UO: Exquisite Corpse

[Cal_Mythic]

I would like to try an experiment with you all:

If you are familiar with the concept of the "Exquisite Corpse" it is used as a means of storytelling.

It begins with a premise (sentence or image) that evolves into a completed work.

This particular purpose is to identify the story-tellers (yes for selfish reasons), and to also get a sense of whether there are any writers as well as RPers.

I will be linking this on Facebook as well, so there may be some cross-pollination.

The rules:
Please remember this is an evolving story based in the realm of Sosaria.

Some may take some time to post their responses. So if someone gets their post in before yours, please adapt accordingly. If you can, please keep your responses/contributions less than 5 sentences.

If at all possible, please use character names and lore from within the story itself. Of course, place names and locations should be consistent with the current world.

Your first sentence:

"As pets go, this one didn't seem to fit into a nice neat category."

 

[Cogniac]

"For starters, the beak to leg ratio seemed rather absurd. It would seem to defy reason that a creature would be designed to ingest such copious amounts of meat while at the same time being incapable of hopping its way from Minoc to Vesper due to an utter lack of appendages."

(For further reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exquisite_corpse)

 

[watchertoo]

Claire Elizabeth mused at the sight and at Cogniac's analytical assessment. Wolf form served her well as she stealthed around the creature and tried to decide if it should become one of her chosen. Decisions ... the known and conventional or the unusual with all it might be concealing. She smiled, as best a wolf can. It does have the most expressive eyes....

 

[Adol]

"For starters, the beak to leg ratio seemed rather absurd. It would seem to defy reason that a creature would be designed to ingest such copious amounts of meat while at the same time being incapable of hopping its way from Minoc to Vesper due to an utter lack of appendages."

(For further reference: Exquisite corpse - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

However, Sosaria had never been short of canny artisans and wiley merchants, and now a flourishing trade in the beasts existed, marketed amongst other things as "The Self Heating Draft Excluder For The Castle With Almost Everything". And like all such creatures brought into the home for selfish reasons, they were often abandoned; the woods around the realm now positively throbbed with them, scavenging what they could on the margins of society.

 

[Tazar]

Staring out through the absurd pets eyes, the demon lord watched Cogniac and Clair Elizabeth approach. "Of course I chose an absurd form, what better form to attract the unwary prey into my trap" thought the demon. "Come closer... closer..."

 

[Viquire]

Cogniac raised an open hand towards the creature as they closed the distance. "In Zu!" he intoned. There was a pulse through the air and the creature stood stock still. "Careful, little blighters love ta sleep ya, and then hit ya, then sleep ya again afore you can do a thing."

"I'm sure I'll be fine," Snipped Claire. Her left hand came from behind her back with the sack, and she bent low over the scrawny creature, her blouse hanging away from her body as she extended her right hand to carefully grasp it.

It had been staring in their direction since their approach, its eyes wide. As Claire Elizabeth's face drew close, her eyes nearly on a level with the beast, it blinked. She stopped, startled, as its face turned fully up to hers, and with a long forked tongue, it licked her nose.

**is there a contribution limit?**

 

[Vlaude]

Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Britain a holy warrior trained for battle. His long, blue hair floated behind him as he struck the training dummies. Although he was battle tested against many a fearsome foe, nothing could have prepared him for his next fight.

 

[unified]

Spiros, passing through Britain at the same time, eyed the warrior with admiration and wondered "wood this brave warrior seek the same quest as I?", and threw his head back as he let out a hearty laugh at the mere though of the challenge.

 

[Dannyboy]

Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Britain a holy warrior trained for battle. His long, blue hair floated behind him as he struck the training dummies. Although he was battle tested against many a fearsome foe, nothing could have prepared him for his next fight.

Against his fellow man. While fighting many of the fearsome beasts which inhabit this vast and great land holds it's own trials and fears. There was something unsettling about having to bear arms against another human or even elf for that matter.

 

[Cal_Mythic]

There are no contribution limits currently, but do allow for others to do so.
Don't be Hermione

- C

 

[Evlar]

Meanwhile, in the nearby town of Britain a holy warrior trained for battle. His long, blue hair floated behind him as he struck the training dummies. Although he was battle tested against many a fearsome foe, nothing could have prepared him for his next fight.

Against his fellow man. While fighting many of the fearsome beasts which inhabit this vast and great land holds it's own trials and fears. There was something unsettling about having to bear arms against another human or even elf for that matter.

Watching discreetly and intently from a distance, a shadowy figure watched on...

"A holy warrior, bashing training dummies", pondered the figure as he rubbed his hands. "Sweat on his brow and utter concentration masks his face. There's his pouch of gold coin on the table behind him."

Lightly the shadowy figure tiptoed towards the table where rested the promise of coin for the tavern tonight.

"I wonder if he'll notice it's gone..."

 

[watchertoo]

Cogniac raised an open hand towards the creature as they closed the distance. "In Zu!" he intoned. There was a pulse through the air and the creature stood stock still. "Careful, little blighters love ta sleep ya, and then hit ya, then sleep ya again afore you can do a thing."

"I'm sure I'll be fine," Snipped Claire. Her left hand came from behind her back with the sack, and she bent low over the scrawny creature, her blouse hanging away from her body as she extended her right hand to carefully grasp it.

It had been staring in their direction since their approach, its eyes wide. As Claire Elizabeth's face drew close, her eyes nearly on a level with the beast, it blinked. She stopped, startled, as its face turned fully up to hers, and with a long forked tongue, it licked her nose.

Instantly she faded into the landscape and slipped back into wolf form. Something was very wrong. Claire had never known a creature's touch to so permeate her being with dread. She felt cold, unnerved and retreated to a safer vantage point.

Her eyes never left the creature as she silently returned to human form, her hand brushing past the smoke bombs in her pack until it came to rest on the crystal sphere. She summoned Kali to her side.

The great dragon turned the sky dark as she spread her wings over her master as if to shield her from all harm and carefully lowered her head to the fragile human. In return Claire stroked the massive cheek gently with the back of her hand.

Kali grew still, eyes fixed on the creature, ready to accept commands. Or better yet, for the creature to make the slightest move.

 

[Tazar]

One taste was enough. The sweet taste of the spirit exhaled upon her breath was all it took for the Demon to be sure. Here was one who appeared innocent, yet knew the ways of evil. Here was one worthy of the gifts a Demon Lord could bestow. Properly trained, this spirit would have the power of darkness at her fingertips... the power to corrupt this fair land into a new playground for the demon-kind.

It was time for the game to begin... to seduce this maiden... to take her body and soul to the deepest recesses of the nether-world.

 

[Vlaude]

Watching discreetly and intently from a distance, a shadowy figure watched on...

"A holy warrior, bashing training dummies", pondered the figure as he rubbed his hands. "Sweat on his brow and utter concentration masks his face. There's his pouch of gold coin on the table behind him."

Lightly the shadowy figure tiptoed towards the table where rested the promise of coin for the tavern tonight.

"I wonder if he'll notice it's gone..."

The warrior wiped his face as he finished his training. As he went to gather his belongings he noticed something was missing, his hard earned gold. Quickly, he dashed to the door and caught a glimpse of a dark figure disappearing off into the woods.

 

[Phaen Grey]

Instantly she faded into the landscape and slipped back into wolf form. Something was very wrong. Claire had never known a creature's touch to so permeate her being with dread. She felt cold, unnerved and retreated to a safer vantage point.

Her eyes never left the creature as she silently returned to human form, her hand brushing past the smoke bombs in her pack until it came to rest on the crystal sphere. She summoned Kali to her side.

The great dragon turned the sky dark as she spread her wings over her master as if to shield her from all harm and carefully lowered her head to the fragile human. In return Claire stroked the massive cheek gently with the back of her hand.

Kali grew still, eyes fixed on the creature, ready to accept commands. Or better yet, for the creature to make the slightest move.

Watching... waiting... keeping to the shadows.

The creature, another unknown in a season of too many unknowns and unanswered questions. There was intelligence in its eyes, it too was watching, for now the woman.

There is something wrong, her reaction to it's touch... what did she feel?

Daggers at the ready, an oily sheen of poison along their blades. Will it attack?

Does it know I am here?

 

[Zero Day]

Suddenly a hiss of smoke erupted from one of the smoke bombs she had been fingering temporarily distracting her.
She took her eyes off the creature for but a moment... but that moment was quite enough for the creature appear beside her and pimp smack her right into next week....

 

[unified]

"Tis too much for one man's heart!" Spiros could hardly control himself from more laughter as he witnessed the reaction of the young warrior to his gold being stolen. He was then joined by his brother, Napius Khan. "One man's heart is gone," Napius mused. "Was it not stolen, and now absent from within?" Spiros viewed his brother with contempt. "We must press on. Claire is said to be heading towards Vesper." Sipros said. "I suspect we'll see more of this warrior. While seeking a holy path, he appears to contain a rage that may prove useful."

 

[WildStar]

Suddenly a hiss of smoke erupted from one of the smoke bombs she had been fingering temporarily distracting her.
She took her eyes off the creature for but a moment... but that moment was quite enough for the creature appear beside her and pimp smack her right into next week....

Kali erupted into action to defend her master, Claire Elizabeth, by first moving in front of her. Kali could move very quickly for sure a large dragon. She then prepared to attack the strange looking creature.

 

[Zero Day]

Kali erupted into action to defend her master, Claire Elizabeth, by first moving in front of her. Kali could move very quickly for sure a large dragon. She then prepared to attack the strange looking creature.

As Kali was about to deliver what she hoped was a fatal blow to the creature she was suddenly dragged forwards through time as the bond between her and Claire pulled taught. Suddenly she and Claire were somewhere in next Tuesday.

The creature looked at the sudden empty space before him and wondered what strange powers the creature had to disappear so thoroughly.

 

[watchertoo]

"NO!"

"KALI STOP!"

The words from the young tamer came too late as her beloved dragon moved to her defense. The certainty of death gripped Claire's mind and she she struggled to summon lessons learned in long hours of faction training and battles.

Time and space swirled, then cleared as tamer and dragon landed safely in the old faction base. Claire breathed a thank you to the virtues for the rune always at the ready in her pack; surely it had saved Kali's, and most likely her own, life.

Kali settle by Claire's side and turned an inquiring eye to her master.

"Soon Kali. We will return to look for the creature very soon." No words were spoken, the gentle hand on the great shoulder was all that was needed.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

The creature lunged suddenly. Razor sharp claws lashed out in an attempt to deliver a killing blow. But pet and tamer vanished before the snarling visage, leaving only the sound of the wind, as claw met emptiness. And the raging howl of the beast as it became all to clear to him that in that split second, he had been denied his prey.

 

[Bexilanas]

"NO!"

"KALI STOP!"

The words from the young tamer came too late as her beloved dragon moved to her defense. The certainty of death gripped Claire's mind and she she struggled to summon lessons learned in long hours of faction training and battles.

Time and space swirled, then cleared as tamer and dragon landed safely in the old faction base. Claire breathed a thank you to the virtues for the rune always at the ready in her pack; surely it had saved Kali's, and most likely her own, life.

Kali settle by Claire's side and turned an inquiring eye to her master.

"Soon Kali. We will return to look for the creature very soon." No words were spoken, the gentle hand on the great shoulder was all that was needed.

Endless days passed before the demon lord was successful in his endeavor to find Claire Elizabeth again. Their connection was undeniable. He kept his distance this time, waiting, always watching for the opportunity to strike his claim on her soul.
He used multiple forms, determined to not allow her to see his true nature again. He was glad for the challenge that had proven to be so apt at allieviating this never-ending boredom of immortality.
She was unaware of her own dark power that resided deep in her soul.
He sensed she was aware of his presense, he almost felt as if she were allowing it.
His blazing eyes gleamed at the plan that had unfolded before him, and as he wrapped the bronze wings of his newest form tightly around himself he cried out with the most agonizing cry Sosaria had ever heard; patiently waiting for his newfound mistress to come to his aid.

 

[Lady Michelle]

Endless days passed before the demon lord was successful in his endeavor to find Claire Elizabeth again. Their connection was undeniable. He kept his distance this time, waiting, always watching for the opportunity to strike his claim on her soul.
He used multiple forms, determined to not allow her to see his true nature again. He was glad for the challenge that had proven to be so apt at allieviating this never-ending boredom of immortality.
She was unaware of her own dark power that resided deep in her soul.
He sensed she was aware of his presense, he almost felt as if she were allowing it.
His blazing eyes gleamed at the plan that had unfolded before him, and as he wrapped the bronze wings of his newest form tightly around himself he cried out with the most agonizing cry Sosaria had ever heard; patiently waiting for his newfound mistress to come to his aid.

Michelle g ringed, when she heard the agonizing cry around the corner, on her way to visit her friend Claire Elizabeth. Stealthing in squirrel form she slowly went around the corner,and saw the bronze winged creature. Stealthing more slowly towards it to get a better look she sensed the evil from this creature that sent chills up and down her spine. Looking passed it she saw her friend with Kali by the river. Why was this winged creature watching her friend? slowly backing away she knew she had to get to her friend. Reaching her friend she Pops out of stealth underneath Claire Elizabeth feet almost tripping her. Points towards the trees, tells her about the bronze winged creature sitting there in the shadows watching her, and the evil she sensed from it.

 

[watchertoo]

Claire Elizabeth rubbed her shoulder and glared first at the squirrel, the now giggling squirrel and cause of her bruised shoulder, then turned her attention to the "unmoveable object" which she had just met. The "unmoveable object" seemed unconcerned by her master's discomfort and rather amused by the tiny laughing "trip hazard" at their feet.

"Kal Ort Por", the words had barely dissipated on the breeze earlier that morning before dragon and human found themselves in the midst of civilization. Britain was a busy town. Claire always wondered how existence was possible with this many beings all in one area; the noise, the constant movement and the smell. Truth be told Claire Elizabeth was more at ease in the woods or, better yet, the dungeons such as the one in which she met and won Kali’s devotion. Sometimes towns were a necessary evil and a growing uneasiness had driven her to seek refuge in this one.

Claire touched her face where the creature had placed the “kiss” as she listened to Lady Michelle’s warning. The words blended with the sound of the water and the bustle of the town as a cold "breeze" wrapped around her. Instinctively she moved closer to Kali.

“Watching me…?”

 

[Viquire]

"I beg your pardon, miss."

Jostled from deep thought Claire stared at the hand she held to her face and turned to find a stout and ruddy man, largely bald, smiling at her with a twinkle in his eye. His left hand held an unwieldy shovel type contraption with a very wide blade and some kind of a sack attached to it in the middle. "Hmmmmm, oh I'm sorry." She mused,"Must have been wool gathering, good morning."

"Oh it is indeed a most glorious day, and the same to you good Lady." His smile became even larger as he spoke, but dissolved into a look of confusion. "I, ah, that is to say, I could not help but wonder if you would be using the stables today, or if perhaps you would be needing one of these? Only eight gold, but keep ya out of trouble wi' the constabulary." His smiled broadened again as he thrust forth the thing in his hand.

Claire looked at the man, dumbstruck. "That is not for what I think, is it?"

A bit sheepishly and with reddening face, "Ah well, Keep Britian beautiful, they say." He apologized. " Mind, it beats watching the cobbles every step of the way about town, eh? What with your pretty sandals and all. Only eight gold."

 

[Rumil of Lorain]

M'Lady I would be leary of buying anything from that vagabond "spoke the blind elf ". * he turns towards the balding man* I see they chased you out of Vespar again, ah well you can spend the night in my camp again but mind the snoring * the elf stops in mid sentence and swiftly turns toward an alleyway and taps his quarterstaff hard on the the cobblestones* M'Lady something wicked follows you mayhaps you might want to spend the evening in my camp also

 

[Bexilanas]

His frustration rumbled through the ground as the demon lord found himself thwarted once again. The scent of Claire dripped from his mouth- as his need to know her and indulge her into his ways grew. Furiously he retreated further into the shadows. He was reluctant to call for help. He was a demon lord- how then could he not touch this weakling of a human? Protection of some sort? Help for her came everytime... Maybe he should divulge in banishing them all one by one. Birds flew up around him and he glowered thinking even the birds seemed to be protecting their lady.

 

[watchertoo]

Bewilderment. Two of the "civilized" were speaking to her; something she was not use to, communicating with anyone not considered a beast of the Sosarian lands. Her proper upbringing returned her senses and she thanked both graciously and excused herself from their presence.

Lady Michelle now adorned Claire's shoulder as they made their way farther from the masses, excited squirrel chatter occasionally bringing a smile to her face, until suddenly the chatter became an alert.

The sharp squirrel eyes had caught the fleeting image of a scoundrel who now had become the focus of Claire and Kali as well until he vanished, as thieves are apt to do. Claire couldn't help but smile. Her faction life had made her comrades with many thieves and she could appreciate the skill it had taken to relieve the warrior of his possessions. How could the blue haired one not know he had just been robbed? Claire tilted her head slightly wondering how this veteran of battle could be so unaware.

Her eyes widened. "Michelle! No, don't..." Lady Michelle was not listening to the determined, slightly more than a strong whisper, plea from Claire Elizabeth.

 

[Vlaude]

Sword in hand the warrior had a decision to make. Should he give chase to the thief and demand the return of what was rightfully his? Or should he practice forgiveness and let karma be his avenger? With righteous indignation he clutched his blade tightly and turned toward the dark woods. As he ran into an unknown fate he thought he caught a glimpse of Death's shroud not far behind him.

 

[Lady Michelle]

Sword in hand the warrior had a decision to make. Should he give chase to the thief and demand the return of what was rightfully his? Or should he practice forgiveness and let karma be his avenger? With righteous indignation he clutched his blade tightly and turned toward the dark woods. As he ran into an unknown fate he thought he caught a glimpse of Death's shroud not far behind him.

Not listening to Claire Elizabeth Michelle ran after the Warrior towards the dark woods. It was to late to warn him to turn back all Michelle could do is watch in horror, as the boomerang came flying out of the woods hitting him in the head. Watching the Warrior fall to the ground Michelle quickly went in to stealth mode.

 

[watchertoo]

“Kali I swear, I don’t understand why men ALWAYS choose a course of violence as their first response?!” Claire stopped bandaging the warrior’s head and looked at the dragon.

“You agree with his actions don’t you?” Kali just tilted her head with a look that could only be discribed as "who me?" and watched her master staunch the red flow now soaking much of the blue hair. Claire chided herself for only learning the ways of healing beasts.

Bandaging this human head was far more difficult than she could have ever imagined and if she wasn't in such a hurry to follow after Michelle she most likely would be reapplying the mass "pretending to be bandages". Some slipped over the eye, one hung loosely by the ear and all had tufts of blue hair protruding in odd loops and spikes. Ugly as it was, it had done its job and the bleeding was controlled; Claire rose to her feet.

Before the words escaped the tamer's lips Kali came to guard in a position between the woods and her girl. Claire saw her glance at the vulnerable warrior as if the great dragon knew he needed guarding too and reality possessed her. She could not leave him to follow Michelle.

Claire sank cross legged against a tree to wait for the warrior to regain his wits. She worried for her friend. Even adept at stealth and nimble in squirrel form, Lady Michelle would be vulnerable to an ambush; so much could happen in these woods.

 

[Lady Michelle]

Looking around where the boomerang came from Michelle spots something half covered up with leaves on the ground. Pushing the leaves away with her little paws, she reveals a full bag, but knowing she has no time to look through it she starts dragging it back to Claire. Thinking to herself maybe there will be something in this bag that will take the curse off her that leaves her in squirrel form permanently. Knowing it was wishful thinking, and knows she will be a squirrel til the end of her days. Being a squirrel is not really that bad.

Once again startling Claire by popping out of stealth drops the bag at her feet. Michelle didn't even need to speak the words, she knew Claire knew what she was hoping for was in the bag. After going through the bag Claire sets it down next to the warrior, and mutters under her breath. Michelle sighs climbs up on Kali's tail, curls up, and falls asleep.

 

[canary]

"Vas Flam!"

Suddenly, the tranquility the small party felt was beginning to dawn was indeed destroyed, a fireball exploding upon the slumbering Michelle. What was left of her was merely ash and soot. Her dreams of humanity, now extinguished on this world, hopefully could come to her on another plane of existence.

Kali's tail flipped violently as the ball of flame exploded, a roar escaping its mouth. Claire Elizabeth drew in a short breath...

"What is this?"

... and who was attacking them now?

 

[Luvmylace]

...From the small window of her abode, she ponders time before this world.It has taken many years for her to learn her trade. A purple flask sits bubbling on the table, the ancient tome open to the latest lesson, ink and feather beckon .
....as thoughts of a time of turmoil filter thru her mind, the remnants of the smoke left by the fireball drift by her nostrils and shake her back to reality.
Cold shivers cause her to preen .Could he have found her?

 

[Lady Michelle]

"Vas Flam!"

Suddenly, the tranquility the small party felt was beginning to dawn was indeed destroyed, a fireball exploding upon the slumbering Michelle. What was left of her was merely ash and soot. Her dreams of humanity, now extinguished on this world, hopefully could come to her on another plane of existence.

Kali's tail flipped violently as the ball of flame exploded, a roar escaping its mouth. Claire Elizabeth drew in a short breath...

"What is this?"

... and who was attacking them now?

Hitting the faction rune that Claire gave her just before the fireball exploded upon her. Muttering under her breath " Whew that was close some singed fur on my tail, but at least I'm alive".
Something went terribly wrong Michelle was not transported to the faction base. She was transported to a place she has never been. Shaking the sand off her she looks around and sees an entrance to a cave. knowing there was no time to explore the cave Michelle set off to find Claire, and Kali.

 

[canary]

Hitting the faction rune that Claire gave her just before the fireball exploded upon her. Muttering under her breath " Whew that was close some singed fur on my tail, but at least I'm alive".
Something went terribly wrong Michelle was not transported to the faction base. She was transported to a place she has never been. Shaking the sand off her she looks around and sees an entrance to a cave. knowing there was no time to explore the cave Michelle set off to find Claire, and Kali.

I hate to break the fiction, but how does someone know to use a recall rune when they are asleep? And explicitly turned to dust and soot? LOL

I thought we were going with it after each author, not reinventing it simply to suit our own ends and contradicting what other writers already established. That kinda defeats the whole purpose of what we are doing.

 

[Lady Michelle]

Hitting the faction rune that Claire gave her just before the fireball exploded upon her. Muttering under her breath " Whew that was close some singed fur on my tail, but at least I'm alive".
Something went terribly wrong Michelle was not transported to the faction base. She was transported to a place she has never been. Shaking the sand off her she looks around and sees an entrance to a cave. knowing there was no time to explore the cave Michelle set off to find Claire, and Kali.

I hate to break the fiction, but how does someone know to use a recall rune when they are asleep? And explicitly turned to dust and soot? LOL

I thought we were going with it after each author, not reinventing it simply to suit our own ends and contradicting what other writers already established. That kinda defeats the whole purpose of what we are doing.

Yes I am dead but don't know this because the curse stayed with me even in death, Something went terribly wrong Michelle was not transported to the faction base. I was transported to the entrance of the underworld.

 

[MalagAste]

The dark elf wizard, Elaugeth Arken'ep hearing the cries of the vile demon comes to serve it's call. He desires to assist the vile one hoping for rewards great enough to earn him greater status with his Goddess Lloth and bring his house closer to victory over it's many enemies.

He creeps in near the camp and finding them asleep conjures a ball of fire and flame and sets it upon the sleeping squirrels motionless form.

Destroy the allies and leave the female Claire for the vile one. The rewards will be plentiful.

He smirked as he watched the creature fall to ash and vanished back into a nearby cavern his blood red eyes gleaming with a sick pleasure. The dragon will be next but that beast will take more than a mere fireball to part it from the female.

He slipped back deeper into the dark underworld to prepare something a bit more "special" for this next foe.

 

[Vlaude]

The morning Sun awoke the warrior. He sat up quickly, startled by his unfamiliar surroundings. Trying to remember what had happened the night before he glanced around him and took notice of the two beasts sleeping nearby. He immediately recognized the dragon, a large terrible creature. He had slain one before in the dungeon Destard as part of his training many years ago. However, this one looked as though it possessed the strength of ten normal dragons. As the two beasts slept, he contemplated killing them, not knowing if they were friend or foe. He grabbed his sword and stood up only to wobble and fall back down to the ground, his head throbbing. He felt the bandage over his wound and realized these creatures had perhaps saved his life.

 

[siyeng0]

It was a dragon, a dragon. Bright-scaled and full-grown, one of the Northern sort perhaps - but sleeker, more streamlined - it was taller lying down than a standing man, and far taller than the watcher, a diminuitive little white ermine of an elf. From where he crouched, veiled by a swathe of shadow, he could see the sinews taut beneath the jewelled flank, the graceful curve of the wings, the talons as long as a man's forearm and tapering to a wicked point. Curious, he stood. His long ears flicked back, the silken tips quivering.

Now he could see that the dragon had company. Humans, grown humans. The air was piquant with the smell of them, stale sweat and unwashed hair, clothes stiff with roadside muck. Humans. He shuddered with disgust. In his mind's eye he could see the grimy fingers spread on the dragon's hide, the leash and the whip, the manacles, all the tools that humankind used to bind the oldest and most magical of Sosaria's people to their will. He could envision their smiles, smug and knowing, always aware that they had taken the fire, that treasure of the sun and the depths of the earth, and bound it for their own purposes.

A tame dragon. An obscenity, that thought: that a dragon could be tamed, pressed into service like a packhorse.

Carefully, keeping close to the wall where the shadow would blunt his angles and help hide him from unwelcome eyes, he sidled toward the dragon. If he could get close enough to speak with her, then he could lure her away; then he could unbind whatever charm fixed her wings, set her free, and end this mockery.

"Can you hear me?" he asked in a whisper.

 

[RaDian FlGith]

An Ex Por An Lor An Corp.

The words seemed to flee as if they had somehow themselves become corporeal, rushing away from the exploding flames of orange and red and white, dashing swiftly from the five points of the pentagram that had been hastily circumscribed with the blood of some poor adventurer whose foolish dreams of gold had drawn him far below the surface. Time was short, and the opportunity to act was now. The spell echoed throughout the caverns, reverberating between the stalactites and stalagmites, pushing back upon itself, drawing energy from the darkness well outside the pulsing lights of the ceremonial pyres where the remainder of the adventurer’s group now seared.

Power.

The makeshift temple surged with a power so old, so long untapped, that even the demon that called upon it felt a certain measure of fear. And yet, he knew that the chance to ensnare Claire Elizabeth, that sanctimonious beacon of the vile Virtues, was within his reach.

He let forth a roar, stretching his arms toward the sky he knew was far above him, above the surface he rarely walked upon, and expanding his wings fully, feeling the dark mana course through him as his spell completed.

A flash -- if one could call the complete absorption of all light for the briefest of moments a flash -- of violet, dark energy drew in all but the tiniest flare of the five fires, and then all of the flames pulsed in a midnight flame, dancing in purples and deep blues. In the center of the pentagram, a pile of ash began to whirl as if propelled by a small but violent storm.

And then, in a flash as sudden as the first, Lady Michelle stood, bare.

The demon smiled, knowing her part in Claire Elizabeth's demise was soon to play out.

 

[canary]

Days had passed since the mysterious death of Claire Elizabeth's friend, Michelle. Claire Elizabeth had searched in vain for the creature or presence who had slain her ally, but to no avail. Greater magics were at work.

She contemplated her future in the grand paladin's chambers above the busy streets of central Luna. Though her mind sought solace, it took great effort to drown out the throngs of citizens who carried out their daily commerce.

"I pray to find Compassion and understanding of these events," Claire Elizabeth said in a hushed whisper, her hand touching the large ankh by the gleaming hall's northern wall.

She always trusted in the Virtues. Walking such a path was never easy, but Claire Elizabeth strove to be dutiful to the ways that Lord British brought to her world so many years ago. Many, she knew, would call her overzealous in her approach... though she knew it was always within her heart to follow what was right.

Beyond the great sandstone walls of the city, the dragon Kali stood vigilant. It was only earlier that it stood, bemused, as a wandering woman with a herd of cows was proclaiming herself 'Queen of the Bovines'. Silly humans, it thought with what might pass for a smirk across its lizard like face.

In the distance, Kali noticed something that it had not seen in ages dot the skyline. Trouble, perhaps?

"Claire Elizabeth," Kali thought, the sacred bond that was shared between the dragon and woman allowing them to share such words mentally. "Come to the outskirts of the city where I am... we may have a problem approaching, I fear."





(Sorry for the lengthy post, I wanted to get this story back on track)

 

[MalagAste]

Elaugeth Arken'ep watched hidden in shadow as the great demon worked it's spell. He saw the naked Human form of Michelle as the fire's light danced upon her flesh. Disgusting creatures of fair skin, he thought curling his lip and furrowing his brow. He wanted to vomit at the sight her.

But then the great beast glared toward him and threw him a blackened blade. The dark elf grinned knowing he had just been given his "prize". The Blade was made of a dark metal infused with blackrock and dripping with a sick substance the elf knew to be a powerful poison.

The demon pointed to the exit leading back toward the surface world, a portal back into the cavern. It did not need to speak its commands. The Dark Elf's eyes grew deeper red as he nodded to the demon his task now set, he slipped through the portal back near the surface.

In the cavern he squinted his eyes adjusting to the light outside. He hissed softly in disgust at the light. He would wait until nightfall to pursue his next target... Dragon.

 

[Lady Michelle]

An Ex Por An Lor An Corp.

The words seemed to flee as if they had somehow themselves become corporeal, rushing away from the exploding flames of orange and red and white, dashing swiftly from the five points of the pentagram that had been hastily circumscribed with the blood of some poor adventurer whose foolish dreams of gold had drawn him far below the surface. Time was short, and the opportunity to act was now. The spell echoed throughout the caverns, reverberating between the stalactites and stalagmites, pushing back upon itself, drawing energy from the darkness well outside the pulsing lights of the ceremonial pyres where the remainder of the adventurer’s group now seared.

Power.

The makeshift temple surged with a power so old, so long untapped, that even the demon that called upon it felt a certain measure of fear. And yet, he knew that the chance to ensnare Claire Elizabeth, that sanctimonious beacon of the vile Virtues, was within his reach.

He let forth a roar, stretching his arms toward the sky he knew was far above him, above the surface he rarely walked upon, and expanding his wings fully, feeling the dark mana course through him as his spell completed.

A flash -- if one could call the complete absorption of all light for the briefest of moments a flash -- of violet, dark energy drew in all but the tiniest flare of the five fires, and then all of the flames pulsed in a midnight flame, dancing in purples and deep blues. In the center of the pentagram, a pile of ash began to whirl as if propelled by a small but violent storm.

And then, in a flash as sudden as the first, Lady Michelle stood, bare.

The demon smiled, knowing her part in Claire Elizabeth's demise was soon to play out.

As The dark elf wizard, Elaugeth Arken'ep places a shroud of shadow, around Michelle. Michelle bows to the demon lord in a demonic voice Spits out the words " How may I serve you master" as she stares blankly into space.

 

[siyeng0]

He fell into a neat lope behind the dragon as it moved. Its tail swept the dust behind it, the grand armour of its scales glinting in the sunlight. Picking up the hem of his robe - it was an old robe, this one; almost as old as he was, its skirts worn threadbare and discoloured by dirt - he tried to get close enough to speak with it. But its owner did not give him enough distance for a private conversation. Sullenly regarding her with eyes like a white rabbit's, glassy pink and hurt by the light, he crept off to the side.

The scene playing out around him was of no interest to him. He cared only for the dragon. Lumbering gracelessly like some streamlined sea creature confined to land, it looked awkward and ungainly with its useless wings folded against its body. The sight of its eyes, a deep and roiling gold, and of its cavernous nostrils flickering with a barely-sated fire, made his heartbeat thud.

He watched it longingly, and dreamt of its fleshbound master reduced to a scaffold of blackened bones: purified by that sky-born fire.

 

[canary]

Claire Elizabeth sprinted to the front walls of the massive city of Luna, aided by her ability to take on the form of a wolf. Many of the citizens jumped aside quickly, afraid a wild animal was loose; others merely rolled their eyes, aware that it was simply someone using magic to assume animal form.

The people of Luna were used to seeing the uncommon daily. It was just last week that the city's famous talking chicken, Handalf, saved the mayor's life when attacked by two assassins. Not only that, he defeated them in the city's most premiere location, the bank, in front of a large crowd of onlookers... with magic, no less. If a magic wielding chicken could battle evil and no one blink, surely a wolf in the city running about was of little shock to most.

Although Kali was a dragon, she was also a friend. Claire Elizabeth had noticed the concern etched in her mind of Kali's thoughts, and it troubled her. In their years together, Kali was not one who was rattled easily.

Rounding the street's corner, the form of her dragon ally became visible by the city's entrance.

 

[Lady Michelle]

The Demon Lord gave Michelle her orders to lure Claire into the woods. Where Elaugeth Arken'ep will be waiting to take down Kali. As Michelle approached Claire she started to get flashbacks of a Lady tending to a squirrel she found on the side of the road that was almost dead, and nursing it back to full health. Shaking the image out of her head she moved forward. Looking at the dragon she got another flashback of a dragon with a squirrel curled up on the Dragons.... Heart wrenching pain sheered through Michelle's body, as she grabbed her head with both hands, and let out a blood curtly scream. Last thing she saw was the tongue of a dragon swiping her across the face before she fell to the ground, and passed out.
Waking up she found herself in a bed, and Claire standing across the room looking out the window.
Barely getting the words out Michelle tells Claire its me Michelle save kali shes in danger then passes out again.

 

[RaDian FlGith]

The demon watched the visage of the dragon's tongue flying toward him, but he knew that it would not penetrate the shimmering image in front of him. He could see through the simulacrum's eyes, and could hear through its ears. The scream of confusion that passed the doppleganger's lips brought only a fanged smile to the demon's lips, for he could feel the tear in its mind as well.

Waving his red hand, stretching out his black taloned fingers, the demon dismissed the observation spell, and turned, looking over his shoulder, past his own wing, and toward the chained, robed female. "You see, Lady Michelle, the duplicate is so perfect, it even believes itself to be confused by the images drawn out of your mind."

Lady Michelle struggled against her bonds, but her human strength was little match for the dark magics that coursed through the valorite shackles. "I offered to serve you!"

"Oh, child of Britannia, I know." He turned to face her, taking a step closer, and reaching out with his long arm. He stroked her chin with a single ebon talon. "And serving me you are. But I am far too old to have fallen for the 'How may I serve you master,' trick." He moved his finger away, and turned toward a passage leading away from the makeshift temple. He spoke as he strode away, "Oh, Lady Michelle, you have no idea the ways in which you will serve."

 

[canary]

The tree lined villa rested right on the edges of Yew's lush forests.

"She rests now," Claire Elizabeth said softly, closing the oaken door to where Michelle now slept. "I can't explain what happened, Norius."

Norius, one of Claire's oldest friends and adventuring companions, heard her words, his hands resting together on the worn Yew crafted table before him. He nodded only slightly at her words before meeting her gaze directly. Her light hazel eyes were damp with tears, and her usually braided golden hair was tousled. Her clothes were disheveled, much like her demeanor after seeing her recently deceased friend return from death.

"Then maybe what you need is answers, Claire," Norius replied, drawing himself up from the table to go to her. "And I don't believe you will find them here in my villa. Though I wish I could supply them."

"What would you advise, then?" she asked quizzically, her hand nervously adjusting a golden armband. "Michelle was turned to ash! I saw her with my own eyes die... it wasn't even as if a spell of Resurrection could have been performed on her, given such a state."

Norius' eyes narrowed. "A couple of individuals might guide a path for you. There are few who have truly mastered the arts of the ether, but those who have, well... I do know some names. Ra'Dian Fl'Gith of Dracona. Lady Silverbrook of Magincia. WildStar of the Kingdom of Dawn is also well versed in the magical arts."

Claire moved to the window, away from Norius as he spoke. Her eyes went to the clouds, allowing her mind to gently wander momentarily. Kali, her most faithful companion, had taken leave from her the day previous. She spoke something about her own concerns regarding recent events. The encounter with Michelle brought both of them to the agreement that something was amiss regarding one or both of them. She hoped that the dragon would return soon, as she felt counsel from such a wise creature would prove beneficial at this time, in addition to Norius' own advice.

"If I may, I would wish to spend the night... if that is all right with you. Tomorrow I will leave you and Michelle to seek out some answers that I think are sorely needed," Claire said, a look of determination crossing her face. "I need to go prepare my things."

 

[Lady Michelle]

The demon watched the visage of the dragon's tongue flying toward him, but he knew that it would not penetrate the shimmering image in front of him. He could see through the simulacrum's eyes, and could hear through its ears. The scream of confusion that passed the doppleganger's lips brought only a fanged smile to the demon's lips, for he could feel the tear in its mind as well.

Waving his red hand, stretching out his black taloned fingers, the demon dismissed the observation spell, and turned, looking over his shoulder, past his own wing, and toward the chained, robed female. "You see, Lady Michelle, the duplicate is so perfect, it even believes itself to be confused by the images drawn out of your mind."

Lady Michelle struggled against her bonds, but her human strength was little match for the dark magics that coursed through the valorite shackles. "I offered to serve you!"

"Oh, child of Britannia, I know." He turned to face her, taking a step closer, and reaching out with his long arm. He stroked her chin with a single ebon talon. "And serving me you are. But I am far too old to have fallen for the 'How may I serve you master,' trick." He moved his finger away, and turned toward a passage leading away from the makeshift temple. He spoke as he strode away, "Oh, Lady Michelle, you have no idea the ways in which you will serve."

Listening to the drip drip of the water leaking down from the ceiling, Michelle finally hears someone approaching, as he comes around the corner. She notices on his finger her garnet bracelet the last time she saw it was when Ra'Dian Fl'Gith of Dracona turned her into a squirrel, because she refused to marry him. The words he spoke while he cast the spell. If I can't have you know one will, being a squirrel for years might make you change your mind.

"Well hello Ra'Dian Fl'Gith I see you still have my garnet bracelet" as she glared at him " Might as well turn me back into a squirrel, because I haven't changed my mind. Your still the last man on earth that I still won't marry, or should I say the last monster.