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Post by Monkey Monk on Feb 18, 2006 14:07:05 GMT -6
Hawk was oblivious to the silence. He wondered to himself if it was possible to reach his home through these tunnels. As it was, the direct route there would be to turn another left. Yet when Azarak offered no further directions he was discouraged in this hope. However, the warrior intended to try and find this route that seemed to easy to form in his mind as soon as their quest was through. A small smile pulled at his lips as he imagined showing Ammolite the grandeur and splendor of the cave systems. He'd show her the small system of caverns in which he lived with the deep pool of spring water and the massive area covered in deer and bear pelts.
Yet when the femme burst out in exclamations of joy, Hawk snapped to attention. Indeed he did hear the sounds of running water as he looked back and smiled at Ammolite. "I can hardly wait to see this place that you speak of." In response to his words he picked up the pace of their walk into a jog. He looked forth as he waited from the claustrophobic tunnel to expand into a caverns. His wariness at Azarak was forgotten for now as he ran on heedlessly to any dangers.
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Post by Felypsa on Feb 18, 2006 15:04:04 GMT -6
Ammolite followed Hawk, also throwing caution to the winds. But there was no protest from Azarak, except for his muttering, "Good idea, take off running without any warning to your poor little passenger...next time, why don't you buck me off altogether!" But he hung on to Ammolite, who was too excited to notice.
The light grew noticeably brighter, and the passageway expanded. Then, they were there. Korian's Waterfall was opposite from them, rushing from some high opening in the cavernous ceiling, into a placid lake rimmed with stalagmites. Stalactites hung from the ceiling as well, like gaping fangs, but Ammolite was undaunted. She hadn't realized how homesick she had been, and now that she was here she was nearly overcome with joy. She raced over to Dalia's Lake, from which several tributaries flowed, and took a long draught of its waters, which were remarkably crystal-clear. Light streamed down from the walls and ceiling themselves: sparkling gems like stars were imbedded in the ceiling, giving off rays of light that made the entire enormous cavern glow. Ammolite turned around and beckoned to Hawk. "Isn't this place wondrous?" she breathed, taking it all in at once.[/color]
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Post by Monkey Monk on Feb 18, 2006 15:14:51 GMT -6
Hawk was nearly knocked over by Ammolite as he had stopped upon entering the cavern. Indeed the area was full of magificence. Those golden glowing eyes of his took everything in piece by piece. The waterfall, the lake, the pillars of stone. Many times before he had seen each of these things but never before had they been collaborated into such a sight of pure beauty. Slowly he took a step forth, watching the waters cascade over the falls into the lake below.
Ammolite's voice snapped him slightly from his stupor. He walked over to her with a slow pace, still looking around with wonder. When he stopped near her side, his head swiveled to see if his eyes had missed anything that would catch his attention. It took a while for the female's words to make their way through the barrier of his wonder unto his mind. Yet when they did so, he snapped his gaze back down to her. "It is indeed a place of wonder and amazement..."
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Post by Felypsa on Feb 18, 2006 15:37:17 GMT -6
Ammolite sighed lovingly, her eyes glazed with gold. She had momentarily forgotten about Luke and Kindare, and even about her father - she basked in the beauty and the memories that this place brought back to her. She and her mother came here to relax, swim, wash, and replenish their water supply if their river ran dry. The Lake was always full, and the Waterfall was always rushing. Ammolite had made many friends here. She wondered if they were still around.
After a long time, Ammolite turned to Azarak, struck by a sudden thought. "It's wonderful to be back here," she said, "but why? Surely there's more here than beauty and fond memories, however fantastic they may be. Why did you want to come here?"[/color]
Before Azarak could answer, a voice came, resounding in the cavern. "Well, well. Look who's decided to show her lovely face and eyes again. Look who's chosen to see her old friends again. Glory be, it's the one and only Ammolite." Accompanying this feminine voice was an incredibly strange creature coming into view from behind a huge stalagmite. She resembled a panther - four legs, sleek black fur. But her eyes were rose-colored, her neck was elongated and sinuating like a snake, and she had three incredibly long tails like tentacles that twisted about each other and swished the water gently. Her paws were also elongated, resembling human fingers, very graceful. About her neck was a golden choker with a shining ruby in the center. The whole creature, though bizarre, was extremely elegant - even regal-looking. She viewed her visitors appraisingly and murmured, "Welcome home." She spoke with a soft purr that was almost seductive.[/color]
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Post by Monkey Monk on Feb 18, 2006 15:55:19 GMT -6
Hawk suddenly spun about on his paws to face the unknown. His hackles raised as he snapped to attention, ready for battle. Yet when they recieved a friendly temperament, he calmed down. Those golden glowing orbs of his looked over the other with curiousity for a moment. His silky tail flicked ever so slowly before he looked back to Ammolite. Those angelic wings of his, which hard perked up instinctively when he had entered a mood for fighting, began to lower to his sides. His sinewy muscles went lax as his pulse slowed to a normal pace.
After a few moments of silence he again redirected his attention to the new comer. After a few moments he decided there was no immediate threat from this being. His head bowed lightly in respect as he spoke the answer to a question that had yet to be asked. "I am Hawk. Born in the deserts of the east, loyal servant to Ra, and member of the Defenders." The mascu smiled slightly to himself. His rather needless introduction was a test of the other's knowledge. He wondered how much of the surface world this creature would know.
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Post by Felypsa on Feb 18, 2006 16:09:08 GMT -6
Ammolite gaped in surprise at the appearance of the creature. Then she practically flew over to her, licking her old friend's face eagerly. "Istariel! By Dalia Below, I've missed you!" She laughed jubilantly, her eyes bright with gold and violet. She turned to Hawk, beaming happily. "This is Istariel; she's the princess of the cave-demons. And my best friend from my puphood."[/color]
"Ammolite, I believe I can introduce myself...but thank you, very much." Istariel nodded regally to Hawk. "Hawk, is it? Yes...I've heard of you. As it so happens, someone has appeared in my realm, looking for you. Will you receive him? He's very eager to meet you."[/color]
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Post by Monkey Monk on Feb 18, 2006 16:14:05 GMT -6
The mascu let loose a soft chuckle at Ammolite's reaction to the creature's appearance. When the femme returned and introduced her friends he bowed his head yet again to the being. "It is a pleasure to meet you Istariel..." Yet when the creature's words filled his senses, Hawk tilted his head to the side. Who of all creatures could know him in these areas? Perhaps it was another of the defenders. Quickly he nodded his head. "Please! Take me to this one who knows me! That is...if it is ok with you Ammolite?" Half way through his outburst he had remembered that they were in these lands searching for his friend's father, not chasing after his hopes of finding another living, breathing Defender.
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Post by Felypsa on Feb 18, 2006 16:33:18 GMT -6
"Oh, of course!" said Ammolite. She hoped she liked this friend of Hawk's much better than the first two. She was just as surprised as he was, however, that someone would be searching for him, here, of all places. However, to reassure Hawk that she was sincere, she smiled at him. "This is great. We're all being reunited with old friends!" She nudged Istariel pointedly.[/color]
Istariel gave a slow smile to Hawk, before lifting her three long tails from the water. "Follow, then." She turned around and began to walk towards a section of the cavern where the light, bouncing off of the Lake, danced across the wall. She carried her tails elegantly, like the little finger of a lady holding a teacup. Every now and then she would curve her long neck around to make sure her guests were following closely. They walked down a long hallway with many entrances to various rooms - not unlike a prison, except much better tended and the inhabitants were obviously able to come and go of their own will, as there were no doors.[/color]
Ammolite fell back to talk to Hawk, unable to contain her excitement. "This is really fantastic, Hawk. Istariel's really nice, and I think she already likes you. But who could your friend be? Imagine, someone looking for you down here! It must be Fate at work again." She was actually babbling like a schoolgirl, but she soon realized it and paused. "Listen to me go on and on! I guess I'm just carried away by the wonder of it all." (("Let's meet - and have a ball! And let's live for the wonder...of it all...Meet me at Foxwoods! Fox-woods." Sorry I couldn't resist.))[/color]
While Ammolite was talking, Azarak slid up to Istariel. "Greetings, Istariel," he said formally but quietly, trying not to be overheard. When she acknowledged him, he went on. "As you can plainly see (I hope), I found Ammolite for you. Now we'll be able to get a lead on Fiendark's location. You'll tell your father, I hope?"[/color]
"As always, my dear Azarak," Istariel replied just as quietly. Then she spoke more loudly, addressing Ammolite and Hawk. "Here is his chamber, where he's staying." She nodded towards an open entrance leading to a small but cozy cave. She then called out to the denizen, "Hawk has arrived. Will you see him?"[/color]
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Post by Monkey Monk on Feb 18, 2006 16:48:37 GMT -6
Hawk followed with interest. He too was captivated by the confusement of who exactly could be this creature who desired to see him. A small smile curled upon his lips as he ran through ever creature he had ever met. Who could this mystery friend be. At Ammolite's ranting he could only laugh softly. "For some reason I get the feeling fate has nothing to do with it." These words were spoken just as they came upon the threshold of the cave. Hawks voice rang into the darkness.
"Aye Hawk. That's what I always liked about you. You believe in your god and yet you don't let yourself be blinded to the truth. However that didn't stop you from being killed now did it?" Slowly from the shadows a most curious creature appeared. It seemed to be a wolven and yet the feeling that this form was not the being true one was ominous within the air. Pitch black pelt which was parted by several old battle scars encased the creature's body. His wings, which had patches of feathers missing, were folded gingerly at the being side. White, pupiless eyes looked around at the group uselessly. It was obvious that this creature was blind. Yet his composure was as if his lack of sight were nothing. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am known as Zales."
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Post by Felypsa on Feb 18, 2006 16:59:44 GMT -6
Ammolite's eyes went wide as she saw Zales, the battle-scarred, winged creature before them. She was in awe of the wolf, yet also slightly confused.He claims to already know Hawk, and yet he introduces himself to him as if for the first time. He knows Hawk, yet Hawk does not know him, she mused to herself. She was put slightly ill at ease because of this, although there was nothing about him that reminded her of Luke or Kindare. Plus, Istariel welcomed him, so he must be trustworthy, if strange. She felt the need to return the courtesy of introduction, though Zales did not address her - indeed, could not see her. "I'm Ammolite," she burst out in that characteristic way of hers. "And there's a lizard here too, his name is Azarak, and also here is Istariel - oh, wait, you already know her..." Her nervousness had once again made her babble. She shut, feeling supremely embarrassed and self-conscious. She tried to remedy it by adding, "It's great to meet you, Zales." That somehow made it worse. She was really not doing so well socially today.[/color]
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Post by Monkey Monk on Feb 18, 2006 17:15:09 GMT -6
Slowly the creature walked over to Ammolite. He looked upon her for a moment and smiled. Slowly he inclined his head to her. "It is nice to finally meet you Ammolite." Those chilling white eyes which lacked pupils looked up the Hawk. The creature in turn bowed his head to the warrior. "As it is also a pleasure to meet you Hawk."
Hawk tilted his head to this creature in wonder. Never before had he seen this creature before. Yet they acted as if they knew him. Hawk could remember everything clearly, yet this creature was new to him. Slowly he bowed his head and begin to speak. "Do I..."
"Do you know me? No Hawk. But I know you." Zales didn't allow the other to speak. Slowly he treaded over to the mascu, a small smile on his lips. "You were the harder one to bring back. I nearly died myself with all the blood the sacrifice took. Yet it seems that it worked perfectly. Excellent." The creature weaved a web of riddles with his words. Suddenly those startling eyes that could see nothing rolled over to Azarak. The stark white gaze remained on the lizard for some time as the creature's nose sniffed the air.
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Post by Felypsa on Feb 18, 2006 17:25:54 GMT -6
"Oh," Ammolite said, so confused and startled that she couldn't say any more. "Finally" meet me? He has been waiting to meet me too? Did Istariel tell him about me, or did he know... She shook her head slightly, as if willing away the confusion. But she was at a loss as to what his next words meant. "Bring back"? "Sacrifice"? What in Korian's name is he talking about? She turned to Hawk, astonished, and wondering if he could make anything of it.[/color]
Azarak returned the blind wolf's gaze, not at all unsettled. Zales was different. Azarak knew that very little could escape this creature's attention. So the lizard did not even attempt to conceal anything. He probably senses my true nature. Very well, then. Istariel trusts him, so I must too. Unlike Ammolite, Azarak was not in the slightest confused by Zales' words. "I see," he said softly, red eyes glittering. "That explains that, then. Well." He looked at Hawk as if admiring some well-made craft.[/color]
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Post by Monkey Monk on Feb 18, 2006 17:34:54 GMT -6
Hawk blinked as the creature ended his question for him. He listened intently as the other conversed with Zales as he himself remained silent. It seemed that this Zales being was the one that had brought him back from the dead. Hawk was not at all worried on the how, but the why. Why would this creature that he had never met in his life feel the need to help him out? The warrior's ear twitched in confusion as he tried to figure this subject out for himself.
Zales continued to study Azarak with his senses for a moment. Silence continued to captivate the creature. His mutilated wings twitched slightly before relaxing at his side again. Finally he spoke up to the lizard. "You sir are very interesting creature. Your scent does not seem to line up with the pace of your heart and internal organs...Well it seems Hawk here has something on his mind by the way his ear is twitching."
Hawk shivered visibly as the other's gaze fell upon him. He even dared to lean against Ammolite slightly. The blind gaze of Zales made him feel left open, bare to attack. This being was kind in everyway it seemed and yet it was unsettling how they could make him feel this way. "Yes sir. Why bring me back? Is it because of Tagger?"
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Post by Felypsa on Feb 18, 2006 17:45:36 GMT -6
Istariel started beside Azarak, but the lizard calmed her with one look. He turned back, examining Zales carefully. And some would call this creature "blind"! Hah! I have met many creatures far blinder than he - and they have full use of both eyes! He's incredibly perceptive. He will find out soon enough, I expect. Well, no matter. No one will die if this one very observant wolf knows what I am, truly. He sighed, then jumped a little when Hawk mentioned Tagger. The name had no particular significance for the lizard, but the way Hawk said it made - indeed, the name itself - made Azarak think of Luke and Kindare for no reason. The name of Tagger itself gave off a nasty stench.[/color]
Ammolite moved closer to Hawk as he leaned on her, offering her support and asking for his as well. This encounter so far was too uncanny. They had come face-to-face with Hawk's resurrector. Finally, Ammolite believed truly that Hawk had once been dead. She had been forced to accept it when Hawk first told her, and then later when Luke and Kindare saw them, but she still doubted it in her heart of hearts. Now, though, it was confirmed - but that didn't make it any less shocking. Also, the name of Tagger - Ammolite had heard it before, when they were talking to Luke and Kindare - but here it was again. She couldn't help wondering if this Tagger was the dear friend who had killed Hawk. She looked at Zales earnestly, nervously, her eyes a crazy combination of colors.[/color]
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Post by Monkey Monk on Feb 18, 2006 17:59:20 GMT -6
Hawk found himself gently nuzzling Ammolite's neck. Quickly he stopped doing so. Yet he didn't cease gently leaning against her. He still felt unsettled by this whole meeting. A part of him didn't want to hear the answer Zales had. The same part of him wished that he hadn't come to see this creature. Yet they had the answers he wanted. It seemed that this blind being could tell him exactly what happened. His ears perked as said being began to talk again.
Slowly Zales sat upon his hind quarters. His ears swivelled about slowly as his head looked to each member of the small group in turn. "Well then. I might as well explain everything to all of you who don't know. First things are first. You must know that the Defenders are a group of wolvens who were once murderers. Yet they rebelled and came to these lands before pledging themselves to the intention of doing good. Tagger, Hawk, Deathblood, Icewolf, Falchion, and Savage are the only ones of the group who survived the trip to these lands. The group began to fall apart though. Tagger went mad it seems, why I do not know. He killed Hawk here for no reason possible. Then he began to plot a way to kill the others. He used Icewolf's adopted sons to get close to him. Deathblood, who was Tagger's mentor at one time, learned of this and told Tagger not to kill Icewolf's mate of furture pups before disapearing. There was a fight in which both Icewolf, Falchion, and Savage were killed. Then Tagger and his two lap dogs vanished. I brought Hawk here back to life for in him, hope dwindles."
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