Whistle Brook Clearing

[Ryldor Gadriel]

Ryldor barely had time to think before taking off after Neshjullotere through the forest. The journey was only 30 seconds old when Ryldor had his first thoughts of giving up the chase. I'm nowhere near in good enough shape for this. The feelings grew stronger with each passing ped until he saw Neshjullotere glance back, the daring look replaced by a condescending one. With newfound energy, Ryldor's speed surged and he managed to keep up with the other elf. I'll show him. Even if it kills me.

The woods ended and Ryldor found himself in a large clearing. While he struggled to catch his breath he took in the situation. An injured Caradol, one of the women from the inn and a couple of others were in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by elves. It looked like a melee would erupt at any moment. Well this is not going to end well. I don't think Caradol could stop all the elves even if weren't hurt. There were no spells he could cast to stop the slaughter; the deaths of the guards had proved that point clearly.

He took a deep breath and strode forward. Taking a step inside the circle of elves, he yelled at the top of his lungs "REMEMBER BROTHERS! WE NEED THEM ALIVE TO SAVE THE WOODS!" Now hopefully Neshjullotere doesn't shoot me in the back.

It is not enough to conquer; one must learn to seduce. ~ Voltaire

Edited by: Ryldor Gadriel at: 3/12/04 16:52

[Khiera Meneris]

The rustling of the Larkentirs carried on, seemingly oblivious to the brewing situation. The air was tensed, a mixture of chaotic noise and silence -- the rustling was unnerving, but more unnerving was the fact that Kiushapo, Mina and Caradol knew that they were evidently tightly surrounded, yet there was no trace of their presence ... sightwise, nor soundwise.

Shartrelyend took into full-sight the ... semi-clad Kiushapo. So this was the elf that literally ran off with his sister. He wondered if Kiushapo had any idea what he had done. Probably not, judging from his subsequent actions. He looked Kiushapo squarely in the eye as Kiushapo addressed him.

"I am being terribly sorry, but I am thinking there has been a mistake. We were already meeting with our welcoming party, and were recieving such lovely parting gifts... Perhaps you could be helping with that? Poison darts aren't something I am knowing about."

Shatrelyend grinned widely. Kiushapo spoke oddly, even for a distant cousin, but he was ... a likable fellow.

"I think there is a saying among your immediate kin and the humans, distant brother ..." he tapped himself amusing on his cheek, trying to recall the saying, " ... ah ... that ... you are certainly in no position for demanding terms, are you?"

"Your sister was being quite insistent on getting this back when we were first meeting, but I am not one to be doing things at the end of a knife. After we were working out the knife thing I was inviting her a for a drink to be showing there were being no hard feelings.."

Shatreleyend's eyes flickered as Kiushapo flashed out the Yilthrem in full sight, chuckling and beaming broadly as Kiushapo leaned forward, answering him in a low and conspiratorial tone, "I think you may not want to hold on to Yllallanyiea's Yilthrem as badly as you think, distant kin. Certain things are ... irreversible, and with my sister --"

Shartrelyend didn't get to finishing his sentence.

"REMEMBER BROTHERS! WE NEED THEM ALIVE TO SAVE THE WOODS!"

Shartrelyend took a step backwards, and stared at Ryldor who had suddenly stepped forth. In annoyance, he barked out towards Neshjullotere behind him, "Who is this stranger among us? What is he talking about?" Shartrelyend started to reach within his vest ... presumably for a hidden weapon.

But Neshjullotere stormed up with an infuriated expression on his face, seemingly not hearing Shartrelyend's question, roughly pushing Ryldor aside, and directed an angered right hook towards Kiushapo's face, duly missing his target as the blonde elf ducked in time. Neshjullotere gave a furious roar, "Hand over the Yilthrem! NOW!"

For those that directed a glance over to a captive Yllanallyiea at that very moment, they would see a dark crimson hue flushed through her face, struggling uncomfortably against her bonds.

Shartrelyend, who grew impatient, cast a wary glance at Ryldor, and then spelled out the terms loudly, "You will release my sister, now. I care not for the humans. They will be left to their demise." He shrugged non-chalantly, while a ring of elven archers emerged from their previously unseen positions amidst the Larkentirs. Two stepped forth and restrained Ryldor. The rest moved in closer to Kiushapo, Mina, Caradol and an unconscious Elric, stressing the wisdom of complying to Shartrelyend's statement.


((OOC: At this point, we're quite near the end ... Kiu should decide how he wants to play his card with Yllanallyiea, Mina you should probably speak up for why they shouldn't slaughter you and Caradol at will, hehehehe ... and Ryl, you can press your case further, persuade or defend either side or ... do whatever you think is best  Of course, if any of you have some cool unexpected move that will just throw me off my seat ... go ahead ))

Hold me.
Soothe me.
Love me.
Save me from my RAGE.

[Mina]

Mina was growing increasingly worried.  Kiushapo's attempt at negotiation was quite unsuccessful, as she had expected, and he was now engaged in a brawl with one of the elves.  At least they won't risk shooting at him. As she continued trying to think of a way out of their predicament, she realised that Shartrelyend's questions indicated that he did not know of the plan to burn the woods.  Perhaps I can use this to my advantage.

"The prince intends to set fire to your forest," she answered, "We may be able to help you stop him, if you do not kill us first."

Judging from his outburst, it seemed that Ryldor was quite convinced that they were needed if the prince was to be stopped.  Mina hoped that he would be able to convince the other elves that it was indeed so.  It might be their only chance to get out of this alive.  

There is no emotion; there is peace.
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
There is no passion; there is serenity.
There is no death; there is the Force.

[Ryldor Gadriel]

Not good at all. Hmmm… That one seems to be in charge. he thought, looking at Shartrelyend. He turned to the group in the middle. That female elf must be his sister. And the woman from the tavern really needs to stop using the words 'kill us'.

Well if I'm gonna die anyway… He relaxed his arms and slid out of his jacket, leaving the two archers holding only sleeves.  Quickly he stretched his arms out to the side away from his body to make himself as unthreatening as possible as he slowly approached Shartrelyend. "I'm talking about the prince. He's going to destroy the woods. He wants to kill you all and is using his own evil plans as an excuse." Ok maybe that’s not exactly true, but it's close enough.  "You have to listen to us."

It is not enough to conquer; one must learn to seduce. ~ Voltaire

[Kiushapo]

Putting some distance between him and his attacker Kiushapo raised his fists before him, prepared for the next attack.

"You had better be glad you are not being one of my crew, you would not like how I was dealing with your lacking of discipline, and over what, a piece of bark?"

Ever since he had met this woman it had been "Yilthrem this, Yilthrem that." He didn't even know what the blasted thing was!

"Why are you wanting it so badly? I was believing it was Yllanallyiea's. Thinking a moment, he added to his statement, "I will have you knowing I will not be playing a part in your power struggles."

Waiting for the elf to make the first move, he tuned into what Mina and the city elf were saying, needless to say, none of this looked good.

Simple answers to life's questioning. T'would be a greater magic that I have ever been seeing.

[Khiera Meneris]

((OOC:  @ Ryl's IC thoughts "And the woman from the tavern really needs to stop using the words 'kill us'."... Also, i'm going to puppet you a wee bit to get the story moving Ryl ...))

"Why are you wanting it so badly? I was believing it was Yllanallyiea's"

Neshjullotere's expression contorted painfully into intense rage at Kiushapo's words, but Shatrelyend on the other hand, flew into a hearty laughter. Yllanalyiea could only seeth and glare at her brother as Shatrelyend explained the significance of her Ylthrem in a magniminous manner to Kiushapo, "It is, indeed, Yllanalyiea's. You see, distant kin, the females of our tribe as presented with their Yilthrem upon reaching the age of maturity, and she guards her Yilthrem with her life and honour, because it is a symbol of her chastity, honour and belonging. She belongs to no one until her Yilthrem is ..." Shatrelyend fumbled for the right word, " ... claimed by her intended mate. Though ..." He cast an amusing glance at his furious sister, " ... it is not for me to say whether our customs apply to you, distant kin, but you see ..." again, he fumbled in search of the appropriate wording, "Neshjullotere and Yllanalyiea, they are ... betrothed."

Neshjullotere snarled like a wild animal, about to spring into a vindictive blow at Kiushapo, when Shatrelyend raised his hands as Ryldor's voice rang out, "I'm talking about the prince. He's going to destroy the woods. He wants to kill you all and is using his own evil plans as an excuse. You have to listen to us."

Shatrelyend smirked quite maliciously. Obviously some harm was on its way to Ryldor as the two elves who had restrained him tossed away his jacket in irritation, and started making their way towards him in a menacing manner as Shatrelyend spoke, "I do not have to do anything --"

Fortunately for Ryldor, one of the hidden elves emerged abruptly from amidst the Larkentirs and rushed up to Shatrelyend's side, an expression of extreme concern on his face as he whispered unheard words, causing Shatrelyend's brows to crease tightly in a deep, locking frown. Casting a semi-cynical glance at Ryldor, he raised his hand in the air again, "It seems like you may be speaking the truth, distant kin. My scouts report a large gathered human army from the camps encircling the woods ... with torches." The light-hearted expression on his face was now replaced by one that was grim and troubled. Turning to Kiushapo, "I keep you in good faith, distant kin, for you have not harmed my sister. But you shall have to resolve the matter of her Yilthrem with Neshjullotere. He is ... not pleased." Turning now to Neshjullotere, "Prove yourself worthy of Yllanalyiea." and then he tossed a small vial high into the air, which landed right by Yllanalyiea, who deftly pressed herself on it against the ground, "There is the antidote, distant kin. I tire of this charade. But shall any harm come to my sister ..." His unstated threat was forceful and firm, as he turned and briskly left along with the other dark elven warriors, presumably to confront the human army.

Neshjullotere immediately swung into a swift maneuvere and positioned himself between Kiushapo and Yllanallyiea. Sheer rage was written all over his face as he unsheathed two short serrated blades. It was evident that he was prepared for a fight to the death. Unless Kiushapo had other ideas to diffuse and resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, Ryldor had deftly made his way to where Mina and Caradol was, greeted by Caradol who rose to his feet with the help of his staff, "I remember you, Ryldor Gadriel." He narrowed his eyes in urgent concern, "What you speak of regarding the Prince and his plans, is it all true??? Is he here now, in Eresh??? And why have you come to warn us??"

Hold me.
Soothe me.
Love me.
Save me from my RAGE.

[Kiushapo]

Digesting the importance of the Yilthrem, Kiushapo crossed his arms over his chest, focusing his gaze on Neshjullotere.

"Put your blades away, I was not coming here to be fighting over women and I am doubting you would want to be testing yourself against me."

Taking the Yilthrem from his pocket he twirled it in his fingers, shifting his gaze to study Yllanalyiea's features. When he spoke, he spoke to her, cutting the enraged elf out of the deal.

"I will be returning this if you are giving us the antidote and leaving us alone. Otherwise, I will be giving your betrothed the fight he is wanting, and I will not be losing. Either way, I am thinking we will be getting the antidote."

Simple answers to life's questioning. T'would be a greater magic that I have ever been seeing.

[Ryldor Gadriel]

Ryldor was visibly taken aback when Caradol said his name. How did he remember that? I assumed that the higher-ups kept tabs on all of the students, but I wasn't there that long and we never met. Now I'm really glad I didn't stay in Ximax. I never would have been as good as him and I might have developed an inferiority complex.

"I must say I'm quite surprised you remember me. I didn't think I was particularly memorable," he said with a smile. The smile dropped as he continued. "Unfortunately, we don't have much time. The Prince only gave me 4 hours to find you and… well you can imagine what he wants done to you. He knows you know the truth about the Princess and he's not going to risk the info getting out. As soon as he's sure you've been eliminated or the deadline passes, the Shivering Woods, with everyone in it, are going to go up in smoke. I figure with got less than 3 bells to stop him."

"As for why I'm here," Ryldor said with a roll of his eyes, "I have NO idea."  

It is not enough to conquer; one must learn to seduce. ~ Voltaire

[Khiera Meneris]

Neshjullotere was offended and disgusted by Kiushapo's ... arrogance. He crossed his blades and stepped forward, ready to charge -- until Kiushapo turned nonchalantly towards Yllanalyiea.

"I will be returning this if you are giving us the antidote and leaving us alone. Otherwise, I will be giving your betrothed the fight he is wanting, and I will not be losing. Either way, I am thinking we will be getting the antidote."

Yllanalyiea's expression softened at the prospect of her beloved getting harmed. Her brother was right. Kiushapo had not acted dishonourably towards her, nor had he attempted to cause her harm, even though he had had ample opportunity to. It seemed like he was merely overly concerned for his human companion. Sighing softly, Yllanalyiea spoke, a little grudgingly, addressing both her beloved and Kiushapo, "I will hand over the antidote to you, if you come over and free me from my bounds."

As her words rang out, Elric had begun to stir, moaning and grunting softly ... it wouldn't be too long before he regained consciousness. His countenance had turned a sickly greenish yellow.

Neshjullotere was still raring for a fight, but he yielded to his betrothed's wishes, standing aside and looking guardedly at Kiushapo, ready to leap out at him again if he attempted to harm Yllanalyiea.

Caradol smiled weakly at Ryldor. "I would not have, if it was not for your incident that led to you departing the Academy. Your father had quite a few conversations with me regarding his concerns." He got up to his feet, weakened by the fresh wound on his shoulder, "But those are days long past, they are of little consequence right now. I have been fearing the Prince's intentions, it seems that my worst fears have come true." His eyes darted around their immediate vicinity, relieved that the tensed moment between Neshjullotere and Kiushapo had been diffused. Or he might have had to do something drastic. "We must ... get to the Ring of the Silver Hand, that was ..." A painful grimace crossed Caradol's aged, wrinkled expression, " ... where the Princess was left behind. Do you know how to get there, Ryldor? Time is fleeting!"

Hold me.
Soothe me.
Love me.
Save me from my RAGE.

[Mina]

Mina was glad that the dark elves left without a fight, and that the situation between Kiushapo and the Neshjullotere had been resolved relatively peacefully.  In any case, it was much better than getting into a messy fight, especially one which they had little chance of surviving.  

Turning her attention to the two mages, she heard them mention something about an academy.  The Academy?  Ximax?  Then Caradol is....Of course!  How many other powerful mages by the name of Caradol are there? I hope he doesn't mind the way I behaved towards him just now...

Meanwhile, Caradol and Ryldor had continued with their conversation, and Caradol was now talking about getting to the Ring of the Silver Hand.  Mina wondered if he was in any condition to do that though, noticing his grimace.  "Perhaps you should let me heal you first.  I don't think it's a very good idea to move about too much with such an injury.  I should be able to stop the bleeding, at least."  

There is no emotion; there is peace.
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
There is no passion; there is serenity.
There is no death; there is the Force.

[Ryldor Gadriel]

(OOC:Sorry for the short post)

Ryldor recoiled as memories of his last days at Ximax came flooding back. While the "incident" was never truly far from his mind, he hadn't actively thought about his father in what felt like ages. This just keeps getting better and better. I should have realized why he remembered me. The fact that Caradol actually knew Rundil wasn't helping any. The turmoil the offhand comment brought about was so great, the elf almost missed the rest of what Caradol was saying.

"Ring of the Silver hand. Never heard of it." he said dismissively. Oblivious to the near conflict between the two other elves, he walked over to Neshjullotere and said "The Ring of the Silver Hand. Where is it?"

It is not enough to conquer; one must learn to seduce. ~ Voltaire

[Kiushapo]

Nodding his agreement to the terms, Kiushapo approached the woman and unwound his belt from her wrists, setting the Yilthrem before as he stood again. Taking a moment to place the belt back around his waist, he held out his hand for the antidote, smiling roguishly.

"I am still thinking we should be going for that drink, but I will let it go if you are promising to take your love here in my place. I am recommending the Regal Rusik in town, if you are asking for Tilia and telling her Kiushapo sent you, I am thinking she will be glad to be serving you."

Glancing at Elric as he began to stir, he frowned "Now, how is this antidote being used?"  

Simple answers to life's questioning. T'would be a greater magic that I have ever been seeing.

[Khiera Meneris]

((OOC: To avoid this post turning out into a novel length monstrosity, there will be considerably trimming down of details ... don't feel cheated now ))

Yllanalyiea duly handed over the little vial of almost translucent liquid to Kiushapo once she was freed from her bonds ... rubbing her sore wrists with a sour look on her face, ignoring Kiushapo's little banter and gladly making her way to Neshjullotere's side.

"Now, how is this antidote being used?"  

A smirk lit up on Yllanalyiea's lips, "You will have to force feed it to your human friend, and be certain to force down every drop of it. He will probably bite ..."

Neshjullotere embraced Yllanalyiea with much relief, and was disgruntled when Ryldor stepped up and interrupted nonchalantly, the urge to deck him on the face simmering dangerously, "The Ring of the Silver Hand. Where is it?"

After considerable struggle and almost having a digit or two snapped off by a ferociously reluctant Elric,  Kiushapo managed to force Elric to ingest the antidote -- this was followed by a violent bout of spasming and retching of purging the poison out from his system.

Eventually, with a little persuasion from Yllanalyiea (and a little urging from Caradol in the form of the blessing of a deadly spell), Neshjullotere agreed to lead them to the Ring of Stones, as it was better known within the woods.

And so with a weakened and limping Elric, and a newly-healed Caradol, they made their way cautiously through the woods towards their destination.
((OOC: We'll assume that Elric needs to be uhm ... supported because he is still too weak ... and that task goes to ... Kiu!  Mina, you take care of Caradol ... Ryl ... just be your ... charming self hehehe ... Nesh and Yll will leave you when you arrive at the Ring. Commence posting at the Ring of Stones thread. Wait for a post from me first to set things up ))

Hold me.
Soothe me.
Love me.
Save me from my RAGE.

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