Fable - Ask Born with a King's Heart

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

And they departed. The center of the square gave way and began to sink. Red lightning streaked across the sky, and a thunder rumbled from beneath their feet.

Lazule took point, and Erën followed closely after. Caliane, from above, did well to alert them of encroaching chasms just newly formed, or structures more evidently seen from above to be near collapse. Ahead, Azulian and... another. Upon the sight of them he felt a weight upon his mind, a fog taking shape, removing his clarity of discernment. Whatever presence he may have detected from Anima prior to the change of her façade was shrouded, and to him, however suspicious, seemed harmless. A likely candidate for one of Anur's schemes no doubt. He took no ill impression of her.

And they fled, weaving down broken streets and through ruined halls. Behind them, the ground churned and rolled in upon itself, and a black mist poured up and out - and distantly a devious laugh echoed...

Erën watched Lazule ahead. He turned back, Azulian and Anima in close pursuit. Anima - tripped, at first unbeknownst to Azulian, who carried onward. He looked up, Caliane was some ways ahead. Erën started back, and as he did the ground underfoot became soft. Azulian and his eyes met, and she must have realized when they past by.

"Go," he urged.

And then as Erën put more paces between them, the ground grew softer yet. He extended his hand to Anima, and pulled her to her feet, and with her hand in his turned back toward the edge of town... the ground falling away, nearly nipping at their heels.

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

There was a wind rolling out from the centre of the town which aided the Avariel on her flight. Occasionally there would be a dip in her wings as tiredness dogged her, made her movements slower and heavier. But she managed to guide them through the city. Past the outer wall the ground was still and unaffected by whatever pulled the ruins down into the abyss beneath the ground. She pulled up then landed on the main archway where there had once been gates barring access to the city.

Lazule passed under her first. Then Azulian. A small frown began to form; Erën had been ahead of her when she had last looked. Her higher view afforded her a better view of the city and still some way away from the exit she could see him and another figure, a young girl, making their way through. Once or twice the ground opened at their heel and one of them stumbled.

A curse muttered under her breath.

"Get to the ridge," Cali twisted at the waist and called down to the two already free of the town and motioned to the crest of the hill. She felt in her gut the sinking hole would not spread beyond the ruins but it would pertinent to play it safe. Then with a swan dive she swept her way back towards the pair still struggling. For a moment she swept past and over the heads of the two before circling back on a tight pinhead turn. Caliane wouldn't be able to carry them both for long but it was that or they disappear into the pits.

Without much of a warning, though Erën might have guessed her intentions, as she swept back towards them she grabbed each of them by the hand and then pushed upwards. Their feet left the ground as they rose to just above the height of the buildings out of the way of any falling debris. Her body protested and she gained nowhere near the height she would have liked to go for carrying two people but her flight was faster than their run and soon she was dumping the pair a little roughly on the crest of the hill hopefully the others had gathered on. Her foot hit the ground a second later, stumbled, went to one knee with her breathing ragged.

 

[Azulian]

Azulian, now clear of the town rests her hands on her knees taking deep breaths, "Is everyone okay?!" She asks looking at the others. Noticing that Cali was gasping for air but she did just carry Anima and Eren.

She'd walk over to her and make sure that she was okay, "Your heart isn't healed all the way yet." She explains looking at the others with her healer trained eyes. Looking for any signs of injury or otherwise.

 

[Lazule]

Lazule, notably and likewise thankfully, had not encountered any errors while running and as he skidded to a stop outside the bounds of the ruined city, the prongs of his armored feet digging briefly and deeply into the snow and into the dirt. Azulian, next to him, was taking gulping breaths, her hands clamped to her knees--signs of exhaustion. Lazule himself had felt the same in Lena's body. Now, in the Unknown Warrior's body and so encased in the armored suit, he had no need for air nor did his muscles feel the sting of fatigue. His gauge for tiredness, of energy running low, was different, and he was still trying to become accustomed to its symptoms.

Caliane, too, was exhausted--breathing much the same as Azulian. And so was the foreign woman; the cloaked and barefooted woman. The one Azulian had been standing near and Erën had grabbed the hand of during the run.

A captive? Held by Anur and the acolytes? It appeared to be so. Not a monster, then. Not to be slain.

After the massive collapse of the ruined city, the rending of the very earth of the Spine itself, Lazule turned his helm and said, "Erën. Did you experience a vision as well? What did you make of it?"

Perhaps the question would seem peculiar if, in fact, Erën had not experienced any such vision. Even more so if Azulian or Caliane or both had not either. If only Lazule had, it would be suggestive of some other failing, one of a hallucinatory quality, that it would be pertinent to investigate.

Eren'thiel Xyrdithas Caliane Ruinë Azulian

 

[VigiloConfido]

Anima did indeed trip. Some accidents were intentional. Some opportunistic--blessed surprises.

And he came. Erën. The object of Mother's interest. He took Anima's hand and she relished the contact and thought briefly of running her hands through his hair as they ran. Behind them the city was coming to ruin. (As it was with Men. As it was with all things.)

The Winged One assisted them. Lovely. (A shame. Such sorrow to bask in, if Erën had fallen in. Mother would have been displeased, but not for long.)

And they were safe. (Order brings the slow death of banality.)

Anima, panting for breath as well and shifting her bare feet up and down as the freezing snow drove its frigid sharpness into them, turned and looked with grateful (don't forget pleading) eyes and asked of any of them gathered--Azulian, Caliane, Erën, Lazule--as her breath turned to mist in the cold air, "Can you take me s-somewhere safe? I won't be a bother, I promise. Please, I don't want to get kidnapped again."

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

Erën was, like all the others - save for Lazule - winded. But he did not lean over himself, he turned, beholding the churning ruin of what was once an ancient ruin, watching the dust rise high into the sky. He was uncertain, but he thought too he could see the dark smoke of that wretch Anur swirling about for a moment, before it too disappeared into the thick. Stood there, he looked out mournfully upon the wreck as he regained his breath.

"Erën. Did you experience a vision as well? What did you make of it?"

He heard his friend speak, but at first it seemed as though the words did not register. He only stared out, his mouth hung open just slightly as he drew in deep breaths. Then... his trembling hand reached to his chest, and he turned to Lazule. He looked at Lazule with a tremendous mixture of emotion swirling in his eyes, but managed to nod at him in regards to experiencing it. As far as what he made of it...

"I... am not yet sure..."

The image of those grievous monsters, the great dragon and... him. It was a vague memory from long ago, a time when he was still just a boy. The image of that terrible creature, born of naught but darkness, which had been allegedly vanquished long ago - it was one and the same. But... it had to be a lie. Such a thing could not exist in this land any longer: since the Exodus, there was no way the laws of Arethil could be broken to allow one such as him to remain. A...

A Dark One.

He turned to the others, Azulian, Anima. Caliane. And he went to her, but was stopped by Anima's pleas. He frowned. Poor thing, to have been subjected to Anur's horrors. If no others would speak then he would take the charge on this. The were things of his to reclaim anyway.

"Yes. Surely those of the Gilded Vale would be bound to render aid," he said plainly, though thoughtfully - but quite frankly he didn't care if they would be receptive to another guest or not. They were getting one. He placed a hand on her shoulder, "we will see that no more harm comes to you."

Just as his hand lifted away, he felt an odd sensation... he cast a quick glance, surmising it as little more than remnants of Anur's treachery, still listing about the unfortunate soul he'd capture - no doubt meant to join himself in the pit as offering to the Ancient Dweller. He dismissed it, and turned again to go to Caliane's side. He joined Azulian by her side, "we mustn't stay here... no doubt more of Anur's beasts linger nearby..." his careful gaze moved from Caliane, to Azulian, "...can she be moved?"

It seemed a silly question after all the strain she had just put on herself, but he was not willing to drop the straw.

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

"She," Cali stood shakily. "Can speak for herself thank you," before she leaned heavily against the tree she had landed beside. Her face was ashen grey, devoid of its usual olive tone she looked to be in a bad way. Azulian was right; her heart was still healing and it was draining all the energy out of the Soulfire and her to do it. Such a simple flight had been akin to running a marathon.

"I, also, had a vision," the confession was a hoarse whisper and she avoided any of their eyes, looking at her feet instead. "But I agree here isn't the place to discuss such things. There is a place not far from here, we can rest," I can rest, she thought wearily. The Spines were her people's home and whilst they were days from the Gilded Vale they were now within the bounds of Avariel hunting grounds which spanned for miles more than many would think. Her eyes closed, vision swimming. But if she stopped now she wouldn't be able to keep going.

"Come," she didn't leave much time for them to debate the matter, nor to fuss over her more, before she was airborne again and winging off as if in the direction of the Gilded Vale. Her pace was slow so those on the ground didn't have to rush but it was a good few hours of walking for the weary band before the snowy flats turned into a more mountainous setting and she led them up one of the many cliff faces a little ways. It was a precarious walk way up for those without wings, narrow under foot, but doable. Their reward was the sight of a house.

Caliane landed at the door, her whole body was shivering from the tiredness of it all now but at her touch the iron workings shifted and moved then the door swung inwards. It was a simple hut, a hunting lodge more than anything more, and she cared not by this point if the others followed. She managed to kick one boot off, then another, before she fell forward onto one of the three low backed couches in the cozy living space and promptly fell asleep.

 

[Azulian]

Azulian watches as the other talk about their visions, she would say nothing about it until they were far away from this place and back to the absolute safety of the Gilded Vale.

As they were about to depart Anima calls out to not to get left behind, "We aren't going to leave you behind like this." She tells the woman calmly and softly. Like a mother would to her child, "We're going back to someplace much safer and then you can get some actual clean clothing and I can actually give you a good look over."

The healer adjusts her pace to make sure that Anima can keep up with her as they followed Cali, "Just let me know if you guys feel weak or anything okay?" She requests of both Cali and Anima, even though her magic was mostly spent that didn't mean she couldn't draw energy from her own body. If it kept them going she would do so.

 

[Lazule]

So it was not solely Lazule who had experienced a vision. Highly probable that it was an attempt by Anur, the Foe, to disorient all of them then. Maybe he had even sought to turn them against one another. Father's Mantra could easily be applied to this act of deception, should it be such--the turning of the deaf ear, the blind eye, to it.

But Caliane had the best assessment of the matter. Now was not the time for discernment. Though Lazule's armored body did not require shelter in the manner of Lena's body, in the manner of Erën and Caliane and Azulian and the captive, they still did.

It was prudent to discuss this matter elsewhere, for their sakes.

* * * * *​

It was not the Gilded Vale, but it would suffice, this house. This apparent house. Apparent, because it did not appear to be owned by one individual or a family. And it was dim and quiet inside, reinforcing this notion.

Lazule walked inside after Caliane had opened the (unlocked, or perhaps no lock--unclear) door. He made an effort to patrol around the main room of the lodge, checking corners and behind furniture. There was scant light upon which to draw if there was a threat, but it would not do to leave their new environs insecure.

But there was nothing.

Caliane had fallen asleep on one of the couches near instantaneously. And, for a moment, Lazule longed for this capacity: for the necessity and ability to sleep. Such was useful, to pass the time in periods of relative inactivity between Hunts, and during unfavorable conditions for slaying. There was an efficiency to it.

For now, Lazule--instead of on one of the couches themselves--sat down beside one. Laid the crooks of his elbows on his knees and let his arms bend and drape down.

He simply waited. Patiently. Waited and contemplated.

Eren'thiel Xyrdithas Caliane Ruinë Azulian

 

[VigiloConfido]

Yes.

She did enjoy hearing his words, that subtle promise that no more harm would come to her. Sweet for her, bitter for Mother. But more so than basking (a feeble offering from them all, for their heightened emotions had abated for now) she could ingratiate herself. Plant seeds of familiarity and gratitude and kindness that could be reaped in the future.

Little tendrils of acquaintance. Seeping into Erën.

Into Azulian.

She felt like asking for more healing, for her black eye. To feel her touch again as she had felt Erën's. But she desired more to put on a good Masquerade. For the reaping of the future would be far superior to the treats of the present.

In the lodge, Anima sat down on one of the three couches. Kept the cloak wrapped tightly around herself and shivered. This shivering, a thing that was no lie. Her bare feet looked reddened--frostbitten--from having gone for so long so exposed to the relentless cold and snow of the mountainous ground.

It would be hard. To slay a thing so pitiful. To suspect a thing so pitiful.

Wouldn't it.

 

[Eren'thiel Xyrdithas]

It had been a trial to reach the safe haven that Caliane knew of, and led them to. But upon arrival, there was a true reprieve to be felt. They had made it without further incident, avoiding any potential dangers that may have sought to follow them from that forsaken place. All the while, the thoughts of what he had seen ran through his mind - the feeling he felt: the end, grasping him. Powerless.

But as well as he could, he removed it from his thoughts, and focused instead only on what was ahead of them now. The door, pushed open. Filing in now, and spreading about.

As Lazule did a recon of the surround, Erën took up the charge as well, making the task as hasty as possible. It was pleasing to find no sign of danger, and contented in this, he took to finding a suitable comforts. A fire, lit. Blankets and the like, though worse for wear, suitable to stave of the cold until the warmth of the fire could seep into the building and radiate around them. He passed them to those who wished for them, and gently draped one over Caliane as she slumbered.

He meanwhile, also took to seating himself - across from Lazule. He looked to Anima, then to Azulian, "thank you for coming... had you not..." he said, his eyes drifted over to their sleeping friend, then to Lazule, "all of you. Thank you."

He bowed his head, "I know not what Anur attempted to... show us... but it will take some time for me to understand. That place you saw, was Sharyrdaes, my home..." formerly... "those elves we fought: my people. But... that is not their way. Those beasts... were destroyed, long ago. I will... try to understand."

Caliane Ruinë | Azulian | Lazule ​

 

[Caliane Ruinë]

How Caliane had fallen took up the whole of the sofa unless someone sought to move her head or legs and place them upon their lap to sit beneath them. One wing curled over the low back and hung limply there whilst the other splayed out across the floor. It was easy to see in this position just how large her wings truly were.

As the blanket was draped over her she made a soft noise but otherwise didn't move.

The others would find amongst the simple first floor of the dwelling supplies which looked relatively new in the cupboards; elvish breads and salted meats. Sturdy food for those on the road. There were instruments enough too for hunting such as spare bows and arrows, but also pots and pans and the like. Upstairs, if they ventured there, there were spare clothes built for those with wings in the cupboards and two bedrooms with soft mattressed beds.