Sevink leaned on the tree and looked at the thinnign darkspawn number.He smiled and undid the clips on his helmet,then pulled it off and threw it to the floor.He walked down into the thick of the fighting,though it wasn't very thick anymore,and recovered his sword.He ran through any darkspawn who got in his way as he moved towards Xandus,whom he threw the blade down in front of and smiled at.His frightening appearance activated as he looked at Xandus,it was always a fun joke to play.
Allister was sitting on a Pale White Rock, watching the Battle alongside Recruit Troy who was being WAY too nervous. Twitching his head this way and that, making it quite obvious to anyone watching that you weren't the best of Fighters. The Bloodmage chuckled though, thinking back on the poor guy's reaction to the Remains of the Darkspawn he killed. He was glad Troy didn't barf on his Staff.
'Are you coming or what?'
The Bloodmage didn't show any sign of Physical Acknowledgement so as not to alert Troy who, though nervous, still survived a Darkspawn ambush. The Bloodmage would give him SOME credit at least. Since Neria had sent a Psychic Message to him, The Bloodmage could track her down and was vaguely surprised that she was a bit farther away. He was Impressed, and immediately took it upon himself to learn the technique. He sent her a counter message.
All Right. I'm coming.
His Eyes slid to Troy, and debated on what to do to get him of his back. After thinking for a few seconds he decided to take the Obvious Route.
He looked at the Recruit and said "Thank you for helping me Troy, but your services are no longer required." Allister expected the Youth to leave without question and he did. The Bloodmage shrugged and walked into the forest, eyes ever vigilant in case of more Darkspawn. After walking for a few minutes, he found the Archon Magus. Apparently exhausted and waiting for him. Even tired and having gone from a battle, she still seemed to look beautiful. Allister scoffed at himself and walked silently into the Forest Clearing, approaching the Archon from behind and not making a sound.
Jumping down form the branch, Laurence went in search of a better vantage point. Seeing one off the darkspawn trying to charge the dwarf, Laurence notched another arrow and pinned him down. Seeing some arrows coming from near him, Laurence looked for there source. Seeing two archers, Laurence slowly made his way towards them. Getting close, he stab the nearest one in the back. The other darkspawn notching him, dropped his bow and pulled out a sword.
Well, this is starting to be fun
The darkspawn, tried to stab him only to be parried by his right dagger. Swing around the back, he sliced in to the shoulder with his left dagger. This cause's the darkspawn to go berserk. Charging him, the darkspawn manages to knock him on to the ground. Trying to stab him, Laurence kicked his feet out under him. Getting up and grabbing a acid flask. Laurence threw it at the prone darkspawn. Breaking on impact, the acid got between the cracks in his armour and slowly killed him from inside.
Crap, in that little scuffle in lost the blood. Oh well, lets see how the rest in doing.
Looking down, Laurence sees that the fighting is almost over.
Wait, where did Allister go? Come to think off it, where is that other elven maiden?
"What is it you wished to discuss Allister?" said Neria as she turned to face him, she was oddly calm considering the fact that she had several injuries and was literally drenched in sticky black ichor.
She had known he was coming by the signals he seemed to put out, she'd noted them when they had their first 'encounter' and had been keeping watch for them ever since.
She saw a nearby felled tree and took a seat on it, crossing her legs as she did so. As she awaited a reply she began to unbuckle her armour, exposing the loosely fitting cloth shirt that she wore underneath, revealing her almost perfect necklike and teasing that something else may be viewable if you were to stare for long enough.
As she sat, she tended to her wounds, in particular a nasty gash on her upper-left arm from being stabbed by a Genlock's blade. She wondered if he would take the (perceived) opportunity to finish her, after all they were alone, she was injured and she had even taken off her armour.
However if he decided to strike now she would be prepared, there were greater forces at work here and she would be adequately protected if need be.
"Oh not much Neria" Allister said, a slight smile on his lips. The Name slip from Archon Magus to her actual name was intentional. The Bloodmagus had no intention of Blowing anything up today, his goal was still to enter the Ranks of the Grey Wardens, and killing a fellow recruit would likely be frowned upon.
'Besides' he thought while looking at her tend her wounds 'She wouldn't put herself in such a vulnerable position if she couldn't guarantee her survival. So, it is likely that a trap will be sprung if I do anything rash.'
He spotted a White Rock nearby his position and sat on it. As he leaned on the rock, he rested his staff on his shoulder. A position which would allow him to rest his arms, but would also guarantee him near instanteneous reaction time for a counter spell.
The Bloodmage spoke, showing her both his hands "As you can see, I don't have any Apples with me now. Though even if I did, I wouldn't throw it now. Seeing as there's no one here to see it. Thus, I wouldn't have anything to gain from your 'Innocent Girl' Persona."
He continued, his Yellow Eyes focused on Neria the entire time "I came here so that I could be brief with you. We both know that I can see through your facade. So, I have come here to simply ask you, away from the others, what exactly you're planning here."
The Bloodmage smiled slightly, curious at her reaction.
"Ooh decisions, decisions" said Neria with a small chuckle, she began to do up and tighten the straps of her armour as she spoke, her wounds tended to as best as she could in the middle of a forest.
"Lets see, on the one hand if you were to know my objectives you could stop hounding me, if they don't come into conflict with whatever schemes you have planned, we could even become allies! But on the other hand, you knowing my objectives makes it easier for you to hinder me, a much more likely course of action on your part. So you see I am torn"
She spoke in a calm, almost jovial voice, there was no-need to play a part when around Allister or to even attempt anything as basic as with the rest. He was above that, not uncharm-able but above base allure nonetheless.
"I assure you however that if we do come into conflict, it can only go one way and I'd prefer to keep you around, after-all you are pretty decent in a fight."
A compliment, to (hopefully) unbalance him and soften him for the next phase.
"I leave it to you, if you wish to know, then I shall tell you but you will be left with two options. Help me or get out of my way. However if you decide to let sleeping dogs lie then we can continue amicably, our goals and paths separate"
As she spoke the frivolity drained from her voice, she wasn't talking in a hostile manner, it was more to the point and matter-of-fact, yet it held a barely noticeable air of threat to it. If only mother could see her now, sending messages on so many levels, weaving her web, she would surely well up with pride.
Preparing for the Allister-bomb in 3...2...1
Btw I've messaged Pyro and I just await a response now, I'll most likely be posting solely as Neria from now on unless stated otherwise. Thanks for co-operating guys and I hope I've not derailed the story too far.
Well....I COULD simply kill her now. I doubt that whatever's she has been planning has gone QUITE to that level of Unstoppability. Though that brings me Nothing of use, and she is amusing in her own way....
Allister chuckled "Ah, It's good to see you're ACTUAL Personality Neria. Cold and Calculating. Unlike that....Pathetic Feminine Mask you always seem to carry around with you."
His eyes narrowed, while still maintaining a smile "Of course, I would say that I would accept your Request. Knowledge is Power after all. Though, I am Curious, as to how exactly you would bind me into not doing anything to STOP your plan once it got going, if it benefits me hmm?"
The Bloodmage waved his hand around in the air, making random movements "The High Warden suspects you, I could simply tell him what I know of your plans. I could simply tell him what you are planning, which I assume is Particularly naughty with all your effort, and I would benefit. Of course, you have SOME Wardens who would side with you, but are you REALLY sure they are sympathetic and in your web? or are they in fact doing so under Jason's command? I could turn you in, get away scot free. With the Powers, and admittedly weakness if being a Grey Warden. I would still have enough strength to at LEAST do something interesting hmm?"
Allister smiled still, a Neutral, yet Superior look on his face "I accept your deal. But how do you know I would keep it hmm?"
Jason had just cut through the side of another Genlock, when he realized the had killed all the Darkspawn in the small clearing were they had been ambushed. Jason wiped his blade clean and sheathed it, strapping his sheild to his back as well. He looked around, making sure everyone was there, and found that Allister and Neria were missing.
"Laurence, what happened to Allister and Neria?" Jason called out, looking himself over for wounds.
He had sustained a small cut wound to his upper left arm, and an arrow had been fired into the arm he weilded his shield with. He quickly pulled out the arrow and tied a bandage around the wound, sealing it for now. He looked around him and saw that there was a pile of darkspawn all around him, brought down by his hand.
"Alright, treat your wounds and get your things together. I will begin collecting a vial or two from these darkspawn. Only the strongest darkspawn can be used though." Jason said, searching through the darkspawns things for anything valuable. He then grabbed two vials from his pack and began extracting blood from the stronger darkspawn.
"Don't know, one minute there here, another there gone. I will look for them. I thought I saw Allister move in to the bushes there, but I'm not sure." Laurence called to Jason.
Laurence ran down the side off the gully and to the spot he thought he saw Allister disappeared in to and started searching for him and Neria.
Hearing voices from near by, Laurence proceeded to silently make his way towards it source. Coming to the edge off a clearing, Laurence spotted Allister and Neria having a conversation.
What are they talking about and why is Neria out of here armour? Well only one way to find out.
Bursting out off the bush's, making it seems like he has been running for a while, Laurence approached them.
"Ooooh there you guys are, I have been looking al over for you guys." Laurence told them "Why are you." Laurence stopped in mid sentence after seeing Neria with out her armour. "Ooh, couldn't you guys wait till where done? Any way, Jason asked my to look for you guys. It seems where almost done here, so could you guys hurry it up then. I will tell Jason I have fond you and that you guys will be along shortly and don't sweat it, I won't tell any one" Laurence tolled them before running away again to tell Jason he had fond them.
"Good... I assume you told them we are moving on, correct?" Jason said, just as he finished packing away two vials of blood.
"Everyone, time to move out. We are heading further into the mountains, we will find more darkspawn the further into the mountains we go. I will stay behind to tell Allister and Neria which way we are headed. Laurence, I trust you can lead the others West into the lower levels of the mountains. There is a small cave about fifty feet or so up in the mountains that would serve as excellant shelter." Jason said, pointing towards the mountains, "We will catch up to you."
"Rest assured if you were to betray me, as you no-doubt are considering now, I would take you screaming with me but perhaps we could do an accord similar to what you have with Darius? A pact in blood, I don't step on your toes, you don't step on mine"
Neria smiled at him but this held no warmth, it was a smile that out of context would be a simple friendly gesture but under the surface, a dark threat lay. She sat for a while, looking into his eyes, not to intimidate him, for he was above that. It was an analytical look, searching past his eyes and deep inside of him. The eyes were the gateway to the soul after all and she hoped to catch a glimpse at whatever black texts lay beyond, to gauge a further measure of his character.
He was an intriguing fellow, certainly the most interesting of their number and Neria found herself wondering what the situation between them might be if they'd met under more favourable circumstances. She quickly pushed the thoughts aside and scolded herself for letting her mind wonder.
'Stupid! That's exactly what he wants me to feel and even though he appears 'friendly' now, he no-doubt bare a dagger behind his back.'
She ceased her non-constructive thoughts once more, stood and headed towards him, she stopped two meters away and stared down upon him.
Allister smiled slightly and nodded. "Very Well. But let us do it quickly, before the others can really Interfere."
He stood up and approached her, slowly pulling out his knife. "Unfortunately, this is not the same kind of.....Oath, I have for the other. This one, is basically a Non-Agression act." He calmly held out his arm, plainly asking for Neria's arm in return.
The Bloodmage looked at her neutrally, from this angle she was quite beautiful. His mind conceded. But he would not let that get in the way of the Ceremony, it was too delicate.
Neria removed the bracer on her forearm and extended it to Allister.
This would dim the fires of their fued for at least a short amount of time, hopefully long enough for her to win him over fully, deal with him or for her to act out her plans. It was hardly a guarantee or a sign of mutual trust but it would work.
Allister took her hand and slowly cut his Palm, allowing the Blood to accumulate. At the same time, he gently cut Neria's own Palm as well.
The Bloodmage looked into her eyes and said "Now, this might be a 'Little Ticklish'" He then put his Hand on Neria's hand and began speaking in the Language of Bloodmagic. Within a few seconds, their hands began to glow a Dark Red, and the Bloodmage felt a...somewhat tickling sensation in his arm. After a few seconds, the spell was finished and he slowly let go.
Neria flexed her hand and rearmed it with its bracer/gauntlet.
It was done
She nodded to Allister and walked with him back to the rest of the group, on the way informing him of her plans... Well as much as she deemed necessary for him to know.
Don't worry DC let me control his character for that brief time, he even wrote the middle bit.
"Neria, Allister... we were going to leave without you. I don't care what you were doing as long as it didn't hinder our party. Now lets move on, we are headed into the mountains to find more darkspawn." Jason said, motioning them to follow the rest of the group. Jason was in head, keeping his eyes and ears open for the noises darkspawn create when they move.
Sevinks face returned to normal and he smiled a Xandus,quite scarily,before retrieving his blood and walking off,whistling.Preparing to follow the rest of their party to the next area they must leave to.He looked over as Neria and Allister came out of a secretive wood clearing together.His brain shut down for a few moments before rebooting. The fuck?
Allister was currently oblivious to the opinions of his teammates at the moment. He was somewhat preoccupied with the Logic of going into the Mountains, undoubtedly filled with more Darkspawn, so as to collect their Blood. 'But what about the Blood already here?' the Bloodmage's brain suggested. 'There's enough blood here to drown an entire fishing village, but NOOOOO. There's some bullshit about getting the "Strongest Darkspawn's blood" or something. How do you even measure that? Is it by the amount of Pain they can withstand before dying? 'Cause, I'm quite willing to experiment on them after all.'
The Bloodmagus could only shake his head slowly at the failure of Logic here, and continued to walk with the others. The ONLY reason he hadn't decided to voice his concerns was because of his own Morbid curiosity of what was under the Mountain. In fact, if not for the promise of Lost Spells and Techniques in that abandoned hive of evil, he would have screamed at Jason outrightly. Refusing to take another step in this damned stupid adventure. As it was, Allister was preparing himself physically and mentally for the undoubtedly massive battle ahead.
As Neria and Allister slipped back into the group, at the same Neria slipped on her guise once more. She made no eye contact with the other recruits and instead seemed focused on completing their mission. However when she caught Sevink looking her direction, she would give him a warm, yet sad and almost ashamed, little smile that she hoped would float by the others un-noticed, but otherwise she said nothing.
'All part of the plan'
During the walk she seemed more outwardly focused on avoiding the others, Allister inparticular but inside she was formulating plan, after plan. She also took a mental stock of her wounds, afterall knowing her weaknesses would help in the coming skirmishes. A calm hush descended upon her once more and again she seemed to be surrounded by a feint, purple, aura.
As Allister walked further down the path, he mentally prepared a chessboard within his mind. He then proceeded to move the pieces in the appropriate motions until he came to the current Formation.
Currently, Neria's plans are.....not that big of a threat to me. However, she must still be watched as I cannot allow her to cause any unwanted chaos from her plans fruition. If so, the Darkspawn cans simply walk to the shattered remains of the Wardens and pick up the pieces. Currently, Blood Oath is the only thing stopping me from doing anything with the Info, as well as the fact that I must use this Info prudently. Current Hypothesis cooking is that the Taint from the Darkspawn blood would alter my Magic significantly enough for Oath to be broken. Hypothesis unproven though, won't know until we get there.
Her current Influence among the Wardens still isn't quite enough for her to finish her quest. However, the game is still within the early stages. She could very well gather enough support from the Wardens, not that Jason would act stupidly, as she seems to think. Her overconfidence in that department might very well be her downfall. Planned Meeting with Jason still going to proceed as planned, unwise to take her word for it.
Current affiliation with Companions would state that some would misinterpret meeting and be at my throat......Maybe. Still, must test feelings of fellow companions to experiment with that Hypothesis. If they are significantly attached to Neria, then I can take advantage of their Feelings. Or at the very least list down said weakness for future Operations.
Sevink frowned inside his helmet and he sheathed his blade.He shrugged after a few seconds and fell in step with the others.He began to wonder what the hell had happened.Neria couldn't have,not with Allister...yet the smile...would it be consensual? Allister seemed to hate Neria and he doesn't seem the sort to the force himself upon women.This is truly a mystery,may have to talk to Allister later on...He continued to frown under his helmet,this was not only confusing but upsetting if he was correct in his suspicions.
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