|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 0:15:25 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 379
(11/7/02 10:09 pm)
BlackWolf
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phalon reentered the room from where she had just come. Evergreen was gone. Where? And why? Phalon lay on the cold stone floor with her hands behind her head, staring at Nemesis’ wheel rotating above, going over in her mind what she had just witnessed. There was Evergreen, her friend, standing with the Goddess of Night, having just sealed a promise, a pact that Phalon knew came with a high price. The doors flew open and her eyes met briefly with Evergreen’s. In that instant she felt intense sadness in Evergreen. Sadness and something else. What was it? Phalon couldn’t be quite sure. Then her friend was gone, disappearing with Nye, leaving Phalon again alone.
She was startled from her thoughts by the sounds of someone stumbling down the hall. Phalon quickly rose to her feet. Evergreen must have returned! A woman staggered through the door and into Phalon’s arms. Not Evergreen, but BlackWolf!
Phalon saw she was visibly shaken, thinking that she was somehow responsible for Evergreen’s disappearance. Phalon tried to comfort her, to make her believe that she did not fail Evergreen. Blackwolf would not be consoled. It was something she would have to work through herself. Phalon sighed and said, “There's nothing more to do here. Let's get out of here." She grabbed the wheel from the air, and she, BlackWolf and Little Dog once again stepped into the hallway.
The doors in the endless hall still hung open, and Phalon walked swiftly by them, staring straight ahead. She forced herself not to look inside the doorways, afraid that whatever horrors lay beyond them would become reality by looking at them, giving them validity with a glance and forcing someone’s nightmare to become their own private Tartarus on earth.
Little Dog, who was Little Dog once again, and not Icthyus, ran ahead and stood at the spot where Evergreen had vanished just moments before. Phalon stared at the place where he stood. Her thoughts went back to Evergreen and the look in her eyes right before she disappeared.
As she thought, Phalon slowed her gait considerably and BlackWolf rushed by, calling over her shoulder as she passed, “Hurry, Phalon.” Phalon was lost in concentration. When the doors flew open, the look in Evergreen’s eyes was… She stopped. Turning her head to the right, she stared through the open door beside her. In the darkness of night, keeping watch over a sleeping camp, was Zena, searching for…something.
Relief. That was what was in Evergreen’s eyes. Along with the sadness, came relief. The doors opened and Evergreen was relieved.
Phalon took a few more steps and peered in the following doorway. “Come on, Phalon!” BlackWolf called once again. Phalon continued to look in the door as she slowly walked past, only half hearing what BlackWolf was saying. She was more interested in the images beyond the doors that she had so adamantly avoided up until now. What she saw in the door before her would be of great interest to BlackWolf, she thought. A great black beast paced back and forth. He stopped, listening for a faraway sound. Phalon could see his breath coming from his nostrils in the cold night air. His ears raised, he was as motionless as the night around him, and like Zena, he searched for something.
Phalon stopped. “Blackwolf, what is it that you hold most dear?”
“Phalon! This is not the time for one of your mind trips. We’ve got to find a way out of here.”
Phalon looked at Blackwolf then at Little Dog, standing beyond her. He wagged his head in approval and she knew Icthyus had returned. Phalon repeated, “Blackwolf, what is it that you hold most dear?” She took the wheel from her side and held it out in front of BlackWolf. “Take hold of the wheel.” Blackwolf looked at Phalon impatiently, but obliged. With both their hands upon Nemesis' wheel, Phalon once more asked, “What do you hold close to your heart above all else? What is it that you most fear losing, BlackWolf?”
Edited by: phalon1 at: 11/7/02 9:30:03 pm
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 316
(11/8/02 9:32 pm)
Last moments of sanity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puella had managed to reach camp without being intercepted . Xendra winced at the news of the failure...she knew the Evil one would be furious.
For a mere second Xendra had to fight the urge to secretly smile at the failure ..but within mere seconds Xendra was then infurated,screaming obsensites like none she had ever used before, into the night air. As her voice carried it annouced to her minions that heads would soon roll for this embarassment.
Xendra looked over at a smiling Iris,grimaced and then regained her composure.Xendra using her Amazon skills stealthly followed Puella as she headed towards the water alone.
For the first time, since Xendra had known Puella, Puella looked small ,frightened and very much alone.
Puella timidly waded into the water. As she scooped water into her hands Puella glanced back and forth scanning the shore for anything and anyone.Once she was sure she was completely alone Puella began to sob,tears pouring down hers cheeks as her body convulsied and trembled.
Xendra watched Puella's body quiver and tremble as she sobbed in fear and in sorrow. With every tear Puella cried Xendra's tattoos began to burn with intense heat. Xendra bit the inside of her lip to numb the pain immenating for her tatoos.
After several minutes of silence Xendra nodded to Iris and then stepped towards the water. Xendra in her softest voice whispered,"Puella."
Puella jumped and let out a blood curtling scream.Then screamed "Stay away from me!"
Xendra feigning innocence said, "Puella, whats wrong?Its me Xendra. It's ok really, its just me."
Puella backed up further into the water, "Stay away from me I know who you are I saw what you did to Dante."
Xendra stepped even closer,"Puella, what are you talking about?" Are you ok?"
Puella's eyes widened in fear and confusion as she spotted a second Xendra (Iris as Xendra....). Puella swayed and then fainted dead away into the water
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 19
(11/9/02 10:36 pm)
Must have Action
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fighting had become a constant ebb and flow worse than the tides or waves of a storm crashing against the shore with all of Poseidon’s fury. The storm quietly raged in deep in Leara’s heart threatening to tear her apart none could really know of the battle. Leara is too proud to ever knowingly allow a slip in her right frame of mind. The ferocity of the battle and the intensity of the emotions threatened to betray her sense of control either mentally or letting a slip physically.
Evil’s taunts had grown louder with the opportunity of committing an act in its service. The thought to chase after Dante with murder in her heart was overwhelming. Gripping tight hold of the trident and searching for the sworn words of the oath to Madula and my father to do better and be better rising above the cycle of hate and bloodlust. Wanting to give chase to Xendra but knowing that Evil would be served by the mere action of the chase.
The shame of wanting to attack Puella in her mud covered form with out being sure of the figures identity was onerous. The one that had brought Leara from Rome to the land of the Amazons and now to this place had been so close to death at Leara’s own hand. Had Zena not stepped in it might have been a disaster, even now Zena stands guard over the camp protecting them from the outside dangers. The dangers that lie within are hidden and so often faced alone that no one sees until they are past or it is too late to be changed.
Leara wrestles in the cloak of night and in the broad daylight with the demons that seem to be relentless in their pursuit. The questions of her past had been an all consuming quest of her life and with the answers was not the peace of mind that was sought. The ring of truth was clear it can not be denied but it brought only more questions and a self loathing and hate unlike any other. After all the searching believing that you are a good decent person to find that you are the progeny of those who vehemently spent all in the destruction of good, would make even the most grounded person a little insane and the unstable over the edge.
The nights that passed up to the full moon found Leara more and more agitated. Trying to keep a strong grip on the tempest inside was beginning to wear down the defenses the way water over time will erode the best walls. At last the actions of Xendra were strange and Dante well it was too much to bear the voice of Evils whisper had to be silenced before she went mad.
In the midst of her sleep she stood up and in an exasperated tone exclaimed, “I will not suffer this any longer bring! You will bring back my sister Evergreen and …” A soft howl escaped her lips at the full moon as she grasped the Trident of Poseidon and began to race off into the woods.
The ever watchful Zena tripped the sleeping Leara as she went by sending her tumbling head over heels completed by the Great Trident pinning her cloak to the ground making it impossible for her to move.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 0:16:42 GMT -6
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 103
(11/10/02 12:02 am)
Crossings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We walked on at a brisk pace for the rest of the afternoon. The little girl with a single minded focus on reaching some village before nightfall led ever forward as if she had an appointment with destiny itself.
Small legs seemingly never tired, never ceased their motion, never faltered. The little girl occasionally looked back to where I was valiantly trying to keep pace and smiled. I was following, although to where, I knew not.
It was of no significance as I did not only know who I was let alone where we were going. What does it matter what lies ahead when one has no knowledge as to where one has been. So, with quiet resolve, I followed.
The sun was beginning its descent to its lair. Crickets woke up and began to sing their song to the evening. The air was cool and the scent of the forest heavy. The little girl came to an abrupt stop.
We had arrived at the bank of a lake, not too large, but of some extent that one could not cross it without a boat. On the other side was a small village. There were still many people moving about or engaged in some activity of village life. Smoke from the huts could be seen rising and curling in the long shadows of sunset.
The little girl stooped down picking up some flat stones. The lake was calm with an occasional fish leaping out of the water to snare a dragonfly, and then disappear below the surface.
Ploop…ploop…ploop The little girl had deftly skipped a stone across the surface, and the ripples expanded into larger circles.
"Evergreen?", she asked looking perplexed. "Do you know the meaning of what you just witnessed?"
“Sure…,” I answered enthusiastically,“…stones don’t float.” That was not the answer she waited for and my humor was wasted on this serious faced little girl.
“Are you sure you are the Evergreen? How did you manage to survive for so long without a gift of reason?”
Who said I did survive?, I silently thought to myself. I was beginning to tire of the little girl’s cryptic talk.
“Little girl, I have followed you from first light until this place. I don’t know who you are, I don’t know where we are going, I don’t know who I am. My patience has come to the end, and I with you.
I turned to leave, but could not. Something stronger than myself held me to the moment. I heard soft footfalls behind me. A small, gentle, hand interlaced her fingers in mine.
“Do you not want to go home?”
“Yes, yes I do.” And I followed the child as we skirted the edge of the lake and headed in the direction of the village.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 11/10/02 8:10:35 pm
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 29
(11/10/02 1:39 am)
Fear
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phalon and I exited the room, and I immediately started down the hall in the direction I felt was the correct way to get out. I quickly outpaced Phalon with my long, purposeful stride. "Hurry Phalon!" I called over my shoulder as we passed the spot where Evergreen had been only moments before. I refused to look at the spot, for it reminded me of my failure.
I went someways before I realized that Phalon was no longer with me. I turned around and saw her staring into one of the many rooms that were now open. "Come on, Phalon!" I yelled to her.
"Blackwolf, what is it that you hold most dear?"
I was not in the mood to answer any of her questions at the moment. “Phalon! This is not the time for one of your mind trips. We’ve got to find a way out of here.”
Phalon looked at me, then looked at Little Dog. Something brief flashed between the two that had me confused for a second. I didn't have long to dwell on it though because she asked again “Blackwolf, what is it that you hold most dear?” She took the wheel from her side and held it out in front of me. “Take hold of the wheel.”
I looked at Phalon impatiently, but obliged. With both our hands upon the wheel, Phalon once more asked, “What do you hold close to your heart above all else? What is it that you most fear losing, BlackWolf?”
I did not understand her question. Here we were, trapped in this seemingly endless hallway, and she wanted to know what I most feared losing. I looked at her as if she were nuts. "Are you nuts? Why are you asking me these questions now? We need to find a way out of here. The warriors outside need to know what they are dealing with here, and all you can do is ask questions."
Phalon patiently looked at me and said "I believe that the answer to this question will help us get out of here. If you answer truthfully and with all your heart we should get out of here. If you do not, than we're trapped. Think carefully before you answer. Now, what is it that you fear losing the most?"
The question sounded familiar, and I remembered that that was the question that Nye had asked Evergreen before they disappeared. I glanced at Phalon suspiciously, thinking that maybe she was working for the dark side and trying to get out of me what Nye had failed doing. That notion was quickly discarded from my head. I didn't understand completely why, but something inside told me to trust this woman.
I thought for a while of all the things that mattered to me. My family, friends, fighting for the greater good, my strengths, my weaknesses. I thought of everything, and discarded it. And then, it hit me. I looked at Phalon, and replied "The thing that I fear losing the most is Montara. I could go through this life with nothing, but as long as I had him, I would be alive and the happiest person in the world. Without him, I am alone."
"So be it," Phalon said. There was a flash of light, and then darkness.
"To fight for what you believe in and to never give up is to have the heart of a wolf."
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 363
(11/11/02 7:17 pm)
Take The Long Way Home
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The trees made a tunnel, long and dark right along the bank of the stream. Without the moon they could barely see and sometimes wandered too far to the right and stepped into the moist earth. The pines were as tall as giants and their branches reached out like arms to grab at them as they passed. Evergreen jumped each time it happened and Zena pushed the branches back when she could. They had walked for miles along the trail, there was no sign of an ending and their little legs were growing tired.
“Miles! That’s how I remember it. I wonder if it was so far!” Leara groaned again in her sleep and Zena glanced in her direction. “So much always on her mind. Like a storm on the sea, even when she is quiet she is not at peace.” She returned again to her thoughts, stoking the fire a bit for warmth in the pre-dawn hour.
Finally exhausted, they agreed to stop and rest at the base of a large oak where the roots curved and made a little nook to share.
“Are you sure we went the right way?”
“Sure. I mean I think so. There wasn’t any turn it’s just been straight.”
“Zena?”
“What?”
“I’m hungry."
Zena thought hard for a minute and dug into the bag she had slung over her shoulder. Down in the bottom she had hidden one chunk of bread.
“Here. You can have it."
Evergreen looked at the bread in Zena’s hand and knew that for Zena this was a handful of ambrosia.
“We can share,” she said and tore the piece in half.
They worked at swallowing the dry crumbs and then feeling in the darkness for the path they began again to creep along in the depth of night. The ground under them began to give way and soon they were thigh deep in water.
“It’s a stream! Zena, we have to swim across!”
“E..e..evergreen wait! Stop!”
“It’s ok, I see the other side! It doesn’t get any deeper."
They scrambled up the bank and Evergreen peered suspiciously at Zena in the dark, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just wasn’t sure we were going the right way. That’s all."
The path picked up again at the top of the bank and they went on.
“I should have told her then. I was too proud. Like Evergreen. I hung on to my pride.” Suddenly Zena realized that Leara had left the campfire and was running toward her with the trident in her hand. She had a glazed look in her eyes as if she were still asleep and she nearly ran right out of the camp.
“I will not suffer this any longer bring! You will bring back my sister Evergreen and …”
Zena tripped her and siezing the trident with one hand wrapped her in the blanket she was dragging like a gladiator using a net. She had her wrapped and pinned before she realized what she had heard. As the words sunk into her mind she knelt beside her and looking down into Leara’s face she whispered, “Sister? Evergreen? Leara, WHO are you?”
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 11/13/02 12:06:11 pm
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 0:17:58 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 420
(11/11/02 9:32 pm)
In the Heart of a Wolf
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BlackWolf and Phalon stood with their hands on Nemesis’ wheel. Phalon watched the expressions on BlackWolf’s face as she contemplated her answer. With a solid affirmation she announced, "The thing that I fear losing the most is Montara. I could go through this life with nothing, but as long as I had him, I would be alive and the happiest person in the world. Without him, I am alone." It was the answer Phalon expected.
"So be it," Phalon said. There was a flash of light, and then darkness. And in the darkness, Phalon saw into BlackWolf’s soul and into her heart. She saw a bond between human and beast that went far deeper than the faithful companionship and unconditional love that is usually reserved for such a relationship between master and pet, no matter how cherished. What Phalon saw was a oneness shared between the two. Without one, the other would not exist in the same light. They were two parts that made up a whole, both individually strong beings, but united, a complete entity.
“Call him”, Phalon said to BlackWolf, though her lips did not move and no sound came forth.
Blackwolf heard and replied, “He can not hear me in here. Don’t you think I’ve tried?”
“Trust, Blackwolf. Trust yourself and trust him. Call him. Call your brother now!”
“Montara!"
From the complete darkness a light shone, emerging from the doorway in front of them. A dark figure stood within and in a single bound broke the barrier separating the realm where he resided, to the realm where the one who shared his soul was. Now neither was alone. BlackWolf and Montara were united. But the question still remained, Where?
To fight for what you believe in and to never give up is to have the heart of a wolf.
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 21
(11/13/02 3:43 pm)
Who are you? ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was suddenly awakened by the burning in my lungs like I had just been thrown down and lost all my air. My eyes were slow to focus but it was Zena just like the time when she had taunted me into a fight to stay in the light with the good. Her eyes were as sharp as her questions.
“Sister Evergreen? Leara WHO are you?”
Those words echoed loudly in my head as though she had just shouted them in my ear. It was clear that I was going nowhere fast I was all tangled up in the blanket and pinned down. There had to be a good way to explain this but what which answer do I give Zena? What will my reply bring out in her? I needed time and to be free from this restraining blanket.
“What are you talking about?” I ask with all innocence adding “and why am I pinned down in this blanket?”
“Do not play games with me I heard what you said.” Zena flatly replied.
There would have to be telling of a story but which one. Either that Evergreen’s father was a Roman and he was mine as well Or do I dare tell her of my adoptive mother and claim to be an Amazon. I had to laugh at the thought of telling the latter story despite it’s being the truth. It would likely get me killed the fastest. Blasphemy is one of the worst offences in almost every culture and the Amazons were no exception if they still held strictly to their laws.
“I must have been asleep Zena. Dreaming again…” I offer yet another attempt to get out of answering the question put before me as to identity.
I added, “How do you define a person? By there Name? Reputation? Family? Nationality? Who is it that decides Who you are?”
Is she really expecting a straight answer from me? The fire that flashed in her tired eyes said more than her words, “Leara the questions were simple WHO are you? And how is Evergreen Your sister?” Zena asked once more.
“You have finally hit a question that defies an answer. Who are any of us? Really? Who dictates the standards of good and bad? Ask my enemies and they would speak of me as a murder and a monster. Ask those I’ve helped and they will call me an avenger and friend. Which answer do you want to hear? Which answer will fit the one that best resembles the opinion you already have formed about me?”
“I want the truth. I expect a straight answer.” Zena replied.
This was going to be one that I am going to have to answer. It is apparent that I am not going anywhere until I give a satisfactory answer as she has made no move to release me. I suppose that here is as good a place as any to meet my end, though I had hoped to go out in a blazing battle the way all great warriors would choose. I can not get out of my bonds so I really have no choice but to try and answer the question.
“I am at a loss as to how to really answer you Zena. I suppose the best thing to do is just lay out all the real answers and just let you take your pick as to what you choose to believe.”
I lie there trying to figure out which one to lead off with first. Time seemed to pass almost painfully slow. Zena it seemed was watching my mind work itself into a frenzy trying to decide what to say and the order and way in which to phrase it. To my surprise she merely held her gaze and waited for me to figure it out despite her being anxious for an answer. Finally with a deep sigh I think that I have it I just hope that it will come out right.
“One I have been raised to uphold the principles that you keep and hold as your laws. I did not know that my adoptive mother, Madula, was an Amazon Queen until she was dying. Her life was spent in searching for and releasing Amazons who had been taken captive. Her last words were to make me swear an oath to return Puella to the Amazons and that her ashes are to be taken back to Amazon lands.”
“Second and probably more to your liking, I was born a Roman. I can’t remember much of that time before I left my father’s house, I was just a child. I am the rightful heir to the estate of the late Justinian as I am his daughter. This goes to explain the ease of which I can play the part of a Roman and the tendencies that I fight against everyday.”
“Lastly is this that none of that answers the true nature of the philosophical question that you have asked. The truth would be more like this: I am the embodiment of one thing that I value in my life. I own only one thing that is entirely mine in this life - my word. My life is spent in loyal service of my word as it is my bond. Once given, I will hold to an oath no matter the cost, I will not deliberately break a vow. In breaking my word I would destroy all that I am and could ever be.”
I had not spoken such a volume of words in such a long time. The last time I spoke that much to fellow humans was right after I received my unwanted body decoration. The words had poured out slowly like the way water breaks free from a crumbling d**e. Slowly leaking, trickling through small holes then the rush of waters releasing the pressure that had been building up for a while and the fury of the storm abated for a while with the spoken words.
I could no longer face Zena I had answered the questions she had asked and I should have felt better. My stomach churned I should not have spoken all those things but they are better out in the open I keep telling myself. That is a hard thing to swallow but I feel part of my body begin to relax it was finally out there spoken not just inside my head.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 20:59:32 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 399
(11/17/02 10:34 am)
Re: Last moments of sanity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Both Xendra's rushed to Puella's rescue pulling her out of the water and onto to shore. Xendra kept shewing away the evil ones mesengers they kept trying to tell her of Phalons journey throught the doors,Zena's confrontation with Leara and so much more but Xendra's only concern was Puella.
Xendra felt Iris staring at her as Puella laid unconcious on the sand. Xendra hissed "What is it You want to say to me?"
Iris simply said," How do you like your plan so far? Has it protected you or your friends?"
Xendra paused with tears in her eyes, "The plan protects no one it merely gives us time..Don't you know I hate my plan.. Don't you think I hate this- driving my closest friend insane - needing to torture the others ?!!
I am going to help them find their way to save themselves but will have to cause them great pain in the process I have no other choice.
The problem is each time I go under the spell of Evil it gets stronger..there won't be much left of the real me after awhile that's why I have to do things quickly before I am lost forever.. but it is a sacrifice I would make to save them .. to save Puella.
Xendra cast the spell of insanity over Puella.." My friend when you awake you will not know reality from fiction friend from foe, the past will seem present, the present past..but fear not this will pass...a few days before the night of my induction into the evil ones service- you will remember all that you are and all that I once was..remember all that we have been through and remember how much I cared." Xendra then leaned down and kissed Puella cheek.."It is done, she will now have no grasp of reality."
Xendra turned to Iris and said "Be with her be the Xendra I can no longer be to her. Report back to me in three moons. If I am under Evil's spell do not remind me that her sanity will return."
Iris said," Why couldn't I pretend to be the Evil you and you could stay with your friend?
Xendras eyes filled again,"Oh that I could but Evil would see right through it and I could not stand to see my friend in her insanity. Thank you. Go now i feel the evil power beginning to surge again."
In a moments notice Xendra was once again transformed ,evily laughing at the site of Puella...Xendra turned and began screaming about the insolence of her underlings that dared to interupt her earlier.
One minion cowered and said, "My dark warrior queen I simply tried to tell you that the Amazons are getting closer to the answers .. you must move quickly!"
Xendra bellowed ," Who are you to tell me what to do? However,since you are correct I will not torture you further. "
Xendra in full composure once again used the magic bestowed upon her by the Evil one..Xendra simply waved her arm and spoke into the wind.
"In the name of the unholy one I send seeds of mistrust into the heart of Leara the one who has not yet known trust- make it so her secrets that she has been so painfully revealing be NOT believed or trusted.Let her truce pacts go unfilled..undoing what has been done Undo the work of months in the heart of the least trusting..."
The Evil presnce drained out of her quickly...Xendra dropped her arm as the last word was spoken and barley whispered into the air ," Sorry Leara..I know what it must of meant to you to finally share... you will be believed when the war is won I promise"
Xendra then collasped sobbing.
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 11/25/02 12:28:22 pm
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 114
(11/18/02 11:23 pm)
Home Is Where the Hearth Is
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen and the little girl rounded the lake, climbed down a small embankment, and stepped onto a well traveled road that led into the village proper. The sun had almost set, and the last of the light was sinking away with brilliant red, golden rays piercing the backdrop of the rolling hills west of the communal huts.
Evergreen found herself in oddly familiar, and yet unrecognizable, surroundings. A woman stood in a doorway calling her children to come inside before darkness settled over the village. There still was no moon, and Evergreen began to feel the unease of not being close to the warmth of a comforting hearth.
No one seem to notice this strange paring of a woman dressed in Amazon clothing accompanied by a small child with dark curly hair, wandering in from the lakeside to the village. If truth be said, no one gave a glance their way. It was if the occurrence was not at all rare.
The two travelers walked to where the village ended. A small path led off to the right. At the end of this juncture was a hut radiating soft candle light from within. A dog barked at their approach and came bounding up. It did not threaten the two, but pounced upon Evergreen as if an old friend had returned from the hunt.
“Cassiopeia, get yerself down from her, where’s yer manners hound? So I see you’ve brought her home have ye?”
The little girl smiled and nodded an affirmative to an old woman standing in the doorway. The woman wiped her hands on the apron covering her dress,and stuck out a weathered hand in Evergreen’s direction.
“Welcome back. It’s salve for my soul that you have returned apparently no worse for the journey. Come in. I have a stew and an apple tart. You are most welcome to share a meal with us. It does me good to see yer face again.”
Evergreen stepped over the threshold. This place…I know this place! The sights and smells rushed at Evergreen’s senses. She felt dizzy and her knees went weak. The old woman took note of this and motioned towards the young girl.
“Phalon, get yer companion here a chair and sit her down. You bring her all this way to lose her now did ya?”
Phalon…? The name spun Evergreen into a wash of shadowy remembrances. The little girl pushed a chair made from branches woven into strong bindings into the back of Evergreen's knees. “Sit”, the little girl said softly. The child smiled at Evergreen while pulling down on a weary shoulder guiding her to a seat at a small hand hewed table.
The stew was ladled out. A round loaf of bread and mugs of warm ale were also offered up for the taking. The apple tart was divided into three sections. Evergreen ate without speaking and soon her eyes grew heavy with the need to sleep. Her silence was accepted while the old woman and child bantered about nothing in particular.
The old woman stood up as the little girl busied herself with removing the wooden bowls from the table. Evergreen heard the woman shuffle across the small room and return with furs that she placed as a pallet in front of the glowing open-hearth.
Evergreen rose from the table and walked to the place laid out for her. She slowly lowered herself to the floor, removed her boots, and placed her sword against the stone corner of the fireplace. She sensed that here, in this place, it would have no use. She felt safe.
The hound crawled on its belly to where Evergreen was laying. She opened the crook of her arm and allowed the dog to nestle on her shoulder. As Morpheus found her and took her into his world, Evergreen heard the old woman speak with hushed tones to the child.
“Do ye think she knows where Zena and the others are?”
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 11/18/02 11:02:02 pm
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:01:04 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 378
(11/24/02 8:17 pm)
Re: Home Is Where the Heart Is
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Of all the things that Leara said as she lay restrained by her blanket, only one really stayed in Zena’s mind, “I am the rightful heir to the estate of the late Justinian as I am his daughter.” It struck her like a rock to her head and she sat down heavily beside Leara to sort out as best she could this piece of information that impact so deeply on the life she thought she knew. Justinian. He was dead by his other daughter’s hand. She looked down and beside her, Leara began to relax as if releasing these words had brought her physical peace as well as emotional calm. Her eyes closed and she appeared to drift into a dreamscape that no longer contained Zena. Lying face up under the tight blanket, Leara’s still face was open to Zena’s careful scrutiny.
“Hair, the same color. Different brow but the shape of her face..it’s the same. That arrogant Roman posture. How could I not have seen it? How could she NOT have told me?! We were like sisters, we called each other sisters, we were family."
The scene by the creek appeared again unbidden to Zena’s anguished mind.
They were wet now, and cold. The darkness had not yet broken and they stumbled on looking for trail markers.
“Zena. Stop."
Zena turned back to squint in the direction of the chattering sound.
“What IS that?”
“M.m.m.y t.t.teeth. By the gods, I’m freezing!”
“Don’t swear."
The trail had ended again at a small clearing and seemed to pick up on the other side; by mutual agreement they crouched on the grass. They scraped together a few sticks and leaves and Zena dug in her bag for the flint stones. It took a bit of puffing at the tinder but they started a little fire and at least their toes and hands warmed a bit. An owl hooted above them.
“It’s ok. It’s a night bird. They don’t eat people.” Zena held her wet boots toward the fire. “Evergreen?”
“What?”
“Maybe it’s not about finding the trail.”
“Then why are we out here?”
“Maybe we are supposed to learn to work together. To survive together."
For a few moments Evergreen stared at the younger girl across the little campfire. They were both loners in the Amazon camp. Both orphans of unknown origin. Each held that secret in their own hearts and shared little of it with anyone. They had found each other in their mutual need to belong and for protection from bullies.
“Then we will be sisters from now on.”
“Really? You want to?”
“Yes. I Evergreen, promise you Zena, that I will be always your sister and help you whenever I can.” She took her dagger and cut her finger.
“And I Zena, promise you Evergreen, that I will be always your sister and help you whenever I can.” She took the same dagger and after some hesitation made a small slice in her index finger. They shook hands, mixing their blood and Zena said, “What is sworn is sworn.” Evergreen nodded solemnly and they drew closer to the fire, shoulder to shoulder. “Look!”, Zena pointed at the velvety black sky, a shooting star! It’s a sign! We will be sisters always and we will survive!”
“Always my sister. But you had a sister, and you didn’t tell me. You didn’t tell me your father was still alive either.” Zena put her head on her knees which she had pulled up to her chest. “When this is over, I just want a little hut with a warm hearth, in a quiet place where nothing ever changes.” A splash and a small squeak brought her head up with a jerk. The present story continued to unfold in the darkness.
Zena
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 35
(11/25/02 2:35 am)
The Secret and the Gift: Part One
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And we were united again. I went down on one knee and hugged Montara's massive head to me, hugging with all the love that I possessed within me. Not to be outdone, Montara knocked me onto my back and then layed across my chest, squeezing the breath out of me. I didn't care though. I had my best friend, my soul mate back. "We will never part again. I swear it," I whispered through the re-forged bond.
"Nay, you will never part again." Said a voice through the bond, a voice I had never heard before. I looked around to see who it might be, but the only other person still there was Phalon, and I knew it wasn't her that had talked. "It is no use looking for me, for I am not there physically with you. I am with you in spirit though, as I have always been with your people."
"My people? You mean, the village, or as a Protector?"
"As a Protector. I, Nataska, am the first Protector, and have watched over every Protector since I left the physical land. I have been waiting for one of my ancestors to see the light again. To regain the old ways."
"I do not understand." I told the voice.
"Let me show you." She said, and I was whipped away to a distant time far in the past. Montara was no longer there with me physically, but I still felt him in the link, and was comforted by that. It felt like I was flying back through time, but yet I did not move from my spot on floor. Time stopped. I watched from a hill as a man walked into my village. At least, it was my village many years in the past. On his shoulder sat a raven, and I knew him to be the first Protector to come to my village. My chest swelled with pride as I wathced my ancestor. "But he was not the first Protector by far," said the voice at my side.
I turned to look, and was surprised to see a misty figure beside me. It was in the shape of a human, though I could not determine age or any characteristics about this woman. "What do you mean? All of the stories said he was the first Protector, that the Gods sent him to us to protect us."
"Ahh, those stories are true, if a little mixed up. He was the first Protector to come to the village, but not the very first Protector ever. And he was sent by the Gods to your people. It is in our calling to do so. Wherever we are called to, we are to go. That is why we have this gift. Come, I will show you yet more." And we were flying again through time.
I saw several pictures as we went, but we did not stop again. Nataska talked the entire time as we went by. "Many, many eons ago so that even I forget the exact date the Gods realized that not everyone was cut out to fight. These were the people that were peaceful, and easily picked on, much like your village is. So, to protect these people, the Gods formed a new people, your great ancestors. These were great warriors, with the heart and soul of an animal revealed to them when they were born. In return for this gift, the Gods sent them on missions to protect those that could not be protected."
"And you were the first," I said.
Though I could not see it, I sensed that she smiled. "Yes, I was the first. But that is not important now. What is important is what happened about 100 years after my death. There was one man, Rothgar, that abused this precious gift that the Gods had given us as Protectors. He had the heart and soul of a brown bear, a fierce hunter that is not easily defeated. Unfortunately, Rothgar used his power for evil instead of for good." Sadness had crept into the misty figures voice, and I sensed that she was crying. I saw all the bad deeds that this Rothgar had done.
"He had the heart and soul of a bear, and no one could defeat him," I said with clear understanding of what I was seeing and hearing.
"Yes, no one could. He killed and fought for himself, not as a Protector. The Gods, angered by what had happened, inflicted a curse upon all Protectors, dividing their powers up so that a bond now had to be forged between the Protector and their soul animal. This greatly reduced their power, for as you know, two halves are not nearly as strong as a whole. To get on with my story, however, Rothgar was eventually defeated. The Gods were not merciful, however, and refused to lift the curse. So years past, and the stories and secrets of old were lost. The bond between human and animal has remained as it always was, but as with the old power, this new gift was eventually taken for granted. The Protectors cared for and loved their animals, of that there is no question. But there always remained a separation between the two."
Time had stopped again, but I did not know where I was. It felt like I was suspended in space. There was no definition to anything around me, nothing but darkness. It felt like a dream, though I knew it to be real. The voice had stopped talking, and I realized it was waiting for me to understand something. I thought back to what it had said, and then raised my head with understanding. "There was a separation because it had to deal with a human being a human and an animal being an animal. The Protectors had forgotten what it was like to be one, to know no separation between the two. If one died, life would go on for the other because they were separate beings."
"Exactly. For many generations now I have watched over every Protector, hoping to find one that would find out the secret. I had begun to despair of ever finding one...until you. You, my daughter, now know the secret."
"To fight for what you believe in and to never give up is to have the heart of a wolf."
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:02:25 GMT -6
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 36
(11/25/02 3:08 am)
The Secret and the Gift: Part Two
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I am still a little puzzled. You keep talking of this secret. What secret?"
"The secret that had kept man and animal together in the beginning, and the secret that was lost through the curse. Through your love and bond with Montara, even though he was not physically with you as you were battling the Evil, you stayed strong in your faith, for you believed he was inside you. You found that you and he are as one. That without him, you will not survive as you are because your bond is so strong. You and he share a oneness. Where one is, the other will always be."
And so he was with me. Montara appeared out of nowhere beside me, leaning his great weight against me. I went down on one knee in the nothingness, hugging him yet again. I then looked up at the misty figure. "What does all of this mean though? Why are you telling me this?" I questioned.
"I tell you this because due to your bravery and courage in facing the Evil, even without your physical bond with your soul animal, the Gods wish to give you a gift. Starting with you, the curse is to be lifted. As it was with you in the darkness against the Evil, and as it was in the beginning, human and animal will be one again. You will have the full power of a Protector bestowed upon you as it was meant to be. You and Montara will never be separated again."
My head was whirling with all that I had been told. At first I was excited and elated. To always be together, to never experience the distance that my travels took me. That almost made me jump for joy. Then, I looked at Montara and knew. If I was to accept this gift, I would never be able to look upon him again as I was doing at that moment. He would forever be lost physically to me, and that thought made me extremely sad. Montara, feeling my sadness, looked up to me and said "Why do you worry about seeing me as I am? We will always be together now, and all you need to do to see me is to close your eyes. I will always be there. We will be as we were meant to be, as one." I knew he was right, and I hugged him one last time. I then stood, looked at the figure before me and said "I accept this gift and responsibility that comes with it. I will make sure that the secret will not be lost again." Laying my hand upon Montara's thick fur about his neck, I added "Make us as we were meant to be. Make us one."
"As it once was, so it shall be again!" Cried Nataska. A warm feeling surrounded my body, and then time started again. This time, though, it was normal, and I was once again laying on the floor next to Phalon and Little Dog. Phalon was kneeling next to me, concern on her face. I blinked and smiled up at her. She sighed and said "Good, your back. You seemed to go into some kind of trance, and then Montara disappeared, and I couldn't revive you. I was worried that something evil had happened, that Nemisis' wheel did something to you and Montara. Where is he by the way?"
I stood up unassisted, stronger than I had felt in years. "I will explain everything later. But first, let's get out of here. Any ideas?"
"Not really, considering I don't really know where we are."
I looked around also, and like Phalon found no avenue of escape. However, Montara was able to get through to us through my faith. We should be able to get out the same way. "Good thinking, pet. I was hoping you'd figure that out." Said Montara. Excitement entered me yet again.
"I thought I wouldn't be able to hear your voice again. I guess I was wrong."
Montara laughed a little. "Well, not entirely wrong. After you have learned a little more of this power and how to use it, then I will officially be with you in all ways. My voice will become your voice, and you will no longer talk directly to me. My thoughts will be yours. Until that time, though, I am to direct you in all ways."
Though I was saddened about this news, I said "Well, then I will treasure the little time there is to listen to your voice. Now, how exactly do we get out of here."
I listened as he told me about how he had gotten through and what I needed to do to get us out. He told how he was able to rip through time and space to get to me, and what I needed to do to get back. I turned to Phalon and asked "Can I borrow Nemisis' wheel. I have an idea." She reluctantly handed it over. I tested the weight of it in my hand, and then using Montara's sense of direction, I threw the wheel with all my new power in the direction from which he had come. The wheel split the darkness apart, showing the clearing in the forest from where Montara had come from. I grabbed Little Dog up and pushed Phalon through the opening. The hole closed behind us, and the wheel returned to Phalon. Phalon looked at me and said "That was amazing. How did you do that?" I was not listening however. I was instead in awe of all my new senses. No longer did I sense things as a human. I now sensed things as a wolf would. My hearing, sight, and smell were so much more acute that I actually stumbled a little at the power of it all. I heard Montara's voice in my head. "And this is only a portion of all you can do. The gift has given you the strength and senses of a wolf. You will experience this at all times. Anything else that you master is something through the actual power in you now."
Phalon, not to be ignored, asked again how I was able to get them out. Seeing she would not be deterred, I explained everything that had happened. When I finished, she shook her head but did not seem all that surprised. At my questioning look she said "When I asked you what you feared most losing, I was able to see into your heart and soul, and knew that you and Montara shared a oneness that could not be broken. I just didn't know it would come to this." She looked around the dark forest and said "I don't suppose you could use your newfound powers to tell us where we are at?"
I smelled the air and smiled "I can do better than that. I can find Evergreen. She's been through here, and recently too. She went in that direction," I said, pointing down a path. I turned to Phalon and said "And she's not alone. She's following someone."
"Well, we shall follow them, and see where they'll lead us." I nodded and started down the trail, using my senses to guide me as Montara started to talk about the extent of my power.
"To fight for what you believe in and to never give up is to have the heart of a wolf."
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:03:57 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 543
(11/25/02 12:12 pm)
Gathering Pieces
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phalon tried with great difficulty to keep up with BlackWolf. Always lithe and agile, BlackWolf was now more so after becoming one with Montara. With the stealth and ease of the wolf, she ran through the forest with great speed, following Evergreen’s trail. “Damn these blasted robes!” Phalon grumbled aloud as she nearly tripped on a branch which lay across the path, struggling to keep BlackWolf within her sight.
Up ahead, she saw BlackWolf slow and then stop, crouching down low behind the forest’s underbrush. Phalon proceeded slowly and quietly until she reached BlackWolf, then she too hid under cover of the shrubs. There, in a small clearing, they saw Evergreen and Nye. Evergreen had a distant look in her eyes. Something within her being is missing, thought Phalon. “You, my child, have given everything, sacrificed the thing you value most, so that your friends may find their way home. One final act of love, given freely, until you too find your way. I trust that you will. It is still deep within you, you only have to search for it, to want to find it. Once you do, you will be free. It is my time to leave you now. You won’t be alone. There are those who will find you, and help you on your path. But it is you who must ultimately choose at which destination that path will end.” With that, Nye bent down and ever so lightly brushed her lips across Evergreen’s forehead. The Goddess of Night departed then, in a swirling of stardust, dancing above Evergreen’s head.
Little Dog would not stay beside Phalon, and ran to Evergreen, leaping about her legs, trying in vain to get Evergreen to notice him. She did not. Hers was a trance so deep at this time, that she was lost to even the yipping and yapping of her noisy little companion. Suddenly he stopped, and lifted his nose to the air. Someone was approaching. Dejected by Evergreen, and cautiously fearful of this new visitor to the clearing, Little Dog, tail tucked between his legs, returned to Phalon’s side in their hiding place.
A woman warrior, small in stature but with hardened muscles and hair the color of summer wheat entered the clearing, her gaze following the trail of fading stardust into the sky. Upon seeing Evergeen lost and bewildered, she offered comfort in the form of kind soothing words, and a gentle touch to her shoulder, guiding her away, to what Phalon supposed was a nearby camp.
BlackWolf moved to follow, but Phalon grasped her by the shoulder, stopping her. “Come on, Phalon. Let go. We’ve got to get her.”
“She’s not going far, BlackWolf. Smell the air. Food cooking. My guess is that Evergreen will be well taken care of, if only for a brief while. It’ll give us some time to think. That woman who led her away will not harm her. Of that I’m sure. Why, she looks like…”
“I know who she looks like, but how can we be sure? Now is the time for action, not sitting here, pondering this chance away.”
“Action is not always taken by physical means, BlackWolf. You will come to realize this in your role as Protector and in that realization, understand its’ importance. If we were to rush to Evergreen now, it would only threaten her, possibly sending her deeper into wherever her inner self now resides. She would not know us, BlackWolf, of this I am sure. I can sense that she does not even know herself now. No, our best course of action at this point is to think this through.”
BlackWolf sat, her back against a tree, resigned to stay in this spot until Phalon figured out what in Tartarus they were going to do. She watched with bemused, but agitated interest as Phalon paced back and forth, talking to herself. “She wouldn’t know us, that’s for sure. Zena? Would she recognize her? Possibly. But where is she? BlackWolf could probably track her down. But how long would that take? Too long. Much too long. We can not take the chance of losing Evergreen’s whereabouts once more. No, we must go to her. But in a non-threatening way. We must appear non-threatening. That’s it! Appear non-threatening. Only then can we have the possibility of bringing Evergreen back, of helping her find her way.”
Phalon walked over to BlackWolf and sat opposite her. She took Nemesis’ wheel and held it out to BlackWolf once more. “Grab hold, BlackWolf. We’re going to Evergreen.”
“Not again”, BlackWolf replied, placing her hands on the wheel.
“Close your eyes and concentrate. We are going on a journey.”
“Phalon, this is ridiculous. Here we sit, hiding in the bushes, like children playing games trying to conjure up ghosts, while our friend is within our reach.”
Phalon opened one eye and glared at BlackWolf. “Shhhh!”
Not a woman to take to being shhhed, BlackWolf narrowed her eyes and glared back at Phalon. Finally, she sighed and closed her eyes. In a moment, a flash of light was seen over the forest’s treetops, and all grew dark on the outskirts of the little clearing where the two women and the little dog sat.
Sometime later, Evergreen, now alone, spun at the sound of twigs snapping underfoot. Her sword raised, she spied a little curly haired child hiding amongst the bushes. Laying down her sword, she said, “Come out child. I give you my oath I will not harm you.”
“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 a while. Until you can find your own way.”
Evergreen hesitates. The child giggles. “She who hesitates is lost.”
“So be it. Lead on.” Evergreen takes her hand and Phalon smiles.
Edited by: phalon1 at: 11/25/02 11:35:28 am
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 390
(11/27/02 8:19 pm)
I Don't Give A Hoot
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An owl looking down from a tree blinked and turned it’s head away. Three beams of light cut through the evening darkness and when they grew dim three figures stood in the place where the light had been.
“Well isn’t this just toooo sweet.” Ares glared across the fire at Zena with her head on her knees. “One whining about her lost childhood friend, the Roman warrior subdued by a blanket, two of them sound asleep and this one..THIS ONE! Caked in mud like one of those new mud wrestling events at taverns. Hey, hey! Look out for my sword! It’s full of dirt!”
“She was YOUR special choice brother. I told you, Elainis was the...”
“Forget it Athena. She’s YOUR flunky. I wanted someone with fire, spirit. Someone who..”
“Could be devoted only to you,” Athena interrupted. When she turned her head sharply the little bells on her helmet jingled against her forehead. The owl heard and craned it’s neck. “Your choice was poor. She faints and nearly drowns in the process."
Ares curled his lip at Athena. “Yeah, well, it ain’t over yet.”
“You had better hope not. The evil is nearby. If they do not make a decisive move by dawn I will end this here with Elainis and my troops."
Artemis spoke for the first time, leaning forward and waving her hand at Zena and Leara. “Give them time Athena. They are all woven together by the Fates. When one moves, so do the rest, and they will move. Some of them are my own Amazons and I trust their hearts.”
“I trust my troops.” Athena’s chain mail made a soft swishing noise against her skin and the owl cocked his head. Ares looked her over and smiled approvingly but Athena was intently focused on the forms around the fire and missed his glance.
She turned to catch the last of his smirk and pushed him back with a strong hand.
“Tomorrow. At this time. No later.” She disappeared in a shower of stars followed by Ares and Athena. The owl said, “Interesting,” and came to sit close to Zena on a branch above her head, blinking at her with huge golden eyes.
Zena
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:07:59 GMT -6
phalon1 Registered Member Posts: 567 (11/27/02 9:27 pm) Gathering Pieces (Part II) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Evergreen choose the direction of their journey, a path taken long ago, familiar, but not often or recently traveled, pulled from somewhere in the recesses of her mind. She was not aware that it was her choice, and followed Phalon, though it was she, herself, who was the guide. The trip was long, and along the way Phalon tried to gauge how much, if anything, Evergreen remembered of herself. She thought she saw a glimmer of recognition once, while she swung on a pine branch, staring at Evergreen, daring her to remember the significance of the branch on which she hung. That was it though, just a glimmer, a shadow and nothing more. Time, Phalon thought, this is going to take a great deal of time. Their walk ended at a little hut on the outskirts of a small village. Upon entering, a great hound bound through the door and leapt upon Evergreen in greeting. “Cassiopeia!” an old woman yelled. “Show your manners and get down from her”. The woman glared at Phalon and Phalon could barely contain her laughter. She knew there’d be Tartarus to pay when all this was over. After a brief meal, a pallet of furs was laid by the fire for Evergreen and she rested, drifting in and out of a dreamless sleep within this dream. At the table, the old woman and Phalon talked. “So look what I’ve become. Phalon, why I ought to… An old feeble, sheepish woman?! Is that the best you could pull out of that bag of tricks in your head?” “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” The little girl Phalon giggled at her own childish joke. “No, remember BlackWolf, I said non-threatening. What could be more non-threatening than an old woman? And I prefer kindly and wise to feeble and sheepish. There is much to be said for the wisdom of elders. By the way, like what I did with Little Dog?” Phalon glanced over to the hound sleeping at Evergreen’s side. “Have you learned anything yet?” BlackWolf asked. “Do you think she knows where Zena and the others are?” “She knows. It is in there, somewhere. She’s just not aware of it yet. She is not aware of who she is yet. I’m not sure how to bring her back to us. I’m not sure she wants to come back.” Evergreen stirred next to the fire and rose to a sitting position. The little girl walked over and sat cross legged next to the hound. She absent mindedly started playing with his ears, scratching behind them and running them through her hands, all the while a look of stern concentration on her face, so out of place on such a seemingly young child. The dog thumped his tail lazily. Evergreen watched the child’s face, waiting for her to speak, hoping to receive some sort of explanation of why she was brought here. Finally, the child looked up at the woman sitting next to her, and gazed deeply and intently into her eyes. “Evergreen. That is your name, is it not? Not the name you were given at birth, but a name bestowed upon you by your mother for what she saw in you. An energy, never diminishing. A love for life, never fading, even in the bleakest of times. Were you aware, though, that even the most majestic of the pines and firs go dormant when the weather turns from mild to harsh? The greenest boughs cease to grow, though alive with color. And while the branches sleep, deep below, under the surface the roots continue their growth, anchoring and supporting the tree above and keeping that wonderful color in the boughs that is such a glory to behold on the darkest winter days. Then when the gloomy days of winter give way to the warmth of the sunshine in spring, the branches awaken once more, stretching from their long sleep, pushing new growth, brighter and more vibrant than before. Are you ready for spring yet, Evergreen?” Edited by: phalon1 at: 11/27/02 8:42:41 pm EvergreenLM Registered Member Posts: 122 (11/29/02 6:34 pm) Re: Gathering Pieces (Part II) Rite of Spring -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winter came and blanketed my being.
Down to the depths I sank
My roots seeking strength, seeking
Prolonged life.
I waited for the sun to come and warm the days,
And while I slept, I dreamed.
And as I stayed my life waiting for spring, I remembered.
Memories floated in and out while I slumbered.
Familiar voices echoed through my dreamscape.
I heard you calling and in my dream
I struggled to answer.
“I am still here,” I shouted, as my slumbering voice
Echoed through my dormant branches.
And as I turned and realigned my sleeping self skyward,
I reached towards the sun…<br>I reached for you.
~
Evergreen
Amphipolis 5BC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- Are you ready for spring yet, Evergreen?” I was dreaming a dream within a dream. Visions floated in and out of my sleeping being. People spoke to me, said my name, but no sound was heard. My mind felt the words and my soul absorbed their meanings. Someone was searching. In my dreamed I searched, and, in my dream I was the one for which others searched. Quite confusing all in all. What to make of this? Faces I knew, those who knew me in return. But in my sleep, I maintain a separateness. I reach out, and yet, refuse to grab the outstretched hand which I feel holds some redemption. Perhaps that is what I want, and yet, cannot accept. I have wronged so many others. All the good certainly does not repay the debts I owe. Shouts of fighting, swords glinting in the sunlight, my hands covered with the red fluid of life, and I try to run, but am held fast to the place I do not wish to be. I close my eyes and dream again. Within my willed dream, there are visions of smiling people, I hear laughter, and feel a warm embrace. There is a connectedness to the feeling. In my visions, I stand and walk to a horse. On its back is a travel bag of soft leather. There is a parcel called "belonging" that has a great value I carry in my travel sack. I take it out, and with great reverence, run my fingers over it and sense the pleasure it brings. I wrap it back up in a velvet cloth and return it to the bag. In the depth of my deep sleep, I meet the night, and dance with her entranced by what she enticingly has offered in barter for what I hold in my travel sack. With great sorrow and happiness, I make the agreement and from the travel sack I withdraw the treasure and offer it up for sacrifice. "There", I say,"the deal is done." And in my captivity, I set free the voiceless people in my dreams I know I hold so dear. They quietly fade from sight as I am embraced and taken deeper into dreams. Before I fall to the place of no return, I hear a small voice. I fight and grab on to the words as a child swinging on a pine branch holds fast as not to let go. Are you ready for spring yet, Evergreen?” Evergreen awakens. The hound moves from is place of comfort and lazily thumps his tail on the stone floor…thap,thap,thap. Evergreen sits up, stretches and turns, moving muscles stiff from such a deep and troublesome sleep. She finds herself looking deeply into compassionate eyes that are peering back directly into the depths of a warrior’s soul. Evergreen reaches out and touches the side of the child’s face. She gently moves calloused fingers over the smooth cheek. Slowly, the spark of recognition ignites and lights a treasured memory. “Phalon?” "It is What it Is" Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 11/29/02 6:11:56 pm |
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:10:32 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 473
(12/1/02 11:27 am)
Allowing the gathering of Pieces
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Xendra revived her physical being, she awoke to find her soul was in conflict,struggling against all odds against the mounting evil within...
In an attempt to stregthen her true self Xendra feeblely cried out "Reveal to me where the others are! Show me all of my sisters present and their futures"
In her minds eye she was immediately transported to a place within a place..there she recognized the spririts of Phalon,Black Wolf and Evergreen but not the faces they portrayed.
In the first series of images Xendra saw a hall way of many doors and shivered. Xendra knew all too well the Evil power behind the images and somehow felt responsible for the consquences that lurked behind each door.
In her heart of hearts Xendra wished for their escape and for Black Wolf to be returned to her soul mate. Xendra silently wondered if it would ever happen.
Xendra caught a quick glimpse of a reunion between Black Wolf and her soul mate Montarra. Xendra felt for an instant that the tide was turning in favor of her friends...
Xendra grew more assured of their safety as she happily observed as a rift was formed and her friends emerged from the endless hallways of doors.
The next image however, shook Xendra to her very foundation, her tattos seared her with white hot heat, Xendra's heart ached in pain and in sorrow as Evergreen led them all on a an unparelled journey somewhere within Evergreens mind...somewhere between Evergreen's memory and fantasy.
Xendra openly cried as she watched Evergreen.,it was as if her friend was no longer in residence.
Xendra in the core of her being empathasized with Black Wolf's and Phalon's anguish in not knowing how to help return Evergreen to her former self.
Xendra turned awayfrom the scene in excessive shame. Xendra questioned herself and her decisions," How could such a well intentioned plan have led to this?"
Xendra had only herself to condemn, for she had herself had lead Puella to insanity, she herself had ordered the attempt to separate Blackwolf from her soulmate, she had voiced the words that caused Leara's words not to be believed,it was her minions who sought to put Little Gabbyfan in peril, and worse yet Xendra knew of the attempt to erase the connection between Evergreen and Zena and had done nothing to stop it!?
Xendra's true spirit knew, it was too much of a price to pay, even if the plan saved their mortal bodies it was not worth their souls, their essences.
Xendra 's mortal mind reached for a thousand scenarios in which to help, but as each idea formed it was blocked, rejected by the swelling Evil force within.
Xendra could hear the orders to "Finish them off !" rising within her being, the voices were getting louder and more dominant. There was a chaotic struggle for supremacy taking place, each force seeking final rule and reign over Xendra's heart mind and soul.
Xendra was moved beyond words and actions as she saw the soulful look in Evergreen's eyes as she scratched the dogs ears.
Xendra knew she had to do something before Evergreen was completey taken over...and lost forever.In doing so Xendra knew that she would more than likely be forfeiting herself.
Xendra gazed at Evergreen and found within herself one last fleeting ounce of resolve and managed to speak into existence the words "Release all Amazons"
As Xendra spoke the words she saw the image of Puella regaining her sanity,Leara regaing crediblty with Zena ... but the true Xendra's last sight was that of Evergreen looking up and merely saying,"Phalon?"
As the final image appeared the true Xendra smiled her last smile..for Evil came to fully rule and reign within Xendra's being at that very moment.
Xendra the once proud Amazon, was no longer in control.....
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 12/2/02 7:19:58 am
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 38
(12/5/02 3:07 pm)
Something Unkind This Way Comes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Four sets of wings found purchase on winds driven by a storm at sea. Four ravens raced to the edge of the storm, finding a tenuous safety, but loosing sight of the ship that was tossed so haplessly within the Sea God's domain.
They had been flying for only a couple days when the vision that led them had met with reality. The area around the temple of Aegina on the Sea had been awash with people, chanting and crying, watching the procession to the waiting ship. None had noticed the curious birds that watched the proceedings with human-like intelligence.
"They are together," remarked the largest raven, Widow, who looked older than the others.
"They are indeed," answered Witch, the raven with the bright amber eyes.
"Shall we follow then?" asked the raven with the green flecked, amber eyes.
"Let them go a bit, there's no sense circling them when we don't need to," the red eyed raven, Warrior, responded.
The sun had felt good upon her black feathers, sinking into muscles unused to such work, so Bhen Rudha had been inclined to stay put for the time being. Now they were trying to survive the sky and remain close to the ship, and the people on board.
Through her bond with the ravens, the priestess felt the urgent need to reach the safety of the island where the ship had been headed. Safety was promised within the trees. Without wasting effort on a reply, she simply followed the others, struggling to keep up.
Bhen Rudha's world narrowed to the simplicity of keeping aloft and not getting lost. It seemed she remained an eternity in the state of clear will, needing to force her wings to make the next beat. She was growing evermore tired, and knew that her sisters, native to their forms as they might be, were faring the same.
Just as she felt herself losing control, the wind settled, tamed by the trees. Relief washed through her and she landed gratefully upon a stout branch. Soon the four ravens were huddled together, already dozing. The rain continued to reach them, but the priestess was too happy at having stopped at last for her to mind. Before she fell into sleep, she thought she heard singing on the wind. Words that sounded familiar, that she could almost understand. Strangely comforted, she slept.
Edited by: BhenRudha at: 12/10/02 1:21:31 am
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 634
(12/6/02 10:15 pm)
Back in the Present
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Phalon?” Recognition flashes in Evergreen’s eyes. She reaches up and touches Phalon’s cheek. With the touch comes a warmth that travels through Phalon’s body and into her soul. The warmth emits from her, filling the small hut with a glow in soft hues of yellow, orange and pink. As the woman’s fingers trail from the child’s cheek, the colors fade. Then blackness.
Phalon opened her eyes to find herself sitting opposite BlackWolf on the forest floor. They were still holding on to Nemesis’ wheel. “Phalon, what happened?” BlackWolf asked as she too opened her eyes.
“I saw, BlackWolf. Evergreen recognized me. She knew me. I saw it in her eyes. Then all became dark. The vision was broken. I’m not sure what it means.”
“Well, she’s got to be somewhere close by. Come on, Phalon”, already on her feet, already on the move, BlackWolf called, “Let’s find her quick.”
This time, Phalon did not move to stop her, did not caution to proceed carefully, but quickly rose from the ground calling, “I’m right behind you.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:12:07 GMT -6
QGrrlPower
Registered Member
Posts: 701
(12/8/02 2:59 pm)
A stirring from the campfire
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puella sits in a trance at the fire. The sword of Ares clasp tightly in my hand, as I clean the mud from it’s intricate details and craftsmanship. At my side is Xendra’s staff. I watch as Leara and Zena attempt to make sense of the connection that Leara has with Evergreen…Hearing the words, but no reaction from me.
My heart and mind race as I attempt to make sense of the events of the past few days. I can remember it all…the sight of her turning into some sort of evil creature. Looking into the eyes of Xendra, my friend, my family in her evil state had sent me over the edge. No longer could I believe what I saw. For my eyes were playing tricks on me. As I attempted to wash the mud from my body at the river, I saw two Xendras. How can there be two Xendra’s? Has she split in two, each showing a separate personality? Or is it just a vision? No I am surely not imagining this! Why would I do such a thing, it makes no sense. I finally concluded that Xendra has changed and I have no control over who she has become. The evil amongst us has taken over her being. No longer can I trust her, for she has become Evil itself. I always knew she had the capability for evil acts, but never had I thought she would actually succumb to the evil itself, turning from her sisters, from her tribe.
I am attempting to piece together the clues to this puzzle, which is laid before me. I could hear her speak at the river as I attempted to wash the mud from my body. I watched as two Xendras, not one approached. In an attempt to bide my time I acted as if I fainted into the water. Hoping that somewhere in that body, she was capable of fighting this power that has taken her over. All she needs is the motivation to do so.
As I laid in the water, both images ran to me and pulled me to the shore. Attempting to save me…as I listened to them speak, I heard her cast some sort of a spell upon me, or attempt to…As I lay on the ground still covered in mud I feel the necklace around my neck begin to heat up…I can only pray that the Xendras were not able to see the glowing light that the stone emitted. Every word spoken, I hear. As Xendra speaks an insanity chant, I hear as she tells the second image what she must do. I should have known, the plot that she has been scheming is one of self-sacrifice. Caring more for her sisters, for me then herself, she was attempting to save us all. If she only realized that she has played right into this evil presence’s hands. Divide and conquer, always the plan of evil, for together we are strong.
I lay still breathing deeply, eyes closed waiting for my chance to get away. Finally I get my chance and I run, as quickly as I can, still caked in mud from the escape earlier. The water from the river had only managed to wet the mud once more, and not clean it from my body. As I swerved through the woods, images invaded my mind. Trees looked like they were attempting to grab me, the sounds seemed to call my name. My heart raced, feeling as if it would pound out of my body. Had the spell worked to make me insane? How could it, for I saw the two Xendra’s before the chant was spoken. Trying to form a plan of my own. I must find a way to break this spell that evil has upon Xendra. Maybe by helping her to realize that she is only hurting us by isolating herself from us. I must get close to her. That is the only way that I will be able to get through to her…She must look me in the eyes and see what she is doing. See the hurt and pain she is creating, only them will she be strong enough to fight. First I must find my way back to the rest of the amazons. I had to see first how many are ready to battle the evil, how many have been influenced the way that Xendra has. I must find a way to bring us all together…
Finally my logic wins out, my instincts take over, the plan to get Xendra back has been formed. I stand and turn from the fire…looking to the women that have become my family. All eyes peer at me as I begin to speak. This evil cannot harm us if we do not allow it. Each one of us has voluntarily given in to the evil in an attempt to save the rest. Without our permission this evil is nothing more then a pest. It has no true power over us. I must show this to Xendra, and the others. We must face this together as one...
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 127
(12/8/02 11:24 pm)
Out of Sight Into Mind
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is perhaps no explanation for the inconsistencies in life. Someone comes into your life, someone goes out of your life with a whole lot of important stuff in between. Some nights you sleep warm and safe by a hearth fire, and other nights you wake up and find yourself on the cold, forest floor huddle under a blanket of pine needles. Such was the latter for Evergreen.
By the gods I am cold. Evergreen shivered in the darkness while huddling down into the small depression she had carved in the ground pulling pine branches over the top of her for protection from the chilled night.
The sky of the white season could be seen filtering in and out of the thick layer of branches. The scent of pine was strong and some of the tree sap oozed onto Evergreen's hands making her fingers sticky and gathering pads of needles . But such was the price of a little acquired warmth. The night canopy was black as pitch yet dotted with crystalline, bright white stars that shimmered down from above. The trees swayed and hummed with the night wind.
Zena, I swear by all that is noble and worthy of our friendship that there is coming a day we will never sleep out upon the earth again… teeth chattering… yep, a hut, two rooms with a view of a valley built facing southwest away from the north winds. It will have a large, stone hearth with a hanging cook pot full of hot broth,a floor made from timbers,and perhaps a nice big inside corner to put a solstice tree.
Evergreen's thoughts ran about and came back to wondering exactly how she came to be out in the middle of the forest on a moonless and cold night. Phalon was in my dreamscape…or was it…it seemed real…but was it not? Where did the clothes I am wearing come from? Whose sword is this that I carry? I feel that something has been lost, and yet, I know it is mine for the taking once more. But what is it? Perhaps all that I think is but just a vision with a message. But what message does it speak?
Evergreen curled into a tight ball, pulled the branches over her head, and pondered all these things before slipping into a cold and uncomfortable sleep while waiting for the warmth of the new day sun.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 12/8/02 11:24:22 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 429
(12/10/02 7:24 pm)
Things That Go Hoot In The Night
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The weight of the large bird pulled the bough down a bit making it creak and caused Zena to look slowly up the tree trunk to a place above her head. The owl looked down with solemn consideration and seemed to be waiting for permission to deliver a message.
“Well, aren’t you lovely!” Zena had always liked owls; their mysterious call disturbed Evergreen because they signaled the night advancing but to Zena they seemed like returning friends. She listened again for the sound behind the splash and the squeak she had heard, but there was only silence. Perhaps the great bird had frightened a frog back into the creek. The twigs in the embers snapped and Zena’s gaze moved down from owl on the high tree branch. She slid just a little closer to the fire ring and wrapped her arms around herself for warmth. The chill was beginning to reach through her leathers and she let her mind wander again to distract her from the grip of the damp cold.
Two little Amazon girls, huddled by the tiny fire, watching stars in the inky sky.
“I wish we had a weapon.” Zena murmured.
“Here, take this.” Evergreen had cut two sturdy sticks from the low growth around a tree. They were more like kindling than weapons but they gave comfort to the holders. “We can use them for fighting, like staffs.” Evergreen trimmed off the leaves and handed one to Zena.
“Ok. But I didn’t do well at the last training. I like the round throwy thing, and someday a sword!”
“Ah, you’ll cut off your leg or something. You did do pretty good with that chakre, chakie, whatever thing.”
“Hey! Thanks! You are good with the staff, so you can show me. (Zena’s stomach made a grumbling noise) We need to get home. I’m really hungry and I don’t want to miss breakfast.”
“Zena, you are always hungry!!” Evergreen gave her friend a little punch in the shoulder and Zena gave a lopsided smile because she was embarrassed. It would be a few more years before she could explain to her new sister the suffering that famine had brought to her village. Famine created artificially by the Romans to gain control of a proud people. Famine that took her little brother; a baby who cried feebly each night in her mother’s arms until he cried no more.
“It’s time to go.” Evergreen sighed and kicked at the fire. Beyond the clearing the dark tunnel began again, looking like the open mouth of some great beast. They both stood and looked at the ominous entrance. Zena glanced back toward the water, which held it’s own terrors for her, and took a deep breath. “There’s nothing to do but to do it."
They put their wrists together and in childish voices said together, “To a strong Amazon nation!” Squaring their slight shoulders they stepped into the tunnel together. An owl hooted.
Zena looked up but the owl was gone and she wasn’t sure if the hoot had been real or in her memory.
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 12/10/02 6:27:28 pm
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:13:38 GMT -6
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 49
(12/13/02 3:48 am)
Something Unkind This Way Comes II
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Four ravens slept huddled within a tree as a storm lashed itself out and a group of women finally made it to shore. Bhen Rudha found herself back upon her green hill within the Emerald Dream. She smiled as Witch crested the hill and stood next to her.
"Well, that was an adventure," the priestess said in way of greeting.
Witch smiled in response, the raven feather braided into her hair caught by the soft breeze. "Indeed. I am glad that you are so comfortable within our own shape."
The smile became a grin as the priestess stretched her arms above her head. "Lady knows I have no desire to race a storm again, but that does not change the fact that it was an amazing thing."
The two chuckled, then stood in companionable silence as they saw an older woman begin to make her slow way up the hill. She wore a black cloak, and all Bhen Rudha could see was wisps of snow white hair peeking out from the cowl. As the old woman finally reached the others, the priestess saw that the wool was held at her throat by a gold broach matching the Bandroi an Cogadh tattoo that was inked into her own back. The woman pushed back her cowl, revealing a face deeply touched with age. Bhen Rudha looked at herself, as she perhaps would become in the years ahead. Bowing her respect, she said, "It is an honor to finally meet you, Wise One."
A generous smile lit deep black eyes as Widow answered, "And I am glad to see you at last. I had been waiting for you a very long time. How well I am rewarded my patience." She took the priestess' hands and kissed her cheek. Bhen Rudha was reminded more of a beloved grandmother than the winter Goddess that Lady Bobd could be.
"Did you find them?" Witch asked, her expression becoming troubled. She looked into the distance, shading her eyes.
Giving her hands a last squeeze, Widow answered, "No...there is a shadow that lays upon this land that I cannot pierce."
Witch sighed, "I had hoped that you could do what I could not."
Bhen Rudha shrugged, quickly figuring what the other two were talking about, "Then we shall have to find them the hard way. With four it should not be too hard."
Widow smiled fondly, "Indeed not. To be fresh for the day, we should go and get some true sleep. Oiche mhaith, my sisters." With her goodnight said, the eldest raven faded from view.
"Oiche mhaith," Witch said before fading as well.
"Oiche mhaith," Bhen Rudha murmured into the empty Dream. She knew the others were troubled, and that they knew something they were not sharing. The priestess believed that if the Lady meant for them to find the others, they would . . . one was not necessarily blind without vision. Content in her optimism, she stretched her arms upward once again, then curled herself up on the soft grass and fell truly into sleep.
* * *
Darkness curled around the quartet of ravens upon their branch, tasting them, trying to see what manner of creatures were these. It knew that the feathers hid something underneath, something important, some dangerous. It wanted to know if there was something useful.
It touched the amber-eyed raven, seeking entrance into the bird's thoughts. Instead it peered into the tranquility of a large lake. It tested the waters, and found it could not make a ripple. Instead, it seemed they became a mirror. Unwilling to see more, it moved to the next.
The crimson-eyed raven ruffled its feathers when darkness touched it, knowing danger even while asleep. Fire met the intruder when it sought to enter the second bird's thoughts. Not wanting to be burned, it moved on.
The black-eyed raven seemingly had no protections from the touch of darkness. The intruder met nothing but blackness, and poured more of itself inside to try and find the answers it sought. When it could not find anything, not even the glimmer of a dream, it realized the nature of the trap. Quickly the darkness collected itself and left.
The last raven felt different than the others. Darkness could tell this, even through the thick, ever present, crimson fog that shrouded the last bird's mind, but nothing else. It did not come for a fight, there were easier ways to bring down prey, so it sent the four into a deeper sleep. Satisfied that the quartet was no threat, darkness turned away, searching for easier temptations.
Time turned and turned again, and the ravens continued to sleep. They would have continued until they died perhaps, had not the full moon shown bright and silver down upon them.
Edited by: BhenRudha at: 12/16/02 2:16:11 pm
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 26
(12/13/02 3:19 pm)
Soggy Dreams
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Water one of life's essential sustaining elements.
We drink and are refreshed.
We bathe and are cleansed.
We watch and listen and are renewed, refreshed and restored.
None can escape water it is around us and in us.
Water sustainer of life."
These words come to me as I relax drifting off to sleep. The other voices are forced to be silent and agree with the words of my adopted father. In those few times that I am afforded good restful sleep I dream of water be it a babling brook, a raging river, a calm quiet lake or the vast Great Sea.
Before opening my eyes I know where it is that I have gone as the damp salty air fills my nostrils. A smile unconsciously creeps across my face -The Great Sea. My eyes see a white sandy beach that stretches as far as I can see in both directions. My toes begin to burrow down into the sand. The waves rise and fall racing to crash on the beach yet the are slow and steady like the breaths of a sleeping babe. I want to dive into the waters and cleanse the stench of this Evil from my mind and body But I find myself in awe of the Sea and reluctant to move. I close my eyes and listen letting go of all the troubling thoughts that weigh on my mind just focusing on the sound of the waves.
Silence.
The waves have stopped crashing on the shore and out on the horizon comes a lone wave it rises higher and higher consuming all the little ones. It will crash with great violence and I am in its path. There is the need to make a choice to stand in the path going down a fighter or to turn and try to out run the wave. I am much to proud and arrogant to run from a fight and raised not to back from any fight that needs fighting. I choose to wait for the wave my legs feel like stone and my feet lead.
I will remain though the choice really is not mine since I can’t seem to move but it is always helpful for heart and mind to agree. My heart races with the anticipation the final moments of my mortal existence.
My mind fills with thoughts of my life and the sum total not tomorrow or even right now. How will my life be judged? The good will never erase the past misdeeds no amount of good will ever be able to hide the Roman stench that is me. Perhaps the wave will finally wash me clean for a little while one last time.
The wave grows and blocks the sunlight it is black and stinks like EVIL but how in this dream can it be here in this scared clean place. There it is poised to cover and consume me I draw my sword I will go on my own terms.
The wave crashes all over me the crushing weight of all the things the mistrust and the misdeeds that have been mine. I feel the weight but am unable to move I am held tight by the wave as it tries to uproot me from the beach. When this unsuccessful the wave receded into the sea eroding the sands from around my feet hoping to pull me down with it. I remain despite the strong pull and the part of me that wants to give in and go with it.
The wave vanished from sight as quickly as it appeared on the horizon but there remains a residue, a reminder of the past. I know that no matter what changes, I will always be a Roman and besides that my past will always be there. There can be no running from who you are or were. The Sea has again become calm and the steady rhythm of waves has returned as has the peace of the Sea.
I feel the dawn approaching and that I have to return to the real world where all the stresses will return. I open my eyes to find that I am still pinned under the blankets with the Great Trident. I am relaxed now and can actually move a bit perhaps enough to escape but not under the ever watchful eye of Zena.
“So Zena have you figured out who I am? Will you release me or am I to die here like this?” I ask with a smile.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:15:09 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 433
(12/13/02 9:47 pm)
Re: All Roads Lead..
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The branches swayed and rustled in the breeze that signaled the breaking of night. Zena watched for a sign that the golden eyed owl was still with her but it was gone. As she scanned the leafy canopy she felt other eyes watching her and moving her head ever so slightly brought her gaze down to Leara. The dark eyes were open and clear now and a smile played about her face. “That smile. Those dark eyes. No doubt now. Blood sisters.” Zena looked steadily at Leara with a calm that did not betray her sinking heart.
“So Zena have you figured out who I am? Will you release me or am I to die here like this?” Leara asked with a smile in her voice.
She raised one eyebrow and waited a moment before speaking. “I would say that your Roman blood lines are shared by someone else.” Zena was purposefully careful in choosing her words. A Roman after all, was still a Roman. “Or,” she wondered to herself, “am I afraid of what she will bring to our lives?” The memory of the two little girls at the head of the dark trail whispered again through Zena’s mind.
“Yes, Evergreen is my half-sister. We have only begun our journey with that.” Leara smiled.
Zena fiddled with the leather strap that held her chakram. “I suppose when this is over, you will wish to return with her to Rome to resume your family life?” She tried to sound as if that carried no more weight than asking if one were going fishing for dinner.
“We haven’t discussed that yet. Look, can you let me up? I’m getting stiff in this blanket wrapped up like a dead Egyptian.”
“Mummy.”
“What?”
“Mummy. The Egyptians, that’s what they call the dead bodies.”
“Strange, barbaric customs.”
“I don’t think they are barbaric. Just because they aren’t Roman. Amazons learn to accept other cultures, like Centaurs, not deride them.” Zena could feel the hurt in her being going down other roads and they all led to Rome. She stood and bracing herself against the Trident pulled it from the ground. “Here’s your toy. Go play with it for awhile.”
Leara sat up slowly wondering what was wrong with Zena. She pulled the blanket around her shoulders and stared at the back of Zena’s tunic as she settled down on the other side of the fire facing away from Leara. Once again the memory of that childhood test returned, but this time Zena fought it back and turned her face into her arm to soak up the silent tears.
Zena
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 12/14/02 12:07:16 pm
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 130
(12/14/02 12:46 am)
If Wishes Were Horses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A ray of sunlight pierced through the loosely knit pine needles focusing with intensity on sleeping brown eyes. Slowly, an eyelid struggled and fluttered open followed by its counterpart. A cold, stiff hand went up to shade two dark orbs for the rude greeting of the new day sun.
Ye gods, I must tell Zena that upon my passing not to place me into the ground without the benefit of a warm, sturdy box, or a wool blanket, at the very least. I could not withstand eternity lying in the bare earth.
Evergreen pushed the branches aside, stretched, sat up, and rolled two very stiff shoulders. A cold hand reached into matted silver streaked strands pulling out some creature that had also sought a warm refuge from the long, cold night.
"Are you not this morning the fortunate worm indeed that I do not feed you to my growling stomach." The wiggly food was gently tossed into the woods.
“How humorous and gallant, Amazon. Do you always awaken with such a fair disposition?”
Evergreen sprung from the ground reaching for a non existent sword on the way up. Not finding it, the Amazon froze with hands poised for combat. Intrusive sunlight obscured full vision as to who, or what, had spoken the words.
“Ya could move a liii-ttle to the right and get the sun from your eyes if you would just think this through.” A chuckle followed the sarcastic admonition.
Evergreen cautiously moved as directed. In doing so, a figure became clear. Perched upon a high rock, knees drawn up with head propped on hands held up by elbows, was a small person. Such was it not to be easily identified male or female of the human species. Its fair skin, disarming smile, and light hazel eyes gave no appearance of a threat.
Combat hands lowered and relaxed.
“I thought you would sleep away the day. I have watched patiently for your return from Morpheus’ lair. What’s with you small Amazons and sleeping beyond daybreak?” An audible deep sigh followed the question.
“Who are you that visits me now? Is it not enough I have shared a dance with the dark, been robbed of most of my memories, had a dreamscape encounter with a child and old woman whom now escape me, and I find that I am relegated to sleeping in a cold hole in the ground? I fear not that the gods are laughing at my fate. Have they not amused long enough with my situation? And who in Tartarus are you? Have you come to torment and confuse me of what little good my mind still serves?”
“Not in the least fine warrior. Not in the very least. I am known as Philotes and I am..."
“The personification of true affection and friendship if I am to be correct.” Evergreen interrupted wondering for what purpose that this visitation did serve in the scheme of things.
“Yes, you are quite right about that…all that you say, I am.
“And for what, may I ask, do you come to me?”
There is one from your time in childhood that with great affection misses you, and cries for the return of her friend and sister. There are others that count you as kindred who have searched for you, and given you the gift of direction back from where you came. Owl came to me and in her wisdom imparted this knowledge asking that I take mercy and be the next guide back to your home in their hearts. Are your prepared to return?”
“Without hesitation.” Evergreen’s reply emanated from the depths of her being, and Philotes knew the truth had been spoken.
"Then your time has arrived."
Philotes jumped down from the rock and gave a low whistle. From out of the shadows appeared a great black horse with four white stockings, and a lone white star dotting its forehead. Its eyes were as blue as the summer sky. Its mane was as dark as a raven and flowing like a great river. Upon the great beast were a fur lined saddle, leather bags brimmed with fruits, and a small water cask hung from the pommel. The lost sword was staid in its scabbard hold.
“I have seen a likeness of this steed in scrolls. Balius, perhaps?” Evergreen commented as she took the reins from the entity, stepped into the stirrup, and settled with hips forward into the saddle. The horse stamped, anxiously awaiting the squeeze of thighs to signal the journey was to begin.
"You know us well, warrior. This fine creature is as immortal as the friendship to which you return. I have asked Zephyrus to accompany you with his gentle west wind. Go home my friend, go home Evergreen, go home."
And with a click of the tongue, the journey indeed began.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 12/14/02 12:45:20 am
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:18:14 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 514
(12/15/02 11:16 am)
Re: If Wishes Were Horses
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evil Xendra was livid to have been outwitted by one act of goodness by the prior Xendra.
Evil Xendra could not disregard the damage that had been undone with one simple sentence. Xendra's mind was quickly processing all that had happened as she paced wildly back and forth.
Xendra knew the Amazons would not be a easy matter to contend with , but experience told Xendra that she must limit physical contact with the Amazon and yet disrupt any feelings of security or success they may have.
Xendra pondered ..Amazons lived by their own codes,their own rules, their own ways and their own means they were dependent on the the ways of earth and nature.
Xendra considered her new Evil powers ..and realized she call upon the elements of Earth. Xendra commanded the elements: EARTH,WIND FIRE and WATER to show their presence.
Xendra spoke freely to the gathered minions and the elements.
Xendra triumphantly bellowed " Now lets see if they can survive when the very planet they walk upon betrays them!"
Xendra summoned the elements forth one by one.
"Earth, I command you to just shake the ground below the Amazons put them on shifting sands and unven footing do not let any journey be an easy one.
The day will soon come when I will command you to shake with a fiercness that has never been,to let your lava flow freely, to allow your mountains to crumble and fall into the sea, and to let your gases flow and your plates shift apart."
"Fire: I command you to take from the Amazons their abilty to harness you, Do not let them make fire, without you they cannot cook or stay warm or light their paths. Soon I may call upon you to rage across all lands, destroying fields and plains devoring those that are in your path..soon."
"Water: I command you that you are not to fall upon the amazons, that you are to make your waters bitter to the Amazons that you shall carry only disease and sickness to those who partake of you. In the days to come I may call upon you to wash over the earth drowning all inhabitants who do not follow us."
Wind: " I command you to rage against the Amazons, let their be no shelter from your storms and howling winds, the day will soon come when I may call upon you to rip apart the structures that man has built- hurricanes and tornados will rip across every land..."
Xendra bellowed at the gathered minons, "I will test the mettle of these pesky Amazons I want there to be not one journey be without strife or hardship. illness,heartache, misery and discontentmenttheir constant companion.. now GO!"
One lone minion arose and spoke, "You possess great powers and the Elements could do your bidding but the Gods control the ways of Earth...anything you command to be done they in turn can undo. You must first defeat the gods if you want to have power and dominion over the elements"
Xendra flew into a rage, "Who are you to tell ME what I can or Can not do ! For such insolence You shall forefeit Your life! Without thinking Xendra thrusted a knife into his heart, he sank to the ground instantly.
Xendra with his dead body slumped at her feet, shouted at the remaining minions" This is what will happen to you if You do not follow ME!"
Xendra stepped over the body and paused..realizing he had been right.The Gods were still in control of the elements.
Xendra needed to rethink her plans.
Xendra sighed impatiently ..going after the Amazons was going to have to wait. first priorty had to be killing off the Gods, after all the gods were the protectors of the Amazons.
Without the gods to protect them the Amazons would be easy prey....muhahahaha
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 12/18/02 6:17:27 pm
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 679
(12/17/02 9:41 pm)
Traces in the Wind
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was Little Dog who first reached the remains of the small camp, now deserted. He pawed in a heap of pine boughs strewn about in a shallow depression in the earth. Whining, digging, and sniffing, he searched in vain for something…someone…who was not there. Blackwolf crossed the camp in long strides and bent down next to Little Dog, feeling the ground beneath the branches. “Judging by the way Little Dog is acting, Evergreen must have taken shelter here. She could not have left too long ago. The ground is still warm where she laid.”
Phalon felt a pang of despair. Evergreen seemed always just an arms length away, just out of their grasp. Whenever they got close, she seemed to slip away. Did she yet remember who she was? Did she remember anything of the dream, or was it pushed away, resigned to the far corners of her mind, only a pesky remanent of cold night’s fitful sleep, like a crick in the neck or an ache in the back?
BlackWolf interrupted her thoughts. “She went this way”, she said. Then, pointing down, “Look at these marks in the dirt. She’s on horseback! Come on, Phalon. If we’re to have any chance of catching her, we’ll have to move swiftly.” BlackWolf took off through the forest, with Little Dog close on her heels.
Phalon turned to follow. “Phalon…” She spun back around. The voice was a whisper. Not in her head, but not entirely of this world either. It was not a voice she recognized. A murmur in her ear, as if the wind were calling her name. Again, “Phalon…You’d be hard pressed to find your friend now. Hers is a mission from which she will not stray. She will continue on at a pace which I’m afraid you and BlackWolf will not be able to keep until she reaches her destination.”
“Who are you?” Phalon slowly turned in a circle. “Where are you?”
“I am a friend. Don’t despair Phalon. Evergreen remembers. She knows the way home. Though she will always seem a step ahead in this journey, follow her path. It will lead you where you need to be. But follow quickly, Phalon. I smell something foul in the wind. It pains me to say that it was brought forth by one in your group whom you all call friend and sister. One who has switched sides. One who needs all of you together to help find her way back…back to herself, and back to her family. Go now, Phalon. Go before you are unable to do so. Don’t stop until Evergreen’s trail reaches it’s end. There, you will see.”
Phalon took at few steps back, raising her hand in appreciation. “Thank you”, she whispered to the unseen ally. The gentle breeze that had been blowing picked up causing leaves to stir in little whirlwinds on the ground. She then turned and ran at full speed to catch up with BlackWolf.
A short distance ahead of them, a horse and rider crested a small hill, the morning sun catching the silver in her hair and the sword on her back.
Edited by: phalon1 at: 12/18/02 8:04:46 am
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:19:31 GMT -6
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 134
(12/21/02 10:34 pm)
By the Stars Above
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen rocked in the saddle feeling the gentle sway of the horse beneath her. Reins were loosely held, more or less allowing the horse to direct the course of the rider upon his back. She occasionally ducked a low hanging tree branch or pushed one up and away from her face. Evergreen removed an apple from the leather side bag, took a few bites saving the remainder for her traveling companion.
The horse steadily plodded on through the dense forest, crossed a small stream, and with ease, carried its rider up a steep embankment. Evergreen found herself at the top of a ridge with a view of an expanse of land ahead. She pulled on the reins halting the horse, leaned downed patting its muscular neck. The apple was offered and gladly accepted.
They had traveled throughout the day, and beyond the valley below, the sun was making its exit relinquishing its dominion to the lesser light of the night.
At least there will be a quarter moon to guide me.
The forest began to thin out giving way to a meadow. The wind blew the tall grass below giving the look of a great ocean where there was none. It was peaceful.
Rider and horse traveled down to the beginning of the valley floor. Although night was approaching, Evergreen was not afraid. She sensed that they were not alone-in the body or in the spirit.
“Balius, my good friend, someone had been following us since we crossed the creek. Let them.”
Evergreen reached for the sword at her side and felt the full handle that fit like a mold taken from her very hand.
Balius shook his magnificent head up and down blowing as if saying, “bring it on stranger, you are no match for us.”
Evergreen smiled, gently squeezed the horse with her thighs. “Ya!” And the two parted the tall grass like a scythe.
Looking up, Evergreen saw an owl silhouetted against the setting sun at dusk. A good omen, she thought. Stars began to make their appearance and danced on the horizon. She began to hum a low song. Such was it familiar, but origin unknown. It gave great comfort. So horse and rider moved on through the night and only one knew what destination lay ahead.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 12/27/02 9:19:08 am
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 722
(12/28/02 8:10 pm)
Seeing Green
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BlackWolf set a furious pace, using her keen wolf-like senses to track Evergreen. They caught glimpses of her on the black steed every now and again, either cresting a ridge, or down below in a valley. They were getting closer, but not close enough for their calls to be heard. “Evergreen!” “Evergreen!” Their voices seemed lost, carried away in the ever increasing wind.
Soon after they started out, leaving Evergreen’s overnight resting place behind, Phalon started to yearn for her horse, Aronia. How much easier it would be to catch someone on horseback if one were on a horse herself. BlackWolf may have the instincts and stamina of an animal, but Phalon did not. Aronia would have easily kept BlackWolf’s pace. It was not so with Phalon, it was a struggle. But keep up she did, though it did not stop her from still wishing for her horse. She wondered if she were being well taken care of in the stables where she last left her. How long had it been? How many moons had passed since they first set sail on Icthyus’ ship? How many times had the moon’s waning and waxing run full circle? It was hard to tell. It seemed like forever. Phalon had no idea how long she had been in the Hall of Doors. She’d lost all track of time while she was enclosed the hallway with all it’s secrets. She began to wonder if she would ever see her old trusted friend, Aronia, again.
Phalon began to tire. BlackWolf seemed Tartarus bent on reaching Evergreen before nightfall. As her body grew weary, she kept her mind focused on BlackWolf ahead of her. Dressed in all black, with short jet-black hair, darting this way and that, weaving in and out of trees and bushes, over fallen logs, and around small boulders, Phalon began to imagine that she was following a she-wolf and not a human. She certainly moved more as a wolf than human.
Phalon became entranced with watching the figure in black and the graceful dance which the figure performed with the forest around her. So entranced she became, that she entered almost a hypnotic state. Her muscle and bone kept performing their job, moving arms and legs in the rhythm which they had become so accustomed, but her mind went elsewhere. Everything quickened in Phalon’s eyes. It all became a blur, the moving black form in front of her blending in with the flashes of green as branches were pushed aside and then swung back into their rightful place.
Those flashes of green mesmerized her. A familiar green. A swirling emerald green. The green of an emerald stone set in a silver necklace. This now was the only thing Phalon’s eyes saw and she was looking through it, onto a place not so very far away.
Edited by: phalon1 at: 12/28/02 7:15:09 pm
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 749
(1/1/03 9:25 pm)
Seeing Green (Part II)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The stone on the necklace around Puella’s neck grew warm as she sat cleaning the sword of Ares, thinking about Xendra and the monster that she had become. She knew her beloved friend was held captive somewhere within that beast, lost but not gone forever. She just had to find a way to get her back. She couldn’t do it alone. The small band of friends and sisters must face this together as one. They needed to present a united front against this Evil in order to come out on top.
Puella put the sword down, and reached for the amulet around her neck, an amulet whose edges were worn smooth from years of fingers running over it’s surface, seeking comfort somehow from it’s familiarity. She brought the amulet up and dangled it in front of her face, staring at the emerald stone encased in the silver bull. She stared into the stone and…
Phalon saw Puella’s face. In her eyes she saw worry, disbelief, fear…and determination. Phalon watched Puella lean back against the trunk of a tree and close her eyes. Her jaw was set in a grimace of firm resolution as she started to formulate a plan to get Xendra back. She dropped the necklace’s talisman back to its resting place at her throat.
Phalon saw a campfire, it’s flame leaping and dancing eerily green through the emerald haze from which she looked. Zena sat on one side of the fire, Leara, on the other. Both glared at one other through the flames, the fire’s glow revealing the distrust in their eyes.
Amara slept soundly nearby, bow and arrows at her side, oblivious to the tension swirling in the air of the camp. Little Gabbyfan was no where to be seen, but Phalon could sense her presence near Zena.
Again the flashes of green. Faster and faster. A blur of green as she was transported a short distance through the forest. The flashes came to an abrupt halt and, still seeing through the green mist, she found herself looking upon a small clearing. Little gruesome, impish creatures jeered and danced in a circle, some cheering and clapping wildly, while others hovered on the outskirts, cowering in fear. In the center of the circle stood Xendra, towering above them all. She called to the Elements, commanding them to do her bidding. She stopped and hesitated, brow bent in some revelation, and the lines in her face that were once soft lines from laughter, became deep, leathery crevices as her mouth twisted into a grotesque sneer.
“Phaaalonnn! PHALON!”
“Huh? What?” The voice was in her head. The green haze had faded and she realized she had almost come to a stop.
“Phalon, now is not the time. You are falling behind. You must keep up with BlackWolf. You must catch Evergreen. You are all needed. Together. You MUST hurry.”
The Old Guardian? Phalon felt a tug at her robes and looked down upon Little Dog. Icthyus? It didn’t matter to whom the voice belonged. As she again started to run, she thought, “You must hurry.” HA! What a gross understatement that was.
In a camp, not a great distance away, the embers of a dieing fire glowed orange, an owl hooted an ominous warning, and four ravens slept on a tree branch, waiting to see what the dawn would bring.
Edited by: phalon1 at: 1/1/03 8:26:54 pm
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:22:24 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 449
(1/2/03 7:35 pm)
Now It Begins
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The campfire slowly succumbed to lack of attention but as the red faded from the logs the sky began to imitate the fading glow. Dawn came creeping into the black of the Grecian night, driving away the nightmares and terrors it held. Above the little cluster of friends and enemies, on a hill to the east of the old temple, an army stood poised for orders. If the campers had looked up they would have seen the glint of the early morning sun on the armor, and the silhouette of the figures against the sky. Elainis, the second of Artemis, slipped to the side of the goddess to whisper her report.
“They sleep my goddess. No action, no activity, they will not fight and the evil marshals it’s forces in the swamp just to the north.” Elainis looked down on the humans with scorn.
“Thank you Elainis. Join the troops. I have need of you in a command position. Bring the best of the archers to the front.” Athena was looking down but she could feel the arrival of her brother. “Do not interfere Ares. I told you I would move at dawn.”
Ares leaned over Athena’s shoulder and quietly but firmly said, “You promised me you would wait until dawn.”
“It IS dawn and they lie about like flattened wheat. Now I will bring my troops into this.”
Ares crossed his arms over his chest and with a raised eyebrow and a nod in the direction of the camp smirked at Athena. “Guess again, Sis.” Athena followed his gaze to the group below.
Through the remainder of the night Zena had struggled with her emotions. She had given herself the length of time it took for the tears to reach her jaw line and then she wiped them into her sleeve and out of her heart. The lack of food and sleep rubbed her temper nearly raw and the encounter with Leara had finished it for her. She stood up suddenly from her place at the fire determined to end the waiting. Whatever her life would become no longer forced itself to the front of her mind. Hand tightening around the handle of the sword of Artemis she threw down the blanket she had wrapped herself in and addressed her startled companions.
“I’m done waiting. Alone or with you beside me I want this battle to begin and wipe away whatever has taken our friends.” Zena pointed the blade toward the forest still dark in the fragile dawn. “There. Straight north in the swamp.” She swung the sword over her head and the fire in the ice whistled as it cut the air. In three strides she was gone, running low and soundlessly into the bushes. The evil she sought danced openly in a clearing and she found herself at the fringe of a group of little demons surrounding their leader. The figure turned and Zena nearly lost her breath as she recognized what was left of Xendra. She raised the sword of Artemis, screaming the Amazon battle cry and so the fight began.
On the hill above, Elainis and the archers moved back grudgingly under the orders of Athena. “We shall see brother, we shall see.”
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 66
(1/4/03 5:07 am)
Unkind Dreaming
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Her blood surged with the tide, while the full moon graced the midnight sky. Warrior gasped as the enough of the darkness was burned away by her tie to the Lady Macha to allow her to surface. This was not Bhen Rudha's Emerald Dream, nor was this true dreaming. This was deeper, and she felt her way blocked by a dense fog.
With her mind, she reached for her sisters, and received a dim sense of them in return. They were alive, but unknowing of the ensorceled sleep they had been sent into. Calling to them, Warrior tried to fight through the fog, but instead became lost in it.
Trapped, deep within herself, the raven cast out for whatever beacon there was to be had. Faint in the perceived distance was the forged link between she and the priestess. If she could reach Bhen Rudha, there was a chance they could wake.
She gathered her strength and her courage, stoking the fires of her warrior heart and strained to reach the woman with the power to set them free.
* * *
All Bhen Rudha could feel in the darkness was iron around her neck. In the darkness she could not remember a time when there was not a slave's collar locked on her. Other faint sensations came to her through the dark . . . she stood with her hands clasped behind her back and hooked to a chain from the ceiling . . . forced to bend over, head down, with her legs splayed . . . her shoulders aching . . . goose bumps rising on her naked flesh . . .
She knew that this was his favorite way to display her, awaiting his pleasure, especially when there were guests to entertain as well.
Part of her wanted to scream that this was not real. That the darkness was what held her, not the cuffs and chains. But the darkness muffled that voice, and left her to wait.
A voice screamed at her from a long way off. Dulled by the darkness, she could only vaguely understand the words for raven, freedom and sister. Those words meant nothing to her.
Cold and clammy fingers traced a line down her back. He always started that way, tracing her spine, then some of the lines of her tattoo. He would murmur nonsense in her ear when alone with her, or describe her finer qualities to whatever audience was watching.
She found it strange that she did not shiver this time. She always shivered.
The voice in the distance grew louder, she understood more of the words . . . dreaming, captured and hope. It was hard to understand hope when trapped in the dark.
Breath tickled her ear, and she felt the warm bulk of him across her back, straining her shoulders more. She wondered that she did not feel the need to bite her lip. She always bit her lip to keep from whimpering.
The voice sounded suddenly desperate and gapped the last distance, coming into sharp clarity, ". . . ake up! Bhen Rudha, sister, you must wake! I call upon you priestess! By the Goddess!"
The words lanced through her mind, echoing away, and memory surged. She was a priestess, of the Goddess. She had been given grace, and now had a duty to preform. He was dead and held her captive no longer.
Into the darkness she spoke a name, "Warrior?"
From the darkness came the reply, "I am here my sister. Stand and be free."
Warrior made it sound easy. Simply stand and be free. She brought her head up, and instead of her shoulders wrenching out of their sockets, her arms fells to her sides. The warmth of him was still behind her and the fingers of her right hand curled as if to hold an axe handle. Wood filled her grip and she turned to cut him down . . .
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:24:53 GMT -6
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 41
(1/2/03 10:20:01 pm)
Catching up
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We had been running after Evergreen for some time now, and though I often caught glimpses of her through the brush or down in a valley, it seemed we couldn't get any closer to her. However, I kept pushing myself and Phalon. I knew Phalon was tiring, but I couldn't let up. Some instinct told me we had to meet up with her soon before we found the others.
As we chased Evergreen, I reveled in my senses. Everything seemed so much clearer and easier to understand. Even running was no longer a problem and I had to keep myself from going to fast. Phalon did not have the strength that I had, though she kept up fairly well.
As I continued to run, I detached part of my brain to talk to Montara.
"Other than the senses and stamina of a wolf, what else can I do?"
He laughed and said "Getting a little greedy, aren't we? You already possess more gifts than many other humans and yet you want more?"
"Come on Montara. I know there is more there. I can feel it."
"Well, if you insist. You know that instinct that you feel about meeting up with Evergreen?"
"You mean having to find her before we meet up with the others?"
"Yes. That is another gift. I guess you could say it would be intuition, or instinct. You don't really understand it yet, but your senses of the environment tell you something is wrong and that it will affect everyone. This insinct will get stronger the more you use it."
I continued to talk to Montara as we ran, learning about all of my gifts and things that I could do to improve them. At one point I sensed Phalon slowing to almost a stop behind me. Right when I was about to turn around to see what the problem was she started running again, though she was breathing awfully hard.
"Montara, is there a way to transfer some of my stamina to Phalon?"
"By your powers alone, no. However, with the wheel it just might be possible."
I approached Phalon and stopped her. Though I was barely breathing hard, she had sweat dripping down her face and her clothes were sticking to her body. I felt bad about pushing her so hard, but I knew it needed to be done. "Hold out your wheel," I said. She looked at me confusingly for a second then did as I asked. With her holding one part I held another. "Okay, Montara. What do I do now?"
"Just imagine it being done and it will happen."
I didn't really understand, but I did as he asked. I closed my eyes and tapped into my wolf abilities. I looked around in the dark until I found what I wanted. Then, imagining a bridge between Phalon and me through the wheel, I passed a portion of the gift to Phalon. I heard Phalon's quick intake of breath and knew it had worked.
I let go of the wheel and opened my eyes. I was breathing a little harder now. The transfer had taken a lot out of me, though I knew I hadn't even tested my limits yet. "Does that feel better?" I asked.
Phalon nodded and said "If this is just a portion of what you have it's no wonder you aren't tired. I feel ready to run for another day or so."
"Then let's for we have a lot of time we need to make up."
Phalon, Little Dog, and I ran on through the day and into the night. We were able to set a faster pace now, and finally started closing the gap between us and Evergreen. Finally, after cresting a ridge, we saw Evergreen, crouched low in the brush. We approached cautiously, not sure if she knew us or not.
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 150
(1/2/03 10:10:26 pm)
There Comes A Morning
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen had ridden throughout the night. She entered and exited Morpheus’s lair numerous times, head bobbing, but hand steadfast on the pommel. Balius continued to carry his cargo to a place where destiny left off, and now, would begin anew.
The sun was teasing the horizon. Evergreen found herself atop a hill and seeing to one side the unmistakable Athena dressed in her belled, silver glory, flanked by her second, Elainis, and brother Ares in black. The Olympian contingent watched down upon a small group of women lying sleeping by a dying fire. Evergreen dismounted. There is something amiss here. The small Amazon gave Bailus the order to stay as she crouched down crawling through the brush to avail her ears to the godly conversation. She held her breath as her heart pounded with the fear of discovery as she moved closer to an audible range.
Phhwwwmp! From behind something, or someone, had flattened Evergreen to the ground. A hand quickly enclosed her mouth and a quite “shhhsh” was whispered in her ear.
“Don’t move…its me, Phalon. I have been tracking you since you were given the horse. I am tired and you had best not move when I let go of you.”
Evergreen tried to turn her head but was held fast in place. Her eyes focused upon movement in the brush. Oh, we are fodder for the gods…
Phalon sensed the new fear and whispered… “It’s only Black Wolf. I am going to release you. Promise me you will not bolt?"
Evergreen nodded in agreement. Slowly the hand was removed and the weight on her back rolled off to the side. They were lying nearly face to face.
Phalon whispered. “Down there…you saw them…they are your friends. Over there…those are our enemies who will destroy all that you hold dear. We must join this fight or we have already lost. Do you understand? Do you know who you are and what that means to the others?”
Evergreen rolled onto her back, closed her eyes, and heard voices from times past call her name. Visions of many battles trained across her memory with the picture of one person now so clear. Zena!
“Yes, I do remember! And I know what I is now expected of me.”
Without another sound, the trio retreated to where Balius awaits his champion. Evergreen mounts the great horse, draws her sword, and as she sees the flash of lightning, followed by a well known voice shouting a battle cry, Evergreen charges down the hill as Phalon and Black Wolf split, flanking one to the left and one to the right.
The sun rises on a new morning as the battle begins.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 1/2/03 10:20:28 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 453
(1/3/03 1:41:43 pm)
Now It Begins II
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A thousand beady eyes turned to Zena as she entered into the mouth of the clearing. It took only a heartbeat before the movement began. The creatures surged forward and beat aagainst her like waves upon the shore. They were twisted and agile, bouncing and wriggling at her feet and squeaking like the infestation of of rats that Zena had seen at the Aegina seaport docks. “Get back! I’m warning you!” Zena shouted at them but they showed no sign of understanding Greek. One of the creatures bit her shin, sinking it’s teeth through her leather boot; the sword of Artemis came down and swept off it’s head. The squeaking stopped and is if they were of one body the creatures lept back forming a wide empty circle around Zena. She looked down, and to her horror the body grew a head, and the head grew a body! Where once was one now there were two! Fortified with this sight the creatures moved in again and Zena slashed at them hoping to wound them but not double their numbers. But each severed limb was replaced and each limb grew a new creature. As they grew in force they began to pile on top of one another, shielding Xendra from view on that side and becoming a one great wriggling creature. Zena concentrated on the smaller wall but it was clear that she would soon be overwhelmed.
Suddenly, at her back she felt a familiar presence and without turning her head to look at Evergreen she said, “’Bout time you got back. You missed dinner you know.” Evergreen grinned and replied, “ Breakfast too. Watch that one on your left.” Something strange had happened with the return of Evergreen for as Zena was forced to remove the clinging arm and tail of the one on her left with the sword, it fell to the ground and shrivelled up. No regeneration of the limbs took place. The pair backed the creatures into one pile and made ready to mow them down to get to Xendra.
Zena
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:27:06 GMT -6
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 67
(1/4/03 5:31 pm)
Unkind Awakening
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
. . . and found herself upon the top of her hill in the Emerald Dream, facing a human looking Warrior. The raven was grinning with relief.
"I thought for a moment that you would refuse to listen to me. I do not know exactly what has us trapped, but now that you are here in the tearmann, you should be able to call the others."
Bhen Rudha had to take a deep breath to shake off the after effects of the nightmare. She realized that she was still gripping her axe, and slipped it back into her belt. Then she was finally able to respond, "Where are they?"
"Deeper than the tearmann, and true sleep they are trapped. Just as we were," Warrior answered, scanning the horizon over the priestess' shoulder.
"How did you know?"
"The Full Moon passed, and it was enough to grant me a kind of awakening. I am hoping that you will be able to do the same for Witch and Widow, so that we may wake together."
Nodding her understanding, Bhen Rudha concentrated her awareness on the two other ravens. She felt them as if they were a great distance away. Summoning her will, she cast a name into the darkness that still surrounded the Emerald Dream, "Cailleach."
She felt a flutter of response and spoke again, "Cailleach."
The connection blossomed, though the priestess could tell that Witch was disorientated. She called a third time, "Cailleach." A flash of lightening through the darkness and the amber-eyed raven stood wavering on her feet before them. Warrior caught the newly arrived Witch before she could fall.
"I have our sister, now call the Wise One."
Nodding so as not to waste time, she quickly hurled the eldest?s name into the darkness, "Baintreach."
Flickers of lightening danced through the darkness and Bhen Rudha could feel Widow's groggy response.
The second call was easier, "Baintreach."
The connection was made, and it seemed that the Widow had simply been waiting to be called. She spoke, holding out her hands to help catch the elder as she did so, "Baintreach."
With a brilliant flash of white light, a shockwave started at the top of the hill as the third raven appeared. It expanded in all directions, slicing through the darkness that still tried to keep them from waking.
"Now that was a pretty thing," Widow said softly as she finally steadied on her feet.
"Is everyone alright?" Bhen Rudha asked.
"Indeed," answered Witch, to which both the others nodded. Widow caught up one of the priestess' hands and gave it a gentle squeeze of thanks.
"It looks as if our simple reunion was enough to break most of the spell," Warrior remarked, pointing to patches of perfect blue sky that were starting to appear through the darkness.
"But we will need to finish before we will be able to leave," said Witch, who tucked a lock of black hair behind an ear. "I am not sure how we can accomplish that."
Looking out at the horizon, Bhen Rudha noticed that where shockwave has struck, the darkness was simply gone. She felt the answer come to her and spoke it aloud without really thinking it over, "We need to call light."
Immediately Widow agreed, "I do think that will do it." The old one held out one hand to Warrior and kept the priestess' hand firmly in the other.
Witch stepped between Bhen Rudha and Warrior, taking hands so that the circle was completed. "Together then, for it is unity that will defeat such darkness."
Warrior scanned the horizon a last time, her face grim. She took up the hands offered her and nodded, "Yes, let us finish."
Bowing her head with the others, the priestess took several deep breaths to help center and still herself. She could feel the knowledge of their task as a spark in her middle. Through her hands, she could feel the sparks of her sisters. Focused, she bent her will to make her spark blossom, to make her portion of a circle of light. Warmth suffused her arms and their energies were joined, moving like a tide sluggishly at first from right to left.
Bhen Rudha rocked side to side with the rhythm of the energies, trying to make herself into a conduit. The circle grew stronger, widening, filling her chest with heat. The others moved in time with her, closer to the moment when they would act as truly one. Faster and faster the tides of light flowed, each wave smaller as the connection between the four deepened.
As one their rocking ceased as the energy smoothed into a single surging ring of light. Four pairs of eyes snapped open, four heads came up, and four voices spoke a single word, "Solas."
It seemed the whole world lit in that instant. Darkness vanished as if had never been, leaving the Emerald Dream clean and safe once again.
Once the last after images finished playing with their eyes, Warrior sighed happily and said, "Well done my sisters. Now let us wake and find what the world has waiting for us."
"Let us indeed away," Witch agreed, already fading.
Squeezing the hands still held within her own, Bhen Rudha only nodded. For she was already making her way to her body, determined to follow the light to the waking world.
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 68
(1/4/03 8:55 pm)
Unkind Arrival
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Watch that one on your left," Evergreen said, quickly finding the battle rhythm with her friend and partner. The monsters fell easily to their swords, their only real challenge was their amazing numbers. Zena swung her glowing sword in vicious, controlled arcs, clearing whole swaths of the things, and still more came.
Xendra laughed manically, throwing her arms into the air, "Fools! You are too late! I have found my powers, and none can stand before me now." She stood in a gathering vortex of darkness, the ground beginning to shake in an ever-widening circle away from her. The air turned thin and noxious, carrying away the new warmth of the coming morning. Soon the few who could challenge the evil were fighting the very forces of nature along with the legions of monsters.
The sun's fingers were barely touching the sky, chasing away the remains of the night. As the golden disk tipped the edge of the horizon, a single word thundered over the area, coming from the East, "Solas."
Brilliant white light, also from the East, flooded the battlefield, driving the monsters back, and giving the heros a moment's breather. Xendra screamed as the darkness surrounding her was ripped asunder, leaving her unprotected from the battle. The burst had also disrupted her control over the elements, giving the band of Amazons the chance to press the attack.
Realizing this new opportunity, Zena repeated her warcry, and with Evergreen right behind her, flourished the blazing sword of Artemis, rejoining the battle.
* * *
Weakness was the first thing Bhen Rudha felt as her spirit returned to her body. Apparently many days has passed while the four had lay within the magical darkness, the sleep itself having kept them alive. She felt cramped within the raven's body, and stretched, feeling her flesh grow to its natural form once again. Perched upon a tree branch, the priestess saw the three ravens shake their heads for clarity.
Unknowing of the affect their light had had in the real world, it was a few moments before the sounds of battle reached them. Concerned, Bhen Rudha climbed down the tree quickly, forcing her trembling limbs to obey. Once her feet touched earth, she was off towards the fray.
*Sisters, I will need your eyes as well this day I am afraid. When you are able, please...* she spoke through their ever-strengthening bond as she ran, hand axe already out and ready.
*Sister, I go,* came Warrior's reply as the raven burst above the treeline.
Before she reached the edge of the trees, the priestess was already seeing the lopsided battle taking place. More information came to her as the two other raven's went aloft. Soon she knew where all the players were, and what was needed.
*May the Goddess keep my blade keen and my senses sharp. It is in Her Name that I now go into battle,* Bhen Rudha spoke the words like a ritual, mentally committing herself to the group, and their cause. Strength was slowly returning to her body and she felt the fires of her warrior's heart. She needed nothing else . . . the Goddess had graced her, and she had a duty . . .
Without stopping, she screamed angry words in Gaelige and hit the Eastern edge of the gathered monsters like thunder. Her axe was keen, taking many in those first moments before the monsters realized they had a new enemy and retaliated.
A red haze tinted the edge of her vision, the beginnings of the madness. The priestess knew that the Goddess was with her. Laughter welled within, and she let it free in the face of the overwhelming odds.
The Bandroi an Cogadh had arrived.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:28:25 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 460
(1/6/03 6:30 pm)
The Arrival
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The creatures collected around Xendra, climbing upon each other and intertwining their tales to form a living wall. Their mission was clear, they would shield their mistress with their own bodies. Zena and Evergreen exchanged a quick glance and charged forward determined to grab Xendra and somehow drag the good back from the evil. She was shrieking something that could barely be heard above the noise that the creatures in their formidable numbers made, and darkness coming forth from her struck the clearing like a weapon. As their swords cut through the living wall it became difficult to breath or to see and Zena reached out to pull Evergreen up by the back of her tunic as she stumbled in the poisonous air.
And then one single word rang through the trees: "Solas." In response light exploded from the east and the world was clean and bright again. For a moment the friends stood still and caught their breath; Xendra shrieked again and seemed to be failing in the brilliant light. Taking this as a sign of hope they ran at the creatures again, carving a wide path in front of them with steel and the divine sword of Artemis. Above the shrieking and squeaking Zena heard a new sound: strange words from a foreign tongue. Turning her head toward the voice she saw the sudden appearance of a fierce woman warrior, standing even taller than Zena herself with blazing red hair and an axe that took several creatures to their doom simultaneously. On the opposite side Evergreen also saw the warrior appear and her eyes widened at the sight.
“Who in the name of Zeus is THAT?”
“I don’t know! But it looks like she’s with us! Ask the questions later!”
Now three closed in on Xendra and their strength seemed to grow greater than their numbers.
gabbyfan4ever
Registered Member
Posts: 62
(1/6/03 10:23 pm)
Awakening
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabbyfan awoke from a sleep that seemed to have lasted ages. After sitting up a little to fast for her own good, a feeling of dizziness overtook her, reminding her of the scuffle she had been in with Dante. Being careful to move more slowly, Gabby took in her surroundings, looking especially for Zena. All seemed quiet around the camp, but Gabby could not find her mother there.
Resolved to do something, anything other than lie there on the ground, Gabby decided to have a look around the woods and hopefully find Zena in the process. She did not want to disturb anyone, and figured she would just be told to stay in the camp if she asked permission.
Gabby silently slipped out of the camp, and put on her invisibility helmet just in case. Wandering no where in particular, but being careful not to make any noise, Gabby searched. It was not long before the young amazon heard the faint sounds of battle in the distance.
Gabby's heart dropped at the thought of her mother in danger, but she did not completely loose her good judgement. She made her way towards the sounds of battle just as silently as she had moved before.
Finally, the young amazon was within feet of the battle, and stopped to pick up a branch suitable to serve as a staff. She did not know how much good she would do in a fight under her present condition, but if her sisters were in danger she would fight nonetheless. Crawling on her stomach, Gabby pulled aside the branches of a bush to witness the scene unfolding in front of her.
Gabbyfan gasped at the sight of many legions of monters, all surrounding a wailing Xendra. Then to her despair she saw her sisters attempting to fight them off, with the aid of a women warrior she had never seen before. Her eyes automatically found Zena in the wild fray. Gabby's instincts wanted her to jump into the fight that very second, but she knew her rash decisions had gotten her and her family into trouble in the past. She had to think this out, but quickly. Her family was overwhelmingly outnumbered.
Deep in thought, Gabby absently took off her helmet, leaving her visible to any who looked her way.
Edited by: gabbyfan4ever at: 1/6/03 9:36:07 pm
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 153
(1/7/03 7:41 pm)
Standing Ground
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen’s vision quickly scanned the edge of the forest hoping to see Black Wolf and Phalon coming in from their flanking positions. With absolute certainty, the warrior knew that victory hinged on unity of the entire group.
The sum of their individual parts in this play for entertainment of the gods would grow into a unified force with an unstoppable will. What Evergreen did not expect to find was a wild eyed, red headed behemoth swinging a wicked axe.
As the stranger slashed through the wall of evil dominions, there was no time to assess trust. Actions paid her ticket to the melee, and bought her a right to stand firm with the Amazon sisters.
Evergreen made a quick affirmative nod, but was not foolish enough to turn an unprotected back to this red woman. She had danced with the seductive evil and would venture to assume it could mask its return for another twirl in the stars.
With sword held in two strong hands, aching shoulders continued their methodical swing, slash, thrust and push away, then moving on to the next waiting opponent. Evergreen’s side had been pierced. A crimson flower formed on the deer skin tunic.
Glancing back, the warrior saw a familiar young girl. Zena never saw her Amazon daughter remove the Helmet of Invisibility, nor the dark form rising from the earth at the young girl’s side.
Little Gabby!
For a moment, the warrior’s heart ceased to beat and time stood still. Evil came for its due and a blood innocent would be a shining token to possess and to barter with if the Amazons decided the day.
Evergreen screamed, “ Noooo!”
The warrior ran, jumping over a multitude of dead or dying creatures. Some grabbed at her boots no longer the color of a new fawn, but now matching the growing flower on her side. Turning and twisting, the warrior broke free with eyes and mind focused only on cheating evil of its prize.
“Put the helmet back on! Now…do it now!”
The dazed young girl cocked her head to one side as if not understanding the portent of the command being shouted through the noise of the battle.
Zena turned seeing the scene playing out to her back. “Daughter!”
Evergreen leaped through the air bringing down the young girl as she placed the Helmet on the blonde head. Although the warm body in her arms could be felt, it no longer could be seen.
The warrior rolled the young girl off to the side, picked up the bloodied sword, and with a twirl and a lunge, thrust it deep into the entity before her. Roaring resounded in the hills, the ground shook, and an untamed wind blew trees as if they were trying to touch the earth to cover and protect their roots. Warriors and opponents alike were blown about as if they were seeds from fragile pods.
The Amazons knew they had witnessed an event of significance. And yet, the day had not been decided and the battle raged on.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 1/7/03 6:50:12 pm
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:30:24 GMT -6
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 780
(1/8/03 10:06 pm)
Joining Forces
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phalon crept through the brush on the outskirts of the clearing, lamenting the loss of her sword. The plan was for her and BlackWolf to separately flank the circle’s circumference, and meet up on the opposite side from which Evergreen and Zena were already battling the hideous creatures surrounding Xendra. She and BlackWolf would enter the battle there, hopefully a weak spot since attention should be focused on Evergreen and Zena. She would have felt much more confident, or at least less vulnerable, with sword in hand.
What weapon had she? The only item on her was Nemesis’ wheel. She took it from her belt now, and grasped it by the gold hub, lacing her fingers through the silver spokes. The wheel had helped her many times throughout this journey, but she supposed when Nemesis bestowed it upon her, the goddess had not intended it to be used as weapon in hand to hand combat. It was more of a mystical thing, enabling her to do and see things that would not normally be possible. Phalon tested the weight of it in her hand. The gold rim and hub made it heavy, and Phalon supposed many a creature would leave today’s battle dazed and confused from a whack to the head. Hey, you’ve got to work with what you’ve got, Phalon mused.
She and BlackWolf reached their predetermined spot at nearly the same time. As they readied themselves to burst into the clearing, a word rang through the valley, “Solas”. Light flashed and spread throughout the forest, eliminating any of the previous night’s darkness that still lingered in the early morning. Phalon instinctively raised her hands to shield her eyes from the brightness. When she did, the light hit the Nemesis’ wheel, still in her hand. Little triangles of light, let through the wheel’s spokes, illuminated the area around Phalon. Words rang in her head, “I am Nemesis, daughter of night, Goddess of Divine Justice and Vengeance. I dole out punishment to those both mortal and immortal. …Evil deeds are acts which bring forth my retribution.” She watched in wonder as the wheel, bathed in this light, began to change. The once heavy, blunt rim changed into a razor sharp edge, encircling the entire wheel’s circumference. A smile crossed Phalon's lips. Ha! Now this was a weapon!
The light’s brightness faded, leaving in its wake the filtered sunlight not unlike any other typical morning in the forest. It left something else, something unfamiliar. It seemed to deposit a tall woman, with short cropped red hair. Mighty blows from the axe she wielded left a large swath in the swarm of monsters in front of her.
BlackWolf and Phalon glanced at one another. Phalon said, “She’s fighting them, not us.” BlackWolf responded with a shrug, and together they entered the melee.
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 470
(1/9/03 4:57 pm)
Grounded
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The burst of light had bleached what was left of the creatures. Where once their skin had ben a toad colored green, they were now white and their bodies nearly transparent. The tall red haired woman had devised a methodical battle plan that seemed to garner excellent results and so Zena imitated the system. As they snarled and snapped around her shins “Red” as Zena had begun to think of her, stepped on the long ratlike tails and having pinned them in place used a swipe of the axe to lop off their heads. Tails and heads cluttered the space around them briefly but then shriveled in the light and became similar in texture and size to dried leaves. It was easier to hear now since their numbers and squeaking had been reduced and that was how Zena heard Evergreen shouting “ Noooo! Put the helmet back on! Now…do it now!” She brushed past Zena, running away from the battle to grab the momentarily visible Gabby and rolling over to kill some great black form that had poured from the earth. Her first thought was to join Evergreen but that would leave “Red” alone and Zena could not do such a thing. Then, as if from some ancient tale, Phalon and Black Wolf appeared and the creatures were soon polished off. “Pull back to the bushes”, Zena called. They huddled together at the site where Evergreen was now sitting up, catching her breath. “Red” never took her eyes from Xendra who had grown quiet and with head bowed seemed to be brooding in a pile of dry “leaves”. The friends embraced each other in turn, grateful to see each other after their long separation. They did not see that the dark form Evergreen had slaughtered had become a rivulet of inky fluid which was trickling down through the grass toward Xendra.
Zena knelt between Evergreen and Gabby and having assured herself that the stain on Evergreen’s tunic came from a minor wound, turned toward the flattened grass that marked the place where Gabby sat.
“How many times do I have to tell you that when I give an order I want it obeyed? Once again Gabby, you have nearly caused one of your sisters to be hurt or worse. If you cannot behave as an Amazon I will treat you as a child! And not even as an Amazon child because they obey orders and you do not.”
“Aww, Mom, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean...I just didn’t think.”
“That’s right. You don’t think. Don’t be sorry Gabby, just improve!”
“B..b..but Mom..”
“Shh, Kiddo. Don’t say anything more,” Evergreen warned Gabby.
Zena glared at the grass where she presumed Gabby sat. “I’ll deal with you later. Now sit over there while we plan what to do, you haven’t earned the right to be part of the war council."
Gabby moved over as she was told, glad that no one could see her embarressed tears and wondering how her mother could have turned against her.
Evergreen shook her head at Zena. “You were too hard on her.”
“Evergreen, she has to learn to be a part of the tribe or she will kill herself and perhaps take us all with her.” Zena’s firm words hid her aching heart.
As they began to trade thoughts on a possible course of action, the inky trickle reached the pile of “leaves”.
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 1/9/03 10:23:15 pm
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 804
(1/15/03 9:21 pm)
Where the River Flows
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After it was assured that Evergreen’s wound was not life threatening, the small group took a brief moment to revel in their victory and rejoice in their reunion. They all knew though, that the battle had just begun and the real victory was a long way off, and their reunion was not complete. There were those that had not chosen to join the fight yet. BhenRhuda quickly introduced herself, and then the band of women discussed what their next possible move should be.
Phalon listened to options laid forth, and plans being made. As she listened, she absentmindedly began to balance Nemesis’ wheel by its hub on the tip of her index finger, and spin the wheel with her opposite hand. What a marvelous weapon it had turned out to be. Its golden rim sliced through the scores of creatures swarming around Xendra effortlessly and was now darkened by the blood of the monsters it had slain. Phalon watched it spin round and round, mesmerized by the gold and silver flashes, intermingled with streaks of inky black that was the creatures' blood.
“Phalon! Phalon! Pay attention”, Evergreen snapped.
“Yes Phalon, now is not the time to play with your new toy. We’ve got to figure out what lays ahead”, Zena added. “Besides, your spinning thing is spraying creature guts all over my tunic.”
Phalon had to chuckle, looking at Zena’s tunic. It was covered in smears of blood from the fight. What harm would a few more drops make? They were right though, of course. She had let her mind wander when it was imperative that their next move be quick and decisive. She reached to stop the wheel from spinning.
As the wheel stopped, a single drop of demon blood flung from the rim and seemed to hang suspended in the air, as if to search which direction it would fall. Time seemed to stand still for Phalon, as she watched the droplet slowly descend towards the earthen floor of the forest and change direction, so that it landed, not where logic would have it land, but in an entirely different place. It found what it was seeking and then plunked itself in the pool of blood belonging to the creature Evergreen had slain moments earlier. Ker-plop! Tiny splashes as the drop hit the puddle seemed to reach out, propelling themselves forward. Their course decided, the whole pool seemed to follow. Phalon watched in horror and recoiled backward as the small trickle gained momentum and flowed passed her feet. She could hear the others still discussing plans in the background, but she could not take her eyes off the stream at her feet that made it’s own path to a destination to which the way was known.
Phalon did not look up when she heard Zena scream, “Look!” Her gaze did not follow the others, who turned their heads to look where Zena was pointing. She didn’t turn her head to see the place where Xendra stood, moments before surrounded by empty hulls of unearthly beings. She already knew what she would see.
Edited by: phalon1 at: 1/15/03 8:24:39 pm
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:31:44 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 610
(1/19/03 10:37 am)
Delicous Secrets
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Xendra surveyed the darkness, her senses were on high alert. Something was amiss for Xendra could feel an approaching sense of goodness.Her senses tingled telling her of their presence and their growing strength … she did not need a report to tell her that the Amazons were afoot.
However, numerous reports poured in, Xendra grew impatient as nearly every minion under her reign and submission reported on the Amazon’s approach and their status. Every report said the same thing…that the Amazons were reuniting and slowly gathering to attack.
Xendra watched in disgust as a small group of Amazons approached. Xendra angrily fumed and yelled as if they could hear her:
"Fools! I do not fear you! You are too late! I have found my powers, and none can stand before me now. Bow down and pledge your allegiances to me and I MAY spare you!
You had your chances now suffer my wrath! You want a war I shall give you a war! A war of dimesions and enemies you have never seen or even imagined.
Enemies that once slain will only gather to rise again. You will try in vain to vanquish the unvanquishable!!!! Muhahahahaha….”
Xendra defiantly called upon every evil creature in existence-as she ordered them forward, there appeared a gathering vortex of darkness, the ground shook with violent and resounding revirberations, forming, an ever-widening circle, an eeerie wall of sorts consisting of countless monsters, demons, spirits and minions of every shape and substance...
Every creature under her command encircled Xendra,anxiously awaiting her every order and whim.
Xendra barked her orders at the creatues“You’re duty- Your obligation is to obey and to protect me! You will do as I say or suffer the consequences! Listen to me carefully, You are not to Kill the Amazons! That will be my sole duty and pleasure ...Each of you are to break their spirits, wound them , capture them but do not slay them for they are mine! Muhahahahaha!
I want our weakest but most fiercest looking creatures on the front line .. so they will think they have defeated the best we have …Muhahhaha They will come for me full of confidence and sure of self and then we shall hit them with forces they have never seen or imagined….
Xendra let out a gleeful laugh.
This battle will be unlike any ever known or foretold for the very forces of nature will have to chose sides, some will join the fray choosing to side with the Amazons..some will join choosing us and will fight alongside OUR legions of monsters, demons and the minions of darkness.
Xendra finished her diatribe and surveyed the area of the approaching battle, yes this would be an excellent place for the Amazon’s demise...
Xendra wondered did they not know realize that failure would certainly mean the end of the Amazon line?.. Xendra silently pondered the idea of the end of the Amazon line …What an intriquing thought!
Xendra shook her head there would be time later to delight in that thought.. for Now the battle was at hand…Muhahahaha
As Xendra finished chuckling she heard a piercing wail, she spun around and saw a woman with flaming red hair fast approaching ,slashing her way through the first wave of monsters.
As they neared, Xendra revealed herself and began manically laughing, Xendra beckoned them on. Taunting them, wanting them to enter into the circle.
Suddenly, out of nowhere apppeared Lil Gabbyfan standing all too near Xendra, looking a bit bewildered. Xendra stared at Zena and Evergreen she could see the desperation in their eyes asthey realized it was Lil Gabby in the center of the battle..for a mere second Xendra considered grabbing the young Gabby and the prized posession upon her head...but Xendra wistfully thought no.. let them have this brief moment of happiness..for I have enough misery in store for them.
Xendra watched with odd curiousity as she witnessed the visible relief on their faces as Lil gabby was returned safely to them.
Xendra smiled a real smile for just a second .It soon turned into a wicked and devious smile as she gave her full attention back to barking orders at her groveling minions.
This line of creatures moved with fluidity and a unison of motion. Each came forward to fill the gap of slain monsters, but these creatures were different than the last…they held a delicious little secret….
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 1/20/03 6:03:04 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 497
(1/19/03 7:17 pm)
A River Runs Through It
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The grass that was depresssed by Gabby’s weight lifted a little as she rose and her footsteps could be seen crushing the weeds in the field as she walked over to a distant tree and sat down again. Zena followed her invisible daughter’s track, sighed and shook her head. Her fingers lightly touched Evergreen’s left shoulder, feeling the course stitches in the leather as she as she sat down next to her. Evergreen, always battle ready, was plotting their next move with little stones representing each woman there. Black Wolf seemed intent on her plan but “Red” kept her gaze on the deflated Xendra as she gave short, strong swipes at her axe blade with a sharpening stone. Phalon was not present in mind at all for she had begun to play with a chakrum like object that she had in her possession. It was covered with gristle and blood and the spinning motion was shooting the contents at Zena. She sputtered and turned her face away as Evergreen suddenly noticed the lack of cognizance she was receiving from the little army.
“Phalon! Phalon! Pay attention”, Evergreen snapped.
Zena turned back and added, “Yes Phalon, now is not the time to play with your new toy. We’ve got to figure out what lays ahead. Besides, your spinning thing is spraying creature guts all over my tunic.” Disgusted, she looked down and plucked a loose toe and tail from her sleeve. As she flicked them off her leather tunic Zena’s thoughts wandered around the group.
She thought: “I wonder if you could eat these things. They smell like some kind of lizard. I smell like some kind of lizard. Evergreen looks good. Rested. Wonder where she’s been. Wonder if she’ll ever tell me. From the side like this I can see Leara in her. By the Gods! How do I start a conversation on that subject?? That ring Phalon has must be one of the gifts from the gods. It must do something besides spin. Black Wolf is different somehow. Stronger. More confident. I didn’t think she could be any more confident. And then there’s “Red”. What kind of accent is that? How do we know she won’t turn that axe against us? She’s watching Xendra with a look that could turn her to stone.”
As these final thoughts passed through Zena’s mind she saw “Red” stiffen and stop sharpening her axe. Zena saw what “Red” saw and she shouted “Look!” Xendra had gathered her power again from the inky stream that ran from where they were down to her nest in the creature hulls. She was rising up as some great beast does that has been asleep and smells an easy meal. Her hands raised up to the sky and clouds raced to obey. The air was filled with electricity and the sound of thunder echoed through the valley. A storm broke and beat down upon them with a ferocity that they had not seen since their ship was wrecked on the coast. The winds were tearing their weapons from their hands and they held on to each other as they tried to make a stand of nearby trees. Communication was impossible for the sound of the storm was pounding in their ears and swallowing up their voices. A human enemy is easily conquered by warriors but a natural one holds all the power in battle. They were hanging on with ebbing strength to anything the wind could not take and pulling each other toward the treeline. In the struggle Zena had one thought, “Where was Gabby?”
Zena
"Agere Sequitur Esse"
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:33:17 GMT -6
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 162
(1/19/03 10:35 pm)
Could It Get Any Worse?...Don't Answer That
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Phalon, stop that, pay attention!” By the gods above, and more recently in front of us, give me patience.
Patience was not a virtue associated with Evergreen. She preferred to get down to business and the remnants of their ever dwindling numbers were seemingly deep into personal dreamscapes.
Nobody was listening, nobody was focusing, and Evergreen was especially agitated at the repeated scrape…scrape of Red’s never ending act of sharpening that intimidating axe. Evergreen shuttered. Scary one that Red. And who in the Hades understands a word she says. But, I guess, she doesn’t have to speak to get the message across of what she can, and will, do with that gleaming blade.
Evergreen toyed with the idea of falling on her own sword and letting the creatures suck up the resulting mess. At least the enemy paid attention to the matter at hand.
Glancing at Zena, the thought occurred to the agiated Amazon that Zena was actually relishing the bloodied bits and pieces flung her way by Phalon’s spinning wheel. It was just too much to take in. Have they all been visited by Amachania in their waking dreamscapes?
The worried warrior longed for the days that a cohesive group of Amazons at least fought a common enemy-the Romans. Once you ran through a Roman with a blade, they stayed dead. The enemy before them so much resembled the Proxidicae in their ability to regenerate. Too bad we don’t have a Titan bone…but Zena would have already made an immense broth from it.
Zena, as if she had heard unspoken thoughts, rose and touched Evergreen’s shoulder. It was an act veiled in checking a wound, but more so in checking her friend’s growing uneasiness at the lack of response from the group.
The gesture did not matter, for in an instant, the powers of nature seemingly had joined sides with the enemy. Reveries were soon broken when the women were suddenly being tossed about, as in an east wind blown from Apeliotes mouth, like flying parchments, or sails not securely bound to the mast.
Evergreen feared that there was no end in site of this protracted battle. And, since no plan had been formulated, the group would have to think on their feet-if they could stay standing.
And just when ya think it can't get any worse...
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 1/19/03 9:50:38 pm
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 499
(1/20/03 2:34 pm)
Worser And Worser
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“It feels like it’s getting worse!” Zena thought as they crawled along the field linked in a human chain, hauling themselves from stump to stone. Evergreen was the last link and Zena had her by the back of the tunic, pulling her along as they moved. She was yelling something but the taller Amazon couldn’t hear her voice against the wind. “By the Gods Evergreen, it’s a good thing you are so small. You are nearly a flying parchment as it is!” Zena herself was almost airborne but her grip on Black Wolf’s belt kept her in touch with the ground. She couldn’t see ahead so she simply had to trust that Phalon and Red were anchoring themselves in the trees at the head of the chain. When she could lift her head she tried to see back to the tree where Gabby had sat down but sheets of rain obscured her view.
The horrible howling wind increased and rain tore at their skin until it was almost impossible to open their eyes. The temptation to give up and just let go of each other was as strong as the power of Xendra, but love is still the ultimate force and binder. So they held each other tighter and hoped for the best, each concentrating on their place in the chain. If Zena could have seen ahead she would have known that help was gathering it’s strength in the heart and form of a wild Celtic priestess.
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 47
(1/21/03 10:44 am)
Wonderings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everything was happening so quickly it was hard to take in. So much had happened in the short time that Phalon and I had rejoined the group that it was hard to take in.
When Phalon and I had circled around to come at the enemy from behind, I reached behind to grab my ever present sword. The only problem was that my sword was not present at the time. I thought back quickly and realized the Evil had taken it when I had been captured. I vowed to get it back, but that would have to come later. At the moment I was weaponless. I looked around and found a large limb with small, strong branches sticking out of it laying nearby. I grabbed it and created a handle by rubbing a stone over one end of it, leaving the other end covered in the branches. Just as I had completed this, a bright light flashed over the clearing. When my eyes cleared, I noticed a woman with really short red hair swinging a mighty axe through the horde of monsters. Phalon and I looked at each other, shrugged, and then joined in the melee. Phalon used her spinning wheel which had been turned into a chakram, and I used my branch like a mace. The monsters thick hide though quickly broke down the spiky branches and I was just left with a thick club. However, this proved just as effective because with my new strength I was able to knock their heads clean off.
The battle soon ended afterwards and we regathered to decide what to do and to check injuries. I tried to pay attention to Evergreen as she talked about strategies and things but it was very difficult to do. For one thing I was studying the "Red" woman out of the corner of my eye. She was sharpening her axe and seemingly ignoring us. She intrigued me. Her strength was equal to mine if not greater. She had great powers...she had already demonstrated that. I could tell she had led a tough life from the anger and hate I saw in her eyes. I recognized the expression quite well. The few words she had spoken were so heavily ladeled with an accent that it was very difficult to understand what she was saying. What little I was able to understand was the name Bhen Rudha, celtic, and preistess. The ever present ravens nearby also interested me. I knew from the way that they and the woman acted that they were extremely close, almost bonded in a way like Montara and I had been. I could tell from her expression and actions that she was talking to them, but I knew that their bond was not like my bond had been. Though my bond had been unusually strong, theirs was much stronger. There was an ever present hum at the back of my head like voices, but the harder I tried to concentrate on the hum the more it became blocked. I asked Montara about it all, but he was strangely silent. I knew he hadn't left because I could still feel him. He too was concentrating on the woman and the ravens, though more so on the ravens. He wasn't answering my questions though, and that worried me.
The other thing on my mind was Little Dog. We had lost him right before we'd joined the battle. I knew he could take care of himself, but I was still worried. At first I hadn't paid any attention to him, thinking of him more of a nuisance than anything else. Then, when we were traveling, I found that he and I could communicate. He really didn't have much to say as it went. Just how much he loved his new family and how much he was excited that he could help out. He was also worried about them, not knowing if he'd ever see them together again to play with him. He and I had grown a kinship as we had run together, and I missed him.
My thoughts were interrupted by the rising of Xendra (whom I found out had given in to the Evil and was now commanding his army). She was filling the ranks that we had killed with more monsters, and though they didn't look as fierce, some innate sense told me that these were more dangerous then the last. Then, Xendra called forth a great storm to beat at us and try to blow away. We all tried to find shelter in the trees, Phalon and Red leading the way, keeping low to the ground. Zena had grabbed Evergreen, and I was holding on to he with all my strength. The wind was so strong they almost blew away out of my grasp. Using all of my will, I followed Phalon and Red as they crept over the ground. I realized that we had lost Gabby for she had put on a helmet that turned her invisble right before the storm had begun. I could only hope she was taking care of herself.
The humming in my head grew louder, more agitated. I looked around and noticed through the driving rain that Red's ravens were in front of the woman, using her body to help shield them from the storm. A couple looked agitated, ruffling their feathers a lot and shrieking. The other looked unnervingly calm, glancing at the others and at Red occassionly. She even glanced my way and held my stare once. I had to force myself to not look away, such was the power and force of her stare. The humming became almost discernable, but once again I reached for it and it was ripped away. Frustrated, I forced all my concentration on staying rooted to the ground.
"To fight for what you believe in and to never give up is to have the heart of a wolf."
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:37:01 GMT -6
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 30
(1/21/03 2:07 pm)
Water Water not a drop to drink
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The fire slowly died away with litttle notice of those sitting around it, the way tiime slips by when you are not carefully marking it's passing. My mind is still unsettled about my last conversation with Zena. I'd like to give this day a new start but I'm not sure it would change the outcome any. I feel like there is something that should be said however all the things that come to mind are not anything that would change the feeling so I wait for the right words.
Suddenly Zena rose shedding her blanket and raising the still glowing sword of Artemis, she boldly proclaimed war on our common enemy. I sat in a awe of her as she sprang into action.
Imagine I am dreaming but the first rays of the dawn fell upon me causing my ears to pay attention to Zena's last words "Straight north in the swamp." Then Zena vanished silently in the half light of the dawn into the brush.
At last it is finally OK to leave and do something about this thing that has stalked and taunted us. I rose and followed Zena a little slower as my body was still a little stiff. I could see the clearing and Zena crossing it and then like always I find myself tumbling.
When I sat up my foot ached and shot pain up my leg. I reached down to feel it and was met by the stinging waters of the swamp. I struggled to free my foot from the hole in which it was caught fast in a pit of watery mire. It was cold and black as ink and the stinging cold seemed to draw strength and life from my body. My foot continued to be numb despite it being out of the waters of the swamp. As I sat there waiting for the feeling to return I realized the I needed to free the waters that all this dreaming and such about water has been to prepare me to see what I am supposed to be doing.
I follow the waters to their source slowly and careful not to fall back into another hole. If I could free the waters then it would cleanse the battlefield and strengthen the fighters upon it. The closer I came to the source the stench grew worse.
From the bushes I watch a creature that seemed to be guarding the spring and pool. It had a black gooey body its legs aimlessly threading through the murky waters like a child on a pier. It looked up and looked around like it knew that someone was there. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It had a most bueatiful head. The creatures eyes were blue and glassy like a clear mountain lake and it's mouth was a pretty green like the sea. The head was covered in a bueatiful white like the caps of the waves of the sea. The eyes struck me as odd they seemed to retain an innocence that could not be erased despite the evil and the creatures present form.
The creature even more intently began to scan the area. It paused a little longer each time as it's gaze fell across my position. I shoved an innocent little bunny rabbit out of the bushes and into the sight of the clearing. The bunny quickly ran for another spot of cover to escape the gaze of the creature. I needed time to decide what to do about the creature. Time had run out for all of us and the battle with Evil had already begun.
"Come out from the bushes! I know that you are there. Come out and let us have a fair fight." the creature boomed then gently erupted in laughter like a small child that laughs at its own joke.
My heart raced. Now what?! I had little choice but I would go down fighting what other way is there to go. I stood from my crouched position staring at the creature. I stepped out into the clearing and planted my feet ready for what ever the creature had in mind to throw my way.
"What do we have here?" the creature mocked. "A Roman with a Greek dieties weapon. I should have expected as much you people are such a cunning and amoral group. Nice work capturing such a fine weapon I will accept your surrender and oath of allegiance on behalf of the Evil one and my master. Hand over the Trident." the creature demanded.
"Am I so easy to read? You should know better than to assume you know every thing." I reply trying to buy some more time to think.
"You are a Roman there is nothing else to know. Now hand over the Trident!" it angrily demanded.
"I am just supposed to allow you to take the credit. I think not. Besides you have misjudged me." I then thrust the trident into the creatures leg. To my surprise it did not cry out only smiled and baited me again.
"O yes Roman you serve and yet you deny. Come openly admit your nature. Allow it to be free and prosper." the creature taunted.
I obliged and thrust the trident into it's other leg.
"Ah! Yes more Roman More!" It cried.
I let go of trident realizing that my anger was feeding the creature. It grasped the trident in its gooey hands and began to leap and skip about gloating in its victory. It swung the trident around plunged the trident into the waters. "Roman now you will be baptized into the waters of my master and your master." it roared.
The waters began to churn and become blacker some how the evil of the gooey monster was being transfered into the waters. Posidens warning echoed in my ears, " The Trident serves the weilder." I had to regain the Trident. I leapt and engaged the creature in a struggle for the trident. We tumbled into the black icy waters.
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 91
(1/23/03 3:41 am)
Fierceness and Freedom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part of Bhen Rudha was disappointed that the immediate fighting was over. It had been the first time in many years she had tasted the gift that had brought her to the Goddess' service. She was a berserker, and life was sweetest when the fighting was fiercest. Freedom became less abstract when viewed through a haze of approaching battle madness.
The crimson that tinted the edges of her vision keep her eyes locked on the enemy that waited for them still. She stood with the group, and while she had not been introduced, she knew them all from her ravens. Zena had called them back, and now Evergreen was trying to give the small group some sort of strategy. But she just could not bring herself to pay full attention and found her hands caressing the edge of her axe with a stone. The constant motion was enough to keep her from throwing herself at Xendra.
She knew the others did not trust her, that was only to be expected. So after a brief, "I be Bhen Rudha, from tha isle o' Eriu. I be priestess o' tha Goddess, an' here ta be helpin' ye," she remained quiet and let them talk around her.
Flicking a glance toward Blackwolf, the priestess felt again the tentative brush of the other woman's mind. There was a familiar masculine flavor to the sliding contact, which made Bhen Rudha wonder about the true relationship between the woman and Montara. Perhaps when this was over, they would have a chance to talk, she had a feeling that Blackwolf and herself had more than just a little in common.
Her sisters still flew overhead, giving her a near constant flow of information, and part of her wondered at her ability to assimilate it all without faltering. However, it was with her own eyes that she first saw the movement of the inky "blood" as it trailed back to its mistress. The Greek words caught in her throat, and she nearly growled as she managed to say, "Look!"
The group had just enough time to understand what was happening to Xendra when the fury of the winds was unleashed upon them. As the first wall of air pummeled them, Bhen Rudha threw herself to the ground, grabbing Phalon, who happened to be closest, as she went down. At the contact, the seeress was assaulted, with images of a lavish room, a pasty faced, obese man leering over her, and the feel of heavy iron around her throat. Despair clothed her, fear fed her and hatred rocked her to sleep. In the jumble of sensations, she heard the word Gaza whispered in a man's inebriated voice.
Before Phalon could struggle away from the grip and visions forced upon her by her gift, a single image snapped to clarity . . . triple ravens, bound in a circle. Everything else faded as the ravens became bright and sharp-edged in her mind . . . then gradually a hill, covered in emerald green grass with a perfect summer blue sky. Words came gently, directly to her mind, and while the seeress could tell they were not Greek, she understood them anyway, *I beg pardon for my intrusion, for I did not know you had the kenning sense. If you can forgive my lapse, I will assure you it will not happen again.*
Phalon blinked and found herself staring into Bhen Rudha's green flecked amber eyes. She was disoriented for a moment before the evil inspired storm reminded both women of the seriousness of the situation. The priestess chopped her axe into the ground and used the handle as leverage to haul herself forward, clinging onto Phalon's belt. Finding a sort of halted rhythm, the pair worked to help the small band of women to the dubious shelter of the trees.
Edited by: BhenRudha at: 1/23/03 5:26:43 pm
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:38:45 GMT -6
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 93
(1/24/03 2:35 am)
Stealing Wind
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As her body struggled along the ground, Bhen Rudha’s mind called out over the shrieking wind, *Sisters!*
*We are trying to make it to you, do not fear for us,* came Witch’s steady reply.
Shortly thereafter, the priestess felt the sting of claws in her back through her tunic. Then another set closer to her shoulder and finally at her belt. Relief lent her arms strength as she stretched, chopped, dragged, and waited in the odd crawl she was forced into by the storm.
*How in the name of the Morrigu can we defeat this?* she asked without really expecting an answer. An uprooted tree was braced by a stump and Bhen Rudha wedged herself close to the wood, huddling her ravens in front of her. She watched Phalon tuck next to the fallen tree and start to help the others.
*If you could steal her power over the wind, you could make it stop,* Witch replied, ruffling her feathers in a vain attempt to not get soaked.
*I would need her name for that, would I not?* the priestess answered with an inward sigh. *And knowing her given name is Xendra just is not enough.*
*You and Witch could search,* Warrior added, making clear her displeasure by cawing loudly.
*We could be at it for hours,* said Witch.
:I believe I can help with that,: came suddenly a deep voice in the language of animals.
Memory sparked, and the priestess smiled inwardly, *Montara.*
*Wolf-brother, how is it that I feel you near, yet I cannot find you?* Witch asked by way of greeting. The raven stared at Blackwolf, amber eyes lambent even in the rain. Bhen Rudha noted that the woman was forcing herself not to look away, and was puzzled again by the strange relationship that must exist.
There was humor in his answer, :An ancient bond has been finally mended. But there are more important matters to tend to. My sisterself shared a boat with Xendra, and from that point, I believe we can find the name you need more quickly.:
*We are indebted to you, Wolf-brother,* Witch said, looking from Blackwolf to Bhen Rudha and back again.
:I have stake in this as well, there is no debt. Let us work.:
Without waiting for an answer, Montara called up Blackwolf’s memory of the storm at sea. Witch quickly joined herself and the priestess in the vision.
Panicked, Xendra stood up, desperate to see what happened to Puella. Blackwolf warned, "Sit down, or you'll sink us all!"
Xendra looked about to ignore her suggestion and jump in the water after Puella when she saw one of Puella's hands coming up over the side, pushing herself up into the small boat.
It was clear that Xendra cared deeply for the other woman, so it did not come as a surprise when Witch exclaimed, *Puella is the connection!* With a clearer start point, the raven turned her considerable gift toward finding the moment Xendra revealed her name.
Bits and pieces of the recent past came and went in the vision, so quickly that Bhen Rudha did not try to make sense of any of them. Just when she thought that perhaps Witch was chasing after nothing, an inn room came into focus and she saw Xendra laugh softly and say to Puella,
“After my mother and grandmother’s brutal deaths I added their given names to my own, along with the first three letters of my great-grandmothers last name to honor them . . .”
Before she could think to ask, Witch sent the names searing through Bhen Rudha’s mind. Sparing only a brief thank you to her ravens and Montara, she had to trust that the others were anchored and took a moment to focus her will.
Armed with the names Witch had uncovered, the priestess forced herself to her feet, wedged tightly between the stump and the uprooted tree. A bolt of lightening ripped from the heavens as she thrust her arms into the air and screamed the name three times over. The syllables were lost in the noise of the storm, but those sensitive could feel a gathering of power, a spark in the air that did not belong to what Xendra had tossed at them.
As she said the name for the third time, an unnatural silence fell over the area. Wind and rain continued to lash at the shivering group, but they could suddenly hear Xendra’s maniacal laughter and the magic-laden words that Bhen Rudha intoned with tense deliberation.
“Thrice I be namin’ ye. Thrice I be claimin’ ye. Yer powers o’er tha wind now be belongin’ ta me.”
A shriek shattered the air, and as quickly as the storm had risen it died, leaving the battlefield sodden and overcast.
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 94
(1/24/03 2:54 am)
Aftershock
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bhen Rudha grit her teeth as powers not meant for mortal minds coursed through her. She slumped against the rough wood behind her and tried to catch her breath. The trio of ravens cradled the priestess’ will within their own, to give what little help they could to keep the power from overwhelming her.
“What in the name of Hades was that?” Evergreen asked into the new, clean silence.
“Be Xendra. She be nae pleased ta be ha’in’ a measure o’ her power bein’ stolen, aye?” the accented Greek words were even thicker because of her preoccupation.
Zena gained her feet, sheathing the sword of Artemis, “Aye . . . yes . . . whatever! What I want to know, is how you did that.”
Hopping first to the stump, then to her shoulder, the crimson-eyed raven pressed herself close to Bhen Rudha’s head. The amber-eyed raven hopped up to her other shoulder, and the black-eyed raven perched upon the deadfall and was picked up. The priestess seemed to draw strength from the contact, through her face was quickly losing its color. It took a moment before she replied to Zena’s question, “I dinnae be ha’in’ time ta be after tellin’ ye a story. Ye need ta be after decidin’ ta be attackin’ or be retreatin’. I canne be holdin’ tha winds fer verra lon’.”
Mollified, if not satisfied, Zena turned to Evergreen to begin taking a head count and laying plans. A pounding began behind Bhen Rudha’s eyes and she groaned softly.
*Give the power away, Sister,* Widow said gently.
*So that she could claim it again?* the priestess asked.
*No, she cannot grab for it while you lay claim to her name,* came the reply.
*I do not know if I can . . .*
“Red, are you all right?” Phalon asked, breaking into the silent conversation. She stared worriedly at how rapidly the Celtic woman seemed to sicken. Hollows appeared beneath the amber-green eyes, and her skin whitened by the moment. Reaching out to somehow help the other woman, Phalon stopped when the large, black-eyed raven moved to strike her hand.
“Dinnae be touchin’ me. I cannae be protectin’ ye from me past. There be nae thought ta be spared fer it when I be holdin’ tha whole o’ tha sky inside me, aye?”
Her words stopped whatever conversations were going on and the entire group stared at the priestess, unsure how to respond to such a claim. The tableau remained for a long moment, while in the clearing, Xendra struggled with the sudden and irreparable theft.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:40:41 GMT -6
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 510
(1/24/03 7:04 pm)
Gone With The Wind
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At the uprooted tree Black Wolf gained a hold on a limb and Zena saw that she was anchored. With one mighty pull at Evergreen’s tunic the two were nestled against the smooth bark and sheltered from the wind. It was difficult to breath but they kept their faces down and huddled closer together with the stump at their backs. Zena pulled the sword of Artemis from it’s sheath and drove it through the tree giving them an eerie light by which to see each other. Fighting for a hold on the roots Red stood and shouted into the storm, and although the sound was lost to Zena’s ears she felt an energy rising in her chest. A powerful feeling of hope and triumph ran through her whole body and just as she thought she could rise up herself and shatter Xendra, the rain and the wind halted. For a moment everyone stayed in place, muscles taut and breathing suspended. Then they relaxed and sat heavily on the ground panting and laughing at the same time.
“What in the name of Hades was that?” Evergreen asked into the new, clean silence.
“Be Xendra. She be nae pleased ta be ha’in’ a measure o’ her power bein’ stolen, aye?” They all strained to interpret the words Bhen Rudha spoke.
Zena gained her feet, sheathing the sword of Artemis, “Aye . . . yes . . . whatever! What I want to know, is how you did that.”
“I dinnae be ha’in’ time ta be after tellin’ ye a story. Ye need ta be after decidin’ ta be attackin’ or be retreatin’. I canne be holdin’ tha winds fer verra lon’.” Zena raised an eyebrow at the curt reply but realized quickly that Red was giving all her energy to the task of holding down Xendra. Phalon reached for her with the instinct of a healer but one of the ravens drove her back. “They know,” Zena thought, “they know she can connect with others by touch.” Zena knelt beside the warrior and carefully and slowly laid the tips of her fingers on Red’s wrist. “Dinnae be touchin’ me. I cannae be protectin’ ye from me past. There be nae thought ta be spared fer it when I be holdin’ tha whole o’ tha sky inside me, aye?” “I am safe Red. Do you understand? I am not like Phalon.” Zena met Red’s gaze and held it with her own. There was a power in her fingertips that was different from Phalon and the power increased as Evergreen joined them and laid her hand on Zena’s back. Black Wolf bent over the group and rested a hand on Evergreen’s shoulder and the power increased again.
Red nodded. She understood bond. Slowly the color returned to her face and she pondered the connections she had discovered.
The unnatural silence was abruptly broken by human cries and the sound of a splash. The voice was familiar, it was Leara. Evergreen looked up startled and Zena watched her face change.
“Let’s press this advantage. If Red can hold her in check I’m going to try and get close while she’s weak. Maybe she still knows me. Phalon, Black Wolf head for the trees and thread in behind her if you can. Watch for my signal to move.” Zena turned to Evergreen. “You better see what is going on with Leara.” Evergreen frowned and looked undecided. “Go. Hurry. Bring her back here, we need everyone in this.” Zena nodded to Red and swung her legs over the dead tree. She dropped to the soil and began to creep slowly and quietly toward across the open field using whatever cover had not been blown away. Only once did she look over her shoulder at Evergreen’s retreating back and thought, “Is blood thicker than water?”
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 167
(1/25/03 7:46 am)
My Sister's Keeper
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just as quickly as the raging storm scattered the small band of warriors over the landscape, it ended. But how? What force has beaten Xendra’s challenge and held it at bay? Evergreen shot Zena an incredulous look as the realization that the Red woman had power over the fury.
The taller warrior nodded an unspoken understanding of her friend’s look and moved to where Red was locked in a singular battle with the conduit of evil. Red looked up at Zena with depth of her struggle clearly emanating from green eyes filled with battle lust as deep crimson as the blood matted hair on her head.
Zena met Red’s gaze and held it with her own. There was a power in her fingertips that was different from Phalon and the power increased as Evergreen joined them and laid her hand on Zena’s back. Black Wolf bent over the group and rested a hand on Evergreen’s shoulder and the power increased again.
As Evergreen’s hand connected with Zena’s back, strange and unfamiliar words came crashing into her mind and without thought as to what she was uttering, “Ta’ mi’ duioch diot as do chi’namh. Na’r lagai’ dia do la’mh” came rolling out of a Greek mouth. Red’s reaction was as instantaneous as Zena’s Oh no, now what are you doing look flashed at the owner of the hand on her back.
Evergreen just shrugged with a sheepish, beats me.
Phalon smiled at the warriors linked in a common bond of energy. “She said she was grateful for Red’s help and hoped that whatever god giving her strength would not weaken her hand.”
Red nodded. She understood bond. Slowly the color returned to her face and she pondered the connections she had discovered. The band of women reveling in their renewed alliance, maintained the touch, one to the other, without speaking. No one wanted to break the human link as the energy surge grew as the bond deepened. But it was not to last.
The unnatural silence was abruptly broken by human cries and the sound of a splash. The voice was familiar, it was Leara. Evergreen looked up startled and Zena watched her face change.
Zena turned to Evergreen. “You better see what is going on with Leara.” Evergreen frowned and looked undecided. “Go. Hurry. Bring her back here, we need everyone in this.”
Evergreen looked into the depths of her friend’s eyes and saw it there. She knows! By the gods, she knows!
Evergreen felt the always abiding kinship with this friend who was letting go, perhaps giving up a part of her heart to make room for another who was linked by blood and needed her sister.
The smaller warrior cocked her head to one side. Looked down to the ground and back up again as her eyes locked on her gentle friend. And from an unguarded moment only the two understood, a softly said, “thank you” passed between friends. Evergreen removed her hand from Zena’s back, spun around, and walked away as she drew her sword.
Oh gods, is someone ever in trouble now. Zena smiled as she watched her friend’s defiant walk, with sword held high, as she moved towards the sound of the screaming with a focused sense of purpose to reclaim her past.
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 1/25/03 5:07:36 pm
QGrrlPower
Registered Member
Posts: 714
(1/25/03 1:57 pm)
Anyone miss me?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Puella sat against the tree staring into the stone of my necklace as it glowed. My mind focusing on how to gather my friends and sisters together to battle against the evil that has taken over my closest companion, Xendra. All I could focus on was how to banish the evil presence without killing my friend. As I placed the necklace back around my neck I lay my head back and fell into a deep sleep.
I awoke to the shout of Zena as she ran into the woods, sword in hand. I have not managed to grasp the solution to my problem. Sitting up I watch as the fire went out. Xendra is still in there, or else she would not have left her staff for me to discover. As I reach over and run my hands across it. Hmm seems that I need to shed a little light on Xendra, show her that her sacrifice is not necessary. We can defeat this without losing anyone.
I have no idea how much time has passed as I sit here. The wind picked up as I sat and it seemed as if all the elements were in chaos. My ears rang of thunder and my heartbeat, as my focus intensified. Suddenly the familiar sound of Zena’s battle cry fills my ears…I stood and grabbed Ares sword and sheathed it to my back…then grabbed Xendra’s staff in my hand and began to head in the direction of the battle.
As I ran through the woods I was suddenly stopped by the cry of Leara. I turned towards the swamp to see her in a battle over the trident with a swamp creature. Oh goodness I think, we don’t have time for battles with every creature that seeks the powers of the weapons we wield. She does not need the weapon to succeed, but a weapon of the gods is still a power in which evil should not possess.
I pulled the sword of Ares from the sheath and walked to Leara’s side. Leaning out towards the creature I watched as it moved with such glee to have possession of the weapon. It spun around and around, I watched as the evil essence in the murk stirred around, slowly solidifying into ice. “Brrr…So Leara you like the cold? I find it refreshing, and besides a solid creature can be damaged.” I smiled as I watched the arm that held the trident solidified and a firm hand seemed to wield the weapon. With a slash of my Ares sword the arm holding the trident shattered and it fell toward the surface. “Quick grab it before another part of the evil essence can retain it!” Leara jumped and slid across the ice catching the trident in her hands.
Turning our heads as we hear the sound of warriors approaching…It is about time we were all together again…
Edited by: QGrrlPower at: 1/25/03 12:59:01 pm
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:41:46 GMT -6
Leara
Registered Member
Posts: 33
(1/25/03 3:52 pm)
Have a Drink on me
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I felt pity for the creature as I feel the evil in my nature. I know that with out the love and patient guidance from my adoptive Amazon mother and the families I had lived among, this creature could be me.
Nothing like a little help from my friends Puella comes to my aid and quickly releases the trident from its grasp. I hurry to scoop it up and keep it safe from the next Evil minion that might try to steal it away. Others are approaching hopefully it will be the rest of our companions perhaps I can get done what I came to do before they arrive.
As the creature tried to use the Trident for Evil I will give it a go for good. I focused my mind on all the good things in my life closing my eyes that I might better see them I stuck the Trident into the waters.
Fishing in the spring after the first thaw.
Running through the trees in the middle of summer.
Sleeping out under the stars....
I thought of those I loved and how many had taught me many things even when I was not really paying attention. I loved the way Theos my brother used to read my mind and how that the measure of love is in what you are willing to give for it. A strange thought next came to me the love that was shown to me by the one I had thought an enemy. Xendra diving over board to save my hide despite the contempt I had for her. Love rose above all the things that try to stand in it's way.
The waters of the pool near the head of the strream that ran through the swamp were now clear. The change began to steadily move as it flowed forth across the land. Clarity is quite a gift as I finally understand and see past much of the bitterness and hate of my life love has the power to change anything if allowed. Then again maybe some of that freeze went straight to me brain.... Not much time to ponder that thought as we really needed to regroup and reclaim the real Xendra.
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 513
(1/26/03 4:10 pm)
Playing Chess
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“YES! Now that was a battle. Guts, gore, dismemberment, a tribute to ME.” Ares grin had no room on his face to get any wider. “I told you Sis, they’d be ready when the time came.” He clapped Elainis on the back and she scowled.
Athena was still cool and unconvinced that the humans had the power needed to best the Evil. “That may be so Ares, but the Evil is not gone, just recharging. It will take more than one small victorious battle to win this conflict.” She folded her arms and surveyed the field below them. “They split up their group, not knowing that together they are more powerful, and they do not use their divine weapons to their fullest potential. There is also the matter of this strange new warrior. I feel no connection to her, it is as if she does not exist. Perhaps she is an illusion brought about by the Evil.” Athena turned to face Ares, “Go down and see what she is and what is her origin.”
“I don’t take orders from you.” He watched as Evergreen left Zena and Zena took to the field. Phalon and Black Wolf entered the forest and Puella was busy with Leara.
Red was now alone and exhausted behind the tree. “I think I’ll go down and see what she is and what is her origin.” He snapped his fingers and disappeared in a cloud of sparks, missing Athena’s smirk behind him.
phalon1
Registered Member
Posts: 864
(1/27/03 10:17 pm)
The Tail of Little Dog
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Little Gabbyfan sat beneath the tree feeling dejected. Why was she always getting into trouble with Zena? Didn’t her mother understand all she was doing was trying to help? Why was she always treated like a child? She leaned her head back against the tree, hot tears streaming down her face, and watched the others planning what they would do next. She felt totally alone and left out. She was tempted to creep closer to the gathering and eavesdrop on their plans. Who would know? She still wore the helmet of invisibility.
Zena would know, that’s who. She saw her mother glance over to where she was sitting every now and then, seemingly making sure she stayed put. Gabbyfan let out a small giggle through her sobs at the thought of Zena checking on her. Only a mother could keep track of an invisible child. Only a mother would know. She dared not move for fear of disappointing her again.
Little Gabbyfan closed her eyes and calmed herself. She would just have to try harder, she told herself, determined in this resolution. Do what she was told in order to get back in Zena’s good graces. It couldn’t be that hard to do, could it, thought the strong willed young woman. She felt the breeze on her face start to dry her tears and began to feel better.
The breeze grew harsher and colder and little bits of debris from the forest floor rose and stung Gabbyfan’s cheeks. She opened her eyes and saw Xendra standing in the clearing. Litter from the battle – little bits of slain creature and blood – began to swirl at her feet. Faster and faster it spun and it began to rise up Xendra’s body. Soon she was completely engulfed in the whirlwind. Suddenly, Xendra’s hands sprang from the top of the funnel and the full gale force wind of Evil was unleashed on the gathering of women.
Little Gabbyfan braced herself against the tree, using it as an anchor to avoid being swept away by the wind. Again tears filled her eyes, not from emotion this time, but from the lashes of brutal wind. She peered through slitted eyes searching for Zena and the others. Over there! She saw them struggling to get to safety, to find shelter against the storm. Did they plan on just leaving her here to face this element alone? All thoughts of staying put against this tree left her and she lunged for the tail end of the human chain the women had made. Even a tongue lashing from Zena was better than the beating she was taking from the wind and debris flying at her.
If she had just lunged a second earlier, leapt a bit farther, the falling tree branch would have missed her. As bad luck would have it though, the branch hit her across her outstretched arms. She was not hurt, for it was not a particularly large branch, but the blow was just enough to make her grasp miss Zena as she crawled past. Darn, this helmet! Nobody ever saw her try to reach them. “Zeeeennnnnna!” Her voice was lost in the howl of the storm. She saw Zena glance once more to the spot under the tree where Gabbyfan was suppose to be. The look of pain and concern on her face made Gabbyfan’s heart ache. She tried desperately to reach again for her mother, but a gust of wind slammed her back against the ground.
Crawling on her belly now, she inched herself in the direction she thought the others had taken. Blinded by swirling dirt and leaves she was unable see, and had lost sight of them. She was alone now.
“Gabbyfan! Gabbyfan, over here!” said a voice she did not recognize. A man’s voice, seeming to come from inside her own head.
“Gabbyfan, grab hold. I’ll lead you to safety.”
Little Gabbyfan laid there, her face turned away from the wind. What stranger out here, in the mist of a storm, would know here name! She couldn’t see him, let alone trust him. Another limb came crashing down from above, narrowly missing her. She couldn’t stay out here in the open either. That was for sure.
She turned her head once again towards the direction she was crawling and met nose to nose with a tiny beast. Little Dog! “Rowf! Rowf!” “Hold on tight, I’ll guide you.” Uh, okay, she thought, I’ll follow the talking dog. What’ve I got to loose? She grabbed hold of his tail and with him leading the way, together they crawled across the forest floor, and nestled themselves into a small crevice between two boulders, safely out of the wind.
Little Gabbyfan, completely worn from the ordeal, stared at the small dog. “Did…did you speak to me, or was I hearing things in the wind?” Little Dog cocked his head to one side quizzically. “Arf?” “Oh, nevermind”, she said, scratching her savior behind the ears. Inside, Icthyus smiled and left Little Dog to be Little Dog once again. The two wayward friends settled in to ride out the storm.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:42:59 GMT -6
1 Xwpfan
Registered Member
Posts: 625
(1/28/03 9:18 pm)
The winds of War..they are a changing...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With a momentus show of energy and brute power Xendra unleashed a fury of wind and rain, uprooting whatever stood in its path- Xendra laughed witth sheer delight as the small band of Amazons were torn asunder.
However, Xendra's delight was all too short lived,as Xendra tried to increase the force and direction of the wind that swirled and raged about..something was usurping her control... it was becoming harder and harder to summon and command the pure power of the winds and rain.
At the instant Xendra sensed something was woefully wrong, the control over the wind was ripped from her command.
Xendra found it devasting and relieving all at the same time, controlling the winds used so much of her bodies energy and yet gave so much power...power to conquer those she once loved.
Xendra slumped to the ground exhausted. Xendra sat there motionless carefully observing the small band as they were trying desperately to regroup. For a mere heartbeat Xendra felt something for this little rag tag group. Something strangley familar stirred within but as soon as she closed her eyes the black ooze reached her and the evil forces with in her resurged...stronger than ever.
Xendra instantly regrouped.Never removing her gaze from the Amazons Xendra pushed her self up off the ground.Once upright Xendra quickly steadied her composure.
Xendra could feel the Amazons, their hatred ,their anger,their mistrust and even some blood lust. Their emotions were poring into Xendra fueling the EVIL within her.
A surge of Anger and hatered raged within Xendra, churning up every ugly emotion ever known to man or beast.
A twisted cocktail of emotions burned within Xendra,pride jealousy,envy , avarice, greed,hate, betrayal, prejudice,and unquenchable blood lust.
Xendra 's eyes now burned with a new venemous hate...with her regained strength she felt invincible.
Evil whipspered to her "surely now the Amazons will fall down and worship YOU or You will have no choice but to vanquish those pesky Amazons.
Xendras face turned from that of puzzlement to bemusement .A maliously evil and wicked smile formed on Xendra's lips as she entertained the idea of dealing with them.
Xendra focused her powers and in her minds eye could see that the others were advancing, trying to join with their sisters..
Xendra knew above all else she could not let them regroup, she could and Would not let them regroup and come to understand the power they could weild with unity and love.
Xendra would destroy those seeking her to do her harm!
Xendra let out a series of ephitets and then barked orders to the earth below:"You can harness the wind but can you steady the ground beneath you as well?!!!"
Xendra shouted" Let the ground beneath them tremble and shake! I command that the plates shift and the middle of the earth spew its molten messes, let the sands beneath their feet betray them, and let great holes and chasms be formed separating them.
As she spoke the earth rumbled and shook, far reaching Earthquakes rumbled along,mudslidesand avalanches both appeared out of nowhere,sink holes enveloped the grounds swallowing homes. trees,animals and people,without warning landslides covered entire villages,volcanoes spewed forth lava engulfing entire poplulations, the skies filled with darkness and ash.
Xendra amused with her own power and creativity stood in abject disbelief when she saw the tiny band of Amazons had survived and were ploting on how to still advance towards her.
It was obvious they had not yet surrendered.
Xendra became aware of movement towards her and behind her.
Xendra was about to send fire raining upon their heads when her senses told of Puella's nearing presence... for the first time in a long time Xendra could feel Puella ....though Puella remained some distance away.
Edited by: 1 Xwpfan at: 1/30/03 4:42:05 pm
EvergreenLM
Registered Member
Posts: 171
(1/29/03 8:56 pm)
Love Speaks It's Name
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With Leara safely out of harms way, Evergreen began her retreat back to where she had last left her friends. As she pushed her way through the brush towards the clearing strewn with remnants of the last confrontation, an indiscernible movement caused her to loose her footing.
Dropping to one knee, bracing her fall with her hand, a second movement, stronger and definitely felt, rattled the ground below her. By the gods, what’s this?
The earth began to creak and groan. A rumbling from below grew in intensity. Pinecones rained down from above as the trees shook their branches in response to an unseen force welling up from beneath their deep roots.
The small warrior attempted to stand, but was quickly flung to the ground as her feet could not regain a steady hold to where they were planted. Evergreen reached out and grabbed the base of a small tree steadying herself from being knocked about.
Rocks came tumbling across an opening in the tree line requiring that the prone woman deftly roll to the right to avoid being crushed like wheat on a grinding stone.
Xendra! By the gods, is there no end, no weapon, no person, no force, that can subdue her?
A whisper, barely audible, sang on the rising wind.
"Eveeergreeennn…why are you looking for a weapon? You think like a warrior. Think like the spirit that resides in the earth, in the heavens above, and the water that gives all life. What binds the soul, what binds the soul, what binds the soul…?”
“Who is speaking my name? Show yourself! Who speaks!?”
Silence, but for the whistling wind.
A riddle is not what I need. By the gods, what I need is to run without thought straight at the heart of Xendra and… pause of recognition …yes, that IS it…straight at the heart of her! Can a war be won by Love alone?
And the wind answered back, “Yes, I am Love, and I speak my name…I speak your name.”
Evergreen rose up on steady knees, pushed against her sword with blade piercing the ground, and with her free hand, pulled up on the small tree until she again was upright. Regaining her balance, she slashed the air with her sword, brought the blood stained blade to eye level, and with a mighty heave and a shout, shot it like an arrow into the forest.
What binds the soul can win a war…
"It is What it Is"
Edited by: EvergreenLM at: 1/29/03 8:12:52 pm
gabbyfan4ever
Registered Member
Posts: 65
(1/30/03 9:57 pm)
Standing on Shakey Ground
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gabbyfan huddled close to the ball of fur that had gotten her to safety just when she had felt positive she wouldn't make it on her own. The young girl mused over all the things this little dog had been through with her and all her sisters, and just what kind of a story it would tell if given the chance.
"But dogs can't talk, right?", Gabby asked herself. She shook her head and thought, "Well then I must be going crazy because I swear I heard this dog talk to me."
Gabby had become numb to the stinging rain on her face, and the burning wind across her cheeks. Thus, she was startled when suddenly the storm ceased at once, and altogether. Not knowing just how long this lapse of weather would last, Gabby got up and seized her chance to find Zena and the others.
"I'll do just what I'm told this time.", Gabby told herself. "That will make up for disappointing Zena before, I know it. I just have to try my hardest."
Surveying the area, Gabby spotted her fellow amazons in the far distance. The girl was off in an instant, with the helmet strapped across her back and little dog at her heels. She wasn't even halfway there before she felt the ground start to shake underneath her. Gabby quickened her pace so she might reach her family before things got worse, but instead ended up falling flat on her face when the rumble became an all-out earthquake.
Gabby managed to get up to her knees, but couldn't stand fully. Turning her head around, she saw poor little dog getting jostled and thrown around like a doll. Gabby was not doing much better herself, but was determined to get herself and little dog to safety. He had done the same for her, and she cared deeply for the dog. The young girl scooped the furry ball in one arm, and began her three legged crawl towards the others. It was very slow going, with Gabby being thrown down against sharp rocks and narrowly escaping being crushed several times. Tightening her will, she kept her eyes on her goal and would get up after every painstaking fall, and continued her seemingly endless trek.
Gabby was bleeding from several gashes, and although not seriously injured, was losing strength by the minute. Everywhere she crawled the ground seemed to open up before her, almost like it wanted to claim her life. However, after finally seeing Zena and the others so close, Gabby braced herself and little dog for one final run straight towards her family.
By luck,fate, or sheer determination, the young girl made it through all obstacles in her way, and half ran half collapsed in the arms of her mother. Though exhausted, and more than a little cut up, she knew she would be fine now, it was the undestroyable sense of safety a child has when they're with their mother. Deeper down, something told her they would all be ok, if they could just be together.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:44:16 GMT -6
QGrrlPower
Registered Member
Posts: 726
(1/31/03 5:12 pm)
Searching for my friend
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standing steady and with a look of sheer determination on her face Puella watched as Evergreen raced back into the forest towards her family…
The sword of Ares has been sheathed once again and Leara is in control of her weapon. I lean down and pick up the staff, which I have become accustomed to carrying…I twirl it in circular motions…moving it from side to side…concentrating on my surroundings…the sounds, the sights, and in this case the lack of both…It seems that this place has become quiet…deadly quiet in the last few moments. As I move the staff swiftly from side to side, the whistling it creates gives me something to focus on…The sound grows louder and more shrill, the faster I twirl…right…left…right…left…
I breathe deeply and focus on my friend, my companion, the one person I have connected with beyond words, beyond our differences. Finding in each other the love that each person in the world attempts to find, the love that makes you a better person for experiencing it. In those thoughts I see a battle plan…How simple it seems…I abruptly stop moving the staff…the whistling sound it created ceased but the echo in my mind, remained…Slowly a grin appears on my face…
I look to Leara, “So are you ready for this? Prepared to fight what is perceived as pure evil?” She nods her head as she examines the trident. Slowly I begin to walk in the direction that Evergreen set off. My pace quickens as the connection I feel with Xendra grows stronger…
Dodging the shrubs and trees as I run through the forest, the branches often cutting into my skin...I can sense her growing closer…Suddenly a great shaking of the earth began. Causing me to slow to a pace to avoid the falling debris and the cracks in the ground as they open up. It seems that this evil is doing its best to keep us separated…It fears us together. My pace is steady, looking behind me every now and again to see how Leara is faring. Knowing she is a capable warrior in her own right, I do not slow my pace, but continue on. Growing closer to my friend…her body may be possessed by evil, but somewhere deep inside she is still there…I must get to her, for only she can defeat the one which controls her.
I run as fast as I safely can. My mind filled with the memories that I always hoped would come to me…to comfort me. To my surprise they were not memories of childhood or a mother’s love…But memories in which I have forged with these powerful women…these Warriors and Amazons…With them I have learned the meaning of friendship, loyalty and love.
Moving towards Xendra…I can feel her…her strength is fading but she is there, deep within herself. I reach a clearing, my eyes seeing the friend that I have felt grow closer with each step. Standing there in her presence, I watched as the all consuming power that encompassed her seemed to fade for just a moment…just enough for me to see my friend…feel my friend…”Xendra…Xendra…XENDRA”
Zena 1
Zena Scrolls Host
Posts: 523
(1/31/03 5:59 pm)
Ciffhanger (pun intended)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen had only been gone for a few moments and Zena had advanced but a few yards when the shaking began. It was like the shifting and trembling that used to happen in the village when the mountain near Zena’s childhood home shot fire into the air. The elders had always said that when this happened you should lie down on the ground and ride the earth like a horse that was trying to shake it’s rider from it’s back. So Zena threw herself at the ground and stayed low not sure which in which direction she should crawl; but catching a glimpse of Xendra once again crowing triumphantly she knew that the source of the earthquake must be her, and that she had to be subdued. Her course was set for Xendra and she headed toward her.
The falling ash obscured the landmarks and huge fissures opened and then slammed closed around her. At one point she was on an earthen island surrounded by a bottomless opening and then with a deafening crack the ground healed and she could advance again over solid earth. “Got to keep my hands out of there”, Zena reminded herself. Then, from out of this chaos, almost as if they had dropped from the sky, Gabby and Little Dog rolled against Zena’s body. Instinctively she wrapped her arm around them both and held them to her side. How good it was to feel them in the the middle of the terror! Even if she could have been heard above the explosion of boulders and the crack of splintering trees Zena had no heart to lecture Gabby on the use of the helmet which was hanging on her back, or the fact that once again she had not stayed where she had been told to stay. She sheltered her daughter, as any mother would, with her own body and looked around anxiously for a safe corner in which they could hide. Then she saw that around Xendra the earth was whole and although the quaking eminated from her, she herself was not effected by it. Pulling Gabby with her she continued her crab-like scramble toward the strange figure that was once their friend, Xendra.
Xendra had become distracted with the possibility that someone she had once cared for was near. With this preoccupation the quaking lessoned and there was a slight lull in the tempest. She was craning her neck toward the crushed forest when a movement nearly at her feet brought her back to the battlefield. Two of the humans and a small mammal were approaching her and measuring their intent by the standard of her own she feared their arrival. With a roar that again shook the ground, she sent a bolt of energy through the earth and a fissure opened between mother and daughter. Zena was closest to the edge and slid into it before Gabby could even reach toward her. When the dust blew back Gabby could see her mother’s fingertips clinging to the lip of the crack. Again and again Zena tried to lift herself up, clawing tracks with her fingers into the earth. Stones hit her face and grit blinded her as she pulled her leg upward, trying to get her knee onto the ground above. Each time the earth would tremble and she would fall in again, swinging by the smallest fraction of soil above the route to Tautarus. Gabby crawled forward and reached for Zena but Zena shouted up to her, “Stay back. I’m ordering you! You’ll fall in too!” Gabby never hesitated or thought about the promises she had made to herself to follow orders from now on. She leaned out as far as she could and grabbing her mother’s forarms held tight to her.
“Let go of me. Please!”
“No. Punish me later!”
“I swear I will, if I’m not dead!!!”
There they lay, balanced precariously over the brink of the bottomless crack, unable to move and waiting for some solution to their dilemma.
Edited by: Zena 1 at: 2/7/03 5:11:59 pm
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:46:06 GMT -6
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 104
(2/6/03 4:20 pm)
Aftershock II
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I am safe Red. Do you understand? I am not like Phalon,” Zena said slowly, carefully. She watched the amber-green eyes for signs of understanding.
The priestess blinked, first at the apparent name Zena used, second at the portent of her words. They knew about the kenning sense. The dark haired woman touched her wrist, sending a jolt up her arm. With the contact the burden of power lessened slightly. Bhen Rudha had a new source of strength to call upon.
The shock of contact also brought impressions and scents from the women as each added their touch to the growing web of connection. From Zena she could taste the sea, the sweet breeze over perfect waters, and the fading image of a blue skinned woman. Evergreen smelled of her namesake, leaving the impression of a huge, ancient tower of a tree, mighty to behold, though it was perpetually dusk beneath its branches.
The howling that accompanied Blackwolf’s touch was not surprising, nor was the rich scents of the primaeval forest. When Phalon finally brushed Blackwolf’s arm, the priestess got the impression of a clear mountain lake, where the bottom could be seen, except at the center where the waters were the deepest.
For those sensitive to such things, the rich scent of the damp moors came from Bhen Rudha, along with the image of a man that faded in and out of clarity. There was also a Woman, red of hair and eye, dressed as a warrior of the Celts who seemed to be nodding her approval.
“Tá mí duioch diot as do chínamh. Nár lagaí dia do lámh,” Evergreen said suddenly, the Gaelige lilted pleasantly. The jolt of hearing her own language kept her from saying anything in return for a long moment. So she was grateful to Phalon for translating for the others.
*What grace is this, that I should find so noble and gifted group of women?* the priestess asked her ravens.
*I cannot say for certain, Sister, but it seems you were always meant to be here,* Warrior replied softly, captivated by the revelation along with the others. The implications of those words left Bhen Rudha shaking with awe and perhaps a little fear. When she had time, she promised herself that she would try to find the truth of her feelings. For now, however, she deliberately turned her mind to the bonds that were weaving themselves between them so deeply.
The new strength had grown as each woman added their touch and the priestess could finally breathe again. The winds still weighed her down, and would not be held by her forever, but for the time being she could hold them steady. She could feel the color return to her face as strength suffused her limbs and the web that the ravens cradled her mind with became broad and deep with shared energy.
The band of women reveled in their renewed alliance, and maintained the touch, one to the other, without speaking. That was, until the unnatural silence was broken by the sounds of human cries and a splash. The moment broke, but the connection remained, if dimmed.
Zena and Evergreen quickly made their decisions and soon the band had moved once again into action, leaving Bhen Rudha to remain against the tree stump to continue recovering from her ordeal. She breathed steadily for several moment, preparing herself for the next stage in the combat, when a hand on her arm brought her around with a gasp.
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 106
(2/6/03 5:56 pm)
First Impressions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The priestess stared into the grinning face of Ares, wondering who this warrior was, and why he was staring at her. Her ravens remained with her, strangely still and silent.
“Cen I be helpin’ ye?” she asked after she had regained her balance.
He blinked, then frowned a bit, “You can start by speaking Greek. And then you can tell me who you are.”
Bhen Rudha arched a brow, puzzled by the man’s attitude toward her. There was a crackle in the air around him, at once familiar and strange. Finally she answered, “I be Bhen Rudha.”
Ares stepped back and looked her over, stepping first one way, then the other. Four pairs of eyes followed his movements, the priestess fighting the urge to pull her axe. He stroked his beard and asked, “So . . . ah, Bhen Rudha . . . what brings you to this little party we’re having?”
She wondered why she felt compelled to answer, why she felt challenged and not threatened by him. She shrugged, making their pair of ravens on her shoulders flair their wings a bit for balance. “I be here ta be helpin’ ta figh’ tha evil. An’ I dinnae be catchin’ yer name, aye?”
With a smirk, he inclined his head and answered, “I am Ares.”
It was obvious that the name should have meant something to her, but Bhen Rudha hadn’t heard it before. She thought perhaps it might be a title and said, “I be a Bandroi an Cogadh.”
Unamused by her obvious lack of response, he muttered, “Didn’t I say speak Greek?” His brow furrowed as he tried to understand her thickly accented words.
She sighed, “I be Priestess o’ War.”
At her words his eyes lit and he smiled again, “Indeed . . . I don’t even know you, and you’re a priestess of mine. Now that’s something. Wait till I tell . . .” He paused when he saw the confusion on her face. “Wait. You’re a priestess of war and you don’t even know what your god Ares looks like? Surely you’ve seen a tapestry or two? A clay jug? A belt buckle with my profile?” With a bright smile, he spread his arms so that she could take in all his glory.
The priestess frowned, settling Widow on her wrist to free one hand, saying, “I be pledged ta tha Morrigu, Goddess o’ war. I dinnae be knowin’ o’ Ares.” She pulled her axe from the tree trunk and held it easily. “I be nae priestess o’ yers.”
His grin fell, and he looked around to see if anyone had heard the conversation. He folded his arms nonchalantly and leaned against the fallen tree. “Let me get this straight, you claim to be a priestess of some goddess that I’ve never heard of, and you don’t even know about me.” Tapping his lip, he thought for a moment, then continued, “You and I are going to have to have a talk about this. I can’t have barbarian women running around in the name of war and not have give proper respect to the god of war.” He snorted, “Goddess of war . . . now that’s funny.”
Bhen Rudha scowled, wanting to demand that he take back his rude words, unsure how to go about it. She sensed amusement coming from her ravens, and perhaps from deeper within as well. As if the Goddess were watching this conversation, and found the man humerus. She was about to answer when the earth bucked beneath her feet, sending her crashing to the ground. The three ravens leapt to the air with screeches of surprise.
Ares looked surprised, but was not knocked over. He watched the priestess try and get back to her feet, then snapped his head in Xendra’s direction. “Well . . . I’ll leave you to continue playing the hero, ‘priestess of war’,” he made quote marks with his fingers as he gave her her title. “But I for one don’t want to be here when Grandma arrives. You and I will talk again, you can be sure of that.” And he disappeared in a rising flash of blue light.
Struggling to regain her feet as the earth continued to roll beneath her, Bhen Rudha was left wondering about the strange god “Ares” and how she was going to counter this attack. With a small growl she focused on the moment, running through her options. She was certain that she could not pull the same trick again . . . no matter the combined strength of the group, there was no way she could hold such power.
She tried to reach for her raven shape, but could not fit herself into the small body with the winds still roaring with her. So she clutched the fallen tree and tried to ride out the earthquake in relative safety while she searched for a means to save them all from this new menace.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:47:30 GMT -6
BhenRudha
Registered Member
Posts: 109
(2/6/03 8:18 pm)
When the Earth Speaks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pain lanced through Her peaceful dreams. Pain shot red through eyes that had been closed for an age. Tremors raced through Her body, bringing Her fitfully awake. Stretching, She tried to ease Her sore muscles, groaning as relief did not come. She became angry, wanting to know who would dare such a thing . . . to wake Her from Her dreams.
She rolled over, lifting Her eyes to the surface and opened them. The sun pierced Her vision, and She groaned again at the agony of it. When Her eyes finally adjusted to the searing light, She saw a small mortal child clinging to Her eyelid with another mortal child trying to keep it from falling in. She did not think She wanted one of those little creatures in Her eye, and so She pushed Her hand up into the air, to pluck the pair gently from Her eyelid.
* * *
“Let go of me. Please!”
“No. Punish me later!”
“I swear I will, if I’m not dead!”
Zena tried once more to pull herself up, but even with Little Gabby’s help, all she could do is slip against the fissure edge. She closed her eyes as a fresh wave of trembling sent more dirt and rocks into her eyes. It was starting to feel hopeless.
Not about to admit defeat, Zena tensed her arms, desperately willing herself to be strong enough this time to pull herself to safety. She would not allow herself to leave Gabby, or Evergreen, or any of the other women.
With her will set, she dared open her eyes and choked on a scream as she saw huge fingers made from the very earth itself reach to carefully pluck her and Gabby away from the fissure.
* * *
With the little mortals secure within Her grasp, She moved to sit up. Pain crippled Her movement, and She roared Her anger. She was the flesh of the earth, the oldest being in the universe next to Chaos itself. She would not be denied!
Heaving herself upwards, She molded the earth into the shape of a towering replica of the mortal bodies still held in Her hand. She was brown as the deep, damp soil, with green grass cascading down Her back, and rainbow hued obsidian for eyes. She was the first mother, and Her body was full and round, nurturing and powerful.
First She looked at the mortals in Her hand, seeing the fear in their tiny eyes. “YOU DO NOT CAUSE MY PAIN,” She then said to comfort them, and set them down near another mortal that had giant, ghostly raven wings curled around it for protection.
Her flesh rippled painfully again, and She turned to the mortal that stood in a field of destruction. “YOU ARE THE ONE CAUSING MY PAIN,” She announced, reaching Her hand toward a very small Xendra.
* * *
Bhen Rudha was thinking that if perhaps she could sweep Xendra off the earth with the winds still bottled within her, thus breaking her contact, she could bring an end to the earthquakes. Unsure that she was going to do any good, she was marshaling her will to try when she saw a huge hand form itself from the earth and pluck a pair of women from the ground.
The quakes were so bad, that she held onto the stump for dear life as the body attached to the arm also rose from the earth. *Great Goddess, what is that?* she sent to the ravens.
*The Great Goddess,* came the awed answer from Widow. *The Mother Earth Herself has come to see what arrogance Xendra has to dare command such primordial forces.*
Panic shot through her. The Mother slept and dreamt the world’s turning . . . to have awakened Her was no small thing. Her knees began to shake as she wondered if this were to be the end of them all.
*Great Danu, spare us, your faithful children,* the priestess thought, and felt a warmth wrap around her. At the edges of her vision she saw flickers of giant raven wings. She was not being left to face the Great Mother Goddess alone. *Such grace given to so humble a daughter, may I strive ever to be worthy.*
Her prayer was cut short when, “YOU DO NOT CAUSE MY PAIN,” ripped through the air, in a voice as deep as the core of the world. Then Bhen Rudha watched as Zena and Gabby were set on the ground near her, stunned, but very much alive.
The earth was still trembling, though the priestess thought it now had more to do with the movement of the living Goddess than Xendra’s efforts, so she tucked her axe in her belt, and bent to help Zena and Gabby to gain their feet. She tried to speak, but was drowned out by the angry Goddess.
* * *
Darkness clung to the little mortal that had its fist raised defiantly in the air. The pain was coming from it and She would now make it stop. She grabbed up the mortal and brought it closer to Her face.
“YOU DARE USE MY BODY AS IF IT WERE YOURS?” She asked of the mortal as it squirmed in Her firm grip. Its scream was too small for Her to understand. “I AM THE BODY ON WHICH YOU STEP, LITTLE MORTAL, AND I HAVE GIVEN YOU NO POWER OVER ME.”
When all the mortal did was scream at Her, She quickly lost patience and closed Her fingers around it. A simple thought stripped what control it had over Her body, and the mortal was tossed back to the ground.
Her task quickly accomplished, She turned her gaze to the others scattered around the area. Seeing no others that would threaten Her, she stretched her arms to the sky, brushing the bottom of heaven with her fingertips. Now She had had enough of the sun, and wanted only to return to Her sleep.
She returned to Her bed, stretching once more, satisfied that pain haunted Her no longer. Then She closed Her eyes and slept.
* * *
The worst of the quaking stopped when Xendra was lifted from the ground. Zena heaved a sigh and tightened her arm around Gabby, still watching the towering earth woman intently. Bhen Rudha was murmuring softly in the language that Evergreen had spoken earlier, and the warrior woman felt a warmth settle around her. She wasn’t sure what was happening, but for some reason, she felt safer.
“Dinnae be fearin’, tha Great Mother will be nae harmin’ those faithful ta Her, aye?” the priestess said, echoing Zena’s thoughts.
Gabby looked at the tall, red haired woman, unsure what to make of her, but happy that she and her mother were apparently safe. She turned to watch Xendra get picked up by a giant earthen hand.
“Mom . . . what’s going to happen?” Gabby asked.
Any reply Zena could have made was drowned out by the thundering of the giant woman, and the three stared as Xendra was shortly tossed to the ground like a doll. A snake of green light emerged from the Amazon’s body, to coil around the earth woman’s hand. The huge figure then stretched her arms upwards, and shortly thereafter melted back into the earth. When the woman disappeared, the quakes ceased altogether.
Zena breathed a long sigh of relief and turned to Bhen Rudha, “I don’t supposed you could tell me what that was all about, Red.”
“Be nae me, Zena. Be tha Goddess Earth Mother Herself. I dinnae be knowin’ how Xendra be wakin’ Her.”
“Is she dead?” Gabby asked.
“Nae . . . her name would be tellin’ me o’ her death.” The amber-green gaze slid from Gabby back to Zena. “Be decidin’ ye next plan carefully, aye?”
The warrior nodded, then looked down at Gabby with a stern expression, “Aye.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Joxcenia on Jun 22, 2004 21:49:25 GMT -6
blackwolf
Registered Member
Posts: 51
(2/7/03 12:23 am)
There's A Tremblin' Goin' On.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The joining of the chain to relieve some of the burden from Red jolted me to the core. The power that I felt flowing into me almost brought me to my knees. I closed my eyes and saw a multitude of images. Some of them I recognized as those being from my friends. There were others that I knew to be Red's, and I opened my eyes upon this revelation. So much pain and anger had come with those images that it hit to close to home. A splashing nearby drew my attention and the others and the contact ended. I felt a sense of relief and yet at the same time regret. In that brief moment of connection, our little group had become closer than ever we had before, and even though the contact was ended, that closeness would always be there.
It was soon decided what we as a group needed to do. As we started to head off in our respective directions, I stopped, unwilling to leave Red's side. Though she seemed stronger, I knew she was still weak. I wanted to stay behind to help her. I also wanted to talk. I had a feeling that she and I had a lot in common and that she could teach me a couple of things. "She can take care of herself. She was born to," said a voice.
I smiled as I turned to follow Phalon into the forest. "Montara, my brother. You've been silent for some time. I thought you'd left me for good."
He laughed. "No, not yet. You're still not ready. Not even close. No, I just left you to your own devices for a while. I've been studying the Red woman, whose name by the way is Bhen Rudha. Her ravens and I have been conversing."
"Conversing? Is that the mumbling that I heard."
"Yes it was. Sorry to shut you out pet, but it was a private conversation. If her ravens want you to hear them, they'll let you know. I'm surprised about your growing powers though. I had to use a lot of strength to keep you out."
"I understand I guess. But, you mean I can talk to them?"
"If they want to talk to you. It's up to them. You have some small power in conversing with other animals. You found that out when you were talking with Little Dog, who by the way is fine. He's a brave little runt." I smiled at Montara's use of runt. To a wolf, that dog was definately a runt, but I would bet my horse that that little dog would take on an Alpha Male and probably come out victorious. Montara laughed at my thoughts. "Anyway, the thing with your power is that you can easily converse with most animals unless they have as much or more power than you. You could talk to other bonded animals but only if they wanted to converse with you first. Some, if your powers grow as strong as they should get, you'll be able to break through their uncertaintities and walls and talk to them. They'll be unwilling of course, so it might be difficult to converse to silence, but you can do it. However, there are some that that will not be possible. An example are those three ravens. They have much more power than you have, along with Bhen Rudha. She is a priestess of her goddess of war, and with that responsibility comes great power. Of that you've seen."
I nodded my head in understanding. Though I knew my powers would never get close to Bhen Rhuda's, I was in no way envious. I was satisfied with what I had. Besides, I wouldn't know what to do with the power that she had. I felt Montara smile in contentment at my thoughts.
I turned my attention to the plan. Phalon and I were making our way around Xendra to come at her from behind. We were almost in position. I crouched down behind some brush. I was watching for the signal from Zena that everything was ready when I realized that I still didn't have a weapon.
"Oh, but you do have a weapon. It comes with your powers," Montara said, but before he could finish, the earth started to tremble violently. I was thrown to the ground hard, as was Phalon next to me. I looked up in time to see a tree falling right toward us.
"To fight for what you believe in and to never give up is to have the heart of a wolf."
|
|
