Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Verbatim" data-source="post: 2147941" data-attributes="member: 15549">The trip had been a restful one for Ayden, even given the serious nature of their journey, and it had allowed him to focus more on Finder's calling and the effects it was having on his life. He could feel his confidence growing in his abilities, and as that confidence grew, his Uncle granted him the ability to channel more of his divine power through him.Ayden also used the journey to practice more on his Uncle's violin and as the notes rolled out into the still night air, Ayden could feel the underlying power that the songs held and knew that soon he would begin storing that power into the instrument through magic. It was something that Finder himself had done when he was still a mortal, and Ayden felt that his Uncle would not disapprove of his endeavour.As they neared the town though, Ayden's demeanor once again grew serious. The darkening clouds overhead seemed to match his companion's mood and everyone, save Sarlis, felt as if they were riding into an ambush. However, as they entered the town, Ayden had to admit that he was surprised at how normal everything seemed to be. The people looked like the common laborers he had visited on behalf of his family growing up, and if they were all secret members of the White Brotherhood, they were doing an amazing job with their disguises.As the funeral procession approached them, Ayden removed the broad brimmed hat he wore and felt the first drops of the icy rain land on his face and neck. The unexpected chill sent an involuntary shiver down his spine and as his eyes locked upon the figure that was in the coffin, he felt his body go numb and for a moment was certain he would fall to the ground. ~By the gods....how did this happen???~A look of shock was on his face as Ayden tried to move forward, but his legs resisted his urgings and he remained as still as a post.~If Lady Chasity has fallen then surely Andreas has met the same fate...~Ayden watched as Sarlis moved forward and knelt beside the body and spoke a short prayer over her before standing back up and looking around briefly at the surrounding area. Ayden's focus was so divided between his companions, the woman in front of them, and the body that he only heard parts of what she was saying.His attention was refocused on the present when Dunstand suddenly broke free from their ranks and grabbed the arm of someone in the crowd and began yelling at the man. His words were not as important to Ayden as the emotion in the man's voice and as he began to step approach him, Calenthang quickly passed him and reached the scout just as the woman moved away from speaking with him.~Once again the others prove their strength in a crisis...~Ayden nodded his head slowly and with wooden steps approached the fallen paladin. She looked so pale and fragile, and for a moment, Ayden felt the childish desire that Chasity would suddenly open her eyes and tell them she had been merely sleeping. However, childhood had long sinced passed him by, and as he stared down at her, he knew that she would not be opening her eyes any time soon."May Finder's songs fill your heart with gladness as you rest in the halls of Torm, and may the Valorous One stand at your side always."As the others approached and offered their own final words, Ayden stood back and tried to convince himself that this was really happening. While he had known that Lady Chasity and Master Andreas had been taken against their will, part of him had hoped that they would still be alive when they arrived. However, this was not a child's story where the fair maiden and noble prince live happily ever after.~They will pay...whoever did this to you Chasity, I vow they will pay...~Snapping out of his musing, Ayden looked around and saw the funeral procession heading back towards the church and his companions entering what he guessed was the local inn. Putting the hat atop his now soaked hair, Ayden slowly followed them inside, his steps slow and unsteady.[sblock]End Part One[/sblock]</blockquote>

Verification