Walking across the torn up ground, Jyttera, having come down off his battle-high, he picks up his shining blade, the viscous, staining blood of the Fell sliding off like butter off a hot knife. Sheathing his blade, he makes his way to the bones of the Fell. Taking a knee, he examines the bones of the beast, and seeing something he liked, he quickly bundles them up and packs them away in a bag. Slightly disappointed he could not obtain the soul of an A-class beast, he consoled himself with the thought of all the things he might be able to produce with the bones of such a creature. Standing, he moved once more, his objective this time the Vetja house head. Stopping at a polite distance, he bows his head and says, "I... am Jyttera, of House Astora. I have to confer my admiration of the skill displayed in the dispatch of this wayward beast."
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Fantasy For my Family
- Thread starter Ixidor92
- Start date
HilgenHoffer
Junior Member
Rudd slowed his pace as Oliver went charging to the gate. He'd try to find him later, after his business was finished. He heard a smacking sound behind him and shuddered. Looking about, he was relieved to see that no one else was still around to witness what he knew Ryrax was doing with the feral corpse. He had seen it before, and he knew that he never wanted anyone else to see it again--including himself. Nonetheless, he stopped, standing with his back to the feasting Riser until his business was finished.
Twizinator
One Thousand Club
Rryax blinked when he finally obtained full awareness of his surroundings. He casually turned over to Rudd as he gnawed on one of the A-class's black bones (specifically, it was one of the bones in the right forearm). "Oh, my bad. Did you want a bite?" he asked with a mocking grin. "Unfortunately there's not even scraps left," he said as he started gathering the bones into the crook of his arm, like one would gather firewood. "You know, while I find the meat to be quite flavorful, the bones are really something special. The marrow is simply...sinful." He laughed darkly at that.
HilgenHoffer
Junior Member
Rudd did his best to ignore the obvious sarcasm. "Not really to my tastes," he said dryly. He made a point not to turn around as he spoke. "I prefer a good roasted cow, myself. Speaking of which, I could probably eat an entire one right about now. You about done with the hors d'oeuvres?"
Ixidor92
Game master
The travestos family head turned and respectfully nodded to the Vejta head before turning and starting to head back. Valk was slung over his shoulder.
"Oliver, head back to the settlement. The rest can clean up what's left."
He started walking back, his entire form seeming to ooze power.
--------------------
The Vejta head turned and watched as Ryrax devoured the remains of the fell one. He shook his head and walked over to Rudd, thankful that no one else was in the immediate area now.
"You did good son."
The Vejta head clapped one hand on the young man's shoulder
"Go and get some rest, it'll be a big day tomorrow."
With that done, he turned to face Jyterra
"The Astora house young man? I assume this is a new family, for I have never heard of it."
"Oliver, head back to the settlement. The rest can clean up what's left."
He started walking back, his entire form seeming to ooze power.
--------------------
The Vejta head turned and watched as Ryrax devoured the remains of the fell one. He shook his head and walked over to Rudd, thankful that no one else was in the immediate area now.
"You did good son."
The Vejta head clapped one hand on the young man's shoulder
"Go and get some rest, it'll be a big day tomorrow."
With that done, he turned to face Jyterra
"The Astora house young man? I assume this is a new family, for I have never heard of it."
Twizinator
One Thousand Club
Oliver nodded at the order and leisurely walked back towards the neutral grounds. As he walked he didn't pay huge attention to where he was going: he was busy turning over the fight's events in his mind. The multiple B-class had been a fair challenge for their motley crew. Even Valk was treated like a rag doll by the A-class, yet when the two family heads arrived victory was decided in seconds...and that man, Ryrax...Oliver still wasn't sure what to make of THAT one. Rudd and Odom seemed to have done well, and that new man - Jyttera, was it? - was quite skilled with a blade.
Oliver smiled to himself, a newfound determination in his eye. These next three months would be very interesting, if today was just the beginning.
-----
Ryrax chuckled darkly. "Let's go. Believe it or not, I'm quite famished myself. I don't get the same kind of sustenance from eating Fell Ones as I do from standard food and drink. Let's go celebrate our victory!" He started heading towards the Neutral Grounds with Rudd.
Oliver smiled to himself, a newfound determination in his eye. These next three months would be very interesting, if today was just the beginning.
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Ryrax chuckled darkly. "Let's go. Believe it or not, I'm quite famished myself. I don't get the same kind of sustenance from eating Fell Ones as I do from standard food and drink. Let's go celebrate our victory!" He started heading towards the Neutral Grounds with Rudd.
Ixidor92
Game master
"I see. Come then, Jyterra. I would much like to hear about your house on the return trip. It is not so often we seen knew factions anymore."
The elder of the Vejta family calmly strode and gestured with his arm to the young man
------------------------
Aatron let out a contented sigh. Whatever that massive force had been, it was dealt with. And now it was back to the dwelling. The preliminaries would be tomorrow, and it was time to prepare while the elders suggested who should face whom.
The elder of the Vejta family calmly strode and gestured with his arm to the young man
------------------------
Aatron let out a contented sigh. Whatever that massive force had been, it was dealt with. And now it was back to the dwelling. The preliminaries would be tomorrow, and it was time to prepare while the elders suggested who should face whom.
HilgenHoffer
Junior Member
The neutral grounds may have been mostly unfamiliar to him, but Rudd instantly recognized the homely feel of the long, low, smoky dining hall. His oak chair creaked as he leaned backward in it, setting his injured ankle upon the table. Upon closer inspection, it was only twisted, and with the healing powers of the supporting mana risers, he would be in perfect shape to battle in the preliminaries the next day. That thought put a smile to his face. As pointless as the entire ordeal seemed to him, he was undeniably eager to test his mettle against the other houses. With what he had pulled off today, he may even stand a chance.
That was a big maybe, of course.
He was startled awake as the table thumped beneath his raised feet, and he nearly toppled backwards in his chair. He realized he had fallen asleep, and blinked upwards at Evynne, the young lady who had placed the soup on the table at his crossed ankles. He smiled weakly; her face was far more pleasant than the person he had expected to see. That one, he found as he glanced around, was sitting in the rafters as per usual, bowls of soup floating around his person as he gaily pondered which one to sample.
"Is our homely hero all tuckered out?" the young lady purred teasingly. Her bob of auburn hair bounced playfully about her rosy cheeks. Rudd only smiled and sat up, accepting the soup gratefully. He enjoyed the girl's company, but he had never quite figured out how to speak with her. Probably because any chances he'd been given had been interrupted by a tide of girls who were vocally akin to the occupants of his old chicken coop. What was up with that, anyway?
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Odom pulled up alongside Aatron as they moseyed back to the manor. "Your back is even straighter than usual. It tells me what your lips will not." His long strides pulled him around to Aatron's front, and he continued while walking backwards. "You're thinking about them already, aren't you? The games."
That was a big maybe, of course.
He was startled awake as the table thumped beneath his raised feet, and he nearly toppled backwards in his chair. He realized he had fallen asleep, and blinked upwards at Evynne, the young lady who had placed the soup on the table at his crossed ankles. He smiled weakly; her face was far more pleasant than the person he had expected to see. That one, he found as he glanced around, was sitting in the rafters as per usual, bowls of soup floating around his person as he gaily pondered which one to sample.
"Is our homely hero all tuckered out?" the young lady purred teasingly. Her bob of auburn hair bounced playfully about her rosy cheeks. Rudd only smiled and sat up, accepting the soup gratefully. He enjoyed the girl's company, but he had never quite figured out how to speak with her. Probably because any chances he'd been given had been interrupted by a tide of girls who were vocally akin to the occupants of his old chicken coop. What was up with that, anyway?
-----
Odom pulled up alongside Aatron as they moseyed back to the manor. "Your back is even straighter than usual. It tells me what your lips will not." His long strides pulled him around to Aatron's front, and he continued while walking backwards. "You're thinking about them already, aren't you? The games."
Twizinator
One Thousand Club
Ryrax lazily let the five bowls of different soups and stews orbit him slowly as he deliberated which one to sample first. He opted for the old standby for now, a beef and potato stew. Simple, but quite tasty. He held the bowl in his left hand and took a slow sip when he noticed Rudd talking to a woman. She was clearly flirting with him, and that made Ryrax smirk to himself. Rudd was apparently oblivious to the fact that the vast majority of women found him damn-near irresistible. Ryrax sighed and shook his head. "Bastard doesn't know how well he's got it," he muttered, and chuckled to himself before taking another swig of stew.
-----
Oliver was once again in the ring, shadowboxing with an opponent entirely in his mind. He couldn't yet force himself to sit still. He was too excited for the games to begin to relax.
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Oliver was once again in the ring, shadowboxing with an opponent entirely in his mind. He couldn't yet force himself to sit still. He was too excited for the games to begin to relax.
Walking along the Vejta, he began speaking, "I... am a bit older than I appear. Before the House, I was alone. Amongst those who could manipulate the energies of the world, I was pitied, for I never seemed to be able to wield those mighty forces. And amidst the common people, I was shunned because they wouldn't try to understand magics. I founded the House Astora along with 4 other kindred spirits, people who had lived a life like mine. That, " here he pauses, "was 80 years ago. We have forged through the decades, helping those who have been thrust from society for no fault of their own"
Ixidor92
Game master
The Vejta head calmly listened as Jyterra explained the origins of both himself and his house. He didn't seem to ridicule or ignore him, just calmly listen.
"You say you cannot utilize mana like others, and yet the power you displayed belies your claim. What technique did you utilize to foster such power?"
----------------------
Valk lay in the quarters for the Trevastos family heads. His body was pretty much spent at this point, having nearly exhausted himself even before taking on the A-class fell one. Valk's father shook his head as he gazed upon the most brash of his sons. He had potential certainly, but he needed to learn to effectively control his strength, or he would never be any use against the hordes.
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Aatron let out a sigh as he gaze turned to meet Odom.
"They are not 'games' Odum. They are tests of skill, and an ancient tradition. It is my duty to fully represent and honor my house, which I will do in my greatest capacity."
"You say you cannot utilize mana like others, and yet the power you displayed belies your claim. What technique did you utilize to foster such power?"
----------------------
Valk lay in the quarters for the Trevastos family heads. His body was pretty much spent at this point, having nearly exhausted himself even before taking on the A-class fell one. Valk's father shook his head as he gazed upon the most brash of his sons. He had potential certainly, but he needed to learn to effectively control his strength, or he would never be any use against the hordes.
----------------------
Aatron let out a sigh as he gaze turned to meet Odom.
"They are not 'games' Odum. They are tests of skill, and an ancient tradition. It is my duty to fully represent and honor my house, which I will do in my greatest capacity."
Voice lifting in tone and life, he replies, still walking, "Ah, so you wish to know the secret behind my strength, eh? Well, look here," drawing his blade, he holds so that the Vejta can see clearly the arkane matrices inscribed upon its surface, "I have imbued this blade with incredible power. Strength, that this thin sliver of metal shall not shatter nor warp. An unyielding keenness, that it may forever cleave through obstacles." switching it to his left hand, he casually sweeps it towards a nearby tree they happened to be passing, perhaps a foot in diameter. Sliding right through it, he sheathes it once more, as the tree falls away from the two Risers path. "And of course, the aspect i am most proud of, The return of bladed force. Reflecting the force of a metal blade back into itself, allowing for a nigh unbreakable guard." Sighing, he looks down and sighs in exasperation, "sadly, i will soon have to retire this favored blade of mine."
HilgenHoffer
Junior Member
Odom cocked his head to the side as he continued his backwards gait. "Not games?" He spun his head around, as if attempting to manually reorganize his thoughts. "What else are they, but entertainment? Entertainment for the masses who watch, having nothing better to be doing? Entertainment for the players, who wish to test their mettle against their peers, far better judges of skill than the masses of fell ones we continually slaughter. Entertainment for the family fathers, who continually squabble over who is the greatest and why?" He leaned backwards, rolling on his hands and popping back upright next to Aatron, now walking forwards again. "My thoughts argue amongst themselves with curiosity . . ." He cocked his head sideways, gazing intently at his fellow's disinterested features. "What could they possibly be to you, but games?"
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Rudd's head hurt.
That made sense, he supposed. Evynne looked at him with a startled curiosity as he lifted his head from the table. That, too, made sense; it was probably considered abnormal behavior to bury one's head into the dinner table without fanfare. He coughed into his hand with a nervous laugh. Would it be proper to tell her that he'd been hiding himself from the horde of young ladies on the other side of the room? They were actively looking for something, and he knew that something was himself. He didn't get it, but understanding aside, he knew a pattern when he saw one.
It would probably be rude to admit that, though. "Just making sure I'm still awake. You know how it is. Well, I mean, maybe you don't. Do you? Ah, never mind--" his rambling faded into incoherent mumbling as he glanced around, looking for something to save him from his own incompetence. All he ended up doing was turning back to face her, with a nervous smile adorning half of his face.
Evynne just laughed at him. Gods, what a smile. She probably thought he was a total dork, but that was ok. At least he got to see her smile.
He wondered just what it was that made him so happy around this girl. He wasn't really used to the sensation. Not that he had time to think about it, as he heard excited giggling coming up from behind him. Thinking quickly, he stared suddenly at his empty bowl that he had pretended not to notice. "Ah, look at that! I'm empty. That fight has me famished. I guess I'll just, I mean, uh, yeah." He got up hastily, flashed a smile at her, and hoofed it towards the kitchen with all haste. Was it impossible to have a moment's peace? Thinking back on it, he realized it probably was.
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Rudd's head hurt.
That made sense, he supposed. Evynne looked at him with a startled curiosity as he lifted his head from the table. That, too, made sense; it was probably considered abnormal behavior to bury one's head into the dinner table without fanfare. He coughed into his hand with a nervous laugh. Would it be proper to tell her that he'd been hiding himself from the horde of young ladies on the other side of the room? They were actively looking for something, and he knew that something was himself. He didn't get it, but understanding aside, he knew a pattern when he saw one.
It would probably be rude to admit that, though. "Just making sure I'm still awake. You know how it is. Well, I mean, maybe you don't. Do you? Ah, never mind--" his rambling faded into incoherent mumbling as he glanced around, looking for something to save him from his own incompetence. All he ended up doing was turning back to face her, with a nervous smile adorning half of his face.
Evynne just laughed at him. Gods, what a smile. She probably thought he was a total dork, but that was ok. At least he got to see her smile.
He wondered just what it was that made him so happy around this girl. He wasn't really used to the sensation. Not that he had time to think about it, as he heard excited giggling coming up from behind him. Thinking quickly, he stared suddenly at his empty bowl that he had pretended not to notice. "Ah, look at that! I'm empty. That fight has me famished. I guess I'll just, I mean, uh, yeah." He got up hastily, flashed a smile at her, and hoofed it towards the kitchen with all haste. Was it impossible to have a moment's peace? Thinking back on it, he realized it probably was.
Twizinator
One Thousand Club
"You're running away from good fortune, you bumpkin!"
Ryrax shouted this to Rudd from his perch in the rafters, a shit-eating grin on his face as he completely didn't care who heard him chastise the young man. A bowl of the soup broke its orbit around Ryrax, sailing down to in front of Rudd. This soup was of the same variety that had occupied Rudd's empty bowl: Ryrax was not giving the man a way out of this entertaining predicament. "Take it and sit. Enjoy the company you've got, ungrateful little shit." He took a swig of stew before addressing Evynne. "I'm sure you've noticed, but he's an oblivious idiot. You're gonna have to be far more frank than that if you want him for yourself." Ryrax gave a chuckle. "Though, if you do get bored of how dense he is," he purred, his eyes narrowed an infinitesimal amount as his head tilted forward a tad. His wide grin took on a hint of naughtiness. "Then let me know. I'm sure I could find time to...entertain." His gaze was equal parts condescending, crude, mocking...and a little seductive. The flush and flustered expression on Evynne's face was apparently exactly what Ryrax had been hoping for, as he through his head back in raucous and amused laughter.
"Not on your life, jerk!" Evynne shot at the man above her, glaring him down. One had to admire her bravery at willing to pick a fight with this particular individual; in fact, quite a few people had taken notice of their shouting match, some twisting in their chairs to watch, others trying to fain disinterest and failing. "Even if you HAD both eyes you'd still never see the day someone's desperate enough to settle on YOU!" she said harshly, and many patrons laughed and jeered at the scathing insult.
Immediately the merriment was hushed as Ryrax leapt to the floor, landing roughly on a knee less than a foot from Evynne. He rose and glared down at her, towering over the woman easily. To give her credit, she didn't even take a step back: she met his glare, daring him to act. It was like watching an alpha wolf stare down the bravest rabbit you ever knew. After several agonizingly long seconds, the heavy hush that had fallen was broken by Ryrax chuckling, his grin appearing once more. Moments before he seemed murderous; now he was thoroughly amused. He looked over Evynne's head at Rudd. "Haha! I like her. Don't f*** this up, kid."
Evynne's mouth was slightly agape at the incredibly confusing behavior of the man in front of her.
Ryrax shouted this to Rudd from his perch in the rafters, a shit-eating grin on his face as he completely didn't care who heard him chastise the young man. A bowl of the soup broke its orbit around Ryrax, sailing down to in front of Rudd. This soup was of the same variety that had occupied Rudd's empty bowl: Ryrax was not giving the man a way out of this entertaining predicament. "Take it and sit. Enjoy the company you've got, ungrateful little shit." He took a swig of stew before addressing Evynne. "I'm sure you've noticed, but he's an oblivious idiot. You're gonna have to be far more frank than that if you want him for yourself." Ryrax gave a chuckle. "Though, if you do get bored of how dense he is," he purred, his eyes narrowed an infinitesimal amount as his head tilted forward a tad. His wide grin took on a hint of naughtiness. "Then let me know. I'm sure I could find time to...entertain." His gaze was equal parts condescending, crude, mocking...and a little seductive. The flush and flustered expression on Evynne's face was apparently exactly what Ryrax had been hoping for, as he through his head back in raucous and amused laughter.
"Not on your life, jerk!" Evynne shot at the man above her, glaring him down. One had to admire her bravery at willing to pick a fight with this particular individual; in fact, quite a few people had taken notice of their shouting match, some twisting in their chairs to watch, others trying to fain disinterest and failing. "Even if you HAD both eyes you'd still never see the day someone's desperate enough to settle on YOU!" she said harshly, and many patrons laughed and jeered at the scathing insult.
Immediately the merriment was hushed as Ryrax leapt to the floor, landing roughly on a knee less than a foot from Evynne. He rose and glared down at her, towering over the woman easily. To give her credit, she didn't even take a step back: she met his glare, daring him to act. It was like watching an alpha wolf stare down the bravest rabbit you ever knew. After several agonizingly long seconds, the heavy hush that had fallen was broken by Ryrax chuckling, his grin appearing once more. Moments before he seemed murderous; now he was thoroughly amused. He looked over Evynne's head at Rudd. "Haha! I like her. Don't f*** this up, kid."
Evynne's mouth was slightly agape at the incredibly confusing behavior of the man in front of her.
HilgenHoffer
Junior Member
Rudd's jaw was hanging in a manner similar to Evynne's. His arm was poised behind him, locked and loaded with fresh stew that was meant to be aimed at Ryrax's face. In fact, had the chaotic man waited a moment longer to change his fickle expression, it would have been obscured with hot beef stew. This, however, disappeared completely from the farm boy's mind as he attempted to realign the gears in his head. Looking around and realizing that every last soul in the dining hall was staring at the three of them, he moved for a change in tactic.
Lowering his soup and visibly relaxing, he turned to Ryrax and flashed a flippant grin. "Had a bit too much *again*, have we? I told you to stay out of the old man's cellar. I swear, he'll catch you one of these days, and then we'll both be deader than the beef in this stew." He raised his bowl as he said this, and tossed his head back as he took a deep swallow from its lip.
"And good stew it is! It's brought about the music in me, I think! But I'm so hungry, my arms just haven't the strength . . ."
As he began to slump dramatically, there was a roar from the crowd (maybe a squeal?) as half of the mass ran to fetch more soup from the kitchen. Sitting down casually and placing his foot atop his knee, Rudd cocked his head at Evynne and winked knowingly. And with that, they both began to laugh uncontrollably.
Lowering his soup and visibly relaxing, he turned to Ryrax and flashed a flippant grin. "Had a bit too much *again*, have we? I told you to stay out of the old man's cellar. I swear, he'll catch you one of these days, and then we'll both be deader than the beef in this stew." He raised his bowl as he said this, and tossed his head back as he took a deep swallow from its lip.
"And good stew it is! It's brought about the music in me, I think! But I'm so hungry, my arms just haven't the strength . . ."
As he began to slump dramatically, there was a roar from the crowd (maybe a squeal?) as half of the mass ran to fetch more soup from the kitchen. Sitting down casually and placing his foot atop his knee, Rudd cocked his head at Evynne and winked knowingly. And with that, they both began to laugh uncontrollably.
Twizinator
One Thousand Club
An amused smile remained on his face as Ryrax sat opposite Rudd. He leaned forward, bracing himself with his left elbow and forearm on the table while he slowly twirled his right index finger in the air, causing his remaining bowls of sustenance to lazily orbit him. He would snatch one out of the air every so often and down it as Rudd, meanwhile, chatted idly with Evynne. Ryrax wasn't even aware, but he was staring at the two with an unfocused gaze. Ryrax wasn't conscious that he was jealous of Rudd: the man was everyone's friend. He had no enemies. How could anyone dislike the guy? He was the focus of every single maiden around. He had immense potential as a mana riser.
Ryrax, meanwhile, had no such fortune. True, his combat prowess is fearsome, and though he gives the family heads constant headaches with his wild card nature he is recognized as one of the best around. However, as a person he was Rudd's opposite: he was feared and/or loathed by most everyone, and he had his own abrasiveness to blame. Admittedly, Ryrax enjoyed playing the part of the psychotic asshole, but he was still equally envious and confused by Rudd's ability to charm just about everything and everyone.
"Rudd. Why do you bother?" Ryrax suddenly asked, his expression inquisitive and serious...and a little tired. "You're a prodigy among mana risers. Why associate with the sheep?" He gave a short, frustrated sigh. "I don't get it." He seemed utterly unfazed by Evynne's shocked and insulted glare.
Ryrax, meanwhile, had no such fortune. True, his combat prowess is fearsome, and though he gives the family heads constant headaches with his wild card nature he is recognized as one of the best around. However, as a person he was Rudd's opposite: he was feared and/or loathed by most everyone, and he had his own abrasiveness to blame. Admittedly, Ryrax enjoyed playing the part of the psychotic asshole, but he was still equally envious and confused by Rudd's ability to charm just about everything and everyone.
"Rudd. Why do you bother?" Ryrax suddenly asked, his expression inquisitive and serious...and a little tired. "You're a prodigy among mana risers. Why associate with the sheep?" He gave a short, frustrated sigh. "I don't get it." He seemed utterly unfazed by Evynne's shocked and insulted glare.
HilgenHoffer
Junior Member
Rudd lowered his bowl slowly, and wiped his chin. He wasn't sure what he saw in the other man's eyes. All that shone in his own was confusion. "Prodigy? I hardly think so. I've been rackin' my brain over this mana nonsense for the last year almost, and I just can't get a grasp on it. I don't see what makes me any different from the rest of my family." He took a spoonful of soup and chewed it thoughtfully. He looked around, swallowed, and turned again to face Ryrax. "There ain't no chickens back home what's eggs are any better than the next, and back there we all eat the same old gruel, just like the chickens do. Why should it be different here? What, just 'cause we're a different kinda farmer? I think we're all about the same in this house, buddy. Even you." He looked back down at his soup and kept eating, thinking in the back of his head that he should probably grab his fiddle at some point, lest he become a liar.
Twizinator
One Thousand Club
Ryrax's gaze hardened. "We're all about the same? Don't gimme that bullshit. If she," he gestured at Evynne, "you, and I are 'about the same,' then why can we kill fell ones that would tear her to shreds?" He straightened up slightly. "The strong devour the weak. That's how it is. We're wolves, Rudd. All mana risers are wolves. The fell ones are wolves. She, and the others here, are sheep. Weak, defenseless, and with only two choices: run or be eate-" He was interrupted when Evynne threw her tankard of wine at his face, a resounding *clang* sounding as it bounced off his forehead. He recoiled slightly but righted himself, and the two started glaring silently at each other, mutely shouting at each other with their angry eyes.
HilgenHoffer
Junior Member
Rudd placed his hands on the table and stood. "We are what we choose to be, Ryrax. You chose to be a wolf. And yes, some people do choose to be sheep. Me," he paused, thinking back on the long and arduous training he went through, long before he had ever discovered his talents. "I chose to be a shepherd. Because some people were born as sheep, but they don't want to live that way. So tell me, Ryrax: who's going to protect the sheep when they decide they want to go where the wolves are?" He looked over at Evynne with thoughtful eyes. "Even a sheep can be strong when it fights its hardest. I've got a scar on my left leg where a ram got me, up in the hills. Every single person in this hall is givin' it everything they've got, an' each one of em's doin' it for their own reasons. And so long as they keep fightin' with all they're worth for whatever it is that they stand for, then I'm fightin' right with em', no matter if they're sheep, wolves, mice or men."
Rudd wasn't sure when the hall had gotten so quiet, but every eye was once again on the farmer and the wolf. "You're strong, Ryrax. You can go where you want, and do what you like. Wolves don't need shepherds. But if you want to keep fightin' by me, then you're gonna have to mingle with the sheep, 'cause they're my kin--and you are, too."
Rudd wasn't sure when the hall had gotten so quiet, but every eye was once again on the farmer and the wolf. "You're strong, Ryrax. You can go where you want, and do what you like. Wolves don't need shepherds. But if you want to keep fightin' by me, then you're gonna have to mingle with the sheep, 'cause they're my kin--and you are, too."
Twizinator
One Thousand Club
Ryrax blinked. For once, the man was stricken temporarily speechless. The whole hall was staring at them, waiting for his reaction. Even Evynne wasn't glaring at him anymore, though that was probably because she was so focused on Rudd because of his speech. Finally, Rryax sighed and stood with a small grin on his face, softer than any one he'd worn before. He looked around the people in the hall before returning his gaze to Rudd. "Mingle with the sheep, eh?" He chuckled a little. "Maybe then they'll stop being so skittish. Truthfully I don't understand why they're so wary: I have no taste for mutton. I rather enjoy eating other wolves." He paused, as much for effect as to sort out what to say next. "Alright then, shepherd. Tend to your flock. I'll keep the other wolves at bay." His grin widened a little. "Now...don't you have a fiddle to play?"
At those words, the crowd started cheering and shouting in agreement. Evynne cracked a momentary grin at Rryax before retrieving Rudd's fiddle, handing it to him. "The night's still young, Rudd!" she said excitedly. She was excited, waiting with baited breath for the party to really start.
At those words, the crowd started cheering and shouting in agreement. Evynne cracked a momentary grin at Rryax before retrieving Rudd's fiddle, handing it to him. "The night's still young, Rudd!" she said excitedly. She was excited, waiting with baited breath for the party to really start.
Ixidor92
Game master
Aatron turned his head and glared at Odom, his patience with the man's antics spent at this point
"What are they but entertainment? This is a battle you ignorant clown! Maybe we don't pose as much risk to our lives, maybe others find some joy in watching the skill of other warriors, but never forget that this is merely an adaptation of the ancient wars. The olden times lead to each of the families fighting each other for supremacy. This is exactly that, but without the casualties that leave the world vulnerable."
Aatron's grip on his naginata tightened, pointing the blade at Odom's throat
"If one falters, if one displays weakness, it reflects on our house. If our house is seen as weaker than the others the balance that has been kept for centuries will be threatened, and our house put in danger as others rise to attempt to fill that void. I refuse to let that happen. I refuse to let ANYONE to allow that to happen."
His last sentence seemed to be filled with nothing but ice. The statement could be taken for his house in general, but was clearly directed at the man beside him
--------------------------
The Vejta head's eyes seemed to glow briefly as they scanned over the blade
"You are unable to channel your mana effectively in a short period of time . . . so instead you focus on creating powerful artifacts that can do it for you. Most clever. Yet you say such a thing will not last? Exactly what would cause an enchanted blade to lose its luster?"
"What are they but entertainment? This is a battle you ignorant clown! Maybe we don't pose as much risk to our lives, maybe others find some joy in watching the skill of other warriors, but never forget that this is merely an adaptation of the ancient wars. The olden times lead to each of the families fighting each other for supremacy. This is exactly that, but without the casualties that leave the world vulnerable."
Aatron's grip on his naginata tightened, pointing the blade at Odom's throat
"If one falters, if one displays weakness, it reflects on our house. If our house is seen as weaker than the others the balance that has been kept for centuries will be threatened, and our house put in danger as others rise to attempt to fill that void. I refuse to let that happen. I refuse to let ANYONE to allow that to happen."
His last sentence seemed to be filled with nothing but ice. The statement could be taken for his house in general, but was clearly directed at the man beside him
--------------------------
The Vejta head's eyes seemed to glow briefly as they scanned over the blade
"You are unable to channel your mana effectively in a short period of time . . . so instead you focus on creating powerful artifacts that can do it for you. Most clever. Yet you say such a thing will not last? Exactly what would cause an enchanted blade to lose its luster?"
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HilgenHoffer
Junior Member
The two warriors stood still, their destination now forgotten. Odom's expression was neither one of anger or amusement. In fact, try as he might, Aatron couldn't tell what the man was thinking. Not that he ever could. "That's what a game is, Wind Whisperer. It is fight that has no fighting." He made no attempt to remove the blade from his throat. As the sun began to set, the wind stirred cloth and hair, desperately trying to break the silence that stretched between the men of Maveret.
-----
Rudd's drawn expression split into an ear-spanning grin as he grabbed his fiddle and bounded onto the table. He tuned briefly, strings vibrating in an eager harmony. The walls seemed to hold their breath as he lifted his bow, closed his eyes, and waited. The momentary silence seemed to stretch until it might break . . . and then his eyes flashed with a wild joy, and he screamed a jig on that fiddle that had the entire hall stomping.
That night, the roads of the Neutral zone echoed with the trumpeting of voices and the drumming of feet.
-----
Rudd's drawn expression split into an ear-spanning grin as he grabbed his fiddle and bounded onto the table. He tuned briefly, strings vibrating in an eager harmony. The walls seemed to hold their breath as he lifted his bow, closed his eyes, and waited. The momentary silence seemed to stretch until it might break . . . and then his eyes flashed with a wild joy, and he screamed a jig on that fiddle that had the entire hall stomping.
That night, the roads of the Neutral zone echoed with the trumpeting of voices and the drumming of feet.
Cyrionessa
One Thousand Club
If any of the mana risers had bothered to look up into a particularly dark corner of the rafters, they would have noticed a pair of slitted, green eyes watching the goings on. The attractive creature playing the fiddle was entertaining to say the least and he certainly had the attention of everyone in the room. She had watched his fight with the fell ones and saw the massive strength there, even if it was matched by just as much ignorance. Still more interesting was the wild looking being that seemed to be a friend of the prior. Her nose and tail twitched slightly at the interesting scent coming from that one. A bemused smile covered her face; she would remain in these rafters until she was ready.
----
A beautiful, angelic woman was walking down the path opposite of the direction that Aatron and Odom had been walking. Long blond hair hung down her back and it blew slightly as a breeze disturbed it. Her sapphire eyes stared vacantly forwards and the moonlight seemed to reflect off of her skin, except for one spot. Underneath her right eye, a swirling lunar tattoo symbol in black stood out prominently against her pale skin. She seemed to be deep in thought when she noticed the fact that two of the Maveret men were standing in her path, one wielding a polearm at the other. Her eyes widened. "....ummm....is everything okay here....?" Her voice was low and calm, but still filled with a mixture of curiosity and worry.
----
A beautiful, angelic woman was walking down the path opposite of the direction that Aatron and Odom had been walking. Long blond hair hung down her back and it blew slightly as a breeze disturbed it. Her sapphire eyes stared vacantly forwards and the moonlight seemed to reflect off of her skin, except for one spot. Underneath her right eye, a swirling lunar tattoo symbol in black stood out prominently against her pale skin. She seemed to be deep in thought when she noticed the fact that two of the Maveret men were standing in her path, one wielding a polearm at the other. Her eyes widened. "....ummm....is everything okay here....?" Her voice was low and calm, but still filled with a mixture of curiosity and worry.
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"Ahh, it is nothing wrong with the blade itself." he said, rather amusedly, "Its rather the fact that I can no longer imbue it with further enchantments." Walking along, he says, "Meanwhile, I have heard that you are the man to speak to about joining this competition of Mana Risers"
