Session Start: Sat Apr 23 16:03:23 2005
[16:08] <SotDX>
[16:08] <SotDX> Tarsiel and you are flying
[16:08] <SotDX> to a new monastery
[16:08] <SotDX> where you will be based from
[16:08] <SotDX> you will meet the others of your Fellowship
[16:08] <SotDX> when you arrive
[16:08] <SotDX> You are a little nervous
[16:08] <SotDX> for it will be your first
[16:08] <SotDX> Tarsiel flies close to you
[16:08] <SotDX> and speaks
[16:09] <SotDX> "Where you able to put your affairs in order before we left?"
[16:09] <Variel> "Yes, I did."
[16:11] <Variel> "As much as I could."
[16:11] <SotDX> Tarsiel nods
[16:11] <SotDX> "I do not mean to pry."
[16:11] <SotDX> "That business is your own."
[16:12] <Variel> "The Ab would not allow her to be buried on Holy ground, but she is buried just on the outskirts."
[16:12] <SotDX> Again, Tarsiel nods
[16:12] <SotDX> "Perhaps it is right. She was a heretic."
[16:12] <SotDX> he says it without recrimination, but with great judgment in his tone
[16:12] <Variel> "I try to tell myself that...but it does not make it any easier."
[16:13] <SotDX> "Interesting."
[16:13] <SotDX> He studies you, before looking ahead again
[16:13] * Variel is silent, not used to someone watching her reactions with such detachment.
[16:14] * Variel loses herself in the eddies of the wind
[16:14] <SotDX> "The Ab is a wise man, and made I think a wise decision. Now we must focus on the future, and not the past."
[16:15] * Variel looks at Tarsiel and nods
[16:16] <SotDX> "I believe we go to your first Fellowship."
[16:16] <Variel> "Yes,"
[16:16] <Variel> "I admit I am a little... nervous."
[16:16] <SotDX> Tarsiel smiles, slightly.
[16:17] <SotDX> "I was nervous when I joined my first."
[16:17] <Variel> "I have been on my own for awhile, it will be nice to be back with others."
[16:17] <SotDX> "I imagine that it will be. Though it is an adjustment, learning to work as part of a group."
[16:18] <Variel> "I will do my best."
[16:18] <SotDX> "I'm sure you will."
[16:18] <Variel> "I do not want to disappoint."
[16:19] <SotDX> "I remember my first. I looked at their faces, trying to decide if I was truly fit to lead such glorious beings..."
[16:19] <SotDX> He shakes his head
[16:19] <SotDX> "I was so afraid of failing them."
[16:19] * Variel studies him
[16:20] <Variel> "I am sure it is different leading."
[16:20] <SotDX> He nods, but then shakes his head
[16:20] <SotDX> "I'm not sure. Does it take more confidence to lead, or to follow a leader?"
[16:21] * Variel considers this a moment.
[16:21] <SotDX> "Is it easy for you to put you faith in an Engel you have never met and follow him blindly to constant dangers?"
[16:22] <Variel> "If he makes logical decisions, much of it is a relationship of trust."
[16:22] <SotDX> "Ah.... but you see, that is my point. Trust is not a coin given without concern."
[16:22] <Variel> "I am not sure what I would do if the decision seemed reckless."
[16:22] <SotDX> He nods
[16:23] <SotDX> "What have you been taught?
[16:23] <SotDX> "Have they drilled into you my word must always be followed?"
[16:23] <SotDX> "Or have they taught you to trust your own instincts when they differ with my lead?"
[16:23] <Variel> "Much of our nature has to do with instincts."
[16:23] <SotDX> Raissa's words echo: Always listen to the voice within.
[16:24] <Variel> "When we are on our own that is all we have."
[16:24] <SotDX> Tarsiel nods. "That is a precious gift of your Order. You Urielites are so close to nature."
[16:25] <Variel> "I admit my favorite thing is flying amongst the clouds at sunset."
[16:25] <SotDX> Again, Tarsiel smiles.
[16:26] <SotDX> "I can see that. So many of us (not of your Order) see flying merely as a utility, not a gift."
[16:26] <Variel> "Isn't it a gift, man can do no such thing."
[16:26] <Variel> "Only we can touch the clouds."
[16:26] <Variel> "and aspire for the stars."
[16:30] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "Variel... I do have a question for you."
[16:31] * Variel looks at him questioningly
[16:31] <Variel> "yes?"
[16:31] <SotDX> He considers his words, as if unsure of how to say it
[16:32] <Variel> "You can ask me anything."
[16:32] <SotDX> He nods.
[16:32] <SotDX> "I have been informed of the attributes of each of my new Fellowship.
[16:32] <SotDX> Our Gabrielite is a very gifted warrior, even for her order.
[16:32] <SotDX> Our Ramielite is very wise, and knows many languages.
[16:33] <SotDX> The Raphaelite is a master healer, excelling for her years.
[16:33] <SotDX> But you...
[16:33] <SotDX> You are the one I am most curious to see.
[16:33] <SotDX> All Urielites are more gifted in the ary of flight than we other Engel.
[16:34] <SotDX> You... I'm told, are one of the most gifted fliers in your own Order."
[16:34] <Variel> "Well...I did manage to catch one of my brothers on my first flight."
[16:35] <SotDX> "That is not all they say of you. Word of Variel... the wind-borne... have spread far through your order."
[16:35] <Variel> "They call me that?"
[16:35] <SotDX> He laughs
[16:35] <SotDX> "Do you deny it?"
[16:36] * Variel laughs
[16:36] <Variel> "I am a capable flier, I am much better in the air than on the ground, but I would not presume to be one of the best."
[16:37] <SotDX> He nods.
[16:37] <SotDX> "You are very humble. It is well that you are, but realize that your peers find you to be everso gifted."
[16:38] <Variel> "It was very awkward when I first was being trained...
[16:38] <Variel> they looked at me strangly not sure of how to procede, I took to the air so naturally."
[16:38] <SotDX> "I believe what one wide-eyed Urielite told me, who had been a postulant with you, was that they say Uriel herself breathed forth a great gust of holy wind to spur you own your first flight, and the power of that wind has never faded."
[16:39] <SotDX> "I believe what one wide-eyed Urielite told me, who had been a postulant with you, was that they say Uriel herself breathed forth a great gust of holy wind to spur you on your first flight, and the power of that wind has never faded."
[16:39] <Variel> "I was simply following my instincts that day."
[16:40] <Variel> "I saw he was in danger, anf=d that my brother was not going to catch him...
[16:40] <SotDX> "As we discussed only moments ago... instincts that you must continue to trust."
[16:40] <SotDX> "Now... show me this gift in action.
[16:40] <SotDX> I sense you are flying slow on my benefit.
[16:40] <SotDX> Show me how fast you can fly, and I will endevor to follow as best I can."
[16:41] * Variel smiles "Are you sure?"
[16:41] <SotDX> He nods
[16:42] * Variel begins flying faster, swooping and gliding, and yes she is showing off a little.
[16:42] <SotDX> She is a creature of the sky
[16:42] <SotDX> Wind-borne, perhaps
[16:43] <SotDX> but this is her element
[16:43] <SotDX> Tarsiel watches with amazement
[16:43] <SotDX> he has never seen an Engel so at home
[16:43] <SotDX> the turns are so sharp
[16:43] <SotDX> the swoops so balanced
[16:43] <SotDX> She truly is a child of the sky
[16:43] <SotDX>
[16:43] <SotDX> Flash forward
[16:43] <SotDX> A village is half destroyed
[16:43] <SotDX> many lives lost
[16:43] <SotDX> many more saved
[16:43] <SotDX> Your Fellowship have fought a great battle
[16:43] <SotDX> against several hideous Dreamseed
[16:43] <SotDX> While some of you were hurt
[16:44] <SotDX> you all lived and fought well
[16:44] <SotDX> Tarsiel, his arm broken and side burned
[16:44] <SotDX> stands before you (and your fellows) among the wreckage
[16:44] <SotDX> Tarsiel stands there, before his fellowship
[16:44] <SotDX> still whole
[16:44] <SotDX> wounded, but unbroken
[16:44] <SotDX> Jociel, the Raphaelite, is busy tending to the worst of the injured villagers
[16:44] <SotDX> the Engel suffering their wounds
[16:44] <SotDX> for the wounded humans
[16:45] <SotDX> Brastiel, the Gabrielite, is covered in the ichor that served as the blood in the foul beasts now slain
[16:45] <SotDX> he washes it from his body
[16:45] <SotDX> in the water from a well
[16:46] <SotDX> Faliel, the Ramielite, is sitting,
[16:46] <SotDX> after being knocked strongly across the head
[16:46] <SotDX> in the end of the battle
[16:47] <SotDX> blood trickles from her nose
[16:47] * Variel goes to Faliel and hands her a cloth
[16:47] <SotDX> "Truly malevolent monstrosities, most foul creations..."
[16:48] <SotDX> She holds her head
[16:48] <SotDX> She looks up at you
[16:48] <SotDX> "I think, perhaps... friend Variel... they felt that back in the Cathedral of Thought."
[16:48] <SotDX> she smiles, though wealky
[16:48] * Variel laughs softly
[16:48] <SotDX> Tarsiel surveys his Fellowship, and the pride from him is solid and strong
[16:49] <Variel> "Maybe they did."
[16:49] <SotDX> Brastiel approaches, most of the dark blood washed from him
[16:50] <SotDX> "What is the matter with Faliel now? A little knock on the head?"
[16:50] <SotDX> (they often argue)
[16:50] <SotDX> (each enjoys tormenting the other... to a point)
[16:50] <SotDX> Brastiel stretches, showing his clawed back
[16:51] <SotDX> he says nothing, but the statement is clear
[16:51] <Variel> "Looks like you will get another scar to show off and we will never hear the end of it."
[16:52] <Variel> "The secret is avoiding the beasts."
[16:52] <SotDX> Brastiel glares at you for a moment
[16:52] <Variel> "and our friend Ramilite managed that better than you."
[16:52] <SotDX> Jociel sighs, knowing what is coming
[16:53] <SotDX> Faliel grins up at you both, then winces
[16:53] <SotDX> "Damn my head. Infernal permualtions of shadow hurts!"
[16:53] * Variel smiles at Brastiel letting him know she is pulling his chain.
[16:53] <SotDX> Brastiel grunts
[16:54] <SotDX> "All I know is without my sword and strength, our moaning friend here would be as much food for the Dreamseed."
[16:54] <Variel> "and without my bow you would be much worse off. We are all in this together."
[16:54] <SotDX> Brastiel glares harder, then softens, and laughs
[16:55] <SotDX> He hits you on the arm in a sigh of friendship, but it is hard enough to leave a dark bruise
[16:55] <SotDX> Ouch
[16:55] * Variel flinches
[16:55] <SotDX> Tarsiel calls out
[16:55] <SotDX> "Fellowship!"
[16:55] * Variel turns to him
[16:55] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "We have done well this day. We have ALL fought bravely."
[16:56] <SotDX> "We have saved this village and its people. We have struck down the servants of the Tempter."
[16:56] <SotDX> "I am proud of what we have accomplished."
[16:56] <SotDX> Brastiel grins, and kicks the dead carcass of a Tempter-Dragonfly
[16:57] <SotDX> Brastiel: "Yes... I agree. We all fought... more or less... bravely."
[16:57] * Variel rolls eyes at Brastiel
[16:57] <SotDX> Brastiel winks at Faliel who still sits holding her concussed head
[16:57] <SotDX> Jociel approaches
[16:58] <SotDX> She is covered in blood
[16:58] <SotDX> and looks tired for her efforts
[16:59] <SotDX> Tarsiel to Jociel:"How are the villagers?"
[16:59] <SotDX> Jociel sighs, shaking her head."Well enough. I have tended to those worst hurt by the battle. All are frightened, but relieved. Our presence calms them, of course."
[17:00] <SotDX> Tarsiel nods.
[17:00] * Variel goes to Jociel and gives her some water
[17:00] * Variel knows how hard she works
[17:00] <SotDX> Jociel takes it glady
[17:00] <SotDX> "Thanks, Variel."
[17:00] * Variel smiles
[17:00] <SotDX> Faliel groans again, closing her eyes
[17:01] <Variel> "Most of your work is after the battle."
[17:01] <SotDX> "Tintalating tremors of tremendous tribulation."
[17:01] * Variel shakes her head
[17:02] <Variel> "Can you please do something with Faliel, I can't understand her words anymore?"
[17:02] <SotDX> Jociel nods, wiping the water from her lips. "Yes, but I did try to fight as best I could beside you. I can't fly like you or fight like Brastiel, but I did try."
[17:02] <SotDX> Tarsiel starts to speak, but waits to her Variel's words...
[17:03] <Variel> "I saw... you did well. If it wasn't for your warning, I might look like Bastiel."
[17:04] <SotDX> Jociel nods. It is clear she is pleased by your words.
[17:04] <SotDX> "I'll see to Faliel. See if I can not put some sense in her nonsense."
[17:05] <SotDX> Tarsiel: "And, Jociel, I might add to what Variel said. You prove yourself as a warrior at our side in every battle. You can take the life of the enemy with the same adept skill you give it to us when we are in need."
[17:05] <SotDX> Jociel nods.
[17:05] <SotDX> Jociel lays her hands on the sides of Faliel's aching head
[17:05] <SotDX> "I see. Yes, you did take quite a hit."
[17:05] <SotDX> Brastiel snorts. "Not such a hard hit, I'd wager."
[17:06] <SotDX> Faliel grimaces.
[17:06] * Variel goes to Tarsiel ignoring Brastiel's bait
[17:06] <SotDX> You leave the healing and sniping behind you and approach Tarsiel
[17:06] <SotDX> "Yes, Variel?"
[17:06] <Variel> "Jociel should see to you to."
[17:06] <Variel> "You arm looks painful."
[17:06] <SotDX> He raises an eyebrow, and looks down at it
[17:07] <SotDX> "Oh this? I had not even noticed... as such." He grins
[17:07] <SotDX> "Its not as bad as it looks."
[17:07] <Variel> "I am sure."
[17:07] <Variel> "Maybe I should call Bastiel over here to arm wrestle."
[17:07] * Variel grins
[17:08] <SotDX> Tarsiel considers, and then shakes his head.
[17:08] <SotDX> "No. I'd only have to console him after I won."
[17:08] * Variel laughs
[17:08] <SotDX> He grows more serous
[17:08] <SotDX> "Variel, my compliments to us all aside, I am concerned
[17:08] <Variel> "What is it?"
[17:09] * Variel immediatly serious
[17:09] <SotDX> There were moments in the battle this morning where I worried for us
[17:09] <SotDX> We were not certain of victory. The Dreamseed fought very hard."
[17:09] <SotDX> He looks over the ruins of the buildings destroyed in the fight
[17:09] <Variel> "Don't they ususally?"
[17:09] <SotDX> "This could have ended in our death."
[17:09] * Variel nods
[17:10] <Variel> "But the Lord was with us, we will all fight another day."
[17:10] <SotDX> "I... forgive me. I should not say such things. I only mean to say... I felt the chill of death today. I thought I saw it coming for us."
[17:10] * Variel is very concrned
[17:10] <SotDX> Tarsiel tries to shake off the feeling of dread
[17:11] <SotDX> "Forget my worries."
[17:11] <SotDX> "As you said, we will fight another day."
[17:11] <Variel> "I just worry for you, I have never seen you like this."
[17:11] <SotDX> He nods
[17:11] * Variel puts an arm on his other arm
[17:11] <SotDX> "I know. Usually I feel that we can face anything the Tempter conjures to threaten our world.
[17:11] <SotDX> But... recently...
[17:11] <SotDX> I have begin to feel that the balance is turning."
[17:12] <Variel> "Tarsiel, we can handle anything."
[17:12] <SotDX> He levels his cold gaze at you
[17:12] <SotDX> "Can we? Are you so sure?"
[17:13] * Variel looks down
[17:13] <SotDX> Tarsiel sighs
[17:13] <SotDX> "Forgive me."
[17:13] <Variel> "I think we can."
[17:13] <SotDX> "I should not let these feelings of despair pass over me."
[17:13] <SotDX> footsteps approach
[17:13] <SotDX> Jociel walks near
[17:13] <SotDX> "What are the two of you speaking of in such whispers?"
[17:14] <Variel> "Our brother is just speaking his concerns."
[17:14] <SotDX> "Well... what concerns me is these wounds."
[17:14] <SotDX> Jociel walks up to Tarsiel
[17:14] <SotDX> "And that arm..."
[17:14] <SotDX> she makes a tsk tsk sound
[17:15] <SotDX> Tarsiel nods to you
[17:15] * Variel goes and lets Jociel do her thing.
[17:15] <SotDX> Behind you you hear Faliel and Brastiel arguing
[17:15] <SotDX> "My books are what help us to live to see another day of your vainglorious battle!"
[17:15] * Variel takes to the air, surveing the damage, trying to not let Tarsiel's concerns wheedle in
[17:16] <SotDX> Brastiel:"Is that so? Perhaps we should try throwing them at the Dreamseed next time!"
[17:16] <SotDX> The village is half gone
[17:16] <SotDX> the Dreamseed had been powerful
[17:16] <SotDX> and terrible
[17:16] <SotDX> ripping through lives and structures indiscriminately
[17:16] <SotDX> perhaps Tarsiel is right
[17:16] <SotDX> perhaps the world is turning darker
[17:17] <SotDX> the fight against the Lord of the Flies was old
[17:17] <SotDX> she knew that
[17:17] <SotDX> and it was said that not so long ago they had vanished from the world
[17:17] <SotDX> for almost ten years!
[17:17] <SotDX> but the dark had come again
[17:17] <SotDX> the faces of the survivors looked up at her
[17:17] <SotDX> finding your radiant form against the morning clouded sky
[17:18] <SotDX> Why here? What reason lived within the madness of the lord of all beasts?
[17:18] <SotDX> Or was there anything resembling reason within this evil?
[17:19] <SotDX>
