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L'Aurel's Journal (A Kingdom of Ashes) -updated 3/23
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<blockquote data-quote="Laurel" data-source="post: 1783841" data-attributes="member: 17067"><p><strong>Chapter One- "Shadows of the Past"</strong></p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Day Eight- Monastery of the Sacred Heart</span></em></p><p></p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I slowly open my eyes to find that dawn had broken some hours ago. The door at my back opened. I quickly look in and see the little man standing over Justice as she awakens. I look around the room, shattered furniture, torn wall hangings, even the ashes in the fireplace are spread across the floor. I go to the window looking out across the yard, slowly steadying my breathing. Too many emotions and thought swirl round my brain, and the peace eludes me. I slowly sink to the floor, shards of a broken mirror reflect a splintered picture. A young woman wearing torn clothes, dried blood and dirt mar her normally light skin. Long fingers reach up pushing tangled brown straw away. Thick muscles jump through the arm slowly working the kinks out of the mess. The image revealed as the strands part is not one easy on the eyes. Sharp angles and scars fracture the image more then the shattered glass. The calloused fingers move over a chiseled cheek drawing the wetness from tears through the grime. Michael had taught me a good brain and quick hand would mean longer survival then a pretty face, and he seemed to never mind my appearance. I look back toward Justice’s room. I had never thought about it, but now… I stared back at eyes flashing bright green with unshed tears. Michael it seems had never had to worry about catching someone… what was I thinking. He was gone…</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">I hear Justice dismiss the little man in common, and then as each morning her voice softly repeating the words of her code. For the first time I let myself hear the meaning of the words. Looking out the broken window, seeing the sun shine and the birds sing as if nothing had happened, I realized it didn’t matter what I thought or what I wanted.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Quiet. Silence. Then her footfalls on the on covered stone floor. I move toward the doorway meeting her as she exits the room. I can see dark circles under her eyes, but that is all that mars the face. Brushing a hand through her long tresses she quickly tells me of her new burden. It seems Mr. Miagi went away and left her in charge of all these people. She can not simply leave them now, so she sent Arhconus on his way to help Jaine. Determined to follow him once they were settled here. We go in search of the new Abbott and Abbess and after a debate knowing that they can not give protection to the strangers, we all agree that Mr. Miagi’s people can stay. Justice then goes and tells Mr. Miagi’s people about it. They seem to not understand but will not budge until ordered, and wait for Justice’s return.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">The monastery has agreed to give us new horses hoping to speed us away. A larger blond form exits the monastery. He carries a large lance and a bag. He hesitates then with purposeful strides walks to where we have gathered. Seeing a fellow warrior he faces Justice. He now has a price on his head and will be marked for death. He wishes to join us. He can no longer serve a king who orders what Tain had done here, and he needs answers. Justice continuing to look him in the eyes tells him she knows the need for truth and that he may tag along. So with Kareth, Justice, Arfin, and Farathier, I track Archonus’ direction to Thainsport. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Even with the sun finally reaching its peak the wind bites through our clothes as we race along the underbrush. We find him calmly sitting by a small stream, mud and shadows back in place. It seems his body shut down at last needing to rest and to heal. A dark speck flies over head, and he whistles shortly holding out an arm as it dives for him. It seems he has made a friend in his journey.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">As we all head for Thainesport we discuss Jaine and possible ways to get in to the city. Our best bet as we the outskirts of civilization start to encroach is to simply walk through the gates and hope to go un noticed. A large tavern overflowing with patrons stands in our way, and needing to keep a low profile we dismount. I take Arfin’s reigns as he jumps down and almost scurries into the tavern. Hopefully he will save some for us,” Justice says a surprising smile curving her normally stern features. As the rest of us approach we see three dwarves talking to Arfin. As we weave our way closer I hear a strange language. This must be dwarven. They seem to want him to sign a legal document, but even after Arfin asks about it the leader will only ask if he has clan loyalties and will see them to be the best they should be. Arfin caves and finally signs the document. The leader breathes a sigh of relief, and then orders drinks for all. He hands Arfin the document and tells him in common, “Congratulations you are now the ambassador for Clan Thunderheart, please report there as soon as you can.” Arfin in between gulps asks “How can I find this place?” “It is at the center of town and the only one that is empty!” Then the three dwarves down in one gulp their ale and depart. This could be the answer we needed. We have another way to enter the city. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Across the room I recognize Mr.Miagis daughter, Tara, taking money from a male customer and then leading him upstairs. I pat Justice on the shoulder and motion to the stairs. Arfin sees where I point, and both the paladin and dwarf charge after them. As Arfin tops the stairs he throws money down at Tara’s feet, and Justice yells her name and to stop. Tara acknowledges both people coming towards her, but only stops and looks pleadingly at Justice telling her, “I go later with you.” With checks reddening I yell to the man that I want her first. Though some of those nearest give me a quizzical look most couldn’t hear a steeldrake being fired. The man simply grabs Tara’s arm and pushes her forward. The paladin grabs the man and pushes him to the floor, as the dwarf hits him on the head with the leather pouch of coins. Arfin still down by the mans head gives a great heave to his shoulders and I watch stunned as the body rolls over the railing to the bar below. There are some quick cries and yells, but even that can’t keep them from their drink for long.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Justice quickly takes Tara into a private room, while I stand outside the door. This isn’t the place for privacy nor safety. I can hear them speaking quietly in Miagi’s own strange language, and know there is a problem but not what it is. Justice seems to be trying to give Tara her sword back, but she will not take it. I hear the floor creak beside me and see Kareth’s smiling face beside mine. He puts a finger to his mouth an then pushing the door open walks in. I see around his shoulder Justice on her knees forcing the blade at Tara. With wisdom beyond his intelligence Kareth walks up and places a hand on Justice shoulder. Using his not so elegant ways he tells Justice the problem, Justice ponders this and then turns to Tara crisply ordering her to do something. Tara’s hand reaches out and with head bowed she takes the sword. </span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: lemonchiffon">Justice offers no explanation and I take the signal from Kareth to not ask. It seems just more tying Justice to those people. We all go downstairs and meet at a side table. “We now have a legitimate way to get past the guards,” Justice states looking pointedly at Arfin. A commotion at our backs causes all to turn as a very round dwarf barrels his way through the crowd. He seems to be as wide as the table but barely able to see above it, and a mass of dark hair braided down his back and over his face. He’s even more hairy then Arfin. “Any of you Arfin?” says a surprisingly higher voice for a male dwarf. It then dawns on me this is a lady. Arfins head pops up on the far side of the table, “I am he, and who are ye?” She rounds the table. Once directly in front of him, she tells him she was sent by Gawyn to collect him to the keep, as he should be there by now. Arfin looks at us and then quickly divulges that that’s all fine and good for him, but that we require a more secret way in. As the discussion goes back to slipping past the guards Kareth pipes up, “Sewers?” This starts a new debate, and opens more possibilities. At long last we have agreed on a course. Justice goes over the plan once more making sure we understand every part of it.</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Laurel, post: 1783841, member: 17067"] [b]Chapter One- "Shadows of the Past"[/b] [i][color=lemonchiffon]Day Eight- Monastery of the Sacred Heart[/color][/i] [color=lemonchiffon]I slowly open my eyes to find that dawn had broken some hours ago. The door at my back opened. I quickly look in and see the little man standing over Justice as she awakens. I look around the room, shattered furniture, torn wall hangings, even the ashes in the fireplace are spread across the floor. I go to the window looking out across the yard, slowly steadying my breathing. Too many emotions and thought swirl round my brain, and the peace eludes me. I slowly sink to the floor, shards of a broken mirror reflect a splintered picture. A young woman wearing torn clothes, dried blood and dirt mar her normally light skin. Long fingers reach up pushing tangled brown straw away. Thick muscles jump through the arm slowly working the kinks out of the mess. The image revealed as the strands part is not one easy on the eyes. Sharp angles and scars fracture the image more then the shattered glass. The calloused fingers move over a chiseled cheek drawing the wetness from tears through the grime. Michael had taught me a good brain and quick hand would mean longer survival then a pretty face, and he seemed to never mind my appearance. I look back toward Justice’s room. I had never thought about it, but now… I stared back at eyes flashing bright green with unshed tears. Michael it seems had never had to worry about catching someone… what was I thinking. He was gone…[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]I hear Justice dismiss the little man in common, and then as each morning her voice softly repeating the words of her code. For the first time I let myself hear the meaning of the words. Looking out the broken window, seeing the sun shine and the birds sing as if nothing had happened, I realized it didn’t matter what I thought or what I wanted.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Quiet. Silence. Then her footfalls on the on covered stone floor. I move toward the doorway meeting her as she exits the room. I can see dark circles under her eyes, but that is all that mars the face. Brushing a hand through her long tresses she quickly tells me of her new burden. It seems Mr. Miagi went away and left her in charge of all these people. She can not simply leave them now, so she sent Arhconus on his way to help Jaine. Determined to follow him once they were settled here. We go in search of the new Abbott and Abbess and after a debate knowing that they can not give protection to the strangers, we all agree that Mr. Miagi’s people can stay. Justice then goes and tells Mr. Miagi’s people about it. They seem to not understand but will not budge until ordered, and wait for Justice’s return.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]The monastery has agreed to give us new horses hoping to speed us away. A larger blond form exits the monastery. He carries a large lance and a bag. He hesitates then with purposeful strides walks to where we have gathered. Seeing a fellow warrior he faces Justice. He now has a price on his head and will be marked for death. He wishes to join us. He can no longer serve a king who orders what Tain had done here, and he needs answers. Justice continuing to look him in the eyes tells him she knows the need for truth and that he may tag along. So with Kareth, Justice, Arfin, and Farathier, I track Archonus’ direction to Thainsport. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Even with the sun finally reaching its peak the wind bites through our clothes as we race along the underbrush. We find him calmly sitting by a small stream, mud and shadows back in place. It seems his body shut down at last needing to rest and to heal. A dark speck flies over head, and he whistles shortly holding out an arm as it dives for him. It seems he has made a friend in his journey.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]As we all head for Thainesport we discuss Jaine and possible ways to get in to the city. Our best bet as we the outskirts of civilization start to encroach is to simply walk through the gates and hope to go un noticed. A large tavern overflowing with patrons stands in our way, and needing to keep a low profile we dismount. I take Arfin’s reigns as he jumps down and almost scurries into the tavern. Hopefully he will save some for us,” Justice says a surprising smile curving her normally stern features. As the rest of us approach we see three dwarves talking to Arfin. As we weave our way closer I hear a strange language. This must be dwarven. They seem to want him to sign a legal document, but even after Arfin asks about it the leader will only ask if he has clan loyalties and will see them to be the best they should be. Arfin caves and finally signs the document. The leader breathes a sigh of relief, and then orders drinks for all. He hands Arfin the document and tells him in common, “Congratulations you are now the ambassador for Clan Thunderheart, please report there as soon as you can.” Arfin in between gulps asks “How can I find this place?” “It is at the center of town and the only one that is empty!” Then the three dwarves down in one gulp their ale and depart. This could be the answer we needed. We have another way to enter the city. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Across the room I recognize Mr.Miagis daughter, Tara, taking money from a male customer and then leading him upstairs. I pat Justice on the shoulder and motion to the stairs. Arfin sees where I point, and both the paladin and dwarf charge after them. As Arfin tops the stairs he throws money down at Tara’s feet, and Justice yells her name and to stop. Tara acknowledges both people coming towards her, but only stops and looks pleadingly at Justice telling her, “I go later with you.” With checks reddening I yell to the man that I want her first. Though some of those nearest give me a quizzical look most couldn’t hear a steeldrake being fired. The man simply grabs Tara’s arm and pushes her forward. The paladin grabs the man and pushes him to the floor, as the dwarf hits him on the head with the leather pouch of coins. Arfin still down by the mans head gives a great heave to his shoulders and I watch stunned as the body rolls over the railing to the bar below. There are some quick cries and yells, but even that can’t keep them from their drink for long.[/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Justice quickly takes Tara into a private room, while I stand outside the door. This isn’t the place for privacy nor safety. I can hear them speaking quietly in Miagi’s own strange language, and know there is a problem but not what it is. Justice seems to be trying to give Tara her sword back, but she will not take it. I hear the floor creak beside me and see Kareth’s smiling face beside mine. He puts a finger to his mouth an then pushing the door open walks in. I see around his shoulder Justice on her knees forcing the blade at Tara. With wisdom beyond his intelligence Kareth walks up and places a hand on Justice shoulder. Using his not so elegant ways he tells Justice the problem, Justice ponders this and then turns to Tara crisply ordering her to do something. Tara’s hand reaches out and with head bowed she takes the sword. [/color] [color=lemonchiffon]Justice offers no explanation and I take the signal from Kareth to not ask. It seems just more tying Justice to those people. We all go downstairs and meet at a side table. “We now have a legitimate way to get past the guards,” Justice states looking pointedly at Arfin. A commotion at our backs causes all to turn as a very round dwarf barrels his way through the crowd. He seems to be as wide as the table but barely able to see above it, and a mass of dark hair braided down his back and over his face. He’s even more hairy then Arfin. “Any of you Arfin?” says a surprisingly higher voice for a male dwarf. It then dawns on me this is a lady. Arfins head pops up on the far side of the table, “I am he, and who are ye?” She rounds the table. Once directly in front of him, she tells him she was sent by Gawyn to collect him to the keep, as he should be there by now. Arfin looks at us and then quickly divulges that that’s all fine and good for him, but that we require a more secret way in. As the discussion goes back to slipping past the guards Kareth pipes up, “Sewers?” This starts a new debate, and opens more possibilities. At long last we have agreed on a course. Justice goes over the plan once more making sure we understand every part of it.[/color] [/QUOTE]
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