The Blood Cartel: Angel of the North

Diana

LOOK HOW CALM SHE IS
Original poster
ADMINISTRATOR
MYTHICAL MEMBER
Invitation Status
  1. Not accepting invites at this time
Posting Speed
  1. 1-3 posts per week
  2. Slow As Molasses
Online Availability
10AM - 10PM Daily
Writing Levels
  1. Adaptable
Preferred Character Gender
  1. Female
Genres
Romance, Supernatural, Fantasy, Thriller, Space Exploration, Slice of Life
See the GROUP for details about this chat roleplay!

CAST LIST
Tristan/Lester/Duchess - Asmodeus
Alexandra - Diana
Noel/Marika - Tegan
Koit - Zyper
Geal - Effort
Rum - Porg
Tequila - Jovian
Bosko - Ric




<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Tristan enters.] <span class="time">-04:54 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>THE BLOOD CARTEL - ANGEL OF THE NORTH <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The isle of Stobrek is restless tonight. A meteor hit the mainland four hours ago, and now dust blocks out the sun and fire burns on the horizon. The families of the fishermen take shelter in their homes, or else flock to the sermon at the Castle. Only a curious few remain on the shores to watch the burning skies, and it is THEY who see it first.... A ship has run aground on rocks to the southeast. The vessel is sinking, and some its crew have already thrown themselves into the waters. A cry of alarm goes out across the shore, and the townsfolk rush to save the beleaguered strangers. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan rushed across the beach, his staff aglow with magic light as he led the band of fishermen and pirates. They had raised the alarm and Tristan had been the first to respond. Leaping a rock he landed knee deep in the crashing waves and extended a hand towards Alexandra. His eyes were piercing blue, his handsome face wrought with concern as he offered his hand. &quot;Take my hand, my lady. You are safe now.&quot; <span class="time">-05:00 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Alexandra hates the ocean.] <span class="time">-05:02 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Koit looks like a waterlogged mutt.] <span class="time">-05:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Noel ] <span class="time">-05:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> On her hands and knees trying to crawl out of the ocean waves, Alexandra swatted the helping hand away. &quot;I don't need the help.&quot; She practically had to cough the words out, spitting out salt water as she staggered to her feet. She turned back to see the ship sinking in the distance, the red sky as it's backdrop. <span class="time">-05:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Rum Gulbrand pushes a helper away pathetically and crawls out of the water.] <span class="time">-05:05 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Following behind the others Koit clutches his satchel with his items tightly to his chest and prays that none of it got too wet. &quot;What island is this?&quot; He asks one of the villagers helping him up the beach. <span class="time">-05:06 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Geal is here to blast shit and move around other shit with his mind!] <span class="time">-05:06 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> Noel trudged her way to the shore, bunching her skirts around her knees and trying to keep her dignity. She couldn't teleport onto the shore, the villagers would know her for what she was in a second. For now, she had to remain a drenched human. <span class="time">-05:08 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Dad's ship.. &quot; Rum whined as he leaned against a piece of jutting up rubble on the beach. &quot;She was a good 'ol girl as wel'! Goddamnit!&quot; He whined to himself, not looking out at the sinking silhouette of his father's ship. Not seeming too bothered about his wet clothes. <span class="time">-05:09 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;You're on Stobrek,&quot; said Tristan in response to Koit's question. Then he took a step back from Alexandra, watching her lift herself out of the waves. He smiled a little at her, but said nothing further. The other villagers were offering blankets and lighting torches and lanterns to give the survivors light to see by. <span class="time">-05:10 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal took off his backpack and threw it onto the shore ahead of him as he stumbled out of the water and started taking off his cloak to prevent himself from freezing too badly. Gah! All his stuff was wet. <span class="time">-05:10 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester dragged himself over the rocks, coughing and spluttering, his monk robe sodden against his skin. The young man was pale and shocked, clearly unused to this sort of suffering. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Further along down the shore, far away from the light of the torches, the prone body of Tequila drifted, her arm snagged by the rocks. The surging ocean rose higher and higher, filling the tiny cove, until her face disappeared beneath the black water. <span class="time">-Noel</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> She was wet, freezing... and exhausted. Hungry. Alexandra didn't snap at anyone, but did give a glare here and there so strangers would keep their distance. Now wouldn't be the best time for her to lose her temper and take a bite out of someone. ...Someone! Alarmed, she padded her clothing until she openend up her jacket to find the Princess Flower nestly safely inside. Not even wilting. She breathed a sigh of relief. <span class="time">-05:13 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Oh, Stobrek, thank the gods! Thank the gods!" Lester muttered. Falling onto his knees next to Rum, he coughed up sea water. "I told you the vampire should've plugged that hole." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Oh, what's that, Jerry? Be a dear and see." A massive arm plunged into the water, only to withdraw a moment later, hauling Tequila out with it. "Oh my...Well, I suppose we'd better get her inside." <span class="time">-Noel</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Whirling around, Koit's jaw was slack at the priest's remark. Would the villagers know of the vampires? Would they take kindly to them or would they assume he was crafting a joke? In any case he started distancing himself from the others, just a bit though. <span class="time">-05:16 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;Are you hurt?&quot; asked Tristan, his magic staff illuminating the space around himself as Alexandra as he stepped towards her once more. His blue eyes cast their gaze over her perfect pale features... her flame red hair. <span class="time">-05:16 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> &quot;I did plug the hole,&quot; Noel snapped, her voice dripping with acid. <span class="time">-05:16 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;I thought she did.. I checked even..&quot; Rum mumbled sadly, sliding down the debris &quot;Poor gal, me dad's ship was ne'er up teh much punishment but she was a good ol' girl she was. Wish me Granpa hadn't gon' an' buggered off with the proper ship.. silly ol' coot&quot; He mumbled, drawing circles in the sand with his finger. Then noticing an absence filling the hole where there should be something he perked up &quot;Where's Tequila!?&quot; <span class="time">-05:17 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Well you didn't plug it very well, did you!" Lester shouted back, pulling off his hood to squint at the vampire. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal stayed on his hands and knees for a moment, catching his breath until some villagers draped a blanket around his shoulders. &quot;Oh, thank you, thank you.&quot; He stood up and sat on a large rock peaking through the sand. And looked around at everyone who was coming out of the water. He counted heads. One was missing. &quot;Heya where's Tequila?&quot; he swung his head around as he said it, his eyes locking onto the magic staff briefly, but he didn't let that distract him from his concern. <span class="time">-05:18 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> &quot;I'll relieve you of that insolent tongue, boy!&quot; Noel growled, and started towards Lester. <span class="time">-05:19 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;Just my pride.&quot; This one wasn't scampering off from her glaring. Alexandra pulled her hood up over her head, just as Lester was pulling his on. She was watching the others carefully, especially Noel, as she stepped farther on to the beach. &quot;Now isn't the ideal time to kill people, viper.&quot; <span class="time">-05:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Get stay back, you fiend!" Lester stumbled back over the rocks, holding up a threatening finger, "Or Julius will have something to say about it!" He looked around for the holy warrior. "J... Julius...?" <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;It's not 'er fault Lad, that ship was already limping befor' we set out.&quot; Rum said, waving his hand at Lester and pushing himself up to look around the beach &quot;Tequila!! Where are ye Lass!?&quot; <span class="time">-05:21 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal jumped up quickly and stood between Noel and Lester, his hands grasping the hilts of this two shortswords, now visible with his cloak off. Staring at Noel with a hard expression. <span class="time">-05:21 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> &quot;I disagree,&quot; Noel. &quot;I think it's just what I need right now.&quot; Noel cast one last sneer at Lester before looking about. &quot;It seems we are short a few bodies,&quot; she didn't sound too concerned. <span class="time">-05:22 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> The vampire shot a wink at Geal. <span class="time">-05:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester turned around to stare out to sea. Rum's ship was now slumped against the rocks, half-submerged with the waters lapping around it. It was silhouetted against the blood-red background of the skies above the mainland. The pillar of smoke could still be seen rising from the obliterated town of Milicent. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal blinked, surprised by the wink. He still kept himself between Noel and Lester as he cupped his hands arounc his mouth and called for Tequila. Off to the side one of the villagers said &quot;These guys are crazy&quot; <span class="time">-05:25 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit, still standing to the side felt lost amongst the others but the pillar of smoke caught his eye and a shiver ran down his spine as he remembered the close encounter with the creatures of that town. <i>AH! THE BOOK!</i> He turned his gaze into his satchel that hung at his side and retrieved the purple book that rested in there, hoping the pages weren't ruined by the seawater. <span class="time">-05:25 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;Is anyone else hurt?&quot; asked Tristan as he moved to the centre of the group, his staff held high. He was a tall and imposing figure, well built and with a natural charisma to him. The other townsfolk seemed to hang on his every word. <span class="time">-05:25 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> &quot;They're probably dead. We should get inside before you--WE join them.&quot; <span class="time">-05:25 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum rounded on Noel, &quot;Tequila ain' dead! An' I won' let you sully 'er name by suggestin' she might be!&quot; He growled, before turning, his shoulders sagging visibly, he was too tired for this &quot;Tequila!!?&quot; He called, making his way down the beach. <span class="time">-05:27 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Tequila is half drowned.] <span class="time">-05:27 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra did not want to play hero to a band of idiots and mortals. But if the viper was going to linger around here eyeing everyone like a snack to be had... She rocked on her feet, casting one last look at the firey oblivion the left behind. &quot;We'll need somewhere to stay. A monastary... holy place? Somewhere with books would be a nice start.&quot; <span class="time">-05:28 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around again, now realizing Julius was nowhere to be seen either. He started alternating between calls for Julius and Tequila. <span class="time">-05:28 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> &quot;Now, now, little pirate. Some of my favorite people are dead.&quot; Noel grinned before turning her attention to Tristan, taking note of his features, the magic that dripped from him. <span class="time">-05:29 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> A fishermen hurried up and whispered something in Tristan's ear. The man nodded and turned to Alexandra. &quot;You need to dry off first, and get some warm ale inside you. We have a tavern further up the beach.&quot; He called over to Rum. &quot;Your crewmate - the girl - they found her by the west cove! I'll take you to her.&quot; <span class="time">-05:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Shaking his head he looked up and replaced the book in his satchel. &quot;I'm okay over here.&quot; <i>Not that it amounts to much.</i> &quot;Ah yes, a place with books would be wonderful for me as well...&quot; He shot a wary glance at Alexandra as he spoke those words however, still tense being around her. <span class="time">-05:32 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum let the 'little' slide, knowing full well what Noel was probably capable of. As Tristan called to him he turned beaming &quot;Aye? Good man! Thankye! I'll buy yis and the those nice men o'er at the west cove a drin' when we get 'er!&quot; <span class="time">-05:33 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Julius! JULIUS!" Lester remained on the shore with some of the other fishermen, poking amongst the rocks and the bits of wreckage. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;How can we refuse such a generous offer.&quot; she murmered dryly. She was still watching Noel like a hawk. The woman had a peculiar expression, which now had Alexandra taking her first real look at their commanding host. <span class="time">-05:34 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal stopped calling out Tequila's name once he heard she had been found and wondered over to Lester and the fishermen to help them in their search for Julius. <span class="time">-05:35 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan motioned to some of the fishermen. &quot;Stay with the holy man. Help him search for Julius. The palace guard will assist you when they arrive and reward you for your pains.&quot; With that he made his staff glow brighter and lit the way for the others. &quot;This way.&quot; He gestured along the beach, letting Alexandra go first. <span class="time">-05:35 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Bosko Nass enters.] <span class="time">-05:36 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Coughing up seawater, Tequila slowly came to. <span class="time">-05:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>There was rumble of thunder above. A storm was on its way. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> Noel kept steady pace with the group, her form almost gliding across the sand as she walked. The vampire said little as she followed, only switched her gaze from Tristan to Alexandra, and then, once, to something distant in the North. <span class="time">-05:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Hesitating only for a moment, Alexandra walked ahead towards the path not far from the shoreline. She made a note of where they were headed, wanting to keep a quick escape in mind. Never knew when a town would turn bad. ...or in this case get smashed to pieces by falling sky. Once they were dry and settled, she fully intended to leave the others and seek a little information... <span class="time">-05:40 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum followed the vampire's gaze and then spent a second looking out to the sea. He was a bit more jolly now, at least his sister was safe. He walked closer to Noel &quot;Ya know, my Granper dissapeared off to the north, jus' sailed awa' one day. He always believed int he legends of marvelous things out there, secret countries or the edge of the world, wild riches. &quot;Silly bugger..&quot; <span class="time">-05:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Easy, little scut, there's more water in that belly of yours. Best stay still." The room was dim, only a few lamps along the walls had been lit, but even through the half-light and the thick tobacco smoke, it was obvious just what kind of people frequented this particular tavern. <span class="time">-Noel</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;Where were you sailing to?&quot; Tristan asked the group as they hurried up the beach, escorted by the other townsfolk. &quot;When the sky fell the Duchess ordered all ships back to dock. But I do not recognise yours. Are you from the mainland?&quot; <span class="time">-05:42 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> There was suddenly a lack of something on Gael's mind, as if there had been a background noise in his mind he wasn't aware of. He looked around and saw the group walking away, being lead by that one guy, Tristan. Oh well. He continued calling out for Julius until a rumble of thunder interupted. &quot;Lester, I'm afraid we will have to go in soon and pray for Julius's safety. It would not help him if we got sick out here and could not continue looking for him tomorrow.&quot; <span class="time">-05:42 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>the pirates had contrived a makeshift hospital table near the back of the tavern, this was where they had taken Tequila. "I ain't much to look at, girl, but I'm the finest nurse in all of Stobrek." The massive pirate grinned, revealing a mouthful of wooden teeth. <span class="time">-Noel</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester looked pathetic and miserable as he stood there, holding the folds of his robe. "He helped me..." the young man muttered. "He protected me from those beasts..." He was clutching his holy symbol anxiously... a silent prayer for the brave warrior lost at sea. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Here actually.&quot; Rum stated, &quot;The ol' girl was pretty beat up when we set off though..&quot; Ah've never been 'ere mehself, but me Granper used to talk about it, and I knew well enough where yeh were. Gubrand's the name!&quot; <span class="time">-05:45 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan smiled and offered his hand as they walked. &quot;Ah, I've heard of your family. Fine sailors, all of them.&quot; He clasped Rum's hand with his own. &quot;Tristan,&quot; he said with a smile. &quot;Tristan Malvolen.&quot; <span class="time">-05:46 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;Some of us were in the wrong place at the right time.&quot; she muttered, without worrying about whether or not she was heard. Alex pulled off her gloves to tuck in to her jacket. Pausing to cast a curious look over her shoulder at the man behind her. &quot;...Malvolen?&quot; <span class="time">-05:47 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit followed along silently, waiting for his turn to introduce himself, &quot;Malvolen? I think I've heard of that name before...&quot; He shrugged the thought, &quot;I'm Koit Jaani, pleasure to meet you.&quot; <span class="time">-05:47 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila laid still as she was told and blink saltwater from her eyes before coughing up a little more water. She looked up at the pirate and tried for a small smile as a thank you for looking out for her. She relaxed a little, but stayed at alert as she could. She still didn't know where she was, after all. <span class="time">-05:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan looked ahead to Alexandra, his eyes softening again. &quot;Yes?&quot; he answered, a little puzzled by her tone. <span class="time">-05:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Aye! Ah thin' mah Granper mentioned you, said you were a good man. To Trust yer, if I recall.&quot; Rum grinned, shaking the man's hand. <span class="time">-05:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko snorted from behind the massive pirate. &quot;Don't kid yourself, Vask, you're the only damn surgeon on the island. Otherwise we wouldn't let you work on so much as a fish.&quot; He leaned around Vask to see who was on the table. &quot;Tequila? What in the nine hells happened to you?&quot; <span class="time">-05:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> Noel's face split into a wide grin. <span class="time">-05:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> &quot;At least this one is better looking,&quot; she whispered. <span class="time">-05:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal walked with the fishermen and Lester to the tavern where everyone was. He muttered to himself a prayer as the thunder became louder and more frequent. <span class="time">-05:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Ooor maybe ah remember yer name from somewhere else..&quot; He muttered, releasing the man's hand and staring back out at the ship. <span class="time">-05:50 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;I am running across that name often these days.&quot; She narrowed her eyes at Noel, before turning her attentions back to what was in front of her. Son of a bitch. If only she had drowned in the sea, as this evening was going to only become more unpleasant. <span class="time">-05:50 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester hurried to catch up with the others, the first drops of rain already splashing on his robes. He was too late to hear Tristan introduce himself. "This is Stobrek," he said to Geal. "There's a Brotherhood church here, on the north headland. They run the island." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;If that is true, my lady, then I must beg your forgiveness.&quot; Tristan offered his hand to help her over a rock. &quot;I pity any who have dealings with those of my name. My family has brought shame upon themselves.&quot; <span class="time">-05:53 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Shifting her eyes to Bosko, Tequila gave a weak shrug before grinning. &quot;Seems I got myself in a tizzy, eh?&quot; she said hoarsly, attempting a chuckle before coughing again. She decided to try to sit up then. <span class="time">-05:53 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"'atta girl!" The pirate boomed, giving her encouraging, spine shattering pats on the back to help her cough up the water. "Brought the whole ocean home with ya!" Once the coughing fit had subsided, the pirate withdrew his ham-sized fist and regarded the girl. "No worries now, you're among friends." The shirtless man gestured to the rowdy tavern around them. "It's The Crippled Albatross!" <span class="time">-Noel</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Ey wai' a minu-&quot; Rum started, stopping himself in time.and continuing to make his way along with the group. <span class="time">-05:55 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"The Crippled Albatross?" said Lester as he squinted at the sign above the tavern they were heading towards. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"That's a silly name." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"It's not just a silly name!" Added the pirate. <span class="time">-Noel</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;I'd say you did, Tee. How'd y'get yourself there?&quot; He smacked the big pirate upside the head after aforesaid 'surgeon' whacked Tequila on the back. &quot;Dammit, Vask, don't kill 'er!&quot; <span class="time">-05:57 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Ah perhaps we should visit the church and tell them of what has happened.&quot; Geal started walking across the taver, dropping his sand covered articles by a chair and said for whoever was listening &quot;No sign of Julius.&quot; He spied Tequila and felt more relief as he saw she was alright and sat himself down with his things. <span class="time">-05:57 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"You see, there's actually a really important story--" The pirate was interrupted by the sound of the front doors clattering open <span class="time">-Noel</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra didn't take his hand. ...she might've thrown him clear across the island if she did. She cleared that rock with all the grace an annoyed, exhasted person had. &quot;A name that even brought down a kingdom to it's knees. I'd say a great deal more than shame.&quot; <span class="time">-05:57 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> ((Change that to getting cut off by Bosko)) <span class="time">-05:58 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> (Hm, I guess they weren't quite in the tavern yet.) <span class="time">-05:58 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Yes," Lester murmured as he shuffled after Geal through the heavy oak door of the tavern. "Anything's better than being in a tavern with such a silly name." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit listened closely to Alexandra, his eyes narrowing as his memories swam, trying to place the name. His hand dipped back into the satchel and thumbed the spine of the book. &quot;Malvolen...&quot; He murmured as he looked up at the sign, raising an eyebrow in amusement at the name. <span class="time">-05:59 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Alrigh' then!&quot; Rum bellowed as he entered the tavern &quot;Drink's on the Gulbrand family!&quot; He roared, laughing a good hearty pirate laugh. <span class="time">-05:59 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #DDA0DD; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Noel: </span> &quot;Now, Alexandra, give the poor man a chance.&quot; Noel chided as she passed Alexandra through the tavern entrance. &quot;You should never judge others on appearances.&quot; <span class="time">-06:00 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Behind them, Tristan lowered his hand and followed after Alexandra as she climbed the steps to the veranda of the tavern. &quot;As I said, I must beg your forgiveness. I have sought atonement for my sins, and only hope my kin will do the same.&quot; <span class="time">-06:00 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> (Alright NOW the rest of my post applies, I guess) <span class="time">-06:01 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>As they moved into the tavern, a squad of militia had arrived with lanterns, nets and dredging gear. They would begin the search for Julius, even as the rain came down. Their silver armour glinted in the light of the burning horizon. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;An' there's yer brother. Din' yer da ever teach him to be quiet?&quot; <span class="time">-06:02 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester sat down opposite Geal, their table close to the roaring fire and far from the brawling pirates and shanty singers who were causing the usual chaos in the raucous tavern. The air was punctuated by shouts, stories and tankards hitting walls. It was a far cry from the sodden misery of the beach. Even with the mainland burning, the people of Stobrek were determined to keep their spirits high. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;Oh, I certainly judge by deeds.&quot; she hissed at Noel. If she could reach out and strangle that woman right now...! She stopped before walking through the doors, struggling to reign in her temper again. Can't kill her <i>yet</i>. Timing was important. Alexandra focused her glare at Tristan. &quot;I suppose you spend hours upon hours praying, good deed doing, and other nonsense.&quot; <span class="time">-06:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal barely heard what Alexandra had said and frowned. <span class="time">-06:06 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit found himself sitting off in a dimly lit corner away from the loud pirates and where he could watch the others carefully but most importantly he could study the book in what relative peace the others would give him. Plunking down in his seat he pulled the book out once again and set it on the table, opening it somewhere in the middle, thankful that the pages were still mostly intact. <span class="time">-06:06 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan waved a hand over the tip of his staff, dispelling the light as he stepped into the tavern and shook of his coat. His soft eyes met Alexandra's fierce ones. &quot;I do not consider it nonsense, my lady. I have pledged my life to the people of this island and to the service of Duchess Wendris.&quot; He looked at her a little closer, even as his other hand offered her a chair. &quot;Forgive me, but... it seems you have bad blood with my family. Might I ask how they have wronged you&gt;&quot; <span class="time">-06:07 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=1>[Noel is now known as: Marika Emeraldi]</font> <span class="time">-06:08 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila heard her brother's loud ruckus and turned. &quot;Nah, what was the point? Ya need to be loud on a ship to be heard,&quot; she answered Bosko. Tequila looked back at Bosko. &quot;Shall we partake of some drinks? I could certainly use one.&quot; <span class="time">-06:08 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Tequila!!&quot; Rum roared, pushing past the pirates floded round him with their free drinks. Running over the bar and grabbing her in an impressive bearhug &quot;Oh Lass! I though- Ah Thought..&quot; He murmured out and placed her down, realising how stupid he sounded. <span class="time">-06:09 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Koit's book fell open at a double page spread illustrated by arcane astrological symbols. The beautifully written text proclaimed "WAYFARER MAGIC THE ART OF STELLAR AND LUNAR MANIPULATION\" Beneath it, spell components, rituals and enchantments were listed. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Noel slipped into one of the chairs nearest to Lester, a macabre parody of a cheery smile on her face. "Good evening fellow mortals." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra was uncomfortable with making nice. She was greatful that her hood hid most of her features, because the man's presence was so sharply unlike the others it was unsettling. She slid in to the chair, watching him with suspicion. &quot;I could speak a hundred years about who has wronged me. ...But I have questions myself. What do you know about the history of this world...?&quot; <span class="time">-06:11 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester erupted from his chair, recoiling from Noel's presence. The monk was still shivering, and almost as pale as the vampire. "You stay the hell away from me!" he hissed. "You caused all of this! And now Julius is dead because of you! Bastard vampire scum!" His nerve broke and he scampered behind Geal's seat, glaring over the man's shoulder at Noel. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko snorted. &quot;Fair point. An' yeah, I think drinks are in order.&quot; He turned, politely ignoring Rum's outburst. &quot;EROL! Drinks fer me an' the terror twosome! Whiskey for me, an' their namesakes fer Rum an' Tequila!&quot; <span class="time">-06:12 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;So, Rum, haven' got yerself kilt yet, I see.&quot;\ <span class="time">-06:12 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit poured over the text, reading what he could understand and pondering what some of the components were, certainly he hadn't heard of them before but it certainly drew his eye. He decided at once that he would need to study further. Slamming the book closed he placed it gingerly back into his satchel and approached Tristan. &quot;I would like to know if you have a library around here, preferably one that has...&quot; He looked around and whispered, &quot;arcane texts?&quot; <span class="time">-06:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;As much as I require and no more,&quot; Tristan shrugged. He took a seat beside her and removed his velvet gloves, one by one. &quot;I am not like my brothers and cousins. I do not thirst for knowledge. My place to assist the Duchess in her studies. Any knowledge or artefacts I once held have been surrendered to the Brotherhood. I yielded them many years ago... as my penance.&quot; <span class="time">-06:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Be calm brother&quot; he gave Noel a hard look, as if she were a child purposfully trying to provoke another child instead of the immortal blood sucker she was. Geal directed Lester to sit near him but not exactly at the same table. <span class="time">-06:15 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Noel's eyes widened in perfect surprise. "Poor boy's still not all there, yet." She turned her attention to Geal. "On the other hand, you seem to be fairing just fine." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"See this sort of thing often, human?" <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> He was interrupted as Koit came over. &quot;Arcane texts? What few books we have on Stobrek are kept by the Brotherhood at the castle. But surely that is for another day. You need to rest... all of you.&quot; <span class="time">-06:16 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;Yes. <i>You</i> need to rest.&quot; Alexandra said to Koit, she didn't hide her annoyance with him. Leaning on the table, she questioned Tristan. &quot;...and if someone who ISN'T likely to steal the books wanted to browse through them, how might they get there?&quot; <span class="time">-06:18 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Pulled into a great bear hug, Tequila coughed a little. She was almost rid of the water, but not quite. She felt a little come up and swallowed it back down. &quot;Yes, brother, I know,&quot; she told him, giving him a pat. &quot;But I'm fine.&quot; <span class="time">-06:19 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Koit (closed by accident)] <span class="time">-06:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=1 face=verdana>[<font color=red>Koit</font> was timed out by force!]</font> <span class="time">-06:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester sat down, slowly, his chair to the side and behind Geal's. "We should tell the Brotherhood," he said, glaring past Geal at the smiling vampire. "Before she curses us again!" <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal's mind hardened and his emotional core became stoic but polite. He turned and called for a mug of water before responding to Noel, as if she were some stranger trying to make conversation. &quot;No I've never seen anything like this, or anything like you. I just realize becoming panicked will help no one.&quot; A bar maid brought a mug of water to the table, giving Geal an odd look. Geal took the mug and handed it to Lester. &quot;Drink <span class="time">-06:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Drink&quot; he told him. <span class="time">-06:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Aye good.. &quot;Rum murmered, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment, before looking to Bosko &quot;Aye Bosko, an' I see you're still standin' too ey Nass? You know it'd take a lot to take me down!&quot; <span class="time">-06:21 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester took the water, muttering to himself as he sipped with trembling hands. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit shot Alexandra a glare before making an awkward bow at Tristan and back to his little corner. He resented her implying he'd steal from the castle, he was meerly curious about the book her...saved from destruction. <span class="time">-06:21 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> (brb going to pee real fast) <span class="time">-06:22 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko snickered. &quot;Ain't much what'll put a Nass inna ground, an' I seem t'recall your family survivin' mostly on account of hidin' behind mine. Where you been the last couple weeks?&quot; <span class="time">-06:22 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;I can take you to the Duchess,&quot; Tristan said. &quot;I am her first advisor. But surely...&quot; He glanced to the window, which was now becoming pelted by rain. &quot;Your comrade is still lost, and you need fresh clothes, and food. There is no need for this urgency.&quot; <span class="time">-06:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Noel's shoulders shook with silent laughter, the air around her chilling. "You sound like a holy man I used to know." Noel waved away an offered drink from the barmaid. "But you're different." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Where d'ya thin' Nass?&quot; He took a slug of the rum he was offered. &quot;Pillagin'!&quot; This recieved a raucous roar of approval from many of the patrons. &quot;Tho' tha' last town wen' kinda wrong. I can onleh hope some oh meh boys got outta there before it all wen' down. An ah los' me ol' Dad's Ship..&quot; <span class="time">-06:25 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra smirked. The kind of food she needed wouldn't be found in the tavern. &quot;The man was not my comrade. ...However I could do well with dry clothes. Then to see your Duchess?&quot; She most certainly wanted to go before anyone else got the idea. Especially the mouthy little thief. <span class="time">-06:26 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Rum Guilbrand,&quot; the voice was honey dripping in his ear, and somehow, without having to look, Rum knew the Lord of Pirates was speaking to him. The woman stood on the other side of the bar, where the drinks were served. She was smiling at the three of them. <span class="time">-06:26 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;You're fast making yourself a popular man.&quot; <span class="time">-06:27 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal rested his elbow on the table and his chin on his hand, his posture seeming disinterested. &quot;Oh?&quot; <span class="time">-06:28 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;Was bound t' happen sometime, Rum.&quot; Bosko paused, clearly about to say more, and inclined his head to Emeraldi. <span class="time">-06:28 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit returned to his dark little corner and took to cleaning the water out of his pistol, maybe he'd sneak out before the others could get to the castle and steal his way in, but he couldn't do that with a weapon that wouldn't work. <span class="time">-06:29 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;I will see to it,&quot; Tristan nodded. &quot;Marika owns the tavern. Her men will have clothes. I shall fetch them and then we can walk to the castle.&quot; He rose from the table, his eyes filled with concern as he watched the serious, red-haired woman. &quot;I pray she will give you the comfort I could not.&quot; And with that, he moved away towards the backrooms, where servants were already opening chests of freshly laundered clothes. <span class="time">-06:30 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum looked up, drink part way towards his mouth. &quot;Oh aie? That'd be 'cos of my sparklin' charisma aye guess!&quot; He grinned, taking another gulp of the drink. &quot;How ye' bin Marika?&quot; <span class="time">-06:30 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;Rum, some day soon, tha' attitude of yours is gonna get us all kilt. What c'n we do for you, Ma'am?&quot; <span class="time">-06:32 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"You're lost, human, I can see it in your eyes," there was no emotion in her voice, now, as if suddenly telling him this wasn't even worth the effort. They did die so quickly. "The woods are lovely dark and deep." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila sighed at her brother, shaking her head a little before turning to Marika. &quot;G'd evenin' ma'am,&quot; she greeted her meekly. <span class="time">-06:34 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;I'll be be much better once you use some of that sparkling charisma to buy me a drink,&quot; she was already pouring herself a shot from an expensive-looking bottle. &quot;Oh, and one for your poor sister and Bosko, who's been so nice.&quot; Marika plunked three more shot glasses onto the counter and began to pour. &quot;Oh, and one for yourself, to, lovely.&quot; <span class="time">-06:35 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra drummed her fingers on the table, a slight frown across her face. An unsettling man. So unlike the men of the same name, making her wonder all the more if it was just more lies and trickery. Her hand stole inside her jacket to make sure the Princess Flower was fine and well. She would have to ask the Duchess about the sorceress aunt the princess mentioned. <span class="time">-06:35 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Sighing slightly Geal said &quot;Now that you mention it I do feel quite restless, it's why I left the monastary. And yes, the woods are quite nice.&quot; Geal switched the hand the hand he was resting his chin on &quot;What about you, Noel? Do you feel a sense of purpose?&quot; <span class="time">-06:35 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Marika slid the first glass to Tequila with a wink. &quot;Here you go, that'll put life some life back in you.&quot; <span class="time">-06:36 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan returned with a bundle of clothes, setting some down on the table in front of Alexandra. &quot;You can change in the back room. I have reserved for you and your comra-&quot; He paused... &quot;...your party.&quot; He moved onwards, taking the bundle to the next table and setting down some fresh clothes for Noel, Lester and Gael. &quot;This is all we have, my friends. I hope something suits.&quot; <span class="time">-06:37 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"I'm a half-insane vampire currently possessed by a tree." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan paused, looking at Noel. <span class="time">-06:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Yarr harr!&quot; Rum laughed, &quot;It's called style Nass&quot; He said with a grin. He turned to Marika &quot;Well miss I believe I already said the drinks were on me!&quot; He said with a smile, leaning across the bar and grasping at the shot glass. &quot;But Ah guess I'll pay up front for the pirate empress 'ersel' &quot; He pulled a gold coin out of his pocket, placing it on the bar. <span class="time">-06:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> &quot;Thank you,&quot; Tequila said, taking the glass with a nod. <span class="time">-06:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Noel glared back at Tristan. "WELL?" <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko just sighed. This, he reflected, was why the Gulbrand family had gone through thirteen ships, while the Nasses had only ever needed two. <span class="time">-06:39 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;So that's...no?&quot; he said as he started picking out clothing for himself, not noticing Tristan looking at Noel. <span class="time">-06:40 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> When Koit was satisfied with the cleaning of his pistol he placed it back in his belt loop and the spearhead with part of the broken handle snugly next to it. <i>I think I can find the way well enough...</i> He nodded to himself and placed his satchel over his shoulders and used the dim light to head back out into the rain as quietly as he could. <span class="time">-06:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan glanced around, making sure that no others had heard Noel's retort. Luckily, the revelry was keeping the other patrons occupied. Setting down the clothes, the royal advisor met Noel's glare. &quot;You have nothing to fear on Stobrek, my lady. But I must ask you... please... be discreet. The people are shocked enough by the falling skies. We have had no contact with the mainland, and the months ahead will be grim ones. They do not need more reasons to live in fear.&quot; <span class="time">-06:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;You know I never lend my friends credit,&quot; within a second, the coin was taken from the table and tucked into the folds of her blouse. &quot;But I do like to promote from within,&quot; she rested her chin on the palm of her hand. &quot;You lookin' for a job, Guilbrand?&quot; <span class="time">-06:43 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra took her clothes to the back, thankfully missing Noel's stupid remarks. Once her wet clothes were removed and the dry ones on, she very much felt out of her element. She hadn't worn a dress in so long... Where was she supposed to her her weapons! Grumbling about the inconvience, she stuffed everything except the Flower Princess in to a pack. The princess she tucked in to her shirt. When she stepped back out in to the main room of the tavern, she had the pack over her shoulder and was fussing with the sleeves of her dress. <span class="time">-06:45 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Outside, the rain was falling hard. It was heavy and ice cold... perhaps as a result of the meteor strike. Koit shivered as he stepped out into it, peering at the lanterns on the beach, where the royal militia still hunted in vain for Julius. And beyond them, where Rum's half-capsized ship was silhouettes against the red sky, a band of pirates in rowboats were already beginning a salvage operation, lashing ropes and chains around the vessel. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Her facade was slipping, she could feel it creeping. She would have to feed soon, or she would lose herself. Noel idly wondered if little Alexandra was suffering the same dilemma. The vampire took the offered clothes, never taking her eyes off of Tristan. "I'm as docile as a lamb." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Oh aye girl?&quot; Rum retorted staring at her and taking his shot, not taking his eyes away. &quot;And what kind of job would that be?&quot; He asked, taking another gold coin out. &quot;An buy yersel' another drink Lass&quot; he said with a wink. <span class="time">-06:47 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> (Oh yeah, little does Noel know, Gael isn't quite mortal! So there!) <span class="time">-06:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko let his head thump on the bar, then knocked back his drink. &quot;Gonna get us all kilt...&quot; he mumbled under his breath. <span class="time">-06:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> The pathway to where the books he sought was fairly obvious, the giant building at the top of the hill the island was built on might as well have had a lighthouse at the top of one of the towers. He pulled his cloak's hood over his head and pulled what was left of it around his shoulders, still torn in half from that flaming bell in that church back in Milicent. &quot;Off we go I guess.&quot; He nodded, marching up the road towards the castle. <span class="time">-06:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;The easy, high-paying kind,&quot; Marika laughed, catching the coin as she swallowed the clear liquor, before pouring herself another. &quot;Why the long face, Nass? There's room for you, too.&quot; <span class="time">-06:50 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester found a new vest and slipped it on, before donning a fresh robe. He huddled next to the fire, shivering profusely and clutching his left arm, which seemed to be hurt. "Lamb my arse," he muttered. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;I don't believe in 'easy' and 'high paying' going together. It generally means that yer employer is either lyin' to ya, or an idiot. An' yer not an idiot.&quot; <span class="time">-06:51 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The castle was aglow with torchlight, and even through the storm Koit could hear a choir chanting. It seemed that a sermon was taking place. Around him, other townsfolk were heading up the hill, wincing as the rain hammered their flesh and clothes. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal watched Noel closely, setting down the shirt he was holding he leaned close to her and said with a quite voice &quot;Is there something wrong with you? You look a little...pale.&quot; <span class="time">-06:53 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan nodded respectfully to Noel and moved onwards, taking the last bundle of clothes and setting it on the bar behind Marika. The advisor was careful not to interrupt her conversation with the other pirates. Having deposite the clothes for them he returned across the tavern to Alexandra and picked up his coat. &quot;I am at your service.&quot; He glanced again at the storm, then waited. <span class="time">-06:54 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Oh?&quot; Rum said, plonking another coin on the bar &quot;Aye regret to say though, I 'ave to agree with Nass. Sounds a bit fishy teh me Lass&quot; He said, sitting back up and gulping down the rest of his rum, flicking yet another coin on the bar. &quot;I'd like some grog this time please Marika.&quot; Those who knew him would probably have been the only ones to pick up on the use of the word 'please' not something conventionally considered to be part of a Gulbrand's vocabulary. <span class="time">-06:54 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit nodded as he found the door, he didn't have any intentions of stealing so maybe they'd let him just take a look at their library, and there he might be able to find a book to make sense of the book in his satchel. Stepping inside he removed his hood and looked for someone that would hopefully guide him to the library. &quot;Um, excuse me?&quot; He called out a bit softly. <span class="time">-06:56 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> The thief was gone. Alexandra gave an inward sigh, as she nodded at Tristan and stepped out of the tavern. Her hands were a little shakey from the hunger, but she hid it by gripping the strap of her pack. &quot;Tell me... did you choose this life for your family's sins? Or your own?&quot; <span class="time">-06:57 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Why Nass, I'm hurt,&quot; the pirate lord frowned. &quot;In all my years, when have you ever known me to double cross a fellow pirate?&quot; Marika knocked back her second shot before pouring herself another. &quot;Not any fellows who are working for me, anyway.&quot; Without turning around to watch, Marika waited for Tristan to come and go before turning to the bar. &quot;It really is a simple delivery, boys.&quot; Marika returned with another shot for Nass, Rum's grog and a cup of water for Tequila. <span class="time">-06:57 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Hearing her brother say please, Tequila's head shot up in his direction before going to look at Marika. She listened to her carefully. A simple delivery, eh... She sipped at the water. <span class="time">-06:58 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>A monk of the Brotherhood turned to Koit, bringing a finger to his lips to usher him to be quiet. Beyond the hall was the grand chamber of the abbey, where townsfolk, pirates and soldiers had gathered to listen to the Abbot deliver his sermon. The abbey was finely furnished, lit with torches and magical orbs, the statues plated with gold and the windows made from exquisite stained glass. A choir chanted softly in the upper gallery, competing with the rumbling thunder. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> (There is a point to Geal asking, I'm not just making him say funny stupid things) <span class="time">-06:59 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Only thing is, since the sky fell, I'm short one ship.&quot; She set their drinks on the counter before taking up hers. &quot;I need to rent yours, and that costs a pretty penny, Rum.&quot; Marika smiled before taking her shot. &quot;Your ship is being repaired now. You can owe me, don't worry.&quot; <span class="time">-06:59 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> ((Hold yer horses, I'm comin!)) <span class="time">-07:00 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;Ye'll notice we ain't workin' for you just yet. An' if it's a 'simple' delivery, 'ow come it pays so well?&quot; <span class="time">-07:00 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> (*whinies loudly*) <span class="time">-07:00 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> ((scratch that last line)) <span class="time">-07:01 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko's eyes narrowed. &quot;Or y' could square the repair costs. Sign of good faith, like.&quot; <span class="time">-07:02 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Noel's eyes narrowed as she unfurled the shapeless smock they had given her. The Heart of Gahron pulsed painfully in her breast, making her wince. "I'm fine, it's just my face." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum knocked back his grog and then spat it out, taking care to miss Marika, and wiping the excess away from his chin &quot;Yer fixin' it!?&quot; He stuttered, part of him was happy about it, the other was disappointed at the lack of a new ship and also very aware that the repair costs would probably come out of the plunder he had in the hold &quot;An 'ow much of that cost does the gold in my 'old cover then Marika?&quot; He asked, his grin a mixture of playful cheeryness and sudden worry about all the free drinks he'd offered out. <span class="time">-07:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan moved with Alexandra into the storm, sidestepping a band of pirate who were lugging more rope and timber planks towards the coast to help with the salvaging of Rum's ship. &quot;The Malvolen's have done terrible things, for countless generations, in the pursuit of knowledge. They have forgotten what once made them men of honour. My life was chosen because I remember what we once stood for.&quot; He pulled up the hood of his coat, unconsciously stepping to Alexandra's right to shield her from the brunt of the rain as they climbed the hill. &quot;Ten years ago, I gave away my spellbooks and my artefacts, my tomes and my spell components. I surrendered everything to the Brotherhood. And they taught me how to atone, for my family's sake and for my own.&quot; <span class="time">-07:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko elbowed Rum sharply in the ribs. Dammit, the man was trying to ruin a perfectly good bargaining position. <span class="time">-07:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit looked around, wide-eyed at the abbey, it was certainly beautiful inside, something he hadn't anticipated. His fingers tingled, he had the urge to steal something shiny but he reminded himself that he needed to focus on his task at hand, at the book in his satchel. &quot;Excuse me,&quot; He spoke scarcely above a whisper, &quot;I was hoping to look through your library, I'm looking to study some books I was told you would have here...scholarly pursuits and all that...&quot; <span class="time">-07:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"No." The monk replied. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> An abacus was placed on the bar between them, Marika's fingers gliding over the sums, knocking the beads into place. Finally, she looked up to Rum with genuine sympathy. &quot;More'n you got from that last raid, I imagine.&quot; She poured herself another drink. &quot;But not to worry. This job should more than cover the cost of repairs, with a little pocket money for yourself, I imagine.&quot; <span class="time">-07:07 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Behind him, the Abbot was in full swing. "What has happened on the Mainland is the will of the gods," declared the old man as he gripped the lectern and peered out over the crowd of sodden townsfolk. "They have punished the people of Heleway for their idleness and their luxury. But we... we, the people of Stobrek, have been spared. For we are a diligent and pious people. It falls to us now, brothers and sisters, to resist the influence of the pirate filfth who litter our shores. I call upon each and every one of you, to stand firm with me in defying those vermin." The thunder rumbled in time with his pronouncements. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;That was a stupid thing to do.&quot; He was stepping too close, but she needed to be able to hear him in the rain. She turned her head to flash him a grim sort of smile. &quot;You had the tools and knowledge to change the world, why not use it? What good are you doing pretending to be noble safe here on this island, when the rest of the world is falling asunder? How is that pennance?&quot; <span class="time">-07:09 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal shook his head and picked up his bundle of clothing. &quot;Come with me. Now.&quot; Pretty commanding for a holy man. &quot;Lester I'll be back, remain calm. Or have some fun if you can.&quot; He walked over to the bar &quot;Excuse me can I have a glass? No just a glass. Yes by itself. Right with nothing in it, just a glass, empty. Yes, thank you I'll be buying this.&quot; He dropped three coins on the bar and turned walked to the back of tavern in a more private area. <span class="time">-07:09 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum arched an eyebrow, &quot;Aye an I guess that's all goin' on the bar tab Ah've racked up from tonigh' eh?&quot; He said, finding the situation draining, yet amusing all the same. &quot;Aye yer a sly fox Marika!&quot; He said, elbowing Bosko in the ribs in return, he had this under control.. mostly. <span class="time">-07:09 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester murmured faintly in response to Geal then curled over by the fire, clutching his arm. He seemed to be growing paler. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> <i>Damn...</i> Koit wasn't going to be dissuaded so easily. &quot;I, er, was told that it would be okay by, um, Sir Tristan? I wouldn't be there long, I just need to take a few notes and I will be on my merry way...&quot; His tone had almost dipped into pleading territory. <span class="time">-07:11 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;The world is far greater than any of my interventions,&quot; Tristan, smiling softly to Alexandra. His face was lit in the red hue of the burning sky, almost golden. &quot;I am sure the land will heal. It has suffered too much for the deeds of the Malvolens. My 'power', as you call it, is best spent to enrich the lives of these people. A thousand souls, all on one island.&quot; He moved ahead of her, quickening his pace. &quot;That's enough worlds to change.&quot; <span class="time">-07:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Silently the vampire played along with the man. &quot;Are you going to do something noble?&quot; She taunted as she took the seat opposite of him. <span class="time">-07:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko sighed. &quot;A'right, I'm in. Someone's got t' keep this idiot outta trouble. Now, about <i>my</i> payment...&quot; <span class="time">-07:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila rose a brow at the abacus and let the idea stew in her mind. Surely the task couldn't be that bad, despite the price they were being offered. She saw her brother shift to elbow Bosko and sighed. <span class="time">-07:15 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"And the Gahron Tree told me I'm the true king of Heleway," replied the monk, getting a snigger from his fellow brother. The two of them were blocking a doorway, their arms folded. "No one visits the Abbot's library but the Abbot. And you're not the Abbot." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;I'll consider your payment as even trade with the damages you caused my tavern in that brawl last month,&quot; Marika quipped as she poured them each a new drink. &quot;Now, now ladies and gents! Enough talk about money, let's celebrate your new employment!&quot; <span class="time">-07:16 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko glared - HE hadn't been the one to start that brawl - but grumbled his acceptance. <span class="time">-07:18 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;Fine! I'll simply wait here until the Abbot has finished his sermon and I'll ask him directly. I'm sure I could persuade him, I have a very important artifact from...&quot; And that's when it dawned on him, the other wizard was named &quot;Malvolen...&quot; He said aloud. <span class="time">-07:19 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;How frustratingly noble of you.&quot; she muttered, keeping only a few paces behind him. This had to be a first. A man happy with the people around him, instead of gallivanting off on reckless acts of heroism. &quot;And what if what plagues the world has found it's way to this very island?&quot; <span class="time">-07:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>After downing three more celebratory shots Marika lead the three behind the bar and down a secret set of stairs that lead under the tavern. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Guess ah've got no choice eh?&quot; Rum said jovially, Raising his tankard of grog. Trying to disguise his mild annoyance at the situation. He knew he couldn't stay mad at Marika for very long though. <span class="time">-07:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> (Arse. switch those posts.) <span class="time">-07:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>One of the monks seemed completely disinterested, while the other gave Koit a sidelong glance, eyeing him up and down. "What artifact?" <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;This cargo is bleeding heavy, but our client wants it delivered tonight,&quot; Marika explained as she lead them through the narrow hallway. Above them came the thunderous roar of stamping feet. <span class="time">-07:21 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Yes I suppose I am.&quot; He put the bundle of clothes on the table and rolled up his sleeve, he was surprised by how secluded this area was. Geal reached behind him and took a knife from his belt and held the blade against his skin. He paused for a while, focusing his mind and started taking rapid quick breathes as he fell back on the training he recieved at the monastary. Then he slid the blade across his skin and let the blood drizzle into the cup. He grimaced as he felt it flow and heard the dripping. He had felt something though, just at when his mind was becoming is most focused, almost as if he could feel everyone in the tavern. Well it was gone now. Geal started getting dizzy and that's when he pulled some bandaging from a pocket and wrapped him arm. He gave the cup to Noel. &quot;I don't know if it's enough but that's all I can give right now.&quot; <span class="time">-07:21 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan stopped at the outer wall of the castle, where the first archway led through the abbey courtyard. He looked again at Alexandra, searching her eyes and drawing a conclusion. &quot;So you did come from the mainland.&quot; He stepped closer. &quot;What happened there? Are we in danger?&quot; The rain was falling heavier around them, soaking their clothes afresh. <span class="time">-07:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Can't have you killing folks...&quot; <span class="time">-07:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;Now, now dear sir. I believe this conversation is one between me and your dear Abbot. I told you Sir Tristan had told me I would be able to enter the library, did you think I didn't have a good reason. If you must know it's a telescope that I have left in a secret area on the beach.&quot; Koit felt awful proud of his lies, he almost forgot that he was lying. <span class="time">-07:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra actually seemed surprised by his reaction. &quot;A runaway princess, an ancient enemy, a horde of vampires, ...and a Malvolen making a Star Child fall from the sky. This island is very much in danger.&quot; <span class="time">-07:26 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The monk frowned. "Telescope?" Behind him, the Abbot continued his tirade. "For decades we have kept you safe! We - the Brotherhood - your spiritual protectors. Witness now these storms - see how they ravage the coast and dash apart the pirate ships and the fishing boats of the ungodly. And see how the abbey stands, proud and unscathed. This is a sign, my children - a sign of our virtue. We walk upon the noble path, and we shall weather these dark times." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Noel snorted, trying to appear nonchalant, but there was an obvious hunger in her eyes. Slowly, the vampire took the glass and held it to her lips. There was a hiss, followed by a quiet growl, before the glass shattered on the tavern floor, coating it in his blood. Noel was already on her feet, shoving her way through the tavern, into the street. <span class="time">-07:28 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan's eyes lowered, his brow furrowing with old troubles. &quot;Lucien...&quot; he muttered and Alexandra saw his hands ball into fists. &quot;He did this?&quot; He nodded to the burning sky. &quot;My cousin is to blame for this?&quot; <span class="time">-07:28 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;Yes, a telescope. I witnessed it sending some sort of...magic into the sky. It was a key into bringing down a star child. You do know that's what happened on the mainland correct?&quot; Koit's eyes narrowed and he straightened his back up a bit to give himself all the extra height he could muster. &quot;Now if I could get into that library, it's very important.&quot; <span class="time">-07:28 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko just glowered as he followed. No need to voice his discontent, and besides. Marika was giving them information. <span class="time">-07:29 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Uuugh..." groaned Lester as he doubled over, clutching at his wrist and grimacing in pain. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;You didn't know.&quot; Another surprise... Alexandra frowned, looking up towards the sky as well. &quot;He wanted to fullfill an old prophecy. Something I really, <i>really</i> need to know more about...&quot; <span class="time">-07:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Noel stopped before she could run into Lester. "..." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum followed, keeping up as much as he could with the Pirate Lord, wondering aloud what all the footsteps were. <span class="time">-07:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila followed along silently. She was still trying to figure this out. What sort of cargo could possibly be this important? <span class="time">-07:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The monk stared hard at Koit, then turned and whispered something to his companion. A look passed between them and then they turned, unbolting the door. "Okay, quick," he said, ushering Koit towards a spiral stairway leading from the main chamber. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit didn't dare look this gift-horse in the mouth, and stole his way inside, climbing the spiral stairway, his satchel clutched to his side to stop from smacking against his thigh painfully. <i>Thank the Tribe Mother that worked...</i> He thought as he made his way closer to his goal. <span class="time">-07:34 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;The Star Child story?&quot; Tristan asked, ducking with Alexandra out of the rain as they reached the archway of the abbey. &quot;He was obsessed with it, even as a boy. He thought he could bring back the old gods and reunite them with humans. He was a fool and a madman.&quot; They glanced inside, seeing the Abbot in the midst of a fiery sermon. &quot;What more do you need to know?&quot; <span class="time">-07:34 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;The job's simple enough, we, and I mean you, just have to push this crate across the beach.&quot; Marika lit a lamp and held it over a massive rectangular crate. It was easily larger than a grown mad and bolted with heavy locks. &quot;Load it on your ship and take it to the other side of the island by midnight,&quot; Marika placed one booted foot onto the crate. &quot;And we are all rich.&quot; <span class="time">-07:34 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal was surprised by Noel's reaction and frowned at his blood on the ground, had he offended her some how? Maybe his faith had something to do with it. Geal sighed and went to the more public part of the tavern and looked around for Noel but didnt see her, instead he saw lester curled up by the fire. Geal had a bad feeling when he looked at lester and went over and kneeled by him, resting a hand on his shoulder. &quot;Lester, what's wrong?&quot; <span class="time">-07:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum walked up to the huge crate and gave it an experimental shove with one hand &quot;Aye I can see why ye got us ter do this!&quot; He said, grinning at her. &quot;Ahm guessin' we don' get to know what's in the crate ey?&quot; He asked, leaning against the wooden box. &quot;Will the fair lady Marika be joinin' us on this venture?&quot; <span class="time">-07:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila eyed the crate, and then looked at Marika. &quot;We'll be rich, you say? This seems a little too simple for riches to come from it.&quot; She looked up at Rum. He had already agreed to the task. There really was no turning back. &quot;All right, brother. Shall we get this moved then?&quot; <span class="time">-07:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>As Koit reached the stop of the stairs he beheld a small library at the top of the abbey's eastern tower. It was nicely furnished, with a plush velvet carpet, leather arm chairs and mahogany book cases. He took one step inside and then promptly dropped to the ground, his head throbbing with pain. One of the monks had clubbed him over the head with a quarterstaff. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;I don't believe he was entirely wrong.&quot; Inside, the Abbot was vigorous with his sermon. Alexandra only half heard it. She ran a hand through her hair, frustrated and unsure of exactly -what- exactly she needed to know. &quot;What would happen if they were really reunited. The weakness of the vampire lords... the destruction of the world? I have more questions than I can count. There are books here, yes? Things that helped him learn about the legend?&quot; <span class="time">-07:39 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;Just so you know, I'm billing you for the injuries I am bound to recieve. This just screams 'Kill the messenger.'&quot; <span class="time">-07:39 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester flinched away from Geal, hiding his arm inside his robe. "It's... uugh...it's...nnn.. nothing..." He was struggling speak and beads of sweat were breaking out on his face. At times he would grunt, deep and painfully, his lungs making odd wheezing sounds. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit cried out in pain and placed one hand on his head and the other on his satchel, pushing it under him as he laid out on the floor. &quot;The hell is that for?&quot; He growled, his vision swimming. Should he grab the dagger-length spearhead from his belt and fight a monk? Or should he just try his best to escape? He called out to the one name he thought might actually aid him, &quot;Alexandra!&quot; <span class="time">-07:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Lester it is obviously not nothing, let me see it I may have something can help, come on.&quot; <span class="time">-07:42 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;Perhaps,&quot; Tristan answered. &quot;This whole abbey was built upon the ruins of an elven temple... the last one known to have stood before the elves vanished across the ocean. If there is anything about these Star Children, it will be in the library. Myself, the Duchess and the Abbot have personal access.&quot; Fetching a key from inside his robes, Tristan led the way, noting with a frown that the two monks guarding the door to the tower were nowhere to be seen. <span class="time">-07:43 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Right again, Mr. Rum,&quot; Marika ran her hand through her hair. &quot;I'll be supervisin' on this little errand!&quot; Whether she was ignoring his observation about not knowing what the cargo was, or if she simply did not hear him, was hard to tell. &quot;I like this girl's tenacity! Now quit yer belly-achin' boys, and move this box!&quot; Marika tilted her head back and took a fresh swig from her liquor bottle. <span class="time">-07:45 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The second monk stomped his foot on Koit's back and flattened him to the ground. "What magic are you talking about boy? What telescope?" The other monk - the one with the staff - circled in front of Koit and clonked him sharply on the head. "Tell us what you know and we'll make this easy for you. CONFESS!" <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Get away from me!" Lester pulled away again, curling towards the fireplace. His voice went deeper as he snapped, and his whole body was shaking. Geal could also see that there was saliva dripping from the man's mouth. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Get away from him, holy man, if you value your life." Noel was standing behind him, her face drenched in a cold sweat, her eyes all pupil. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko looked at the box, then at Marika, then back at the box. &quot;Would some rope be too much to ask for?&quot; <span class="time">-07:47 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Hearing her name being shouted as they headed towards the tower was NOT what Alexandra was expecting at all! It was without thinking that she passed Tristan to lead the way towards it. Pulling a dagger from her pack when they reached the top of the tower. Finding that blasted thief being beaten by a couple of monks. &quot;Who said I was the one to ask for aid from, idiot!&quot; She did, however, keep that dagger pointed at the monks. <span class="time">-07:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit groaned but a smirk crossed his face. <i>They're in trouble now.</i> He was thankful that both of the vampire women had come to his aid, inexplicibly at that. He struggled against the monk and was relieved when his boot gave way. Koit grabbed his pistol and backed away, aiming it at the monk. <span class="time">-07:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Seeing Alexandra appear, the second monk turned and reached into his robe, drawing out a pistol. But as quickly as he had drawn it he lowered it, noticing Tristan a few steps behind the woman. "Sorry, My Lord. We had a trespasser." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Aye good Lass&quot; Rum commented, inspecting the box, and deciding that yes, rope would be useful &quot;Aye what Bosko said&quot; He added, &quot;Good teh have yis on board Marika.&quot; <span class="time">-07:51 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>The Gahron Tree, it wasn't allowing her to feed, and now this. Noel's nostrils flared as she scented the air, that strange charge. This was not good. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal grimaced, a cold feeling enveloping him as he stepped away. &quot;He's....&quot; <span class="time">-07:52 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;A curious fool is a dead fool.&quot; Wary of the monks, she kept her knife pointed at them until she gestured at Koit to put his gun away. Then she lowered her own weapon. <span class="time">-07:54 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester came down onto his knees, wretching and moaning, each sound becoming deeper and more feral. Some of the other patrons began to notice and eyes began to turn, sea shanties and laughter cutting short. Bulges began to appear beneath Lester's robe as new bones and muscles protruded. "I'm...so... frightened.. I...." The rest of the words were lost to snarls. He fell against the fireplace, his arm outstretched the grip the mantelpiece. The light of the fire fell upon the skin of his arm... illuminated it in deep and hairy green. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit knew better by now to question Alexandra and he placed his pistol back in his belt but keeping his hand on it, his other still clutching his satchel tightly to his chest. <span class="time">-07:55 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;What is happening here?&quot; Tristan demanded as he stepped past Alexandra and towards the monks. &quot;Why are you armed?&quot; He glanced at Koit, unsure of the man. &quot;Someone explain this.&quot; <span class="time">-07:56 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> ((patrol, back in 15-20)) <span class="time">-07:57 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: "Verdana",verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=1 face=verdana>[<font color=red>Tequila</font> logged out of the chat.]</font> <span class="time">-((07:57 Sep 08))</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Nothing, my lord," the second monk answered. "We heard a noise and we came up. This man was trying to steal the books." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"Now would be a good time for you to run, holy man." Noel whispered as she slipped past Geal, her eyes glinting with a ferocity that mirrored the monster Lester had become. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;I was doing no such thing! You let me in! You lie!&quot; Koit spat, he was enraged. &quot;I have information that might be useful for figuring out this Star Child story, and some of the events that happened back on the mainland and I refuse to share it with...lower ranking persons.&quot; He nodded seriously, &quot;I even have it right here.&quot; He said, patting his satchel. <span class="time">-07:59 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>There was a roar that brought the tavern to silence and Lester spun around, his spine snapping straight and his bones realigning. A glob of saliva hit the floor as tusk-like teeth extended from his lower jaw. Muscle buldged beneath his robe, which tore to reveal the green expanse of his chest. He snarled, hurling abuse at the woman... his every word deep.. and hateful....... and Orcish. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> The commotion from upstairs was starting to make its way down into the basement. Marika arched a brow and glanced at the ceiling. &quot;That's not good--OK, boys and girls, hup-to, hup-to!&quot; Marika hurried them along. <span class="time">-08:01 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>From the abbey below there came a host of sounds - the choir striking up again, the congregation moving into solemn hymn. There were footsteps on the spiral stairs and the clanking of armour. Two people were in conversation as they ascended the steps. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> She glanced from Koit to the monks. Though, she wouldn't doubt the man was there to steal something, it was odd that the monks were armed. Monks didn't like to carry weapons... &quot;Give me what you have.&quot; <span class="time">-08:02 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;Hokay, no rope, then.&quot; Bosko positioned himself behind the box and started heaving. <span class="time">-08:02 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Yeh I don't like the sound of that..&quot; Rum said, shoulder barging the crate to get it started moving, pushing his weight into the box and pushing hard. <span class="time">-08:02 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> As Marika led the three, them lugging the heavy crate, her carrying a lantern, through the secret passage that went as far as the beach, they could hear the chaos above. Marika Emeraldi had abandoned The Crippled Albatross. What could be in the crate? <span class="time">-08:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Running usually excites instincts to hunt.&quot; Geal pulled his swords out and slowly backed out of the tavern. He couldn't really expect other people to do the same. <span class="time">-08:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit's eyes grew wide as he heard the clanking up the stairs. &quot;Sure, sure, here.&quot; He nodded, pulling the purple-leatherbound book free and handing it to Alexandra. &quot;I wouldn't give that to anyone else, I'm trusting you with this.&quot; He said, his eyes leveling with her, showing how serious he was. <span class="time">-08:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan stepped between Koit and the Monk. &quot;Enough. There has clearly been a misunderstanding. The night has been long and--&quot; He stopped when he heard the footsteps. Moving to the doorway he peered down the stairs and for a moment released a tiny, almost imperceptible, sigh. &quot;Your highness; your eminence. Forgive me, but I have guests. He stepped back as a new group entered the library. The duchess, an immaculately dressed and graceful woman with Eureka's eyes, stepped into the library and cast her gaze over the assembled intruders. And behind her was the Abbot and several guards. &quot;My my,&quot; the Duchess said with a wry smile. &quot;For a private library this room has quite the ensemble!&quot; <span class="time">-08:05 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Everybody I'm going to have to ask you to calmly leave the tavern momentarily...&quot; <span class="time">-08:05 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel was crouched low against the tavern floor, her form seeming to partially meld into the shadows. Her slitted eyes bore into the Orc's, before she opened her mouth, impossibly wide, and let loose a chilling shriek. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>There was no hope of calmness. Some of the patrons were screaming and fleeing from the tavern out into the rain. Others were getting weapons out - the burly pirates fascinated and alarmed by the sudden appearance of an Orc before them. No one had seen an Orc in these parts in 300 years... <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;This had better be a crate oh gold or something&quot; Rum panted as he shoved himself into the crate. &quot;I 'ope this is worth it Marika!&quot; <span class="time">-08:08 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Tucking the book under her arm, Alexandra gave a slight bow towards the Duchess. Her eyes not leaving the woman. &quot;Forgive our strange intrusions. We come from the mainland. I'm seeking the Aunt Isabella of Princess Eureka. I have..... something for her.&quot; <span class="time">-08:08 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Tequila enters.] <span class="time">-08:09 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester seemed to increase in size as he charged, snatching up the table in one muscular arm and swinging it in a thunderous arc. It slammed into Noel and knocked her across the tavern, the vampire crashing over the bar counter in a heap of glass and wood splinters. With a roar the Orc lunged at the nearest group of pirates, snapping bones and biting into flesh - the carnage unleashed as the monk's robes dropped away in tatters. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit followed suit, stepping closer to Alexandra and bowing to the Duchess. &quot;I'm with her, er, your highness...&quot; He nodded, hoping that he wasn't sticking out too much. <span class="time">-08:10 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;If it were a crate a' gold, we'd be better off keepin' the gold and killin' the client.&quot; <span class="time">-08:10 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal calmly held the door open for the fleeing patrons. <span class="time">-08:10 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Aha that's true right enough!&quot; Rum laughed, &quot;But I coudln't think o' anything other than gold that would be worth this.&quot; <span class="time">-08:11 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The duchess spread her hands, her every gesture instilling calm despite the glares of the monks and the abbot. "I am Isabella Wendris, custodian of Stobrek. What business do you have with me, child?" <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;Now there, I can't argue with ya.&quot; <span class="time">-08:11 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Behind Geal, he could hear the most unnatural squealing coming from the beach <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila looked up at the ceiling and gulped before pushing at the crate alongside Rum and Bosko. She didn't want to go back, that was for sure. Sounded like there was worse trouble behind them in the tavern. &quot;But if the gold is on the other side of the island, we may as well be pushing gold if this is worth what we are being told it is.&quot; <span class="time">-08:12 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;The Princess was coming to see you. I have..&quot; Hrm. She could not announce in front of everyone that she had the Princess herself. Alexandra pulled the Flower Princess from her bodice, holding her out in the palm of her hand. &quot;I hope this means something to you. I don't trust to explain in a room full of people.&quot; <span class="time">-08:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;I'm not paying you Chatty Cathies to think,&quot; Marika called from ahead, she was kicking a door open. Moonlight filled the passageway. &quot;Come along, gents.&quot; The pirate lord was doing her best to not look troubled, to keep herself calm. <span class="time">-08:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal heard from behind him a most unnatural squealing coming from what sounded like the beach. As soon as everyone who was fleeing fled he was able to see clearly. <span class="time">-08:16 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"Uuuugh," Noel lay prone beneath the rubble, her features slowly returning to normal. What was happening? There was something very wrong with this town, she could feel it since the beginning. It was almost like that time in the glade... Noel's eyes narrowed as she slowly sank into the shadows. She had to find Alexandra and Tristan. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Who are these people?!" demanded the abbot, his beady eyes glaring at the strangers. "They have violated my library! They look like pirates! Arrest them immediately!" <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan turned and fixed the Abbot with a stare. &quot;With respect, your eminence, I invited them.&quot; <span class="time">-08:18 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Calm yourself, Abbot Wexley," said the Duchess, even as she stepped forward with a gentle smile. She looked down at the flower in Alexandra's palm and closed her own hands, carefully around it. There was a sigh from the woman and her eyes even went a little teary. "Leave us," she ordered to the monks, then gave a glance to the Abbot. "I will deal with this, Father Wexley." She waited as the Abbot and the two monks moved, grudgingly, out of the room and back down the stairway. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Geal's eyes widened as he beheld the horror on the beach just beyond the tavern. Several of the people who had fled were writhing on the floor, sickening sounds of snapping bone and tearing muscle punctuating their cries. As the rain fell upon them they were shifting... teeth growing sharper, ears growing pointier... skin changing colour <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit, feeling the eyes off of him calmed his nerves quite a bit. He took his chance to let his gaze wander about at the books, maybe something that was similar enough to the book Alexandra now held under her arm. He wondered what he could remember from the list of components that the book had given him. &quot;Stardust...&quot; He muttered under his breath. <span class="time">-08:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum panted as the crate was pushed through the door, he hung back a second. &quot;Marika, this'd better be damned worth it. Cos I got a funny feelin' in mah gut. And you know how I feel about feelin's in mah gut Lass.&quot; <span class="time">-08:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra waited until the monks were out of sight and earshot. She did not care to explain this in front of Tristan either, but he already knew too much already anyway. &quot;I was following her on the mainland to watch over her. Things became complicated. She cut herself to prove she was not a blood heir to the throne and.... this..&quot; she nodded down towards the flower. &quot;Is what happened.&quot; <span class="time">-08:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Up ahead of Rum, Tequila and Bosko, the ship had been refloated in a cove beyond the tunnel. Marika's pirates had worked quickly, plugging the breach and draining the water, fetching fresh sails and timber. It was a patch-up job and the ship would not hold together for long.... but perhaps long enough <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>With a smile the Duchess carried the flower over to a desk and set it down carefully, a tear in her eye. "It's what we do... Our family, you see? Ever since the Gahron Tree brought back my great grandmother, Helena. Ever since that day, we've had the elder magics in our blood. When we get scared change... we turn into our dreams... or even our nightmares. That's what elder magic does. It gets drawn to fear... human fear." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila could feel her shirt begin to cling with sweat as she pushed against the crate. She couldn't believe how heavy it actually was. <span class="time">-08:30 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> &quot;What'd I tell you, Rum. Lying or stupid.&quot; <span class="time">-08:30 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Marika was already strolling ahead, calling out orders to her men. &quot;Make sure all those sails are patched, gentlemen! I don't care if you have to use your own skin!&quot; Several larger men had come forward to relieve the trio of their burden, to secure it to the deck. Marika paused, halfway up the rope ladder to the ship, and crowed over her shoulder to the others to join her. <span class="time">-08:30 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Geal was swept off his feet as Lester barrelled into him, shoulder barging out of the door and down the verandah steps. They landed on the beach amidst the thrashing townsfolk, who in their terror were transforming... their bodies shifting into elven, goblin and ghastly forms. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Heh.. ne'er thought I'd see the ol' girl afloat again.. maybe this time i'll be able to gi'er a proper sendoff...&quot; Rum commented as they approached the ship. &quot;Yer men have done an impressive job in such short time..&quot; Rum said, following the Pirate Empress. <span class="time">-08:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit, snapping back to attention was curious, &quot;Is there any way to change her back?&quot; He furrowed his brow and shifted his gaze between all of the others gathered in the library. &quot;It can't be permanant can it?&quot; He asked, more towards Alexandra than any of the others. <span class="time">-08:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila happily moved away from the crate and began to climb behind Marika. The ship was floating; that was a good sign. <span class="time">-08:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Duchess smiled weakly at Koit. "The only way to stop the transformation is to remove the source of the fear. Like in Gahron's Glade. The spell was only broken when Durrant and that other terrible vampire were beaten." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra frowned. &quot;There is nothing left for her to fear... The cause died and was destroyed in the meteor that struck the mainland.&quot; <span class="time">-08:34 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"I do love a good villain." From the shadows near the fireplace, Noel emerged, looking slightly worse for wear. Her eyes were wild. "Do you know what happens when a body burns, Alexandra?" She cocked her head at her ward. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Courrier New,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> [Geal accidentally shut off his computer] <span class="time">-08:36 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan whirled, startled by Noel's appearance. &quot;What is the meaning of this?&quot; <span class="time">-08:36 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit leaned a bit closer to Alexandra, &quot;The book might have some answers.&quot; He spoke softly to her, turning his gaze to Noel, &quot;It's good to see you're safe.&quot; His expression towards her wasn't cold, but more expressionless and flat. <span class="time">-08:36 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;Speak of the devil...&quot; she muttered, her back stiff as she turned to glare at Noel. &quot;Playing games again, viper? Because I am more than ready to end you now.&quot; <span class="time">-08:36 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra slipped the book back in to Koit's hands. If he thought there was an answer, he needed to look fast! <span class="time">-08:37 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan glanced at Koit and Alexandra, and his eyes narrowed. &quot;My book...?&quot; <span class="time">-08:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Noel chuckled, then shook her head. &quot;Silly children,&quot; Noel whirled on Tristan, her face suddenly inches from his. &quot;When. A. Body. Burns.&quot; <span class="time">-08:39 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit took the book back, somewhat happy that he was holding it again, he stepped away from Tristan, &quot;No, a family heirloom, from the Tribe Mother herself...&quot; He said, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. He stepped to place Alexandra squarely between Tristan and himself and opened the book and began to flip the pages, looking for anything that might give them any answers as well as looking for the page he saw before. <span class="time">-08:40 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #615E3F; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Bosko Nass: </span> Bosko was more than happy to deposit the crate on the deck, and stretched his arms after doing so. Then he checked his sword to make sure he hadn't lost it along the way. That would be bad.... <span class="time">-08:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum swung himself up onto the ship, calling out to the crew that wasn't his and striding to the wheel like he owned the place &quot;AW'RIGHT! You scurvy Vermin!&quot; He shouted, grabbing the wheel and spinning it theatrically. He was tired, but you never lost this. &quot;WE'd better be movin' by the time that box's on the deck or so 'elp me god!&quot; He slapped the wheel and laughed out a good solid piratey laugh, a specialty of his. &quot;We get this where it's goin' an' you can say goodbye to spendin' yer money on booze!, or so The pirate Empress tells me! EH!?&quot; He yelled happily, winking at Marika. <span class="time">-08:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;<i>Your</i> book? It was found with the other before the meteor hit.&quot; God damned that viper, even now so many years later, the woman freaked her out. Alexandra was reaching to pull out her knife again. &quot;Stop speaking in riddles, woman!&quot; <span class="time">-08:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Noel's fingers came up, twitching madly upwards. &quot;All of the ash erupts from the flames, into the air into the sky, who knows where it will fall...&quot; Noel trailed off, staring at Alexandra now, bidding her to understand. <span class="time">-08:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"You can breathe it in, or catch it on your tongue, like snow." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal wirled about, seeing down the beach the bunch of pirates. He held his swords in his hands and started hurriedly walking backwards, keeping his eyes on the creatures whil at the same time trying to catch up with the pirates. <span class="time">-08:43 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;What... but...&quot; Tristan backed away from Noel, confused and distracted. He muttered softly... &quot;I gave the book up... atonement...&quot; <span class="time">-08:43 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester rose again, releasing a feral roar and snatching from a pirate a curved scimitar. Hefting it, he charged at Geal, bringing a ferocious slice towards his throat. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;...you can't be suggesting his body rained down on this island...&quot; It was crazy! What could that even do? She pointed her knife at Noel. &quot;What's happened to this island...?&quot; <span class="time">-08:44 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Duchess looked on, her hands cupped around the flower. She fixed her gaze on Noel. "What are you raving about, creature?" <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;AH HA!&quot; Koit cried out, finding the page he had found back in the tavern and tapped Alexandra anxiously on the shoulder to show her the page, his words caught in his throat. &quot;T-this...&quot; <span class="time">-08:45 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel's sudden laugh pierced through the stone halls. She fixed her manic gaze on them. "Snow day.." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;It's not possible!&quot; Tristan shouted, almost reaching for the book but stopping himself. &quot;I gave the book away. I surrendered it to the vaults.&quot; <span class="time">-08:46 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> ((shiiit might be shakey to reply for a minute. Hijack me, if you need)) <span class="time">-08:46 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The rain was falling harder, and now the screams from the town were heard. Down below, the hymn was trailing off and worried murmurs replacing it. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Lester!!&quot; He yelled, trying to bring his brother in faith to his senses some how. He ducked to the side and spun around kicked Lester in the gut and jumped backward. &quot;Come to your senses!&quot; <span class="time">-08:47 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;And now it belongs to me, don't come near, I don't trust your namesake.&quot; Koit's eyes sent daggers at Tristan, bidding him to stay away, his free hand brushing gently against his pistol, ready to retrieve it if he needed to. <span class="time">-08:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=1 face=verdana>[<font color=red>Geal</font> has timed out.]</font> <span class="time">-08:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Plink plonk, plink plonk," Noel babbled, her words sounding in time with the rain. "The Star Child's here to bless us all." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;It is too late to think of HOW it happened, now we must think of what should be done!&quot; What the fuck was SHE supposed to do about it? Alexandra turned to look at the pages Koit pointed out. She paused when hearing the screams from outside, even through the fall of the rain. &quot;What do the pages say.&quot; <span class="time">-08:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> ((security stuff - back in 5)) <span class="time">-08:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum laughed as the ship began to pull away from the cove, beginning it's journey around the island &quot;THat's it you dogs! You'd better prove teh me that Gulbrand isn't the only pirate name worth it's salt on these 'ere seas! The Emeraldi name rest on yer shoulder's Lads!&quot; <span class="time">-08:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"Remember what the nice lady said," Noel grinned, extending a finger to point at the Duchess. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;WAYFARER MAGIC THE ART OF STELLAR AND LUNAR MANIPULATION&quot; Koit read aloud, &quot;Does that mean that if we use this we can push the star child away again? Can we protect ourselves at least from that? Is the Star Child what the Princess was afraid of?&quot; Koit was rambling but he felt like he was onto something, maybe this really was the way to save them all? <span class="time">-08:50 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>"RAAAAGH!" screamed Lester, swinging the scimitar again and cutting a gash in Geal's thigh. The Orc barreled into him once more and send him sprawling across the rocks. Some of the pirates loading up Rum's ship scattered at the sight of the Orc. Lester advanced after Geal, picking up a hefty rock in both hands and bringing it down towards Geal's skull. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan was staring out the window, through the rain, watching the chaos descend upon the town. He could hear inhuman squeals, crashes and cries. It seemed that all the town was shifting. &quot;But... we're not afraid of the Star Child... we don't even KNOW about the Star Child?&quot; <span class="time">-08:53 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra crossed the room to grab at Tristan's shoulder and turn him around. &quot;Then what DO you know! Because I have no idea...! It was your book and your blood that brought that thing down! You have to <i>help me</i>. Some one besides that babbling psycho has to have an idea!&quot; <span class="time">-08:56 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"The magic magic elder magics," crooned Noel. "They seek here, they seek there. They try their very best to help." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Grragh!&quot; Geal hit the ground and rolled to his feet. And suddenly all the training he had from the monastary flooded into his body. Geal took a step to the side and sheathed his swords at the same time and avoided the rock. He countered with two ferocious uppercuts to Lester's face and solidified his stance as Lester recoiled. Geal took half a step foward with one foot and then blasted Lester's chest with the other to send him sprawling. &quot;I'm going to avoid killing you if I can Lester.&quot; Geal started bouncing from foot to foot. <span class="time">-08:58 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan's eyes were wide and distraught, trying to process a dozen things at once. &quot;That was my book...&quot; He glanced at the book in Koit's hands. &quot;I told you, Alexandra... I gave it up... I surrendered everything, a decade ago... for atonement... for penance. He said he would keep them safe... He took my confession....&quot; <span class="time">-08:58 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Blood gushed from Lester's mouth and his chest was seared and scarred. He rose again, and behind him came other creatures - Dark Elves, wererats, goblins, trolls and undead... all the nightmares of the town, twisted monstrosities warped by terror. They were advancing, cornering Geal in the cove as Rum's ship departed. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit still didn't want to fork the book over to one with the Malvolen family blood in his veins but maybe he would be able to stop everything, at least for a time. &quot;Maybe this is your atonement, save yourself, your duchess and your island, help us understand this page and maybe you'll atone for your family!&quot; Koit said, approaching the man cautiously. <span class="time">-09:01 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila relaxed once she was on the ship. This was back in her element. She walked over to Rum and stood just off the side of him. &quot;Well, we're off.&quot; She looked over at the town as they began to pull away from it. &quot;What the hell is going on over there?&quot; <span class="time">-09:02 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;It's for controlling weather!&quot; Tristan exclaimed, hands wide as Alexandra gripped his shoulder. &quot;Using the stellar and lunar cycles... changing the orbit of bodies... the direction of waves and storms. That's all!&quot; <span class="time">-09:02 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked around, analyzing his situation. <span class="time">-09:03 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> (Oops) <span class="time">-09:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"We could have used such a book," the Duchess said sadly as she cradled the flower. "For decades Stobrek has been plagued by storms. Every week they come, to wreck the pirate ships, to destroy the fishing fleets. The people live in fear. Thank the gods the Brotherhood are here to keep their spirits high." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> ((What the fu....)) <span class="time">-09:05 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;It's the rain...!&quot; Alexandra more than readily snatched the book out of Koit's hands and shoved it at Tristan. &quot;Take it back. Take it ALL back. Stop the storm and maybe we can undo what he's done!&quot; <span class="time">-09:05 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Noel chuckled at the last part of the Duchess's speech <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan took the book... uncertainly... &quot;I've.. I've only used my magics for healing... for protection and wards... I've... never anything as big as this! Not since I was a child!&quot; <span class="time">-09:07 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> With the book out of his hands Koit turned his attentions toward Noel, approaching cautiously, his hand on the handle of his spearhead and his other extended out a ways, &quot;Please, Noel, just try and tell us what's going on, clearly.&quot; He moved closer to the duchess and turned his gaze to her, &quot;Don't worry your majesty, we'll get out of this, I trust Alexandra.&quot; What a funny word for him to associate with her, trust, but if anyone here earned it from him, it was her. <span class="time">-09:07 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal analyzed his situation. It did not seem good. He did not like fighting more than one person at once if he could avoid it, or a whole group. Geal pulled out his swords once more. &quot;I can't promise not to kill you Lester, I will pray for you and these others.&quot; He started scooting toward the trees, an overzealous jumped at him and sliced it's throat mid-flight as he stepped aside. <span class="time">-09:08 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Below, in the abbey, the sounds of inhuman squeal broke through the hymn. The congregation into screams and the snapping, tearing sounds of bodily eruption. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> (Disregard most of that post) <span class="time">-09:09 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The trees Geal was heading towards were on a small rise leading to a headland. Behind it he could see the sail of Rum's ship, skirting the coastline. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;And it will be protection now. For the one thousand souls that live on this island and could be destroyed if we don't DO something.&quot; The chaos was spreading and time was being lost. To think she had wanted to destroy the world just to kill that vampire and her ilk. And now she wanted to save this stupid island! <span class="time">-09:10 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> (Nvm, tack this on the end) Geal sprinted through the trees, slashing at the occasional creature that ddared to come close, heading straight for the sails he now saw <span class="time">-09:11 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan's other shoulder was gripped. The Duchess was beside him, smiling gently. &quot;We can do it, together.&quot; They took the book between them and Tristan readied his staff in the other hand, uncertainly, nervously. Outside the rain was growing stronger and the town was shifting, lanterns snuffing out against the crimson sky as the mushroom cloud filled the air and infected the rain. <span class="time">-09:12 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Then Geal was no longer on land but jumping through the air for the boat, he figured what ever injury he sustains from this would be better than losing a fight to these creatures. <span class="time">-09:12 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=1 face=verdana>[<font color=red>Bosko Nass</font> has timed out.]</font> <span class="time">-09:13 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> The noises weren't unheard by Koit, he had quickly drew his spearhead and his pistol. &quot;Whatever you're choosing to do I'd reccomend doing it quickly, it doesn't sound good down there. Tell me there's at least a door to block these stairs?&quot; Koit asked, more to the duchess than anyone else. <span class="time">-09:13 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Marika narrowed her eyes, squinting through the darkness to the outcropping of sharp rocks just off of the coast of the island. &quot;It won't be long now, Mr. Rum, Mr. Bosko. Then we can just put this night behind us.&quot; <span class="time">-09:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Tristan began chanting, reading the words from the book, whilst the Duchess moved swiftly around the library, fetching spell components from the shelves. A green glow began to encircle the two of them as the Wayfarer Magics came to life. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>There were things coming up the spiral staircase. Koit could hear Orcish grunts and goblin squeals, and the sound of something larger. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> The boat pulled away from the shore as Geal grabbed hold of the sail, the waves parting as the sails caught the wind and it left the land behind. &quot;The Hel'!?&quot; Rum shouted gesturing for a couple of men to get Geal onto the deck as he pulled the wheel hard to the right, setting the ship on a tight course around the island's shore. <span class="time">-09:15 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra set her pack aside, her knife ready in one hand as she moved closer to the doors near Koit. &quot;We'll not be able to run from these. Don't let them through.&quot; <span class="time">-09:16 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Noel looked up, the noise shaking her from her babbling. <span class="time">-09:17 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The first shadow came lunging up the staircase - a Gnoll, half man, half hyena, swinging a battleaxe straight for Koit's chest. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila rose a brow at Geal as he was helped down from the sail and looked at Rum. &quot;Well... that was an odd way to board a ship.&quot; She looked at where Geal had come from. &quot;Don't think I blame him for it though.&quot; <span class="time">-09:18 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>And around its legs a couple of goblins lunged at Alexandra's legs <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit readied his pistol first, &quot;Let the Tribe Mother protect me and guide my bullets and blade...&quot; Koit said, louder than he had intended, ready to fire at the first creature to show it's ugly hide. When the Gnoll appeared he jumped back, feeling the threads of his tunic being torn and the surface of his skin being cut from the axe. He fired a couple of rounds at the creature. &quot;HURRY!&quot; <span class="time">-09:19 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Aye but yer gotta admire the man's guts!&quot; Rum roared, conscious of the creatures chasing after the boat on the shore. They wouldn't catch the boat though. But he did make sure to steer it away from the shore a little more. <span class="time">-09:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Her attempt at kicking them away was foiled by blasted skirts. When she hit the ground, she rolled clocking one goblin hard with the hilt of her daggar and throwing the other back towards the doorway. With a quick swipe of her knife, she cut her skirts so she could move easier. Then she was snatching up the first goblin to chuck it at the Gnoll. <span class="time">-09:21 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Geal suddenly found himself looking down the barrel of Marika's pistol. &quot;Can't say that I blame a man for jumping on this ship to escape those things,&quot; her gaze flicked to the crate, firmly secured on the gate. &quot;But you have terrible timing, mate.&quot; <span class="time">-09:22 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>CLUNK! Another weight slammed onto the deck behind Tequila, along with chunks of the cliff face. She turned in horror to see Lester straighening up in front of her, the seven foot Orc thrusting a scimitar straight towards her belly. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> Tequila's eyes widened. &quot;Oh shit!&quot; she exclaimed, grasping hold of her sword and drawing it. &quot;Er, Rum, we have further company. And the friendly sort.&quot; <span class="time">-09:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>In the time it took her to say it the scimitar slammed against Tequila's blade and the recoil sent her stumbling into Rum. The two of them fell and the wheel of the ship went spinning, throwing the vessel on a sharp turn towards the cliff face <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;--Damn!&quot; Marika whirled around, half-stumbling as the ship lurched, and grabbed hold of the spinning, the force almost wrenching her shoulders from their sockets. With a curse, Marika turned the wheel with all the strength she could muster. <span class="time">-09:26 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal looked up and saw Lester following his suit &quot;Uh huh, yeah, excuse me&quot; Geal started charging toward Lester and was going to slam into him but the sudden turning of the ship caused him to stumble and he crashed into Lester with out proper footing. <span class="time">-09:26 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Meanwhile, in the castle, the Gnoll staggered back with bullets riddling its chest, then fell as the goblin collided with it. The two crashed back down the stairs but other creatures were already scrambling over them. A kobold leapt at Koit, scratching and biting at his face, whilst behind it a troll ducked beneath the archway and swung the remains of statuette straight at Alexandra. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Damn!&quot; Rum bellowed, pushing Tequila off of himself and pulling his rifle out to aim at the Orc, the crew that were still on their feet doing similar with a slapdash array of firearms that was so usual on these ships. The group of men fired at once, and rum darted for the wheel, his huge hands covering Marika's as he helped her wrench the ship's course right. <span class="time">-09:28 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The shots went side and as the ship banked Geal and Lester rolled towards the back of the deck and collided with the crate. Lester was up first, picking Geal up in a chokehold and slamming him against the crate. The wooden casing buckled slightly, some of the screws coming loose. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra ducked, slicing the palm of her hand with her dagger. Without having fed, she couldn't cast her shadows like normal. Now she was having to rely on direct blood magic! Alex summoned her shadow, streching it to wrap around that troll, shoving it backwards towards the doorway to collide with others attempting to enter. <span class="time">-09:30 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> The scratches on his face were painful and the kobold and Koit toppled back, his pistol skittering out of his hands and sliding away from his grasp. As he continued to thrash about he managed to stab the kobold directly in the stomach and he shoved the kobold back, rolling to his side as blood rolled down the side of his cheek from deep scratches. He scrabbled again for his pistol. <span class="time">-09:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;Alrahamasa nul reegatamp ber genasi tuul!&quot; chanted Tristan, the green light glowing brighter. <span class="time">-09:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;No!&quot; Marika wriggled against Rum's grip. &quot;I have to get them off the crate!&quot; <span class="time">-09:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #668014; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tequila: </span> In the fall, Tequila lost the grip on her sword, and it fell just out of arms reach. She looked at the creature just as Rum pushed her away, giving her the distance necessary to grab her sword again. She heard shots fire, and felt the ship lurch once again as Rum and Marika tried to save the ship. She heard Marika yell about the crate, so Tequila stood and looked that direction. &quot;I've got it!&quot; she yelled, running towards Geal and the creature. <span class="time">-09:32 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geals vision blackened and he lost track of his limbs but he quicly recover, holding Lester the Orcs arm to better leverage himself and he swung a leg around and smashed Lester's face and then pushed off the crate to throw him off balance. <span class="time">-09:33 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Goddamnit! You take the ship Lass! I'll get em off the crate!&quot; Rum groaned, watching his sister run past.. &quot;Or she has.. You'll be ok with the helm Lass?&quot; He asked, before vaulting down to the main deck, swinging his pulley. <span class="time">-09:33 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Of course I will! I'm the BLOODY PIRATE LORD!&quot; Marika hollered after Rum as she gripped the wheel and steered the ship back onto course <span class="time">-09:34 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester tottered, losing his balance and crashing down against crate. One of the joints fell away and the casing cracked. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Then he rose again, ripping off one of the planks of wood from the crate and hoisting it above his head, roaring at Rum. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>There was an almighty sound, like booming thunder, and the green light around Malvolen suddenly switched to red. A raw charge leapt from the book and struck the duchess, blasting her back against a bookshelf, and then Tristan screamed and dropped the book, his gloves catching fire. He struggled to throw them off, yelling in pain <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Oh no ye don'!&quot; Rum roared, the pulley swinging out and the hook catching the creature on the tusk. He grabbed the rope and tugged as hard as he could, the Orc falling over and the crate landing on it as it hit the deck. &quot;HAHA!!&quot; <span class="time">-09:38 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;Counterspell!&quot; he yelled. &quot;Shit! Someone else is using the magic!&quot; He threw his burning gloves away and stamped out the fire, before rushing to help the Duchess. <span class="time">-09:39 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;D-damnit...&quot; The scent of blood was filling the air. So close and so tantilizing...! The booming sound startled her back to the present. She made another swipe at someone trying to breach through the door. &quot;What the hell is that supposed to mean?! Who else?!&quot; <span class="time">-09:40 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Lester landed hard against the crate for a second time and the casing on that side collapsed on top of him, burying him in wood. He lay still, the exposed side of the crate facing away from the others... for now <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Gaining his feet again he managed to retrieve his pistol and wiped the blood from his cheek on the back of his sleeve painfully. &quot;What can we do? Who would countercast?!&quot; Koit shouted, turning back to the stairs and being ready for the next wave of creatures. <span class="time">-09:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal jumped on Lester's back and held his head against the ground, his fist ready to strike at where he assumed it's cerebelum was, in case he moved. <span class="time">-09:43 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel had been huddled near the window since the commotion started, too far gone in her craving for blood to do much more than stare out as the magic whipped around her. Outside in the distance, she saw the lights of two ships heading toward an island in the distance. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>As Geal held Lester on the neck, his gaze was drawn through the clearing dust. The side of the crate had cracked... and Geal could see what was inside it... <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Easy money my-&quot; Rum began to shout back at Marika, when the clunk of the caster diverted his attention. Turning back to the crate his face fell &quot;Oh.. Sorreh abou' yer box Marika..&quot; <span class="time">-09:44 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>It was a coffin... <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"We've been duped, my darlings." Noel's eyes never left the scene outside the window. "The answer is floating away... Bye bye." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"The source of this fear. The Abbot." Noel dragged her nails down the glass. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;Wh.. what?&quot; Tristan said as he cradled the unconscious Duchess and stared at Noel. &quot;What do you mean? Who's using my magics against me?&quot; <span class="time">-09:46 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;What...? Wexley?&quot; <span class="time">-09:46 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;No...&quot; <span class="time">-09:47 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;...You gave them all of your artifacts and power...&quot; <span class="time">-09:47 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>In the crimson-hued darkness ahead of Rum's ship, a small outcrop of rocks was coming into view. Another ship was waiting, it's sails pointed north, and on the rocks were dozens of silhouettes in robes. The customers were waiting. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"Ding ding ding!" <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;THAT BASTARD!&quot; Koit cried out, rage consuming him, tempted to storm down the stairs and find the Abbot and place a couple bits of bullets into him. &quot;Then our only option is escape?&quot; Koit asked over his shoulder, aiming his pistol down the stairs. <span class="time">-09:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;But... he said... he said he would take my books from me... to spare me the temptation... to stop me becoming like the other Malvolens.&quot; <span class="time">-09:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Shit, that's coming out of your pay!&quot; Marika raged, pulling herself away from Rum and striding to the deck, her pistol aimed at the pinned Orc as she checked the damaged crate. <span class="time">-09:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;All my magics... my secrets.. he said... I could atone...&quot; <span class="time">-09:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;What the hell is this?&quot; Geal exclaimed, righteous fury was starting to build inside him, if this was what he thought it was... <span class="time">-09:50 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Inside the crate, the coffin was dark and elaborate, finely carved and emlazoned with metal clasps and gemstones. It was a fantastic work of craftmanship, centuries old. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum couldn't help a glance in &quot;What the!?&quot; He exclaimed, looking to Marika &quot;What the hell Marika!? I 'ope you didn't know what was in there!?&quot; He asked, but how could it have been /that/ heavy if that was all that was in there!? <span class="time">-09:51 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;And he lied. For what reason we will have to find out.&quot; They couldn't stay here, but taking the Duchess and Princess would be tricky! &quot;Is there another way out of this tower? A hidden door?&quot; For once she wished she knew how to use ALL these stupid little gifts her sire graced her with, for the shadow transporting would be so useful! <span class="time">-09:51 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Over Rum's shoulder, Marika could see the rocky outcrop ahead, and the robed figures waiting, their ship moored behind them. One of the figures was removing his hood. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Keep quiet, Rum!&quot; Marika cast a glance at the fast approaching shore, she could see her clients. &quot;Let me do the talking, these guys are serious.&quot; <span class="time">-09:52 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;Check the bookshelves, all of them!&quot; Koit cried out to Alexandra, thinking of the old tricks that he had picked up from robbing more wealthy personages. &quot;I'm more worried about a boat to get away from the island...&quot; He said, putting his weapons away and turning to the bookshelves, pulling at books at random, although one caught his eye and he couldn't help but place it into his satchel yet again. <span class="time">-09:53 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum looked away, annoyed, he didn't like being told off, and there were only a couple of people who could pull it off, he found himself wondering why Marika was one.. <span class="time">-09:54 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan picked the Duchess in his arms, turning and looking to the others. There were more monsters moving for the staircase. It was hopeless. <span class="time">-09:55 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>As soon as these words were spoken, their ship anchored just near the edge of the rocks. A ladder was thrown over the side for them to join their mysterious clients as the crate was secured with ropes to be lowered to the shore. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> &quot;Rum&quot; Geal said &quot;This thing....&quot; he shook his head. <span class="time">-09:57 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;I'm sorry, boys, but this has to be done...&quot;Marika whispered to the three, before calling over the ledge to the robed figures. &quot;Evenin' gents! A good night for it, eh?&quot; <span class="time">-09:58 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;Don't give that face! Are you a man or a coward?!&quot; she shouted at Tristan. More were coming up the stairs, and with a snarl, she hooked a desk with the tendrils of her shadow and hurled it towards the doorway to block it off. <span class="time">-09:58 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Darling, even I'm not crazy enough to try to fight these things,&quot; Noel intoned. &quot;The cowardly wizard is right. Help me move the humans to the island.&quot; <span class="time">-10:00 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The ship came to rest against the rocks, opposite the other ship. It was a tiny island here, about the size of a tavern room, and on every rock stood a robed figure, cluctching a rifle, sword or halberd. The lead figure stepped forward and looked up at Marika. "Do you have my cargo?" the Abbot shouted above the noise of crashing waves. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal, after securing Lester's inerty form with ropes, picked up his swords and sheathed them. Waiting. <span class="time">-10:01 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: "Verdana",verdana,serif; color: #FFFFFF; background-color: #000000;"><span class="username"> </span> <font size=1 face=verdana>[<font color=red>Tequila</font> logged out of the chat.]</font> <span class="time">-((10:02 Sep 08))</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra bit back the retort that she'd rather die in the tower. She retracted her shadow and pointed at Noel. &quot;Do it fast, then. I am not limitless!&quot; <span class="time">-10:02 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Of course, why else would I want to look at you?&quot; Marika grinned playfully at the Abbot. &quot;And are you going to be a good padre and keep your promise to me?&quot; <span class="time">-10:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum suddenly felt very powerless, he didn't want to hand.. that.. over to these men.. but him and Tequila, maybe Bosko too would be no match for those men, and he was very aware that none of the crew truly answered to him. <span class="time">-10:04 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"Could have fooled me," Noel grinned and licked her fangs, before the shadows warped once more, swallowing them completely. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> She hated, <i>hated</i> this part. Melding her shadow with Noel's. But she fed it with all reluctance. Their destination, the far northern island! <span class="time">-10:06 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The abbot motioned to one of the monks beside him, who set down a small chest. The Abbot opened it to show a horde of gold and priceless gemstones. "A small token. But of course, you know what the real reward is." He motioned his hand to the sky. "Hand over the coffin, and I'll stop the storms. You know the deal, Marika." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Being swallowed by the shadow was an uncomfortable feeling for Koit as he was swallowed alongside the others, wondering where they were going and doubting that it would be any safer. <span class="time">-10:07 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> 'Stop the storms' Rum mouthed, glancing to Marika. That seemed noble enough, a wave of relief welled up inside him as he realised that perhaps Marika was not an enemy here. &quot;What's in the coffin Empress?&quot; He asked, not taking his eyes off the abbot. <span class="time">-10:08 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Abbot chuckled. "Oh my. Just like pirates. You don't even tell your own what they're risking their lives for." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Go ahead, Marika. Tell them what's in the coffin... tell them what your family has kept for all these years. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Marika looked away from Rum, keeping her steely glare reserved for the Abbot. The crate was already being secured to a pulley to be lowered down the side of the ship. &quot;My, you like to hear yourself talk..&quot; <span class="time">-10:10 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;Tell them what you would not give me... what I had to threaten the entire island for.&quot; <span class="time">-10:10 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"We could have ended this years ago, if you had just given me what I wanted. Instead you made me... you forced me to hurt your people. To send storm after storm after storm and make the people live in terror." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel had appeared, sitting cross-legged on the coffin. "Yes. I'm interested to know this story..." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Startled, the Monks of the Brotherhood raised their rifles, a dozen clicks sounding as they were readied and pointed at Noel. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Marika tasted blood, she had been biting her lip. &quot;I forced you to hurt these people?&quot; Her voice was low, sharp, chilled. <span class="time">-10:13 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel winked at the riflemen. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit stumbled as he found himself next to the wheel of the very ship that had brought him to the island his cheek throbbed with pain but he didn't speak, instead preferring to slink to the side, hopefully unnoticed, making his way towards the others. <span class="time">-10:13 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Only because all of these years I knew... I KNEW that if you had it, you would do something unspeakable.&quot; <span class="time">-10:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal glanced aside as Noel appeared, feeling a mix of relief and some despair. <span class="time">-10:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Alexandra released the shadows, all of them now on the deck of the ship. Those move had been dizzying, but she was just as quick to have her knife ready and pointed. <span class="time">-10:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> Tristan appeared behind Rum, laying the Duchess down on the deck. &quot;He crouched low, readying his staff and whispering to Rum. &quot;Keep him talking.&quot; <span class="time">-10:14 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;And I may be a pirate, but I'm not a monster!&quot; <span class="time">-10:15 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Aye&quot; Rum said quietly, as he found himself watching Marika, only vaguely aware of the others appearing around him. &quot;Ah'd say ol' man that if you made these here storms, an' at a guess those beasties back there.. then it would be you who'd been making the people live in terror!&quot; <span class="time">-10:16 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Oh look other people showing up. Yay. <span class="time">-10:16 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"UNSPEAKABLE?" yelled the Abbot. "On the contrary, it's very SPEAKABLE indeed. The Elves spoke about it centuries before we humans even existed." He drew from his robes a book, old and tattered. "We found this in the ruins of the Elven Temple, when we first built the castle." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> Yet another book. How was this unexpected... &quot;What DOES the Brotherhood have to gain from all of this? What is so worthy of sacrificing innocent lives!&quot; <span class="time">-10:17 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"It was the ANSWER! The key to salvation! And all I needed was one thing! ONE THING, MARIKA. ONE THING THAT YOU COULD GIVE ME! ONE THING THAT YOUR FAMILY HAD HORDED FOR CENTURIES!" <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;I had everything! That stupid mage had given all his magics to me freely. ATONEMENT! HAH! I had every ingredient but one!&quot; <span class="time">-10:18 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Then take that with you to hell, with the ashes of Lucien Durrant!&quot; Marika withdrew her pistol from her side holster, quick as death, and pointed it at the pulley ropes securing the coffin. <span class="time">-10:19 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>(Sorry, that should've been in yellow) <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> She was going to send it into the ocean. <span class="time">-10:19 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The rifles swivelled all at once towards Marika <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> ((Lethael, Lucien, some gay vampire name)) <span class="time">-10:19 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum found himself edging towards Marika, he wasnt going to let he get peppered with bulletholes, not after all this. He put his hand on her shoulder &quot;You sure about this Lass?&quot; <span class="time">-10:20 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Abbot flicked open the book, turning to the last page. "You wouldn't do that, Marika. If you did, you would doom your entire people to extinction. I control the storms. Give me the coffin, or lose everything." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Abbot glanced towards his own ship, where Brotherhood monks were preparing to set sail. "Just hand it over, and you'll never see us again. We'll head across the northern seas, following the footsteps of the elves. And you and all your kind can stay behind and rot." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Let 'im go, there's nothin' out there.. my Granper ne'er came back.. silly coot just sailed into the storms and danger that lies north. it's all that's on those seas!&quot; <span class="time">-10:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;The source of the fear,&quot; Tristan muttered as he readied his spell. &quot;He had the whole island terrfied of him.&quot; He threw a glance towards Stobrek, now overrun with nightmares as the Elder Magics of the raining Star Child sought desperately and blindly to help them <span class="time">-10:23 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> &quot;Of course I'm sure,&quot; Marika hissed under her breath, then louder, to the Abbot. &quot;The thing is, Abbot, I don't believe you. There's just something about you that just screams, Scurvy Rat Bastard, if you'll pardon my pirate.&quot; Marika kept her arm steady, still pointing her pistol to the ropes. <span class="time">-10:24 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit watched the things go down and thankfully he still hadn't been seen, or at least he assumed because nobody made note of his appearence. Where the pirate woman pointed her pistol fascinated him, the pully to what appeared to be a coffin. His own pistol found it's way into his hand and he aimed for the same area she was as he ducked into the shadows of the upper wheel area, ready to fire if need be. <span class="time">-10:24 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"Oh my this is getting exciting." Noel intoned from her place on top of the coffin. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;There is someone else that can control these storms. I think a gamble is more than in order.&quot; While they spoke, she stretched her shadow. As far out as she could until it mingled with the shadows of the monks. <span class="time">-10:24 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Abbot grinned at Rum and waved the book. "That's why we need a Guiding Angel. A creature born of vampire and elder magic - a union of the two paths - into which we can pour the spirit of God." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Then if yer about to shoot gimme some warnin'&quot; Rum muttered quietly to Marika. &quot;Bah! If my Granper couldn't sail those seas then you stand no chance! An' either does no vampire!&quot; He taunted. <span class="time">-10:26 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal felt the tension start coil like a spring about to be sprung and quietly drew his swords. He remained near the other side of the ship, out of the view of the monks and Abbot. <span class="time">-10:26 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;The Elves knew it all along. The formula for bringing angels into flesh. Only a vampire who died by roots of the Gahron Tree could host the power of a god. We took so long, searching for Durrant's ashes. And you fucking pirates had them all along. Passed down in the Merick and Dalibor families.&quot;&quot; <span class="time">-10:27 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>(Again, yellow) <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"What rubbish," Noel snorted, luxuriating on the coffin. "Those magics could never make a stable being..." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit shifted the aim of his pistol now, from the rope to the Abbot, he wasn't about to let what happened in Milicent happen again here, even if that meant shooting a fellow human. &quot;Tribal Mother guide us...&quot; <span class="time">-10:29 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> That did it, the mention of her ancestors, the line she kept secret all of these years, hearing it spoken by someone else startled her just long enough for her aching arm to lower slightly. <span class="time">-10:30 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> The pirate was faltering. Alexandra took her moment. She yanked hard on her shadow, with it pulling all of the shadows of the monks she held. Sending the ones with rifles falling in to the ocean waters. <span class="time">-10:31 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Oh really?" The abbot shifted his other hand. "You should've read your history books, girl. When the vampire Durrant faced the Gahron tree he was holding something... an artefact that blocked and contained the elder magics." He drew an amulet from his robes - a golden chain holded a giant crystal of deep green. "That coffin you're sitting on is lined with the same stone. It can contain any creature, mortal or divine. And... thanks to poor little Tristan Malvolen... I have a control gem of my own." <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Gunshots went off as the monks were yanked from their feet by Alexandra <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The Monks began firing, bullets tearing up the deck of Rum's ship. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> Rum grabbed Marika and pulled her to the ground as the gunshots resounded, getting a shot to the back of the shoulder for his trouble. <span class="time">-10:34 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"KILL THEM! KILL THEM ALL!" roared the Abbot. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit let his gun fire, his bullet aimed directly at the book the Abbot held in his hands, and he shifted his gaze and shot at the rope that held the casket up as well. <span class="time">-10:34 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Gah fuck!&quot; He exclaimed, wincing at the blossoming pain, crawling away from the splintering wood, making sure Marika was ahead of him. <span class="time">-10:35 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Abbot was hit in the arm, the old man yelling out and falling behind the rocks. The other monks moved in front of him, spraying bullets at anything that moved/ <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal ducked down and waited for the firing to stop, he knew it took a while to reload. <span class="time">-10:36 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> She took a running leap off the ship's deck, landing in front of a shooting monk. She rammed her knife in to his chest only to yank it out and swing hard and next closest fool. The few hits that grazed her, she ignored with a snarl. Sending as many of the monks reeling in to the waters below as she could get her hands on. <span class="time">-10:37 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Alrahsan mongeihnus dahl!" hissed the Abbot as he clutched his arm. There was a pulse of Wayfarer Magic and a mighty wave crashed against Rum's ship. The coffin broke lose from its ropes and crashed down onto the rocks. Everyone else was sent sprawling. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>The coffin began to wobble a bit from all the commotion above her. "Whoa! Careful boys! This things rickety!" The vampire began to swing back and forth on the coffin. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> ((Switch our posts)) <span class="time">-10:39 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #0198E1; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Tristan: </span> &quot;Donrevelgar beneshahl!&quot; yelled Tristan, standing up and raising his hand with glowing magic. He dispelled the next wave before it could crash down on the ship. <span class="time">-10:39 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>"WHEE~" Noel came crashing down with the coffin, her body disappearing midfall. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Jumping out from his hiding place just in time to get knocked off his feet and rolled back towards the coffin and Noel. &quot;Well this isn't going as well as planned...&quot; He groaned as he picked himself back up, his spearhead in one hand and pistol in the other. He fired another couple of shots at the Abbot as best as he could before making his way back towards the monks and the snarling Alexandra. <span class="time">-10:40 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> Marika crawled on all fours across the deck, only stopping to occasionally swear when the ship rocked from the magic. &quot;Grrr! Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?!&quot; She shouted, her eyes landing on one of the cannons. <span class="time">-10:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The Monks began leaping onto the ship, drawing swords as they hunted down the hated pirates. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Seeing Alexandra jump off Geal figured the monks, the bastards, would be distracted with her and he took a running leap and jumped off the deck. That's when the wave hit the ship but Geal was already in the air, falling. He landed with his knees on a monk's shoulder and crushed him with the impact, he was dead. He dove to the side, he already knew some one was aiming at him. Geal spun like a death top, slicing arteries and stabbing organs. He dove and he ducked, seeming to have eyes on al sides of his head. Geal was upset, these mean were not his brothers. <span class="time">-10:41 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;Yeh alright Lass?&quot; Rum asked, pushing himself up on his good arm and looking down at Marika. He looked around and got a good grip on the rope attached to the pulley, and roaring he swung it around, giving him the momentum to stand and swung it, knocking monks over in waves, each unable to withstand a hit from the large wooden block and hook on the end of the rope. <span class="time">-10:42 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;Most gladly.&quot; she hissed loud. Another monk dropped with the blade of her knife. She scanned the chaos until her eyes fell on the Abbot. Alex threw her shadow at the man, encircling him around the arms and waist. <span class="time">-10:43 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Abbot put his back to a rock and held up the final page, reciting the final chant as he clutched the control charm, infused with magics from Malvolen's surrendered artifacts. He knew the coffin was on the rocks somewhere. It was close enough now. He could finish the ritual. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> (reverse order? &gt;:/) <span class="time">-10:44 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>"Raagh!" hissed the Abbot, a wave of the control charm dispelling Alexandra's shadow and breaking the attack. He continued chanting. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit dove for the shore near where Alexandra was unleashing her assault, catching sight of the Abbot, he aimed his pistol and pulled the trigger only to be greeted with a lonesome click. With no other option he clutched the broken shaft of his spear and threw it as his Amazonian ancestors would throw a spear right at the Abbot, praying to the Tribe Mother that it would at least hit enough to disrupt his spell <span class="time">-10:46 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>the crate had broken into a million pieces, dashed across the rocks. Noel sat crouched next to the coffin, as if trying to peer through the material, to the ashes inside. "So much you have missed, brother." <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Abbot cast the last word of the spell, just as Koit's pistol struck his head. He fell to one side, just as a bolt of pure golden light shot across the rocks towards the coffin.... <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal felt a pulse flow through his rage filled mind. The Abbot. He looked around and saw him break free of the shadows. Geal sprinted, dropping his swords and jumping off a rock, to smash down on the Abbot's torso, but was hit with golden light instead. <span class="time">-10:48 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel rested her cheek against the coffin and closed her eyes. "I finally did it. I killed him. We're free." Noel's eyes shut. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel rested her cheek against the coffin and closed her eyes. "I finally did it. I killed him. We're free." Noel's eyes shut. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel rested her cheek against the coffin and closed her eyes. "I finally did it. I killed him. We're free." Noel's eyes shut. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel rested her cheek against the coffin and closed her eyes. "I finally did it. I killed him. We're free." Noel's eyes shut. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B6969; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Marika Emeraldi: </span> ((Er...)) <span class="time">-10:49 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The light passed straight through Geal <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FF0000; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Geal: </span> Geal's rage focus was broken and he indeed crashed against he Abbots body but he rolled back onto his feet to see what that light was. <span class="time">-10:51 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFF99; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nson>Noel's body was bathed in the golden light, an otherworldly scream erupting from deep within. And then, silence. <span class="time">-Marika Emeraldi</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>The Abbot was dead, the spear head lodged in his skull. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>Golden light pulsed in all directions. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The prophecy was complete <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #99182C; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Alexandra: </span> &quot;This is not going to be good...&quot; she muttered. Dropping to her knees on the shore from exhaustion. Most of the monks were dead. The abbot gone... and the light...! She sheilded her eyes! <span class="time">-10:53 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>The Brotherhood had summoned their angel... the vessel of God... in a body of a vampire infected by elder magics... <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>But it wasn't Durrant.... <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> Koit shielded his eyes against the light and fell to his side not daring to peek past his sleeve at what was happening. <span class="time">-10:54 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #FFFF00; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=nnar>Noel opened her golden eyes and looked upon the survivors. <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>And then... <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: Verdana,verdana,serif; color: #CCFFFF; background-color: #0;"><span class="username"> </span> <p class=ngm>TUNE IN FOR THE NEXT EXCITING INSTALLMENT! <span class="time">-Tristan</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #8B4513; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Rum Gulbrand: </span> &quot;'Oly mother of...&quot; Rum mouthed, staring at the figure above the coffin.. <span class="time">-10:55 Sep 08</span></div>
<div class="post" style="font-family: verdana,verdana,serif; color: #B4FF49; background-color: #;"><span class="username">Koit: </span> &quot;I still didn't get my refund...&quot; <span class="time">-10:57 Sep 08</span></div>