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Circle of Nine [M-VLS]


Blayze
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[center][size=1][b][u][size=3]Circle of Nine

[size=2]Part One: The Beginning

[/size][/size][/u][/b][size=3][size=2][size=1]The cold rain beat heavily down upon the walls of Dark Eden, soaking the sentries posted outside to the bone. Hundreds of sodden, dripping Ancients were standing on the tops of the walls of the fortress, watching and waiting for anyone who came within a hundred feet of the castle.

The castle itself was made of stone so dark it seemed to absorb light into it. It created a sort of ghostly black aura of anti-light, a hazy, shimmering area of nothingness surrounding the walls. A single light could be seen, emerging from a window right atop the highest tower.

Inside this room sat the Council of Ancients. These were Twelve powerful beings who were the voices of The Nemesis, the true ruler of Meridian. They made decisions on his part, as The Nemesis was never seen outside his inner sanctum.

[b]"We have gained reports of the Nine Pillar Guardians. They have been awoken, and are searching for the Pillars. They seek to reactivate them and allow the world to go through the process of rebirth," [/b]said one of the Council, a tall, willowy male.

[b]"The Pillar Guardians are but a myth!" [/b]exclaimed a second, this one shorter and stockier, [b]"There is no such thing!"

"War Minister Grae, please allow your fellow Council member to finish," [/b]said the Ancient sitting at the head of the table, the one who was clearly the leader. The War Minister sat down hurriedly.

[b]"Thank you, sir. As I was saying, the Pillar Guardians seek to reactivate the Nine Pillars. This would mean certain destruction for us, and victory for the humans. I think I speak for all of us when I say that this would be...unacceptable. The only solution is to seek out the Guardians and destroy them. That way the Pillars can never be reactivated, and we are safe once more," [/b]said the first Ancient softly.

[b]"I agree," [/b]said the head Ancient gently, [b]"We must seek them out and kill the Eight of them right now."

"Eight? Sir, there are Nine Pillar Guardians."

"I know this. There is one I want kept alive. I have special interest in them. Lord Kathros?" [/b]he called. A tall, but slightly hunched Ancient stood up from his seat at the table, and bowed slightly.

[b]"Yes, my lord?"

"Send out four of your finest assassins to find and eliminate the Guardians. But there is one I wish for you to bring back alive."

"Which one, sir?"

"I will reveal this information to you, and only you, at the correct time. Now, send them out. I want the Guardians dead before sunrise."

---

[/b]Kane sat inside the ruin of a human fortress that was situated on top of a large hill. He was trying to find shelter from the driving rain, as he was wet and cold, and needed somewhere to start a fire.

He coughed, and his breath came out in a cloud of steam. He shivered as he wrapped his jacket tighter around himself. He would try and start a fire, but he knew it was futile in this weather.

Just as he had settled himself down to get some rest, something flew through the air, and smashed on the ground in front of him. He opened his eyes, and a small fire was burning brightly in front of him, surrounded by small pieces of broken glass. Kane looked up into the rain, and saw a dark figure standing over him.

[b]"Who are you?" [/b]he asked, his voice quivering from the cold, [b]"How did you do that?"

"I think you know the answer to the second question. The answer to the first is Malekith," [/b]the figure replied.

[b]"You're Malekith?"

"That's my name, but it reveals very little about me. My title, however, well that reveals a lot more. I am known among many as The Alchemist."

[/b]Kane gasped at this, and fumbled around in his jacket for the piece of parchment he had been carrying around for weeks now, ever since those wings had emerged from his back.

[i]...Guardian of States, also known as The Alchemist, [/i][/size][/size][/size][/size][i][size=1]holding the power of the nature of the physical world, including chemicals and all the laws governing the physical world, including electromagnetism and gravity...

[/size][/i][size=1][b]"You're really him? The Alchemist?"

"Indeed I am, young man. And you are?"

"My name is Kane Aldritch. I am The Scion of Balance."

[/b]The man seemed unphased by this remark.

[b]"Are you the only one? Have you found more?" [/b]asked Kane hurriedly.

[b]"I have found more, young man. In fact, you're the last one I needed. I've found every last one of the Pillar Guardians."

"Where are the rest?" [/b]asked Kane excitedly, barely hiding his exhilaration.

[b]"They are nearby. I will take you to them," [/b]he said, turning and walking away, his cloak flapping in the howling gale. Kane noticed he was carrying a book, a large, heavy, leather-bound tome, and a long, black staff, made of obsidian or some such material. Kane felt his equipment was paltry in comparison.

Eventually, after walking in silence for some ten minutes, they reached a small, run-down building, with a thatched roof. Malekith strode over to it and rapped smartly on the door with his knuckles.

[b]"Who is it?" [/b]came a low, suspicious-sounding voice from the other side of the door.

[b]"It's Malekith."

[/b]The door swung open, and Malekith gestured for Kane to enter...

---

OOC: Alright, this is how it breaks down. The rest of the Guardians are inside the building. You have all met, you've gotten to know each other, but only a little, seeing as Malekith only just brought you all together. Malekith and myself have only just arrived.

Joko, you can narrate your journey to meet up with me, or you can just carry on from where I've left off. The rest of you, have a little interaction with each other, but then at some point, have Malekith and I enter the room. Then we can see where it goes from there.

As always, PM me if there are any questions.
[/size][size=1][/size][/center]
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[FONT=Lucida Calligraphy][size=2][center][b][u]The Alchemists Tome[/u][/b][/center]

?Now that I have become accustomed to my new found abilities and strange appearance I come to realise that I am now one of the Pillar Guardians spoken of in Legend. It is my assumption that I am the one they shall call [b]The Alchemist[/b] as it seems whenever I think of something, such as fire or water, it manifests before me and I have a new found appreciation for potion brewing.?

?After much consideration I have decided to search out the other Guardians as I believe that we are not the only ones aware of out existence and both sides of this war are likely to want us dead. If the Book of Legends I found is correct then there should be eight more like myself walking the land of Meridian?

?I foresee a long journey ahead of me but I know that once I gather my fellow Guardians we can discuss what is the right thing to do for the land of Meridan.?[/size][/FONT]


[size=1][color=teal]Malekith finished reading the first entry of what had become a narrative of his journey up to this point. The book had stared as a simple journal but was now full of his thoughts, perceptions, abilities he had manifest in the years since his transformation and more besides. Placing the book back in his clock he drew his hood up and return to the soaked forest trail before him.

The air was thick with the moisture of the recently passed downpour. All around him the forest was accepting this gift from the heavens and Malekith could feel it as each drop of water was sucked up by the plant life or drunk by a local creature.

After several minutes Malekith had arrived at the edge of the forest and could see the local landscape spread around below him as he looked down from the crest of the hill upon which the forest stood. Using his Ancient eyes he could see the land clearly. Toward the north-east was the ruins of a long abandoned human fortress and he could clearly see the one he knew to be the Scion of Balance huddled there trying to keep of the rain which had recently left the forest and settled in the valley.

With the smallest of smiles Malekith took out a bottle from his belt and, muttering a quick phrase, created bottled fire as he knew the Scion would be needing it. Taking a deep breath of the fresh wet air Malekith began down the hill toward the ruins.

[center]~*~[/center]


Eventually, after walking in silence for some ten minutes, they reached a small, run-down building, with a thatched roof. Malekith strode over to it and rapped smartly on the door with his knuckles.

[b]"Who is it?"[/b] came a low, suspicious-sounding voice from the other side of the door.

[b]"It's Malekith."[/b]

The door swung open, and Malekith gestured for Kane to enter.

The young man ducked inside as Malekith walked through himself and nodded to the man at the door to close it. Pulling down his hood he turned to Kane.

[b]?Kane, this is a [i]?safe house?[/i] that I and several others set up some time ago to shelter the Guardians as I found them. You may wish to go upstairs, the eighth room on the left has been made ready for you. I realise that you may need some time in order to get accustomed to the sudden change of circumstances but I ask that you return downstairs as quickly as you can. I shall be in this room.?[/b] He turned and pointed to a room with the welcoming glow of fire creeping out under the door.

[center]~*~[/center]

OOC: Hope that?s okay Phil, anyone who fancies a word with Malekith before Kane returns do feel free to do so.[/size][/color]
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[FONT=Verdana][CENTER][SIZE=4][i][B]Codex Mortem[/B][/I][/SIZE]
[SIZE=1][B]The Book of the Dead[/B][/CENTER][left]
"[B]I feared death once, a childish fear of something that will come regardless of how long we run from it, or how hard be pray to be guarded against it. Death is as inevitable as the rising of Meridian's great sun.[/B]"

Several blood stains obscure words in the next passage.

"[B]But I am beyond death now, at least beyond it in the understanding of most mortals. I have become death incarnate, I am merely a guide on a journey all life, Ancient, human, animal and plant must make when their time ends. All life is granted by the Elder God, and so it is that when that life transcends the mortal coil it is rejoined with him in the great beyond.[/B]"

The elegantly styled writing continues for several more pages before documenting Uriel's encounter with another of his kind, another Pillar Guardian.

"[b]He calls himself The Alchemist and though no older than I, he seems wiser than his physical age. Kin we are, the blending of human and Ancient, saviours of mankind foretold in myth and legend. The Necromancer, a strange title for one with such power, my dominion is that of the dead, life and rebirth are also under my command. And yet I am without mercy in this regard, should I not return the child of a loving couple to them ? Should I not grant the child a full life ? But it is not my task to interpret the will of the Elder God, only to be an instrument of his will.[/b]"

The proceeding paragraphs detail long conversations The Necromancer held with his brother, mostly about the Guardians own nature in the world, but also how they might better seek out their brothers and sisters.

"[b]I have agreed to leave with him, in search of others like us. Death has no need for a fixed abode and while I exist in this realm, I also exist in the spirit world to guide those along their journey. Many fear me, they tell me that I look more dead than they do, some have called me Ancient trickery to steal their souls, I respond that their soul is already mine and I have no need for such trickery. The Alchemist believes it may take us many days to find the rest of our unique family, but I believe it shall be much sooner than that...[/b]"[/left]

[CENTER]||||||||||[/CENTER]


[left]Resting comfortably in front of their home's fire, Uriel awaited his brother's return with the final family member. The Mentalist sat opposite him, they had spoken at length about the nature of their respective powers, each growing more and more curious with every answer given. Originally Uriel had mistaken Mordred for a woman, and though promptly apologised for, it had caused a mild strain to develop between them. The black leather bound text of The Necromancer sat in his lap, carefully he entered his newest journal entry, detailing the souls he had dispatched in previous hours.

"[B]Do you keep no tome brother ?[/B]"

Mordred's eyes fluttered open, locking with Uriel's own before responding.

"[b]The mind if ordered properly becomes it's own tome, when dealing with the complex emotions of Man certain concepts lack words to adequately define them, the mind does not have these limits and proves a better keeper of my thoughts.[/b]"

The Necromancer's head bowed in acknowledgement, he himself preferred the tactile sensation of writing, it allowed him to better order his thoughts and record his own experiences. The very nature of the world was repetition, eventually there would be more Guardians to replace them, and when that time came, The Necromancer's codex would be passed to his successor.

The fire's warmth was more comforting after the world of the nether, it was not cold there, but neither was it warm, it was grey and lifeless, like those passing through it. Uriel did not proceed further down the path of the dead than to where it forked apart, where those who had committed evils would be cast into damnation and those who had lived in piety would be admitted to paradise. He would have liked to see paradise, eventually perhaps he would, but not yet. Several raps struck the door in rapid succession, Malekith had returned at last.

Rising from the chair, Uriel advanced to greet them before thinking better of it, the might be human spies, or worse Ancients come to slay them and prevent their downfall. Moving towards the doorway he bade them to identify themselves. Malekith?s voice came through clearly and Uriel opened the door to greet them, Mordred had also risen from his seat, the rest of their brethren would stir soon as well.

As the newcomer strode upstairs, Uriel and Mordred sought answers from The Alchemist.[/SIZE][/left][/FONT]
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[COLOR=Navy][SIZE=1]Illaria sat silently near her fellow Guardians Mirichai and Kannes in the common room downstairs. They were a lot alike in personality. While they rarely spoke more than a few words, the company was enough for each.

The young Guardian closed her eyes and tilted her head toward the ceiling, comprehending the past events that changed her life forever.

The day she had sprouted her wings was a whirl of emotions that sent her into a silence everytime it came about in her mind. She had been in a meadow looking at a patch of wild onions she had just came upon when a searing white hot pain came from her shoulder blades and with a stifled scream, out burst a pair of wings. Illaria let a few tears fall and then her hands rushed to feel these new appendages.

She flapped her wings once to make herself understand that this was real, and then allowed herself to rise and discover her ability to fly. After landing a little roughly, Illaria looked at the wings themselves. She was stunned by the question of why they were two different colors. Why was one black and the other white?

This was a question that remained unanswered to this very moment. But there were more important and meaningful things to ponder. Illaria was the Druid, responsible for growth and evolution. And before that, she was a simple, ordinary girl learning to become a Herbologist. Illusive was the thought that she was a Pillar Guardian; for some reason, this fact alone could not register itself into her mind.

[CENTER][I]'But you are...you are a Pillar Guardian. Even if it only seemed like a legend, it's time to accept it, because you will have to adapt to these newfound capabilities or face severe consequences.'[/I][/CENTER]

Illaria sighed and nodded her head. It was true, she would have to adapt if she were to survive. Her entire life now seemed to fit into place, it was all preparation for these days.

[CENTER][I]'You are Illaria Enfinati, the Druid. You are the Pillar Guardian of Nature and it's time that you accept your position.'[/I][/CENTER]

Illaria then lowered her head and her crimson eyes flitted open. She looked at her fellow brother and sister and was about to speak, but she was interrupted by a series of knocks on the door downstairs and Brother Uriel went to investigate.

[B]"I believe that our last family member has arrived."[/B] Illaria whispered with a hopeful tone as she rose to her feet.

In a moment, Uriel returned with Brother Malekith and the final family member. Illaria's new family was complete.[/SIZE][/COLOR]
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[COLOR=Navy]Mirichai sat beside Illaria and Kannes, she was sitting in an armchair with her legs curled beneath her, and her hands folded on the left armrest with her head lying on it. It was a comfortable position for when she went into deep thought, because she could let her vision slide out of focus and just think, while not worrying about twisting and turning because of being uncomfortable.

Miri thought about the time when Malekith had found her, and brought her to the safe house, where she met her brothers and sisters, people she could really relate to.

[I]Growing up, she sometimes questioned her parentage. Having black hair wasn't much of a problem, both of her parents did, so it was only natural that she did too, but for eye colour, having crystal blue eyes ran no where in the family. It was strange, but everyone always dismissed it.

The day she got her wings was a tough day for her. She got home and ran straight up to her room, slamming the door shut even though there was no one else at the house. She had removed her top to find two bony lumps sticking out from her shoulderblades. She felt them, they were strange and she felt feathers emerging, stretching and pulling her skin painfully. Miri bit her lip, then suddenly the skin broke, releasing her two large wings, she screamed loudly, echoing through the empty house. She sobbed on the floor, looking up to the large mirror in front of her to see the deep blue wings, blood clung to the feathers, and crimson liquid trickled down her back. She very quickly discovered she could fly with them, but afraid to be labelled as being strange, she hid them beneath her clothes.[/I]

Mirichai blinked, her vision coming back into focus. Her wings flapped freely behind her on the chair. She reached up and stroked the feathers gently, they were soft and comforting.

Illaria murmured about their last brother arriving, she got up and looked to the door, smiling at the final arrival with Malekith. She sat again, her hands flat on the armrests, this place was a Haven. Together, they were safe and could defend themselves as a family.[/COLOR]
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[CENTER][SIZE=1][I]I had been alone for a very long time, a stranger in the quaint little village not so far from where I now sat, fire warming my previously cold limbs.

The village peasants had been more than happy to give me a place to stay. They said I made them feel calmer somehow, and a couple joked that I must be a magician. ?A wi?ard, like gre?t ol? man Merlin?, as it was put to me. I couldn?t help but smile and wave off the compliments, for I saw them as such.

My mind, however, does literally have a habit of wondering while I sleep. I believe I have an advanced version of REM, where instead of just sorting out my own problems, my mind insists on sorting out any it can find. This is how the villagers began to suspect me. They found themselves waking up with headaches, even if they had been able to answer questions they didn?t even know had been asked. When you have a power like mine, you get used to the pain it brings, but normal people cannot handle the strain when they are ?touched?. This lead them to throw me out of the village, with no supplies save for my stick. I didn?t put up a fight, because I didn?t blame them. How could I?

It was days later, horrid, delirious days later, that Malekith finally found me. He told me, joking I hope, that I had been shuddering like a kicked puppy. I imagine I probably was, I?ve never been very good with the cold.

The man told me that I was one of the first he?d found. A man named Uriel was already back at the ?safe place?, which is where I sit now. We talked, long and deep, and I found myself comfortable in a very short space of time. I also found it very hard to pry into the man?s mind. This was probably because he knew of my powers and was making a mental effort to keep me out. I?m not sure, and I didn?t ask. I overcame the problem eventually.

People began to fill the room, as Malekith seemed to have a very good idea of where everyone was situated. It must have been some kind of intuition that led us all to this area so we could be collected so easily.

I should sleep now, I imagine, tomorrow will bring much talk.[/I]

///////

Mordred only opened his eyes when Uriel spoke to him, taking note of his ink-stained fingertips, catching thoughts that were at the front of his mind. The Necromancer was indeed a powerful man, but quite humble, it seemed. And Gods, was he ever organised.

It was only a short talk the two had before a knock came at the door, Uriel pacing over to ask whom it was. Seconds later, Malekith entered the room with another Guardian and Mordred quietly crossed the room to stand behind Uriel, his hands clasped at the small of his back. He?d left his scarf on the lush chair by the fire, and now his shirt was opened to reveal his neck and the tops of his collarbones. After the cold he?d been in, this room was like a furnace.

[B]?Are we going to be introduced??[/B] Mordred asked softly, but firmly, giving the newcomer a gentle smile as he worked his way into the man?s mind.[/SIZE][/CENTER]
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[b][size=1]"Are we going to be introduced?" [/size][/b][size=1]asked one of the Guardians, standing behind the one who had opened the door.

Kane felt tendrils of something creeping slowly into his mind, and he called upon his own limited psychic powers to block it out.

[b]"I can feel you trying to enter my mind, Mordred," [/b]said Kane calmly, gleaning what little information he could from this man's well-shielded mind, [b]"And I would advise that you refrain from doing so in future."

"You have mental blocks set up? So you are a psychic?" [/b]asked The Mentalist, [b]"Most interesting, Kane Aldritch. You are not the only one who can glean information from other people's minds, you know."

"Do you want to let us non-psychics in on this little conversation of yours, Mordred?" [/b]asked another of the Guardians, a young woman in her seat.

[b]"I do apologise, Holly," [/b]said Mordred, [b]"Please, Kane, introduce yourself and we will do the same."

"I'm Kane Aldritch. The Scion of Balance." [/b]This simple statement was enough to shock almost every occupant of the room into silence, save for Malekith and Uriel, who sat in stony silence.

[b]"So it's true. You do exist," [/b]said one of the other females, getting to her feet, [b]"We were beginning to wonder if Malekith would ever find you."

"Why do you need me? What's so important?" [/b]asked Kane.

[b]"In time, young man," [/b]said Malekith, gesturing for Kane to sit down, [b]"You will learn the secrets of yourself. But for now, allow us to introduce ourselves. As you know, I am Malekith, The Alchemist."

"I am Mordred Del'Averia, The Mentalist."

"Uriel Arcan, The Necromancer."

"Hollyhock Everlian, The Warmonger."

"Xinatioa Youvinea, The Energist."

"Kannes Erskine, The Timestreamer."

"Mirichai Tauran, The Planer."

"Illaria Enfinati, The Druid."

[/b]They all fell into silence.

[b]"Now, Kane, you wished to know why you are so important?" [/b]said Malekith, [b]"You know of the Pillars, I assume? The Nine Pillars of Meridian, the Pillars that we, as Guardians, are assigned to," [/b]Kane nodded, [b]"Well, there are truly only eight Pillars of power. But the ninth is the most important of all. The Pillar of Balance stands in the centre of the other eight. To activate their power, all eight Pillars must be activated, and their energies passed through the Ninth, the Pillar of Balance. Without you, the world cannot be given new life."

"So I'm in charge of combining all your energies and creating new life for the world?" [/b]asked Kane.

[b]"Indeed you are. But with the title Scion of Balance comes a great deal of responsibility. You must keep all our powers in check as we travel towards the Pillars. None of us must use our powers more than any of the others. Do you understand this, Kane?" [/b]asked Mordred.

[b]"I do. I will do my duty for this world, and destroy the Ancients."

"Good. Then we must depart," [/b]said Malekith.

[b]"Right away?" [/b]asked Mirichai.

[b]"Immediately. We must travel to the Pillars and find them as soon as possible. The world is literally tearing itself apart at the seams. If we delay this any longer, then we doom it to destruction."

"Not only that," [/b]said Uriel, speaking properly for the first time, [b]"But the Ancients are going to be looking for us. They will do anything to stop themselves being erased from this planet, and that means destroying us."

"We must leave immediately. Pack only that which is necessary and leave now," [/b]said Malekith urgently, [b]"We travel tonight."[/b]
[/size]
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[COLOR=Navy][SIZE=1][B][CENTER]"I'm Kane Aldritch. The Scion of Balance." [/CENTER][/B]

It shocked Illaria beyond all thought, this was the man belonging to the most important of the Pillars, the Scion of Balance. Kane was the key to unlocking new existance in Meridian. He was much like a God.

The others began introducing themselves, and Illaria went last. The words struggled to come out, but she made herself known as the Druid. Malekith then explained that it would be best that the group left immediately and to pack lightly. It was evident now that they were being sought after by the Ancients.

The Guardians each left for their respective rooms, Illaria's being the last one on the left. Immediately she reached for her black cloak that hung on a stray nail on the wall and fastened it around her neck. Reaching for the satchel underneath, Illaria then sank to the floor to pick up the few scattered possessions that she had brought with her upon her leave from her village.

One of these possessions happened to be a leather-bound book, however, unlike some of her brothers and sisters, Illaria carried no tome. The book was her old Herbology book; Illaria liked to look it over when she had a few spare moments that weren't dedicated to self-analyzation. The other possession of importance was a pouch that stored her whip and dagger, but instead of throwing it in the satchel, she tied it around her hips.

Upon finishing her packing, Illaria then walked back to the common room and waited in a vacant armchair. Clutching the pouch, the girl's mind became flooded with memories of the day that Malekith had found her in that same meadow in which her wings were birthed.

-------------------

[B]"What does this gift amount to? What does it signify? Could it be that the legend of the Pillar Guardians is true?"[/B] Illaria wondered aloud. [B]"Could I be one of them?"[/B]

Back at her home, Illaria had left a note to her family stating her leave on a quest for knowledge on Herbology. She had no desire to tell them the truth about her wings for fear of scorn. She felt that it was best this way, and had already packed that satchel and cloak, with a dagger inside for safety.

She was confused, but the legend seemed to be the only possible explanation. Shrugging, Illaria then allowed her wings to open to their full span and flapped them a few times. A voice then came from the distance. [B]"I believe you are the Druid."[/B]

Illaria turned around and concealed her wings, startled. A man then appeared from the tall grass, an expectant look painted on his face. The trademark look of black hair and blue eyes told the girl that he may be a Pillar Guardian, as they are related to the Ancients [B]"There's only one way to be sure. If you are the Druid, you should have powers related to Nature."[/B]

Illaria looked at him for a moment strangely, but then made sense of it in her head. She then spotted a wild rose, picked it and held it in her hand. [B]"Have you a weapon? Perhaps you should try to make one with that."[/B]

Concentrating, Illaria watched dumbdfounded as the stem grew thicker and longer, but when the bud fell to the ground, she stopped. With her manipulation, it had seemed that she had formed a stemlike whip.

[B]"Yes, you are the Druid."[/B] The man said as he walked closer with his hand extended. [B]"I am Malekith, the Alchemist. I am the Guardian of States. What are you called?"[/B]

[B]"I am Illaria...Illaria Enfinati. I didn't know what I was until now, but I see that the legend is true."[/B] The girl took his hand and stood, it was a relieving to know that there were others like her. [B]"I understand now."[/B][/SIZE][/COLOR]
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[size=1][color=teal][b]"We must leave immediately. Pack only that which is necessary and leave now,"[/b] said Malekith urgently, [b]"We travel tonight."[/b]

The other Guardians nodded in silent acknowledgment and departed for their rooms to gather up their belongings for the journey ahead. Malekith however went through the door in the back of the room to where his, for lack of a better word, Alchemist Laboratory was located. In here where vials, glasses, bottles and all manner of other containers holding the many potions that Malekith had been brewing for the past few months and weeks. He signed sadly as he thought about how he?d never be able to finish these now, some of them were barely out of his mind.

Taking out his leather bound book Malekith placed it down on the table with a slight thump, following suit he sat down himself. He cast his gaze of the table, which at this point was covered with masses of paper and wherever wood was showing it was discoloured with numerous stains from his experimentations.

[b]?So much preparation, now I fear the journey...?[/b] He said quietly to himself.

He began looking over his notes again, seeing if he could gleam any more wisdom from his years of searching for the other Guardians and writing down his experiences.[/color][/size]


[size=2][FONT=Lucida Calligraphy] ?When the nine are together, they should never remain in one place for any amount of time, [strike]this could cause the destruction of the world[/strike] [b]the ambient energy given off by each of them shall alert the Ancients to their where abouts.[/b]

[i]?When I find them all we leave at once, no waiting, no turning back. It shall be everything or nothing.[/i][/FONT][/size]


[size=1][color=teal]Malekith had written that so long ago now, he often thought that he would never have to act upon his own advice but with every Guardian in place now he knew they would have to be moving closer to the Pillars as often as they could, lest the agents of the Ancients discover them.

Feeling a break in his concentration Malekith realised that someone was psychically nudging him, without looking up he said:

[b]?Is that you Mordred? What?re you snooping around in here for?[/b][/color][/size]
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[SIZE=1]Mordred smiled as he leant on the ornate doorframe leading into Malekith's lab. His scarf was wrapped around his neck again and the thick, brown belt that shielded his abdomen was firmly in place, the heat from the dying fire now starting to ebb.

[B]"I don't have much to pack, as you surely know. I'm impressed by your mental strength, Malekith."[/B]

Mordred felt the Alchemist smile inside, despite his back being turned to the slightly older man. [B]"I'll take that as a dear compliment, Mordred. Would you like to help me pack[/B]?"

Mordred stepped forward and glanced at the organised shelves, wondering what exactly a man needed with all these potions and chemicals. He supposed there'd be no point in asking, lest he be granted with a long-winded explanation.

[B]"What would you like me to pack?"[/B]

[B]"You can't tell?"[/B]

[B]"Very funny, Malekith. I'm trying to be polite and [I]not[/I] look into your head. I feel like a peeping Tom when I do."[/B]

Malekith chuckled and gestured quickly to a shelf containing a few old books and Mordred swept them off the shelf and into a shoulder bag made from weathered suede leather.

[B]"Now, I don't have to be a mind reader to know that you wanted to ask me something. Out with it, Mordred."[/B]

Mordred stood for a while, his dull eyes wondering around the room as though he were searching for the right words.

[B]"I think,"[/B] he paused, [B]"I think I needed some sort of...reassurance."[/B]

Malekith merely cocked an eyebrow, so Mordred pushed on. [B]"I'm beginning to feel a little unsure of myself. I suppose the word I'm looking for is scared."[/B]

[B]"Hah, you have nothing to fear now, Mordred. We have the Scion of Balance with us!"[/B] Malekith clapped his companion on the back and shouldered his bag, starting for the door and gesturing for Mordred to follow.

[B]"Yes, we do..."[/B] Mordred followed him, trying to figure out this niggling uncertainty at the back of his mind.


[B]OOC: Mordred, paranoid? Hah! >>[/B][/SIZE]
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[COLOR=#234d8a][SIZE=1][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Finally, it had all come to past; all nine of the guardians were here finally. They were all collected, these people, his brothers and sisters. What in interesting and strange group of people, he was to soon find himself associated with. After all, of the things that had happened to him he wasn?t too surprised to say the least. When one has, their entire world turned upside down in only the last couple of days. Once all of the introductions were over and it was announced that they were getting ready to leave as soon as possible to try to avoid their being found out by the guardians. It was only understandable, if they really were to bring back balance to this land, which at one time was though to have been lost. They needed their movements to be quick as well as swift.

Later, once they had all gone and adjourned to their rooms, Xinatioa also took the moment to go off and pack what to pack though? He said that they needed to pack lightly, yet what did he have to pack? He was the energist, He could siphon any energy that he needed from any living thing, or even if it was something that gave off energy? Xin was sure that he would be able to find many of the resources that he had required along the way.

[B]?So troublesome?? [/B] Xinatioa muttered going through the lack of things that he had, the only thing that he though he would need it the weapon he had off in the corner. Bandaged up so the blade would hopefully not slash anyone,

[B]?So then, that was the Scion of Balance? Well it isn?t what I had expected; hopefully he will at least take what it is he must do.?[/B]

[B]?What, do you doubt the one who is to lead us??[/B] Xinatioa responded to himself, having what seemed like a conversation with nobody but himself.

[B]?Maybe it is just him at a first glance? Even I would be in some kind of a panic to come in and see all those like me in a place at once.?[/B]

?Its no matter anyways, he is the one who has control over all of use anyways. Let?s just hope that he doesn?t become corrupted by those who wish to destroy us.?

?[B]Yes, lets hope that doesn?t happen, that seems like more of a worst case scenario? [/B] With his last thoughts finally away and to be done with, Xinatioa finally left the common room with only his weapon and a piece of jewelry around his neck, it was probably something that he had treasured, since besides those two things he really didn?t carry anything else.

[B]?Now then, the only thing that is left is to wait for the others, and to find out just where it is that we are going.?[/B][/FONT][/SIZE][/COLOR]
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[SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Hollyhock sat on the front steps of the building she and the other Pillars were staying in, playing cat's cradle with herself. She was packed; had been packed since arrival. She'd never had many belongings...

Something in her nature wouldn't allow it - anything she gained possesesion of she quickly became bored with. Somehow it didn't bother her - it was a simple affair to make off with something novel in its place...She flipped her fingers, twisting the cradle into another shape, grinning as the complexity grew.

Maybe that was the same force that had kept her - like a few of the others she'd seen - from keeping a book? She'd never had the patience for writing - everything she wrote could quickly be replaced. Once it was written, however, only all-out destruction could change what had been written. And she preferred to not destroy things - you can't change what's gone, can you?

Her fingers kept moving as she watched clouds march across the sky. It was a peaceful day, if somewhat cold, and part of her appreciated that fact. Of course, the [i]other[/i] louder part of her was speaking of a time not to far off where the peace would be fading...

There was a sharp pain in her fingers. She looked down to find her thread had become tangled too tightly to unloop it. She sighed, snapping the thread as she stood, shaking it off her fingers.

One of these days, peace would be as easily to manipulate as those strings. One of these days. Clearly not today. She moved back into the house, shaking her head.

These feelings were nothing new; she'd always had them. But the day she'd woken up and her green eyes had turned blue? That day, they'd grown stronger. And now...she watched the others getting ready to leave.

Now, she hoped this Scion of Balance would be able to help her reign the chaotic urges back just a little...

[/COLOR][/SIZE]
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[SIZE=1][COLOR=Navy]Kannes sat quietly, for once attempting to keep his attention focused on the here and now. But still it managed to wander, to stray from the people around him and to travel to other places, to see, for some reason, if things were in order or if they were heading off track.

Everything he was looking at was, indeed, in order...going smoothly the way it was supposed to. With a relaxed sigh he turned his attention to what was happening now and a pressure grew behind his eyes - maybe he should look at this right now...he moved on to the future and relaxed again, letting the pressure ease once more. Everything here that he was looking at was doing fine as well.

With a start he pulled himself back into the now, to were he was sitting with...he didn't know anymore. The people, they might have told him who they were but now...now, with the scenes from the past, present and future still in his mind, he could not remember. He smiled at nothing in an attempt to hide his confusion then noticed no one was in the room anymore.

...what if someone had said something important and he'd missed it...[/COLOR][/SIZE]
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[COLOR=Navy]Mirichai shook her wings out and left for her assigned room, stooping beneath her bed to withdraw the bag she kept there. She took a couple of changes of clothes, plus her thick, leather tome, it looked tattered from lots of use, with the pages permanently wrinkled from being exposed to water, and the edges on the pages were yellow and torn in places. She picked it up, holding it in her hands as she sat down, back leaning against the bed. Miri opened the cover, smoothing a hand over the inside page. In cursive writing were the words:

[I][B][CENTER]"The Innermost Thoughts of Mirichai Tauran"[/CENTER][/B][/I]
Mirichai had been writing journals since she was a child, starting just as simple loggings of daily happenings and the constant questions of a 7 year old. She'd had to get several as time went on. Sadly she left her collection at home, she stored them all safely in a bookshelf, each in order from when she had written them. They were her memories and thoughts, and were the most important possessions to her since they closely detailed her past.

Miri turned to the page after her last entry and pulled out an ink pen, writing the date at the top of the watermarked page before starting her entry:

[I]"Today was utterly intriguing, with a number of new developments appearing. The most major being that Brother Malekith has finally found our missing brother; his name is Kane Aldritch, but the more important aspect of this final sibling, is that he is the Scion of Balance, the most important of all.

As we were waiting for Malekith in the common room, I found myself submerged in another episode of deep thought, today's deep thinking went back to when I was first found, also when I was doubting my parentage because of my guardian features, and of the day my wings emerged. It is good that I still remember it clearly, even without having to flick back to that entry.

Brother Malekith told us that we must leave tonight on a journey, I am supposed to be packing but I wished to make an entry since I don't suppose I'll have time later on as we travel. We have to find the Pillars, and travel to them, but we have also been told that the Ancients will be trying to stop us, so we must be wary and alert at all times. We must succeed, I have a feeling we will, but this is unpredictable, even for I who controls existence, and Brother Uriel who has power over Life and Death.

Only time will reveal what lies before us. May we have a safe journey."[/I]

Mirichai blew on the page she had written, drying the ink and testing it before closing the book and packing it into her bag. She stood up, picking up her glaive from where it stood against the wall near her bed. Miri scanned the room again, hoping she didn't forget anything important and returned to the common room, where some of the others were already standing. She propped herself on the armrest of an armchair, waiting with everyone else.[/COLOR]
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