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Post by Ribitta on Mar 24, 2010 19:33:36 GMT -5
Scept watched the man intently, distrust still in his eyes, but his worry to the situation had begun to ebb away. He eased back on the lightning in his hands a bit more, feeling the strain of holding it there even in such small quantities. Cursing his low stamina, he listened to the other two men talk, the newcomer seeming candid enough, but he still couldn't bring himself to trust the appearance right after the close encounter with those shadowy creatures. He shivered at the thought of them, and then again as he noticed how dark it was getting.
His response was guarded, but more cordial than his first words, "I could ask you the same thing. We were attacked, and so we came here for shelter. I know a person who lives nearby, the barrier that stopped those creatures was his doing." The lightning flickered again, dimming even more. Best shut it off now before he gave away how weak he really was in the dark. With that thought, the lightning vanished completely, plunging the group into the darkness of twilight.
Even in the darkness his pale skin could be seen more clearly than most objects, and as he shifted his feet uncomfortably, the shimmering image could be seen from feet away. He would have to do something about that sooner or later, or he would risk being caught off-guard during his least favorite time. Night.
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Post by Vincent Roth on Mar 31, 2010 16:06:16 GMT -5
From the sound of the young man's voice he still did not trust Vincent, but he didn't really care. The Collector rarely worried about the feelings of strangers, that is when those feelings were about him. If people didn't like him, oh well. If strangers thought he was shady and untrustworthy, oh well. The way he saw it he was going to be moving on to someplace else soon enough, so he probably wouldn't have to deal them for very long and vice-versa.
"I'm what some might call a vagabond, but I prefer 'carefree wanderer'." He said lightly with a small smile. "Anyhow, I just kind of stumbled into these woods today, and I was unable to find my way out." The swordsman replied, and then let out an embarrassed chuckle. "Uh... Since I'm on the topic, do either of you know the way out?" Vincent asked with a cockeyed grin.
Now usually Vince wouldn't just go right up to somebody who obviously didn't care for him and ask for directions or a favor, but given his situation he thought it to be the wisest course of action--besides, the red headed dude didn't appear to dislike him any. Vincent could certainly take care of himself, but there was no telling just how many of those Shadow Creatures there were, and Mr. Roth would rather not find out.
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Blazen
Recruit
The Lawl
I...I'm not good at this fighting thing. I-I'll let you take care of this, Lieutenant.
Posts: 90
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Post by Blazen on Mar 31, 2010 18:47:27 GMT -5
Blazen leaned on his hands still, keeping his eyes open by pure force. Blazen watched the carefree wanderer for sometime as the two spoke. Blazen saw no reason not to trust him, but at the same time knew there wasn't a reason to trust him. Blazen looked him over again and again, but he couldn't quite reach any sort of conclusion, not with his eyes so tired and his body so careless. He figured whatever happened, happened. It was in fate's hands now, and Blazen was willing to be cradled the entire way if it made it easier for some sort of conclusion.
"Way out?" Blazen chuckled softly, "Probably your best bet is to pick a direction and stick to it. Then again, who knows what you'll find, eh?" Blazen chuckled again and decided to stand. He would fall asleep if he kept like that. He felt the blood in his legs flow again and a small wave of warmth came over them as they slowly came back to life. Blazen stretched an arm then the other.
"But I doubt you'd want to do that right now anyway. Unless you want to go out and fuck around with the shadow creatures. If that's your will, be my guest, but I suggest we all take a well earned break to the place the kid has near by. I'm sure shit won't be so bad then. I'm tired anyway." It was apparent that he was, perhaps more so than he thought he put on. But Blazen was tired, so very very tired...and because of it he let his guard down greatly. Perhaps too much, oh well. Whatever happens, happens.
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Post by Ribitta on Apr 1, 2010 20:51:37 GMT -5
Scept did his best to keep things in his favor, but a legitimate worry surfaced as well, "Hey hey. I know the guy, but I don't know if he exactly would be willing to give all of us shelter. He's a real nutter, sometimes, and I haven't seen him in a while. I'd appreciate it if you all just calmed down and let me--" His words broke off as he heard footsteps in the trees and his heart froze in his throat. Hoping he hadn't said anything too insulting; he didn't know the fellow well enough to risk being too informal with him. Especially without his official ties with the Taron Magi now. Slowly he turned to face the man.
"A nutter, huh? Well, it's too bad that this insane old man is the only thing that's keeping you away from the blackness. I've no idea what you did to lure that many here, nor do I want to know, but now you're here, and you've brought strangers," the man said. He stood tall, but his face was clearly aged. His eyebrows were white, but that was all the hair that could be seen on his face. Long gnarled hands gripped a staff that was undoubtedly used for more than just walking. "If you do not bring war, you are welcome in my domain, Sceptus, as are your companions." His gaze turned to the others and he continued, "My name is Tel'Aran. If you are to stay in my stedding then I must know your own names." It was a statement, not a question, and Scept shivered at the man's words. He was being quite amiable at the moment, but distant memories reminded him of another side. He shuddered to think of the possibilities if they were unwelcome.
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Post by Vincent Roth on Apr 3, 2010 9:57:28 GMT -5
Blazen made it clear that he knew of no way out, and that trying to leave at this hour would be foolish--as if Vince didn't already know that. The Collector wouldn't have tried to leave right away, unless he was actually just a moment or two away from being out of the forest. The redhead proceeded to talk about how sleepy he was, and the more he spoke the more Vincent realized he was pretty tired himself. He had been walking for quite some time without ceasing.
It was then that the smaller mage spoke up, voicing his concerns about getting all of them a room with his comrade. Vince said nothing. He didn't really care if he had a room, just as long as he could sleep someplace safe until morning. Suddenly a noise caught his attention. He looked at the two young men and neither one of them were traveling, which meant there was a fourth among them now. He glanced around, his eyes quickly falling on an elderly man. As soon as he saw the man his right hand sparked and surged with lightning just as Scept's had moments ago. He stared at the man shortly, still on his guard, and then let the lightning die out when it was clear to Vincent that this old man was the fellow Scept had spoke of.
"I am Vincent of Newdam. I'm known as Vincent The Collector." He said to the man. "I would appreciate it very much if you would allow me to stay the night in your domain." The swordsman stated, and then gave a small bow.
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Blazen
Recruit
The Lawl
I...I'm not good at this fighting thing. I-I'll let you take care of this, Lieutenant.
Posts: 90
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Post by Blazen on Apr 4, 2010 12:22:44 GMT -5
Blazen looked at the old man carelessly. His eyes were half closed anyway. As Blazen looked on he could certainly feel...something about him. Something powerful. The man may have been old, but Blazen didn't feel like trying to think little of him. If given the chance, Blazen was sure the old man would give him a run for his money, if not just flat out whoop him. The old man was probably used to it. Always yellin' for kids to get off his lawn and whatnot. Blazen chuckled a bit at his own thoughts. He always thought insane old people were funny to fool around with. The man then asked for names, Vincent went first and Blazen yawned as he spoke.
"Aye, my name's Blazen and...yeah what he said." Blazen then finished simply in reference to the staying of the night. Blazen then raised a hand and dimly scratched his head as he took a few steps towards the rest of the group. He gave out another small yawn and stopped parallel with Vincent, making a triangle out of the three boys.
"Just point me to the couch or whatever, Old Man, and I'll be happy." Blazen didn't quite catch his name, nor did he care to. He was sure the old guy would understand.
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Post by Ribitta on Apr 8, 2010 18:34:11 GMT -5
Tel'Aran frowned disapprovingly at Blazen's lack of attention, but he turned his back on the group of weary travelers, "While you are in my domain you follow my rules, even if you are not physically willing. I require no funds for staying here, but simply a service, and in turn I shall reward you with a place to stay from the shadow and perhaps a further understanding in something that you indeed to not fully grasp. Coincidentally, most things fall under that category. I will waste none of your time as time here is infinite. The sun rises and sets when I demand it to in this world, and I know no limits as to what I can accomplish here."
Scept looked reproachfully at the man. He had always been assertive, always been powerful, but he wondered if he had finally gone over the edge with it all. Naturally, Scept knew what Tel'Aran was alluding to, and that was his skill as a Chronomancer. The boy shook his head to himself, wondering if he'd been taught by a mad man. In return, he responded kindly as possible, trying not to hint to his concern, "If we are a burden upon your land, then we will leave. The shadow will not--"
But the man cut him off, "Nonsense, Sceptus. I know the darkness that prowls these woods, and you would not be safe there, not even all three of you I'm afraid. As the hours draw later, the problems only amount, and it is still hardly after sundown. Or is it?" He chuckled to himself at this thought and led his way into the woods.
Unsureness dominating his face, Scept glanced back at his newfound comrades, hoping that they wouldn't make a fool enough attempt as to run. Judging by what little he had seen of their characters, though, Scept doubted that Tel'Aran would've scared them off with his little speech on being supreme master over a square kilometer. He fell back with them, still following the man while remaining out of earshot should low tones of voices be used.
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Post by Vincent Roth on Apr 9, 2010 11:10:43 GMT -5
Vincent listened to the old man's words, not entirely sure what to make of him at the moment. Was this guy egotistical or simply a liar, or could he really be everything he said he was? Maybe... Anything was possible, as Vince always said. After all, he was able to do some things most people would consider utterly impossible.
The swordsman wondered what this guy meant when he said he might be able to offer them a better understanding of something they don't completely grasp. What the devil was that supposed to mean? Was the old guy a sage too, or perhaps one with precognitive powers? What was his deal? Roth wasn't afraid, only a bit puzzled. Power was never something that struck fear into Vincent, as most any power seemed to be attainable for Mr. Roth. Too many times he had turned the tables on his foes merely by watching and repeating what they did. "Anything you can do...so can I." He would say to them. Mr. Roth followed behind the elderly man, a hand still resting on the hilt of his sword. ~I wonder what this guy is going to have me do for him. I hope it isn't anything sick...or weird.~[/color] He thought to himself.
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Blazen
Recruit
The Lawl
I...I'm not good at this fighting thing. I-I'll let you take care of this, Lieutenant.
Posts: 90
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Post by Blazen on Apr 9, 2010 13:56:13 GMT -5
Blazen sighed. He didn't want to work. He didn't want to do anything, but it seemed the old man made it perfectly clear he didn't care. The Old Man would get what he wanted even if Blazen didn't like it...whatever. Blazen could handle anything just about. Still, he really didn't want to. Blazen began to grumble to himself a bit. With his luck he'd get put doing the hard part, he'd also probably get yelled at, it would probably be meaningless, why couldn't the old guy do it? Why them? Why couldn't he just let them sleep and leave? Grumble grumble grumble. Blazen was getting a bit cranky. Still, he followed.
"We are going to be able to sleep first right?" Blazen asked. Probably no...then again, if this guy was as powerful as he claimed, maybe he could sleep, but not waste anytime? Blazen pondered that, but again, if he were so powerful, how come the old guy couldn't do it himself? Blazen's mood became a bit more sour as they walked.
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Post by Ribitta on Apr 9, 2010 22:10:27 GMT -5
Tel'Aran waved his hand dismissively, "Of course; rest comes first. Not much to be lost when there's no time to be lost with it, after all." Scept let out a relieved sigh, following his old mentor at a still careful distance. Nothing seemed particularly different in this neck of the woods. Perhaps things were a little bit more spaced, but that could be simply because he was looking for a difference in scenery. He didn't doubt that they would run into their destination soon, however.
Speaking in a light tone, so as not to be overheard by the one leading them, Scept spoke to his new acquaintances. "He's a Chronomancer," he explained to them in a low voice, "although I think he may have come off his rocker a bit, or there's something he legitimately needs help with. Just don't... do anything stupid."
A few moments later the woods cleared, revealing a decline in the landscape, sloping down toward a house in the center of it. It was a peculiar spectacle, Scept thought. It looked like it could've been his has back in Minervum, torn out of place and transported here. As he looked at it longer, with random flagstones still in the dirt and a lamp post on the side, Scept became increasingly sure that was exactly what had happened.
As Tel'Aran led them into the house he directed the group up the stairs and into the last door on the right at the end of a decently sized hallway. Books filled all the other rooms, but three simple cots had been laid out in the room they had all been given. Scept shivered at the thought that he had known they were coming. The old man spoke before he could, though, walking away as he said it, "I will wake you when it is time to work. Don't bother judging by the sun when it's time to get up; you run on my time now."
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Post by Vincent Roth on Apr 14, 2010 15:42:57 GMT -5
The silver-haired young man didn't pay much mind to Blazen's crankiness, he just figured the guy'd had a long day and was tired. Roth was a bit tired himself, but he wasn't to the point where he would start getting upset over the smallest things just yet.
As the four of them continued toward their destination, which he could only assume to be the old guy's house, the swordsman said nothing. Vincent kept quiet and merely followed behind the man identified as Tel'Aran--even when Scept made whispered statements about the elderly man Vince didn't speak. It wasn't that he was trying to be rude, snobbish, or that he didn't care for these people, he simply had nothing to say.
"Just don't... do anything stupid." He heard Scept say to him and the redhead. He arched a brow and moved his eyes to the young mage. He didn't comment, but it was pretty evident by the look on his face that he didn't like the way Scept just came out and told them not to be dumb. To Vincent it was a bit rude to say something like that to somebody you just met.
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