met his death by the
reptilian shapeshifters of the swamps. " Which left the matter of his
mother.. a subject the Knight never mentioned beyond the briefest of
mentions. " ...I.. " The admissio
scales change: n wouldn't come.. though it was clear enough through
implication alone.. the cult truly did know how to complete pain and torture
on its initiates. Not until the question of his path and of his willingness
to stay on it.. and worse
scales change: .. snuff out her light to bring her with him. If there was
any convinction left in him for his God.. it found itself stomped upon in
that moment. " The path I travel will not be one of undiluted darkness.. not
anylonger, I cannot
scales change: bring myself to continue down that path. I want to seek..
redemption.. on my own terms..I want to see what remains of your light grow
bring again.. even if I must remain the shadow cast by it. " -d
ascending aria: It took her a moment to realize what he was saying.. and she
drew away, shocked. It wasn't long afterwards, that she was on her feet and
looking at the man that she had given her heart too. Everything else was
forgotten, even his
ascending aria: cries for a certain type of redemption. " You, what, Kythin?
What did you do? " At least there was a fire back in the woman, even if it
was directed at him. Her gaze was steady, as was she: considering what she'd
put herself through
ascending aria: recently. The book that had been in her lap was no on the
floor, half open with its spine in the air, but Ophelia just didn't care at
the moment. " You wanted everything out in the open, but still refuse to give
it to me! What you
ascending aria: wanted was for me to be honest with you.. not the other way
around. You wanted everything from me but I don't deserve it in return? "
There was a pause before she shook her head back and forth. " You're right
when you say this won't
ascending aria: work unless we're honest with one another.. but at least I
tried. You just keep skirting but I'm supposed to believe that your feelings
are real? Tell me how, when you won't even give what you take from me. " She
really wanted to
ascending aria: believe that they were going to work out but he really
needed to give as much as he took in this instance.
scales change: " I murdered my mother because the Man of the Black Cloth
demanded it of me. I watched the light of life go out of her eyes.. even
before that I saw the hope die in her because I couldn't resist the demands
of my superiors. I could
scales change: not break away when it mattered, even when another child of
the Dragonknights was captured .. tried to save us both and yet I still
couldn't bring myself to act against them.. to question what they were
doing.. what I was doing. "
scales change: When he finished.. he didn't know if she'd accept it or not..
but the truth of the admission bothered him more telling her. Kythin did not
want to remember the henious acts he'd commited because they were demanded of
him. It was so
scales change: much easier to.. to what? Be among those milling about
because he didn't want to commit to the dark path he was set upon nor certain
he could best the challenges of crawling his way out of the dark pit. The
Dragon had moved away
scales change: from her, turned away until he press his head against the
brick of the fireplace. " I can't even face my siblings to tell what I've
done because I can't get pass my disgust of what they've become.. its..
hypocrisy.. when I am every
scales change: bit the monsters they have become. " -d
ascending aria: " You lied to me.. from the moment we met, you.. lied to me.
" Ophelia was now angry, angrier than she had ever been! She didn't
understand what she felt about his admission; what could someone really take
from that? It would take
ascending aria: more than a moment or two to figure out something so
complex. So she honed in on the one thing that she could process. The fact
that he had felt so betrayed by her lie but had so easily lied to her for as
long as she had known
ascending aria: him. Though, she supposed she could understand why it didn't
change anything as far as she was concerned. " You almost killed me for my
betrayal, for a lie to save you.. " Ophelia shook her head from side to side,
and for once,
ascending aria: agreed with him. " You are a hypocrite! You don't even hold
yourself to the same code of honour you expect me to live up to! All those
nights you laid by my side, when we were in Madder near your parents graves..
did it ever occur
ascending aria: to you, even once, to tell me the truth? " She was having a
hard time trying to work through all this new information. Her hands were
lifted to cover her face and she stood there, like that, just breathing
through the natural gaps
ascending aria: in her fingers. Once calm again, she dropped her hands and
said: " Did you ever believe in us? Did you ever feel my love for you was
real? Because that's the only reason I can think of that would force you to
hide these very
ascending aria: important details from me! I am ashamed of what I've let
happen.. but at least my shame doesn't change who I am at the very core of my
being! How can I look at you now, knowing that you killed your own mother..?
That you watched on
ascending aria: as the light in her eyes died? " Funnily enough though, it
wasn't disgust in her voice it was simply anger and she was still looking at
him, despite her words. She hadn't fled from the sight of him and his deeds,
so that had to be a
ascending aria: good thing.. perhaps.
scales change: While the barrage from Ophelia continued for sometime Kythin
faced it in weary silence. As she called him on his hypocrisy, he'd left the
fireplace and sat himself down on one of the chairs as she spoke more and
more.. of how he had
scales change: lied to her, how he dishonorable, he listened to this all as
he began to pry off the bracer from his left arm and began to roll up his
sleeve until the mark of his stigmata came to his gaze. " I believe in us.. I
felt our love was
scales change: real.. its why I kept it to myself. How could continue to
love a man who had done such things because he was too weak of will to fight
against the demands? How could I expect you to understand how I could ever
have done it? I could
scales change: not expect you to know what the indoctrination was like.. the
weeks of toture, they flaying of skin in just the right way so they could sew
me back together without too many scars. Wanting nothing more than to be numb
to the pain.
scales change: If not for Kaspar I would still be little more than a
mindless puppet with a swordarm. Do you honestly think you can make me feel
any more gulty than I already feel? Than I already am? " His words ceased
then as his gaze returned to
scales change: his wrist and the scar there.. alongside the brand burned
forver into his flesh by hellfire. The trinkle of blood began slowly as the
stigmata wound opened.. earning the cringe of the Knight from the unexpected
coming of pain. There
scales change: wasn't any rush of power nor the dark energy to channel..
just the pain of an open.. bleeding wound. " I wanted love, Ophelia, I wanted
happiness.. and I so I opened up.. even if I couldn't fully.. and now that I
have opened up full
scales change: -y.. what have I gained.. what I have loss.. more
importantly.. what have I taken from you? Too much.. " -d
ascending aria: Ophelia remained silent throughout the whole of his
monologue. There was so much to say, that she had to gather all her thoughts
before she actually let it all loose. " You didn't believe in me. You didn't
give me a chance to
ascending aria: understand, to come to terms with it. How can I love you
when I don't know you? I love the man you lead me to believe you were. I
knew there was darkness in you, I knew that you were keeping things from me..
" She wasn't as naive
ascending aria: as some people thought her to be. " Any guilt you feel is
your own and I won't have it laid at my feet. I wasn't trying to make you
feel anything! I am angry that you lied to me. I have every right to be
angry! Just as you had every
ascending aria: right to be angry that I lied to you. " The bard shook her
head from side to side, and then.. she laughed. It wasn't a laugh of humour,
it was one of those laughs that came when you didn't know what other sound to
make. " I gave you
ascending aria: all of my love, I gave you my innocence. I wanted to spend
the rest of my life by your side and I trusted you, despite everything I'd
heard about you. Now I don't even know what was real. I thought I knew
without a shadow of a doubt
ascending aria: that you loved me, and now I have to wonder if you're even
capable of it at all.. " Silence fell and she inhaled deeply before letting
out a sigh. In the end, she said: " I want to understand and I want to feel
the love we once
ascending aria: shared again but I can't follow you down a path of darkness,
when I ran away from everything I knew to escape my own.. "
scales change: " If you want to understand than you will have to trust that
I do love you if you cannot believe in anything else believe in that.. there
was no reason to ever admit any of this to you if I didn't feel true, deep
affection for you.
scales change: You know now.. and I don't know what to expect.. I can never
step wholly from this darkness.. I can and will follow you onto a much
brighter path.. if you will have me. " She knew all now for better or worse..
much as there was for
scales change: them to work through.. the decision to try or not.. was hers.
One he awaited to hear as he rose from his seat in order to slip behind the
bar where Tully did not currently occupy.. in order to garner the roll of
bandages that the
scales change: halfling used on their occassional brawl victims and began to
wrap it around his bleeding wound. " I choose you wholly over my faith.. a
faith that it seems has abandoned me for it. " -d
ascending aria: Ophelia had to decide whether he was worth saving; that's
what it boiled down to. It wasn't a hard choice.. even if she hadn't loved
him the way that she did, she would have tried anyway. No one was a lost
cause, at least in her
ascending aria: book. " What you did.. was atrocious and nothing can excuse
it but I want to believe that the man I fell in love with is in there. That
the gentle soul that takes care of me when I'm hurt is real, and not a
facade. I know there is
ascending aria: good in you; I've felt it, it's warmed me and it's made me
feel like nothing can stop me. " There was a pause and she looked down to her
hands. " I don't know if I'll ever understand how you could do the things you
did, but I'll
ascending aria: try.. because I love you, my dragon. I don't expect you to
change who you are.. just embrace the light that I know already burns inside
you. " She hadn't ignored his bleeding, in fact, when he went to fetch the
bandages - she took
ascending aria: them off of him and tended to the wound for him. " There are
Gods out there that are much more deserving of your faith, Kythin.. "
scales change: " I've never tried to justify what I did.. because it
couldn't be. " Even if the facts of it had always been overshadowed in his
mind by the inconsistency of knowing he had seen her die at the claws and
jaws of a were-crocodile. It
scales change: was the reason he knew they had manipulated things and that
all he happened to be to them was a means to torture the Dragonknights that
had interfered in their plans. " I don't want you to ever understand..
because if you did .. it
scales change: would mean you faced enough pain and torment to be broken..
little more than a living puppet. " Thinking of Ophelia suffering from
anything like what the cult of Dan'Zeran and even the splinters of the faith
had put him through? He
scales change: wanted her as far from that sort of pain as possible. His
mind found pause as she took the bandages from him to tend to the wound.. a
small smile emerged .. she was a sweet, young woman..no amount of lies and
heartache between the
scales change: two of them could take that away from her it seemed.. least
.. that was his hope. " Few whose mortal representatives who would take in
one marked so thoroughly with Dan'Zeran's scriptures in symbolic inks and
branded by hellfire.. "
scales change: -d..
ascending aria: Tying off the bandage, she leant down to kiss the bleeding
wound before looking up to him. " Then they don't deserve you either. Find
one that does. " His hand was placed in her lap, and a smile formed. After
that, she simply looked
ascending aria: at him, searching his face with her eyes: was there anything
else more to say?