Jaedhar Daerwin
Soldier of the Damned
"The stars once lived and died at our command, and still you dare to oppose us"
Posts: 12
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Post by Jaedhar Daerwin on Sept 17, 2005 13:57:07 GMT 8
*The tanarukk in front of him collapsed mid stride, a plethora of crossbow darts sprouting from his thick neck. Gruk gave the loss of his comrade no thought, his enormous frame powering over the fallen body and through the hallway, an inhuman scream ripping from his throat as he fell upon the defenders. There were three, drow males all, followers of Vhaeraun. The first fell to a great horizontal blow of the enormous demon orcs mace, his ribcage shattering as he was dashed against the wall of the chamber. The second lasted only a few seconds longer. Though the more skilled of the fighters, the drow could not contest with the veteran warrior’s immense size. At almost seven feet and over four hundred pounds, sheathed in heavy plate armour and wielding weapons that the drow could not even lift, Gruk Ironfist was a juggernaut of destruction. The third of the warriors danced back, blade licking out as he tried to find a defence in the great orcs pose. It was not to be. Blocking the slender blade with his mace Gruk took one step towards the slight male, delivering a flat punch with the great spiked gauntlet that was his namesake. The elf pirouetted away and slumped to the stone floor, his face a bloodied ruin. Breathing heavily the tanarukk turned his baleful crimson eyes down the next corridor only to be greeted with another rain of crossbow bolts. Hauling his armoured arm up to protect his vulnerable throat he felt the dull sting as the bolts pierced his thigh and chest. The little wasps would need more sting then that to bring him down. Two more died as they rushed him, one shattered under his iron shod heel, the other battered down by the great mace. But the followers of Vhaeraun were not all so weak. From the corridor a great blast of flame emerged, hammering into the demon orc and hurling him bodily to crunch into the wall of the chamber. Though largely immune to the fire, the blow was still forceful enough to down the veteran. Dragging his head painfully to one side Gruk glanced up at the newcomer, garbed all in black, the faceless mask of Vhaeraun covering his visage. A priest then. Arcane words echoed through the windswept corridor as the priest prepared another spell. Gruk began to rise, but too slowly, his injuries marring his otherwise impressive speed. He would have been dead but an instant later, if not for the fact that the priest never finished his spell. Instead he stood transfixed, a glowing blade of black unlight sprouting from his chest, his words turning into a gargled whimper. The blade whipped back, the priest falling to lay amongst his slain brethren. What was probably intended as a grin crossed the demon orcs features as he rose, propping himself up with the long handled mace as he settled his eyes upon his saviour. His master. “Really Gruk, it was quite foolish of you to go running off alone like that with so many nasty fellows hanging about. Haven’t you heard of safety in numbers? Is my dear spider kisser anywhere nearby?” The speaker knelt, wiping the enchanted blade free of blood on the cloak of one of the fallen. Tall and slender, his every move echoed a languid grace that was equal parts seductive and deadly. Clad in utilitarian black leathers, he was what would be considered an extremely rare sight in the underdark. A surface elf, and a Calaquendi at that. The orc spoke, his inhuman lips managing to mangle to common tongue to the point of near incomprehension “She follows with her warriors. They will be here soon master...” Amethyst eyes glimmered in the dark as they looked to the crimson skinned orc, a charming smile splitting the elf’s lips “Excellent...”*
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Post by Shy`nayne Nathrae Auvryath on Sept 19, 2005 11:43:46 GMT 8
The band began to break into a run, a charging mass of lithe forms beating a path of blood lust and hatred. Ahead, battle cries and steel ringing upon steel were heard. Death gurgled within dying throats; ebon forms strewn along the path. The Dark elves, though great in number were no match for the massive forms of the Tanaruks. Emerald eyes rolled in their sockets, a smirk tugging at the corners of crimson lips as they caught sight of a fallen Tanaruk. The air was suffocating; the putrid smell of their blood permeating the already stale air of the cavern.
Slender arm would raise, digits moving rapidly in the silent language of the Drows. Without hesitation, forms would be seen rising from their station; levitating up to creep between the protruding stalactites. Quiet shuffling of nimble feet and a loud thud was heard, followed by the sickening crack of steel upon bones and then the howl of pain. Dark elves bearing the mark of Vhaerun upon their vest began to pour from the smaller cavern in hope to escape the unseen army.
The mage leaped and launched a ball of fire into their midst, causing a great thunderous roar to erupt, sending bodies and fire scattering across the cavern. A few proud warriors stood with their shining sword to catch the battle while a healer doubled back to the rest, to raise the alarm. Black adamantite wheezes through the thick air as the Auvryath Blackguards worked within the darkness that encircled their ‘foes’.
The mage stepped out of her concealment, incantations flowing from her lips as cold emerald orbs regarded the warriors as they fought to hold back the tide.
“Oolos. Nin vel'klar zhah dosst yah vel'drav dos ssrig'luin ukta? Belbau phor nin xor el 'zil darthiir.”
They would have spat their reply to her; their abhorrence for the female mage was reflected in their red bulging eyes. The warriors were seasoned fighters but so were their foes and swifter as reputed and quickly dispatched them into the Underworld; their last breath released through their severed neck.
When the last of the warrior fell on his knees, The Blackguards began to surge forward, but a silent cry of authority stopped them. “Wait!” An intricate movement of the wrist ensued. Solemnly, the dark elves retreated into the shadows, leaving the broken and bloodied forms of their ‘brethren’ strewn on the cold floor of the cavern.
Perfectly formed nostrils flared, rising slowly in the putrid air. Amid the ensuing battles, the mingled smell of the dead and incongruent manifestation of auras, she could sense a familiar ebbing; a familiar scent in the cavern beyond.
“Damn you”. Came her silent curse.
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Jaedhar Daerwin
Soldier of the Damned
"The stars once lived and died at our command, and still you dare to oppose us"
Posts: 12
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Post by Jaedhar Daerwin on Sept 25, 2005 11:38:13 GMT 8
Jaedhar sighed dramatically as he sheathed the glowing black blade, waiting impatiently for the sounds of battle to die in the cavern before him. It appeared that Gruk had gotten a lot further ahead of the main force then he had any right to. His words were a wilted whisper, strangely playful, considering that the high elf was addressing a hulking seven foot demon orc. “How naughty of you Gruk, racing ahead of the Drow. They are terribly vain creatures you know, and despise being shown up by unsavoury characters such as yourself...” He halted his words suddenly as the clash of blades and the screams of the dying finally ceased, a wicked smile creasing his lips as that familiar menacing mana enveloped his senses. Ah, his dear mistress had finally arrived. With a wave of his hand he dismissed the enormous tanarukk, the heavily armoured orc inclining its head in a respectful bow before turning and plodding back down the hallway, heavy iron shod feet leaving very little room for stealth.
His slender finger slid back a few steps, the darkness of the room enfolding him, tendrils of midnight blurring his lithe figure even to her unnatural vision as the blessings of the Laughing God masked his presence. It was the least that Loec could do for his most valued disciple. Twirling a slender braid absentmindedly about one bejewelled finger, his casual pose looked as though he may well have been standing in the midst of a gentlemanly study in one of his estates rather then a corpse strewn cavern deep within the underdark. Then again, it took a lot more then the imminent possibility of death to faze the ancient elf. Quietly he waited, certain that she could not resist another confrontation with him, and equally sure that she would not risk being overdue in her payment, lest he order his tanarukks about where they stood to begin whittling down her own troops by the score.
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Post by Shy`nayne Nathrae Auvryath on Oct 3, 2005 15:16:21 GMT 8
The enchanted war braces upon her forearms glistened; luminous purple light surrounds the silver metal as it will every time a foe is nearby. A feral-like growl ensued under her breath, though in the Underdark it would seem as though it was a roar.
Wrists and fingers moved in a swift, rhythmic succession; a silent command to the Auvryath’s Blackguard to disperse into the shadows as steps begin once again; bringing petite form deeper into the natural corridor of rock and dust.
As she neared the end of the corridor, hands would clasps as a spell mounted her lips. A bubble of energy in the form of luminous light begins to envelop her left fist and in a moment the bubble began to distort; forming a cylinder, protruding from either side of clenched palm; the draconic staff of adamantine origin taking shape.
Entering the darkened chamber, another bout of hiss ensued before making way for common syllables to erupt from crimson lips. “I am starting to believe that you have a death wish, elf. You should not have come. The aura you are emitting is like a beacon in the dark. You are surely brave. A fool but nonetheless, brave”
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Jaedhar Daerwin
Soldier of the Damned
"The stars once lived and died at our command, and still you dare to oppose us"
Posts: 12
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Post by Jaedhar Daerwin on Oct 3, 2005 23:07:41 GMT 8
*His words filled the absolute darkness of the room, though he remained invisible even to her piercing gaze. "You sensed me because I wanted you to my darling. I have slipped into your bedchamber uninvited under the nose of your precious blackguards, and you think me clumsy enough to let you sniff me out by accident...I am wounded by your lack of confidence."
The mocking chuckle that followed a second later hummed near her ear, the sudden wash of cool breath caressing her flesh as he stalked past her. He was showing off, and it was petty, but he had lived long enough to have his vices, and arrogance was certainly one of them. He studiously ignored the staff grasped threateningly in her hands, his midnight form gliding across the corpse strewn room with feline grace.
Jaedhar halted momentarily, nodding in the direction of the fallen priest, once more purring to her in those honeyed tones "I believe that was the one you were looking for. He had very nearly gotten the better of Gruk when I made my timely intervention... which brings me to my next point." He spun on his heel to face her, eyes as hard as agates and glistening viciously as they settled upon her hostile form "Do not throw your threats so freely dear mistress, remember that fully half of your force this day belongs to me. The tanarukks may not be your blackguards match, but they are close." He winked, the steely glare slipping away in an instant, replaced by that chillingly familiar and jovial demeanor.
Just as quickly as his mood changed, so did his aura, that blinding beacon that had marked him as Calaquendi winking out as the Shadow Dancer once more masked his favored disciple. In Jaedhars line of work as assassin, mercenary, thief and all around nasty fellow, it was much more convenient if he remained invisible to prying eyes. Seeking her out of the corner of one lavender orb he slunk a little closer, perhaps too close, his gaze mischievous. "So, you have my payment? I am curious, will the transaction include the complications of your last visit? By the way, I think you should pay me for that vase you broke, priceless antiques should not be so casually tossed aside, though you did seem to be in quite a hurry..."*
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Post by Shy`nayne Nathrae Auvryath on Oct 12, 2005 13:12:10 GMT 8
Gone was the emerald hue unique to the Drow Mistress. In its place, twin orbs of amber glowed. She regarded the fallen mage, snarling and cursing silently before responding thickly in the common tongue. “The High Priestess had wanted to ‘study’ him. Alas, she will not have the pleasure. Now we must thank you meddling fools”.
A hiss before the swift swiping move of adamantine spear ensued, cutting the thick air with precision, though it was all that it did. She knew that it was useless to try and maim the Calaquendi; he was too quick and powerful for even her Drow magic. But she could not help but to try.
“You are indeed foolish to think that I would carry on me your payment. This is not a mere stroll in the park, you arrogant male. I’m sure I do not have to spell it out for you. Furthermore, the payment is not due until the day after tomorrow”
Her voice was a mere whisper but it was all that it will take for any of denizens of the Underdark to know of their whereabouts. It was rather fortunate that it was masked by the echoes of the Tanarukks’ footfalls.
“As for your properties, I could not care less”. Chin would rise in defiance as amber orbs glowed fiercer, the adamantine rising to an upright position, taking care not to react to the last bit of his mocking words.
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Jaedhar Daerwin
Soldier of the Damned
"The stars once lived and died at our command, and still you dare to oppose us"
Posts: 12
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Post by Jaedhar Daerwin on Oct 12, 2005 14:02:20 GMT 8
*"Have the mistresses of Arach Tinilith have become so stunted in their powers that the mere death of a captive would prevent interrogation? Perhaps I have over estimated the strength of the all conquering Drow..." He smirked, goading her to strike out at him, his words like a clear challenge to the arrogant assassin. He fluidly stepped aside to dodge the half hearted blow, the mocking smile that graced his impossibly handsome visage only spreading wider as her agitation grew. He stepped to her now, close, a hairs breadth away from her black armored form. Too close for that mischievous spear of hers. Not so for his daggers of unlight.
His body arched into hers, still not touching, though the cool chill of his breath did wash across her ebony flesh as he exhaled. "That is the first time I have heard you pay compliment to a male Drow my dear. No stroll in the park? I would have thought eradicating weakling heretics would have been just that. Though I do agree on the park sentiment, these are hardly graceful surroundings..." He paused for a moment, towering above her as the staff flashed between them, warding him away. "But you are correct about the payment of course. I suppose this means I will have to enjoy your presence more then once this week. I am unaccustomed to such... priveliges..."
His smile was completely devoid of warmth, a crocodiles smile, his body inching towards her steel encased curves, one finger slithering out to trace along the molded lines of her breastplate "I must admit, this could be a challenge to my seductions..." so close to her, his words barely enough to stir the breath from his throat, impossible to hear for any but her, even without the thumping march of the tanarukk to drown them out.*
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Jaedhar Daerwin
Soldier of the Damned
"The stars once lived and died at our command, and still you dare to oppose us"
Posts: 12
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Post by Jaedhar Daerwin on Oct 12, 2005 14:03:27 GMT 8
Gah... "Have the mistresses of Arach Tinilith become so stunted in their powers that the..." ignore that second have... bastard...
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Post by Shy`nayne Nathrae Auvryath on Oct 13, 2005 14:26:35 GMT 8
It took all of her will power to stop her muscles from reacting to his closeness. Her grip on the demonic staff tightens, knuckles turning into pale mauve; ignoring the silent current of the sentient weapon’s plea to feed.
“Arach Tinilith has nothing to do with this” Came a quiet reply; amber glowing orbs rolled in their sockets, tracing the emanation of aura from the ancient surface elf to locate his actual position. “This was a direct order from the matron of the Spider Temple”. A hiss ensued, as finally her light sensitive eyes came to rest on the tall lithe figure. Cursing her mind for giving away such crucial information; brows would crease.
A sharp gasp was issued as she felt his finger on her form; tiers parting in a silent snarl, the adamantine staff shifting dangerously in her hand. If not for the closeness of their bodies, she would have wounded him if not dispatching him back to his make. Digits on her left hand swiftly curl on the hilt of the Orcish dagger sheath on her belt. “Not that it is any business of yours.” She would add after a moment; chin raised to allow amber orbs to peer into emerald ones. “Just because the High Priestess approved my acquiring of your forces doesn’t make you any less a surface trash. Your aura will soon be detected so I suggest you leave before I am obliged to hand you over to the Matron as compensation for losing the Mage”
Just then a couple of dark figures would be seen, or rather felt, entering the chamber from the upper level. Two of the Auvryath’s Blackguard hovers just above the entrance, they wrist-bows angled at the menacing Calaquendi. A smirk formed at one corner of her luscious lips as she took the final step separating them, sliding up to him and bringing her petite form close to his tall figure. Her left hand rose, leaving the onyx hilt of the orcish dagger to trail soft fingertips along the length of his strong jaw to finally rest upon his lips. “Such a fine specimen you are, Eldalie. I would hate to see you on the Archmage’s table, dissected and your vital organs in canisters.” She would rise on her toes, pressing her warm lips against his. But only for a moment, before she drew back; her hand holding the adamantine spear rising to shoulder level before twirling the glowing weapon. “Narzakh..” The dispersing spell was uttered and in a moment the luminous light was gone.
Once again the shadow would grow, enveloping the chamber in its darkness, though a few sets of amber orbs could be seen hovering. A soft yet malicious whisper was issued as she stepped into the waiting corridor leading towards the main passage. “I will seek you when Narbondel’s light fades after two cycles, Elf.”
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Jaedhar Daerwin
Soldier of the Damned
"The stars once lived and died at our command, and still you dare to oppose us"
Posts: 12
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Post by Jaedhar Daerwin on Oct 14, 2005 10:45:15 GMT 8
*"The matron of the temple hmmm? It seems my pretty little spider is moving up the hierarchy. I blanch to think how many knives you have to slip into peoples backs to gain such a coveted command..." He smiled expansively as she edged against him, ignoring the pair of lackeys who hovered threateningly above.
His lips parted against hers as she kissed him, silky tiers caressing over her flesh for that barest of instants, and then, she was gone, escaped from his grasp. A slender smile split his lips as he bowed extravagantly towards the back of her retreating figure. "Until then, dear mistress..." Amethyst eyes traced up the walls of the chamber, settling on the two menacing blackguards. Surely she did not think they would tip the odds in her favour should the pair come to blows. Capable soldiers, yes, but far from the league of death dealing that Jaedhar and Shy'nayne had long mastered. One purple eye shuttered, winking teasingly at the pair before they too made their departure.
He ignored her advice, standing for many more minutes in that room, long after the Drow had mopped up their attack and made their retreat back to the city of the Spider Queen, long after the booted trampling of the Tanarukks iron shod boots had faded to let the air hang still and stagnant once more. Motionless he waited, listening and watching, waiting with a patience only the immortal could truly grasp.
After what seemed like an eternity the elf moved, hands flickering as he summoned the power of his god, walls of misdirection and confusion springing up about the chamber to protect it from unfriendly scrying, and his own honed senses and array of magics clearly telling him no other was in the area... well, at least no other who was not meant to be there. Even as he turned to the side corridor he heard the rasping voice of the ancient Drow who had waited there assail his ears. "From the Mistress of the Temple herself? I was not aware I had gained such celebrity..." A rasping chuckle echoed from the creatures mouth as he glided into the room. He was old, nay, ancient, his rich robes hanging loosely about his gaunt frame. Despite his physical frailty, the aura of power that surrounded his skeletal form was palpable and menacing, even to the immortal Calaquendi. Crimson eyes glared from beneath the Dark Elf's widows peak, raking over his latest accomplice. For his part, Jaedhar merely smiled.
"The Jaezred Chaulssin remain a secret, she simply wanted you dead for your heretical practices Mauzzkyl. Do not take things so personally." The Drow sneered in reply "Easy for you to say surface scum, you do not have the militant arm of the Temple of the Spider Queen hunting you!" Jaedhar laughed softly, shaking his head "Not for lack of trying Revered Grandfather, not for lack of trying..."
The emaciated figure seemed to think it over for a few minutes before snorting, His skeletal hand flickering out to toss a small sack towards Jaedhar, the Calaquendi's slender fingers flickering out and diving the pouch beneath his clothes in the blink of an eye "A pleasure doing business with you Mauzzkyl" The ancient Drow spat heartily, snorting "Indeed, you steal my amber and cost me my warriors and one of my best underpriests, though I suppose they were a worthy sacrifice to save my own withered skin. You have the grudging thanks of the Nameless Houses. I must warn you elf, you play a dangerous game, challenging the temple..." Jaedhar smiled once more as he settled his gaze upon the spindly creature, that grin utterly devoid of warmth "Indeed, but I have been playing it longer then them, and I know all the tricks..."
He turned away even as another trio of figures emerged from the opposite passage. Too tall for drow, yet their liquid grace marking them out as no other minion of the underdark. Indeed, more elves. The three black robed Naggarythe slipped about their leader, sheathing the naked blades they had gripped, his insurance policy against the treachery of the Jaezred Chaulssin and their devious patron. The Drow physically recoiled as he regarded the newcomers "You did not tell me of these..." "And you did not sense them" Jaedhar finished for him, fixing him with a cool glare. "Remember that whenever you think of plunging a dagger into my back, revered grandfather." One of the trio stepped forward, muttering the spidery words of an arcane spell. A second later a shimmering portal sprang open before them and the elves filed through, winking out of existence and leaving the Drow standing alone in the corpse strewn room.*
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