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Post by Admin on Aug 29, 2005 7:41:16 GMT -6
Reports have been trickling in about something strange in the Outlands but each one seems to skim over exactly what is so very strange. Frustrated, the Queen herself planned on heading a small search party- but, she was needed at the palace unexpectedly on the day of the quest.
So, she sent out all of you anyway, her two most trusted guards and her own Dark Angel, with instructions to find out what is actually going on and if needed put a stop to it.
You step into the shade of the Black Forest and the trees creak menacingly.
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Post by Thane on Aug 29, 2005 19:13:40 GMT -6
"Ummm..." Thane breathes into the thick air, "... seeing and smelling the forest is making me home sick..." The giant beast groans out as he enters the thicket. "The last report came from my village not 10 clicks from the boarder of the outland." Thane speaks as his sharp nose is scanning the thick stale air. He falls silent as he is snuffing hard... searching... seeking... for even the slightest hint of stray scent off any... unlucky beast... or sorry soul, that may be lying in wait to ambush the Elite band. Satisfied they are alone for now, he stands confident amid the brush holding back the thorns for the others to enter the small misty clearing. "If we venture by, we may uncover some information from the Elders there about this vague phonominia... and what it is exactly that we are to be investigating." Thane says with a shrug.
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Post by Lysandor on Aug 29, 2005 21:41:31 GMT -6
Lysandor stands outside the clearing, waiting for Lye to enter before he makes a move. He stands guard, watching for any signs that they might be watched outside the forest. A very slight, almost-smile crosses the scarred Fallen's face.
"Perhaps," Lysandor says. "And perhaps you wish to return home and relieve your homesickness as well, Master Thane?" He grows more serious. "But I agree with you. It would be best to get more information from your village's Elders before we do much else."
As he says this, he turns to Lye, as though asking for her opinion as well.
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Aug 30, 2005 1:39:42 GMT -6
Lye has been pacing around the outer trees, seeing if there was anything noteworthy there (there wasn't). She hears Lysandor and Thane, and a small smile crosses her face as well.
"I too agree that getting more information from Thane's village would be a good idea. Still, no doddling, Thane. We are on a mission after all."
She steps through to the clearing and looks at Thane, keeping her smile. "Lead the way, since you know where it is. Haste is appreciated."
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Post by Thane on Aug 30, 2005 18:09:01 GMT -6
Thane smirks his own smile as Lysandor presses something of a joke at Thane wanting to alleviate his desire to return home. As the others enter the clearing and voice their agreement to press on to the village Thane nods as he speaks to Lye, "Then it is agreed... On then... to Leael!" He then turns from Lye, and as quick as a wink Thane begins to trot away down a hidden trail on all fours tearing through the brush like a runaway train.
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Post by Lysandor on Aug 30, 2005 20:24:36 GMT -6
Lysandor is the last in the clearing, almost getting hit by the thorns as Thane trots off. He takes the back in case anything should come up from behind.
"What are we to expect at Leael?" Lysandor asks. "Aside from the blatantly obvious, of course."
Lysandor's true intention - purely for information or to be friendly - is rather unknown, as he is his usual stoic, toneless self.
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Aug 31, 2005 4:17:43 GMT -6
Lye runs after Thane quickly, making sure not to lose him. As he is going on all fours, she has to slightly crouch and keep her arm in front of her face to knock away the backlash of the brush.
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Post by Thane on Aug 31, 2005 18:17:30 GMT -6
Thane slows a bit and finally comes to a stop along a steep ridge of sharp rocks that spill off sharply into a low valley. He stands for a moment and sniffs at the air. He crouches for a moment inspecting the ground and he finally turns to Lysandor. "It is like any other village... Respect them and they will respect you in return..." He says looking preoccupied. Thane then points down the ridge of rocks that lead into a nearly invisible narrow canyon. The dark trees and over growth almost completely hide the entrance from view. "They will be frustrated by our abrupt visit, They love to feast... and a visit by the Queen's envoy would have been an excellent excuse for that very occasion." Thane smiles as he looks back at Lye and Lysandor, "I hope you are hungry...". Thane then stands and heads for the narrow canyon. He twists through the gnarled roots and branches as effortlessly as he has done so a thousand times before and quickly treads the rocky path that descends deep into the steep canyon floor.
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Sept 1, 2005 1:58:42 GMT -6
Lye smiles back at Thane. "Well...I could eat." She follows him but has more trouble going through the roots and branches. At some point in the struggle with a particularly nasty root, she takes out Silverspine and clears the path of some foliage, then goes through onto the rocky path.
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Post by Lysandor on Sept 1, 2005 15:06:33 GMT -6
"I suppose I can eat enough to satisfy their expectations," Lysandor replies, following after Thane and Lye while also keeping an eye out for any enemies. "But remember that our objective is to gather information, not take part in a village feast."
Lysandor takes the rocky terrain carefully - it is not his friend. As though to irritate the Fallen Elite, the rocks slide from under his feet and he very nearly slides into Lye.
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Post by Thane on Sept 1, 2005 22:51:40 GMT -6
The passage winds downward till not much light is reaching the floor of the canyon. Thane stands before a widening maw that in the low light looks large enough to drive a 747 through with ease. Thanes silhouette turns to look at Lye and Lysandor as they shimmy down the rocky trail. Thane's eyes are glowing menacingly from under his dark hood as watches his companions approach. "Welcome to Leael..." Thane says as his deep voice echoes throughout the great chasm.
At the sound of his booming voice small glowing lights begin to appear down into the dark cave. As if a great veil is removed the Rachet village slowly becomes visible through the shrouding darkness. The whole cave appears to reach back forever and the walls are littered with smaller caves and caverns that are skillfully carved to form shops, homes and various halls of fellowship. Two Rachet Guards are standing just 10 paces before Thane and they recede from him slowly as the Elite Hound turns his head to address them by name. "Kolar... Gruther..." Thane barks commandingly, "Please announce to the council elders that the Elite Guard of her gloriously wicked High Empress of Darkness, Ereshkigal, seek an audiance..." Thane then stares at the shocked guards, "Time is short, be swift..." Thane's words are grave and pointed to the two bewildered hounds who stammer and run off into the dimly lit cave. "Amatures..." Thane growls shaking his head in disbelief.
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Post by Lysandor on Sept 2, 2005 9:37:39 GMT -6
Lysandor doesn't watch the exchange. His mind is on more important matters, such as keeping his balance. He can feel the ghost movements of his "wings" backflapping and moving about as though to help him maintain balance. He grits his teeth, and presses on, ignoring the ghost wings.
As he makes it to the bottom, he sees the retreating Gabriel Rachet hounds and hears Thane's comment.
"I believe we were not expected," Lysandor says, observing the obvious. "I am unfamiliar with the talents of your people, Master Thane, but ought they have known we were on our way before we made our appearance?"
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Post by Thane on Sept 2, 2005 17:50:42 GMT -6
Thane stands steady in his tracks but turns his head to look Lysandor in the eye. "The only reason we are standing here now is because of that very fact they already knew we were coming." Thane says as he nods his head. "The scouts left plenty of tracks and scent... a trail that even a blind rachet could follow, if they didn't want us here we would have been ambushed long before the ridge." Thane turns his head back to the open cave. "We Rachet are very territorial, any unwanted visitors are... dealt with swiftly." Thane says, "Lucky you are with me," Thane laughs, "We rarely hunt our own, especially not one bearing the crest of the queen." Thane says as he points to the crest on his cloak. "Kolar and Gruther must not have been informed of our arrival... they are young, the reception of elite at the shadow gate must be somewhat new and rattling for them." Thane says continueing to chuckle.
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Sept 3, 2005 2:39:02 GMT -6
Lye laughs as well. She takes a few moments to admire the structures in the cave, then begins to walk forward so as to encourage her comanions to get moving as well.
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Post by Lysandor on Sept 3, 2005 9:31:16 GMT -6
"I see," Lysandor says, nodding once. He makes his way toward the cave, but seems vaguely uncomfortable in his approach.
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Post by Thane on Sept 3, 2005 10:23:20 GMT -6
6 other Ratchet guards have stepped from the shadows with spears raised as Lye and Lysandor advance. Thane leaps in front of his compatriots like a rabid dog preventing their proceeding down the passage. "Hold..." Thane grumbles, "Invitations must be extended first." Thane barks out shaking his head no with a look of worry in his eyes. "The elders will send us away if we try to breech the seal." Thane then raises his hand and places it on the invisible shield as it shimmers and crackles resisting his touch.
Thane spins round as an elder approaches the barrier. The elder throws back the hood on their cloak to reveal a female rachet face. "Thane... we are pleased you have come." she speaks with much relief in her voice. "Our people are suffering and we cannot find a way to correct what has happened." she says as her smile fades away. "Lady Me'Kel, Please allow us entery... Then we can discuss the particulars of our visit as I am sure it is of the same matter." Thane says with a lowered head. "These are Elite Masters Lye and Lysandor, and we have been dispatched to investigate the strange occurrences that has been reported in this and surrounding areas of the outland." Thane says with reverence.
"Please enter mighty elite, Our queen shows us honor by your presence here." she says as she raises her hand as if to invite them entry. The guards step back to their posts and she smiles warmly. Thane then looks to Lye and Lysandor and nods as he turns and walks through the barrier without a problem. He then approaches the elder and they exchange touching hands and sniffing each other for a moment and Thane steps away on down the trail into the village.
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Lye
Bourgeois
Darkangel: The Queen's BodyGuard
Posts: 166
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Post by Lye on Sept 3, 2005 20:17:14 GMT -6
After Thane speaks to Me'Kel and gives Lye and Lysandor clearance, Lye approaches Me'Kel. She gives a slight bow with her head and extends her hand politely (but doesn't make any attempt to sniff the elder). "Lady Me'Kel, what *has* happened, and why is it causing your people to suffer?"
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Post by Lysandor on Sept 3, 2005 21:30:20 GMT -6
Lysandor makes his way cautiously towards the Gabriel Rachet Elder, and inclines his head respectfully. His sterling eyes take in every detail of the Elder, the surroundings, and Thane's actions towards the Elder.
Not being a social person by nature, he stands by Thane and allows Lye to ask the questions. Despite his apparant relaxed appearance, Lysandor is on guard, moreso than before.
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Post by Thane on Sept 5, 2005 13:01:12 GMT -6
Me'Kel greets each of the new elites warmly and with a passing sniff. She takes Lye's hand softly and draws her in some. Me'Kel's eyes widen some as she speaks, "Your interest in this matter is encouraging... You must see what has happened to understand for yourselves... I don't wish to plant a seed that might color your investigation." She smiles warmly at Lye like a grandmother would to their favorite grand child, "You are strong my dear, would you please help an old dog down to the city?" She asks as the elder turns and practically drags Lye down the path along with her, past Thane and Lysandor and into the cave.
Thane looks at Lysandor with a raised eyebrow for a moment then he throws back his hood as two little rachets clasp around his legs. "Uncle Thane, Uncle Thane!" The Cubs keep repeating. "You've come home!" Thane reaches down and grabs each cub by the scruff of their thick woolly necks and picks them up to his chest. The cubs curl up but keep squeaking with joy as Thane looks again at Lysandor. "Meet Theen and Korr..." Thane says with a smirk. "They are still runts but they have marvelous potential..." Thane laughs, "Boys, meet Master Lysandor." The pups go quiet for a moment as they look at the fallen elite with giddy eyes. Thane then tucks each black cub under an arm and begins to walk into the village. "Come Master Lysandor, you won't find a more warm welcome anywhere else." Thane says with a chuckle.
The main room has become a buzz as a grand table filled, overflowing with assorted foods has appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Each Rachet has stopped their busy day and have begun to gather in the main hall of the cave to meet the new and rare visitors. All eyes are peering from every nook and cranny and gaze upon the elite as they make their way into the town square.
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Post by Lysandor on Sept 5, 2005 19:55:41 GMT -6
Lysandor is somewhat taken aback by the truth of Thane's statement. The pups in Thane's massive arms are something of a shock, as well. Though comrades-in-arms and good acquaintances, Lysandor realizes at that moment just how little he knows of Thane.
Feeling out-of-place, he follows Thane. Though somewhat relaxed, he still seems rather nervous, slightly flinching at small sounds and his eyes never resting on one spot for too long.
"You did not mention that the whole village was in a cave," Lysandor says, an odd strain in his usually stoic, flat voice.
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