Isis
Troubadour
"In my circle of lifetime, where would my body be?"
Posts: 19
Profession: Archaeologist
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Isis
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Post by Isis on Jul 10, 2014 12:08:35 GMT -6
"Huh?" Isis jumped at the abrupt burst of anger coming from the tribesman. She realized she had used the wrong word. "I don't literally mean that I want to excavate this chamber. I'm not want to destroy history. I promised myself that long ago, so you've no worries." She smiled genuinely to show that she's not going to harm any part of the sanctuary. Looking at the mace, her eyebrows quirked. "What is that?" she asked.
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Locke
Manakete
"I am the Guardian of the Sanctuary."
Posts: 152
Profession: Disguised Dragon
Affiliation: Arcadia
Guild: None
Affinity: Anima
Dragon Element: Earth
Profile: Locke
OoC Alias: Ryu
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Post by Locke on Jul 10, 2014 13:02:38 GMT -6
Locke listened, and, looking at the woman's face, saw that she was being truthful, as far as he could tell. Lowering the mace, Locke placed it on the ground before adjusting its harness and fitting the spiky club to his back in a diagonal fashion.
"This is the Mace of the Guardian. In the absence of the Sanctuary's normal defender, I have become its protector. As such, I must carry the Mace and repel all who would defile the Sanctuary.
I was not expecting such an illustrious role... To be chosen to Guard is a great honor indeed."
The mace glimmered in the flickering light, and Locke smiled at the woman. "It seems that it is very good I have come. I must thank you for helping me along the path. It seems the Earth Spirit destined us to meet for this very reason. Thank you."
Putting the weapon away on his back, the manakete looked around briefly before asking one final question to the woman. "Is there anything you do not understand that you would like clarified?"
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Isis
Troubadour
"In my circle of lifetime, where would my body be?"
Posts: 19
Profession: Archaeologist
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Isis
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Post by Isis on Jul 10, 2014 15:41:03 GMT -6
Isis put down some simple notes in her little book, particularly about the mace Locke sheathed away on his back. The weapon was completely unheard of in her case, so it was only common sense for her to have some kind of information on it with her. "The sanctuary had a... normal defender?" she asked in response to his question. She did want several clarifications, but the little details were more important than the obvious ones. "Do you mind telling me of this normal defender? You don't have to, obviously, that's your right. I just want to have enough knowledge for the future. To know about history... and preserving it--it's always been a dream." She shook her head when she found herself delving into fantasy land.
"Also, your tribe... are there anyone else besides you?"
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Locke
Manakete
"I am the Guardian of the Sanctuary."
Posts: 152
Profession: Disguised Dragon
Affiliation: Arcadia
Guild: None
Affinity: Anima
Dragon Element: Earth
Profile: Locke
OoC Alias: Ryu
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Post by Locke on Jul 10, 2014 16:14:15 GMT -6
"Yes. Initially, the Sanctuary was guarded by a dragon. Once the Scouring happened, the dragons assumed humanlike forms and crafted this mace so that they could defend the chamber against all who would defile it, as they clearly were unable to use their natural powers. It appears that as time has passed, the last defender also passed. Now, with no dragon to guard it, I have assumed the role of protecting this place of worship in their stead. The defender of the Sanctuary would also be deeply connected to the Earth Spirit and would lead rituals and ceremonies. Obviously, I cannot fulfill that role."
The woman was still asking him about his tribe. Looking at her, Locke wished he knew if he could trust her. But he didn't so he continued to evade the truth.
"Yes. More of my tribesmen exist, scattered across the desert. We travel with the camels, from oasis to oasis. Our lifestyle has remained unchanged for many years.
It is good that you have an interest in the past and future. I pray that you will one day be fortunate enough to gain true understanding. Then, you may find what you seek in your heart."
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Isis
Troubadour
"In my circle of lifetime, where would my body be?"
Posts: 19
Profession: Archaeologist
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Isis
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Post by Isis on Jul 10, 2014 21:20:51 GMT -6
"A dragon!" she gasped, shaking her head in disbelief. It was more of an expression to show how ridiculous the story sounded, but also how majestic and wonderfully effective it was to drive her fantasies. Quickly, she wrote down some information about the first guardian of this sanctuary, the scouring, and how dragons took the form of humans--her hand stopped in its track. Isis traded an enigmatic glance at the tribesman, thinking of a bizarre but possible idea. This man could have potentially been something... not human. Being alone here--away from civilization at a ruin--in solitude? It didn't make much sense.
As Locke began explaining about his tribe, Isis' mind still hung on the idea that this man could have been a dragon in disguise as a normal everyday-human. But she made sure that her body posture and manners showed that she was interested in what he was saying, because she truly was interested. Anything historical stroke her as an intriguing subject. Isis went back to writing notes down. "You know," said Isis, stopping her information cataloging. "I was born and raised in Nabata all my life. It's almost unheard for me to not know my way around this ocean of sand. I don't think I've ever been told of a... tribe who were dedicated to this. Does your tribe have a name?"
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Locke
Manakete
"I am the Guardian of the Sanctuary."
Posts: 152
Profession: Disguised Dragon
Affiliation: Arcadia
Guild: None
Affinity: Anima
Dragon Element: Earth
Profile: Locke
OoC Alias: Ryu
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Post by Locke on Jul 10, 2014 21:46:06 GMT -6
"Indeed, our tribe has a name."
Mulling it over, Locke's eyebrows furrowed.
"It is hard to translate. In my native tongue, it is spoken as "Nwọn ti o dabobo aiye." Roughly, you could interpret it as "They who guard the Earth.""
Turning to Isis, Locke continued. "I am sorry. This must seem too fantastic and ridiculous to be true. But I assure you... It is fact. Is there anything I could do to help you believe?"
If the woman was born and raised in Nabata, she no doubt would have heard of Arcadia. For her not to mention it either meant she was testing him, didn't believe in it, or was waiting, expecting him to reveal its location or something like that.
Clearly, he'd never do the latter option... And she seemed receptive, so she might be onto him. Well, she seemed astute... Hmm.
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Isis
Troubadour
"In my circle of lifetime, where would my body be?"
Posts: 19
Profession: Archaeologist
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Isis
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Post by Isis on Jul 10, 2014 21:59:20 GMT -6
Isis' eyes almost bulged out of its sockets (though in reality her eyebrows just quirked a bit), thinking that the tribe's name was extremely complicated. Swiftly, she wrote down a rough pronunciation of what he said into her book, though she was probably butchering it completely. She coughed into a fist, clearing her fist thereafter. "That's a foreign language to me. Does the language have its name?" asked Isis. Pretty much everything in the world was labeled with something. Even the nameless had an epithet to go by--the Nameless.
"No, I believe you. If I am to discover Arcadia, this shouldn't be that much of a shock to me. Besides, I like to think of myself as a moderately strong woman with a taut attitude." She breathed. "Seeing as you have fairly vast knowledge of this temple that a dragon once guarded, a position that you now hold, you must have heard many things about Arcadia." Or know its location, but such direct question was to wait.
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Locke
Manakete
"I am the Guardian of the Sanctuary."
Posts: 152
Profession: Disguised Dragon
Affiliation: Arcadia
Guild: None
Affinity: Anima
Dragon Element: Earth
Profile: Locke
OoC Alias: Ryu
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Post by Locke on Jul 11, 2014 9:38:38 GMT -6
"The language? Dr...Hmm, I'm not sure if I ever have heard of the name of the language."
Locke inwardly was cursing himself for almost slipping, but simultaneously rejoicing at not having slipped. Then the words that Isis had just spoken fully sunk in.
"You wish to discover... Arcadia?"
Thinking quickly, Locke let out a small, low laugh, turning to Isis with a chuckle.
"You wish to discover a city of legends... You wish to find a city inhabited by dragons. Could such a city exist? The myths say yes, Isis. But what does your common sense say? Is it feasible to hide a whole city in the desert? Is it possible to remain unseen, unheard, undetected... For centuries? And then consider the legends -- that only dragons can find it, and that no human has ever found the city.
Arcadia is a complex tale. The desert hides many secrets, Isis... But Arcadia may not be among them."
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Isis
Troubadour
"In my circle of lifetime, where would my body be?"
Posts: 19
Profession: Archaeologist
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Isis
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Post by Isis on Jul 11, 2014 12:28:56 GMT -6
A language without a label, apparently, but Isis was quick-witted enough to catch him slipping up on it. Perhaps it didn't have a name and he was just guessing. Or its name was forgotten under the rubble of time. Either way, Isis was going to have to dive in much more strongly, but subtly at the same time. There was a chance this man also knew about Arcadia's whereabouts, or some kind of myth or two about it that Isis had no idea of.
"The world works in mysterious ways, does it not?" she said rhetorically in response to Locke's explanation of Arcadia. "I'm skeptical on the idea that no humans found it. That would usually put off anyone whose goal is to seek the city of legends, but for me, it encourages me. The stories I heard from my mother--she adamantly told me they were true, just buried by time." She sat down on the ground to rest for a little bit. "Today may not be the day, but I am willing to wait decades, if not centuries, just to find Arcadia."
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Locke
Manakete
"I am the Guardian of the Sanctuary."
Posts: 152
Profession: Disguised Dragon
Affiliation: Arcadia
Guild: None
Affinity: Anima
Dragon Element: Earth
Profile: Locke
OoC Alias: Ryu
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Post by Locke on Jul 11, 2014 20:50:37 GMT -6
Locke gave a hearty laugh. "The sands of time wipe some things away, leaving naught but an echo of what once was..."
Remaining standing, the manakete ran his hand along one of the walls, feeling the ripple of the art and designs, and the coolness of the ancient stone. Sitting across from the woman, Locke shook his head slowly, chuckling.
"Ah, the wait. The passage of time... But my dear Isis, humans live only years. Some fortunate few may cross a century's threshold... But once you die, as will inevitably happen, your progress will fall like a leaf. It will wither away, and only serve to feed another generation of legends.
You don't have centuries, Isis. You have years. Maybe decades at most. In this troubled world, the end may come far too quickly. If you want to find the truth of the legend... You have a lot of work ahead of you.
Frustrations, to be certain. But I see great potential in your future, Isis. Great potential."
The manakete's eyes suddenly widened. "Isis, night is quickly approaching... The afternoon has passed without our knowledge. It would be dangerous to travel. Even more so to travel alone. I ask of you this: Are you bent on leaving this place today? Or would you stay and spend the night here?"
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Isis
Troubadour
"In my circle of lifetime, where would my body be?"
Posts: 19
Profession: Archaeologist
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Isis
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Post by Isis on Jul 11, 2014 21:15:25 GMT -6
"I'm well aware of my short life. I'm simply willing to wait even past the afterlife for the answers to Arcadia. It has always been a dream of mine as a child, just to find it and... acquire the knowledge--keep it from desecration." She smiled, shaking her head in wishful thinking. "Perhaps one day, I will achieve those dreams."
Upon Locke mentioning the time, Isis jumped up. "Oh dear, is it that late already? I'd hate to lean on these precious walls for an overnight rest..." She frowned, thinking of her horse outside who was probably lonely but passing time by squishing ants beneath its hooves. Elda had always been a rambunctious steed when it wanted to be. "Still, I could do a full-fledged scouting of this place tomorrow morning. That way, I will be closer to the answers I seek," Isis pledged before glancing at Locke. "As guardian, I assume you'd be resting in these parts as well?"
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Locke
Manakete
"I am the Guardian of the Sanctuary."
Posts: 152
Profession: Disguised Dragon
Affiliation: Arcadia
Guild: None
Affinity: Anima
Dragon Element: Earth
Profile: Locke
OoC Alias: Ryu
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Post by Locke on Jul 12, 2014 18:23:41 GMT -6
"The afterlife...?"
Locke looked in shock at the woman. She wanted to find Arcadia in the afterlife? But... That wasn't possible. Once you died, your spirit moved on... Onto the World of Dreams, where you lived on as your essence. What on earth could she be talking about?
"You will be safer within these walls. The stone of the dragons and my mace will suffice for anything that might manage to make its way here. Your horse will also be safe inside the walls, where you have left her. I am afraid it may not be very comfortable here, but it will be warm under the earth. I will also give you my cloak, so that you may stay warmer."
With that, Locke unfastened his mantle, draping it around the woman's neck before detaching the mace and placing his satchel on the ground.
"I also have provisions so that we may eat. Please, I entreat you. Stay the night within the safety of these walls."
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Isis
Troubadour
"In my circle of lifetime, where would my body be?"
Posts: 19
Profession: Archaeologist
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Isis
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Post by Isis on Jul 12, 2014 22:29:30 GMT -6
"Yes, the afterlife," answered Isis. Then she narrowed her eyes at Locke, perplexed by his questionable tone. "It's merely a figure of speech. I know I can't discover once I am dead. I know I will cease to exist, but the thought is what mattered. That is how dedicated I am to finding the city of legends." Her dedication was true, and it glimmered within the goldmine of her eyes. She wasn't just faking her dreams, but trying to live it throughout her entire life. It was that important to her.
At Locke's explanation of the place and its security, she nodded with a smile. "Well, that's good," said Isis, trusting his words. "So long as you don't do anything lecherous when I am asleep. I have went through my fair share of harassment from barbaric bandits." She hung her head over to allow the man to put his cloak around her. It was already warm enough. "I suppose I'll have to take this offer. Who knows what beast may be lurking at this night on the desert."
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Locke
Manakete
"I am the Guardian of the Sanctuary."
Posts: 152
Profession: Disguised Dragon
Affiliation: Arcadia
Guild: None
Affinity: Anima
Dragon Element: Earth
Profile: Locke
OoC Alias: Ryu
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Post by Locke on Jul 13, 2014 14:40:51 GMT -6
"No harm will come to you while you remain under my protection. I will not allow it."
The manakete took out strips of dried meat, cactus fruits, and some of his plants, setting up a rudimentary meal. Hoping that it would be enough, Locke turned to the woman, speaking invitingly.
"My provisions may be basic at best, but they are nourishing and healthful. I invite you to dine with me before taking your rest. Do not worry about any marauders or dangers. I will defend you."
The manakete sat down, allowing his body to relax as he took out some herbs and plant roots and began to masticate them gently and slowly. He would eat in a moment, once Isis had gotten comfortable. For now, he would continue to chew his traveler's herbs. It was important for him to stay in top form...
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Isis
Troubadour
"In my circle of lifetime, where would my body be?"
Posts: 19
Profession: Archaeologist
Affinity: Anima
OoC Alias: Isis
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Post by Isis on Jul 13, 2014 17:54:07 GMT -6
Isis pulled the cloak closer to keep warm, pushing herself forward to pick at some of the items Locke laid out. They were basic provision at best, but it would do enough to keep her active. She inserted some of them into her mouth, chewing multiple times before swallowing. She has heard it from somewhere that to properly absorb nutrients from food, one had to chew it until it was far from its original form, then swallow it.
"Thank you for this opportunity by the way. This was such an experience for me, and I hope this is a moment that brings me closer to fulfilling my dreams." She smiled.
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