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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:09:11 GMT -6
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 8
(9/20/02 12:38 am)
Runnin'
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It is dark when I awaken again, Little Dog and Montara have not moved from their posts. I smile they are such good friends nothing like loyalty even when it is misplaced, as it is in me. The others have come out of the temple and made camp. “Come my companions let us join the rest.” It is a bit of a struggle to finally make my feet I have been sitting here for quite a while.
I limp slowly along following Little Dog’s lead so I won’t trip on anything in the dark. Montara remains close escorting me all the way back to the others. Xendra has just stumbled in to the camp and seems exhausted resting at Puella’s feet.
With a deep breath and after clearing my throat I begin to speak. “I have a confession to make. I seek no forgiveness for there can be none; I only speak because you should know why you now have to fight. I have been a willing servant of evil more times than I care to remember. It's taint follows me no matter where I go or who I keep company with. I am sorry that I have remained among you for so long. It was foolish and selfish of me to think that my life could be different, that somehow it would not find me among you. I should have retreated into the mountains for the rest of my days where I can cause harm to no one.”
I let the belt and sheathed sword drop from my body. “This is why it took Blackwolf with Dante instead me. When you retrieve my sisters, give them my apologies but I can not allow further harm to come to you by my presence.” I drop my sword into Phalon’s lap as she is the closest to me. I turn to leave quickly while my words have them in a state of shock. With a little luck, I can be in the trees and out of reach for them to try to stop me.
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 227
(9/20/02 1:19 pm)
What Did You Call Me?
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“COWARD!"
Leara stopped just as she reached the end of the ring of light cast by the campfire.
Painfully she turned her body half way and faced her accuser.
“I am no coward.”
“And I say you ARE a coward. A Caesar-kissing Roman. A pitiful excuse for a warrior. Run away. Run back to your seven hills, your fine robes and palaces. Love your Emporer and sell away your freedom.”
“Stop it Zena.”
“Let her go if she wants to go.”
“Maybe she IS causing all our trouble."
The others stood up from their places but made no move to interfere. Zena took the sword from Phalon’s hands and tossed it to Leara who caught it but took no defensive posture.
“I have no quarrel with you, Zena. Let me leave here in peace.” Leara put her head down and began to turn away.”
“Cowardly AND selfish. You dishonor the names of your mother and father!”
Leara had had enough. The broken commander of a once great army rose up mended as she lunged at Zena. “I’ll show YOU dishonor, you...Greek!” Leara swung at Zena who pulled the sword of Artemis from it’s sheath and struck the Roman short sword back. (clang)
“C’mon Leara, is that your best?” (clang) Zena gestured toward herself, “Come and get me Roman.” (CLANG) She stepped back edging closer and closer to the fire and the light. Near the embers she suddenly swept her foot behind Leara’s legs and dropped her flat on her back. Leara’s sword flew from her hand as she hit the ground hard. Zena knelt quickly and held the blade of Artemis to Leara’s throat. The others closed in tightly ready to stop a murder if one was coming, but murder was far from Zena’s mind.
“Sshh. Leara. Focus on me. Listen to what I have to say to you.” Leara lay as still as death, her burst of energy now spent. “The evil hates light. It hates warmth, physical or emotional. It’s out there, beyond the firelight waiting for you. It tempts you the most clever way possible; with your own demons! It will take what you fear and twist it for it’s own purposes. YOU didn’t bring it! It came of it’s own accord, seeking those who had already surrendered like Dante or whoever it could try to win over. I had to get you to want to turn back, to use your free will to return, even if it was in anger. You were once a great leader and sailor and that is all I know of you except for one other thing; you are still a great friend. I will release you now and you have to choose, stay with us and fight or be lost in the darkness.”
Slowly Zena pulled back from Leara, and as they waited for her reply, the second gift from the gods arrived.
Amara
Registered Member
Posts: 66
(9/21/02 12:34 am)
The second gift.
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“COWARD!”
“I am no coward.”
I jolted up from my peaceful sleep to the sound of a fight breaking out. I thought that for a brief moment Zena was going to kill Leara, then she knelt down beside her and whispered something into her ear…. Something about the light, what her response was I was not sure of.
Suddenly there was a brilliant glow in the air; the night had turned into day and before us stood Apollo. In his hand he stood holding a silver bow with a golden arrow. A golden glow upon him even with the brightness of light he still shown brighter.
“My sister has informed me of what you mortals are trying to accomplish. I come to give you another gift. Here is my bow and arrows. It must be given to someone who holds a steady hand. These arrows will bring the light to where there is none; it will help you on your way to victory. Now I place this before you to choose who among you is to accept this gift.”
He gave the bow and arrows to Zena and in an instant he was gone.
“Well, which of you is good with a bow and arrow?”
I stepped forward and looked towards Zena. “I used to hunt with my father and brothers. I would shoot the arrows towards the deer and they would go and fallow them.”
“Are you sure you can handle this?”
“Yes, I never missed my mark.”
Zena thought for a moment about this looked down on the gift that Apollo just laid before them and then back at me.
“Let me prove myself to you. I CAN do this. Trust me.”
Zena could see the honesty and sincerity that was in Amara’s eyes.
She handed the bow and arrows over to me and said, “Guard them with your life and use them well.”
“Now Leara don’t think I have forgotten about you,” Zena turned towards Leara and looked at her. “I still await your answer.”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:10:34 GMT -6
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 31
(9/21/02 12:34 am)
Hello Eli…Hello EG…In the Darkness…Can You Hear Me?
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There are some situations in life that present the mortal with great challenges. And as Evergreen pondering deeply on the “Is What It Is” path she always followed, the realization came with absolute certainty those that sat in Olympus were engaged in a great game.
Each sister Amazon was a player in the hands of the gods. Each was a pawn moved in an infinite diversion waged by the immortals who found no more pleasure in the daily musings of deities.
Evergreen also knew with firm resolve that which had trapped her and the others in the blackness, was attempting to circumvent the rules of the game. “It” wanted to win and to win it all.
Evergreen had been taunted to “watch” and to contemplate losing that which is most valued. And watch she did. She saw those she so cared for, hurt, confused, fighting one another, lost in division of what little was left of the Amazon nation.
She could hear sword clashing on sword and watched as the two that were a part of her very heart, battled with intent to destroy one another.
“Ahhh…yes… fight…kill… DO IT!” And the darkness grew stronger.
What did Evergreen value beyond all value? What was to be lost that cannot be regained? The question was no riddle and the answer was simple and pure. The “Valued” was the very essence that bound the sisters together-their love for one another.
The light of the tribe was beginning to dim and as it flickered in the hearts of the women, the very light of the universe was turning to gray. But Evergreen knew of another way, a way beyond the capricious deities, a path not yet fully traveled…THE WAY.
In the darkness Evergreen called out, “Eli…Eli…can you hear me? I the Roman, I the Amazon, I the warrior daughter of Artemis, call upon you to save my tribe…save what I value most…help us to fight the darkness without…and from within.”
From her position of seeing part and seeing all, Evergreen looked down upon the play being enacted in the realm between dark and light.
A low whistle was given, followed by a whisper, “Little Dog…Little Dog…can you hear me…I now call upon you… I have kept the promise…”
Little Dog’s ears went to the alert, and with a run and a leap sunk his teeth into Phalon’s sleeve pulling her into the door between two worlds.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 9/21/02 12:37:52 am
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 34
(9/21/02 5:05 pm)
inner fortitude
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A flurry of activity happened all around Xendra
as she appeared to be laying at Puellas feet in an unconcious state..
In an alternate reality Xendra was in some sort of dream or suspended animation.
Artemis whispered,"..."Xendra,Xendra hurry there isn't much time to speak."
Xendra laid prostrate before Artemis and answered with a most reverent tone ,"Here am, I, ask of me what you will. I will do what I must to save my sisters".
Artemis spoke ,"You are all in grave danger, what stated out as a contest of sorts has unleashed the power of pure evil upon the earth...the Gods of Olympus are not able to stop this evil.
It is now up to you and your sisters."
Xendra nodded. "It seeks our true natures ,our essence doesn't it? If it can lead us to forgo them or even capture them, EVIL will gain unheard of power and gain the abilty to destroy these human traits, qualities, characteristics, morals and values whatever you want to use to describe the inner fortitude of every human being."
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 9
(9/21/02 5:30 pm)
The Power of Love
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I struggled to fight the evil that was threatening my person. Evergreen, seeing my struggle, said "Think of something good, Blackwolf. Whatever you do, don't give in."
"It's so difficult. I feel as if Montara is dead. I feel like there is a hole in my heart, incomplete. GODS!!! Now I can imagine how Leara feels."
"But Montara is not dead. You know he's alive and out there fighting for you."
I laughed, but it was not the laugh of humor. "Yeah, that's what makes it difficult. Evil is using the perfect weapon against me. I know that Montara is alive and out there, and I also know that if I let Evil control me, I can have him back. I can be complete."
"But if you do give in, you will never really be complete again. I don't know much about your bond with Montara, but I believe that a big part of your bond is the love you feel for each other. Evil cannot even comprehend the power of love. If you were to give in, you might be given Montara back, but you will never be complete."
I looked at Evergreen in the darkness and knew what she was saying to be true. Love had always defeated Evil in the past, and they would need a strong love to defeat this Evil.
I closed my eyes and felt the bond I had with Montara. As usual, it was empty. But this time, I looked beyond the bond. I formed a picture of him in my mind, and when I saw his face, I felt a rush of that love fill me. I silently started to cry. I had taken for granted for such a long time the closeness that I had with Montara that I had forgotten about it. As I drifted back to sleep, I could hear Evil screaming at me, trying to get me to doubt, but I did not listen.
To fight for what you believe in and to never give up is to have the heart of a wolf.
Edited by: blackwolf at: 9/21/02 5:32:29 pm
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 35
(9/21/02 6:10 pm)
inner fortitude continued
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"Artemis I have promised my soul to the Evil one in return for their safety but I know the nature of evil is to lie and to give false promises. I need to be able to protect them so that this Evil can be vanquished."
Artemis's eyes radiated with a sparkiling fire,"What do you propose my dear warrior.I will do what I can.."
Xendra squared her shoulders and said, "Artemis, I dare not so much as speak my plan even to you whom I have worshipped all the days of my life.
However as your warrior and faithful follower or many moons, If it not be too much to ask I need to make a few requests."
Artemis answered, "Xendra my dear warrior
given the unusal circumstances I will over look your innsolence and lack of trust..ask of me what you may."
Xendra hastily answered,
" I need you to collect and bottle the defining essence of each of my sisters, for example Lgf's innocence or Leara sense of duty etc. Divide each essence in half in two separate vials.
I also need you to get two drops of blood from each and every sister and place each drop in a separate bottle.
I need you to return any lost Amazon who is willing to come back, prefably before the night of the full moon.
I also need you to return Leara's wolf Theos to her but not til the night of the full moon.
I have this feelingthat it wil save her life and hopefully
repay a debt I can never repay to Leara.
I know my lists are great and the needs many but none so crucial as this: on the night of the full moon I need you to ignore my pleas for help unless you hear me say "for a strong Amazon nation"
Please I beg of you , I implore you,do not honor my sisters prayers or pleas on my behalf unless evil has already been Vanquished."
Artemis nodded in agreement, "You seek the path of greater good don't you? The route you wish to take may be more difficult than you think..are you ready for this?"
Xendra looked at Artemis, "I was born for this time, this hour.I will sacrifice myself before I let Evil take any more of my sisters.
Artemis whispered," I know..... I sense Evil entering even now.. artemis embraced xendra and stuffed a small object in Xendra' s pouch...
Good luck fierce warrior, you will great inner fortitude
and determination in these next few days..chose your words your weapons and your actions wisely."
Xendra whispered back,"Thank you Artemis , oh mighty and great Artemis, I leave our lives, our destinies,our fates, our very souls in your command and under your care. Don't forget do nothing until you hear me say , to a strong amazon nation."
Xendra then awoke to much commotion, yelling screaming, fighting and a mysterious swarm of mosquitoes that would each bite a sister and then fly off in the direction of Artemis's temple..Xendra smiled as she was bit.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:12:14 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 38
(9/22/02 9:41 am)
Requests
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Xendra looked around the camp trying to envision each sisters essence..knowing it could be crucial in the coming days.
Xendra 's heart was breaking ,there was so much she wanted to share with her sisters about she knew about this Evil force, but to do so would only put them all in further peril.
Xendra knew the path she had chosen was one she would have to walk completely alone. Xendra wondered internally if she could do it.
Xendra quietly shook her head, she had no other choice... this could either destroy the world including the Amazon nation or save her sisters, her nation,and the world.
No other options remained
Xendra quietly slipped out of camp during all the commotion and went dowwn to the river to begin purifying herself. she offered up a herbal sacrifice and a prayer of supplication.
Once finished Xendra slipped off her tunic and stood naked before the Gods,letting the moonlight bathe her body. Xendra reached for the necklace she had worn all her life and gently removed it and placed it on the rocks.
Xendra stepped into the waters and cried out,"
Oh mighty Gods of Olympus I implore you to accept my worship as I come to completely alone and without weaponery.
Hear me as I desire to be cleansed , to rid myself of the demons of my past and present."
A thunderous booming voice resonanted on the water," Who are you to ask anything of the Gods?
Xendra bowed low" I am Xendra of the lines of the Amazon nation. I am also an Amazon warrior who has faced this evil before and won."
Lighting filled the air as the voice boomed ,"And you think you can win again!?"
Xendra answered "I can do nothing alone."
I cannot defeat anything without my sisters and yours help. "
The sky llit up with many bolts of lighting and great and mighty thunderous exchanges were heard, finally the voice returned," We are already supplying a weapon from each God.What more do you seek?"
Xendra boldly answered," I seek the ppower that no normal mortal posses, I seek the abilty to bring back from the Elysian fields any soul for one full cycle of the moon.
I also ask for the powers of Eros and Aphrodite to be doubled upon the earth that Agape love may reside twice as strong in each heart in the Amazon nation and in the other residents of the earth.
Two more requests I humbly make of you, whatever I paint along my toes this night, tattoo upon my heart as the moon rises on the night of the full moon. so that knowledge will remain no matter what Evil brings against me.
Most importantly I ask that once the moon has reached it's height..YOU deny me access to the Gods and your great hall(except Artemis) unless I have been released by Artemis."
The booming voice answered,"It shall be done but you shall not call upon the Gods again unless released by Artemis."
Xendra bowed and said," I thank you and I hope to someday to be able to offer you prayers and supplication for a victory over this Evil force."
Xendra spun and as she heard the distinctive snicker of the evil entity. Xendra smiled as the evil presence scampered off delightully snickering to itself.
Xendra said to herself "Good it think s it knows something to report.." Xendra sat down and began to prepare the henna.
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 9/22/02 11:02:00 am
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 10
(9/24/02 12:27 am)
Anger - that saves a life!?
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“COWARD!” The accusation caught my attention and forced me to turn and offer an answer. Zena added more insults, well half-truths, after again repeating her inital accusation. My anger grows hot quickly and with the last of my restraint I demand that she just allow me the peace to leave. I worry that I will be unable to bear if she repeats it once more, the monster that lives in my core cries out for blood and a restoring of its rightful place- first in my heart.
“Cowardly AND selfish. You dishonor the names of your mother and father!”
That was over the line way over. I am now duty bound to restore the maligned name as it reflects upon my now extinct family. ‘Loyalty above all things save - Honor’, as my father would say. 'Zena would have to eat those words' shouted the monster inside me as it took control. Pulling the sword from its sheath lost in the noise I whispered as always when arming myself ‘Death before Dishonor’.
I lunged at Zena the rest was a blur of words and swords clashing. Zena inched the fight closer to the fire and in one quick move, I did not see coming I find myself unarmed and on my back. I guess this time it will finally mean my death, as the Sword of Artemis is at my throat. Zena leans down to speak, ‘O great now I must endure a good gloat or perhaps she is going to talk me to death.’ I listen as instructed feeling her words hit me hard, I wish she would have just pummeled my body instead of using words or just killed me out right.
What was so clear only moments ago sitting in the dark under the tree now was a jumbled mess. Chaos reigned inside my thoughts even the sight of Apollo did nothing to change or clarify my situation. When I began I had one question where to go next. Now I have nothing but more unanswered questions. There is no warmth inside me it is cold and empty the only flash is the anger that Zena had so powerfully just tapped. How can that really be an instrument for good? Fear?, Well the only thing I defend is that which I am duty bound to uphold my honor and my name which is not really worth that much these days. How can I not be responsible for the evil’s presence? Have they not seen the death and destruction left in the wake of my presence? Zena must have been whacked on the head one too many times to think of me as a friend. Then the hardest words of all the invitation to ‘stay with us and fight’; I have yet to back down from a fight that is worthy of fighting.
“Now Leara don’t think I have forgotten about you,” Zena turned towards Leara and looked at her. “I still await your answer.”
I had not moved from where Zena had left me my mind was still running wild trying to work out all the details and reasons. For some things there are no reasons, all that can be found is the yes or no, the right or wrong of a matter.
I pulled my self upright and once again faced Zena.
“There is a trail of death and destruction that stretches back across the path of my life - evil has followed me, even walking alongside me at times this you can not deny. The only warmth inside me is the burning, flaming anger and rage you so skillfully just touched off. When life is an existence from day to day, there is no value in it and such is mine. However, I have never backed from a fight that must be fought so I will remain until this is settled. I do not understand how I can really be of any help to any of you.”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:13:25 GMT -6
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 5
(9/24/02 12:32 am)
Reflected
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As the first lance of true light brought the world out of night, she looked squarely into eyes of Northern blue and clasped J'mea's hand, saying, "I be Bhen Rudha. I be tha' Red Woman."
"Ven Roo-ah?" the Amazon spoke the words slowly, watching the other woman steadily as she rolled the syllables around her mouth.
"Aye, ye be sayin' it a'right," Bhen Rudha said, nodding. The pair stood in the new day, uncertain of the words that waited between them. They finally dropped their clasped arms and the former runaway scratched her head frowning, then lifted a handful of hair to her eyes.
"I did the best I could with it. It really is a beautiful color," brushing a lock of sandy blonde hair behind her ear, J'mea smiled.
With eyes closed, the Celt turned her face into the rising sun. "I thin' I am after wantin' a wash. Can ye be sparin' tha use o' a dagger, an' mayhap a bit o' soap?"
Noticing that the other woman had carefully not responded to her comment, the Amazon simply nodded and moved to retrieve her travel pack. "Of course, head west about two hundred paces and you should find a river." She held out a small dagger and a smaller cake of soap, "The water's cold as Hella's realm, but you should still feel better for it. I'll see what I can make for breakfast while you're gone."
Bhen Rudha could not remember how to respond to kindness and lifted a hand to the torc around her neck for a moment, before taking the items with a bowed head. She was having a hard time facing the gentleness in J'mea's face, unable to keep from wondering when the price would have to be paid. "May Bandia ha'e tha blessin' o' ye." The words and a deep breath finally brought her eyes back up. She tried to smile, to show that she was indeed grateful, but the expression fit poorly on her lips, for this was not the emerald dream.
Understanding, J'mea motioned in the direction the other woman should go and moved with purpose towards the fire. "Enjoy yourself, I'll be here when you get back."
Amber-green eyes stung, she wanted to blame the morning sun, but knew better. Without word, she turned and headed into the trees, her ravens lifting themselves into the air around her.
* * *
Bhen Rudha stared at her reflection in the water. She was crouched, naked save her torc, next to the river near where she and J'mea were camped. Even with the distortion of ripples she could see how her face had changed since she had left his house. There were hollows 'neath her eyes, in a face that was sallow with sleeplessness and hunger. Her hair was a deep auburn waterfall that fell near to her waist, a wavy glory that he had always loved.
Free and newly named, she wondered at the image wavering in the water and thought back to the sunrise. "It really is a beautiful color." the Amazon had said, echoing his sentiment. Her hair had been his favorite.
She hated it.
Grabbing up a handful, she sheered it off near her scalp with the dagger. Murmuring a prayer to the river, she cast the loose hair into the water like an offering. She did the same with the second handful, and the third.
"There is treasure within these copper strands . . . my treasure," his words whispered themselves into her ear, as the memory of his hands, pulling her head back and back while he . . .
She shook herself angrily, sawing off a large hunk of her hair and casting it into the river. Her vision wavered with the tears in her eyes, tears she hadn?t noticed till now. The dagger in her hand shook and she nicked her scalp trying to hack off another handful of hair. Trembling raced up her arm till it gripped her whole body. She curled closer to herself, tightening her teeth, trying to hold a rising keen at bay. He had never allowed her to cry.
Darkness enveloped her, the memory of the thousand nights she lay curled, shivering and dry-eyed, waiting for him. She never had anything but her own self-loathing for company, and that dagger twisted deeper than anything he had ever tried in his quest for the perfect experience. Her stomach burned, knotting around the violent emotions she had eaten for four impossible, excruciating, years.
The Morrigu's last words came through her confusion, piercing as an arrow, ~Tomorrow you may return to the slave?s ways out of habit. But today, Daughter, you are free.~
"Today I am free," she whispered, raising her face to the sky. As her jaw unclenched, the keen escaped. The loss of her homeland, her freedom, her faith ripped free from her throat to echo among the trees. She shrieked her grief, terrible and wordless, over the theft of her trust, her sense of self, her innocence of the true cruelty of man. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she continued to keen for the years she had been kept from her Goddess.
Uncaring of any injury she might cause herself, Bhen Rudha slashed at the remainder of her hair, huge swathes of it falling into the river. Finally she gripped the last handful and thrust her fist into the air, screaming, "TODAY I AM FREE!"
Her ravens, silent in a tree until now, raised a ragged chorus, lifting themselves into the air. They circled, crowing victory as their mistress finally plunged into the icy river.
The cold water shocked her lungs, leaving her gasping, throat raw and teeth chattering. Her mind cleared, and she was finally able to focus on her ablutions. She scrubbed quickly, the harsh soap stinging the small cuts she?d left on her scalp. With a final dunk that left her faintly blue with cold, Bhen Rudha scrambled up the bank and into her clothes. The warm softness of the simple fabrics were a blessing against the wet goose flesh the river had given her. She lingered over lacing her boots, wiggling her toes and stretching her feet, wincing at the tenderness that remained.
Feeling strangely empty and honestly dry eyed, she sat cross legged, watching the river flow past her till a glint caught her eye. A single copper strand was tangled in a bush. She plucked it free and held it between her hands for a moment before letting it go into the soft morning breeze. The back of her neck felt suddenly cold, and she lifted a hand to feel the wet spikes of hair that still clung to her scalp.
A sharp bark, not quite a laugh, escaped her, silencing her ravens as they spiraled lazily down to her. The amber-eyed landed first, hopping sideways up onto her knee. She caressed the bird?s head with gentle fingers, whispering her name, " Cailleach . . .ye are after bein' me Witch, aye?" She spoke to it in Greek, grinning as the black head tilted.
The crimson-eyed lit upon her shoulder, rubbing her beak against Bhen Rudha?s cheek gently. "Aye, Laoch, I be knowin' ye fer bein' me Warrior," the Celt felt the words come more easily, here alone with her ravens.
At the sound of flapping wings, she lifted her arm to catch the black-eyed raven upon her wrist. Lowering her arm, she looked the largest bird in the eye. "Agus ta si Baintreach," the Gaeilge of her homeland rose to her tongue as she stared into the fathomless depths. She swallowed, running the backs of two fingers down the raven?s feathered breast before murmuring again in Greek, "An' she be Widow."
She sat there for a long, quiet moment, communing with her ravens before she gained her feet and headed back to the campsite.
Edited by: BhenRudha at: 9/25/02 6:42:27 pm
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 47
(9/25/02 12:19 am)
The Embarkment
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“No, Little Dog! No!” Phalon was startled as Little Dog ran towards her, jumped up and grabbed her sleeve in his teeth. What had gotten into him? She tried to yank her arm away, but he held tight. She felt herself being pulled…
The trees were gone, the sky disappeared, the sun’s light extinguished and her friends vanished. She and Little Dog were now surrounded by a gray swirling mist. Still, Little Dog pulled. They began to spiral down, the mist enveloping them as they fell. They fell through the mist for what seemed to be an eternity. Then suddenly, their bodies hit solid ground with a THUD.
The mist faded and Phalon found herself in a large, cold, gray hall. The light from the sconces on the wall shed an eerie cast over the stone chamber, the flames flickering, casting shadows which rhythmically moved upon the walls like actors dancing in a macabre play.
Phalon sat with Little Dog in her lap. She looked at him quizzically. “Well, Little Dog, where have you brought us?” she whispered. Her voice sounded thunderous, bouncing off the stone walls and echoing throughout the room. She scratched him behind his ears, then stood, dusting off her robes. Looking over the great hall, she asked louder and to no one in particular, “Where are we?”
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:14:20 GMT -6
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 11
(9/25/02 3:01 pm)
Seeking the Next Gift
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As we settled in around the bright warm fire light for some much needed rest, my mind refused to shut down. There had to be a plan of action yet we could not move without all the weapons for the fight. The answers swirled just beyond the grasp of my mind. Finally I too drifted off to sleep hoping that they would come closer so I can see the path I should take.
I awoke fully rested in the darkness before dawn with a plan in hand. Zena was right I was a sailor and had always paid a tribute to Poseidon for every journey. Even on the last one, as it has been a part of my flesh to feed his hungry creatures. At the first hint of light I would leave out to ask for his trident to use against the Evil.
I left a quick note for the group “I'm going to ask for Poseidon’s Trident. Be back by Noon. Leara"
As I got to my feet I touched Montara. "Come with me I may need some help. We will get her back." I was not sure who that was meant to reassure more me or him. He rose and took the lead back down the path to the hut. He was moving quickly pushing me along but not demanding more than I could give.
Soon the hut came in to view I was glad it belonged to a carpenter. I entered to make a suitable vessel to send to Poseidon an offering. I picked up things that had been left behind in the hurry to find Puella.
I waded in to the waters of the Sea and sent out my tiny ship to the Great God Poseidon. To my surprise his arrival did not take long.
"Who is it that summons me to the surface?" Poseidon boomed with the sound of a great wave crashing on the shore.
"It is I, Leara, I seek the use of your Trident in the fight against evil in its purest form." I answered with out hesitation and surpirsingly no fear.
"What makes you of all people worthy of the honor of using the most powerful weapon in the sea?" Asked Poseidon in a soft tone like a gentle breeze.
"Worthiness is not for me to decide. I have come to you because I believe that we can beat the Evil but, only with the blessings of the God’s weapons. I have never denied you your proper tribute in all my voyages at sea. In fact on this last one I gave a piece of myself to feed your hungry creatures. I will await your decision."
"Very well Leara, to you I grant the use of my Great Trident. With this gift comes the warning that it will serve the will of the wielder. Furthermore I am binding you with your pledge of acceptance that you will return it when your fight is complete." With those words Poseidon brought forth his trident and planted it in the sand next to Leara.
"Thank you O Great God of the Sea." I offered to Him.
"You have no time to waste here and thanks will be accepted when you return it safely. Be on your way," Poseidon boomed and then vanished into the Sea.
He was right there was no time to waste. I picked up the Trident which was about eight or so feet tall. It retained a glow and was made of a shimmering material harder than steel yet as light as bamboo. I stooped to pick up the salvaged things from the Hut and the bandage on my leg fell off. I check my leg and it is healed. The trip back will be a joy and much faster I follow Montara back to our friends. I am eager to show them our newest gift.
Montara and I arrived back at the camp shortly after the group was finishing up their breakfast. We made a very fast and sucessful trip.
Edited by: Leara at: 9/25/02 3:09:36 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 240
(9/25/02 8:02 pm)
Little Dog We're Not In Athens Any More
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A wound is opened quickly but the healing of it takes time. Treat it, attend to it and most of all protect it and the healing will begin. A crucial component for a return to health is also the desire to be healed. Leara’s physical wounds had been bandaged but the wounds of her spirit were deep and old and had never been cleaned or encouraged to heal. Zena hoped that the healing for this strange Roman woman could begin in the protection of the Amazon tribe. She watched Leara settle in again and sighing put her forehead against the hilt of the divine sword. The sword of Artemis blazed continuously like a fire within an icicle and when Zena drove it into the ground it cut through soil and rock without effort. For a short time she dozed as did the others, but they were all awakened by Phalon’s voice and Little Dog’s growl.
“No, Little Dog! No!” Phalon shouted. There was no time to react, Phalon too was gone with Little Dog. There was no sense of cold or of the rotten smell that had permeated the air when Evergreen, Dante and Black Wolf were taken. Phalon was NOT with the evil and wherever they went Little Dog had had led the way.
“It’s going to be all right.” Zena reassured the remaining friends who looked at her with anxious faces. “I’m certain that they’ve gone for help. Just stay where you are and try to rest, I’ll stand watch until morning.” She pulled out the sword and positioned herself with her back against a tree. “At least,” she thought, “I hope that’s where they are. Oh Evergreen, where are you? This is getting worse and worse. Xendra is off doing some private ritual, Phalon disappeared, and I’m not sure where Leara stands. We have two weapons but what are we fighting?” Zena stepped out from the leafy canopy and looked up at the black star speckled sky. “CAN YOU HEAR ME?” She stood for a moment in the light of the full moon, watching her own shadow in the white light play on the rocks nearby and then she returned to the fire to find Leara gone but a parchment at her bed roll. “I'm going to ask for Poseidon’s Trident. Be back by Noon. Leara" Zena clenched her jaw. “Doesn’t anybody stay in one place anymore?? This is driving me insane!"
But as she promised, Leara returned before noon carrying the biggest trident Zena had ever seen. As she walked into the clearing Zena was struck by her appearance. Not only did she look healthy again she somehow bore a resemblance to Evergreen that Zena had never noticed before. “Now I know I’m beset by the Furies,” Zena thought. “Leara looking like Evergreen, what a crazy thought!”
A low rumbling from the ground announced a god bearing the fourth gift.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:15:41 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 49
(9/25/02 8:13 pm)
Nemesis
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“Where are we?” Phalon asked aloud, looking about the room. Little Dog cocked his head to one side and thumped his tail against the stone floor. “So, you think you know, boy? Tell me because I haven’t a clue.”
“I will tell you”, responded a woman’s voice seeming to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time. Phalon spun around looking for the source of the voice. A tiny speck of light appeared in the room and steadily began to grow bigger and brighter. Just as Phalon thought she could not stand the brightness any longer, the light went out. When Phalon’s eyes readjusted again to the dim torch light, she could make out a figure standing in the shadowy corner of the chamber.
“Who are you?” she asked.
“You do not know?” the voice responded. “No, I don’t suppose that you would. Nor your friends…at least not yet.”
The figure moved away from the shadows and into the center of the room where Phalon stood. Phalon found herself gazing at a woman with such a striking beauty that it rivaled that of only Aphrodite.
“I am Nemesis, daughter of night, Goddess of Divine Justice and Vengeance. I dole out punishment to those both mortal and immortal. Excessive pride, selfishness, absence of moderation and evil deeds are acts which bring forth my retribution.”
“Why am I…uhm…graced with your presence? Why now?”
“You asked a moment ago where you were. You are in a chasm, Phalon, a void between all that is good and all that is evil. The equilibrium on earth that I’ve strived so hard to achieve is about to be shattered. The balance is about to tip. Evil is trying to release itself it all it’s horrific glory on your world, and if that happens all my work is for not. It is up to your Amazon friends to try to stop it. It is up to you to make sure that they do.”
“Me? What can I do?”
Nemesis spread her arm towards the wall in front of them. As she did, a passageway appeared. A hallway with doors on either side that seemed to stretch to infinity was revealed. Hundreds of doors, each closed tight.
“It is your task, Phalon, to find the right doorway. The doorway that will lead to the goodness which all humans possess. Release that Goodness, and Evil will retreat. It will never be completely banished, of course. Just as every human possesses goodness, they also command an evil within them. Proper balance is the key. Keep the evil in check, and the goodness shines through. Keep the scales tipped in moral favor.”
“How will I know which door? What if I choose the wrong one?”
“Trial and error. Use what you know, Phalon. Use your gifts. Before I depart, I have something for you.” A spark of light appeared over Nemesis’ head and grew brighter, just as when the goddess first appeared. When the light dimmed, she reached her hands over her head and plucked a spinning object from the air. She offered the thing to Phalon.
Phalon took it. It was Nemesis’ wheel. A wheel forged of gold with silver spokes.
“It’s a weapon of sorts”, Nemesis explained, noting the puzzled look on Phalon’s face. “It is rumored on Mount Olympus that your group is in need of weapons from the gods. The wheel represents a turning point. Once in motion it has the ability to reverse one’s course of action, the power to change attitude and opinion. Use it wisely, Phalon. Go now. You have much work to do.”
With a flashed of light, the Goddess disappeared.
Phalon stood at the entrance to the hallway, took a deep breath, sighed, and said, “Come on, Little Dog, we’ve got a lot of doors to try.”
Edited by: phalon1 at: 9/25/02 8:19:47 pm
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 43
(9/26/02 4:33 pm)
Essences of the 12
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Xendra sat at the waters edge lost in silent resolve. Xendra knew she must continue the ritual even though many of the ones she would have to call upon were not Amazons or no longer present with the tribe.
After Xendra had spent many hours thinking about each persons abilties and virtures, she finally had a suitable description for each. Xendra took a final cleasing breath, it was time to ready the henna mixture.
Xendra prayed to the Gods as she silenlty mixed the henna, all that was left to do as apply it to her body.
Xendra grabbed her right foot and began with the littlest toe and the littlest member with the biggest heart..Little Gabbyfan. Xendra shuddered with the knowledge of what pure evil could do to pure innocece.
Xendra whispered into the night air, "Give me remebrance of this virture, so I may call on the essence of Gabbyfan in the evil days to come.
With a quick swoosh of the brush was the Greek symbol for Innocence, but Xendra not willing to take chance turned her foot and tatooed the symbol in Japanese on the bottom of her foot.
Xendra repeated the prayer and the process adding each person's name and essence to her toes.
Little Gabbyfan- Innocence
Zena- Trustworthy
Evergreen-Loyal
Puella-Self-less
LS -Honorable
Saxy-Commanding
Phalon-Enlightened
Joxie-Valiant
Black Wolf-Faithful
Leara-Dutiful
To make the 12 symbols match the number of Olympian Gods, Xendra tatooed upon her heart the Greek name and symbol of love. Underneath the symbol she tatooed the names of her three daughters .
Upon her right breast she wrote the words for the greater good... Sacrifice. Underneath she tatooed the names in her lineage including her own name...Xendra
As she tattoed the last stroke upon her breast up rose out of the water a messenger from Zeus himself.. IRIS 1.
QGrrlPower
Registered Member
Posts: 553
(9/27/02 2:23 pm)
Campfire sights
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I sat amid my family at the campfire. So much has happened since I left the hut in search for answers. My hand finds it’s way to my necklace that is now permanently attached around my neck. I have attempted to remove it numerous times throughout the night… each time I failed. Excepting the fact that it was now mine for better or worse, I began to slowly rub on the stone between my fingers, exactly as I had always done, ever since I can remember. Remembering the words of Phalon, “Puella, I have an uneasy feeling we are going to need it’s powers before this is over.”
My thoughts were interrupted by the approaching figure of Xendra, stumbling into the campsite. The look on her face was that of worry, and once she saw me amid the rest of the tribe, her body finally gave out as she fell to my feet. I quickly moved forward and checked on my friend. She was asleep it seemed, exhausted by her journey. I stroked her hair as she lay there.
Shortly afterwards Leara made her way into the campsite. I watched as she tried to leave and Zena coaxed her back into the circle. Eyes widening as Zena pulled out the sword of Artemis as she challenged Leara. I listened intently to the words as they spoke. Zena’s words rang so clear in my ears… confirming the reasons why each Amazon and friend here respected the brave warrior. “The evil hates light. It hates warmth, physical or emotional. It’s out there, beyond the firelight waiting for you. It tempts you the most clever way possible; with your own demons! It will take what you fear and twist it for it’s own purposes.” I must be wary for what she speaks is the truth… I must contain the demons within or find a way to release these fears, or it can put everyone in danger, not just myself.
Then suddenly the appearance of Apollo’s silver bow and golden arrow. A gift bestowed upon the newest member of our band of warriors, Amara. She took the weapon with confidence and wielded it as if it were an extension of her. I nod in amazement the sight of such enormous power, I then swatted my arm as a mosquito bit me. Looking down I notice Xendra is awake, I smile and teased, “So you decided to wake up there sleepyhead.” We talked for a few moments, yet she seemed very distant, not like herself. She must be angry that I left the way I did back at the hut. Wanting to give her the time she needed to work through her feelings I lay back and fall asleep with my back to the fire. I awoke by the sound of Phalon and the growls of little dog as he pulled her into what looked to be a doorway. Leading where I did not know. Looking around I find that Xendra is missing, has she been pulled into the same doorway as Phalon and little dog?
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:16:42 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 253
(9/30/02 7:11 pm)
Re: What in Hades.....
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For a few moments they all gaped at the huge trident in Leara’s hand. “That thing is big enough to spear Poseidon himself! Are you going fishing with it?”, Gabby asked. Before Leara could answer, a low rumbling from the ground announced a god bearing the fourth gift.
The ground trembled and they fought to stay on their feet, at the same time looking around frantically for the source of the sound. All at once, a huge hole was blown through the earth and from the steam and bits of stone stepped Hades, god of the underworld. His red velvet cloak swirled about him and the silver crown on his head gave off a glow like moonlight. In his hand he held a golden helmet which he held out toward the group. His manner was cold and he spoke quickly as if the words he said were unpleasant to him.
“It is not my way to give a gift to any mortal for you are all subservient to me. I have agreed to the coaxings of Artemis to lend you, for a short time, a weapon which may help you defeat this common enemy that Olympus and mankind face together. Who will take the helmet of invisibility and the responsibility that surrounds it?”
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 45
(10/1/02 8:35 pm)
The Things You Fear
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{the things you fear are undefeatable}
{not by their nature, but by your approach-Jewel}
The blackness was beginning to take its poundage with Evergreen. Not knowing which way was up or down, neither to the right nor to the left, front or back, the mind began to slowly implode. A small seed of fear had germinated. It was easy to loose that which gave boundaries to thoughts when structure is lost.
Blackwolf no longer heard Evergreen. No more sharp quips, no more songs, no platitudes about defeating things from without or from within. Just silence.
“Evergreen?...are you still there?” “Answer me…please…say…something…anything.”
Only the wind whistling through the catacombs of Blackwolf’s mind began to respond. They blew a sound of rushing thoughts, but no words from Evergreen.
Then softly…”Blackwolf...I hear ya… I think we are in trouble…I…”
And the silence returned.
“Don’t touch me...ya hear me…go away.” The words were Evergreen’s, but spoken with defeat.
“Evergreen...don’t give in to this...fight it!”
“Blackwolf?” “Yea…”
“Ever been afraid…truly afraid…deep inside?”
“Sure, we all are about something, sometime…why do you ask?”
“I dunno know…its…just…”
“What Evergreen…what are you trying to say…?”
“Ever been afraid of losing your soul…your spirit…your meaning for what you do?”
“No…can’t say that I have ever felt that way…do you fear that now…I mean for yourself and all…?”
“Yea…think so…”
“Blackwolf?”…
“Yea”…
“Hear that?”…
“Nah…don’t hear anything.”
Evergreen listened intently. “There!”, she whispered, “that voice, its calling…” *My mind is being deceitful…it is the Darkness taunting me again…go on...take me if that will shut ya up.*
A warmth began radiating in the darkness…it began as a small cluster of gold and silver starburst…small suns and moons soon began to swirl and bounce off the darkness…the lights converged forming a sword. And with an unseen hand, the sword rose in the air and came crashing down on chained hands and legs. Evergreen and Blackwolf’s bonds fell to the floor with an echoing clank.
“Move quickly…follow your hearts and they will lead you to the doors of light.”
Evergreen stood motionless. A hand reached out from the darkness digging into her arm.
“Now Evergreen!... you are coming with me… now!” And without seeing, Blackwolf and Evergreen ran into the blackness.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 10/1/02 8:38:04 pm
gabbyfan4ever
Registered Member
Posts: 39
(10/1/02 10:10 pm)
haha, you can't see me....
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Gabby stared in awe at the massive trident that was before her. It was easily taller than herself. Letting her imagination get away with her, gabby pictured all the fish you could catch with something that big.
"Are you going fishing with that?" she asked Leara.
But before she had a chance to hear the answer, Gabby saw standing before her the god of the underworld, Hades himself. And with him he carried the helmet of invisibility, which he offered for someone in the group to take as his gift.
Little Gabby couldn't even imagine looking Hades straight in the face at that moment, much less accepting such a powerful tool. However, the little Amazon knew her own strengths. Many times her small stature had saved her life by making her inconspicuous to her enemies. She knew having this weapon would be invaluable in the fight to save her friends, her sisters. She would have to take the gift, and the responsibilty that came with it.
Summoning up every ounce of courage she had, Gabby raised her face up, and took a step forward.
"iiif.... IF you will it great Hades, I will accept this gift to help fight against the evil we now face."
Hades replied, " You little one? Do you think you can handle just a powerful weapon?"
"If it will help save my sisters, and everything that is good, I am willing to handle anything."
Hades' face relaxed only slightly and he gently replied, "Very well little one, you have showed me your love and compassion is strong, and these will help you in your fight. You may use the helmet."
The great god of the underworld handed the precious helmet over to Litte Gabby before disappearing just as quickly as he had come.
As Gabby stood tall with her weapon, she prayed silently that she would have the strength to help her sisters.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 18:17:48 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 256
(10/2/02 5:48 am)
All You Have To Fear Is Fear Itself
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It had been a day and a half since Evergreen and then Black Wolf had disappeared. A half day had passed since Phalon and Little Dog had vaporized. Xendra had not returned from wherever she had gone and even though they were nearly fully armed with the divine weapons, no one really had spoken of a plan.
Zena watched Gabby reach for Hades helmet with relief. It was a passive weapon and not likely to pull Gabby into danger. If anything, it would keep the little warrior hidden and safe and Gabby’s contribution might be on the fringes of the battle. Puella still did not have a gift and Zena mulled over who might appear soon to complete the arsenal. Haephestos? Discord? Aphrodite?
The sisters whiled away the morning hours testing their weapons and struggling to control them. Leara was spearing huge logs and with an overhand toss launching them into the ocean, a mile away. To the side of the temple, Amara had set up a target and was practicing with the bow of Apollo. Her problem was that each arrow sliced straight through the stone walls and she was growing tired from having to run around the building and get the arrow back! Gabby delighted in startling her mother by taking Hades helmet on and off and popping up beside Zena and then quickly disappearing again. After the third pop Zena held up her hand and said “Enough!” and went to think a little distance from the group.
Once again she spoke to the air, hoping she was heard in a place she could not see. “EVERGREEN! Can you hear me? I won’t leave you. I promise. We WILL meet again!"
She stood defiantly; legs firmly planted, head thrown back, with the sword of Artemis held up to the clouds. It was noon and the sky darkened as if a storm was coming but the magnitude of the darkness was far more deep than any storm or regular night could bring. It enveloped everything. The cold and the awful smell returned and Zena trembling called for her sisters. “A....A...Amazons? Sisters? Where are you?” In the silent darkness she saw only the burning light of the sword of Artemis. It filled her with a purpose, a target. She reached back behind her and swinging the sword over her head with all her strength and giving a mighty yell, struck downward. Sparks flew and in the fragments of light for just a second the familiar form of Evergreen was highlighted. Zena reached out with her left hand and pulled screaming, ““Now Evergreen!... you are coming with me… now!” There was movement with the pull but then what had been solid flesh again dematerialized. The darkness vanished and Zena fell to the ground exhausted but still holding tight to the sword and to the image of her friend.
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 10/2/02 5:55:32 am
QGrrlPower
Registered Member
Posts: 577
(10/4/02 12:58 am)
Puella's gift from the gods...
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I watched as Gabbyfan received the helmet of invisibility. Thankful that she was in possession of a weapon which is defensive as well as one full of the power of stealth and surprise, for I know nothing of the enemy we are to face, only that whatever or whomever it is has given off a continuous essence of dread, anger and hate. It can only be described as a true feeling of pure darkness, as I look into the eyes of the warriors surrounding me, I see they all sense the same thing…this power that has taken Evergreen and Blackwolf must be stopped at all cost. We must retrieve our friends from the place in which they have been isolated and held captive.
Slowly I look around for any sign of Xendra… She has disappeared it seems. This is not like her, never have I seen her walk away from a fight. Especially one in which her tribe is in danger. I am certain there is something wrong. I can only hope that she has not decided to go off on her own to battle this darkness alone. She must know that this battle must be faced together if we are to be victorious.
A sudden sense of dread overcame my body…oh my, that is it…she has done exactly that. What can she possibly think she can do alone, that cannot be accomplished swifter and in a more powerful way as a tribe? I turn towards the rim of the campsite and look to the sky. Where are you Xendra? Please do nothing so foolish.
As I look I sense a presence among us…a power. I turn around to find Ares to my back. He looks to me and laughs. “I hear that you mortals are having a little trouble here. My fellow Gods have be kind enough to offer you gifts in which to use in this battle for your lives. I have come to offer my sword…the true sword of a warrior, all the other trinkets that have been given to assist you are just that, trinkets…Now this sword, it is power in itself, and in the right hands, all enemies will be defeated!” I look at the god of war in amazement. “Why are you here? Why would you offer to help me now? Many days as a Roman slave I prayed to you, asking for the strength in battle. Where were you then? Besides, you relish the thought of us mortals fighting to extinction.” He laughed as he turned the sword handle towards me. “Yet look at you now…standing here before me a warrior. The battles you have fought alone have only strengthened you. Made you into who you are…who you are destined to be. Besides, what fun would it be to watch the battle end before it gets any good? With this I will at least be entertained. Take it if you feel you are strong enough to wield it!” With that said I opened my hand and took the handle into my palm…the power it contained was awe inspiring…in my hands I felt invincible…
Edited by: QGrrlPower at: 10/5/02 9:03:16 am
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:35:25 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 55
(10/4/02 8:46 pm)
Messenger from Zeus
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Xendra sat there mesmerized as the figure of Iris1 arose up out of the waters. The etheral figure spoke with a deep authoratative voice; commanding Xendra's full attention..
"I am Iris1, personal messenger of Zeus.
The Supreme God over all the Olympian Gods who rule and reign from Mount Olympus, has sent me to YOU ...
Xendra bowed and prostrated herself as the figure continued to speak,
"Zeus desires to know what you and your Sisters intend to do to fight against this spreading evil."
Xendra answered, "I cannot speak for my sisters as to what they plan to do.
As for me, Zeus and all the other Gods know that I am to give myself over at the height of the full moon."
Iris1 grabbed Xendra by the arm and said," Xendra can it be you are Afraid?
Why are you not willing to fight this Evil long with your sisters. Do you not want to them to succeed? Don't you want save yourself or your sisters?"
Angry tears filled Xendra's eyes, "I am doing what I can to defeat this prescence. No one knows the torment I am already going through.
Don't you yet know it is not by might or power that this evil will be defeated but rather by goodness, light and love?!
If I thought for even a moment that we could defeat this EVIL by physical battle, I would be the first one on the front lines.
I have faced this Evil before, when it was less powerful.. .I know I cannot tell you my plans... but just know that everthing I do, I intend to be for the greater good."
Iris quietly asked "What is your intention ? To take on Evil alone..there is not a God on Olympus willing to do that!! What makes you think you are able?"
Xendra bitterly answered," I never said I could take on or defeat Evil alone!! It will take a collective effort to outwit and defeat this Evil. I merely will offer away in order to defeat this unknown Evil..."
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/5/02 4:10:43 pm
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 58
(10/6/02 8:18 am)
The chains that bind...
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Iris sized Xendra up and pulled from her robes a set of magificent chains unlike Xendra had ever seen. Iris held them outstreched for Xendra to take. "These are from Zeus himself, they are chains forged by Hephetues, they are of the same strength and grade as the chains that once held Promethus bound.. they are yours to use..use them wisely."
Xendra reached out and touched the chains and then quickly withdrew her hands. " No, I can't take these...I will only end up using them for Evil purposes. The only weapons I want is this staff Puella made me and the love that I have inside of me for my sisters...Please take these chains to my sisters, they will know how to use them.. .when the time comes."
Iris nodded and carefully returned the chains to their hiding place...then with a slight tilt of her head Iris asked,"How may we help You?"
Xendra pondered,"Is it true that you can appear to anyone as any one of their loved ones?"
Iris nodded ,"Yes that is one of the gifts Zeus has bestowed upon me."
Xendra smiled. " I need you to appear to my sisters as me for a little bit. Perhaps we can confuse the Evil long enough so that I can write my sisters some much needed instuctions and a goodbye to Puella.. just in case..
When I am finished I will also have a scroll for you to deliver to the Olympian Gods.
May I ask one more favor of you?"
Iris stood there silently for a moment and then solemnly nodded "Yes."
"I know that once I turn Evil I will be forced to torture and torment those I love most. I have no desire to hurt them or to break them.When I am doing my worst to them I want you to appear to them as someone they care for and love.. but do not let me have the abilty to see your visits to them...please!
I know I will not be able to completely break them if they can hold on to some measure of love...
Iris spoke "It shall be done but be warned I cannot visit those he already has, those you will have all power and dominion over."
Xendra nodded ,"I understand. How I wish I could be with them to spent this last full evening together...I will try to get back there myself by morning's light. Please watch over them as I would until I can get there."
Iris looked at Xendra and warned her,"Xendra you are embarking ion a dangerous path that you may not be able to return from.You have no idea what the Fates and the Furies are capable of. Are you sure you want to do this?"
Xendra tearfully nodded "Yes."
Iris then said, "When you reach the edge of camp just whisper my name and I will come . I wish you much luck with your plans."
With a *poof* she was gone and in her place were left three scrolls made of the finest parchment and a gorgeous inwell and a peacock's feather to write with.
Xendra sat down as she began to write tears came streaming from her eyes, and fell upon the parchment leaving indelible watermarks.
Xendra prayed with all her heart that the words she was writting would be of use in the days to come.Only time could tell...
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/7/02 8:43:03 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 266
(10/6/02 8:23 pm)
Re: By the gods........
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“Hello. I’m home. HELLO!!” The stone halls echoed with the call.
“Don’t shout brother. I have divine hearing after all.”
“Well you could answer me when I come in Athena. You owe your loving brother that much.”
Athena smirked at the use of the word "loving" and reached for a goblet of wine as she stepped out from behind a column.
“Where is everyone anyway. It’s not like the great halls of Olympus to be so empty. Where’s the party? Where’s Dad? Out chasing human women?”
“Like father. Like son.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I saw you give your sword away. Did you think that could really help, or were you just flirting?”
Ares sat on Zeus' throne and put his feet up on the great arms. “She’s got spunk that one. You never know, she just might do it.”
“Get off the throne Ares, before Zeus comes back. You should be more worried than you are. Humans are no match for this.....this thing. They can only feed it for awhile and then it will still come to Olympus.”
“Oh lighten up Sis. We’ve been in worse situations. It’s not the twilight yet.”
Athena drained her cup and set it down on the table with a sharp crack. “Don’t be so sure. By the way, where is Aphrodite? She’s been gone a long time.”
Ares shrugged. “Out of sight, out of mind.”
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 10/7/02 5:44:17 am
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:36:37 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 85
(10/6/02 9:53 pm)
Behind Door Number One
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“So, Little Dog, are you ready?” Phalon asked, entering the long hallway. She shivered, not sure whether it was because the temperature was actually colder here than in the other room, or if it were her imagination. “Well, I guess this first door is as good a place to start as any.”
She placed her hand on the large, heavy iron handle and pulled. The door opened revealing a small clearing in the forest. Phalon tried to enter, but could not. It was as if there were an invisible wall separating the place Phalon was and the place beyond the doorway.
Phalon heard a girl’s voice softly humming, but could not see the source from which it was coming. Suddenly, Little Gabbyfan just…appeared out of nowhere. In her hand she held a heavy ornate helmet. Hades Helmet of Invisibility. How did Little Gabbyfan come by that, Phalon wondered. Must be the say way that I came to have Nemesis’ wheel, she thought. Weapons borrowed from the Gods to fight this Evil about to be unleashed upon the world.
“Gabbyfan! Over here!” Phalon’s calls were in vain. Just as she could not enter the doorway, she could not be heard or seen by those on the other side.
Phalon watched as Little Gabbyfan began to collect firewood. She paused, hearing something approaching the clearing. Gabbyfan reached down slowly, quietly and picked up a long, solid stick to use in place of her staff should the need arise. Phalon watched her stiffen as the sounds came closer, then relax slightly as she recognized who was coming. Only slightly. Phalon could sense that Little Gabbyfan’s guard was still present. When Phalon saw who entered the clearing, she understood why.
Dante! How did he get here? And more importantly, what was he doing here?
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 67
(10/7/02 7:32 am)
A letter to her Sisters
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Xendra agonized over each word being painfully aware that evil could be out there lurking and reading...gaining insights to her plans.
My dearest Sisters-
I wish with all my heart I could be with you during this conflict. We face an opponent like none other we have ever faced .It has taken too many loved ones from our prescence already.I cannot sit idle and watch more of you whom I love be lost to this Evil.
I have reluctantly agreed to join Evil's army in order to spare and protect those of you left...
Please, Do Not try to prevent my transformation...it must occur.. there is sadly no other way..for Evil seeks not the physical body, it seeks to posses your Mortal souls.
With my knowledge of this Evil, I am sure my Amazon skills and of course,my knowledge of each of you, will be used against you.
Guard your hearts and minds well, my sisters.
Be warned,Everthing about you, will become a weapon in Evils hands...in My hands!!
Your thoughts , your feelings, your fears, your dreams ,your present and your past..will all be used to destroy you and who you are.
Past misdeeds, wrong doings,and regrets will march again before your very eyes filling you with anguish, fear, torment regret and remorse like you have never known.
*Remember though, the past is a double edge sword.. it can be an ally or an enemy it is your choice .
Sadly, those who fail to learn from the past are Doomed to repeat it. As a nation we have seldom failed to Learn from the Past*let's not do so now.
Abide in love and peace my friends... I shall try to remember the goodness and light that each of you brought to my life and our tribe...
Please, try if you can, try to remember me as I was and as I wish to be ....a loyal member and servant of the Amazon Nation and it's sisters and not as the evil monster I am likely to become.
I pray in the name of Artemis that soon we shall all be delivered from this EVIL and be restored to our once peace loving ways.
Remember my friends,as always we fight for the Greater good not ourselves.
Love always,
Xendra
Xendra then began to write the second scroll...
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/7/02 9:01:03 pm
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 68
(10/7/02 10:52 am)
A letter to Puella
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Xendra sat there frozen with feather poised to write. The totality of her sacrifice finally becoming real she sat awashed in a myraid of emotions, tears streaming down her face, knowing this would be the good bye she swore she'd never make.
Xendra's mind questioned how would things between her and Puella could ever be the same once she surrendered herself to Evil....the only reasonable answer was it could not.Not only did she have to sacrifice her soul to this darkness but the only eternal bond she had left on earth.
Xendra whispered tearfully into the night air..." I will never truly leave you Puella."
Xendra swallowed hard and was about to write when she heard a delighted evil snicker coming from the woods behind her.
Xendra straightened her back,and took a deep intake of breath..she was not going to let Evil witness her pain.
Dearest Puella,
I swore to you that I would never leave you , that not even death could separate us and for the person that I am in this moment it remains true for all eternity.
However my dearest friend, I have made an agreement with the Evil entity so that you or any of the others will Not be taken.
Tommorrow at the height of the full moon,I will enter into darkness and become a warrior of Evil . I carry you and my other sisters in my heart and I pray that it is enough to keep me from going evil entirely.
I have made agreements and plans that I cannot yet tell you of...but in time you will have a visitor who will guide you.
I also want the tribe to accept the chains Zeus's messenger offers.. but do not let me know where they or any of the gifts of the Gods reside for I would be forced to use them against you.
I know that there is going to come a time I the distant future that I am going to be called upon to hurt or kill you and all those we hold dear.I want you to take me on .. you are the only one capable of having a chance at defeating me or killing me.
Take my staff , let it remind you of the freindship and love we once shared...perhaps if we mange to prevail and come out alive you can someday return it to me..maybe.
Be strong my friend and know that I only leave you in the hopes that I can save you. remember love covers a multitude of sins... I hope my transgressions in the future do not outnumber or outlast the love and care we once shared.
I wish you a life of goodness,love, light and happiness.
Good luck my friend
Always and forever ,
Xendra
Xendra carefully rolled the parchment around her staff,that Puella had made her.
Xendra gently stroked the staff before she laid it in the ground and encased it in mud.. making sure it was not visible to the naked eye. One would have to physically touch it to find it...
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/7/02 11:07:03 am
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:37:43 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 69
(10/7/02 12:14 pm)
A Letter for The Olympian Gods
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Dear Zeus and the Olympian Gods
I humbly write to you in hopes of circumventing the Evil entity that stalks us all'
Unlike my sisters, I have faced this Evil before, but I sense it has increased it's power and it's knowledge ten fold.
I fear that this power will only continue to increase and that it will be a threat to Gods and mortals alike.
Seeing that you are bringing forth gifts, I think my senses were correct.
As you know soon I will give myself over to the Evil one. I humbly remind you of the deals we have made.I ask you to honor my requests as it may serve to save your very lives as well.
I do have a special request to ask, You know my friend Puella.. I ask that you protect her at all cost. I would think the Gods would have a vested interest with a warrior of such lineage as Puella"s. Puella should not perish from the earth because of my actions, for hers is of a noble parentage and future.
You must be be prepared, for if I and the evil forces reach the gates of Mount Olympus, it will mean that the Evil one has the ways and means to destroy you all.
Watch over me carefully for I will unknowingly show you the ways of the evil one.
I have decided upon the souls to be returned to life,Solaria, Hippolyota and Vasca , my three daughters and every woman from my lineage. What greater foe could I face than someone I loved and who loved me.
Bring them forth prior to my transformation but do not let me see them, other wise I may learn the path way to Mount Olympus...they will serve their purpose in time...
humbly yours,
Xendra
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/7/02 8:32:47 pm
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 91
(10/7/02 8:09 pm)
Behind Door Number One (Part II)
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“Dante!” Phalon said aloud. A low growl came from Little Dog standing beside her.
Dante rushed into the clearing. Out of breath, he sputtered, “Little Gabbyfan, there is trouble. Terrible things are about to happen, unless I have your help.” Phalon could see something was not quite right with Dante. He was, of course, not to be trusted. This was different though, something about him seemed….stiff. It was as if he were a shell of his former nasty self, and something which was not entirely his own being filled him. Something much worse than the opportunistic fortune seeker that he was.
“Unless you have my help? Why ever should I want to help YOU?” Gabbyfan replied.
“Good for you, Gabbyfan. Don’t trust him”, Phalon uttered.
“It’s Evergreen. She’s gone over to the Dark Side. She’s let Evil into her soul and it has taken over. Evergreen means to do Zena great harm”, Dante explained.
“Evergreen? Hurt Zena? No, never! That would never happen. Evergreen loves Zena. She would never to anything to harm her.”
“No? Think about their last encounter. Think about what happened before that playful apple fight. Wasn’t it Evergreen that caused Zena to run off? Wasn’t it because Evergreen hurt Zena? I’m speaking the truth, Gabbyfan. You must help me.”
“Don’t listen to him, Gabbyfan! He’s lying! He’s trying to trick you.”
“But, they made up. Evergreen apologized.”
“Listen, Gabbyfan. I know. I was there. Evil has gotten to Evergreen. She’s not the person she once was. I SAW. Evil took me too, but I managed to escape. Evergreen put up a fight, but IT was too strong. She’s gone, Gabbyfan. The Evergreen you knew, the Evergreen that loved Zena is gone. This new Evergreen is evil and is hell bent on trying to destroy everything she once loved. That includes Zena…and possibly you too. We must stop her. We must destroy her before she comes for Zena.”
“I will not let anything happen to my mother. I will not lose Zena again!”
“Then help me, Gabbyfan. We can use that helmet to get to her before she even realizes what is happening. Help me, and we will save your mother!”
“NO! Little Gabbyfan, NO!” Phalon screamed but no one but Little Dog heard.
Dante held out his hand. Hesitantly, Little Gabbyfan took it. Phalon saw the sly grin that spread across Dante’s face and her heart sank. The gleam in Dante’s eyes was a dull amber glow. Nobody saw but Phalon. Only Phalon saw Gabbyfan put on the helmet from Hades and take Dante’s hand. Together they disappeared.
The door slammed shut in Phalon’s face.
Edited by: phalon1 at: 10/7/02 8:12:57 pm
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 47
(10/8/02 4:50 am)
None So Blind That Cannot See
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There is something to be said for running blindly into the darkness. At least you cannot see what you are about to crash into headlong. (((Kaaawhump!)))
Evergreen saw white sparks fly as she reeled backward from coming into intimate contact with something a lot harder than her head. She could hear the sound’s of Black Wolf’s foot steps continuing her run, but then slowly fading from her consciousness.
“Oww…by the gods…by Artemis’ sword …” Evergreen laid flat on her back contemplating her next decision very carefully. How easy would it be to give in to that which was lulling her into the other side and away from goodness, away from the light. She was tired and the desire to sleep was a temptress.
The quite was deafening. Evergreen could once again hear the beating of her own heart and the blood rushing through her veins. Sounds of life. *Sounds of a door opening and scraping shut?*…*a dog barking?*
There was a scent in the air…*spice?, cloves?* Evergreen associated the faint smell with Phalon.
And the dog? *Maybe he had heard after all!* *Nah, must have been the blow to this granite head of mine*
Evergreen’s thoughts turned to those she loved. She feared that they would never meet again on this side of the River of Lamentations. She feared she would pass from this world without her fare being paid for the journey and would be denied access to the other side. Thoughts turned to Zena and their travels together.
As she thought it, Evergreen saw it! She saw the tender exchange by the creek; watched herself laughing after she had tricked the young Roman into thinking he had killed her; saw a not amused Zena pulling her from Whisperer and pinning her shoulders to the ground making her swear not to feign death again.
Evergreen saw the eyes of two friends lock and never waiver as one friend drew back a tension bow sending a green and gold feathered arrow into her chest, *Ahhh!*cried Evergreen, and living the pain again, clutched her tunic in the darkness.
She saw the great Roman -Amazon battle; the campfire surrounded by friends, and she saw Zena sitting shoulder to shoulder with her on the forest floor in the cool of a night. Evergreen saw this beloved friend gaze to the night sky as a bright white star shot the entire length of the horizon.
As the images went clicking through Evergreen’s mind, their clarity grew. And as the scenes sharpened, the darkness began to slip away like melted candle wax.
Evergreen sat up finding herself in a long hall with many doors. A familiar form jumped on her chest wiggling with unbridled excitement. “Little Dog?”
Evergreen heard footfalls, closed her eyes and turned away from the sound fearing the master of the dark was again taunting her soul.
“Evergreen?”
Dark brown eyes flew open at the familiar voice…”Phalon!”
"It is What it Is"
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:38:49 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 100
(10/8/02 9:29 pm)
Choices
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“NO!” cried Phalon as the door slammed shut in her face. “Gabbyfan!” She tied to yank it back open, but to no avail. The door would not budge.
Phalon turned her back to the door and sank down to the cold stone floor with her head in her hands. As she came in contact with the floor she heard a metallic “CLANK”. Phalon looked down and saw the source of the sound. Nemesis’ wheel hit the stone floor as she sat. Phalon unhooked it from the place on her belt where her pouch usually hung. She brought it up in front of her face and stared at the circle of gold and silver. It felt cold and heavy in her hands. “The wheel represents a turning point. Once in motion it has the ability to reverse one’s course of action, the power to change attitude and opinion. Use it wisely…”
Phalon remembered Nemesis’ words and wondered if this was the time. Should she set the wheel spinning and reverse the exchange she just witnessed between Gabbyfan and Dante? Would that be using the wheel wisely? How was she to know? What should she do?
“Somebody help me!” Phalon screamed.
“I am here, Phalon.” A voice in her head. The Old Guardian of the Necklace. “I did not abandon you, Phalon. It does not matter that Puella has the necklace back. You are still its’ guardian. You are still tasked with the duty of watching over it, just as I am here to watch over you. It’s a circle, Phalon, just has the wheel you hold within your hand. There is no end or beginning, it will continue on infinitely. The players may change, but the circle remains.
Life is a circle too, Phalon. Birth, death and then rebirth. A series of events ending as it began. It goes on forever. Good will triumph over Evil. It always has, eventually. It has to, or the circle will be broken. If the circle is broken, life will end.”
“So just what is my part in this circle? Nemesis said I had to find the right door. The door containing the light of goodness. How many doors am I to open, only to find some horror revealed on the other side? How many of my friends and family am I to see taken over by this Evil before I find the right door? IF I find the right door.”
“You will find it, Phalon. Don’t just look behind the doors. SEE what’s beyond the images behind those doors.” Phalon felt the presence in her head depart. He was gone and she was again alone.
“Great”, she muttered. “Why does everyone have to be so cryptic?” "See what’s beyond the images…", he had said. “Use what you know. Use your gifts…”, Nemesis said. Think, Phalon, think. Use what you know…Just actually what do you know? Do you KNOW what you saw actually happened? No. Do you KNOW it WILL happen? No. Well then, if you don’t know it did or will happen, do you think using the wheel would be wise at this point? No, it wouldn’t.
She felt a tug at her sleeve. Little Dog was growing impatient of standing there while she talked to herself. “Okay, okay. I’m coming.” She looked down the hallway. There were hundreds and hundreds of doors. She’d be here a lifetime at this rate. She obviously didn’t have that long. Lives and souls depended on her completing this task. Perhaps that is what Evil had intended. Maybe it was meant for her to get waylaid. Detained long enough by her emotions for her to fail, detained long enough along the way for Evil to get a stronghold on earth. ‘Use your gifts…SEE what’s beyond the images…’
“Come on, Little Dog. Let’s get moving. We’ve got a mission to complete.”
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 83
(10/10/02 8:25 am)
Mirror Image
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Xendra carefully rolled up the parchment and gathered her things. It was time to return to camp, to spend a few precious hours in the company of those she loved.
As she approached the edge of camp, tears were openly streaming down her face, she tried in vain to regain her composure.
Finally, after many gulps of air she was able to whisper "Iris."
In an insant there stood the mirror image of Xendra.
Iris was in the form of Xendra..Xendra gasped at the sight.
Feeling slightly overcome Xendra fell to the ground..barely able to form a question ,finally she just uttered "Wow""
Iris laughed at the awe struck Xendra. "Xendra, I did as you asked appeared as you to your sisters."
Xendra nodded in amazement."You look like me down to the littlest detail."
Iris nodded in agreement.
Xendra paused and asked," Do you also take on the person's personality or demeanor"
Iris understood "You mean would I appear Evil if I appered as you after tonight?"
"Yes." Xendra whispered.
Iris said," I do not know only the Fates and the Gods know."
Xendra posed another question "If I called upon you without asking access to the Gods,would you come?"
Iris quickly answered," I am in the service of Zeus, not you."
Xendra nodded. Xendra quickly unrolled a piece of the parchment and added..."If I may, I would ask that if my essence hasn't gone totally evil..to have the abilty to call on Iris myself..of course without access to the Gods."
Xendra then rerolled the scroll and handed Iris the scroll for the Gods as well as the scroll for her sisters..Please deliver these as the moon goes full tonight. It is vital they get these.
Iris nodded put the scrolls in the folds of her robes for safe keeping and dissappeared.
Xendra summoned all her courage and walked onto camp. Everything seemed so familar and yet so different the tension and fear in the air was palpable.
Xendra searched to find Puella, she wanted to spend her last remaining hours of goodness by her friends side...
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 275
(10/10/02 8:00 pm)
How much postage to Olympus?
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Iris followed the path through the clouds toward Olympus. It was early afternoon and there was still plenty of timme to deliver both messages before the evening and the moon rose. She floated, and spun and plummeted perilously close to the mountain tops below her, enjoying the sheer freedom of being divine. The burdens of humans were inconsequential to her as they were for the most part to all the Olympians; unless of course their own interests were interwoven with those of a human.
A steak of light shot past her as she was taunting an eagle and she called it back to her side.
“Hermes!”
The tiny beating wings at his ankles and on his silver helmet gave him the appearance of flying with a flock of little white birds. He was a swift and as accurate as an arrow from a bow but always in a hurry and short on the social graces of conversation.
“What?” Hermes zipped back besides Iris.
“What’s new? Where are you going? What’s in the bag?”
“Nothing. Olympus. Prayer petitions. Gotta go.” He shifted the huge bag of scrolls to his other hand and waved.
“Wait!” Iris saw an opportunity to save herself a trip and gain some extra leisure time in the process. They hung in the air face to face and she held out Xendra’s scroll to Olympus.
“Can you take this for me? It’s a petition to all the Gods from a devotee in Greece.”
“Nope.” He went into a crouch to spring forward and continue his journey.
“WAIT! Why not? Your the scroll carrier for Olympus aren’t you? Isn’t that your job?”
“Yep. In a hurry. These are priority. Have to be there overnight. Petitioners pay extra dinars to the priests for this.”
“Well, so did Xendra,” Iris lied. “You have to include this scroll with the others or I’ll tell Zeus that you left it behind and he’ll clip your wings again.”
“Snitch. Give it here.” Hermes stuffed Xendra’s scroll into his bag and left Iris far behind within a second. She put her hands behind her head and hummed softly to herself as she relaxed in a cloud bank.
Hermes arrived at Olympus and went to the Great Hall where all the gods gathered daily. He hefted the bag of scrolls up onto the table beside the empty cup left by Athena, and looked around. “Scrolls! Scroll call! Read your petitions here!” The hall was empty and his voice echoed into eternity. Hermes was already a foot or two off the stone floor in anticipation of leaving and when he didn’t get a response he simply shot out of one windows and back toward the earth. “No time to wait. They’ll find ‘em,” he thought. The turbulance he caused in the air knocked the scrollbag over and several of the scrolls rolled out and onto the floor. Xendra’s scroll fell out first, having been the last in, and came to rest out of sight, under the throne of Zeus.
Silence fell on Olympus.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:40:03 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 99
(10/12/02 7:44 am)
The hour is approaching
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It was just before dawn when Xendra slipped back into camp, she looked and found Puella tossing and turning in a restless sleep. Xendra stared lovingly at her friend and laid as close as she dared , not wanting to wake Puella.
Xendra laid there studying Puella,closing her eyes occassionally to imbed the images in her head.. she did not want to forget...especially Puella.
As Puella slept Xendra fought within herself whether or not to tell Puella. If telling her wouldn't put her life and soul in jeporday there would be no question but as it was Xendra could see no other way to keep her friend safe..so she remained silent.
As the sun came peeking through the trees Xendra could hear the stirrings of her sisters..Xendra wondered if she would ever hear those sweet sounds again.
Xendra gathered her bedroll and packed her gear as Puella remained in agonized slumber. Xendra then added wood to the fire and began cooking breakfast.
The smell of food awoke Puella, she walked over to Xendra and jokingly said" You walk away from camp without a word and now your cooking breakfast..what is wrong with you?" Who are you and what have you done with Xendra?"
Xendra laughed heartily on the outside, but inwardly she thought "Oh Puella my friend, you are so close tommorrow you will be asking those same questions in earnest."
Xendra then served the two of them breakfast. Xendra did not have much of an appetite but happily watched as Puella devoured her meal.
After cleaning up after the meal they went down to the creek to bath. Xendra led the way being careful to go near the hidden staff but not over it..it was not yet time for Puella to find it yet..
Bathing in the creek was more than likely going to be there last moments of truly being alone. Xendra's heart was full of things to say and share . She intended to pour out her heart when suddenly...SPLASH!
Puella stood there playfully splashing Xendra , egging her on.
Xendra grinned and splashed back, Puella shreiked in mock horror. back and forth they chased each other in the water, laughing and giggling the whole time.
As Puella dived under the water Xendra wistfully looked where she dove and whispered," I love you my friend , I will miss you"
The words weren't even out of her mouth when she was being hoisted in to the air and dropped by Puella. With a Splash Xendra hit the water, she came up sputtering and grinning.."So thats how you want to play huh? Xendra gave chase to Puella who laughed and taunted with every step.
Xendra finally caught Puella and had her in her arms. xendra held Puella there for just a second and then gave her a massive bear hug and then lunged the two of them forward into the water. They came up out of the water smiling and laughing. Puella looked over and said" I wish life could always be this fun and simple."
Xendra turned slightly as she said,"So do I my friend so do I."
Puella stood up and began to walk out of the water, "Come on playtime is over we have to join our sisters and figure out how to fight this Evil."
Xendra nodded sadly and came upon the shore as she did so she noticed the Sword of Ares laid amongst Puella's gear...unguarded.
Xendra had a nervous flash go through her...it was knowledge that could endanger all of them..Xendra knew her Evil self would use that sword for Dark purposes. Xendra pointed to the sword " I don't think Ares would apreciate you leaving his sword unguarded."
Puella feeling embarassed and guilty snapped, 'It 's safe it's just you and me, Who's gong to take it? You?"
Xendra winced at the words,"I just meant with Evil lurking around anything is possible ..just be careful ..Please."
Puella reluctantly nodded and then said," Come on let's go join the others, we are already late.."
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/12/02 9:48:58 am
QGrrlPower
Registered Member
Posts: 616
(10/12/02 12:02 pm)
What is Xendra up to?
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I lay asleep on my bedroll, Ares sword at my side…Visions of the untold evil we are about to face flood my mind. Tossing from one side to the next, attempting to solve the riddles in my head…something is calling to me…a faint smell that of fire and spices…mmm. I breathe deeply and awake from my slumber. “Oooh breakfast!”
Who could be preparing such a meal? I had not realized how hungry I was until the smells invaded my senses. I look to the fire and see Xendra, slouched over and stirring. Such a wonderful sight to see my old friend, but she does not seem herself. Quietly I walk behind her and tease, “You walk away from camp without a word and now you are cooking breakfast…what is wrong with you? Who are you and what have you done with Xendra?” The laugher that emanated from my friend was a welcome sound. In these times of stress we must find times to just let go and laugh.
I gratefully ate my meal and then went down to the creek to clean up. Trying to take my mind off the visions in my head. I cannot shake this feeling of dread. This battle will be intense and the thought of losing a sister to this presence. I know that Xendra has a plan, but what is it…she is so secretive, not like her, maybe if I play here with her I can get her to talk…get her to tell me what it is she is up to.
Running back and forth, splashing and diving in then raising Xendra up and into the water…Slowly she began to loosen up, slowly I could see her face relax. What clues can I get from these reactions what is she up to. She hugged me close, it felt like she was trying to say in one touch how she felt…it was a hug goodbye…I have felt this may times before. Instantly I walk out of the water…"Come on playtime is over we have to join our sisters and figure out how to fight this Evil." Xendra nodded and followed.
I noticed as she stared at the sword of Ares as it lay on the shore. She commented on it being left unguarded and I looked at her uneasy…what is she trying to say that it is not safe here with just us? To her comment I replied, 'It 's safe it's just you and me, Who's gong to take it? You?" The reaction on her face, told me a volumes…hmmm so she is plotting something big, and not trusting herself.
We walked back to the campsite and met with our sisters. Everyone was gathering their things and discussing the situation. I walk up to Zena and whisper to her, “Xendra is up to something.” I then smiled and slapped her on the shoulder, then looked over my shoulder towards my friend…
Amara
Registered Member
Posts: 89
(10/13/02 12:18 am)
The encounter
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The next dawn I woke feeling revitalized and refreshed. “I have to remember to NOT do that again.” I told myself out loud remembering all the running I did the day before. I was asleep before my head hit the ground.
I was so tired and out of breath after hours of practice, I decided that maybe I have had enough practice with Apollo's bow and arrow. "This arrow can break through anything." I stared at it with admiration and respect. I had handled many bows and arrows before but this, this , was a weapon of the Gods.
As dusk started to turn into dawn, I went for a walk along the ocean shore all the while still admiring the bow and arrow given by Apollo. "Such beauty in a weapon... and amazing strength." I half said to myself.
"Yes they are beautiful aren't they?" a voice from the distance had spoken. I looked around me but could see no one in the distance. “Who’s there?” The brisk morning air had turned eerily cold and I thought I could hear a laugh in the wind. I armed myself with Apollo’s bow. “Show yourself now coward!” Yeah smart Amara talking to air… I only hope this works. The voice spoke again… it was deep and cold… “You know I never properly thanked you for hitting me on the back of the head.” Dante I fallowed his voice with the arrow, hoping that I could catch a trace of where he might be. “I don’t think I got the pleasure of knowing your name… so tell me who are you?” He’s going in circles around me, by the gods why can’t I see him?
“What importance is it to you what my name is?”
“Because…” he paused, “I want to know who I’m about to kill.”
Suddenly I could see him, right in front of me, he had Gabbyfans weapon from the gods but where was Gabbyfan? There was a fire in his eyes. Not only that of revenge but of something more. He pulled a dagger from his boot and then looked at me.
“One turn deserves another!” he said and then leapt. I let go of the arrow and waited to see what happened.
The arrow struck in and I watched as he flew about 20 feet away from me, smashed up against a tree and landed hard onto the ground. He had let go of Hades’ helmet and seemed to be unconscious. I first ran over and grabbed Hades’ helmet. Just to be safe I put it on and then headed towards Dante. He was out cold… but not dead? That was a little odd, seeing as how he had been struck with the most dangerous and lethal arrow known to man and God for that matter.
“Zena, Phalon, Puella… EVERYONE come quickly!”
Knowing I couldn’t be seen I reached down and pulled the arrow from Dante’s stomach… No blood… and his chest was still moving. I pulled back away from him, not sure if he was going to wake or just lay there… I looked around trying to find Gabbyfan but no luck. I didn’t want to leave Dante for he might run off.
While keeping the Helmet of Hades on I waited for the others to arrive. Please hurry I thought to myself I don’t know if I’m actually invisible to him .
Where was Gabbyfan? What had happened to Dante to make him how he is? Can we really fight this evil that is coming?
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:41:50 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 114
(10/13/02 8:11 am)
More Questions I cannot answer..
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Puella and I returned to camp in silence, I was at a lose as to what to say to her. I couldn' tell her the truth and I did not want to lie to her, so I was stuck without words to say to my closest friend on earth.
The camp was full of activity , each attending to do what they had to do..breakfast being made or cleaned up after and some were diligently practicing with there weapons. I looked to see Gabbyfan becoming invisible to visble again..I stepped closer..she was wearing Hades Helmet .. a cold shiver went through me.
Curiosity got the better of me, I wanted to see what other gifts from the Gods had been delivered in my absence. As I walked around camp I saw one of the younger Amazons carrying off the bow and arrow set of Appollo..I wondered aloud if it was safe for her to venture away from the group with such a weapon.
Puella looked at me funny," Xendra what is your obession with these Gifts from the Gods, do you know something we don't know?"
I hesistated before answering,"Puella I know the enemy will desire these weapons even more than killing any of you. The enemy will use anything and everyone.. the enemy will stop at nothing. You must be prepared for anything and everything."
Puella stopped in her tracks and looked me squarely in the eye,"Why do I keep getting this feeling that you are not going to be with us for this fight. What is going on with you.I sense conflict within you."
I returned her gaze, "Puella, there is no place on Earth I'd rather be than by your side fighting this Evil but...
As I was speaking a shout was heard..it was the young Amazon with the bow..the remaining tribe acted as one racing towards the screams.
We got to where the screams came from but all we could see was a body lain slumped over, I raced to the body and raised it 's head...Dante.
I looked down and saw Appollo's arrow sticking out of him,yet there was no blood. Somehow I was not surprised. The undead do not bleed.
I sensed I was being carefully watched and I screamed "Show yourself and there appeared the young Amazon carrying the helmet of Hades."
I growled,"Where is Gabbyfan?"
The young Amazon burst into tears, I do not know..he (pointing at Dante) had it and said he was going to kill me..he had no fear of my weapon from the Gods."
"Did he say what he did to get the helmet from Gabbyfan?"
"No", sobbed the young Amazon.
Puella reached for the young Amazon and she fell into Puella's arms sobbing.
Gabbyfan was missing and Date who was thought was gone was now laid out before them mortally wounded but still not dead.
I looked around at my sisters and wondered if they realized the signifigance of what they were seeing. The Evil dead could be made undead and were being raised as warriors and assasins. The power behind this Evil was almost as powerful as the Olympian Gods and was becoming more powerful each passing day.
There was soon a debate as to what to do with Dante, some wanted to bring him back to camp to interrogate him ,others just wanted to leave him .
Finally someone came up with the idea of having one of us guard him and walling him up in a cave. I pondered over the idea, Dante would be lethal when he awakes, but I had an advantage..I knew Evil would not let him harm me...so to protect the others and to give myself a reason to be away from camp at the height of the full moon I volunteered for the first guard duty.
We dragged Dante's body deep within the cave then I had my sisters build a wall of stone inside the cave so he could venture no further. Once the wall was completed, we placed a pile of boulders ontop of Dante's body and then rolled even bigger boulders in front of the entrance.
As we laid the last boulder Puella looked exhausted and drained said," Do you really think it's necessary to guard him even with all this?"
I nodded solemnly," Yes,Dante nearly has God like powers in his undead state."
Puella desperate for answers she could sense she wasn't getting asked,"Why you?Why do you have to guard him, why not one of the others?"
I smiled at her veiled concern," Puella I was the only one that saw this Evil in him from the beginning. Dante grew in evil boldness daily.Do you know that he tried to kill me when the ship sank? Conviently, no one saw it happen but I tell you the truth, evil coarses through his veins."
Puella looked at me,"Xendra, I know guarding Dante is something you feel you have to do...but I keep sensing something...concerning you isn't right."
I tried to make light of it and joked, "What your sensing is that I am hungry again."
Puella was not amused. "Why can't you trust me, Why can't you let me in. Tell me what is going on with you!"
With tears forming in my eyes I said,"Puella I can't. I want to but I can't just trust me please. I will tell you when I can.. I swear."
Puella snapped back," I knew you were hiding something! You don't trust me enough to tell me..well then fine! You just stay here and guard your precious Dante. I am going back to camp..ALONE!"
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/13/02 11:01:58 am
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 115
(10/13/02 8:25 am)
Re: More Questions I cannot answer..
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Puella stormed off, I tried to comfort myself in knowing the Evil one was manipulating her emotions but it still hurt to know I was causing her alarm and pain.
Hours passed with no activity, then suddenly the smell of dinner cooking filled the air, my stomach rumbled with hunger.I wanted so badly to go back to camp and share one last meal with my sisters.
It was as if they read my mind , for through the clearing I watched as each of them emerged carring their dinners with them.
The young Amazon that we had tended to earlier spoke, "We thought you might be hungry and would like some company."
I smiled appreciatively and said, "Thank you, thank you all."
As we shared dinner we discussed the the sitaution at hand.Each described their weapon and what it could do. I listened carefully but I knew they were missing their greatest weapon against Evil...
I started to tell them when I heard a whisper in my ear.."Xendra.....Xendra. " It was Dante's voice. I spun around but there was no one there.
My sisters looked at me like I was crazy as I yelled at them ,
"Go get out of here, Save yourselves...he's loose!!! I began pushing them towards camp. Puella fought against my urging..
Finally in sheer desperation I screamed,"If you Ever cared about me just go,Go Now!" and I gave her a mighty push.. she looked at me, but instead of love there was fear in her eyes.
I returned her gaze and whispered,"Please, just Go .Please." Puella hesistated and then ran to catch up with the others.
Once again, I was alone.Only Dante's laughter accompanied me.. in time the laughter from Dante began to reverberate even louder.."Look! he said. Even from under this pile of rocks I still control them... I scare them."
I answered him," You don't scare me."
Dante 's voice boomed with evil laughter," Oh yes I do, You are afraid you will soon become me. Don't worry though the there are even more ambitious plans for YOU, Xendra
muhahahahaha."
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/14/02 8:38:17 am
gabbyfan4ever
Registered Member
Posts: 45
(10/13/02 8:48 pm)
What's a girl to do?
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Little Gabby had been very cautious with the helmet of invisibility at first. The sheer awesome power that is possessed was enough to scare her. However, after a couple of wary tries at putting it on, her youthful sense of mischief got the best of her. Gabby delightedly popped out of thin air to scare Zena time and time again. After one too many pops Gabby was checked by her mother and told to go collect some firewood.
“Sorry mom, I’m going...”
Her excitement was only momentarily stifled before she decided what better way to collect firewood than to do it invisibly. Once she was into the woods, Gabby took off the helmet and began picking up some branches. It was not long after that she heard a rustling in the near by bushes. As quietly as she could Gabby picked up the most suitable branch she could find to use as a staff.
“Dante!” she exclaimed when she saw who was approaching.
Dante immediately went into a frantic speech imploring for her help. At first, gabby would not let herself succumb to the lies he was telling her. Dante could not be trusted. There was no way Evergreen would go to the dark side, much less ever try and harm Zena. They loved each other like family, like sisters. But Dante was making so much sense. The evil they were fighting was so strong. She couldn’t risk her mother’s life, gabby thought.
“I will not let anything happen to my mother! I will not lose Zena again!” she said to Dante and herself.
As he held out his hand, Gabby reluctantly took it. She didn’t feel good about this, but all she could see was her mother being hurt. She couldn’t take any chances. As Dante led Gabby away, she put on the helmet.
Not a second later Gabby felt herself being knocked to the ground, with no time to react. The branch she was holding rolled away and came to rest out of her reach. She was pinned face down, and had no use of her arms or legs with Dante’s full weight on top of her.
Dante laughed at Gabby’s helpless situation, “Stupid little girl. All you have done is hurt your mother, and all of your sisters as well. There is no way you can win against a power as strong as you are fighting. You have already failed.”
At that moment Gabby prayed not for herself, but that her family would make it through this. She could only wonder if she would ever see her mothers face again. She felt Dante grab the helmet of invisibility right before all the lights went out.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:44:03 GMT -6
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 58
(10/13/02 10:34 pm)
Dancing in the Dark
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{From nothingness emerged the Protogoni. Such were these that they made up the very fabric of the Universe. They arose with the beginning of time giving substance to the elements. Such were these The Earth, The Sea, The Sky, The Day-and The Night. It was in their power to take many forms. Such was that of the Protogenos of the Night. Such was the winged goddess that wore the mantle of darkness and in her two horsed chariot spread the Dark Mist across the sky throwing shadows around the world. Such was NYX. }
“Phalon!... is that really you?”
Evergreen turned to see a woman wearing a star spangled mantle. The woman was extraordinarily tall, with raven hair, and azure blue eyes. A sword could be seen behind the mantle. She began to move and the stars shot out from her mantle and trailed with her movement. Evergreen quickly surmised that his was an entity to be reckoned with and chose wisely not to challenge this being before her.
“Your name?” whispered out a contralto voice. Evergreen drank in its depth.
“I am the Amazon they call Evergreen…and you goddess, your name I humbly ask.”
“Very well mortal…I am NYX, goddess of the first night.”
This wonderful creature began to circle Evergreen with stars now swirling around her. Evergreen thought she could reach out and capture a light, but dared not. There would be no foolish banter with this one.
“If I may ask goddess, where am I and how can I find my release?” Evergreen spoke with great deliberation.
“You... my Amazon,”…the velvet voice said as she touched Evergreen’s face… “are in the House of Erebos, Protogonos of the Mist of Darkness. My counterpart was separated from the Khaos of the Air and sunk deep into the caverns of the earth. He now resides in the dark underworld and beyond.”
Evergreen felt a seductive, warm breath to her ear.
“Do... you... wish... to... leave?”
“As not to offend you goddess, yes, I wish to return to my world.”
Evergreen decided to continue at the risk of provoking the woman who continued to circle her while brushing her hand over Evergreen's hair, and face.
“My allegiance before Artemis is to Gaia, Matron of the Earth. I bow before the one who is the ever sure foundation of all the deathless ones. This one in mantle of sky-blue that holds in her wide bosom the very snowy peaks of Olympos and dim Tartaros in the depth of the wide-pathed earth commands my life and my sword.”
The circling stopped as did Evergreen’s heart. She drew in a breath and feared it would be her last.
“Are you not afraid to speak so boldly in my presence...do you not know that not even the great Zeus would choose to displease me for the fear of MY wrath?”
“You are either brave of heart or foolish of mind, my Amazon.”
“What bargain can we strike for your return…have you yet considered what you value most as being your greatest loss?”
The circling began again and Evergreen dizzied at keeping pace with the ever rapidly turning figure. Evergreen reached out into the darkness to stop the motion. Fingers locked with Evergreen's outstretched hand...the sensation, warm…inviting.
The woman pulled her in and whispered in Evergreen’s ear.
“So what do you choose…your freedom for what you hold beyond price?”
Evergreen responded and leaned into the lips…”I don’t know…I don’t know.”
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 10/13/02 11:12:16 pm
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 144
(10/13/02 10:51 pm)
Beyond the Images
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Phalon found that she had gained a renewed sense of urgency in finding the right door. The image of Little Gabbyfan taking Dante’s hand was seared into her mind. She did not know if it was an event that had already occurred or if it were a foretelling vision of something that might happen. She had no way of knowing while she was here, in this hall, separated from everyone. She did not know even how long she’d been here, or if time passed differently than on the outside. Her only thought now was finding that door, the right door, which would hopefully, somehow, help them stop Evil from gaining a stronghold in their world.
Phalon grabbed hold of the second door’s handle and pulled. Behind the door was revealed the sandy shoreline of the sea. Amara was there with a bow and arrow like none she had ever seen. It must be a gift from the god’s. Apollo? Amara seemed to be arguing, though with whom Phalon could not know. Nobody was visible. Suddenly, Dante appeared wearing Hades’ helmet! Amara shot at him with an arrow and it hit home, sending Dante reeling backwards. Amara plucked the arrow from his heart, and still Dante lived. Phalon closed her eyes for a moment. “See beyond the images…”
Phalon slowly opened her eyes and looked at the scene playing out before her. She looked hard, squinting her eyes, and found that she could actually see through Amara and Dante, as if they were somehow transparent figures of the actual people. Beyond Amara and Dante, she saw, far in the distance, a speck of darkness. The tiny spot began to grow, and as it did, the figures began to lose their transparency and become more opaque, until finally, Phalon could not see through them at all. Phalon swore Dante, still fallen where he lay struck from Amara’s arrow, slightly smiled in Phalon’s direction. She pulled the door shut with a loud SLAM.
Breathing heavily, Phalon pressed her forehead to the cold, stone wall. What had she just witnessed? Had Dante actually known she was there, looking in at them? She knew, from the previous door, that the people she witnessed could not see or hear her. Gabbyfan couldn’t hear her warnings or see her. Why did Dante now seem to? An icy realization crept into Phalon’s brain. The cold realization that, by opening the doors and witnessing the images revealed behind them, those images came to pass.
Phalon’s task just got harder.
“Use your gift…See beyond the images…”, took on a whole new meaning now. At the third door, Phalon hesitated. She pressed her hands on the worn wood of the heavy door. She could feel the essence of Puella and Xendra inside, as well as something else…something cold and black. As much as the urge was there to fling open the door, she would not. She could not unleash whatever images lay beyond into the present.
“Use your gift…See beyond the images…” It became Phalon’s new mantra, and she repeated it over and over, as she ran from door to door, feeling her way down the seemingly endless hallway.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:46:01 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 120
(10/14/02 10:29 am)
Evil dealings
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Dante continued his tirade. "Soon there will be no one who will be able to withstand the power of Pure Evil.
You will oversee legions of warriors, assasins, demons, furies and every kind of Evil imaginable in the realms of heaven and earth. The Gods of Olympus themsleves will tremble and bow down in worship to you.
Xendra quivered with fear as horrific images filled her head and heart.
Summoning all her strength Xendra boldly countered,
"Too bad all that planning is for nought."
Dante hissed, "What do you mean? You gave your oath as an Amazon."
Xendra nodded as he took her bait. "Yes, I did give my oath, but it was with the agreement that none of my sisters would be harmed if I gave myself over to Evil at the height of the full moon. You attacked Gabbyfan breaking the agreement...killing a blood innocent more than breaks the agreement."
Dante laughed evily," I didn't kill her...her naivety will be of much use in the future."
Xendra resisted the urge to smile when she heard Lil Gabby was alive, but instead she pressed on.
"How can I believe you didn't kill her, you threatened to kill that young Amazon did you not."
Dante bellowed ,"You dare question me? Release me and I will show you."
Xendra laughed at his suggestion. "Dante, there is no way I would release you."
Dante replied," It is up to you..but it is just a matter of time before I can release myself...and then you and your sisters would never know what happened to the one you call Lil Gabby."
Xendra paused , Could she trust that he could escape.?. What if she let him go and it was the one chance to capture him? Questions swirled in her head. If she let him loose she knew he would not attack her sisters again before the transformation...
Xendra counter offered." You tell me where she is and once I have her and have delivered her to my sisters I will release you personally."
Dante feeling superior like he had tricked Xendra told her where to find Lil Gabbyfan.
Xendra ran with all her might to where Gabby laid .
Xendra found gabby unconcious... streched out cold with blood trickling down her forehead. Xendra brushed back Gabby's hair and kissed the spot where the blood immenated from .
Softly Xendra whispered," I am sorry little one. I am going to have to leave you soon to serve the Evil one.. but atelast I know our safe now little one. I do it so that you may live to grow in love and strength.
Always remember I love you and all my sisters." then Xendra gently lifted Gabby and carried her in her arms towards camp.
Xendra reached the edge of camp and decided it as unwise to be seen away from guarding Dante. Xendra gently propped Gabby up for someone to find. Xendra hoped in her heart it would be Puella,for she would know how to care for Gabby.
Xendra looked at the camp and was overcome by overwhlming sadness- great sobs wracked her body...would she ever forgive herself for her forth coming actions...
Xendra was in no hurry to return to Dante..she decided to spend a few moments down at the creek where here and Puella had been so playful just that very morning...
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/17/02 7:41:20 am
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 290
(10/14/02 6:41 pm)
Who are you and what have you done with Xendra?
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Afternoon: by the fading light and the slant of shadows on the grass. Quiet. No wind and strangely no birds singing. The warmth of the day was leaving with the sun.
Painfully Zena pulled herself to a sitting position and for one awful moment she thought her right arm had been cut off. The feeling in it was gone from the shoulder down and rather than being under her control, it dragged woodenly along the ground as her body moved. She looked down and saw that her fingers were still wrapped tightly around the hilt of the sword of Artemis and with her left hand she pulled her right arm and the sword into her lap.
“Evergreen. You ARE alive. I saw you. Don’t give in. Be strong.” She choked back the tears that burned in her eyes. Slowly she convinced her fingers to release the weapon and she rubbed her hand and arm to get the blood to run through them again. As she brushed the dirt from her leathers and took the leaves and twigs from her hair she heard Amara scream. Leaping to her feet and sheathing the sword at the same time, she ran down toward the beach and the sound.
Xendra was questioning Amara who held the Hades’ helmet in her hand. Where was her daughter? Anger began to boil in Zena as she looked down at Dante and she wanted to feel her hands on his throat as she made him tell what he had done with Gabby. Puella grabbed her arm and as Zena regained her composure she heard the Evil humming close to her ear and heart. “Do it. Kill him. He deserves it.” The calmer Zena became, the weaker the voice was in her head. Later, with Xendra on guard, and Dante walled in the cave, she proposed that they regroup at the campsite for a hastily prepared meal. She needed to tell them that she had seen Evergreen and to organize a search for Gabby.
The band was shrinking quickly, and besides Zena, only Amara, Leara and Puella were left to hear the story.
“You mean you really saw her?”, Puella asked.
“I did. She’s free in there. I cut some kind of shackles but I didn’t see Blackwolf or Phalon.”
Amara looked up from the pot she was stirring, “What about the dog?”
“No sign.”
“Let’s take some of this down to Xendra. Then one of us can switch with her and stand watch over the cave while the rest look for Gabby.” Puella ladled out a plate of stew.
When they approached Xendra she was acting strangely pushing them back and Zena gave the sign to follow her. At the fire ring she whispered to Puella, “You were right when you said this morning that she’s up to something. Stay here. I’m doubling back.” Zena slipped around another trail and from the cover of some ferns saw Xendra lay Gabby against a tree. As Xendra turned toward the creek, Zena drew the sword of Artemis and stepped out in front of Xendra. She quickly backed her up against a rock and held the sword at her throat. The Evil hummed like a swarm of bees.
“Explain yourself. Did you do this to my child?”
Zena
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 10/19/02 5:22:12 am
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:47:20 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 147
(10/14/02 8:37 pm)
Rage
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Phalon had just placed her hands upon another door. How many had she felt? She’d lost count. This one was just like the last, and the countless others before that. She felt the same blackness within each. She quickly turned and moved to the next, then bluntly stopped with a gasp.
The door before her was ghastly in appearance. Blood oozed from the deep grains in the heavy wood, making the surface shimmer black in the dull light from the torches upon the wall. On this door the iron handle was replaced by one made of bones, old, brittle and yellow with age. No! It couldn’t be. Phalon’s eyes must be playing tricks on her. She looked more closely. Yes, what she thought she saw was correct. The door actually seemed….alive! The wood ever so slightly swelled and expanded, then constricted again, as if it were…breathing. Very faintly, the sounds of respiration could be heard. Phalon recoiled in horror.
In doing so, she almost tripped over Little Dog, ever present at her feet during this journey down the hallway. He now began to run circles around her, loudly yipping in excitement. Phalon regained her sense of purpose, and without placing her hands upon this door, abruptly turned to continue on. Little Dog grabbed her robe in his teeth and began to pull. “Stop it, Little Dog! Let go! There’s no time for play. We’ve got to hurry!” Phalon reached the next door, with Little Dog nipping at her heels.
This door was different then the others. Phalon could sense it. It felt warm and familiar. This had to be it! She reached for the handle and started to pull. Little Dog growled at her feet. “What has gotten into you, Little Dog? Now sit.” Little Dog did not obey. He tugged at her robes again with his teeth. “I said let go. Quit!” She opened the door.
On the other side of the doorway was the most gorgeous meadow Phalon had ever seen. The flowers and grasses swaying in a gentle summer breeze, bright sunlight shinning down from a cloudless sky, and a large twisted old tree…just like her tree…her and her beloved’s tree…The sky suddenly turned dark and foreboding. Phalon saw the figure of a young man come from behind the tree. She watched in horror as men on horseback appeared over the hill, riding down fast towards the lone figure. She tried to scream, to warn him, but no one heard. She watched, and a seed of hatred was planted. She saw the soldiers draw their swords, and the hatred was nurtured. Her beloved’s life was brutally ended, and the hatred grew strong and true.
Phalon slammed shut the door and spun on her heels headed towards the next, without really knowing or caring why. She grasped the handle and flung it open wide. Revealed inside was the scene of a campfire. Soldiers lay sleeping. Phalon watched a young version of herself creep into camp and one by one slaughter the sleeping men who had killed her one true love. With each plunge of the knife, her hatred increased. It coursed through her veins hotter and faster. The rage welled up inside her waiting to explode like a volcano ready to spew its’ molten lava. Her breathing was heavy and eyes wild with fury.
Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her thigh like needles entering her skin and sinking down to the bone. She looked down and saw Little Dog still firmly attached to her leg, held in place by the large chunk of her skin which he held in his teeth. She reached down, grabbed him by back of the neck, ripping him from his grasp, and slung him against the wall.
Finally, the explosion took place within her head and she slumped to the ground. Sobs racked her body. Wails of agony and rage emitted forth from her lips. As she knelt, face buried in her hands, she felt a little nudge against her leg. She lowered her hands and found herself staring into the eyes of a very determined Little Dog.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:48:26 GMT -6
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 12
(10/15/02 6:33 am)
Amazon Eyes
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J'mea was stirring porridge when a rising wail startled her into dropping the spoon into the pot. With a curse, she forgot about it and was on her feet, heading at a run towards the river. She had not gone more than two dozen strides before recognition of the sound stopped her cold. Tears welled and slid unheaded down her cheeks as she listened to a heart rent asunder by the weight of impossible grief.
The sun rose several fingerwidths before the Amazon was able to pull herself out of the keening and return to the cookfire. She sat, watching the porridge bubble, thinking on the hardships of her own life, and how they might compare to the other woman's. With a sigh, she dug for the spoon, burning her fingers a little and cursing under her breath.
After licking the utensil clean, she returned to stirring breakfast, her gaze drifting into the trees, the direction Bhen Rudha had gone.
"TODAY I AM FREE!" The words tore through the clearing, pulling a gasp out of J'mea. Closing her eyes, she prayed for freedom. Freedom was the heart of an Amazon, and without a heart there was no life.
She thought on the bitter-sweetness of the morning, absently stirring breakfast all the while. Sudden shadow across her face gave her yet another start, she looked up and blurted, "Odin Allfather!"
* * *
The porridge that J'mea had provided for breakfast was a warm, comfortable weight in Bhen Rudha's stomach, one that lent her a further measure of calm. She could feel the Amazon's eyes on her, and all the questions that hung suspended by courtesy and pity. An even skullcap of hair met her fingers for the hundredth time that morning, evened out by the Amazon's careful clipping.
Looking up at the woman, Bhen Rudha saw the other glance away for what seemed the tenth time in so many minutes. Unable to let the silence grow any longer, the Celt spoke softly, "Was there e'er anathin' ye be ha'ein' tha' be remindin' ye o' sae painful o' memory tha' there was nae but ta be riddin' ye o' it?"
"Why do you ask?" was J'mea's reply.
"I be after wonderin' if ye be understandin' me reason." She poured a little water from a skin into her breakfast bowl and scrapped the remnants of the porridge while waiting for the Amazon to respond.
"I have never hated a thing so much that I had to be rid of t, no."
"I dinnae be thinkin' sae."
J'mea frowned and was about to answer when a man's voice fell from a tree near-by, "I on the other hand, have a great love of things, and the money they bring my way."
The Northern woman reached for her dagger and stopped when an arrow thunked into the ground near her leg. "I don't want this to end messy ladies, just give over anything of value, and I'll be on my way."
Bhen Rudha's eyes fluttered as she connected with her ravens. Laoch sat in the same tree as the man, giving the priestess a view of his exact location and weapons. Her lip curled at his appearance, for he looked like a common thief, nothing more. "Ye be travelin' a fool's road, gadaí. Be on yer way, and ye dinnae ha'e ta be facin' tha wrath o' Bandia."
"I probably would be more intimidated if I actually understood what you said. Now take that pretty piece of metal from your neck and toss it to the base of the tree."
J'mea hissed, "We can't let him get away with this. May he rot in Hel for the coward he is."
Still calm, Bhen Rudha murmured, "Peace . . . he dinnae be knowin' . . ."
"Knowing what?"
"Who I be."
Another arrow hit the ground, this time near the Celt. From the safety of his hiding place the man spoke again, "I don't have all day to waste listening to the pair of you talk. I want to see that necklace of yours Red, and I want to see it now."
"As ye be wishin'," she said steadily, giving her ravens the mental signal to move.
With the grace of a long practiced maneuver, Laoch plummeted from her branch and onto the man's head. Startled, he dropped his bow and reached up to ward himself from beak and claw. Cailleach darted into the tree, pulling up to scratch at the thief's eyes while Baintreach landed upon the branch. The larger raven then calmly hopped forward and pecked at his feet. The trio's onslaught soon had the man tumbling to the ground.
Before he could recover from his fall, Bhen Rudha was upon him. Reflexes dulled only a fraction by years of captivity snapped a succession of punches to his face and gut, leaving him gasping and bleeding. She could feel the Warrior's heat within her heart and knew joy. She reached for the hand axe in her belt.
J'mea stopped her with a hand, "No, don't take out your anger on him. Amazons don't kill when our opponents are finished."
Certain that the man wasn't moving, Bhen Rudha turned her attention to the other woman. "He be after thievin' from me, a Bandroi an Cogadh. He be nae an opponent. He be an enemy."
"How can you be so callous towards another life? How do you know that he's not resorting to this because of desperate times? This is not the Amazon Way Bhen Rudha."
Amber-green eyes turned back to the man, and the Celt found herself hesitating. Perhaps the other woman was right. She did not have the Amharc, the Sight, to be able to know a man's heart.
Cailleach landed upon her shoulder then, rubbing the side of her beak gently down Bhen Rudha's face. With the contact came images . . .
. . . a handful of coins pulled from a straw mattress, the money his mother had saved up to buy an apprenticeship for his older brother . . .
. . . the first man he killed, gaping at the dagger sticking out of his belly . . .
. . . the countless temple alms boxes that were lighter after he visited . . .
. . . a young woman, newly married, who squeezed her eyes shut and prayed while he lowered himself . . .
The priestess tore herself out of the parade of images when she saw the violation of the woman. Hate blazed through her and she turned back to J'mea, "If yer Amazon Way be teachin' mercy fer tha likes o' he, then I be more than glad I be nae o' yer number," emotion made the words thick and difficult on her tongue. She spat them out anyway.
J'mea stepped back, arctic blue eyes wide, "What are you talking about?"
"He be one such as likes ta be causin' pain ta women." She pulled the axe from her belt, "I ha'e nae greater enemy."
"How can you know that?" Arctic blue eyes shifted between the woman with a strange eyed raven on her shoulder, to the man who would be thief. Emotion kept any single thought from making its way to her mouth.
The man roused enough to see death poised over his prone form. He moaned, unable to articulate his fear.
A slow grin lifted Bhen Rudha's lips as she turned her attention. "Aye, ye be fer tha carrion crow nae." The edges of the Warrior's heat tinted her vision and her focus narrowed down to the feel of warm wood in her hand and the pulse point in the man's neck that jumped with his desperation.
The axe fell, cutting off the man's protests. A peel of thunder sounded within the priestess, proof that her Goddess was near . . . and approved. Her spirit soared with the communion.
When the radiance of the moment finally dissipated, Bhen Rudha looked and found that J'mea had fled.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:49:38 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 192
(10/17/02 9:10 pm)
Who Are You and What Have You Done with Little Dog?
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Phalon looked into the eyes of Little Dog and felt an overwhelming urge to throttle his neck. “You little….beast!” she hissed. “You vicious little beast! What in Tartarus’ name did you think you were doing?” Without thinking she started to lunge towards Little Dog.
“Phalon….” The voice came from inside her head and caused her to hesitate. “Phalon, stop! Do you really want to do me harm?” She stared at Little Dog, who in turned cocked his head to the side and thumped his tail.
No. This can not be. Voices inside my head are bad, yes. But voices from a dog?! Surely, I have gone insane.
“No, Phalon, not quite yet. You can still turn back before the evil overtakes you completely. Think, Phalon. Why were you shown the images from your past? Why all the hatred? What exactly is it that you hold dear? It wants you on its’ side, you know. It is toying with your mind, My Dear Woman.”
That phrase! Only one person had ever called her by that name. My Dear Woman. Icthyus?!
“Yes, it’s me. Back from my watery grave, temporarily in the body of this energetic little animal. My, I haven’t felt this good in years.”
“Back to torment me once again, are you? Did you learn nothing from our conversations?”
“Ah, My Dear Woman. I could ask you the same thing now, could I not? Again I ask, what is it that you hold dear?”
Phalon put her hands to her temples. She felt tired. She felt beaten. She sighed and said, “It is my friends that I hold close to my heart. My family, my…self.”
“Yourself. You’ve worked hard to forget the anger from your past, haven’t you? All that rage and despair you had when you were young and your life was ripped apart. You clawed your way out of it, you learned the ways of healing and how to use your sight to come to the aid of others. If you forsake that now, Phalon, and give in again to the rage and hatred you feel burning inside you, what have you got left? I will tell you. Nothing. You will have nothing left. You lose yourself, then you lose your friends and family also. And if that happens, My Dear Woman, then Evil has won.”
Phalon began to cry softly. All those emotions she thought gone so long ago had come rushing back like a landslide when she relived the images behind the doors. It had come crashing down and nearly smothered her. She felt a nuzzle against her hand and looked at the little dog standing beside her.
“Phalon, put away the anger from your past, as you did before. Don’t let it consume you. Don’t let IT win.” Phalon mustered a weak smile and patted Little Dog on the head. “Good. Now, come on. Time is wasting. You still have work to do. You know which door you have to open, don’t you?”
“Yes. Yes, I think I do.” She genuinely smiled. “Oh, and Icthyus? You did change, didn’t you? You did give up your evil ways. All my talk was not for nothing, I see." Thump, thump went his tail hitting the floor. "Oh, and by the way, Icky, did you have to bite me so hard?”
Little Dog gave an affirmative yip and wagged his tail before running off in front of Phalon.
Edited by: phalon1 at: 10/17/02 9:16:22 pm
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 64
(10/18/02 5:30 pm)
MIRROR
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{And it shall be said that my eve was in truth my dawn?”}
“So what do you choose…your freedom for what you hold beyond price?"
Evergreen responded and leaned into the lips…”I don’t know…I don’t know.”
I sensed that this one whom I was now engaged in a dance in the darkness had now brought me to the eve of my life. Here it was. A decision beyond all past considerations for choice, now was mine to discern. Zena always told me that it would take the rotation of the heavens before I would say yea or nay to the most simple of questions.
{“EG, before the night is upon we need to find shelter before the storm. What are you waiting for? You keep us traveling on one road while you ponder that we to turn west to the high caves, east to the village INN, south from we have come, or north to the Inn of our good friend Ciro. We shall be struck by Zeus’ thunderbolts and not have to worry the choice much longer.”}
This darkness, this Mother of the First Night, knows me too well. She is a seductress, not for my body, but of my soul. There is some lesson here that I have forgotten, and now, I have been trapped by my own war of my will…
My own war of my will…yes…of course that is it…think now…what struggle lies within me that could be the devastation of what I value most on the other side of this darkness?
Laughing, softly, but with great mocking amusement, resonated off unseen boundaries in the darkness.
“Oh…Evergreen…you are too clever…you DO see a little of the key to my riddle…but we BOTH know that you trade finding your answers in deliberation for time you, and your friends do not have.”
“All you have to do…it’s quite simple my Amazon…is to tell me and I will give you the freedom you seek. “
{“EG…remember…the shipwreck…the one who saved you…my words…’then when I get to give you my all, you can’t accept the gift because of your pride’...remember…}
Zena’s voice has entered my head, and for a brief moment I thought I might turn and see her there. But again, the hand with its long enticing fingers clasped my face and has turned me away from a truth.
And once more I surrender, lean in, and we, me and the NYX of the Dark Mist, continue our dance…
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 10/18/02 5:31:45 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 307
(10/18/02 8:00 pm)
Humming....
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“I asked you to explain yourself.” Zena spat the words out through clenched teeth. The tip of the sword was dangerously close to Xendra’s flesh and as the humming voice of the Evil beat in her ears, Zena’s sword hand jumped slightly with each beat of her heart.
“I..I..I found her and brought her here! Zena! We’re friends. I love Gabby the way I loved MY daughters.”
Gabby groaned and moved her head slightly against the bark of the tree. Xendra shifted her weight as if she were about to take a step and Zena snarled, “Hold it. Don’t even breath. Who are you anyway? Even Puella wonders what’s going on in you. Who did this if you didn’t?”
“Dante. It was Dante. You KNOW I hold the sisterhood before everything, Zena. I would never...”
Gabby opened her eyes and spoke in a small voice, “Mom? Are you all right?”
Zena pulled back on the sword to kneel quickly next to Gabby and wrap an arm around her. Xendra saw the opening and bolted for the creek. Gabby hid her face against Zena’s neck and held tight to her tunic, preventing her from following Xendra. The Evil ceased it’s song.
“He said she would hurt you Mom.”
“Who, sweetie? Who would hurt me?”
“Evergreen. Dante said she would hurt you. That’s why I went with him. To save you.”
“Don’t listen to the Evil. Evergreen would never hurt me.” Zena put the sword in it’s sheath and lovingly examined Gabby’s head, wiping back the damp hair near the wound. “Let’s get you back, can you walk?” Gabby nodded, Zena lifted her daughter to her feet and slowly they walked along the narrow path toward the temple.
Zena said little and kept her own council. She thought, “What is going on with Xendra? Dante is unguarded now. We have so few left, how will we defeat this thing that is slowly picking us apart? Evergreen hurt me. Never. Well almost never. Certainly not physically.” The humming returned, ever so faintly. They reached the welcome warmth and light of the fire.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:51:01 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 159
(10/18/02 11:35 pm)
Now i lay me down to sleep...
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Xendra turned to feel cold hard steel of a blade pressed against her neck. Unable to turn to see her attacker, Xendra let her eyes simply follow the the lenghth of the Sword.
Xendra was startled when she saw it was Zena glaring at her venemously. Xendra eyed the sword..It was the Sword of Artemis.
Instinctively, Xendra backed up... only to find herself pressed up against the rocks.
Zena gave thrust the sword closer as she growled, "Explain yourself. Did you do this to MY child?"
Xendra went pale she knew how bad it looked but would the truth be even worse? Xendra paused,struggling to find the right words,but she it was as if she were encompassed by a swarm of invisble humming bees. The continual irratating high pitched sound buzzed in her ears , making it impossible to concentrate.
Zena grew impatient with a jab of the sword she said," I asked you to explain yourself!"
"I... I.. I found her and brought her here. Xendra looked into Zena eyes pleading,"Zena! Zena, I love Gabby just as I did My daughters.. I swear."
AS the Xendra spoke Gabby's eyes began to flutter then a
weak moan was heard as she tried to gently move her head.
Instinctively, Xendra started to move forward to try to help Gabbyfan.
Zena reacted like a mother tiger protecting her young cub. Zena snarled,"Hold it! Don't even breath!Who are you anyway?
Even Puella wonders what is going on in you..If YOU didn't do this who did?!"
Xendra's head began to spin, her life was unraveling in front of her..she tried to explain," Dante.It was Dante.
Xendra searched Zena's eyes and only saw mistrust reflected back. Almost inaudibly she said,"Zena, you know I hold the sisterhood before anything...even my own life. Zena, I did not do this ..I would never..."
Gabby's moaning broke Xendra's plea. Zena pulled back the sword and bent down to tend to Gabby and to put her arm around her.
Xendra paused, wanting to explain but was not able to, the Evil ones humming was increasing demanding Dante's release.
Xendra looked and Gabby and Zena and knew what she had to do, Xendra bolted as Zena was carefully listening to Gabbyfan.
As Xendra ran towards the cave the humming decreased. Xendra arrived at the cave emotionally drained and exhausted.Xendra paused at the mouth of the cave torn still as to what to do.
Xendra really just desired peace of mind and sleep, but decided she had to honor her deal with Dante.Xendra stretched and began hurriedly removing just enough boulders to climb in, then she removed the large stones from his body. Xendra turned and crawled back through the rocks never looking back on Dante.
Xendra emerged from the cave and just collapsed, she was bone tired. Xendra looked up at the sky as she laid there she noticed the moon had just began to show it'self .
Xendra fought back the tears, she could not allow herself the luxury of being disgusted and dissapointed in herself.
Instead Xendra sensing she'd need to be in full strength soon,curled up and fell asleep in a fetal position on the ground....
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/19/02 7:35:58 pm
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 19
(10/19/02 12:55 am)
Denial
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I ran in the dark for a little while before I realized that I had lost Evergreen. I wanted to shout her name, to see where she was at, but I feared that if I did both she and I would be caught again.
I turned back to the direction I had come from....and saw nothing but darkness. There was absolutely no light anywhere.
"Evergreen can take care of herself. She's a warrior." I muttered to myself. "If I can find a way out, then I can bring the others in, and then come back and save her later." But no matter how much I argued with myself to keep going, I knew that I never would. So, after only a few moments of deliberation, I headed back in the direction that I had come from.
As I wondered alone in the dark, I knew the true meaning of fear. Always before I had had Montara and my sword at my side. Now I was completely alone, and facing an enemy I figured even the Gods would fear. More than once I stopped and considering turning in the opposite direction, but I made my feet keep moving. I had to find Evergreen.
Before long, I saw a dim light up ahead. I instinctively moved towards it. As I got closer, I saw Evergreen in the seductive embrace of some beautiful being. I knew this woman had to be evil, for only evil would abide in a place such as this, but her beauty kept distracting me. They say beauty is only skin deep, and I was sure that that was especially true for this being, but it was difficult to look beyond anything else.
I stood and watched from the shadows for a little while, and I saw Evergreen try and deny this woman. "Good Evergreen, keep it up" I thought to myself. Then, I saw Evergreen lean towards the woman again. Before I could consider what I was doing, I ran straight at them. "NO!!!" I yelled, as I tackled Evergreen away.
No sooner had we hit the ground than I was picked up and thrown against the opposite wall. I hit with a thud, cracking my head against the wall. Pain splintered through my body, but I didn't black out.
"So, Blackwolf. You decided to join us did you? That was very stupid. You had the perfect chance to escape, and yet you came back," said the woman.
I grimaced from the receding pain and replied "Yeah, well, I never said I was very smart. Besides, I couldn't leave my friend here. It's not in my nature to leave someone behind."
"Ahhhh, what a loyal friend you are. So sweet." She said mockingly. I tried to look beyond her to where Evergreen was, but the lady shone so brightly that I could not see.
"Well, lady, since you know me, would you give me the pleasure of your name" I said, trying to rise.
"Oh, my manners. I haven't introduced myself yet, and you need help up." All of the sudden, I was standing, and the pain was gone. "My name is Nyx, Mother of the First Night. Come and worship before me."
I laughed derisively at that command, though I knew it wasn't a smart thing to do. "I will not worship you. You are evil, despite your appearance, and evil has no place in my life."
"It has no place, does it? Well, I remember a time when you and evil were good friends. I remember when you worshipped evil faithfully, and gave offerings every opportunity you could get." I tried to shake my head, to deny what she said, but she just continued talking. "Every time you killed out of hatred and anger, every time you murdered without thought, you gave to evil. And evil loved you for it. It feeded off of it."
"Yes, I agree. It did at one time. But not anymore. That is in the past. I have put those days behind me."
"So you say. We'll see for certain. But first, I must continue with your friend." Nyx turned around and started to head towards Evergreen.
"YOU WILL NOT!!!" I yelled, and lunged towards the Mother of the Night. I had no sooner left the ground than I was tossed back to the ground.
I felt the full fury of the being as she turned towards me. "YOU DARE TO DEFY ME, you worthless being." All of the sudden, pain shot through my entire body. I started to scream as I felt bones bend to the breaking point, lungs shrinking, heart beating so wildly I thought it would burst. Through all of this, I gritted out "Always."
Nyx just sighed and replied "Well, since you refuse to see the light, there is no reason to keep you around. Goodbye, Blackwolf." The pain intensified to unbearable. I screamed out "MONTARA!!!" before I blacked out.
"To fight for what you believe in and to never give up is to have the heart of a wolf."
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:52:27 GMT -6
Amara
Registered Member
Posts: 96
(10/19/02 2:46 am)
The time is now
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After witnessing what had just happened between Zena and Xendra I was in shock. I saw that evil was tearing at us… and winning. I got up from the hard boulder that I used as my seat. I searched in my bag for a rag for Gabbyfan’s wounds. I walked across the camp and soaked the rag in some hot water held above the roaring fire. “Here let me help you take care of these wounds.” I knelt down to touch Gabbyfan’s face. Zena still in protective mother mode jerked Gabbyfan closer to her, looked up at me and said, “I’ll get it.” Letting it be for now I handed Zena the rag and walked back to my part of the camp.
Puella came over next to me and said, “She does appreciate it, you know, trying to help… it’s just with everything going on… you know senses and emotions are running high.”
I stared back at her and gave a half smile. “I understand.” And I left it at that. Puella smiled and walked back over to Zena to try and calm her and help out with Gabbyfan.
I was rummaging through my bag looking for nothing in particular and my mother’s necklace fell out. I bent over picked it up and stared at it for a moment. Three stars and a half crest moon were engraved upon the precious stone. I slid it over my head and down upon my neck. “Someday,” I said under my breath. “I will know what that means.”
I felt calm, and at peace… somehow I felt my mother protecting me. I rested my head upon my folded arms and closed my eyes… starting to drift into a deep slumber… or so I thought.
He feeds off it you know…. Emotions…
I looked up and no one was close by me. I must have started to dream.
No, this is not a dream; I’m real, just not flesh and blood… anymore Amara. Just listen…
I sat there beside the fire, focused on the voice inside my thoughts.
The Amazon sisters are falling apart and this Evil that you are about to face will be impossible to beat with out all your fellow sisters, you must go and go now. Stop Xendra and Dante before they can reach him. He will consume their energy and they will be nothing but empty shells. You must think, what is the one true bond that cannot be broken by any earthly or unearthly bounds… A bond so strong it can pass through time and defy the laws of Gods. It ties a friendship forever…
“LOVE!” I shot up into a standing position. Everyone looked at me in a bit of shock. I tossed Hades Helmet to Zena and then looked to the sky and yelled,
“APHRODITE! We need you!”
A glimmer of light appeared and before us stood one of the most beautiful Goddesses adorn in a dress that was a wispy shade of pinks and hues of pale peach, Aphrodite.
I knelt before her… “Please goddess I ask of you, to bless us that are here and those that are also alone and tie the bonds that hold this family of Amazons together, give us the love and the strength to defy what we are about to face.”
Aphrodite smiled and looked upon the small band of Amazons that were together and closed her eyes. “I will bless you… All of you.” She held out her hand with the palm face up and blew out to all of us standing there. Suddenly a warmth came over and calmness that told me we were going to win.
“Now go quickly while the bond is strongest.”
“Thank you.” I whispered as I watched Aphrodite disappear as quickly as she showed.
I looked at Zena and then said, “We must hurry and get to Xendra quickly I fear something awful is about to happen, and if we want to get the Amazons back and stop whatever is coming we must act NOW!”
At that same moment Montara’s ears stood straight up.
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 168
(10/20/02 9:46 am)
Memories..haunting memories
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Soft moonlight bathed Xendra as she slept,her minds eye now loose to bring forth a kalediscope of thoughts and memories.
Xendra mind lay adrift in memories, some of a long ago..broken scene after broken scene
There was lil Xendra chasing butterflies as her grandmother gathered feathers to make ceremonial masks.
Next, Xendra being covered in clay because she didn't listen to mother's warning not to play with the clay wheel.
Xendra's thoughts then turned to her daughters,Solaria, Vasca and Hippolyta and all the training miscues and fights they had experienced..Xendra's heart felt full.
As Xendra murmmed happily, the scenes changed, she was now in Cyrenes she and her sisters were letting off some steam..laughing drinking, pranking and singing. The words and melody came alive in Xendra's head,"Sisters are doing it,..doing it for themselves.Xendra broke into a big grin as she slept.
As the night wore on a new scene presented itself, that of Joxie being giving charge over Puella and all the tortue she put her through..Xendra nearly giggled in her sleep.
Xendra was then taken to a scene in the woods, she was at Evergreens side as she laid wounded and watched in amazement how no matter how wounded Evergreen was still able to draw her sai in defense of herself.She smiled at her friends strength and determination.
As the scene shifted again, Xendra then found herself in the midst of the Roman camp fighting back uncontrollable laughter as the two gypises apeared.Oh what a sight Lil Gabby was!
Xendra was then shown the morning before the war and how peaceful Puella laid as she said her goodbye and how her lip slightly curled when Xendra spoke the words, "To a strong Amazon nation."
Xendra's mind replayed many playful exchanges between her Puella before it settled on the the gorgeous staffPuella had lovingly and painstaking carved for Xendra. In Xendra's mind's eye she could see every detail and witness the expression on Puellas face as she presented it to Xendra.
Xendra turned as she reached out in her sleep for Puella.
As Xendra turned so did her dreams turn from goodness and light to darkness and Evil.
First was the horrible awful day when her world was lost..when her idyllic world of being an artisan was crushed beneath the Romans. Xendra watched in horror yet again as she had to relive the death of her mother and grandmother, while she laid helpless beneath the weight of a Roman dog.
It was that day evil first whispered her name as her innocence and blood innocence were quickly sacrificed , as she gutted her first Roman in defense of her loved ones.
Then came the day of her daughters deaths having to relive each moment in the most vibrant detail, Xendra's heart was breaking yet again as the news came to her again Vasca, Solaria and Hippolyta all dead...only this time there were not Puellas comfortig arms to fall into.
Evil whispered why would she be there for you ..look what you are capable of .. muhahhahaa.
Xendra tried not to look but the scene shifted and there she was at Puella's throat ready to kill her, without truly knowing she was enemy or foe...the battles between them repeated over and over.
Evil spoke again.."You Kill ,maime or hurt the guilty and the Innocent..
There laid Leara's wolf Theos dead, all twisted and lumped from a broken neck from Xendras own hands
... next Xendra could smell the odor of burning flesh ... she was shown the pure delight that was on her face as she pressed the hot nail into Leara's flesh to make the X she branded her with...then the overwhelming wave of regret washed over her as the stench waffed even stronger.
Evil laughed and said.. "and you have so much more to come.."
Xendra awoke with a start, the moon was shinning bright now, nearly the height of the full moon. Desperate thoughts raced through Xendra.
Xendra tore at her tunic and exposing herself and her tattoos. Xendra's eyes were wild with fear and desperation as she grabbed her dagger and tried to empty her own life's blood...better to be dead then to serve such Evil.
Evil hissed and laughed as Xendra's life force was nearly spent. "Did you really think you could escape me through death you foolish child?" With a mere touch, Xendra's life force began to return...but ut was not the same life force she once had...
Xendra looked upward to see the moon's full acsenion into the sky.As Xendra's eyes came downward they were locked into Puella's ..Puella was intently staring at her, her eyes full of hurt and fear...
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/20/02 9:53:56 am
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:53:36 GMT -6
QGrrlPower
Registered Member
Posts: 628
(10/20/02 8:38 pm)
In search of a friend
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I walked along food in hand as Zena doubled back towards Xendra. I hear shouts moments later and I run into the scene that startled me…Xendra leaning over an injured Gabbyfan. Her blood spilled upon the ground. Zena enraged has drawn her sword on Xendra and slowly backs her up, until she is a safe distance from our injured little one. My attention was drawn to the sound of Gabbyfan calling to her mother. In the second it took Zena to kneel down to Gabbyfan’s side, Xendra manages to escape.
I lean down to Zena’s side and look intently at the wounds that Gabbyfan had sustained. Zena turned her head to me, “Go find her Puella, track her down and bring her back here to face me…she will explain what has happened to my daughter.” I quickly scanned the forest line looking for any sign of Xendra…She had ran away so quickly, but I know that I can catch up to her…As I run through the trees and into the field, my mind races, I cannot believe that she caused such harm to an innocent. She must be facing this evil alone or trying to, but I will not allow such an act…whatever evil she faces I will face as well! I begin to become wary as I walk around looking for tracks of any kind, which would lead me to my friend.
I am disoriented by not being able to hear the familiar sounds of the land especially on a full moon such as this…The stillness finds it’s way into your head, causing you to feel utterly alone. I look up to the sky, mesmerized by the brightness of the moon. As I lower my head, pulling my eyes from the moon, I am shocked as I watch a scene I was not prepared for. Xendra covered in her own blood…spilt by her own hand.
I can not believe what was happening before my eyes…the one person I cared for the most, spilling her own blood… all the hope I held within is lost as I realize that Xendra is no longer the warrior and friend that I had came to know and respect. My friend has become someone or something that I do not recognize. Her entire image changes before my eyes, as the moon rose high into the sky, shining brightly as to light the entire landscape. Xendra’s shape became distorted, she hunched over and her eyes began to glow…I sense the evil presence as I walk closer to her.
In a sudden movement she lunges towards me, her teeth bared, her eyes completely void of the friend I had grown to love. “Run Puella” are the only words I can recognize as she speaks…Suddenly a new voice is heard…a voice which seemed so primal it sounded more like a growl then true speech, “You can not save me now…you can not save your friend!” A fear that I had not known began to creep into my mind…She has been taken, I can not trust this entity…I slowly back away, she stepped with me, towards me…creeping like that of a beast tracking it’s prey. Tracking my every move…like a predator and prey…I feel hunted.
I begin to run as she tracks me…dodging and weaving the branches and trees in my way. Listening for any sound of her following me…She is growing closer…nearer. Suddenly my feet begin sinking in mud as I run…oh no, I am making tracks. I must find my way away from here. Wait maybe this is just what I need. I dive into the mud and cover myself with it. I slow my breathing calming myself, trying not to alert her to my presence. Hoping she could not feel me as strongly as I felt her. I began to think of my friend and all we had been through…all of the lighthearted and loving times, trying to mask my fear, with feelings of love and laughter. The more I concentrated on all the good thoughts the less I felt the presence of Xendra, or the beast she had become.
I lay there for what seemed an eternity…no sight or sound of her from the trees or the ground. I cannot feel her, I must move soon for the mud is beginning to dry upon my skin.
I decide to take a chance, and slowly rise to a crouching position…Quietly I move my way out of the mud. My hands touching the ground slightly, ready to run if the need arises. As I make my way out towards the tree my foot hits something, a large stick…wiping away a bit of the mud from the wood, the appearance of a sun and the word Actis shows through…Xendra’s staff. The evil can not have this, No not this! Grabbing it in my hand, I creep my way into the forest, not seeing that the parchments left in the mud…
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 223
(10/20/02 8:51 pm)
Bathed by Light
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Phalon and Little Dog cautiously approached the door. Phalon looked down at the dog beside her waiting for a word of encouragement, a sign that she was doing the right thing - making the right choice. Nothing. Nothing but the panting and tail wagging of an excited little animal. Phalon began to wonder if she’d imagined the whole thing. How absurd it was, to think that Icthyus had taken possession of Little Dog’s body. The solitude of this dark, dank place was really beginning to play tricks with her mind. Even if that were the case, she wished Icthyus were with her now. She felt abandoned standing in front of what she thought was the door of which Nemesis spoke.
Phalon stared at the door in front of her, watching the blood ooze from it, the light from the torches glinting off it’s handle of bone, and was mesmerized by the rhythmic breathing of the wood. Slow and steady and quiet, but still audible. She watched and listened and was afraid.
“Phalon, hurry. Open it.” Now he returned into her head. Icthyus. A seed of doubt entered Phalon’s mind. How do I know he’s changed, she thought. This place is full of tricks and illusions. How do I know that he’s not just another?
“Yes, open it, Phalon. I would like that very much. It will make things that much easier for me.” Another voice. This one deeper, sinister, and evil.
“Don’t listen, Phalon. It’s trying to trick you. Open the door. Open it NOW.”
“Can you do it, Phalon? Can you open a door bathed in blood, the blood of thousands, sacrificed for no reason other than hatred. Sacrificed for ME. Can you? Can you pull a handle made from the bones of innocents slaughtered because mankind is weak and cannot resist temptation?. Evil is very tempting, Phalon. It holds a certain power. You felt that power, didn’t you, Phalon? You felt it coursing harder through your veins with each plunge of the knife. It was intoxicating, wasn’t it. It’d be so easy to give in, Phalon. Go ahead and open the door. Let’s see what happens.”
She hesitated. Icthyus wanted her to open the door. This Evil being wanted her to open the door. Both of them wanted her to do it. Why? What were their motives? One of them was lying. But who? Just minutes ago, Phalon was sure this was the door, but now her confidence was quickly fading. The voices in her head continued their bickering. Phalon blocked them out and stared at the rising and falling of the breathing wood.
She closed her eyes and saw Zena and Evergreen. She saw the love of a life long unbreakable friendship. She saw Gabbyfan and the intense love a daughter has for a mother. She saw Xendra and Puella, sisters and true friends. She saw Leara, a soul hunting for herself, and one capable of great loyalty. She saw Blackwolf and Montara, and the fierce mutual, unconditional love they shared for one another. And Amara, searching for a mother’s love taken from her long ago. These women, tied together by a bond of sisterhood and love, had taken on the insurmountable task of beating something so strong that the balance of the human race was at stake. How could they possibly hope to win? Did love really eventually conquer all? Phalon had to believe it somehow would. She had to believe or she would be lost.
She opened her eyes and grabbed for the handle. As soon as her fingertips touched it, the illusion disappeared. The door became as any another of the doors she saw in this horrid place. Ah, it was a trick, she thought as she yanked it open. She crossed the threshold, with Little Dog at her heels.
She was bathed in a warm glow. All rage, hatred and doubt were washed from her body. She felt cleansed.
She reached down at her side for Nemesis’ wheel and as she had seen Zena do countless times with her chakram, she hurled it into the air. The wheel hung spinning, suspended above. Faster and faster it spun, rays of light emitting from its’ spokes, stardust falling down around Phalon, until she was surrounded by a wall of light.
Edited by: phalon1 at: 10/21/02 8:40:13 pm
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:55:06 GMT -6
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 19
(10/21/02 2:09 am)
Amazon Eyes II
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Half grunting with the effort, Bhen Rudha shoved one more time, then took a step back to survey her work. A feral grin lifted her lips at what she saw. Overhead, Laoch voiced her approval with raucous cries.
Her senses were expanding, making communication between her and the ravens ever easier, so she did not jump when Cailleach informed her that J'mea was moving in the priestess' direction. The grin did not falter, and she busied herself by cleaning the blade of her axe with a handful of grass. Half of her mind went to the amber-eyed raven, to watch the Amazon and gauge her reaction.
* * *
J'mea stopped just before she rounded the last tree lining the clearing. She leaned forward and rested her head against the rough bark, whispering a prayer to Artemis and to the gods of her people. She was an Amazon by Odin's beard! So she saw blood leaching into Bhen Rudha's eyes . . . So she saw the misty form of giant raven wings settle protectively around the other woman . . . So what?
She knew the gods were real, had heard tales and seen the far off forms of the Valkyre. What had frightened her so?
A croaking sound caught her attention and she looked up to see lambent amber eyes. One of those damned birds. It looked at her with a deeper intelligence than she was willing to grant it. She felt a shiver dive down her back.
"Go back to Valhalla, or Hel, or wherever it is you come from," she hissed. It tilted its head, giving her another croak. The Amazon took a deep breath, trying to center herself. She had helped the woman, she reminded herself. This was someone who could be a great ally to the Nation, her instincts told her again. Surely they could talk about what happened, and when she understood, things could go from there.
With the resolution held firmly in her mind, J'mea stepped from behind the tree. And found herself stunned by the tableau that greeted her.
The thief's head was pushed down onto the handle of his own cheep sword, which was then stuck into the ground. Next to the grizzly marker knelt the runaway, calmly cleaning blood from her axe.
* * *
Calling herself back from raven sight, the priestess stood smoothly and turned to watch the horrified Amazon. "Be ye a'righ' J'mea?" she asked, a frown gathering at the corners of her mouth.
"What by Odin Allfather is that?" the woman all but shouted.
Rudha turned her head, smirked at her handiwork and shrugged. "Tis a . . . a seedlin' o' an oak . . . a nut?" she searched for the right word, " . . . bein' a . . . acorn! Aye . . . an acorn." She folded her arms and grinned, "Aye, tis after bein' a beautiful one is it nae?"
"Beautiful? Acorn? Bhen Rudha, what in Hella's name are you talking about?" The Amazon remained rooted, unable to move closer to the morbid display.
"Ye be seein', tis me own way o' honorin' tha Warrior Herself. Though I dinnae ha'e a spear, I be hopin' She be knowin' tha acorn fer wha' it be. I be liftin' me enemy's head ta be showin' ta Herself tha' I be followin' Her way."
"That . . . that's barbaric!"
"Hie nae, tis bein' tha way o' thin's. Me own mathair be one o' tha Bandroi. I dinnae be insultin' ye fer bein' a softhear'. Dinnae be insultin' tha Bandia, aye?"
Arctic blue eyes darkened, by fear, by anger, and J'mea shook her head. "I cannot . . ." she took a deep breath, a hardness etching her face as she pointed at the acorn, " That is not the Amazon Way and I am also glad you are not of my number. Artemis protect you, Bhen Rudha, for I no longer can."
The priestess bowed slightly to the other woman, according her respect. " Bail ó Bhandia tú, Jah'míath." She smiled as her words went unrecognized and repeated herself, this time in Greek, "Goddess be blessin' ye, J'mea. Ye be doin' me a good turn." A tilt of her head, "Mayhap tha' Wheel o' tha Year be bringin' ye an' me tagether again."
"Mayhap," was all the Amazon said as she moved about the clearing, gathering her meager possessions.
Bhen Rudha watched her, silent, respectful. J'mea stuffed her pack without much conscious thought and, for the second time that day, left the clearing. The priestess knew that this time, she would not return.
((Author's Note: Joxer4me, if you're out there, I hope you're happy and well. I also hope that I did right by your character. And if I didn't, I am sorry . . . I did what I thought best.))
Edited by: BhenRudha at: 10/22/02 2:05:22 am
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 181
(10/21/02 9:23 am)
Power surge
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Xendra's heart skipped a beat when she looked directly into Puella's eyes for a second she was still capable of love and lose. Xendra could feel a strange sensation building within her, with her last ounce of visible goodness she pleaded with her friend to "RUN".
As she said the word, it was like an expolsion had happened in her head, a bright blinding light went off in her head as each new emotion or power surged through her.
HATRED*GUILT*MISTRUST* LIES*ANGER*FEAR* AVARICE*JEALOUSY *PRIDE*FAILURE*RAGE*REGRET*
GLUTTONY*SEDUCTION*LAZINESS* SELFISHNESS*
The surge seemed endless, suddenly she had knowledge of all these powerful but negative forces in every way and in every language and religion.It was as if she was being given power and dominion over Heaven, Earth,Hell and all the places in between.
Xendra tried to think of those she loved as not to fully sucumb to to Evil's seductive nature...but it was becoming more difficult by the second as Xendra's physical features were beginning to change and protrude.
From deep within her resevoir Xendra found the words to tell Puella,"You can not Save me now. You cannot save your friend."
Puella backed up in fear, giving Xendra the opportunity to show the Evil entity that she had turned. Xendra gave chase to Puella in hopes of scaring her off, she had things to do before the last ounce of godness and loyalty were erased from her memory.
As Puella ran away Xendra realized her senses were heightened, she could feel and smell Puella's presence..she no longer had to rely on the primitive sense of sight and hearing.
Xendra crept behind Puella step by step. Xendra was closing in on her prey... hunting the once glorious hunter.
Xendra tried to manuever Puella to where she had hidden the staff. As Puella aproached the muddied area,Xendra stopped. Xendra had done what she could and was content to let Puella and the Evil one believe that Puella's rolling in the mud had hidden her. Muhahahha.
When Xendra returned to the cave,she found Dante smiling broadly as he welcomed her to servitude to the Evil one.
Xendra listened intently.As she approached Dante,she looked him squarely in the eye. Xendra hissed,"Oh little man, I now have power and dominion over you.You have been a thorn in my side for quite sometime. You were the pathway to Evil for me and my sisters...You have to go."
Dante backed up as he saw the power within Xendra radiate, the master had indeed given her rule and reign. Dante nervously askedd with a lump in his throat "What did you mean by I have to go?"
Xendra answered, " I can't very well have a little piss ant like you interfering with the Master's plan. After all YOU tried to kill ME. I think turnabout is fair play....muhahahaha.
Dante's eyes widened as in ana instant he realized his immortality had been stripped from him. No one needed to explain to explain to him that he could now be killed.
Terror filled Dante's face as Xendra reached for him. Xendra grasped him in her powerful hands and lifted him by his neck as she triumphantly annouced,"This is what happens to those who get in my way!" with a powerful twist and snap Dante's body slumped ,dead from a broken neck.Xendra then ripped the headoff the twisted slumped body of Dante and threw it deep into the cave.
As the head stopped rolling Xendra realized she had not even a pang of regret or remorse but rather tha of accomplishment.
The Evil entity cackled in delight, it hissed, "Xendra I know you killed him to protect your friends..but now that you've spilt blood,you have used you last ounce of goodness ..it was worth loosing Dante for now You are MINE muhahahahahaha."
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/21/02 7:37:46 pm
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:56:14 GMT -6
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 69
(10/21/02 10:13 pm)
To Know the Pain of Too Much Tenderness
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I stood and watched from the shadows for a little while, and I saw Evergreen try and deny this woman. "Good Evergreen, keep it up" I thought to myself. Then, I saw Evergreen lean towards the woman again. Before I could consider what I was doing, I ran straight at them. "NO!!!" I yelled, as I tackled Evergreen away.
I heard the footfalls approaching from the darkness. There was the heavy breathing of someone pushing physical limits accompanied with the sound of bridled fear. I turned for a moment from my swirling partner never seeing my attacker before I was gathered in strong arms, and taken down to the cold floor. My partner in the dance whimpered as I was torn from her grasp.
I crash to the floor, and tensed my arms, drew back a clenched fist ready to strike out at the weight on top of me.
The voice pants…”Evergreen…it’s…it’s me…Black Wolf.”
Before I could respond, Black Wolf was tossed up and away by a great force. And in the darkness I heard a sickening crash. I could feel my rescuer’s pain.
"So, Blackwolf. You decided to join us did you? That was very stupid. You had the perfect chance to escape, and yet you came back," said the woman.
*She came back…for me…she had the opportunity to leave this dark pit, and yet she returned…for me.*
Zena’s words once again resounded in my mind… *then when I get to give you my all, you can’t accept the gift because of your pride’...remember…*
I can’t accept the gift, and yet, here it was again. A gift beyond price, beyond value, freely given, without thought the cost to be paid. Black Wolf choose to give her all for the love of a friend.
My eyes fill with tears, and each chamber in my beating heart knows such compassion for all those I have wronged. There is a pain in the tenderness I feel ,and it cuts to my marrow.
“Mother of the First Night!” I shouted. I know what you seek from me…I know what I value that I fear to loose!”
“Before I give you my answer, you, NYX, must swear an oath that you will not harm Black Wolf…not a hair must be touched or I will never give you what I now know you truly seek.”
“To this oath you must attach a creed that the Amazons are free from the evil that divides all that is good and true from their honor as a nation.”
“Swear your oath, show me it is so, and I will tell you my answer.”
And in the darkness, I feel a hand cover my heart.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 10/21/02 10:16:32 pm
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 21
(10/23/02 1:51 am)
New Moon
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Bhen Rudha greeted the new moon with a wish over her left shoulder. It was fitting that the this first crescent watched over her first true night as a free woman. The sound of sizzling meat brought her attention down to the small fire which roasted the rabbit she had been lucky enough to catch. It had been a long time since she had thrown an axe for her supper.
Removing the spit she pulled a stip of meat and tried not to burn her tongue on it. Unseasoned and seared over a fire of her own making, it was perhaps the finest meat she had ever tasted. Sitting with her back to a fallen tree she continued to pull off strips of meat, throwing occasional pieces to the three ravens that settled themselves close to her.
In the peace of night sounds and softly crackling fire, she spoke, the language of her childhood flowing free within her. "So what should we do now? I have a pair of boots, an axe, and the blessing of the Goddess. Not such a bad start on a new life, hmm?" Three black heads tilted to regard her with a single eye each. She chuckled softly, popping a bit of meat into her mouth.
One by one, the ravens presented their ideas to the priestess. From Baintreach she received the hermit's path, a cave deep in the wilderness, herself left to find that perfect communion with the Goddess. It appealed, but not yet, she was too young yet for such a life. She felt the black-eyed raven's agreement.
Laoch gave her the location of several small marauding bands. Groups of men and women who could be molded by her skill and command. Tempting, but she sensed that this was the road to ruin. She harbored too much rage to be trusted with righteousness. The red-eyed raven's approval washed over her and she reached a hand to brush the night colored feathers.
The image of a city by the sea finally filtered into her inner vision. Within this city moved a pair of women shopping for a tunic, oblivious to the dark skeins of fate that wove around them. The priestess tasted the image, knowing it came from the amber-eyed raven, Cailleach, and felt herself more than inclined to heed the advice. "Aegina on the Sea? As good a place to start as anywhere I think."
The Warrior's fire heated her heart as she studied the women, a need to banish the darkness that grew on their horizon. She recognized the premonition for what it was. "We will set out in the morning my ladies. Blessed be the Goddess that points Her daughter on the path of eager redemption."
The triple raven tattoo warmed on her back, a sign on favor. Satisfied that she had made the proper decision, Bhen Rudha settled down to enjoy the remainder of her meal, watching the stars twinkle from the deep firmament of night.
Soon enough she had the fire smothered, the rabbit bones given to her ravens and herself stretched out in the grass, arms crossed behind her head. Breathing deeply of the sweet, cool air, she felt guarded, safe, and so she slept.
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 22
(10/23/02 2:59 am)
In the Emerald Dream
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Windswept hill and fertile valley ran off into the distance, achingly familiar. Her eyes stung as the vibrant colors of Eriu seemed to welcome home this wayward daughter. She had been here before while sleeping by J'mea's fire, and felt the gentle Hand of the Goddess beginning to sooth the ragged edges of her torn spirit. This place was more solid than a mere dream, and she thought with child-like delight that this was perhaps the Emerald Dream, inspired by the impossible shade of the grass.
She turned a slow circle on the summit of the hill she stood on, knowing that if she started down the West side, she would come to her father's stedding. To the North was the holy spring that she and her mother had held private rituals at. Two days to the East was the priestess house where she had been given her more formal training.
She stopped when she faced South, towards the place of her betrayal. The trap had been baited well and sprung without any resistance from the young and arrogant. Teeth gritted, she started to turn away, till movement at the edge of the nearby forest caught her eye.
Black as her ravens and moving on four legs, Bhen Rudha knew it quickly for a wolf. Unafraid of such a messenger here in the newly named Emerald Dream, she waited patiently as the animal ran up her hill.
A dozen paces away it stopped and regarded her with feral yellow eyes, not so unlike her own. After a moment it sat, tongue lolling in a lupine smile. :You know where you need to go?: the messenger asked with a rich masculine voice in the language of animals.
Understanding, and knowing she would be understood in return, the priestess answered in her own Gaeilge, "To Aegina on the Sea, as my Witch has shown me."
The wolf shook his head, :That was the past, events have moved and you will not reach Aegina in time. The company is on a ship headed for a new home.:
"The company? I given the image of two women."
:They are the core of a larger group, my own heartmate is with them. They carry the hopes of a brighter future and must be helped in the fight to come. You've seen the storm gathering against them?:
She nodded, and knew he was not speaking of simple wind and rain. "I saw the skeins of darkness. Does it weave about the whole company?"
:It does.:
Bhen Rudha sucked in a deep breath, wondering at the task set before her, so newly reawakened to the Goddess. "Will you lead us to the appointed place?"
:No, my heartmate will be waiting for me once the company finds land, and I need to be there. You will have to make your own way.:
She knelt in the soft grass, "Then I thank you, messenger, for your information. Return to your heartmate with all speed and I shall hopefully meet you again outside of this Emerald Dream."
The wolf padded forward and nosed her cheek, :I am Montara and my heartmate is Blackwolf. Should your appearance be questioned, use our names and they will be less likely to stab you out of principle.: The humor laced in his words brought an answering smile from the woman.
"I thank you again, Montara, and would have you know that I am called Bhen Rudha."
:Until we meet again, outside this Emerald Dream, Red Woman,: he said, then turned and loped down the hill.
She stood with a sigh and watched him till he reached the forest and was out of sight. "It is not an easy path that the Lady sets before this humble priestess," she said to no one. "I hope I can make the journey in enough time."
"If you take to the skies with us, Sister, you will."
Startled by the sudden voice, Bhen Rudha turned and was truly stunned as she looked into her own face.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 21, 2004 23:57:43 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 321
(10/23/02 8:36 pm)
You Look Simply Divine
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“Well, Ares, it isn’t going very well. Did you see your latest conquest? Covered in mud like a pig.” Athena gestured with her palms open and a shrug of her shoulders. The tiny bells around her helmet jingled softly.
“HEY! She was using a diversionary tactic. All great warriors have a plan B.” Once again, Ares lounged in Zeus’ throne, his powerful legs thrown over the arms.
“You are wasting time with this person. Faced with the Evil in her friend she did not even think to use your sword. Fortunately, our hope does not lie only with her. But I would not have made this bet with Father and Hera if I had thought you would play the fool.”
“FOOL? At least I’m helping, what did you give them? Little jingly bells off your helmet? Which, by the way, really do look good on you!” Ares slid from his perch and stood beside Athena now, brushing her cheek with his hand.
“Stop it, brother. Your charms are nothing to me. Turn your attention to the battle. If we lose this wager we will find ourselves consigned to tiny temples at the ends of the earth where we will receive nothing in tribute but prayers.”
“OOOO. Now you’re REALLY scaring me. All right, I’ll make an appearance. Aphrodite’s been down there confusing things with her lovey stuff. Everybody’s probably gone soft.”
“As if!” The sparks flew as Aphrodite materialized. “I gave them the spirit to go on!”
“Uh, Yeah. See ya sisters. I’m gonna stir the pot.” Ares disappeared and a distant rumble announced the coming of Zeus and Hera.
“I’m like, outta here.”
“Perhaps there is wisdom in that.” Athena joined Aphrodite in a cloud of tiny sparks.
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 10/23/02 8:38:34 pm
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 71
(10/24/02 10:16 am)
When the Dancing Stopped
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And in the darkness, Evergreen felt a hand cover her heart. She did not draw away, stood the ground firm, and drew in a deep cleansing breath. Black Wolf, sitting stunned, but with less pain, heard the slow release of the breath in the darkness. Her instincts forewarned that an event of great significance was about to take form. The heart of the wolf sung to her that she was witness to a battle of wills with a soul being in the balance.
“Shall be as you wished, my Amazon...look.”
Black Wolf covered her golden eyes to shade them from a light that grew in intensity until it filled the darkness giving clear sight to an elongated hallway with many doors. The silhouette of a woman and a smaller creature by her side, was at the ending. The silhouette raised a hand in recognition. Words without voice entered Black Wolf’s head.
“I am trying to find my way to you…wait for me.”
Black Wolf became still and turned to watch Evergreen bathed in a shower of colored lights that danced with her and the other. The woman with the heart of the Wolf sat mesmerized, and sensed to move would irrevocably alter that which was destined to transpire.
With intensity of focus, Evergreen, knew that a choice was soon to be had here. Such a choice would not permit the luxury of her reputed need for time to ponder each avenue. She had to be decisive. Evergreen’s mind raced ahead in thought, and sought a way to paradox the dark nemesis to her side. Oddly, Evergreen felt a bond with the woman giving way to an uncertain belief that perhaps something of her very soul was already much entwined with this one who lead in the dance.
Now in the light of the reality of decision and sacrifice, Evergreen turned to face this woman of the dark. A tanned and callous hand reached to move the mantle of shooting stars and moons from a face that was hidden beneath this garment as fine silk to the touch. No protest came forth. With the gentleness of a child, Evergreen brushed away raven hair straying across blue eyes. Black Wolf heard a great sigh, but not being sure it came from Evergreen or the woman towering over her.
“I know you”, was heard as Evergreen whispered the words with a reverence.
Two strong hands came to rest on Evergreen’s shoulders. The touch was firm and familiar.
“Tell me what you know I seek and each door will open to free all those you hold dear. They will be given the choice to find their way home.” There was no threat in the voice, and it was spoken as if a mother was about to impart a lesson of life to a loved child.
Dark eyes brimmed with tears meeting blue reflecting the same flood that came with cognition. Evergreen, with certainty, knew that trickery was not the way of her warrior’s heart this day. All that was to be said,need be said in the light of truth that now illuminated the darkness.
With great emotion, and betrayed by a voice that broke with the speaking of the words, Evergreen voiced the answer to the challenge put forth to her by the Mother of the First Night.
“What you seek, Mother, what I value and fear to loose”…the tears now came without stopping and two captured shoulders now shook…”what you seek, what I value beyond all price, is the gift to be loved and to freely give love in return…for without it, my soul is forever dark.”
The sound of disengaging locks resounded down the hallway. Each door in their turn scraped the stone floor as they opened. The tall figure pointed to passageway.
“As I promised,my Amazon. The way home must be what each finds as value to them. You have provided the exchange for the opening…they must find the courage to step through into the hallway of life that joins them all.”
Black Wolf sat astonished as Evergreen embraced the dark figure. The mantle enveloped them with the moon and stars swirling. Evergreen joined once again in the dance. The two spun, Evergreen glanced at Black Wolf and smiled, and sadly turned her eyes back to the woman. Then slowly fading…the dancing stopped, and they were gone.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 10/24/02 10:19:58 am
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 0:08:04 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 194
(10/24/02 7:54 pm)
Ownership questions...
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Xendra stood silently while emotions shifted in and out. Anger and rage were the predominate emotions as the words"You are mine.". were still echoing in Xendra's head..Xendra despised the idea of something or someone owning her.
Hearing that the entity thought of her as property to be owned and used enraged Xendra."I don't care who you are, I belong to no one. without my sisters I hold no allegiances..I will do your bidding because I have no other choice but I am not yours to own."
The evil entity laughed,"You are as much mine as any creature of the night. You have no rule, no reign no power lest I grant to you..You are nothing without me.You will obey and serve me...of this I have no doubt muhahahha."
As the entity laughed a whirlwind overtook Xendra . As the dust settled Xendra found herself fully dressed in the finest dress of black leather .
Xendra looked at the new outfit in disgust.Xendra paced forward and back with great deliberation,measuring her response carefully, she said, "If I am, to champion the cause of darkness as warrior, then I require to be free of all obligations.. .even to You. I need to be Free to fight when and how as I see fit."
Evil paused , "We shall see my warrior,.. you will have to prove your worth and loyalty to the darkness."However, I NEED you to handle the Amazon problem..muhahahha."
Xendra nodded, "Yes, the Amazons could interfere with your plans.. Leave them to me and I' ll personally show them the power that darkness posses."
Xendra's began to ponder her next move,obviously Puella, would be of utmost concern for she could forewarn the others,that she was serving the Evil one.
Xendra called for an assembly for her henchmen lackeys and creatures of the night and all that would do her bidding.Xendra told that failure would bring excriating pain and torment. That she expected obedience above all else.
Xendra dispatched a messenger of Evil to find Iris..her presence would soon be needed...
Before Xendra dimissed the unholy assembly she ordered all the assembled dark creatures of the night."To
locate and stop Puella before she rejoins her sisters!"
Secretly, Xendra purposed in intending no physical harm to her former friend, instead she plotted to give Puella over to a feebled mind,thus turning her once closest friend,woeful insane.
Xendra spoke into the night air..." When Puella is found, she is to have no memory or thought of what has happened, other than those of a nightmare..."
Once Xendra received word of Iris's soon arrival she quickly dispatched a lackey to bring Iris to her,then with a sweep of her hand Xendra transformed back to her normal appearance and garb.
Iris was brought before Xendra,as there eyes locked..Iris's eyes reflectied that she had knowledge of Xendra's transformation. Xendra laughed evily," Soon we will find out whether or not you take on your mirror images personality muhahahaha. Come!"
Xendra and Iris,two physcially identical images set out to intercept Puella ...
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 10/26/02 4:38:14 pm
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 81
(10/26/02 9:52 am)
What is This Scroll and How Did I Get Here?
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*Am I dead? Do they cook something in Tartarus that could smell quite so wonderful? Why am I so comfortable…have I grown fur? Ye gods! Where are my clothes?*
Evergreen slowly opened an eyelid. A dark eye the color of rich earth,and still not clear as though one had been in deep slumber, was staring up to a canopy of trees. The first light of the morning sun chased itself in and out of branches that gently swayed in a cool breeze. A crackling fire could be heard to her left intermingled with a rhythmic sound of “swoosh…clink…swoosh…clink.” A definite scent of pine settled into the mixture assaulting Evergreen’s senses. She felt no broken bones. Actually the feeling was one of familiar comfort. Evergreen took in a deep breath, tensed her muscles, and then slowly let out the breath while stretching out her full length which did not require much need for room.
Conversation between two voices, one soft as thick honey and the other contralto, began to filter into Evergreen’s awakening
“I think she’s awake…here, this is yours…isn’t that sharp enough by now…eat!”
Swoosh…clank…followed by the sound of what Evergreen knew to be a sword returning to its at the ready station.
“Where da ya think she came from…from the looks of those scars, that one has seen battle”, the contralto voice replied.
“I don’t know…she carried no weapons…I searched the area…no food, no horse, no tracks…nothing. If it had not been for that small dog, I never would have seen her at all. I wonder where it went… Odd though, I thought I saw a figure of a woman, something flashing about her head, darting in and out of the trees. Now that I think about it, she looked a lot like you…”
“Me?...ya… well…I did visit the bushes before we settled for the night to…well…ya know…and I did NOT use your scroll…so don’t go there.”
“Did you HEAR me accuse you of that…why is it, you ALWAYS have to bring up the past…sometimes I do not know why I stay…”
“Because ya care…and ya know I would never leave ya.”
Exasperation had drained from the honey voiced one. “And I, never you.”
Evergreen slowly turned to her side pulling the fur bedroll as not to uncover what was she was painfully aware was the only thing she arrived in the world with albeit now well worn. She feigned sleep hoping for time to assess where she was and to see who belonged to the voices. There was no recognition of kindred in their sound, but no threat as well. The two spoke with caring familiarity. Evergreen thought how much it reminded her of the conversation at a night fire with…
*I should know the name but I do not…*
A third, but distant voice entered Evergreen’s thoughts as a whisper in her ear…“They will find you…”
“Well, she has to eat now or the food will be to waste, and you know how long it takes to clean that skillet, not like my old one that YOU used as a weapon”, the honey voiced said mixed with ever nearing footfalls.
Someone kneeled down and a hand gently shook Evergreen’s shoulder. “Wake up…it’s okay…no one will hurt you.”
Evergreen now fully opened two eyes with the gaze returned by a woman with short hair the color of summer sun bleached wheat that fell forward framing two caring eyes the color of a spring meadow. The woman smiled with an expression that could surrender an army for the sole fear of dying in battle and never seeing that face again.
* Well…if this is evil’s reward… I will gladly dance through all time*
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 10/26/02 10:03:45 am
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 0:09:53 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 329
(10/26/02 9:32 pm)
Lions And Tigers and.......
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Amara looked at Zena and then said, “We must hurry and get to Xendra quickly I fear something awful is about to happen, and if we want to get the Amazons back and stop whatever is coming we must act NOW!” Zena caught the Helmet of Hades and slipped it over Gabby’s head.
“Ouch!”
“Sorry, Sweetie. Now I know you won’t stay here so at least keep the helmet on and help by beinng unseen!”
“OK”, Gabby’s voice came from in front of a tree, making it appear that the tree was talking.
“Leara, Amara, come with me and stay close.” They had hardly left the fire ring when a huge ugly form loomed up out of the darkness. The three froze and stared at the vile creature before them. It was scaly and had eyes that shone from it’s head; great clawed paws reached towards them. It’s croaking voice taunted them with short unintelligible cries. “Eeeena. Arrrra. Eeeeeara”
“By the gods it’s hideous!” Leara hefted the Trident of Poseidon and prepared to spear the thing. Amara drew back the Bow of Apollo with a slow creaking tension. “Careful”, Zena whispered.
“Eeeena. Arrrra. Eeeeeara” It clawed the air and now they could see that it carried a weapon, some type of staff. It stumbled toward them dropping it’s scales as it walked, great chunks of hide falling to the ground.
Amara took aim at it’s chest, “I can slice through it!"
Suddenly Zena jumped in front of Leara and Amara. “Stop! Zena you can’t take it on alone!” Leara was trying to reach around Zena with the trident. As the creature bent toward her, Zena reached up and tore a chunk from the “flesh” around it’s head and crumbled the mud in her hand. “Puella, is that really you? By the gods you look like Grindl. Thank Artemis I saw the carving on the staff or we would have sent you to the Elysian Fields!"
Puella was crying now and the tears were carving little slots in her muddy cheeks. She tried to explain what she had seen but the words were not forming correctly because the dried mud constricting her mouth. They moved back to the campfire and Puella’s eyes widened in the mud on her face as a bucket of water floated toward her.
“It’s just Gabs: in the hat” Zena reassured her. “Clean up. I will take the first watch.”
“Zena.” Leara stood beside her and for a second she thought again that she looked like Evergreen.
“Yes, Leara.”
“You hardly sleep or eat. Let me stand guard.”
“Thanks Leara. Later. I can’t sleep anyway. I really don’t mind.” Zena patted her shoulder and put her back to a tree facing out into the darkness. Part of her was awake and watchful and part went back to a time long gone.
“Hey, dummy. Betcha can’t run either.” The little warriors taunted the new orphan added to their ranks.
“Dummy. Dummy. What happened to your Mommy?” Eight year old Zena held back her tears and hugged her knees all the tighter, waiting for the rocks and sticks she knew they would toss at her. How she missed her family. Dead, all gone in the raid. The Amazons had taken her in but she did not belong to any one family. She was always on the outside. A form appeared and stood between her and her tormentors, “Get out. Leave her alone.” “Aww, Evergreen, we were just playing!” “Well play somewhere else. My friend and me are about to go fishing.” Zena looked up at the girl standing in front of her. “C’mon. You going to sit there all day, fish are biting.” The girl held out her hand and reluctantly Zena let her pull her off the ground. “I’m Evergreen.” “I’m Zena.”
Big Zena wiped away one tear.
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 23
(10/27/02 8:48 pm)
My duty
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It came to me slowly that the pain had stopped. I slowly opened my eyes and looked around, or did my best to. The mind numbing pain may have stopped, but the residual effects told me it would take a while to recover. I followed the light with my eyes, and saw Evergreen and Nyx standing together once again. And then, suddenly, there was bright light everywhere, blinding me, and all the doors were thrown open up and down the corridor. I closed my eyes against the brightness, and saw Phalon and the little dog standing in yet more bright light with something spinning over their heads. Somehow I knew Phalon was in one of the rooms that had just been opened. Now all there was left to do was to get there with Evergreen.
The light receded, and I looked once again at Evergreen. There was acceptance and contentment on her face, but also some pain, and I knew she had made a deal. I wrenched to my knees against the pain and held out a hand to Evergreen. She smiled in my direction, and then both she and Nyx were gone. I had no idea where they had gone to, but I knew there was no sense trying to find out. There was only one course of action left to me and that was to find Phalon.
I crawled over to one of the walls, and then using it for support, dragged myself to a standing position. The pain was entirely gone now, but my body still trembled and was weak from the experience. I stumbled down the corridor, looking in every door I came to. In every room, there was some image floating around, but I didn't bother to stay and see what that image was. It was not an image I was seeking, but rather a real person.
I stumbled for what seemed an eternity from room to room before I finally found the one I wanted. I went through the door and just about collapsed in Phalon's arms. Little Dog was yipping all around me, but I paid no attention to him.
"Blackwolf, what happened? Where's Evergreen?" She asked.
So I told her everything that had happened. I told her about the temptation, about how we had escaped, and about Nyx.
"I tried to help her. I did. But I wasn't strong enough. I wasn't able to save her. I failed her," I said with tears running down my face.
"No, you didn't fail her. This was destiny. This was something that Evergreen had to do. My guess is is that though it doesn't seem like you saved her, you actually did. Your selfless act of coming back for her convinced her of what she had to do, and that made it all the more easier for her to accept. Do not worry. I know Evergreen. She'll find her way back to us eventually."
I tried to feel better by Phalon's words, but I was still depressed. I was a Protector, and I failed in my duty to protect a friend. That would haunt me for a long time.
Phalon, seeing I wasn't anymore encouraged by her words, sighed and said "Well, there's nothing more to do here. Let's get out of here." She helped me up, grabbed the spinning object which I saw was a Chakram, and with Little Dog on our heels we exited the room.
"To fight for what you believe in and to never give up is to have the heart of a wolf."
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 0:11:08 GMT -6
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 85
(10/29/02 11:21 pm)
Between a Rock and a Soft Place
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Evergreen looked up at the woman with sunlight hair and verdant eyes.
"Maybe I have died and this is a trick. A pleasure given and quickly recanted."
"Wake up. We have some clothes for you. I'll get them. We will leave you alone to dress. There is some food on the plate. Left over wine in the cask or water in skin hanging on the tree to your right. By the way I am ...."
"I know who you are and that's"...Evergreen glanced over to a tall, formidable, leather clad woman with raven hair.
"Ya, that's me alright." The leather glad one stood and towered over the blonde one.
"By the gods, she rivals the pine at four seasons."
"Where ya come from? We're you attacked? Ya gotta a name?"
"I...I...well, I don't know. I'm not sure where I am now,let alone where I've been. Name? I'm sure I do,but I can't remember.
"Neverseen? No. Everclean? No. Something... like...grassisgreen?" The mind held fast to it's secrets.
"S'okay. I have some hunting to do. Like venison? If I'm not successful, she's got some wine that goes with bark..." A white smile flashed from the tall one to the blonde who cocked her head, then shook it while laughing.
"Don't pay any attention to her. She has never let me forget a missed shot along time ago...not good for an Amazon Queen's reputation."
The tall woman touched the blonde's shoulder,turned and walked into the woods.
"Amazon? I know that...Am-a-zon. Ama-zon."
Evergreen's mind began to rapidly click off images, faces, voices..."Stop!"
"What? What did you say?" The blonde continued her task of pulling clothing from saddle bag. Amazing what I can get in here. Verdant eyes turned to study a very perplexed face staring into an unseen place.
"Nothing...it was,well...I am missing something, someone, a place that I cannot recall. It's like I just know I am supposed to be there,but cannot find my way home. Ever feel like that?"
The verdant eyes smiled. "Yes. I know that feeling. It was many years ago when I was young girl, and before I met...well, before I found my home. Here,you can wear this."
The blonde one walked over and handed Evergreen a pair of buckskin pants with a matching shirt embroidered with beads and symbols.
"Its from my tribe,but you have use for it now. Please, take them."
Evergreen picked up the clothes and fingered the symbols. The clothes seemed so familiar and yet she could not link the present to the past-or the future.
"Thank yo..."what is she laughing at?"
The blonde turned ,walked away,looked back over her shoulder and said with a final grin,"When was the last time those legs saw the light of day?"
"My legs...?"
Evergreen looked down to see that fur bedroll had dropped to the ground ,and that her assets were on display before all the creatures of the forest and one amused, blonde, Amazon Queen.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 10/29/02 10:50:58 pm
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 26
(10/30/02 4:43 am)
Raven Sister
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"Great Mother! Who are you?" Bhen Rudha demanded, taking a step back out of reflex.
The woman laughed, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Do you not recognize me then?"
The lush safety of the Emerald Dream helped calm Bhen Rudha and she was able to really look over the other woman. She was as a warrior of the Celts, with rich red hair pulled back in a tight braid and brilliant crimson eyes that stared out of a copy of Bhen Rudha's own face. Two raven heads capped the ends of the bronze torc that rested about her neck. Awareness dawned and the priestess stared wide eyed and open mouthed, "Battle Sister, I am surely unworthy of such grace . . ."
Still laughing, the woman placed a hand on the priestess' shoulder, "Nae, I am not the Lady Macha. And I know I am not in my feathers, but do you not know me for your own Warrior?"
Her mouth worked and no sound came for a moment. Finally she swallowed and tried again, "Laoch? But how?"
Linking their arms, Warrior turned Bhen Rudha to the East and led the unprotesting women down the hill. "This is your tearmann, your sanctuary." She waved a hand to indicate the Emerald Dream as she continued, "Each priestess receives one as a Gift from the Morrigu once the Triréad, the Trio, and the Bandroi an Cogadh are properly bonded. Eventually you will learn to reach the tearmann without needing to sleep."
She walked along blindly, trying to absorb the words. It was all too much, she was not worthy, she thought.
"Nonsense, and if you keep thinking that way, I will have to give you a thrashing," Warrior said cheerfully.
Blinking, Bhen Rudha looked at the woman leading her, "What?"
With a sigh, Warrior stopped and turned the priestess to face her, a serious expression replacing the mirth of a moment ago. "Look, I know what happened to you. I know how it happened and why you chose to survive it. No one, and I mean no one, blames you. Your worth comes from the fact that even when you gave in, you did not give up. The Morrigu does not punish those who fight for themselves, even if it took four years to get to that point."
She took a deep breath, trying to believe what the raven told her. "Mayhap you are right. I cannot help but feel though, that I have a long way to go before I have truly earned what grace as been give me."
"And it is good that you should feel so," a new voice said. Bhen Rudha turned to see a version of herself in simple buff colored robes, with a raven's feather braided into otherwise unbound black hair. Clear amber eyes regarded the priestess with a gentle gaze. The woman continued, "To take for granted the gifts of the Morrigu would be a great sin. But too, you should never get so caught up in the question of worth that you refuse to enjoy the gifts so lovingly bestowed."
"Cailleach?" the priestess asked numbly.
With a bow, Witch answered, "It is so."
A second deep breath and finally she nodded, "I hear you. And hopefully a day will come that I will be able to fully believe you both." She gave the ravens a wry sort of smile then looked about. "Where is Baintreach then? Is she not to give me words of wisdom as well?"
Warrior chuckled, answering, "Nae, the old one keeps watch."
Witch added smoothly, "She knows that it may take a while for the young to become comfortable with the idea of age and bears no hurt should you be less than eager to be in her presence."
"She can not think that I do not want her . . ."
"Peace sister, she does not think that at all," Witch interrupted the priestess calmly.
Relieved of that fear at least, Bhen Rudha found herself wondering at the delight that had been quietly bubbling up within her. She asked suddenly, "How is it that both of you are wearing my face?"
"Oh, I was getting to that," Warrior replied, once again linking arms with the priestess. Witch copied her on the other side, and the three strolled East. "We, the Triréad, are manifestations of the Morrigu, as you well know. Here in the tearmann we are gifted this form so that we may have a closer communion with you."
Tears pricked Bhen Rudha's eyes and she bowed her head. ". . . never alone . . ." she murmured.
"Never again shall you be alone, Sister," Witch said, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.
The three walked in silence for a time, the balm of the Emerald Dream and the joy of the discovery of her new sisters doing much to lift Bhen Rudha's spirit. As they traveled, the scenery shimmered and changed, the steep sea cliffs on the Northwestern coast of Eriu coming eventually into focus. Warrior laughed after the three filled their lungs with sweet sea air at the same moment. The priestess smiled, untroubled by the fact that the cliffs were several days journey from the hill where she had spoken to the wolf.
"And here you will learn what benefit you receive bonded to a Triréad," Warrior announced gleefully.
"You mean there is more?"
"Indeed," Witch answered, a wicked smile curving her lips. "Come, let me show you a thing." The raven then walked towards the cliff's edge, her linked arm making Bhen Rudha follow.
Remembering the trickster stories also associated with ravens, the priestess tried to balk. Her effort proved futile however, as Warrior added her weight to Witch's and she could do nothing but move where they wanted her to. As had happened the one time she had journeyed to the cliffs, the sight took her breath away. Waves crashed far below, the view made dizzying by the shearness of the rockface. A deep sigh fell from her as she became entranced.
Witch breathed in her ear, "Find your feathers Sister," and with Warrior's help, pushed the helpless priestess over the edge.
Edited by: BhenRudha at: 10/30/02 5:54:03 pm
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 0:12:43 GMT -6
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 27
(10/30/02 4:49 am)
Raven Sister II
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Shock ripped a scream from her throat, and Bhen Rudha flailed helpless in the air as she dropped. Find your feathers Sister. Fear, chased by panic, swarmed through her mind, crowding out all thoughts of betrayal. Find your feathers Sister. She tumbled toward the pounding surf. Find your feathers Sister. Witch's voice finally cut through and she frantically thought of the sleek, black wings that carried the ravens aloft. Her desire to live burning white-hot within her, she focused her will down to a pinpoint and reached for a single word . . . fiach.
She could feel the spray of water on her face as her form compacted itself, molded into the shape of a raven. With bare moments to spare, she spread new wings and glided over the ever moving sea.
Triumphant cries reached her ears, and two ravens joined her in flight, showing her by example how to pull herself upward to clearer air. Once secure with a thermal beneath her wings, she called to the others, "Why did you do that?" her words coming out as a raven's harsh caw.
"Do not hate us," Warrior cawed back, "we had to teach you quickly, for time is slipping away. Witch has had a new vision, and only by taking our shape and flying as we do could you arrive in time."
"You would not have died should you have failed to find your feathers, this I promise you," Witch cawed, flying a lazy spiral around the new raven.
"Good of you to tell me now!"
Warrior's raven laughter reached Bhen Rudha and she found the wonder and thrill of her new form quickly overtaking what anger she had so briefly possessed. Her thoughts turned to learning how to better control her wings, and her raven sisters were only too happy to help.
When the sun was just cresting the edge of the world Bhen Rudha's spirit began to unfold itself to fit back into her slowly waking body. She cried out in alarm and sadness that her adventure should come to so abrupt an end.
"Do not fear, Sister, all you need do is remember your fall," Witch cawed, her form translucent as she too began to leave the Emerald Dream.
Comforted, the priestess relaxed, sliding easily back into her human shape. Sunrise and a stiff back welcomed her as she woke. Blinking, she sat up in time to see Witch and Warrior shake themselves awake. Widow croaked softly, the sound drawing her eyes to where the big raven perched. Bhen Rudha sent her awareness out to reaffirm her love and respect for the wisest aspect and smiled as she received in kind.
She gained her feet slowly, stretching out the kink in her back and getting her blood flowing to ward of the chill. After performing her morning ablutions at the stream, she returned to the clearing and regarded the three ravens that sat contentedly upon the same tree branch. She thought back on the last words she heard, her stomach feeling hollow even before she remembered the first moments of the fall.
Eyes falling closed, she quickly passed through the memory to the point where she called . . . fiach . . . and again she felt her form folding.
As the sun rose its first fingerwidth, four birds took to the air amid a happy cacophony of raven cries.
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 86
(10/30/02 7:01 pm)
Follow the Love
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I grabbed for my buckskins and hastily pulled them on to cover myself. First the doeskin top. Up and over my head. It felt soft and smelled of the spice tucked in its pocket. I smoothed out the arms and saw that it was an exact fit down to my wrist.
Interesting bead work. I will have to ask her about that.
With equal speed I lifted first the right leg, and then left ,stepping into pants as soft as the white puffs that lift off from the flowers in the spring winds.
Perfect!
I bent to gather up the bedroll. And as I did, it melted away into nothingness. Gone from my very hands. I stood upright and before me was the small clearing in which I stood,but there was no fire,no food,no cask of wine nor water skin. There was no remnants of the two women. They two were gone. I stood alone.
"Hello? Anyone there?"
My voice took flight on the air in which I breathed,but no sound answered my words. I looked at my arms,my legs which were very much still covered by the buckskins taken from a leather traveling pack. I could still smell the spice.
" Turn around."
Startled, I quickly turned on my bare heel with my fist at the ready. How did I know to do that?
At the spot where I found myself just at new light, were a pair of boots. Standing at sentry next to the boots was a sword like no other my memory could give reply.
I reached forward and pulled it from its thrust into the ground. It felt good in my hand as I sliced at imaginary opponents in the air.
Behind me I heard heard the subtle break of a twig in the brush. I swirled around, and with all my strength, raised the sword ready to bring it down upon my enemy.
An unseen hand grabbed my wrist and I halted the motion at the level of my chest. There, crouched in the underbrush was a child...a girl, of no more than seven complete turns of all the seasons, covering her head with her arms in a futile gesture to ward off my blow.
"What are you doing there child? Come out...see, I have laid down my sword", I said as I slowly lowered it to the ground,
I backed up three paces and rested my arms to my sides.
"Come out child. I give you my oath I will not harm you."
The child with dark curly hair stood up and extended a small hand as she walked to where I was standing.
"I know that, Sister. You would never harm me. I have come for you. Take my hand. We have a journey, and I am to accompany you for awhile. Until you can find your own way."
For a moment I pondered this...the child giggled..."she who hesitates is lost."
I stooped, pulled on my boots, and gathered up my sword. I contemplated the small outstretched hand. I reached out and took it in my own.
"So be it. Lead on."
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 10/30/02 6:08:41 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 335
(10/30/02 9:43 pm)
Alone In The Dark
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The moon had risen over the trees and so it didn’t matter that the fire was just a few winking embers. The warmth of the campfire light had been replaced by the brittle white of the full moon. The night was still, no breeze or sound disturbed Zena’s reverie. The first watch had come and gone and she had not sought a replacement for herself in the group sleeping near the fire ring. "Let them rest. They will need it.", she thought. She continued to stand, her back flattened against the tree, feeling the bark pushing through her tunic. Only she was awake, the only living being under the moon who was not entwined in a dreamscape.
Alone. Zena sighed and pondered the different ways a person can be alone. Here, awake while others slept. In the group, feeling slightly outside of everyone else. Even with Evergreen she sometimes felt alone, shut out of her thoughts and her heart as she searched for herself. In the peace of the silence she let her mind go back again to their childhood.
“C’mon. You can do it. It’s not BAD it’s just dark.” Little Zena pulled on Evergreen’s sleeve.
“NO. I said NO. Let me be. I don’t want to go out there."
The others in their age group had gone into the forest to practice night tracking but Evergreen would not pass the entrance of their hut. She was afraid but she could not admit her fear. Each night she came in before the last rays of the sun disappeared and would not leave until the sun came up again. Old memories buried deeply gnawed at her in the dark. But now she had to face her biggest terror by the command of their mentor.
“We have to go. It’s important.” Zena pleaded and pulled again.
Evergreen swallowed hard and looked into Zena’s eyes.
“I can’t. I...I...”
“I know. But I’ll go with you. You aren’t alone anymore. I'm here.” Zena stood just outside the hut and offered Evergreen her small hand.
"So be it. Lead on." She took Zena’s hand and they stepped out into the dark forest together.
“Oh how I miss you.” Zena stretched and swung the sword of Artemis through the air listening to it whistle as it passed in front of her. It made an arc of sparks before her and in the sparks and by the moonlight she thought she saw something move. She crouched low and narrowed her eyes waiting for further movement.
Zena
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
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Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 0:13:57 GMT -6
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 97
(11/3/02 2:49 pm)
A Little Travelin' Music
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Evergreen was not sure just how long they had been traveling. The noise emanating from her stomach told her it was way too long and the goddess Ap-pe-ti-te demanded tribute. I wish I had been speedier in accepting the blonde’s admonition to get up and eat breakfast, at least before it disappeared. And the goddess Ap-pe-ti-te gave a resounding “ Ah…hmmm." The child, however, had the feet of Mercury himself, and was unrelenting in their journey…to where?
The morning sun soon gave over its earthly watch to the light of midday. Shadows fell in and out of the forest canopy creating patterns on the ground.
“Little girl.”
And the child with winged feet continued on without looking back…“what do you want?”…she responded while hopping a log here and there, stopping to pick up a stick to swat at trees as she passed. Whap…whap…whap.
Evergreen came to an abrupt halt, placed two defiant hands on her hips with feet spread slightly apart to maintain a balance.
“Little girl! I am hungry and I am thirsty…and I need to stop and… well…you know. Do you mean to deliver me to our destination in a sarcophagus?”
The little girl jumped atop a large rock, grabbed a branch from a low hanging pine and began to swing back and forth. “And they told me you were a great warrior. Okay, go do what you need to do and then we will talk about food.”
The little girl never took her gaze from Evergreen as she continued to swing from the branch. Evergreen turned and as she entered the brush, she could hear a child like melody from the minute Orpheus hanging from a pine branch. Pine branch?...the image of two women arguing in a market over something flashed in Evergreen’s mind…but what is this?
Evergreen returned to find a blanket spread on the ground. The child sat with her knees pulled to her chest while rocking back and forth.
“Sit. Eat, and then we must move on if we are to make it to the village before nightfall. There will be no moon, and even I do not have the eyes of a wolf. You know how you do not like to be alone in the forest without the moon to guide you.”
Evergreen slowly sank to the blanket, and once there, sat with legs crossed with boots tucked under each thigh. Before her were bowls of fruit, some cheese wrapped in cloth, bread, and a large urn filled with cool water that on the tasting, seemed to be from the winter spring near her home.
My home…there is a spring? How did I know that? How does this child know of my fear of moonless nights? Only…but who…only who knew that?
The little girl watched as her charge ate. Evergreen stopped eating long enough to think that she had not offered any of the feast to her benefactor. “Did you eat child?”
The little girl was softly singing, but the words could not be heard. At Evergreen’s question, the child stopped the melody, and smiled saying, “Yes, and my soul is full. Hurry now, darkness is swiftly winning the race with the lazy sun."
A grateful Evergreen, and a satiated goddess Ap-pe-ti-te, finished the fine meal. Evergreen stood up and brushed away the last remnants of the bread, took one last deep drink of the cool water, looked at the child and wondered where the journey would end.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 11/3/02 1:53:37 pm
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 336
(11/3/02 9:22 pm)
Gone with the Night
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Phalon felt an overpowering urge to step from the room of light and reenter the dim hallway. It was as if someone were calling her. She opened the door and exited the warmth of the room into the dankness of the endless hall. Nemesis’ wheel followed her, still spinning above her head, emitting a halo of light around her.
Once outside the room, she looked down towards the far end of the hallway and saw two women standing together, hands on each other’s shoulders. Suddenly, all the doors flung open at once, startling Phalon. She peered at the two women with eyes squinted against the light. Evergreen?! Phalon raised her hand, gesturing towards her friend. “Evergreen!” Evergreen looked towards Phalon, but did not acknowledge her. Instead she turned back towards the tall dark woman whom she was with. Something looked oddly familiar about the woman, Phalon thought. Even from where Phalon was standing, she could see her beauty was striking. Nemesis, Phalon thought. She bore resemblance to Nemesis. “I am Nemesis, daughter of night”, Phalon remembered the goddess’ introduction. Then was this the mother? Was this Nye that Evergreen is with, and why? Phalon watched the two. She felt a bargain struck. And the deal made, Evergreen and Nye danced an eerie dance together as they faded from sight.
Edited by: phalon1 at: 11/3/02 8:28:08 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 345
(11/4/02 4:17 pm)
Moon Over My Family
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“Rabbit? No, bigger. Nothing now.” If there was a forest creature or a human being there, it had not moved or even taken breath again. Zena’s body stayed in position but again the darkness of the night, the eerie moonlight and the still tree cover tempted her mind into wandering.
“Ouch! Don’t walk so close. You stepped on my boot."
Don’t move so fast I can’t see you in the dark.”
“LOOK!”
“W...w..what is it?"
The two little adopted Amazons bent low over the trail. In the mud was a single sole print and in the bush at the side a broken branch at the head of a densely overgrown trail. Zena squinted into the inky blackness before them but Evergreen took a step back.
“Nope. Nope. Nope. I’m not going in there.”
“It’s the right way. The broken branch, the print, this is it."
Evergreen sat down and folded her arms over her chest. Although Zena could barely see her she knew she had that set to her jaw that she was beginning to know well.
“It’s just the forest. C’mon. Don’t be scared.”
“I’m not going in there. Don’t you understand Greek? It’s dark and I don’t want to."
Zena sat down beside Evergreen and waited a little while. When she spoke it was soft but steady.
“Nothing will hurt you.”
“You don’t know that. Zena?”
“I'm here.”
“Aren’t you afraid of anything?”
“Yup.”
“What?"
Zena took a breath, not sure she wanted to give away a secret.
“W..e..l..l, being hungry and water.”
“Is that why you keep the chunks of bread in your bedroll?"
Evergreen felt Zena's head turn to stare at her in the darkness.
“Yeah, I know. I saw you put it in there after supper yesterday.”
“You didn’t tell?”
“Nah. It’s nobody’s business.”
“We’re supposed to share everything. I just can’t share all the food. Someday I’ll tell you."
They sat for awhile longer, each holding the secrets of the other in the comfort that sharing a confidence can bring. Finally, Zena felt Evergreen move from beside her.
“Ok.” Evergreen stood up slowly and reached for Zena’s arm. “Let’s go.”
“Are you ready to try? Really?”
“Only if you walk real slow.”
“Ok, I promise. Together.”
The moon was reaching it’s full ascent and still nothing seemed alive in the wood. Leara stirred in her bedroll, but that was all. The vigil continued.
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 11/5/02 5:50:56 am
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