Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on May 16, 2010 15:21:33 GMT -8
Mission accomplished. Yet another fae prisoner had been returned safely home. Rodi removed the blindfold from the boy’s eyes. Instantly, the boy turned to face the man who had rescued him, eager to see his face. Instead he was met by a man wearing a black cloak. The hood was drawn, throwing his face into shadow. Not that it mattered. Blood red fabric was wrapped around his face so that only his eyes were visible. The shadow thrown by the cloak made it impossible for him to tell the color of those piercing eyes.
The fairy could see two details of his rescuer. He was not quite six feet tall and he was male. His body looked fit for fighting. The weapons he carried (a wicked looking spear and a dagger) emphasized that look. Other than that, the fairy knew nothing. He did not know his rescuer’s name, although he was fairly certain the others called him “Hawk”. He did not know his species, his age, or anything. Even his hands were covered by black leather gloves.
“Can you find your way home from here?”
The fairy nodded, not very shocked by the man’s monochromatic tone.
“Good. Then I will take my leave.”
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Post by Little Sparrow on May 18, 2010 9:55:43 GMT -8
Just in the shadows, so that no one would realize the dark, cloaked figure, she stood there, watching Rodi see the young fae off. He was doing a rather good job, as always. She remembered the process that the fae always went through when they were escorted back. Their blindfold would be taken off, they would look for their rescuers, whether to recognize them or thank them, it didn't matter. They were always met by hooded figures. At least they had the sense not to try anything funny. They were free and that was what they should be caring about.
"Goodbye." Cloti murmured subconsciously as the boy nodded. Yet another one was safe. Even though they had done this since forever, she could never forget the satisfaction of another family reunited. She herself knew the pain of losing one close to you and she was glad that the fae could reunite. She herself didn't want to take part in this particular ceremony; she just didn't feel like it. Her body was somehow feeling fatigue. Soon she'd need to go drop into a nice soft bed to let her mind catch up and her body to replenish itself. But for now, she was perfectly fine. She could go on.
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on May 18, 2010 13:13:01 GMT -8
Rodi waited until the fairy was out of sight. It did not look like the boy cared about following him; he scurried through the forest as quickly as he could, anxious to return home. The poor kid had only been playing too close to human territory. He had not even harmed anyone. Even so, Rodi did not lower his hood when he retreated into the shadows. Too many eyes could be watching.
The battle muse returned to Cloti. Being so close to her sent a warm tingly sensation coursing through his body that he could not explain and hated admitting. Unrequited love was the worst distraction. It would be best not to think of that right then. “I have something to talk to you about.” Images of the strange elf he’d met the day before flashed through his mind.
He did not know what his new knowledge would mean for them and their order, but he did not it was significant. This would mean extra work for both of them, though mostly for Cloti at the moment. Rodi kept his voice low. He hated feeling so exposed. “We should head back to Jade’s territory and talk.” Jade’s territory was the land Rodi inherited when his fae-father was killed. It served as a more-or-less safe place while they were in the forest.
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Post by Little Sparrow on May 19, 2010 7:42:34 GMT -8
Cloti could see the fairy half-skip ahead into the tangle of trees, apparently being happy to be home. It wasn't his fault that he momentarily forgot the invisible boundaries that the humans patrolled so carefully. It wasn't his fault that he humans were such wary, unforgiving creatures. It was entirely the humans' fault, but even so, they were wrong and someone had to help -- or try to -- set things right. She knew that the humans wouldn't listen to an outlaw, but that was that. There was a purpose that she had and she would carry it out no matter what.
Once again, she was taken out of her reverie by the battle muse. He was coming back towards her, having finished his job. She was partially glad that he hadn't grown very much; now Rodi only stood about an inch taller than she was. Cloti knew from experience that most battle muses were taller than her by at least a head, making her feel rather short and slightly intimidated. She turned her head to face Rodi, deciding against moving her body. She was already in a comfortable position, arms crossed and feet slightly apart from each other. Her body had more or less fallen asleep and she didn't feel like waking it up; it would take her far too long to move into a comfortable position.
Cloti raised her eyebrows as Rodi stated that they needed to speak. She wondered what he needed to speak about. His tone sounded somewhat urgent, which made her anxiety spark. She nodded. "Let's go then." She agreed, just barely loud enough for him to hear. Jade's territory was more or less a safe spot for them to speak and pretty much the wisest choice.
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on May 19, 2010 15:37:47 GMT -8
Rodi resisted the urge to take her hand. Living among the fae had taught him to be extraordinarily physical, but with Cloti...It was different. With Cloti he felt these annoying sparks and tensions that he was not supposed to feel and that he knew she was not feeling towards him. It made things very uncomfortable. The battle fae scowled at seemingly nothing; not an uncommon facial expression for him nowadays.
He led the way through the forest. He knew this part of it like the back of his hand. Aside from growing up there, they had scouted it many times. The Song never released those they rescued in the same spot twice. Had to keep ‘em guessing, after all. The last thing they needed was an ambush.
Tree after tree, bush after bush, and finally past an old withered oak. Jade’s territory. But that was not enough. Rodi kept going deep into the heart of his fae father’s land. All the way to the stone hollow near the center. This was where Jade lived when he wasn’t in the Mound. Rodi had spent a lot of time there as a kid. The place was still pleasantly furnished. Rodi kept up with it.
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Post by Little Sparrow on May 20, 2010 9:54:22 GMT -8
Cloti watched Rodi as he stared into space for a moment or two. His eyes strayed over to her hand for a moment, but before she could really make sure, his blood red eyes were already gone, staring ahead as if determining the direction that he wanted to travel in. Although she could only see his eyes, she knew that Rodi was pulling another face. Nowadays, Rodi scowled a lot, but it didn't bother her. It was just his nature, as it was hers to randomly space out.
She fell into step perfectly as he went to take the lead. He always led her through this part of the forest; he was the one who knew it best and it only made sense like that. She herself didn't have as great a memory that the fae had for trees and nature and for that purpose, she let Rodi take the lead when they were returning the victims to a safe ground. Rodi was going at a brisk pace, not too fast, but not slow enough to attract attention or invite tailers. That was the last thing that Cloti would have liked; for someone to track them down and attack after a successful mission. It really dampened spirits and it wasn't the kind of followup that she liked herself.
Jerking herself back to reality, she spotted an old oak that looked half dead. She knew that this was a sign that they were approaching safe territory from prying eyes, but Rodi still didn't stop. Was the news that he had to tell her that important, or was he just taking extra precautions. Whatever it was, he still hadn't stopped. She followed him obediently, knowing that Rodi could be trusted with distance judging. She would listen to him. That was her job for now. [/size][/color]
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on May 20, 2010 13:03:01 GMT -8
The battle fae took a seat on the rock Jade often used as a chair. Another, larger rock, stood as a table while three more were dotted around the small place. They were completely natural, having been allowed to grow in whatever way they wished. Because of that, they were not the most comfortable things. That was why straw-filled padding made from fine fae cloth covered them. The fabric was a gentle pink, reminiscent of the morning light. The color seemed to be a million different colors all in that one soft shade. Such was the magic of fae fabric.
Rodi’s fingers picked at the mat as his mind reflected on his past. Of Jade. Of laughing as a boy. Of Jade’s death. Of Cloti’s rescue. The birth of the Song. He looked up at her with his piercing red gaze. “There may be trouble,” he said without preamble, “A night elf is gathering followers with the intent of taking out the fae council. He wishes to attack the Mound.” Anger rose in Rodi’s voice as his features twisted into a mask or rage and his fingers clinched at the fabric so hard that he actually tore it slightly. This was no mean feat. Even old, that fabric was strong.
“Many of those we rescued make their home in the Mound. This night elf could ruin everything we worked for!”
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Post by Little Sparrow on May 28, 2010 9:50:29 GMT -8
Instead of sitting like Rodi did as he entered the area, Cloti stood, like she always preferred to. In quite a few senses, she was different from most people, with her dark skin and hair, the opposite of Rodi's own hair and eye color. He had looked more like her when he was... human. Before all of this happened. But somehow, Cloti liked it this way. If he had grown up human, they would be distanced from each other, so much more compared to now. Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she concentrated on the present; which was more important than the past. Rodi was looking at her rather gravely, making her wonder what he wanted to tell her. Now she was really starting to get worried. She knew that not much could actually bother Rodi, so whatever it was, she had better pay attention and NOT DRIFT OFF.
At the mention of Rodi's news, all Cloti could do was stare at him dumbly and let out a soft "huh?" She couldn't believe the fact that a night elf would want to attack the Mound. Such a thing was unaccomplishable by her means. She didn't believe that the Mound could be attacked, by a fae. She frowned at the thought. That wasn't nice. The fae was betraying his own kind. If there was one thing she hated to see, it was someone betraying their own kind. She barely registered Rodi's words, but she could hear the anger in his voice. Her mind blurred. Their work, all their work would go futsch (German word, sorry. It was too tempting... Dx) and all their effort would go to waste. It would be just like her turning herself over to the human government as a traitor, not going to happen. "We... need to stop it." She murmured aloud in an abstract, shallow statement, looking at Rodi. "We have to stop it. But how? Do we have any information about them yet? Do you know of their hideout?" She started firing semi-useless questions at Rodi. [/center][/size]
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on May 29, 2010 9:04:40 GMT -8
Rodi was hardly paying attention to Cloti; this was a rarity for him considering Cloti was his sun and moon. Instead, his black thoughts filled with images of that night elf killing and burning. His imagery was complete with maniacal laughter and everything. The fae’s hands clenched angrily and his face darkened. If Rodi could kill someone with a thought, he would certainly do so now.
When Cloti seemed able to mutter more than a distracted ‘huh’, Rodi was finally pulled from his reverie. “I did not want to lose them, so I went ahead and had Nightingale follow them into the Boil. He will bring us what news he can, I hope.” Winter Fox worked for Rodi. That made him a fighter as opposed to a spy. Even so, Rodi had not had time to wait for Cloti on this.
He did what he had to do. Now he just prayed that Winter could accomplish his end. The changeling was smart and capable. Rodi trusted him with his life. That alone helped to ease his worried mind. But it did not curb his anger. “I am afraid it will be all too easy for him to gain a following in the Boil. With any luck, the people there will chew him up and spit him out.”
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Post by Little Sparrow on Jun 2, 2010 23:25:57 GMT -8
Cloti nodded, rather pleased with Rodi's chosen course of action. Winter was a capable person. No doubt he could provide them with at least some information--if he wasn't caught beforehand. The changeling was a fighter as opposed to the spies that she had carefully chosen and trained. But that was no matter, Winter would be able to fight himself out of any pinch that he got himself into... right? No. Cloti ignored the thoughts. Now wasn't the time to think negative. The more negative your thoughts were, the higher chance that failure will pursue.
She nodded to Rodi. "It's a high chance that he will come out with the information we need. But were you able to catch a sight of how many there were?" She asked. If the army wasn't too big, it would be no problem to get rid of them with the forces that the Song had. But if the night elf's army was bigger... that could be a problem. How many were trained, what positions and weapons did they hold? Skills? Motives? There were so many things to consider.
Almost subconsciously, Cloti's hand flew to the hilt of one of her knives--Feather. This was the tool that she drew her calmness from. She had intwined personalities into each of her weapons, meant to inspire her with the different emotions that could only come with triggers, such as calmness in a storm or rage within peace.
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on Jun 3, 2010 9:27:24 GMT -8
As Cloti thought, Rodi watched with real apprehension. He was a brilliant strategist to be sure, but it was Cloti who provided him with all of the information needed to build a brilliant strategy. He depended on her.
"It's a high chance that he will come out with the information we need. But were you able to catch a sight of how many there were?"
Rodi shook his head. “I only saw Than and one other follower. They are holding trials for new members and appear to be at the early recruitment stage.” Rodi had to stay logical. Factual. As much as he wanted to rush down to the Boil and confront him, he knew that he must wait. Rodi was many things. He was violent. He was angry. But he was not rash. “When he returns from the Boil I have no doubt that he will be stronger.”
The battle fae fidgeted. He did not want to wait that long. “Would you agree with sending some of your people down there to help Nightingale out? Then we could get faster results from those more experienced with that line of work. Nightingale can brief them on what he knows and then head back with some early information so that we can begin planning.” He looked at Cloti hopefully.
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Post by Little Sparrow on Jun 3, 2010 9:41:50 GMT -8
Early recruitment stage... that had a few different meanings. The most obvious one was that the night elf was weak. He had no followers. This could be their chance to nip the plan in the bud. But maybe they had heard about the Song, maybe they knew that the Song might try to stop them and were luring them in... So many things to consider! Cloti shook her head, sending her dark waves around as she tried to think. There had to be some answer to this!
She looked at Rodi, taking in his information. She decided that she needed some help from him. "Alright. We have two choices." She told him, holding up three fingers. Looking down, she realized her mistakes. "Well, three." She admitted. "One, we could send all our forces down there and nip their plan in the bud. Two, we could just send Winter in but don't let anyone else in, in case they're trying to lure us in. And three, we could do as you said." She told Rodi, looking serious. This decision could totally influence their success--or defeat. [/center][/size]
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on Jun 4, 2010 9:11:05 GMT -8
This was a tough situation. Even an idiot could see that just by looking at Cloti. Rodi patiently awaited her analysis. He had already had time to think these thoughts. Now it was her turn.
"Alright. We have two choices."
Rodi looked at her with a raised eyebrow as she held up three fingers. He grinned when she corrected herself, but said nothing. He was too intent on listening.
Fight now. Of course, Rodi would like that. He was made for fighting. It was fun and he really, really did not like Than. Going straight into battle would be the most enjoyable and satisfying idea. It would also be rash to go in without knowing what they are facing.
Send only Winter. Again, they did not know what they were fighting. Rodi did not want to lose his second.
And then there was Rodi’s earlier suggestion.
All three choices swirled around in Rodi’s head like a whirlpool. It was like a game. He had to find stability; make all the pieces fit together so that they stopped spinning. Of course! “We do not even know which oasis they are at,” Rodi said, “I propose we send a squad of warriors with a handful of your spies to make contact with Winter. The Boil is directly south of Spirit, so it should not take too long for our runners to get back and forth. Once we have an estimate of how many and where and what their strengths and weaknesses are, we can plan a full-scale attack. I want them out quickly, before they have a chance to grow, but I do not want to rush in blindly.”
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Post by Little Sparrow on Jun 11, 2010 10:08:30 GMT -8
Cloti felt rather pleased as Rodi smiled in response to her mistake. Three fingers that didn't correspond to what she was saying of two options. The subconscious mind was working, well, subconsciously unless there was some other word to describe it? She'd have to think about that later. Unconsciously? No, she knew it was at work, but she did have a vague idea that it existed and it was thinking. Unconscious meant that she wouldn't know anyth... wait, what did he... oh. Right. The obvious.
She smiled, stretching her hand out, which a little bird immediately flew onto, perching on her index finger, tail bobbing up and down as it chirped cheerily. Yes, mistress? Did you have something that you needed from me? The little energetic sparrow asked, shifting its footing restlessly as its gaze flicked from Rodi to Cloti curiously. The bird wasn't afraid of either, knowing that the female could converse with it and the male was one of the fae that wouldn't hurt them. She was also rather familiar with Cloti, having seen her pass by this territory a few times.
"We'll need you to carry the message..." Cloti told the speckled brown bird, instructing it with short, easy instructions. At the end, the bird flew off with a farewell chirp, leaving Cloti in a good mood. "Consider that done." She smiled triumphantly, happy with her avian shaman skills. [/color][/size]
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on Jun 11, 2010 13:38:33 GMT -8
ooc:: 0_o Cloti can't talk to birds. Yet.
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Post by Little Sparrow on Jun 23, 2010 10:52:36 GMT -8
(( Ahaha, is that so? x3 Then I shall have to edit the post to something more believable. Or we could just pretend that the message got out somehow. *ish lazy* TELL ME TO GO CHANGE IT! >.< ))
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Winter
Fae
Awakened
To the tavern!
Posts: 96
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Post by Winter on Jun 23, 2010 12:39:57 GMT -8
A large horse galloped through the forest, it's hooves pounding rhythmically against the ground. It slowed to a halt right outside the property line, allowing it's rider to dismount. The rider drew his hood to conceal the white hair, pointed ears, and intense bronze eyes. Winter Fox smiled. It was good to be back in the forest. He tied Jaybird to a low-hanging branch, giving him a sugar cube and pat on the nose, before making his way toward his leaders. The two of them sat conversing on the stone furniture, apparently about his progress in the mound. Winter laughed inwardly as he stepped silently into their line of sight. He saluted and then gave a most informal wave, walking over to plop himself down in the empty seat nearest to Rodi. "Sir, miss." He began respectfully, "The recon mission to the Southern Boil was a success. Their foolish leader Than all but told me the entirety of his plans." The changeling dropped his hood with a wicked grin, obviously pleased by the report. "I even know the name of his order and where he plans to go next."
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Rodi
Fae
Awakened
Checkmate.
Posts: 90
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Post by Rodi on Jun 29, 2010 17:11:17 GMT -8
Well. That was fast. Rodi was pleased. “You made good time,” the battle muse said with a grin. Now they could begin planning their assault. “Tell us what you know. I’d like an estimation of the number of followers he has gathered and a rough estimation of the growth rate of his little order as well as his future plans.” He glanced at Cloti, wondering what sort of information she would want.
It seemed that their recent planning was all for naught now that Winter was back. Rodi was ready to begin planning for real. They would still need to send out scouts before plans could be finalized, Rodi was sure, but this was going to end. He didn’t care how many lives he would have to take. This was a battle that had to be fought.
Funny thing about battle muses. Their violent natures seemed to counter the balance that they all protected. The truth was, that violence was as much a part of the balance as anything else the gods created. Rodi understood that. He said nothing of his desire for bloodshed, however. He did not want Cloti to see him as the monster that he was. Unless she already sees it in me…
ooc:: We'll just pretend that never happened. xD
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Post by Little Sparrow on Jul 3, 2010 1:08:37 GMT -8
Ah, well, it appeared that there was no need for the messenger. The man himself stood before them. He was cloaked, but Cloti had seen him around enough to know that bronze eyes were watching them beneath the cowl of his hood. Well, they all wore cloaks. Welcome to the cloak party of the Song of Heroes. No one felt out of place her, woohoo.
And anyways, sarcasm aside, she could tell that Winter looked more or less pleased. Quite pleased, in fact. It radiated off him. That made Cloti happy. At least they had the report from the man himself. Didn't have to waste more effort to get it. Very nice. Saved everyone the trouble, maybe except Winter, who had to come all the way here.
Rodi had requested information about the growth of the order and the current size. That was all essential on the battlefield, but the information that she herself wanted was slightly different. Frowning in thought, she wondered how much of a ruckus Winter had caused, if he had caused any in the first place.
"What can you tell my about their defense and arms? What type of weapons do they employ, what of their healers and how gullible are they?" She asked. This would be essential. Though the battlefield was a noble place to end the night elf's cause, she couldn't help but think that some inside help from behind the lines would be very much appreciated. It could save them the trouble of having to deal with a few more.
"Where do they keep their rations? Are they heavily guarded? Will they get them easily-?" Cloti decided to shut her mouth now. She was spitting out question as fast as a bowman on fire. Ah, that might be a bit much, but it wasn't her fault... was it? Cloti gave Winter a sheepish grin, she hadn't really meant to let all those questions slip, it just... happened.
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Winter
Fae
Awakened
To the tavern!
Posts: 96
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Post by Winter on Jul 3, 2010 1:41:43 GMT -8
Winter laughed. "While I know a lot, I don't know everything. He was only in the Boil to gain new recruits so I don't know anything about their base of operations." He shrugged, lounginf as comfortably as he could on the rock. "They stayed for a few hours, looked like they gained at least a hundred men in just that one town. He seemed to have quite a few already, but they were scattered all over the place, so it was impossible to tell just how many. They seemed to be recruiting anyone who wanted to join though. Anyway, while I was talking to a Daemon woman who had been indebted to him, he used a few of his flunkies to drag me off and take me captive."
Winter grimaced, remembering the dishcloth covered in Bittersweet Nightshade. That had not been fun. "There he told me that he planned to take down the entire Fae council. Seemed to be nothing more than an act of revenge and arrogance. I believe he actually thought that he could rule all of the Fae with a simple act of rebellion." Winter looked up at his leaders with a feral smile, "In other words Cloti, yes, very gullible. The man made the oldest villain blunder in the book!" He smirked, remembering his escape and the make-shift bombs. "So naturally, I got free and tried to blow him up with a bottle of booze." Winter shrugged, smirking slightly.
"That was all I learned." he sat back and watched Rodi and Cloti for a reaction. A look of realization came over his face, "Oh, and if you ever meet a pigeon-shifter named Auspice, knock him out and leave. The man's bad for the Song. He would love to sell us all out if any money was involved. And unfortunately for us, it is."
Men like Auspice were one of the most dangerous things the Song would have to go through. On the outside they were skilled, and supposedly great recruits. But on the inside, they were greedy and disloyal, willing to sell out their best friends for a couple bucks. Winter glanced back up, waiting for further questioning. He probably could have given more details for some of the stories he told, but if Rodi or Cloti wanted to know more they were free to ask. And honestly, some of the stories would be kind of fun to retell.
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