RPG Ray of Hope: Shining Anew

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]Ananda was irked slightly....she had let her control slip... She sighed and turned to Isthanae, words echoing in his mind. He nodded and pointed her in the right direction. Once inside the side room, she locked the door behind her and immediatly grew out her claws and ripped off her restraining clothes... The pressure of becoming half of her true form was too much....and her spinal cord was crying for release.

Once she had gotten down to bare skin, her spine rippled and sparked...several painful moments later, her body reverted. Huge wings flew out of her back and pressed out. Horns spurted out from her forehead and her teeth grew more feral than before. With one final twist of her body the spines on her back grew longer....and she was released. Pleasure of change, coupled with the thrill of fresh blood, drove her to let out her feelings in the form of a mind shattering scream.[/i][/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][b]Kenneth[/b]: Oh farewell and adu ye fair spainish ladies... *scream breaks through the whole place* Farewell and adu... ye ladies of Spainnnn... Isthanae.. Go check on her or something.

Isthanae didnt reply, so Kenneth got up and slowly walked twards the side room, where he knocked twice..[/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]She jerked open the door with a hideous snarl, fangs dripping with her own blood.[/i]

Ananda: What?!?

Kenenth: ! ....mm...nothing.

[i]She looked down, at her bare body and colored furiously....with a quick shove, she brushed him out of the way with her wings and stomped out of the room. Kenneth stared. If anything, she had gotten bigger than before. In more places than one. With every footstep, she grew more angry...she had had enough of humans for one day. Once she was in the main hall again, she glared at Isthanae...who stared back...She stopped, bent down, and picked up her staff...Then she whirled around and beat her wings once. She quickly rose into the air...[/i]

Kenneth: Won't you be staying for tea?

Ananda: Gimme a raincheck. And call Lingh when the others finally come!

Isthanae: um...sure,

Kenneth: The exit would be.....that way. *points*

Ananda: ....

[i]She growled and shot upwars, arms crossed over her head. She blasted straight through the roof and disapeared into the bright sunlight.

As soon as she broke into the clear air she breathed deeply then called out her hunting song.....[/i][/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][b]Kenneth[/b]: Isthanae, why exactly is she a savior of the world?

[b]Isthanae[/b]: I wouldnt know. Look at you.

[b]Kenneth[/b]: Harsh words for a travel mate... I think I should follow her. Dont you? I mean.. She might not be safe in that form in this realm..[/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]She swooped low over the township then surged upwards again....filling her lungs with air again...Eventually, her beating wings carried her to the outskirts of town. Blood humming in her veins from the flight, she landed easily and wrapped her wings around herself....Then she curled them back again and leaned on her staff. Watching. Laughing.[/i]

Lingh: [i]Did you tell him?[/i]

Ananda: [i]Yes. His township will fall. And I relish it.[/i]

Lingh: [i]Do not be over careless. He is stronger than you reason...but still. You have done reasonably well. Keep within sight of the Sanctum for now. I will speak later.[/i]

Ananda: [i]Enago Hai![/i]

Kenneth: ...What was that all about?

[i]She chuckled. He was watching her again, standing dangerously close...Within reach. Her tail twitched and her body undulated...[/i]

Ananda: Call it a temper tantrum. Of sorts.

Kenneth: Blasting a hole into the holy of holies, cussing at Isthanae....?

Ananda: I never picked up on that whole Respect thing. Us Dragouret's aren't made for it.

Kenneth: One thing I don't understand. Most of them are mute. What about you?

Ananda: Lingh struck a bargain with Bilouhou of the Celestials. He granted speech to me, in return for a favor.

Kenneth: What's the favor?

Ananda: My firstblood child was be his.

Kenneth: Sounds like a fairy tale. And you already had a cub?

Ananda: ....mm. A one night stand with Lingh. He was never one to refuse what was within his reach.[/COLOR]

[liamc2]

Isthanae wandered outside.

The marksmen on the roof raised their crossbows and saluted, Isthanae saluted back, walking towards the marketplace.


~~~~

Isthanae leant against an adobe wall, eating a recently purchased apple. Supply wagons and men from the front were returning from a recent battle on the front. In the distance Isthanae could just make out the covered wagons bearing the dead.

He sighed and threw the core into a rubbish barrel. Hopefully one day they wouldn't have to worry about wars. This gathering might just be able to pull it all together and destroy the Orcs and their Formorian creation.

Mostly he just hoped the Oracle could explain the strange dreams that had started to haunt him, dreams of worlds and people that could never have possibly existed. Grand buildings and giant cities, and how all the dreams ended with a golden flash...

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][b]Kenneth[/b]: Heh. For sure. Sorry for following you, but you are such an interesting creature. I might as well write a story about you. I'd make millions.

Kenneth leaned down on his scythe, watching her closely..[/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]She chuckled and stared him in the eyes. In a flash of silver, she reverted back to human form. Still naked, she smiled and twirled her staff lazily. This was fun.....[/i]

Kenneth: So you didn't even want to sleep with Lingh...it was just to repay a debt.

Ananda: Yeah, didn't even mean anything at all.

Kenneth: Did you even name the child?

Ananda: No. Bilouhou insisted it be brought straight to him. After I delivered him, he was taken to him by Lingh.

Kenneth: Heartless.

Ananda: That was a long time ago...it's nothing now but an echo of the past.

[i]She walked in a circle around him, one hand tracing across his chest. He followed her movements with one eye. She reminded him of the serpents on her staff.[/i][/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][b]Kenneth[/b]: But echoes do have a way of coming back, dont they?

[b]Ananda[/b]: It depends on how loud you scream..

She was flirting with him. This was going to be an interesting traveling party, for sure.. However, he had official buisiness to attend to on the part of the WingHorde- The ruling clan of Half-Demon Half Humans. Ken's clan was within the WingHorde, the ShadowKillers being one of the main clans within it. Not many people knew of the WingHorde, as most of the time they remained secretive- As the Formonians, Orcs, and Humans all hated Demons. How ever, many Demons had a thing for Human Females.... So...

Breaking his thought pattern, he looked her in the eye, and stared into them, diving past everything into her soul it seemed.. Maybe quite literally. He stopped, and looked out into the clouds...

[b]Kenneth[/b]: If you contact Lingh again, tell him the Winghorde is watching him- We are interested in contacting him about some more buisiness like before. Tell him Kenneth sends this message, from the Official Clan Council of the WingHorde.

Kenneth put his Scythe back onto his back, and turned to walk away.[/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]She laid a hand on Kenneth's shoulder and turned him around quickly, pressing her lips to his...simotaneously opening a psi link to Lingh Redeyes.[/i]

Ananda: [i]Tell him yourself![/i]

Kenneth: [i]Very well.[/i]

[i]Kenneth's eyes opened, then slitted, Lingh was waiting for him.....his mental signature of silver and black twisting in a pattern around Ananda's. He relayed his message and Lingh confirmed it...then receded.

Ananda drew back her energy and released his grip on her on his shoulde. He tasted so young....[/i][/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][b]Kenneth[/b]: I do need to send more messages more often- I think Lingh was amused... Now do me a favor, and dont tell anyone about me being a member of the Winghorde- It might jeoperdize my safety in this kingdom... And somehow, I think we are getting in over our heads with this summoning from the Oracles. If my demon senses feel right, Orcs are marching this way to raid this town.. The others have to get to the Sanctum before its too late....[/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]She brought her lips close to his ear and whispered.[/i]

Ananda: As far as anyone else is concerned, I'm a normal human. Fair?

[i]He turned and brought his eyes into contact with hers. Rose glittered against black...and he smiled. She smirked back. They were at an understanding, without even using words.

She was starting to like this demon bastard in spite of herself. She wasn't supposed to love anymore.....oh well. There's time for that later. She turned away from him and walked back to the town....

Her blood had cooled to a easy simmer, instead of a rolling boil.[/i]

Ananda: ...you're interesting.

Kenneth: Nothing compared to you...you're still naked.

Ananda: Well, you wouldn't happen to have any clothes on you would ya?[/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][b]Kenneth[/b]: I have this cloak. I think it will have to do intill you find some sort of Tailor. I dont know this town that well.. Last time I was here was 4 years ago.

Kenneth took his cloak off, and offered it to her. It was a large, black cloak that had two jewels on either side of the collar. He offered it to her..

[b]Ananda[/b]: I guess it will have to do for now.

She put it on her, and closed it. It was too large for her, but it made her look like an evil sorceress. He grinned and chuckled a bit. Placing his Scythe on his shoulder, he tilted his head to the side.

[b]Kenneth[/b]: Hey.. What did you tell Isthanae earlier? It seemed important..[/color]

[Ravenstorture]

[color=darkgreen][font=gothic][i]Alastuin screamed and brought her dagger down hard into her uncle's back. He grunted, then went stiff. His movement in and out of her ceased. She released her dagger from his back and brought it around, slicing his throat and pushing him away. He had been drinking, and caught her unawares, but his ties this time had not been enough, and she had won. As she quickly redressed herself, the sound of footsteps approached. The door opened, and her father stared in, a look of anger growing on his face like a poison tree as he took in her post-coital attire, ripped undergarments, bruised face and tethered arm. His gaze swept over the semi-naked body and to her right hand, a bloodied dagger enclosed in her white-knuckled fist. He opened his mouth to speak, but then stopped and quickly knelt, untieing her other hand and redressing her. His eye caughed the body of his brother on the floor next to them, and he sighed and sat back on his heels, weeping silently. [/i]

Father: Go to the sanctum, pray, cleanse yourself. I will meet you there in half an hour.

Alastuin: Yes Milord.

Father: Alastuin...

Alastuin: Yes?

Father: You are a disgusting whore, you understand? I am ashamed to have you in my life. Now go.

[i] She stood quickly and ran into her room, washing herself with the basin in the corner and redressing once more, casting the soiled clothing into the fireplace. She retreated from the room to go downstairs, but returned after a moments deliberation and packed a satchel with clothing, a tinderbox and a blanket. Pulling on a black cloak and buttoning it over her leather satchel and azure blue dress, Alastuin grabbed her staff and went downstairs.
Her mother sat with her Aunt at the kitchen table, silent as they watched her. Her mother made no moved to stop her as she wrapped bread, cheese, fruit nuts in cotton cloth and shoved them into the satchel. Pulling her hood over her long red hair, she walked out of her home into the suddenly pouring rain. Not one drop of which fell upon her as she hurried through her village towards the sanctum. She couldn't help but feel that things were conspiring against her. [/i][/color][/font]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue]Ananda: That's for me to know and you to find out.

Kenneth: If you want to keep that cloak-

Ananda: Oh whatever, it's part of a thing Lingh wants to do.

Kenneth: Like...?

Ananda: Let's just say that the natural disasters will be coming soon.

Kenneth: Lovely.

[i]She smiled broadly at him, showing feral teeth and the high cheekbones, customary to her races.[/i][/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][b]Kenneth[/b]: Mmmm. This might get dangerous, and fast. Lets get back to the Sanctum... Unless you want some other clothes... like something for underneath that cloak.. *grins*[/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]She chuckled and walked into town....as soon as they neared the tailor shop....she smiled. Kenneth folded his arms and waited outside. She entered....and exactly one hour later, she reemerged...fully dressed, yet still wearing the cloak.

Kenneth raised one eyebrow....she looked unchanged.[/i]

Ananda: Mm, that went well.

Kenneth: Okay, how many people did you kill?

Ananda: None. See?

[i]She drew back the folds of the cloak, revealing skin tight leggings and a short tunic....bare shoulders and arms...Kenneth smirked. Perfect fit...black leather. As usual.[/i]

Ananda: What do you think?

Kenneth: Adorable.

Ananda: Liar.[/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson]Kenneth shrugged and grinned. The cloak looked nice on her. Alot better than it did on him. Even if it was the cloak of a WingHorde Clan leader, he never liked it.

[b]Kenneth[/b]: Alright. Lets head back to the Sanctum.

[b]Ananda[/b]: What's your rush? Let's stop and get a drink first.

[b]Kenneth[/b]: Hmm. Not too shabby of an idea.

They headed in the general direction of the Sanctum, stopping just short of the marketplace at a Pub. Kenneth opened the door for Ananda, letting her walk in first, and followed behind. They walked over to the bartender, who looked at them strangely, then saw Kenneth's pike and stepped back. Kenneth set the pike down, and the Bartender let out a long sigh of releif.

[b]Bartender[/b]: What can I get ya'll?

[b]Kenneth[/b]: I'll take... a Hellspawn.

[b]Bartender[/b]: I gotta warn ya, that drink is really hard to get down..

[b]Kenneth[/b]: I think I can handle it.

[b]Bartender[/b]: Alright. But dont say I didnt warn ya. And for you, ma'am?[/color]

[liamc2]

Isthanae watched the last wagon pull in and signalled for the doors to be closed behind it. He walked over through the rain to check with the guard on duty when he was almost knocked over by a girl in a long black cloak. He caught her around the shoulders and it seemed the storm above intensified.

?Whoa,? he said, ?where do you think you?re going??

No reply came; Isthanae took a closer look and was met with an angry gaze.

?Alastuin right? Is that you under there?? Isthanae smiled, one of the perks of being a Cithan of the watch was that you practically knew everyone, the best way to protect a people was by knowing the people personally. He pulled her under the eaves of the gatehouse.

?What?s the matter??

Alastuin didn?t reply but instead glared, turning and walking in the general direction of the sanctum. Isthanae shrugged and walked into the gatehouse.

?Any sign of followers? I heard that the rear wagons came under fire from Orcish archers.?

The gatekeeper looked up from his log books and shook his head. ?No sir, we believe they?re keeping to the forest. They haven?t dared to come anywhere near the walls yet, the marksmen are keeping them at bay by randomly firing bolts at the shadows, we?ve already verified a couple hit.?

Isthanae nodded, ?keep me posted. Send word immediately when we come under attack. I?ll be at the Sanctum.?

Isthanae turned to leave, but the gatekeeper added, ?sir. There?s something else. Usually if the Orcs are attacking they full on attack?but they?re keeping as far away as possible, it?s like something is driving them to the walls. It?s like when cats flush out the rats, the rats?ll will go anywhere, even into traps, just to avoid the cats?something big is happening??

Isthanae felt a ripple up his spine when the gatekeeper finished. Just like Ananda told him. He shrugged and left the room, hand straying to his sword as he felt the cold rain run down the back of his neck.

[Raiha]

[COLOr=royalblue]Ananda: I'll take a glass of white wine.

Bartender: Sure.

[i]The two took their drinks and sat down quietly in the corner. She sipped hers, and watched him. He was cute alright...more than most men.... She set her glass down.[/i]

Ananda: Enjoying yourself?

Kenneth: Immensely.

Ananda: *sip* Sure.[/cOLOr]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][b]Kenneth[/b]: You like wine? You seem to be enjoying it.

[b]Ananda[/b]: I guess I just have an aquired taste for wine.

[b]Kenneth[/b]: Hmm. Intere- Mmm... The orcs are decieving the guards. The guards believe the whole of the army is in the forest.. While they are coming from the river behind the town and from the forest. Mmm. They wont be prepared on the river side. Oh well. Another Hellspawn please. [/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue]Ananda: You're going to get wasted before it's even time to fight.

Kenneth: Eat drink and be merry. For tomorrow we die.

Ananda: Roman.

Kenneth: Yep.

Ananda: ...Die all, Die merrily.

Kenneth: Where's that from?

Ananda: It's the maxim Lingh always says whenever we have tribal disputes...

[i]She watched him over the rim of her glass. He was looking normal enough, even though that was his third glass.

Several hours later, she was still sober, and Kenneth appeared to be sober as well....[/i][/COLOR]

[DeathKnight]

[color=crimson][b]Kenneth[/b]: We better get going. Important work to be done you know.

Kenneth opened his bag of gold and tossed a nice amount onto the bar- He had had alot of drinks. He picked up his Scythe, and stretched left, right, touched his toes, then yawned. The orcs were closer now, and were bring in in archers to attack the guards. Isthanae would have his hands full in around 7 minutes...[/color]

[Raiha]

[COLOR=royalblue][i]She walked out in to the frosty night with him, enjoying herself. The orcs and the wolves were going to have fun tonight. And Lingh was laughing. The howls were starting to reach her ears, and she resisted the urge to join their death song.[/i]

Kenneth: What do they say?

Ananda: They are singing the songs of No Return. They sing,

"Fangs will find their prey,
Blod will be spilled,
Mourn no deaths,
For we go with honor."

Kenneth: Lovely.

Ananda: I wish I could sing with them. Whenever they went to battle before, it was always fun.

Kenneth: You enjoy death?

Ananda: Not innocents...only those who deserve it. Like. Men.

Kenneth: Low blow.

[i]She winked and dodged the half hearted swipe he made at her head...[/i][/COLOR]

[liamc2]

Isthanae glanced out the door of the sanctum. Alastuin was already inside and one of the priests to the Oracle informed her of her destiny. She hadn?t taken it to well. He glanced back inside and felt a tap on his shoulder, he turned to face a breathless wall guard.

?Sir,? he panted, ?Orcish archers are attacking the walls, we?ve got problems, any head that ventures higher than the battlements is instantly hit with an arrow, we don?t know what?s going on sir and we can hear the sounds of battle all around!?

The Shadow Killers listening in on the conversation grinned and laughed about the soon to be overrun township. Isthanae ordered the marksmen to kill all of them if one robed figure ventured even a toe out of the courtyard.

?Rally the returning troops; get all who can fight ready and waiting. Barricade the families in their homes that are too weak or young to fight. Prepare for the worst, we?re going to experience hell.?

The guard nodded and ran off to where the war wagons had circled for the night. Isthanae sprinted to the rear gates, unsheathing his blade as he went. The same feeling was in him, same feeling he got last time the town was overrun. Arrows were already flying over the walls, the Orcs were playing with them, it was only a matter of time before they started sending fire arrows and penetrated the walls.

?Fate has a wicked sense of humour?promising hope in the form of six, and delivering two that could be our undoing...?