Fantasy Hallowed Voyage

[Brendanfp]

I groaned at the display I had just seen. I looked below at my old friend as he placed the obliviously enchanted crown atop the Kin... Thorin's head. As the crown made contact with his head the enchantment reacted with the godly presence of Aurora within him, and like magic (...because it was magic) it burst into flame. The crowded ate it up.


Enough with the theatrics


Where was, Ifrit, and more importantly when would the Oracle make himself known, the wait began to feel like an eternity. Each second that passed by made more and more nervous, however there was another matter that worried me. I had taken notice to a faint but familiar tingle on my skin, and it wasn't my nerves this time. There was a subtle burning sensation on my skin, however I was sure this was the same presence as that which stained my sword white as ivory, the blood of an angel. I searched the crowded tentatively, but nothing and no one stood out besides the disgusting roars of praise to Mr. GodThorin.


Where are you angel, and why are you here ?

 

[BugDozer73]

I waded through the men in tailored wealth talking asking me on my stances of politics, past the women in humongous dresses, begging for a dance, and servants offering me refreshments. I hated this already. Where was my crowd? No doubt keeping to themselves. Nobles and adventures were exactly intermingling social classes. I wasn't having fun. Fun would be a pint of ale at the brewery, sharing stories of adventures past with my friends. Fun would be delving into the caves of the lost islands of Tu'ru, or fencing with 6 men with your back against the main mast. I had to get out of this. Thats why my plan was so ingenious.


With the adventurers here, I could find a select few and slip away with them to return to my old, now coveted life.


I pushed the thoughts back as I noticed a spurious Siran eyeballing me. I turned and smiled at a petite girl with long brown curls and a ridiculously poofy dress, smirking at me with an arrogance I could smell a mile away.


"Why, My king! You must come and entertain me with a dance!"


Before I could object, Siran appeared behind her, raising an eyebrow.


"Ah, Thorin! I see you have met Diana Rutherford, heir to the Rutherford fortune: Her father is a leading member of the congress here. She's a very influential lady."


He spoke as if warning me to be on my best behavior. Siran was not my father, and I certainly wasn't his son.


As he bathed her in compliments, she took my hands and dragged me forcefully onto the dance floor, where onlookers clapped and cheered, and Diana looked at me more seductivly than ever.


"So Thorin, it must be marvelous, being the king and all. Whats it like?" She attempted to sound wistful as she spun herself around in circles with my un-eager self.


"To be honest, you are probably more acquainted with the feeling than I, Ms. Rutherford. I don't bare a strong relation to those of the royal types."


"Nonsense. Its in your blood! Your born a champion. A warrior of the sun itself!"


"Then why am I stuck in a ball with a war going on?"


"Well, of course... I mean, thats what you have soldiers for isn't it?"


She leaned in and put her head on my shoulder. I had had just about enough.


"So, Thorin. Im sure a gentleman like yourself wouldn't hesitate to give a lady a tour of the palace? Perhaps we could start at... the bedroom?"


I halted the spinning and removed myself from Ms Rutherford, thanking her for the dance and turning to disappear into the crowd as she called out angrily behind me.


"Slut.."





I found a group of men, all in adventures garb, telling tales around pints of honey meed. I stood back a little, ease dropping on their adventures, reminiscing on my own stories. Perhaps these men could be the ones necessary in achieving my plan.


As I stepped forward, the crowd parted slightly to reveal a woman in a dazzling dress of shimmering tear drops. Her hair, white as snow, was tied up gingerly to her head, minus two curls on either side of her face like a frame. Her eyes sparkled even more brightly than her dress.


"She doesn't look like a noble. Who's she?"


Im not sure. She really does stand out amongst the company of fools, doesn't she?





Adamine's demeanor became more angry.


"You can't be serious? Her? I mean.... she's not even the same species as you! I mean..."





I ignored her rambling and slowly approached the woman, standing delicately alone.


Something about her reminded me a lot of myself. Perhaps it was her keen desire on avoiding the sea of arrogance and self worth.


She didn't fit this crowd. Perhaps she would be kind enough to escort myself from it.


I tapped her shoulders gingerly.


"Excuse me, miss? I noticed you keeping to yourself. I would be a terrible host if I did not look after my guests. Might I have this dance?"

 

[Purize]

I walked around a bit, still not quite so sure of what to do with myself. Eventually, I didn't even know were to walk. I was beginning to think that coming wasn't such a good idea... so many emotions and memories swam through my mind that it almost made my heart ache.


A tap on my shoulder shakes me from my thoughts and I turn to see him standing there looking at me. "Excuse me, miss?" he said, "I noticed you keeping to yourself. I would be a terrible host if I did not look after my guests. Might I have this dance?"


I looked up at him and realized with surprise that we wasn't as tall as I thought he'd be.


"Oh... why of course" I heard myself say lamely. The son of Aurora and new found King of Akron asks me to dance and I say of course. What the hell was wrong with me?


I offered my hand to him and tried to beat down the sudden nervousness and resurfacing thoughts of déjà vu. I noticed the ground got a bit quieter and people started to stare in our direction. Why of all people did he single me out? Maybe it was because I looked different from the others here and he was trying to make a point...? I glanced up at him sheepishly and wondered why he specifically invited the merchants and adventurers of the city to the ball. What an odd way to start off the day of his coronation, I thought.


And he certainly was odd. He didn't move like an aristocrat... when he even tried to speak like one it sounded like it he was mocking them rather than trying to be one of them. Although, no matter how many assumptions and observations I made of him it seemed like I really didn't know enough at all.

 

[BugDozer73]

I could feel her tremble slightly as I took her hand gently, drawing her out onto the dance floor.


She looked... stunning, as well as vaguely familiar. Something about her was prodding the back of my mind, but I couldn't pick out exactly what that was.


I pulled her quickly into a ballroom stance as the music began to play, and began spinning her around artfully: The crew taught me how to dance masterfully as I grew up. I smiled at her delicate expression.


I leaned in only slightly closer, so as to have a private conversation while we danced.


"You're not from around here, are you?" My smile was sly and knowing.

 

[Purize]

I spun with him effortlessly, my feet gliding along with the music as if it came naturally. It was almost scary how much I remembered of my old life, how easily it came back to me and betrayed my identity. He leaned in and I watched him carefully. Even if I did sympathize with him, he was a man I didn't know, and I knew to be wary.


"Just passing through." I responded to him carefully with a deliberate smile. "How about yourself? It's not everyday a demi.... Excuse me, a champion blows in unexpectedly."


I was mindful to direct the conversation away from myself... I wasn't here to tell about me and my life. I was here to experience and explore.

 

[BugDozer73]

I leaned back, my smile fading a little.


"Champion... yeah. Thats why I'm here!" I couldn't resent myself enough for how fake my voice sounded.


Despite my initial attraction to the woman, I couldn't bring myself to tell her the truth.


What did she care, anyways? To her, I'm just a king.


"Your too hard on yourself."


I dont deserve any of this. I don't want it either. Im leaving tonight: No buts.


"If thats what you want. But something tells me you will find a reason to stay.





My expression darkened slightly as the conversation in my head continued.


I distracted myself by taking in the face of the lady before me. She was delicate, but strong. Her curves were not so subtle (cough cough) but she wasn't dainty either. Her clear blue eyes reminded me of the sea, and its rolling surface. Two spheres lay under them, intricate and plain all at once. And her ears.. She was an elf.


"Oh... My... God... the ears turn you on? really? Fetish much?"


Hey, yeah, can you, like, oh i don't know, shut the fuck up?





"Your rather pretty for an elf. You dance very gracefully, too. Where did you learn how to spin so fancifully?"

 

[Purize]

I frowned at him. It wasn't hard to tell he was lying, and that he didn't want to be here at all. This was not the life he would have chosen. The look he gave me as he stared into my eyes made an uncomfortable heat rise in my cheeks.


Despite this, a knowing smirk curled on my lips as I responded, "I've been places... Just like you have. You're not really royal material are you, King Thorin Nahiri?" With a wistful sigh I leaned in slightly and whispered. "Correct me if I'm wrong, your grace, but you don't seem to want to be here..."

 

[BugDozer73]

A small smile rose to my lips. "You notice a lot, don't you? Before a week ago, I was a pi... sailor. I traveled the world in my crew and delighted on many adventures. I wasn't meant to wear this prison chain."


I motioned to the crown of flames floating like a halo above my head.


"I never wanted this. I came here to talk to Aurora, to figure out the truth behind my birth. Instead she dressed me up like a doll and kept me away with the responsibility."


I tried not to look angry, but it wasn't easy.


The song ended, and I gave the woman one final twirl before catching her into my embrace. I felt my cheeks go red and I released her, but didn't look away. After the applause stopped, I noticed other girls inching forward, looking for their opportunity to dance.


I turned back to the woman.


"Would you like to see the palace?"

 

[Purize]

I listened to him attentively with wide eyes. A sailor... or Pirate probably, forced to be kind out of the blue. I could see the frustration on his face, the grievance that had been thrust upon him by his mother.


He twirled and caught me as the song came to an end, and it felt like the old times when I enjoyed dancing and going to these sorts of events. I saw the pink glow to his cheeks and held back a snicker. He was quite the softy for a sailor...


Just as I opened my mouth to reply to him though, the doors to the ballroom swung open and a circle of men dressed in armor marched in huddled around a small girl with perfectly white hair and blue marks that swirled around her body. The room went silent.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

​

Guided by her trusty guards, or 'knights in shining armor' as she like to jokingly refer to them as, The Oracle made her first appearance into the ballroom. She kept her head held high and her expression neutral as they entered the room and everyone's focus zeroed in on them. She really didn't like large crowds... it especially made her little guard dogs antsy. Hopefully she could simply meet with the Champion of Aurora and then mingle about for a bit and be on her way...

 

[BugDozer73]

I turned suddenly at the sound of the intrusion, taking in the scene. Several armed guards stepped forth, then parted to reveal a small girl, maybe 15, with short white hair and long facial tattoos.


"Who the hell is that?"


Im....im not sure..





I felt a hand on my shoulder as the crowd rushed forward in excitement, almost as if she herself was another demigod.


I turned, finding the hand attached to Siran.


"My liege: That is the Oracle of Tempus. She has journied across the land to meet you. It is a magnificent honor!"


"THANK YOU, Siran." I glared at his continual treatment of myself as a minor.


Thanks Siran I though, grateful of the new knowledge.


I leaned forward and kissed the hand of the woman in front of me.


"If you will excuse me, I will return shortly."


I turned to go and greet the oracle.


I approached the girl, and bowed, demonstrating respect.


"Greetings, Oracle. I hope your travels were without troubles?"

 

[Purize]

I blinked at the abruptness of it all but didn't quite mind the interruption. My hands were getting sweaty...


The news of the Oracle visiting the ball, was something of interest though. Two Demi-gods in one room? I was rather elated, though I didn't show it. I hadn't met a single Demi-god before today and now here there were two... it was rather amazing. I wondered how many had ever been together at one given time... what would happen if you stuck all nine demi-gods in the same room...?


The thought made me shiver.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


The guards around the Oracle, as predicted, tensed at the siege of people that hurried over. Even the Oracle herself felt nervous, not that she'd ever show it. Ezekiel, the head of the six guards that traveled with the Oracle everywhere, stepped forward motioning for space and caution. At the sight of his greatsword, many did indeed back away a few steps.


Not too long after their arrival a man walked up to her. He was dressed like a king, a flaming crown atop his head that reinforced the idea. The Oracle watched as he bowed and addressed her before replying to him formally. "Greeting to you as well, King of Akron. Thank you for allowing us to visit your gracious palace." She dipped her head respectively.

 

[BugDozer73]

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" I asked. Her voice reminded me of a child's, but was strangely mature. Her guards seemed extra possessive as well.

 

[Purize]

The Oracle gave him a polite smile. "I was sent to meet with Aurora's newest Champion. It's my duty to be acquainted with all of the sons and daughters of the gods." She replied matter-of-factly.


What Tempus wills, Tieve does. She thought bitterly to herself. She wished she didn't have to be called 'The Oracle' like it was her name... Her name was Tieve, but no one knew that. It was informal and disrespectful for anyone to call me anything besides Tieve according to Maxus, the Tempus Preacher who raised me.

 

[Brendanfp]

I watched as Thorin pranced around the the ballroom floor with the Elven mistress. He had handpicked from a myriad of other....more... suitable future queens to say the least. I could tell from experience that her clothes were not custom made by a personal tailor, like many of the other damsels who littered the room. She wore no lavish or extravagant jewelry, and seemed somewhat out of place. She was simple, but in her simplicity there was beauty to be found. Her silvery hair and clear blue eyes were spectacles to behold. In all my centuries of travel I had met and lived among many elves, and never had I seen such feature in a purebred elf. I was becoming so focused on the commotion the two had sired up, that I had unintentionally started to focus demonic magic into my eyes to aid me in seeing them better from my vantage point. Meanwhile, the crowd began encircling the two as they danced, and the music went up a notch. The maidens and damsels fussed and pouted, while the adventure whistled and cheered the two on. Thorin and the girl, however were lost in each other as they chattered back and forth. I could only frown, because I had once felt the same way about a girl who no longer existed, but in my heart.


Boys will be Boys, I thought


"Unless they're demons", Levia chimed in.


I had no time to retort the Demon, because just then the grand ballroom doors swung open, and a squadron six of foreign guards each equipped with a greatsword stormed in. From my vantage point she would be hard to see, however enhanced vision aided me to make out the small girl who stood in the middle of the guards. Her face was small, pale, and covered in strange markings, however the more I stared at the marking the more clear it became. She was the Oracle, and there could only be one at one time, which upset me.This meant that the previous Oracle I knew from ages ago was gone, perished like everyone else I cared about. The crowd parted as Thorin made his way to greet the Oracle, herself. The two began to engage in banter, so I decided it was time I finally get my ancient question answered.


There were no stair down to the ballroom from where I stood, and I would not turn around and waste time to navigate down there. For all I knew she would be here for only a moment, and I knew that if she got away, I might never get this opportunity again. I called upon my strength and it came to me. I focused the power into my legs and with one stride, I leaped over the golden guard rail into the open air above the ballroom floor. The fall was only a second or two, however if felt like an entirety. Soon, enough I landed as gracefully as I could, for someone who just fell a couple stories. There was a collective gasp from the crowd who stood behind me. I hope I would be forgiven for such a bold move on my part. I collected my self and look around, to my left stood the unique and simple elf, and too my left was Gideon. I made eye contact with neither however, as my eyes were fixed on the Oracle and beside stood Thorin.


Maybe, I could have been a bit more subtle

 

[BugDozer73]

I turned at the sounds of gasping, and found myself staring back into the eyes of Ali.


"He certainly knows how to make an entrance, doesn't he?"


The tensions in the room rose with his theatrics. The oracle was the only person in the room who seemed unfazed by the current event: Being the oracle, I guessed nothing really surprised you.


Gideon looked interested in the situation, perhaps even on guard. It was hard to gain the intentions of Ali, seeing as we barely knew each other. I stepped forward, subtly placing myself between Ali and the Oracle.


"Ali! im so glad you decided on attending. I was worried you would be to wrapped up in your studies."


I felt the weight of the orb in my satchel. If Ali turned out to be a traitor, I might have some trouble on my hands.


"It could also offer the perfect opportunity to slip away.."

 

[Purize]

A hand fleeted to my mouth, parted ever so slightly, in surprise as a boy leapt down from from the balcony walk away above and landed on his feet. He had white hair and dark crimson eyes. His skin was tan, much darker in comparison to my own pale, almost bluish complexion. He also looked surprisingly young despite his shadowy demeanor.


I followed his gaze the Oracle, who stood still and indifferent, a cool expression resting on her young face.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


The Oracle watched intently as a boy landed in the middle of the room and looked at her. She had the feeling she was being watched with more intensity than the other guests and had just started trying to pick out who when he so curiously showed himself. She kept her calm expression while her guard jolted in surprise around her. They could be so jumpy...


The king's motion to shift so partially in front of her didn't go unnoticed, however. Apparently this boy that the king referred to as Ali wasn't someone he fully trusted. The Oracle appreciated the sentiment for protection, but she had six guards for that, not to mention she could handle her self if need be. She watched on silently.

 

[Brendanfp]

The ballroom fell silent aside from a few low mutters of disdain from groups of nobles and nobleness. Within seconds of me landing, Thorin had shifted to put himself between me and the Oracle for what ever reason. Did he think I had some sort of hidden motive, the Gods knew if I wanted to harm anyone I wouldn't put my self in full view of everyone. Thorin looked me in the eyes as he addressed me.


"Ali! I'm so glad you decided on attending. I was worried you would be to wrapped up in your studies."


I opened my arms in a peaceful gesture. I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea of me.


"Hello, Thorin... excuse me I mean King Thorin. I wouldn't miss your ball for the world", I lied forcing a smile. I glanced back over the Oracle who's expression hadn't change since my entrance.

 

[BugDozer73]

"Well, welcome friend. The merrymaking is only begging. We were just honored by the presence of the Oracle."


I turned my back to Ali, but still keeping my body tense.


something wasn't right here. Ali was hard to pin, but Gideon's surprise was not helping. Not to mention the Oracle herself made a point of visiting me. Demi god or not, this wasn't a usual occurrence. I had heard stories of the Oracle from my days on the seas. She rarely left her home island for any reason.


Time to turn on a little charm.


"Ladies and gentlemen, please, relax! This evening is for all of you! the fine citizens of Akron..."


"You really make a terrible politician. Just let the demon kid murder the oracle and escape. She will be reincarnated."


For a conscience, you really suck at your job.


"My job is to be your companion and help you grow and survive."


Hush.





"Mistro!" I pointed at the composer who began in on an song famous to the citizens of Akron, and the crowd squealed in delight, running for dance floor. I turned to face the oracle and took one step closer.


"I suppose you would like to conduct our business in private? I know your here for more than a dance, little one. Besides, I need to escape the tediousness of this whole evening."

 

[Purize]

The Oracle looked at Ali for a moment before returning her attention to Thorin. "Indeed, Your grace. We have much to discuss."


Internally, though, she was taken aback by being treated like a child. It seemed like no one ever realized she wasn't some old and wise entity... she was only fifteen. Little one... hm? Her nonpartisan smile became imperceptibly warmer.

 

[Brendanfp]

How dare that Thorin request to speak with the Oracle before me ? After talking to Ifrit, he should have known that I had a matter of utmost importance to discuss with the her. I stepped forward closing the gap between me and Thorin , and gripped his arm to stop him from walking off with Oracle. I then turned to address the Oracle herself.


"I must protest, there is an urgent matter I must speak with you about", I paused to think about the best way to express the important of my matter. "It concerns the general in command of the Horde Army, the Archdemon Levia.

 

[BugDozer73]

As Ali gripped my arm, I heard several gasps from the crowd. Tulius, who had been standing un-noticed in the corner, drew his sword and took a step forward, but I subtly raised my hand, telling him to not attack. I turned and gazed back down at the boy gripping my forearm and ruled over what was happening. A small air of tension had enveloped the room and all its inhabitants; waiting for someone to break the spell. I noticed a particularly captivating woman with silver hair and a tear drop dress, and sighed.


"I see. Oracle, we can convene at a later time. You seem to have more pressing matters to attend to, and I must cater to my guests. My Friend here has been eagerly waiting your arrival-" I lightly jerked my arm out of his grip, which was surprisingly strong for an adolescent. " -I insist that you stay and enjoy the comforts of my hospitality for the evening. I will have a bed made for you and your guards. Until then, please enjoy yourselves."


The crowd seemed to snap out of their daze, collectively resuming their conversations and/or dances.


I bowed to the Oracle and shot Ali a warm smile and cold eyes, before turning and walking back to the woman.


Before I opened my mouth, I let a small flare of emotion escape, and a look of fury, anguish and exhaustion crossed my face, before returning to the charming smirk.


Im tired of playing politics. I need a break.


I hesitated before opening my mouth, but an eagerness shone through my eyes.


"Would you like to accompany me on a walk? I think I need a little air."


I offered her my hand.

 

[Purize]

A single eyebrow rose on the Oracle's face at the display and she nodded simply. "Very well. Come then, Sir Ali. We can discuss these dire matters." Ezekiel squirmed uncomfortably, obviously unhappy about the change of company. "My Lady, I really think this-" He was cut off by the Oracle raising a single, delicate hand. "I will hear this man out, Ezekiel." She said with cool firmness. With that, she turned only with a small gesture for Ali to follow. "Let's go someplace quiet to talk."


Looking somewhat defeated, Ezekiel lead the way out of the room.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


I felt awkward witnessing the tense little scene, but I collected myself as Thorin approached me once again. I fought back a frown, unsure of his intentions at this point. I saw emotions roll across his face like the tide until it laid calm again with that silly grin he made to try and look sophisticated.


"Would you like to accompany me on a walk? I think I need a little air." He said to me and then offered his hand. I glanced around me quickly, I knew well that there wasn't much for me here and this setting made me nervous... so I was only half surprised when I found myself taking his hand.


"Certainly..."

 

[Brendanfp]

I followed the Oracle out of the room with a sense of self satisfaction. I looked over my shoulder as Thorin took the Elf's hand. After standing next to the Elven in such close proximity I realized she was the source of the burning sensation I was feeling. I would have to look into it later, because right now I was about accomplish one of major goals, questioning the grand fountain of knowledge its self. I grinned in anticipation despite the subtle pain. The Oracle, navigated the halls of palace masterfully, and I wondered if she had ever been here before. Finally we approached a seemingly mundane door, with a simple crafted golden handle. I waited for the Oracle to open the door, or would it be one of her many guards.


"Shall we", I asked her hesitantly.

 

[Purize]

When they arrived at their destination, Ezekiel opened the door and they filed inside. The room was a fair sized parlor. It had many long windows with arches tops that lined the wall across from the door. To the right was a handsome marble fireplace with a red banner exhibiting the emblem of Aurora hanging over the mantel. On the left wall were two bookshelves separated with a small table with a potted plant sitting atop of it's mahogany surface. The center of the room was decorated with a loveseat and two armchairs set around a low table resting on top of an exquisite-looking Persian rug.


The Oracle walked in and sat herself in an armchair twice her size. Her guards formed a semi-circle behind her and she gestured to the loveseat for Ali. "Now then. What was it specifically you wanted to speak to me about in regards to the war and the demon Levia?"

 

[BugDozer73]

I took her tender hand in my own, smiling at her acceptance. I turned and led her out of the room, into a darker, empty hallway. The roar of the festivities invaded the sacred silence for the duration of the opening of the door, which closed after us and became a muted humming again. I stopped and looked her in her eyes. She was gorgeous: Hypnotic. I guess I didn't really take it all in with my mind divided between playing host and politician.


I was done playing politics. I needed a break.


"This is the palace. I don't really refer to it as mine. I didn't do anything to earn it. But I live here."


I began strolling down the hallways past arching doorways, revealing dark, deserted rooms. As we walked, I felt a particular tiredness in my shoulders. I needed to change.


"I know we just met, but would you mind if I changed my attire quickly? I get the feeling you can tell I'm not much of a politician, much less a king, and this costume is wearing on me. My rooms just down the hall, and if you would like, you could change as well. As breathtaking as the dress is, I'm sure its not too comfortable."