Exalted:End of an Era

[Biologist]

Silune had followed the conversation with growing fascination. The secrets that were so casually strewn out in the open were a spy's dream come true. If things didn't work out and the Solars would try to capture or kill her, at least she had some leverage....

 

You need leverage.

 

The Solar warrior will want to tame you and use you ase a beast of burden. If you are lucky.

 

The Solar man will want to disect you and look at your inner workings.

 

The Dragonblood will stab you in your back the first chance she gets.

 

The Deathknight will reap your soul and bind it in her soulsteel weapons for eternal torture.

 

That is what they do.

 

Remember?

 

Crimson memories flashed in front of her eyes. Silune quickly banished them to the back of her mind, forcing herself to shut her eyes and concentrate on the here and now. She found her calm with difficulty. The thought that kept her sane was I am Luna's Chosen. She had seen her second century. She was ancient and powerful compared to these younglings. She had nothing to fear.

 

Her breathing slowed again, the soldiers were preparing to spend their remaining daylight getting ready for their next journey.

 

East, they said? She grinned broadly. I have just become even more valuable to them.

 

All she had to do now was wait until the Solar warrior was alone...

 

-----------------------

 

Hanzo had finished eating and was ready to prepare for the journey East. "If you will excuse me, Commander, Captain, I will see if I can get some supplies for the dismantling of the Orbs."

 

As he bowed out of the room as was custom, he had already started to compile a list of things he would need to facilitate working on a complex artifact. He hoped the Solar Smith of Nexus would lend him some of his equipment. It was definitively the first stop he would make.

 

Humming an old Lookshyan marching tune, he disappeared into the labyrinth that was Nexus...

Edited October 24, 2014 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

Following Hanzo's example, Mia set out into Nexus proper. Having spent time in Gethemane and Whitewall, Nexus wasn't all that intimidating to her. Granted it was one of the largest cities in Creation, but at least it had open sky and wasn't under constant threat from the Raksha.

 

She wasn't really sure why she was venturing out though. She had no need for new supplies (even her teas were fully stocked) and she didn't have anyone to talk to. Although.... She stood to consider for a moment, then set out in the direction of the little restaurant she had eaten at earlier. There wasn't anything she needed from them, but it was always nice to see a friendly face.

 

 

Having been in several battles and getting little rest for a looooong time, Shaya began to feel the pain of exhaustion. She lay down on her cot, which was separated from the others with a room screen (ah, the privileges of leadership), and stared up at the ceiling until she fell relaxed enough to sleep.

 

 

Tinker mumbled something about getting fresh tea and headed outside to the mess. He wasn't sure what to make of Web's tale. The theory was insane, almost impossible, yet it would also explain a lot about the timing of the Solars' return and the Abyssals' emergence. Should he tell his compatriots? He knew that several would not be happy with this story at all. Then again, the only reason their circle still existed was because they told each other everything. Sighing, he reached into his pocket to retrieve the communications stone and looked up at the heavens...

[Takhesis]

With Hanzo leaving for specialised supplies - Pheonix also excused herself to see to the standard supplies that would be required for their journey.

 

Tapping Web on the shoulder, Pheonix indicated that her input on the travel would be needed. After all, Web was - at the moment - the only one that knew exactly where they'd be heading.

 

Granted Tinker usually saw to provisions, but Pheonix still felt like keeping an eye on the Abyssal. And this did provide an opportunity to get more information about what they'd be facing. Pheonix didn't like the not knowing much about adversaries, so she was determined to correct that.

 

Web followed Pheonix out, having been sworn into the unit - Pheonix was now her superior officer, though the exact positioning within the unit hadn't been defined.

 

[There that should keep those two occupied for a bit. And now for the Circle's turn to hear an odd theory.]

 

It was Silent Falling Tree's turn on watch when Tinker's call came in. Quickly calling the other members of the Circle together - they all should be there if Tinker had news of import.

 

Or even if he didn't. It was one of their traditions, it made sure no secrets were being kept. Ironic really considering which Maiden was Tree's patron.

[Biologist]

Silune watched as the soldiers left the room one by one, until their leader was alone. She watched the Solar as she took off the most uncomfortable pieces of armour and then crashed unceremoniously on the bed. She couldn’t help but keep looking, mesmerized. She hadn’t been this close to a Solar since the First Age and an almost compulsive need to creep ever closer got a hold of her.

 

Soundlessly, she transformed back into her human self. Her slender muscled body keeping perfect balance on the narrow beam. When she was directly above the Celestial Exalt, she lowered herself onto the edge of the bed and perched atop one of the bedposts like a raptor examining its prey. Green eyes gleamed in the twilight, unblinking.

 

She sat there for quite a while, losing all feeling of time, her mind desperately trying to organize itself enough to form a plan, a pick-up line, a proper introduction, anything to make the right impression on this Solar woman when she would wake up. Deep down in her consciousness, she was still acutely aware of her surroundings, keeping a close tab on sounds coming from outside; feeling secure in the knowledge that no-one would be able to sneak up on her.

 

While she pondered, a frown appeared on her ageless face, biting her lower lip in frustration.

 

Whispers, Silune will sit there until Shaya wakes up. Would you mind posting her reaction?

 

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya slept restlessly. Her danger sense never triggered, yet there was this nagging sensation in her dreams that something was.... wrong. Without making a conscious decision to, she began struggling through exhaustion and sleep towards waking. Her body stirred lightly, hand instinctively grasping for a sword. It wasn't until she identified the wrongness as a presence near her, that the Dawn finally awoke. Moving with essence-enhanced reflexed she reached for the sword next to her and drew it with lightning speed. Her instincts were usually spot on about impending attacks and that wasn't what had awakened her. Nevertheless, she recognized the strangely perched woman in front of her and pointed the Daiklave at her in a smooth motion. "Did you come to finish it, assassin?" she asked with steel in her voice.

Edited November 8, 2014 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

Silune forced herself to stay calm and collected, pushing her growing nervousness inside. She deliberately took a moment to look the woman in the eye before answering in a conversational tone:

 

"If I had wanted you dead, you would be. I have had ample opportunity." The young woman sounded somewhat smug.

 

"I haven't come here 'to finish the job'. I've come to offer you the opportunity to work together." To drive home the importance of this moment, she revealed her essence in a subtle way by letting go of her spiritual guard: slowly, all over her skin, silver lines started to swirl into an intricate pattern of tattoos covering her body.

 

Confident that the Solar knew what this meant, she put a finger to the tip of the gleaming daiklave that was too close to her throat and started to push it aside...

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya considered the assassin's words. It was true that she had been asleep, making her an easy target. Furthermore, Shaya was usually very perceptive to danger, yet she had slept straight through. The silver tattoos were disconcerting though, so while she carefully lowered her sword, she did not sheave it or put it aside.

 

"Say I believe you're not a threat," she said cautiously, "and that I do not carry a grudge for your earlier attempt on my life -" that part came out with an undertone of menace "-what kind of working together do you suggest?"

 

The Solar made no effort to keep her voice down, as she saw no reason to shield the assassin from Pheonix, Hanzo or Mia.

 

((Sorry about the late reply! Deadlines have been crazy.))

Edited December 14, 2014 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

Silune tried to wave the assassination attempt away as if it were water under the bridge. "I was hired to take out a Terrestrial. You aren't, I didn't. No harm was done. The poison will leave your system in twenty some hours. And I do not intend to deliver the second dose. It is nothing personal to you. There is no need for grudges."

 

That came out all wrong. She felt the converation slipping through her fingers. To hide her growing insecurity in the face of this Solar, she quickly continued.

 

"You want to go far into East. I was born there. I have lived my entire life there. Our meeting is auspicious, Daughter of the Unconquered Sun, for surely *I* am a gift from the Celestial Incarna to your cause. Together, there isn't a threat we cannot overcome. Like in the old days. Like in the First Age."

 

Slowly she rose to her full hight while speaking, showing empty hands. She held her head high, proud and secure in her own Exaltedness, her silver tattoos shone and a silver ring flamed in existence on her forehead.

 

"What say you?"

 

 

[Mistress of Whispers]

Something about the woman struck Shaya as familiar. Not the assassin herself nor the strange tattoos, but her posture and the silver ring. Something that was both alluring and dangerous, and carried a scent of home. For a moment she had a mental flash of moonlight playing in trees, but then it was gone.

 

Thinking another moment, Shaya sighed and sheathed her sword. She hoped she wasn't going to regret this. "Very well then, consider yourself signed up. As Exalt you'll take the rank of officer under my second-in-command, Pheonix. Do you have a name, or shall I call you Gift?" The latter was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, yet in came out sincere - something that surprised Shaya herself. Perhaps this woman was a gift.

Edited December 20, 2014 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

"How dare she? Making us subservient to a filthy Dragonblooded! We are second only to Solars and now she insults us like this? That is enough! Kill her and be done with it, and leave while you still can! Lest she puts a collar and a leash around your neck and uses you as her mount!"

 

Vivid flashes of humiliating scenes at the hands of Solars welled up out of the depths of her shared lives' memories. Silune's left eye twitched, her heart raced and she had difficulty swallowing. Sweat shone on her skin, practicly invisible in the dim light. Her inner voice had never been so angry, so vehemently upset, as this moment! It was all she could do to keep it from overwhelming her, but the thought of the consequences if she let the crimson woman take control were keeping her on the brink of sanity.

 

In a wavering voice, choked with what sounded like emotion, she whispered through clenched teeth: "My name is Silune daughter of Luna. I will not bow before a fil... a dragonblood. Only you will be my equal - and I have never given anyone that honour. We will work together and we will heed each other's counsel. If that does not fit your command structure, then consider me a" she tried to recall the correct Lookshyan military term "an allied forces specialist beholden only to you."

 

"Stupid naive girl!" the crimson voice screamed in her head. "You talked back to a Solar. Refused to accept the Lawmaker's ruling. Prepare to be in excruciating pain for this."

 

Silune's heart now beat like it had never beaten before. The sheer stress giving her goosebumps all over. Her body was ready for immediate flight action, muscles screaming in readiness.

 

Talking to Solars was even more exhausting than she had imagined.

 

((I think Silune just gained some limit break points ))

Edited December 26, 2014 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya watched the assas- Silune's clenched jaw and trembling fists. She knew determination when she saw it. She also knew trouble and for a brief moment regretted sheathing her sword. Something about the claims to Luna struck a chord though. She wasn't sure why - she didn't remember much about her previous incarnation, but she did not believe anyone had ever been her equal. She was the shining light that rose above them, with only the Sun Himself as her peer. For the rest of them though, the match of Sun and Moon was natural and -

 

She shook from her reverie. What had she been thinking? Something about shining lights and natural matches? It made no sense to her now. Nevertheless, the moment in which she might have dismissed Silune had passed.

 

"A consultant then," she said. "Don't make me regret it."

((Takhesis, in case you're waiting for us to wrap up the conversation - Shaya is talking loudly enough for people to hear her.))

Edited December 25, 2014 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

Silune could not help but marvel at the Solar. Even unclothed she exuded an aura akin to that of the Queen of Creation. And Silune believed it with all her heart.

 

"Nooooo!" the voice in her head screamed and wailed impotently. The Lunar Exalted pushed the Crimson Voice deep down and beamed a smile at her new partner that truly reached her eyes for the first time in ages.

 

"You will not." she answered the Solar as she extended her hand in the way that signaled the sealing of a bond between friends or allies in the East. Her expression clearly said she expected a name in return from Shaya, though.

 

She continued rather enthousiastically. "Now, I have already met your unit, but I wouldn't mind being introduced to them properly this time. Shall we?" She looked at the disheveled bed and the wariness in the eyes of the Captain and conceded: "Or would you rather sleep a bit longer? It is still a few hours until dawn.. ", she smiled again, "of which you probably are acutely aware." She shrugged, her castemark slowly dissipating, her silver tattoos melting away in her skin. "I can wait. Patience is one of my virtues." The last comment made her chuckle with a predator's grin...

Edited January 1, 2015 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya considered her options for a moment. Normally she'd introduce any new members immediately, but it had been a gruelling day and people might appreciate their sleep. Or they might still be out - she hadn't heard Pheonix and Web return, though admittedly she might have slept through that.

 

"Let's wait until morning," she conceded. "Can you return at dawn?" She briefly - VERY briefly - considered inviting the beautiful assassin to her bed, but decided against it. Firstly, Shaya did not sleep with the people under her command. And secondly, there was still the matter of Silune being an unstable and potentially dangerous assassin.

 

"My name is Shaya Orestes", she introduced herself. "I'm usually referred to by my rank, which is Commander."

 

-------------

 

OOC: Question to both of you - Do we want to roleplay/document the Sidereal's reaction to Tinker's story? To be honest I'm not sure how they'd react. Plus there might be a time in the future when it works well to say that, as a response, the circle decided to abandon/support/destroy/whatever the PCs. So we might want to leave our options open until we get to that point.

Edited January 2, 2015 by Mistress of Whispers

[Takhesis]

[Hmmmm, Circle's response could be very interesting... yet it could also fragment them a little.

 

The Chosen of Battles has already made her stance on Web rather clear... I can see her reaction being one of denial. The Chosen of Secrets would find the theory intriguing and troubling.... since it could explain the Oath thing.

 

The others' views are less clear to me.]

 

While Shaya and her unexpected visitor had their encounter, Pheonix had taken Web into the mess hall. It was a quiet spot during the night - and the tables provided the needed area to make travel plans.

 

The main order of business was for Web to tell Pheonix exactly where they were going, so she could get the right amount of supplies packed. A secondary concern - yet still a priority - was finding out what threats they were likely to face. From Web's previous employment as well as any local concerns.

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Yeah, I think the Battles wants to 'end the experiment', the Secrets wants to wait and see, and Journeys (Tinker) probably remains supportive (he's far too close to the subjects). If we leave the reactions of Serenity and Endings undocumented, we'll have leeway if we decide the group is bypassing Tinker to assassinate the PCs or something. So my vote would be to skip the actual conversation and then fill in the blanks as need be later.))

[Biologist]

((Yeah, I think the Battles wants to 'end the experiment', the Secrets wants to wait and see, and Journeys (Tinker) probably remains supportive (he's far too close to the subjects). If we leave the reactions of Serenity and Endings undocumented, we'll have leeway if we decide the group is bypassing Tinker to assassinate the PCs or something. So my vote would be to skip the actual conversation and then fill in the blanks as need be later.))

((I agree!))

 

Hanzo had finished his tasks and thought of the coming journey to the East. One crisis averted and another, world threathening situation already presented itself. It felt unreal and it slowly dawned on him that this was the role he had been dealt, the very reason he was Exalted by the Unconquered Sun: to keep Creation safe.

 

Or at least, that is what he supposed his role was.

 

His arms loaded with his equipment, he took to the broad streets of Nexus on his way back to the barracks, avoiding being a target for ruffians and thieves. He knew Nexus' reputation well, so he took no chances. Nonetheless, he sighed with relief when he saw the red tiled roofs of the Bronze Tiger compound. Only when he had passed the two guards, did he feel completely safe...

 

He made for the quarters that were assigned to the Lookshayan delegation without detour and started to organise the equipment, reorganise the equipment and re-reorganise the equipment, until it fit comfortably in a backpack he could carry.

 

It took him a moment to realise the Commander was talking to someone, obsessed as he had been with packing. With as much casualness as he could muster, he knocked on Shaya's screen and inquired: "Everything in order, Commander?"

 

------------------------------------------

 

Silune nodded in agreement to Shaya's proposal. "I will see you at dawn then, Shaya." When Hanzo knocked on the screen, her head turned towards the sound in a reflex, but she was careful not make any threathening movements. She didn't want to let on to the fact that she was feeling as uncomfortable in this situation as a tiger in the middle of a lake....

Edited January 6, 2015 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

Shaya considered introducing Hanzo to Silune, as he was here now anyway, but decided it would be improper. The next person to meet Silune should be Pheonix as second-in-commmand. Since it looked like no one would be getting much sleep tonight (again) anyway though, she might as well get up.

 

Signalling to Silune to remain quiet for now, she rose from the bed. At least she didn't have to get dressed again, she thought with a wry smile. I guess there are advantages to being so tired that you fall asleep with your clothes on. "I'll find my second to introduce you," she said to the Lunar before opening the door and slipping out.

 

"All is well," she said to Hanzo. "But have you seen the Lieu-" she caught herself as she almost used Pheonix' old rank out of habit "- the Captain?"

((Shaya did already promote Pheonix, right? Or did I merely decide she would, but she didn't find the time ic?))

[Biologist]

As Shaya signaled Silune to remain quiet, she shrank back into the shadows. At least those gave her a semblance of control to her excited mind. She hadn't felt this alive since... well, since that time she had escaped her Mentor's deranged clutches and survived on her own in the Bordermarches of the East.

 

Instinctively she knew she had made the right choice. Now she had to convince her mind that the difficulties of travelling with Solars weren't insurmountable. She steadied her breathing and waited patiently for Shaya to return with her second-in-command: the Dragonblooded woman. She swallowed away the bitter taste in her mouth as she prepared to meet one of the Inheritors of the Second Age...

 

-----------------

 

Hanzo saluted Shaya as she strode towards him. All is well? Then who were you talking to just now? he thought, but decided to let his curiosity go unvoiced for the moment. "Yes, Commander. The Captain is at the mess hall, with Web. They are planning our travels to the East as we speak. And since Web is the only one who has ever been there... I hope she has a good memory." There was no venom in his words, nor doubt. Just a simple statement of his thoughts.

 

"Shouldn't you be trying to get some sleep, though, Commander? You have been battling enemies of Creation for hours on end. I'll make some tea to get you relaxed and I will go to the Captain to inform her that her presence is required." and he took the kettle from the fire to prepare some calming brew of his favourite teas.

Edited January 19, 2015 by Biologist

[Takhesis]

[Yes Pheonix has already been promoted I assumed she and Web would be somewhere quiet while trying to make plans. Feel free to have them follow Hanzo/Shaya back to the quarters - depending on who picks them up.]

 

The plan making was going well. At least as far as Pheonix was concerned. Web had been more helpful than she'd expected for an Abyssal. Perhaps she was really serious about wanting to make amends - either that or she was playing a very long game indeed.

 

Though she doubted that - Web had made enemies of her former allies, so it wouldn't be likely they'd take her back now.

 

That and not siding with the Akuma had gone a long way to ease some of the concern Pheonix held about Web.

 

It was only when she looked up from the spread-out maps that she realised how long they'd been working for....

[Gildraug]

((Greetings, fellow RPers ))

 

Dawn was a few hours away and the moonlight was waning. A silvery fox trotted in the shadows, pausing every now and then, its ears pricked up and listening. Then it continued its way, the soft ground muting its run. Suddenly, the fox stopped for a longer time and looked around for a moment. With a soft glow, it transformed into a girl with short hair that was sticking in all directions. She pulled out a map and glared at it, biting her lower lip.

 

"I damn well hope they gave me the right direction," she muttered to herself as she trailed with her finger a path between Nexus and another village. Hopefully she would make it in time, every moment was precious - she had lost their trail once and couldn't afford to do so again.

 

Transforming again, Eleneril continued to run, still stopping after few minutes and listening. She hadn't encountered anything more dangerous than a frog, but it never hurt to be cautious. Dawn was close when she saw the thin trails of smoke rising from the chimneys of Nexus. The sky had turned into different shades of reds and yellows as the first rays of sun reached the sky. She stopped once again, and after carefully making sure she wasn't followed or seen, the fox transformed one more time. Eleneril stood up, her long, white scarf trailing behind her like a tail. After a moment of debating with herself, she decided to go into Nexus and start searching for the group - the sooner she found them, the better.

 

((Eh, apologies for the short into.))

[Mistress of Whispers]

((Welcome, Gildraug! I think my second character Mia is currently grocery-shopping in Nexus, and you're free to run into her if you like.))

 

"I did try to sleep, Chief," Shaya replied. "Didn't agree with me."

Nevertheless, she settled in as Hanzo made tea and went to get Pheonix. Truth be told, she much preferred a strong cup of khaf. But she recognized that Hanzo appreciated the Lookshian art of making tea, and she wasn't about to deny him the memories of home. Pus the new girl, Mia, and Tinker seemed to be just as fond of tea, so it wouldn't go to waste.

 

She returned to the bedroom to get dressed - might as well - and keep an eye on Silune. She recognized that the Lunar was nervous, and she didn't want her to bail now that an alliance was agreed upon.

 

"The Captain can have a bit of a temper", she began, absolutely unaware of the irony in a Dawn Caste calling someone out on their temper, "so harsh words might be spoken. I would ask you not to rise to them." The last thing she needed was a brawl between Pheonix and Silune.

Edited January 28, 2015 by Mistress of Whispers

[Biologist]

((Welcome Gildraug! Nice to have another Exalted player ))

 

Silune watched the Solar get dressed. After her comment about the Dragonblood's temper, her own temper flared up. "She will..." she started to spit out a venomous comment about Dragonblooded and their proper place at the feet of the Celestial Exalted, but swallowed her words.

 

"Let her speak her mind. Harsh words are nothing to me." she conceded magnanimously. She would show this Solar that Dragonblooded dribble meant nothing to her. It would wash off her like water off her skin.

 

"Is that tea I smell?"

 

--------------------------------

 

Hanzo hurried to the mess hall. He knew full well that something was up, so he made haste to get the Captain and Web. He didn't like leaving the Commander alone like that, but if anyone could handle herself, it was her.

 

He stormed into the mess hall, still empty of Bronze Tigers due to the early hour, to find the two women bent over maps and scrolls of paper. As he skidded to a halt with as much grace as he could still muster, he saluted Pheonix respectfully.

 

"Captain, the Commander requires your presence at the barracks. If you would follow me, please?"

Edited January 29, 2015 by Biologist

[Mistress of Whispers]

"Tea? Yes," Shaya said absent-mindedly before it occurred to her that it would be polite to offer some.

 

"Would you like some tea?" she asked while she tied her topknot back up. Between Tinker, Hanzo, Mia and now Silune, she feared the drinking khaf would soon be outdated. Still, she had the idea that Pheonix enjoyed khaf more than herbal extract, so that was one person on her side at least.

[Takhesis]

[ Fire Aspects are very well known for their bad temper - so no real surprise there. Even if it is ironic. I'm betting the meeting will be made even more awkward considering Pheonix's history with Lunars....]

 

At Hanzo's entry and request, Pheonix returned his salute and stood up from where the pair had been working.

 

"Of course." Pheonix knew better to than to question a summons. Even if it did seem an odd time for one.

 

Web also acknowledged Hanzo, though she remained seated while gathering the papers together into some sort of order. She could see that something had rattled Hanzo and she wanted to ask about it, but considering the newness of her commission within the unit wasn't certain if it was her place to do so.

 

The pair of women followed Hanzo out of the mess hall, Pheonix a few paces ahead of Web - who was carrying the maps and notes that the Captain had been making.

[Gildraug]

The streets were empty, save for herself and a few other people, there was nobody else. Eleneril passed the few other people hurriedly and made sure to check every now and then that she wasn't followed. She had made it so far and was so close - if she now screwed up, she might as well hit her head to the wall and yell to the whole world that she was an idiot.

 

The thought was very appealing in a way, but Eleneril hoped it would not come to that. Flitting between the shadows, she walked down the streets, looking for an inn. There were probably a few of them in the town, but Eleneril had to start from somewhere. Peeking through the window, she tried to see if anyone was in there. Of course, there wasn't - who would be awake in the wee hours? Internally cursing herself for stupidy, Eleneril decided she might as well check the other inns to kill time.

 

Stopping a few times to ask a passerby the directions to the nearest inn, she checked the location of one other inn. There was also a third; it still wasn't the time when normal people would be awake, so she decided to check that one, too. After all, it was better to get this place mapped out. Staying close to the shadows, Eleneril walked briskly towards the third inn, but passed a mercenary company barracks on her way. Something flitted in the edge of her eyesight and made her stop. She was just passing the guarded gates of the military compunds, but the gates themselves were open. Wondering who on earth would be awake in these wee hours, she took back a few steps and took a better look.

 

There were three people.

 

Eleneril pulled away from the gate and flattened herself against the closest wall, her heart pounding as fast as if she was running away from pursuers. Had she really found them? No, that would be truly a fool's luck, there most certainly was no way that she could've found them. But what if...? It couldn't be. This was too good luck. She had to take another look.

 

Peeking carefully around the corner, she saw the group better. Inspecting closer, she noticed that the descriptions matched - these truly were the people she had been looking for so long. Oh gods, what should she do? Should she merely wait and meet them later on, or --

 

The trio was walking briskly across the yard and panic rippled through Eleneril. She couldn't afford to lose them! All sense and carefulness left her when the fear of losing her target gripped her. The guards most certainly wouldn't let her go in, so how could she attract their attention? Every second was painfully long as Eleneril debated what to do. Finally, ignoring the guards, she waved her hand and yelled: "Wait! Please!"

 

Oh gods, oh gods, what if they weren't the people she had been looking for? Doubt ragged her mind as she tried to decide whether to hide or to stay in view. Her legs shook, but she stood where she was, her hand half-heartily still in the air. They had to be them.

 

[Edited!]]

Edited February 5, 2015 by Gildraug