(Bumping from the second page..I think we're just waiting for Melda?)

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((Sorry! Unexpected babysitting job or I would have posted earlier))



"My permission, indeed. You may accompany us if you wish," said Silvryn, turning briefly from where she stood by the shelves of books. "We depart tomorrow."
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Tomorrow came quickly for some, maybe not so for others - Aedha in particular slept uneasily, plagued by dreams of dark things emerging from barren wastelands, and Silvryn raised an eyebrow when the human girl joined them late, flushed and disheveled from her hurried dressing. No words were exchanged, however, and when all were assembled her violet eyes roved over them, counting silently.

"Before we leave the city those of you who have not yet had your minds probed will be asked to submit to a search by the gate guards. They are well trained, but if you attempt to hide anything things may be difficult - and if you refuse altogether, regrettably you will not be permitted to accompany us."

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Unnaturally silent up until then, Silvryn's statement quickly had the exact opposite effect on Varna, who breathed in sharply at the mention of a search. He then exchanged glances with Rylin and Raina, whose expressions were, thankfully for them, inscrutable regarding what they may have been thinking.

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(okay sorry I haven't been home or I would have posted sooner)

Tal shifted the leather wallet containing a few-day's supply of dried food and water, and adjusted the straps holding it to his belt. His main store of provisions was on his pack-mule, which he would pick up when the others were getting onto their slobbering horses.

When Yrudit entered the room and joined the group, Tal walked over to him.

"Give me pardon, but will you be carrying your supplies on your back or in saddlebags?" he asked out of curiousity.

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I'm feeling tired, so I'm not very creative right now. Next time I'll try to post a little more.

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With a slight chuckle Yrudit indicated the pack slung over his shoulders, over his azure cleric robes. At his entrance, the nearest horse whinnied and danced away from him. For the horse and rider's benefit, the lizardman inched away as well.

"Have you ever journeyed to the north?" he asked Tal.

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Tal smiled--it was obvious now that the lizardman would, indeed, be carrying his provisions in a pack on his back.

"I have never journeyed into the North, no," Tal said to Yrudit. "And I do not think that I would like to, for it would surely be cold for one desert-born, such as me," he added.

Travelling to the Order of the Gifted's Island hadn't really been travelling to the North, it was simply in a northern direction. It was still out of the region commonly accepted to be "the North."

"Have you ever journeyed there?" he asked the lizardman. It didn't look like the creature's hide would be that good against cold weather, but maybe it was.

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Come on, people--post! I'm enjoying playing as Tal, and I don't use him in any other RPG--if this dies, I wouldn't be using him for a while.

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((Ok, I REEEAAALY think we should come up with a situation and jump to it, because I am VERY confused as to what is happening and where everyone is. And as far as I know, we arn't doing anything, but more like fluff (?)...))

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen

(Hmm..perhaps we should just skip directly to the Gifted's island from here? Otherwise..I have no plans or ideas.)

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((Fine with me))

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((Sounds good to me. Im open to pretty much anything.))

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen

(Yeah I like the idea)

Many long, wearying days and nights it took to reach Zheariv, the stronghold of the Order of the Gifted..in fact, it actually took much more time than it would have taken a trek across the continent of Wasteland of Duzakha. Nerves were pushed to the limit in this time, as were several tempers. Things quieted down once they actually got to the island("Praise be to the gods!" several of the travellers had exclaimed), but..now, there is much to be done. Histories to relate, legends to discuss, courses of action to choose..all in all, it is still a stressful time for the small group, who are, more often than not, always split into three, four, even five different groups during the long, tiring days.

(Had to brainstorm to even get that..opening for anyone or anything..)

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The stronghold itself resembled a giant alabaster pyramid, engraved with runes illustrating the history of the Order, and jabbing up to the heavens, towering over the surrounding plains like a great vigil. Yrudit had been to Zheariv countless times, but as the moon's chaste rays kissed the pinnacle of the pyramid and bathed the rest in silver, he couldn't help but stand awed.

Even as the weary travellers watched, a man in robes of iridescent colors, flashing scarlet one moment and emerald the next before reverting to dazzling gold, descended the great steps with twelve Gifted fanned out behind him. The lead man, tall and powerfully built, swept his arms before him so his voluminous sleeves billowed in the night breeze.

"Welcome, Princess of Irvanrhi. Welcome, visitors both Gifted and Exulted." He acknowledged the Exulted among them with a respectful dip of his head. "I am Eruditis of the Exalted, Head of the Order. Welcome to Zheariv."

As protocol demanded of a lesser Gifted, Yrudit sank to one knee.

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Landen (Whom had yet to reveal himself as an Exalted) smiled kindly and in kind, dipped his head toward Eruditis as he past. Kjiro, on the otherhand, bowed relitivly low at the waist, quickly, but poilitly, and followed Landen. Wondering if he had just made an insult toward the other Exalted, Landen continued down the path, fighting the urge to look back.

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You may (or may not) know me elsewhere as Elfpen