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Academy of Drell, Part I

Is this a way of interrupting people, even more so friends? I'm studying, she breaks my concentration, then when I'm ready to leave with him, starts studying... Oh, well, I guys I'll never understand girls...

"If you don't mind, I'll leave you at your deciphering of this text. I got to go back to my room and drop a book good old Yodwin was friendly enough to give me... I'll be pretty quick, don't worry!" Maerath picks up a huge book lying on the table and starts for the door when he suddenly stops and turns around, looking with a puzzled face around the hall. After some seconds, Squeekie springs from a bookshelf and lands of Maerath's shoulder. "You're not used to keeping me waiting. Let's go, we must hasten if we want Arana to be here when we come back, she's not fond of studying, is she?" Maerath then heads for the door, but before leaving turns his head and offers a big smile to Arana.

Maerath hustles through the academy to reach his room. Once there, he puts the book in a safe place before starting back for the library.
 

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Keith settles into his room and tidies up some before looking over his journal... he raises an ink quill to begin to scribe some... he thinks against it... and sets the quill down...

Later... my muscles long for more exertion...

Keith stands and goes to get in a good physical workout... in the main practice yard... not really finding any chores... worthwhile...

Perhaps I was abrupt earlier... but... I... later... I can explain myself... I suppose...
 

Charlotte comes out of her psionic trance slowly. She blinks her eyes, rubs them, and yawns.

Took you long enough. A mental voice floats through her head from the direction of the crystal on her bed.

Oh, shut up, Doyle. I had more to think about today than usual.

Charlotte collects her rapier, and straps it to her side.

"Let me think... I reviewed the sparring match with Keith, I focused my powers... I guess I'm pretty much done with my meditation."

You thought earlier that you were going to contemplate the elf...

I've decided not to. He requires no contemplation. If we talk again, then it might be worthwhile thinking about him and wondering. As it stands, though...

You are a fool, Charlotte. Go after him! Force him to talk-

"Shut up, Doyle!" Charlotte yells at the psicrystal. I don't need that right now. I know what I'm doing... somewhat. You just stay out of it. I can handle myself.

"Hmm... everyone was gathering in the library, before. Perhaps we should go bother them."

Charlotte picks up her psicrystal, and begins walking towards the library.
 

Keith ponders... and thinks of the past...

Keith continues to exert himself in the courtyard… practicing his steps and thrusts and parries. He does not stop wholly focused, but not on the moment, but the past… a past that gnaws at him…

Keith sat at in the dark room alone, his rapier sitting before him on the ground. He wore only loose fitting pants and sandals. The floor was cobble stoned and cold against his exposed flesh. A soft breeze wafted through the room with smell of salt and brines… the crashing of waves distinctly heard. Keith waited patiently, for nearly twelve hours he had contemplated… and waited just as Alustir had instructed.

Why has she brought me here? What impossible task could she have for me now? Perhaps this is the final test? Nearly half a day has passed and I have yet to move. Does she wish to test my patience?

Keith heard the rustle of sound, just above a whisper. But he did not move, holding his tightened muscles until they would be absolutely needed. He knew there was a second person in the room, he could almost feel their presence…

Like a flash of lightning Keith rolled forward and grabbed his blade with deft skill. The silvery hilt felt reassuring in his hands as he rolled across the room quickly. He turned just in time to see that whoever was in the room was clothed in a black silks, a dagger in one hand and a rapier in the other…

The final test…

The attacker moved forward quickly leading with his rapier, just as Keith sidestepped the well-aimed thrust and then ducked under the dagger slash. Keith flowed from the sidestep into a spin evading the attacker as he took a position behind his assailant…

Too easy…

Keith prepared to thrust as the attacker continued to move forward before reaching the wall. But instead of stopping he continued up the wall fairly quickly and then leapt behind Keith with flying flip, as the attacker twisted in the air… The display of artistry and skill nearly left Keith staring in awe. Just before he felt the sharp crack of a boot to the back of his head…

Alustir… you amaze me again…

“You were slow…” she stated flatly, as she slipped the black mask from her face and pulled back the hood, “you can be better then that Keith… among those that I have trained you are the best… you show much potential.”
Keith rubbed his head as he sat on the floor and gazed at Alustir, he was as always struck by her beauty. Her eyes dark pools of ebony, which contrasted with her pale skin and her white hair… like him; she was like him, an outsider among the elves. She had long ago left their enclaves to see the world, and make her place in it. She came from the noble house of Thallain, known for the beauty of their maidens… and Alustir was no exception… but she was no dove to be caged in… but a hawk… she had the burning spirit of freedom… and something darker…

Alustir spoke again slightly louder then before noticing that Keith did not hear the first time, “This will be your final lesson before you leave for the Academy…”

Keith snapped from his revelry, “I…” he stood and spoke calmly, “I know. I apologize for not showing the talent that you see, Lady Thallain.”

“You have many years yet… to hone your art, Keith. Though if you stayed here with me, I could personally see to that training,” she touched his arm lightly.

Keith looked away briefly, “As much as I would like, I cannot. I will not go against the wishes of my father on this. I have caused enough of a scandal by simply training under you, to flee would ruin the name of Kinain. I can’t do that no matter how much I would like to…”

Alustir turned and walked towards the balcony, “I expected such an answer… and I am saddened by it. I see potential in you Keith, and others as well see it.”

“Others?”

Alustir nodded as she turned leaning against the balcony railing, she pulled the cloth covering her left shoulder to reveal tattoo of a red dagger… Keith gasped in abrupt horror and shock…

Crimson Edge… an assassin’s mark… Alustir?!

Alustir smiled coldly, “It is not custom for us to reveal ourselves to outsiders… Keith. But you have peaked the interests of my colleagues, one so young with a drive twice that of most would do quite well among us…”

Keith blinked and shock and gulped, “Alustir… what you are speaking of is blasphemy…”

Alustir stepped forward… “But I thought you loved me?”

“I do… but… but this?” he gestured to her tattoo…

“What of it?”

“You can’t be serious…” he replied softly.

“I am… but I shall give you a choice… tomorrow you leave… return here and I shall show you the secrets of the order… leave… and I shall not follow. Reveal us… and you die,” Alustir said matter-of-factly… sealing the ultimatum with a kiss…


Keith snapped from his revelry sweating… he was not sure how much time had passed… but he knew that he could do with a bath to ease his bones… and to hopefully wash away the feelings of regret…


OOC: Here is a picture of Alustir...
 

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Kith catches up...

Earlier this morning

Kith begins striding purposefully towards the School, but his body has other ideas. His nose leads his feet on an easier path, eyes still mostly gummed shut giving no clues as to where the rebellous body goes. He finds himself in Dorac'z…

By Ithil! Well as you say, where the body leads I shall go…

Boramin greeted them, then again attempted to move something with his mind. Kith smiled broadly and cheered Boramin on.

*sigh * I suppose that tricking him last year by moving the bowl when he stared at it was a bit mean… but you never know he might just get some ability one day…

Kith and Keith enjoyed their meals and then headed back towards the school.

Not worth trying to hide a coin on him today, I’ll just add it to my tally and catch him up in a few days…

Not long ago…

Just outside the Library Keith comments on Kith’s unkemptness and reputation…

Keith glances to Kith, "At least the food was above par... something to settle the belly I am sure... though now I would suggest a fresh bath for you is in order... maybe with luck you can find a young maiden to assist you..."

Keith gestures to Charlotte...

Kith looks to Charlotte, the left eyebrow waggles up and down, he chuckles queitly.

Charlotte looks at Keith with disbelief and disgust on her face. "I think not!" She says. She looks back at Kith, "Find some other girl to wash you, because I certainly don't care to. Especially not after last night. It was a good thing that I, at least, was still sober."

Last night, hmmm, I’ll need to get that story… Oh, well, *sniffs himself*, whoa, I really need to clean up.

Kith wanders off, half towards the bath, half in search of a furry trouble maker…

"Besides, I am looking forward to finding someone, willing to spar with me, in the library." She says, adjusting her rapier. "Unless one of you two is man enough to fight me…”

Presentish time, after-bath…

Kith wanders the hall, making little whistling noises and chittery sounds. Occasionaly calling out “Turin!” and making threates concerning the furballs next meal if he doesn’t appear instantly.

He begins to zero in on his friend, outside a familiar door…

knock, knock. A few seconds pass. Knock, Knock. A few more seconds. KNOCK, KNOCK .

The door opens. Charlotte, appears perturbed.

“What do you want?” Her eyes shimmer menacingly.

“I just love it when you do that.”

“What?”

“The eye shimmer bit, you know when your mad.” Kith winks,” I just happened to be in the neighborhood, mmm, right outside your door, and well," voice droping two octaves, "now that you ask what I want…” steps forward almost against her and spins around her, not quite touching, into the room. His voice becomes light and airy “…I am looking for Turin.”

She looks startled. Then, strangely composed.

“Have you seen that scamp?” Kith asks, casually looking around.

“What makes you think he’s in my room?” She rests her hand on the hilt of the her Rapier.

“Well, if I was gonna go somewhere and spy pretty girls whilst they slept,” Kith bends to look under the bed, “it’s where I’d be. Not that I’d have to stoop to spying…’’

“YOU…” Charlotte advances menacingly.

“Hmmm, ohh and by the way what did happen last night?” Comes the most innocent of questions.

Almost on que her face faults, then struggles to arrange itself, fighting between rage and absolute disbelief. “What... you... don’t... remember?” She chokes incredously.

“Not really” Kith springs lightly up to the top of the foot board of her bed. "I was drinking something almost as dangerous as myself."
Jump skill is 10, minimum would be 2ft + (roll above 10 divided by 8), most footboards are about 21/2 to 3 ft tall…for the next… same jump… climb skill 5 I’ve got a handhold (I hope)
Then he springs up and grabs the rafter pulling himsefl up to eye level with it.

“Ah-ha. There you are, I knew I felt you around here.” His hand grabs something from on top of the rafter, then he seems to lose his grip. Panic crosses his face, then delight as he falls to the floor. He backrolls up to his feeet holding out a dust covered ferret.

He scrunches up his face and does his best imitation of Charlotte, " 'Find some other Master to wash you, because I certainly don't care too. Especially not after last night.' " His imitation breaks up with gigles, " 'Atleast I was drunk.' ”

Face to face with groggy ferret, beginning to awaken, he laughs, “Did you see anything I should know about?”

Turin yawns. Sleepy now, sllleee-pppyy…zzznnnnnn

Kith turns seeing Charlotte's face growing red. Her hand gripping her sword.
“Ahhh, wait, I was just kidding, really.” He holds the dust covered ferret inbetween them, “Just ask him.”

Kith turns, trying to back towards the door, “Its every man for himself, little buddy.” He says to Turin.
Seeing Charlotte drawing her sword, “Well if you want to spar,’ voice gets dusky, ‘I’ll spar with…EEPP!”

Her sword flashes out cutting through the air he just left and tumbling back out the door, catching it with his foot, he closes it behind him.

He bolts down the corridor arms and ferret akimbo.

Stopping several corridors away, to catch his breathe,”She really needs to find some humor in her life.” He scrubs a hankerchief over the protesting masked tube rat.

Cut it out, I am not that dirty… "Kchkchzzkksscht!" Turin squishes out of his grip clambers around his arm across his shoulders the sproings down the hall.

“Damn it I just found you.” Kith tears off after him. “You better not get dirty again!”

When next we see Kith he should be re-approaching the Library… where Zhure was trying to place us… hint, hint… If anyone, mostly Gnomeworks for being interupted at the door, takes offense at my liberties... just tell me and I'll figure something else out...
 
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Sildarin watches the two chat but can't hear what is being said.
I wonder if there's something going on between those two?
You jealous?
No... but I like to know what is going on around me. Especially when there's people as skilled as those two.
Just go ask them...
Yeah, right... You know that I don't want any attention drawn to myself, it makes me nervous.
You're just afraid of girls.
No I'm not! Take that back!
The truth hurts...
I'm not talking to you anymore.
You wish.


He rises from his table, having finished his meal, and then moves to go to the library.
I wonder if I could find some interesting leaflets about psionic speed? A vision of me running has bothered me for a few weeks now.
You're talking to me again.
Oh shut up, I'm just thinking to myself.
That's what you think.


OoC: Can we research our own powers? I have an idea for one.
 
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Quite all right, evileeyore. You seem to have picked up on Charlotte's personality very well.

Charlotte stands in her room with her rapier still drawn, and contemplates what just happened.

I'm not going to think about that right now.

Charlotte examines the rafters in her room from her current position to ensure that no other little creatures are watching her. Satisfied that none are, she sheathes her rapier and leaves the room, with the intention of going to the library.

Maybe Kith will want to spar, too... even if he doesn't, he's going to. I could use another workout... that man needs to be put back in his place, anyway, and I think that a good spar would be able to do that much, at least...
 

OOC: I see we've been busy. LOL. I'll read it in detail tonight or Monday morning and do updates

Nice duel. If you want to spar among yourselves, have at it :)

Coming up later: excitement, adventure, intrigue, bloodshed! Everyone make your way to the Library's exit


The Book of Xargon is indecipherable by magical means, but does radiate a faint dweomer of alteration. Your expert opinion is that it is encoded somehow, as if it were a cipher.
 

Keith goes to the Library once more...

Keith hits a shower and then slowly gets dressed. Keith leaves the cloak and wears a light jacket over his mithril shirt. He takes a moment to examine his rapier before sheathing it and heading towards the library...

Still thinking about her... how unlike me... I was fine this morning... alone... content... freindship? I have not really thought about that much since I last saw Alustir... Perhaps it is time to let that go? Or do I continue to believe that I can overcome and perhaps change her... I cannot belive that she could be an assassin...

No use thinking about it, I will never see her again... a pity. Perhaps it is time I begin to look forward...


Keith walked down the hallway with a graceful measured step. His movements precise and elegant as he walked towards the Library, he pauses breifly as he spies the others. Charlotte in particular...

The human girl... an intriguing woman even if she is human. Perhaps a freindly hello? Or would that be too much? I think for the first time in a long while I am confused...

Keith continues to walk down the hall settling into slightly faster yet still measured pace. He comes up alongside his steps light and silent...

I suppose a hello should be in order...

"Hello Charlotte..." he paused before continuing, "I had not thought I would see you so soon. I apologize for leaving abruptly earlier. Just on my way to the library now... perhaps you would like to accompany me?" he says softly... breaking the silence... with a gently smile.

No good can come of this...
 
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This was unexpected. Another meeting, and so soon, too.

"Hello, Keith. Sure, I'd love to come with you to the library. I was just heading there myself."

Perhaps the wrong word? Too late, that's what I get for speaking before thinking...

"Don't worry about breakfast. It was no big deal."

Charlotte smiles back at Keith, and starts walking with him to the library.
 

Into the Woods

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