The Slumber

1. The Slumber

   #1

   The city was deathly quite. The only sound that could be heard was the whistling of the wind. A fog covered the streets, which were deserted. Merchant stalls were turned over, horses lay slaughtered on the floor in a pool of their own blood. A huge battle had taken place here, but not of sword or magic. A much more vile thing had struck the people of Carentan. Izlude walked through the mist with a steady stride.
   
   He was moderatly handsome, his hair was short and brown. He had green eyes that were so bright, it seemed to show his life force. He wore a full suit of armor, covered only by a, a poncho. If it was laid on the floor it would look like a long clothe with a hole in the middle. His brown belt held it tight to his waist, and his scabbard held his longsword. He had named it Hard Edge, which was actually quite an understatement. Hard Edge was a very unique sword. It had a silver handle and guard, with a circular red ruby in its center. The blade was made of a red crystal, It looked fierce in battle.
   
   A week earlier, Izlude was summoned by King Leone. He was well known for his battle skill, he was a soilder in many wars, and had won countless tournements. So, he knew he was called to fight an enemy of the king. Sure enough, Izlude was asked to go check out the wealthy inhabited city of Carentan. It seemed that anyone who entered never returned.
   
   Izlude had only just entered the entrance to the walled city, the huge gates were wide open. He walked a bit further, then stopped suddenly. He drew Hard Edge and held it in front of him. "Whos there? Answer me!"  

2. Re: The Slumber

   #2

   "And who are you, sir, that you've come to this town of death with a sword worth a small fortune?"  A shadow detatched itself from the wall, stopping a healthy distance from Izlude.  It resolved itself into a young man in a tattered gray cloak.  He was tall and thin to the point of gauntness, and had a shock of unruly black hair.  His clothes were covered by his cloak, as were any weapons he might carry.  "Five days I've been in this accursed city, and you're the first living man I've seen.  More's the pity."  He bowed slightly.  "I am Moraten Li, guardian of Princess Althista of Jernos."

3. Re: The Slumber

   #3

   OOC: First off, id like to say that it is a great pleasure to rp with you Ria, I've read alot of your posts, and there good! Thanks for coming!
   
   IC: What is a gaurdian doing here? Izlude withdrew Hard Edge, although he was ready to strike if need be. "I am Izlude Claiborne, I have been sent by King Leone to investigate this town. If you are indeed who you say you are, then what is your buisness here, and where is Princess Althista?" He asked in a polite but doubtful voice. It would be good to have company, even if the company is so....creepy

4. Re: The Slumber

   #4

   Pantera moved slowly through the ruin of one of the houses, it's former inhabitants lay in cold splatters of blood. She picked through the jewelry box of the lady of the house. One look at her death paled face told Pantera that the woman wouldn't be needing any more of her jewelry. Some of she donned, the best way to carry an emeral necklace was around her neck. She checked the jewel in the reflection of a shattered mirror. The pendant sat snugly between her breasts, cold against her skin.
   
   For the tenth time, she pushed her hair out of her face, the novelty of the black barring having worn off some time ago. More jewels, mostly loose stones and some gold chain went into her small knapsack she wore around her waist. she hefted several gold coins she had taken from another corpse and guessed the mixture of colored stones to be worth more, she tossed them over her shoulder. She cringed as the metal coins rang against the flagstone floor of the house.
   
   What if someone heard...she felt like a silly goose. Who would hear a lone treasure hunter, part time thief in a dead city. Pantera had no fear of the dead, or the undead for that matter, she had faced both and had come away alive in both circumstances.
   
   Then she heard voices...
   
   (OOC - Pantera's hair demonstrates stiping like a tigers, rather than streaking, or some other form of artificial hair coloration)

5. Re: The Slumber

   #5

   "My lady and our party were part of a diplomatic convoy set upon by brigands.  We hoped to find some authority within these walls to protect us.  The city, however, was as you see it.  We scattered to find help.  All we found was death.  I do not know what killed my associates, for I never saw.  Ten of us there were, and seven I have found, and seven I have buried.  My lady and our guide I have not seen, and I do not know if they live still.  But I cannot leave without them."  Moraten stopped as the sound of metal on stone rang out from somewhere nearby.  He produced a jointed metal staff from under his cloak and locked the segments in place.  "We are not alone."

6. Re: The Slumber

   #6

   At this Izlude once again drew Hard Edge. He was a trusting person, and so he followed the sound, and called out "we know some one is there! Now come out peacefully or we'll drag you out!" He didnt like to draw first blood unless provoked, and he almost always gave fair warning to those under his blade. He was a fool that way.

7. Re: The Slumber

   #7

   Redwick Undersoor, half-dwarf explorer with a knack at getting into troublesome situations, looked up from his map. Then he looked down again. And up. And down.
   
   "I've been tricked!"
   
   Some days earlier, he had bought the map he was holding from a particulary sleazy-looking scoundrel in Gwysine, a port town whose primary imports were alcohol and primary exports were villains and thieves. He had come from over the sea on his long long jorney to explore the world around him (how many years had it been? Ten? Twenty? A hundred?), and needed quick information on the land he was now standing in. That was probably why he had bought the damn map from the damn scoundrel.
   
   The map indicated that this city, Carentan, was a centre of trade and well-being, with plenty of nice little bars and generally friendly athmosphere. Obviously, it wasn't anymore. Good thing the half-dwarf still wore his dented old red armour and still had a sword of some kind. He scratched his red-haired head and wondered what to do next. Then he noticed some people who actually seemed to be alive. They seemed to be wary of something.
   
   "OI! What's going on here? What's happened to Carentan?"

8. Re: The Slumber

   #8

   Moraten glanced at in the direction of the shout, then redirected his attention to who or whatever was skulking about in the other direction.  He did, however, wish that these people would quit insisting on drawing attention to themselves.  Although maybe the noise would get the attention of the princess, or Saja...  No, don't think about that, concentrate on the possible threat.  "I do not know what happened here, nor do I much care.  Perhaps you might help this other fellow determine that information?  My advice will be limited to avoid going off by yourself, and maintain a low profile if possible.  Death walks this city, and I do not know in what form."

9. Re: The Slumber

   #9

   Izlude simply nodded. He headed over to the confused looking dwarf. He took out Hard Edge, "This town is under investigation under the authority of King Leone of Isereth. I am Izlude Claiborne, and...." He thought for a moment, "are you looking for a well paying job?" He had found two people who seemed well equipped, and he wondered if Leone would pay them for their services in this matter. Izlude was no coward, but he usually worked alone, and it was good to talk to someone in the dark missions he was often sent on.

10. Re: The Slumber

    #10

    Redwick's eyes shone up at the mention of a "well paying job", though he wondered what job there was left to do in a city like this, at least any job involving swords. And nice swords, at that.
    
    "How well paid are we talking here...?"
    
    He would need some cash to continue his travels, and some more to keep simply because no true dwarf (or in this case, half-dwarf) would ever be without at least a small treasure.

11. Re: The Slumber

    #11

    "A small fortune to be sure" Izlude said, as if reading his mind. "But you still havent told me your name" he said now making his way towards Moretan "we have another guest over here, follow me."

12. Re: The Slumber

    #12

    Moraten started advancing towards whoever was hiding.  He might as well go with this... investigator.  He had spoken truly; he really didn't care what had happened here.  And he didn't need the money.  But it clearly wasn't safe to wander this city alone; in fact, he counted himself lucky that whatever had killed his companions hadn't gotten to him yet.  And it might help in his own quest, as he was no tracker.  After all, he had promised them he'd never leave without them.

13. Re: The Slumber

    #13

    "A small fortune, eh? I like the sound of that..."
    
    Redwick noticed that the two seemed to be looking for someone in hiding. He decided to use his usual solution to that kind of problem.
    
    "HELLO?! ANYONE HERE?!"

14. Re: The Slumber

    #14

    "Hey, no one needs to get ugly or anything. There is enough loot here for everyone." Pantera said, she had hoped that she had been overlooked, but it seemed that was not the case. Sometimes being a thief had it's disadvantages, and at the moment, being draped in several layers of necklaces and wearing ringss and bracelets enough for a troop of Princesses was usually not one of those. "Finders keepers, you know."

15. Re: The Slumber

    #15

    Redwick gave Pantera an aproving look. Resourcefull girl, that. He had personally never really been interested in thieving, it usually lead to trouble. And he usually had enough trouble as it was.
    
    "Right, um... Do you know what's going on here, miss?"

16. Re: The Slumber

    #16

    Moraten looked at the girl with narrowed eyes.  It wasn't any of his business if a thief wanted to loot the dead, but there was always the possibility someone hadn't been quite dead when she had removed their belongings.  Still not any of his concern.  But something to watch out for.  None of the jewelry he could see looked like the princess's, but she was wearing too much for him to be sure.  He'd get a better look later.  She didn't look much like she'd pose much of a threat to him; appearances could be decieving, of course.  He didn't drop his guard.

17. Re: The Slumber

    #17

    Pantera gracefully exited the house she had hidden in by means of a broken window. The lengths of chain and jewels clattered and clinked as she moved. She was cautious, outnumbered three to one by a pair of rough looking men and a dwarf. She seemed to remember some bawdy tavern song that strated with such a premise, but it didn't end well for the lone girl. The weight of her one dagger, tucked into the back of her belt didn't seem like much of a comfort compared to the swords and such the others were carrying.
    
    "So, A couple of months ago, I get a letter from my sister. She used to live here. Wanted me to come and visit, she worked in a jeweler's shop and couldt up and leave for no reason, right?" She said, the words coming a tad fast and at times trying to pile up on top of one another, like too many logs going downstream at the same time. "So, being a country girl I packed up some stuff and decided to pop in, say high, get a look at the big town. I get here, everyone's dead, place is trashed. I couldn't find her body, so I've been looking from house to house."
    
    "Can't tell what happened though. Some of the places look like they were attacked, others looked liek they just fell over dead of surprise." She said, a tremor shaking her voice.

18. Re: The Slumber

    #18

    "Well, I certainly don't have any reason to be here. I oughta go back Gwysine and tell that scoundrel map-seller a thing or two..."
    
    Then he remembered the well-paid job. He turned to Izlude with greed in his eyes.
    
    "Oh yeah! There's gonna be some investigatin' right? So, where should we start?"

19. Re: The Slumber

    #19

    "I am Izlude Claibourne, I was sent here by king Leone to investegate, and exterminate, the source of Carentan's distubance. Will any of you help me?"

20. Re: The Slumber

    #20

    Redwick bowed.
    
    "I'm Redwick Undersoor, half-dwarf explorer, and I came here to get some drinks and a bit of rest. I've got some skill with the sword and some with the mind, and I'm ready to serve if there's gold involved."

21. Re: The Slumber

    #21

    Crap! Sorry guys, i was really sick for a few days, I posted quick, reread my last post and we wont have to re introduce ourselves. Well except me. Thats all I seem to say. Dont leave!!!

22. Re: The Slumber

    #22

    (OOC: For out of character stuff, please mark it as such.)
    
    Moraten shrugged.  "I will come with you, but as I have said, my interest does not lie in discovering the cause of this.  I have but one goal, and that is to find my missing companion and my lady."

23. Re: The Slumber

    #23

    (OOC: Is this dead?)

24. Re: The Slumber

    #24

    No! :)
    
    Izlude wlked past the group of people. "either come or leave, I need to move on.

25. Re: The Slumber

    #25

    "Righto."
    
    Redwick followed Izlude through the ruins.
    
    "So, where do ya reckon we should start investigating? Is there some castle or other central government-building? Or perhaps..."
    
    His mouth watered.
    
    "...a bar?"

26. Re: The Slumber

    #26

    "Seeing as this is a city, I am sure we could find a bar."  Moraten fell into step next to the others.  "However, once found..."  He glanced at the corpse of a man lying in what he presumed to be his own blood.  "I should not imagine that drinking anything found there would be advisable."

27. Re: The Slumber

    #27

    "We need to find out what killed these people, I suggest we start with the most setting area in this huge city. The cemetary." Izlude stopped. He drew Hard Edge and stabbed into the shadows. A shreik was let out that stung the ears with emense pain. "Hurry up, we need to defeat these Shreikers" Out of nowhere there came dozens of Shreikers, their sleek black bodies darting through the night. Mildly tall, Izlude knew they were a dangerous threat in groups, their sharp teeth able to rip bone and flesh. He swung at a few trying to hold them off. It was difficult to see them in the night.

28. Re: The Slumber

    #28

    Moraten whirled his staff around, knocking Shriekers away from him.  "Unless you know a way of dealing with these things more efficiently, I might suggest retreating to better ground."

29. Re: The Slumber

    #29

    Izlude slashed at a few more before nodding his head. "you  know this city better then us, lead the way."

30. Re: The Slumber

    #30

    Redwick was a little shocked when screaming monster jumped out of... well, nowhere. He hated when things apeared out of nowhere.
    
    "Shriekers, y'call 'em?" he asked as he cut through one with his sword by pure luck. At least the things could be hurt. Then he heard the suggestion that they should retreat. His dwarven side cringed at the idea, no true dwarf would ever retreat. But his human side was more sensible, so he agreed.
    
    "Right, we'll make a tactical movement to a better fighting-position..."
    
    He would never admit to retreating.

31. Re: The Slumber

    #31

    Closing her ocean blue eyes as she could only smell and see the dead. Just what had come into this small town she had not a clue. Only that her job here was already dun before she could even step into the town. It was her orders to come and steal something back for an old friend. Now she was not only going to have to find out who took it before her. Oh no she had to also find out who the people where walking freely into this place. Taking a deep breath she leaped out of the tree tops. Her short lather shirt flowed around her tanned legs as she landed almost soundlessly. Brushing strands of jet-black hair she started her way to them. Her eyes looking onto the weapons as well as the way they regarded themselves. Just who where they? A warm light smile touched her lips. “So I guess names are in order. Mine is Snake…and your selves?”
    
    Never did she drop her guard as her dagger hung freely onto the sides of her hips. Still she had more down the inside of her boots hidden from preying eyes. Among the daggers was her bow and arrows strapped onto her back. Stills he stood her ground keeping her eyes on all things around her. Ready for what ever was to come.

32. Re: The Slumber

    #32

    (OOC: Ah. Roselyn, we're kind of in the middle of being attacked, just so you know.  And take nothing my character says personally.)
    
    Moraten spun around, knocking a shrieker away from the strange woman.  It hit a nearby wall with a nasty splat.  "Either get out of the way, or get your weapons out, you little fool!" he bellowed at her, then twisted away to deal with another monstrosity.  "Thrice-bedamned onna."  He glanced at the others.  "I would suggest finding an intact building with a stout door and few windows.  I believe there is what was once a money-lenders establishment two blocks up this street."  Then, without pausing to see if the others were following, he started fighting his way through the press of shriekers, in the direction he had indicated.

33. Re: The Slumber

    #33

    "Money lenders, eh?"
    
    Redwick followed Moraten through the ruins, waving for the rest to come along.

34. Re: The Slumber

    #34

    Izlude hacked his way past the strange woman. Snake, why does that name sound familiar? He sliced into the back of a shreiker, it cut easily, as if the beast were made of butter rather then flesh and bone. He made his way to Redwick, "so your a half dwarf huh? Im sure you can lend a hand in this fight then, it should be hard to defend ourselves when we get inside" Izlude continued to fight the shriekers, their loud wails filled his ears  with pain.

35. Re: The Slumber

    #35

    It was hard to see through the darkness and fog and she wished that she was currently deaf but she took a deep breath and focused like she had been taught. Amithranial nocked an arrow and let it fly, nocking another before the first had struck one of the shadowy attackers. These seemed to be the only survivors, she did not want them to all meet a similer fate as the rest of the people of this city. She heard that nobody ever returned from Carenten and she was no coward, she wanted to see for herself. She let her arrow fly, taking down another shadowy attacker.

36. Re: The Slumber

    #36

    Pantera, more a lover than a fighter, decided that caution was the better part of valor and decided to make an escape of sorts. Calling on her rather questionable heritage, she sprouted thick black claws from the ends of her fingers and dug them into the wood and plaster of the outside of the closest building. such claws had in truth been intended for the ripping of raw flesh and the rending of limbs from bodies. Unfortunately for Pantera, the sight and scent of blood made her queasy and a rather poor fighter.
    
    She found a rough piece of roofing tile that had come loose in the last storm, she would have guessed, and slung it at one of the attacking shriekers. The creature flailed about wildly as some sort of thick syrupy liquid squirted up from it's gashed open head. After a few seconds, it collapsed to the ground, deflating like a punctured air-bladder.
    
    "Ick..." Pantera said as she looked for another suitable projectile.

37. Re: The Slumber

    #37

    "Stop throwing things at 'em and get moving unless ya want to get killed!"
    
    Suddenly, the Shriekers were hit with arrows.
    
    "Great, now someone's shooting too. I hope whoever it is is good at aiming..."

38. Re: The Slumber

    #38

    Amithranial shot again, piercing the flesh of yet another shrieker when she noticed the group was fleeing towards cover.
    "Cowards." she grumbled under her breath. She nocked another arrow and released it, mearly wounding a shrieker. Amith then noticed the shadowy movement of two shriekers that had broken off from the group and had taken notice of her. She slung her bow accross her back and jumped off of the overturned merchant stall and over a dead horse, sprinting straight towards the dusky creatures. The last thing she wanted was for the others to find cover and have all of the shriekers turn their focus on to her. She narrowed her eyes as she ran, all she could hear now was the thudding of her feet and the racing of her heart as she dashed streight at the shady creatures. Just before comming within reach, Amith moved to focus on the left one as they bounded towards her. Balling up her right fist and, with all of the momentum of her run, sends the shrieker to the ground with a blow to what she guessed to be the creature's chest, stopping her run dead upon impact. With a curse and a shake of her hand she reached for her twin swords strapped to her back, drawing them but not before the second shrieker chomped down on her right arm. With a howl she dropped the thin sword and detached the dark creature's head with her other blade. Panting she turned back to the one on the ground wich was attempting to scramble to it's feet but never made it before Amithranial ran it through with her blade. Sheathing her sword she picked the other up off the ground, She'd have to fight her way through the shriekers to get to the others, she ran towards the frey, her right arm hanging painfully limp at her side.

39. Re: The Slumber

    #39

    Izlude heard a scream from behind him. He turned to see a woman making her way towards him. "Everyone, theres someone out there, we need to save her!" He lashed out at the shreikers near him, and as he got closer he noticed the woman was wounded. " We have to hurry!" He would not stop till all were saved.

40. Re: The Slumber

    #40

    Moraten glanced behind him and satisfied himself that the woman in question was neither the princess nor Saja.  He fully intended to let the woman take care of herself, but a small voice in his head stopped him.  You're not that heartless, Mor.  Go help her.  I would, and you know it.  He grimaced; Saja wouldn't have thought twice about helping someone in need, and she'd probably never forgive him if he left the girl.  "Women will be the death of me," he muttered as he wheeled around to go help the stranger.  Yeah, but wouldn't it be a wonderful way to go? 

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