RPG Return of the Aniar Stones

[Kinetic]

'Twas a dark night in the town of Quellious. The leader of the small town had been slain and the uptight, authoritive figures were inspecting every house and building searching for the culprit. The wind blew strong and rain pounded the roof of Auron's small hut. He was awake, staring at the sky through the holes in his roof, water driping onto his face. He heard footsteps outside of his window. a loud thump was heard as the officers knocked on his door. Auron peered out of his dusty window to see who would come around to the outskirts of town at this hour. "Who's the putrid scum brave enough to bother me at this time of the night," Auron roared with grief. The first officer answered, "The mayor has been slain! We have reason to believe that you are a culprit."

Auron sighed and unclocked the door, slowly opening it. The door creaked and light from the officers' torches shone through more for every inch the door swung open. Auron had his hidden katana at ready, just in case. "I have no reason to harm any soul in this community," Auron told the officers with a stern voice. "Don't feed us that load of crap Auron! We have your record and know of your plots to kill the mayor many times. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed and we would like you to come down to the town center with us where we shall hold you captive until further noti- "Hah! Hold me captive?!" Auron interrupted the officers. "You know very well that the undead have done this deed. You shall not take me without a fight, and even so, you won't escape with your lives!"

Auron drew his katana, slashing at the first officer. He reached behind the door, grabbing his custom sword, almost as tall as Auron himself and very thick and heavy. He spun around, knocking another officer into the air and then recovering and slashing him to the ground. During this period of time, another officer unsheathed his blade and slashed at Auron's back, knocking the breath out of him. Auron jumped into the air, aiming his blade toward the ground. He landed with full force causing the ground to shake and knock the other officers down. One survived the tremor and stood to continue the fight. Many footsteps were heard. "Reinforcements? You filthy bastards!" Auron shouted as he killed the last officer without hesitation.

The entire force of the town had come to take him down, or so it seemed. Auron fought with all his might, but it was no use, there were too many. Eventually the crowd of men had taken him down, bounding his arms and legs.

Auron awoke in a cell, he was being held captive for the murder of multiple officers and suspected of killing the mayor. The local officials knew very well that the undead from the land of Kinyo had assasinated the emperor, but they were just looking for a reason to convict Auron. It was nearly daybreak, Auron noticed. "Soon," Auron thought to himself. "Soon I shall have my revenge and obliterate the damn authority of this town, purging the bounds of this city.

[Kain]

Kain lay next to a stream in the forest where he had set up camp for the night.He had been tracking a murderer who had escaped from his prison where he was being held captive.So Kain was tracking him for the 3,000 gil bounty.Kain could fell that he was close but a storm seemed close as well so he set up camp near the stream he found while walking.

Kain: Damn storm.Had to blow in as soon as i got close.

Kain sat in his tent eating bread and cheese.Those were all the rations he could afford.As the rain began to pound down on his tent he could hear the snapping of twigs even through the thunder and lighning.Kain began to take out his katana as someone ran up quickly and slashed his tent open.Kain reacted quickly to the attack and knocked the attacker into the tree with one swift punch.Kain threw around 5 shurikens to pin the attacker to the tree.It was the bounty he was looking for.

Kain: Well i've been looking for you.

Kain ties him up and throws him to the ground.Kain lies down and waits till the storm passes to take him to the authorities to collect his bounty,

[Corey]

[b]Ryan-[/b] "Three hundred gil. Now."

[b]Farmer-[/b] "I don't have it... Honestly..." I smiled slightly, shifting my wand into my hands under the cloak I wore. He lied. They all did when it was time for payment. Everyone. No one expected the jobs to be completed. They hired me out of fleeting hope, but never really expected me to come back alive.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "Please don't lie to me." I rubbed my temples with my hand. "I know you have the money. You know you have the money. Weather you can afford it or not isn't my problem. You agreed to a contract. I destroy what was killing your cattle, you pay me three hundred gil. I completed my part. It's your turn now." The farmers eyes shot to his stove for a split second then returned to mine, almost hesitantly. I smiled and took out my sturdy mythril wand an pointed it at the man. He gave a little shirek.

[b]Farmer-[/b] "No! Don't harm me kind sir! Put your wand away! I do not have the money!!" I lowered my wand, not ever having any intention of harming him. He looked at me with pure relief and wet himself.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "You don't have the payment?" He shook his head furiously. "Do you remember what happens if you do not have the agreed fee?" He shook his head again, large greasy tufts of hair fell from the loose tie that held it. "Allow me to refresh your memory. I take out my wand." I brought my wand back up. "Then I glare at you." I glared at the man and made him cower away. "Then, finnaly, I use my magic to summon my payment." He looked at me questioningly. I flicked my wand slowly across the entire room. Cabinets began to vibrate. Drawrs flew open. Coins of all different colors flew into my money bag.

[b]Farmer-[/b] "NO!!" I smiled a bitter smile and left, my money bag full. I could hear the man weeping behind me, but it did not phase me. Battle had hardened my emotions. First it was the fight with Malius. Then losing two of my closest friends, Mara and Tyron... Tyron was a good friend. Mara was more than that. I admired her. Maybe even loved her... She gave her life to protect us and destory Malius, without a sigle thought for her own well-being...

Between then and now hasn't gotten any better. I think about the friends that I lost touch with every day. All of them had been warriors. I had no idea where any of them were. Life as a mercenary was brutal. Always on the move looking for work. Never keeping friends. Always ending lives...

I shook my head and looked to the road ahead as rain began to splash my face. It was cold... I cocked my head and listened. Something was happening in the forest...

[Kain]

Kain looks at the criminal with a cold emotionless look as rain pelts down on his tent.After an hour the rain begins to stop and Kain averts his gaze to his backpack.He opens it and pulls out some cheese,bread,and wine.He takes two long gulps of wine and eats his bread and cheese in silence as he glares at the murderer with disgust.

Kain: You hungry??

Murderer: Well....yeah.

Kain: Too bad you murdering bastard.

Kain hears more footsteps outside and jumps up with his katana ready to strike.He sees the person nearing his camp.Kain squints at the face that looks so familiar to him.

Kain: Could it be.....

Ryan: Hello Kain.

Kain: Ryan!!Wow i haven't sen you in awhile man how are you?

Ryan: I'm alive.

Kain: Well that's good.So have you seen any of the others??

Ryan: No not since the fight against Malius.

The criminal Kain captured sprang up from the tent and began to run.Kain took out a shuriken and threw it with flawless precission dead in the criminal's head.Kain walks over drags him back and ties him up again and throws him in the tent.

Kain: Don't worry about him.He was wanted dead or alive anyway.So where are you headed??

Ryan: Wherever the wind takes me.I just travel around now days.I'm a mercenary.

Kain: Yeah me too not much to do when i'm not on an adventure.Well why don't you come with me to town.Once i drop this guy off and collect the bounty we can go and catch up at the bar.My treat.

Ryan: Sounds good.

Kain and Ryan head to town tp catch up on old times.

[Deedlit]

[color=009966][i]Runeth yawned widely as he sat perched on Elsyan's shoulder.[/i]

Runeth: "I'm hungry. Can't we find a tavern or inn or something and just rest for the night?"

Elsyan: "We ate around noon in the last town."

Runeth: "But that was [i]hours[/i] ago! It's the middle of the night! And that fight with the minotaur back in the forest really took alot out of us."

[i]Elsyan poked him teasingly in his small blue shoulder.[/i]

Elsyan: "What do you mean 'us?' You napped away, completely oblivious to everything around you!"

[i]Runeth gave a small snort and wagged his tail indignantly.[/i]

Runeth: "That doesn't mean that I wasn't there [i]in spirit.[/i] I wanted to save my strength for when we needed it."

[i]Elsyan repressed a few laughs and tried to keep her face diliberately straight as Runeth held his head up proudly as if he had just saved an entire city from destruction.[/i]

Elsyan: "Yes, thank you, O Valiant Warrior. What would I do without you?"

Runeth: "Hey!"

[i]Runeth flicked her ear with one of his claws.[/i]

Elsyan: "Alright, alright. There's a tavern up ahead called the Squeaky Helmet. We'll order some food and rest for the night. Okay?"

[i]Runeth gave a pleased purr-like sound as he shifted into a more comfortable position. When they reached the tavern, she pushed open the door only to find that the place was unusually hushed. Small groups were huddled at tables, and every now and then someone would run from their group to join the discussion at a nearby table. It seemed that all of them were talking about the same thing. Elsyan and Runeth slowly moved to a table and sat down when the inn keep came running over to them.[/i]

Inn Keep: "What'll it be?"

Elsyan: "One glass of wine and a small cup of water, a plate of spiced potatoes, and a room for the night."

[i]Elsyan put a few gold pieces on the tabletop. The inn keep scooped them into a pouch he wore at his belt, but then paused and looked at Runeth.[/i]

Inn Keep: "A dragon! I'm sorry, miss, but we don't allow---"

Elsyan: "He's harmless, and if he does any damage, I will pay for all costs."

[i]Elsyan laid two more coins on the table. After hesitating for a few moments, he scooped these also into his pouch and bustled off towards the kitchen. While he was gone, she had a chance to listen to what the others in the room were saying. Suddenly she heard, or thought she heard, someone say "Yeah. Auron killed 'im."[/i]

Elsyan: "Auron?!"

[i]She told Runeth to stay put while she walked over to one of the tables. They stopped talking as she came near, but she just calmly sat down in an empty chair.[/i]

Elsyan: "What about Auron?"

[i]They regarded her closely for a second, but then they decided that it was okay to tell her.[/i]

Man 1: "He killed the Mayor. The guards came to throw 'im in jail, but he put up a huge fight, even killed a few. They say he's gonna be hanged at dawn."

Elsyan: "Hanged?!"

Man 2: "Yup. Some say that he's had it in for 'imself for a while now."

Man 1: "Well, you best be off, missie, afore your meal gets cold."

[i]Elsyan glanced back at the table where Runeth sat. He had already helped himself to a large helping of potatoes and only paused to gulp down some water. When Elsyan got over there, she told Runeth everything they told her.[/i]

Runeth: "So what are we going to do?"

Elsyan: "Well, we'll have to go to the jail and pay Auron a visit, a few hours before dawn, won't we?"

[i]Elsyan took a small sip of wine and stared off absently into space.[/i]

Elsyan: "I wonder if any of our friends know about this?"[/color]

[Juu]

[color=ff00cc] [size=1]The black frame chipped away as light spilled down from above, marking the end of the forest. The familiar giggles echoed ahead, as Relee followed anxiously. Barefoot apon the grass, she continued galloping after her sister. Up ahead, she could see locks of golden hair bouncing up and down merrily. Her heart was filled with a queer happiness, as she had never felt before. The dense wood broke off, as she reached a cliff. Once Relee found herself in the sunlight, her sister had vanished.

"Rita?"

No answer.

"Rita?..."

Her eyes snapped open, and now she found herself back in her room. Relee lifted her head slowly from her bed, gazing oddly at the lit candles below her. She had forgotten to blow them out before sleeping, which might have been the cause of the strange dream. Slowly, she stood up, feeling a burrowing emptyness in her chest. Once the mess of wax and burnt matches were put away, Relee walked over to the cabnet, and pulled out nine more candles, each engraved with celestial shapes. She set the star in front of her, to the right, and set the sun at her left. Directly in front of her, she placed an eye engraved with a brick red, that she had filled with her own blood. Then, she lit each, and set a long golden map in front of her. The cloth was tattered at the edges, though the ink was still vividly visible. Then she placed nine gems along the map, and ran her palm above it, eyes closed dreamily. Then her eyes snapped open once more.

Relee crawled out of her tent. A few chickens met at her ankles, blinking mindlessly at her anklets. She walked into another tent, where Anai, the sorceress of the village, was healing one of the elders. Bending down next to the old woman, she opened her mouth to speak.

"The king has found another stone." Relee spoke softly, inclining her head.

Anai simply nodded. "I know."[/color] [/size]

[Corey]

Life was better. I had a friend again. Kain. He was a lifesaver. We talked the entire time there, taking turns dragging the corpse. Every once in a while the dead man got snagged on a root. We simply tugged until he came unstuck. Both his arms were broken by the time we got to the town.

[b]Kain-[/b] "Just a minute." He grabbed the corpse and walked into a rather large, stocky-looking building. I examined a rather interesting beetle that had landed on my arm. It was black with a splotch of white on it's abdomen. The insect flew off as Kain emerged. He held up a bag of money and smiled. "Not a bad line of work." I nodded in agreement and raised my own bag.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "I'd have to agree. Now let's get to that bar."

[b]Kain-[/b] "Right this way." He held out and arm in an attepmt to look like a butler. I laughed and roughly pushed him in front of me.

[b]Ryan-[/b] "I don't know where the hell it is. You lead." He grinned and walked toward a two-story, wooden building. I looked questioningly at the sign above the door. "The Hangmans Noose? What the hell kind of place is this?" He looked at me mischivously.

[b]Kain-[/b] "A place that serves really good drinks." He walked in. I shrugged and followed.

[Kinetic]

Dawn approached quickly. Time was against him, and he was aware of that. He had already checked his cell, attempting to discover weaknesses in the walls or even the door. There were none. He knew that the only chance he had of escape was during the period of time that he was to be hung. He waited wearily for that moment. There was an enormous thud on the thick stone door, the executioner telling him that he had five minutes to pray, and then he would take the walk. Auron sat on the ground against the wall, one knee bent and the other leg straight out, while he stared at the ceiling, plotting his escape, but the expression upon his face was not a pleasant one. He could not find a way to get out of this predicament. He was going to die today. . .

The door grinded as it was pulled open by two guards. Auron cocked his head as they ordered him to get up. "Why not kill me now? End this tension and find that I am not the culprit. Are you afraid?" Auron asked, mocking the guards. "We are following orders, and those are to hang you at the break of dawn, causing you to pay for the crimes you have commited," the guard said, as if it were a rehearsed line. Auron stood up, but could not move, for he was shackled to the wall. A team of five archers came to the door, as the two guards unlocked the burden upon his wrists. "Clever idea. . .for once," Auron laughed at the officers. He came quietly, without trouble, to the post where the noose hung before him.

"Any last words, you worthless scum?" The executioner spat.

"You shall all burn in hell for your vile actions!" Auron yelled at the heavyset man who covered his face within a hood.

"Ready the noose!" The executioner yelled, outraged by Auron's words. Sweat dripped from Auron's brow as the guards tied the noose tightly around his throat. "On the count of three!" One guard shouted. "One. . .Two. . .Thr-" The guard was interrupted as the rope was cut in half. The tension upon Auron's neck fell away, and he ducked as he knew a barrage of arrows would fly his way. Before they had time to reload, he looked back to see a familiar face. "Elsyan?" He thought to himself as she flew back and he jumped off of the platform. He heard the bowstrings stretch and ducked behind a building. He ran through the crowd of citizens toward the city gate. He reached his humble house and grabbed his swords. He noticed Elsyan scaling the walls of the city, and he quickly followed suit. He also spotted Runeth. "Damn that dragon," He laughed as he continued to sprint for the wall. A guard crept behind Auron, and as he was about to strike, Auron turned around, slashing him, as an arrow ran through his chest. "Hah, elegance along with quick reactions, an elf at its best."

Auron reached the top of the wall, bowing before Elsyan. "I am forever at your service, kind Elsyan," Auron said as he stared at the elf's beauty. "We must hurry." The two adventurers quickly climbed over onto the other side of the wall and headed off into the forest.

[Juu]

[color=ff00cc] [size=1]The room was now lit with golden flames, as the luster of the gems glittered against her palms. Her eyes were closed dreamily, chin up high, with her lower jaw slightly open. Though her back sat erect, her face seemed relaxed as she hovered her palm slowly over the stones, as if stroking an invisible cat. The light dotted upon her palm, like constellations. Distant sounds of hurried footsteps echoed in her mind, along with visions of faces. Then it quickly shifted to a violent scene. Men with torches and knives stampeded into the village, quickly recognized as her own. They tossed the touches over the fence, breaking through the flames, and thrusting knives and harpoons at the bewildered villagers. Women wailed as they held their children close, only to be attacked by the armored men. Now she could see herself in the vision. She was hurrying through the tents nearby, stopping dramatically as each caught on fire and corpses burned at the flame's wrath. Villagers collaped around her like logs. Just before she could run, a hand grabbed her shoulder.

Then the room quickly shifted to a dark blue, lit only by the flames of her candles. A silhouette of a woman sat on her bed, just so her smile could be seen from the flames.

"Well, you haven't changed much." The woman spoke, a slight chuckle in her voice.

Relee paused, a sudden ghostly chill biting at her spine.

"...Mara?" Relee managed to say.

The woman's smile widened. Relee stared in disbelief.

"I'm sorry." Relee spoke quietly, unable to stare into her eyes. "We failed you. I failed you..."

Mara's smile softened.

"You shouldn't be. Don't worry, I'll always be here to protectcha, okay?" Mara said, smile still visible.

Relee smiled.

"I'll never forget you, Mar-"

She disappeared.

Relee huddled up between the candles, holding her knees to her chest. The room felt so empty now. The world felt silent. She had lost her best friend.

She opened her eyes, finally coming back to reality. Quickly, she began to pack. First, she placed each vial in the same bag she had carried before, inserting each vial into its own pocket. Then she placed her dagger, then her bowl and motar. After that, she packed a small bag of herbs. As she placed the beg into position, she heard a timid 'clink' at the bottom of her bag. Relee reached her hand into the bag, and pulled out a chain, with a red stone dangling from it. There, she found a small note, crumpled up with age.

[i]Yours truly, Mara.[/i][/color] [/size]