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Post by Venus on Jul 1, 2009 14:45:08 GMT -5
The darkness of the vault was absolute. Empty torch brackets barely gleamed in the shadows, caught in the meagre light burning from the treasures littering the floor and walls. The only thing brighter than this was the glitter of a pair of indigo eyes, sitting patiently in the entranceway. Comfortable in the dark, Rafael stretched his wings. His tail tip twitched lazily. Something told him that his presence was needed here.
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Post by Serrion on Jul 1, 2009 14:53:13 GMT -5
In a small patch of coins and jewels something began to shake and disturb the stillness. Not something living like a mouse or a snake that had snuck deep down there, but slowly it surfaced itself from the pile and something else was glowing in the deep darkness. An amulet on a golden chain, a large red gem that was sending an eerie glow across the sparkling coins.
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Post by Venus on Jul 1, 2009 14:56:20 GMT -5
Rafael's head snapped up, movement stilling as he followed the progress of the red amulet as it settled on the surface of the hoard. Its light cast his face into half-shadow, carving out cheekbones and jawline.
"Well, well, well. What's this?"
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Post by Fury on Jul 1, 2009 15:09:41 GMT -5
Neraika casually walked in and folded her wings around herself. Scars littered her body from her battle with Sheakria and one now dashed straight across her eyes: five talon marks from Sheakria. Though they were small, one or two of them curved to her cheekbone. She would never forgive the emerald dragoness for ruining her looks. Disregarding revenge for now, however, she bowed her head. "I have returned as you requested of me."
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Post by Venus on Jul 1, 2009 16:04:53 GMT -5
He didn't acknowledge her directly, instead opting to keep his attention on the mesmerising gleam on the amulet. Ideas began to spin in the corners of his mind, and his teeth gleamed white in a fanged grin.
"Good. I assume you've found a new plaything... I hope she's at least an interesting one?"
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Post by Serrion on Jul 2, 2009 13:31:43 GMT -5
A red mist leaked out from the gem with a hissing sound, it grew and shifted in form until it made the general shape of a dragon. It's unholy aura filled the air. ~Twice I have died on that mountain, your chase led us into a trap Rafael. You underestimated the power of your target's friends and almost by coincidence I and Neraika are the ones who leave the battle with new scars while you appear untouched.~
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Post by Fury on Jul 2, 2009 13:41:28 GMT -5
"You speak insolently of Rafael, Lich?" Neraika asked, her eyes flashing as if to use her mind powers. No...this was anger, not simple raw power. She looked to Rafael and nodded curtly to answer his question. ~She is indeed interesting. I think you will find her interesting as well. While I was within her mind I found she is the daughter of Gaulroach. If I can break through her mental barriers so easily there is much we could learn from her.~
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Post by Serrion on Jul 2, 2009 13:47:36 GMT -5
~You have not been turned to ash Neraika, I guarantee you that if you ever go through such an experience and are later able to speak on it, you would be upset as well.~ The Lich growled, his form shifting aggressively as he spoke. ~We were cocky, all three of us, and didn't think to plan things through clearly. Not again though.~ The Lich's attention turned back to Rafael. Two bright green lights marked where the eyes would be on the Lich's misty body. ~I wish another shot at them my lord, revenge is my specialty.~
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Post by Fury on Jul 2, 2009 13:51:54 GMT -5
Neraika snorted. "Revenge? You and me both, buddy. I want another crack at that Sheakria dragon... She was strong but not all powerful. Her weakness was my mind attacks but she had help protecting herself. If I can cut that tie she'll be powerless. Not only will we defeat the target but it will severely wound the other great forces of the land. If I can kill Sheakria, Gaulroach will have lost his lieutenant. Quite vital."
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Post by Venus on Jul 4, 2009 9:13:24 GMT -5
Rafael sat back, feathers pools of dark ink against the glittering gold covering the floor of the vault. "I was over-confident, yes. But now we have their measure, mistakes won't be repeated. Better to rush in the beginning and make them feel as if they have the advantage - now that they believe themselves to be superior to us in terms of strength and numbers, they will be complacent." His grin yawned in the darkness. "Now, we have the advantage."
His gaze rolled from Neraika to the burning eyes of the Lich. "And after all, revenge is the best motivation. This isn't a matter of simply making another attempt, oh no... this is merely the next stage in a plan." His head tilted sharply, considering. "The demise of one of Gaulroach's lieutenants would definitely cause chaos... and as for you, Lich, you are a force in yourself."
Claws clicked, magic sparked as something landed amongst the piles of treasures with a muffled thump.
"If I recall, a body is all you need?"
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Post by Serrion on Jul 4, 2009 9:21:14 GMT -5
"The skeleton of a dragon, or dragonkin, and I will be able possess it. And within a few days time shape it back into my form." The Lich hissed and chuckled at the same time.
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Post by Venus on Jul 4, 2009 9:28:41 GMT -5
The grin widened, ivory gleaming like stars as claws flashed outwards in a lazy arc. Magic sizzled and hissed; moments later, Rafael's fangs weren't the only slashes of white in the vault. Neatly laid bones awaited.
"That, my friend, is the best news I've had in days." His gaze slanted back to his tiger-striped lieutenant. "The news of Gaulroach's daughter is also pleasing... plans will have to be adjusted." He laughed suddenly. "In the meantime- let's cause some chaos."
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Post by Fury on Jul 4, 2009 9:33:19 GMT -5
The tiger dragoness's eyes darkened and her lips curved up into a sinister smile. Her expression took on a creepy air like a killer gone wrong. Her frayed sanity on display Neraika chuckled. Her usually light feminine voice had a hard edge and if Lich and Rafael weren't used to it, thus unaffected, it would be more than enough to send somebody running.
"Chaos, eh? That's the best proposal I've heard from you in ages. I'm at your service," she said. Her eyes were two burning coals which kept flickering from light to almost pitch black. Disturbing yes, but it showed she was ready for anything.
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Post by Serrion on Jul 4, 2009 9:47:55 GMT -5
The amulet glowed brighter and the mist seemed to seep into the bones of the dead dragon. The bones started to rattle and shake and then with a life of its own the skeleton stood upright, two glowing red points inside of its eye sockets and a red glow coming from inside its rib cage where its heart would be.
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Post by Venus on Jul 4, 2009 9:53:02 GMT -5
Rafael barked a laugh, eyes dancing.
"Good... good..."
Catching the movement, he turned to watch as the Lich resurrected, the stench of death beind replaced by the burn of something darker. He smirked, satisfied.
"Now that we are all accounted for, some subterfuge is necessary. I have located one who could be of great aid to us - only a youngling, but his skills in spirit-reading are strong." His smirk tilted into madness. "All that need be done is retrieval. Once he falls to us, we have him. And oh... will he fall."
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