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Post by Kaine on Jun 30, 2010 19:35:51 GMT -5
Zathrien crouched behind the shrubs dotting the plains of Hyrule Field as he watched the small force of Stalfos knights creep towards Ordon Village. Since Zathrein had become a mercenary vigilante ten or so years past, Bo, mayor of Ordon, had become a close friend and ally. He had come to Zathrien for help regarding Stalfos attacks. Most of the attacks were came from the standard, bulky-yet-very-powerful skeleton warriors, though rumors were starting to spread from nearby farms that new Stalfos had emerged from the Lost Woods. Zathrien doubted the validity of such rumors, but agreed to help Ordon Village survive through the next several attacks. If he was successful, perhaps the marauders would give up their endeavors.
He slowly pulled his katanas from their scabbards across his back and quickly dashed to the next shrub. Stalfos had no such reputation for being observant, but Zathrien had learned the hard way to never expect a foe to act as it should. He stilled his rapid breathing and tried to relax and loosen his muscles as he continued to watch the marching skeletons. They were getting closer to Ordon. Zathrien would have to act quickly.
He leapt from his cover behind the shrubs and silently ran up behind the Stalfos. His blades met the rear guard and cut him down with no resistance. Two more Stalfos met the same end before he was spotted from the front of the company. Ten more Stalfos knights remained, and they quickly circled him, being sure to stay out of the reach of his blades. Zathrien smiled as he looked at each Stalfos individually. Either he now had a reputation among the skeletal warriors, or his sudden appearance and subsequent killing of their comrades had them scared. Regardless, he still held the advantage.
He struck faster than lightning at the Stalfos closest to him and cut him down in seconds. He moved to his left and cut them down quickly, one after another. At the last Stalfos knight, Zathrien paused to see how the warrior would react. Its joints were quivering noisily and its breathing was ragged. Zathrien laughed and decapitated him. As the skull flew through the air, Zathrien surveyed the carnage. Thirteen Stalfos knights had been eliminated in less than five minutes. He shook his head. Surely these Stalfos were not the ones terrorizing Ordon? Even in his advancing age, Bo could have easily managed this fight. Zathrien knew something more must be happening. He sheathed his katanas and dashed south to Ordon. He needed to speak with Bo.
(The RP has officially begun! ;D)
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Post by Moonlight on Jul 1, 2010 10:50:16 GMT -5
Deep cobalt eyes examined their surroundings as the young woman moved forward, confusion and perhaps even illness dimming her once bright gaze. The area seemed vaguely familiar, yet she couldn't place where she was. A small sigh escaped the pale mage as a bloodied hand gently massaged her temples, further smearing the testament of her last battle - One she couldn't even remember.
Crimson stained the young woman's garments, soaking a dark rosette into her baggy white tunic and pale blue trousers. Each step had turned into a dull continuation of pain as she wandered through the forest, a torn gash cutting diagonally across her entire side. The serrated blade had done quite a number on the feminine mage, prolonging an already extended blood loss from continued movement. But the sun was setting ... She was running out of time. Wolfos would see her as easy prey. And she was.
Exhaustion quivered through her, the electrum tressed mage barely conscious now. The warm glow of lanterns was finally visible in the distance, though - Perhaps, if she hurried, she'd reach it before darkness overtook the area. Pausing, though, upon reaching a glade at the edge of the forest. A tamped dirt path, much worn from regular travel, garnering her attention. It was uncannily familiar, though she didn't know why. The young woman winced suddenly slightly, eyes momentarily closing.
"Selena? Are you all right?" a soft masculine voice inquired, causing the young woman to glance up.
"I'm fine ... You needn't concern yourself," she returned quietly, though offering a small smile to placate him. The horseman's face was shadowed, though, leaving her wondering whom she was talking to.
Selena? Was that her name ...? It sounded like her voice, at least ...
A canine growl snapping the mage out of her musings, pivoting. Amber eyes bored straight through her, sharply clawed paws digging into the dirt. The young woman slowly stepped back in retreat, aiming to be as close to the village as possible as the beast advanced. Hackles raised, and teeth bared, the wolfos was not toying with her. It was simply hungry. And taking advantage of what was in front of it.
The armored wolf lunged. Cobalt aura instinctively flared at her palms, stepping back forward to meet it as she shoved them at the animal. A sharp yelp cut through the cooling night air as her attack connected - The wolfos rolling along the root scattered glade, before rising to it's feet again. This time wary. Her jaw clenched, lashing out once more when it suddenly broke into an all out run.
A whip of the same cobalt aura connecting with it's head, snapping it back at an unnatural angle. The mage hesitating slightly as it collapsed with the next step, her magic flickering. It was dead, yes ... But it felt odd, even in self preservation. She shook her head after a moment, before turning. She could dwell on it later, for now, she had to reach the village. Continuing onward, ducking under a low branch as she walked.
Her vision was becoming hazy, though, unclear. What with already being battle-worn, even that bit of magic drained her. The electrum tressed mage pressed her already blood-soaked arm against the wound in her side as she continued, pointedly ignoring it as her pace forcibly quickened. There was hardly a mote of light left. She licked her dry lips in attempt to moisten them as she walked, focusing solely on her goal as the trees began to thin out, reaching the edge of the forest. Only to haltingly stumble when a skeletal figure emerged from the trees in front of her, luminescent eyes quickly focusing on her. As if honing in on her magic.
The young woman stiffened. Other Stalfos were appearing in a ring around her as her gaze moved, taking inventory. Gauging her opponents' strength. She slowly shifted her weight, fingers twitching as a faint aura appeared again. It flared when the quartet attacked, the mage ducking around the nearest and lashing out - Another whip of cobalt sending it into the nearest tree. Many of the seemingly enchanted bones shattered at impact. She suddenly pivoted, eyes clenching shut as she poured her remaining energy into the next attack.
A near blinding pulse of cobalt magic literally bursting from her, even shaking the sturdy oak as it connected. Her foes clearly defeated as her eyes reopened, only to become hooded once more. Collapsing as unconsciousness claimed her, the spent mage's life now in the hands of fate.
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Post by Diamond on Jul 1, 2010 12:31:28 GMT -5
As fate would have it, she would survive.
A figure in a dark cloak looked down at her from the shadows. He walked over and knelt by her side, getting a better look at her wounds.
You're going soft, the figure thought. He pulled out a red potion and began rubbing it on the wounds. It wouldn't help as much as if she drank it, but it would help. When he finished with that he pulled out a role of bandages and started dressing her wounds.
He studied the pale mage's face. She was beautiful. He shoved those thoughts away as he picked her up. It would never work and he didn't even know her. He carried her a bit closer to the village, hoping a villager would come across her soon and set her down.
“Dark Link, you've gone soft,” he muttered, turning and heading back into the forest.
He needed a job to do. He was bored.
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Post by Kaine on Jul 1, 2010 18:02:59 GMT -5
Zathrien walked slowly through the small chalet known as Ordon Village. Many of the villagers seemed to be in hiding, wary of another Stalfos attack. He could not say he blamed the villagers; he had professed the caution himself, and Stalfos knights could easily cut through unarmed villagers. He walked across the small wooden bridge traversing a widened creek and walked up to Bo’s house. He knocked gingerly at the door and heard a grumpy shout.
“You insolent skeletons! I know your tricks! You’ll have nothing to do with me!”
“Bo,” Zathrien spoke, “the skeletons have be taken care of. You’re safe tonight.”
The door creaked open loudly and Bo beckoned Zathrien to enter. Zathrien stepped through the door and Bo closed and locked it behind him. “You say you’ve handled the skeletons, Zathrien?” There was more than a casual concern in Bo’s voice.
Zathrien nodded and replied, “Yes, I took down about thirteen Stalfos that seemed to be marching towards Ordon.”
Bo caught Zathrien’s remark. “Seemed to be marching towards Ordon?”
Zathrien hesitated and then asked, “Bo, what kind of Stalfos have been attacking this village? The Stalfos I took care of just now were not really a threat. You could have easily taken care of them all.”
Now Bo hesitated and responded slowly. “I apologize, Zathrien. I haven’t been truly honest with you about the attacks on the village, partially because I’ve been afraid.”
“Afraid of what?”
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Post by Diamond on Jul 1, 2010 18:26:46 GMT -5
Rusl wandered the edge of the village, watching for anything that could be a danger. He wasn't willing to sit and let his family be endangered, advancing age or no.
He paused, thinking he saw a flash of movement. He drew his sword and rushed forward, ready to eradicate the monster and found nothing. He looked around, just trees. Maybe he was getting too old for this.
He was about to leave when he looked down and saw a girl lying unconscious on the forest floor. Her wounds had been dressed, but still looked bad. He picked her up and carried her into the village to get her some proper treatment.
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Post by Moonlight on Jul 1, 2010 19:37:27 GMT -5
The aging swordsman glanced down at the young woman after they reached Bo's house, before shaking his head. She was young enough to be Colin's daughter and clearly had been all but fatally wounded. Although it had been bandaged, a deep scarlet flare was soaking through the white cloth, a good majority of her tunic already stained. It was no wonder she was unconscious. After knocking on the mayor's door and no one answered, he tried the latch. It was locked. At that, the swordsman promptly pounded the wood. "Bo! We have company, and it's urgent!" he shouted, trying to get the now elderly mayor's attention. After another moment, the door swung open. Pure shock crossed his expression at the sight of the maiden's blood soaked tunic and marks across what was visible of her body, before ushering him inside. After a hushed explanation and words exchanged, it was settled that Ilia, now Ordon's healer; would care for the stranger. She looked like she'd survive with the proper care - If they were fortunate, they'd hear what happened. * * * * * Moonlight filtered through the open window, hitting her across the eyes. A low groan escaped the young woman's lips as she awakened, slowly pulling herself into a sitting position as her eyes opened. Immediately wincing, her arm clamping against the wound. But her eyes promptly widened in shock, upon seeing the room she was in. A single glance at the window told her it was moonhigh, the peak of the night ... Had she been unconscious for that long? A woman's voice caused her to glance over, but her being startled was more than just the belated knowledge. She could feel the woman's presence, her essence. The very core. Upon hearing her name being requested, though, she hesitated. "... Selena, I believe," the young woman finally returned, though clearly uncertain. "... I'm not entirely sure, though," she added in a whisper, barely audible even to herself. |
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Post by Kaine on Jul 3, 2010 10:43:35 GMT -5
Zathrien became very concerned when he saw Rusl bring in the injured girl. A furrow never left his brow. He watched Ilia take her into some other room and turned back to Bo.
“Bo,” he said softly, “you had better tell me what is going on.”
Bo turned quickly with an ashen look on his face. He hesitated again, but then nodded and responded, “Yes, I suppose I should.” He took a deep breath and asked, “Zathrien, have you heard the rumors about some new form of Stalfos? About how they’re terrorizing villages in the south?”
Zathrien nodded and narrowed his eyes. “Yes, I’ve heard the rumors, Bo. I thought they were simply that: rumors.”
Bo shook his head quickly. “They’re about as far from rumors as you can get. We’ve seen them here a lot. That’s why all the villagers run and hide in their homes as soon as the sun starts to go down. These new Stalfos seem to be unable to handle sunlight, but they’ll cut down anyone outside after dark. And they’re quick buggers too. Unlike any Stalfos I’ve ever seen before. The typical Stalfos knight, I never have a problem with, like you said earlier. But these new ones…even Rusl couldn’t handle them.”
Zathrien nodded slowly and sighed. “I suppose my suspicions were correct, though I wish you could have been more up front about this.”
“I’m sorry Zathrien. I really am. But the villagers hired other mercenaries before you arrived.”
Zathrien’s head turned. “Say again?”
“There had been other mercenaries hired before you arrived here. Whenever they were told about the new kind of Stalfos, we never saw or heard from them again. I don’t know if it’s because they turned tail and ran, or if it’s because the new Stalfos somehow took care of them. Regardless, they’ve all disappeared. I hope that shows that I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to disappear too.”
Zathrien chuckled a little. “I appreciate the concern, Bo. However, if those Stalfos I cut down earlier were not the ones I need to be looking for, I need to get back out there. I understand the risks, but,” he drew his katanas, “I doubt anything will willingly pick a fight with me.”
Bo sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I do hope you’re right, Zathrien. Just be safe and come back to us in the morning.”
Zathrien smiled with a glimmer in his eye. “Surviving is what I do best.”
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Post by Moonlight on Jul 3, 2010 12:56:14 GMT -5
The young woman's soft cobalt gaze settled upon the healer across from her, pensive. Obviously, the older woman had heard her other comment. Her emerald green eyes were bemused, though openly concerned. "Lie back down, please. You shouldn't be trying to sit up already with that wound," the healer said firmly, gently trying to push her back down.
Selena shook her head in response, surprisingly strong willed already. "... I am fine. How did I arrive here ...?" she queried after a moment, brushing the hand aside. The blonde tressed woman sighed audibly as she wrung out a cloth in the bowl, before moving back over. It was then that Selena noticed her entire upper torso had been bandaged, but otherwise unadorned. Multiple sections of dried blood were still visible across her lower torso, though. A slight flush of crimson heated her face of it's own accord, looking away. Grateful that there at least weren't any others in sight.
Finding out more tidbits of herself with each interaction, at least. "A swordsman by the name of Rusl found you not far from the forest's edge, and brought you to Ordon for treatment. It was doubtful you would have survived otherwise. However ... We need to know what happened, Selena, when you're well enough to tell my father," the healer added, causing the mage's head to turn away. Dejected, perhaps.
"... I ... I can't remember. I only know that I woke with the wound some hours ago ..." the young woman murmured, raising a hand to touch her forehead in frustration. Everything was dauntingly dangling out of reach, as if taunting her. Barricaded from her own memories, herself. Selena's eyes clenched shut, shaking her head. Only to feel another essence as a door underneath them audibly shut, this one similar to the healer's but also different.
"You cannot remember anything at all ...? Oh my ..." the older woman murmured, withdrawing hesitantly. However, tensing when Selena suddenly flinched again, this time not from the wound. Why was she feeling everyone's presence? Her head was pounding, as if having to become re-accustomed to what she was feeling. Selena forced her eyes open when she felt herself being guided back down. "You need to rest - At the moment you're only causing yourself torment. Sleep for now," the healer ordered firmly, this time unrelenting when the mage tried to rise again.
Clearly having much on her mind, however, as the heavily wounded magus reluctantly succumbed to the aliments plaguing her; and the drought set to counter it. Slipping into darkness once more, despite her determination to stay conscious. Giving the healer the notion that she would wake once again in the near future, leaving her little time to speak with her father before having to come back to supervise her.
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Post by Diamond on Jul 3, 2010 13:31:47 GMT -5
Dark Link gazed in the window, making sure that she had indeed been found and given to the healer. The sight of her resting seemed to calm him inside. Why? He had no answer only that he had worried about her injuries.
His worry and curiosity satisfied, he went into he forest, though not too far. He took out his ocarina and began playing one of the many tunes he knew to try and lull himself to sleep.
The fact that the strange and haunting music was probably freaking the Ordonians out more than they already were was of no concern to him.
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Post by Kaine on Jul 5, 2010 16:42:50 GMT -5
Zathrien left Bo’s house and took a deep breath once outside. The crisp air rejuvenated him and he felt refreshed. He reentered the forest and began searching for signs of other Stalfos. If the rumors about these new Stalfos were true, simply being outside would attract one. As Zathrien started to branch out into the forest farther from the village, his suspicions were confirmed.
A slim Stalfos stood before him, seemingly appearing from nowhere. Zathrien lifted his katanas and locked eyes with the skeleton. It did not quiver or waver in the slightest; in fact, it stared right back at him. The Stalfos smiled and Zathrien raised an eyebrow. He rolled to the left just as another slim Stalfos brought its blade down where he had been standing. He stood quickly and jumped towards the first Stalfos as yet another skeleton swung from him. The Stalfos jumped to the side and met his blade with its own. They exchanged furious blows for a few seconds before the Stalfos leapt away. Zathrien heard music coming from the forest and a chill crept up his spine. The haunting melody brought back very painful memories, and seemed to strengthen the growing number of very dangerous Stalfos surrounding him.
He shut his mind closed to the memories and the music and began systematically battling the Stalfos. The first that had appeared was his first target. His katanas became a whirlwind of deadly steel and the skeleton could not withstand it. Within seconds his remains littered the immediate area. The whirlwind did not stop until another three Stalfos had been cut down. He could hear others coming, though they tried to keep their steps silent. He sheathed his blades and ran back to Ordon. Bo’s tale was indeed true. This was more than a mere band of Stalfos terrorizing the Hylian south. He had once thought it impossible from Stalfos, but this was organized. Someone, or something, had taken Stalfos and created something truly terrifying: an efficient, organized strike force. Someone was targeting Ordon.
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