Tales of VenShara The God speaker Doubt is part of all religion. All the religious thinkers were doubters. -Isaac Bashevis Singer In a world of sprawling deserts and merciless suns, two things reign above kings and queens. Water and religion, this world is governed by both. The people of VenShara live by them; it is their daily bread, their comfort, their fear. It governs all. And epitomizing this are their prophets. There are several kingdoms, each had their own prophet. For thousands of years they have counseled kings, and lead the people to live in a barren hostile land. These prophets are referred through history by every culture and people. They are known by all as God speakers. As their name implies they have the power to speak with God himself and through them God has made it's will known for thousands of years. They live secret lives, rarely showing themselves to the people save to deliver messages of hope, or of doom. But as with all things, they too began to fade. Over the years, the various prophets disappeared from VanShara until only a few remained, and among them even fewer continued to visit and council the people. It seemed the days of the God speakers was coming to a close. The year 999 of the imperial calendar, and the world has but a single known prophet left. Last seen 10 years ago, the council of the prophets is being sought out even more then before. They are desperately needed for VenShara is now in crisis. The prophets over time disappeared and with them it seemed, the water. All over VenShara this life sustainer has begun to dry, it did not rain for months threatening all. In desperation the people call out to their God, but receive no answer, it seemed God had abandoned them. In panic the kingdoms of VenShara send out this message. “Anyone who can find the God speaker will be rewarded with half a kingdom a mountain of gold, servant, slaves and all manner of worldly pleasures. And any wish we have the power to grant so we the Lords of Venshara swear that anyone who finds the prophet will be honored." With such stakes, thousands of people set out on an epic search a race began, soldiers. Criminals, men and monster of every shape now competing to find the last of the God speakers. It is a race against time as much as it’s a race against each other, and in the wilds of VenShara parties of hopeful men and women fight to be the one to find the prophet first. This is a competition without rules, killing rival parties is common, using every advantage even through the worst of sins is done, if it means finding the God speaker first. It is in this chaotic blood soaked world that you are born. Whether you seek the fortune, the fame, or perhaps only to save your own soul your character will be one of thousands searching for the last God speaker. You will witness the crumbling of society as religion and politics begin to fall apart. You will travel Barren lands and lost temples in your quest, battling not only the monsters of this world but other people who have as much cause to find the prophet as you. They will give you no quarter, they will show no mercy, for in finding this one person the dreams of yourselves and thousands of others have the chance to be realized, a chance they will fight to the death for. How will this affect your character? You decide. The world of Ven Shara VenShara is a land of sand and stone, it would not be wrong to call it barren, but Barren does not mean empty. Lost relics of the past are littered everywhere, lost and ancient kingdoms grace the horizon, and creatures of every size wander the plains. It was not always like this, there was a time when this land was rich with life to the point of bursting, in fact VenShara means Glimpse of Life, and remnants of the forgotten world are strewn about its landscapes. Mummified forests carpet sand wave cost, kingdoms who’s ruins are as old as the sand itself, ruins that hold secrets, treasure, and mystery, ruins you will explore. VenShara is full of remnants of it’s vibrant past, one could say this is a world that had already seen the end of days once before. How VenShara, the land of life, became so hostile is the domain of religion. It is said that the ancients displeased God and for that were nearly wiped out, in his mercy he spared but a few, and all that live on VenShara today come from them. Whether this is true no one can say. Some of their structures still stand testament to their awesome power. Perhaps you will be the one to solve this mystery? The cities of VenShara are many, white stone stranded in sand beaten landscapes. They can be large or small and in every city the most grand structure is not the palace but the temple. The people of VenShara live day by day, their first concern is their water and their second is their God. Third is their relations to each other. This is a world scarred by war and conflict, only worsening with the Godspeakers no longer here to guide them. But it is not all desolation, in some vary rare mythical parts of VenShara, lush greenery still lives, these are called Oasis. They are rare, almost mythic, but some men have found them, never to return. Many have gambled on them in these troubling times, hoping they will save them from this drought. Fauna of VenShara The creatures of VenShara are ancient beasts of old, they have been around much longer then humans, ferral and Ifrit have been. Reptilian in form they are often referred to as dragons, but do not be mislead, they are not the dragons you will think of. In VenShara the term dragon is used to describe any large reptilian creature. And they are many large reptilian creatures in VenShara, for example, several creatures resemble Archasuars (Dinosuars and there kin) all of which are called dragons despite very few of them having wings, breathing fire, or even looking like your typical dragon. Though rare, these dragons can be found in very remote area's of VenShara There is another term given to the animals of VenShara, it is usually used when describing creatures of less epic proportions. The live stock, goats and pigs of VenShara are all reptilian creatures called Balu, which means lesser dragon. The people's mounts, their herds are all made up of these creatures. When making your character you can give your character a Balu to ride, it will pretty much be the VenSharian version of a horse, save reptilan...and most likely carnivorous. VenShara's Cities While the various cities and kingdoms in VenShara there is one thing they all share in common, the temple. Larger and more grand then even the palaces, each one of them a lavish attempted at appeasing their God, Bahamut. These temples are not only places of worship but actual hubs for the entire city, their halls so vast, merchants set up shops, vendors sell produce and soldiers can perform their training. And with all the bustle if you were to stand at the other side of the temple, you would never hear them, for that is how large these structures are. There are two mains rooms in the temple, the sanctuary where worship is held, and the hub were non spiritual matters are discussed, like politics or new laws are announced to the people (still in the presence of a high priest.) It is in this Hub that your characters will find them selves in the first few posts of the game. ------------------ I hope I have given you a good grasp of the type of world you are stepping into, of course the great thing about my rpg’s is that the player shares in creating this world, as such when making your characters back story feel free to create your own kingdoms, lands and creatures with in VenShara, I value those who can be creative. The Religion of Bahamut The religious believes of the people of VenShara is vital to understanding them. The people of this world believe in one head God named Bahamut. It is often depicted as a giant celestial fish. While it may seem odd to some that the God of these people is a fish, once you think on it makes sense: VenShara is world of vast deserts and heat. Water and anything to do with this life giving element, is seen as sacred and holy. As such Bahamut seen as a giant fish makes sense in this dry world. Below Bahamut are the Divines. Any creature that comes from the celestial plain is considered a divine. No one has ever seen Bahamut, but many have seen the Divines, they occasionally appear to deliver messages, from Bahamut although these events have become rare of late. A divine has not been seen in years. Below them are the fallen, an ancient group of divines banished to this world by Bahamut. They have been stripped of much of their former power; even so they are immensely dangerous to most mortals. Below them are the dezians, the closest a mortal can come to being a Divine, these creatures are usually legendary beings of myth and legend, Sphinx’s, God Borns, legendary dragons and other creatures which you will meet fall under this category. Finally, there are Mortals. Humans In VenShara’s mythos, humans are part God, part beast. Each one is thought to be a small part of Bahamut given form in a mortal bestial body. In short, the soul of a god in the body of an animal. As such their ultimate goal is to rejoin the Divine part with Bahamut, while discarding the bestial side of us. How do we do that? By following the Divine path, it’s a believe that if you live a good life by embracing the Divine part of yourself, when you die it will have the power to rejoin Bahamut through a long journey known as the reapers path. If you fail however, it is taught that your soul is lost, the beast part of you takes over, and you become a terrible monster. This belief is NOT unfounded, and there has been cases of human beings becoming horrible creatures right after death whether that means their believes are correct or not is up to you to figure out. Belief in it or not, this thinking permeates the lives of all societies in VenShara. The feral The feral are a race of sentient beasts. They look like giant 7 foot beast with a weasel/badger look to them, they live in tribes set up across VenShara. Some are hostile, but most are indifferent to the humans living along side them. Many wars between the feral and the humans have been fought in the past, and old wounds take long to heal. As for their culture, the feral believe in one head God as well, but to them God is not a fish, but a roaring predator at night, and a fleet footed prey in the day. They believe that this God constantly chases itself through the celestial plain, reenacting the one and only truth of life, that this world is but a struggle between predator and prey. In the day it runs, and in the night it hunts. The feral also believe that when they die they will join this endless cycle of hunters and hunted; to them it is the ultimate honor. Ifrit The ifrit are a magical race, yet still mortal, they are varied in form and power though they usually look at least slightly humanoid. Succubi, fairies, shapeshifters and other such magical but mortal beings fall under this category. Ifrits do not have one religion, their believes vary from individual to individual, some believe in nothing at all. Because of their varied forms and abilities not much is can be said about them. Most live close to humans, but many live off in the wilderness a well.
Combat mechanics When you battle an opponent you type how your char attacks the foe, but I decide how much damage you do. I may decide you kill the foe outright, or that you miss. I will also be controlling the opponents as well. When I attack your character I decide how much damage they take, or whether you get hit or not. If I don’t type the opponent actually damaging you when he attacks, thats your clue to evade or block. This is the basic formula but there is more. Describing attacks. I read every detail in your posts, how you describe your actions are important, it can hurt or help you. Was your attack fast? Did you strike quickly? Or did you go for a slower more powerful blow? Did you slash at his leg? His sword hand? Be DESCRIPTIVE! If you’re too generic I can only assume your char is fighting without focus and he will get punished! Likewise when the enemies I control attack you or counter attack I will often out clues on how to react in the post. If then I say for example, “The sand ghoul swung wide.” You can differ that the swing was not all fast, and counter it, perhaps by back stepping ad thrusting! Or maybe blocking with your shield. But if I type it swung with speed, and you attempted to evade, there is a chance if your character is not very fast that it will hit them. Fight passionately and smartly and you shall overcome. Now there is one other thing you need to know before you get started, stats. Stats You can be any of the mortal races. In this RPG it is better to create an in-depth character, try to be creative with your character. First your stats, this is the base stats for your character according to your race. Human Health: 10 Speed: 5 Power: 5 Magical potential :5 Ferral : Health 20 Speed:8 Power: 7 Magical potential: 1 Ifrit: Health :7 Speed: 7 Power: 4 Magical potential: 10 At the beginning of the game, depending on what race you choose, you will have these, and in battle they affect how well your attempts at evading, blocking or attacking are. Obviously if you’re faster you’ll be more successful with swift strikes and evasion. If you have more magic potential your spells will be stronger. If you have more power you deal more damage with your sword etc. Now at the start of the game you have 5 extra points! You can put those points into any stat. As the game goes on I will give you more points to grow your character. Think of it as leveling up, but easier to manage. If points in a particular stat are very high, you will unlock the opportunity to craft stronger skills and weapons. Abilities In order to find the prophet you need more than your sword and shield, every power you can harness you should command. An ability is a super natural feat your character can achieve, similar to magic save these are more instinctive and do not require you to be a mage to use. In this world there is a small amount of energy called Eather that a trained warrior can harness into an ability. Your ability can be anything you desire. I only ask you PM me it first so I make sure it’s not too broken. Also abilities can only be used once per battle, if it is a permanent ability (say like giving your self super speed) then it will last a set number of posts. Spell casting You should only really try advanced spell casting if your magic is past 7 points. Anything below it and your spells will be weak and small. Casting spells with 7 magic potential is still only average so choose carefully if you want to be a mage. Any race can cast advanced magic although Ifrits have an advantage, with humans coming in second. If you are going the advanced spell route then here is what you need to know. There are six types of Eather. Charon (fire) Merc (water) Adra (wind) Gaia (earth) Althea (light) Nox (dark) Each type of Eather effects a different part of reality, mixing these Eathers together allows you to cast a spell you use one or more of these Eathers and weave them, weaving them is the act of telling the Eather what to do. In the beginning of the game you can have control over only 2 kinds of Eather. Since each Eather does something different you’ll have to choose wisely. To help you alone here is a short summery of what each Eather is about. Charon is destructive and a wild Eather. More than just fire, it represents concepts like chaos, rage. Merc is adaptable; more than water it represent concepts like change, time, and ever flowing eternity Adra is swift more than just wind it represents freedom, speed, and haste. Gaia is strong; more than earth it represents concepts like durability, resilience and strength. Althea more than light it represent concepts such as life, order, healing and cleansing Nox more than just dark it represents concepts like death, decay, and reusing Vague? Sure but that’s purposeful, go wild with your spell craft! Make spells that are original and imaginative. Equipment Lastly, equipment. This is for all you brutes who don’t care to sling fancy spells. Increase you power enough and you’ll be able to use more powerful weapons and armor, some even with enchantments on them. It’s better to have your power 7 or more when going for powerful weapons and armor over spells, as a character with low power may not be strong enough to use a powerful weapon very well, or wear powerful armor. If you decide to use enchanted power weapons like spells you can choose what they do. Enchanting a weapon with a type of Eather can allow it to do things that rival spells, like drain life (nox) or turn red with fire (charon). Again be creative. After you finish creating your character, pm me and I’ll look it over, then post it in the discussion thread. This journey you are about to undertake will effect more than just the world, but your characters very soul, whether you realize it or not, come face to face with your destiny, welcome to VenShara. Name: Race: Gender: History: try to be in-depth Reasons for finding the God speaker: (are you in it for the money? Do you desire the god speaker to perform some miracle for you? Is it just to restore the water? Try to be creative.) Ability: Spells(if applicable, you can only have 3 for now) Equipment (what weapons and armor do you have?)
“Repent! Repent all ye people, for behold the end is nigh! Bahamut has seen us, our wickedness flies up in his face; we deserve this curse upon us! Repent ye of your sins! Then maybe our lord and God will open up his mouth and poor on us his blessing. Repent! And the rain will come!” Cries of guilt and sorrowfulness swept through the gathering of people around a dirty bearded man. His cloths but rags, his body lean and unfed, his only strength was his damning calls amid the bustle of people. The sun punishing as always beat down upon the heads of the citizens of Pia like the accusing voice of the homeless man who was gathering an ever growing crowd. “See! See the waters flee! It flee’s from our wickedness our sin! This drought is not the doing of Ifrit, it is the doing of man! Our sins have caused this!” He flung his hands in the air his face looking skyward, his eye’s fixed on the searing sun. A little ways from him a woman and her companion looked on. Her green eyes narrowed at the preacher who was at it again, the brown features of her delicate face twisted into a scowl, “Who does he think he is, the prophet himself?” Her companion sipped his tea quietly, his eyes were shut in thought, his white hair hung loosely over his shoulder. The people who gathered around him seemed to be moved by it, or perhaps frightened, some began to pray, their hand in front of their face in reverence to holy Bahamut. “Goodness, look at the fools, wailing and weeping to this man’s words.” She scowled again. “Religion is most powerful in times of distress, I do not fault them, there is some truth to his words.” The man replied calmly. “Bull shit, the rains will come, like they always have.” “It’s been almost 6 months into the rainy season, and not a drop, not even a cloud, even the springs of water are drying, I agree with your distaste but I do not blame them for turning to God. Our lord Bahamut may very well be our only hope, let's pray he opens his mouth soon.” The man took another sip, careful not to spill on his white silken robes. “Jakem, these false prophets, like that man there are only going to drive Pia into anarchy, even if he is right in his condemnation, he isn’t helping anyone. I have half a mind to silence him.” “Hessa that would only make him a martyr.” Hessa sighed; she folded her hands and kept a tempted finger on her blade. Jakem smiled placing the tea down gently. “My daughter, it saddens me to see you so stressed, you should relax a bit. Have some tea.” “Jakem, we’re on duty, Don’t say that it’s not proper.” Hessa scolded though she could not hide the reddening of her cheeks or the subtle smile that defied her protests and marked her face. “I am a priest, it’s my duty to see others smile, how much more so when that other is my own daughter?” She rolled her eye’s smirking. Jakem chuckled, but then grew quiet, he studies her, his eye’s making note of her every feature, the brown hair which almost matched her smooth skin, the way her armor gently curved to match her body, and finally his eye’s fell on her sword, a thing that changed wardrobes, going from silver to crimson in a flash, he noted the scar on her leg, a blemish that marred her otherwise perfect form. “I know what you’re thinking.” Jakem lifted an eyebrow, at her remark “Oh?” She huffed, he slowly shook his head. “The military doesn’t suit you Hessa, you’re are still a virgin no? Why don’t you join me in the priesthood? You would make an excellent high priestess.” “And you would make a good battle mage, but it’s not your calling is it? I’m not discussing this further, Jakem we have been through this before.” She said sternly. Jakem shook his head yet again. “Oh great lord Bahamut where did I go wrong?” “dad!” Jakem gave her a teasing look, Hessa was about to give him another ear full standing up pointing her fingers accusingly when it happened. The sky above the small city alighted with bright flashes, then the sound of thunder pierced their ears. The first time it happened all the people gasped or yelped in surprise, rain? No, the sky was clear of any clouds, and yet the lightning flashed again, this time louder and more violent, then again, and again, seven times it did this before the sky fell silent. Quiet, dead quiet like the grave was the city, no one made a sound even the preacher was muted. Finally, a child began to cry, and panic ensued. People rushed left and right fearing for their lives, but from what no man had time to reason. “The hell was that?” Hessa said risking a look at the sky and drawing her blade. “Hessa, get to your post, the common folk need controlling, I must see high priest Joral.” Jakem too sprung dashing his tea off the table. His usually calm face was far more tense than a frightened hare, his movements deliberate and with purpose. “Do you know what that was?” Hessa had to yell over the slowly growing panic, but the man was already off, sweat beaded on his forehead, his hands trembled at the thought, The God speaker, could it be? He has returned? The sound of the seven lightning strikes reached the ears of every kingdom tribe and tongue, only the very long lived and very old remained calm when it struck, they knew what it meant. The God speaker, it was his way of letting everyone know. ....... “I’m getting reports even as far as fang pass, yes even the savage Ferral heard the seven lighting strikes, the prophet, he is here.” Jakem stated frankly, to his audience. Beside him High priest Joral, wrinkled but strongly built. Grabbed in flowing silk the color of the sky, he stroked his gray beard and nodded. “And with the prophets return all the madness of hell itself. Some of the people are still timid of the sky.” “One cannot blame them, we have not seen such a thing as lighting in years, decades even.” The crowned lady and her husband sat across from them, her regal crown adorned in gold and white, it reads queen Nesvi the third The king also had a royal crown, he's simply read Chosen of Bahamut. A shorter man of no mean girth, his skin was slightly paler due to his fortunate position shielding him from the baking sun. “And yet it is also a sign of hope no? A prophet is found in Venshara once again! He will save us from our famine, our plight will he not? Finally the people of Pia will know Bahamuts will.” The king said happily shoving a grape in his mouth “With all do respect my king, my queen, but the seven lightning strikes do not mean the prophet will come to Pia, our city, they only mean he has been chosen, think of it as his coronation ceremony. Whenever a new prophet is chosen it is said Bahamut announces it to the world by sending 7 lightning strikes across Venshara with one swing of his tail. But what the prophet will do now, no one knows.” “But surely he knows our plight?” the queen protested, “He will not leave VenShara to wither will he?” The two priests looked at each, uncertain how to answer her, finally with a sigh Jakem stated. “ The prophet lives to fulfill Bahamuts will, that will maybe to help VenShara, or bring judgment, he may heal Pia while smiting Fornath, or Wave coast, he could also bring us down through decease and natural evils. We cannot know the prophets will, we can only pray that Bahamut has mercy on us.” The room grew quiet; the king shut his eyes. His wife looked at all the sullen faces for any sign of reassurance, there was none. Then the king broke the silence. “So the question is, who’s side is he on?” the king stood up and marched towards the high priests. “Then we shall make him our ally, Pia’s future depends on the God speakers good will to her, then we will see it done. Send this message to all of VenShara, to all the inhabitants, of every land and kingdom! And any wish I have the power to grant for anyone who can find this God speaker and bring him to Pia, we cannot let him fall into the hands of our rival kingdoms! Are you getting this boy!” the king yelled at the messenger who was scribbling furiously. “Yes my lord! “My lord the Chosen of Bahamut, this maybe rash of you, perhaps you should reconsider?” Jakem cautioned as the king began to walk away. The king turned swiftly to face him, with narrow eye’s he stated. “Prophet or no prophet every man has his price, Pia’s future depends on being in favor with God, if this, God speaker is the key, then we must use him.” Jakem bowed but his face was twisted in anger, That fool king, did he think the God speaker would be fooled?” The message was sent, within five days all of the western coast heard the decree, by two weeks the whole world new, The God speaker had returned, and the first to find him would be granted a whole kingdom. The race was on The whereabouts of the God speaker where unknown, but the kingdom closest to the seven lighting strikes seemed to be Pia, over the coming day’s millions of hunters trappers, warriors and all manner of beasts began to flood the kingdom, buying supplies and stocking up before going out in search of the prophet. The city’s streets were congested, the air became musty and thick. The two were back at their usual spot. They sat in silence just observing the chaos. “This won’t end well.” Jakem said, his voice down cast. Hessa said nothing and Silence followed. Jakem turned to his daughter. “I need to find him, before any of these heathen do.” “Don’t be stupid, you’re a priest not a fighter, you won’t last two seconds, outside these walls.” “Then I’ll bring protection.” Jakem said determined. “What protection? The king has sent the whole Damn army to find this God speaker, there is no one left to go with you. Unless…” They both looked at the influx of travelers, a team, they needed a team. “Find the most promising people you can find, tell them I have info and knowledge of the prophet only a high priest can know, tell them to meet me in the courtyard.” Hessa nodded, Jakem got up his brow still bent, his eyes narrow, but as he walked away Hessa called out. “It doesn’t matter who I choose, I am coming with you.”
Alavina weaved in and out of people who were within the market place of Pia. Her luna moth colored wings helped her keep off the ground and move with surprising agility. With the little money she had, she'd bought some warm clothing, food and a pack to carry her meager supplies in. You shouldn't be doing this. You're just a kid. How are you supposed to find this God Speaker human prophet before everyone else does? Alavina reprimanded herself. What if you get a human illness? Whose going to take care of mother? What if a Ferral catches you? Rumor has it they love the taste of young fairy meat. And what if you fail...you've spent every last bit of money you had just to prepare for this trip. Honestly, Aly, a fairy like you should stay in the woods. Not flutter about looking for someone who may not even exist. Despite it all the fairy couldn't talk herself out of it. Aly needed the reward to save her family. It had already been a year and a half since her father became a slave a horrible human family. She'd only seen him twice since that time but she had to watch her mother slowly waste away from grief. Now, she could barely walk for more than a few minutes a day. She'd wasted down to nothing...practically starving herself. It didn't help they had hardly any money or source of income. But this prophet could be the answer to her families salvation. Bahamut sure wasn't; that was if the god even really existed. "By the forest, mother would have washed my mouth with bitter-root if she'd heard me say that." Alavina mumbled to herself. "Why does she even believe in a god would let us suffer like this anyway?"
“So here is where you were all the time…. Why is that I always check this place at the end when is the usual place you go to think?” said a man, probably a middle age man with a deep voice. His receiver, a figure dressed in simple clothes that alternated between white and black colors was seated on a field in a meadow at a bit of distance from the city of Pia, yet not too much, it could be said that around fifteen minutes of walking from the city. His or perhaps her hair wasn’t long, yet not too short to not be waved by the light breeze, it’s eccentric colors stood, black and white tufts were alternating just like his clothes alternated between the same colors. The young thought… “So here is where you were all the time… and here I am, sitting in a meadow, if I add the fact that I work on a little store it becomes quite the cliché…” Without standing up the young replied with another question without any relationship to what his/her interlocutor had said. The young's voice was revealed as soft and delicate enough that it could be perfectly the voice of a young girl, however it could also belong to a young man. “…Hey… Mister Adel… why is the sky of a similar color than the sea?... why there is not water falling from the sky, since a long time from what I’ve heard…. Could… could it be that the sky is in real a sea, and that the sea is in real the sky, and the true sea above us will only give us water once we realize and accept this fact?” Only those words were enough to let the store owner, called Adel, speechless, however at this time he was already used to the eccentric behavior of the young. Sitting at the young's side the man said to him/her. “It’s possible that this is the will of the Bahamut of the skies, only he knows why and we should give our effort to accept it…” “Religion huh?...” replied the young, without offering his/her glance to the store owner he/she continued… “How do you expect me to understand a concept like that?... Is true that the lightning fell that day, yet it could be due to another reason… I’m very sorry, but I can’t simply assimilate such concept…” said lowering his head. The store owner after a short silence replied. “You haven’t recall anything yet right?... All the times you come to this meadow, I expect for you to had remember a part of your old memories…” He took a deep breath… “You have two choices, faith or rejection. I do suggest you fate due to the latest events” The young thought… “The store owner that takes care of me sit right at my side in the meadow and then we talk a bit about religion and faith, if I add the fact that I’m amnesiac, a person who lost its memories, then this becomes quite the cliché…” The store owner stood up and said… “I half an hour we’ll open the store, I suggest you to get ready, the clientele had become a fierce beast hard to tame since the day of the lightning…” He was about to walk on his own, however the hand of the young pulled his sleeve, asking him to stop. The young took a breath and said… “I..I’m still scared… there was only a finger and a ring… nothing more… why was I on that place that night?.... I can’t explain it to me… it was all crimson…even my clothes..” He/She was about to burst in tears, as a reply the store owner helped the young to stand and said.. “Yeah it was quite the coincidence… yet you were seriously injured, somebody attacked you that night and you probably fell unconscious… it’s a pity for her, but also a luck that whoever did this believed you to be dead and ignored you…” The young however interrupted him… “But..but… why did that person took only her and not me?... why did he or her left a finger only?.. it doesn’t make any sense. It scares me to think that on that night I recalled my old memories and committed that outrageous act… it’s the logical!!!” replied this time without being able to contain the tears. The store owner Adel put his palm over his/her head and said firmly… “I barely know you since six months when we found you here on this place, however that was enough time for me to realize that you’re a nice person unable to do acts like this one” He fixed his glance upon the young’s eyes and said.. “Besides.. that golden sword we find you with, carefully cleaned every time it stained with blood reflects a pure and noble heart of his owner; those unconscious combat skills you have are an expertise only in defense and to protect, not an art to cause damage and kill; that beautiful cape designed with splendid silhouettes of numerous animals and flowers shows the love to the life that you have. The person that you were once it was clearly a noble and honest warrior, and regardless of what could happen, I’ll always have that picture of you and I will defend it”. Finished his speech with an smile that could only be matched by the light of the sun. The young smiled and still with a bit of tears said “Thanks…” The store owner placed his hand on the young’s shoulder and said… “Well Kyra, let’s go back to the store, I’ll need all your help”. The young replied with an spirited yes and both walked together. On the way the young thought… “Found unconscious on a meadow with signs of being a warrior wielding a golden sword; a store owner took care of me. Found wounded on a crime scene and blaming myself of it, crying for it and being comforted by the man who take care of me who refers at me as a good person…” Kyra smiled and while he left a light laught to escape he thought… “Now that I think, this is similar to a good cliché…” --------------------------------------------------------------- Together both arrived at the store and prepared everything to receive the clientele, around 6 AM the store was open and many people launched to the counter attended by Kyra. Inside Pia’s city this store gained certain fame on the last months, Kyra was the origin of it, many fell in love at sight with him/her being them men or women, however the main attraction was Kyra’s gender; no one could discern if he/she was a boy or a girl, and his/her ingenious dressing covered his/her chest making the task more difficult. Asking him/her was useless; it was one of the few things that bothered Kyra who replied with a grumpy face. “Tell me, what do you think I am on the first place? A girl or a boy?”, and regardless the answer Kyra wouldn’t reveal the secret. The clientele naturally assumed that such a question hurt his male pride or maybe hurt her female’s heart. Even with that, Kyra always attended with a good disposition and a beautiful smile on her face.
Ishmael's was deep in thought as he shifted through the streets of Pia. Six months and still no rain. He fought hard to keep the smug smile that played on his lips off his face. Suffering was not a funny thing but he'd be lying to say the people of Pia had not deserved it for their sins towards him. The right side of Ishmael's brain went into an in an intense pain causing a small migraine to form within his head at the thoughts of past memories. Ishmael's face was not one that could be considered handsome. His dark stringy hair fell in front of his eyes . Scarred flesh showed covering the right side as well. His right eye burned completely out and the skin was sunken in the some areas with a reddish pink tone to it. The left side however remained relatively intact despite a few scars. The people of course had their eyes glued to his unique features. He didn't mind though and simply returned their looks with a friendly grin. He'd grown past being ashamed of his mutilated face. Two long lances decorated the young warrior's back. Both weapons were very long. The first was white that finished with a golden tip and the second lance was black that had two tips on either ends each decorated with razor sharp barbs. Ishmael was of course planning to look for the God speaker it was for a personal matter of as it was for many others but also possibly the greater good. He would find her and then used her for what was for the betterment of this place and to finish things. "Yes the little God speaker." A voice said that materialized only in Ishmael's mind. It was clearly a male and the tone was anything but human. It sounded......empty as if it was like talking without a voice. "Yes what about it?" Ishmael communicated back to this creature as he went on his way to the gathering point. He needed no supplies and simply desired to get this search over with. Something told him this was going to be more trouble then he'd normally involve himself in. "Do not worry about such things as the danger. I agreed to preserve your life and you to preserve mine until our agenda has been met and then we are free to part ways. It will not be a problem." The ominous voice said but this time Ishmael felt a presence behind him. A large shadow rose behind him yet no one else noticed. The shadow was large certainly towering above Ishmael whom himself was 6 foot and a cloak hung loosely over it. "When you say not a problem, do you mean for you or for me?" Ishmael thought to himself.....well to whatever he was talking to. Ishmael finally showed fear as unsure look came over his face. He could feel a smile filled with cold satisfaction playing on the lips the cloaked figure. "Does it matter? We are technically one in the same." Ishmael snorted at that comment. "We are not the same Samael. There is plenty to different about us." "We are the same where it counts and I'm sure you'll come to realize this long before I slay the old man." With that Samael subsided. Ishmael's eyebrows went up and his confident smile returned as at the wonderful images Samael had left him.
The morning was bright and warm, VenShara's brutal sun had yet to regain down its full fury, it's weakened rays painted the Marble white city pink and orange hues, and the surrounding landscape glowed welcomingly. Sand, and hill did their slow dance across the soft lighted Horizen, a beautiful day to hunt a God. Hessa strolled through the busy market place looking for those with promice, all had weapons and armor, but how many the skills to use it? Her eye's hopped from man to man, woman to woman, monster to monster and yet she could find none who struck her. "My chance will come." She reached for a passing window sill, swiftly she hoisted herself up once, then again landing on a white roof. She gazed upon the city from her lofty height, taking in the contrast between its brown streets and white homes. After a moment of gazing her chance did indeed come. At the Top of Bahamuts temple nearly three castles high, High priest Joral appeared, all who saw him grew silent, those who didn't would soon. A mighty horn Glittering at that height of the temple sounded. Used by the high priests only it's low boom could be heard through out Pia At the sound of the trumpet, all the people stopped what they were doing, looked up at the sky with their hands covering their face, as if they were afraid to see Bahamut himself, they then knelt, and prayed. They did this every man woman and child for as long as the trumpet blew. Hesse did not however, instead she took this moment to study all of them, to find any who were promising. "There's one, and ooh an Ifrit, Hmmm...and that boy, or girl?" She cocked her head puzzled. "Well whatever I sense great eather for him." "Bahamut save us." a voice sounded, a woman on the street below, she looked worn and prayed louder than the others her desperate please reaching the ears of Hessa, and perhaps no one else. Hessa looked up at the sky, slowly it was being bleached by an overpowering sun, dark blue slowly turning pale. "See how these people love you Bahamut? Would it kill you to send us a little rain?" Hessa said to herself, holding back her apparent anger.
Illudes spun around in a confused circle as everyone around him knelt, staring up at the temple with almost fearful looks on their faces. Currently in the guise of a human male garbed in long, flowing robes with a set of blades crossing his back, the creature struggled to comprehend all of the hubbub. Yes, he'd heard of Bahamut and knew that there had been no rain for six months, but other than that he had just wandered aimlessly for his entire life out in the desert wastelands, seeing few and talking to none. He had never seen rain as far as he could remember -the dew off of his largest tail feather had always been enough to sustain him in the worst situations -if stealing water from passing caravans hadn't. Ignorance. That was what defined him, what had allowed him to live for so long. All he needed to know was how to keep his mirages and illusions up, and he would be fine. Skin prickling when he felt a pair of eyes land on him, Illudes quickly knelt to avoid drawing attention.
Ra'if & Asrar. Ra'if smiled at his grandmother. She didn't seem much more than a pile of clothes, held together by fragile bones and fading skin battered by the desert winds. The way she bobbed on the donkey was calming, like the ticking of a clock, or chimes whistling in a dry breeze. In the distance, the city boundaries began to reveal themselves, shimmering like a heat haze at first, but slowly steadying until Ra'if could distinguish the palace from the majestic temple that was at the heart of every city. The calm meandering of his mind was ripped apart when seven cracks rented the air. Surprised, Ra'if spun around, trying to locate the source of the sound. Only when the third crack had landed did his eyes find the sky. “See?” Asrar eyed her grandson from atop the donkey. He was well-meaning, no doubt, but inexperienced and too ignorant of the world around him, as was true for so many people these days. Ra'if didn't even have to speak the question that had formed in his mind. “It means there is a God-speaker,” Asrar explained, answering the questioning look of her grandson. “How can you be so sure?” Asrar replied with a toothless smile, “I could ask you the same,” she returned. Ra'if shrugged, recognizing that they'd travelled down that path too often without either of them budging. He just hoped 'As' would admit her only mistake, that there was no God-speaker, before she'd leave this world. Through the grained sea they went, each step carefully erased behind them by swooping gusts of wind. Ra'if gazed up at the massive, sand-stone archway that gated the city, but his eyes were soon called downward by murmuring voices, praying for Bahamut. “Here comes the madness,” he muttered. Soon they were surrounded by people and adventurers from all walks of life, apparently they'd marched upon yet another bastion of fortune seekers. The walls of the city were vale and worn, as if the drought had hollowed them out, leeching every drop from the clay walls. It struck Ra'if that it wasn't the body that surrendered to death's bone-dry hands first, but the mind. His eyes swept over the masses, trying to pinpoint a final destination for the day, but he could find none. “Whereto now, grandmother?” Asrar had been observing the crowd as well, her dark eyes met Ra'if's. “Well, forward of course.”
As they prayed, Hessa kept her eye on the lost looking Ifrit, the one with the wings. She hopped down from our rooftop and made her way to her. Having an Ifrit on her team would be useful, their magic was after all well known for its potency. It was no lie however that the Ifrit intrigued her, she had never seen a winged one before. "You there, the one with the wings. are you here to seek out God as well?" Hessa asked as if she were questioning a soldier, her words stern, quick and strong. "What god?" Alavina scoffed lightly, her green wings fluttering in annoyance. Then she remembered her manners. "I'm sorry that was rude. No...like many of the others I'm going to seek the God Speaker. Why do you ask?" "What God?" her statement took her by surprise, such blasphemy, and so open about it. Of course this may just be the tormenting of the Ifrit, they were known for their taunting. "You would do well to keep that tongue of your still, such words will attracted unwanted attention." Hessa warned to looking around herself nervously. "I am Hessa daughter of Jakem, high priest of Bahamut’s temple, you would do well to garner my favor, no one knows the ways of the God speakers more than my father. I am gathering a team together to try and find him, you could be a part of it. Are you interested?" Aly's eyes brightened. Finally a spot of hope. "Yes! Yes I am! Forgive me, about my comment earlier. I'm afraid I'm not that accustomed to human customs quite yet. I will be sure to guard my words from now on." Hessa raised her hand, "Not so fast erhm...what's your name? Before you join you must prove yourself worthy of the spot. There is a test you must first face." That killed her initial excitement. "Uh, Avalina of the Triastar Fairies." She rubbed the flower tattoo on her right arm nervously. A habit she'd picked up. "What test? I'm afraid I'm not much of a fighter." Hessa thought for a moment, she smiled “Well actually I am more interested in your magic. I have heard the Ifrit are very good at such crafts, well how are you?” “I’m pretty good.” Aly said. “I’ve been training with Adra and Gaia eather since I was young and my father taught me alot. I also know a bit about potions and mixing them.” “Then you shall be tested!” Hessa said with more enthusiasm than was warranted. “Come with me, we shall do this somewhere more private.” They started down the dusty road, away from prying eyes and praying lips. They reached a small court yard, there Hessa stood across from the young Ifrit. “The game is simple you last 30 seconds against me and I’ll let you in, any questions?” 30 seconds? That was it? How strong did this human-female think she was? “No. No I don’t think so...do you...do you want me to attack back?” Aly asked. Hessa chuckled at the question. “My, my what an insult. To think you could last even 5 without attacking back.” She snickered some more before drawing her blade. “Ready?” Aly pulled out one of her woodland needles. It had already been dipped in paralysis poison so she made sure not to touch the point of it. “Ready.” It was time to find out if her training had paid off. Hessa snapped her finger, a guard close to her suddenly began to count. “29, 28” by the twenty-eighth mark Hessa was already charging forward, eather swarming into her sword, the bout had begun. Alavina jumped as Hessa began charging. Her wings pulled her into the air out of reach of her attacker’s blade. Before the woman could stop her charge and turn around, Aly threw the woodland needle at Hessa’s neck with expert speed and accuracy. If it drew blood, Hessa would fall to paralysis in a matter of seconds. Thankfully she had an antidote so Hessa wouldn’t have to wait 7 minutes for it to wear off. Hessa smiled as the girl took to the air, “Smart she is.” She thought to herself, the needle came down, twirling on the heel of her foot she cast an odd spell, suddenly in her right hand a shield formed from the raw eather it’s self. She deflected the poison dart, then cast again. The shield vanished and was replaced with a bowl! “Ever fought a metal weaver?” She laughed firing a red hot arrow at the airborne target. “25, 24!” The man said. “No”. Alavina thought as she spun out of the way. She was a little too slow as the arrow nicked her wing, tearing the edge of it. It burned but not enough to throw her off her game. She retaliated with Root Warp. This spell called forth roots from underneath the ground. Granted they were withered and practically dead from lack of water but they worked. The roots reached up to wrap around Hessa’s feet in an attempt to pull her down till she was stuck in 2 feet of earth. “23,22!” Hessa frowned at the roots around her, “It’s time I raised the heat a level.” She thought and then, red hot crimson seared the roots, she lept free and cast her next trick. “21, 20!” Throwing her hands forward she cast her spell, chains, hot and silver flew from her weave, the covered the sky like a web, reaching for the Ifrit like the fingers of death it self. One chain grasped her ankle and began to pull! The chain seared into Alavina’s leg. She cried from the burning pain and her resolve began to waver. Her wings tugged at the air, trying to keep her aloft but she knew she wouldn't be able to stay in the air much longer. “I can’t do this.” She thought. “If these are the type of people I’m going to face in my search for the God Speaker...how can I do this?” The chain pulled Alavina to the ground and she landed with a pained grunt. Any second now Hessa would deliver her final blow. She had to move or surrender. Before her mind could protest, Aly moved. A whip made of Adra formed in her hand and she snapped it at Hessa. This whip had always been effective in interrupting weaves before. Hopefully it would do so now. The whip was fierce! Hessa stepped back in a bit of shock, “What more tricks does she have I wonder? Let’s see how she fares close up.” With the clock ticking Hessa lunged forward casting another weapon in her hand, this time a spear. “Face me with courage, Ifrit.” She called moving in for a thrust. 6 more seconds had passed. Being small (only four feet tall) had it's advantages. One of which was being able to duck easily underneath things like swords and spears. She rolled, not away, but towards Hessa. Aly got to her knees right underneath Hessa’s guard and stabbed one of her extra paralysis needles towards her exposed abdomen. The needle slipped past a slit in her armour, it bit into the under garments. Hessa stepped back smirking. She then cast a spell on herself, fire eather flowed into the wound, searing it close, and burning the poison. A normal man would cry out in agony, a normal man would wet themselves with tears, and other fluids, but not she. “Just a taste of what one must be willing to do if they are to join me.” “13, 12, 11” Ignoring the pain, Hessa cast again, forming two blades, one she tossed to the girl, “I need to see you up close, defend.” 10 seconds were left. Aly held the blade awkwardly, fear in her eyes. “I...I don’t know how to use it!” Her wings jerked her to her feet. Were it not for her wings supporting her, she would have fallen back to the ground, the pain in her ankle was too intense to put too much pressure on it. Hessa decided to push her, push her to her limit. “Pretend your life is at stake which it will be.” She commanded knocking her blade down with her own and delivering a merciless blow to her chest. The girl rolled for a few feet before stopping. “6,5” the announcer yelled, his voice raised in suspense. “I’m going to end this now.” Hessa called charging forward. Despite her panic and pain, Aly managed to process one thought. “If my life’s at stake then there is only one thing left I can do.” She reached into her satchel and wrapped her hand around one of her explosive potions. She threw it with everything she had at the ground in front of Hessa. It shattered sending up a ball of fire in every direction for a foot. Aly managed to protect her head but her arms and the tips of her wings were burned. Thankfully her left arm was in front of her right so her tattoo remained unblemished. The burns were the obvious consequence of using an exploding potion so close to herself. Aly’s vision flickered in and out of focus as she waited for Hessa to make her next move. Even if she wanted to, the fairy wouldn’t have able to move. She was completely spent and barely conscious. Tears began forming in her eyes from the pain. If only she had to the energy to grab her healing potion. *Booom!* the explosion knocked Hessa off her feet, she rolled with the force of it, but recovered swiftly. Casting again she brought out her spear and charged again, it closed in, hunger for Ifrit blood and like a well aimed arrow it was thrusted toward her, and then stopped. It’s tip barely grazed her skin possibly close enough to split a stray hair. “Humph, looks like times up.” Like nothing happened Hessa dispelled her weapons, and extended her hand. “My bad it looks like that bozo over lost count at the sound of your explosion, it’s seems you have passed.” She grinned at her. “Well, that is if you still want the spot.” Did she? Did she want the spot? Why would she want to go on a journey that could threaten her life and cause her pain, possibly even worse than this? “Well, why did you keep fighting when you had a chance to surrender?” Aly asked herself. “For my family. I want to save my father from slavery and I don’t want my mother to die from grief.” “Is that a good enough reason?” Alavina managed to lift her head out of the dirt and grabbed Hessa’s extended hand. “Yes. I still want the spot.” Hessa pulled her up, “Good, but you should learn sword play. Head to the temple hub, you will see a high priest in white. Tell him I have chosen you. Oh, and here” Hessa tossed her a bag. “This should help with the pain.” “Yeah.” Aly cheered un-enthusiastically as she caught the bag. What have I gotten myself into? She thought as she turned towards the temple. “Hessa...thankyou. For this opportunity. There’s no way I’d be able to survive by myself.” “Don’t thank me yet, I have a feeling this quest will not be easy. Which is why I must go. There are many others we must recruit before we are ready. Do as I have told you and welcome aboard.” With that Hessa marched away back into the busy streets.
It was only when the scuffle broke out that Illudes turned white with fear. Literally. His mirage flashed and broke -revealing a momentary glimpse of a strange white creature with wide, clawed feet and a pale face. Panicking as his magic slipped, the boy took off in the opposite direction from Hessa once she had finished the battle with the fairy and came striding in his direction. Gotta get away. Danger here. Everything dangerous- "Oomf!" He bounced off of a hard chest, tumbling to the ground. Throwing a mirage over himself in the guise of a young human male around his age, Illudes's head whipped up and his eyes widened with terror. "I-uh -um-" he stammered, scrabbling to get away, but he froze when he spotted the woman through a gap in the crowd. Adam's apple bobbing, he crouched, pinioned between two people he really didn't want to be around. For a moment the image flickered and turned transparent as he wanted to turn invisible, but in the end he reverted back to visibility. He could easily leap up onto the rooftops to escape if he just had enough space.
Ishmael didn't budge as Illudes slammed into him. The young man's face was paled with fear before Ishmael could utter a word the man fell to the ground. His starting body flickering from human to something else entirely. Ishmael's confusion was great as he stared at Illusdus. His eyebrows raised with interest at seeing something out of the ordinary/ What is thing this thing? It isn't human? Is it? "It isn't." Then what the hell is it? Ishmael thought back. "Interesting question." Big help you are! Ishmael said with the roll of his eyes. "My knowledge and power is not what it once was child." Ishmael snorted. Some damn help you are. What if this thing tried to tear my head off? "Then I'd imagine you'd of either killed it or would of been very headless and very dead. No matter though. It poses no visible threat. Do what you will." Ishmael smiled at his companion's bluntness and stuck out his hand to the strange creature. "Come on up on your feet unless you like the taste of sand?" He asked laugh. His still unsure as he was not even sure this creature could speak in the tongue or if it would attack in anyway. Though he imagined his good looks certainly weren't helping the situation.......heh. But no use in letting it scramble around on the ground.
Ra'if & Asrar Upon Asrar's request Ra'if stopped at a market stand to buy some herbs and two flasks of boiled water. The price had risen from four bronzen pieces to two silver ones per flask which Ra'if, even considering the circumstances, thought to be an outrage. One warning look from Asrar stopped him from trying to haggle with the merchant however and he begrudgingly payed. It was then that his eye fell onto a girl, marching through the street with the same air of purpose as a King. She looked fierce and somewhat agitated. The vivid light in her eyes, bright as the sun, caused his lips to curl upward. The girl's hair waved in the wind, lashing out every so often at her back and Ra'if couldn't help but stare at her, perhaps a little too long. Asrar's walking stick tapped impatiently against his back. Snapping out of the deep slumber of his mind, Ra'if looked up and accepted the goods they'd bought from the merchant. “She is pretty,” Asrar acknowledged when he'd turned the donkey around and was leading it aimlessly through the streets. “What? No, I am not even interest-....who are you talking about?” Ra'if slurred futilely. “The priest girl,” Asrar returned. “I don't know who you me...” Asrar raised her hand dismissively, “I can handle myself, go talk to her before I change my mind.” Ra'if blinked a few times at Asrar, then glanced over his shoulder. The girl was about to turn around a corner, if he was to follow her, now was the time. “Are you sure?” “You need to socialize, Ra'if. Now go. Come on, off you go,” Asrar commanded. Ra'if obliged and chased after the girl, trying to think of something to talk about besides the weather which -to be frank- hadn't changed much.
"Have mercy upon thy servant, O Holy Bahamut, Prosper me in all lawful undertakings, or prepare me for disappointments. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with food convenient for me, lest thy servant be full and deny Thou and say, “Who is Bahamut?” or be poor, and steal, and take Thou name in vain. May every creature be made good to me by prayer and Thou perfect will." Her lips moved, but no speech was heard as she bowed low to the dirty ground. Tears were in her eyes, but not of pain, nor of fear, but of joy. She had barely stepped foot in the city and the sky had opened, revealing the might and power of Bahamut. Yes, it was certainly His wrath...but she was in the right place. The God had led her here. Sylvia sent up another prayer, this one for her sister as she lifted her head to the darkened sky. Thoughts of her family filled her mind while she placed a finger on her lips and raised her hand in worship. "O Holy Bahamut, help thy servant!" she shouted. Coming to a stand, she could feel many eyes boring into her, but Sylvia only gave a kind nod in return. She had work to do if she was going to find The God Speaker. Brushing loose dirt off her robe, she turned on her heel towards the market stalls. One store in particular caught her eye and soon enough she found her way inside. Sylvia scanned the many wares for sale, ranging from food to weaponry. Finally, she noticed some large, juicy pomegranates, her favorite. Though with only having a few coins to spare, she debated on buying one. Would it be a selfish decision...a sin of pleasure? She continued to eye the fruit, the blush pink skin making her mouth water. Maybe one wouldn't be so bad. Yes, just one. With a smile on her face, she grabbed the pomegranate with both hands and approached the shop keeper. "Greetings. How much do I owe ye?" she said in a soft voice as she studied the boy...or was it a girl? Sylvia couldn't place the gender. Still, she didn't show any confusion on her face as that would be ungodly judgement. Instead, she continued to keep up her smile, waiting for an answer.
Ra'if hurried after the girl, he found it difficult to estimate her age, especially from behind. Following closely behind her, the temptation to turn around and tell Asrar that he'd lost sight of her became almost too great. Yet, he remained. "Hey," he said, tapping her on the shoulder, "can I ask you something?" She turned to face him, she had a no nonsense look to her, her face was stern and her hand touched her blade ever so lightly. "Yes what is it?" Ra'if noticed the cold look on her face, his eyes swept over her hand as she hovered it over her blade. "Do you know of any lodgings for two? I am travelling with my grandmother and we need a place to rest and..." his voice trailed off. Once again he caught himself staring at the girl. He pretended to see something interesting behind her but she was unlikely to fall for it. "All the rooms are full." She said relaxing a little, her eye's closed for a moment as she pondered something, her mind wandered to other matters and for a moment she forgot him. Then she noticed him standing there, staring at something "Is that all?" she asked impatiently. Ra'if clicked his tongue and looked to the side. They really couldn't try and make it to the next town, and even though Asrar was much tougher than she looked, having her lay down on the ground at her age was beyond cruel. "Maybe," he replied to her question, "why? Are you in a rush?" "And if you were in a rush, you would've already left," Ra'if retorted. "What's up with the knive thing anyway?" he inquired, clicking his nails against the blade strapped to her side, "you don't strike me as a fighter." "I'll strike you a couple ways if you don't watch that attitude." She sounded offended, like how one would act if called spat at. "The knife is for those who get in my way, a bit like you doing at the moment." Ra'if took a step backward, frowning. He cocked his head as if she was some strange creature, speaking to him in a different language. Then he smiled. "Attitude? Oh I am so terrified," he mocked, then brushed past her."thanks for nothing!" he called over his shoulder. "Stupid tourist." She called back, "waste of my time." She started off again and in her haste didn't see the old woman in front of her. She stopped short of knocking her over. " Oh sorry, I didn't see you there my apologies." Asrar looked down from her donkey, noticing the young girl nearly bumping into the tired animal. She smiled at the girl, "young people are always embarrassed by their older peers, but the reverse happens too you know," she said. "Particularly with him," she added, lifted a slightly trembling finger to point at Ra'if who was walking aimlessly through the crowd. You know him?" Hessa couldn't help but stare at the woman. "so...old, she thought. Looks blind to, guess she won't mind my staring then." "Why are you two here? This is no place for an elderly person such as yourself, he should not have brought you here, it was folly." She thought for a moment. "There is a city two days ride from here, if you want I can send you there with an escort." "Oh that won't be necessary dear, he is my escort. He's not as wet-behind-the-ears as he might look," Asrar said. She stroked her donkey for a few moments and allowed the sun to shine down on her face. "We are here to find the God-speaker of course. My grandson isn't much of a believer you see," she chuckled. "Perhaps a priest like yourself could help in changing that," she added, then paused for a moment, her wrinkles deepening in consideration, "that, and his attitude." "Oh, Oh dear I don't you two have a chance at that, not at your age. Tell you what when I find him I'll let you know, you see I am putting together a team to find him. And I'm sorry to disappoint but I am no priestest." She took a step back and gave a polite bow. The Captain Hessa leader of the third guard at your service, I'm a soldier. "If you don't think we are up for it, then your eyes are as bad as mine," Asrar replied, "I really thought you were a priestess. Tell you what, if you need a Hakim warrior and all the knowledge of VenShara in your quest, let me know." She flashed her toothless smile again. A small throb of life-force seemed to emit from her very being, pulsating steadily in the background before it faded. "Oh yes gladly, I have heard of said warriors. Tell him whoever he is to meet me in the temple hub, look for a high priest and his daughter. We have a plan to find the God speaker guaranteed and would accept any help we get." She seemed excited to possibly get to see a live Hakim warrior. Suddenly a small commotion broke, it seemed the prayer was over. "I mus5t be going, have a good day." She bowed again and turned to leave.
Greetings. How much do I owe ye?" she said in a soft voice as she studied the boy...or was it a girl? Sylvia couldn't place the gender. Still, she didn't show any confusion on her face as that would be ungodly judgement. Instead, she continued to keep up her smile, waiting for an answer. Kyra offered a gentle smile to the client, it was the best ze could do as soon Kyra would unintentionally break the expectatives of the lady, and Kyra aknowledged that fact; on times like these with people running wild and the hardships brought by the lack of water, prices raised to the sky, breaking the logic of commerce, violating the concept of economy. Kyra quickly replied, yet the shape of her answer was of sucha big impact that time ralentized and the world became grey all while her mouth slowly, very slowly moved; her eyes still focused on her client but offering a more cold glance, more filled with despair, a more obscure glance, and her beautiful smile conserved even between her words. ..........World lost its colours, time lost it's essence all as a consequence of her outrageous answer. "300 scales!!!" said Kyra in an instant that seemed eternal, still smiling at the client, as if by putting an innocent smile she could lower the terrible fact.
--Altair Ahkma-han Hope's End-- A lone figure crested a dune. Sand blowing in his eyes, the sun baking down on him. His robes covered most of his skin, except for his eyes. On his back was a great halberd, it's tapered end gleaming in the sunlight. Step after step, he put foot before the other, battling with the soft sand, and the harsh sun. "Bahamut, Have you finally left me?" he said, his voice nothing more than a hoarse whisper, his words indistinct and slurred. His tongue was swollen from thirst, and his lips dry and cracked. "Why have you forsaken me?" he said, lifting his eyes towards heaven. "Have I proven myself unworthy of you?" He took another step and then collapsed to his knees, his legs refusing to take him any further. "Do you even care? What about my family!" he choked out. He didn't care anymore. He had said his penance everyday of his life. He had sacrificed in the temple every Jummah, observed all the rights and commands of the Immans, prayed at the appointed hour each day, and what had he received in return? His life had been combat, his home had been destroyed, his friend's and brothers and people slaughtered, his family taken by a mad warlord. Even Altair himself had not been granted the release of death, being given a cruel mercy that only prolonged his own suffering. But however much he suffered, he lived not for himself. He though that he lived for Bahamut first, and his family second, such was his devotion. But no, Bahamut had abandoned him, left him to die in the desert, abandoned his family... Altair lived for them, and them alone, Allelia, Nathifa... They were all that he had to live for now. He tried to stand, but he had not had anything to drink for three days. His body could take no more. With the last effort to defy gravity, he exhausted the last of his strength, and fell face down in the sand. As his vision faded, he saw a sparkle on the horizon, just over then next dune were the gates of Pia... He had come so close.
Asrar had nid-nodded into a shallow slumber by the time Ra'if returned to her. To his dismay, the girl had been right, every place was full and the odds of finding a good bed for his grandma were dwindling fast. "As, we should move to the next city, this place is crammed," Ra'if said, waking his grandmother up. "I like this place," Asrar replied in a drowsy voice. "I don't," Ra'if lowered his voice, "there are many strangers here, it's a miracle that there haven't been any fights yet." He eyed his grandmother, frustration began to rise in his chest, he couldn't let that poor old woman sleep anywhere else but in a good, solid bed, with large pillows and a fresh linen. "I thought you didn't believe in miracles," Asrar interjected into his considerations. Ra'if simply shrugged, "you know what I mean." There was a brief silence between them, one which Asrar was first to break. "Well, are we going to stand here all day or what?" Ra'if frowned, taking slight offense at his grandmother's tone. "What would you have me do?" he demanded. "Head to the temple. They are expecting us." Confused, Ra'if obliged this simple command. Asrar remained quiet for the remainder of their small trip through the town, no matter how often Ra'if asked why the were heading to the temple in the first place. After having navigated through the thick, buzzing, crowd, Ra'if helped Asrar of her donkey, tossed a boy a bronze coin to guard their donkey and headed towards the temple entrance. "We're looking for the high-priest and his daughter," Asrar revealed. Ra'if nodded understandingly as the tapping of his grandmother's walking stick echoed through the vast, cool, building.
Illudes stared at the proffered hand nervously, then took it -careful to flip his claws back lest he accidentally cut the man's hand off. But apparently the man hadn't -couldn't- known that he wasn't as heavy as a normal human -let alone some pets that humans kept. At a scarce twenty pounds, Ishmael had hauled him up and ended up causing Illudes to slam into his chest on accident. Letting out an unmanly squawk, the creature jumped away, but accidentally slashed through Ishmael's shin-guards and bootstraps. metal fell away like peeling cheese, and the mirage of the human boy paled before backing up a pace. "S-sorry!"
Ishmael let out a brief yelp as his shin guards were torn apart. "Well I can't say I expected that to happen." Ishmael said giving Illudes a funny look. Not a threat! Ishmael fired at Samael. Lopped through my armor! Ishmael looked down with a frown at his busted shin guards. The sun still gleaming off them. At least they were still shiny/ "I said he was not a threat. That did not mean you shouldn't be on your guard. A valuable lesson for the future" Ishmael couldn't tell but he could of sworn that Samael was doing something that could be considered laughing. Which just sounded wrong! Ishmael turned his attention back to Illudes. He certainly weighed less then he'd anticipated. "Alright boy man chicken thing." Ishmael said remembering the white creature he saw. "You've tried my patience and tried my armor. But as you said sorry, I shall accept it." He said with a grin.
Shae Pia. A city of sanded gold, rising towards the blue heavens above. Desolate and alone it stands in the desert, expectant of a grand return. And hidden deep within this lonely land, away from the bustling markets and packed out prayer halls, is a darkened place. Passing through narrow alleyways and down into the city’s murky depths, a select few chant together quietly, enjoying the solemn peace of the shadows. Juniper petals lay on the ground, the aroma filling the air. Small tears of flame surround them and they stare up to the tiny figurine at the front, hooded in stone with arms wide open. “Pala lesh ma torei! Neo se mai Necro!” The words glide into the air, the statue pleased to receive them. With a breath of silence, the group stands. The flames extinguished, the petals swept away, the sculpture hidden and the crowd dispersed. Save for one. Still kneeling, Shae lifts her head to the sky peering between the towering sand. Blue sky. A sea of it. But no water, no. The harsh weather had taken its toll on the civilians of Pia and few could escape the wrath of the sun. So they prayed; some devout followers, others frightened sheep. But Shae knew where she stood in this chaos. Hunting and hunted until my passing. The grand temple was not her place. Only for supplies. And now with the seven strikes, she made even more of an effort to avoid it. Instead she packed her gear together and left the sanded city, heading towards the forest of Tristar hoping for more work. Her nimble leather boots sunk through the dunes, trudging across the plains west. The sands sparkled under the sun’s glow, the heat resonating off the golden surface. In the distance she could see a lump in the dust, dropped like a stone in a pond.
Cont. She sprinted down the dune. He wasn’t moving. She turned him over to see a lightweight breastplate and an array of weaponry attached to his hilt. His eyes stayed shut and no amount of poking or prodding broke him from his sun ridden sleep. Maybe Necro had decided this one too weak for the world. She looked east, to Pia, and to the golden dome of the grand temple. She looked west, across the desert barrens and to the horizon. To assured work. She sighed. “Well, my mysterious friend. You’ve just cost me a bounty.” And with that she slumped him over her shoulder, trudging back towards the lonely city.
