Bastian's Tale

time
TFC started up at Thu Feb 10 19:29:15 2000 / The system time is Fri Feb 11 20:06:29 2000

who follows cordir

5 players.

Hel [    Faileas Dhan   ] Nyx: Ebon Messenger of Fate.

Hel [       Cl:25       ] Deamhan An-Shalach, Cordir's by fate and choice [Kin]

Elf [ Ma:28 Th:26 Ra:26 ] Trakker Longbow, Elven Emissary, Chosen of Fate

Hel [    Wa:17 Cl:20    ] Bastian, servant of Fate

Hel [    Ma:12 Wa: 9    ] Garvax attendant of Fate, looking for identity.

l nyx

The shadows twist and shift before your sight, like a midnight fog touched

by a light breeze.  There is something out there, a deep purple glow, that

seems to float about.  Ah, yes... you can make it out now.  Its a sprite,

but how can she be moving and sitting at the same ti- She is sitting upon

a shoulder... a very darkly clad shoulder.  Your gaze slides up to where

you know the face must be, and is met by piercing grey eyes.  Ebon strands

dance within them, forming and reforming - a web, a sigil, a name forever

lost...



There is only one person this can be...

Nyx is in perfect health.



Nyx is using:

<used as light>     (Glowing) a vial of stardust

<worn on finger>    (Magical) a shadowed ring of ebon jade

<worn around neck>  (Magical) (sitting on shoulder) a midnight sprite

<worn around neck>  (Magical) a shard of ebon jade on a silver chain
 
<worn on body>      a black velvet doublet

<worn on head>      (Red Aura) a black spider silk hood

<worn on legs>      a pair of black velvet leggings

<worn on feet>      (Blue Aura) (Magical) a pair of silver buckled leather boots

<worn on hands>     a pair of soft black leather gloves

<worn about body>   a dark cape

<worn around wrist> (Magical) the glinting obsidian bracelet

<held>              (Invis) (Magical) the Midnight Dragon Orb

<worn with pride>   (Purple Aura) (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen

<worn with pride>   (Magical) (Mystical) a delicate diamond leaf

l bastian
Running one hand through his short, blond, curly hair, he pauses briefly to look at you. Clear blue eyes are set in a pleasant face, nose surrounded by faint freckles. Just as you start to think that it is in fact quite an attractive face, you realize Bastian is staring at you unwaveringly, and you feel a sudden tug at the back of your mind. Or is it just your imagination?
Wincing slightly, Bastian places a hand on his left side, turning dead-white. Immediately, the odd feeling you had disappears.
Bastian is in perfect health.
Bastian is using:
<worn on legs> (Magical) a pair of elfweave pants
<worn with pride> (Purple Aura) (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen

l deamhan
A tall, slender half-elven form stands before you. It is unexpectedly difficult to make out details; shadows seem to cling to him oddly where there should be light. After a moment, his attention shifts to you. He murmurs something softly and the shadows fall away. His form is that of a young man in his prime, but his night-dark eyes are far older, and assess you calmly. He bows courteously, with a slight smile, and you catch a glimpse of the fangs that explain how one who has seen so much can appear so young. Khore must have taken this one early. A slight radiance shimmers on his skin, as if the blood in his veins were strangely radiant. It takes a moment, but comprehension follows; the sinuous traceries mark him as one Destined within the Pattern. But there is more: on his hands, the glow is brighter, glimmering silver-tinted, and seems to be moving...some sort of tattoo, you think...He glances beyond you for an instant, and mutters another word. The Darkness slithers over him again. You have seen enough.
Deamhan is in perfect health.
Deamhan is using:
<used as light> (Glowing) a war banner, stained with dried blood
<worn on body> a richly embroidered tunic of midnight blue
<worn on legs> a pair of black velvet leggings
<worn on feet> a pair of soft black leather boots
<worn about body> (Magical) (Indigo Aura) the Embrace of the Weaver
<worn with pride> (Purple Aura) (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen

l trakker
Just slightly to the east, you notice an unusual spider web - gleaming blackly within the surrounding structure of tree branches and leaves. Upon it sits a small, unmoving arachnid of brilliant green - the color of lush foliage in the bloom of health. Then the spider disappears for an instant, only to reappear in a blink... a blink?.... You realize that the spider was no spider at all, but an eye.... but.. how.. what..?
You shake your head in confusion, and look closer. A soft chuckle, and the tree branches seem to move. Stepping out of his perfect concealment, a willowy elf smiles quietly and looks at you with curiosity plain in his gaze. You instantly realize that it is his unique garb - patterned after the shape and shadow of leaves - and the perfect bark-like shade and texture of his braided hair - that helped craft such a convincing illusion... that, and perhaps a bit of sorcery, as well, for the sparkle of magic dances upon his fingertips. Pulling his gaze from yours, he riffles through some large books, removing a stunning variety of objects lovely and rare.
'Beautiful and deadly, like so much in this Realm.' His eyes flash to yours, assessing you silently to see if you fit that description as well. Warily, he nods, then pauses, as if hearing a voice you cannot. A glimmer surrounds him momentarily, and he bows his head to accept the Blessing. An almost shy smile flits across his lips, and you hear him whisper, 'My thanks, Lady.' He glances back at you, and murmurs, 'I'm still not used to giving an Oath to a god... or Goddess... but all things change in time, and our true Fate awaits us all.'
Trakker is in perfect health.
Trakker is using:
<worn on body> an embroidered forest green tunic
<worn on head> a feathered cap
<worn on legs> some cross-gartered riding breeches
<worn on feet> ornamented bucket-topped black riding boots
<worn about waist> (Magical) a jeweled belt with filigreed buckle
<worn with pride> the Brooch of Loth-Llorien
<worn with pride> (Purple Aura) (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen

l garvax
Grey... that is Garvax.
His hair his eyes and his clothes all grey.
Garvax won't win any beauty contests.
Garvax is in perfect health.

Garvax is using:
<worn on finger> a wooden ring
<worn on finger> a wooden ring
<worn around neck> (Magical) the magnificent tiger eye amulet
<worn around neck> (Magical) the grim rock crystal amulet
<worn on body> a padded woolen gambeson of emerald green
<worn on head> a grey studded leather helmet
<worn on legs> a pair of cross-gartered brown pants
<worn on feet> a pair of grey leather boots
<worn on hands> a pair of grey leather gloves
<worn on arms> (Magical) a pair of studded leather sleeves
<worn about body> (Magical) (Glowing) an icy white cloak
<worn about waist> a brass-trimmed pouch buckled to a belt
<wielded> (Magical) a quarterstaff
<worn with pride> (Purple Aura) (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen

Cordir says, 'It is Midnight, on Rishanae the 8th, the month of the Thawing Ice.'

Cordir says, 'We gather here to hear the tale of one of our own... And put our hearts and minds together, to perhaps find some way of healing or helping our Chosen, Bastian.'
Cordir nods quietly.
Cordir says, 'Bastian.... the cathedra is yours.'

Cordir sits down upon the bench by the Loom.

Bastian nods slowly.

Deamhan moves to sit beside his wife.

Bastian says, 'Thank you, m'.
Bastian says, 'my friends, for joining me here tonight.'

Bastian sits down slowly, folding his legs underneath him.

Bastian says, 'Me telling a s.. story is not the easiest thing, please bear with me. I have tried some relaxing techniques to '.
Bastian says, 'help me with my speech.'

Cordir stands.
c heal bastian
Ok.

Cordir sits down upon the bench by the Loom.

Bastian bows before Cordir.

Bastian says, 'Also, Lady Cordir has agreed t'.
Bastian says, 'to try and prevent pain attacks from occurring.'

Bastian says, 'First of all, I w.. would like to make sure that I am v'.
Bastian says, 'very happy to be part of the Chosen, happiness should never be a concern.'

Bastian says, 'My health I a.. agree, leaves something to be desired'.

Cordir tells all Immortals present, 'We're doing storytelling. Anyone who wishes to attend, invis and silent, may.'

Bastian runs his finger slowly across the enormous bruise, covering his entire left side.

Deamhan frowns at the sight of such unhealthy blood.

Bastian says, 'This is the r... reason I wished to speak to you all tonight. This wound has plagued me for a l'.

Bastian says, 'long time now, and will not heal. Tonight's tale, I hope, will explain to you why I think this is h'.

Bastian says, 'happening to me. Those of you who have read my Thread of Life in the Tapestry already know some of .. my history.'

(Invis) JohnPaul enters from the heavenly plane of Holy Virtue.

Bastian says, 'Is there anyone here who h'.
Bastian says, 'hasn't?'.

Garvax disappears into the void.

Cordir says, 'I'm not certain Garvax knows the tale.'

Bastian says, 'Very .. well then.'
Bastian says, 'I shall r'.
Bastian says, 'repeat it briefly for him then upon his return.'

### Khorlan has connected.

Khorlan ftells, 'Hello'.

Cordir tells Khorlan, 'Please dress as quickly as you can in any special garb you wish to wear and come to the temple ASAP.'

Cordir says, 'A moment, while we gather in our friends.'

Bastian nods.

Cordir tells Khorlan, 'are you staying for the storytelling?'.

Khorlan tells Cordir (in goblin), 'Yes I have come on specially :)'.

Trakker smiles happily.

Bastian says, 'Did s'.
Bastian says, 'someone else just join us?'.

Cordir says, 'Khorlan is on his way'.

Bastian nods.

Cordir ftells, 'khorlan, are you coming up? We're waiting for you.'
Khorlan ftells, 'yep omw '.

Cordir says, 'Khorlan's on his way. Sorry for the delay, friends.'

Khorlan arrives from the north.

Bastian says, 'I'm sorry t.. to see Garvax has left the realm after all the time he waited.'

Khorlan bows deeply.
Bastian bows deeply.

Deamhan hopes he can return.

Cordir closes the spider-web.
lock n
*Click*

Bastian nods.

l khorlan
**Clink** **Clink** **Clink** What was that? It sounded like glass upon glass... but you would have sworn you were alone here! With a frown, you scan the area to see who has crept up upon you unawares. A soft chuckle pulls your gaze to an area you'd already dismissed as holding no threat. A tanned, athletic fellow stands there, hands on his hips, grinning. "Gotcha!" He seems relatively harmless, of average height and build, average armor and weapons but how
harmless could he be if he crept up on you like that, despite all the noise? His waist is cinched by a wide belt, and attached to the leather are dozens of vials - some empty, some containing who-knows-what sort of mixture.

Another chuckle. He grins, and waves at you, a gesture of greeting and dismissal of himself as anything you have to be worried about. Odd his fingers are stained strange colors, as if liberally splattered by an artist's brush. "My favorite spell" he explains. He runs one fingertip over the vials, making them clink against each other. "Alchemy my favorite hobby. Can I interest you in a potion or two?" His gray eyes are hold humor but also readiness should your intents turn foul, and those hands certainly seem capable enough of wielding the twin weapons slung at his side.
Khorlan is in perfect health.

Khorlan is using:
<used as light> (Flashing) a red and green ball of light
<worn on finger> (Magical) the Band of the Nexus
<worn around neck> (Magical) a strange amulet
<worn around neck> (Magical) a Major Amulet of True Seeing
<worn on body> (Magical) a leather shirt
<worn on head> a purple feathered black wide brimmed hat
<worn on legs> a pair of black velvet leggings
<worn on feet> a pair of soft black leather boots
<worn on hands> a pair of soft black leather gloves
<worn about waist> a black leather belt
<worn around wrist> (Magical) an animal hide wrist guard
<wielded> a long black quill
<wielded off-hand> a black swagger stick
<worn with pride> (Purple Aura) (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen

Trakker beams a smile at Khorlan.
Khorlan beams a smile at Trakker.

Nyx says, 'The void can be... a dangerous place'.

Khorlan says (in goblin), 'I'm a thief!!'.

Garvax has returned from the void. Garvax smiles happily.

Deamhan enthusiastically cheers Garvax to victory.
Cordir says, 'Huzzah.'

Bastian says, 'Let me .. continue.'

Cordir says, 'Please do continue, Bastian.'

Bastian says, 'Garvax, Khorlan, have you b'.

Cordir says, 'With a brief synopsis of your history, perhaps?'.

Bastian says, 'both read my Thread of Life in the Tapestry?'.

Garvax nods.
Bastian bows before Cordir.
Khorlan says, 'I have'.

Bastian says, 'Very well, in brief.. then.'

Bastian closes his eyes, and breathes slowly for a few seconds.

Bastian says, 'I was born and raised in Nydia, but started wandering at a young age. I worked several jobs, and at one point in my life'.

Bastian says, 'I met with a Mystic, who wished to take me in as his apprentice, which I accepted. This Mystic was fascinated by'.

Bastian says, 'the m'.
Bastian says, 'mysteries of the mind.'

Bastian takes a slow breath.

Cordir reaches out and lays a gentle hand upon the sable thread, strengthening it.

Bastian says, 'He taught me how to unlock the mind, how to access my own mind, as well as those of others.'

You feel something brush against the back of your awareness.

Bastian says, 'His lessons were not kind. I was abused both mentally and physically, on levels that I cannot describe.'

Nyx gets a razor sharp sword-rapier from the shadows.
Nyx frowns.

Bastian says, 'But I .. am getting ahead of myself.'

Nyx slowly puts the rapier back.
Bastian sighs deeply, sitting up straight against the wall.

Bastian says, 'The mind, my Master said, is a mystery waiting to be unlocked. If something exists in the mind, it is as real as reality itself.'

Bastian bows his head.

Bastian says, 'He proved his point, over and over again, starting with m.. me.'

Garvax disappears into the void.

Bastian says, 'He would conjure up whatever he could think up, and made me think they were real.'

Bastian says, 'I can't explain what terrors his mind were c'.
Bastian says, 'capable of.'

Bastian says, 'He showed me the d'.
Bastian says, 'deepest pits of hell, but also the pinnacles of bliss.'

Bastian says, 'I was intrigued, and frightened, and fascinated. So I stayed with him.'

Bastian looks up.

Bastian says, 'At first, he showed me how to help people with his skills. People with fears, phobias.'

Bastian says, 'He taught me how to enter a person's m'.
Bastian says, 'mind, guiding them to their fears, and teaching them how to cope with them by building a wall around the fears, locking off that part of the mind.'

Bastian says, 'This w'.
Bastian says, 'was where it should have stopped.'

Bastian says, 'But it did not.'

Bastian says, 'He then showed me how t.. to manipulate the mind, basic minds at first.'

Bastian says, 'We would experiment with small animals, whose minds knew only the most primitive of emotions, fear, anger, pain, contentment.'

Bastian says, 'He t'.
Bastian says, 'taught me how to invoke those emotions in these animals.'

Spiders by the hundreds scurry down from the walls.

They surround Bastian, and wait.

(Invis) JohnPaul has lost his link.

Bastian takes a deep breath again, bowing his head in shame.

Bastian says, 'It would a'.
Bastian says, 'always end in the same thing.'
Bastian says, 'Pain'.

Bastian says, 'My master was obsessed with the idea of pain, how it affected the mind, the body.'

Cordir gestures, and the spiders creep back into the webs.

Bastian says, 'He made me invoke pain in my test subjects'.

Bastian says, 'I tried to r'.
Bastian says, 'resist'.

Bastian says, 'What a fool I was. His mind would enter mine, and not only force me to do it, but at the same time l'.
Bastian says, 'link my mind to theirs, so I would feel what they felt.'

Bastian says, 'The .. only way I was able to avoid the pain myself, was to obey.'

Bastian says, 'I d'.
Bastian says, 'don't dream.'

Bastian says, 'One of my very first lessons was that dreams are the doorway to a person's mind.'

Bastian says, 'Again, he proved it.'

Bastian says, 'My master would invade my dreams, sending horror after horror into my mind, to the p'.
Bastian says, 'point where I did not know whether I was living a dream, or dying in life.'

Bastian says, 'So I stopped dreaming.'

Nyx frowns.

Bastian says, 'That was n'.
Bastian says, 'not enough.'

Bastian says, 'The experiments continued'.
Bastian whispers 'and worsened'

Deamhan comforts Bastian.

Bastian says, 'The animals we used for our experiments were not sufficient for the lessons my Master wanted to teach me.'

Bastian leans his head back against the wall, closing his eyes.

Bastian says, 'He took children off the street'.
Bastian says, 'He..'
Bastian says, 'He offered them shelter.'
Bastian says, 'And forced me to enter their dreams.'

Bastian smiles weakly.

Bastian says, 'Children's dream are wondrous indeed.'
Bastian says, 'There is no l'.
Bastian says, 'limit to their imagination.'
Bastian says, 'Unfortunately, neither did there seem to be a limit to my Master's cruelties.'

Cordir lays the fingertips of her right hand upon one specific scar upon her left palm.

The Covenant upon Bastian's chest begins to glow with a soft, healing light.

Bastian says, 'Always, he would transform whatever the kid's mind would conjure into some horrific, and force me to watch as the child'.

Bastian says, 'would start thrashing in its sleep, trying to escape, and being u.. unable to.'

Bastian says, 'Many of them n'.
Bastian says, 'never left his house.'

You feel your heart begin to pound.

Bastian says, 'I needed to get away.'
Bastian says, 'I was desperate, but I was completely at his m'.

Sweat breaks out upon your brow.

Bastian says, 'mercy, being exposed daily to his cruelties, my mind being stretched to its limits, trying not to pass out from the pain, and failing frequently.'

Cordir murmurs, 'Gently, Bastian... you're broadcasting.'

Cordir lays a fingertip upon the sable thread.

Bastian slows down his breathing again.
Bastian says, 'my a'.

Khorlan wipes his brow.

Bastian says, 'apologies, friends.'

Cordir nods in recognition to Bastian.

Nyx says, 'No need to apologize...'

Deamhan thinks the renewed sensation of a heartbeat was worth a little unease.

Bastian says, 'This why I did n.. not want to use mind speech to tell this story.'

Nyx nods.

Cordir says, 'The Chosen is a group of fierce individualists... I don't think they would handle the 'intrusion' of mindspeech well'.

Bastian shakes his head.
Bastian says, 'I have a.. also vowed not to use it again, it is too perilous, since I can't control my emotions sometimes.'

Bastian says, 'outward, I can... but the turmoil inside would manifest itself in those linked to me.'

Bastian says, 'But l'.

Bastian says, 'let me continue.'

Bastian rests his hands on his knees.

Bastian says, 'One day, the Mystic was invited to a rich merchant's party.'

Bastian says, 'My Master was well-known. Not because of what they didn't know about him, of course, but because of his '.

Bastian says, 'abilities to help the ones with ailments of the mind.'

Bastian smirks wryly.

Cordir tells Tamar, 'if you wish to enter invis, then go vis so others can see you, that would be okay. I'd just prefer a bamfin didn't interrupt the flow.'

Bastian says, 'Ironically, he w.. would occasionally hire himself out to rich people, doing parlor tricks.'

Bastian says, 'I had never joined him on such an occasion, but an invitation of one of the wealthiest merchants in town had come, '.

Bastian says, 'and my Master wished me to experience what he was doing, to see how the people would h'.

Bastian says, 'humiliate themselves in the name of good fun.'


Bastian says, 'So I went with him'.

Tamar tells Cordir (in elven), 'Nod'.

Bastian says, 'And I watched him perform his tricks'.

Bastian says, 'Simple things, such as 'guessing' people's ages, their occupations.'

(Invis) Tamar calmly enters and stands nearby.

Bastian says, 'I knew he was s'.

Bastian says, 'scanning all the minds in the crowd however, gaining as much information about them as possible, for his own needs.'

### Elaina has connected.

Bastian says, 'the merchant was delighted, and invited my Master to stay and join him at his table. I was sent back to the house.'

Cordir stands.
c sum elaina
Elaina arrives suddenly.
Cordir sits down upon the bench by the Loom.

Bastian bites his lower lip.

Cordir says, 'Continue, Bastian.'

Bastian says, 'That night, I heard him come home deep into the night, stubling about. My Master was never one for drinking much,'.

Bastian says, 'for it would cloud the mind.'

l elaina
A burst of giggles startles you. Turning, you see a grinning young lass.
Curly chocolate brown hair flies about, forming a disheveled halo about her head. Dusky freckles scatter across a pert and happy face that has been well-kissed by the sun. Her hazel eyes meet yours without a trace of dissemblance, open, merry and curious.

"Hi!" She bubbles, "My name is Elaina... " She extends a slightly dusty hand, then notices its condition and wipes it on the side of her skirt, then re-offers it.
Elaina is in perfect health.

Elaina is using:
<used as light> (Glowing) a war banner
<worn around neck> (Magical) the glossy zircon amulet
<worn around neck> (Magical) the plain quartz amulet
<worn on body> (Magical) a quilted cloth tunic
<worn on head> (Magical) a padded cloth hat
<worn on feet> (Magical) a pair of leather boots
<worn on hands> (Magical) a pair of studded leather gloves
<worn on arms> (Magical) a pair of animal hide sleeves
<worn about body> (Magical) a quilted cloth mantle
<worn about waist> (Magical) a padded cloth belt
<worn around wrist> (Magical) a leather bracer
<worn around wrist> (Magical) a reinforced leather wrist guard
<wielded> (Magical) a long sword
<held> (Glowing) a camp award
<worn with pride> (Purple Aura) (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen

Bastian says, 'That night, he had. And I saw my chance. I went over to his bed, and to my amazement, I saw that he was d'.
Bastian says, 'dreaming.'

Bastian says, 'It must have been the alcohol.'

Bastian rubs his temples.

Elaina shivers uncomfortably.

Bastian says, 'greetings, gifted one'.

Cordir smiles at Elaina.

Elaina blushes.

Bastian opens his eyes again, staring into the distance.

Bastian says, 'I entered my Master's mind'.

Elaina smiles happily.

Bastian says, 'I did the unthinkable'.

Bastian smiles wryly.
Bastian says, 'How proud he would have been on me.'
Bastian says, 'I took his fantasies'.

Shivers sweep over you uncontrollably.

Bastian says, 'and turned them into nothing like I had ever done before.'

You can feel the air starting to press down upon you.

Bastian says, 'All the horrors he made me force onto the children'.

Bastian says, 'M'.
Bastian says, 'Multiplied many times.'
Bastian says, 'I lost c'.
Bastian says, 'control'.

Something... is there... in the shadows... waiting for you...

Nyx knows...

Bastian says, 'All the pain and.. suffering he inflicted upon me'.

Bastian says, 'I returned it, manifold.'

Bastian holds out a hand, slowly curling it into a fist.

Elaina is getting strong waves of pain, flowing over her senses.

Bastian says, 'I saw his heart being surrounded by shadows'.
Bastian says, 'And w'.
Bastian says, 'watched as it exploded in his chest'.

Nyx blinks in surprise.

Elaina gasps in astonishment.

Bastian says, 'I didn't know the p'.
Bastian says, 'power of the mind'.
Bastian says, 'I never want to know the f'.

A dull ache begins in your chest.

Bastian says, 'full extent'.

Bastian whispers softly, 'I believe this is the reason for my own wounds'

Bastian stares down at his chest and left side.

Bastian says, 'I wonder if in his f'.
Bastian says, 'final moments, my Master was able to complete some kind of link between his mind and mine.'

Bastian says, 'And has m'.
Bastian says, 'made me suffer as much as he has.'

Elaina rests.

Bastian looks at every one of you.

Deamhan looks back steadily.

Bastian says, 'I n'.
Bastian says, 'needed to tell you this tale.'

Khorlan nods.

Bastian says, 'I consider all of you my friends.'

Trakker beams a smile at Bastian.

Bastian says, 'I have l.. learned about your hopes'.
Bastian looks at Elaina.

Bastian says, 'your dreams'.
Bastian looks at Trakker.

Bastian says, 'and your fears'.
Bastian looks at Nyx.

Bastian takes a ragged sigh.

Bastian says, 'I'm n'.
Bastian says, 'not sure if these wounds will ever heal.'
Bastian says, 'I have learned to live with them. As much as I can.'

Bastian says, 'My biggest fear, still, is that it will p.. paralyze me some day, when my assistance is needed by one of you.'

Bastian says, 'The p'.
Bastian says, 'pain, I can live with.'
Bastian says, 'Even though I often f.. feel like it is killing me.'

Cordir says quietly, 'I think that is a fear of any caring being - the fear of being unable to help a loved one.'

Deamhan smiles at Cordir.

Bastian nods slowly.

Bastian says, 'Nevertheless, I f'.

Cordir says quietly, 'Or being powerless to help when you know they come to harm...'

Bastian says, 'felt this story needed to be told, as it was a shadow hanging over me, a past I am not proud of.'

Bastian says, 'I have b'.
Bastian says, 'blood on my hands. Not just my Master's, but innocent blood as well.'

Khorlan looks at Nyx.

Bastian says, 'I won't .. ask for forgiveness.'

Cordir says, 'It is not for us to forgive, Bastian. You must come to peace with the souls of those you killed or harmed.'

Khorlan looks at Cordir.

Cordir says, 'It is, however, for us to ... understand.'

Bastian nods slowly.

Cordir says, 'What one does, while under the grasp of a torturer...'

Elaina shivers uncomfortably.

Deamhan shifts restlessly and glances at his wife.

Cordir says, 'Or in the grip of madness....'

Elaina moves closer to Trakker.

Cordir says, 'Those sins lay squarely upon the one who inflicted the torture. Bastian, you were a _child_.'

Trakker comforts Elaina.

Cordir says, 'As helpless as if .... ' Her voice lowers to a whisper. Cordir says, 'As if you were in chains.'

Deamhan twitches and shifts again.

Bastian says, 'My actions w'.
Bastian says, 'were not those of a child. Children should not be that cruel.'

Cordir shivers slightly.

Deamhan rubs his wrists absently.

Cordir says, 'Children can be unbearably cruel, Bastian. Especially with an adult mind twisting them.'

Bastian says, 'I d'.
Bastian says, 'didn't know I w'.
Bastian says, 'was capable of such atrocities.'

Cordir says, 'Everyone is, Bastian, when broken.'

Bastian says, 'And I'm so s'.
Bastian says, 'sorry.'

Cordir steps quickly over to Bastian, taking his hands in her own, silently.

Cordir kneels upon the cold stones before him.
Cordir says, 'If it matters a whit... I forgive you...'

Bastian relaxes his fist, traces of blood visible on his palm.

Deamhan swallows and looks away.

Bastian says, 'it does'.

Cordir says, 'But... I knew of these things before I set this Covenant upon your breast. ' She touches Bastian's chest and says, 'I had already Read your Pattern and your Thread upon the Web of Fate. And I Chose you, irregardless. I know _your_ soul, Bastian.'

Bastian nods slowly.

Cordir says, 'And your Pattern is not that of a twisted, perverse torturer who gleans joy from other's pain.'

Bastian says, 'And I know that y'.
Bastian says, 'you do.'

Cordir says, 'THAT ... I lay squarely upon he who harmed you.'

Elaina shivers uncomfortably.

Bastian says, 'the p'.
Bastian says, 'pain'.

Elaina cringes and shudders.

Cordir gestures towards Elaina.
A bright glowing light surrounds the girl, shielding her.

Cordir stands.
c heal bastian
Ok.

Bastian smiles slightly.

Elaina says, 'I....'

Bastian says, 'I d'.

Elaina prays, 'thank you my lady'.
Cordir nods in recognition to her.

Bastian says, 'do apologize, gifted one.'

Elaina shakes her head.
Elaina says, 'There's no need, tis not your doing.'
Elaina smiles happily.

Strange... tis almost like Elaina's shadow lightens, and rises up from the floor...

Nyx raises an eyebrow.

Elaina stands up.

The shimmering shadow grows more solid, her features becoming clearly not those of the Chosen before you.

Bastian turns his head away.

Other, similar shapes appear from every corner of the Sanctum.

Khorlan looks around.

Garvax gasps in astonishment.

Nyx looks around.
Deamhan looks around.

Bastian says, 'they h'.
Bastian says, 'have come'.

The shivering figure of Bastian is visible through their transparent forms.

Elaina says, 'Trakker?'.

Trakker wields (Indigo Aura) The Blade of Fate.

Cordir shakes her head at Trakker.

Bastian says, 'p'.
Bastian says, 'please'.

Trakker raises an eyebrow.

Cordir murmurs, 'Stay your blade.'

Bastian says, 'I n'.
Bastian says, 'never meant harm'.

Trakker says, 'as you wish'.

The figures remain still... waiting.

Trakker stops using (Indigo Aura) The Blade of Fate.

Tears seep down intangible faces.

Bastian grabs his left chest, the bruise changing color rapidly to a dark purple.

Bastian says, 'I'm s'.
Bastian says, 'sorry'.

Bastian says, 'It w'.
Bastian says, 'was my fault'.

Bastian says, 'I wasn't s'.
Bastian says, 'strong enough'.

One figure kneels next to Bastian, crying plaintively, 'I only wanted to play! Why did you hurt me?'

Deamhan remembers another child's face, and hides his own.

Cordir gestures and the light around Elaina intensifies.

Bastian whisper hoarsely 'I did not mean to, he made me'

One shadow-child screams, 'Why didn't you save us from him?'

Bastian whispers hoarsely 'I c'
Bastian whispers hoarsely 'couldn't, I was n'
Bastian whispers 'never strong enough'

Elaina shivers and tears slide down her face.

Elaina prays, 'so much here, so much grief. it is unbearable...'

Bastian looks plaintively at the transparent figures before him.

Bastian says, 'I never m'.
Bastian says, 'meant harm. I n'.
Bastian says, 'never meant h'.
Bastian says, 'harm.'

Deamhan tries to turn the unhappy ghosts but cannot.

One female figure steps closer, hands raised threateningly.
She screams, "LIAR! You feed him still!"

Bastian cringes into a corner.
Bastian says, 'I d'.
Bastian says, 'do not! '.

Trakker growls.

Bastian whispers 'he leeches off of me'

Cordir nods silently.

Bastian says, 'It's n'.
Bastian says, 'not my choice'.

Cordir says, 'His soul is as.. unquiet... as their own. His essence clings around your own like a foul cloak, draining your strength...'

Bastian says, 'I b.. built a wall to protect myself from him, or I w'.
Bastian says, 'would have died years ago. But the w'.
Bastian says, 'walls are crumbling.'

Bastian whispers 'Every time the pain strikes these days, I fear I might die'

The earth trembles beneath your feet!

Cordir nods silently.

Trakker comforts Bastian.

Bastian says, 'I b'.
Bastian says, 'beg forgiveness'.

The spirits seem to shudder.

Bastian says, 'I know I c'.
Bastian says, 'can resist him'.
Bastian says, 'and defeat him'.

The young girl steps another tread closer.

Bastian says, 'I have d.. done so once'.

She says, 'Kill him.'
She says, 'Kill him for GOOD!'

Bastian says, 'Take a l.. life?'.

(Invis) Tamar quietly takes her leave.

Trakker says, 'I vow here and now, I will do everything in my power, to keep you from harm, and to bring an end to that which torments you so, Bastian'.

Bastian looks at Cordir, then back at the girl.

Cordir says, 'Bastian, you know that all lives are tied together...'

Bastian beams a smile at Trakker.

Bastian says, 'His life and m'.
Bastian says, 'mine are closely tied together.'

Elaina nods in recognition to you.

Cordir says, 'These lives are bound to you, until such time as that which entraps your soul is destroyed.'

Bastian nods.

Bastian says, 'I accept.. that'.

Cordir says, 'The soul of your master rides you like a hag, draining your strength, giving you pain. A haunt, following you. And until you can show him the light of forgiveness...'

Bastian says, 'I f'.
Bastian says, 'feared as much'.

Cordir says, 'Your hate keeps him alive'.

Bastian nods slowly.

Elaina nods in recognition to you.

Cordir says, 'It is the dark emotions he feeds upon, now as always. Your fear... your pain... your despair...'

Bastian whispers 'forgive the one who did this to me, to them?'

Cordir nods silently.
Cordir glances over at her husband, her eyes sorrowed.

Bastian says, 'If that is y'.
Bastian says, 'your wish, I will attempt to do so.'

Cordir shakes her head.

Deamhan says, 'Lady, I have not forgiven my father...why is it in the Pattern that he must forgive?'.

Cordir says, 'It is the only way you will be free... And Deamhan, in some ways, you are as bound as he...'

Deamhan nods silently.

Cordir stands and walks to the Tapestry.

Bastian says, 'I understand that. But I m'.
Bastian says, 'may decide I would rather live in pain, then forgive the one who has done all this to me.'

Cordir touches the sable thread....

Deamhan nods to Bastian in grim understanding.

Bastian shivers slightly.
Elaina shivers uncomfortably.

Cordir gestures, and all you see before you is that darkly shining thread...

Cordir gestures once more, and your awareness falls upon the shadowy Thread wrapped chokingly about the sable...

A dizzying shift of focus....

Now a silver thread lies before your gaze....
Around it, within it, a part of it - an indigo thread...

Deamhan smiles at Cordir.

And an argentine thread...
And... also.... a blood-red thread, aflame...

A whisper: "ALL lives... all things... all events which shape us...."

With a wrench of focus, which wracks your being, you return to your senses.

Trakker blinks.
Garvax shivers uncomfortably.
Trakker shivers uncomfortably.

Bastian says, 'perhaps'.
Bastian says, 'if that p'.
Bastian says, 'presence has a consciousness, I c'.
Bastian says, 'can meet it on that level.'

Cordir nods.

Bastian says, 'And destroy it f'.
Bastian says, 'for good.'

Khorlan looks at Trakker.

Cordir says, 'The day that you turn the glowing light of forgiveness upon the Ghost of Ry... Your 'master'....'

Cordir says, 'Is the day you will find some peace.'
Cordir smiles wryly.

Bastian nods slowly.

Cordir says, 'Be that through .. enforced 'light of forgiveness'.... Or through actual terms within yourself...'

Garvax looks at Cordir.

Cordir says, 'Think for a moment, of how it feels, when you Turn a ghost, Bastian. Is it in anger?'.

Bastian smiles softly.
Bastian shakes his head.

Cordir nods.

Bastian says, 'No'.
Bastian says, 'Quite the c.. contrary'.

Cordir says, 'Isn't there a moment of ... joy? ... releasing the Soul back to the Pattern?'.

Bastian says, 'It fills m'.
Bastian says, 'my entire being in that moment.'

Cordir nods.

Bastian begins to glow softly.

The shadow-figures begin to fade from the chamber.

Bastian whispers, 'I will m.. make amends' as the figures disappear.

Cordir nods in recognition to him.
Cordir says, 'In the mean time... Until such time as that day comes, Bastian... I ask the Chosen assembled...'

Bastian crumples to the floor, exhausted from the ordeal.

Cordir says, 'Does anyone have ... Bastian!'.

Elaina gasps in astonishment.

Bastian says, 'I'm ok, Lady Cordir.'

Deamhan utters the words, 'heal'.
Deamhan rests.

Nyx checks on Bastian's health.

Bastian says, 'It is a g'.
Bastian says, 'good feeling of exhaustion.'

Cordir utters the words, 'give health.'

Garvax looks at Bastian.
Deamhan checks on Bastian's health.

Bastian pushes himself up against the wall, smiling weakly.

Cordir takes a long, slow deep breath.
Cordir says, 'You frightened me out of my last few non-white hairs...'

Khorlan grins neutrally at you.
Deamhan grins neutrally at you.

Cordir toys with a silver-shot lock of hair with a wry grin.

Garvax smiles happily.
Elaina smiles happily.

Bastian blushes slightly.
Bastian runs his hands through his blond curls.

Cordir pauses a moment in thought.

Cordir says, 'Bastian, I have an idea...'
Cordir says, 'Something that might ... temporarily...'
Cordir says, 'Provide you with more strength.'

Khorlan would run his hand through his hair, but the Green dargon Burnt it all off!!!

Cordir pauses a moment in thought.

Bastian says, 'Fighting the knights in the Master's T.. Tower is breakfast compared to this.'

Cordir says, 'But I am not certain.'

Bastian says, 'It's not r'.
Bastian says, 'really strength I need.'

Bastian says, 'When the pain is n.. not there, I haven't felt better.'

Cordir says, 'tis more... emotional and spiritual strength.'

Bastian says, 'and the chance to some d'.
Bastian says, 'day be able to assist the other Chosen makes every second of pain worth it.'

Elaina smiles happily.

Bastian says, 'You have g'.
Bastian says, 'given me so much already, all of you.'

Khorlan beams a smile at Bastian.

Cordir says, 'I propose giving you a second Covenant. The one I create, is formed of My blood and soul. I believe one crafted from your fellow Chosen .... Might also provide strength for you - Were they willing...'

Bastian bows his head.

Cordir glances around the temple.

Deamhan nods.

Bastian says, 'I could n.. not ask for that.'

Garvax nods.
Khorlan says, 'I am willing'.

Deamhan says, 'But we can offer'.
Elaina nods in recognition to Deamhan.

Deamhan says, 'As you so strongly wish to help us, we care about you'.

Cordir glances at Her Shadow.

Bastian says, 'I know that also'.

Nyx stops using a pair of soft black leather gloves.
Nyx holds out one palm.

Cordir nods.

Nyx nods in recognition to Cordir.

Cordir says, 'Let my Ordained be the foundation, then.'

Cordir gets a black raven feather quill from a bag of Nyx hide.
Cordir takes Nyx's hand in her own, holding his gaze a moment.

Elaina winces. Ouch!

Garvax turns his head.

Nyx waits...

Deamhan watches.

Cordir slashes Her Shadow's palm with the quill.
Blood wells in his palm.

Elaina clutches her hand to her chest.

Cordir says, 'Deamhan...'

Garvax shivers uncomfortably.

Deamhan swallows.
Deamhan holds out his hand.

Cordir reaches out for her husband's hand.

Deamhan smiles at Cordir.

Khorlan stops using a pair of soft black leather gloves.

Bastian shivers quietly, trying to control himself.

Cordir holds the vampire's hand over Her Shadow's.

Deamhan makes sure his blood is flowing at the moment.

Cordir slashes Deamhan's palm with the quill.
Three drops slowly drip down.

Cordir nods.
Cordir says, 'Khorlan.'

Khorlan offers his hand.
Khorlan closes his eyes.

Cordir takes Khorlan's hand in Her own.
Cordir slashes his palm with the quill.
Crimson blood flows to join the pool in Nyx's hand.

Cordir nods.

Bastian looks at Elaina.

Who Follows Cordir:
Hum [ Ma:11 ] Elaina child of Fate
Hel [ Ra:25 Ma:25 ] Khorlan the Half-Elf Fate
Hel [ Faileas Dhan ] Nyx: Ebon Messenger of Fate.
Hel [ Cl:25 ] Deamhan An-Shalach, Cordir's by fate and choice [Kin]
Elf [ Ma:28 Th:26 Ra:26 ] Trakker Longbow, Elven Emissary, Chosen of Fate
Hel [ Wa:17 Cl:20 ] Bastian, servant of Fate
Hel [ Ma:12 Wa: 9 ] Garvax attendant of Fate, looking for identity.

Ptarchyzk tells Cordir , 'knock knock..'
Cordir tells Ptarchyzk, 'one sec'.

Bastian says, 'are you.. ok, gifted one?'.

Elaina says, 'I think '.

Cordir says, 'Garvax.'

Garvax stops using a pair of grey leather gloves.
Garvax offers his hand.

Elaina says, 'I will be ok'.

Garvax shivers uncomfortably.
Cordir takes Garvax's hand, and slashes the palm with the quill.
Blood drips down steadily.

Blood begins to seep between Nyx's cupped fingers, splashing upon the floor.

Cordir says, 'Trakker.'

Cordir takes her Emissary's hand.

Elaina nods in recognition to Bastian.

Cordir cuts his palm with the quill. His blood flows down to join the pool.

He nods, and steps back, silently.

Cordir says, 'Elaina.'

Elaina stands up.
Elaina nods.
Elaina holds out her hand.

Cordir gently takes Elaina's hand.
Cordir nicks Elaina's palm with the quill. Three drops well forth.

Deamhan sits a little farther from the group, and tries not to inhale.

The drops slowly add to the sanguine pool.

Cordir tells Deamhan, 'summon ptar?'.
Deamhan stands up.
Deamhan utters the words, 'summon'. (( Several times. ))

Cordir turns to Bastian.
Cordir cups her hands beneath Her Ordain's.
Cordir closes her eyes.

The blood begins to glow softly.

The scent of it fills the Temple.

Deamhan utters the words, 'summon'.
Ptarchyzk arrives suddenly.
Ptarchyzk smiles happily.

Deamhan breathes deeply in spite of himself.

Cordir nods in recognition to Nyx.

Ptarchyzk says, 'sometimes, it's nice to see that msg..'
Ptarchyzk says, 'sometimes, not.'
Ptarchyzk thanks Deamhan heartily.
Deamhan nods in recognition to Ptarchyzk.

Nyx tips his hand, letting the blood pour into the Lady's hand.

As the sanguine stream leaves the Shadow's, and flows into the Lady's, it glows.

Cordir dips the quill in the blood, and steps closer to Bastian.

Bastian nods in recognition to Cordir.

Cordir kneels on the stone floor next to Bastian.

Cordir murmurs, 'By Alak-Nacha.... Be ye bound in strength and spirit to those souls represented with this blood..'

Cordir dips the quill in the blood and begins to inscribe a second Covenant upon Bastian's flesh.

Deamhan closes his eyes and carefully steps back another pace from all the blood.

The sworls and arcs of the spiderweb pattern grow quickly beneath her hand.

Bastian stares at Guardian.

Pain blossoms in your chest, unexpectedly.

Khorlan gasps.

Cordir finishes the Covenant.
Cordir creates (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen out of thin air!

Bastian takes a deep breath.

c str bastian
Ok.

Cordir gives (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen to Bastian.

Bastian places the Covenant next to his existing one.
Bastian wears (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen as a decoration.

Khorlan looks at Bastian.
Garvax looks at Bastian.
Deamhan looks at Bastian.

Elaina smiles happily.

Running one hand through his short, blond, curly hair, he pauses briefly
to look at you. Clear blue eyes are set in a pleasant face, nose
surrounded by faint freckles. Just as you start to think that it
is in fact quite an attractive face, you realize Bastian is
staring at you unwaveringly, and you feel a sudden tug at the
back of your mind. Or is it just your imagination?

Wincing slightly, Bastian places a hand on his left side, turning
dead-white. Immediately, the odd feeling you had disappears.
Bastian is in perfect health.

Bastian is using:
<worn on legs> (Magical) a pair of elfweave pants
<worn with pride> (Purple Aura) (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen
<worn with pride> (Purple Aura) (Tattooed) (Writhing) The Covenant of the Chosen

Nyx looks at Bastian.

Khorlan nods.
Garvax smiles happily.
Elaina looks at Bastian.

Bastian says, 'I d'.
Bastian says, 'don't know what to say'.

Cordir sits back on her heels, and nods in satisfaction.

Nyx says, 'Nothing need be said...'

Bastian says, 'Your strength and courage w.. will be with me now.'

Nyx nods in recognition to Bastian.

Nyx clenches his hand.
Nyx utters the words, 'cure light'.

Bastian says, 'I can o'.

Nyx wears a pair of soft black leather gloves on his hands.

Deamhan licks his wound closed.

Khorlan wears a pair of soft black leather gloves on his hands.

Bastian says, 'only hope I will never disappoint any of you, and the trust you put in me.'

Elaina smiles happily.
Garvax smiles happily.

Cordir rises slowly, slightly unsteadily, to her feet.

Bastian offers his hand.

Elaina says, 'my lady? Are you ok?'.

Deamhan reaches for his wife's hands.

Cordir nods slowly.

Bastian says, 'I h'.

Elaina shivers uncomfortably.

Bastian says, 'hope I am not being a burden, Lady Cordir'.

Deamhan kisses your hand. How continental!

Cordir offers her blood-filled hands to her husband.

Garvax checks on your health.

Deamhan licks you.

Trakker looks at Bastian.

Deamhan utters the words, 'cure light'.
You feel better!

Deamhan kisses Cordir.

You smile at him.

Ptarchyzk says, 'hmm.. all this, and I was just wanting in to ask if the Lady or one of hers would like a 2int ring, or 2dex bracelet..'

Bastian puts his hand away quickly.

Ptarchyzk says, 'didn't realize there was something big happeneing..'

Nyx beams a smile at Ptarchyzk.
Garvax beams a smile at Ptarchyzk.

Elaina raises an eyebrow.

Ptarchyzk says, 'pardon.. STILL happeneoing....'

Cordir says, 'and yes, still happening.'

Cordir says, 'Bastian, it took a great deal of courage to share your tale.'

Ptarchyzk sits down and thinks deeply.

Khorlan gets steak made from green dragon from an egg casing.
Khorlan grins neutrally.
Khorlan says, 'He took my hair i took his meat'.
Khorlan puts steak made from green dragon in an egg casing.
Deamhan snickers with Khorlan about their shared secret.
Trakker beams a smile at Khorlan.

Bastian says, 'It n'.
Bastian says, 'needed to be told.'

Cordir says, 'There was always the chance... in your mind... that we might reject you.'

Cordir says, 'Turn away in horror.'

Ptarchyzk says, 'ok.. hmm. eenie, meenie, miney..'

Bastian nods.
Bastian says, 'Yes, there was. It was a r.. risk I was willing to take.'

Cordir says, 'Never.'

Bastian says, 'Like I s.. said I have come to know all of you, some in ways I d'.

Ptarchyzk gives the sizzling iron ring to Elaina.
Ptarchyzk says, 'that goes to the Lady.. :>'.
Elaina nods.
Elaina smiles happily.

Bastian says, 'did not set out to, but simply because I see things in people.'

Ptarchyzk snickers with Nyx about their shared secret.

Garvax frowns.

Elaina curtseys gracefully.

You smile happily.

Cordir says, 'Thank you all for attending.'

Deamhan says, 'Bastian, I have a similar story in my own past which perhaps it will be time to share one day'.

Bastian says, 'I would l'.

Deamhan says, 'For now, know that you are not alone'.

Bastian says, 'like to hear that'.

Nyx says, 'Hardly alone...'

Nyx ponders other pasts...

Garvax says, 'if anyone has some mushrooms i really would like some :)'.

Elaina smiles happily.

Deamhan utters the words, 'create food'.
A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.

Deamhan utters the words, 'create food'.
A Magic Mushroom suddenly appears.

Elaina would too.

Ptarchyzk says, 'other pasts.. hmm.. '.
Ptarchyzk nods.

[ The Chosen re-equip themselves in their day-to-day garb, and replenish themselves with food and drink. ]

Garvax smiles happily.
Cordir says, 'Garvax, again my thanks...'
Nyx says, 'Glad you could make it, Garvax'.

Cordir says, 'You have gone above and beyond the call of duty...'

Elaina beams a smile at Garvax.

Garvax says, 'i wouldn't want to miss it :)'.

Bastian looks at both h.. his covenants, and the lesions on his chest.

Trakker tickles Garvax.

Cordir says, 'perhaps next time we can make sure its a bit more convenient of a time for you.'

Garvax says, 'don't bother only for me :)'.

(End Scene: Visit Wyld Goings On to see what happened next...)