Oceans of shadow..

[Amoran K. Kol]

Shadows flowed around her as warm waves caressed her skin.
It seemed as if Amoran had been plunged into the deepest ocean- sinking deeper, being pulled ever deeper into it's endless pit. Breath did not come forth to soothe her burning lungs, the heat of the darkest pit of hell clawing at her throat. She could not scream, she could not cry out for her protectors, left behind as she traveled through this empty- seductive hole.

Though her other senses remained bound, she could feel. Her heavy limbs flowed as if an empty marionette riding the rolling waves of a treacherous ocean, following with her limp body as she was jerked left to right.

The tunnel that had swallowed her shell showed no mercy, it acted as a one-way endless space designed to push and pull against any form that entered it. She soon found herself attempting to grasp the sides of the space only to find more emptiness, more darkness, more void.

With a sudden jerk her body grew tons heavier, spasming against the dark seductive waves as they continued to wash over her nude flesh. She tried to coil herself into a careful ball, fear clawing the edges of her mind as she heaved her heavy body into the fetal position. “No, no, no--!!” , Her mind screamed.

It seemed as if hours had passed and still she gripped her knees to her chest, burying her face against her legs as fear gripped the edges her conscious mind. Suddenly it felt as if she were slammed into a solid wall. Her body flattened immediately, convulsed once, and she felt it... the heat.

The crawling splinters of heat that sent her body fragmented once before. Her body's muscles lit on fire, the burning tore through her limbs as her spine bowed- muscles convulsing against the pain. The horrible, horrible pain.

It was all too familiar, she feared breaking in twine, feared so terribly that her body would explode into a million dancing fragments and reform again from the stress.

A suffocating pressure rolled over her shell and she felt her limbs start to sink past the solid form at her back, slowly at first and with a rough jerk she was blasted from the liquid shadows.


.
.
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The sound of lightning crackled and fizzed through the silent streets outside the Tavern. The rumbling thunder that followed sent the walls of the surrounding buildings to vibrate and quake with the force of the sound.

To human eyes, no blast of lightning could be seen lighting up in the sky, only the form of a slender tattooed woman emerging from nothingness and a strange, earth shattering rumble through the ground outside the Tavern. The rumble sent the wood of the buildings to rattle and strain, the wood creaking- complaining against the unseen force.

An onlooker observed the ink black water that trickled over the ascending woman’s nude, glowing flesh. The Elf's body deathly still as her limbs dangled free from the intangible binding that held her.

The liquid dust poured over her chest- trickling over her midsection to escape through the curved arch of her hips. The water dribbled onto the ground, and as it hit the soil, it burst into a small cloud of black dust- hissing away with a light passing of wind.

Her body seemed frozen for a moment as her arm sank past the barrier and suddenly- she was let loose.

The Elf fell to the ground with a meaty slap, her limp body resting in an irregular position, raven hair pooling around her delicate features. Her arms lay outstretched, legs resting to the left of her body, midsection twisted as her ample chest rose and fell with long awaited breath.

The onlooker let out a shriek and ran back into the tavern, leaving the unconscious woman behind in the road.



ooc: This thread is open to anyone, please by all means join in. :) It has been quite awhile since I have role played via forum post, come make it something interesting!

[Logan]

Coincidences lined every aspect of Logan's life. From his conception all the way through his current state of insanity; everything, every moment echoed the thought of coincidences. What had brought the psion to that street on that day was nothing short of miraculous, or maybe it really was just a coincidence...

====================================

The psion sat in his chair at his desk taking a deep drag of the musky cigar he'd received only moments before by his business associate. A cough interrupted his enjoyment as he shot a look in the direction of the associate.

"Perhaps we should conclude our business, first, Mr. McCloud," the pin-striped suit-clad associate spoke as he motioned with his hands toward the papers on the desk before them both. He shook slightly as Logan reached up and grabbed the cigar with his hand, exhaling cigar smoke at the associate.

"Perhaps," came the response telepathically and so matter-of-factly. The eyes of the psion glanced down at the papers and he nodded responding telepathically once more, "Well, I can see that everything appears in order. You're men have completed the requested job with the typical precision and expertise I've come to expect from them."

Logan looked up at the associate with a disingenuous smile. He nodded his head slowly as he continued, "The gold will be transferred into the requested account as explained before. It should be there in no more than three days from now."

The associate shook his head in response, "That's all good and well, but we're not pleased with having to wait for payment --"

Before he finished, Logan shot back, "Don't start with me. You know Vice is good for it, and trying to pander on about your displeasure at waiting is disconcerting for us." The psion's eyes locked onto the associate's and a staring down contest had begun.

Moments later the associate nodded, "I meant no disrespect Mr. McCloud. None to yourself or Vice. I am just voicing the concerns of my men, but it is of no consequence in truth. They will wait for their payment as always, and all will be well."

A smile pierced the lips of the psion as he agreed with a nod, "Very well, then I do believe our business is concluded."

The associate gathered the papers from the desk, placing them into a small briefcase. He set the briefcase next to the desk as he extended a hand toward Logan. The psion gripped the gesture and the two shook in silence, but as the associate moved towards the door with his briefcase he paused.

"Logan," he questioned quietly, "There was one more thing." The associate turned around slowly as the psion looked on in curiosity. "We received some intel that Joshua will be at the Silver Streak tomorrow. I just wanted you to know," he finished and turned and left, leaving Logan with mouth agape and unable to respond.

================================

Logan had travelled half the way to the Silver Streak Inn before deciding to make a stop in the Peaceful Promenade for some food and a drink. As he made the turn down the road that led to the tavern, a woman nearly ran him over as she screamed incoherent babble. He shook his head as he continued down the road, momentarily pausing at a strange sensation that invaded his mind.

Paying it very little attention, the psion continued on down the road his eyes barely picking up the silhouette of a woman upon the ground, shrouded in shadows. The psion thought about turning and heading back the other way, but something inside him said to check things out. So he did.

As he approached the woman slumped upon the ground below, strange liquid shadows moving about her form he dropped to one knee next to her checking for a pulse. There was one, faint, but it existed. He reached down and grabbed her hand in his and squeezed as he focused himself and his thoughts.

Perhaps it was her nude form, but for some reason he had a lot of trouble focusing. Eventually, however, he gained his composure and his focus and pushed some of his mental energy into her. As he did, some of the shadows disintegrated around her. The psion slid his arms under her form and lifted her from the ground, gritting his teeth as he sensed a resistance like he'd never felt.

"There's something about her, Logan," the voice in his mind was ironically quiet and sounded small. With that he kicked open the door of the Peaceful Promenade and moved over to one of the booths in the corner. Gently he set her slumped form into one of the seats as everyone around looked on with curiosity. He quietly, but quickly moved over to the tavern owner, a personal friend, and requested some tea and a cold compress for her head.

His eyes darted around as he watched the inhabitants of the Promenade for any movement that would require immediate action, but none seemed to transpire. He breathed a sigh of relief and turned toward the female form in the booth. Who was she? Why was she unconscious? Hell, why was she here?

Coincidence.

[Amoran K. Kol]

Silence...

It reverberated through her senses, not a whisper- not a sound reached her mind. Nothing registered, she was still as marble against the booth, her wet body cold and limp.

Amoran was closed off from the world she had come to. She could not feel the scratchy wooden table resting against her thigh, nor the cushioned booth she was curled into. The Elf lay inside herself, dreaming of silence, dreaming of the world she would wake to- and with her dreams fear still slithered through her unconscious thoughts. When she opened her eyes, where would she be?

Her dreams bled with black ink- the moving pictures in her mind slowly shuddering away into the river of shadow. Feeling rushed through her senses, through her body. The stink of cigars and alcohol found her nostrils, waking her sleeping mind ever more.

With a ragged gasp the Elf threw her eyes open, blinking only a few times as the blurred world came into focus around her. She observed the bar, the booths- the dim lighting of the tavern.

The smell of alcohol told her that it was in fact a pub of some kind. She shook her head with distaste for the disgusting scent, taking in even breaths as her body adjusted to it's awakening. Her muscles flexed and she tried to move her limbs, making an attempt to scoot up against the wall the booth sat against.

A disgruntled sound escaped her and she let her head rest against the wood at her back, paying attention to her breathing, hoping the heaviness in her limbs would fade.

The Elf barely noticed the man observing her, the woman's senses were dulled almost completely from the inexorably forceful journey. She stared out at the room around her, the color of her eyes shifting slowly through a thick embrace of dark lashes.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

(I have permission to join this thread from Logan and Amaron)

Working for the Empire had its share of benefits. For one, Lorenor constantly had work. For two, Lorenor was getting paid well to do the work. Lastly, the mutant had a title of being a Cadet within the Corone Armed Forces. That title brought with it a certain amount of responsibility and a certain amount of privilege. Currently, Lorenor dressed in the attire of the Cadet's basic uniform.

Not wearing a full suit of armor, the mutant instead was wearing professional civilian clothing. His clothing was a simple squire's outfit. He wore a brown tunic bearing the markings of the Corone Empire, baggy brown pants, a well structured belt, and leather boots. His hands had gloves covering both of them that were also made of leather. Lorenor was a busy man these days. Gladly running courier jobs, the mutant was given parcels from the Guard Captains when he was not in dedicated military training. These package runs had to be handled with great care and the mutant could never open the seal of any single package.

One such parcel was in his possession at the moment. In the town of the Peaceful Promenade there lurked a certain Guard Captain by the name of Arthur Callahan. He was in charged of the Corone Armed Forces extended military wing there in the Peaceful Promenade. It was to this man, Arthur, that Lorenor was to personally deliver the parcel to for a modest fee. The mutant did his job well and had become a respected member of the new league of cadets coming up through the Academy of the Empirical Forces.

Lorenor was a part of that new culture. On the one hand, many of Corone's youth were siding with the elusive Corone Rangers. On the other hand, those who still had loyalty to the Empire and knew their place sought employ in the military academy. One could receive education as a Knight, a Paladin, or whatever other rank that the Cadet wished to specialize in.

Lorenor carried two duffel bags with him. It was already raining by the time that he arrived at the Peaceful Promenade. He missed the situation between Logan and Amoran. But wouldn't have involved himself unless he had some invitation to proceed forward from Logan himself. Sensing the familiar scent in the air, Lorenor had to ignore it for now. He needed to finish his job before he could spend time on personal projects. Sources loyal to the Empire informed Lorenor at various way-stations that the Guard Captain would be within the Peaceful Promenade at these hours. So Lorenor left his black stallion with the stable lads and proceeded to enter the Promenade.

The thick hide cloak that the mutant wore was emblazoned with the symbols of the Red Hand. It was a big red fist holding a dagger. The thick cloak flapped in the wind as the mutant walked through the mud towards the Promenade. Opening the front doors, the mutant entered and walked in the general direction of the gathered patrons. Lorenor kept his hood over his head, but he gave off a strong air of a powerful darkness. The mutant was well armed with several swords, a crossbow, and other concealed weapons that were part of his arsenal. A demure waitress walked up to the mutant.

"May I take your order sir?"

"I am looking for Captain Arthur Callahan. I was told I could find him here." There was a hint of annoyance in the mutant's tone of voice. The deep raspy voice drew attention from some onlookers. There were some eyes that went towards the mutant's general direction. Lorenor ignored it all. He was on duty. The girl responded. "Y-yes. My mistake mi'lord. He is sitting over there with some associates." She pointed to Captain Callahan's table. Lorenor nodded. "For your troubles." The mutant tipped her twenty gold pieces and moved on. He walked over towards Captain Callahan. "You're the Courier?" The man asked as he looked up.

Now Captain Callahan was man whose origins lay in the Windlacer Mountain range. Callahan had a round zygomatic arch with a defined chin. His forehead was well sculpted, his lips were large, and his nostrils were flared. He had markings of that were part of the Knights of the Corone Armed Forces on his face. Around his neck he wore an amulet of some sort, he dressed in simple attire. His shirt was gray and bore the symbols of the Empire. The man looked upon Lorenor with cold gray eyes. He had platinum hair that was slicked back into a ponytail. The man had a well-trimmed mustache on his face. His right ear was pierced. The man wore glasses, and he smoked cannibus from a wooden pipe. "Yessir. I'm Lorenor." The man nodded. "I heard about you. Well met. Please have a seat my friend. Let us see the parcel you have in your possession and what the Superior Commanders want with me." Lorenor nodded and sat down, he removed the parcel from his packs and began the transaction.

There were several others sitting at the large table. And nearby, there were more Guards. These were not Cadets, but actual Knights. People in the tavern observed the knights with caution and respect. All together, there were roughly twenty knights, six cadets, and three squires, and the Guard Captain himself. Lorenor saw that many of the individuals were native Coronians, some from Radasanth, some from the Highlands, some from Jadet and a few from Serenti. The mutant observed casually as he handed the parcel to the Guard Captain. The Guard Captain was the highest ranking official in the tavern. Callahan seemed to be an experienced warrior with a long history of employ in the Empire. A few of the gathered Knights were nearly as old as Callahan appeared to be. Callahan seemed to be in his late forties. He was aging, but he was still in peak physical condition. All of the Knights had masterwork equipment with them.

[Logan]

The psion's head swiveled toward the entrance of the tavern as Lorenor entered, the mental presence of the mutant triggering reminders of their recent battle in the Citadel and the unfortunate conclusion of such. His eyes focused in and followed the movements of the mutant throughout the tavern until he finally settled at the bar. Logan prepared to stand and approach, but he was cut off by the young lady who spoke to the mutant and then pointed at a table with a few men gathered round.

Amidst the smoke, Logan could make out the mental presence of Captain Callahan of the Knights of the Corone Armed Forces. He shook his head. The Armed Forces were not exactly pleased with Vice's recent actions throughout the Althanas lands, and as such the psion tried to avoid them as much as possible.

As Lorenor approached the Captain, Logan focused in a little more to try and decipher any of their conversation. After all, any information he could glean from such eavesdropping always seemed to prove useful, but in this case it seemed rather bland. The young lady approached the psion and handed him a green bottle of a mixture of herbs, tea leaves, and tiny pieces of various artifacts and relics.

It was then that he remembered the lady who was unconscious in the booth. Moving over to the booth next to her, Logan set the bottle onto the table. Quietly he whispered to her, "Miss?" He hesitated only a second before continuing, "I found you on the street outside and brought you in here to warm up. You're in pretty bad shape." His hand stretched out and grabbed the bottle, sliding his fingers inside and pulling some of the greenish substance from it's neck.

"This substance is a mixture that is said to heal many types of wounds and ease the pain of any who is hurting," his voice was calm and peaceful. He dared not project any thoughts into this woman's mind, at least not yet. She seemed practically fragile as glass to him, and he knew what could happen if he didn't approach with caution.

"Oh, and my name is Logan," he said as he rubbed a small portion of the substance across the area just below her neck and along her shoulders, "Logan McCloud."

[Amoran K. Kol]

Amoran’s eyes followed the Man’s movements, her expression set in a hard line as he moved over to her. Fear still tore at the edges of her mind and she tried to shift away from him- to pull her knees up against herself in the booth. Her limbs fell limp still and instead she continued to bear into him with rage in her eyes.

A low rumbling growl sounded from the inner recesses of her chest as he spoke to her in soft tones. The Elf’s ears seemed muted from his voice, fear blocking his vocal patterns- distorting them until all she could hear was the sound of her heart palpitating.

The low toned ‘thump, thump, thump’ sent the pulse in her neck jumping as his hand drew closer to her body. The woman’s body jumped as his fingers spread the green substance over her skin, and she hissed against clenched teeth- releasing a low guttural noise from deep within her body.

The Elf’s ever changing eyes swirled into a deep red, instinct shattering all rational thought as she bit at his hand- baring her white teeth to him as she dug her canines into his flesh.

A moment passed and she released his hand, furrowing her delicate brow in confusion as instinct drew back into the chain clad box inside herself. For a brief moment the Elf's mouth hung open, eyes drinking in the features of his face. White hair, glacial eyes..

"Familiar.." She thought before shaking her head again, the green substance starting to tingle against her pale tattooed skin.

"I-I apologize, what did you say your name was?" She said, her usual purring voice hoarse and dry.

Amoran took a moment to swallow her words before asking again, seemingly unaware of the swords strapped against the Man's hips.

The Woman's voice was soft this time, and she spoke slowly so he could make out her words, "I am.. Amoran Kalamanira Kol.. do you know.." She paused, clearing her throat again, "Do you know where I am?"

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor observed the Guard Captain smoking cannibus weed. The strong scent was alluring for the mutant, but not as strong as the raw pheromones that lurked in the tavern. Wenches were about offering their wares to the various interested party. Drink was heavy in the air as was smoke and Lorenor could also detect the presence of narcotic substances. However, his main concern was making sure he was paid for his job. The man nodded as he observed the parcel. "Send this package back to James in Radasanth." Callahan began and handed Lorenor a small parcel. "Be sure James pays you for your troubles.

And then the strong smell of blood pierced the air. Lorenor's eyes, as well as the eyes of several of the Knights went over to Logan's current position. He'd just received an injury from a hidden individual in the booth. Callahan stood up, but one of the younger Knights of the Imperial Order stood up instead. He waved a hand to the Guard Captain. "Hold Sir. I shall go investigate." The man spoke with a thick Jadet-accent. He had wild, shortly cropped black hair and green eyes. He was a handsome man in his late thirties. He wore a chain-mail vest with the Empire's symbols and picked up a sword that rested alongside the chair he sat at. The man walked alongside Lorenor, patted him on the shoulder and spoke. "Come with me Cadet. You could be useful for this encounter." And Lorenor stood up, grabbed his prevalida sword, still sheathed, and walked over to Logan's booth with the Knight. He stood behind his superior officer at all times as a show of respect and virtue.

Lorenor looked at Logan McCloud and finally got a good look at the handsome youth. He remembered the man from their battle in The Citadel and the harsh consequences that had come as a direct result. Either way it went, Lorenor was partially obsessed with Logan McCloud. It wasn't in the place of a Cadet to speak up in front of a superior officer, but the mutant could avoid a bad situation from occurring. And one of the main tenants of the Imperial Order was the preaching of Honour. "Sir!" Lorenor spoke up. "I know this man. I met him in The Citadel not nigh a few days prior." Lorenor began. "He is a highly skilled individual...and..." Lorenor added the last part in there..."He is a friend of mine."

Knowing that would get the Knight's attention, the lad turned towards Lorenor. "You know this man? Very well." The Knight approached Logan McCloud. "Sir is there some sort of problem you need assistance with?" The Knight asked and that's when he noticed the naked girl in front of Logan.

[Logan]

The psion winced as Amoran Kalamanira Kol's teeth pierced the flesh of his hand. Small strips of blood appeared where her teeth sank in, but he still did not remove it from it's place upon the smooth flesh just below the base of her neck. He hesitated as he stared into her eyes, but then she withdrew and he sensed a change in her demeanor.

Continuing to look into her eyes as their color changed noticeably, he smiled softly. He allowed his features to loosen and relax, finally comfortable with the presence of the woman. Then she spoke, revealing her name and her apparent amnesia. Her movements had also revealed more of her body from under her hair, but he didn't notice as his eyes were locked completely on hers.

The young Knight appeared, followed closely by the mutant Lorenor, but Logan's attention was situated squarely on the female before him. That was until the mutant spoke, and the psion keyed in on his voice. Rising slowly, he acknowledged the presence of both males and nodded in the direction of Lorenor.

"Aye, Lorenor is indeed a friend of mine," he spoke slowly and clearly.

The young Knight nodded as he continued, "And what of this lady?" The young Knight made an approach toward her, letting his eyes wander over her exposed features before moving a hand onto her shoulder.

Logan moved in a manner even he wasn't prepared for as he grasped the forearm of the young Knight. The young Knight's eyes shifted toward the psion's giving him a look of displeasure at the act. "Lorenor," the psion said quietly, "Tell your friend to leave my friend, Amoran, alone. Now!"

The young Knight made a move, but Logan did not release his grasp. With a sigh the young Knight nodded and released his hand from Amoran's flesh. His voice was stern, but also respectful, "You would do best to not disrespect me again, Mr. McCloud."

Shaking his head the psion stared down the young Knight once more, "And you would do best to not disrespect a woman, no matter her state, Knight."

It was extremely rare for the psion to have such reactions to people he did not know, especially Knights, but he felt an immediate bond with the beautiful woman he barely knew. It was something that made him believe he had maybe known her before he had arrived in the lands of Althanas, but he shrugged it off.

Satisfied that the young Knight had relinquished his lust for the naked Amoran, Logan turned back to her. "I apologize, Amoran," he said softly, "as I said before, I am Logan McCloud. This is Lorenor. As for where you are, you are in the Peaceful Promenade Tavern and Inn, well within the borders of Radasanth upon the continent Corone. All of this resides in the realm of Althanas. That -- Amoran Kalamanira Kol -- is where you are."

He grasped more of the goop and began to rub some over her shoulders and then down one arm and then the other. He wrapped his hands covered in the substance around hers and squeezed softly. "And you are safe, though from your actions I doubt you need my assistance," he smiled as he spoke. Turning his head to look at Lorenor he smiled again.

"Do you mind if Miss Amoran and I have some time to talk alone, Lorenor? You can go ahead and continue your business with the Captain over there," the psion concluded.

Why did he feel like he knew Amoran before that encounter? And why did she feel close to him with only a few moments together? The questions would be answered sooner or later.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Lorenor could see why the Psion felt such a need to defend the woman. After all, the superior officer was acting in a rather controversial fashion. Normally, Lorenor would look the other way, but the mutant knew that this was a colleague. "Sir believe me. I don't think it is wise to start trouble in the Promenade with this individual. The Captain is observing the entire event and there could be an Inquiry into this matter if you are not careful." Lorenor said reminding the Knight of his place. Though Lorenor was still a Cadet, he was rapidly learning the ways of Knightood and the responsibility that was demanded by such a title.

"Very well then." The Knight began. "As long as there is no quarrel here there will be peace." The Knight said casually and walked off leaving Lorenor to his business. Lorenor looked over to Logan's position and nodded to the man, his interest in Logan McCloud quite apparent. But once the business at hand was concluded, Lorenor walked back over to the table with the fellow Knights of the Imperial Order.

If it came down to it, Lorenor would help defend Logan and the woman despite the code that was in place. Professionally, the mutant would be obliged to do what the Guard Captains asked of him. Morally, and this was the catch-22, Lorenor did whatever the hell he wanted to do. Sometimes he would do the "right" thing, other times he could be a conniving bastard.

It was that unpredictability that made Lorenor such a dangerous individual in his own right. For now, the mutant decided that playing along would be the best course of action. He knew the nature of the Knights and he knew the nature of Logan McCloud. He did not know what the naked woman was capable of. The girl was an x-factor. Lorenor knew that much and he dared not challenge the position of that individual. Especially with Logan McCloud so fascinated by her. The waitress came back.

"How about a drink mi'lord?" She asked.

"Aye yes. Apple Cider from Underwood would be ideal right now." Lorenor said. He preferred juices to liquor but had recently developed a taste for Vodka and Whiskey. She nodded with a sincerely pleasant smile and went to get his order. Lorenor sat back as the Callahan stared at him with an amused expression on his face. "Logan McCloud huh?" The Guard Captain said to Lorenor. "You are a man of many mysteries Lorenor. Let me treat you your drink. The day is yours lad." The mutant looked upon the Guard Captain with an incredulous expression. "I could use a retainer of your skills under my command Lorenor. Deliver the package back to James over in Radasanth and return to see me. Disregard all other orders. I will send a letter of Recommendation over to your superior officers in Radasanth. You will be placed under my command and given a title." The mutant nodded. He was rewarded for the good deed he'd just performed. Though Lorenor was an evil entity, he'd quickly learned that performing certain acts would earn one rewards. One did not have to be good to act in certain fashions that earned one good things. Lorenor was pleased with the development.

"Very well Sir."

"No need for the 'Sir' business. Please just call me Art. Everybody else does." Callahan said and shook the mutant's hand. Lorenor nodded and then his drink arrived in a pitcher, with a goblet. "Apple Cider huh? Miss, get me another Goblet. I will have some of that Apple Cider too." She nodded gleefully and went to get the Captain another goblet, clean. And so the gathered knights talked amongst themselves and that's how Lorenor became friends with Guard Captain Arthur Callahan.

[Amoran K. Kol]

As the youthful Knight approached, Amoran’s eyes fixated on him immediately. The scent of lust stank from his body, a putrid smell- sour almost. Her expression grew dim and her eyes narrowed. The Elf scowled at the man, a thundering growl erupting from her chest.

'I know his kind..' The Elf thought to herself, images of her past floating through her mind as she examined the Knight’s features.

The Woman seemed not to notice Lorenor near her; she could not relieve her mind of the possible danger that stood before her naked body. She began to dig her nails into the flesh of her thighs as the man reached for her shoulder, the glowing skin of her fingertips reddening as blood trickled out of her newly created wounds.

As the Knight laid a firm grip on her shoulder, she let out a shriek of protest- another growl sounding from the inner recesses of her ample, heaving chest. 'I cannot move, gods no!' The woman’s mind howled, a look of worry spreading over her smooth features as her narrowed crimson eyes swirled into a deep color of blue.

Amoran threw those nervous, worried blue eyes unto Logan- her jaw set as the Knight withdrew. A moment passed and the Knight's focus shifted elsewhere and still the Elf’s breathing was erratic, heavy. Her body shook partly from rage- partly from terror.

'Why won't the numbness fade?!' Her thoughts raced, rage slowly subsiding into a quiet nervousness.

As She listened to Logan explain her whereabouts, the Woman’s breathing began to settle and a sort of calm drifted over her. Logan’s voice had finally reached her elongated ears, and she found it soothing almost.

'How odd..' , The Elf thought as the man spoke and explained a location she had never heard of.

"I am sorry but I.. ah..", She swallowed her words as he began to spread more of the green jelly over her numb arms. "..what is this?" The Elf said softly as she examined the Psion's features, her voice still dry and scratchy, "..It tingles."

The color in the Woman's irises started to shift again, the deep shade of blue swirling slowly to mesh and meld with the other various colors trapped in the Elf's eyes.

[Logan]

The psion inwardly breathed a sigh of relief when the young Knight finally made his way back to Callahan. There wasn't a good reason that he could think of to pick a fight with the twenty or so Knights enjoying themselves in the tavern. Granted, that never exactly stopped him before, but this time he had someone else to consider in the odds.

Amoran was really the epitome of the unknown in this. Had it been just the psion by himself, or even he and Lorenor, the chances of a large battle right there in the Peaceful Promenade would've been quite high, but the addition of the Elf into the equation really changed everything. Nonetheless, he would've still jumped to her aide if he felt it was necessary, and thankfully it wasn't.

Looking down at the naked female form before him once more, Logan sighed quietly. "Do you really think you have any chance with her," the voice inside his mind questioned the very thought he was having. He shook his head to himself and took more of the green jelly-like substance onto his fingers.

The jelly-like substance was a mixture of tea leaves of many kinds, local vegetation, and a couple of special liquids found in Salvar of all places. The substance nicknamed The Nectar of the Thaynes was said to have various healing properties. And apparently, it was working.

"This jelly is known as the Nectar of the Thaynes," Logan spoke calmly and clearly as his hands began to move over her midsection and stomach slightly trembling, "and it is a known healing agent for all kinds of wounds, injuries, and the like. I've never used it myself, but I've also never quite been in your condition either. And the tingling -- "

He paused for a moment allowing one hand to slide over her thigh and slightly between her legs, though not touching any of her private parts. "The tingling means it's working," he said as his other hand moved down to her other leg and rubbed the mixture in an almost massage-like manner.

Logan's eyes stared into hers once more, enjoying the ever-changing manner of their color. Yes, there really was something about Amoran, and Logan was beginning to think he would find out just what soon enough.

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Listening to the guard captain's stories, Lorenor immediately respected the man. Lorenor understood that many of the ranking officers in the Imperial Order were corrupt. However, he didn't join the Imperials to argue semantics or right and wrong. He believed in getting the job done, at all costs. Even at the cost of his own life. Taking a long pull of the maple syrup, Lorenor kept shooting a glance over in Logan McCloud's general direction. He'd seen and felt the woman's presence. She was a force of nature.

Standing up close to her, Lorenor had seen a metaphysical presence. True, she was a naked girl, but the mutant had seen naked bodies before. She was not exceptionally beautiful, or exceptionally exotic looking. What made her alluring was her presence. She gave off a powerful resonance that tainted the very air around the tavern. Lorenor did not really notice the resonance until he stood up close to her. Being that close played tricks on his sensory array and the mutant felt power, untapped power for sure, but power nonetheless. Logan McCloud was playing with a force of nature.

According to Lorenor's eyes, the room seemed alive with the glow that the girl gave off. The vibration from her body was a potent one and made the mutant question his own security at the moment. If something went wrong, he would not be able to protect Logan McCloud or any of the Knights that were gathered. Lorenor could help but overhear the conversation between Logan and Amoran, despite their distance from him. Within twenty feet in every direction, Lorenor could accurately hear, see, smell, touch, and taste with supernatural skill.

Lorenor had learned a name, and he'd cataloged the information mentally as he sat there with a poker face. Nothing he did gave away the fact that he was capable of perpetually eavesdropping on the entire structure if need be. At this point, he was narrowing his concentration on Logan and Amoran so that he could gleam as much information as he could. More importantly, he was interested in the girl named Amoran. She gave off a powerful energy that cascaded like a halo. Lorenor had to recoil whenever he looked in Amoran's general direction for her light was that bright.

Diverting his eyes, but focusing on his other senses, Lorenor concentrated on the facial features of Arthur Callahan. The two spoke adamantly about the situation in Corone, the Empire, and about general interests. Mainly ale and women. By the time that Logan began to spread the substance on the girl's thighs, Lorenor had returned his attention. Trouble stirred in his gut. He reached for the handle of one of his weapons, already knowing that Logan wielded Prevalida swords so he didn't have to hold back. Lorenor eyed the situation that was unfolding. Callahan saw what Lorenor was staring and turned his attention to Logan and the girl. All they could do now was wait.

[Amoran K. Kol]

A look passed over the Psion’s features as the Elf examined his expression. A nervous feeling traveled through Amoran’s body and she shifted her limbs away slightly, surprised that she could use her arms again. An aching numbness was still evident but she could lift them without feeling as if she were moving boulders rather than arms.

As the Psion’s hands traveled lower- brushing across the skin of her abdomen, she narrowed her eyes – her features became rigid, expression drawn into a hard line. She made no move yet, for the man seemed confused with him self for the moment. By then she had already noticed the trembling in his hands, and the odd increase in his breathing.

The Elf’s eyes flicked across the room, a quick – nervous glance around before they settled on Logan again.

His hands trailed down the muscled length of her legs, spreading and massaging the cold jelly substance into her skin. She jumped slightly and a low rumbling growl reverberated through her chest. '…I did not expect this, not from this man. He seems…unaware.' , she thought to herself as her eyes swirled into a bright color of red.

Logan’s fingers slid closer to the woman’s heat and she let out a loud hiss of breath- imitating a sigh as she traced symbols onto the skin of his arm with a wisp of feather light touch.

The sounds around the two of them were suddenly muffled, the air becoming stagnant and thick. Suddenly the air shifted, sending a harsh wind to swirl around Logan. Amoran withdrew her hand from his arm, cringing as she saw the man’s hands draw back from her flesh and grip his chest.

With a swift movement, Amoran gripped the base of his neck with her right hand- fingers tightening just enough to gently guide the Psion to the other side of the booth. As the man slumped, she retracted her grasp and glanced around the room in hopes that no one had noticed what just happened.

The Elf’s bright red eyes fell upon Lorenor’s empty glowing sockets. She studied his features for a moment, unable to read or understand the expression of alarm on his face.

Amoran could feel a strong energy radiating from the mutant. It seemed to be an unknown thing- possibly artificial? The Elf could not accurately place it. Quickly, she diverted her eyes and a shiver ran through her spine, sending the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end.

The energy was so…alive. It was as if a swarm of insects were crawling through the air to send a pressure against her chest, against her skin. '…Strange.', She thought as her red eyes settled upon Logan’s heaving form across from her.

The Elf yelped as worry settled over her features, “I am so sorry!” she exclaimed, her voice softening “Are you okay?..”


All actions performed here were done so with permission by the player. :)

[Logan]

The psion's hesitation had vanished. Amoran had responded with a soft, enthusiastic sigh at his advances, and then began to run her fingers across his skin. The movements of her fingers sent slithering waves of tingling up his arms and throughout his body and he relaxed.

Of course, the tingling was only temporary as he began to realize he could no longer breathe, and something else was wrong. His hands darted from their place on the elf's legs to his chest almost instantaneously. The feeling of his lungs completely devoid of the air they desperately needed to survive reached his eyes as for one of the first times ever, Logan was fearful. And it wasn't of dying, really.

The psion was afraid he'd gone too far, and crossed some imaginary line in his advances with Amoran. He wasn't the ordinary bastard you found in taverns, and in the moments of his near-death he began to feel like a schmuck for even trying to make any advance without getting to know her better. His eyes looked on hers and he saw an anger in her the likes he'd never seen before.

It was then that she reached out and gripped his neck. Logan felt as if everything was suddenly over, surely this elf could have taken his life if she wanted to, and yet she didn't. His eyes looked deeply into hers, but all he saw was the movements of the place around him. Beneath him he felt the opposite booth gently press into his legs and the force of Amoran pushing him down into it.

And then as fast as it came, it was over. She released him and allowed his breath to return. He swallowed hard and drank in the dank aroma of the bar and her patrons. The smell was something he hated, but in this moment it was sweetest of all. His eyes locked on hers and he sighed deeply.

As he opened his mouth to apologize to her, she spoke, and so he waited.

"She's sorry? Who does she think she is," the voice inside Logan's head screamed at him, but he ignored it. With a slight hesitation he grabbed the bottle and placed it on the table before Amoran.

"I am most sorry, myself," the psion said with a slow, still gasping breath, "I should've never advanced upon you in such a manner, and I deeply, deeply regret such actions. I am a man of honor as I have always been, and I am ashamed to have dishonored myself, and disrespected such a beautiful woman." His words were honest and sincere. His expression was genuine and apologetic.

He shook his head slowly, "I will be fine. The better question is whether you are okay, and whether or not I have offended you with such forwardness."

[Mutant_Lorenor]

A sudden burst of elemental energy filled the tavern for the briefest of moments. Lorenor could see the girl's presence in the booth beyond and it shimmered with power for a second or two. She was like a lion trapped in an elf's body. Instinctively, Lorenor drew his prevalida weapon and several of the nearby Knights did the same. Callahan did not. When Lorenor stood up, Callahan placed a hand upon the mutant's chest. "Stand your ground lad. Something is amiss." Callahan said calmly and the Knights that had stood up sheathed their weapons. However, Lorenor did not.

Something happened between that girl and his ally, Logan McCloud, and Lorenor became worried. He decided that he was going to take it upon himself to check upon his friend. Nodding towards Captain Callahan, the mutant walked over to Logan's position. After all, being an ally of the psion made Lorenor the most qualified to do anything about the situation at hand.

Able to eavesdrop on the unfolding situation, Lorenor paused when he heard the exchange between the naked girl and Logan. It seemed clear that some sort of a misunderstanding had just taken place. Lorenor looked upon Logan for a moment. Man of honour? Is he on drugs? The mutant wondered angrily to himself. Why is he acting like he's never seen a naked woman before? Lorenor shook his head for a moment and decided to finally sheath his weapon after drawing some looks from the fellow Knights. Lorenor walked over to Logan's position and proceeded to attempt to place a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Hey man is everything okay?" Came that deep raspy voice. He stole a quick glance at the naked girl for a moment but kept his expression neutral. Lorenor had bedded many men and women due to his bi-sexual tendencies. The fact of a naked girl in the tavern did not bother him one bit whatsoever, he'd seen worse and he'd seen better. Lorenor focused his attention back on Logan McCloud. "Do you need help with anything?" Lorenor asked finally and waited for the psion's response.

[Amoran K. Kol]

Amoran hung her mouth open, ready to reply to the psion, after a moment she closed it- interrupted by the quick, heavy footfalls of the muscled mutant approaching. Her narrowed eyes fell on the towering figure and she examined his features as he spoke, remaining silent.

The mutant's insect-like energy seemed to crawl over her skin, sending the short unnoticeable hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end. The skin of her arms and shoulders tightened in tune, sending goosebumps to wash over and decorate her pale tattooed flesh.

"What...is he?" She thought to herself, barely hearing the Mutant's question.

[Logan]

Logan ran a hand across his neck a couple of times hoping to assist with circulation to the area. A couple of deep breaths later, and he nodded to the mutant. "Everything is fine," he didn't feel the need to continue his response to the mutant. To the lady, however, he turned once more.

"You can finish the application of the Nectar yourself if you so wish," his words were straight and he didn't waiver or tremble this time. "As I was saying before, however, if you wish I would not mind showing you around town. There is a lot to this little town that most will never know of. I have been fortunate to have good friends who are well-acquainted with this place and her secrets," at the word secrets his eyes narrowed on Amoran's.

He still had no clue what it was about her that seemed to draw him in, but it existed. There was no doubt he had to find out what it was, because it made him feel weak almost helpless. Was it really possible that a woman could have this kind of immediate hold over him?

[Mutant_Lorenor]

Seeing that everything was calm for at least a moment, the mutant looked at Logan McCloud briefly. "Make sure to get her some clothes. If you need help, I can lend you a hand with that matter. A woman that attractive is inviting trouble walking around in that state." Lorenor said with a sly grin. Then, he returned to the table, sat down, and looked at Callahan calmly. "The situation is under control. He's drooling over some naked girl is all." Lorenor said calmly. He knew however, if the situation turned sour, the Knights, including himself, would respond to protect the girl. The previous knight's actions would be disciplined in kind as the Knights were meant to protect the people of Corone. All politics aside, the Knights were still servants of the people regardless of the propaganda machine put forth by those traitorous Corone Rangers. Sitting back against his chair, the mutant thought deeply about the situation at hand. Things were not looking good for the newly installed Corone Empire. Free reigns were given to certain elements of the Empire's military forces.

Lorenor could see why the common-man would be angry with its government. However, it was not the place of serfs to question the nobility or the aristocracy. Anybody in Corone or other places of Althanas could adventure and become at least wealthy enough to support their own family, so what was the problem? Lorenor couldn't see it. The mutant was satisfied with his own existence of countless adventures, and the secrets that lurked within the Necronomicon. He turned to his drink, and focused his attention on the drink whilst the other Knights quietly conversed about the other matters at hand. Callahan turned to look at the mutant. "What troubles you Lorenor?" The man asked. "It's just the state of things right now. It's literally all gone to the pyre." Callahan nodded with a serious expression on his face. "If you would allow me to venture an opinion." He said calmly. The mutant nodded in response. "Aye sir. You are amongst friends here." Lorenor took a deep pull of the juice he was drinking and refilled it with the pitcher there. "Politics mean very little to a Knight. You are probably worrying about matters that don't really concern you."

"I wish to one day become a ranking officer." Lorenor said suddenly. "It is my opinion that I should at least have an opinion about such matters. I don't want to become a mindless drone."

Callahan leaned close to Lorenor and placed a comforting hand on the mutant's shoulder. "I sincerely doubt you, my friend, will ever become a mindless drone, as you put it." Callahan continued. "You think deeply about things are perhaps, are too over-analytical for a mere grunt of the Empire. You will go places my friend. And soon I believe. My fellow officers speak kindly of you." Callahan sat back on against his chair as he continued to address Lorenor. "So donot worry about things that are beyond our control. Let the politicians worry about that." Callahan said with a sly grin. Lorenor nodded, but still, the matter worried him. He loved Radasanth, itself, far too much to see it be burned or ransacked by hooligans and scoundrels just because they disagreed with politics. The mutant thought about the Corone Rangers for a moment. What are the Rangers really fighting for? What is their agenda? They would rather see the Empire fall? Taking a drink of his goblet once more, the mutant put his head down against the table and decided that he would prepare himself to rent a room when the time came.

He was currently off-duty anyway.