There is a sudden gust of wind, not an uncommon occurrence in the temple and Ephebe is standing behind Lang, her hair slightly disheveled from running so fast.
"So, is this sneaking in for mischief or sneaking in to deliver a surprise?" she whispered. "Because i might be able to help....what? I'm not a responsible adult all the time."Lang simply turned around with a guilty boyish look. I wanted to give this to Midori, it is supposed to be a surprise really. it is hers after all, and I know she doesn't like being parted from it. I want her to feel comfortable and welcome here. do you think you can distract her so I can leave it for her on her bunk?
"Oh, well, that doesn't even qualify as mischief really...Okay, no problem. I'll just ask her to help me fix my hair. That should keep her busy for a few minutes," she said, giving him a pat on the shoulder and heading in to the girls' dorm where Midori was helping Sara fix her outfit.
"Everything going okay in here?"
"And that means you are the Pan and Fieri of Fane?"
He throws the guitar behind his back and it vanishes in a puff of grey smoke, leaving a leaf that gently floats to the ground as it fades from green to red, orange, yellow, brown, and disappears like a rapid autumn change all at once.
"I should've realized earlier, but musicians named Fieri are surprisingly common with, you know, Firebirds and all."
With that said, he props his elbows on his knees and listens.
The smile runs away from his face as he is presented with the reason his world had collapsed.
His mind goes through a quick twister of thoughts, starting with "why does he think he knows what happened." And ending with, "yes I need to or I wouldn't be here. He's right."
He takes the pad and pen and starts.
And by starts, we mean staring at an empty page for quite some time...
"Umm....you've heard of us? Seriously? Cause I didn't think that we were that big a deal outside of Avalon, Kuros, and the firebird sun," he said, his cheeks turning a deeper green, the dryad equivalent of a blush.
"It doesn't have to be big important stuff, Rakki. Anything that makes you feel something. Anything. You can hear it in the recordings, you know. At first you were having lots of fun and everyone loved to share it with you. But the recent stuff....it's gone hollow. It's all about technique with no feeling. You need to get in touch with your own emotions, your own preferences, if you're ever going to be a songwriter. Songs have to come from the heart. It's no good if you don't feel something."
"And that means you are the Pan and Fieri of Fane?"
He throws the guitar behind his back and it vanishes in a puff of grey smoke, leaving a leaf that gently floats to the ground as it fades from green to red, orange, yellow, brown, and disappears like a rapid autumn change all at once.
"I should've realized earlier, but musicians named Fieri are surprisingly common with, you know, Firebirds and all."
With that said, he props his elbows on his knees and listens.
The smile runs away from his face as he is presented with the reason his world had collapsed.
His mind goes through a quick twister of thoughts, starting with "why does he think he knows what happened." And ending with, "yes I need to or I wouldn't be here. He's right."
He takes the pad and pen and starts.
And by starts, we mean staring at an empty page for quite some time..."Umm....you've heard of us? Seriously? Cause I didn't think that we were that big a deal outside of Avalon, Kuros, and the firebird sun," he said, his cheeks turning a deeper green, the dryad equivalent of a blush.
"It doesn't have to be big important stuff, Rakki. Anything that makes you feel something. Anything. You can hear it in the recordings, you know. At first you were having lots of fun and everyone loved to share it with you. But the recent stuff....it's gone hollow. It's all about technique with no feeling. You need to get in touch with your own emotions, your own preferences, if you're ever going to be a songwriter. Songs have to come from the heart. It's no good if you don't feel something."
Lang sits and waits to be sure Midori is distracted before sneaking in and laying her weapon pouch on her bunk.
"Oh, well, that doesn't even qualify as mischief really...Okay, no problem. I'll just ask her to help me fix my hair. That should keep her busy for a few minutes," she said, giving him a pat on the shoulder and heading in to the girls' dorm where Midori was helping Sara fix her outfit.
"Everything going okay in here?"
Midori was indeed fussing over Sara's clothing, helping her fix it and look presentable. Midori herself looked at least somewhat uncomfortable in the flashy (at least, by her standards. The yukata was actually somewhat understated) clothing.
"Hai, sensei!" she says, looking up from Sara as Ephebe approached. "I think we're almost ready."
Serrin nods and follows Phaez and Lily. She does what she can to reassure her new friend. "I'm sure this will be quick and totally painless. Then we can get to the fun"
Lily nodded mutely, glancing towards Serrin when she mentions 'fun' and smiles, perhaps just a touch wickedly. "Did you have something in mind?"
She chuckles slightly "Oh, I have a few, but lets not get into details in mixed company" She says softly, unsure if this Phaez character would rat them out.
"Remember, the point of the exercise is to counterattack with the same element, effectively canceling out the attacking spell," Sorchan said, and shot a simple scorching ray at him, the multiple beams all targeting Ardiente.
Ardiente grinned, wanting to show off a bit. Whether it was for his guardsman friends or born of a desire to impress Sorchan in his role as Raelle's father... the reasons didn't matter. Maybe it was just his usual flamboyant personality finally finding an outlet after the emotional rollercoaster of the past week.
Or maybe it was just that he had always prided himself on pushing as hard as he could.
Either way, he stood stock still, focusing and breathing out flame, which shaped itself into barriers to block the incoming beams. He was controlling the flame just by managing his ki flow! As the blasts connected, they flashed brilliantly, exploding in a wide array of stunning and rich colours.
:
Based on what you've seen of Ardiente's bending abilities, what he just attempted was extremely risky/reckless. If he hadn't been as focused, the overbending could have seriously hurt him.
Settro looks at the card.
"You... Are aware I can't actually open gates, right?"
The students roaming the halls near the front door saw a teenage elven boy. Dressed in a longcoat, he exuded an aura of power, and he wore a strange blindfold. People were wary of him, and stepped away. He moved with purpose.
The boy quickly arrived in front of the headmaster's door. With a sigh, he relaxed-well, what passed for relaxing with him-and sat down on a chair that wasn't there before.
"I'll take care of it. Just hold onto the card."
He checks his coat to make sure he'll have what he needs.
"Here we go..."
"Hi Mrs.Ephebe. Midori is helping me be pretty."
She smiles happily.
"Whoo ra! Let's get ready to rock'!" He says lighting himself on fire as he flys through the portal.
"Hi Mrs.Ephebe. Midori is helping me be pretty."
She smiles happily.
"You don't need help with that, Sara-rin." Midori replies kindly, smiling at the younger girl.
Lang was attempting to slip back out when he happened to notice the girls getting ready.
He stopped and was peeking through an opening. He knew about Midori, but still she was a very pretty girl.
Grim rolls his eyes, "ok fine you can be awesome this one time, you happy?" He says with a laugh "hey do you think they'd mind if I went and got an ariel view of the place?"
Grim rolls his eyes, "ok fine you can be awesome this one time, you happy?" He says with a laugh "hey do you think they'd mind if I went and got an ariel view of the place?"
probably not, and if they do just say you are with me. just don't go near the Owl nests, they are very protective of the hatchlings.[/b] Lang indicates which direction they are.
"Oh, well, that doesn't even qualify as mischief really...Okay, no problem. I'll just ask her to help me fix my hair. That should keep her busy for a few minutes," she said, giving him a pat on the shoulder and heading in to the girls' dorm where Midori was helping Sara fix her outfit.
"Everything going okay in here?"
Midori was indeed fussing over Sara's clothing, helping her fix it and look presentable. Midori herself looked at least somewhat uncomfortable in the flashy (at least, by her standards. The yukata was actually somewhat understated) clothing.
"Hai, sensei!" she says, looking up from Sara as Ephebe approached. "I think we're almost ready."
"Oh, good. You both look so nice. I was going to ask you to help me put my hair up, but I think helping Sara get ready is much more important. And you seem to have everything well in hand," she said with a kind smile.
"Remember, the point of the exercise is to counterattack with the same element, effectively canceling out the attacking spell," Sorchan said, and shot a simple scorching ray at him, the multiple beams all targeting Ardiente.Ardiente grinned, wanting to show off a bit. Whether it was for his guardsman friends or born of a desire to impress Sorchan in his role as Raelle's father... the reasons didn't matter. Maybe it was just his usual flamboyant personality finally finding an outlet after the emotional rollercoaster of the past week.
Or maybe it was just that he had always prided himself on pushing as hard as he could.
Either way, he stood stock still, focusing and breathing out flame, which shaped itself into barriers to block the incoming beams. He was controlling the flame just by managing his ki flow! As the blasts connected, they flashed brilliantly, exploding in a wide array of stunning and rich colours.
: 1d20+35+2
** spoiler omitted **
"Impressive, but how long can you keep that up? Be careful not to overextend yourself in battle," he cautioned, moving into a defensive stance. "Not to mention disrupting your classmates," he added dryly.
|
Lucas claps softly appriciating his new friend's level of skill, and, he thinks with a mental grin apparent need to prove himself oh yes, this is one to get close to indead
He turns to his companions, "so who wishes to go first, and with which element, I'm going to assume fire, but I'm perfectly capable of using and counterin any of them, well except force, or sonic, don't have the hang of them yet,"
"Did a tour on the Sun once. Not doing it again. Not that fond of fire. But yes, while I was there I never /stopped/ hearing about you all..."
He looks at the page for a while.
"I just... I don't know... I haven't actually written anything on my own before... Well, not anything that was any good... I'll... I'll try, though."
He thinks more and comes up with a sparse list of things.
The ocean. A sold out concert. The sound coins make. A couple others.
When the boys returned to the Headmaster's office, he gave them some basic information on the area they were headed and used a card to open a portal for them. He also gave a card to Settro to help him find the coordinates to make a portal back for the group.
The basics provided were as follows:
- Lower Abyss, ergo, older/deeper plane, bigger baddies.
- Terrain is urban, and changing, but 'urban'/structures, most definitely.
- Temperate, with an occasional hot spot, and cool.
- Unclear-- while it *is* the Abyss, and so, assume Demons, it didn't quite look traditionally... chaotic and destruction/war ridden. Various 'intelligent' demons were hanging out, talking or 'interacting', but not a ton.
Ryo basically says also, "Something is ...very off, a strong Order is present, where it shouldn't be. I'm not sure what to expect. Good luck." (Or the equivalent). He himself *might* appear bemused, or curious.
Once the portal pops open, and people head threw, there's that initial 'familiar' feel/sense of the Abyss, and then, suddenly, it's as if you stepped out into a temperate Summer English country side.
Glancing about, it's immediately obvious that there are Demons here and there, but, they seem to be having a 'tea time' moment at the back of some 'Downton Abbey' manor house. Servants who appear to be human, and immediately perceived as Enchanted, are milling about tending to the luxurious, ridiculously well dressed demons of all types-- but not the huge hulking thug sorts. These are the worse ones, the intelligent, crafty, murderous and deceiving types that typically command the lesser demons that do all the 'grunt' work.
The Head Butler, another Demon, comes over and bows to your group saying in whatever your native language is, "Greetings, guests. Your timing is perfect. May I take your things?" A few other human servants come walking over as he gets their attention. "The Overlord will be happy to know you have arrived. I shall send word immediately."
One or two of the Lordly Demons there peer over at Settro and smirk. "So, that's where he's ascended too-- mingling with mortals. How far he's slipped... tsk tsk."
With the anti magic aura, Kevin's disguise magic is stripped away, leaving him back in his rubbery blue dragon 'skin.'
He looks at his hands.
Spell's gone... Must be in anti magic. They'll probably figure it out for them selves... That's... Troubling. Good to know this can't be disspelled. At least I can defend myself a little bit like this...
He thinks to himself.
He doesn't say anything, but shakes his head when the offer to take his things comes up.
settro's extra wings suddenly and painfully wink out of existence, leaving gaping holes where they were, and his unnatural nature fades, leaving all to see what he really "looks" like, thier perceptions of him unfiltered.
"No. You may not."
he practically snarls at the first butler, before turning to the second.
"And you certainly are awful at accommodation."
he says, likely referring to the antimagic shield, that, in effect, ripped his extra wings out.
"And honestly... You can't "slip" from here."
Glancing around, Silinrul does not appear at all concerned whatsoever that there's some sort of antimagic field. After all, he is only partially reliant on magic. He looks around, sniffs the air, and tries to get an overall feel for things.
Sara smiles a little more when Midori says she's pretty.
"I can braid your hair if you want. I liked braiding mama's hair."
The around Dave winks out and he sighs frustrated by such "I'm good, didn't bring much"
Grim's wings rip fourth from his back and an inky black tail with small green spikes pokes out from a flap in his pants.
He then hops up on the window sill and gives his friend a mock salute before jumping backwards from the window. He disappears from view briefly before shooting nearly straight up, whooping at the to of his lungs
Kim scooched her seat closer to Dara, behind his book fortress.
leaning over to whisper to him, can I hide with you? she asks politely
Team Hot Guys
Abyssal Plane
The various 'Lords' and 'Ladies' of the setting, in their outfits, are quickly noticed by the perceptive-- as wearing clothing that probably are not theirs, and taken (probably forcefully or guilefully) from someone else. Bloodstains and a few rips are visible, here and there, blending 'tastefully' into their appearance, or against their natural skin coloring, nearly all, not human in appearance.
The Butler crisply nods at the lack of things to take, adding, "Very well, please, have a seat -- if you desire anything, do speak up. Our staff are willing to die, or bleed, for your pleasure."
With that, he clicks his heels together, and turns to walk off towards the Manor.
The other Lords and Ladies blatantly look everyone over, attention given mostly to the 'non-human' aspects of the party-- people's bug wings, goo physique. Pieces of meat at a butcher shop come to mind the way everyone's looked over.
The one Lord near Settro, chuckles at his snarl and says, "Oh, so angry... did you not get a hug today? Tsk tsk. One does need to learn to control their temper. Diplomacy does matter when nail and tooth aren't allowed." The malicious grin, with shark like teeth, rows of, from the Lord is nasty and smells, adding to the duality of the scenery and manner.
"Oh, stop," says another, sounding more female, but unclear if so, "he's far too young to understand your subtlety. I doubt any of these ... guests ... grasp their purpose here, yet."
This brings about a few chuckles and such, from the lot of the beings here, yet, it's obvious that anger and contempt, seethes barely beneath their veneer of politeness from these high powered demonic entities.
Everyone will realize, straight away, that the very nature of this 'plane' is most likely /not/ the Abyss, but something off to the side. It's a demi-plane, with some of the attributes of the Abyss, but, lacking a majority of them as well. There's air, there's light, there's the smell of all these fine Lords and Ladies, plus the food, but nothing, absolutely nothing, is natural, wholesome, or untouched by demonic taint. This might make any normal person who walked in here, while unlikely, start down a path to insanity rather quickly-- but, the students are made of sterner stuff.
The sensation should be akin to that hackle raising irritation felt when scraping metal against metal, or nails on chalkboards. Something you cannot ignore, irritating and disturbing, yet unseen.
The Lords and Ladies don't seem bothered by it in the least, but they are angry at something... that much is noticed by anyone with Sense Motive skill.
Emotions do not exist here, either, except those you feel within yourself... it's a literal dead zone of many things, unseen. Adding to the annoyance.
"In that case, why don't you educate us on our "purpose". Provided our minds or bodies are not supernaturally altered by such an education, of course" he pauses to chuckle "unless of course, you don't know yourselves"
"In that case, why don't you educate us on our "purpose". Provided our minds or bodies are not supernaturally altered by such an education, of course" he pauses to chuckle "unless of course, you don't know yourselves"
One of the Lords nearly, snaps with some bottled up rage, seemingly sincere in it's passion, but restrains itself, replies to David, "Because, walking freak show, we are in an arrangement, that limits us from free action-- for now. Most importantly, however, this is not our place, physically, to act in according to our nature. We were ...asked here."
That statement seems to echo, with the other Lords and Ladies, and it might dawn on folks, these demons aren't thrilled doing the dress up thing, tea time, probably not high on their to do list.
David's arm extends into it's sword form, being supernaturally sharp and dense it might make one pause "that was not polite, and it didn't answer my question, it was just you throwing yourself a pity party"
David's arm extends into it's sword form, being supernaturally sharp and dense it might make one pause "that was not polite, and it didn't answer my question, it was just you throwing yourself a pity party"
Grinning at the arm shift and the manner of David's response, the Lord then chuckles and says, "More polite than what I wish to do, rock face... much more polite. As for pity party, far from it. Get your answers somewhere else, boy, I'm not your wet nurse, or you'd have turned out better for it, or died. I don't even know what to make of you-- cute blade, I can only imagine the good times you have with that when alone..." It giggles at the 'joke' and insinuation.
A malicious grin, but, no physical reactions or extending of claws in response. There's a general 'stirring' of sorts, though, as if anticipation at what will happen next is on the minds of all these Demons, yet they are doing nothing. Clearly, held back by something.
A few off to the side, seem to want to speak, physically learn closer to one another, as if talking, but they don't verbalize, looking the students over again evaluating them further.
He looks around the strange menagerie of demons in funny outfits.
He then sees Dave's action.
"We should probably not do that..."
He sets a paw-hand on Dave's sword arm, and nudges it down gently.
"He just said that they aren't allowed to attack. None of us want to be here. We just need to wait and see why whatever it is wants us here."
He motions them over to an empty table.
Dave snorts rolling hie eyes at the non answer but lowers his arm at Kevin's suggestion.
Jeran's eyes seem to almost glow and a deep rumbling growl comes from his throat when Dave extends his sword arm. He seems to be having some difficulty suppressing his more canine features in response to this unnatural place.
"Keep it together. This isn't why we're here," he growled. "Stay on mission. And don't trust anything about this place or these....people."
Kim scooched her seat closer to Dara, behind his book fortress.
leaning over to whisper to him, can I hide with you? she asks politely
Dara cowered away from her at first, but slowly seems to accept her as mostly non threatening. He nodded, but kept a wary eye on this new person.
Sara smiles a little more when Midori says she's pretty.
"I can braid your hair if you want. I liked braiding mama's hair."
"I would love that, Sara," she said, smiling. "Where would you like me to sit?"
Jeran's eyes seem to almost glow and a deep rumbling growl comes from his throat when Dave extends his sword arm. He seems to be having some difficulty suppressing his more canine features in response to this unnatural place.
"Keep it together. This isn't why we're here," he growled. "Stay on mission. And don't trust anything about this place or these....people."
" never will."
Settro practically snarls.
Kim whispers to Dara, Are you afraid of the demon monsters too? I don't like them.
Kim seems to have noticed that Dara shied away with the mention of demons.
you never said your name, but if you don't that's ok. This is my teddy. sometimes he talks to me, maybe he will talk to you too.
Lang was sitting outside the girls room for a bit, he seemed happy to see Sara, Midori, and Master Blackscales enjoying some girl time.
but he wished Ignace could be here too, she needed some time away, she could of had her tea party here. except Zilla wouldn't be able to be here.
Glancing back he made sure Midori's weapon pouch was easily found on her bunk when she would return.
Lang just sighed and meandered back outside to the Gazebo that overlooked the mountains, he always loved the view. climbing up on a railing Lang balanced himself just right sitting on the railing and began to meditate.
Jeran's comments along with the snarling Settro's produce a few more chuckles and bemused reactions from the various Lords and Ladies.
The one Lord, who was interacting with David grins back at Kevin and says, "Well, it's good to see someone intelligent-- or perceptive. You stand out, to that, I acknowledge. As for your chunky can opener of a companion here," motioning at David, "I guess muscle comes in various forms-- yet, never impressive when so overt."
It'd be obvious that the one Demon is being malicious and snarky, but, he did seem sincere in his compliment to Kevin.
With that, there seems to be a sudden, 'alertness' or unheard notification among the Lords and Ladies, who straighten up, and look towards the Manor as if expecting something to happen.
First, the Butler is returning. When he does, he looks around, one servant goes to clean up an untouched seat and table, which is decked out with the main silver and tea cups.
As that's being performed by an enchanted human looking person, blissfully unaware of their situation, the Butler speaks after clearing his throat.
"Lords and Ladies of the Abyss, and welcomed Guests, I have the distinction of introducing, Muraleniel, High Forger of the Arcane, Keeper of Creation's Song, and Appointed General of Chaos' Mass, Groundskeeper by Appointment of this Realm."
As soon as he's done speaking the various titles, all the faces and emotions of the Lords and Ladies seem to switch to smiling smirks, or near smiles, and they politely bow (though, not very low) cordially to the being that walks in.
Muraleniel, without a doubt, is a Celestial. Most likely an Deva, or Angel, with raven black wings neatly tucked behind it's back. Whether or not it's a male or female isn't immediately clear, the shimmering armor of silver metal with hints of reddish veins, and runes etched into it, two handed maul of some sort being carried up behind by a servant, minor Deva of some sort, similar in craftsmanship to the armor, screams magical and power.
When it stops to gaze upon the students, acknowledging the Lords and Ladies with merely a light nod, the voice that comes out is stunning and pushes away the unease and disturbing 'feels' of the area. Order, definite Order, in this embodiment of Chaos pours out of this being.
"Greetings, Honored Guests to this place. As the Groundskeeper, I decree that while you make no overt act of violence, none shall be returned to you now, or henceforth while I remain Appointed General. Rather than speculate as to your breeching into this Realm without warning, I would ask the purpose of your visit, to see if it is as foreseen by my troops-- a rescue mission. I offer the opportunity to parley, unless you wish instead to fight, which can be arranged if such is desired, elsewhere. While I stand here, it will not happen. Please, sit, drink and eat, if you have a request for sustenance which can be provided for, you will not go with want here." A light motion to the seats and offerings provided.
With that, it turns it's gaze intently upon Jeran and smiles, in what can only be considered, appreciation. "You, pray, introduce yourself, who I suspect is the leader and strives for Order amongst your peers?"
The servant with the massive two hander walks closer and keeps the weapon at easy reach for the Groundskeeper. The servant dutifully keeps it's head bowed and holding the weapon up.
The various Lords and Ladies remain quiet, perceptive students would fully realize that they absolutely detest this Appointed General, and do very little to hide their contempt, but remain silent and do not act on it.
Muraleniel, apparently, shows no indication of giving a damn about his Lords' and Ladies' emotional state. His focus is on Jeran at this time.
"I would love that, Sara," she said, smiling. "Where would you like me to sit?"Sara smiles a little more when Midori says she's pretty.
"I can braid your hair if you want. I liked braiding mama's hair."
Midori smiles genuinely, relaxing now that Sara's state of dress was finally looking a good deal more presentable. She sits calmly next to Blackscales-sensei, looking out from the building they were in to the mountain valley home of the Airbenders. It was supremely beautiful, the air crisp and clean. She felt strangely... at peace.
Or, as her parents would say, complacent.
"Impressive, but how long can you keep that up? Be careful not to overextend yourself in battle," he cautioned, moving into a defensive stance. "Not to mention disrupting your classmates," he added dryly.
"Right, cause there's not going to be distractions in a real situation." Ardiente quipped back, grinning as he slipped into a stance. He understood the mild rebuke Sorchan had given him, but he just couldn't help himself. He had to show off a bit. He had to impress Sorchan after all. "I'm not gonna hold back though! I always have to push myself to be better, especially when training!"
Kevin doesn't have much to say to the complementary demon, nor to the out of place angel, as he addressed Jeran.
He moves to the table, absentmindedly slipping a saucer into his coat pocket as he watches the goings on.
He doesn't appear to notice that he did so.