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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 8, 2005 16:32:47 GMT -5
renae_willowbane: The carriage drew up to the blacksmith shop later on in the day, the winter season having settled upon the sleepy village with a grace and beauty that only nature could create. All were crowded within their homes with their loved ones by the fire and all commerce and farming were abandoned until the change of seasons, when Spring would kiss the earth and render it new again. Stepping from the rented transportation, Merope let her eyes survey the land with obvious rapture, Amariette's lovely and vivid memories of the place had paled in comparions to the real scenery that laid before her. "My what a sight indeed!" The driver helped unload her various things and she paid him extra for the assistance, several gold coins relinquished into his hand. "I thank you for your time good sir."<c> renae_willowbane: The man only stared at the money in awe and shuffled off hurriedly to set the horses to a trot once again, the carriage slowly rolling its way down the cobblestone lane. Reaching down to sweep up her shoulder pack and accompanying smaller bags, she began to boldly stride about the front entrance toward the small picket gate that would lead to the family house proper, her head high and her gaze always noting the minute details of her crystalline surroundings. Ascending the stairs of the porch, she set her things to the floorboards and knocked slowly, her small fist creating a rather mighty racket of sound as though she possessed a power that was easy to overlook. She waited patiently and there was no answer.<c> renae_willowbane: Pressing her lips into a rather disappointed pout, she tried again, her knuckles connecting with the wood. Still, no answer came from within. It was then that Amariette's memory flashed into her mind. 'Father would have gone into the wilderness to collect wood and taken Kramar along for exercise. He wouldn't be back until nightfall most likely, very late nightfall.' This was indeed disappointing, though Merope was sure that Amariette had no idea of her plans for Brigham Sovrine as of yet. So what was she to do? "A walk might be nice..." She answered patiently to herself, turning from the door and her things and drifting down the stairs once again.<c> renae_willowbane: Her body was clothed in a rather expensive looking white fur coat that lengthened out to protect the hem of her gown beneath, a great hood shielding her head and hair from the elements rather expertly. She appeared some immaculate white ghost, a beauty formed of ice and snow. Having retrieved a matching muff from her bag before walking away, she slipped her hands inside of it to keep them warm and drew out the yard of the house, taking her time to step lightly on the surface of the snow, something the girl child Amariette could never do on her own. The scenery was changing, she was leaving the buildings and homes of the village behind and drawing further and further into what seemed to be an apple orchard frozen in time.<c> renae_willowbane: Mari's memories of this place were many as well and she allowed the girl to reminisce with her as they continued on, her silver eyes shining with the light of the waning day where silence was their only companion. A forest emerged then, one she felt the girl had not visited for some time, and there was a sense of pain and sadness there, of regret maybe? Of loss? Merope pushed further within the trees and eased her will over Amariette's shattered one, probing the girl for the source of this hurt she was feeling. "Show me child......let me see....." The village girl was putting up a surprising defensive and this startled Merope and only drove her onward with added force, pushing the barrier until Amariette caved and retreated in defeat, leaving only a whispered name, 'Gaelus.....'
hate_me_lovingly: The body ached and pained from the moments he had taken to travel from the mountains of Nerubia back to Chartha where he was born and more or less lived again. The figure of the large and now older figure was kneeling down beside a stone azimuth imbedded within the grass with a glassy sheen to cover it's frontal area. "...Karlen Kurtis" Gaelus breathed outwardly to himself in a slow breath. "...Memories...hmm..?" the head slightly swayed, alabaster furls popping about the sides of his face as another miniature monolith of stone read another epitaph across it, directly to the side of his fathers. "...Dwella..." fingers laced into the stone, caressing the indentations that were made<C> hate_me_lovingly: to form the letters within it. Looking down into these letters read the name 'Dwella Kurtis'. The bellflower at his side was quietly lifted up from his waistlines large brown belt..tucked with the greenery lush between his fingers as a light kissed was placed upon it "...Rest in peace..." and thus lowered the bellflower from their wedding day down onto her grave. It was too painful to keep..and he was one to let go of memories of death. The figure pushed up some, hands sliding to the knees and allowing a harder press into them to pull further up without much strain "...Mghnn...im getting old like Papa was..." looking down at the age marking on his fathers grave. "...Thirty Eight...you died far too young father"<C> hate_me_lovingly: The right hand lowered to pick up a satchel that was hooked with a string into his belt..unlooping it and sliding the string over his shoulder with the satchel bouncing off his shoulderblades and mid-back. "I'll be seeing you sometime..." he said with a bow given to both graves with his head, turning in the grace with one foot carrying him towards the south. Directly south of this place was the city of Chartha. This was where he had grown up..he lived here with his mother Dmitria and father Karlen. Even more so were Brigham and his..."...Amari..." he said, slowing his pace a bit as he was walking through the woods. "...I wonder..." speaking to himself in his now deep and somewhat mildly<C> hate_me_lovingly: burly tenor. He looked almost identical to his father..the only difference having been the eye color. The left was Emerald, the right was Sapphire. "...Is she still here?" he shook his head and continued on, taking a detour off towards the east halfway there and coming up to what looked to be a shimmering pond. "...mhgnn.." groaning out as he saw this thing. A spotted frog and it's family jumped into the water to escape his heavy footsteps. Boy did that bring back memories like a flushed tide. <Heeeeeeeey..Gael! This frog is spotted!> 'Yeah..It's to keep it camoflauged naturally. It's also to show other animals that it's poisonous!' <...You're wierd!> Yeah. Those were good times indeed<C> hate_me_lovingly: so good in fact that he started to laugh out loud "Hahahaha..." with a slow dying in the end "..Ahhh...they've all probably forgotten me anyway.." he said sadly afterward, pulling his pants up some with a tug of the large hands. A foot swept forward, kicking a random rock into the pond to create those ripples of water "...Bet she's forgotten me too"<E>
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 8, 2005 17:00:41 GMT -5
renae_willowbane: The wilderness was changing, Merope could smell it in the air as her nostrils flared and she recognized the scent very quickly. Water. Was there some type of pond or lake here? Amariette was adamant about leaving, wishing to move on as quickly as possible, as though these were hallowed grounds of some sort. Perhaps they were, but Merope didn't care. She was curious, she wanted to find out why the girl was so aggravated now, so fidgety, it was bordering on annoying in her opinion. As they gained the clearing where the pond rested nearly frozen, her silver gaze traced the sight of the waters edge, catching the sight of shapes moving within. "How strange to see life continuing on despite the chill of death so very close. Do all things hold so much meaning in this world Amariette?"<c> renae_willowbane: There was no answer, and Merope soon discovered why as her eyes rose and settled on the figure standing not far away, a man of notable size with a look that made the village girl creep from the shadows of her mind to investigate. Merope allowed her to come as far as she liked to the very forefront, the emerald color pushing itself into the gaze of the woman so that once again they were only encircled in the silver. Tilting her head some, Amariette reached up and drew back the hood of her coat, her voice still weak and wavering, but the sound easily caught and carried toward his ears, "It can't be......Gaelus? Is....is it really you?" <c> renae_willowbane: Merope was instinctively wary, and with a force that shocked Amariette, she felt herself thrown back into the abyss, crying out and curling in a ball in response, the other persona pushing itself forward once again, irises returned to a total silver hue. So this was the man she mourned in this place? And how convenient of him to appear so easily? This was simply too much fun not to investigate and she decided to remain coy and shy, a nature she knew was more Amariette than anything else. Yet would he recognize her? According to the memories, it had been a great deal of time since they had seen one another and not only was he a formidable image now, but she had grown into grace and beauty that was as much inspring as it was terrifying.<c> renae_willowbane: Yes, best to allow him to approach her if he dared, likely he would not hesitate as she was now, her long ringlet curls billowing some in the biting winter wind and falling into the crease of her supple lips. They were a comical pair to see, and the humor was not lost on Merope at all, a soft glint of laughter echoing in the mind, causing Amariette to brave another look without pushing her own will further. Winter, in all its glory spread out about them, offering death to everything it touched, the very breeze painful if one lingered too long within it. Yet here they stood, two beings captured in a single moment in time where memory and reality merged into one unique and individual consciousness, creating a power that even Merope dare not test.<c> renae_willowbane: She understood that though she was a creature of Old, there were still a great many things far older than she.
hate_me_lovingly: Gaelus lifted his satchel up tighter against the shoulderblades, pursueing it for further comfortability along his back. "...Hmm..?" he said outwardly as something within him, a noise. The eyes rose from the pond, peripherals catching a glimpse of very little movement further off in the very direction opposite of his own in the way he stood. "Who's there?" having noticed the being knew the name which he was given at conception. Someone had said and he could quote 'is it really you?'. Thus the face finally found it's leniancy towards the woman Amari who rested in the underbrush just visible beneath the shades of a wintered oak. The bag fell with a heavy thud against the grassy knoll beneath him<C> hate_me_lovingly: "...Amari??" sliding forward a little with feet dragging in the grass, shuffling. "...hey..." he said a moment having come within a few feet of the entity now. This woman was indeed Amari, but there was something strikingly distasteful about it. Her beautiful hair she always had..her slender body. The voice was even the same, but this was not Amari. "...Wait a minute" Fingertips clenched inward to the large and hefty fist, scraping the inner workings of the palm and it's lining. "Hey...Wheres Amari..?" he'd ask tentatively, remaing ever so collected and cool about it all in the same instance. How? Years and years of training. Afterall that has been where he has for the past time<C> hate_me_lovingly: "I know you ain't her..." lifting up and pointing a finger at her face "Y'er eyes are a different color.." knowing full well that Amari's were of a forest lush green...like envy. Long days he remembered as they sat by the pond, staring into each others eyes and making up loving quips about the forest, the animals, and other things about life.<E>
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 8, 2005 19:33:59 GMT -5
renae_willowbane: "What are you talking about silly, of course I'm her!" Merope replied easily as she dropped her head and pretended to have something in her eye. It was at that moment that she practically threw Amariette forward and whispered quickly to her, 'Tell him nothing about me, for it will surely be the end of us my dear. I will watch and wait, do not fear, I won't let anything happen to you.' Unable to do anything but nod, Amariette conceded and began to speak in her timid voice to him, "I have been rather sick lately I'm afraid, I guess I wasn't as healthy as I thought I was, especially if I wanted to be out in weather like this." Rubbing her eyes a bit further, she drew her head up again, the swirling irises a brilliant green and sparkling toward him, "There now, much better yes?"<c> renae_willowbane: Her lips curled into the sweetest smile and she was thankful for her muff, lest he see the trembling of her hands within, "I can't believe you're really here. I had thought......thought that you were dead...." She was terrified to be so totally exposed and she whimpered mentally to Merope who was content to ignore her silent plea for mercy. All she wanted was to hide, to find her shelter deep within and put all her trust in the woman who promised to look after her. Merope was all she had now, all she could count on, and yet, now she was helpless to the world once again.<c> renae_willowbane: None of the panic she was enduring could even be read on her soft and passive face as she laughed softly in delight and threw herslef against him, wrapping her arms about his neck loosely and standing on tiptoe to hug him close. "I'm so happy to see you Gaelus! It has been far too long! Papa will be so happy to see you!" The girl was becoming giddy as all the memories came flooding back of their times together, exploring, laughing, and enjoying each others company. Maybe, just maybe, she'd be alright at least for a little while. The day was going on and she was sure that he was hungry and thirsty from his long trip from.., she hadn't even known where he had gone!<c> renae_willowbane: The soft white fur of her hood tickled along his cheek and neck as the faint scent of Jasmine eminated from her skin like the softest brush of a perfume on the wind, her slender body slipping away from his again so that she could stand back and appraise the look of him with genuinely happy eyes.
hate_me_lovingly : The times were changing, it seemed she had too. However before he could protest a single thing, her arms were looped about his neck and hugged to him. That was a feeling he hadn't felt in so long...the feeling of a woman against his very figure, contour to contour..especially someone he used to and still does care so much about. She hadn't forgotten him afterall. So much emotion came flooding back that he actually lifted her off of the ground and lightly began twirling her around "...Amari i'm back! I was never dead...I simply told you I was going away...I'd never just leave you behind forever." The twirling had lightly stopped and come to let her rest back on her feet<C> hate_me_lovingly : looking down into those eyes with his still as rare as ever different colored ones. The emerald one on the left and sapphire one on the right were some sort of trait he got from his parents. His fathers eyes were the same..except his were ruby and onyx. The large arms enveloped around her figure were almost thrice the size they were when he left. He'd grown..gotten stronger..gotten kinder in the eyes but more hateful in the soul. The berserker fury was safely locked away..not that she knew of it. She too however had gotten bigger. Her body had grown into that of a full figured womans..her face was now more beautiful than it had ever been. In any cases..she was almost thrice the woman<C> hate_me_lovingly : she was when he left her. Fingers slid up quietly into her hair beneath her cap..feeling it somewhat as he used to do as they were children "...Amari you've...grown up" almost hating to say such a thing as he looked back down to her face from her hair "...Your eyes are still as pretty as they ever were...your voice still makes my heart jump..." with a grin "..and I bet you still call me wierd everytime I say something you think is nerdy...ho ho ho.."<E>
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 8, 2005 19:46:36 GMT -5
renae_willowbane: "Oh no.....I would never call you weird now Gaelus. I just....I can't believe you're home! It's been so long and you have no idea how much Brigham still talks about you. If I didn't know better, I'd say the man lost his right arm. Which reminds me, he won't be home for awhile, but I'm sure he left the spare key in our secret spot, would you like some of my special Black tea and a hot meal? My treat!" His energy only helped to lift her spirits even higher, making her genuinely responsive and rather eager to help someone again, someone who would need her, someone she couldn't fail. A meal wasn't something that was beyond her, Brigham seemed to enjoy her cooking well enough, even Kramar was constantly licking his chops in anticipation of her next salivatory creation.<c> renae_willowbane: His tenderness almost pushed through the darkness that harbored Merope, but the unicorn was rathered preoccupied with marveling at the sight and the words of the giant man before her, rather inclined to remain a silent observer for as long as he was around. A sudden kick in the wind made her tremble and she drew the hood closer to her head before replacing her hands in her warm muff and motioning in the direction of the village, the thought of hot tea making her all the more insistent. "Come, share the comfort of my house, you've been traveling long enough. Time to rest and catch up on old times." She took a few steps, the small train of her coat and gown beneath trailing in the snow as she actually sunk down and got stuck for a moment or two in her slippers.<c> renae_willowbane: Of course, with Merope watching from within and no longer in control, she was just boring, manipulated, pathetic Amariette. The sudden thought made her frown visibly and tears pooled in her eyes as she kept her face hidden from him and her back was all he could view for the time being. Sighing, she steadied herself and turned to look over her shoulder with an embarassed laugh and flaming cheeks, "I can't imagine how I even made it out here to begin with. There's just something about the snow that pulls me into a trance that is very difficult to shake." Her words, had he known the truth, were quite ironic.
hate_me_lovingly : He was already beside her as they walked towards the village they were both most undoubtedly used to. His satchel had been retrieved before they decided to leave, thus it was slung over his shoulder again. He was now 6'3 and 240 something if not higher pounds. No doubt she's noticed just exactly how big he has gotten. As the snow crunched beneath their footsteps, his head turned wryly to her to listen to her talk. Something about food..about being relaxed..and her black tea. He remembered she had learned to make something before he left called tea..wasn't sure what kind it was but he remembered it loosened him up and seemed to relieve all sensations of tension that lingered<C> hate_me_lovingly : throughout his muscles. "Sadly Amari I don't eat much anymore..but I'd love some Tea." Sincerity deep behind those eyes as they came out into the village from the side of the road where it cut off into the woods. The cobblestone path was now made, the light click of his boots to it the only saving grace to the silent sounds of winter. "Yeah..I figured Brigham would have missed me...I've missed him too. After dad died I had no one else except for you, him, and mom..." biting his lower lip idly as they came upon the quaint little blacksmiths shop that he was so used to seeing in his younger days. "If Im right..didn't he keep spares under the front mat?" looking down at the<C> hate_me_lovingly : mat before the door and then motioning for her to look at it and see if the key was there. If it wasn't he had a few more ideas..but he wasn't voicing them yet<E>
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 8, 2005 20:29:23 GMT -5
renae_willowbane: "I guess it wouldn't hurt to check yes?" Smiling to him at the reminder of a hiding place she had long forgotten, she stop at the front of the blacksmith shop and swept her hand beneath the worn mat that rested just outside the locked wooden door. To her astonishment, she felt the cold metallic of a key and drew it from within, rising up again to show it to him proudly, "Still full of surprises I see! No wonder Papa depended on you so much to help around the place. Alright then, lets go have some tea and warm up by the fire before we both catch our death out here."<c> renae_willowbane: Leading him toward the picket fence, she strode across the snow covered yard and drifted up the stairs to slip the key within the door, her eyes settling on him over her shoulder as her sweet voice flowed from her lips, "You know your way around, make yourself comfortable by the fire and I'll get that tea ready. I just got back home myself, but lets save that story for a rainy day alright? I hope you don't plan to leave again so soon..." She opened the door for him and then reached down to pick up all her bags that Merope had left behind, rather surprised at the weight of them that made her falter for a moment.<c> renae_willowbane: Furrowing her brow in concentration, she looked rather comically adorable as she labored along with her things into the house, hoping that he would follow and close the door behind him so that the chill wouldn't come in and ruin the fire that was close to dying in the hearth. Setting her things aside, she finally drew the coat from her shoulders and hung it on one of the coat hooks with care, smoothing down the fur and then stroking the few wrinkles out of her own red dress. Twirling in a slow circle, she searched over her attire and when she had satisfied herself that all was as it should be again, she smiled to him and vanished into the kitchen area to fetch a pot and the ingredients she would need.<c> renae_willowbane: "Gaelus, would you please rebuild the fire for us, I'm sure Papa left us a little wood to use until he comes back with more. They should be stacked to the left of the fireplace if Kramar hasn't gotten into them already." Working as though she had never left, she mixed the herbs and seasonings into the fresh spring water within the kettle, adding a few secret touches that no one would ever discover. There was a growing sense of purpose building with her, which was actually always the case when she was home. It was very difficult to be depressed when you had so much to do and take care of, her family being the most important of all.
hate_me_lovingly : He tucked his bag higher over his shoulder after she had found the key "Yep. I guess thats why he always told me if I locked myself out sometimes it'd be my own damn fault..haha.." watching her attempt to wade within the door after it had opened with her bags, he'd lean forward and reach out "Here..let me help.." grasping one of the pieces she'd been unable to carry well and holding it in his hand until she passed through the door. He too as well passed through, setting down her stuff where she had put it and thus dropping his bag to the side opposite of hers so as not to mix them up. He was certain she didn't want to see what he had in there anyway..might scare her or so he thought.<C> hate_me_lovingly : She made her way whimsically towards the kitchen uttering out the words he was so used to his dad telling him even once he got home. 'Son the firewoods to the left of the fireplace. Go start a fire. Brigham should have helped bring some in for us earlier'. Unfortunately..nothing was there. He must have forgot to chop a tree. Moving back to the front door he'd then begin to dig through his bag. It was quite large..but from within it was something that no one could have expected. A large battle axe "I got to go get some wood..i'll be right back". Pushing through the den where the fireplace would have been and down a thin hall to the back door, he'd then push it open<C> hate_me_lovingly : and take a few steps into the snow down the back porch, careful not to slip. The window from the kitchen could view the back yard where he was at, giant battle axe in hand..he lifted his hands up to his shoulders and pushed down the sides of his slightly kimonoish getup. The cold air felt good on his upper half, the large belt keeping his pants from dropping after having removed the shoulder harnesses. Flexing his muscles absently and then becoming one with the cumbersome axe, he'd then lean back "Hiyah!!" and with one clean swipe..the tree was chopped. He reeled the battle axe back again "Hiyaah!" and swiped a second time. It had been cut almost all the way through. <C> hate_me_lovingly : the body tensed and he held the axe down for a moment, stretching some before pulling the axe back up..dropping the tree in one final swing to it's midsection. It was mild in height so it could be used in perhaps two days..After it had fallen he'd go towards it and with one swing a piece would chop giant circles out from each of the rivets in the trees trunk. This would take a good 5-8 minutes perhaps, after which, the round pieces would be taken one a ta time and cut in half into half logs. A good 20 or so logs were cut from one section of the tree, thus he gathered up a good 10 or so in his arms, carrying the axe believe it or not in his teeth. He carried it by the blade of course and not<C> hate_me_lovingly : by the fat end at the bottom. That would have been very hard..though after pushing the door open with his foot, the well overbeared Gaelus would slip into the den and drop the axe..then drop to his knees..tossing a good 6 of the logs onto the hearths holder..the other 4 were used in the hearth itself where he would begin a fire..hoping no one was watching..for no doubt Amari would be most interested if she saw him snap his fingers and notice a fire light up. Which it did..thus, setting back and lightly scratching his chest, the fire was set and he was ready<E>
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 10, 2005 23:44:51 GMT -5
'You're happy to see him aren't you?'The seductive feminine voice teased from within,'Overjoyed to have someone you could always trust so close to you again?'
"He's just an old friend Merope, Gaelus and I spent most of our childhood together. For the longest time, we were inseparable, and then he just, left. I suppose the loss of his father was what drove him away, but it's so very nice to have him back. I'm sure he has quite the tale of adventure to tell. Father will love to hear it when he gets back!" Amariette clucked giddily, gathering cups and saucers to polish with a dry cloth as her friend journeyed outside once again and she watched from the window. Tilting her head, she noted the large axe with some unease and had to turn her gaze away, returning to the counter that housed the tea kettle. "He's changed so very much, but I suppose that I have as well, in his eyes."
'I think that he is very interesting, a better man than your father is at least.'The reply emerged with all the stinging ferocity that was intended for it. Merope was growing more and more impatient with waiting for the elder Sovrine to return home. Having everything in her control was like a drug, and she had to refrain from tossing Amariette aside again, lest she alert Gaelus to her presence before her task was complete.
"I wish you wouldn't say things like that Merope...my father.."Amariette went silent as she heard Gaelus return, sweeping up the kettle and dishes quickly to emerge in the living room where he had rebuilt the fire seemingly from scratch. Doing her best not to stare with flaming cheeks, she set the kettle on the hook above the flames and gave one last look into the bowels of the metal, measuring the amount and finding it adequate enough for even her father if he wanted some upon his return home. Finally settling her emerald gaze on him and the stack of wood he had brought in, she smiled sweetly and took the sight of the enormous axe in stride, even though the thing was easily as big as she was! Patting his hand, she drew over to the large couch and slipped onto it, curling her legs under her and folding her arms against the couch rest to settle her chin down and stare toward him. “So tell me Gael, where did you go? Where have you been all this time? I missed you so very much and I used to return to our special spot everyday just hoping you’d be there waiting for me. I knew that losing your father was devastating, but did you really have to leave us for such a long time? Leave me?”
A soft pout of her lips showed how wounded she suddenly was, her large eyes taking on a saddened look that conveyed to him how much she took on herself as the cause for his departure. Deep within, Amariette knew that she likely had nothing to do with his decision, but she had to know, she absolutely needed to know that he at least thought about her at some point in his travels. They had spent so many years together and he was the only family she had next to Brigham and Kramar, especially after Brianne died, the event so tragic that she wouldn’t have made it through without his strong brotherly instincts to support her.
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Post by GaelusKurtis on Jan 11, 2005 0:22:00 GMT -5
His large figure had boasted quite a sight upon the moment that he leaned his arms and shoulders back in a fantastic stretch. The fingers buckled inward, popping at the knuckles from having overworked themselves against the wood grains he was carrying in the moments before. Ahh..the smell of fresh tea as it cooked over an open fireplace..lovely isn't it? The hearth bubbled over with wistful dance in the fires most sensual tango..lapping against the bottom of the kettle and spurting out an occasional puff of steam from the boiling fixation. Looking up at her as she patted his hand, he saw exactly how pained she had become. How much? Well as she sat down he gingerly followed..taking residence on the couch directly beside her with his gaze fixated outside the window to the snow that had drifted across the front cover of the glass. It created this sheen and gloss..more or less a sort of foggy effect like when one bathes in superlatively hot water and the glass becomes visible from the steam. Either way, he looked over at her with his multi-colored eyes, watching her for the time being.
"...Amari I am...beside myself with the pain I have put you and your father through with my departure...Mother knew I was gone, but not to where. If you indeed want to know where I have been these past 9 or so years...i'll be happy to tell you.." fingertips reaching out and lacing with the ones on the hand she held upon the couch, holding it up and pressing it between his two hands. He would begin this story with the emotional part..
"I left...because I had nothing worth living for anymore. I know..it sounds bad because I did have you and I had my mother and your father for support..but.." pausing for a moment "...Karlen..Dad...he meant EVERYTHING to me..not a day went by where we weren't together as father and son and I just couldn't take his death..." biting his lip "..that day when I told you I was going away...I knew you didn't understand that it was for a long time. However..I never said..ever..said that I wouldn't come back..." He gave her hand a squeeze "If you want to know where i've been...it was the Nerubian Mountains way up north.."
The story continued "I was searching..searching for a lost Taoist style Feng Shuai magic called 'Revelation'. I knew that this place..a mystical place of warriors and berserkers that existed only in tales..had such knoweledge. The mountains were harshe..cold..bitter. I went unconscious..and awoke a month later to find I had been taken and cared for by these Warriors who were said to be savage beasts. They look just like you and I..are quite kind..but can decimate anything with their fists alone.." looking towards the window from her "I had asked the Elder of the tribe if he knew of the magic..he said it did not exist. However they did wish to teach me the art of 'The Berserker Fury'. The berserker fury is a way where someone can release their anger and raw emotion into battle..doubling their strength and endurance with ease." looking back at her "...I've not used the skill for a long time."
He took a pause a bit "....a few years ago..I was with my trainer and teacher...Dwella. She and I...well...we were married..." he motioned to the back yard with his head where the forest was "..the second grave that appeared beside my fathers is hers...I accidently killed her with Berserker Fury when we were asked to destroy a group of bandits that were raiding a village. I ended up hitting her in the process...and knocked her and the bandit off a cliff..." taking a deep breath so as not to ruin his composure "..she died...thus i've locked away the ability. I had nothing left..yet again..so I came back to the only thing I knew I had..." looking up at her "You..." The face of all seriousness. The brows furrowed in the way they used to when he would think real hard...he wasn't a good thinker, nor did he like to think. For this day however..he merely thought upon what he said as it were indeed true. Lightly removing his hands from hers he'd lean back into the comforter...
"...so now im back...with no where else to go...thats basically what i've done for the past years.."
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 11, 2005 14:18:16 GMT -5
The girl and the woman within took all that he said in stride, Amariette's heart racing but Merope's delight only growing at the thought of a man who was capable of such power and a keeper of such righteousness that he would sacrifice his own love for what had been the right thing to do, at least, in her opinion. Curling in her temporary den, she whispered to Amariette's thoughts and conveyed to her how great an ally such a man could be in their quest to win justice. The girl however, was content to ignore her for the time being. Mari's attentions were directed toward memories Daniel at the mention of Dwella and a great ache threatened to split her heart in two as she wondered where he was and if he even thought about her anymore. Things had turned out so very different than what she had wanted them to be and she blamed herself for the majority of it, wondering if she could have done things in a different way that would have saved him from his despair and spared her the feeling of total betrayal.
Sighing, she let her gaze drift outside as fresh snow began to fall and she pondered Gaelus's tale with a deeper contemplation, her passive features softening further into a look of absolute torment. "You must have loved her very much.....I...can't imagine the pain you have endured. The heartbreak....." It was a lie of course, but she had given up on trying to find a light through the darkness that was her soul, rather inclined to cater to the shadows and the beast that lurked within, silver eyes peering out in malevolent ferocity. Closing her eyes, she set her head down on her fold arms and hide her face from his view, the silver tears spilling down her pale cheeks and an older voice emerging in a barely perceptible whisper,'Yet it was a necessary sacrifice was it not? And it felt good to exact such revenge for the greater good....?'The thick lashes parted as the words were spoken, the silver irises suddenly waning away to emerald once more and Amariette raising her head with a gasp, her fingers drawn to her lips, "I....I'm sorry. What have I said?"
At that, the tea kettle began to sing and she flew from her place on the couch, fetching the large cups and saucers and drawing the pot from within the hearth to pour a healthy amount into each, the steam rising as she offered him one. Slipping back onto the couch next to him, she was about to take a sip from her cup when the front door thundered open and Brigham stomped in, Kramar not a step behind, wagging his tail and panting from his long frolick in the snowy hills. With strong arms full of wood, her father was bare chested and breathing heavily, his green eyes bright and sparkling with mirth, rather inclined to enjoy the freezing weather on his sweaty and hot skin, the smell of man's work rising from his person. Long blonde hair was pulled back into a simple ponytail with a few rogue strands, grayed considerably, framing his strong featured face, the very ends curling somewhat. Wearing thick boots, his shins were encased in sturdy leather that had been oiled and tempered from long days of wear and tear, a pair of long dark woolen breeches his other means of clothing.
The large dog instantly recognized the familiar scent of Amariette and gave a delighted woof as he bound into the room and did everything but leap upon her with slobbering kisses. Her father on the other hand, looked on with obvious suprise and disbelief on his face. Hadn't he left her in the care of one Daniel Carter of Invernis? "Amariette.....what....what are ya doin here?" It was then that he set down the load of wood where another pile already rested nearest the roaring fire and his energetic emerald gaze centered on another figure he instantly perceived as being a ghost. "Gaelus Kurtis.....it can't be...."
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Post by GaelusKurtis on Jan 11, 2005 22:39:50 GMT -5
What had she said? He couldn't really understand what the barely perceptable whisper had said..instead as the tea boiled over, his gaze snapped to it. She had lifted up and went about gathering the tea for them in saucers and cups as who was it that walked in that very door before them was none other than Big Ole Brigham. At the mention of his first and last name, Gaelus slowly stood up..more or less possibly towering to the same height if not a little taller or shorter than the big man whom he'd learned so much from "Daddy Brigham...you ain't changed a bit..cept you've got some hair turning grey..." letting out a low chuckle before he moved forward and wrapped his arms around the big fellow, lifting him up off the ground and hugging him a bit "I missed you as well Brigham...You're like my second father" letting him go a bit afterward and lightly patting him on the shoulder..
After he had sat back down and Brigham had sat down as well, he went about explaining where he had been to him as he did to Amariette. After which Brigham would look up at him "I see. You stayin' for good this time boy?" "Aye I am" replied Gaelus. "My life has nothing left in it..no purpose..no direction. So I came back and found Amari in the woods after I visited Karlen and Dwella's grave. She invited me back...told her the same thing I just told you..were about to have tea and your big ole behind just strolled right through the door..haha..." his personality hasn't much changed it seemed, though he has matured.
"But yeah...I'm staying...I promise I won't run off like I did 9 years ago..it was foolish but necessary.." looking now to Amari "...and I left behind the things that mattered most to me.."
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 12, 2005 23:30:15 GMT -5
Amariette let the two men catch up and was content to sip her tea, but she couldn't ignore the concerned look that Brigham shot her every chance that he could, her very nerves rigid in fear of what the man was thinking. She was not supposed to be there, that was clear enough, and inner thoughts cried out for help to which Merope was more than happy to answer.'Steady child, he needn't know everything. If he asks, which he most certainly will, simply tell him that Daniel sent you home to fetch a few more of your things for a rather long expedition coming up. Mention nothing else understand? Absolutely nothing. I'll take care of the rest. And for goodness sake girl, speak up or they'll take notice to your silence!'
Almost jerking back to the reality of her situtation, Amariette flew from her place and eagerly poured her father a hot cup of Black tea as well, leaning down to offer him the saucer and place a soft kiss at his forehead, something to at least ease his apparent worry. The blonde man stared toward his daughter and instinctively knew that something was amiss, she was doing her best to hide it, but it was very unlike Amariette to withhold her feelings so protectively. He supposed that it had something to do with the presence of Gaelus and he was content to let the matter rest for the time being, thinking it rude to sour a visit by such a close and familiar guest.
"Well then son, ya're more than welcome here as I'm sure Amariette has told ya already. It's not like ya don't already know yer way around the house and the spare room has been collecting dust since...well...forever. Kramar may be a bit insulted with ya movin in on his sleeping quarters, but, it's yours." Slapping his knees, he gave a long and gruff moan and got to his feet, stretching his sore body and letting his gaze fall on the two of them. "I'm gonna go take me a much deserved bath, Kramar'll keep great company until I get back. For the time being, Mari, take care of our guest like I know ya will. And Gaelus.....heh....behave yaself."
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Post by GaelusKurtis on Jan 13, 2005 20:29:05 GMT -5
Gaelus had nodded a little to Brigham as he made his way to the back of the house where he'd be bathing. Now that he was gone, his finger started circling the rim of his white saucer and glass of tea. Looking into the black color, he'd notice nothing in particular but would stare back at the reflection it gave of his very self in a much darker complexion. "...Amari.." he said, not even looking up at her right now. Since Brigham was gone he could ask a question without fear of him knowing. "...In the forest" looking up at her now "Your eyes. They weren't Emerald. They are now yes...but they weren't then..and I know being sick or having a cold wouldn't do such a thing..." he was on to her, more so than the inner voice had possibly imagined. Gaelus wasn't dumb..he didn't think alot, but he most certainly was not dumb. "..So i'd like to ask you again. Why were your eyes a different color...and why did you say what you did back in the forest? If I remember you right..you'd have never said 'Of course it's me Silly'...Since you've never in our life called me silly.." little things that made quite an impact were beginning to point her out "..Also..You said 'What did I say' not too long ago...I remember you being quite an astute woman...you can remember things well..you're smart like me...so what gives?"
He leaned forward and sat the saucer and cup on the table, pulling his hands to his knees and resting them there with slight grips into the cloth of his lower half. She was definately hiding something..her silence alone was what gave it away..but thinking back on those other inhibitions she had given off, it was quite easy to tell she had changed. He had changed too..but he was still slightly the same wasn't he? "You can tell me when you're most comfortable..no matter what you say I know you're hiding something..." slowly standing up and bringing his arms back in a slow stretch "Wonderful tea Amari...but remember...Im probably the best friend you've ever had..." he did not mean that to sound egotistical at all. "As you are mine...Honesty is what kept us together even after my time away..." with this he'd push past her and stop..fingers creeping out and running lightly through her hair "Love you Amari..good to see you again." If she remembered...the last time he said he loved her in their friendship was back when he left....such a long time ago.
Gaelus left her in the room on her own while he went out back to sit on the back porch in the cold air of the winter solstice. He looked over, finding the large chair he'd sit in with his father and Brigham in the old days and then take a seat. From the back door approached a dog...Kramar. It seems he hasn't forgotten Gaelus either. The dog jumped up into Gaelus's lap and nestled there with it's head on his chest..the large hand scratching beneath the neck "...Good dog...Remember me don't you?" looking at Kramar, scratching a bit. The winter chill didn't bother either of them..thus his hues remained forward into the forest..watching ever so carefully..
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 15, 2005 18:26:14 GMT -5
Amariette could only watch Gaelus go, an incredulous look on her face as Merope felt herself building into a rage at the feeling of losing control over her plan. Hearing the door close behind him as he journeyed out onto the porch, she forced herself forward and Amariette was more than relieved to allow her to do so. Rising from her seat, she angrily began to collect the dishes, her silver eyes burning in fury as she spoke out loud, but with a calm, subdued voice, lest Brigham overhear. Storming through the kitchen now, she felt the girl curl protectively in the shadows, her knees brought up and her head buried within them, a whimper the only response to the anger of the other. "I cannot allow him to discover me before I have finished the tasks at hand. And you Amariette, were no help at all. You silly girl, you do not see do you? He will destroy me and you will lose the only one that has ever wished to keep you safe, your only true friend AND savior. It means little now, you will reveal nothing without me knowing, and I do not plan to allow you control any time soon while we are still alone."
'Merope, please, don't be upset with me. I don't understand why you are so adamant about remaining hidden. Wouldn't it just be best if we told Papa and Gaelus the truth? They might be able to help you...'Her voice was soft and wavering, large green eyes peering from the darkness of her solitude in order to reach the woman who had now assumed dominance within her body.'I really don't want to be a bother to anyone and I wouldn't have any problems just disappearing and leaving everyone in peace...'
"Oh sweet girl, when I have proceeded with my plans and judged those whom have wronged you, you will not have to disappear at all. And I will take you to my home where no one will ever forsake you again. No one will see you as the failure you believe yourself to be and you can be happy and free. Free my child, to enjoy the beauty that you were born into. The beauty you were destined to know and hold as your own." A smile curled the woman's lips and she let her eyes fall on the window and the figure of Gaelus staring out into the woods, "And no one, absolutely no one will get in the way of that..."
Meanwhile, a silhouette had appeared within the cover of the trees, cloaked in white robes and walking at a steady and haunting pace, a ghost enhanced by the winter's moonlight that gave it the substance needed to be believed in. The hood was drawn up over its head and Kramar gave a soft whine in response to the sight of it, leaping from Gaelus's lap and taking those few cautious steps down the back stair, his ears laid back against his head and his long tail drawn between his hindlegs. Whimpering again, he gave a soft bark and laid down against the ground, resting his head on his massive paws and peering into the darkened trees. The figure came to a stop just within, staring toward the two of them and lifting a slender hand, the index finger curling and a soft, feminine voice rising on an imperceptible wind that seemed to materialize out of nowhere.[glow=red,2,300]"Come forth Gaelus Kurtis, come forth and converse with me. There is much that you must know in order to make a difference......"[/glow]
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Post by GaelusKurtis on Jan 16, 2005 4:21:37 GMT -5
Kramer had leapt from his lap and become one with the door as he shuddered back agaisnt it in slight fear or intimidation. Though he didn't know by what as he leaned over the chair, speaking to him "S'matter boy? Smell something?" but the voice of a female that guided itself to his ears made him turn his head and look out into the snowed white forest. His vision wasn't quite as good as it used to be, thus leaning forward a little he noticed the white cloaked figure that now stood out almost in complete camo with the surrounding area. What was this she was saying..hell she even knew his name?! Wierd. However, he was not one to toss away any opportunity that could sate his intense curiosity. This was what always got him in trouble as well..for he slowly stood up from his chair, stretching out a bit after doing so since he'd sat for a little while, then hopped off the back of the porch onto the ground..skipping the steps entirely as his hefty form came with a dull 'THUD' to the snowy ground. "What'choo want with me?" he asked simply enough, but then proceeded forward towards the woman if not simply following her a bit. Gaelus didn't really feel the chilling cold as it stabbed at his skin like millions of microscopic knives..all trying to beckon his nerves into utter tremble. "Don't know why you'd want to converse with me...don't really know how to make a difference in anything even though I don't know what you're talking about.." (Sorry for the short post sweety..throat isn't cooperating..)
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Post by Amariette Willowbane on Jan 16, 2005 17:01:31 GMT -5
As the young lad approached her, hands rose to draw the hood back and the woman's features were boldly displayed toward him, her eyes and hair the most recognizable features to his memory. Polished emerald hues and brilliant fire red hair that draped in long exaggerated curls about her shoulders and neck, a gentle smile curling her aged lips. "Gaelus.....it is good to see you again." The voice would give her away completely, so soft and full of humility, the absolute embodiment of comfort and safety, of understanding and unconditional love. It was Brianne Willowbane come back from the dead. The resemblence to Amariette was staggering and the young girl would only grow to be even more striking a beauty as she aged, for this woman was living proof of that fact.
Taking his hands in her own, they gave off a startling warmth that spread to his very core, promising that she meant him no harm and would only have him offer a few spare moments of his time for what she had to say to him. Leading him deeper into the woods with easy steps, she even allowed Kramar to join them, the BIG puppy more than grateful to be in her presence once again and his tail wagging happily as his large paws sunk deep into the snow. "Amariette is not whom she seems to be. I know you have already recognized this, but in truth, her present state is something I must take responsibility for. I have created a great imbalance because of my own ancient desires and for that she suffers and many more will suffer if something is not done and done soon. To truly understand, you must know things from the beginning..." It was then that she conveyed to him the entire truth about her heritage, her death, and Merope's rise to power in her daughter's fragile body.
The newest information was what was most shocking, and her distress was apparent at the small wavering of her voice and the abrupt pause and start of her words on more than on occasion. "Amariette has lost all faith in herself and has retreated deep into her own mind where she feels she is most safe from the outside world. Merope easily took advantage of her situation and brought her consciousness to bear within my child's body and now seeks revenge on her behalf. Try to understand, Merope is a unicorn and as such, no evil resides in her heart, but her views on what is right and just is flawed because of her imprisonment in human form. I was born a unicorn. Merope was not. She came into being already encased in a vessel that is as foreign and confining to her as one can be. It would be as though you were the greatest mind that ever lived who was then put inside the tightest box and given nothing but a pair of marbles to entertain you for all eternity. Would you not go mad?"
The woman turned her gaze to him as they continued to walk, her soft features visibly pained and full of regret and her voice grave, "I had no idea this would happen. Even Merlin, with all his wisdom and knowledge could not see this in my future. And so I have returned. Normally, I should not have been able to become substance on this plane once again. The rules and laws strictly forbid such things. Yet it was agreed that to ignore this would prove more than devastating to the natural order of things in your world. I need you Gaelus. You must help me stop Merope and find some way to free her so that she does not use Amariette to exact unfounded venegence on those most innocent. Likely she has already targeted you as a threat as well. For the moment though, my fears lie with Brigham. Merope blames him for her imprisonment and Amariette's pain as much as she blames me. She will try to kill him. We simply CANNOT let that happen.."
Brigham emerged from his bath dressed in his most comfortable breeches, bare feet striding along the polished and worn flooboards of the kitchen, his eyes centering on the back of his daughter's hair. Merope felt he was coming even before she heard him and as she lowered her head and continued to scrub the dishes hidden by soap suds, she was content to allow him close. "I'm exhausted Mari so I'll be headin to bed fer the night. Take care of Gaelus and we'll talk more in the mornin about why yer here. I hope I didn't make a mistake in entrusting ya to that Daniel lad, likely ya just missed me eh?" He chuckled heartily and rested his big hands on her fragile shoulders, his lips pressing to her hair in the most tender kiss he could muster, "I'm glad to see ya just the same. Goodnight love." He then vanished down the hallway and she listened for the telltale snores that were sure to accompany him as soon as his head hit the feather pillow, Papa always did sleep like the dead.
Smiling a sleek smile, Merope moved into the hall toward the front door where her bags rested and rummaged through a smaller parcel where she withdrew a worn scabbard. Running her fingers over the worn leather, her voice was low and her tone malicious, "Sleep well Papa, for you shall never see the light of day again. I have weighed your soul and found you lacking..." Gripping the hilt, she pulled free the most wicked looking dagger Amariette had ever seen, the edges jagged and serrated on both sides and gleaming with murderous intent.
The length of the blade almost made it sword class and immediately the village girl exploded from where she sat and fought to usurp herself from the other persona, her voice screaming out in despair, 'Merope! What are you doing!? No! Not Papa! You can't kill Papa!!' To her horror, she met a barrier of iron that blocked her way, confined to the shadows where she could not push herself forward and regain control, her eyes growing wide and her hands balling into fists to beat against the shield.'No! Merope please! He doesn't deserve to die! I don't want him to die! Oh please! Stop!'Tears were streaming down her cheeks now as she pounded with all her might, her voice growing hoarse and her cheeks flushed with her exertion. A sudden wave of a force she couldn't describe knocked her off her feet and sent her sprawling into the darkness once again, her body curling into the fetal position where she began to weep piteously. She was powerless and she knew it. Her father was going to die and she could do nothing to stop it. Just like before. Just like always.
Merope moved silently now, the blade in hand as she drew into the man's room, the door soundless because it had already been cracked to the hallway without. Drifting across the floor, silver eyes aglow, she hovered over his snoring form and raised the blade high in both hands, her lips curling into the most satisfied of grins. "No more lies, No more pain, No more evil." With that, she drew the blade down and buried it deep within Brigham Sovrine's chest, the hilt meeting his skin and his eyes opening wide at the pain erupting from his very heart. Deep inside her mind, Merope could hear Amariette's piercing scream that seemed to split her very skull in two.
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Post by GaelusKurtis on Jan 17, 2005 22:33:52 GMT -5
Why if it wasn't Amari's Mom. But didn't she die..? He could have almost sworn that he remembered her dying. Either way as those warm hands took his own, he gripped them and nodded..following her into the wood as she would proceed to tell unto him the story she had to tell. However before all this occurred he leaned in and gave her a big hug "I am sorry..I thought you were dead!" for it was touching to him. Like brigham..she was like a second parent until she was gone. Either way he'd listen to her story as they walked, growing even more distressed after having heard of her entire affair with Merlin and the like..as well as hearing of what happened to her in the first place. "...I can tell it isn't her. I could tell the moment I saw her eyes. They were silver..they weren't the beautiful emeralds I remembered in my youth until she rubbed them..but you're saying she's a unicorn inside of a human body?" blinking his eyes and coming to a stop "And Merope intends to kill Brigham..wait..She's at home right now alone with him...and..."...
Even now the cogs inside of Gaelus's head began to turn. Though he was very very intelligent it always took him a few moments to actually contemplate things at their fullest integrity. "...Oh my god she's going to kill him!" he said and let go of her hands "Im sorry I gotta go save Brigham!" thus Gaelus took off in the snow, waving back at her with his hand "Thanks again!" taking that very moment to show he still had his manners as he pushed onward through the woods, dodging trees as best as he could without tripping in the slightly deep snow. Large feet padded through it as he began feeling for his axe. Oh no..he left his axe in the house. That could be bad..but then again she probably couldn't lift it. The mineral in that thing was from the very mountain he trained upon..wonderful.
Gaelus finally came upon the back porch to the house and leapt over the steps landing on the wooden back, busting through the door and taking the immediate left down the hall to witness Amari having already stabbed Brigham. "NO!" Gaelus yelled out and leapt across the bed, hands flailing forward and popping Amari in the chest no doubt knocking her down to the ground and that would be it. Brigham was strong..he would survive for a little..but not for a long time. Gaelus backed up after having smacked amari to the ground, shifting into his typical fighting stance "Alright Merope..You either give me back Amari or you can try to kill me too!"
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