"Perhaps there is imbalance somewhere else? Perhaps the location of it should be the focus?"
"Light..Dark. Life...Destruction. Imbalance knows many forms."
"Many of those forms have been within ourselves. Those of us who were once Champions have had a difficult time finding balance. Maybe that's why the powers stayed longer than they have in the past, because they were needed for our own internal battles."
"Many of those forms have been within ourselves. Those of us who were once Champions have had a difficult time finding balance. Maybe that's why the powers stayed longer than they have in the past, because they were needed for our own internal battles."
"Perhaps there is imbalance somewhere else? Perhaps the location of it should be the focus?"
"Light..Dark. Life...Destruction. Imbalance knows many forms."
"Championship does not come of internal battles, Lady Lynora. It comes of those of the world. Of the Board."
He shrugs. "I know not. But if ever there comes a time when there is no imbalance, as I believe has happened, the Champions may all feel the consequences. They aren't supposed to live this long."
"There are always Champions. And imbalance. They rise and fall like the oceans. They die and are reborn amongst the seeds of the earth. They hide, and are revealed by need."
"Even with centuries of studying Nature, even I do not comprehend but a small part of it. Champions are a part of Nature's weave."
He shrugs. "I know not. But if ever there comes a time when there is no imbalance, as I believe has happened, the Champions may all feel the consequences. They aren't supposed to live this long.""There are always Champions. And imbalance. They rise and fall like the oceans. They die and are reborn amongst the seeds of the earth. They hide, and are revealed by need."
"Even with centuries of studying Nature, even I do not comprehend but a small part of it. Champions are a part of Nature's weave."
"You are half right, Forest Lord. Championship is indeed part of nature's plan. They are her plan to deal with danger, though. Once the danger to her is past, then they are no longer necessary. They...deteriorate."
"You are half right, Forest Lord. Championship is indeed part of nature's plan. They are her plan to deal with danger, though. Once the danger to her is past, then they are no longer necessary. They...deteriorate."He shrugs. "I know not. But if ever there comes a time when there is no imbalance, as I believe has happened, the Champions may all feel the consequences. They aren't supposed to live this long.""There are always Champions. And imbalance. They rise and fall like the oceans. They die and are reborn amongst the seeds of the earth. They hide, and are revealed by need."
"Even with centuries of studying Nature, even I do not comprehend but a small part of it. Champions are a part of Nature's weave."
"Perhaps the vessels do, but not the Champions themselves. There are many worlds. Danger rises in one, and is vanquished in another. So, by your logic, there would always be Champions. Or shadows of them."
"I do not think you understand the nature of Champions as well as you think you do, Frost. Have you ever been one?"
"Perhaps the vessels do, but not the Champions themselves. There are many worlds. Danger rises in one, and is vanquished in another. So, by your logic, there would always be Champions. Or shadows of them.""You are half right, Forest Lord. Championship is indeed part of nature's plan. They are her plan to deal with danger, though. Once the danger to her is past, then they are no longer necessary. They...deteriorate."He shrugs. "I know not. But if ever there comes a time when there is no imbalance, as I believe has happened, the Champions may all feel the consequences. They aren't supposed to live this long.""There are always Champions. And imbalance. They rise and fall like the oceans. They die and are reborn amongst the seeds of the earth. They hide, and are revealed by need."
"Even with centuries of studying Nature, even I do not comprehend but a small part of it. Champions are a part of Nature's weave."
Frost looks exasperated. "I...would you stop speaking ambiguously? I am trying to warn you people! Champions don't last. Some well-known researchers confirm it. It was difficult to find them, but I did. After the imbalance in the area is over, the hosts deteriorate. Their minds go first. They become destructive, and weak to outside influence. Eventually, they are completely destroyed by their own energies. Now, there are only two true Champions left. Kobold Cleaver, and The Bard. If they too do not lose the Championship, they will not last."
He is silent for a moment."At least, that is the theory. But the Servants believe it. And they have the most extensive libraries and knowledge bases in the world."
"Do not forget the multiple realities that may exist."
"Given time, other aspects of the standard elements may give rise to never-before-seen Champion, such as a Champion of Lightning, Light, or Sound."
"Do not forget the multiple realities that may exist."
"Given time, other aspects of the standard elements may give rise to never-before-seen Champion, such as a Champion of Lightning, Light, or Sound."
"You are proof that being a Champion does not mean understanding of the concept." Frost sneers. "There are only five true Champions. The others are charlatans."
Frost looks exasperated. "I...would you stop speaking ambiguously? I am trying to warn you people! Champions don't last. Some well-known researchers confirm it. It was difficult to find them, but I did. After the imbalance in the area is over, the hosts deteriorate. Their minds go first. They become destructive, and weak to outside influence. Eventually, they are completely destroyed by their own energies. Now, there are only two true Champions left. Kobold Cleaver, and The Bard. If they too do not lose the Championship, they will not last."
He is silent for a moment.
"At least, that is the theory. But the Servants believe it. And they have the most extensive libraries and knowledge bases in the world."
"Sounds like KC is already being destroyed. I appreciate the warning, old Wyrm."
"It seems like the Servants will latch on to anything that could return them to power."
Frost looks exasperated. "I...would you stop speaking ambiguously? I am trying to warn you people! Champions don't last. Some well-known researchers confirm it. It was difficult to find them, but I did. After the imbalance in the area is over, the hosts deteriorate. Their minds go first. They become destructive, and weak to outside influence. Eventually, they are completely destroyed by their own energies. Now, there are only two true Champions left. Kobold Cleaver, and The Bard. If they too do not lose the Championship, they will not last."
He is silent for a moment.
"At least, that is the theory. But the Servants believe it. And they have the most extensive libraries and knowledge bases in the world.""Sounds like KC is already being destroyed. I appreciate the warning, old Wyrm."
"It seems like the Servants will latch on to anything that could return them to power."
"Indeed. Though I do not believe any of you should underestimate them. They have significant resources. If it amounts to a true siege, they could win. Remember, they are made up of diviners. Eventually, they will find a way inside. Goodbye." He bows to Lynora and takes off, flying out of the Grove.
"I believe some Champions do surrender to the Power and are extinguished by it. That is the battle that wages inside of each one. The battle to preserve that part of you that existed before the change. It is easier to suurender to its end rather than live like a shell. ...So much easier."
"The Power is surrendered but it can be touched again. I've seen it. Felt it. Struggled against its seduction."
"If one has something else to fill the gap, survival, nay flourishing, is possible again."
"Do not forget the multiple realities that may exist."
"Given time, other aspects of the standard elements may give rise to never-before-seen Champion, such as a Champion of Lightning, Light, or Sound."
Both Arielle and LJ give him a strange look. They look at each other and shake their heads.
LJ excuses herself from the coversation to go and make sure that Aidan is okay, and get him over near Yggdrasil where he can rest. If the dragon is determined to listen to the Servants then there is no point in trying to reason with him.
...the dragon is determined to listen to the Servants...
"Delusions."
"Fool diviners should already realize that they are already 'inside'."
"The Servants seek not balance, but lordship."
"I believe some Champions do surrender to the Power and are extinguished by it. That is the battle that wages inside of each one. The battle to preserve that part of you that existed before the change. It is easier to suurender to its end rather than live like a shell. ...So much easier."
"The Power is surrendered but it can be touched again. I've seen it. Felt it. Struggled against its seduction."
"If one has something else to fill the gap, survival, nay flourishing, is possible again."
"I don't think he was listening. And I'm not sure he can understand. I'm not sure anyone can who hasn't experienced it."
"Delusions."
"Fool diviners should already realize that they are already 'inside'."
"The Servants seek not balance, but lordship."
Must...resist...urge...to godmod...just to prove...this...false...
"I don't think he was listening. And I'm not sure he can understand. I'm not sure anyone can who hasn't experienced it.""I believe some Champions do surrender to the Power and are extinguished by it. That is the battle that wages inside of each one. The battle to preserve that part of you that existed before the change. It is easier to suurender to its end rather than live like a shell. ...So much easier."
"The Power is surrendered but it can be touched again. I've seen it. Felt it. Struggled against its seduction."
"If one has something else to fill the gap, survival, nay flourishing, is possible again."
"Not a matter of listening. It is one of not understanding. He was born to power. He cannot comprehend the change we experience."
"Nor does he truly comprehend that the Servants crave the power as strongly as he craves gold for his horde."
"Not a matter of listening. It is one of not understanding. He was born to power. He cannot comprehend the change we experience."
"Nor does he truly comprehend that the Servants crave the power as strongly as he craves gold for his horde."
"It's like a drug," she agreed with a grimace. "And no matter how good your intentions are at first, power wields you not the other way around. I'm not sure if the Servants themselves crave power or if they're just blindly following those that do. But it comes out to the same thing in the end."
"I don't think he was listening. And I'm not sure he can understand. I'm not sure anyone can who hasn't experienced it.""I believe some Champions do surrender to the Power and are extinguished by it. That is the battle that wages inside of each one. The battle to preserve that part of you that existed before the change. It is easier to suurender to its end rather than live like a shell. ...So much easier."
"The Power is surrendered but it can be touched again. I've seen it. Felt it. Struggled against its seduction."
"If one has something else to fill the gap, survival, nay flourishing, is possible again."
"Not a matter of listening. It is one of not understanding. He was born to power. He cannot comprehend the change we experience."
"Nor does he truly comprehend that the Servants crave the power as strongly as he craves gold for his horde."
I know, I know, it's just IC, but it drives me nuts that these characters are so thick skulled! :O
;)
["It's like a drug," she agreed with a grimace. "And no matter how good your intentions are at first, power wields you not the other way around. I'm not sure if the Servants themselves crave power or if they're just blindly following those that do. But it comes out to the same thing in the end."
"Well, if no one else had power those few left that do would be..."
"That may be the endgame."
"I don't think he was listening. And I'm not sure he can understand. I'm not sure anyone can who hasn't experienced it.""I believe some Champions do surrender to the Power and are extinguished by it. That is the battle that wages inside of each one. The battle to preserve that part of you that existed before the change. It is easier to suurender to its end rather than live like a shell. ...So much easier."
"The Power is surrendered but it can be touched again. I've seen it. Felt it. Struggled against its seduction."
"If one has something else to fill the gap, survival, nay flourishing, is possible again."
"Not a matter of listening. It is one of not understanding. He was born to power. He cannot comprehend the change we experience."
"Nor does he truly comprehend that the Servants crave the power as strongly as he craves gold for his horde."
I know, I know, it's just IC, but it drives me nuts that these characters are so thick skulled! :O
;)
["It's like a drug," she agreed with a grimace. "And no matter how good your intentions are at first, power wields you not the other way around. I'm not sure if the Servants themselves crave power or if they're just blindly following those that do. But it comes out to the same thing in the end.""Well, if no one else had power those few left that do would be..."
"That may be the endgame."
"What, you mean let them become the most powerful people in the world? Wouldn't they just destroy us all along with themselves? I mean, not that we can even stop them if that's what they're after."
Umm, sometimes I do indulge myself with tweaking events here and there behind the scenes to deal with a really rude person or to keep a skilled hairdressing family safe. Very useful, professional hairdressers. Dressmakers too. I mean who wouldn't organise the fall of a mighty empire, the slaughter of seven thousand, eight hundred and thirty seven clerics across three different religions, and the delivery of a very special pair of shoes to a wellingarten frogsmiter to keep their favourite hairdresser or dressmaker safe?
Both Arielle and LJ give him a strange look. They look at each other and shake their heads."Do not forget the multiple realities that may exist."
"Given time, other aspects of the standard elements may give rise to never-before-seen Champion, such as a Champion of Lightning, Light, or Sound."
Both Arielle and LJ give him a strange look. They look at each other and shake their heads."Do not forget the multiple realities that may exist."
"Given time, other aspects of the standard elements may give rise to never-before-seen Champion, such as a Champion of Lightning, Light, or Sound."
There are always FIVE champions (there are five, boardammit!), as the egomaniacal dragon said. There are no other true champions. No lightning, no sonics...
Second, the Championship of Air has faded back into the Green, to reappear in necessary. However, in this particular world, these are the first champions in ages.
Aidan rests fitfully next to the World Tree, but soon falls into a peaceful slumber. When he wakes up a bit later, he is smiling.
"I feel like playing a joke..."
Aidan rests fitfully next to the World Tree, but soon falls into a peaceful slumber. When he wakes up a bit later, he is smiling.
"I feel like playing a joke..."
"Really? What sort of joke?" she says with a grin.
Aidan quickly glances around to make sure none of the 'responsible adults' are near, then whispers his plan to Arielle.
"Okay, you know how Allura, Devlyn, and my brother were worried about me right? Well, what better way to show them I'm all right then to make them think I'm not? Once the realize it was a joke, they should be really happy that I am feeling good enough to prank them. I just wish I knew where the were..."
Aidan quickly glances around to make sure none of the 'responsible adults' are near, then whispers his plan to Arielle.
"Okay, you know how Allura, Devlyn, and my brother were worried about me right? Well, what better way to show them I'm all right then to make them think I'm not? Once the realize it was a joke, they should be really happy that I am feeling good enough to prank them. I just wish I knew where the were..."
She smothered a giggle so the grown-ups wouldn't hear it. "I can ask the wind," she whispered, "but it might take a really long time. It doesn't listen to me the way that it used to listen to Mommy. And there's a good chance my grandpa might find out what we were doing if I did. Do you think they're back at the Eyrie? If they weren't at the Eyrie, where would they go?"
"I don't know. They may have gone looking for help with Tristan. Try asking the wind, it seems like our best bet right now. I'll see if I can get the illusion spell just right."
Arielle starts whispering something in Auran. It sounds like she's arguing, then pleading, then arguing again.
After what seems like a long time arguing, Arielle finally falls silent. She taps her foot impatiently as she waits. Eventually she starts arguing in Auran again. This goes on for awhile before she finally taps Aidan on the shoulder.
"They're at the Sanctum," she whispers.
After what seems like a long time arguing, Arielle finally falls silent. She taps her foot impatiently as she waits. Eventually she starts arguing in Auran again. This goes on for awhile before she finally taps Aidan on the shoulder.
"They're at the Sanctum," she whispers.
Aidan looks at the adults again to see if they are watching. Taking out a scrap of paper, he writes "We went to the Sanctum" and puts it in plain sight under a small rock(to keep it in place).
"Okay, let's go. If you can't fly, my bike has a side car that can be attached. Or we can use the portal, but then we won't have as much time to set up the joke. I've got the illusion right, and I'll warn you, I will probably get in a lot of trouble when this all blows over.""