by Uncle Pervy » Thu Apr 03, 2003 1:32 am
Enlil's arrival on the scene was met with blank indifference on Ch'amel's part, and what might almost be recognition on the part of his companion. "I have been absent from this city for some time, Angel," Says Ch'amel
"Have you had any luck with your affliction?" Enlil asks. She feared what he might say, but she had to be sure. The air around her began to lighten a little, and the dankness of their nighttime surroundings seem to fade away a little, as the angel's innate magicks unconsciously sparked within her.
(Aura again)
'My 'affliction', as you term it, remains as it was. However, I believe I shall soon be rid of it for all time.' For the time being, Ch'amel seemed calm, although his companion was looking decidedly nervous.
Despite herself, hope flares within Enlil's heart. "Is there a way I can help?" She asks. "I do want to help you, for no one deserves what you have so obviously suffered from. I don't understand why you have undergone this curse, but I know you don't deserve it. That you have fought it for so long is an admirable thing. So, if I can, I want to help you earn your respite."
'I appreciate the offer of aid -'
Ch'amel's response is cut off by a sharp cry of 'No!' from the man alongside him.
'And why not?' the masked figure's stare is now turned on his companion, flickering flames within the mask belying the calm tone of his voice, 'the Angel's aid would be a great help to us.'
'Her presence puts everything in jeopardy. All that I have worked for these long years.'
"What is it you have worked for?" She asks the Robed man. "I don't wish to ruin your life's work." Privately, she wondered whether or not she would have to. Something about his outburst, and the way he tries to guide Ch'amel does not seem right to her.
'I work for the restoration of my people. That is all you need know. Should we be successful, there will be an opportunity to destroy the mask.'
Curious, the angel asks, "Who might your people be?"
'You would not know of them. Their civilisation fell some two centuries ago.'
"I may," she replies. "My Father taught me of many things of times gone by. And, how do they hold the key to aiding Ch'amel?"
'It was they,' Ch'amel said, 'Who forged the mask.' A sharp glare from the robed man cut off any more he might be inclined to say.
'We waste time here,' the man said, gesturing onwards down the street.
'You have yet to inform me why the Angel threatens our plan,' Ch'amel said, making no move to depart.
'Experience,' the man responded, and with this single cryptic word, set off down the street, with or without Ch'amel.
"Ch'amel," Enlil says, fearing the worst, "I hope for you. But... please don't make a mistake in doing this. I think I may know another way to help you, if what your companion plans is ultimately harmful."
She moves forward and takes his hand in her own. "I have faith in you, Ch'amel. More than I have in him. Please, don't feel that you must do something you know is not right to remove your curse; I may be able to help you yet. And, please don't hesitate to seek me if you desire."
'I shall do so should Keshin play me falsely. Sword or no sword, he would be ill-advised to cross me.' With that, Ch'amel turned and set off in pursuit of the departing Keshin.
"I pray that all works well for you!" Enlil calls back, then takes to the air. Her next goal was the other source. If nothing else, she desired to see who had it, if not Ch'amel. And, more importantly, what was going to happen with it.
Enlil's flight path took her to a forge a street over from the Jade Dragon. Despite her familiarity with the area, she would have sworn that she had never seen the forge before. Ch'amel and Keshin, having to navigate the streets, would take longer, but they would doubtless arive soon.
How very strange, Enlil ponders. Normally, End, Will or Kyle would have noted such a place.
Angling downwards, the angel lands lightly and peers into the shop, searching for the stolen weapon's aura if at all possible. She hoped to witness what was to come, as she she doubted that she could easily reclaim the weapon. In truth, she wanted to know how it would play a role in reviving a lost civilization.
Within, the ruddy glow of the forge lends a red wash to the place. The counter seems untended at the moment, though a few weapons are racked upon the wall. One in particular appears to hold a place of honour - a large battle axe, set within a glass case.
Attention will immediately be drawn, however, to a large metallic statue stood near the entryway. It seems very finely crafted, in the form of some giant armoured soldier.
Enlil's astral sight will reveal the axe within the case to be the Grumbling Doom.
Quickly, the angel glanced about for anyone within the smithy.Perhaps she might be able to speak with them, later.
From the sounds of hammering, there was someone working at the forge itself, though they weren't visible from the door.
They'll be here soon, the angel tells herself. Spreading her wings, she flutters to a nearby rooftop.Landing gently near a chimney, she secrets herself behind it and watches the door. The aura around her fades away in response to her desire to remain unseen
It is not long before Ch'amel and Keshin arrive. The pair immediately enter the forge, where they are greeted by the owner. Although Enlil cannot make out the words from her present position, a heated argument can be seen between Keshin and the owner.
Eventually, Keshin seems to lose patience and gestures impatiently to Ch'amel. This gesture does not go unnoticed, prompting the owner to withdraw a Valthi firearm of some sort from below the counter.
Enlil spreads her wings and descends again, watching as worry creeps over her heart
Ch'amel's response is almost too fast to follow, and may not even be fully conscious. One hand seizes the gun, while the other lashes out, sending the owner into a crumpled heap.
Enlil gasps a little as she lands. However, despite every instinct screaming for her to do so, she does not go charging in. Quickly as she can, hoping the others are distracted enough not to see her, she moves by the door, trying to hear and stay unnoticed. She prayed that Ch'amel had only wounded the shopkeep, as she tried to listen in.
Keshin clambers awkwardly over the counter, and shatters the glass container with a single blast of magic. For a few seconds, a voice of complaint can be heard, apparently from the axe, 'I knew that peace and quiet was too good -' before it is abruptly cut off as Keshin's hand closes upon the haft.
Silently, Enlil prayed her faith in Ch'amel had not be misplaced for trusting Keshin.
'We have them all now,' Keshin says, 'the circle is closed in all worlds. Come.' So saying, he makes for the door. Ch'amel delays in following long enough to check the owner and, apparently satisfied with what he finds, starts after Keshin.
Enlil's first response at the word "come" was to move. Without crossing the threshold of the door, nor making herself immediately visible through it, she dashes for the nearst alley
The pair emerge from the forge, heading back the way they had come. Thankfully, they did not notice Enlil.
The moment that the angel thinks she can get into the smithy without being seen, she does so, making her way toward the Blacksmith, hoping that he lives.
Aside from what will likely become a nasty lump on the side of his head, the blacksmith seems fine, though unconscious.
"Thank you, Ch'amel..." she whispers. Mentally, she marks the smithy's location, then heads out the door and takes flight, flly intending to follow the cursed man and his strange companion.
(OOC: Note, I did not Edit Kelne, thus the clash of Tenses and ' vs ".)