• This section is for roleplays only.
    ALL interest checks/recruiting threads must go in the Recruit Here section.

    Please remember to credit artists when using works not your own.

Completed Chapter II: Blades in Motion

Status
Not open for further replies.
Laurolf Fangür

​






As Eltheron began inspecting one of the statues, Laurolf walked closer to the apparent dead-end wall in front of them. "Speak friend and enter.." He mumbled, placing his hand against the stone, as he remembered some of the magically protected doorways they had back home for certain passages, most of which were secret and known only about by the Runemasters and the King.


Sighing, he turned to look at the elf, "Well, Eltheron? Does it say anythin'?"
 
Mounting himself alongside the statue and peering into the book past its stone gaze, Eltheron spotted some sort of lines along the slab. On further inspection torchlight revealed faint words carved into the stone book. It was in elvish script as well as elvish language, not the common tongue used most widely on the continent. Though it was somewhat of an older variant, Eltheron was able to read and understand it fully. There were only two lines of text:


"There is nothing as promising as the opening of a book.


There is nothing as final as its shutting."
 
Eltheron Delioss

​






Eltheron reads the words aloud for the rest to hear, "There is nothing as promising as the opening of a book. There is nothing as final as it's shutting." Eltheron pondered a moment, he then inspected the books held by the statues. Were they able to be moved? Pages turned? Perhaps it would be as easy as shutting the stone books held by the statues; that is if they could even move. Eltheron began testing his theories.
 
The elf's further investigation was suddenly interrupted and as well as rendered unnecessary, because the wall between the statues lowered down into the ground and now formed a threshold. On the other side of it was another room, lit by fire, though the source was not visible from this angle.


What they could see was a bookshelf stacked with books at the far end of the other room, and judging by it the room was somewhere between six and eight meters wide.
 
Dina Ailsa

​






It seems like this is it. Dina's heart pounded loudly. Are there move traps? She wanted to get this over with but was suddenly more afraid than before. Of what? Of the end of the road? That there would be nothing for them to find? It's time to move. Come on, Dina. She encouraged herself and took a step, and then another. She approached the threshold and continued on into the room.
 
Eltheron Delioss

​






When the wall began to part Eltheron jumped back from the statue and drew a blade. When all had settled, and Dina had begun walking, Eltheron merely looked over at Laurolf, gave a slight shrug, "I guess we just needed to speak the words aloud...?" and pressed on into the darkness. He quickened his step to catch up with Dina, lighting the way and ever vigilant for possible traps or dangers.
 
Dina and Eltheron warily emerged into the next room.


It was not all that large, perhaps eight by fifteen meters in size. A fire burned to the immediate right in a large cauldron, illuminating most of the room, though the far end was somewhat shadowed. All the walls were covered with bookshelves stacked with dusty tomes and papers, and some were even lying on the floor. The place was clearly in disrepair and it was uncertain when was the last time someone actually journeyed down here. The fire meant nothing as it was likely enchanted.


What drew immediate attention was to the left from the entrance, all the way back towards the shadows, away from the fire. Standing on an elevated part of the room, a few steps up, was what appeared to be an altar, or actually a throne of some sort. On it was sitting a skeletal figure nearly twice the size of a human being, holding in its lap two connected stone slabs like the covers of a book. On them was a smaller object, perhaps a notebook of sorts. It was unclear from this distance. Both to the left and right of the throne was a single small statue depicting a robed elf holding a staff.


The air smelled of dust and paper, and it was quiet. The Chosen's entering the room was unhindered.
 
Henvei Relkor vech Daltzen

​







​



The silent swish of a ski sliding through fresh snow under a dark sky came pattering down the passage, as the scholar sped into the room. The closest approximation would be that of a nervous giggle, but even then the ice of the wastes blurred any translation.

​




​



Blue orbs of flame, yes. But the scholar had dumped his traveling trunk on the ground, ravaged through it, and already the instruments of a scholar danced around his head in their magical flight. A small silver pen, a bound book of parchment, a few small scales, a little silver knife: things the scholar would need when piercing ancient texts. He himself was flying through the hall, making his little odd giggle, and struggling to keep the edges of the Codex from piercing his cloak and flinging itself out into the world.

​




​



The book knew what it wanted, of course. The cloak's thick ends and Henvei's own prudence did little to keep its ethereal blue enthusiasm from spilling out of the scholar's chest, mixing with the light of the fire to further muddle the dim of the room. The tome could feel the knowledge itself. Dragging Henvei along like a small animal, it directed him towards the closest stack of books.

​



Books which, Henvei could sense, it sought for knowledge of Relkor, the progenitor.

​




​



"I will - ah - be with you in, *A small tree snapping in a cold icy morning* a moment, my dears!"

​
 
Laurolf Fangür

​






"Bloody hearth." Laurolf thought, hemming, as he followed Eltheron and Dina into the large chamber. He ignored the doings of the 'oddhume' and walked closer to the throne, observing the large skeletal figure and what it was holding with his eyes. "Hmm.. Eltheron, check the back of this throne for.. anything.. if ye' would, hmh!?" He stopped in front of the throne, and looked at the skull of the large skeleton. "Don't be coming to life now, eh mate?" He mumbled, smiling and carefully took a step up one of king skeleton's pedestal's stairs.


Looking at the object held by king skeleton, Laurolf hemmed again. "Seems too bloody obvious to me." He turned to Dina, "Any word from yer' spectral-buddies, lass?" One half of Laurolf hoped that it would be as easy as just grasping the apparent notebook, and reading away all the secrets of the world... The other half, feared that touching the notepad would cause king skeleton to come to life, by the act of some.. sick necromantic enchantments.
 
Dina Ailsa

​






Dina shook her head. She also thought that Eltheron is the one who should check the throne and also the thing the skeleton held on his lap. Dina doesn't know Elvish after all. She took a few steps more hoping it would trigger the Spectral effect.

​




​
 
Eltheron Delioss

​







​



Eltheron took a deep breath and then exhaled with a slight lean of his head as he looked at the throne, then sheathed his blade. "Sure thing." He said, then stepped forward and began examining the throne, making as little physical contact as possible, searching for any type of inscriptions or triggers. He began with one of the elven statues, figuring they might hold some clue. He would check the throne next
 
As Eltheron and Laurolf approached the dark throne, nothing happened whatsoever, despite their expectations. The large skeletal figure remained sitting with the tableau and what really was a notebook on it. It looked old. Close inspection of the statues beside it didn't bring up anything apparently useful. Made out of stone, they were the likeness of the keepers who used to tend to the Great Library. They also seemed to be somewhat smaller than a real life version would be, and not exactly perfect craftsmanship.


Dina had a bit more luck, so far. A presence spoke to her privately in a familiar, deep and slow voice. "We sense your concern, princess Dina. You are wise to proceed with caution. There is magic in this place, though dormant. But it is the right place. If there is anything in the Great Library related to the Amaranth, it will be here."


Meanwhile, Henvei's Codex did indeed draw him towards a stack of books on one of the shelves next to the wall opposite of the entrance to the room. Upon examination it seemed to be a book about his people, the Frigid Folk, specifically about practitioners of magic from those parts and their unique scholarly society. Henvei's own knowledge on the matter was superior, and this book did little but rouse his thoughts of home. He had little time to contemplate though, because the Codex pulled him to the right, closer to one of the shelves nearer to the fire.


Proceeding to carefully check the throne, Eltheron took a look around it. It seemed a makeshift throne with a stone pedestal and other parts out of dark wood, engraved with decorative lines. It leaned against another bookshelf half filled with books and papers.
 
Dina Ailsa

​






Dormant you say. Dina moved to inspect the notebook herself. At the back of her mind, wild questions were throbbing. What's happening upstairs? Was the drakkar able to fend off the guards? How much time do they have left? She pushed those thoughts aside and concentrated on her actions. Dina touched the notebook carefully, opening it. If I lift it from it's place there might be some magical response and we don't want that.
 
Dina probably shouldn't have done what she just did. The moment she touched the notebook in an attempt to open it, the throne literally sparked to life. Flickering blue current washed all over the throne, the pedestal, and the figure sitting on it. The eyes inside the horned helm it wore glowed blue and the whole skeleton suddenly came to life, animated by whatever magic had been placed upon it that Dina activated.


Slowly, it rose, letting the stone tableau fall at its feet. Dina could have snatched the notebook, but she was too frightened. The skeletal figure stood tall and massive now, twice the size of a human. It wore some kind of ancient armor and that horned helm, and blue magic streamed throughout its hollow body, doubtless powering the dead vessel as any mage would know.


It just stood there, silent, for a few moments. It brandished no weapon but that hardly made it less of a threat. Then it started moving towards the girl, though slowly. "Defilers." it said. Its voice was like metal cutting through ice.
 
Dina Ailsa

​






Well, off course. You stupid... Dina looked around in panic, she jumped away from the skeleton. Where there some ancient roots? Maybe she could move them to bind the skeleton's feet. Dina's eyes searched for cracks in the floor from which the roots would be able to snake through.
 
Laurolf Fangür

​






Laurolf moved his hand to stop Dina, but it was too late. "I bloody hate it when I'm right.." He thought, taking a step back as the large skeleton slowly stood up from it's throne. But there appeared to be luck yet, as it seemed Laurolf was left unnoticed by the skeleton, which now spoke in a rather intimidating voice. Laurolf didn't hesitate, what he was about to do might've been stupid but.. Well, hopefully it would at least draw the skeleton's attention away from Dina.


The Dwarf climbed onto the throne and pulled his war axe from his back. "RAAAAH!" His yell echoed throughout the chamber, as Laurolf leaped from the throne at the skeleton's back- His battle axe held over his head, ready to strike at this foe.
 
Laurolf's attack was successful, though it did little good. The great axe hit the foe between his neck and the right shoulder, nearly causing him to fall. He collapsed to one knee, still surprisingly in one piece. The ancient armor was tougher than it seemed. If this was a mortal being it would have been sliced clean - but it didn't seem like there was permanent harm done in this case. The huge skeleton rose once more, turning his attention behind towards the dwarf and Eltheron.


The creature swung his armored arm with more speed than expected and hit Laurolf like a battering ram. He was knocked off into the bookshelf left of the throne, scattering books and other items upon impact. He was alright though. It was a serious punch and it would take some moments for Laurolf to recover, but nothing vital was hurt.


Upon her examination, Dina could see that the floor was made out of stone slabs. They were worn and cracked in some places, but there were no significant holes or openings. Still, this didn't cancel out the possibility she had considered.
 
Dina Ailsa

​






What have I done? This is terrible. Dina concentrated calling for any sign of life that nature held. She knew that she couldn't allow herself to concentrate fully but she gave it all she could. There must be something that we can do to stop him other than trying to destroy him. The skeleton surely had no intention of siding with Ilhirel. Whoever enchanted him must have been on our side, the side of the fallen king. She took a deep breath. Drawing skeleton's attention back to herself was a fool's move as she had no real skill which would allow her to defend herself. "I am the heir to the throne, the last hope of this world. Obey me! Step down, guardian, we are not the ones you have to keep away." It was a struggle to keep her voice calm and confident. This wasn't the only possibility as the skeleton could have been enchanted to keep out everyone. A risk that maybe shouldn't had been taken. Dina was aware of this. On the other hand, if this does any good, the only way of attestation was my blood. She clenched her fists.
 
Laurolf Fangür

​






"Runemaster Fangür, ye actually killed a troll all by yerself! - I wish I was a warrior as courageous as ye', Runemaster Fangür! - Laurolf! Where's father?! - Hail Runemaster Fangür! Hero of Knalga! Hurrah! - Master Laurolf, I am- -the heir of the throne, the last hope of this world..."


Laurolf shook his head as he finally came to, from his concussion induced flashback. "By me rugged beard.." He mumbled, raising to a sitting position as he caught his breath. Laurolf had to close his eyes, as the chamber was swirling around him, books, shelves and his companions all mixing into a nauseating swirl of colors and blurry shapes. He pushed some of the books on top of him away, and rubbed the back of his bald head. "Did someone mistake me for a bloody gate?.. What did ye' bring a damned battering ram 'ere for!?" He said, being in a somewhat confused state.


Slowly, though, the world started to slow down and actually make some sense- Although everything was still blurred in Laurolf's eyes.
 
The great skeleton turned around once more and faced the girl. "Defilers." he repeated the word it said before. Apparently that was the only word it knew. It didn't seem to be baffled at all by Dina's introduction as the heir to the throne. Either the guardian could be stopped only by referring to something else, or he was indeed set to protect the place against everyone.


The girl's earlier attempts to connect to nature were successful meanwhile. An image wavered in her mind of dirt, stone and deep roots. She could almost hear them whisper to her, feeling positive sensations emanating from somewhere underneath. It was like a nocked arrow ready to fly.
 
Dina Ailsa

​






Yes! The roots are strong. Dina thought. Her Words obviously had no effect but there was still hope. Help me as Spectrals said you would. Rise now, my friends, show you are strong. She concentrated, called for the roots to spring, to rise, to fly and be released from their stone prison. Dina pictured them flying around the skeleton, snaking around it's legs. She dared not to close her eyes for her concentration to be complete. I am your guide and the skeleton is our target. Almost unconsciously Dina raised her hands in front of her. Maybe this movement would help her to channel her power better?
 
It happened as she had willed it. The stone cracked and broke under the skeleton's feet, several roots surging forth from the fissures and entangling his legs. Surprised, it tried to break free but the grip was too strong. It was rooted in place. It kept turning and swaying, apparently gone berserk.


Now was the time.
 
Dina Ailsa

​






That's it! Great work! Dina prized the roots and herself. "Now is the chance! Henvei, we need some magic here!" She yelled. This was the first bigger feat of her power and she was proud of it. Now all they had to do was to bring that skelly down.
 
Henvei Relkor vech Daltzen

​






The scholar was watching.

​




​



He hadn't always been, of course. The Codex had sapped most of his attention from the present doings, dragging him in his state of little protest through the long line of books. He did eventually allow the tome to burst into the air, opening itself to yet another undecipherable page. It didn't matter, though. The whisperings floated into his ears, and took control of his legs. The book knew where to go.

​




​



"RAAAAAAA"

​




​



The scholar turned on instinct, barring his teeth and hissing, as the great war cry echoed through his head. Laurolf's shout bounced around the inside of the scholar's head, shaking what hold the Codex had on him. With all thoughts of attaining a book forgotten, the scholar instead focused his mind on the skeleton now bearing down on the party.

​




​



A reanimated corpse. Or perhaps a pre-made construct. No doubt of the highest quality.

​




​



Certainly a trophy kill.

​




​



The scholar flashed his arms out again, summoning his book for war. From the swishing depths of his sleeves came the little metal cards that he had been using earlier. They scattered through the air around him, floating like snow, but never seeming to fall, instead dancing about in what could have been a rather pleasant sight of sparkling blues and reds. Henvei, however, was not concerned with appearances...or at least, not as much as normal.

​




​



In one great instant, the cards had turned to great ethereal bolts of magical power, sent hurtling through the air at the skeleton, and leaving icy trails of cold flame in their wake. The scholar directed them as best he could to what he knew to be weak spots of armor. The cards, one of the few artifacts he had recovered, would channel the full force of his icy fire into the skeleton. Or at least, that was how it happened in the books.

​
 
Frozen fire enveloped the skeleton, twisting with the blue energy that swirled throughout him and filling the room with red-blue light. When the spectacular display was over, parts of its body were frozen chunks of real-looking ice. The blue magic still flowed between them, and a few parts that weren't caught by the ice were twitching in attempts to break free. It didn't seem like it could succeed at it, but the skeleton was still very much animated. Only incapacitated in more ways than one. Dina's roots still bound his legs.


Unless it was somehow released, it posed no apparent threat at the moment. "Defilers." it said for third time, in that voice like metal cutting through ice.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top