Icilis
Familiar Face
Posts: 54
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Post by Icilis on Jan 28, 2006 13:09:02 GMT -5
This was not the place. The infernal seemed to know this.
Icilis instantly summoned Bartast using a special gem he had been given for completing a quest long ago. Bartast, a voidwalker, was a great asset and had protected Icilis without fail or question since he was young. The infernal pulled itself down as if ready to pounce when Icilis sent Bartast toward it.
The two demons roared, shaking Icilis' resolve for a mere breath of a moment, but just when they were about to meet Icilis sacrificed the voidwalker and leapt off of the ledge into nothingness. He had tried this once before with a much smaller fall, and although the landing was anything but graceful, the shield Bartast had cast on him protected from any damage for several seconds.
One... two... three...
Still nothing but cloud and snow, the sensation of falling had left him and was replaced by nothing. He was floating through the gray swirling storm.
Four... five... six...
Fear biled up into his throat. Death above or death below.
Seven... eight... nine...
Breaking through the bottom of the storm was shocking. For several seconds he wasn't sure if he was still moving, but now he could see the rate at which the ground was traveling toward him. Indeed the end is nigh, he closed his eyes in concentration knowing what must be done.
After the first touchdown, he bounced off of the side of the cliff as it began to flatten out and the shield went down. Icilis had slowed down now, but still the ground came at him. He laid to rest on the snow covered grass of Elwynn dead on impact, but instantly stood back up with a crack of thunder. The bright light of a soulstone resurrection could be seen through the snow and trees for miles.
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Monuv
New Arrival
Posts: 24
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Post by Monuv on Jan 29, 2006 11:35:40 GMT -5
The pair stood on the small bridge that gapped the creek that ran through Northshire without speaking for some time. They both leaned on their shoulders looking out over the railing. Koria let loose a full body shiver, "Brr..." a cloud of breath floated away with the snowflakes.
"I like it," Monuv said without looking up at her, "a nice change of pace from Neals' room."
"Well I've traveled from Un'Goro, so this isn't what I'm used to."
"Un'Goro?" Monuv looked up at her now with a surprised look splashing over his face. "Is that place as dangerous as they say?"
"Probably more."
"I looked over the jungles on the Western edges of Tanaris... it looked beautiful from above, but below I heard strange things."
"You should see those strange things." Koria suddenly opened her arms to him. "Keep me warm..."
Monuv blinked.
Without too terribly much hesitation, he took up her offer and they embraced. She placed her chin on his shoulder resting her head up against his. Her arms held him with sinew and great strength. At first at odds with the situation, as her strange scent of polished steel, leather and perfume came at him through her heat he closed his eyes and allowed the moment to become one.
"Did you know," she whispered right into his ear, her breath was hot condensing on his skin, "that I was a sad girl when I learned of you taking the vows... I thought maybe you had been fooling around with the church." She laughed at the memory. "But you were quite serious, yes? We parted ways soon after, then today... both of us back in Northshire. What are the odds of this?"
Monuv was about ten feet off the ground.
"I don't know."
Just then, something large floating in the creek knocked up against the supports of the bridge.
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Icilis
Familiar Face
Posts: 54
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Post by Icilis on Jan 31, 2006 20:58:46 GMT -5
Shaken and weak from his resurection, Icilis attempted to regain his bearings. This must be Elwynn, which part he was uncertain. If he traveled South, he would reach a road or town at some point, there he could find refuge from the storm for it would be some time still until the Infernal found him.
Casting the spell to call his felsteed, he leapt on its back and spurned it away from the cliffside. It weaved in and out of branches and bushes, tearing at Icilis' robes he had hard won long ago.
The felsteed leapt over a small embankment and out into the open of the main road in Elwynn. Icilis pulled on its mane to halt it and hold position, but the felsteed could sense more than even the warlock what chased them. It pranced about, churning up the freshly laid snow as it reared high into the air with a devilish neigh.
Right or left?
Icilis had no godly idea where he was, nor which direction he now faced. Barely able to control his steed, he pulled the demonic horse to the right, hoping he would come across Goldshire, or even better: Stormwind.
The Felsteed ran faster than Icilis had yet witnessed, it knowing full well the danger even it was in. Although this night had been nearly an abysmal failure, things were beginning to right themselves.
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Monuv
New Arrival
Posts: 24
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Post by Monuv on Feb 1, 2006 22:29:50 GMT -5
"Did you hear that?" Koria looked down into the frigid waters running slowly below them and could see a dark form caught on the support. "What is that?"
The couple slowly walked down to the bank and tried to look closer. Monuv looked around and saw a stick on the other side of Koria.
"Could you hand me..." Koria followed his gaze before he spoke and read his mind, handing the stick over before he had a chance to finish his sentance. "Thanks." Monuv prodded at whatever it was a few times. "Soft..."
Screams could be heard a hundred voices strong coming from the abbey, shouts and steel rang over the din. Both Monuv and Koria started at the sudden noise.
"What is going on?" Koria said exasperated, yet concern soaked her voice. "I'll find out, you get that..." She didn't want to say body, but they both knew what it was. With a new sense of urgency, Monuv tread into the icy waters which literally took the breath from him. A strange sensation of warmth slid back up into his torso as the feeling of his legs quickly left him.
Only waist deep under the bridge, it was easy to stand, but a difficult proposition to heft the large body out of the water.
"I WILL FIND YOU ICILIS!" A terrible voice echoed toward him from the direction of the abbey.
Monuv stopped, still standing in the stream holding what now appeared to be a battered and bloodied dwarf. The name Icilis rang through his mind as he looked closer at the face on the body.
With a gasp, he dropped Fechak back into the stream only to watch him float back under the bridge.
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Icilis
Familiar Face
Posts: 54
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Post by Icilis on Feb 3, 2006 18:12:04 GMT -5
Icilis was failing to concentrate on the connection to his felsteed. It had become impossible to control, throwing him off into the empty road moments earlier.
The roar of the Infernal was close now, it rose above the screams nearby. Icilis knew now where he was, all too well. The bond to the felsteed was beginning to shatter, the ground turned freezing to the touch as it pulled away back into the nether far below.
"No!" Icilis screamed at the demon in vain knowing his only chance for survival was to flee while the Infernal's corporeal form continued to wane. Soon the felsteed was gone, leaving him alone begging in the middle of the silent road. The muffled sounds of screaming were overshadowed by the bestial roar of the Infernal now just several hundred paces ahead in the abbey of Northshire.
Standing while casting a spell of protection upon himself, he summoned his trusty imp to his side. The imp, knowing what lay before them, instantly phased away from existence.
"You do not need to fight, little one... I will need your energy, and your blood." With a flash of it's eyes, the imp cast a blood pact between the two and nodded at his master. Icilis offered his arm to the imp, and it leapt up to perch itself on his shoulder.
Icilis walked now toward the looming walls protecting the tiny valley. There were no guards, they must have heard the screaming... Icilis knew they were not prepared for what fight they now found themselves in. Flames could be seen through the snow, the abbey was burning. Screaming children ran past him as he walked toward the great demon.
This is what happens when you loose control... fool.
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Monuv
New Arrival
Posts: 24
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Post by Monuv on Feb 6, 2006 21:27:16 GMT -5
The shock of seeing Fechak for the third time in his life reeled him into a near catatonic state. Monuv was frozen, unable to act yet pulled in two different directions. The cold was coming to him quickly now with water soaked into his robes.
The red glow of a fire behind him cast his shadow over the dwarf's body.
"Help us, help us!" Children were screaming at him as they ran toward him, his instincts finally kicked in.
"Run, you must run children, over the bridge!" Monuv herded them to relative safety, they continued screaming and crying as they hid in the field nearby. Seeing the children nearby hidden as safe as he could get them, he ran toward the fire, now the screams of the children were replaced by the battle shouts of men and women at the end of their lives. Or so they thought...
Placing a holy shield upon himself to save himself from the fire, Monuv leapt into the center of the melee undetered until he witnessed the enemy. His prayer was caught in his throat as the infernal came down upon one of the marshalls with both of it's massive arms. The blow was so grievous, the man was dead on impact.
"ICILIS!!"
Monuv closed his eyes and concentrated on a prayer of healing, the warriors that were once scorched and battered were whole again. He could hear the prayers of Anetta over the din from inside the Abbey. Monuv opened his eyes in time to see the Infernal swinging its right arm toward him, striking him so soundly he flew through the air into a tree nearby. Shaken, but with his powerful shield still standing, he stood back up to face the demon.
It was facing him now, it crouched down to pounce on him, surely the shield would not hold this attack. 'Concentrate you fool!!' Monuv yelled at himself in his mind as he began to cast another spell, but just as he did so, the strangest thing happened: it just stood there. Still in the attack position, its flaming eyes burned bright with hatred, but it did nothing. The warriors that were attempting to regroup looked around to see what would have caused this.
A lone man, walking from the shadows of the trees nearby held his hand up toward the demon as if by will alone he held him still. Monuv and the others backed away from the demon, it's flames still burning to those who ventured too near.
"Stay back!" This stranger yelled out in warning. "This demon is beyond any of you." His cheeks were gaunt, obviously in fear himself, but the blood red robes and cloaks he wore reflected in his black eyes showing only fury. Cheers errupted as the protectors of the abbey began to surround the man. "No! Stay away, this is not over!"
Koria found Monuv still standing against the tree. She slowly walked to him without taking her eyes off of the demon, her armor was scorched and her left arm lay at her side limp. Without a word, Monuv whispered a prayer and with the power of The Light, her wounds were healed. She looked at him finally and smiled her crooked smile brushing back the many tendrils of her hair that covered her face.
"We should get water..." She said this almost nonchalantly as if the abbey wasn't burning to the ground as they stood there.
"No... something is wrong." Monuv sounded distant. Koria looked back toward the demon and the stranger across the glade. "That must be..."
"What?"
"I have to hurry!" Monuv pushed his way past Koria and ran back toward the bridge where Fechak lay to rest.
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Icilis
Familiar Face
Posts: 54
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Post by Icilis on Feb 10, 2006 3:25:47 GMT -5
In the darker circles of the warlock order, it is written about infernals: Only those of the greatest mastery in the demonic arts should even attempt to conquer such a force of will. Those that fail shall meet a quick death, followed by an eternal torture at the hands of the greater demon they deemed their servant. This thought was at the front of Icilis' mind as he shuddered attempting to keep the infernal banished for as long as possible. Already this was the longest he had been able to concentrate on such a thing. He ignored the hissing of Bizloz, the cheering of the men around him, the flames of the abbey, his only focus was upon his imminent death and horrible torture in the nether below.
Another shudder wracked him, his heart struggled to beat through the strain on his soul.
"Get... back..." he groaned through gritted teeth, interrupting any quick celebration that had begun. Concentrate, fool, concentrate or die. Icilis opened his eyes finally as the banishment fell. He began to cast fear as the demon roared at him, no effect. He almost smiled as the men and women around him brought up arms once again, Icilis began to walk backward away from the demon as it matched his slow pace.
"Mortal," the infernal tossed one of the warriors aside like a rag doll. "You shall know soon the word regret... beg... pain... forever."
Icilis' fear was replaced by an abnormal calm.
Control.
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Post by Fechak on Feb 10, 2006 10:32:19 GMT -5
Fechak had been doing just fine, dead up there in the middle of the craggy mountains. Unfortunately, his body wasn't having the best day of its long life. After he had died, it had been berated, then tossed aside by the Infernal as it watched Icilis jump away, then it landed on some more rocks, then it rolled off of those rocks into a small lake that judging by the sound of a roaring waterfall nearby - there was a roaring waterfall nearby. If the dead body could have sighed, it would have as it tumbled over the many rocks and off the edge and its fourth fall of the night. Generally, waterfalls won't deposit you into nice, deep water, but instead on more rocks, this waterfall was no exception to that generalization. Fechak's body was just about finished now and needless to say if it could speak it would tell Fechak to just stay dead, trust me.
So when Fechak was resurrected, the shock of pain and frostbite and more pain were not exactly what he needed as he came spurting and cussing to life.
"Oh thank the Gods!" Monuv called to Fechak more blessings and healing, the horrible pain was beginning to subside being replaced by a dull pain that would pulse with every beat of his heart. "Are you ok? I assume you're Fechak... tonight's coincidences pretty much say that you are."
The red in Fechak's eyes returned as he rolled over with a groan to look up at the bastard that did this to him. He pulled on Monuv's robes nearly toppling the priest back into the water, he had no choice but for a little heart to heart with the dwarf up close and personal.
"L-l-l-isten-n t-t-a mmme ya right-t-t bastard-d-d, y-ye put-t mmme b-back-k-k r-r-right nnnow."
"There's no time, hurry the abbey is burning!"
"F-fire?" Fechak's delerium insisted on going now to the fire, where it was warm and not cold. Sopping wet, with dull throbbing pain and bones that had been magically tied back together, Fechak stood like a newborn calf and stumbled, dripping, away from Monuv.
"Yes! Very good!" Monuv encouraged the dwarf along and they trudged through the snow toward the fire.
"Shut-t-t up-p!!"
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Monuv
New Arrival
Posts: 24
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Post by Monuv on Feb 13, 2006 1:51:59 GMT -5
Monuv, sensing the urgency of the situation, had to leave Fechak stumbling his way toward the abbey behind. Above the roar of the flames, he could hear a pitched battle. Still men and women were screaming in pain, the dull thump of the infernal striking its next victim. There was a flash of strange light ahead followed by a scream of pain from the demon. Monuv rounded the corner to see the remaining warriors, Koria among them, charging into the fray once more now that their foe was caught off guard.
Icilis was preparing to cast another spell when Monuv took his side. The brothers called upon their power to destroy and mend, yet still the demon came forth. It fell its arms down upon Koria with such a stroke, Monuv could only save her on instinct placing a protective shield upon her at the final moment. Icilis let loose a bolt of shadow and it found a home upon the infernals chest, it shrieked yet again, but this time in anger. Annoyed at the pests causing him pain, the infernal began to charge the brothers. Monuv placed a shield upon himself as Icilis leapt out of the way. The young priest flew backward, reeling with the infernal as they toppled into the grass.
One of the marshalls, burnt and battered, fell upon the infernal as it was defenseless. He screamed expending the last of his strength, his sword an arc of steel flashing red from the fire. It landed upon the great arm of the demon and sparks flew as the sword shattered into dozens of pieces. The demon merely tossed the marshall aside, giving Monuv a precious moment to pull away from the crushing weight.
"FOR KHAZ MODAN!!!"
Fechak ran screaming his battle cry, leaping at the demon as it was getting up from the ground. Ignoring the flames spouting out from within the demons unholy core, Fechak clung on for dear life as it began to spin around to throw him off.
Monuv called down The Light to smite the demon, the flash of light nearly blinded all those near. It's scream became more intense.
Icilis called upon a curse of debilitating weakness which caused the infernal to collapse once more to the ground. The remaining warriors leapt now onto the monster, burning themselves without noticing, slamming their swords into notched oblivion. Fechak removed a dagger from his belt, enchanted with a special magic. He brought the blade down into the nether rock and it found purchase, cleaving a hole in it's chest.
Monuv watched in horror as the demon flexed once more throwing all of the combatants away. The world slowed once more as Koria flew into a nearby tree, landing at the roots motionless. Monuv forgot himself and ran toward her, the battle raging on behind him.
Icilis, having expended all of his strength, pulled the wand from a secret place in his robes and began to fling arcane bolts toward the demon. It was standing now, stumbling toward Icilis once again. It was gravely injured, but still incredibly dangerous.
Monuv held the head of Koria, no muscle flexed or spasmed, it rolled lifelessly in his hands. He began to shake uncontrollably, his eyesight leaving him as the pain came into his face pushing even his veins out trying to break the skin. His fists nearly pulled her hair out as he held his breath, knowing if another gasp left him he would collapse in agony.
"Help me!" Fechak screamed, in agonizing pain having caught fire. Monuv could not hear the screams and cries... His transformation was quick, bred from the place of heartbeats.
The Shadow enveloped him, welcoming him... this was his nature.
Leaving the body of Koria, he turned looking upon the demon with new eyes. The Shadow rolled through him, eminated from his pores as the cloud kept him safe. Without thinking he placed his hand into the air and reached out for the demon's mind. The shock of the pure hatred did not phase him, for The Shadow welcomed it as a warmth. A bolt of pure shadow energy errupted from the palm of Monuv flaying into the terrible soul of the infernal.
It collapsed slowly, still being assaulted from the front by Icilis. It's death shriek left Monuv's ears ringing. The satisfaction of what he had done grew in him like ecstacy as his power continued to call him closer to home.
Monuv ignored the surviving warriors rolling Fechak around in the dirt, he ignored the steaming rocks that were once the blazing infernal and walked toward his brother, reached through The Shadow and offered his hand.
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Post by Windfoot on Feb 15, 2006 20:12:21 GMT -5
((Fabulous writing, Fech. A great read.))
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Icilis
Familiar Face
Posts: 54
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Post by Icilis on Feb 19, 2006 14:31:24 GMT -5
Icilis looked up at Monuv not yet knowing exactly who he was. The heat of the battle still waning upon his skin as his lungs began to right themselves. He reached out to the hand as it was offered. Monuv's strength surprised him from the look of the priest's slight frame, Icilis found himself standing before he was prepared, but Monuv steadied him for a moment.
The two brothers stared at each other, seeing not resemblance in their features, but a kinship behind the eyes. Icilis could care less about the burning abbey, which now a flurry of people rushed about to save and from the looks of things the young man standing in front of him felt the same. Now, finally, Icilis felt himself again. He turned away from Monuv without a word and offered his arm once again to his imp. As the demon leapt up to his shoulder, it looked back and Monuv and smiled wickedly.
"Wait." Monuv's voice was muffled, distant through the shadow. Men shoved past the pair with more water.
"Yes?" Icilis only slightly turned to look again at Monuv, his concern over Fechak's wrath growing.
"I don't know you, but you are my brother." Icilis turned around to look at Monuv as he spoke now. "Where have you been?"
"I don't have any fond memories of you, you should feel lucky. As to where I have been, that is none of your concern." Icilis looked past Monuv to where Fechak was being treated by several priests. The situation around the abbey saw no end in sight to the confusion the fire had caused. "Nor is where I am traveling now..."
Icilis began to walk away once more, but Monuv reached out to stop him.
"I should come with you..."
Icilis sighed at this, truthfully some company would be welcome, but he traveled now where none could follow.
"No." Icilis removed his brother's hand still on his shoulder. "I have failed, but the results... never mind."
Fechak's gruff voice could now be heard over the din of the fire. Icilis pulled his hearthstone out and activated it. As he did so he whispered something to Monuv just before the stone summoned him home.
"Find me in Silithus..."
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Post by embermoon on Feb 21, 2006 11:34:22 GMT -5
((Excellent! I didn't know we had such good writers in this guild!))
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Post by Fechak on Feb 24, 2006 10:03:23 GMT -5
Fechak laid still in the dirt having been healed and bandaged up hours ago, and merely looked up into the clouds watching the snow fall. Already he was covered in a thin layer of flakes, but he paid it no mind. He had roughly dismissed the priests that had tended to him after Icilis disappeared. Monuv left soon thereafter, destination uknown.
The abbey was badly burned, but the flames had died down to cinders. No one was hurt in the fire, all those that were hurt in the fight with the demon had been resurrected, healed and were recovering in Goldshire. A young lady continued to ask about Monuv after she was resurrected and refused sanctuary in Goldshire. Hers was the trail that he would follow when the time was right.
Keg was shuffling nearby, knowing full well that his master was disappointed in him. His deep bleat reminded Fechak that there was still unfinished business to attend this evening. With a sigh that blew a few flakes from his moustache, Fechak rose with a groan. Some of his armor and beard had been scorched during the fight, this leaving more of a painful mark in Fechak's mind than any broken bone.
"C'mere ya bastard." Keg slowly trudged toward the dwarf and stood within arms reach. His deep black eyes looking down at Fechak with apology. "Bah... yer lucky I dun shave ya." He scratched the underside of Keg's chin, digging through the thick, matted fur. Keg playfully pushed Fechak with one of his horns. "Dun you start that! C'mon, we gotta get back up there afore tha sun rises."
He mounted up and kicked his heels in, turning Keg back toward the mountains. Although he was sore, Fechak pushed harder than before with more purpose back to the scene of the crime. As he traveled, over and over in his mind played the meeting with another warlock, this one much more pleasant in Stormwind. He had explained to Fechak that many warlocks will bind a lesser demon, an imp, to their children as protection during their younger years. This is normally done on a glyph during the infant's first week. Fechak had interrupted that ceremony, which means according to this friendly warlock, that Monuv might have a demon attached to him without knowing or control over the thing. 'Great', Fechak remembered thinking. 'As if killing their parents for no reason wasn't good enough.'
Close to dawn, Fechak loosed himself from the saddle onto the ledge he had been fighting to reach all night. Down on his knees in the snow, he begged the spirits of the innocents he had killed in his life, a long list indeed. For these, two roses were placed where two bodies lay long ago. The thick snow muffled all sound, the silence was fitting as even Keg stood in reverence.
Without wiping his tears away, he turned to his ram and spoke through the well in his throat.
"So what now?" Keg snorted in reply. "Aye... tis a good idea..."
The end... of part one...
((Thanks for all the feedback on this one. I am going to start a new thread in the near future that will be open finally, if you plan on jumping in to help Monuv back from the path he is beginning, send me a message and I'll keep you informed.))
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Post by Windfoot on Feb 25, 2006 0:10:52 GMT -5
((Fechak, awesome writing. One of the best pieces of writing on here, IMHO. Thank you.))
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Post by Vangelis on Feb 25, 2006 16:49:51 GMT -5
(( /second Windfoot. Bravo! ))
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