A New Practitioner(Open, Emma)

[ryan]

A complete anomaly. The fair-toned, pale, red-headed shade swiftly swept through the city of Leona. Not a town one such as himself would see himself associating with, but something had happened. A strange event drew him here, and this had never happened before. In the hundreds of years he has roamed this land, he had never had this pull, a feeling of righteousness here. He could not explain it, but maybe he did not have to. Someone else could possibly be doing this for him, he was not sure, but would sure enough find out. He could not let this go.

As his golden eyes laid upon the massive construct that lay in front of him. The Cathedral. Eris had wound up here, somehow, and was being drawn in. He was well aware of the Cathedral, but never before had he had interest in it. Now, for some reason, he did. He was attached. But lacked an explanation. As he continued to stride toward the Cathedral he got various looks from on-goers. This was clearly a guarded sanctuary, the figurines stood watch over all those who tried to enter, their magical powers could very will strip the skin from Eris' bones. He lacked knowledge of it all.

Eris, a man of no fear, had no idea what he was getting himself into. As he continued to make his way closer, and closer, he felt something in his gut. Another feeling without an explanation, he had not felt this way sense he was a human. But maybe it was just part of the atmosphere. As he reached the tall, limestone, doors he stared it down for a few minutes. As the slowly crept open he stepped inside. Unaware of what to expect, unaware of what stood behind the giant walls.

[elvishbanana]

Locien was in a bad mood. Normally that was nothing new, but today it was exceptionally bad, because it was the day when he would finally have to “do his duty” to Ellesméra.

Well, pox.

Locien hadn’t asked to become an ambassador. He’d asked not to, actually, but his mother had insisted. His mother was like that, a force of nature who would not be denied anything, especially not a chance to get her son and heir moving in the Game. Locien disliked the Game, too, and almost everyone who played it. He disliked the Hand of Leona, and he disliked being sent away from Ellesméra like he couldn’t choose his own way, and he disliked the fact that no one he trusted with the task could take care of the poorer elves while he was away. The Guardian had been serving the lower class faithfully for eight hard years- what would become of them now that he was gone? Locien shook his head, growling. One of his guards, a capable woman named Limwen, grinned, as did Briganion and Thomals. The three had served him faithfully through the war, trusted advisors and helpers. Although the captain’s hot temper and impatience was the stuff of legend, they knew his moods better than anyone but Eliam. Limwen turned to Briganion. “You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d say our captain wasn’t too happy about this post,” she observed, hiding a smirk.
Locien ground his teeth. ”Well how would you like it?” he asked. ”Banished from Ellesméra to some pox-rot church in the middle of human lands, sent away from your home like a child; it’s enough to make anyone furious.”
“Aye,” said Limwen with a wink, “but it seems to us you’ve gone past furious, sir.”
Locien scowled. ”You know what they’re doing in Ellesméra right now?” he demanded.
“Throwing a party now you’re gone, sir?” snickered Thomals.
Locien ignored him. ”They’re laughing at me. Laughing at the fool lordling who got himself kicked out of Ellesméra.”
The three knew better than to laugh themselves, settling for biting their lips and coughing. A wise choice, thought Locien grouchily.

The four drew near to the city that was to be their home for a time. Limwen, who loved new places, seemed interested. Thomals was mainly absorbed in the girls, and Briganion would probably head straight to the library. Locien knew he would spend most of his time in the stables. Away from the trappings of court life, and away from the cage of ambassadorship. Even from afar the Cathedral stood out, the building grand and tall. Locien didn’t like it. He would never like a place where he had no choices.

Limwen accompanied him inside when the four had finally reached the gates. The hall was huge, limestone pillars holding up the vaulted ceiling. Locien let his friend look around. Touching her shoulder, he continued on alone. Limwen examined the building, gazing at her surroundings. As he walked through the hall, his boots clicked on the stone floor. He hoped he was getting mud on it. A tall figure stood in the hall as well, a figure cloaked in gray. Locien frowned and cleared his throat, waiting for the figure to turn. Let’s just get this over with, he thought resignedly. With any luck, he- and the Guardian- would be back in Ellesméra within a fortnight.

[Emma]

Oracle Tarpon was a liar.

His normally damnably handsome face had been marred considerably by eyes that were now bright red and spilled twin streams of tears, a runny nose, and beads of sweat on his forehead. I had always found crying and sweating to be extremely eccentric and unhygienic, and now Tarpon’s lack of beauty allowed me to hate him even more. A constant stream of unmitigated garbage poured from his mouth like froth, explaining away his plans against me, the enemies that had created them, but most of all, his complete and utter innocence, all while cowering under my gaze. As always, for the purpose of interrogations I never changed the natural colour of my irises. They were my one physical flaw. Black and thick like oil pitch, even described as a doll’s eyes. Dead. Soulless. I had despised them since childhood, but when it came to commanding those who were immune or swayed from my charms, nothing in the world was as potent. Tarpon and his schemes were laid bare before me, and yet, he continued to lie.

“She was accountable to no one but herself!” the Oracle was howling. “You must understand, Your Holiness! We were forced into collaborating!”
“Yes…” I purred slowly. “Of course you were.”

I sat up in my seat, grinning enormously as I felt my infamous rage building within me once again. It was like a poisonous song, and I hated as well as loved the broiling fury it created. Folding my hands on the cold table, I stood up straight and leaned forward until my lips almost brushed Tarpon’s. The interrogation room, a plain stone space hidden in the dungeons of the Cathedral, was very small- there was hardly enough room for the wooden table and two chairs that furnished it, let alone to move around freely in. As such, I now towered over Tarpon, body very close to his as well. He shrank away instinctually, trembling violently. I could see my reflection in his wide blue eyes, and the imposing shark grin that now covered my face.

“Zis woman’s plans… called for my death. But you did more zan fund z’operation, and you were more zan a mere pawn. Ze title more suited to you, mon amour, is ‘collaborator’. You were ‘forced to cooperate’? RIDICULOUS!” I screamed, making him leap considerably. I snatched him by the front of his tunic, banging my nose against his. “You asked ‘er to destroy your phylactery, didn’t you, you traitorous swine?”
“It wasn’t just me…” Tarpon squealed. “All of us! All of us were forced to help her! They tricked me! Help me, Your Holiness, help me! Please! I’m begging you-”

He collapsed into a sobbing wreck just as there were three rapid knocks at the door. It slid open, revealing a Paladin in full ornamental armour. He stepped inside, carefully regarding the situation. Even though he wore a mask, I saw his eyes crinkle from a sneer when he regarded Tarpon. Then he looked at me, patiently folding his hands and waiting. Realizing I’d been holding my breath, I let it out in a hiss like poisoned steam, and then slowly relaxed, closing my eyes tightly. Releasing my grip on the Oracle, I stood up straight, elongating my spine and raising my chin. I turned to the Paladin, schooling my face to the best of my ability. It wasn’t particularly difficult- I’d already made my decision, and that had cast most of the anger away. I gave him a brilliant smile and an acquiescing nod- I knew why he was here. Some elven ambassador would be arriving in The Tears today. Then, I raised one hand and gestured to the weeping Oracle behind me. Tarpon gave a high-pitched squeal as the Paladin leapt onto him; grabbing him by the hair and slamming him face down onto the cold marble floor.

Smoothing down my ebony locks and tossing a smile over my shoulder, I raised a hand in farewell. “Nyx preserve you, mon chère.”

I stepped out of the room quickly to avoid getting any chunks of human flesh on my outfit as the Paladin rent the traitorous Oracle limb from limb. His screams mingled among many that carried through the Cathedral’s dungeons. As I made my way down the hall, I listened as the screams became garbled as the late Oracle Tarpon choked on his own blood and guts, and then finally dissipate into a death rattle like autumn leaves blowing in the wind. I could tell how people were being killed simply by listening now. My Paladins really needed to get more creative with their methods of execution. They were all so dull and overused, I thought as I glanced down at what I’d worn since I’d awoken this morning- a wine-coloured slit skirt that revealed the entire length of my legs, and peep-toe heeled shoes of the same colour. My chest was adorned with a collection of amethysts that proved a fascinating distraction when I was bored, and the same jewels hung from my ears. I’d had it on all day. I was more than overdue for an outfit change, I thought irritably. Never mind if the ambassador was already here.

“How does it feel, Your Holiness?”
I turned sharply, having been previously unaware of the shadow that had been following me. I immediately recognized Ayalea by her odd pinkish-red hair, tiny frame, and inane smile. She was not among the sanest of my Paladins, but she certainly ranked among the most dangerous.
“I dislike surprises, Ayalea. Off with you.”
She sped up her pace, dashing in front of me and blocking my path, forcing me to halt. Irritation started to grow on me, but I decided it was best to let her speak- Ayalea was more child than woman- a merciless, ruthless child- and it was a simple task to provoke a tantrum.
“Wasn’t it you who said that temptation lies in the forbidden?” She started giggling when I raised a questioning eyebrow. “Can’t you feel it, my Prophet? Shades prowl shadows we never even dreamed existed. Listen to the flow of energy.”

And then she spun away into the depths of the dank grey halls, leaving me alone, confused, and more than a little irritated. Ayalea wasn’t one for speaking in riddles, so just this once, I decided to humour her. I allowed my brow to furrow just the slightest bit as I reached for the pull of magic that floated around the entire building- Paladins were far more attuned to sensing magic than even myself, so if it was only a childish trick, I wouldn’t be able to figure it out quickly. But as I hunted for the usually subtle flow, I detected a spike in energy, a spike so intense that it made me flinch. An ominous presence was just above my head, probably in the Cathedral’s main lobby- a presence that could only be borne from a Shade. Suddenly forgetting about my desire to change, I ducked into one of the hidden stairwells that branched through the entire Cathedral, strictly only for the use of the Hand of Leona. My heels clicked rhythmically against the iron-wrought steps as I swept upwards, cursing them with every fibre of my being.

Directly before stepping out into the main hall, I remembered my eyes. I stopped short and muttered a quick spell that made the irises violet, matching with my amethysts and purple skirt. Then I swept out into the glorious entrance of the Cathedral, graced with the statue of Nyx in all Her glory. As always, I bowed before the goddess in reverence, and then stood up again to admire Her beauty. Only I could outmatch it. Once I had paid my respects, I turned around, searching for the source of the dark energy. It wasn’t difficult- he was like a beacon, and amid the flurry of tourists and workers of the Cathedral, a solitary figure cloaked in drab grey was not difficult to spot. Standing beside him was another stranger- an elf, I realized immediately from the height, good looks, pointed ears, and air of supreme arrogance. Clad in partial armour, he was accompanied by a woman that stood protectively beside him. The ambassador, I assumed. I approached them slowly, allowing a pleasant smile work its way onto my lips.

“Good day, messieurs et mademoiselle. May I assist you in any way?”

Character(s) Used;; Malandra Ramakrishna
Words;; 1405
Muse;; A bit rushed, but otherwise not bad! Evil makes me happy.
Thoughts;; Deep apologies for the wait, I promise I won't take this long again!

[ryan]

Eris stood motionless as random visitors, tourists, and the few oddballs wandered throughout the Cathedral in awe of it's beauty. It was a site, Eris had never actually came close enough to admire it's omnipotent presence. It did seem to hold some, if not all, the power over the city. It was the main attraction, but he was not one to care about all the tourist sites of this city. All he cared about was power, and now that he was standing inside the Cathedral, he could feel something was off. He felt various spikes of energy omitting from a few wanderers here and there. There was something about this place, that's all he could figure out. But what it was, he was still not quiet sure. But he would soon enough. He would just have to think his way through this one, which was not that bad of an idea.

He knew he was the odd one out here. Various leaders, or people of religious powers strolled throughout the cathedral, all wearing various vibrant colors. He may have been in a bland gray, but it reflected his alignment. To himself, no faction. He was the neutral. But maybe that was the problem, maybe an affiliation would help him grow in power. He was not quiet sure. But, yet again, time was one thing that a Shade always had. He could figure it out, each day he grew in power, he was always learning what he could. Traveling from town to town, desert to desert, wherever the spirits lead him. But he had never felt a pull as strong as the one that had lead him here.

Eris rolled his neck and took a step to the side as he felt a stronger presence approach the Cathedral. One of decent age, he could feel the power flow through them, but the creature that had let off this type of energy was rare to find. As it drew closer to the building, his questions subsided. He had to confirm his theory, so he waited until the two made their way into the entrance. He was right. Elves. Not many ventured outside of the protection of their forest. Cowards. That is all Eris had felt for them. Their were the riders, who hid behind the power of their beasts, and the elves who hid in their magical trees. Both had to hide. Even though elves were almost flawless, they still had weakness. They were savage.

Though, Eris was not one to judge, he never hid his barbarianism. He admired it. Only speaking the truth, calling it how he saw it. There was no point in sugar-coating anything, or trying to hid the truth. It was a rare trait to find in anyone. He looked the two up and down, his face still buried within the darkness of his hood. One of them stood with such arrogance. Clearly he was a ruler of some sort, not that Eris cared. What pride was there in owning a tree or two. He looked away and continued searching for some presence, anyone to guide him. As time began to drag on he felt the one he was looking for.

As a woman of very obvious beauty stepped into the entrance he knew she would be the one he was looking for. As he eyed her up and down he knew who she was. He heard rumors of her beauty, and power. She was something of a 'prophet' to the Cathedral. Everyone looked up to her. She seemed to be the one to go to about the Cathedral. But he still did not know why he was here, and he had to find out. As she spoke up he thought of what he could do. In spite of the elf being here he still had spent much time traveling here, so he would not hold back, but had to communicate differently.

Good day, messieurs et mademoiselle. May I assist you in any way?

Eris nodded his head toward the elf to speak up, while doing this he also communicated with Malandra, but in a different way. He lowered his hood looking her in the eyes. [red]You know my reason for coming.[/red] He shot the idea toward her, staring into her eyes. He had not talked to a person this way in a long time, and hopefully he had not pushed to hard. He did not want to catch her off guard, or make it seem as if it was an attack, but he needed to be confident in it. Show his power in a sense. He also wanted to test her barriers, it was important in any situation. The barriers of one's mind told much about the person.

[elvishbanana]

A woman entered the hall, instantly attracting looks from nearly everyone in it. Locien looked her up and down. She looked human, an instant put-off, but other than that, she was exceptionally beautiful. Her long black hair fell to her tiny waist. The emphasis between her hair and her skin was extraordinary- her skin was as fair as her hair was dark. The woman’s face was sculpted, almost too perfect to be real. Her clothing caught Locien’s attention immediately. The wine-colored skirt was slit on both sides, revealing the woman’s long legs as she walked. On her chest she wore nothing but deep purple gemstones. If the woman had been an elf, Locien might have been interested. But her human attributes were impossible to ignore. Her body was soft and unblemished- she was a human who had spent most of her life in the lap of luxury. She walked toward Locien and Limwen, a smile crossing her face. As she drew closer, Locien noticed with a start that her irises were the same color as her skirt.

Limwen tensed. I don’t like her, she thought to Locien.
Why not? asked Locien, careful to hide his own perceptions.
She’s too flashy. It feels like she’s putting on a show for us.
Locien sent agreement into her mind. Well, we’re here on a diplomatic mission. She’ll have to mind her manners. Just… keep your eyes out for trouble, he ordered. Turning his attention elsewhere, Locien listened to the musical sound of the woman’s voice.

”Good day, messieurs et mademoiselle. May I assist you in any way?”

Limwen touched his arm before he could respond. She nodded her head to one side, pointing out the grey figure.
There’s something strange about him as well, she said. It seems this place is full of dangerous people.
Yes, you’re right, thought Locien. He glanced at the figure. Gold eyes peered out from under the dark hood, staring intently at the woman. Locien masked his emotions. There were few people who were born with such traits- he suspected that this one had not come by the odd colors by any natural means.

”My name is Locien Avariernil,” said Locien. ”And this is my aide, Limwen Dyfallior. We came at the bidding of Queen Dellanir- we offer her friendship to the Hand of Leona.”

The words came out tiredly. Locien was not a diplomat. He preferred to take action. Of the two of them, Limwen would probably have made a better ambassador- she had a cool temper and was patient with politicians. Locien’s hot temper and hatred of the Game were infamous throughout Du Weldenvarden, and many parts of the human realm as well. Locien fingered his belt dagger impatiently, a nervous habit. Limwen, who stood behind him and to his left, touched his mind hesitantly. Should we tell her about Brig and Thom?
She seems like a woman in charge- no doubt she already knows.
But it might seem rude not to tell her, or like we’re hiding something, answered Limwen pointedly. Locien sighed inwardly. Fine.
”My other companions are waiting outside the gates,” he said wearily. ”The road has been long- is there a place for us to rest a while?”

Locien’s face was fixed in an unhappy scowl. He didn’t bother hiding his discomfort from the woman; he would give himself away eventually. It wasn’t that Locien disliked traveling- he might have even visited the great cathedral of his own accord eventually. But he disliked being ordered to leave his home and his duty, and having no say in the matter. Whether or not he tried to cover up those feelings was moot- he was a terrible actor, and the woman was probably shrewd enough to guess at his emotions anyway.