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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted May 25, 2021 09:44 PM |
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Archon's manor, Thessaloniki, Solun Region
Just as Vosh exited his room, Ivana would reach the bottom of the stairs, in view of her former employer if only for a brief moment. As she tried sneaking out of sight, however, she would see one of the servant girls - the same one Scav had dismissed - looking at her funny. She did not linger, however, offering a quick "breakfast is that way" as she vanished into the kitchen.
From what Simon could tell, the guard was assuring the dark-skinned man that the motley crew that had just arrived were guests and would not put Princess Alexia in any danger. Before the foreigner could respond, he'd turn his gaze toward one of the manor's side wings, where the whistle had been heard from just moments ago.
It was time for Corina to make an appearance, dressed in marginally more modest attire than what some of the guests had seen her the previous day. She glanced at the guard for a brief moment, before she started toward one of the corners of the manor, on the same side the guesthouse had been.
Right behind her, burst forth a pair of children, barely older than toddlers, both sporting full heads of silvery-white hair. They looked almost identical, if not for their hairstyles, marking one as a girl, and the other as a boy, and their bright eyes - green for the girl, violet for the boy. They ran as fast as their little feet could take them toward their suddenly animated target, giggling as they went.
The orthos would bolt upright and nearly toppled Cyrus over as it rushed to meet the two new arrivals halfway. As the twins crashed into the beast, the three devolved into a mass of fur and hair, with healthy amounts of slobber. The blonde servant girl would pinch the bridge of her nose and moved her hands to her hips, staring at them.
"Reagan, Teagan. you just took a bath!"
The twins looked up at her and smiled brightly, showing no sign of remorse. They nodded and offered "We know!"
While that scene was playing out, not terribly far from where Scav, Tarkas, and Simon were seated, two more people exited into the large atrium. Their presence was felt before either of them was seen or heard, but there was no mistaking it.
First was the archon, properly dressed for a change, albeit rather casually, and barefoot. His hair was loose over his shoulders, while his gaze was fixed on the twins and the dog, with an amused expression. He moved almost without making any sound as he made it to the table, reaching for a piece of bacon.
"...'mornin'..." was all that he offered to the rest between bites. "...coffee?"
Following him, significantly more dignified in demeanour, was a blonde woman that was only the same height as him thanks to the heeled sandals she wore. She was dressed in a more modest version of the outfits the servant girls were wearing, though she filled it much better. Her pale blue eyes took the small crowd in, while the thick mane she sported was combed to perfection. Her expression was almost haughty, with the only crack in the icy facade the warm smile as she watched the two children.
When she spoke, her accent clearly marked her as Avalonian, sporting what most contemporary observers would consider a posh English accent, though her pronunciation was near-perfect, her pitch and tone more pleasing to the ears than anything the gathered crowd had heard in recent memory.
"Good evening gentlemen, miss." She offered a slight nod of her head, keeping her hands in front of her as she addressed them. "I hope we did not keep you waiting for long. Please... eat, drink, we have much to discuss."
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You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted May 25, 2021 11:29 PM |
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Vosh rolled his eyes at the glimpse of Ivana, immediately starting to piece together the puzzle of their presence in the mansion.
I felt being watched as soon as I had arrived here, although I dismissed it as unhealthy paranoia. I did not have that feeling whilst in my room back at the inn, but any time I took to the streets the feeling came back. The arena, however... there it was, that feeling again, that time accompanied by the scantly clad woman. She was not present for the spectacle there; she had other things in mind. Observing me? Us? All of the "guests" perhaps? Then the encounter in the park... The green skinned girl, the blonde... priest? They mentioned that we were being watched over. The question regarding the purpose still stands... yes. I must find out, I must. Downstairs, the way outside, to the gathering by the sound of it. There must be answers to this. There must be... a catch.
The scholar fixed his posture, taking clearly a more serious appearance by moving his shoulders backward as well as his head. Using his metal rod as a walking aid, although completely redundant, he aimed to dignify his presence as he walked. And, indeed, it was an old trick that worked almost without an issue that he'd learned at a very young age from his former lecturers as a way to grab people's attention and also signify a degree of importance - a trait most important to anyone trying to captivate an audience's attention, especially of young students.
There is no need to try and hide myself from unwanted attention anymore.
Vosh moved with purpose - through the hallway, down the stairs, and into the unknown.
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted May 26, 2021 11:01 AM |
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Ivana pulled her dagger at the sight of the servant girl but since the encounter was abrupt, she was only able to pull it halfway that it was barely noticeable. Her heart beat fast, making her more alert. Although clueless with the words of what seemed to look a servant to her, she had understood her gesture. Like the person was directing her to go that way. Ivana was surprised too that she was not hostile and got the idea that she was to be expected in the place.
Thinking on what to do next, Ivana heard sounds from behind her, from above the stairs. Quickly, she turned in that direction. This time she pulled her daggers fully, one high, held close to her face almost covering her mouth and the other low, near to her side. When she got a visual of the person approaching she felt mixed feelings. Anger, confusion and hate arised. She would want to attack the wizard but she chose to stay still and discreet for the time being.
"Oh, it's just you," Ivana spoke, lowering her hand to an ease, "Why did you bring me here? What did you make me drink? I can't remember anything! You said our contract has ended and yet you dare to show your face?!"
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And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted May 26, 2021 11:39 AM |
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"Insolent rogue", Vosh hissed, "I had nothing to do with this, and certainly nothing to do with your choice to inebriate yourself! Step aside, I want to see what this is all about."
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted May 26, 2021 04:33 PM |
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"What did you say?!" Ivana snapped, ignoring the voice in her head. She threw her daggers to the floor and jumped towards Vosh who had already passed her. Her fist clenching tightly aiming for his head.
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And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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Gnomes2169
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Duke of the Glade
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posted May 26, 2021 04:59 PM |
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Simon would pass the coffee mug to the Archon when he asked for it, having just poured himself a cup, and he gives the man an understanding nod. The wampyri understood lacking eloquence at the moment... no one was a morning person. He offered a, "'Morning." in return. And took a bite of a piece of bacon.
When the lady of the house arrived, Simon perked up immediately at the sound of her voice, the conversation between the foreigner and guard entirely forgotten, and his eyes flicked over to look at her for just a moment. Internally he thought, That voice... pitch perfect, likely enchanted, very prim and proper. Should watch my actions to make sure I'm not being influenced.
And in response, a crackling voice sounded out in his head, a raven commanding him, It's a beautiful voice. You should steal it.
Simon's eye twitched almost imperceptibly as the fragment of his mentor that lived in his head spoke up, and he tried to mask the sudden flash of irritation by taking a sip of coffee. No. I am not stealing a voice. Both because I can't you stupid bird, and because it would be incredibly rude.
This is why you are the student, and I am the mentor. Try harder! Take the pretty voice! I want it!
Pointedly doing his best to ignore the spirit, Simon nods to the lady and he says, "Indeed, there is much to discuss." Setting down his cup of coffee he says, "Firstly, I assume, given the accommodations and the meal arrayed here, that we are guests in this place?" As he talked, little hints of the lady's accent would color his words, the raven in Simon's head pushing him to 'steal' that voice despite his objections and best efforts to resist.
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Yeah in the 18th century, two inventions suggested a method of measurement. One won and the other stayed in America.
-Ghost destroying Fred
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted May 26, 2021 08:15 PM |
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The strike landed. Vosh closed his eyes, and clenched his teeth in pain. He swung his rod around him, trying to create breathing room before concentrating on a somatic pattern for a spell.
And... Go!
But there was nothing. It did not take hold - it refused to take hold.
Magic-proofed?!
Quickly realizing this, he braced for another strike, holding the rod as a quarterstaff, ready to defend himself.
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Oddball13579
Supreme Hero
Grandmaster of the Hunt
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posted May 26, 2021 10:31 PM |
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The orthos barrels Cyrus over and he lands on his behind, a small laugh escaping him. He watches the two headed dog tackle two children to the ground, licking them and covering them in slobber. The children, one boy and one girl, squeal and laugh in glee. Twins he realizes. They look identical except for the differing eye colour and hairstyles. Cyrus lets out another raspy chuckle as the servant girl admonishes the twins and they respond with no remorse or guilt. He shakes his head.
Cyrus stares out at the courtyard, gaze moving to the tent where breakfast was. There were numerous other people now, the other guests it seemed. Selene and Alexander were also there, greeting them.
One was a young man, wearing polished armour. His thoughts were too bright and loud. Jubilant. The man practically radiated brightness and self-assurance. Naive, Cyrus realized. His mind was like looking at a bright light. Cyrus found himself squinting and cringing. He pulled away and moved on, not wanting to linger lest he get a splitting migraine from staring into the telepathic equivalent of the sun for too long.
The man next to him was more gruff, wearing gear that was more reminiscent of modern day technology, goggles, trench coat. It looked like he had batons attached to his hip but they were more specialized. Cyrus let his mind sweep over the man's. His thoughts were rough, grating against his mind like sandpaper. He was eyeing everyone with suspicion and wariness. On constant alert. Cyrus could understand that.
He moved over to the third guest. A blond man that carried himself with a grace and ease that came way too easily. Cyrus' eyes narrowed. He focused more of his attention on the man's mind. This man's mind was intriguing. It was fluid, sleek, smoky, and yet.... wait. He seemed to be arguing with himself over stealing a voice? What?
It's a beautiful voice. You should steal it. A voice cawed within his mind.
Cyrus flinched and pulled back from the blond's mind. He shivered as his mind settled back into his body fully, no longer stretched between his own and someone else's. It felt like their was fog in his head now. Okay, so the blond definitely had some form of psychosis.
Cyrus shook his head, trying to shake the vestiges of the voice and fog from his head. That definitely wasn't something he had been expecting. The Institute had taught him to navigate broken and damaged minds, usually having him being the one to break them. But, still, further dives into the blond's mind would require more care on his part.
Cyrus stood up and dusted himself off. Letting his scaled cloak fall around him and cover his body. Feeling eyes on him he looked up to see Selene staring at him. Before he could even react her presence slid into his mind, bypassing his passive defences. Her voice sounded in his head. Gentle and pleasing, verging on arrogantly posh.
I would appreciate if you could escort the other two otherworlders here before they destroy my house
Cyrus threw all his shields up. All ninety-nine walls. The proverbial door slammed in face. It was a panic response, a knee-jerk reaction. An intrinsic need that had been bred and beaten into him. People responsible for mental intrusions were to be killed. No excuses. It was programming that Cyrus had been trying his hardest to circumvent. So far the best he could manage was kicking them out of his head as fast as he could.
Cyrus swallowed down the bile and panic. The Institute used to break through his shields all the time. Training him to be better, stronger. It was like a home invasion while you were in bed, but in your mind. He looked over at Selene. It was impossible to tell if she was offended or not, or if she understood what her actions meant to Cyrus. And right now Cyrus didn't care.
His feet were moving before he could even fully register what was going on. Putting distance between himself and the others. That was what he needed the most. Distance. Put enough space between everyone and it would become easier to breathe. Everything was suffocating him now. Breathe Cyrus. Just breathe. In and out. In and out. Just breathe dammit! He started to walk. Looking more like a robot, stiff and stilted.
He moved towards the spot where he could just sense two other people, at the edge of the courtyard, just by the stairs. Fully hostile towards each. Their minds fiery and full of curses. Such strong emotions were enough to help suck Cyrus out of the anxiety attack. Slowly the anxiety bled out of his system, his movement becoming more fluid. He rested his hands on the hilt of his daggers.
A new fleeing crawled it's way through his body. Anticipation. He had been created for war, learning to expect and crave the next conflict was something that his creators had also programmed into him. Another bit of programming that Cyrus had tried to curtail. At his point it was a welcome distraction from the mounting anxiety.
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"Just slide her down a bit farther. I could wear her like a hat." - Gnomes
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted May 27, 2021 04:30 PM |
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It hit. And that felt good, that her rage-filled mind somehow turned calm and clear. Ivana stood and eyed the wizard with despise, her trust in him slowly fading.
"I'm tired of this," she said as she picked up her daggers and gently sheathed them back. She then proceed to the direction opposite to where Vosh was headed.
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And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted May 28, 2021 05:09 PM |
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Vosh spat on the ground as Ivana turned from him. He started walking backwards, but not letting her get out of his sight as to not get caught by surprise again.
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted May 29, 2021 12:51 AM |
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"Hm, yeah. It would be nice to finally have some answers, but I guess in the meantime we have our fellow adventurers to sort things out with. I'm assuming they're in the same position we are, but you can never be sure." He lowered his voice. "Maybe one of these 'guests' is really our host in disguise, curious to see what we might do while we think he's not watching. It could be anyone here, could even be you. For all you know, could be me."
He scanned the courtyard again, feigning ease as he did so in case anyone were to notice. He thought he noticed the man petting the strange dog looking at him, but could not seem to catch his gaze.
Suddenly, Scav's head rang with a furious and tremorous pain and the world fuzzed around him, causing him to miss whatever Tarkas said in reply. The pain grated his nerve endings until they seemed fit to burst alight, and then was gone as suddenly as it came. He wiped his nose as he recovered, barely registering the red smeared over his finger.
"I...think I might need to go lie down," he said. Without waiting for a reply he started back toward the corridor. Behind him, two new voices announced the arrival of the archon and a woman he supposed was the archon's...paramour? The man didn't seem the type to take a wife. Scav didn't have the energy to ponder things through more deeply, so he waited only long enough to catch the archon's gaze and give a quick nod before heading off to the solace of solitude.
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>_>
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Geny
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
What if Elvin was female?
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posted May 29, 2021 08:04 AM |
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"Scav?.."
Tarkas started after his partner, but paused when the archon and the blonde woman arrived.
"Good morning, sir! Thank you for the hospitality and the wonderful breakfast. Ummm.... I know that technically I'm no longer responsible for my companion, seeing as we met again, but I still worry. I'll be back as soon as I am able and hopefully he will too."
He gave the archon a short yet sharp salute and ran after Scav, catching up to him near the stairs.
"Are you alright, friend? Anything I can do to help? If you didn't sleep well enough, may I at least guard you while you rest? It doesn't seem like we're in danger here now that the archon has joined us, but it's still an unfamiliar territory and I would hate if something happened to you while I was not there to help."
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DON'T BE A NOOB, JOIN A.D.V.E.N.T.U.R.E.
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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted May 29, 2021 09:50 PM |
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Archon's manor, Thessaloniki, Solun Region
Before everything seemingly unraveled, the archon would decline the coffee offered by Simon, reaching instead for a glass of what appeared to be cold coffee brought to him by one of the servant girls. He winked at her before looking back at the man.
"I was offering, not asking... but thanks." He gave a rather cheeky grin before taking a long sip through the straw.
His woman would offer Simon a faint nod in response. "Indeed. Even though the means through some of you arrived here were ...unconventional." She glanced to the archon who just gestured for her to continue. As she turned her attention to the Dacian, she would perk a brow slightly, then glanced briefly toward Cyrus. The man captured her gaze for a few moments before her lips curled into a hint of a smile as he left to go deal with Vosh and Ivana and she turned back to the Dacian once more.
"It would not be proper for me to continue without everyone being present, however... and right now, that seems rather un-" She paused as Scav and Tarkas excused themselves, then pursed her lips and turned towards the archon. "--likely." It was next to impossible to miss the venom in her voice.
The archon gave a light shrug, meeting her gaze seemingly unphased, then took another sip and moved toward the twins and the two-headed dog. "We still have time. Let them be, for now." He glanced at Simon, gesturing him over.
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You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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Gnomes2169
Honorable
Undefeatable Hero
Duke of the Glade
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posted May 30, 2021 08:55 AM |
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The archon’s dismissal of the offered coffee gets a grunt from the wampyri, who tops his cup back up with the piping hot pot. “Suit yourself. It’s been quite a few months since I’ve been able to have a properly warm cup of dirty bean water, and if I don’t have to share, then...” Ironically, he’d found more home-made frozen confectionaries in the towns he’d stopped in as a merchant’s guard, sherbet and frozen cream made and chilled in root cellars being easier to come by than coffee beans that were not native to the area and demanded a much higher luxury tax.
Simon watches the two other table guests leaving, and he notes the sudden appearance of blood on the less-radiant one’s face, which makes him narrow his eyes. Odd. Hopefully that was a chronic condition and not an infection. He doesn’t say anything as the two leave, though the raven in his head shouts, ”Their bacon is unguarded, if you aren’t going to take that voice , stupid student, at least swipe a slice of bacon!”
... So he takes a slice of Tarkas’ bacon as he takes his new seat closer to the Archon. “Well. That was... odd. But on to other matters. Archon, I heard about the offer you put out after your show in the arena, and I assume our current situation has something to do with that. And that makes this somewhat fortunate, since I’m recently unemployed and was planning to come here regardless... but was the drugging necessary?” Simon doesn’t sound accusatory, in fact his tone is quite formal, but with one brow raised his expression would ask, ‘but really, was it?’
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Yeah in the 18th century, two inventions suggested a method of measurement. One won and the other stayed in America.
-Ghost destroying Fred
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Oddball13579
Supreme Hero
Grandmaster of the Hunt
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posted June 01, 2021 12:25 AM |
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Cyrus watches as the two the Witch had sent him to retrieve seemed to devolve into a fist fight. Or, a rather short lived one. The woman throws a punch and lands it squarely in the man's face. The man recoils and draws the staff that was slung across his back. Using it to put some distance between himself and his assailant.
The woman calms down. Her anger fizzling out. She sheathes her daggers and spins on her heel, stomping away from the man. He increases his pace.
Cyrus reaches the man first. "Go see the Archon and the Witch" He snaps. Not bothering to stop his stride, he simply turns and begins to walk backwards. He makes sure to catch the man's eyes and points toward the breakfast tent and their hosts. For added measure he briefly dips inside the bald man's head, mentally nudging him. Making sure that what he wanted and his intent was getting across.
Forgetting about manners and privacy entirely, slipping back into the man he was before he escaped. The only thing that he was concerned with was the mission. Nothing else mattered. Hurt feelings and distrust meant nothing.
Cyrus spins on his heel, scaled cloak fluttering as he continues after the woman. Noticing that she is walking faster, he starts to jog. "Oi! Wait!" He calls after her.
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"Just slide her down a bit farther. I could wear her like a hat." - Gnomes
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted June 01, 2021 11:37 AM |
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Vosh's eyes widened for a brief moment as he realized that the strange man peered into his head, but quickly returned to a mix of an angry and annoyed frown. He reassumed his previous posture, and began walking in the direction the man came from.
Hopefully there will not be any more incidents like this here. Let's just see what kind of company I have gotten myself into.
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Ghost said: Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted June 03, 2021 04:14 PM |
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Ivana ran away at the sight of the newcomer. She concluded the man as one of Vosh's hired mercenary, or, perhaps a guard of the villa. But when he spoke, Ivana froze. Slowly, she turned to look at the man. Another person who spoke her language. She thought if he also came from their world then he must be connected with the wizard. Spiteful and confused, the rogue continued to where she's headed, determined to get out of the place.
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And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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Oddball13579
Supreme Hero
Grandmaster of the Hunt
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posted June 04, 2021 09:15 PM |
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Cyrus takes off after the woman. If it's a chase she wants, it's a chase she'll get.
His heart beats faster as the adrenaline starts to leak into his system. There was nothing better than a chase. Like a wolf chasing down the rabbit.
At any other time, Cyrus would be concerned that he was slipping back into old habits and training and programming that he had tried to undo and free himself from, but Selene's invasion of his mind has left him rattled and he is on autopilot. A defense mechanism. Default to his programming and stop worrying about the world around him. Who he was at his core was tucked safely away in the back of his mind, the Institute's training taking control while he curled in on himself. Trying to protect that precious shred of individuality he had been growing and nurturing since his escape.
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"Just slide her down a bit farther. I could wear her like a hat." - Gnomes
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Galatea
Supreme Hero
Well, I'm Ceres!
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posted June 05, 2021 04:07 PM |
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Ivana ran faster, looking for the exit or a corner to turn to and lost the man chasing after her.
____________
And she told you, laughing down to her core, so she would not cry, as she lay on your lap,
"Nobody here can live forever, quiet in the grasp of dusk and summer."
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Lith-Maethor
Honorable
Legendary Hero
paid in Coin and Cleavage
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posted June 05, 2021 09:23 PM |
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Archon's manor, Thessaloniki, Solun Region
With her mind focusing on finding an exit, Ivana would ignore some of the finer details of her predicament. One of them was the growing warmth deep in her chest, lasting for only a few brief moments before she crossed a doorway. Unable to stop in time, she would go blind for a few seconds as darkness engulfed her and her pursuer.
To any onlooker, Cyrus had followed the thief through the doorway, both of them vanishing into thin air a moment later. There was no sign of them ever been there, and they were nowhere to be seen on the other side of the door.
---somewhere---
As soon as their vision cleared, the pair would realise they were in the middle of what looked like a vast plain. Massive monuments were scattered throughout, in styles more numerous than they could count. Most of them were made of stone, granite, or metal, but other materials were present. Perhaps the most visually impressive ones were those seemingly carved out of crystals and precious gems, glowing faintly amidst the otherwise grey scenery. A thick mist covered everything up to ankle level, undisturbed by any kind of wind, while faint lanterns marked what appeared to be crossroads.
"...what are you two doing here?"
The voice spoke in each person's native language at the same time and was attached to what looked like a young woman in her mid-twenties at most. She had wild raven hair and pale skin, nearly white in fact. Her eyes held a faint grey colour that looked almost green or blue at certain angles. She was not stunning like some of the other women they had met recently, but easily on the attractive side, and there was something intimately familiar about her, like meeting a loved one you had almost forgotten.
She wore a black leather jacket on top of a white crop top shirt, black jeans, and hiking boots of the same colour. Hanging from her neck was a silver ankh, while a tattoo - similar but not identical to the one worn by the Idurat Princess - was around her right eye. She was standing near one of the lanterns, in the process of lighting it, but started toward the pair.
"It is not your time yet."
____________
You are suffering from delusions of adequacy.
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