The sound of gentle footsteps echoed off the cold, damp stone as ragged leather boots tiptoed carefully along, stopping every so often to allow for total silence before proceeding forward again, cautiously and with practiced patience. It was times like these when the young tielfing girl felt most at peace – honing her skills in the art of tracking, stalking…and killing.
Yet she still had much to learn.
Her left cheek carried a hefty bruise, as did parts of her arms and upper chest. What would have seemed like extensive injuries on anyone else was only a series of slightly darker purple spots on her already purple-hued skin. Her skin tone did nothing to reduce the pain she felt, however. Her ugly, tattered leathers were torn and soaking wet. She hated wearing armor. It restricted her movement and tugged at her frame uncomfortably no matter how she tried to adjust it. It was, however, a necessary tool of the trade. It kept her skin in tact while she withstood beating after beating. Nevertheless, it was filthy and reeked of sweat and dried blood.
She gripped her weapons eagerly as she stepped carefully through the shadows of the dim corridor; taking comfort in the fact her faithful companion was with her while she trained. The quiet flicker of torchlight illuminated her serpent-like yellow eyes, which scanned the darkness for fresh prey.
“Easy now, Lucindra. You’re doing fine.”
She nodded, knowing that at any moment another watery beast could emerge from the foulness of the sewer. “You really think so?”
“Of course I do! After all, you’re still here. Remember the first time you explored these sewers? You barely escaped alive… and now look! You’ve killed how many? 12? 13?”
“Sixteen.” Lucindra snorted. “Sixteen and counting.”
“You see? That’s a huge improvement, isn’t it?”
“I suppose.” the tielfing mumbled through her teeth. Her eyes shifted left, then right. She listened attentively. Only the sounds of dripping water and the occasional rumble of a sewer pipe disrupted the quiet of the tunnel.
“What’s wrong, Lucy? You can talk to me...”
The tielfing girl’s lips curled into a slight frown.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Nothing new anyway.”
“People still bothering you?”
Lucindra nodded quietly, keeping her eyes focused on her surroundings and any signs of danger. “People are just all the same - ignorant and insecure. They never fail to disappoint me.”
“I know hun, but you can’t give up hope on everyone. Eventually, someone out there will impress you – make you feel alive, and cared for.”
“Doubtful..” Lucindra scoffed.
“You’ll see, Lucy. All it will take is someone to recognize your qualities. Then you’ll get the respect you deserve.”
“We’re supposed to be practicing…” the tielfing interrupted.
Lucindra couldn’t speak another word before a watery monstrosity sprang from the sludge of the sewers, wobbling awkwardly towards her. She ducked low as a huge watery arm passed clumsily overhead, then whacked a piece off the beast with a quick outward thrust. Rolling back into a defensive stance, she allowed the anomaly to advance, keeping her focus on the creature’s movements for possible weaknesses. The watery beast swung again, this time in a downward thrust, which Lucindra easily sidestepped. She followed up with a series of quick thrusts, each one spraying globs of rancid water in various directions. As her confidence rose, the tiefling’s posture relaxed. Her footsteps became lighter, and her movements more graceful.
“That’s it hun! Show this thing who’s boss!”
“I intend to..” Lucindra smirked, dodging another wild swing and countering with several quick jabs.
The battle lasted several minutes, but before she managed to kill her foe, Lucindra saw something from the corner of her eye.
“Lucy, behind you!”
In one clean, graceful movement, she quickly ducked and rolled to her left, narrowly avoiding the swing of her opponent and cutting into a second anomaly that managed to sneak up behind her.
“I saw it...” she snorted, taking up a defensive stance as both creatures lumbered forward, backing her into a corner.
Lucindra saw the imminent danger. She knew being trapped in a corner was something to be avoided, so she rolled forward, passing between the two creatures deftly, only to feel a painful slap in mid-roll. She managed to roll to her feet and quickly dispatched the wounded anomaly with a final strike to the face. The remaining beast staggered forward, but was met with a series of sidesteps and jabs that eventually sent it tumbling back to the floor.
“You see? Your skills are improving dear. Someone would be crazy not to want you as a friend.”
The tielfing dried her face with her forearm, letting out a sigh as she caught her breath. She made her way to the edge of a watery pool, kneeling down to wash the sludge from her hands. Looking into the pool, she saw an attractive young girl. Strands of reddish hair hung in front of her face, and a pair of piercing cat-like eyes accentuated her delicate features.
“Can I tell you something?” Lucindra asked softly.
“Of course, sweety.”
Lucindra gazed into the pool affectionately.
“You’re my best friend.”
The Tiefling's Tales
-
Lord Zhengyi
- Dasarian
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:44 am
The Tiefling's Tales
Last edited by Lord Zhengyi on Sun Mar 18, 2007 5:53 am, edited 1 time in total.
Lucy: Geez that ogre hits hard! But in some strange way, I like it...
-
Lord Zhengyi
- Dasarian
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:44 am
Thunder clapped violently and lightning flashed across the reddish sky in jagged spider web patterns as thick, crimson clouds rolled overhead with unnatural speed. Dust blew across the ground that choked the life from all but the hardiest of beasts while countless guttural roars and ear-splitting screams were underscored by the sound of clashing steel. The distant pounding of magical explosions was almost rhythmic, but most gruesome of all was the sound of countless feet trampling the bloody flesh of fallen warriors. It was a greasy, slippery sound – like someone chewing soft food with their mouth open. Cries rang out, and flashes of endless, horrific carnage played over and over in a mosaic of brutality and terror.
The images played faster, as steel hacked into reddish, well-muscled flesh and blood splashed upon every surface, eventually collecting in the rocky soil to form small rivers and pools across the volcanic landscape.
The images played faster, as a demonic head was impaled by a spear through the mouth, and the underbelly of a four-armed monstrosity was slashed, spilling forth a tidal wave of rancid innards.
The images played faster, as mutated insects buzzed incessantly as they feasted upon the rotting remains littering the horizon.
The images played faster, as millions of strewn bodies lie stacked in piles the size of mountains.
Lucindra gripped her bedsheets firmly with both hands. A fine layer of sweat covered her body, and her breathing was rapid and shallow. Her head rolled from side to side and her face grimaced as the images flashed through her mind, much like they had every night since she was a child.
“Can you see, Lucindra?” a low, booming voice inquired.
A giant reddish fist plowed into the face of a smaller creature, crushing it utterly and sending teeth, bone and blood spraying outwards in all directions.
Lucindra arched her back in the bed, tugging at the sheets violently.
“Can you see?”
A severed arm fell to the ground, gripping the handle of a giant sword. The fingers still twitched as blood tricked from the shoulder and the limb bounced slightly against the rocky soil. Maggots poured from open wounds.
“Can you see?!”
Lucindra’s breathing became more rapid. Her fingernails pierced the sheets, digging into the palms of her hands as her teeth clenched tightly.
“CAN YOU SEE?!!”
The shadowy outline of a well muscled creature could be seen in the mists of the carnage. His giant, leathery wings slid across his huge body and long, razor-like claws clicked together menacingly. Two yellowish, cat-like eyes pierced the shroud of darkness surrounding him, and the creature’s lips curled into a slight grin.
“This is you…”
“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Lucindra screamed, sitting up in her bed. Her body trembled uncontrollably as she clutched the tattered bedsheets and held them tightly to her chest. Her heart pounded, and her eyes darted from left to right. It was early morning. A single window allowed the moonlight to flood the tiny upstairs room at the Buck Inn. A thin curtain fluttered slightly in the breeze, and crickets chirped busily in the night time streets below. Lucindra’s breathing slowed gradually, and she swallowed hard as she tried to regain her composure.
It had been twenty years, and still this dream haunted her. Through never quite the same, it was always equally terrifying. She knew the images, the sounds, and the malevolent voice carried some sort of message. She just couldn’t figure out what.
Slowly, the tiefling girl placed her feet on the floor, making her way across the creaking wooden floor to the washbasin in the corner of her modest accommodations. She gathered some water in her hands and splashed her face several times. Glancing up into a small, cracked mirror against the wall, she let out a helpless sigh. Her head turned slighty from side to side as she surveyed the two tiny horns that protruded from her crimson locks.
“Is it my role in this life to suffer endlessly?” she whispered.
“Of course not, sweety.”
“Then why? Why was I born into poverty, and with demonic blood? Why did the other children beat me? Why did they expel me from the orphanage? Why do these dreams keep haunting me?” Lucindra asked, her voice trembling as she fought back tears.
“We’ve been over this before, Lucy. The challenges you have faced… the challenges you will face will make you a stronger person. You’ll see. Remember what that priest told you? Recompense is the birthright of the downtrodden.”
Lucindra snorted. “What the hells does that even mean?”
“In time, you will see, Lucy.”
Lucindra sighed and shook her head in surrender. Making her way back to the bed, she reached underneath it and dragged out a thick wooden box. Turning a brass key, the lid slowly creaked open, revealing a glistening collection of gold coins bearing the mark of Cearian currency. Many of the coins were stained with the tell-tale brownish residue of dried blood, but it did little to prevent the young tiefling’s eyes from lighting up like a child. She ran her slender fingers through them, and tilted the box from side to side, allowing the moonlight to glitter off the surface. There was something about shiny objects that always brought a smile to her face.
“You know what?” Lucindra asked softly.
“Yes, hun?”
Lucindra closed the box lid with a thump.
“I think I do see.”
The images played faster, as steel hacked into reddish, well-muscled flesh and blood splashed upon every surface, eventually collecting in the rocky soil to form small rivers and pools across the volcanic landscape.
The images played faster, as a demonic head was impaled by a spear through the mouth, and the underbelly of a four-armed monstrosity was slashed, spilling forth a tidal wave of rancid innards.
The images played faster, as mutated insects buzzed incessantly as they feasted upon the rotting remains littering the horizon.
The images played faster, as millions of strewn bodies lie stacked in piles the size of mountains.
Lucindra gripped her bedsheets firmly with both hands. A fine layer of sweat covered her body, and her breathing was rapid and shallow. Her head rolled from side to side and her face grimaced as the images flashed through her mind, much like they had every night since she was a child.
“Can you see, Lucindra?” a low, booming voice inquired.
A giant reddish fist plowed into the face of a smaller creature, crushing it utterly and sending teeth, bone and blood spraying outwards in all directions.
Lucindra arched her back in the bed, tugging at the sheets violently.
“Can you see?”
A severed arm fell to the ground, gripping the handle of a giant sword. The fingers still twitched as blood tricked from the shoulder and the limb bounced slightly against the rocky soil. Maggots poured from open wounds.
“Can you see?!”
Lucindra’s breathing became more rapid. Her fingernails pierced the sheets, digging into the palms of her hands as her teeth clenched tightly.
“CAN YOU SEE?!!”
The shadowy outline of a well muscled creature could be seen in the mists of the carnage. His giant, leathery wings slid across his huge body and long, razor-like claws clicked together menacingly. Two yellowish, cat-like eyes pierced the shroud of darkness surrounding him, and the creature’s lips curled into a slight grin.
“This is you…”
“AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!” Lucindra screamed, sitting up in her bed. Her body trembled uncontrollably as she clutched the tattered bedsheets and held them tightly to her chest. Her heart pounded, and her eyes darted from left to right. It was early morning. A single window allowed the moonlight to flood the tiny upstairs room at the Buck Inn. A thin curtain fluttered slightly in the breeze, and crickets chirped busily in the night time streets below. Lucindra’s breathing slowed gradually, and she swallowed hard as she tried to regain her composure.
It had been twenty years, and still this dream haunted her. Through never quite the same, it was always equally terrifying. She knew the images, the sounds, and the malevolent voice carried some sort of message. She just couldn’t figure out what.
Slowly, the tiefling girl placed her feet on the floor, making her way across the creaking wooden floor to the washbasin in the corner of her modest accommodations. She gathered some water in her hands and splashed her face several times. Glancing up into a small, cracked mirror against the wall, she let out a helpless sigh. Her head turned slighty from side to side as she surveyed the two tiny horns that protruded from her crimson locks.
“Is it my role in this life to suffer endlessly?” she whispered.
“Of course not, sweety.”
“Then why? Why was I born into poverty, and with demonic blood? Why did the other children beat me? Why did they expel me from the orphanage? Why do these dreams keep haunting me?” Lucindra asked, her voice trembling as she fought back tears.
“We’ve been over this before, Lucy. The challenges you have faced… the challenges you will face will make you a stronger person. You’ll see. Remember what that priest told you? Recompense is the birthright of the downtrodden.”
Lucindra snorted. “What the hells does that even mean?”
“In time, you will see, Lucy.”
Lucindra sighed and shook her head in surrender. Making her way back to the bed, she reached underneath it and dragged out a thick wooden box. Turning a brass key, the lid slowly creaked open, revealing a glistening collection of gold coins bearing the mark of Cearian currency. Many of the coins were stained with the tell-tale brownish residue of dried blood, but it did little to prevent the young tiefling’s eyes from lighting up like a child. She ran her slender fingers through them, and tilted the box from side to side, allowing the moonlight to glitter off the surface. There was something about shiny objects that always brought a smile to her face.
“You know what?” Lucindra asked softly.
“Yes, hun?”
Lucindra closed the box lid with a thump.
“I think I do see.”
Lucy: Geez that ogre hits hard! But in some strange way, I like it...
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Mon-da-oth
- Forum Troll
- Posts: 2013
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 2:21 am
- Main Player Character: Rhode Wraigh
- Other PCs: Reginald Schudotter
- Location: Edgewood, MD
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Mon-da-oth
- Forum Troll
- Posts: 2013
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 2:21 am
- Main Player Character: Rhode Wraigh
- Other PCs: Reginald Schudotter
- Location: Edgewood, MD
The air was thick with the scent of ash and brimstone as the crackling embers of volcanic rock floated chaotically along the breeze. Through the curtain of thick dust and soot, Lucy could see the all-too-familiar shadowy figure pointing his clawed finger in her direction and grinning malevolently. Try as she might, she couldn’t determine if the gesture was a threat, or some sort of beckoning.
“Lucindra, this is you…”
She suddenly felt herself falling backwards, as if the entire world had been pulled from under her feet. The wind howled violently in her ears until all she could hear was a deafening rustle. Her stomach churned as she flailed her arms and legs wildly in the hopes she could break her fall.
The only thing she touched was emptiness.
As suddenly as she began falling the ground reappeared beneath her and her body slammed painfully onto a field of grassy turf. She gasped for air, but couldn’t regain her breath. Opening her eyes weakly, Lucy noticed her hands were not the same. She glanced down at her body, which looked as it did when she was only a child. She grew more and more confused.
Before another thought could enter her mind, a small leather shoe – obviously one worn by a child - came from above and impacted her face. Lucy grimaced in pain, still struggling to catch her breath. Dozens of tiny fists and feet began pounding her face and arms mercilessly as the sound of children’s voices filled her ears.
“Get her! Get that freak!” they shouted. Some of the children laughed.
Lucy raised her arms to block the incoming blows, but it did little good. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth until all she could sense was a dull, repetitious thumping. Blow and blow stuck her, and she felt completely helpless.
Mustering all the breath she could, she screamed, “STTTOOOOOOOOPPPPPP!!!”
***********
A warm breeze blew carrying the light scent of salted sea air and musical notes. Birds drifted on the currents high above swooping down and then back up again and the wild flowers swayed gently in the field.
Rhode shook his head trying to clear the fog from it. His limbs felt leaden and it was hard for his eyes to focus. The more he tried to concentrate on any one image around him the harder it was to actually see what he wanted to look at.
The last thing he remembered was sitting at the bar with Luci drinking ales. Like many times before he had poured a few drops of the thick green poison into his ale and was starting to take a sip when she interrupted him.
“What’s that” she asked.
Rhode slid the glass vial towards her. “Is ain’t gonna stops ya if’n yous wants some but ya might want to watch wot it do to me first.”
She reached out and unstopped the vial holding it up to her nose. “Arggh, it smells terrible.” She placed the cork back in the vial and slid it back towards Rhode who slipped it back into his pouch.
“It taste even worse.” He replied taking a sip from his mug.
The poison burned as the ale rushed down his throat into his stomach where it sat and churned. Soon his head began to fog over and his hands started shaking. Sweat beaded on his forehead and his face turned pale.
Luci stared at him while she took another sip of her ale. “I think I will pass on that.”
Their drinking and conversation had lasted only a little while longer, both were tired from the days trouble making and they made their way to the upper level of the Buck to sleep off their weariness.
How Rhode had gotten to where he was now he wasn’t sure. Off in the distance, as best as his darkening vision would let him, he could see a man petting a cow affectionately and another was chasing a cat while a confused woman looked on.
Rhode tried to take a step to get a better idea of where he was. As he raised his foot the flowers grappled around his boots making each step seem as if he was walking in a salt marsh. After a few steps he was winded and leaned over to try and catch his breath.
He noticed the trampled flowers grew back in place as a musical note rang in his ear. Turning his head to the side while trying to suck air into his lungs he spotted another figure sitting under a tree holding a lute. Each time the figure strummed the lute flowers would spring up around him. He knew this person. He was sure of it but couldn’t be sure he recognized her.
Standing back up he snorted and spit. Angrily, he turned towards the woman with the lute and tore the grappling flowers up with each step as he stomped toward her.
“Who is she?” A voice behind him asked.
Startled he turned to face a robed woman. Her face was hidden in the shadows of a hood but the robe clung tightly to the woman’s body leaving little to the imagination.
He glanced back at the woman with the lute and then turned back to face the robed woman. “Pylia?”
“No, who is she?” The robed woman pointed off in another direction.
He turned to look in the direction indicated and jumped back falling into the flowers. Another robed woman appeared just a few feet from where he had been standing.
“Satinka?” He inquired.
“No, who is she?” three voices now asked around him. The figure with the lute had joined the other two standing around him.
Panic started to flood through Rhodes veins and he kicked with his heals trying to push away from the figures around him. He managed to stumble to his feet and draw his short sword. Hissing he turned towards the three women.
“Who am I?” The first one asked her voice almost recognizable.
“Teshalia?” Rhode stammered.
Rhode could see a smile appear on the lips of the first hooded woman as she slowly began to remove her hood. He stared as the hood slowly revealed the face of Luci, her horns protruding through her hair.
“What’s wrong Rhode do you not recognize me? Do you not remember who you serve?” The three women once again spoke in unison.
Darkness began to close around Rhode. The flowers wilted around his feet and were replaced with thorned vines. The air took on a chill and carried the stench of death with it.
“What is wrong Rhode? Are you having a bad dream?” Luci asked. Blood had started to run down her face.
“Coloth!” Rhode snarled and the three women broke out in laughter.
Rhode leaped at Luci as darkness continued to close in around him. His hand tightened around her throat and the point of his short sword started to bite into her neck.
She screamed.
The darkness was replaced with the gloom of predawn light. Rhode stared into Luci’s face, fear shown in her eyes and a chill breeze from the open window reminded him of his nakedness.
“Rhode?” Her lips trembled.
He released his grip from around her throat and pulled the point of his short sword away from her neck. A small drop of blood glistened on the black blade.
“Nah, nots todays. Yous still gots some use in yous.” Grabbing his pack he wrapped himself in his cloak and scurried out of the open window and onto the roof.
******
Lucy rolled out of the bed and hit the floor with a dull thud. She gasped for air and coughed violently as the breath returned to her lungs. She balled her fists tightly and squinted her eyes to fight back tears. Her whole body shook as she coped with the pain. She wouldn’t allow herself to break down. Somehow, in some way, in the back of her mind she knew it would spell the end of her.
At the young age of 20, Lucy was no less accustomed to beatings than the most seasoned gladiator. The scratch on her neck was merely one of many she would collect on any given day. Far worse was that she had allowed herself to trust someone, and in her eyes that trust had been shattered.
“Wha…what did I do?” she sobbed.
“Shhhh…. There, there sweety. It was only a bad dream.”
“Are you blind?! Rhode almost killed me!” she snapped back, still coughing slightly.
“I’m sure it was just a mistake, Lucy. Rhode is your friend.”
“There’s still “use” in me?! What am I, an old boot?!!” Lucy growled as she pulled herself back onto the bed.
“I don’t think he meant it that way, hun.”
“Screw what he meant, we’re finished he and I.”
“Don’t be that way, Lucy. You were just now learning to be happy for once in your life.”
“Oh, shut up,” the tiefling snapped, “you call this happy?”
Lucy rubbed her hand across her aching throat, her expression turning sour. Her breathing became more rapid as her face twisted into a sneer. Her despair turned to rage, and her eyes flashed with an uncharacteristic malevolence. She stood sharply from the bed and stormed to a nearby armoire that stowed her gear. Slapping together her possessions without saying a word, she stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
(This one was a group effort. We hope you enjoy it.)
“Lucindra, this is you…”
She suddenly felt herself falling backwards, as if the entire world had been pulled from under her feet. The wind howled violently in her ears until all she could hear was a deafening rustle. Her stomach churned as she flailed her arms and legs wildly in the hopes she could break her fall.
The only thing she touched was emptiness.
As suddenly as she began falling the ground reappeared beneath her and her body slammed painfully onto a field of grassy turf. She gasped for air, but couldn’t regain her breath. Opening her eyes weakly, Lucy noticed her hands were not the same. She glanced down at her body, which looked as it did when she was only a child. She grew more and more confused.
Before another thought could enter her mind, a small leather shoe – obviously one worn by a child - came from above and impacted her face. Lucy grimaced in pain, still struggling to catch her breath. Dozens of tiny fists and feet began pounding her face and arms mercilessly as the sound of children’s voices filled her ears.
“Get her! Get that freak!” they shouted. Some of the children laughed.
Lucy raised her arms to block the incoming blows, but it did little good. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth until all she could sense was a dull, repetitious thumping. Blow and blow stuck her, and she felt completely helpless.
Mustering all the breath she could, she screamed, “STTTOOOOOOOOPPPPPP!!!”
***********
A warm breeze blew carrying the light scent of salted sea air and musical notes. Birds drifted on the currents high above swooping down and then back up again and the wild flowers swayed gently in the field.
Rhode shook his head trying to clear the fog from it. His limbs felt leaden and it was hard for his eyes to focus. The more he tried to concentrate on any one image around him the harder it was to actually see what he wanted to look at.
The last thing he remembered was sitting at the bar with Luci drinking ales. Like many times before he had poured a few drops of the thick green poison into his ale and was starting to take a sip when she interrupted him.
“What’s that” she asked.
Rhode slid the glass vial towards her. “Is ain’t gonna stops ya if’n yous wants some but ya might want to watch wot it do to me first.”
She reached out and unstopped the vial holding it up to her nose. “Arggh, it smells terrible.” She placed the cork back in the vial and slid it back towards Rhode who slipped it back into his pouch.
“It taste even worse.” He replied taking a sip from his mug.
The poison burned as the ale rushed down his throat into his stomach where it sat and churned. Soon his head began to fog over and his hands started shaking. Sweat beaded on his forehead and his face turned pale.
Luci stared at him while she took another sip of her ale. “I think I will pass on that.”
Their drinking and conversation had lasted only a little while longer, both were tired from the days trouble making and they made their way to the upper level of the Buck to sleep off their weariness.
How Rhode had gotten to where he was now he wasn’t sure. Off in the distance, as best as his darkening vision would let him, he could see a man petting a cow affectionately and another was chasing a cat while a confused woman looked on.
Rhode tried to take a step to get a better idea of where he was. As he raised his foot the flowers grappled around his boots making each step seem as if he was walking in a salt marsh. After a few steps he was winded and leaned over to try and catch his breath.
He noticed the trampled flowers grew back in place as a musical note rang in his ear. Turning his head to the side while trying to suck air into his lungs he spotted another figure sitting under a tree holding a lute. Each time the figure strummed the lute flowers would spring up around him. He knew this person. He was sure of it but couldn’t be sure he recognized her.
Standing back up he snorted and spit. Angrily, he turned towards the woman with the lute and tore the grappling flowers up with each step as he stomped toward her.
“Who is she?” A voice behind him asked.
Startled he turned to face a robed woman. Her face was hidden in the shadows of a hood but the robe clung tightly to the woman’s body leaving little to the imagination.
He glanced back at the woman with the lute and then turned back to face the robed woman. “Pylia?”
“No, who is she?” The robed woman pointed off in another direction.
He turned to look in the direction indicated and jumped back falling into the flowers. Another robed woman appeared just a few feet from where he had been standing.
“Satinka?” He inquired.
“No, who is she?” three voices now asked around him. The figure with the lute had joined the other two standing around him.
Panic started to flood through Rhodes veins and he kicked with his heals trying to push away from the figures around him. He managed to stumble to his feet and draw his short sword. Hissing he turned towards the three women.
“Who am I?” The first one asked her voice almost recognizable.
“Teshalia?” Rhode stammered.
Rhode could see a smile appear on the lips of the first hooded woman as she slowly began to remove her hood. He stared as the hood slowly revealed the face of Luci, her horns protruding through her hair.
“What’s wrong Rhode do you not recognize me? Do you not remember who you serve?” The three women once again spoke in unison.
Darkness began to close around Rhode. The flowers wilted around his feet and were replaced with thorned vines. The air took on a chill and carried the stench of death with it.
“What is wrong Rhode? Are you having a bad dream?” Luci asked. Blood had started to run down her face.
“Coloth!” Rhode snarled and the three women broke out in laughter.
Rhode leaped at Luci as darkness continued to close in around him. His hand tightened around her throat and the point of his short sword started to bite into her neck.
She screamed.
The darkness was replaced with the gloom of predawn light. Rhode stared into Luci’s face, fear shown in her eyes and a chill breeze from the open window reminded him of his nakedness.
“Rhode?” Her lips trembled.
He released his grip from around her throat and pulled the point of his short sword away from her neck. A small drop of blood glistened on the black blade.
“Nah, nots todays. Yous still gots some use in yous.” Grabbing his pack he wrapped himself in his cloak and scurried out of the open window and onto the roof.
******
Lucy rolled out of the bed and hit the floor with a dull thud. She gasped for air and coughed violently as the breath returned to her lungs. She balled her fists tightly and squinted her eyes to fight back tears. Her whole body shook as she coped with the pain. She wouldn’t allow herself to break down. Somehow, in some way, in the back of her mind she knew it would spell the end of her.
At the young age of 20, Lucy was no less accustomed to beatings than the most seasoned gladiator. The scratch on her neck was merely one of many she would collect on any given day. Far worse was that she had allowed herself to trust someone, and in her eyes that trust had been shattered.
“Wha…what did I do?” she sobbed.
“Shhhh…. There, there sweety. It was only a bad dream.”
“Are you blind?! Rhode almost killed me!” she snapped back, still coughing slightly.
“I’m sure it was just a mistake, Lucy. Rhode is your friend.”
“There’s still “use” in me?! What am I, an old boot?!!” Lucy growled as she pulled herself back onto the bed.
“I don’t think he meant it that way, hun.”
“Screw what he meant, we’re finished he and I.”
“Don’t be that way, Lucy. You were just now learning to be happy for once in your life.”
“Oh, shut up,” the tiefling snapped, “you call this happy?”
Lucy rubbed her hand across her aching throat, her expression turning sour. Her breathing became more rapid as her face twisted into a sneer. Her despair turned to rage, and her eyes flashed with an uncharacteristic malevolence. She stood sharply from the bed and stormed to a nearby armoire that stowed her gear. Slapping together her possessions without saying a word, she stomped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
(This one was a group effort. We hope you enjoy it.)
-
Lord Zhengyi
- Dasarian
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 3:44 am
Lucindra crouched inside the tiny alcove in the rough-hewn wall, crossing her twin short swords across her chest. In the shadows beneath the city, her silhouette all but vanished into her surroundings. Hiding was something she did very well. After all, she’d been hiding for much of her young life - sometimes from others, and sometimes from herself. Shifting her cat-like eyes from left to right, Lucy listened intently for the sounds of movement in the nearby tunnels. Her face was a stone mask – cold, unmerciful, and void of any expression. The flickering torchlight was all that illuminated the damp and dismal corridor, and at times it reflected off two watery trails that ran down the tielfing’s cheeks. Many minutes came and went. All she heard was her own breathing.
Her thoughts began to wander as she lie completely motionless against the muddy wall, and her shifting gaze eventually settled until she was staring at nothing in particular. She found herself being whisked away to a place she remembered only in her dreams - full of bright, sunny skies and flowery fields speckled with dancing butterflies. An older human man with a neatly trimmed, silver beard bounced young Lucy on his lap, tickling her ribs until she’d giggle and squirm. The young tiefling’s face carried two black eyes and several missing teeth. Her left arm was wrapped in a makeshift sling. Despite her injuries, the girl was cheerful, attentive and curious, using her good arm to point at pictures in a large book the man held open for her. They took turns reading passages, and the man occasionally helped the young girl with a word she couldn’t pronounce. After finishing a chapter, the man closed book with a smile and kissed young Lucy’s forehead between her horns. Kneeling down to look her in the eyes, and gripped her tiny wrists gently as he spoke.
“Always remember Lucy, recompense is the birthright of the downtrodden.”
Crouching in the darkness of the tunnel, Lucindra silently mouthed the words as she recalled them in her mind. The streams running down her cheeks thickened ever so slightly, but she was pulled out of trance at the sound of approaching footsteps.
Her eyes shifted quickly in the direction of the sound, and her grip tightened around her weapons. The footsteps grew slowly louder. They were slow, but evenly spaced and relaxed. They were also long and somewhat heavy. The approaching target was likely an armored human – probably male, and probably unaware of her presence. Lucy’s muscles tensed as she leaned forward ever so slightly, preparing to spring her deadly trap. The footsteps grew louder. Soon, a shadow was cast down the hallway, crossing Lucy’s path and continuing to the far side of the tunnel. She listened for any changes in the pace or signature of the steps. Even the slightest pause would signal she’d been spotted. The steps grew louder, but their rhythm held steady. Lucy could hear the man breathing as he grew closer. Her posture was statuesque. She didn’t look in his direction. His footsteps told her all she needed to know. Even the slightest glance could alert him to the danger. The shadow shortened and contorted, eventually shifting direction and stretching to the opposite end of the hallway as the man walked right past her. He hadn’t noticed that an armed assailant crouched 2 feet away. He was oblivious to the piercing serpentine eyes that watched him as he passed by.
He was completely unaware that he was about to die.
Lucindra leaned onto the balls of her feet, tiptoeing behind her victim in near total silence. Her arms outstretched, pointing the tip of a short sword in each direction as she advanced to within 6 inches of her prey. Wrapping her arms around him from behind, the tiefling dragged her weapons violently outward, cutting him once across the throat, and once across the inside of his thigh. With two of his major arteries cut, the man bled to death before even hitting the ground.
She very much enjoyed murdering Kalem guildsmen. They were arrogant and amateurish, and they often carried a heavy coin purse. This unfortunate fellow was no exception. Lucy smiled as she tucked the jewels into her cleavage. She’d learned it was one hiding place a city guard might be hesitant to search without causing her much discomfort in the meantime. Grabbing the dead man’s wrist, she dragged him into a nearby storage room and closed the door quietly. Tiptoeing down the hallway, she followed the subtle markers she’d made in the dirt floor until she arrived at the trap door where she’d entered.
* * * * *
It was night time in the city, and the clouds were beginning to part after a violent storm that had passed earlier in the day. Lucy stared up at the dark sky, gazing at the stars in wonder as she strolled casually through the Trades and Commons district. The city streets were mostly deserted at this hour. Only a few drunkards and the occasional guard passed by as the tiefling reflected on a variety of things. Rhode was of course one of them.
Passing by a narrow alleyway, her pace slowed as she heard a rummaging sound from down the dark corridor. Glancing around curiously, she gave a slight shrug and decided to have a look. Upon reaching the end of the alley, Lucy came across a young human girl. She couldn’t have been more than 5 or 6 years old, and was covered in filth. Her fingers were raw and bloody, and she gazed up at Lucy with a deep sadness, but not a hint of fear. Lucy glanced over and noticed a crate resting against the wall of the alley. The wood had been splintered in one spot, and the words “fresh frute” were scribbled across the side. Lucy looked down again at the girl’s fingers.
Drawing her blade, she stabbed forcefully into the crate, placing her foot against the side for leverage as she pried the lid open. Inside, an assortment of bananas, apples, grapes, and various other fruits were piled high, topped with a packing list bearing yesterday’s date. Lucy reached in and grabbed a banana, handing it to the young girl and patting her on the head with a smile. The girl smiled back. Taking an apple for herself, the tiefling turned and made her way out of the alley, crunching the apple noisily as she walked. Reaching the main road, Lucy paused and shot another glance down the alley. The young girl was busy peeling the banana and eating as though she hadn’t eaten in days.
“Hey hun...” Lucy called out.
The girl looked up, chewing hungrily. A small pouch filled with gems landed at the girl’s feet. She looked up with a confused expression.
Lucy smiled to her reassuringly.
“Recompense, ya know… it’s our birthright..”
And with that, she vanished into the night.
Her thoughts began to wander as she lie completely motionless against the muddy wall, and her shifting gaze eventually settled until she was staring at nothing in particular. She found herself being whisked away to a place she remembered only in her dreams - full of bright, sunny skies and flowery fields speckled with dancing butterflies. An older human man with a neatly trimmed, silver beard bounced young Lucy on his lap, tickling her ribs until she’d giggle and squirm. The young tiefling’s face carried two black eyes and several missing teeth. Her left arm was wrapped in a makeshift sling. Despite her injuries, the girl was cheerful, attentive and curious, using her good arm to point at pictures in a large book the man held open for her. They took turns reading passages, and the man occasionally helped the young girl with a word she couldn’t pronounce. After finishing a chapter, the man closed book with a smile and kissed young Lucy’s forehead between her horns. Kneeling down to look her in the eyes, and gripped her tiny wrists gently as he spoke.
“Always remember Lucy, recompense is the birthright of the downtrodden.”
Crouching in the darkness of the tunnel, Lucindra silently mouthed the words as she recalled them in her mind. The streams running down her cheeks thickened ever so slightly, but she was pulled out of trance at the sound of approaching footsteps.
Her eyes shifted quickly in the direction of the sound, and her grip tightened around her weapons. The footsteps grew slowly louder. They were slow, but evenly spaced and relaxed. They were also long and somewhat heavy. The approaching target was likely an armored human – probably male, and probably unaware of her presence. Lucy’s muscles tensed as she leaned forward ever so slightly, preparing to spring her deadly trap. The footsteps grew louder. Soon, a shadow was cast down the hallway, crossing Lucy’s path and continuing to the far side of the tunnel. She listened for any changes in the pace or signature of the steps. Even the slightest pause would signal she’d been spotted. The steps grew louder, but their rhythm held steady. Lucy could hear the man breathing as he grew closer. Her posture was statuesque. She didn’t look in his direction. His footsteps told her all she needed to know. Even the slightest glance could alert him to the danger. The shadow shortened and contorted, eventually shifting direction and stretching to the opposite end of the hallway as the man walked right past her. He hadn’t noticed that an armed assailant crouched 2 feet away. He was oblivious to the piercing serpentine eyes that watched him as he passed by.
He was completely unaware that he was about to die.
Lucindra leaned onto the balls of her feet, tiptoeing behind her victim in near total silence. Her arms outstretched, pointing the tip of a short sword in each direction as she advanced to within 6 inches of her prey. Wrapping her arms around him from behind, the tiefling dragged her weapons violently outward, cutting him once across the throat, and once across the inside of his thigh. With two of his major arteries cut, the man bled to death before even hitting the ground.
She very much enjoyed murdering Kalem guildsmen. They were arrogant and amateurish, and they often carried a heavy coin purse. This unfortunate fellow was no exception. Lucy smiled as she tucked the jewels into her cleavage. She’d learned it was one hiding place a city guard might be hesitant to search without causing her much discomfort in the meantime. Grabbing the dead man’s wrist, she dragged him into a nearby storage room and closed the door quietly. Tiptoeing down the hallway, she followed the subtle markers she’d made in the dirt floor until she arrived at the trap door where she’d entered.
* * * * *
It was night time in the city, and the clouds were beginning to part after a violent storm that had passed earlier in the day. Lucy stared up at the dark sky, gazing at the stars in wonder as she strolled casually through the Trades and Commons district. The city streets were mostly deserted at this hour. Only a few drunkards and the occasional guard passed by as the tiefling reflected on a variety of things. Rhode was of course one of them.
Passing by a narrow alleyway, her pace slowed as she heard a rummaging sound from down the dark corridor. Glancing around curiously, she gave a slight shrug and decided to have a look. Upon reaching the end of the alley, Lucy came across a young human girl. She couldn’t have been more than 5 or 6 years old, and was covered in filth. Her fingers were raw and bloody, and she gazed up at Lucy with a deep sadness, but not a hint of fear. Lucy glanced over and noticed a crate resting against the wall of the alley. The wood had been splintered in one spot, and the words “fresh frute” were scribbled across the side. Lucy looked down again at the girl’s fingers.
Drawing her blade, she stabbed forcefully into the crate, placing her foot against the side for leverage as she pried the lid open. Inside, an assortment of bananas, apples, grapes, and various other fruits were piled high, topped with a packing list bearing yesterday’s date. Lucy reached in and grabbed a banana, handing it to the young girl and patting her on the head with a smile. The girl smiled back. Taking an apple for herself, the tiefling turned and made her way out of the alley, crunching the apple noisily as she walked. Reaching the main road, Lucy paused and shot another glance down the alley. The young girl was busy peeling the banana and eating as though she hadn’t eaten in days.
“Hey hun...” Lucy called out.
The girl looked up, chewing hungrily. A small pouch filled with gems landed at the girl’s feet. She looked up with a confused expression.
Lucy smiled to her reassuringly.
“Recompense, ya know… it’s our birthright..”
And with that, she vanished into the night.
Lucy: Geez that ogre hits hard! But in some strange way, I like it...
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Mon-da-oth
- Forum Troll
- Posts: 2013
- Joined: Sat Sep 23, 2006 2:21 am
- Main Player Character: Rhode Wraigh
- Other PCs: Reginald Schudotter
- Location: Edgewood, MD