Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Dec 24, 2011 14:39:35 GMT -6
The being in front of him hardly looked threatened at all. She retained a perfectly calm front, even in the face of such hostility. He had to respect her poise, if nothing else. She'd even made him feel a bit foolish because of all his bluster a moment before.
As she changed forms, it was more than the sage had expected or been ready for. He went to take a few steps backwards, but stumbled back and fell into a chair instead.
Where di- .... It just appeared from nothing. Aaron realized, looking around and inspecting the chair before turning his head back to Arum. He was listening, but part of his attention was elsewhere. This was just like a dream, and Arum was manipulating it with expertise. He just needed to pull off the same trick that she was using.
He was surprised by what the creature was suggesting. Giving up Lillith. Giving up a corporeal form on the word of a sage to find someone else to be her vessel. The offer was met with a healthy dose of skepticism from Aaron, but he didn't turn aside. Not yet at least. He... he just couldn't understand it.
Aaron seemed to be processing what he'd heard. Looking at it from every angle he could think of. Also, the threat against Lilith was not lost on him.
"I... find it difficult to believe that you would allow yourself to be put into such a position without something more than my word to help you find... a... new body." The Sage didn't trust her in the slightest, but he didn't want to make a rash move.
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Lilith
Shaman
Never forget who you are, for surely the world will not
Posts: 169
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Post by Lilith on Dec 24, 2011 21:48:19 GMT -6
Arum waved her hand, as if to dismiss the mage's tone. "Between you and me, this body would not last me very long. Lilith has too strong of a personality, and I am too strong of a spirit. Having two such... distinct personalities would drive her mad, even with the protection of Dagon." The demoness made a sweeping gesture, and an image of Lilith, switching back from herself and Arum every second appeared. Each second the image remained, the more manic each face looked.
"There can be no winning when it comes to two such minds. I hate to admit it, but this is for the best for both of us. Plus, My new body will be much more splendid that this one, and I would like to see what little Lilith becomes some day. maybe I can even convince her to pledge herself to me when the day comes. Ah, the possibilities. Besides, as for my own welfare while in the amulet, I know enough of you from Lilith's memories that you are a man of your word."
Arum got out of her chair and put her hand out. "So, do we have a deal, my sweet?" she said, reverting back to Lilith's form.
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Dec 29, 2011 8:54:12 GMT -6
What was being asked of him was growing more and more disturbing. He didn't know if Arum was telling the truth, or attempting to use him in zome way. He was being asked to be the delivery service of another person's enslavement. Lilith was being threatened by the spirit's very presence.... And now he was the deciding factor that things hinged on. He couldn't help but feel that every choice presented so far was a wrong one. He was acting so blindly though.
All his former commitment felt washed out and colorless with the way things had progressed. He wasn't sure what he was willing to risk any longer, but then he remembered something. Lilith had told him that the spirit feared him, and if that was so then he might very well already be falling into her trap. If she convinced him to give her something when he didn't need to, then would have already won.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense, but there was still a gambling factor involved. There was a chance that Arum Lily was stronger and that he was about to make a mistake. Nevertheless, he suddenly started feeling some of that bright confidence returing to himself.
"Enough of this." He stood from the chair, the disgust that he'd allowed himself to be distracted with a parley evident on his face.
"Arum Lily, I could help you the way you've asked, but then, you're a murdering heartless beast of a spirit, so the deals off." As he spoke, the green-haired sage was opening out his mind, and binding it to this green land that surrounded him. It was difficult to describe, but it gave him the feeling of something familiar.
The sage continued to reach out, gaining more and more influence, anchoring himself into place as he reached out into the dreamscape around him.
"Arum, if you have any interest in a continued existence, I would suggest you stop your trickery, and leave Lilith now." The implied threat in Aaron's voice burned low but steady, like a thousand lit arrows ready to be launched. This was Lilith DeGarte he was fighting for now. Bearer of worthy hopes and dreams. In a way, she'd helped him become what he was today. She'd helped him choose to never give up after he'd nearly burned everyone alive in that forest so long ago. He wanted to help her learn the same lessons that he had learned, but first there was a smudge that needed cleaning.
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Lilith
Shaman
Never forget who you are, for surely the world will not
Posts: 169
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Post by Lilith on Jan 4, 2012 14:09:06 GMT -6
Arum sank to her knees, she hands clawed around her head. The power entreating from the sage was more than even she could handle. Men had clearly mastered magic far greater than her people's in the time that had passed. She felt her energy draining as Aaron poured himself over the domain that had been hers. Is this how Lilith felt when Arum came to her?
"Stop!" the demoness yelled. The from of Lilith faded with her power, and, unable to take even her old physical form, Arum was now just a ball of purplish-black shadow. "You win, oh sage! My tongue has failed me, where it is snared so many others. I can't hold on any longer, so you can have this foolish girl back. But know this, Aaron Winsett, seeker of the arcane. I will gain another body. And when I do, oh, how you will pay. I will watch you squirm, you more than Lilith. I will strip you of your noble attitude, and you will pray for death!" And with the last of her power, the spirit left, in tact, leaving a dark fog and the smell of brimstone in both Lilith's mind and the monastery.
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Jan 6, 2012 21:02:41 GMT -6
As the spirit fled, it felt almost like she wasn't resisting in the slightest. The sage was suspicious at first. It could be another trick, but Aaron didn't think so. Not this time. Her threats certainly sounded ominous and he knew that she would attempt to follow through, but that just meant that he needed to be watchful and prepared in the future.
He began to withdraw from the mindscape, removing what dark traces of Arum Lily he could as he left. Air and light flooded his senses again as he returned to the land of life and purpose, yet a fiery burning smell still remained in the room. He ignored it for now, and the dark cloud. He had eyes only for one girl as a wave of exhaustion unlike anything he'd encountered before washed across him.
He smiled at Lilith he looked up and met her brilliant green eyes with his brown ones. There was so much to say right now, but he couldn't think of anything fitting. Instead, he asked a question, weariness slowing his speech.
"Is this the part where I say something really cool, and then pass out?"
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Lilith
Shaman
Never forget who you are, for surely the world will not
Posts: 169
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Post by Lilith on Jan 12, 2012 20:53:31 GMT -6
Lilith had watched the exchanges between sage and demon from afar. It was her mind, after all. Why couldn't she play a part in its fate? She had tried to intervene a few times, but had been stopped by some kind of invisible force. She settled for listening the their conversation from a hilltop. Ever now and then, the hill went from being covered in flowers to being buried in snow, and, much to Lilith's chagrin, she had no control over it.
Lilith was slightly worried that parts of her own mind were strange to her, but she attributed it to Arum's presence. She tensed as the conversation grew heated, her hands balled in to fists at her sides. She feared for Aaron, even as Arum became nothing but a dark cloud. The demon said oaths of revenge, then vanished.
Lilith awoke as Aaron did, their eyes meeting in a moment of silent victory. She held her arms out as he slumped over her, catching the exhausted sage. She smiled and stroked Aaron's hair, then shifted his body so he was lying on the bed alone. "Rest, my hero," was all she said as she went to find some food, for Aaron would surely be hungry when he awoke.
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Jan 13, 2012 11:21:17 GMT -6
The sage didn't bother fighting his exhaustion. He could, but he'd felt this once before. An overwhelming weariness that had brooked no resistance. And now, like then, he had tampered with magics beyond his understanding. Frankly, he was lucky that he seemed to have a knack for faking expertise.
He rested for several hours, unaware of all except that last phrase Lilith had given him, and a thought that carried a smile with it: He was her hero. His dreams were calm yet strange. Indecipherable, but filled with light. He was just glad she was safe.
When his eyes opened, he had no idea how long he'd been there. He found himself laying on a bed, his travel bag, and cloak laid out nearby. He thought he could remember maybe setting some of them out like that.... He pulled himself into a sitting position, and swung his legs over the side of the bed, giving his head a shake as he did so.
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Lilith
Shaman
Never forget who you are, for surely the world will not
Posts: 169
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Post by Lilith on Jan 31, 2012 13:40:32 GMT -6
Lilith stood in the abby hall, looking at the soldiers outside. She was free of her mental hurts, but how was she to get out of here alive and free? She thought over and over of plans to escape, but none seemed like they would be better than the others. She sighed and slid down the wall, sitting on the floor.
Just then, Eve came by, her sword and travelling gear at her side. "Ah, Lilith. It is good to see you up. I have some bad news, though. I must be going. After reading my report of your cure, the Order has recalled me. They say I have other duties to attend to... I would rather help you get out, and perhaps even travel with you, but I am bound by my vows. I do have something for you, though." Even handed her a ring. It was simple silver band with a blue gem set in it. There were no inscriptions on it, but Lilith knew what it was at the sight of it. "This might help you on your journeys. I have read that great magicians of the past would wear these as a sign of trust. Show it to any magician, and if they honor the old ways, they will help you. Keep fighting evil where it seeps into mankind, and I am sure we will meet again."
The two hugged, then Eve left the abby. Lilith walked back to her room, shuffling her feet, trying to suppress her dark mood.
Her mood brightened considerably when she saw Aaron awake in the bed. She picked up her feet more, arriving at his side in a moment. "How did you sleep? You're not still feeling any effects of your ordeal, are you?" she asked, her tone a bit over-excited.
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Feb 1, 2012 19:33:10 GMT -6
The sage blinked a few times, gathering his thoughts and memories of what had transpired. What had begun weeks before as a with a dream in Bern, something that had driven him onward, goading him to chase and find the girl he'd met and befriended more than a year before, something beyond his range of knowledge and experience, and something which would fit in a book full of folklore and legend had reached its conclusion. It was done. A part of the past....
Not completely, if that spirit can follow through on her promise to return The green-haired man wasn't particularly concerned though. He'd stay vigilant, and grow stronger for the next meeting. He hoped Lilith would join him and do the same.
He looked over just in time to see Lilith rushing to his side, a smile covering her face. She was well. Thank the spirits! The anima spirits. No thanks to Arum Lily.... Actually, he couldn't recall a single case of an anima spirit interfering with the affairs of humans. Ever. So no thanks to them either.
"Lilith! No I'm fine. A little foggy in the head, maybe, but that's just because I slept too long, I think." He smiled, oblivious to the fact that drowsiness when waking up was not really something worth mentioning.
"And you- I... you're alright? You look alright. You look... um, radiant actually." He smiled a bit awkwardly, and reached up to brush her hair back out of her face so he could see her brilliant green eyes better. He relaxed. She was free. Beautifully free.
He lowered his hand slowly and breathed out softly, looking away and across the room at his travel bag..
"She... tried to tempt me. Did tempt me, for that matter.... She was very clever." There was no need to explain who he was speaking of. He had no desire to face such a collection of clever and convincing wits again.
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Lilith
Shaman
Never forget who you are, for surely the world will not
Posts: 169
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Post by Lilith on Feb 6, 2012 19:40:07 GMT -6
Lilith's face fell when the subject turned to Arum. She didn't really know what to say about her, so she instead focused her mind on the space above her hand. She poured her life's energy through her fingers, letting a ball of darkness form above them. With smooth, circular movements, she guided it through the air. It followed her gestures, almost beautiful, as though it were water being enchanted, instead of the void.
She made a sudden movement, breaking apart the darkness and forming bits together on her fingers, making her porcelain-like hands into sullen claws. She then flicked her wrist, causing the blackness to dissipate.
"That is something I learned from her... Something she did using my body. She is gone, yes, but... pieces of her remain. Like tiny sparks, they burn through my mind when I close my eyes. I can see what she did in other bodies, even her own, so long ago. I think I will be more powerful for it, but... I do not wish to use this magic. I always was the elder arts as a misunderstood thing, but I know what it can do to people." she moved closer to Aaron and put her hand on his.
"There isn't any way I can thank you enough for helping me. You risked so much. But... I have one other favor to ask of you. Do you think you can teach me anima magic? I am no druid, but my meditations have given me a basic understanding of nature. We were taught about the other schools of magic, and when I was young, I was tested in all four types. If I think very heard, I can remember summoning a tiny flame. I just... I wish to learn a magic that is not so abhorrent in its nature."
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Feb 7, 2012 18:21:47 GMT -6
The sage's eyes turned to the essence of darkness Lilith was manipulating. He'd feared it in the past. It still left him wary, even now, but he trusted Lilith. When she controlled it, it wasn't a tool of hatred, but served a purpose beyond that. He blinked in surprise as the darkness wrapped itself around her hands suddenly. They looked like weapons now, but she flicked them a moment later, dispelling the power she had called on and turned to speak to him.
[yellow]"That is something I learned from her... Something she did using my body. She is gone, yes, but... pieces of her remain. Like tiny sparks, they burn through my mind when I close my eyes. I can see what she did in other bodies, even her own, so long ago. I think I will be more powerful for it, but... I do not wish to use this magic. I always was the elder arts as a misunderstood thing, but I know what it can do to people"[/yellow]
Aaron wrapped an arm around her small shoulders, and took the hand she rested on the back of his hand in his own larger one. He listened as she went on, and then spoke his mind.
"It's not abhorrent, Lilith. At least, no more abhorrent than the forces of nature. It's just different. Magic is as beautiful and hideous as how it is used, and your magic is anything but evil. Don't think on her actions for too long." He gave a light squeeze to her shoulders, trying to cheer her up some, and then went on.
"As to anima magic, if it is your wish, I can try to instrict you in some of it, but I've only taught the basics before, so don't expect too much." He gave a light smile, and looked her in the eyes.
"Lilith, I'd like you to come with me. I don't have an exact destination in mind, but I'm on a search for something." He left the object of his search out, playfully dropping a hint, but not telling.
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Lilith
Shaman
Never forget who you are, for surely the world will not
Posts: 169
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Post by Lilith on Feb 12, 2012 12:46:17 GMT -6
Lilith smiled and sighed, taking heart in Aaron's support. She was glad that he was such a good man. She walked over to the window, and upon looking out it, her mood fell. There were guards circling the whole perimeter of the abby. No doubt waiting for a higher order to get Lilith.
"Our problem is no longer a spirit, but men of the flesh." she sighed, "we need to find a way out. When Arum had control over me, she... she killed my..." she stopped, unable to finish her sentence. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. "The men outside are here to take me to justice. I ahve half a mind to left them have me. They would never believe that I was possessed. A few of them know me from childhood, and know what power I toy with. They probably belive that I was corrupted by power... What should we do?"
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Feb 13, 2012 19:28:01 GMT -6
Aaron stood up and joined the shaman at the window. Lilith was right, he realized. There were men here who would view her as a murderer until convinced of the truth. Somehow, their victory over Arum just seemed to become alot more hollow. He regretted not thinking harder about finding a way to deal with the spirit. Maybe he could have found a way to bring her to justice. Somehow, answer for her crimes at last.
He felt his gaze lower and he shook his head. He had one experience with something that no living person knew about, and only fables and fairy tales could support, and suddenly he was an expert? There was so much that he didn't know, and there was no resource of study on this subject. Not that he, or any other mage he'd heard of at least. Perhaps the Order of Daigon knew more, but they were a very small, very closed society. Ironically, the person who knew most, he'd just told not to think about it. If Lilith shared the knowledge of some of Lily's former hosts, then he may eventually need to ask her to remember, but that time wasn't here yet.
He shook himself, bringing him back to the moment. He'd been letting his mind stray again. A good habit for getting familiar with a wide variety of subjects and concepts, but not good for action. It was just a painful situation they were in!
He turned to look at the girl next to him, concerned for her.
"Lil, I didn't come all this way, and go through all of this just to let these men cart you off for... crimes you couldn't have stopped." His heart shook with the empathy of what she must be feeling now, and there was a rage burning inside his heart at the injustice of these events, but most of all, he just wanted to shelter Lilith from any more pain. To give her a chance to beat this.
"I... we can try to explain to them, but I'm not taking no for an answer. We'll just leave." Truth be told, he didn't even know who's authorities were in charge around here, but with the remnants of the blight, and bandits running rampant in the region, he expected that it wouldn't be hard to pull something off....
He stepped to the wall and picked up his bag and cloak, checking to be sure all of his tomes and other gear were in place. Then he turned back to her, a simple question on his lips. A question which had an answer that would ultimately determine his own course of action.
"Will you come with me?"
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Lilith
Shaman
Never forget who you are, for surely the world will not
Posts: 169
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Post by Lilith on Feb 15, 2012 9:27:42 GMT -6
Lilith stood still, the weight of Aaron's words heavy on her shoulders. She bend down and picked up her own bag, eying the Luna tome that Arum and conjured. She didn't know if she could or even wanted to use it. She knew she needed to defend herself, of not from the guards, then from some other threat they were bound to face. She threw her bag over her shoulder and held the tome by her side.
"I have looked true darkness in the face, and I have returned, with help, to myself. For weeks, I lived in eternal night, trapped in my own mind while someone else controlled my body. I have learned a lot in these few weeks. Most people would be frightened to even touch such magics after having something like my experiences happen to them. But I know that even as I suffered, the world went on. Night gave way to day, and people lived on, unchanged by my own sufferings. I may not be as carefree as I once was, but... I will not let this hold me down. I will come with you, Aaron, and redeem myself. I will continue to show the world that with the right outlook, even the darkest of magics can be used for good!"
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Aaron Winsett
Sage
Seeker of Knowledge
Knowledge is a weapon. I intend to be formidably armed.
Posts: 419
Sacae Fame: 1
Lycia Fame: 2
Profession: Student of Magic
OoC Alias: Feldsky
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Post by Aaron Winsett on Feb 16, 2012 0:15:21 GMT -6
The sage was glad to see Lilith's spirit still burning with her convictions. She'd been through a great deal of tribulation recently, and it wasn't something that could just be simply pushed aside. It could be fought through though. They could beat it. More importantly, The shamaness had shown her mettle during this time, and was already on the track to growing from her experiences.
"Well then, let's not spend any more time here. Hm?" He slipped on his travel bag before throwing his blue cloak over everything. He stepped out into the hall, and after a brief look, figured the direction to the main hall in the building they were in.
It didn't take long to navigate out to the main doors, but once Aaron reached them, they were presented with a problem. He stepped half way out of the building before spotting the guards stationed a short distance away, guarding the front. Others were out the sides. He could only assume that there were more around back. Watched from all sides. He backstepped back into the building, closing the door as he did so.
"These guards are a touch more thorough than I'd like, Lilith. They won't be easy to convince.... Ahh.... nothing for it."
The green haired sage stepped outside, heading straight for the guards on impulse. Whether Lilith followed or not was up to her. He needed to try some diplomacy before anything else though. More on principle, than because he thought he would have a chance. If Lilith came too, maybe she could help some how.
"Good afternoon, Sirs. Is it true you're holding Lilith DeGarte here?"
These guards looked to be the stereotype. Cold, stone hard faces surrounded with steel and blade to match. [Red]"That's about right.[/Red]
"Well, I'd like to speak to your Captain about that, because you've got the wrong person."
[Red]"That won't be necessary. Several eye witnesses can attest to the woman's actions."[/Red]
"Be that as it may, I'd still like to speak to him." Things were not going as smoothly as the young sage had hoped. He'd never expected any difficulty in actually getting to speak to the guard captain.
[Red]"Captain's busy. Now please move on."[/Red]
"I think he should make time. I traveled far to reach this place."
[Red]"I said the Captain is busy. Now leave, or go back inside"[/Red]
"What is it going to take for me to speak to your superior?" The sage still maintained a calm voice. Barely. It wasn't hard to tell that he was starting to get exasperated with the soldiers posted out here. He was starting to doubt they had a Captain. More importantly, he was losing patience with his diplomacy idea.
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