The Countryside II

[McBish]

Indeed creaking does happen. Several small spiders run around going in and out of holes in the floor. A staircase down awaits Maph'tey at the end of the hallway.

[Rebonack]

The Traveler begins to descend down the stairs, carefully testing each step just in case one of them decides to give way as old stairs often do. This is doubly true with old stairs in creepy old houses.

As he walks he once again attempts to reach out to the lad's mind.

Shea? Can you hear me?

[McBish]

A young boy, younger and skinnier then Shea, but looks similar to Shea, is sitting on a large rocking chair. He holds a finger up to his lips signiling to Maph'tey to be quiet.

[Rebonack]

The Traveler does indeed cease his attempts at mental contact as he approaches the lad cautiously.

[McBish]

Several squeaks can be heard above them, despite not seeing the celing. The boy glances around nervously, then leans foward and whispers, What are you doing here?

[Rebonack]

"I came here looking for Shea," Maph'tey responds in kind after glancing up at the not visible ceiling. "His mind got away."

[McBish]

Shea? He looks up at the staircase hearing more creaking. You should go now. Dad won't be happy to find a stranger here.

[Rebonack]

"I'll hide if he comes," Maph'tey replies. "He won't find me."

[McBish]

Heavy footsteps can be heard coming down the stairs. No he'll find you and we'll both be in trouble. Please go. He points to a door that wasn't there a second ago.

[Rebonack]

Maph'tey pauses for a moment and then hurries out the door, shutting it behind him as silently as he can.

[McBish]

Maph'tey finds himself in another hallway. This one brightly lit. The walls white, and the hall seems to go on forever with hundereds of doors on both walls.

((And I am going off for the night. Hope you are enjoying this.))

[Rebonack]

((Indeed. Few things tastier than character development.))

Maph'tey begins to clomp down the hall, glancing side to side at the doors as he goes. Hopefully nothing horrible will jump out of one and attack him.

[Destro_Yersul]

((Has Maph'tey entered the Matrix? :smalltongue:))

[Rebonack]

((There would be more guns if he had.))

[Destro_Yersul]

((Aww. Still, the whole "Endless brightly lit hallway lined with doors" sounds really familiar))

[Rebonack]

((In which case there would also be more Agent Smiths and more short old guys with lots of keys.))

[Destro_Yersul]

((Thousands of agent Smiths pour out of the doorways. "hello Mr. Anders... You're not Mr. Anderson. Damn!" They then leave in search of Neo. :smallbiggrin:))

[McBish]

As he glances at the doors he can see through the small windows in them. Inside are small rooms with "people" sitting inside. One in each room, the people are like dolls without faces, but Maph'tey gets the distinct impression that they are all watching him.

[Rebonack]

Maph'tey wraps his wings around himself a little tighter and picks up his pace.

Creepy

[McBish]

As he keeps walking he notices Shea sitting in one of the rooms.

[Rebonack]

The Traveler turns aside and tries to open the door.

"Shea?"

[McBish]

The door is locked. Maph'tey? What are you doing here?

[Rebonack]

"Ruin, get this door open," Maph'tey demands.

A hand pops out of his icy wing and raps on the door.

"Knock knock."

You fell unconscious at Trog's. When I tried to figure out what was wrong I discovered that you mind had left your body. So I followed it here.

[McBish]

The door doesn't respond to the knocking. Trog's, but... Shea seems confused. Also when he "talks" his mouth moves but he sends messages telepathicaly.

[Rebonack]

Ruin grumbles about annoying doors and then slams his fist into it. This time around said appendage is bathed in a crackling green halo of power. His intent at this point is more along the lines of reducing the barrier to a pile of fine ash.

You were talking to me about Earin and then you just fell over.

[McBish]

The door realizing that it should be destroyed simply disappears. Shea makes no move to get up.

[Rebonack]

Maph'tey walks into the room, glancing about cautiously.

Shea? What's going on?

[McBish]

I'm not sure. I am back here, but not... we should go, quick before they come.

[Rebonack]

Maph'tey nods.

All right, let's hurry, he holds out his hand to the lad.

[McBish]

Shea takes it and heads out of the room. Where are you going? Isn't this home? Several figures can be seen stumbling down the hallway.

[Rebonack]

The Traveler glances down at Shea.

Do you know what this thing talking about home is?

[McBish]

I'm not sure. The figures continue to make their way towards the two of them. They seem to be in some sort of uniform.

[Rebonack]

Alright, we're out of here.

Maph'tey attempts to rend open a rift in space back to Trog's.

[McBish]

Wait. What about the others?

[Rebonack]

The Traveler blinks.

What others?

[McBish]

There are... two others here somewhere.

((Got to go soon.))

[Rebonack]

The rift snaps shut.

I think I saw one already, beck this way, Maph'tey attempts to lead them back the way he had come.

[McBish]

Shea nods and starts to follow Maph'tey.

Maph'tey would notice that the way is now also blocked by the weird "dolls" in uniforms heading towards them.

[Lord Iames Osari]

On a random hilltop, a group of demons appears.

[Rebonack]

Maph’tey glances between Shea and the approaching ‘dolls’

Are these things dangerous?

[McBish]

They're the guards. They won't want us to leave.

The guards are almost right ontop of the duo. Shea makes a wall of strong wind to block the ones coming behind them.

[Rebonack]

Maph’tey throws one hand out toward them, causing a pair of glassy planes to shimmer into existence running parallel to the hall. This barrier then splits down the middle in a bid to crush the ‘dolls’ against the walls.

Then we’ll have to insist.

[McBish]

The dolls are pushed against the wall and beat on it as best they can but don't seem to affect it.

Right then lets go. Shea starts to run down the hallway Maph'tey came from.

[Rebonack]

The Traveler runs along close behind.

[McBish]

As they are running they reach the door that Maph'tey came through. Shea runs inside.

[Rebonack]

Maph’tey steps in behind, expecting the ‘father’ to be waiting on the other side of the threshold.

[McBish]

Acctually it is the exact same seen he found himself in when he first came in the room. Except the kid when he is about to shush you notices Shea. You? What are you doing here? Shea shrugs. I came to get you and the other.

[Rebonack]

Maph’tey glances between the both of them.

Normally I would ask for an explanation of what’s going on, but I think it would be best to work that out after we escape. Where to next?

[McBish]

We need to get the third. We need to get the third. Shea and the other kid "say" at the same time. Also creaking can be heard upstairs.

[Rebonack]

On my way down here I saw another boy running between some buildings. I wasn’t able to catch him, though.

He glances at the stairs.

We’ll have to go that way.

[McBish]

We can't go that way. He is upstairs. The creaking gets louder and you can hear heavy footsteps come down the stairs.

[Rebonack]

Is there another way to get out of this place?

Maph’tey is honestly uncertain whether or not anything in this place is an actual threat or just some weird mindscape. Regardless, though, better to be safe.

((And now I must go.))

[McBish]

I don't know.

((Ok then.))

[Rebonack]

Then it looks like we might just have to stand up to him. Maph'tey's message is filled with as much comforting confidence as he can muster.

[McBish]

Shea nods but the other kid still seems scared. Slowly large legs can be seen coming down the stairs. Attached to these large legs is a large man, who looks pale and very angry. Who are these people? What are they doing in my house. This is your fault! He points at the kid.

[Rebonack]

These people are here to take him out of your house. Maph'tey says icily.

[McBish]

You are not welcome here. The man moves foward to try to backhand Maph'tey. He is an illusion but there is a force behind him.

[Rebonack]

True to his purpose this is when Refuge steps in.

The brazen knight takes shape and interposes his massive molten tower shield between Maph'tey and the as-yet unnamed abusive guy. The end result of this is likely going to be a hand clanging against metal.

That much is clear. Get out of my way and we'll leave.

[McBish]

The man does indeed hit the shield. I will make you leave. He suddenly walks through the sheild. Or rather one dissapears into the sheild as another one steps out of the other side. He swings again at Maph'tey.

[Rebonack]

The Traveler gets clubbed and staggers back several steps. Despite the force of the blow he doesn't appear to be worse for wear.

The fact that Refuge absorbs the lions share of any hurt Maph'tey or Ruin suffer likely contributes to this.

Will you now? I have a better idea. How about I stand here until you get tired of swinging and get out of my way?

[McBish]

The man doesn't seem to have a problem with that and steps foward to start to punch Maph'tey. The other kid moves into a corner of the room, obviously frightened. Shea backs away not sure what to do.

[Rebonack]

As Maph'tey is getting hammered on he sends a message to the pair of Sheas.

I told you guys before that your body is at Trog's. I think all of this is somehow the result of what you see as 'home'. I think you could stop this guy if you put your mind to it.

[McBish]

Don't look at me. I've never seen a place like this before. You can't stop him. I couldn't do anything.

[Rebonack]

Maph'tey decides that he may as well try something.

This something which he tries involves attempting to rend apart the psionic energies that keeps the illusionary assailant coherent.

Or, in other words, nail him with a Greater Psionic Dispel.

[McBish]

He disappears. Footsteps can be heard from the stairs again. Moving quicker this time. What should we do?

[Rebonack]

Physical barriers didn't bother him to much, so let's try something else.

The Traveler proceeds to rend a hole through the fabric of space, leaving a tunnel from the trio's current location to the winding streets above.

Or at least, that's what he intends to do.

[McBish]

The small kid is still sitting in the corner. Come on we need to get him. Shea takes his head and goes through the tunnel to the creepy streets.

[Rebonack]

Assuming that Shea was leading other Shea out of the gateway by the hand Maph'tey follows suit.

Once everyone's through the Traveler makes a clenching motion toward the portal, causing it to collapse on itself.

I saw him running around up here. I don't know where he is now.

[McBish]

Shea points to a figure running around a corner. There. The other one points at shadows following him. What are those?

[Rebonack]

I'm not sure, Maph'tey replies with a shake of his head. They were chasing him the first time I saw him here.

[McBish]

Shea and not quiet Shea both nod and start after the figure they saw run around the corner.

[Castaras]

The crystal humanoid stumbles into the countryside, collapsing behind a rock. It turns to stare at the sun, the light shining through the humanoid, creating a spray of brightly coloured sparkles, beautiful, yet almost terrifying. The humanoid closes its eyes, slumping behind the rock.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick appears in the countryside, Fus presumably not far behind.

[Castaras]

Fus follows, following the beam. It leads to the rock, where the crystal humanoid slumps. It opens an eye, and stands up, turning to face the gnome-human and halfling. The sun shines down on the crystal, creating a blinding picture of greens, reflecting in the crystal. Fus shields his eyes.

Crap. This isn't good.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick shields his eyes as well, "So, what is this and what do we need to do with it?"

[Castaras]

It's a crystal creature. We need to smash it into little bits before it does any lasting harm to people round here.

He tosses Diederick a mace.

Got any bright ideas?

The humanoid regards the two with cold crystal eyes.

[Ms_Elaneous]

"I think so," Diederick says, catching the mace in one hand and shooting the crossbow with the other. The bolt is aimed at the crystal eyes.

[Castaras]

The crystal humanoid raises an arm, and the crossbow bolt hits the arm. It pulls the bolt out and advances on the two. Fus throws a bolt of lightening at the humanoid, making it pause, fizzling.

[Ms_Elaneous]

The crossbow seems to have some sort of automatic loading capabilities, like clockwork. Diederick fires another shot at the paused crystal humanoid's eyes. "Nice work with the lightning."

[Castaras]

Thanks.

The bolt hits the eye, lodging itself in it. The golem pulls out the bolt and chucks it away, and charges at Diederick. Fus throws another lightening bolt at the golem, and it carries on charging, ignoring the chunk of crystal that falls off.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick waits until the golem gets close and then takes a swing with the mace. It's a bit awkward since it isn't his preferred weapon, but it should do alright.

[Castaras]

A large chunk of crystal goes flying from the crystal golem's chest, and it swings a crystal fist at Diederick. Fus throws another lightening bolt at the golem.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick moves in the direction the blow is headed to decrease the force. It still hits, but merely pushes him aside more than anything. He tries to take another shot in at the other eye with the crossbow.

[Castaras]

The bolt skids past the golem as it swings again. Fus throws another lightening bolt, knocking off a large chunk of crystal that hits him in the head, and knocks him out.

[Ms_Elaneous]

((So, do you want him to get away? Which would work out well, since I need to deadtime here pretty soon.))

Diederick notices Fus decked and out on the ground. "Dah!..." he grumbles to himself before trying to combat this new swing with a swing of the mace.

[Castaras]

(( More of I need to dead time soon. So yeah, it'd help. ))

Another small chunk of crystal flies off the golem, and it swings again.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick is hit this time, off balance from his last swing of the mace. He falls backward onto the ground and doesn't get back up. It appears he's out cold, too.

((Now is a good time to deadtime this character, then. Continuation later.))

[Castaras]

The golem looks at the two, before lurching off into the distance, into dead time.

[Rebonack]

Maph’tey is close behind Shea and... Shea, hoping that things aren’t going to get too out of hand.

[McBish]

Maph'tey might be a bit disapointed when they turn another corner they find someone that looks like an older brother of Shea surronded by shadows and random trash. The trash is floating in the air around him flying at the shadows, trash consists of bricks and trash cans heavy stuff.

[Rebonack]

Since he has a good idea of who the ‘bad guys’ are Maph’tey decides to give bigger Shea a hand.

Or, rather, give several of the shadows a blast of radiant energy drawn from collapsing a fistful of aether into raw power.

[McBish]

Several shadows disappear, odd considering they are illusions without force behind them. But it does seem to get their attention, but not big Shea's. Heavy objects start flying all over the place as a strong wind surronds him. Smaller Sheas quickly raise sheilds to protect themselves.

4 of the shadows fly at Maph'tey and start to slash at him, as they do so their claws get force behind them.

[Rebonack]

“Bleh, this is getting decidedly annoying,” Maph’tey comments as Refuge goes about his usual function of either blocking said attacks or absorbing the damage from them. He then slaps his forehead, having forgotten a pretty obvious defense.

A silvery nimbus takes shape around him and begins to greedily sop up the force as it swishes through the swirling particles.

Shea, we need to get out of here.

[McBish]

Yeah, hold on I need to calm him down. He pauses and some sort of connection between Shea and big Shea happens. He nods and the wind dies down a bit. Can you open a portal?

Why do you want to leave?

[Rebonack]

I should be able to just give me a moment and I’ll op-

Then the voice speaks up again.

Me? Because getting attacked by shadows and burly abusive guys isn’t my idea of a nice place to be.

[McBish]

The voice seems to consider this. But this is home?

Sheas waits around now all surronded by sheilds.

[Rebonack]

Maph’tey shakes his head. The voice probably can’t see the gesture, but doing so is habit.

This is not home. What this place is is incredibly creepy. We’re all leaving.

[McBish]

All? Me to?

[Rebonack]

Maph’tey quirks an eyebrow at the question.

And who are you?

He pauses for a moment before turning to the Sheas.

Any idea who this thing is?

[McBish]

No. No. No. They say in unison.

I am... searching for home.

[Rebonack]

Are you the one who made this? Maph’tey asks as he gestures at eh surroundings.

[McBish]

You are close to rightness. I am this, but make it I did not.

[Rebonack]

I see. Maph’tey responds. It’s pretty clear he doesn’t While he would like to help the disembodied voice he really has no idea how he would do so. The fact that the thing is being cryptic doesn’t help.

Who made it then?

[McBish]

He did. And to make it less cryptic a flashing neon sign appears above the Shea's pointing at them.

[Lord Iames Osari]

The small horde of demons begin teleporting away.

[Rebonack]

Why did I have the feeling he would say that Maph'tey sends to no one in general.

Are you looking for your how, or simply a home?

[McBish]

Isn't it the same?

[Rebonack]

Well... no. My home and their home Maph'tey points at the Sheas. Are two different places.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick opens his eyes, groaning a bit. Pulling himself up, he looks over to Fus, trying to discern if he is awake yet or not.

[The_Chilli_God]

A puff of red smoke pops from out of nowhere, centered in one of the chilli orchards of the countryside. The fog quickly condenses and takes humanoid shape.
Dinony steps out of the fog as an insect might shed its skin, and looks around at the chilli trees. He reaches his hand out to touch one, and plucks it from the tree. A new one grows within seconds to replace the fruit he plucked.
Dinony examines the chilli. "They grow well during this season, these plants. The fruit markets shall be abundant, if the farmers harvest during the right time," he remarks.
Dinony continues pacing throughout the fields and yards, taking in the scenery of hard-working farmers and fertile crops.

[Lord Magtok]

Magtok eventually arrives at the countryside.

I'm here, Chilli. Now, did you have anything special in mind for this meeting?

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony turns to face Magtok.
"In a matter of speaking. Back when Vespe decided to blow up his own volcano, you said something about wanting a chat with me in your office afterwards." He chuckles to himself. "Of course, that would probably have meant I'd be surrounded by AMENites everywhere, and wouldn't last two minutes. Here is a much more neutral area, and I doubt that anyone else related to us will hear of what's passed.
I'll start things off. There seems to be more to you than just a plain AMENite. Either you are really good at concealing your evilness, or you're a double-crosser of sorts. Care to share?"

[Lord Magtok]

Yes. To be quite frank, I HATE ALL OF THEM. I'd kill each and every one of them if they didn't serve a purpose in my plans. Except Castaras, she is the only one who doesn't annoy the hell out of me.

My plan is to replace the current body of governent with one that upholds and enforces the law better. Something like what the KNAVES are struggling to acheive.

I'd like to do this in the most peaceful manner possible, but I know everyone will try to stop me, from the forces of good who see me as evil, to the stupid chaotic people like Vespe, who only live for bloodshed and genocide.

I want to establish a system where people like Vespe are chained to a rock in a dark dungeon, where I can build more of my robot factories, and where people can live happily under my rule.

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony smiles as he hears this music to his ears. "Excellent! See, the one thing about AMEN that really makes me want to kill them all is their completely senseless chaos of thought and action. I wouldn't stand an organization that has no legal structure being anywhere near a position of influence, and so my plight. Whether good or evil, the structure of organization is what matters.
Station should be earned through hard work and legitimate dealings, not sneaky backstabs and loose-fitting rules. Do not you agree?" Dinony looks away at the rolling hills and fields as he speaks, as though speaking more from his heart than from his mouth.
Snapping himself out of his daydream, Dinony says to Magtok, "I do believe that we may be able to work something out, together."

[Lord Magtok]

I suppose. Of course, I can't exactly approach the mayor and emperor, and politely ask for them to hand over the Town. If I could do that, I wouldn't be working with any of those idiots.

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony bites his lip. "Ah, I see that I have mistaken. I was referring to AMEN, specifically. Not the entire Town, per se. I am already under the belief that the Town itself - though slightly crime-ridden - is structured enough as it is, which is more than I can say for some certain organizations within it. Either way, I have no wish to see myself as any form of ruler. My domain lies in more abstract concepts.
You do seem to have AMEN as a reliable resource already, if you were able to somehow extend towards complete control over it. To define, without the interference of such individuals as Vespe. By my understanding, you also have allies within KNAVES that could be useful. As of yet, I only have myself. However, you have every right to see even that a resource to be taken into consideration, Magtok."

Dinony extends his hand.

[Lord Magtok]

Magtok extends his own cold metal claw to shake Dinony's hand.

I think I should be heading back to the volcano now before they realize I was gone.

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony glances at the metal appendage, but puts the matter off for now as he shakes Magtok's claw. "By all means. I'm glad we had this time to talk. Unless circumstances call me elsewhere, I'll be here if needed."

[Lord Magtok]

Okay, then.

Magtok reaches into his cloak, and pulls out a special device that allows his player to drop him off in the volcano lair without having to post anywhere else along the way.

[McBish]

Home is...?

Maph'tey what are we going to do?

[Rebonack]

I'm going to make a gateway back to Trog's. I'm also going to hope that you can figure out haw to get back into your body, Maph'tey glances about cautiously. For good measure we'll also hope that the mysterious voice doesn't begin any more shenanigans.

True to his word, Maph'tey rips open a rift to Trog's.

Hopefully...

[McBish]

I must think.

Ok. Ok. Ok. The three Shea's jump through to Trog's.

[Rebonack]

Maph'tey ducks though, snapping the portal shut behind himself.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick moves over to where Fus is lying and does much like he had done in the bar. "Hey. Hey. Wake up, man." He taps Fus' face lightly, however, possibly enough to awaken him.

[Castaras]

Fus stays knocked out, as his player remembers what was happening here.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick sighs as he decides he might just have to carry Fus back to the tavern to recuperate. He tries again, however, to wake him up, "Come on, man. Wake up."

[Castaras]

Fus slowly opens an eye.

Whuh?

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick looks faintly relieved. "You alright, man? That crystal beast really knocked the fight out of us."

[Castaras]

'Tis a strong beastie, I think...

He slowly gets up, wincing.

How long have I been out?

[Ms_Elaneous]

"I couldn't tell ya, myself. I was out for awhile. I've been awake a fair sight longer than you have, though." Diederick retrieves an arrow from the ground that had bounced off of the crystalline being.

[Castaras]

Fus slowly stands up.

Feels like an age...

He turns to look around him.

And no sign of where the crystal thing went. Darn.

[Ms_Elaneous]

"Doesn't look like it," Diederick says, shrugging. He also grabs ahold of the club (or was it a mace?) and brings it back over.

[Castaras]

(( Mace I think. Whichever. ))

It'll come back sometime.

He sighs.

Nothing much I can do though. Eh well.

[Ms_Elaneous]

"'She'll come back sometime,'" he says with a laugh, "That's what they told me when my little fiancee ran off." He doesn't appear too upset though.

((Deadtime for lunch.))

[Castaras]

Fiancee?

Fus dusts off his shirt, watching Diederick.

[Ms_Elaneous]

"Aye, aye. In fact, that's kind of the reason we're here in Town," he says, shrugging, "I mean, I won't make her marry me or anything, it was a political betrothal after all, but she still needs to come home."

[Castaras]

Fus raises an eyebrow.

Hmm...would this person by any chance be called Tabitha?

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick looks up at him with a somewhat startled grin, "Oh, you've met her? Friend of hers?"

[Castaras]

Yes, I am.

He smiles slightly.

A nice girl. Got quite a few friends round here actually.

[Ms_Elaneous]

"That makes it even harder, considering none of them really want us to take her back," he says with a sigh. "And yes. She's very nice. Very... stubborn, too."

[Castaras]

All the better for it, really. Sometimes being stubborn is good.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick looks over to Fus, "Not very good at the moment."

[Castaras]

And... why would she need to go home, exactly?

[Ms_Elaneous]

"Technically she's abdicated her duties to our king and kingdom," Diederick sighs, "Hardly unexpected that she'd flee the country. Her own brother is a ringleader in a group of rebels. Interesting that we used to be such good friends, the three of us."

He picks up his crossbow and clockwork can be seen on it. It even looks like Tabitha's work.

[Castaras]

So she ran, her brother rebelled, and you stayed? What happened to her brother?

[Ms_Elaneous]

"I stayed because it is my duty. She left because she refused to finish hers. And her brother is still currently out of the hands of the law although he could possibly face death for his treason." He sighs, "That pretty much sums it up."

[Castaras]

Tricky situation.

[Ms_Elaneous]

"Precisely. I mean to discuss it with her. Arram would just take her back kicking and screaming. He's already hired a group of less than reputable thugs to get ahold of her. I will take her back against her will if I must, but I'd rather try and talk some sense into her."

[Castaras]

Talking seems to be the better option, knowing her.

Fus sighs.

I don't really know where I stand really. I can see both sides of the problem, and I really don't know what to do.

[Ms_Elaneous]

"The last time I tried she sicked the tavern tentacles on us," Diederick says. "Speaking of which, how's heading back there sound?"

[Castaras]

Might as well.

Fus picks up his mace and puts it back in his bag of holding.

You lead the way.

[Ms_Elaneous]

Diederick nods and heads straight for the Tavern, totally ignoring the Streets on the way. ((Because I can. :smalltongue:))

[Castaras]

Fus follows Diederick, bypassing the streets on the way, having seen how it can be done.

[The_Chilli_God]

Just to remind everyone that he's still here, Dinony gets attacked by an incredibly vicious mutated ham demon!
The ham demon ambushed Dinony from a field of corn, as he was passing it while in contemplation. It punches Dinony with a great meaty fist, and he stumbles back a step before regaining composure. With a flick of the wrist, Dinony's waved swords form in his hands from puffs of mist. The ham demon aims another punch, which Dinony backsteps to avoid. Dinony leaps up into the air (with obligatory somersault) and lands on the back of the ham demon with his swords, puncturing the demon and creating a hideously burning wound that hisses almost like acid.
Dinony then jumps off the ham demon, leaving a blade still stuck in its back, and flicks two of his fingers. A great red pillar with a strange green top springs out from under the ham demon, flinging it many feet into the air like a pinball. Wherever it lands, it won't come after Dinony again.
"Hm, I wonder if there are any mad doctors amongst the farming folk..." Dinony says to himself, as he continues his seemingly endless pacing through the countryside.

[Castaras]

A small goblin chap heads out of one of the farms, and trudges through the fields, carrying a large sack of something or other.

[The_Chilli_God]

Though Dinony may or may not be many hundreds of yards away, he notices the goblin.
However, due to Dinony's introverted personality, he won't stop the goblin unless it approaches him first.

[Castaras]

The goblin notices Dinony who is only a few yards away, and trudges over.

'Scuse me sir, but I'm a little lost. I'm looking for this massive totally secret lair in a volcano, I've got some stuff to deliver to the people there. You know the direction to it?

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony smiles politely. "Why, of course I know where that place is. However, it's a rather far ways away from here, on the other side of town. It will take you quite a while to get there."
He pauses, to let that information sink in.
"If you want, I could deliver the items for you. I can fly and teleport and such, the stuff will get there a lot faster and it will save you valuable time."

[Castaras]

If you could, sir, that would help.

The goblin offers the sack.

Thanks a bunch.

[The_Chilli_God]

"No problem." Dinony says as he accepts the sack.

A cloud of fog poofs up from behind Dinony, shifting and condensing into a humanoid shape. Dinony backsteps through it, disappearing, and the fog dissipates.

One would think that Dinony teleported somewhere far away, but that is hardly the case. Dinony reappears, invisible and hidden, in the field of crops quite close to where he had previously been. Dinony stays as silent as he can, and waits for the goblin to depart.

[Castaras]

The goblin nods and walks off into the distance, away from the crop field that Dinony is hiding in, whistling.

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony waits for the whistling to die down, and then dismisses his invisibility.
"If I know evil guys, this is a bomb or some terrorist device. If I know smart evil guys, they would have trapped this sack."
Still in the crop field, Dinony slowly opens the sack, calling upon a small force-shield (miniature wall-of-force) to ward off any weapons or spells that fly his way.

[Castaras]

No traps. Just a lot of cooking ingredients. And poison bottles. And a set of long, thin, sharp knives.

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony stares at the apparatus. "Well, I suppose I should have expected as much, from a goblin with a sack."

Dinony removes the poison bottles and knives from the sack, but leaves the cooking ingredients in. Knowing full well that to leave a bunch of poison bottles and knives in a crop field is just begging for trouble, Dinony conjures up a small poof of fog, which condenses over the equipment and sends it to his personal plane to be disposed of later.

"Now, to send the produce to the enemy," Dinony says to himself as he steps out of the crop field and steps into a humanoid-shaped fog poof that poofed from behind him, teleporting to Vespe's Secret Volcano Lair. The fog quickly dissipates, leaving no immediately obvious sign that anyone was here.

[Baeleck]

Lycande and Karaki fly out of town into the countryside.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles to Lycande as they fly.

[Baeleck]

Lycande watches the ground as they whisk over fields and farms. It's a lot different from the bustling town. No where near as many people.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and kisses her as they fly.

[Baeleck]

{Elven} "This is nice. It's so quiet out here." Lycande says as they fly over a small area of coppiced woodland.

[Exachix]

Karaki nodds.

{Elven}"Very nice."

[Baeleck]

Lycande hugs Karaki a little tighter as they fly along.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles to Lycande as they fly over the countryside.

[Baeleck]

Lycande lets go of Karaki and flys more freely. She doesn't have the same fear of hights that her sister has.

((Posting may be slow, I am working on my new-found avatar skills!))

[Exachix]

((AHH!))

Karaki smiles and flies close to her, but not too close.

[Baeleck]

Lycande swoops very low into a field of long grass, seemingly disappearing. But she hides in the grass, and looks up to see what Karaki will do.

[Exachix]

Karaki sees her and hovers a fair distance above.

[Baeleck]

Lycande moves about through the grass, trying to stay hidden. She stops and croches in a small dip in the relief of the land.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and tries to follow her as best he can, but in the air.

[Baeleck]

Lycande tries to be silent, but ends up giggling loudly.

[Exachix]

Karaki dives and lands next to her.

[Baeleck]

Lycande gives a little jump but then laughs again, falling over softly into the grass.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles to her.

[Baeleck]

Lycande smiles back, relaxing in the grass.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and moves a hand out to tickle her.

[Baeleck]

{Elven} "Oh no!" Lycande jokes as she scrambles back a bit to avoid being tickled.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles to her and tries to tickle her

[Baeleck]

Lycande laughs as he tickles her, continuing to roll out of the way.

[Exachix]

((Avatars!))

Karaki grins and continues to tickle her.

[Baeleck]

((Yeah, but for some reason, it won't let me change actual avatar to the one I want. For some unexplained reason...))

Lycande stops rolling and is overcome by fits of chuckling. She tries to tickle back, but she can't; she's just laughing too much.

[Exachix]

Karaki slows tickling, smiling.

[Baeleck]

((I did it! Horray for imageshack!))

Lycande finally manages to fight back, tickling around Karaki's waist.

[Exachix]

Karaki laughs and tries to tickle back, but it gets harder for him.

[Baeleck]

Lycande bites her lip to stop herself from laughing as much, and squeezes Karaki's hip unexpectedly.

[Exachix]

Karaki yelps slightly and smiles to her.

[Baeleck]

Lycande stops tickling and there is a moment of quiet. She looks into his eyes dreamily.
{Elven} "I love you so much..."

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles.

{elven}"I love you too Lycande."

[Baeleck]

Lycande kisses Karaki and embraces him in a hug.

[Exachix]

Karaki hugs her back and hmms.

[Baeleck]

Lycande lays back in the long grass, but keeps hold of Karaki. She stares up into the sky.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and kisses her on the cheek.

[Baeleck]

Lycande relaxes, slowly closing her eyes. She smiles contentedly.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and looks at the sky.

[Baeleck]

Lycande moves a little closer to him, letting the sun warm her. The weather is pleasant and the sky has only a few clouds.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles to Lycande and nuzzles her cheek.

[Baeleck]

Lycande smiles, eyes still closed, and puts her arms around him.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and kisses her cheek lightly, putting an arm over her, rubbing her shoulder.

[Baeleck]

Lycande rolls onto her side to kiss him, opening her eyes and looking right at him.

[Exachix]

Karaki looks right back into her eyes, smiling.

[Baeleck]

Lycande sighs happily and hugs Karaki tighter.

[Exachix]

Karaki hugs back.

{Elven}"I love you Lycande."

[Baeleck]

{Elven} "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. Or ever will happen to me..." she replies, kissing him a few times over.

[Exachix]

Karaki kisses her back as she kisses him.

[Baeleck]

Lycande pushes herself into a sitting position, blinking slightly and looking around, but keeping an arm around Karaki.

[Exachix]

Karaki hmms.

{Elven}"Something wrong?"

[Baeleck]

{Elven} "No..."

[Exachix]

Karaki frowns and kisses her cheek.

[Baeleck]

Lycande faintly smiles and kisses him back.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and nuzzles her.

[Baeleck]

{Elven} "Shall we head back any time soon?" she suggests, even though she's not in any hurry to leave.
She strokes his hair a few times, broadly smiling as Karaki nuzzles her.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles.

{Elven}"When you want too my love."

[Baeleck]

Lycande relaxes again, resting her head on Karaki's shoulder.
{Elven} "Not yet, in that case..."

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and ruffles her hair.

[Baeleck]

Lycande smiles back, looking up at him from her current position.

[Exachix]

Karaki looks down and kisses her.

[Baeleck]

Lycande moves her hands to the back of his head, ruffling his hair.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and blinks.

[Baeleck]

Lycande cranes her neck a bit to kiss him again and also presses his head down to meet her.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles and kisses her back.

[Baeleck]

Lycande rolls over so she is on the other side of Karaki, keeping their lips together all the time though.

[Exachix]

Karaki mms in contention.

[Baeleck]

Lycande smiles to him as she releases the kiss.

[Exachix]

Karaki smiles to her.

[Baeleck]

Lycande notices that the sun is getting a little low on the horison.
{Elven} "Let's get back, shall we?"

[Exachix]

Karaki nodds, stands, and holds a hand out to help her up.

[Baeleck]

Lycande takes his hand, and pulls herself to her feet, before immediately afterwards hovering in mid-air.

[Exachix]

Karaki hovers at her height and kisses her.

[Baeleck]

{Elven} "Let's go."
She flies back in the directio of town as her player goes for tea.

[Exachix]

Karaki flies alongside her.

[Baeleck]

Lycande flies directly back to the town hills appartments.

[Deadly]

Out in the countryside there's a strange shift in the atmosphere. The wind blows off and the air seems oddly dense as it rapidly grows colder. The normal sounds of the open country are muted until barely audible and everything seems to turn still and lifeless. The world almost looks flat and gray, like an old photograph. For what might be a fraction of a second, an eternity, or even both, time itself fades.

Without warning or any signs, a figure appears on a hilltop as if it had been there all the time, and perhaps it had.

http://www.tangveje.dk/oots/cali.gif

As the world slowly returns to normal, the figure looks around. From a distance it looks like a woman with oddly green skin, but on a closer look her skin is obviously metallic and what might have looked like armor from afar seems to be an integral part of her body. Her eyes glow brightly green for a moment, then fade slowly as she surveys the surroundings with a thoughtful expression.

That was an unusual slip, Medas. I wonder if... she says, as if to someone who is not readily apparent. Both her voice and movement is far softer and more fluent than one would expect from a being made of metal. She looks down at the ground, then towards the Town and narrows her eyes This place... she stops as if unsure, then shakes her head and walks down the hill to a small stream. She looks into the flowing water, then up at the sky in silent contemplation for a while before slowly making her way towards the Town.

[The_Chilli_God]

A cloud of fog poofs from out of nowhere, and quickly condenses in its usual manner into a humanoid shape, out of which Dinony steps.
"Thank the Higher gods for weekends."
Dinony then moves about the fields in his usual, peaceful manner.

[El Jaspero, the Pirate King]

It's a lovely day for a stroll in the countryside, which happily also makes it a lovely day for flying around on magic carpets. First one glides by, bearing El Jaspero and Blood deep in discussion about some upcoming adventure. Agneta is fast asleep in her bassinet, shaded by a parasol enchanted to always point at the sun.

"Well of course I don't know how things stand, since it's taken you so bloody long to finally get around to this."

"I'm a busy man! A father and a Pirate King! Besides, you never made it sound all that- wfaaugh!"

Wheeeeeeee!
Wheeeeeeee!

El J and Blood duck as the second carpet tears past them. "Ala dear, please do be careful. I didn't increase this carpet's speed just so you could terrify your uncle." Alarra turns to give the slightest of winks before they zoom off to explore a copse of trees.

[Lord Magtok]

One of Magtok's robots wanders across the counrtyside, looking for Dinony.

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony looks at the robot from wherever he originally was. "What now?"
He teleports in his usual fashion (the puff of fog thing) directly in front of the robot and stands there, expecting it to make the first (or next) move.

[Lord Magtok]

There's something I have to tell you, but you have to swear not to tell a soul...especially not Lord Magtok.

[The_Chilli_God]

Dinony blinks. "Not a usual request of me. I hope that the knowledge will not make me an enemy of anyone, especially not Lord Magtok," he says with a tiny amount of mockery.

[Wukei]

A dark shadow trails into the countryside, first quickly, but then it slows and turns to face the direction it came from, continuing to walk backwards as it watches for it's persuer. Her dark purple eyes shine brightly in the moonlight as she gives an evil grin. This would prove entertaining, tonight.

[Hawkeye]

Awaiting are three men in hooded cloaks, and one man dressed all in black. "Are you going to provide a show tonight?"

[Wukei]

The shadow transforms into Wukei, holding her cane. She grins at him. Just sit back and watch, old man.

[Kyrian]

A golden blonde blur follows after her. Kyrian slows and lands roughly about fifty yards from her, jacketless for possibly the first time since he'd gotten the damned thing. He flexes his muscles, and energy from the ground beneath him starts being gathered into him. When will you learn?