Through a Nightmare, Darkly [MAIN PLOT]

[Emma]

I did not participate in the slaughter of the tree-beast. Besides the fact that its anatomy was of no interest to me, I didn’t trust my combat abilities- up until ten days ago, I’d been rotting in an isolation cell deep in Osilon’s mines for twenty long years, and certainly been forbidden from practicing anything I could use against the prison wardens or facilitate an escape. I didn’t want to risk my life over something as petty as a dying plant, and I was convinced of my allies’ abilities- though I doubted they’d work as a team, aid each other or even get along, they were all well-versed in fighting. Ishiyo slashed at the clutching arms and Sean, bellowing a cacophonous war cry that could wake the dead, came at it with his spear. They handled the first beast magnificently, and when more trees came tromping in, the rest gathered with eager bloodlust.

Though I didn’t take any offensive measures, I was forced to go to the defensive more than once. Extinguishing my magical flame and holding onto my hat, I flipped backwards onto my head, and then right side up, weaving backwards at each root or branch that swiped or lunged at me. The attacks rarely lasted long, as the creatures were quickly occupied with my team members. I spent those lulls merely watching my companions, hands shoved deep into my pockets. Senka was our only archer, and Ishiyo, Njord and Edan were swordsmen- although Edan was currently being hindered by the Shade, much to his frustration- while Mia seemed fond of knives. Morwen and Liran wielded bows and swords. Kieran was playing it safe, sheltering behind an overhanging branch and occasionally flinging a dagger into one of the gaping faces.

I looked closer at said faces. Now that the trees were so close, I could see various expressions, none of them happy. They were crumpled with fury, howling in silent terror, and some even cried, weeping tears of sap. This sparked my curiosity. So far, we’d only seen the bodies of soldiers- none of the servants, or the nobility said servants waited on. Had the trees consumed them, turning them into nothing but hollow faces crying desperately for death? I watched our magical users tear the trees asunder, after which the faces went silent and became complacent. Right before my eyes, Laioni used magic to turn her fingernails into spears that were several feet long- interestingly only doing so right in front of the Gael. As she stabbed at the trees’ wailing faces, she gave him a cold smile that was a mixture of sadistic and sugar-sweetness.

We were winning, as I’d assumed we would. Rusalka Venali took a running leap, flying through the air and raising her sabre high, plunging it into the top of a trunk- the trees’ weak spot, it seemed, because it wailed plaintively before crashing to the ground. Amelia Vencari, who seemed to be in an irritable mood, finished the last of them with an enormous tongue of flame that made me step back and cover my eyes with my arm at the flash of heat and light. When it had subsided, there was nothing left but the ashen corpses of the creatures. The only sound in the air was the bated breath of my comrades. I breathed in, smiling broadly at the carnage I’d just witnessed. Two strong forces clashing against each other was one of the most beautiful sights imaginable. But, I reminded myself, I needed to work first and play later.

I approached one of the things, cocking my head as I examined it. I came to a sharp halt when one of the trees started to twitch, and then emitted a groan of disgust when several insects burst out of it, crawling down the mottled bark and onto the floor. It was certainly dead, but it didn’t go down easily- and the estate was likely full of these monsters. Frowning, I glanced up at the ruined, presently empty halls of the palace. Nobody had exhausted themselves just yet, but we were nonetheless senselessly wasting time and energy that we needed to reserve for the Queen’s attackers. I gazed up at the colossal vermiculated trees, their branches resembling grasping claws. Even the low-hanging fronds quivered with a malevolent, undisguised energy. Despite being obviously dangerous, however, I saw a way we could use these sentient beings.

“Why, Sean,” said Laioni with a savage grin, “from your expression, it seems I am arousing your passions already.” She waved her fingernail-spears in his face. “Are you perhaps dreaming of us, together at last?”
“I’m just gonna begin projectile barfing, now,” coughed Kieran.
I ignored the banter that next occurred between them, still eyeing the trees and allowing a wolfish smile to spread across my face.
“Well, Mr. D’artagnan,” came the voice of the openly antagonistic Rusalka. I turned to see her slide a gloved hand over her sap-stained blade, then remove and toss the dirtied glove to the ground. “Obviously you are of such evident delicacy and worth that you cannot bear to risk your beautiful person.” She slammed her sabre back into its sheath. “Dare I ask what brilliant scheme you’ve devised this time?”
“Tell me, Miss Venali…” I smirked, directing her gaze up to the trees above us. “How good are you at climbing?”

---

This plan was positively ridiculous.

I had grown up in the Spine’s forest. Though its trees were not nearly as colossal or ancient as these, I had spent much of my girlhood sitting in their boughs, gazing up at the distant mountain peaks. Therefore, the actual act of climbing trees was not a difficult one for me, especially since many of them had grown to purposely form stairs and hallways. I hadn’t had any qualms when we’d first started our ascent a few minutes ago, but as we climbed higher and higher, I was unpleasantly reminded of my crippling fear of heights. I could feel the sky, now darkened by clouds and the tree canopies, lingering heavily over me, and stalwartly refused to look at the fatal drop below. If I did, I might scream or quail or do something else embarrassing. However, the thought of that fall remained in the back of my mind, often coming forward to irritate me.

I had retracted my spears, but not before amusing myself with Sean’s furious and terrified reaction over them. I had expected this mission to be of interest, and though I was indeed disappointed with some aspects, such as those shambling beasts and several of my companions, there were others- such as the brutish Sean Sviodson MacLaren- that kept my spirits up. And my aunt Rusalka, unlike Veela, actually wasn’t a total fool, and I’d even seen a glimpse of Anastasio’s madness. During the battle, I’d seen in his face and those cold eyes that he’d been enjoying the carnage just a little too much- but it had only been a glimpse. I expected more. Edan’s utter fury at not being allowed to participate in the battle had also been a source of entertainment. And Kieran, with his dry wit and antagonism, was even more so.

I’d watched the Shade for a while, but he hadn’t appeared to notice my black magic, instead focussing entirely on the red-eyed elf Ishiyo. As well, he seemed very unhinged and egomaniacal, and hadn’t stopped blathering once during the battle with the maddened trees. And though he was indeed powerful, he didn’t use any exotic methods with his spells, suggesting he wasn’t very magic-oriented. As such, I’d quickly lost interest in him. Such a shame- but at least I could still amuse myself with the other men. The twins, Njord and Senka, were also intriguing. Senka was consistently gazing at my dress almost enviously, and Njord had registered open hostility when I’d insulted his kind shortly before the attack. Perhaps when I wasn’t concerned with falling to my death, I’d prod at them a little, especially at the brooding Njord.

Suddenly, our group leader, Anastasio, came to a very sudden halt, raising his hand as a signal for us to mimic him. Nobody particularly listened, as his abrupt stop nearly caused several people to lose their balance, resulting in much swearing and yelling, especially from Sean.

“Shut your rows!” hissed Rusalka. “Are you off your heads? Look there.”

Everyone looked. High above was a silhouetted figure. I could make out the vague shapes of arms, legs, and a head, suggesting that it was humanoid- and, from how alertly it was sitting, more than likely alive and uninjured. It was a sentinel, clearly- one who’d seen us.

“Kill him, someone,” groaned Kieran as the figure rose to its feet.

Several projectiles- magical bolts, arrows- flew out from several members of our company. The person did not appear to be hit, but the missiles lodged themselves firmly in the vines holding its weight. Before they even snapped, I knew they were going to fall, and directly into our midst to boot. What a poor, unfortunate soul. As they plummeted, rolling down the boughs and branches, I held out a piece of corded moss for them to grab onto. When they rolled near, I saw that it was a male human, and armed with a bow and arrows. His face showed pitiful gratitude as he took the vine I’d offered to him- an expression that he didn’t quite have the time to replace with his shock and horror when I pulled back the cord and forced it forward. I craned my neck to watch the human fall to the ground far below, breaking his neck on impact with a distant crack.

“Problem averted,” I announced, pleased with myself.
“And we’ve located our quarry,” said Rusalka, also glancing downward where I hadn’t dared to look. I followed her gaze, and saw a candlelit scene on the floor just below us, and, when I strained my ears, could hear the soft chuckling and murmuring of men.
Anastasio smiled that sadistic smile once more. “They’re ours.”

Characters Used;; Anastasio D'artagnan and Laioni with Kieran Kolbjorn and Rusalka Venali
Words;; 1680
Muse;; Surprisingly not bad!
Thoughts;; Okay, guys, you're free to approach and surround the men below. But DON'T attack them... yet. ;D

[mriswith]

Ishiyo had stood before the palace and listened to the Shade ramble on as though his observations were deep or profoundly philosophical. As far as the Elven Mercenary was concerned his words held as much weight as the Shade's heart did warmth; any other and she might be interested in discussing that view point about the futility of life and the herosim of deed, but not with Kyril. A Shade didn't care what you thought. They didn't care what was even true. His words were nothing more than an insult to the dead--whose deemed unworthy--and a scare tactic before the living--those he would see dead given the fancy. She knew this and as such didn't even spare the fiend a glance; her eyes remain focused on their destination and her mind steady.

Worse yet was when Kyril had the nerve to agree with Ishiyo. His attention was on the Hive members, however, which made sense; she'd hoped if any of them knew a Black Market way in they'd feel like making it known to spare their own lives. Obviously they disagreed and would take their chances, or no one here honestly knew of another way inside. It seemed the secret passages were a well kept secret.

Idle banter aside, they were soon beset by twisted visages of Nature. After she'd severed various appendages of their first, unfortunate victim of the assault, Ishiyo darted off to the side to engage yet another foe as their number lay to battle. She danced amid a cascade of wood that would like to scratch her eyes and her heart out; the red-eyed Elf shrugging off glancing blows here or there without complaint or mark. The Sasaki as adept at magic protecting and bolstering her own person; flinging magic around was not her specialty though she could manage to perform some arts of that kind.

After the immediate threat was suppressed, Amelia of the Hive stepped forward to contribute her part in clearing the hall of reinforcements. Ishiyo had turned to watch the Lieutenant, curious what display she would put on for the group being alone. Hopefully none of them were using much of their magical aptitude; this was just the forward guard and Sasaki planned on stronger opponents the closer to their objective they came. Using the strongest skills now would be a waste. Fortunately, no one here appeared daft enough to do it. Arrogance, however, could overrule "common" sense.

When the Elf with the golden eyes spoke, Ishiyo brought up her own hand with a minor spell of her own, "Myrkr," the Ancient word snapped forth as the inferno swept through the enemy ranks. A small band of the abyss forms over her left forearm, swallowing the blinding light greedily in place of it searing the mercenary's eyes. A minor spell to ward off disorientation her "allies" might use to their advantage. She trusted them enough to get the job done, but no further. People earned trust. The self-serving shield fell when the firestorm and its shining light faded enough to make normal sight sufferable again.

Once the din of battle quieted, she flicked the sap from her sword. A soft whisper and she brought heat to the blade to help the sticky remnants depart; it would be unfortunate to sheathe the katana and then not be able to unsheathe it again later. She observed from a sidelong look how their 'leader,' the Count, seemed satisfied with their conduct in battle and the results. Not one to stand around idle, of course, he moved over to a fallen Tree to study it. The man seemed to enjoy studying; his eyes were always on them, watching. The two of them did share one thing in common, however, and that involved ignoring the insidious flirtation between the 'Witch' and their resident, cultured Barbarian.

The woman's red eyes narrowed as a dark presence approached. It leaned in closer, like an old friend, to whisper sweetly in her pointed ear. How she and a Shade had become so familiar was a mystery, because she had certainly not invited such proximity to the foul thing. She remain still as the ironically soulless pit of despair spoke to her of its intent and promise of making it out alive, but only if she did as the kind Shade asked and didn't try to kill him. It laughed and sneered merrily at knowing who she was and his self-made claims of how terrified she should be. The entire exchange disgusted her almost as much as just feeling his presence did; fortunate, then, she had a strong stomach or she'd had retched over him on the spot.

As the Shade turned to leave, Ishiyo turned and fixed her eyes on his head. She didn't need a response, but she would give him her's, "Your facts mean as much to me as I to you." Another shadeslayer would be born if Ishiyo had anything to say of it. She'd put their corpse of a body to rest at last and then vanquish their unholy souls so they never plagued another again. Did she have the power, alone? Probably not, but then she was young. The Shade would do himself a favor to kill her now while she was weak; centuries from this day she would wield more power and gratefully fulfill the fiend's silence desire to find peace once and for all. A perfect world of oblivion.

By the time their 'exchange' ended the Count had an idea in store for them all...

Ishiyo planted her foot and lifted her slender figure up one move at a time, moving from perch to perch. She glanced over and down at the 'Witch,' only studious of her well being as being associated with the Riders--an organization Ishiyo very much favored--and also for the young one's enjoyment of darker magics. The Shade may not have found it worth commenting on, over that of riling the red-eyed Elf woman, but the mercenary had noticed it if nothing else. Again, something to keep in mind. It could very well come back to haunt her, or them, later.

Her time in the Forest had been excessively short, yet for her absence Ishiyo remain a skilled climber. It helped to move among the trees in her profession. Not all of her targets were cumbersome brutes. In fact a good number had the skill of hiding in shadows, making a head-on approach quite impossible. As for the matter of heights, there wasn't any concern at all. Since she was a small youth she'd looked forward to one day flying with a dragon--you didn't dream of that if you were terrified of heights. Now, Ishiyo did still retain a health fear of falling and hitting bottom, but such fear was only natural to any mortal creature; she didn't waste a second thinking on it.

When their group came to another stop, Ishiyo raised her eyes to look at the figure ahead. There wasn't any need to use what ranged magic she knew, however, as others in the group had arrows and specialties of ranged magic to deal with the guard.

It was unfortunate they didn't kill him, she registered without thinking. Watching him tumble down, Ishiyo shifted to the side to avoid a collision or at outstretched hand trying to grab on to her. Unfortunate he'd fall to the bottom and die, but not unfortunate enough she'd risk her life for his. The man--a Human, to note--was their enemy and as such played some role in what had happened here; death was a sufficient penance for someone so low in the chain of command.

What Laioni had in store for the Human, however, did not bring satisfaction to Ishiyo's red eyes. Nor did she watch the man strike the floor; her gaze lingered on the other Elven woman that derived even a small amount of mirth from her effort. Obviously the Ward of the Riders had a great deal left to learn in Ilirea, despite what the youth might think of her own talents.

This not being the place to confront the Witch about it, however, the mercenary turned her attention to the encampment below. Without a word, she began pulling her way closer. Care was taken to remain as quiet as possible as she edged around one side. Ishiyo's red eyes looked back toward the group with silent hand signal to inform them of her intention to aid in flanking the men below. Hopefully she could get there before anyone decided to lob a fireball on them, scattering the men in all directions. Doubtful it would happen, but with a Shade and a Witch eager to please themselves you could never be too sure.

After she'd moved into position above, she whispered to the force of all things, "Vindr." Releasing the foliage, the mercenary dropped to the ground in a crouch. Her left hand extended behind to help steady herself from touching foot on the platform below. The magical cushion snuffed the sound of her feet as they landed even as she used her training to distribute the force of impact. Quickly she ducked from low cover to larger cover to reduce the chances of being seen while waiting on the rest to get into position.

Slowly looking out from behind a pillar with one eye, the raven hair woman observed the movements the men had yet to see; shadows sweeping all around them ready to drag them into whatever underworld they believed in. Their deaths, too, would be quick Ishiyo wagered. They would find those ultimate responsible for this treason and they would suffer the full brunt of the Elven people--and their not-so-Elven allies it would appear.

[Kite]

*Edan was less and less a happy camper as events went on.

The first thing that truly rubbed him raw was that some idiot of an Elf put up a barrier between him and the trees. Him. Not the young warrior that is Sean, Him. The one trained to fight, the one in tip-top shape. He was being shown up by these people because they wanted to make some sort of point. Well, fuck 'em.

The second blow to the face was the humans that Laioni killed, throwing them off the tree mid-assent.

Now, her killing the human was something trivial that he couldn't really stop. It more pissed him off that the human was there at all, not that he died. This was something that was just going to add pressure to the relations between the two countries. The worst thing about it, though, was the fact that he couldn't be sure that his country wasn't responsible. Not fully at least.

That being said, the Hive Lieutenant has an aura that now tops livid, as it had been threatening to do all day so far. She was muttering things about humans and death and violence, but Edan put her out of his mind as he looks down below to see a scene of some heathenistic ritual, all murmuring, laughing, and candles. Edan hears the Count in charge tell the party that they are ours, and Edan begins his now extremely quiet movement towards the men, the Hive Lieutenant following him along the way.

They both dropped in above the group and across from the elven mercenary, and move as quickly as they can without being heard. Edan isn't quite silent, but not over the muttering that they had heard from above. Nonetheless, he got a couple glares from the Hive Lieutenant, and he just shrugged her off. Edan crouches behind a closed off bit of railing with his sword out, positioned to mantle the railing and get to the small ledge for a much lighter drop on his body. He looks over to see the Mercenary and Hive Lieutenant both ready for some fighting, and that the others of the parties are similarly getting ready for a fight. He know waits slightly tensely, as most do when awaiting orders, and sends a short prayer to Nyx as protection, waiting for the Count to initiate the combat.*

--- Note: Thread awaiting archiving, my bad for taking so long. No more posts for a while. See Chapter 2: Blood of the Divine for more information. ---