The Rising Storm
Notes: This is a continuation of an ongoing RP story arc that has been in progress for nearly a calendar year. It follows the events detailed in To Aid The Weaver, Seeking the Councilor's Advice, and Regaining Hopes & Dreams, and to some degree the changes in Cordir's aura during the recent granting of three Trials of Triat Mastery. Primary participants include: Cordir, Corri, Isolas, and Teva.
Acknowledgement: 1/11/2012
The Office of the TFC Housing Authority
[Exits: west]
(Invis) (Hide) Lady Corri, The Supreme Finder and Past Finder Adept, is here.
(White Aura) Wendell waits patiently while you decide where to live.
A ebon light appears, and expands into a shadowy web-like Pattern before you.
The Pattern fades into wisps of darkness, scattered about the chamber.
> l corri
Corri smiles happily.
Corri bows deeply.
Cordir says quietly, 'Hello, Corri.'
Corri's brow immediately furrows.
Corri says (in common), '..hello'.
Corri says (in common), 'How are you, Lady and friend?'.
Corri looks at Cordir.
Cordir pauses a moment, tilting her head to one side, and thinks.
She says, ‘I ... await.'.
Corri says (in common), '.. less friend, than Weaver? *she hazards, brow furrowing further*'.
Cordir tilts her head and looks at you. 'Does it matter?'
Corri says (in common), 'Yes.'.
Cordir breathes the question: "why?"
Corri says (in common), 'You do not hug.. an Aspect. You are more than just that.'.
Cordir starts to speak, then falls silent, gazing down at her tightly clasped hands.
Cordir says, '.. aye. You do not.'.
Cordir leaves west.
<<Cordir goes to:>>
Empty Foundation
[Exits: west]
Cordir rests.
Pressure builds in the air, a cold wind blowing.
Corri pulls the braided Tasloi hide closer to ward off the wind.
Cresom gossips (in common), 'ok i don't like pressure i get a massage to get rid of it '.
Lexie gossips (in common), '*gets out her Hello Kitty rainboots and umbrella*'.
<<Corri walks the lower temples, not finding Cordir who is on the second level>>
Corri yells (in common), '-hey-.'.
Corri waits, chin tilted.
Entrance to Temple Courtyard
[Exits: west up]
(Invis) Lady Corri, The Supreme Finder and Past Finder Adept, is here.
Cordir arrives from above.
Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively.
Corri says (in common), '...you said you were waiting...'.
She nods silently.
Cordir wraps her thin arms around herself, to ward off the cold.
Corri says (in common), '*quietly* ...can't you release your grip on my friend, since you are stuck waiting anyhow?'.
Corri says (in common), '..just a little, for a short time?'.
Cordir wrinkles her brow. 'Sometimes it isn't safe to do that.'
Corri says (in common), '..sometimes it isn't safe not to. *she pauses, gauging the Weaver* ... but I do trust you, in that. If you truly think this one of those times.'.
Cordir makes a slight gesture with her shoulders - drawing them in, more tightly, then releasing - almost a shrug.
The Weaver says, '.. She is too .. breakable.'.
Corri says (in common), '..so be sure you don't break her.'.
Corri visibly squares her shoulders.
Corri begins moving over towards the Weaver.
The Weaver says, 'This was of My making, but of her choosing.'.
Corri says (in common), 'well, she has never been very good at making decisions that don't cause her pain.'.
Cordir smiles faintly.
The Weaver says, 'Poor, tragic Cordir. Always broken. We do a much better job of handling things.'.
Corri says (in common), '...I am going to hug her now. *she announces, a bit warily*'.
> l corri
The Weaver says, 'is that wise?'.
Corri closes in.
Corri says (in common), 'when have I bothered with -wise-?'.
Cordir frowns slightly.
Corri hugs Cordir.
Cordir shivers slightly, keeping her arms folded around herself, between you like a barricade.
Cordir whispers, 'Hello, Corri'
Corri rests her chin on the small woman's shoulder, lips nestled by her ear as she murmurs back with gentle, relieved warmth* ..hey, you. You're holding up?
Cordir shudders, a barely imperceptible shaking of her head. 'No.'
Corri says (in common), '*urgent toned* ..why not?'.
Cordir blinks, as if stunned, pulling back so as to look at your face. 'The.. the storm, of course....'
Corri says (in common), 'You'll have to tell me about it *she admits, a bit sheepishly - the hug falling away a bit as Cordir draws back.*'.
Corri lets her hands slide down her friend's arm, holding her hands instead.
Warmth and a trickle of blood tickles your hand.
Cordir looks at you quizzically. 'You cannot feel it?'
The winds build once more, making a shroud of her hair, the tips flicking against your skin.
Corri's expression twitches at the unpleasant sensation from her hands.
Corri says (in common), '..What is it, though? Tell me about it?'.
Cordir turns as if to begin pacing, and then realizes she is tethered by your grasp on her hands. She glances down at them, then forces herself to still.
Cordir says, 'The storm. I've been holding it inside. Holding it back.'.
Cordir gestures faintly at her chest with your hand still clasped about hers.
Corri's fingers grip slightly tighter despite herself, keeping the link between them.
Corri says (in common), 'what is the source of the storm? The why of it?'.
Cordir answers all too quickly, her voice edged in anguish, 'I am not certain.'
Cordir says, 'I just know that it's been all around me.'.
Cordir says, 'it was tearing at me'.
Cordir says, 'cold winds, around me, all the time.'.
Cordir says, 'Like a living thing'.
Corri says (in common), '..do you have a guess? Does Weaver say?'.
Cordir shivers uncomfortably.
Cordir says, 'Weaver is good at concealing and cloaking and binding.'.
Cordir says, 'So I have let her do her task.'.
Cordir says, 'It keeps me from pacing.'.
Cordir says, 'She stills the winds.'.
Cordir murmurs, 'But I'm always so cold..'
Corri says (in common), 'when did it start?'.
Cordir shivers reflexively.
Cordir closes her eyes and bows her head, her voice barely audible. 'When Aoide began asking questions.'
Corri's eyes narrow slightly.
Corri says (in common), '..what kind of questions?'.
Cordir says, 'She said that now was not the same as yesterday. That I had changed.'.
Cordir says, 'That my aura has not always been crimson'.
Cordir says, 'That my Aspect has not always been at the fore.'.
Cordir notices your glance. 'It shifted again... during Mastery. I don't know why.'
Cordir says, 'Boromir agreed, when I went to ask him.'.
Cordir says, 'They were upset, at those things I could not remember'.
Cordir says, 'and then they .. she... others... found.. things.'.
Cordir says, 'objects. crystals. '.
Cordir says, '..and that's when the storm started'.
Cordir says, 'and day by day, it kept growing stronger'.
Cordir says, 'until I had to do something, anything, to make it stop or else go mad.'.
Corri says (in common), '.. do you have one of the crystals? What couldn't you remember?'.
Cordir says, 'No. I couldn't bear to touch them.'.
Cordir says, 'Aoide found one, she said. Eathor told me he found another. Guardian, The Prophet bind and blast her, had another.'.
Cordir says, 'So the storm kept rising, and it was easier to simply ...'.
Cordir makes a slight shrug once more. 'Slip away. Let Weaver be Weaver.'
Cordir says, 'if the woman is broken, the Weaver is not.'.
Cordir says, 'and then there is this..'.
Corri says (in common), '... well, you can't Be weaver, forever. She needs you as You, in the end. *faintly bitter* Otherwise.. there is nothing left to keep sacrificing.'.
Cordir tugs at her hand slightly, turning it upward. On its surface, a long, diagonal slash, deep and oozing and fresh.
Corri says (in common), 'without that She can't exist. And she is needed, too. *her hand rolls over with Cordir's own, holding it lightly from the back instead of the palms*'.
Thunder rumbles on the distant horizon.
Cordir shivers and flinches.
Corri says (in common), '..you've been playing with scissors again. *brow furrowing* Cirth would understand that more than I would.'.
Cordir draws her hand back, wrapping her arms tightly around herself once more.
Cordir whispers, "That's just it. I haven't."
Ebon flames begin to flicker around Her ankles.
Cordir straights up slightly, Her eyes cold and dark.
A cold gust of wind blows through you unexpectedly, chilling you to the core.
Corri's hands fall to her side, leaving a bloody stain on her shirt.
Corri's chin jerks upward suddenly.
Corri says (in common), 'HEY.'.
Corri says (in common), 'I -know- that wind.'.
The Weaver nods to Corri. 'As You see. I keep her safe.'
Corri says (in common), '*quietly* ...you can't keep her safe like that forever. You need her.'.
The Weaver says, 'That may be as that may be. But it was she who spoke the words.'
The Weaver says, 'And it is she who fears the storm. I do not.'
Corri says (in common), 'do -you- know the source of this storm?'.
The Weaver answers, 'It is from within.. and from without.'
Corri glances down at her palms, frowning.
Corri says (in common), 'who is the Prophet?'.
The Weaver frowns impatiently, 'The Prophet. Thaygar.'
Corri says (in common), 'he had one of these crystals she was talking about? *brow furrowing*'.
The thunder sounds again. Closer... more ominous...
She shakes Her head.
Corri says (in common), 'I am not -Cirth-, I don't know these things. *with a daring impudence* For a triat master, You certainly let me get past without much lore.'.
Isolas pulls his cowl down tightly, hiding his face from the light.
Corri says (in common), 'Isolas *she states, with audible relief*'.
The Weaver says formally, 'Phantom.'
Corri moves over to hug Isolas without a thought.
The Weaver says, 'And you, little Dryad, were tested in other ways. But for that reminder, I will certainly take up your schooling.'.
Isolas looks at - perhaps through - both of you with icy indifference.
Corri makes it within arm’s reach before that icy indifference penetrates her notice, and she falls short of its completion - brow furrowing.
The Weaver returns the cold gaze. 'What is it that you want with the Dryad, Phantom?' She does not seem to notice the trembling of her hand or the increased blood flow.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “Corri, it is best for you to not advise Cordir on what you don't understand.”
Corri says (in common), 'Well I don't much like it either *she allows quietly to Isolas, glancing to Weaver - then back with small fright* ... whats going on?'.
Corri says (in common), 'You know I am nosy. If you do not want me to advise her on what I do not understand... *she finishes, softly* help me understand?'.
Blood begins to pool at Cordir's pale feet, spattering them with crimson, intermingled with the brightly burning ebon flames.
Corri glances between their respective masks.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “Cordir's understanding will come at a time that's appropriate.”
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “Not before.”
Corri says (in common), 'What Game is this.'.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “And not to others before it is given... back... to her.”
The Weaver says, 'The Phantom speaks above his station.'.
The Weaver says, 'I will leave you to his company.'.
Cordir raises her hand in a graceful gesture of summoning.
An ebon light appears, and expands into a shadowy web-like Pattern.
Cordir gathers the shadows around herself, ebon flames outlining her for a moment.
The Pattern fades into wisps of darkness, scattered about the chamber.
Corri shivers.
Corri says (in common), ‘... Why is she hiding? The storm... I recognized its wind.'.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "There is a storm approaching.’’
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "And it is coming only for her.’’
Corri's eyes narrow protectively.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "She will have to endure it, and it will take all her strength.’’
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "Or else it will consume her.’’
Corri says (in common), ‘...are You doing this to her?'.
Isolas lowers his head, adjusting his cowl further.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, ’’She has done this to herself.’’
Corri looks mollified, protectiveness shifting as she adds quietly "well... you're tied up in it somehow."
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, ”I AM the storm.”
Corri nods silently a moment before murmuring.
Corri says (in common), ‘..I know. I would know your wind anywhere. Even long after I root, I will know that wind.'.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "I didn't ask her to do this to herself.’’
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "I wanted quite the opposite.’’
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "But she could not be stopped.’’
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "But it has left me with a power you cannot imagine.’’
Corri frowns faintly, brow furrowing with confusion.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "And if she is to come through it intact, she will have to trust me.’’
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "Without knowingly doing so.’’
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "And everyone who comes to her side to see her will trust me as well.’’
Corri says (in common), ‘...why wouldn't she trust you?'.
Corri says (in common), ‘and .. what kind of power?'.
Isolas grins slightly beneath his cowl.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "A great power."
TEVA shouts (in common), 'ALL PRAISE LORD NASH!!!!!!!!!!'.
TEVA shouts (in common), 'BOW BEFORE THE POPE OF THE NASHITE MAGI!!!!!!!!'.
Lexie shouts (in common), 'PRAISE LORD NASH!'.
Lexie shouts (in common), 'PRAISE THE PHANTOM, LEADER OF THE MAGI, POPE OF NASHITE!'.
Lexie shouts (in common), 'PRAISE THE ARCH-LICH, LEADER OF THE BLACK CONCLAVE!'.
Lexie shouts (in common), 'PRAISE LORD SIRAK, SON OF LORD NASH!'.
Isolas lowers his head and extends a hand outward, palm up. It crackles with energy.
Isolas beckons ever so slightly.
Cordir arrives suddenly, with a shriek of anger and rage.
The Weaver snarls, 'WHO DARES!?!'
Corri , fascinated, moves closer.
The Weaver utters the words, 'curse'.
The Weaver utters the words, 'rift'.
The Weaver 's soul rift *** ANNIHILATES *** Isolas!
The Weaver says, 'HOW DARE YOU!'.
The Weaver utters the words, 'rift'.
The Weaver 's soul rift *** ANNIHILATES *** Isolas!
The Weaver 's eyes crackle with anger.
The ebon fires roar up around her, vaporizing the blood pool upon the floor, causing each drop that falls to sizzle into nothingness.
Isolas simply glances to Corri without words.
The Weaver glares at Isolas.
The Weaver snarls, 'HOW?!'
Corri hastens backward as the deities square off, eyes wider than ever imagined.
Isolas raises a hand, as if to quiet the rage.
She falters, then the Weaver's eyes blacken to abyss-like pits of hellfire as she spits, 'Answer me, Phantom!'
Isolas stands without movement for a moment, then adjusts his cowl and steps back into the shadows.
Cordir breathes deeply, seething.
The air around Her crackles with contained force that makes your skin ache.
Corri creeps back from the shelter of the oak railing, as one of them steps back.
Corri says (in common), 'um.. Weaver? ... mortal here.. *she rubs at her skin, scooting around the seething being.'.
The Weaver spits, 'See? You see? THIS is what comes of snarled Threads, and imperfect bindings.'
Corri says (in common), 'So? You are the -weaver-, why can't you Fix it instead of whatever it is you are doing?'.
The Weaver snarls, 'Because it was of her own Will.'
The Weaver says, 'And not even I can Weave against the Will of another.'.
The Weaver says, '... Though she tried.'.
The Weaver says, 'So I give her shelter'.
The Weaver says, 'Try and protect her from herself'.
Corri weighs the Weaver warily a moment.
Corri says (in common), 'Cordir....'.
Cordir shivers slightly.
Cordir says quietly, 'Yes, Corri?'
Corri says (in common), 'I know it’s cold. But I think... you tried to do something you shouldn't. And this is the result. And I think... only you can fix it.'.
Cordir says softly, with anguish, 'I asked him. I asked him if there was a reason. He said there was. But I can't _remember_.'
Corri says (in common), 'I don't know the answer... but I know that you can't just hide. Weaver can shield you when it is too much.. give you a chance to warm back up...'.
Corri says (in common), 'but you have to keep coming out. Keep trying to fix it. Poke where it hurts... that’s where the answers are. Weaver has taught me that, if nothing else.'.
Cordir says faintly, 'That's what Aoide keeps saying.'
Corri says (in common), 'She would know. Weaver has done the same to her. Made her poke where it hurts. Sacrifices. '.
Corri says (in common), 'I don't -like- what Weaver demands. But I never said... it wasn’t effective.'.
Cordir says, 'between Aoide, and Boromir, and all their questions... '.
Cordir says, 'and when ... he ... appeared in Boromir's temple...'.
Cordir says, '.. I know this is something I did to myself.'.
Cordir says, 'I know that's why I can't remember.'.
Corri nods slowly.
Cordir says, 'I know that it has something to do with the spell Molo cast on me when I was mortal'.
Cordir says, 'and I know that there is a way to undo it, in the lore of the libraries of the Nashites...'.
Cordir says, '.. I have not wanted to go looking for it.'.
Cordir says, 'The winds howling drives me mad and I cannot think properly.'.
Cordir says, 'they ...intensify... in certain places.'.
Cordir looks at Corri and shivers. 'It's just so cold.'
Corri asks carefully.
Corri says (in common), 'given that you have to Hide, and give yourself away fully to Weaver to cope with the cold... do you think whatever you did was a bad idea?'.
Cordir looks down at her bloody hand. 'There MUST be a good reason. He said there was a reason.'
Corri says (in common), '... what do you think you did?'.
Cordir looks up at Corri with empty, ragged eyes. 'I think I forgot.'
Corri says (in common), 'In all of your years....'.
Cordir sighs quietly. 'I *know* that I forgot. The extent of it, I do not know. There are things I am told of, that do not ring true... yet...'
Cordir says, 'those who say it, swear it to be so. There are things that I *know* never came to pass, that they swear, they SWEAR, they witnessed.'.
Corri says (in common), 'what kinds of things?'.
Cordir says, 'Odd things. Sleeping in places I would never go. Drunkenness and regret. Kisses that I never....' Her fingers trace her lips.
Cordir says, 'They said I have never had a crimson aura until my Forgetting.'.
Cordir says, 'They said I was not Ebon Weaver, but simply ... the lady of Fate.'.
Corri says (in common), '...why do you send people on Triat mastery quests?'.
Cordir says, 'I send people on mastery so that they ...'.
Cordir's voice falters. 'So that...'
Cordir sits abruptly on the stone floor. Her voice is a shadow of sound. 'so that they know themselves.'
Corri sits down next to her, shoulder to shoulder as she leans lightly beside her. She nods.
Cordir breathes, 'What is it, so horrible and so shattering, that I did, that I would wish to forget it, and forget myself? to .. to *unmake* myself..?'
Cordir cups her hand, letting the slow oozing wound begin to fill her palm with blood.
Corri says (in common), '..isn't it time you found out? So you can move past it? So you can... make that awful thing stop? *she nods at the wound*'.
Cordir says, 'what if knowing ... is worse... than knowing.'.
Cordir says, 'Thaygar said, 'Life is pain.' Perhaps this is what there is for me, right now. Perhaps I simply need to endure.'.
Cordir looks over at you with those same, ragged, empty eyes.
Corri says (in common), 'Poppycock.'.
Cordir gathers the shadows around herself, ebon flames outlining her for a moment.
A Midnight Garden
[Exits: south]
(White Aura) A distressingly large, shiny black spider weaves webs here.
Corri arrives from a puff of smoke.
Corri says (in common), '*helpfully* Don't worry. I'm sure there is plenty of pain in either choice. But in one ... you're You. In the other... you cease to exist. You are Weaver. -I- think you should exist. And you better say you think so too.'.
> l corri
Cordir says, '... I'm not trying to wish myself away, Corri..'.
Cordir says, 'I just.. I'm.. '.
Cordir says, '..cold.'.
Corri nods, satisfied, and leans into your shoulder again for a moment with a friendly -bump-.
Cordir smiles faintly.
Corri says (in common), '...sacrifice and pain - is to find yourself. Not to lose yourself. You said you know where to go, the library to figure it out.'.
Corri says (in common), '..you need to go there.'.
Cordir says, 'I cannot stand the Nashite holy places'.
Cordir says, 'they make my head scream.'.
Cordir says, 'I .. I had to bring Rath there, to swear an oath, and it nearly... '.
Cordir shudders from the sheer thought of it.
Cordir presses her hands to her head in remembered agony.
Cordir says, 'I can't go there.'.
<<http://wiki.tfcmud.com/index.php/Regarding_Gwyrdain >>
Corri says (in common), 'which library - the one on Molotov, in the manor?'.
Cordir says, 'I can't go there, Corri. I CAN'T.'.
Cordir begins pacing.
Corri says (in common), '..so send a friend.'.
Corri wiggles her mortal fingers.
Cordir says, '... Aoide was going to go for me, but she has been... away.'.
> l corri
Corri clears her throat at you pointedly, grin curling.
Cordir says, '.. would you?'.
Corri says (in common), '..of course. '.
Cordir says, 'When I studied it as a mortal..'.
Cordir says, 'it was in the Library'.
Cordir says, 'in the oldest section'.
Cordir says, 'it was .. rotting. From the Lich's touch.'.
Cordir says, 'Large -- two or three hand's span tall'.
Cordir says, 'black leather cover'.
Cordir says, 'a Nashite seal on the surface'.
Corri says (in common), 'if this gives me leaf blight, I expect you to help me fix it *she chides, her smile curling quietly*'.
Cordir pauses abruptly in her movement. "OH! Corri, I didn't even think... No. You shouldn't go.'
Corri tchs.
Corri says (in common), 'I'm not a -dryad-, remember. It’s fine, I was teasing.'.
Cordir bites her lip, considering.
Corri says (in common), '..you can't really stop me, you know.'.
Corri says (in common), 'I'll find myself on some scavenger hunt, and "oh, look where I am, gee while I'm here".'.
Her shoulders pull back, Her chin rising. 'Can I not?'
Corri's comfort vanishes immediately and she scrambles to her feet at the change in tone.
Corri says (in common), 'well -you- can.'.
Corri says (in common), '..or was that still you, Cordir?'.
Corri looks hopelessly confused.
Corri sits back down.
The Weaver looks at you, considering.
The Weaver asks, 'Do you think this wise?'
Corri meets the Weaver's gaze.
The Weaver asks, 'What if it gives him greater power?'
Corri rests.
Corri tilts her head in consideration.
Corri says (in common), '..he has gotten greater power before.'.
Corri says (in common), 'you are the weaver... but She is your loom. You need a loom. Without that... '.
The Weaver says, 'Three Rebirths, it look, unwilling. Given by Weaver, by Wyrm, and by Wyld.'
The Weaver says, 'Willing? Who is to say what She will endure.'.
The Weaver says, 'Which Aspect do you stand for?'.
Corri stands back up as the Weaver grows more challenging. She balls her fists at her side, a uselessly mortal gesture.
Corri says (in common), 'by Weaver, I stand for the sacrifice of my friend's shield. By Wyrm, I stand for the seeking of this knowledge. By Wyld, I risk what it takes to gain it'.
Corri stands tall, perhaps for the first time, in the face of Weaver.
Corri says (in common), 'By my right, as a Triat Master - I stand for all of these aspects.'.
Her brow rises, as you do, a slight smile upon her face. 'Now, that, My little Dryad, is love.'
The Weaver says, 'It took love to break the spell the first time.'.
The Weaver says, 'The Bard knows the tale.'.
The Weaver says, 'but this hour is not the hour for such a journey. The night draws in. The storm clouds thick and heavy.'.
The Weaver says, 'Journey when the sun shines on the morrow.'.
The Weaver says, '… and Cordir would be touched to know that you stood so tall and fearless before Me.'.
Her lips twitch in what might have been construed as a smile, on someone less inhuman.
Corri grows edgy in the face of this unexpected aspect of the Aspect. She decides, finally, on a nod to her.
The Weaver nods in return.
Corri's smile quirks just slightly in return.
The Weaver says, 'On the morrow, then.'
Corri says (in common), 'on the morrow'.
The Weaver nods.
Corri disappers in a puff of smoke.
Journey to the Black Manor 01/12/2012
The Offices of the Midgaard Daily News
[Exits: east]
Lady Corri, The Supreme Finder and Past Finder Adept, is here.
(White Aura) Greta waits for you to place your advertisement.
Greta curtseys gracefully for you.
Cordir says quietly, '.. hello.'
Corri smiles happily.
Corri hugs you.
Cordir hesitates a moment, then returns the hug.
Corri murmurs in her ear 'Hey you.'.
Cordir whispers in return, 'heylo.'
Corri says (in common), '...I shouldn't be too long. Is there anything else I should know?'.
You tell Corri, 'IC: No. OOC: Maybe.. getting clarification'.
>look self
Corri looks at you.
Cordir tears a bit of silk from the hem of her gown, wrapping her hand.
Cordir says, ‘... I figured out what this is.'.
Corri tilts her head.
Cordir tugs at the bandgage, tightening it, smoothing over where it has already seeped through.
Cordir runs a fingertip over some of the dozens of scars.
Troy arrives from the east.
Troy rests.
Troy grovels in the dirt.
Cordir says, ‘'Boromir' - she indicates a long scar along the side.'.
Cordir frowns. 'Please don't grovel, Troy.'
Troy tickles Corri.
Corri AWWWWWWWWWWWWKS.
Cordir touches another: Twin punctures at her wrist. "Cirth"
Cordir says, ‘it's my left hand. I use it for the Covenant Wards.'.
Cordir says, ‘this one just... opened... and won't close back up.'.
Corri's brow furrows again* ... what is a covenant ward?
Corri squeezes Troy fondly.
Cordir blinks.
Troy hugs Corri.
Cordir says, ‘the tattoos my people had.'.
Cordir says, ‘they were inked using my blood.'.
Cordir gets a narrow ebon blade from the surrounding shadows.
Cordir says, ‘I would cut my hand...'.
Corri says (in common), '..please dont..'.
Cordir puts a narrow ebon blade in the surrounding shadows.
Cordir gets a black raven quill from a bag of Nyx hide.
Cordir says, ‘and I would ink it..'.
Cordir says, ‘oftentimes, mingled with the blood of other Chosen present.'.
Cordir puts a black raven quill in a bag of Nyx hide.
Cordir cups her hand, looking down into it.
Cordir says again, more firmly. 'This is a Covenant wound.'
She nods, as if to reaffirm it to herself.
Corri says (in common), '..so this is a wound made when you tried to make some kind of tattoo?'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, ‘Yes, but I haven't done so in centuries.'.
Cordir says, ‘millennia, nearly.'.
Troy says (in common), 'A few more levels and I’ll be ready for Triat Mastery'.
Corri says (in common), 'what makes it a ward, not just a tattoo?'.
Corri beams a smile at Troy.
Troy wears (swirling) a pendant consumed with Wyld essence around his neck.
Troy looks at Troy.
Corri looks at Troy.
Troy hugs you.
Troy says (in common), 'Thank you for the description, i _love_ it'.
Troy says (in common), 'fits me well.'.
Cordir flinches at the contact.
Cordir says, ‘What makes it a ward, is intent.'.
Corri says (in common), '...intent to do what?'.
Cordir says, ‘... to protect them. to make them Mine.'.
Cordir says, ‘Troy, may I see your simple ring for a moment?'.
Troy stops using (Intertwined) Strands of twilight and stardust.
Troy gives you (Intertwined) Strands of twilight and stardust.
Cordir blinks.
Cordir says, ‘interesting.'.
You give (Intertwined) Strands of twilight and stardust to Troy.
Troy says (in common), 'I wish that one was evil'.
Corri says (in common), '..i've seen that one. can I see the strands?'.
Troy wears (Intertwined) Strands of twilight and stardust on his left finger.
Corri nudges Troy impatiently.
Troy says (in common), 'The strands was a gift from Natilena'.
Troy stops using (Intertwined) Strands of twilight and stardust.
Troy gives (Intertwined) Strands of twilight and stardust to Corri.
Corri says (in common), 'do you know its history?'.
Troy says (in common), 'Strands is a new restring. Started with myself.'.
Corri gives (Intertwined) Strands of twilight and stardust to Troy.
Troy wears (Intertwined) Strands of twilight and stardust on his left finger.
Cordir traces the bloody line through the black silk bandages.
Corri gives (swirling) a pendant consumed with Wyld essence to Troy.
Troy wears (swirling) a pendant consumed with Wyld essence around his neck.
Corri says (in common), 'she shows you good favor'.
Corri smiles happily.
Troy says (in common), 'I work hard for her wyld.'.
Troy says (in common), 'I have her blessing around my neck'.
Troy says (in common), 'her own Thread'.
Troy grins evilly.
Cordir blinks slowly. 'I cannot remember the last person I made a Ward for.'
Cordir wrinkles her brow.
Troy bows before you.
Cordir absentmindedly nods to Troy, acknowledging him.
Troy says (in common), 'One day, i hope to deserve one.'.
Cordir says, ‘... they were for my followers.'.
Cordir says, ‘they don't exist any more.'.
Corri's brow furrowed.
Corri says (in common), '...it seems like that is a theme. What does a ward protect -from-.'.
Cordir says, ‘...from harm. it marked them as mine..'.
Cordir says, ‘it was my way of .. of claiming them. making them family.'.
Troy nods his head in agreement.
Corri says (in common), '..have you looked to see who might have a new tattoo?'.
Troy looks at Corri.
Corri looks at Corri.
Cordir says, ‘no one.'.
Corri says (in common), '..you?'.
You shake your head.
Cordir says, ‘I bear the same I have always had.'.
Cordir says, ‘.. Trevor got one..'.
Cordir says, ‘Corbin.'.
Cordir says, ‘He was the last to receive one, the day I went to sleep.'.
Cordir says, ‘before that, it was Eulamarkeize, and Ghazkull...'.
Cordir sits against the wall, watching Corri.
Corri smiles happily.
Troy says (in common), 'May the Wyld be with you two.'.
Troy leaves east.
Cordir pulls herself up from where she sat on the floor, and adjusts the bandage on her hand.
Cordir steels herself and says quietly, 'I am going with you.'
Corri says (in common), '..why?'.
Corri tilts her head slightly.
Cordir smooths down her dress, the gesture nervous.
Cordir says, ‘Because I am a damned coward if I don't.'.
Cordir says, ‘.. and it's only pain. '.
Cordir says, ‘I know pain.'.
Cordir shrugs.
Cordir says, ‘I'm going.'.
You now follow Corri.
Corri says (in common), 'I can hardly stop you when you're feeling stubborn *she acknowledges wryly*'.
Corri says (in common), 'but it doesn't make you a coward... and I think this is a bad idea. Shall we?'.
Cordir ducks her head to hide a slight smile. "Well, if we're agreed that its dreadfully stupid, by all means, lets!”
Corri yawrls faintly.
Corri says (in common), '..I'm sure Cirth would have a more direct way of dealing with this.'.
Cordir says, ‘I'll lecture you on Triat history while we travel.'.
<<Corri exits the guild, to her home town, Skull Spire>>
Cordir says, ‘you live in the Spire?'.
Corri nods.
Cordir blinks.
Corri says (in common), 'you are startled?'.
Cordir says, ‘there is no place, more attuned with the Triat than N'Kai itself, than the Spire.'.
Corri blinks.
Corri says (in common), '.. ...I didn't know that. It just felt like home.'.
Cordir says, ‘The Three Who Teach are there.'.
<<Corri travels through the hills to the Inzerre, and then to the Ocean, where she encounters the Tempest. She portals away, going through Midgaard and into the Deepwood.>>
A Peaceful Glade in the Deepwood
[Exits: north east south west]
(Translucent) (White Aura) Lady Corri, The Supreme Finder and Past Finder Adept, is flying here.
(Light Blue Aura) The Unicorn of the Deepwood is standing here, looking majestic.
The unicorn bows before you.
The unicorn bows before Corri.
Cordir clutches her head with a gasp.
Corri leaves south.
Cordir follows Corri.
Corri halts.
Corri grabs your elbow.
Corri says (in common), '..you're okay?'.
Cordir staggers, and nods.
Cordir says, ‘... Please don't go there again.'.
Cordir shudders.
Corri leaves south.
Cordir follows Corri.
<<She heads down GWR, and across the ocean>>
An Ancient Overgrown Path
[Exits: north east south west]
(Invis) (Translucent) (White Aura) Lady Corri, The Supreme Finder and Past Finder Adept, is flying here.
Corri makes a complicated-looking gesture.
Corri draws a funny looking rune in the air.
A wild chicken arrives from the north.
Corri shakes out her boots.
Corri leaves north.
Cordir follows Corri.
Corri leaves east.
Cordir follows Corri.
Standing Before the Dark Manor
[Exits: north east south west]
(Invis) (Translucent) (White Aura) Lady Corri, The Supreme Finder and Past Finder Adept, is flying here.
Cordir utters the words, 'Fireball'... drying herself off.
Cordir stares up at the building and narrows her eyes.
Corri says (in common), '...what do you think you gain by going in here?'.
Cordir says, ‘I have been afraid, Corri.'.
Cordir says, ‘For moons worth of time.'.
Corri nods slowly.
Cordir says, ‘I am tired of being afraid.'.
The sun rises in the east.
Cordir glances at the sun and nods.
Corri leaves east.
Cordir follows Corri.
Gatehouse of the Manor
[Exits: east west]
(Invis) (Translucent) (White Aura) Lady Corri, The Supreme Finder and Past Finder Adept, is flying here.
The guard of the manor proudly stands his post against intruders.
The guard of the manor proudly stands his post against intruders.
The guard of the manor proudly stands his post against intruders.
A manor guard bows before you.
A manor guard bows before you.
A manor guard bows before you.
<<Corri travels to the Library>>
Corri leaves east.
Cordir follows Corri.
The Grand Library of the Manor
[Exits: south west]
A large wooden bookcase is along the north wall.
(Invis) (Translucent) (White Aura) Lady Corri, The Supreme Finder and Past Finder Adept, is here.
The manor librarian takes his task seriously.
Ruftus the Librarian bows before you.
Corri makes a complicated-looking gesture.
Corri draws a funny looking rune in the air.
Corri gets a rotted book from a large bookcase.
The Librarian bows deeply, formally... a touch .. nervously?
Corri says (in common), '..excuse me'.
Cordir swallows, and forces herself to stand upright.
Corri utters the words, 'portal'.
The air shimmers as Corri creates a portal here.
<Corri>
The Temple Of EmDeeVille
[Exits: south]
Soft, delicate chamber music flows throughout this tranquil temple and
caresses your tired body. Before you is an altar made from imported soap
stone and white marble. You feel protected and secure in this simple
temple.
You managed to trample any tracks that were here...
You say (in common), '.. ..cordir?'.
You say (in common), 'CorDir?!'.
% exa book
This ancient tome bears the Nashite Seal upon its rotted surface.
Cordir shivers, one hand slipping up to her brow, whimpering softly in pain.
Cordir looks around, sensing .. something.
Corri: % c 'portal' library
Opening a portal to The Grand Library of the Manor.
The Grand Library of the Manor
[Exits: west]
This huge room is filled with many chairs, tables and couches for relaxation
and study. Hundreds of books, tomes, bundles of letters, scrolls and such are
stacked orderly and placed about the library. A carved wooden door leads south
while a pair of wooden doors leads west.
No one has been through here recently.
A large wooden bookcase is along the north wall.
(Intense Light Cyan Aura) Cordir is here.
The manor librarian takes his task seriously.
You hear a distinct pop as Corri's portal closes up.
Corri says (in common), '...cordir?'.
Corri makes a complicated-looking gesture.
Corri draws a funny looking rune in the air.
Cordir nods distantly.
Cordir says, ‘Yes, Corri?'.
Corri tugs on your arm.
Corri says (in common), '..come on.'.
Cordir says, ‘.. It's...'.
Cordir says, ‘there's something ...'.
Corri: % look book
Corri: Rot and mold befoul the cover of this ancient tome, pages crumbling away at the
Corri: slightest of touches. Within it, parchment made of mortal skin, inked in blood:
Corri: the most horrible and devastating of spells: the destruction of the self, of the
Corri: mind, of the memory.
Corri: Two variants of the spell are inscribed, one, from front to back. The other: if
Corri: turned, and read from back to front. One, for the unwilling - a ravishment of a
Corri: mind. One, for the willing - a sacrifice and deliberate destruction. Only those
Corri: desperate or devilish could knowingly cast such a spell.
Her hair stirs in a wind you cannot feel.
Cordir holds tight to the edge of the table, leaning forward as if facing a gale.
Corri's eyes narrows.
Corri: % l page 2
Corri: The pages are too far gone to read.
Corri: % l page 4
Corri: The pages are too far gone to read.
Corri: % l page 1
Corri: The pages are too far gone to read.
Corri: % look in book
Corri: That is not a container.
Cordir says, ‘.. I have been here.'.
The Librarian nods cautiously.
Cordir says, ‘I was HERE..'.
Cordir frowns, rubbing at her brow.
Crimson begins to seep from Her eyes.
Corri gets a pair of leather gloves from bag made from giant slug hide.
Corri stops using a pair of spiked knuckles.
Corri wears a pair of leather gloves on her hands.
Corri tugs on a pair of gloves, to shield her hands from the book itself.
Cordir says, ‘.. do you have it?'.
Corri nods.
Cordir says, ‘..I can't really.. see.. right now...'.
Cordir says, ‘.. is it cold?'.
Her knuckles are white where she holds the edge of the table, the wood groaning under her grasp.
Corri says (in common), 'I'm doing my best not to touch it.'.
Cordir says, ‘Corri... don't... don't let it touch your skin.'.
She turns towards your voice, her eyes bloody and raw and unseeing.
Corri says (in common), '... ...why *with a dangerous concern* I only started trying my best after I touched it, and didn't like it....'.
A soft moan escapes from behind her clenched teeth. 'Because. That was made by Sirak Himself.'
Corri: % whois sirak
Corri: Sirak (I): Male Half-Elf God (Eff. 73)
Corri: Was created 1997-10-27 07:20:05, and has
Corri: played 9mth 14dy 16hr 47min (actual time online).
Corri: Scored 0 mobmaster, 0 mobhunt, and 0 location quest points.
Cordir says, ‘And used by Molo, time and time again.'.
(pause)
Cordir whispers, 'Corri? Are you still there?'
Corri says (in common), '..I'm here. *she lays her hand to Cordir's elbow, tucking the book under her elbow*'.
Cordir nods, barely. 'Can you feel it?'
Cordir shivers in the cold.
Corri says (in common), '...I think it is mostly you. I get a sense of it though.'.
Cordir turns abruptly.
Cordir leaves south.
<<Cordir and Corri split up. Cordir stumbles blindly around the manor, looking for some trace of the magic she is feeling so close. Corri follows a moment later, but can’t find her.>>
Corri: Corri stamps her foot.
Corri: % c 'portal' library
Opening a portal to The Grand Library of the Manor.
The Grand Library of the Manor
[Exits: south west]
You managed to trample any tracks that were here...
A large wooden bookcase is along the north wall.
The manor librarian takes his task seriously.
Cordir says, ‘... where is it.. I know it's here somewhere...'.
Corri: % c 'wizard mark'
You make the gesture necessary to invoke your spell.
You draw a wizard mark rune in the air.
In the Dark Mist
[Exits: down]
(Invis) (Hide) (Translucent) (Light Red Aura) (White Aura) An evil essence.
A dark horrifying essence bows before you.
Cordir says, ‘I know you’re here…’
Corri tells you (in common), '..Lady?'.
You tell Corri, '..'.
The earth trembles beneath your feet!
Corri tells you (in common), '...we have to -go-. This place is unstable. Where are you?'.
The earth trembles beneath your feet!
The earth trembles beneath your feet!
<<They both wander through the Manor>>
Corri arrives from the west.
Center of the Courtyard
[Exits: north east south west]
The wide courtyard is paved with obsidian. The main entrance to the manor
lies off to the east. A smaller door stands along the north wall of the
courtyard. To the south, along the center of the wall is a simple wooden
door. The gatehouse's portcullis is at the center of the western
side of the courtyard. A guard's barracks is appears in the northwest
corner while a rundown stables is in the southwest corner.
(Intense Light Cyan Aura) Cordir is here.
The guard walks his post intently looking for trouble.
Cordir stumbles along, holding the wall.
Corri curls her arm under her elbow once more.
Corri says (in common), 'I'm here'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, ‘..thank you.'.
Corri says (in common), '...let me portal us out of here.'.
Cordir says, ‘go. I'll follow.'.
Corri says (in common), 'can you handle a portal?'.
Cordir nods.
Corri says (in common), 'I can walk.... okay.'.
Corri utters the words, 'portal'.
The air shimmers as Corri creates a portal here.
Mouth of the Bore
[Exits: north east south west up down]
Skull Creek pours over the lip of the Bore, tumbling into the Falls.
The Megalith of the Clan stands here.
Lady Corri, The Supreme Finder and Past Finder Adept, is here.
Orla, the Clan Shaman, trains the young of Skull Top.
Orla curtseys gracefully for you.
Cordir fades in from the shadows.
Corri says (in common), '...I don't think this should be in the guild. This place is strong.'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, ‘... I still can't see, Corri.'.
Cordir says, ‘... my head started hurting, when we stepped over the threshold, and... everything faded to black.'.
Cordir says, ‘..when you picked up the book.'.
Cordir says, ‘..I could feel it, there, though'.
Cordir says, ‘there was something there.. I know it.. I just..'.
Thunder rumbles on the distant horizon.
Corri says (in common), 'I have the book. Its like you described it. But worse.'.
Cordir shivers.
Cordir says, ‘three hands tall?'.
Cordir says, ‘black leather?'.
Corri says (in common), 'rotted and molding. And I do -not- like the look of this incantation.'.
Cordir nods slowly.
Cordir says, ‘only one devilish or desperate..'.
Cordir smiles crookedly. 'I have no horns, so the devilish doesn't apply.'
Corri says (in common), 'so, how do you UNdo it?'.
Cordir says, ‘... I don't know.'.
Corri says (in common), 'I think we should destroy the book.'.
Cordir says, ‘I only know that Molo did it once, and I did it the second time.'.
Cordir says, ‘everything points to me being the one to cast it the second time.'.
Cordir says, ‘it's the WHY that haunts me.'.
She reaches down, one hand tracing the line of her gown, and tears another strip from the now-ragged hem.
Corri says (in common), '..you need to stop worrying about why.'.
Cordir wraps it over her bloody eyes, hiding them.
Cordir says, ‘The why is everything, Corri'.
Corri says (in common), 'No. It isn't.'.
Cordir says, ‘if it was -somehow- wise of me to do so..'.
Cordir says, ‘then I should not undo it.'.
Corri says (in common), 'It was not.'.
Cordir says, ‘How do we know?'.
Cordir says, ‘.. we do not know why.'.
Cordir says, ‘and he will not say.'.
Corri says (in common), 'because THIS? *she pulls the book out from under her arm and shakes it, angrily*'.
Corri says (in common), 'this is NEVER the answer'.
A cold gust of wind blows through you unexpectedly, chilling you to the core.
Cordir forces herself to her feet, slightly wobbly.
Corri offers a hand automatically to her.
Cordir clenches her hands into fists, concealing the bloody wound in her left.
Cordir says, ‘... I'm not imagining it, Corri?'.
Cordir says, ‘it got cold..?'.
Corri says (in common), 'it got cold *she agrees quietly* That’s the storm. That is Isolas.'.
Cordir nods slowly.
Cordir raises her chin, as if to deny the shaking of her thin form. 'Show yourself.'
Isolas pulls his cowl down tightly, hiding his face from the light.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “Yes?”
Cordir whispers to Corri, 'Is he there? can you see ... oh.'
Cordir asks quietly, 'Why?'
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “That is not my question to answer. I did not do this to you.”
Cordir bows her head slightly. 'I .. understand that it is not your doing... but surely you know why?'
Corri turns her attention to the cowled figure.
Corri says (in common), 'how can she undo it?'.
Isolas turns his attention to Corri.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “I warned you about this. Meddling in things you do not understand.”
Corri says (in common), 'We had this conversation. If you want me not to meddle in things I do not understand, help me understand.'.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “She needs to face the storm that approaches.”
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “Or it will consume her.”
Corri says (in common), 'Well to me it seems like facing it means releasing it, and undoing whatever she did that she is hiding from...'.
Cordir takes a halting step towards the voice, one hand slightly out in front of herself, to ward off walking into anything.
Cordir turns her hand upward, pulling off the silk. 'Why do I bleed when you are near?'
Isolas looks at the wound.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “All of these answers will be made apparent in time.”
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, “She must press forward with the book.”
Corri nods to that, with a flicker of relief.
Corri holds the book out with a grimace, stating quietly.
Corri says (in common), '..I have it here. What needs to be done?'.
Cordir tilts her head down towards her cupped palm, now half filled with blood. "Is it sacrifice? I remember something about blood sacrifice, but..." She frowns.
Isolas whispers a prayer in an unrecognizable language. The tome glows with an intense eerie red aura for a moment.
Cordir shudders.
Corri's eyes grow visibly panicked and she holds it further away from her.
Cordir says, ‘that.. hurts.'.
Cordir presses her other hand, clenched in a fist, between her breasts and over her heart.
Cordir lets the other hand drop towards the earth, the blood cascading down to splash upon the dirt.
Cordir whispers, '... hurts.'
Corri looks to Isolas.
The book's aura subsides.
Isolas adjusts his cowl and steps back into the shadows.
Cordir says, ‘... corri? Are you there?'.
Corri says (in common), 'I'm right over here ... I'm holding the book out. It just glowed red... I think maybe you need to take it from me.'.
Cordir bites her lower lip and nods, reaching out blindly.
Cordir turns towards the dryad's voice, her hand bumping against the tome.
Cordir slides her bloody hand along its contours, getting a sense of it, then slides it from Corri's grasp.
The book seems to absorb the blood thirstily.
Corri releases it gladly.
Cordir trembles, and turns the book over, first in one direction, then the other.
Cordir opens it from the back, her fingers sliding along the lines of text.
Corri says (in common), '..thats the back'.
Cordir nods. 'It's also the front.'
Cordir says, ‘.. the spell... there's two versions.'.
Cordir says, ‘one, you read from front to back.'.
Cordir says, ‘the other, you read from back to front.'.
Cordir says, ‘I can sense that much, just from holding it.'.
Cordir says, ‘of course, I can't exactly _read_ it right now...'.
Cordir says, ‘but I have a sense of it.'.
Corri nods slowly.
Corri says (in common), 'Alright *she adds, belatedly - her nod unnoticed*'.
Cordir says, ‘It...'.
Cordir says, ‘it's within the Pattern.'.
Cordir says, ‘This object.'.
Cordir says, ‘this magic.'.
Cordir says, ‘it is within the Pattern.'.
Cordir says, ‘so I can See it.'.
Cordir says, ‘but not see it.'.
Cordir shrugs slightly.
l willing
For the Willing:
The lost returned, accepted knowingly, their heart to pierce.
Cordir says, ‘'The lost returned, accepted knowingly, their heart to pierce..
l unwilling
For the Unwilling:
Thrice loved, thrice reborn, eyes open, willingly embraced.
Cordir says, ‘'thrice loved, thrice reborn, eyes open, willingly embraced'... '.
Cordir says, ‘that was the first time.'.
Cordir says, ‘why is it that Nashite magic is so much about the stabbing?'.
Her voice tinges with wry amusement. 'Don't they know we cornered that market first?'
Cordir repeats, 'accepted knowingly, their heart to pierce...'
Corri's smile flickers faintly, and she steps back a pace.
Cordir lifts her silk-wrapped gaze upward. 'Alright. Acceptance it is.'
Cordir says, ‘.. Whatever it is.'.
Corri says (in common), '..it’s the right choice.'.
Cordir tilts her head to one side. 'Well, no sudden stabbing occurred... so apparently acceptance isn't' all it takes.' Her tone is soft, wry.
Cordir says quietly, 'Phantom?'
(pause)
Cordir shakes her head with a soft sigh.
Corri says (in common), '..he left, but I thought he would come back when you said his name'.
Cordir says, ‘I thought perhaps maybe he might, as well... though... I didn't use his name.'.
Cordir says, ‘I don’t think I ever have.'.
Cordir pauses a moment, tilting her head to one side, and thinks.
Cordir whispers, '....Isolas?'
Cordir clutches her head in pain.
Cordir mutters curses in six languages.
A cold gust of wind blows through you unexpectedly, chilling you to the core.
Cordir says, ‘... hell, it _hurts_ to say his name...'.
Cordir says, ‘Corri, is... the wind... was that..?'.
Corri's forehead furrows.
Corri says (in common), '..what do you mean? Don't you recognize it?'.
Cordir says, ‘the wind? or his name?'.
Corri says (in common), 'both, the same.'.
Cordir says, ‘I suppose I've known his name, but I've always used the title..'.
Cordir says, ‘it's not like we were ever close..'.
Cordir says, ‘That's why none of this makes sense..'.
Corri blinks.
Corri says (in common), '...What?'.
Corri sounds flabbergasted.
Cordir shrugs slightly.
Cordir says, ‘.. he worshipped once, but before he ever did, he told me he was leaving. He left with his wife, Erian, to worship Kerriariadne...'.
Corri takes a moment to find her voice.
Corri says (in common), '...my friend.'.
Cordir tenses at Corri's voice.
Corri says (in common), 'What did you do....you've forgotten that?'.
Cordir says, ‘..forgotten what?'.
Corri says (in common), 'You are talking about him like he exists in your past. He exists -now-. In your present. You've shown me more care for him than any other in a very long time'.
Cordir's knees buckle and she half falls, half sits on the earth, the book falling unheeded to the ground.
Cordir asks softly, 'Then why would I need to forget that?'
Corri says (in common), 'I don't know. But it was -wrong-. Can't you see that? What would you say to me, if I decided someday to forget Cirth?'.
Cordir says, ‘but your roots are in him...'.
Cordir says, ‘they been.. for .. for years...decades... centuries...'.
The words come hard to her, stumbling out of her mouth clumsily.
Corri says (in common), '...when is your last memory of him? How long ago?'.
Cordir tilts her head. 'When he appeared in Boromir's temple... mocking us.'
Cordir says, ‘as a mortal? Centuries ago... when he left Fate with Erian.'.
Cordir says, ‘He became an acolyte of Molo's, and I never saw him again until he Ascended.'.
Corri says (in common), '..so you remember his ascension at least...'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, ‘He was the last to ever study under Molo, serving as his Attendant.'.
Corri says (in common), '..what else?'.
Cordir shrugs.
Cordir says, ‘I remember that his Magi ever loved to hunt my Chosen.'.
Corri says (in common), 'no wonder you're a mess, if you cut off your own roots that way.'.
Cordir says, ‘.. roots?'.
Cordir says, ‘My roots are my Chosen.'.
Cordir says, ‘My roots are Deamhan and Mireya.. and Abender...'.
Cordir says, ‘My roots are Cirth and Nyx and Kethran and Lanfear...'.
Corri says (in common), 'Your roots are everyone you care about. Make no mistake, you care about him.'.
Corri stamps her foot.
Cordir startles at the stamp.
Corri says (in common), 'quit arguing with me! You -know- you don't remember. I do!'.
Corri says (in common), 'You -care-. When you are You.'.
Cordir sighs.
Cordir says, ‘Well, it seems we have part of the Why.'.
Corri says (in common), 'We have the what. Not the why.'.
Cordir says, ‘The remainder will simply have to be puzzled out.'.
Cordir nods.
Cordir says, ‘Perhaps a task for another day, with a clearer head.'.
Cordir says, ‘and .. oh, I don't know... vision.'.
Cordir gestures at her eyes.
Subterfuge: 01/14/2012
You say, 'Teva, may I speak with you privately?'.
Teva rests.
Teva says (in common), 'sure'.
Titan says (in common), 'ill leave'.
Titan stands up.
You say, 'Would you others step out?'.
Titan leaves east.
>at titan thank titan
You thank Titan heartily.
Raage stands up.
Raage leaves east.
You say, 'Troy?'.
Troy disappears in a puff of smoke.
Teva didn’t do it and is sticking to it.
Cordir turns towards the sound of your voice.
Cordir says quietly, 'I have need of your help...'
You say, 'and it is help that can only come from a Nashite priest..'.
Teva says (in common), 'sure'.
You say, 'but I do not want the Phantom to know of it.'.
Teva says (in common), 'ok'.
She shivers slightly as she speaks his title.
You say, 'Are you still willing?'.
You say, 'Even if it means lying to your god?'.
Teva says (in common), 'welll it depends on the reason and how bad it is'.
You say, 'I am ... injured...'.
She gestures at her eyes.
Moonlight and shadow wreathe the thin figure of the Goddess before you, a shroud
to veil her from the casual glance. A ragged strip of black spidersilk binds Her
eyes, from beneath which seeps twin crimson trails, a match to the bandages upon
Her left hand. Her shoulders are taut, pulled back in defiant decision, Her chin
raised. Her manner is one of wariness and weariness, determination and defiance.
She shivers as a chill wind blows around Her, then visibly gathers Her strength,
and nods, as if to acknowledge the truth of its existence.
Cordir is bathed in the essence of charisma.
Cordir is in perfect health.
Cordir is using:
<used as light> (Weak magic) (Dancing) ancient ebon flames
<worn on finger> (Moderate magic) the Band of the Stormreaver
<worn on finger> (Moderate magic) the Band of the Stormreaver
<worn on body> (Moderate magic) a black silk gown with a torn, ragged hem
<worn on head> (Moderate magic) a ragged strip of silk tied over her eyes
<worn on feet> (Potent magic) (worn on ankle) a thin silver chain
<worn about waist> (Moderate magic) a narrow belt of braided black spidersilk
<worn as shield> (Moderate magic) (Bloody) a gentleman's sacrifice
<wielded> (Moderate magic) a bloodstained pair of embroidery scissors
<held> (Artifact magic) (Glowing) divine radiance
<worn with pride> (Glowing) (Humming) the Medallion of Goddesshood
<worn with pride> (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen
You say, 'and the injury came when I traveled to a Nashite place. '.
You say, 'I cannot heal it on my own.'.
You say, 'I have tried.'.
Teva says (in common), '?'.
You say, 'I would ask for your healing... but I do not wish the Phantom to know that I asked it.'.
You say, 'I don't know if it will help or not...'.
Teva says (in common), 'well explain the situation i might be able to help'.
You say, 'or if you are willing or not.'.
You say, '.. As I said. I went to a Nashite place, and was injured, by the magic there'.
You say, 'Normally, injuries to me heal instantly.'.
You say, 'but I have two that will not heal. A Covenant wound, which I don't think you can help... and my eyes.'.
Cordir gestures at the blindfold.
You say, 'Nashite magic caused the harm.. I am hoping that Nashite healing can mend it.'.
Teva says (in common), 'how would one heal it?'.
You say, 'do you not have some sort of healing spell?'.
Cordir arches an eyebrow inquisitively.
Teva checks on your health.
You say, '..I don't know. I'm somewhat at a loss. I am immortal. A wound should not persist.'.
Teva says (in common), 'i can try a cure blind spell'.
Cordir nods slightly and asks, 'Please?'
Teva stands up.
Teva utters the words, 'cure blindness'.
Teva rests.
Teva sits down and thinks deeply.
Teva says (in common), 'you dont seem to be blind'.
Cordir bows her head for a moment, then shakes it. 'No. It didn't work.'
You say, 'do you have any pure healing spells?'.
Teva stands up.
Teva utters the words, 'cure critical'.
You feel better!
Cordir cries out in pain.
Cordir flinches.
Teva says (in common), 'no?'.
You say, 'well.. that was... apparently not the right solution.'.
Teva says (in common), 'how about this one'.
Cordir raises one hand to her head, pressing it against her temple.
Teva utters the words, 'cure poison'.
Cordir shakes her head, barely.
You sigh.
You say, 'It was a vain hope.'.
You say, 'Thank you for attempting it.'.
You say, 'and again.. please don't speak of it.'.
Cordir shivers, as if in a cold wind.
Teva says (in common), 'sure'.
Healing and Hints of the Past: 01/16/2012
The Temple of Lord Nash
[Exits: none]
The exact size of this huge hall is not discernible by standard
methods of measurement. The arches of the vaulted ceiling are a
dim, shadowy outline far above. The floors and walls are stone,
polished obsidian with swirls of purplish basalt. A dark miasma
seeps from the floors and walls, a physical remnant of the many
dark rituals this place has born witness and host to. Tortures
and sacrifices, bindings and enchantments, prayers and pleading:
this unholy Temple to the Creator and Destroyer of Worlds, Lord
Nash, has stood witness to them all.
(Red Aura) A large plaque rests upon the surface of this ornately carved pedestal.
(Glowing) A statue of Lord Nash stands before you in utter perfection.
Isolas utters the words, 'summon'.
Cordir arrives suddenly, with startled gasp of surprise tinged with fear and worry.
Cordir reaches out for something to steady her, disoriented.
Isolas places your hand against the pedestal, his touch cold.
Cordir startles at your touch, but doesn't fight the press of your hand.
Cordir takes a sharp breath, swallows hard, and nods.
Cordir says quietly, '..Your Grace...'
A cold gust of wind blows through you unexpectedly, chilling you to the core.
Cordir says softly, 'I seem to have yet another problem.'
Cordir says, 'And I do not know if you will be any more inclined to help with this, than you were the other.'.
Cordir shivers in the cold silence.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "Blindness, I take it?"
Cordir nods, gesturing at the blindfold. 'My sight began to dim the moment I stepped across the threshold of the Manor.'
Cordir says, 'A remnant of Molo's banishment, I have been assuming...' Her voice begins to grow strained with the effort of calm.
Cordir adds quietly, 'Nashite holy places cause me a great deal of physical pain. The touch of a Nashite causes blisters on my skin.'
Isolas nods.
Her grip upon the pedestal is white-knuckled, a faint trembling visible in her frame.
Isolas removes the blindfold and comes around to face you.
Isolas places a hand on your forehead gently.
Her eyes blink closed, concealing the bloody orbs.
His aura flares intensely, flowing over you as well
Cordir shivers and cries out, her knees buckling slightly.
Isolas closes his eyes and whispers something before withdrawing his hand back to his side.
Isolas steps back.
Isolas says, 'Open them.'.
Cordir slowly obeys, blinking as if the gloomy temple were as bright as a sun-lit field.
Cordir flinches, shielding her eyes slightly, but looks at you.
> l isolas
Icy tendrils of unease cascade down your spine - a primitive and wholly
instinctive, unthinking reaction to the being which has manifested before
you. The air stirs around him as if uneasy at his mere presence. Upon the
breeze is carried the still air of places of power best left undisturbed,
where sorcerous rites taint the very bones of the earth. His demeanor is
detatched and inhuman, as uncaring for the struggles of the mortal realm
as a storm for the landscape it ravages. Cold light glows in his ancient,
knowing eyes, within them whispers of countless secrets and unholy
knowledge. He looks deeply into your heart and soul with a single glance,
judge and jury all in one. You are measured, balanced, and found wanting.
When he speaks, his voice is as quiet and colorless as a graveyard at
midnight, but is still touched with a slight elven accent despite the
centuries. 'If you have found the grace of Lord Nash, your soul will be
at peace. If not, everlasting torments will be yours.'
Isolas is bathed in the essence of charisma.
Isolas is in perfect health.
Isolas is using:
<used as light> (Red Aura) a fervent and devout faith in Lord Nash's glory
<worn on finger> (Moderate magic) a diamond ring with a ruby phoenix inset
<worn on finger> (Moderate magic) a gold band bearing the Seal of the Pontiff
<worn around neck> (Potent magic) an emblazoned crimson stole edged in onyx and gold
<worn around neck> (Moderate magic) an iron chain bearing the Phantom's seal
<worn on body> (Moderate magic) a heavy cassock of oppressive black wool
<worn on head> (Moderate magic) a deep, concealing cowl of austere black
<worn on legs> (Potent magic) simple trousers of black linen
<worn on feet> (Potent magic) a pair of low crimson leather boots
<worn on hands> (Moderate magic) bloodstained gloves of thin black leather
<worn on arms> (Powerful magic) enruned arm-bands of black mithril
<worn as shield> (Powerful magic) an aura of rippling crimson energy
<worn about body> (Moderate magic) an over-robe of ebon silk
<worn about waist> (Potent magic) a wide sash of embroidered crimson silk
<worn around wrist> (Potent magic) an enruned mithril bracer
<worn around wrist> (Moderate magic) an enruned mithril bracer
<wielded> (Powerful magic) a wicked, spiked crosier bearing the Nashite seal
<held> (Red Aura) (Humming) The Nash Bible
<worn with pride> an ancient spellbook bearing the Sigil of Nashite Sorcery
<worn with pride> (Artifact magic) (Glowing) (Humming) the Medallion of Godhood
She is silent a long moment, an inward battle raging. Then, whispered, 'Thank you.'
Isolas nods.
Isolas pulls his cowl down tightly, hiding his face from the light.
Cordir says quietly, '.. would you prefer that I not look at you?'
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "You may as you wish."
She nods slightly. "Corri and I spoke after you departed."
Cordir says, 'the other day.' She waves her hand somewhat vaguely, as if to indicate more than one or two.
Isolas nods.
Cordir says quietly, 'I understand the 'what' now. But not the why.'
Cordir glances around the temple cautiously, her expression pinched with suppressed agony.
Her eyes find the tapestry depicting Gryphon's aegis, and she nods in respect towards it.
Cordir glances about again, coming to rest her gaze on you.
She dips into a careful curtsey, head inclining slightly.
Cordir says, 'Again.. my thanks.'.
Isolas nods.
She hesitates, then asks, 'Have I been here before?'
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "You have."
Cordir says, 'I remember bringing Rath here, to swear an oath to him on a matter..'.
Cordir says, 'but I could not stay long. The pain was too great.'.
Cordir says, 'Molo's magics are strong, even now.'.
Isolas nods.
Cordir says, 'He forbade me to come here, barred the way.'.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "The master of the Dark Arts"
Cordir says, 'Did you bring me here in the past? '.
Cordir says, 'I assume it would take a Nashite's summoning to give me entry..?'.
Her voice is soft and hesitant.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, " We have been here together in the past, yes.
Cordir says, '.. I'm not mis-remembering, I *am* an Excommunicate, yes?'.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "You are."
Cordir says, 'For marrying my husband, yes? Deamhan An-Shalach?'.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "Correct."
Cordir looks at each of the tapestries in turn. 'I was to have been the Oracle of Nash.' She smiles faintly.
Cordir says, 'Forgive me. I'm rambling. It's... very hard to think." She gestures vaguely at her head.'.
Cordir asks hesitantly, '..should I leave?'
Isolas shakes his head.
Cordir turns and looks at the pedestal her hand has been resting on all this time, staring down at the plaque under her fingertips.
Cordir shudders as she sees Molo's name between her fingers.
Cordir carefully withdraws her hand.
Cordir says, '..Your Grace... can you make it stop hurting? " She gestures to her head. "Or is it Molo's magic?"'.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "That magic is beyond my reach."
Cordir nods slightly, careful not to move overly much.
Cordir blinks at a thought, and stares at your hands.
Cordir looks at Isolas.
She nods to herself and murmurs, 'gloves.'
Isolas raises an eyebrow.
Cordir holds out her unblistered hands, the left still bound by the spidersilk bandage. 'You're wearing gloves.'
Cordir repeats her earlier statement: "the touch of Nashites burns me. Gives me blisters."
Cordir says, 'The gloves must have prevented it.'.
Isolas looks at your hand, but does not answer.
She begins to pace slowly, tracing the edge of the row of thrones with one hand for balance.
She reaches your throne at the table's foot, and pauses, looking at it intently.
Cordir says, '.. familiar.'.
She sits down in it, dwarfed by its massive size, and looks over at you with a haunted expression.
Cordir says, '... Please help me remember.'.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, "You have the book, yes?"
Cordir nods.
Cordir gets a rotted book from a bag of Scar hide.
Cordir sets it down on the table with a shudder.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, " You will find these helpful in your search, then.”
Isolas gives Cordir someone's shattered hopes.
Isolas gives Cordir a fleeting memory.
Cordir stares at them, her expression frozen for a long moment.
Cordir forces herself to nod, and open the book. Turn it to the back. Turn it around, so that she reads from back to front.
l willing
For the Willing:
The lost returned, accepted knowingly, their heart to pierce.
Cordir reads the words of the incantation, holding the shard over her heart.
Cordir finishes the incantation, looks at you, and presses the shard home, with a spasm of her whole body and a soft cry of pain.
She slumps over the book, trembling, for a long, long moment.
Finally, she lifts her head, staring at you, her eyes filled with an unreadable swirl of emotion.
Cordir says, '.... we fought here. Several times.'.
She glances around again, as if tracing the paths of memory.
Cordir has created a black widow spider!
The Temple of Lord Nash
[Exits: none]
The exact size of this huge hall is not discernable by standard
methods of measurement. The arches of the vaulted ceiling are a
dim, shadowy outline far above. The floors and walls are stone,
polished obsidian with swirls of purplish basalt. A dark miasma
seeps from the floors and walls, a physical remnant of the many
dark rituals this place has born witness and host to. Tortures
and sacrifices, bindings and enchantments, prayers and pleading:
this unholy Temple to the Creator and Destroyer of Worlds, Lord
Nash, has stood witness to them all.
(Red Aura) A large plaque rests upon the surface of this ornately carved pedestal.
(Glowing) A statue of Lord Nash stands before you in utter perfection.
(Light Red Aura) A spider spins its web in the tree limbs.
(Invis 71) (Intense Light Red Aura) Isolas is here.
Cordir smiles faintly.
Cordir touches the spider lightly.
Cordir says, 'I wanted her to watch over you in this place.'.
Cordir looks at Isolas.
Cordir says, 'I need... '.
Cordir says, 'I need to think. I need to go somewhere safe and think." She doesn't seem to realize she has spoken aloud.
Cordir says, '... May I go?'.
She rises with a decided lack of her usual grace and gathers up the book, holding it with grim determination.
The cold voice of the Phantom whispers, " You may.”
Cordir dips another slight curtsey, and flees.
Cordir gathers the shadows around herself, ebon flames outlining her for a moment.
The falling curtain of her silvery cobweb hair blocks the face of the Immortal
before you. She is still and silent, Her focus entirely inward. Even your gaze
upon Her does not call you to notice. An icy wind blows around her, tugging at
Her garments and locks, causing Her to shiver. One pale hand reaches up to her
brow, rubbing as if to ease a pain that is almost more than she can bear. Silk
bandages are wrapped around her palm, concealing a wound there. Ancient flames
of ebon black, first called into being by Lord Thaygar Himself, flicker around
and about her bare blood-spattered feet, revealed by the torn hem of her gown.
A small sable spider perches upon one shoulder, eight eyes giving warning: all
is not as it should be.