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Post by Kaine on Jul 8, 2010 15:20:06 GMT -5
Once Zathrien arrived in the forest, he drew his katanas and stood at the ready. He walked cautiously, staying ready for anything that might jump out. Though the sun was shining through the trees, Zathrien felt a chill running through his body. He knew something was out there, but he could not locate it. He ran into no Stalfos; even this frightening new breed of Stalfos was not immune to the sun’s harsh rays. Still, the more he walked, the more worried he became. He felt as though something was hunting him, something otherworldly. He thought he caught a glimpse of some shadowy form to his left, but could find nothing when he focused on the area. He knew something was tracking him.
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Post by Moonlight on Jul 13, 2010 9:44:53 GMT -5
The Shade's luminescent crimson gaze continued to follow the mercenary from an idle distance, mildly intrigued. Was this the menace his overlord had spoken of? He bit back a scoffing chuckle as not to be heard, before shaking his head. A mere Hylian, and he was somehow destroying their ranks ... It seemed as if Ghaviraxz was in need of some support if even his new breed was falling like flies. The Shade's gaze suddenly vanished with the next breath of wind, leaving the mercenary utterly alone. He had more important matters to attend with - Or lose his head.
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Post by Diamond on Jul 13, 2010 16:54:18 GMT -5
Dark Link watched Zathrien curiously. This had to be the mercenary that was giving Ghaviraxz trouble. It would probably be a bad idea to engage him at the moment, so he turned to leave.
He stopped when he felt his cloak choke him a bit. Great.
He pulled on it. Wincing a bit when the bush rustled.
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Post by Kaine on Jul 13, 2010 19:43:09 GMT -5
Zathrien continued to walk through the forest slowly, as the feeling of being watched never subsided. He grasped his katanas loosely but was ready fight any being that may appear. He heard a rustling behind him and to his left and he whirled around to face whatever was coming for him. Four of the new Stalfos jumped out and circled him, cutting off any escape. Zathrien looked between all of them and smiled cruelly. He closed his eyes momentarily and the Stalfos on either side of him struck.
His eyes popped back open and the Stalfos gurgled as blades suddenly stuck out of their necks. Zathrien jerked his arms towards him and the skeletons fell, with two skulls rolling on the ground. He leapt forward and exchanged staggering blows with the Stalfos in front of him. He went through the motions in his mind, Strike, strike, strike, parry. Strike, strike, strike, parry. Turn, parry, thrust, jab, strike, parry. Within several seconds, he had overwhelmed the Staflos and it too fell to the ground without its skull. Zathrien ducked and turned, narrowly missing the blade of the last skeleton.
He dropped into a limber and ready stance. He twirled his blades around in the air and held them out to the side, waiting for the Stalfos to make the first move. It stabbed forward and Zathrien parried. It flinched and swiped horizontally. Zathrien parried easily again. The skeleton narrowed its eyes and feinted left and struck right. Zathrien expected this move and dodged to his right, easily swatting aside the skeleton’s blade with his left blade and decapitated it with the right. He froze for a minute or two to catch his breath and make sure there were no other skeletons present. When none others presented themselves, he relaxed slightly and stood straight. He took a deep breath and took off at a run again, glancing left and right every few seconds. He had to stay alert.
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Post by Moonlight on Jul 13, 2010 20:16:46 GMT -5
The Shade's attention remained loosely focused on the mercenary while still attempting to locate the source of his own assignment, observing the Hylian's fighting style should he have to challenge him. He was at least quick, and appeared to be of enough skill to make a battle interesting. All four of the usual Stalfos fell without much struggle, however, but it soon became apparent that the man was perspective. He missed little, save for the assassin near him. It was mere moments before the mercenary continued on his way, soon vanishing from sight.
A sadistic and satisfied smirk reaching his lips, though, as the intruding power vanished with him. Recognizing the feel of the other power that had escaped them almost a full fortnight before now. Injured as she was, it would not be surprising if all he had to do was wet his blade. It would be oh so simple just to slit the mage's throat, after all.
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Post by Kaine on Jul 15, 2010 20:35:21 GMT -5
Parry. Strike. Thrust. Feint. Dodge. Strike strike strike. Spin. Parry. Twirl. Jump! Zathrien’s mind was racing as he fought Stalfos after Stalfos. He had seen none of the traditional Stalfos since entering the forest that morning, and his energy was beginning to wane. After he felled the last Stalfos in front of him, he stood crouched with his blades extended, catching his breath and scanning his surroundings again. He felt the presence of being watched again and did not move.
“I must say,” he heard a smooth, malignant voice to his right speak, “you did quite well for a Hylian."
Zathrien stayed immobile and smiled, answering, “Why don’t you stop hiding and I can show you what this Hylian is capable of?”
“I’ve got more important priorities than you at the moment, however,” the voice responded, ignoring his comment. Zathrien slowly looked to his right and saw glowing red eyes. Instinctively, he turned and threw Zathar forcefully towards the eyes. It arced end over end and the eyes moved just in time for the katana to embed itself in the tree trunk behind them. A tall figure was suddenly illuminated by sunlight and Zathrien narrowed his eyes, doing his best to memorize its appearance. The figure quickly melded into another shadow however, and only the eyes remained.
“You have fair aim, I must admit,” the interloper crooned. “But could you actually win against me?”
Zathrien kept his eyes narrowed. “If my aim is that good from this distance, imagine how much it improves at close range.”
“Heh… Perhaps you have a point, Hylian. However, there is little one can do when their life spills out onto the ground.”
“A truth I’ve learned quite well. Would you like to learn it first-hand?”
Zathrien heard a scoff. “I know all about it, trust me. I’ve definitely killed enough people.”
Zathrien laughed bitterly as his days in the Lost Woods came rushing back. He spoke, as if in a trance, “Have you ever fought against twenty foes in a single instance? Have you ever watched as twenty bodies writhing in agony perished within seconds of each other?” Zathrien’s voice trailed off and he barely noticed the interloper speak.
“Perhaps I should give you an example some time. Speaking of death, however, I do believe I have other business to attend to. We shall meet again soon, Hylian.” The red eyes vanished but Zathrien never noticed. He tried to block that horrendous night from his memories and nearly succeeded. He stood and shook his head, trying to further clear his mind. He shut his eyes and called out to the water in the air. Soon, the sound of a babbling brook could be heard, soothing his spirit and clearing his mind.
He stood straight and glanced around once more before walking over to the tree and ripping Zathar from the trunk. He gave it a once-over, making sure no harm had come to the blade. Once he was sure it was as sharp as ever, he broke into a dead run. His task was not yet complete, and there were still several hours before the sun would set.
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Post by Moonlight on Aug 5, 2010 19:58:42 GMT -5
Lavender was beginning to streak the dusky sky as the sun sank into the earth, cool wisps of an evening breeze slipping through the open window. Selena gingerly pulled the supplied tunic over the bandages swathing her ribs and side, grateful that the village healer had turned aside. Glad that acknowledging the pain would cause no worry if Ilia hadn't seen it. They had already gone out of their way to assist her ... It was the least she could do to get out of their hair now, before things got even worse for their village. The last thing she wanted was to draw more strife to them.
The young woman breathed a small sigh after a moment, pulling on her now cleaned boots as the close fitting pair of borrowed trousers easily slid under the leather. What with having had all of the clothes she had showed up in burned, she was entirely without connections to whatever life she'd lead before everything had happened. Questions continued to pile in Selena's mind, but received no answers. What with her name being the only thing she knew, save for a few small snippets ... It was safe to assume it would be a trying task to recover them all. But perhaps her apparent hunters would be of assistance? Judging from that snippet, they would not rest until she was slain. Why?
The electrum tressed mage slid her fingers through her still drying hair after a moment, appreciating the lavender scent that now accompanied her from the soap mixture. It was soothing, at least. Allowing her to relax somewhat until Zathrien returned from his second shift, as Ilia had said he'd returned for a short rest at noon for food and the like. She could only hope that he'd be in the spirits to travel. If all else failed ... He could at least point her in the right direction, once she knew where they were supposed to be going.
Turning back to the darker blonde healer, though, offering her a small smile with a slight bow. "... My thanks, Ilia, for your hospitality. I only hope that this situation may be worked out, and is not worsened from my presence here," Selena said softly as she straightened, dark cobalt eyes showing that there was much more than her words alone. Even so, Ilia simply nodded in understanding as she guided the younger woman back downstairs to wait. The coming evening casting warm light through the slats in shuttered windows on the ground floor, some falling across the table where a moderate leather satchel lay. Apparently already prepared, ready to go at a moment's notice.
Now, all they could do was wait for the mercenary's return.
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Post by Kaine on Aug 24, 2010 14:24:21 GMT -5
Zathrien’s heart pumped frantically in an effort to keep up with the exertion of swordplay. Since his encounter with the other being in the forest, Stalfos had not stopped assaulting him for nigh on three hours. His body was completely drenched in sweat and his breathing was ragged. His movements were slowly but surely becoming sluggish, and he knew before too long his parry would fail. Twist. Lunge. Parry. Strike. Stab! Breath…that’s the most important…keep breathing.
He swung his katana in an arc and looked around quickly. When no Stalfos immediately jumped in to attack again, he stooped to one knee and gasped for breath. He had not experienced a fight so strenuous since that last stand in the Lost Woods. Again, he pushed the memories from his mind and stood. He glanced up at the sky and noticed the sun was setting. He closed his eyes for a moment and then began jogging back to Ordon. The girl, Selena, would be waiting for him once he got there. He knew he would not truly be able to rest for at least two more days blinked hard again. As grateful as he was for the restorative powers of his water magic, he knew his body could not fully recover without rest, and at the rate he was going, he would need several days.
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Post by Moonlight on Aug 25, 2010 14:54:12 GMT -5
Nightfall was coming. By now, Bo was back inside with them. He was pacing across the room, his heavy tread causing a weaker board to creak every time he passed. Ilia's dark green eyes followed her father with every turn, clearly emotionally and physically drained. Zathrien was late. And the most unfortunate conclusion was what immediately came to mind for them. They knew the strengths of their enemies, and far more than Selena did. But, while they tried to claw their way out of the impending sense of reality, it seemed her sixth sense was acting up once more.
That same essence, the one she'd felt earlier when he was nearby, was vaguely apparent. The pale mage's brow was creased slightly with the headache, but her discomfit was nothing in comparison to the mayor's. But that did not stop the ache from sharply increasing as another, firey one appeared in mind's eye. Near, but not on top of them. But from the suddenness of it, it would mean teleportation. Someone of power, per chance?
Her dark cobalt gaze trailed to Bo after a moment, the creaking of wood once more reaching the women's ears. "... Bo, it is possible that Zathrien was delayed ... I believe we'd receive confirmation of sorts if anything truly happened," she tried quietly, causing the heavyset mayor to pause. Sweat was already visible in the candlelight, having worked himself in to a frenzy. But the chance was enough to catch his attention.
"Yeah ... You're right. It is a chance. Longshot, but there," he returned gruffly, but his hazel eyes betrayed his emotions more than his voice. The goodwill was there, but also what Selena seemed to identify as blame. Her gaze lowered after a moment, settling on her lap. Hoping she hadn't brought the village to the ground with her being there, with her being hunted. They'd already been knocked to their knees. The last thing they needed was more difficulty in simply surviving.
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Post by Kaine on Sept 18, 2010 2:55:58 GMT -5
Zathrien cursed his luck a thousand times over. As he had been jogging back to Ordon, the wind had shifted and blown opposite his course. Within seconds, the smell of death reached his nostrils. He stopped as quickly and quietly as he could and looked around for a tree to climb. He found a larger sapling nearby and scaled it quickly, using its height to tell him what lay ahead. His eyes widened and he took a sharp breath.
In a glade just beyond his current position, there stood an army of Stalfos numbering over one hundred strong. Zathrien shook his head and cursed their luck yet again. He could see Ordon in the distance, but could figure no way to get around the glade without scouts spotting him. He was surprised none had spotted him already. He continued to watch them but quickly grew disinterested. They were simply milling about, engaging in typical army camp shenanigans. He silently beckoned to the water in the air and asked it for its energy. He took a deep breath and relaxed as the sounds of a babbling brook flooded his ears. As suddenly as the sound had occurred, it disappeared. Zathrien opened his eyes and felt new energy coursing through his body. He was fully alert now, and was able to look at the Stalfos camp with the intent of spotting their scouts. If he could eliminate the scouts, he might just have a chance.
***
His work went slow. He was able to identify seven scouts surrounding the camp, but in order to take them out he would need to be swift and silent. He had climbed down the tree and began creeping towards the first scout. Working as quickly as he would dare, he had taken down six of the current seven scouts. Now, he lay prone just behind the last scout, covered by the dense underbrush. He moved three inches forward and froze, knowing the Stalfos could not have seen him but fearing his movements would make noise. He was given no reaction, so he crawled forward another three inches and froze again. He repeated the process several more times, until the Stalfos was essentially standing over him. This scout was closer to the camp than any of the previous scouts, so he would have to be quick, and would have to be silent. Setting Kelvun aside, he quickly reached up with his right hand and swiftly pulled the Stalfos down by the pelvis. He clamped his other hand across its mouth, instantly muffling a piercing shriek. He swiftly regained Kelvun and slid the blade between the bones in the Stalfos’ neck. The skull popped off and the final scout was dead.
Zathrien allowed himself a small breath and quickly began crawling away, away from the camp and back towards Ordon. He knew he was late, and he knew Bo at least had probably given up hope. He also knew the news he now bore would give them no reprieve. While Zathrien was a warrior worthy of legends, even he would admit his chances against an army were slim to none.
((Sorry my response is so late. >_< It was not intentional.))
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