tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25135430105796590462024-03-13T22:19:28.704-07:00SA·B·ERSUnder the two Eyes of Icarus three youths watch the cities of the Foreigners drift through the clouds. They yearn to one day follow a city of their own to follow in in the footsteps of their ancestors and see the world. Undaunted, they wait for the day the when the world challenges them to face it.Joshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.comBlogger129125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-45676544056957592722019-10-23T06:37:00.001-07:002019-10-23T06:37:51.536-07:00Hiatus Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<br />
Morning everyone this October 23rd.<br />
<br />
I never posted about the hiatus on the main sight itself, but now I'm here bringing about an update to its current status. Unfortunately it's not looking good. I'e just a had a major schedule change at work and that is pretty much going to kill any time I have for writing on any type of regular basis. This means my undetermined hiatus to recharge has now become an indefinite hiatus. Suddenly reaching 250 posts seems so far away and I absolutely have to apologize everyone. Hopeful indefinite won't turn into forever though and I'll pick things back up again. Until then, thank you for all of your support everyone and stay well.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
Joshua D Tarwater</div>
Joshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-47398524212462223012019-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-11T08:00:04.574-07:00115 A Journey's Beginning · 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Journey’s Beginning · 5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Parchment; font-size: 65.5pt; mso-text-raise: 15.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“W<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">hy is it I
have a bad feeling about this?” </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "Agency FB",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%; mso-themecolor: background1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">It would be sometime until Varen Elcourt, an icaran man of
some twenty something springs would have a chance to introduce himself, but as
bad as his situation was, it felt fairly routine to him. It was perhaps because
his near two-meter height and lanky build naturally made him a lightning rod
for trouble. Maybe it was his olive hued skin and steel blue eyes that drew him
unwanted attention, or the tendency of his hip long braided black hair to snag
on trouble behind him. In reality, it was more often than not the gauntlet that
encased his left arm with a surface covered in large, geometric, red runes
resembling a circuit board. At least the runes were normally red, but as he
dangled over the abyss the runes were dead and his arm hung lifelessly at his
side. Somehow, the straight sword he held in it managed to stay in his lifeless
hand even as it made it even more impossible than it already was for him to use
his left hand to try climbing up. He was entirely at the mercy of Chain who
held on fast to his right wrist. Unfortunately, she didn’t seem ready to pull
him up yet as she was feeling contemplative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hm? I don’t know why you’d have a bad feeling about
anything. I mean, I just saved your life– Oh! I guess that means you owe me
now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Seriously?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“If he owes you anything you idiot it should be defaulting to
me! I’ve been rolled about and tossed around like refuse thanks to you running
on ahead!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Don’t mind him, he’s always grumpy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Turning his head as Chain’s voice spoke to him from beside
his head in response to Squawk, Varen was quite shocked to see Drop floating in
the air beside him. She offered him a huge smile and stretched out a hand as
she introduced herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“This part of us is Drop by the way. We are joined together
in the Song of the Servants of the Children of Ocia and are as one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about, but I guess
if we’re doing introductions… Varen Elcourt, adventurer by virtue, not license.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Oh! You’re not with an adventuring company</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Excitedly, Chain exclaimed about Varen’s employment status.
Maye was less impressed as she and Squawk finally started to reach where Chain
was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That makes him little more than a bandit, heretic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heretic? Wait, is there a member of the Cardinal Church with
you? Don’t tell me–</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Tell you what? Hold on, my arm is getting tired like this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Moving from tilting her head to casually pulling Varen up,
and then clear over her head, Chain tossed him into the still burning crater
left by her fireball spell. With a surprised yelp Varen crumbled into a heap
before sighing heavily. Rolling over into a sitting position. He looked at his
savior and her companions in the dim light of the dying flames around him. The
sense of dread he was feeling only grew as he saw the light reflecting off of
Chain’s chainmail. It was enough confirmation on its own, but he still sought
further confirmation as he bemoaned his situation with a heavy sigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You’re the Chainmaid aren’t you? Seriously? Of all the
people to have my life indebted to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I already made it perfectly clear that anything you owe this
idiot surely belongs to me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I bet you did, but when it comes to my life and my honor,
the debt belongs to the one who saved it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Standing up as he refused Squawk his claim to his debt, Varen
dusted himself off. Garbed in white jeans and a matching shirt under a
breastplate affixed to a leather jacket, he did a surprisingly good job of
getting himself reasonably clean. He did have one other problem to contest with
however as Chain and her group all tilted their heads back to take in his full
height.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“My word! Is he even human?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“He’s an absolute giant!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“W~o~w~!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Seriously</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> What is wrong with all of you</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> Of course I’m human! When did
icarans suddenly stop being human</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’ve never heard of any icaran standing so tall!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Maybe if someone brought a torch or a lantern you’d have an
easier time seeing that I am, regardless of my height!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“ENOUGH OF THIS ALREADY‼ GET US SOME LIGHT YOU IDIOT‼”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Squawk’s sudden shouting silenced everyone and Varen took a
surprised step back from the force that accompanied it. Chain meanwhile laughed
nervously before snapping her fingers, a distinctive ringing sound accompanying
the motion. In her palm a sphere of light which soon grew and floated up above
her head illuminating the immediate area better than any lantern. Squawk was
not amused and proceeded to yell at Chain for failing to understand his
request.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“AT WHAT POINT DID YOU DECIDE USING MAGIC WAS THE IDEA
SOLUTION WHEN YOU HAVE OUR LANTERNS TUCKED AWAY INSIDE YOUR CAPE, YOU IDIOT</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Wait, that is magic isn’t it? And here I though the traps
suddenly started going off when I opened my Gate. So, if magic wasn’t what set
the traps off…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Looking down at his limply hanging left arm, Varen
contemplated the nature of the ruins and opened his Ambrosial Gate. Maye
noticed immediately despite his Gate being internal as was the case for all but
Chain, as she had been staring at him since the light came on bemoaning how
much taller than a centaur an icaran man was and could not miss the red glow
that came to the runes on his sleeveless left arm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Is that an Ambrosial Armament</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What,
the Magun? Yeah it is. Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">With
the red runes of his left arm glowing, Varen flexed his fingers and tested his
arm’s mobility. Taking her eyes off of him as she pressed her fingers into her
forehead, Maye sighed heavily. Before she could make her comment though, Chain
cut her off with a question of her own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I
remember you thought my chainmail was an Ambrosial whatsit when we first met,
but I still haven’t figured out what one is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Seriously</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> You guys are roaming around an old ruin like
this and you don’t even know what an Ambrosial Armament is?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Please
do not group me up with the heretic and she-devil so casually. Though, to be
fair we are traveling together in search of knowledge and–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Don’t
just casually tell a stranger why we’re here you loose lipped horse! For all we
know he may be a bandit!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Raising
his voice in disbelief, Squawk cut off Maye before she could finish. Realizing
the error of her ways she reddened with embarrassment at the mistake she nearly
made. Squawk did not linger on her though as he stepped forward and poked Varen
in the sternum with his staff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Now,
while the foolish horse has no reason to be telling you anything of reasons for
being here, I feel completely differently about you. And be warned that you
face three Sa·B·ers if you find yourself feeling more foolish than the clouds
your height has left your head in!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You
guys seriously don’t know about Ambrosial Armaments. I don’t know what to say.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Varen
stared at Chain’s group dumbfounded as he tried to figure out what was up with
them. Moving his eyes from Squawk to Maye, to Chain, the sight of the Chainmaid
reminded him just who it was that he had encountered. Seeing her in person,
Varen smiled as he continued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Though
you’re definitely different than what your reputation left me expecting,
Chainmaid. A bounty from the Carinal Church and tales of bandits from all along
your trip to the Arm being slaughtered just like the bounty hunters seeking to
claim the prize on your head left me expecting someone more ruthless. Instead you
just seem like a cute kid to me. –</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Neither
Squawk nor Maye was surprised when Varen suddenly doubled over, his fingers
twitching as he desired to clutch at his stomach where Chain had just jammed in
her elbow angled up towards his sternum. She had moved so fast and
unexpectedly, Varen failed to prepare himself for it at all. Then the smile
Chain offered him as she withdrew her elbow sent a chill down his spine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Sorry,
but my figure is off limits. Say anything about it again and I can’t guarantee
I’ll be so gentle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Th-that
was… that was… gentle? Seriously</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> And when did I mention your figure anyway?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I’d
advise you figure that out for yourself you towering dolt. I’ve nothing against
her offing you in a fit of simpleminded rage seeing as you have no intention of
honoring your debt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Seriously</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Come
now Master, I was once chastised for not being welcoming enough for a sister of
the Cardinal Church…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What
is wrong with you people</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I
can’t speak for them, but my mind isn’t in one piece so…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“And
that’s alright to talk about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Seeing
as it’s not my figure, I don’t have a problem talking about it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Varen
could only stare at Chain and her group in continued dumbstruck wonder. They were
such an unorderly group, yet Chain smiled with shimmering eyes like she couldn’t
be any happier despite her situation. Straightening out, Varen ruffled his own
hair marking his apparent concession to them just being unnaturally weird.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Alright,
fine, I’ve made up my mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Made
up your mind about what you towering dolt</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> I don’t recall there being anything to
deliberate about!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“There’s
plenty to deliberate about looking at you three, or is it four…?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
confidence drained from Varen’s voice as his response to Squawk did not
originally account for Drop. Noticing her in the air waving at him though he
could not ignore her independence, even as he also could not ignore her identical
appearance to Chain. That was bar her chainmail, the presence of a mermaid
tail, only being the height of two thumbs, and being actually butt naked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I
do hope the sudden reddening of your face is not for the reason’s I believe to
be the cause.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“No!
Wait! I mean…! Ar~gh!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Maye’s
chilling tone of voice Flustered Varen every bit as much as Drop’s nakedness
and he naturally threw his hands up in defeat. Without even realizing it, he
managed to earn some small approval from Squawk, who kept a smile hidden behind
his beak. Varen was not done lamenting his situation though and continued on trying
to make sense of what he had walked into.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Are
you sure you’re not still with the Cardinal Church</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> I mean the whole attitude and being the only knowledgeable
one here…! And then there’s this ruin in the first place! I should have known
better than to come in here after realizing the three bridges leading out here
matched up with the Cardinal Church’s holy symbol. No, I just had to come in
here and instead of telling myself ‘you know Varen, you may be hurting for cash
but that ruin is unquestionably bad news.’ Seriously</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">” What was I thinking</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Ar~gh! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“I
do believe he is having a meltdown Master. Though it is an insightful one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“You
mean the bit about the tri-cross?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Crossing
his arms with a mighty harrumph, Squawk sought to clarify that him and Maye were
on the same page. Her nod told him even before she voiced the affirmation that the
Y shaped trio of crosses that served as the holy symbol of the Cardinal Church was
indeed what she was talking about. She did not limit herself to acknowledging
only that however.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“That
is correct Master, and it also lends credence to this ruin being a prison for a
spirit. Even the alignment of the bridges leading out here is a likely reason
for this ruin to have remained untouched. In this age where people have come to
fear the Light of Her Eminence such symbology would be quite the deterrent. But
that only raises more questions about this ruin and the nature of it, the lack
of any technology that the church would normal construct any such prison with
being the most pressing of questions.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Perhaps
then we can exploit the towering dolt over there and his apparent knack for
finding traps to get us to the heart of this mystery. We did come here to that
end in the first place and I will not leave a job half finished.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: Syncopate; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-55726325081929257782019-10-10T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-11T05:35:00.348-07:00114 A Journey's Beginning · 4<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
Journey’s Beginning · 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Pit Gaol ~
Interior</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The frailty of the ruin was but an illusion<br />
If not for magic and an impossibly loud shout it was sturdy as the earth</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "segoe ui historic" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
Within its walls that was difficult to tell for trap after trap <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Every trap evaded led to another<br />
Boulders, arrow traps, pitfalls, and a plethora of more mechanical deterents </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="mso-element-anchor-horizontal: column; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: .7pt; mso-element-linespan: 3; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: dropcap-dropped; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">“T<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">HIS BETTER
BE WORTH IT YOU IDIOT‼” </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Please don’t yell Master! We never know if your voice will
bring this whole place down on us!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Come on you two! This is so much fun!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Where Squawk and Maye were scrambling for their lives, Chain
was laughing every step of the way. She even had her notebook out and was
sketching down every symbol she saw on the walls of the ruin. It was not that
she took the danger presented by the traps as unimportant, even for Sa·B·ers
who the traps were too ancient to have been designed for, the traps presented
plenty of life-threatening danger. On more occasions than she could count in
the chaos of just staying alive, Chain had to save and be saved by Squawk and
Maye. Yet it was everything she wanted to experience, and she was joyful as a
kid in a candy store. Squawk and Maye were less appreciative, especially as
there was almost no light to speak of within. Making matters worse, they were
being forced to descend the tower at a blistering pace with no means to track
their progress. As Chain’s notebook was out however Squawk had his own opinion
on its appearance and again shouted at Chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“YOU BETTER BE MAKING A MAP YOU IDIOT, OR I SWEAR I WILL
BRING THIS WHOLE TOWER DOWN‼”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Why do we need a map</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> We can just follow the trail of
destruction back up!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“In case either of you haven’t noticed, climbing pitfalls is
not really an option for me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The disregard shown by Chain for making a map and Squawk’s
desire for it meant little to Maye who reminded them of her distinct
disadvantage within the ruin. Chain simply laughed as she focused on out pacing
a collapsing floor as the three of them raced towards the opening at its end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then we get to explore even more! Eh–</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Just before the three of them reached the doorway to safety,
a massive stone slab slid up into place trapping them in the hall with the
collapsing floor. As they ran out of space to run Chain snapped her fingers to
cast a spell as Squawk yelled at her to do just that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR YOU IDIOT</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> BLAST THIS DOOR AWAY BEFORE IT’S TOO
LATE‼”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Don’t interrupt her Master! She needs to focus on her
incantation!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“~ Motes of fire heed my call and
grant me your power<br />
Gather and gather becoming–! ~”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And too late.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Watching the floor suddenly fall out from under Chain and the
others, Drop offered an unneeded commentary on their absence of time. She was
about to begin swimming after them but paused when she heard the sound of
grinding stone above her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hm~?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Looking back, Drop noticed a door opening in the ceiling and
saw the first signs of a boulder ready to drop. A strained smile crossed her
face before she began swimming downwards after the others as fast as she could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Why is it another one</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> This part of us has almost been
flattened enough times already!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Drop’s teary-eyed complaints traveled well ahead of her down
the spiraling hall that was too steep to resist tumbling down it. As Maye had
more legs than the others she could put in a greater effort, her shoed hooves
offering her a modicum of grip as she tried to stomp footholds into the smooth
stone. Seeing her possessing some level of success, Squawk used his staff to
pole vault up and over her. In an impressive display for the usually unathletic
nāti, he managed to belly flop onto Maye’s horse half and jab his staff into
the stone floor offering the to of them further support. Chain liked what she
was seeing and as she tumbled past Squawk and Maye she returned her notebook to
her cape and sent her scabbard after it. With her sword exposed she snatched it
out of the air in a reverse grip and stabbed it into the stone. To her
surprise, the stone gave way easier than she expected and she tilted her head
curiously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That’s weird… I thought I could have broken my sword trying
that, but–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Why is everyone stopping</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> There’s another boulder coming!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain’s confusion was cut off by Drop’s cries and the growing
rumbling of the boulder that chased her. Squawk nigh exploded with rage but
managed to contain himself to simply yelling orders at Maye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“ENOUGH OF THIS‼ JUST SHOOT IT ALREADY YOU BRUTISH HORSE‼”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Honestly, why didn’t we think of that solution sooner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Pulling her rifle from her back, Maye popped open the
cylinder as she began an incantation of her own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“~ Through Lady Cardinal’s union I
beseech thee Father Icarus<br />
Let your flesh and your anger become as weapon waiting<br />
Let my will give it purpose and form<br />
Ambrosial Bullet! ~”</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The nature of magic upon the Face of Icarus was a peculiar
affair that left it as unreliable as it was reliable. All living things were
said to possess an Ambrosial Gate, a mystical connection to a plane of energy
known as Ambrosia. When an individual was trained in the opening of their Gates,
they would fill their bodies with the fuel of magic from Ambrosia called
Nectar. Chain was unique in that she opened a gate outside of her body, but the
most skilled of spell casters could expel Nectar from their bodies unshaped to
cast greater and greater spells. This was a necessity as well as the strength
of the spell was reliant on the amount of Nectar drawn through the gate and
limited by the vessel it filled. If the vessel was filled beyond capacity,
typically the spell caster’s own body, it would explode violently and to
spectacular effect. Maye was an amateur spell caster herself and thus filled
herself with the Nectar for her spell. But as a former nun her incantation was
more a prayer both to cast her spell and not be killed by it. The spell she did
cast though was one she practiced daily, and six bullets took form in her hand
that she slotted into the revolver cylinder of her rifle all at once. Snapping
the cylinder back into place, she pulled the hammer on her rifle and took aim
uphill past Drop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Six gunshots echoed through the steep spiral hall and soon a
flurry of shattered rock rolled down past Chain. Looking up at Squawk and Maye
in the rather awkward position they were in, Chain smiled brightly at them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That was amazing! You two hang out right there though while
I go see what’s up ahead! Come on Drop!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“WAIT! YOU’RE NOT ACTUALLY GOING TO LEAVE US IN THIS
EMBARRASSING POSITION ARE YOU</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> AND IN THE DARK NO LESS</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You’ll be fine Squawk! Just try to hold on for a little
while!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“THAT’S EASY FOR YOU TO SAY YOU IDIOT!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Laughing as she pulled her sword out of the floor, Chain
didn’t bother replying to Squawk as she slid down the spiral corridor to
whatever awaited at its end. Drop followed after her and provided some light
with the blue glow that emanated from her, but it was barely enough. As the
long hall came to an end it opened out into a massive empty cavern. There was
almost no ledge at all beyond the corridor before it gave way into the abyss
and Chain barely stabbed her sword into the ground in time to stop herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heh heh! That was a little too close.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It was. Fortunately–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Drop did not finish her comment as her and Chain both
suddenly heard a distressed cry coming down a corridor across the pit from
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Seriously</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Looking at each other as they didn’t recognize the man’s
voice, Chain and Drop made the decision to bolt for the doorway they heard the
voice come from. Chain was not about to leave Squawk and Maye to tumble to
their deaths however as she ran, and she let an incantation fall from her lips as
she snapped the fingers of her left hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“~ Motes of fire heed my call and
grant me your power<br />
Gather and gather becoming a crimson tide that burns all in your path<br />
By my will become a force of fury and wash all in our path to ash!<br />
Fireball! ~”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Putting a spin in her step as she ran, Chain hurled the soon
to be ball of fire back at the entrance she arrived from. Swelling to the
massive size of her last fireball, it vaporized the doorway and left a crater
in the structure that would prevent Squawk and Maye from falling out into the
pit beyond. The shape of the new crater still could easily break the centaur’s
legs, but Chain was more worried about the voice she heard from the distant
doorway. Snapping her fingers again she once more began to cast her fireball
spell. Sliding down onto her side as she reached the doorway, she spun about on
the ground and hurled her next fireball down the opening. In the same motion
she grabbed the arm of a man she couldn’t make out in the dark and stabbed her
sword into the ground to give herself an anchor. It was as much a spectacular
strain on Chain as it was a display of ability and she gritted her teeth with
the effort. The man she caught however was larger than she realized in the dark
and she could not keep him from going over the edge as he arced over her due to
the momentum her carried. She did not relinquish her grip on him or her sword
however, yet her sword cut through the strange stone and she was dragged all
the way to the edge herself. Fortunately for her though she was a Sa·B·er and
was able to summon the strength to stop herself and the man she caught. She was
also fortunate that her fireball spell vaporized the boulder that had been
chasing the man allowing her the luxury of trying to reset herself to better
pull him up. Her curiosity got the better of her though and she tried to spy
over the edge of the cliff to see who she had caught. Drop had it much easier
however as she could swim freely through the air to not only illuminate the man
Chain caught but see him up close and personal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Meanwhile, as Chain went about her business moving ahead of
Squawk and Maye while saving the mystery man, they had no way of knowing what
had transpired. The sudden explosion of her first fireball spell however told
them it was time to find out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“How would you prefer we go about this Master. I have no
desire to have you scream from being thrown from my back or trampled
underfoot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What absolutely wonderful sounding options you brutish
horse! Am I supposed to believe that you couldn’t possibly make it down this
blasted hall without either dislodging me or trampling me</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It’s not like that Master. Perhaps we could try a different
approach though…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What are you doing! Are you trying to dislodge me</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Preferably not until you are higher on this slop than me
Master.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“How could you be so disrespectful you uncouth horse!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Having to put up with Squawk’s screaming was bad enough, but
Maye did so while trying to turn around with four legs on an incline that a
centaur could never normally climb. The only way she managed at all was by
kicking the ground for all she was worth. Somehow, she managed to face forward
down the slope and shook Squawk off of her as she pushed off into a badly
controlled slide. She was still better off than Squawk was who rolled down the
slope screaming incoherently, and that turned out to both of their advantages
bar Squawk’s screaming. Being ahead of Squawk, Maye was able to focus on the
landing in the crater born of Chain’s fireball and catch Squawk by the collar
of his long coat as he caught up and nearly passed the centaur. Taking
advantage of Squawk not having caught his breath to scream yet, Maye stepped
through the still burning hole and immediately spotted the next burning hole
across the dark expanse. Frowning, she called out for Chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heretic, if you’re still alive it would be kind of you to
let us know!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“We</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> So Squawk is with you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“OF COURSE I’M WITH THIS SAVAGE HORSE YOU IDIOT‼ WHERE ELSE
WOULD I BE</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I don’t know, but I caught something fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Something? Seriously?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The man’s voice that rose up from where Chain lay out of
sight was unfamiliar to Squawk and Maye. Letting Squawk down, Maye exchanged a
look with him as he dusted himself off and straightened out his clothes. Once
he was ready the two of them carefully navigated the narrow ledge to join
Chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #41A2B1; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-28808666922874638972019-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-10T07:08:23.066-07:00113 A Journey's Beginning · 3<br />
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">he first
Lucifalz to appear was one that spanned over the sky and distorted the world in
incomprehensible ways before it vanished as mysteriously as it appeared.
Everyone alive on the Face of Icarus could recall the day it first appeared,
but for some it was merely yesterday, while others it was a tale from their
childhoods long past. Some who walked the Face of Icarus discovered that old
friends had seen many springs more than they had leading to a confusion of the
actual age. Making matters more convoluted, every community knew well the
Cardinal Church and blamed them and the Saint Cardinal, who unified the Sister
Goddesses and Father Icarus, for the appearance of the reality distorting trees
of Light. As Light was a necessity of the world however, more and more people
who turned their backs on the Cardinal Church sought Light not from Cardinal,
but from Vaerseal, the Spirit Lord of the Sun. Spirits themselves however were
taboo knowledge before the appearance of the Lucifalz, yet near common
knowledge after. The Chainmaid and her companions all sought out the spirits of
the world for their own reasons and found their search for the spirits and the
truth of the world leading them to the ancient prison Pit Gaol</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">A Journey’s
Beginning · 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Pit Gaol ~
Exterior</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;"><br />
Late Autumn ~ Afternoon, mostly sunny, breezy and cool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The earth split apart into bottomless crags</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
Emerging from an X shaped scar in the face of Icarus, a monolithic structure</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "segoe ui historic" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
The stone structure was not hewn by the hands of modern man or the ancients <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Wrapped in the symbols of a language unknown, it resembled nothing of the
gunslinging world<br />
From atop a ridge, the Chainmaid and her party surveyed the structure </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So, what do you think; does it look like an Ambrosial
Mirage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Presenting the question to her companions, Chain pulled the
reins of her horse so that it might turn parallel to the ledge she looked over.
Stepping up behind Chain’s horse, Maye also turned her flank to the ledge so
that Squawk might get a better view. Naturally he harrumphed at the sight of
the structure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Even if it were, I doubt you’d ignore it. But built into
that gorge like that… Hmph! If the Mirage were to fail…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yet we don’t hear any whispers, so there isn’t a Lucifalz
present.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain’s ability to hear a Lucifalz as though it was
whispering with the voices of countless souls, her own included, was a fact
taken for granted by Squawk and Maye. Drop’s comment on the absence of the
whispers though spoke volumes about the peculiar structure and Maye flicked her
tail as she considered the implications.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That makes this setup even more unsettling then. Why is it
that no one has found this place before now? Just the nature of the symbols
upon its walls should be drawing scholars from all over the Face of Icarus.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Like you Maye?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Beaming brightly, Chain turned an expectant look onto Maye.
The centaur maid knew she was outed and looked up and away from Chain as her
cheeks reddened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Well, yes, I’m obviously curious, but…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“There could be any reason for this structure’s lack of
attention you paranoid horse. Have you forgotten, that even though people seem
unbothered by the presence of spirits that knowledge of them was snuffed out by
the Cardinal Church?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I have not forgotten Master. As a former Sister and teacher
of the path of her Eminence it shames me that instead of facing the existence
of spirits and guiding the people properly to the Sister Goddesses and Father Icarus,
we simply erased knowledge of their existence.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So that makes this place perfect! We just might learn a lot
here, though we should be careful…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain’s good cheer grew tempered with caution as her cape
flared to life and she reached into it. After a moment of rummaging she
extracted a sheaf of papers and shook them out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“While we were in town yesterday, I picked up a bunch of
wanted posters. It looks like there are a bunch of bandits in the area and they
could be using this place as their hideout.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It would explain why no one has discovered it until recently
despite this terrain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rubbing her chin thoughtfully, Maye began to pace as she
studied the structure in the gorge. Squawk grew annoyed and cleared his throat
loudly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I would prefer you don’t so causally forget me you
absentminded horse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“My apologies Master, it’s just–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You want to go down there as badly as I do, right</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Cutting Maye off, Chain turned a sparkling eyed smile onto
her. Anticipation was rolling off of her in waves and Maye could not help but
feel taken aback. Squawk however sighed heavily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You two are absolutely hopeless. There’s no point in
deliberating over it any longer, we might as well head down and give it a
closer look.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Having safely made it to the base of one of three rope bridges
leading to the ruin, Squawk dismounted from Maye’s horse half and went about
studying the path that would take them to the ruins. Chain meanwhile pulled a
small leather-bound book alongside a pencil from her cape and began sketching
within her book. With Squawk investigating the bridge, Maye pulled her revolver
style rifle from her back and began searching for signs of life more dangerous
than the sparse vegetation growing between the rocks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“W~o~w! These symbols really are nothing like I’ve ever seen
before. I don’t even know where to start trying to understand them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That ignorance of yours is not reassuring. Neither is this
bridge.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Is it not crossable Master?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Maye looked curiously at Squawk as he straitened up and
dusted himself off. Looking out over the bridge to the tower that extended up
out of the gorge, he crossed his arms irritably.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I have little doubt that we can cross it with ease actually.
The bridge itself is strong with the blessings of Lady Atheaeldre and not one part
of the bridge is made from anything but plants.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hmm? But Atheaeldre is one of the Sister Goddesses, isn’t
she? Why would her magic be on a bridge leading out to a prison for a spirit?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I know you’re an idiot, but even you should be able to
figure it out!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Squawk threw his arms up in disbelief as Chain tilted her
head trying to piece together the information she was presented with. It was a
trying task for her as her thoughts, emotions, and memories were a shattered
mess that typically required a great deal of concentration to put together into
anything useful. She had her moments of clarity, but typically didn’t worry
herself with the problems presented to her by her shattered mind. In this case
she had to and was fortunate that Drop was not just a tiny mermaid who shared
her appearance, but was an extension of herself that was normally better able
to put her thoughts together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Well, earth magic is held in place by flora magic, and is typically
drained of its strength by flora magic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And as Master and I were talking about earlier, the Cardinal
Church considers spirits to be taboo. I do hope you have not already forgotten
my reactions to you when we first met she-devil.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Oh no, of course not. You treated us as less then human and
refused to be welcoming in the least despite Cardinal unifying everyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Maye’s face twisted with embarrassment as Drop casually
brought up how she was treated in Chain’s first meeting with the now former
nun. Amused as Drop was by Maye’s discomfort, there was something else
bothering her and she swam through the air over to Squawk to look out at the ruins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“But it is weird. We do not hear the song of the Earthen
Children of Icarus at all. It seems unnatural to think that Lady Atheaeldre would
so strip a place of earth of its life. The song of earth may answer to the song
of flora, but it will wither if the song of earth is not present.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then there just might be something special here</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Jumping off her horse, Chain returned her book to her cape.
Joining Squawk and Drop at the bridge, she tested the support for its strength
with a finger before tying her horse’s reins to it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“In that case what are we waiting for? lets’ go discover
something amazing before someone else beats us to it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Skipping out onto the bridge, Chain spun about before waving
at Squawk and Maye to follow. Drop was already in pursuit and Squawk threw his
hands up in frustration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You’re not going to give me any other choice you idiot, so
why not</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Storming out onto the bridge, Squawk unintentionally
demonstrated its stability for Maye. She was still not certain about the wisdom
of entering the ruin, eyeing another of two more bridges she could see from
their current position. It was swaying and though it was too far away to be
certain, the moss that grew on the ropes seemed more disturbed than the bridge
Chain and Squawk were crossing ahead of her. Frowning, she returned her rifle
to her back and made her way past Chain’s horse and onto the bridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The rope bride, though astoundingly stable, was also
astoundingly long, hanging freely over a bottomless gorge that even midday
light did not reach the bottom of. A fall from such a place would be certain
death with none the wiser to the unfortunate soul’s demise. Naturally, as the
bridge suddenly snapped in two as Maye passed the midway point, her, Chain, and
Squawk all suddenly cried out in horrified surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Everyone! Hold on!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain’s following cry seemed all but obvious, but for the quadruped
centaur that was a task much easier said than done. If not for the strength
granted to her by the Foreigner infection that made her a Sa·B·er, Maye would
have never possessed the strength to hold her horse half up by her arms alone.
Chain could do nothing to assist her while the bride was in freefall and had to
stay patient as it began arcing towards the side of the ruin. As the bridge collided
with the ruin from the end down, she released the railing and fell past Squawk.
In an impressive display of strength, balance, and madness, she turned herself
perpendicular to the wall and began running down the bridge as it met the ruin’s
side. With each step she attempted to kick the resulting snap back of the bridge
down to an intensity that Maye could handle, but not knowing if her efforts
would be enough she snapped the fingers of her left hand giving rise to a
distinctive ringing sound. Forced to go as slow as she could as she effectively
fell freely into the gorge, Chain began an incantation to shape the sphere of light
that formed in her left palm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“~ Motes of fire heed my call and grant
me your power<br />
Gather and gather becoming a crimson tide that burns all in your path<br />
By my will become a force of fury and wash all in our path to ash!<br />
Fireball! ~”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">In response to Chain’s incantation, the sphere of light took on
a violent red light and swelled like molten glass. Bringing her arm back to
throw it, in a spectacular display of acrobatics and strength, Chain leapt out
from the wall. Hurling the orb of magic, that instantly swelled into a massive
ball of fire large enough to reach the ceiling of a two story saloon, so that
it flew past Maye and bored into the side of the ruin, Chain proceeded to grab
Maye’s hand as she reached out for her. Using Maye as pivot point in her
impossible display of acrobatics, Chain managed to hurl herself and Maye into the
still flaming hole in the side of the ruin caused by her spell. Behind her she
heard the snap of the of the rope bridge as the recoil finished traveling
through as well as Squawk’s expected scream. Pretty much throwing Maye behind
her as she pivoted back towards the outside of the ruin, Chain reached out just
in time to catch Squawk with both hands by the wrist. Offering him a bright
eyed smile in contrast to his seething scowl, Chain made light of the near
death experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heh heh! That was fun!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“ARE YOU ABSOLUTELY MAD YOU IDIOT‼”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heh heh!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain couldn’t help but laugh as it was blatant how much
Squawk wanted to yell louder. Showing tremendous restraint, he only yelled loud
enough to make his point clear and not risk destabilizing the ruin. Despite his
best efforts though, the ruin began to collapse inward regardless as Drop
finally swam down from where she was left behind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Is everyone alri–</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> Oh, no~!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The wall that Chain made an impromptu entrance into the ruin
out of suddenly gave as Drop neared it. In a desperate bid to not be left
behind outside, Drop grabbed hold of Squawk’s long coat as it flapped past her
as the others fell into the ruin. Fortunate or not to grab hold, she was pulled
along with the others into the unplanned start of their expedition into Pit Gaol.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-11872968271119134592019-10-08T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-09T05:33:31.685-07:00112 A Journey's Beginning · 2<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">A Journey’s Beginning · 2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">he shout of
the nāti youth was powerful enough to stun the entire town into silence and
absolutely no one moved. That was until the sheriff piloted his Dolmen into a
better position to look down at the Chainmaid from across the tracks. With a
bit of hesitation, he used the external speakers of the mech to address her.</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">- E-e-excuse me, you in the chainmail. If you are in fact who
the bounty hunters here suspect, could I ask you to move away from the
buildings and towards the center of Main Street? -</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Looking past the nāti and centaur, the Chainmaid inquired
curiously of the sheriff as she popped another piece of bread into her mouth.
The sheriff seemed unsure of how to answer that question at first but managed
to put together a response eventually.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">- To put it simply, while out here on the edge of the Arm we
may not support the Cardinal Church, we also don’t stand against them. Thus, we
respect the desire of those seeking the bounty put on your head by the Cardinal
Church to actively pursue it. That is as long as they do not endanger the
citizens of our simple town. The moment anyone endangers our citizens they will
be considered an outlaw who we will place a bounty on that will be respected by
nigh every community in the Arm. -</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Listening to the sheriff explain, the Chainmaid scratched at
her cheek absentmindedly. Turning her gaze onto the bounty hunters that had
gathered in the tiny town, there was no doubt every single one of them had
murderous intent in their eyes. This particularly bothered her, so she
presented another question to the sheriff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I think I get it. If I stay here I’m endangering the
citizens by tempting one of these bounty hunters to run out patience and attack
me without thinking of the consequences. Is that about right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">- That is correct Chainmaid. -</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Okay, just wanted to make sure. Just one more thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">- What would that be? And be quick before I charge you with
endangering the citizens. –</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Well, since you don’t support or stand against the church,
am I free to defend myself?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">- As long as you do not endanger the citizens. -</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Are any of the bounty hunters here from this town?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">- No, not one of ‘em. -</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So you don’t care if I end up killing any of them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><i>- At this point, as long as you step away from the inn I
don’t care what you do to them! -</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A joyous smile spread across the Chainmaid’s face and she
happily acknowledged that statement. Turning her attention to the nāti and
centaur, the Chainmaid offered her bag of bread to the centaur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Alright, I’ll be right back. Oh, before I go, is it okay if
I use magic Drop? I need the practice one way or another.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It should be alright for us to cast. We should rely only on
the song of the spirits of earth and fire though so as not to risk making the
elemental imbalance in us worse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So, then I can cast earth and fire magic? That should be
enough.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Simplifying the answer of the spirit named Drop, the
Chainmaid strolled out into the dirt road that served as the main street of the
small town. As she walked away, the nāti yelled after her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Try not to waste anymore time than you already have you
idiot! And if you think you might actually die here at least dump our supplies
before you do! The horse and I have no desire to be left stranded here because
of your idiocy!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Don’t worry Squawk, I’ll be fine. Not a single one of these
talking monsters is even a Sa·B·er so they shouldn’t even be a challenge. And
even if I do mess up, I doubt the Beast would let me die so easily.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“We wish we would not talk about the Beast so carelessly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Drop smiled uncomfortably as the Chainmaid assured the nāti,
Squawk, that she would be fine. Her casual disregard of the bounty hunters did
not sit well with the wolfman who lead them and he strode out from the train
station to meet the Chainmaid. Coming face to face, or face to chest
considering the Chainmaid’s height, the wolfman bounty hunter met the her in
the center of the T-intersection of the town’s main road. Baring his teeth at
the blank faced maid before him who was barely more than a girl, he pushed back
his duster revealing the revolver holstered on his side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You may be a Sa·B·er little maidling–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Maidling?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Tilting her head as she questioned the wolfman’s choice of
words, the Chainmaid interrupted him making him even angrier. His lips flared
back as he snarled at the Chainmaid in continuation of what he was trying to
say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That’s right, maidling! You may be a Sa·b·er an nary a hair
more than a girl, but even a Sa·B·er has their limits. And a waif like you who
doesn’t deserve to be called a maid–“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Did you just call me a waif?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The Chainmaid interrupted the wolfman again, but this time
her naïve cheer was nowhere to be seen. A shadow came over her face as she
spoke, and her left hand curled into a fist. The wolfman had no idea what it
was he had done and did not care either. Squawk, and the centaur, whose name
though yet spoken by her companions was Maye, both knew fully better. The
strained smile that Drop donned told them all they needed to know and Squawk
suddenly grabbed his staff and mounted Maye like a horse despite her not being
large enough to hold an adult reasonably, even with Squawk being shorter,
though far stockier than the Chainmaid. Naturally Maye was surprised, but she
was significantly more perturbed than anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Master! I wish you would not leap on me so casually!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You know full well what’s about to happen and staying is no
longer a good idea! Now grab the tiny double of the idiot and get us out of
here before you give me a reason to yell!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“No need to threaten me Master.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Pulling a small sack from her jacket, Maye scooped Drop out
of the air and cinched the bag shut as she galloped down the main leg of Main
Street for the gate in the town wall. Behind her the wolfman was in the middle
of finishing his clarification of what he called Chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That’s right, a waif! Just look at yourself maidling.
Putting a bosom and hips on a stick like you is nothing but a waste.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So, you are talking about my figure… That was your last
mistake…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Her threat was spoken with a ruthless chill, a stream of
Darkness erupted from the Chainmaid’s shoulder blades. The wolfman’s eyes
widened at the sight and he reached for his revolver as the snipers scattered
about the rooftops opened fire. Squawk and Maye did not see what happened next
as the centaur demonstrated the controlled strength of monsters possessed by a
Sa·B·er and leapt clear over the wall and gate that the sheriff’s mech could
crouch in cover behind. The posted guards watched in awe and were themselves
distracted from the explosions that suddenly tore through town. Maye and Squawk
did not look back as they landed beyond the wall and sprinted out into the
waiting desert wastes opposite the plateau. In their wake screams of terror
accompanied several more explosions and the anguished cries of the sheriff over
his Dolmen’s external speakers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">- No! What are you doing</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> The town! The people! Don’t make
me–! -</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A short while after the last of the explosions and screams
had died down, Maye and Squawk, who still sat astride the centaur’s horse half,
spotted the Chainmaid heading in their direction upon a chestnut hued horse.
The Darkness that had been streaming from her back was gone and only her
sheathed sword resided there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You can let Drop out now. I’m done with those jerks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And did you leave any of them alive, heretic?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Undoing the bag that held Drop as she fell into stride
alongside the Chainmaid’s mount, Maye presented a question she felt had an
obvious answer. The pout that the Chainmaid donned in response though as Drop
swam into her hair told a different story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And risk having to use my own funds to pay for everything.
Of course not. I didn’t kill a single one of them. I did tell them though that
if they didn’t pay for the damages to town I would kill them all and take the
money off their corpses. And considering I cut the hand off of the sheriff’s
Dolmen that should leave them without any money to try following us. That, and
if anyone does meet them trying to chase after me, they can tell them what
happens if you talk about my figure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I see your priorities are as skewed as ever.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“There’s nothing skewed about my priorities in the least! My
figure is simply off limits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Putting on a massive pout, the Chainmaid elicited a sigh from
Maye as she pressed her fingers into her forehead. Squawk however was more
interested in other matters and moved to bring attention to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Returning this idiocy back to the mindless drivel pursuing
you, where exactly are we heading? And I do hope you haven’t just run out of
town without a destination in mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“No reason to worry Squawk. My thoughts may never be all together,
but there’s no way I’m going to pass up an opportunity at an adventure. You two
will never believe what I heard in the Adventure’s Hall!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The Chainmaid’s good cheer set Squawk and Maye ill at ease and
the centaur looked back over her shoulder at the nāti upon her back. The
Chainmaid, or Chain at her title’s simplest, having seen only fifteen springs had
already built quite a reputation to have a bounty on her head, and only added
to it with her temper tantrum in town. It seemed all too likely that the tales
of a dragon in the region would lure a young maid like her who sought to become
a legend. The apprehension that Squawk and Maye felt was plain enough on their
faces and Chain pouted with disappointed annoyance seeing their expressions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I don’t know what you two think I’m thinking, but I doubt it’s
anything near as bad as you think.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Releasing the reins of her horse, Chain guided it with her
legs alone as she focused on the stream of Darkness that gushed out of her
shoulder blades. With but a thought the Darkness suddenly fell down as a sheer cape
with a tattered hem. Sticking her hand into it, Chain rummaged around for a bit
until she pulled out a map on a folded piece of paper. As she unfolded it, Maye
moved as close beside Chain’s horse as she dared so that she and Squawk could
get a better look at the map. Jabbing her finger into the map, Chain highlighted
a drawing about equal distance from the plateau behind them and a town in a
forested region west of the desert they were riding into.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“This ruin right here. It was only discovered recently,
supposedly, but there are signs of it being a temple to a spirit. The Scholar
of Vaerseal in the Adventurer’s Hall disagreed with it being a temple though
and said in this part of the world it’s more likely a prison for the greater spirit,
Pit the Glutton.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’m not fond of heeding the advice of heretics–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And considering its recent appearance there is always the
risk of it being an Ambrosial Mirage caused by a Lucifalz.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Maye and Squawk were quick to offer concerns about Chain’s
choice of destination, but neither of them seemed to hold the dread they had
before Chain took out her map. Smiling brightly, Chain put it back into her
cape, which disappeared like a blown-out candle, and retook the reins of her
horse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Well, it works out no matter what way we look at it. I get
to go on an adventure and maybe learn a bit more about an ancient spirit which could
help me learn where to look for wind and flora spirits, and maybe even Light
and Darkness spirits. On top of that, if it is a real ruin then maybe we can
learn more about what the Lucifalz have done to the world. Or if there is a
Lucifalz, then Maye can do what she was doing before she started traveling with
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“If you do not simply feed it to the Foreigner infection I
worry you do not control, heretic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“No need to worry Maye, I’m in total control and the Beast
doesn’t have a reason to act up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hmph, lets hope it stays that way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Expressing his doubt of Chain’s control of the monster that
infected her resulting in her being a Sa·B·er, Squawk offered a mighty
harrumph. He then proceeded to kick his heels into Maye’s flanks causing the centaur
to jump.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Master</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> Please do not treat me like a common horse! If you wanted me
to up my pace you needed simply ask!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heh heh! Much as I’d love to go all out to get there, it’s
still a full day’s ride into the desert from here. So instead, lets just enjoy
the adventure! Come on! Let’s go!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Acting in complete hypocrisy to her statements, Chain whipped
the reins of her horse and kicked its flanks urging it forward into the desert.
Already urged forward by Squawk, Maye simply sighed and matched stride with
Chain’s mount as they headed deeper into the desert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-12752959580514920262019-10-07T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-08T06:14:36.150-07:00111 A Journey's Beginning · 1<br />
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">T<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">he ringed
world of Icarus, it’s scarred surface watched over by two moons and ancient,
derelict cities drifting with the clouds encased in silver ovoids taller than
mountains. The cities belonged to a believed long gone race known as the
Foreigners, yet their legacy razed the Face of Icarus time after time again
never allowing mankind to reach beyond a magically fueled steam age. What hints
of greater technology there were was salvaged from the ancients who once fought
the Foreigners as equals in technology, but were felled by the dark god
Lucifalz. In the current age the name Lucifalz was attached to trees of Light
that sporadically showed up in the most unexpected of places distorting the
world around them. They were the source of the peoples’ loss of faith in the
dominant religion and also the main source of work of those who still served
the Cardinal Church. Distrusted as the Cardinal Church had become, they were
still the only ones who could with regular success save those infected by the
monsters born of Foreigner cities from becoming monsters themselves. These
saved men and women would go on to be tasked with defending the world from
monsters and would be known as Sa·B·ers. In their new lives they would wander
the Face of Icarus becoming mercenaries and adventurers both to give their life
more meaning than that of living weapons. One particular trio of adventuring
Sa·B·ers was trying to fulfill their individual desires, grouped together by
their overlapping needs.</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">A Journey’s Beginning · 1</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 120%;">A small town born around
a train rest stop in the shadow of a desert plateau</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">
Late Autumn ~ Approaching noon, mostly sunny, breezy and cool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A n</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">ā</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">ti, a human covered in tough
wiry fur with long ears and a lip protecting beak</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
A centaur, a human with the body and legs of a horse from the waist down</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "segoe ui historic" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
A spirit in the form of a mermaid, a human with a fish tail instead of legs <br />
A bar built into the exterior wall of an inn facing the local train station<br />
Stories and drinks shared and listened in on…</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The three who shared an end of the bar had their backs turned
to the dirt main road for the most part. The centaur maid with a strawberry
shoal coat and blond hair tied into a ponytail could not use the barstools and
stood with her side against the bar. The spirit was only twice the length of a
person’s thumb and swam about through the air excitedly. The young nāti man
with dark fur, eyes, and beak however at least managed to turn his back to the
main road and train station but seemed to be in a foul temper regardless.
Dressed in leather boots over jeans with a shirt and waistcoat all under a
green long coat, he seemed more important in the group than the others. The staff
leaning against the bar beside him made him appear under armed compared to the
rifle on the back of the ruddy skinned centaur who was dressed in a red denim
jacket over a white button up shirt. The spirit appeared the most harmless in
her nakedness, but her magical nature assured she was probably the most
dangerous. To the bartender though, they looked like a group of adventurers and
that meant a chance to maybe deal in more than drink and spirits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I didn’t happen to see you three get off the train. Might
there be a tale or two that has drawn you out to these parts?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Perhaps Master Bartender, or perhaps we are keeping our ears
out for just that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The centaur maid turned her reddish brown eyes onto the
bartender and he became aware for the first time that her ears tapered into
points and that from the right side of her head a horn about half the length of
her forearm grew out to a downward tapered point. A horn of that ilk was
unnatural for a centaur and it became apparent that she was a Sa·B·er. Before
the bartender could say more however the young nāti man threw his arms up
before slamming them onto the bar. With a fury in his dark eyes, he turned a
glare onto the centaur and pushed himself up as he berated her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Master</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> Master</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> Can you not stop yourself from addressing everyone you meet
as master</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“Forgive me Master, but I did
spend nearly a decade as a sister of the Cardinal Church. Such habits born of
my time in Service to Her Eminence are hard to be rid of.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“Wait! Did you just say that you
used to be a nun?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“She did. The both of them are
Sa·B·ers and adventurers now though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">The bartender’s interruption was
the result of their surprise, but the cheerful voice of the mermaid answering
him surprised him just as much. Almost forgetting what had startled him so from
the others, the bartender turned their eyes onto the tiny spirit. She had fair,
light skin under a mane of long brown hair with the messiest of bangs that
failed to hide her massive sea gem green eyes. Her fish half shared the color
of her eyes and she spun about in a circle under the bartender’s muddled
expression of numerous emotions. The naïve smile she offered him helped him
sort out his emotions and he found his way back to the terror that had come
from his surprise initially.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“Sa·B·ers and adventurers, and a
former nun amongst you…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“Don’t be so undiscerning you
slack jawed fool, both of us are former members of the Cardinal Church! Though
as a former Pilgrim of Lady Ateaeldre, I still believe in restoring her gift of
life to the Face of Icarus.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“What horrible timing, what
absolutely horrible timing…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“Is there something we should
know about Master Bartender?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Though it earned her a foul look
from the nāti, the centaur again addressed the bartender with the title
‘Master’. The bartender was not concerned for the title one way or another as
they were more in disbelief of the centaur’s apparent ignorance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“You’ve got to be pulling my leg.
When I saw you were Sa·B·ers I thought maybe you were here on your way for
Crone’s Peak to join the Red Army in their dragon hunt. But when you said you
were with the Cardinal Church…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“How about you try not to trail
off and actually say what’s on your mind. Though at this point I doubt I need you
too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">A mighty harrumph escaped the nāti
as he pulled himself away from the bar and eyed the patrons of the bar who were
leaning on the wood rail of the accompanying wooden boardwalk that linked the buildings
on one side of the main street. They all seemed to be eying the actions of
townsfolk who were seeking shelter within saloon doored business. All around
the T-road town deadbolts were being thrown and windows and shutters pulled shut.
Snipers took up positions on roof tops with bolt action rifles while numerous
men and maids both took up hiding spots armed with revolvers and any number of
knives, swords and other melee weaponry. Every single one of them were obviously
bounty hunters and there was an apprehension that filled the air as they waited
for their target to appear. Then the shrill whistle of the train sounded as the
steam engine began to pull out of the train station with its cargo in tow. The train’s
whistle deafened the slamming of the roll down aluminum shutters of the bar,
but the nāti youth was more distracted by the twenty five meter tall, potbellied,
machine in the shape of an adult man who was made of mechanized armor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“Pah! Is that a Dolmen</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"> A bit
much if you ask me, or wait…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Narrowing his eyes, the nāti
spied gleaming on the left breast of the piloted humanoid machine known as a
Dolmen, a sheriff’s star. His arms flew up in disbelief when he realized that the
mech belonged to the local law enforcement and he turned around to exclaim his
thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Do you see that</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> This backwater excuse for a town
actually has a Dolmen, and the model used by the Cardinal Church! How far we have
traveled from friendly lands!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Do you think she’ll be alright Master?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Stepping away from the shuttered bar, the centaur maid eyed the
various bounty hunters who seemed to overflow the town. Armed to the teeth and
waiting for the opportunity when they could strike, it seemed as though they
were anticipating taking on a one-man army. Out of all the men and maids waiting
for their target, a man of the chimeric races, which included centaurs, who had
a wolf’s head which he wore a cattleman hat upon and a duster over his
traveling clothes was looking at a pocket watch. Tilting his hat back, he spied
up at the midday sun and then double checked his watch. With a sudden shout, he
called out to all of the other bounty hunters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Everyone get ready! It’s nigh high noon and that means the
Adventurer’s Hall will be dismissing for lunch. The snipers will pick her off
when she comes out and–!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">- Hold it you damn bounty man! I won’t have you people
shooting into a crowd of people and causing a panic! –<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The wolfman was cut off by the external speakers of the Dolmen
as it stood up and the sheriff interrupted none too pleased by what he was
hearing. Running his hand down his snout, the wolfman tried again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Right! Change of plans! The snipers won’t shoot her when she
comes out, everyone will instead fire their sidearms into the air to–!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">- And let bullets rain down on the town</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> -</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Again, the sheriff interrupted and made the wolfman run his
hand down his face. Not surprisingly the waiting bounty hunters were growing
impatient as noon was nearly upon them and no one seemed to have a plan yet.
Sensing the malcontent of his fellows and knowing he was out of time, the wolfman
shouted out his final attempt as the bells of the church that now served as the
Adventurer Hall began to toll for noon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I DON’T CARE ANY MORE‼ JUST WING IT AND DON’T MESS UP OR
RILE UP THE SHERIFF‼”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A cheer rose up from the bounty hunters followed by the centaur
maid who joined the nāti youth and spirit at the now closed bar at the inn sighing
as she pressed her fingers into her forehead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“These people astound me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Really? They don’t seem very special to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Behind the centaur maid, the spirit’s voice seemed unimpressed.
Though it was obviously the same voice as the spirit, it most assuredly did not
belong to the spirit as the voice became muffled with food shoved into the mouth
from which it originated from. Stunned, both the nāti and the centaur who
called him master turned around slowly to see where it had originated from.
Sure enough, it was not the spirit who spoke, but rather a human, or icaran as
classical humans were known as on Icarus, who could have passed for her double.
She obviously was too large to be as she was an icaran maid of some fifteen
springs and while not short, was definitely not tall but otherwise properly
human sized. She was shoving bread in her mouth from a paper bag and had a
cruciform sword slung over her shoulder by the scabbard strap. Despite her age
she was agreeably endowed and had curves in all of the right places but was too
thin to make any use of them. Of course, her figure was on display for all to
see as it was as she wore nothing save a suit of chainmail that near fit her
like her own skin from her jaw down until it reached her hips and became more
like well fitted tights. Her appearance on the wooden sidewalk of conjoined
patios though did not go unnoticed and nearly every bounty hunter in the city
shouted out at once.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“There she is! The Chainmaid!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“She’s by the station!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Get her!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">For all of their shouting though, only the shout of the nāti
youth mattered as it rose up in rage and shook the whole town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“YOU COLOSSAL IDIOT‼ DID IT EVEN OCCUR TO YOU THAT YOU
HAVE A BOUNTY ON YOUR HEAD??!!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-52661518677464972362019-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-07T05:56:11.098-07:00110 Chapel Days · Scene 28<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 28 · Departure <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~
Exterior ~ Airship Dock<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~
Morning, mostly sunny, breezy and warm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bustling nuns intermingling with airship crewmen<br />
Three groups of guests gathering for ventures ahead</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "segoe ui historic" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
Three Sa·B·ers ready to face a future uncertain <br />
Partings and prayers for those on their way<br />
A final surprise for a future yet walked</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">“O<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">h, I’m quite
sorry your holiness, but I must have forgotten to mention at some point that Soarmont’s
Adventuring Company chartered sole occupancy of this ship for leaving this
meeting with the Cardinal Church.”</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">There was nothing Verdant could do to hide the twitch in his
eye as Buck winked at him with a sly smile. The two men had been striding
beside each other towards the gangplank but came across an unexpected
checkpoint set up by the crew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I probably should have mentioned that sooner, but I was in
the midst of business you see. I’m sure you’ll forgive me for letting it slip
my mind. You’ll forgive me at least won’t you good scholar.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Leaving Verdant to fume, Buck turned his attention to Mosvei
and the other scholars of Vaerseal who accompanied him. Surprisingly, Mosvei
seemed legitimately bothered by the affair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I must admit I was not expecting to have to resume our
journey across the scarred Face of Icarus on foot. Perhaps I should have
realized sooner however. I can only blame myself for being enthralled with the
Chainmaid in the end though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“She’s a fine maid despite her youth. I’m looking forward to
the tales of her exploits to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I suppose we’ll have to as well, won’t we brother?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Listening in on where he observed the happenings from within
the gathered crowds, Lute smiled exasperatedly as Verdant picked him and Pan
out with a cold glare. Pan took it better on a whole than Lute, but there was
perhaps a crack in his cool and professional demeanor as he spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“As we have yet to return her to our client’s possession…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I suppose that’s true, but really, the challenge of this job
grows more impressive by the day. It almost makes me want to wait for her to
grow a little more just to make it worth it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And do you believe that she will amount to anything Lute?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“She’s already managed quite a bit since she first slipped
out from our grasp. Besides, you’ve already decided as much yourself, haven’t
you brother?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Pan’s lips and
Lute smiled far broader knowing he read his brother well. Together they both turned
to look back towards the entrance to the Chapel from the airship dock and
spotted Chain. She was joined by Maye and Squawk as the three of them bid
farewell to the nuns. Out of the nuns, Finch in particular was teary-eyed and
hugging the stub nose revolver that she always carried with her. Her weepiness
was put on hold however as she noticed Chain look away unaware that the Sa·B·er
had spied Lute waving at her as the Mouser Brothers returned indoors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Miss Chain! You’re not taking this seriously enough!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Ah! Sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain’s blank expression became a wide apologetic smile as
she returned her attention to Finch. Squawk took it as an opportunity to jab at
Chain and did not waste it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hmph. You shouldn’t expect this idiot to take it seriously.
If you haven’t noticed, there are two of her and even between them they can
barely manage a focused train of thought.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Master, please. Finch is upset enough that we’re leaving but
you shouldn’t give her reason to worry more than she already is.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Why do I feel like I’m being insulted?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“This part of us believes it is because we are.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Drop’s observation did little more than compound Chain’s
dismay at her treatment by Maye and Squawk. Naturally, she complained about it
with a pout.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hrm~! Why do you two have to be so mean to me</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Because you’re an idiot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Because you’re a heretic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Eh~</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain stared in disbelief at Maye and Squawk’s synchronized
insult of her. As shocked as she was Finch managed to laugh at how well the
three of them seemed to get along. Still, she felt for Chain and offered Chain
a path to at least get along better with Maye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You know Miss Chain, Maye may be a nun, but she loves guns,
especially revolvers. If you were to get one and get her to teach you how to
use it I’m sure she’d open up to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Finch! Please!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The redness in Maye’s face earned a snicker from Finch who
teased her just a little more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“But it’d help remind you that you’re a teacher too, wouldn’t
it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Honestly Finch, for this journey I am the student in search
of the truth of the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Growing haughtier, but still failing to prevent her face from
being so blatantly red, Maye tried to maintain some sense of respectability.
Chain smiled brightly at the friendship between the two but still had to speak
for herself. To emphasize her point, Chain summoned her cape and her sword
which she took in hand by the strap over her shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Not that I care for guns anyway. They’re useless against
most monsters and I still prefer my sword.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You haven’t seen what I’ve been practicing heretic, as such
I refuse to let you slander firearms until then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Oh~! Really~?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Would you two idiots put an end to this already! We’re being
waved over to depart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Ever the harsh voice of reason, Squawk brought Chain and
Maye’s attention to the waving crewmen from the outer railing of the lesser
hull against the dock. The two of them nearly panicked and spun back around to
bid Finch a final goodbye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Sorry, but we’ve got to go!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Take care of yourself Finch and know that I do intend on
returning one day. I don’t know when, but I hope to see you and everyone aboard
the Chapel alive and well when next we meet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Get a move on you long winded horse!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’m coming Master!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Turning back from yelling her compliance to Squawk who was
already in pursuit of Chain and Drop, Maye took one of Finch’s hands in both of
hers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Until we meet again Finch, take care.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Not giving Finch the time to respond, Maye pulled away and
galloped after Chain and Squawk. Finch realized what was happening and gasped
before chasing after Maye. For all of her engineering genius and maturity
instilled in her as a nun of the Chapel, she was still only ten and the adult
she perceived as closest to a parent was leaving her. Panic settled in and she
fought past the other nuns, but by the time she reached where the gangplank had
been lowered, the airship was already moving away from the Chapel. Still she
squeezed shut her eyes and cried out as loud as she could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Maye~! Take care of yourself, please! I want you to come home
too!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“DON’T WORRY, I’LL TAKE CARE OF HER‼”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Waving with a huge smile on her face, Chain assured Finch
that Maye would be fine with her. Finch could only watch Chain waving for so
long however as the airship quickly ascended into the sky. As it cleared the
top of the Chapel, the mighty mobile fortress started up operations again and
began to head out on its own continuing journey’s for which Finch would be an
integral part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Well above the Chapel, Chain watched it shrink as the airship
continued to ascend. Watching the steam that rose from it as it began moving
across the Face of Icarus widened her smile. But it was as she turned away that
massive eyes shimmered and Drop asked her question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then it is time for our next adventure?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yup! Let’s go!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Running along the exterior walkways of the airship, Chain and
Drop made their way to the ship’s bow and Chain’s eyes widened even more as her
mouth fell open in smiling amazement. Before her the world awaited and all the
adventures she sought were in her reach. She was at last headed out to become
legend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #41A2B1; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Chain’s
adventures will continue…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-84201828508376771172019-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-04T06:14:41.935-07:00109 Chapel Days · Scene 27<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 27 · Path B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">“H<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">mph! I’m
afraid you’re wasting your breath. This idiot’s been unbalanced for as long as
I’ve known her. She could have been a brilliant engineering craftsman–” </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And been long dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Squawk’s jaw fell at the audacity that Chain displayed by
interrupting him, but he could not argue her point. She was not so confident
that Squawk felt that way though and made sure to emphasize her stance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I may not be able to put my memories in order, or keep a
hold of them properly, but I clearly remember watching that Foreigner city fall
out of the sky onto the village. If I hadn’t trained to be an adventurer, I’d
be dead so many times over now. Even then, I’d probably be dead anyway without
the help of the people I’ve met since then, so I’ll listen to what this man has
to say.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is Mosvei, my name that is. I am a high priest of
Vaerseal and feel honored that a Child of Her Light would welcome my aid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It’s more just that I want to hear what you have to say and
see if I find it useful. Drop may be unsettled by you, so I kind of am too
seeing as we’re the same person, but you talked about the dragon I keep seeing
and know about the whispers of the Lucifalz. No one else is even aware of them
yet you know. And you have the presence of magic on your eyes, but it doesn’t
feel like the fire of Icarus or the Light of Cardinal. There’s something weird
about you and that is making me curious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Curiosity is both the boon and vice of many an adventurer,
but in this case, it will serve you as a boon, Chainmaid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I do hope so seeing as you’ve just been babbling so far
about things this idiot should have learned growing up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Oh? Your hometown had a Scholar of Vaerseal present.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Of course not you fool! But the relationship between the sun
and Celestia was covered in our classes!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">There was no doubt at that point that Squawk clearly did not
like Mosvei. The smiling priest with his magically sealed eyes was too at ease
shifting between helpful and mocking and Squawk had no intention of putting up
with it further. Chain was of a different mind however and slipped in front of
Squawk so that he no longer had an unobstructed view of the priest. Looking
back over her shoulder, Chain suggested a different approach for Squawk to take
as she made clear her intentions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Maybe it’d better if you left Squawk. You’re still grouchy
from the tests so–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Don’t be more of an idiot than you already are! He already
mentioned he was going to tell you where to go to solve whatever is wrong with
you, and since I’ll be following you that means I need to hear it as well!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Locking Chain in place with a fierce scowl, Squawk walked
around her and tuned that look onto Mosvei. The priest simply continued to
smile and took in Squawk’s words calmly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Now, enough wasting our time you raving dolt and tell us
what we’ll be getting into if you think you know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“But I do know child. Mother Osprey has already spoken to me
of it. I will not divulge the details for the sake of what game is at play
here, but I can tell you what you must do and why she called for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Unlike the Cardinal Church who used to disavow knowledge of
the spirits and keep the people ignorant of their existence for the sake of
controlling the power balance of mankind, the Scholars of Vaerseal have always
studied them. As a result, we are far more knowledgeable about them than most,
though if not for the dragon that ails you Chainmaid your spirit self would
surely know more than any of us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Crossing her arms, Drop pouted fussily as Mosvei offered her
a compliment. Chain felt confused as she obviously wanted to know more but as
Drop was also her, she was just as annoyed by the priest. Forcing an awkward
smile, she attempted to remain silent to allow Mosvei to continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I will not spend too much time explaining, as I believe for
an adventurer like yourself discovering what you must out in the world is part
of what you desire in life. However, if you are to survive and become stable,
you must ponder always on the knowledge I will impart upon you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Will you just get on with it already!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Hands flying into the air, Squawk reached the end of his
patience and turned his back on Mosvei in a vain attempt to not be annoyed by
him. It was a difficult proposition for him as he turned his long ears back to
keep listening, exposing himself to the voice of the man so obviously
irritating him. Fortunately, it seemed as though he might finally be getting
somewhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What you need to know is that our world is divided into the powers
of Light, Darkness, fire, earth, wind, water, and flora. Those powers can be
further divided, but for simplicities sake it is best that you know that they
are controlled by Father Icarus and the Sister Goddesses. Fire and earth are
Father Icarus’ domain while wind, water, and flora belong to Celestia, Ocia,
and Atheaeldre respectively. Darkness is the domain of Lucifalz, and Light is
shared by both Cardinal and Vaerseal who also wields divine fire. Mankind
typically is comprised of a balance of all of these powers, but those who
contract the spirits or are corrupted by the Foreigners are thrown out of
balance. Those who would become Sa·B·ers typically have the darkness within
them balanced by Cardinal’s Light, but you Chainmaid have so great a darkness
that it must be balanced by an equally greater Light if you are to maintain
your humanity. But that has smothered the other powers that comprise you and
while the spirit of water manages to take form despite this imbalance, the fire
and earth in you are barely present. As for wind, it is absent in all accounts.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That doesn’t sound particularly good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Scratching at her cheek with a nervous laugh, Chain tried to
weigh the meaning of Mosvei’s words. Squawk did not particularly care for
further explanations and demanded the solution as he kept his back turned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then how do we balance her back out? It’s obvious it’ll kill
the idiot if she doesn’t do something, and surely you know what has to be done.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is a matter both simple and trying. She needs simply
bring the other powers into balance though that task is not so simple. She is though
already capable of entering contract with the spirits and they will surely be
her means to rebalance herself. She must not rush the process though, lest her
body and soul break under the strain. No, for this journey she must build
contracts with the spirits of each element in growing order. Even those she
already has in her save fire and earth should be contracted at their lowest
levels. When she has contracted all the powers of the world at one level, then she
can seek out stronger spirits with which to contract and bring herself closer
to balance. The spirit who she is one with will save her joining with water at the
second level, but spirits rank in at least four tiers and even binding ones of
every tier to herself may not be enough. She may one day should she survive
even have to seek the direct blessings of Father Icarus and the Sister
Goddesses to finally restore her balance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It will be a journey most long and trying before you
Chainmaid, and the only hint I might bestow upon you is that to seek out Light lesser
than Cardinal’s own, seek the servants of Vaerseal who will gladly show you on
your path. And for that I have a gift for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Stepping up to Chain, Mosvei in a movement faster than she
was prepared for took her right hand and pressed her palm into his. There was a
moment of warmth and Mosvei had stepped away again allowing Chain to see a soft
glow in her hands for a moment before it faded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Your journey will take you well past the domains where the Cardinal
Church is welcome, but where Cardinal’s Light is feared, Vaerseal’s is welcome.
When you need to be welcomed in those lands, hold up your hand and let them see
that you are blessed by Vaerseal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Now Chainmaid, young nāti, I bid you well on your journey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Turning away, Mosvei soon left Chain and Squawk alone upon
the dock pondering the future before them. Chain studied her hand for a moment
longer before looking up and turning her gaze onto the airship behind her. Joined
by Drop, Chain left Squawk tossing his hands up in exasperation as she clenched
her fist and smiled broadly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Of course that’d make you happy you idiot!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-60368765537740109872019-10-02T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-03T07:40:16.555-07:00108 Chapel Days · Scene 26<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 26 · Path a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~
Exterior ~ Airship Dock<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~
Late Morning, mostly sunny and warm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A ceremony of golden Light past<br />
Two new Sa·B·ers birthed unto the Face of Icarus</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "segoe ui historic" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br />
Regardless, normalcy was invasive and overwhelming <br />
Yet an airship docked kept it at bay<br />
A waiting reminder of an uncertain future, ever changing with the wind</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">mpressive a
display as the ceremony to make Maye a Sa·B·er was, it along with the ceremony
to make Squawk a Sa·B·er had indeed passed along with several days. No one had
yet departed from the Chapel as the airship that brought Verdant, Buck, and
Mosvei was equipped with vastly superior medical facilities compared to the
Chapel and was on loan for assuring that the ceremony was a success. Squawk was
not very fond of the tests that were being carried out and made a mighty
harrumph as he descended the gangplank from the airship to the Chapel.</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I swear! Any more of these tests and I’ll start walking
across the Face of Icarus just to get away from them! I’ll have you to keep me
company regardless! Isn’t that right you idiot</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heh heh… I guess I couldn’t let you run off on your own
after all of this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You better believe you can’t!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Waiting for Squawk at the end of the dock, Chain welcomed him
with a nervous laugh and smile as he assailed her with his complaints. Hoping
to avoid Squawk simply complaining without end, Chain tried to pry more
positive information out of him about his tests.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So, are you still getting physically stronger every day?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Nothing as noticeable as after the first couple of days.
Pah! Even though these fools are the experts they say they can’t say what else
to expect yet still have the gall to suggest adventuring might make me even
stronger!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It’s true though! We’ve become much stronger since our
journey has begun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chiming in with an attempt to give Squawk a reason to feel
more optimistic, Drop only gave him reason to be more bitter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And pray tell what type of adventures you have partaken in
to grow so strong!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Well…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain could not stop Drop as her desire to share stories of
the few adventures she had already had far outweighed her desire to not be
yelled at by Squawk. Consequently, as Drop spoke excitedly, Chain donned an
expression of fear that grew worse alongside Squawk’s growing irritation.
Still, Drop spoke without a care in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">"…there was when we woke up under a Lucifalz and had to fight
off a gang of raiders that culminated in us controlling and wrecking a Dolmen.
There was a whole bunch of monster lairs and old ruins while we were roaming
about the Athera Mountains, and that was before we had our first fight with
those Sa·B·er brothers. Then of course there was that whole affair with the
Foreigner when we rescued you!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then it has been fighting, fighting, and more fighting…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Even though she knew it was coming, Chain could not stop Drop
who seemed oblivious to Squawk having lowered his head while closing his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It has been a fair bit of fighting, but it’s been very fun
anyway!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“FUN FOR AN IDIOT LIKE YOU MAYBE‼ BUT WHAT PART OF
CONSTANTANTLY BEING ENGAGED IN COMBAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ENJOYABLE TO ME</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> I’M A PILGRIM OF ATHEAELDRE WHO IS
DEDICATED TO RESTORING LIFE‼ YET NOW I HAVE TO SLAUGHTER EVERY MONSTER I SEE‼
COMPLETE AND UTTER MADNESS I SAY‼”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Perhaps you might want to consider your actions as preparing
the soil for future growth. Like Vaerseal rises in the east and gives birth to
the day, so to does He set in the west at the day’s death. It is the cycle of
life, and after we are born from our mother’s womb do we return to Father
Icarus to give him strength.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That was a lot of nonsense to say don’t feel guilty about it
when everyone dies eventually. It was also one of the longest interruptions I’ve
ever been so unfortunate to be interrupted by.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Looking past Chain to where Mosvei had appeared unnoticed
before he spoke, Squawk gave the scholar a dirty look. He offered the nāti
youth a smile and Squawk clicked his tongue in response. Before either could
say anything more Chain had an epiphany and suddenly turned to look at Mosvei
and question the truth of her realization.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Wait! Vaerseal is the sun</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> How is that possible</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Oh~. You hadn’t realized Child of Her Light?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That shouldn’t be possible though! The sun is not part of
Ambrosia!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Wait, it isn’t? I thought the sun was part of Celestia’s
domain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Grabbing his ears in hands, Squawk could not decide what
annoyed him more. Chain’s ignorance towards the nature of the world or hearing
her voice speaking both ignorantly and knowledgeable from two different copies of
her face. He was a time bomb ready to go off but Mosvei proved to be a man
deserving of being called a scholar and offered his unsolicited insight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“The sun as you know Lord Vaerseal is in fact the same as the
stars in the night sky. A great ball of fire well beyond the domain of
Celestia.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Eh–?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is not so confusing child. To the ancients this was
common knowledge and even today if one considers that the sun brings warmth and
light, neither of which are within Celestia’s domain, then it becomes obvious
that Lord Vaerseal is beyond her reach.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And should not be within Ambrosia!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Clenching her fists at her side, Drop pouted deeply as she
again contested Mosvei’s claims. The Scholar of Vaerseal simply continued
smiling though as he offered Drop a reason not to trust her own understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Tell me kind spirit, have you been in full control of your
own thoughts since the Light of Lucifalz washed across the Face of Icarus?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Eh, well, that’s… It’s hard to explain…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That is because of the presence of a dragon is it not, and
the whispers within the Lucifalz? You are unbalanced, dangerously so, and it is
why I am here; to speak with you of the journey before you so that you might
save yourself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-8954731837365552122019-10-01T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-02T07:00:30.452-07:00107 Chapel Days · Scene 25<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">Chapel Days · Scene 25 · Ceremony b</span></div>
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<span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11pt;">ith a blink
Chain’s eyes popped open and she stared at the expecting stares that bored into
the prayer alcove she had hidden herself away in. The stares were led by Buck
and his cohorts and Chain’s look of surprise became an annoyed pout. She could
not focus on him for long though as the eyes of the entire chapel were turned
upon her and she was left feeling extremely uncomfortable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">“This situation is troublesome.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">Swimming down to join her larger counterpart, Drop commented
on the stares as she hid herself in Chain’s hair behind her ear. Agreeing with
Drop, Chain swallowed nervously before exhaling slowly.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">“I don’t think I can walk away now either.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">The patience demonstrated by Verdant as he said nothing more,
further put Chain on the spot. Then there was the fact that Squawk would be
next to go through the ceremony, and though Chain doubted it would be anything
as over the top as it was being for Maye, making him wait was an idea she knew
she would quickly regret. With a pout and a groan Chain decided to play along
and departed the prayer alcove. As she did her cape flared into being behind
her with her sword appearing on her hip. Stepping out in front of the chapel’s
main doors she offered Verdant an angry pout as the bishop smiled knowingly in
return.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">With Chain’s first step down the aisle, the priests and nuns
flanking Verdant and Mother Osprey began to move about. Waving their scepters,
they let spill from there lips prayers in a language long forgotten to modern
man.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">[I guess that’s one good thing about having Maye along. She
would know ancient languages better than I do outside of technological uses.]</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">Finding at least one advantage to having Maye join her in the
future, Chain allowed herself a smile as she continued walking up the aisle.
The question of how much she could trust a member of the Cardinal Church still
ate at her though, but she pushed such concerns aside.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">Reaching where Maye knelt as the priests and nuns finished
their prayers, Chain found herself standing at the foot of the bottom cross of
the tri-cross while one priest each stood at the foot of the other two crosses.
They all arrived at the same time to their positions, and Chain only stopped as
the priests did before realizing where she stood as they raised their scepters
in the air above Maye. Traditionally the priests would present Maye a question
but the ceremony taking place was anything but traditional and Verdant stepped
forward between the two priests to stand before Maye. In his hands he held the
small vial of Foreigner blood and a syringe waiting to draw it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">“Child of the unions upon the Face of Icarus, you desire to
become tainted by the foul and unholy Foreigners, and seek Her Eminence, the
Lady Cardinal, the Saint of the church which bears Her name and unifier of the
Sister Goddesses and Father Icarus to cast forth Her Light in judgement. Are
you so ready to be judged by Her divinity and accept the judgment that Her Light
cast upon you? Speak now Child and know that you are within the presence of She
who will save mankind!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">“I am.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">“Then raise your head child of unions upon the Face of Icarus,
and look unto Her Light!”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">“This part of us will help soothe the Beast so that we might play
along with this performance.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">“Hn.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">Nodding her head slightly as Drop whispered in her ear while
Verdant neared the end of his dialogue, Chain took a deep breath and brought
the fingers of both hands together to snap them. Watching the ceremony closely
so that she would know when to lift her hands, Chain did not miss when the priests
lifted their scepters and raised her hands to join them. As Maye raised her
head and looked into the golden Light between the two scepters, the bishop slipped
behind her and drew a full syringe of the blue blood from the vial he held. Jabbing
it into Maye’s neck and injecting her with the Foreigner blood, the bishop introduced
her to a world of pain, nightmares, and hatred beyond compare while Chain
plunged her into a world of darkness with a snap of her fingers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 120%; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #5a5a5a; font-family: "calibri";">It was the first time that the Darkness within Chain was visible
for all present to see and gasps of shock rose up with the distinctive ringing
sound of her snap. The gasps and shock of the nuns was not unwarranted as the Darkness
within Chain took the form of a Light consuming orb of Darkness above Maye.
Verdant and the priests performing the ceremony held their ground as the orb of
Darkness swirled violently and Maye struggled to hold on to her humanity against
the infection that tore through her flesh, mind, and spirit. Chain could not
see her suffering, but her vision filled with Darkness and two eyes of emerald
hued flames glared down upon her, challenging her to face it once more in
battle. But Chain was not singular and Drop rose up out of her hair and extended
her hands and will towards the orb of Darkness in a motion that left her
representing the goddess Ocia alongside the cross pointing down the main aisle of
the Chapel. It was a bit of symbolism that Verdant had planned for to control
Maye in the future, but it was an event she would have to be told of later.
Bathed in the Darkness that consumed all Light around her, she had no guarantee
she could stay herself at all. But then the sphere of Darkness stabilized, and
a single pinprick of golden Light appeared in its center. It was so warm and gentle,
akin to a mother’s caring touch and banished all darkness within the chapel
bathing all in its golden Light as it descended upon Maye.</span></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-28942663138102362172019-09-30T08:00:00.000-07:002019-10-01T06:21:58.082-07:00106 Chapel Days · Scene 24<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 24 · Ceremony a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~ Interior
~ Main Chapel<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~ Approaching
Noon, Sunny<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">When empty the chapel seemed cavernous<br />
Filled with nearly every nun present it was like a holy plaza<br />
gathered amongst them their few guests all for one purpose<br />
An experiment and prayer intertwined</span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">By Cardinal’s Light so too would man and Foreigner</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">t's so
crowded!” </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Marveling at the turnout for an unprecedented event, Drop
displayed the excitement that the scene elicited within Chain. Chain did not
desire to express her excitement at the scene however as she knew the gathering
of nuns was in relation to the ceremony that would transform Maye and Squawk
into Sa·B·ers. She understood the reasoning they both had presented her but
still did not like the thought of it and had hidden herself away in a corner
prayer alcove on the wall opposite the altar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Praying for the success of the ceremony?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain’s hidey-hole proved ineffective as Buck and his finery
garbed greasy cohorts found her. Chain pouted but received a smile in return
anyway from Buck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You should be happier. You passed my interview and are a
member of the Soarmont Adventuring Company now and awaiting her companions.
They may not have been interviewed but you can still list them as traveling
companions, and every adventure is more enjoyable with company.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“They aren’t the ones I’m supposed to be adventuring with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Grateful as Chain was that she had indeed been granted
membership with the Soarmont Adventuring Company and was officially an
adventurer, even her fractured memories and emotions could not deny a childhood
promise. Closing her eyes, she could just make them out, a blond icaran boy of
fifteen with green eyes as well as a girl with blue eyes and red hair. She knew
from the bottom of her heart that they were the ones who were meant to see the
world with her, and it bothered her that it was Maye and Squawk instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Who says that they can’t join you as well though. One of the
most legendary adventuring parties on Athecia was that of the Maiden Quartzmote
and her Steadfast Companions. Though they belonged to no adventuring company,
they numbered at least five and a monstrous silver wolf with antlers. I’m
certain that these two will not hamper the experiences that you will have when
you find your other companions.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Opening her eyes, Chain turned an inquisitive look onto Buck
who simply smiled again. Pouting deeper at his smile, Chain looked away huffily
and drew a laugh from the one-time salvager turned merchant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’ll admit, that though legendary, the Maiden Quartzmote and
her Steadfast Companions are also perhaps the most infamous of adventurers. I
have little doubt that you have been effected by that even if you are not
aware.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“This part of us thinks we’ll look at things from above.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Suddenly interrupting with a forced smile and her hands clasped
behind her back, Drop made Chain’s desire to see the ceremony from above as
well as get away from Buck obvious. Swimming up into the towering space above,
Drop left Chain alone with Buck and his cohorts. Chain’s pout deepened at her
smaller self and she glanced out of the corner of her eyes at Buck who was
watching the tiny mermaid swim upward leaving a trail of blue sea gem green
sparkles in her wake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I must ask Chainmaid, can you use her eyes as though they were
your own?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hm? I don’t know. I guess I could if I tried really hard…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Not waiting for an invitation from Buck to try, Chain closed her
own eyes and concentrated. The effort left both Chain and Drop feeling off, but
after blinking a few times, Drop found her vision shared for a moment with Chain
before her larger self opened her eyes excitedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I can! I actually ca– Eh</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Excited as Chain was to share Drop’s sight, she failed to
realize that her awareness of her own surroundings all but disappeared when
doing so. It was not until she turned to inform Buck of her success did she
realize as he and his cohorts had already walked away. He was obviously aware
of Chain’s desire for solitude and exploited her trait of being in two places at
once to silently grant her that wish. Chain wasn’t sure what to think but felt
annoyed and pouted while clenching her fists at her sides as Buck winked at her
from where he looked back at her. She might have said something to express her
annoyance, but Buck pointed towards the alter and silenced her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Her conversation with Buck over, Chain ducked deeper into the
prayer alcove and again closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she again tried
to see through Drop’s eyes and after another set of blinks shared her smaller
self’s bird’s eye view of the chapel. The first thing she noticed were the white
robes of Verdant and Mother Osprey entering the chapel from opposite doors behind
the altar. Each were flanked by either priests or nuns dressed in cream colored
robes or habits and all carrying ceremonial scepters. Lining up on opposite
sides of the altar, the priests and the nuns looked out over the chapel. At
last Verdant raised his voice and addressed those gathered within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Bothers and Sisters, and those yet to find the path or
fallen from it, I thank you for coming together to witness the miracles of Her Eminence,
Lady Cardinal’s Light. There are none who understand it better than those of us
who follow Her teachings and travel to bring it to all mankind. There are many,
though none as intricately as those tasked with reclaiming it, who are all too
familiar with the horrors wrought by its misuse. And all too many are there
those who have turned their backs in fear of her Light for the
misrepresentation wrought by the Foreigners’ dark god. There are even those who
have sought comfort in heretical Light, and those amongst our own number who
have lost faith. One such person is here with us today, seeking to again be baptized
in Her Eminence’s Light. Sister Maye of this very convent, come, join us and
kneel respectfully before the symbol of Lady Cardinal’s unification.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Beckoned forth by Verdant, Maye, garbed in baptismal robes
entered through the chapel’s main doors and strode down the main aisle towards the
altar. It was a moment of humility and shame for the proud centaur maid as she
was left exposed to the stares of all of her fellow nuns and the guests of the
Chapel. She did not falter though and made her way to the altar and knelt some
feet before it directly beneath a skylight unnoticed by those present in the
pews. Stepping up to flank the centaur but leaving room for a person to pass
between them, the Mouser Brothers both rested their blades, a saber with rifle
butt and grip for Pan and a massive bent blade with a jeweled pommel for Lute,
on their shoulders. Maye did not glance in their directions but rather bowed
her head and clasped her hands in prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Look with learning eyes upon this fair maid and know that
even in her dwindling faith she knows the Light of Lady Cardinal is all
encompassing and welcoming. She knows it will banish any Darkness and has
joined those who control the elements that comprise our worlds. And she is ever
compassionate. She believes fervently in the kindness of Her Eminence and would
implore her to unify not just mankind with Father Icarus and the Sister Goddesses,
but even our enemies the Foreigners, and the spirits of Ambrosia that would
lead us from the path. She believes that all who live upon the Face of Icarus
and under Father Icarus’ watchful Eyes can be shown to the path. It is a challenge
worthy even of the Knight Prince who is so blessed by Her Eminence herself. But
it is no trivial matter to Her Eminence to join those divided in Her Light. She
foresaw this day would come and has blessed us with clear skies so that Vaerseal,
the Light of those who seek Light elsewhere might even witness her Light and all
that it can join.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Cued by Verdant’s words, the skylight above Maye opened and a
beam of light was cast down upon her by the midday sun so that she knelt in the
center of the tri-cross as cast from a stained glass window. It was an
impressive moment of symbolism meant to demonstrate that even Vaerseal acknowledged
and was welcomed into the sanctuary of Cardinal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“She did not just allow this moment to be witnessed by Vaerseal
however, but also has brought into our company one who is possessed of the spirits
of Ambrosia and a Darkness so great that it has even consumed a Lucifalz. But
she is not so cursed as I once believed for as the Knight Prince once told me,
she was saved by Her Eminence Lady Cardinal, and I have seen the Light that
pierces even that Darkness. And so, I invite you Chainmaid. Join us and let this
humble maid and servant of Her Eminence be baptized anew as a unifier in that
Light which pierces even the greatest of Darkness. Let the Light that shines
within you be as the Light of Hope for this Child of Light who seeks a dream
shared with Her Eminence, Lady Cardinal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-17290329965587357202019-09-27T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-30T06:43:26.530-07:00105 Chapel Days · Scene 23<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days<o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 40.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 23 · Schemes c<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~ Interior
~ Upper Floors<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~ Early
Evening, Distant thunder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">A tiny cell of an office with a single window <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
The light of sunset and distant lightening intermingling with a simple gas lamp
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One heavy wooden desk and matching chair<br />
Numerous files joining a blue liquid filled vial<br />
Oppression filling the small space, suffocating all who entered </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“E<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">nter.” </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Verdant’s voice rose up bidding the person who knocked to enter.
Resting his chin on his laced fingers propped up by his elbows upon the desk,
the bishop eyed the one who entered carefully. His cold gaze did not give away
his curiosity at the sight of Maye entering the office he had been provided
with. There was nothing particularly unusual about her, but the bishop had been
expecting a nun and Maye’s habit was nowhere to be seen for her white shirt and
red denim jacket covered her instead. Though she presented herself
inappropriately for her position in the church before the bishop, she did not
forget her place as she spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Your Excellency.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Bowing her head respectfully, Maye only lifted it as she
turned to close the door behind her. As she again faced him, her head bowed,
and her eyes studied the floor beneath her hooves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I am curious Sister, is Mother Osprey one to allow such
disrespect.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I do not mean to offend Your Excellency, but as I desire to
become a Sa·B·er I question if I still have the right to wear the cloth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I see…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Falling quiet, Verdant studied the open folder atop the pile
of paper on his borrowed desk. A sepia photograph of Maye in habit and veil was
held in place by a paperclip to the documents within. The top sheets summarized
Maye’s history both during and before her time in the Cardinal Church and scraps
of paper had ben affixed with notes on her recent decision. Lifting his eyes
back up, he carefully studied the plainly uncomfortable centaur maid before
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Tell me, your desire to become a Sa·B·er stems from your
desire to educate yourself so that you might again be worthy of being a teacher
does it not?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That is true Your Excellency, and–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A sudden silence fell over the room as Verdant cut Maye off,
his tone questioning her need to continue when not prompted. The nervousness
rolling off of Maye was adding to the suffocating atmosphere that filled the tiny
office and she would not, could not speak again until prompted. Verdant was not
known as a kind man however and held his own silence for a long time, breaking
it only once Maye could not stop herself from swishing her tail nervously to
and fro.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I do believe the ‘and’ you so unwisely added was in regards
to why you have chosen now to question your lack of knowledge. What I am particularly
curious about is why someone whose hatred of spirits has made them legendary
within this vessel would choose to seek that truth venturing beside a heretic?
Do you care to elaborate Sister? And do be concise.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“She speaks of a dragon of Darkness yet is possessed of Her
Eminence’s Light even while she joins more spirits into contract with her. Her
actions seem a vulgar imitation of Her Eminence’s and I desire to know if we
cannot upend the taboo of knowledge of spirits by making them kneel before Her
Eminence.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then you believe that spirits can be educated in the proper
way of the world through Her Eminence’s Light?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yes, Your Excellency.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yet your report from the most recent Lucifalz mission you
partook of speaks of her devouring it and promising the spirits protection from
the Light with the Darkness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Slowly lifting her eyes as far as she dared, Maye attempted
to spy the bishop’s expression as well as the contents of the papers on his
desk. Her lack of response was not welcome however and Verdant had to remind
her that he had allowed her to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Do you not have an answer for your actions Sister?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“No, Your Excellency! Rather I believe the heretic foolish in
contracting herself with the spirits and am sworn to retrieve that Light which
has been misused. Should the heretic misuse or attempt to smother Her Eminence’s
Light then it is my duty to retrieve it from her. I would rather guide her back
to the proper path and learn if at least some spirits can be led to the path as
well, but as I am…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You require power.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Exhaling slowly, Verdant returned quiet to the room if only
for a moment. When he spoke next, it was with a strangely inviting tone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Sister, you take your duties seriously even as you fear that
you are no longer worthy of wearing the cloth. Yet you seek to be blessed by Her
Eminence in that you might continue to serve her. I wonder who it is who has so
shaken your faith.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Unsure if that was supposed to an invitation to answer, Maye
held her tongue. Admitting that she was not certain or that she might blame Squawk,
a Pilgrim of Atheaeldre, seemed more foolish than staying quiet and made her
silence easier to manage. Here decision appeared to be correct as well as
Verdant continued without chastising her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I wonder, have you not in your travels aboard this vessel
heard of the Knight Prince?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“He is known to me Your Excellency. It is said he wields a
sword of Light that yields to no foe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is a Light given to him by Her Eminence Herself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Your Excellency</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Maye knew that she spoke out of turn, but she could not help
herself. Scripture stated that Cardinal had not descended to the Face of Icarus
from Ambrosia since she bequeathed her followers with the Light of Hope to
vanquish the dark god of the Foreigners from which the trees of Light derived
their name; Lucifalz. Her surprise could be read as a lack of faith however and
Verdant used it to mold Maye’s thoughts to his whims.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Do you doubt Sister? It was in the very city I oversee that
she descended from Ambrosia on high and all who have met the Knight Prince know
he is possessed of her touch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“My apologies Your Excellency! I do not know why my faith is
so frail. Perhaps my belief that I am no longer worthy to wear the cloth is
more than my belief alone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You need not keep worrying Sister. You have been blessed by
Her Eminence even before the ceremony to make you a Sa·B·er.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Your Excellency?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Again, Maye spoke out of turn, but she could not help it as
Verdant’s tone became compassionate and understanding. He did not even possess
a hint of irritation as he responded to her questioning tone<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Before you is a man who has seen Her Eminence’s Light pierce
the Darkness that fills the heretic you seek to follow in protection of the
Light. No less I am here to baptize you anew in Her Light. But like you, I too am
responsible for assuring that mankind stays upon Her path. Together we can even
begin the salvation of the heretic while positioning you to save the Light she
holds should she fall too far. We need only help each other, and you will not
only be able to overcome the greatest test of your faith yet, but you will be
tasked with the most sacred of duties; to protect Her Eminence’s Light.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-10878984404853309292019-09-26T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-27T05:13:41.155-07:00104 Chapel Days · Scene 22<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days<o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 40.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 22 · Schemes b<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~ Interior
~ Bowels<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~ Late
afternoon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The Chapel was impressive both inside and out, top and
bottom <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
A conglomerate of chapels, school, orphanage, nunnery and more atop <br />
Machinery to move the mobile fortress within<br />
Operational facilities, the Dolmen bay, and pilot ready rooms intermingled<br />
A laboratory hidden within with distractions abound </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Q<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">uaint.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Leaving behind the Scholars of Vaerseal and led down a hall
nearly lost to the pipes of the bowels, Verdant expressed his contempt of the hidden
laboratory he followed Mother Osprey to. Mother Osprey offered the bishop a
smile and beseeched he understand the circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Sizable as the Chapel is Your Excellency, that we managed to
find a space that could serve as a laboratory was most fortuitous. Small as it
is though, it has served us well. I hope at the very least that the knowledge
we have accumulated here will serve you well as well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It depends on what you have Head Mother.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Of course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Making her way around instrument and paper covered tables,
Mother Osprey led Verdant through the crowded lab to a table at the back where
a sole vial filled with a copper blue liquid stood in a display stand. Picking
it up, Mother Osprey rotated the liquid around revealing it had the consistency
of blood and smiled a strange smile born of conflicting emotions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“This blood is for you and the ceremony Your Excellency.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Satisfied that the vial was what she believed it to be,
Mother Osprey offered it to Verdant. The bishop eyed it suspiciously for a
moment before finally taking it in hand. Holding it up so that it was
illuminated by the gas lights hanging from above, he scrutinized the contents
as he questioned its authenticity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then this is the blood of the black knight who claimed to be
a Foreigner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“At the very least the blood that circulated through his mechanized
armor encased left arm according to the reports. No one, including the esteemed
Mouser Brothers were able to inflict another injury upon him. I’ve prepared an
office for you above where the reports including our tests of that blood await
you. I do hope you will pay them special attention as our intention to make
Sa·B·ers relies almost solely with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then you will not object to me running tests of my own?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Of course not Your Excellency. One of the volunteers is one
of the Sisters of this nunnery and I would not have her exposed to a ceremony
that will not succeed. Take as much time as you desire, though we are forced to
be stationary for as long as it takes to conclude the ceremony and have not resupplied
in some time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You may claim not to be partaking in a game of your rules
Head Mother, but your actions speak otherwise. Still, I will play along if only
to be one of the pioneers of an era in which we of the Cardinal Church can
create willing and prepared Sa·B·ers to face the Foreigner threat. Though, I will
request an audience with this Sister who desires to be a Sa·B·er. I’ll receive
her in the office you have prepared for me when I am ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Of course. I’ll have a Sister show you to the office we have
prepared.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Once she arranged for Verdant to be escorted away, Mother
Osprey allowed herself a sigh of relief when he was gone. She was a strong maid
and extremely experienced, but the bishop had a crushing way about him that
made others in his presence feel inferior. It only made matters worse that she
needed him to play along for her plan to work and he could ruin everything in
an instant. She had no control over the clergy but conversely, she had to
answer fully to the clergy. It made it quite the further relief that he had
said nothing more about the Scholars of Vaerseal who were still waiting for her
outside the lab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I hope you’ll forgive me for the delay Master Scholars.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“There is no need to be so formal. You may address me by name,
Mosvei, if it pleases you Maid of the Saint.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The apology that Mother Osprey offered the waiting scholars
as she hurried out of the lab was brushed aside in a friendly manner by the tall
icaran man among them with his black hair tied in a ponytail. Mother Osprey
smiled, and though his eyes were magically sealed, Mosvei smiled in return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Very well Master Mosvei, though I am afraid my formality
will not be so easily staid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then let us not dwell on unimportant things. Let us instead
speak of the Light that you have invited us to see. I was not expecting a
demonstration so soon upon arriving.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I hope you will forgive me for that improvisation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Improvisation?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Leading the Scholars away from the lab and outside on a
pathway to the upper level cafes, Mother Osprey earned a curious question from
Mosvei. It concerned her that he seemed to speak for the whole group of twelve
that he was a part of, but she pushed it to the back of her mind behind the
idea that theirs was a different religion that she was yet ignorant of. With her
thoughts so categorized she proceeded to answer the question she was presented
with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yes, I already was aware of the history between the Chainmaid
and the Lord Bishop and allowed that scene to play out as it served my agenda
to. Her Light was less for you to see though as it was for the Lord Bishop who
supposedly did not believe she possessed it. At least that is what the spirit
accompanying her, or perhaps is her in a way told me along with a great deal
more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“The spirit?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Did you not observe her? She may speak with the same voice,
but she is mostly autonomous from the Chainmaid regardless. Could it be that
the Light you follow can also not pierce the Darkness that engulfs her?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It would seem, but if she is possessed of a spirit who is
both her and yet independent, she must be frighteningly unstable. And for it to
be hidden within so impenetrable a Darkness…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“The spirit would agree with as well as the Sisters I have
had study her when the opportunities have presented themselves. More
frighteningly though, that Darkness has even consumed a Lucifalz and invited
more spirits to be contracted to her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yet she demonstrated that she is indeed possessed of
Cardinal’s Light.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Coming to an abrupt stop, Mosvei turned his sealed eyes onto
Mother Osprey with a serious expression. Turning around to face her guests, the
Head Mother received the scholar’s next question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Tell me, what do you know of this Darkness and the
Chainmaid.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“There is much to speak of Master Mosvei, but I will do so gladly.
If I am to get you to bless her coming journey into the lands beyond the Cardinal
Churches influence, it is only best that you know everything, unlike the Lord
Bishop.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-5394772693627960382019-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-26T05:59:48.993-07:00103 Chapel Days · Scene 21<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days<o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 40.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 21 · Schemes a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~ Interior
~ Bowels<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~ Late
afternoon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">The quiet of the Chapel brought anxiety to the nuns<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Stopped away from a settlement usually accompanied a Lucifalz <br />
The guests brought by Mother Osprey a mystery to most<br />
Within the shopping center of the bowels one mystery came to light<br />
A patient plan meant to bring freedom</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>W<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">ithin the
shopping center of the Chapel, a circular plaza within the bowels linking the
mid floors to the entrance, what would have been an outdoor restaurant filled
the main space. It was a common place for traders from settlements to entertain
themselves while trading with the nuns, and the perfect place for a former
merchant to share his secrets.</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“This seems as fine a place as any to talk, Chainmaid is it
now?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The rotund icaran man took a seat and smiled at Chain as he
threw his feet onto a table. Placing his round hat onto his waistcoat covered
stomach, he fiddled with his short moustache seeming to ignore Chain. Chain
would have been fine with that, but the greasy air about the rotund man
bothered her. In fact, every member of his entourage save the revolver and
rapier armed guards seemed just as greasy. In comparison, the guards seemed ill
dressed as they lacked the greasiness to fit the finery they wore. There was a
pompousness present that they just lacked, and it created an odd contrast. None
of it sat right with Chain but the friendliness of the rotund man seemed earnest
enough to deserve a response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That’s right. I’m the Chainmaid, but I don’t remember you.
If what you say is true though it’s just because that memory is long enough
back that it’s one of the very hard ones for me to try and grasp.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That sounds troublesome, but you were maybe in Cross a year
when I last passed through. I’m for certain you can imagine my surprise with
what was going on in that village.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain’s brow furrowed and the rotund man chuckled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Right. I am talking about rather sensitive matters, and
considering your conversation with the holy man up there… I can understand why
you wouldn’t trust me. That’s fine, we’ll have all the time in the world to
talk later in more secure conditions, the Head Mother has attested to that at
least.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Why should I want to talk to you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Between me knowing more than the holy man about your
relationship with Hazel and that I’m here as a representative of the Soarmont
Adventuring Company–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You’re with an adventuring company</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Stars nigh exploded out of chain’s eyes as she clenched her
fist in front of her in sudden excitement. The rotund man nearly fell from his
chair in surprise and his guards only did not move to his side at his hand
waved command. Resettling in his seat, the rotund man smiled and winked at
Chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That’s right lass. When we first met I was Buck Puffin,
salvager turned merchant due to being too old to keep jumping into holes of
scrap in the Face of Icarus. Now my years of travel and trade have landed me in
the role of Buck Puffin, Recruiter and Asset Analyst of the most esteemed
adventuring company in all of Athecia. While it’s not unusual for Sa·B·ers to
take up adventuring contracts to earn a little more spending comfort, I was
rather intrigued when I heard that there was a nun from a mobile fortress
looking to speak with a representative about providing an opportunity to a
Sa·B·er in their care.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Ah! Then you’re the one that the Head Mother sent for!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Drop?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Tilting her head as she questioned Drop’s insight, Chain
looked curiously at her tiny mermaid double.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is one of the things that we spoke with the Head Mother
about. We need to do certain things, but we need help to do so. She said she
could get us that help and that we only needed to wait.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hmm… I guess that makes sense, but…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Half folding her arms, Chain pinched her chin in thought.
Eying Buck out of the corner of her eyes she could not continue to feign a lack
of excitement. Her eyes shimmered with excitement and the corners of her mouth
twitched with the urge to break into a smile. Buck laughed at the pitiful
display put on by Chain and motioned with a hand for her to take a seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Why not join me Chainmaid. We can always work out a contract
right here and now. It’s likely that this is our best opportunity to even as
Mother Osprey is probably keeping her other guests occupied.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Snapping his fingers, Buck issued a silent order and one of
the other greasy men stepped up to the table beside him and placed a briefcase
beside his feet. Pulling his feet from the table, Buck sat up and placed his
hat beside the briefcase. Flipping the latches, he popped open the case and
extracted an ink well and writing quill before a sheaf of papers. Licking the
tip of his thumb, he proceeded to thumb through the papers until he found what
he was looking for. Pulling free one sheet of paper from the stack, he held it
aside and returned the others to the interior of the briefcase. Chain watched
him curiously as he worked nervously and fiddled her fingers behind her back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I did invite you take a seat Chainmaid, you don’t need to
stand there. I’d actually advise taking a seat as well, I can’t just sign you
up willy-nilly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as I would like
to help you, if only to satiate that thirst for the adventurer’s life in your
eyes, an adventurer company is still a business and I am an asset analyst. I’ll
have to conduct an interview to see if you’ll be a good fit for the Soarmont
Adventuring Company.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What if I’m not…?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Seating herself across from Buck, Chain nervously kneaded the
edge of the table as she questioned him. Drop wore the same anxious expression
and swam from one side of Chain’s head to the other with nervous energy. As
Buck provided both a comfort and a warning, Chain grew even more nervous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I wouldn’t worry about it. There are plenty of other
adventuring companies. Should you not fit with the Soarmont Adventuring Company
you need only seek them out. But if you should fail my interview…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Trailing off for only a moment, Buck let his eyes steal a
glance upward towards the upper floors where Mother Osprey likely attended to
her other guests. Chain followed his eyes and swallowed loudly. Lowering her
eyes back down she found Buck smiling at her and she tightened her grip on the
edge of the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I can’t afford to fail! I want to be the most renowned
adventurer to walk the Face of Icarus! I have to be!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.sa-b-ers.com/2019/09/102-chapel-days-scene-20.html">Prev</a>| <a href="https://www.sa-b-ers.com/p/story.html">Story List</a> |<a href="https://www.sa-b-ers.com/2019/09/104-chapel-days-scene-22.html">Next</a></div>
<br />
Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-40439278900316488372019-09-24T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-25T06:37:43.962-07:00102 Chapel Days · Scene 20<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 20 · Guests c<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">t was just a speck, a pinprick almost
imperceptible to most, but it was there and everyone who watched Chain stared
on in amazement. Within the double swirling Ambrosial Gates of now stabilized
Darkness, the Light appeared and shimmered like hope itself. Chain’s smile grew
relieved even as she strained to keep her breathing steady as she controlled
the dual Gates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“See? There it is…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yes, indeed it is. Light.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Verdant spoke the word not in disgust, but genuine awe. The
Light that Chain summoned from within that Darkness was unlike anything he had
ever before set eyes upon and it mesmerized him. As a man of science as much as
faith however, that Chain was singlehandedly sustaining an Ambrosial Gate
within an Ambrosial Gate, outside of her body no less only amazed him more. He
would not have time to speak on the phenomenon though as an icaran man with
dusty skin and long black hair tied in a ponytail commented on the Light.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Cardinal’s Light. It is most different from Lord Vaerseal’s,
but it’s divinity is unquestionable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A click of Verdant’s tongue made Chain curious and she let
the Ambrosial Gates dissipate so that she might satiate her curiosity safely.
Rubbing her shoulders as she turned her head, Chain studied the icaran man who
was for the most part rather plain. He was shorter than Verdant but still a
tall man himself, lean and dressed in a light brown cloak over matching
collared shirt and loose black pants. Dark brown boots and gloves adorned the
farthest ends of his limbs and a red gem topped staff of a shepherd’s hook
design rested in his hands. He would not stand out much anywhere if not for the
staff, but as he watched Chain with his magically sealed shut eyes she
shuddered under that gaze. A gentle smile parted his lips and the man offered
her a word of ease.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You have no need to fear Child of Her Light. Though the
Scholars of Lord Vaerseal worship the Lord of the Light of Day, we recognize
Lady Cardinal’s divinity. The efforts of a human maid who could unify the gods
is not to be trivialized.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Ah~…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain could barely manage even her weak moan of confirmation.
The man she spoke to seemed completely alien to her and she could not put her
finger on why. The opportunity to try however was short lived as the rotund man
in the important seeming finery removed his hat, revealing his messy short red
hair, and also approached Chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Well, if formal introductions have already passed us by,
then I think you’ll find your time spent with me will favor you most, … Link
wasn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Eh–</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You know us</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Though Chain and Drop’s exclamations were expressed in sync,
Drop was the one who managed to get the question out first as she looked at the
rotund man. Offering her a smile, the rotund man explained himself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I don’t believe I’ve met so tiny a version of the lass, but
you were a lot smaller when last I saw you regardless. Even with as many years
as it has been since I last visited Cross, I wouldn’t forget those sea gem
green eyes of yours, and how much you pestered everyone in my caravan about our
adventures between settlements. Ha!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Chain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hm?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Speaking her name firmly, Chain confused the rotund man.
Furrowing her brow, Chain properly introduced herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’m a Sa·B·er, and I go by Chain. It’s short for the
Chainmaid or the Chainmail Maiden.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Of course, because of the Chainmail. I must say I’ve never
seen so interesting a suit before…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It’s all that’s left of Cross–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And what binds you to Sycamore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Interrupted by Verdant, Chain turned a scowl onto the bishop.
He smirked in response, an expression born of his attempt to keep himself from
laughing and Chain pouted as she grew irritated. Verdant would not remain the
sole source of her irritation however as the second mention of her relationship
with Sycamore could no longer be ignored. Curious expressions adorned the faces
of the guests of the Chapel and Chain found herself wanting to leave in a
hurry. Verdant however spoke in a challenging manner to keep Chain from
departing the arrival she interrupted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Whatever is the matter Sycamore cursed girl. Does it shame
you to admit that you were infected by a Foreigner parasite due to the actions
of Hazel Sycamore.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Then the Sower’s of Chaos are practicing their madness
still. Was the fall of Lucir not enough for them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is troublesome…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The rotund man rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he added his
voice to the growing whispers bemoaning the name Sycamore and the fall of the
Kingdom of Lucir. Something about the way that the rotund man spoke and carried
himself however told Chain that even though she could not always put her
memories together when she needed to, that he knew her better than she thought.
Her fractured memories would serve her well this time however and Chain acted
on them with confidence, not missing the opportunity to remind everyone present
of the maliciousness of the bishop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Sorry, I can’t say what really happened as my memories have
been hard to get a good grasp on since you had me tortured. Then those funny
trees only made things worse.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The innocent smile Chain wore as she spoke pleasantly
irritated Verdant, but there was nothing the bishop could do under the
circumstances. Trauma was an easily remembered thing, even for Chain, and if he
tried to act now he would only complicate matters for himself. Fortunately for
him, Chain had no intention of staying any longer and turned her attention to
the rotund man from the first group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You seem to know me better than I know me right now so let’s
go somewhere else to talk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-30783599317774594902019-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-24T05:43:41.539-07:00101 Chapel Days · Scene 19<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 19 · Guests b<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>do hope you’ll share with me the reason you
have so many heretics aboard a vessel of the Cardinal Church, Mother Osprey.” </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Verdant may have been smiling, but the bishop was anything but
understanding in tone. Mother Osprey was far more patient than the bishop however
and smiled earnestly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I am a busy woman Lord Bishop, and an educator besides.
Recent events have left me needing to take many actions that would be frowned
upon by our superiors. Of course, your reputation was a comfort in light of the
errands I must accomplish.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So, you aim to use me then. I am intrigued by what game you
have pulled me into Mother Osprey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Nothing so sinister Lord Bishop. I doubt I could match the
man who is said to have even stumped Choir with his games though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You give me too much credit Mother Osprey. I am but a
servant of Her Eminence, Lady Cardinal, doing his part to keep safe the world
we call home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What about the people in it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“This isn’t really a good idea…!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Barging into the conversation between Bishop Yewroot and
Mother Osprey, Chain’s voice questioned the bishop just before it warned
itself. Curious, Verdant turned his attention to where Chain’s voice had come
from and saw that she had crossed the dock. The Mouser Brothers had not joined
her, but as Verdant looked in Chain’s direction they gave him a curt nod before
disappearing back within the Chapel. Their departure made it easier for Verdant
to acknowledge Chain more directly, including Drop swimming in the air beside
her. The sight of the spirit left Verdant scowling as he at last addressed
Chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So, you turned to heresy to stabilize yourself, Sycamore
cursed girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Sycamore?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The name was spoken in question amongst all of those who were
in earshot of Chain and Verdant, but neither paid them any heed. They instead
focused squarely on each other, their eyes locking in challenge. Not liking the
tension of the situation, Drop swam up to the hilt of Chain’s sword and tugged
on it vainly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“We should at least return our sword to the Beast so as not
to appear threatening. We only desire to be spiteful, not violent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Spiteful?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">An amused sneer tore across Verdant’s lips with his question
as Drop’s carelessness revealed Chain’s intentions. Chain did not change her
expression as she continued to glower at the bishop, but she did release her
grip on her sword strap. As her sword fell from her shoulder, her cape whipped
about her and her sword soon appeared on her hip as it settled. With her
preparations complete, Chain again addressed the bishop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You had me hurt when I asked for help, and I want to show
you that I have Light within me even after you hurt me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I do not believe I raised a finger against you. Was it not
Sycamore who tainted you with the Foreigner’s infection?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It doesn’t matter. I asked you for help and you said I
couldn’t be helped, that Cardinal did not deem me worthy. I just want to prove
you wrong and then go on with my life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Lifting her left hand, Chain extended it in front of her and
readied her fingers to snap. Armed men who joined the finely dressed men
reached for their sidearms but were ordered down by a rotund icaran man with a
wave of his hand as he eyed Chain’s. A playful smile tugged at his lips and it
was obvious he desired to see what would happen next. The anticipation of the
rotund man of the first group was matched by the curiosity of the individuals
of the second group who turned their magically sealed eyes onto Chain and
Verdant. Strangely, Mother Osprey held her tongue and allowed Chain’s
demonstration to proceed and soon a distinctive ringing sound filled the air as
she snapped her fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Forgive me Sycamore cursed girl, but that does not look like
Light in any way, shape, or form.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You’re just being impatient. That and the Beast really
doesn’t like you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Being curt with Verdant, Chain dismissed the apparent failure
on her part to summon forth Light with the Ambrosial Gate she opened above her
palm. It was difficult to imagine that Chain could summon forth Light at all
looking upon that Gate as it was hole of Darkness that seemed to threaten
reality itself. Chain did not lie though that whatever it was she dubbed the
Beast disliked Verdant as the malice that emanated from the open Gate was
growing dangerously palpable. Chain desired to put on an air of control however
and held fast her stance and expression even as she turned her thoughts inward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">[Killing him won’t accomplish anything. He’ll only understand
if he sees the Light inside of us so I’m going to show him that Light, even if
I have to tear you apart to do so.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A smile slowly spread across Chain’s lips as she began to
lift her right hand and readied those fingers to snap. A look of panic spread
across Drop’s face, but she held her tongue so as not to distract Chain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Sorry if it takes me so much effort to bring it out, but the
Beast is so large and the Light so tiny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A bead of sweat ran down the side of Chain’s face as she
turned her left palm to face her right hand and held the Ambrosial Gate between
them. Then, for a second time, the distinctive ringing of Chain’s snapped
fingers filled the air and the Ambrosial Gate between her hands reacted
violently. It convulsed and twisted, a writhing mass of Darkness that seemed
ready to burst out like floodwaters overtaking a dam. Chain did not relent
however and poured every ounce of her being into controlling the Gate and the
one within it that she summoned with her second snap. Her attempts to maintain
a cool demeanor fell away and she gritted her teeth as she struggled to control
the Ambrosial Gate that linked the physical world with Ambrosia and the unique
Gate of the Beast that linked Ambrosia with things even deeper within,
including the light within her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-23212811494453504132019-09-20T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-23T03:51:33.831-07:00100 Chapel Days · Scene 18<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 18 · Guests a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>T<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">he ceremony in
which a prospective Sa·B·er was blessed with Cardinal’s Light was typically
performed by a pair of priests or priestesses and the nuns of the Chapel could
not perform the Cleansing Ceremony. To that end, Maye and Squawk had to bide
their time as Mother Osprey sent for a priest to rendezvous with the Chapel.
The request was unusual on many grounds and completely turned tradition on its
head. Typically, the Cleansing Ceremony was performed on those prospects who
had been infected and managed to retain their humanity having traveled from one
settlement to another as a means of proving they deserved saving. As the Chapel
was not a settlement and neither Maye nor Squawk had been infected by a
Foreigner beast capable of inflicting the transformative effects onto them,
there was no precedent for the request. As for infecting Maye and Squawk, that
problem was much more simply solved.</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The cause for Chain’s five-day slumber was due to her rushing
to save Squawk from a member of the believed extinct Foreigners and a Lucifalz
that she aided the Chapel in ridding the world of. The Foreigner whom she did
battle with along with the Mouser Brothers had deigned to prove his claims of
being a Foreigner and had spilt his own copper blue blood. Unknown to Chain, as
much of that blood as could be collected was gathered up by the nuns tasked
with retrieving the Light of the Lucifalz and experimented upon to prove the
validity of the Foreigner’s claim. The tests were unquestionably conclusive
that the Foreigner was both what he claimed to be and also capable of infecting
most life with the monstrous transformation affiliated with Foreigner beasts and
parasites. It was the availability of this blood that led to Maye making her
decision to become a Sa·B·er and learn the truth of the world for herself
alongside Chain. That very same blood would also be used to infect Maye and
Squawk in a unique ceremony that would make them both Sa·B·ers of their own
volition. Such an unprecedented experiment though would likely not have been
sanctioned by the upper echelons of the Cardinal Church and who Mother Osprey
could have called upon became the topic of much gossip among the nuns. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~
Exterior ~ Airship platform<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~
Midafternoon, Partly Cloudy and breezy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">From below the upper floors a ship’s dock jutted
out<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
A dock suspended over air could only be for a ship that sailed the skies <br />
Awaiting the vessel that descended from the clouds the Chapel stood unmoving<br />
Contrasting the Chapel’s stillness the nuns prepared for their guests<br />
Among them three Sa·B·ers all expecting the same man <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The dock jutting out of the mid-levels of the Chapel was
barely more than an impressive half arch of metal scaffolding topped with
sheets of brass to serve as a safe foothold. Before Squawk’s arrival aboard the
Chapel it was the vessels most lifeless feature, though even it now was home to
stray tufts of grass, ivy, and small flowers. The vegetation fortunately was no
hindrance to the dock’s purpose, though the lack of use it saw meant the nuns
were not as efficient in its preparation as they should have been. Fortunately,
Finch piloting her Dolmen that she had brought up to the dock by an internal
Dolmen elevator was more than knowledgeable about how to receive the airship motioning
to it above with Dolmen sized marshalling wands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Watching the sky alongside the Mouser Brothers and Mother
Osprey, Chain and Drop waited for the vessel to emerge from the clouds above.
What descended was an abomination of aviation design that could never have
flown without the technology of an Artificial Gate Generator to provide magical
lift. The vessel appeared to be a collection of four mismatched ironclads held
together by a mess of catwalks, sails, and rigging. The largest of the segments
rested directly on top of the center segment which it dwarfed while the outer
segments were parallel to the center hull giving the whole ship the look of a
malformed trimaran. That it was in the air at all even with an Artificial Gate
Generator seemed a miracle and Chain and Drop marveled at the feat of human
engineering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Look at it! Look at it! It’s amazing!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“If you think that’s amazing Chainmaid, it might interest you
to know that until but a few decades ago when the salvage company the Junk
Birds started researching ancient flying machines that airships were considered
taboo by the Cardinal Church.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Really</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain turned her shimmering eyes onto Lute who seemed to be
familiar with the history of airships and airship travel. Smiling warmly, Lute
was grateful to share his knowledge with Chain who gobbled it up like candy
while they waited for the airship to land. It did not so much land though as it
positioned itself alongside the dock. As the nuns and Finch worked with the airship
crew to moor the vessel, movement was taking place aboard the airship as members
of numerous parties all moved to the hull that would soon be connected by
bridge to the Chapel. Watching the people moving from one hull to another, Lute
furrowed his brow thoughtfully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That explains a bit.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What? Is something wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain turned her eyes onto Lute who still scoured the patrons
of the airship. Despite his furrowed brow, his brother, Pan, did not seem
surprised and Lute resolved that the situation was agreed upon prior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It’s nothing Chainmaid. But now I understand why a
mismatched dual hull that was converted into a trimaran was the vessel of
choice; we seem to have three different parties here for their own ends. It
would seem that the Head Mother is playing politics.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A frown crossed Lute’s face as he made the observation known
to Chain, and even the normally icy Pan frowned at the situation. Chain was not
sure what type of politics could so bother the Mouser Brothers but grew more
and more curious as they both remained silent. Following their lead, Chain
turned her gaze onto the airship and waited for the Chapel’s guests to disembark.
When at last they did begin to leave the airship by a bridge that was barely
more than an over glorified gangplank, Chain gained no further insight. She was
ignorant to the world for the most part and the men dressed importantly in
finery meant little to her. The second group composed of men who appeared to be
priests of a religion other than that preached by the Cardinal Church were a curiosity
to Chain, less so for the people who could only be called heretics being
seemingly invited, but for the magic that sealed fast their eyes. But they did
not hold her attention long as a group of men and women in black cassocks
emerged last from the vessel and were the first to be greeted by Mother Osprey.
Most notably, a wiry icaran man of pale complexion and short dark hair. His
beady eyes were hidden behind his round glasses that made his long face more aesthetically
balanced. It was less his face that made him stand out though from the other priests
as it was that he was the tallest of the group and was dressed in a white
garment that seamlessly blended a fitted long coat with the motif of a cassock.
Despite wearing the tri-cross of the Cardinal Church around his neck like the others
he was obviously someone more important than a priest and Chain new it. He was
also upsettingly familiar and Chain’s boring stare as she tried to piece together
her memories was responded to by the man turning his gaze onto her. Seeing her
standing with the Mouser Brothers brought a smile to his face and Chain new
immediately who it was that she was looking at. Bishop Verdant Yewroot, the man
who had arranged her imprisonment and torture at the hand of the Cardinal Church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-12106369098890465342019-09-20T07:02:00.001-07:002019-09-20T07:02:49.457-07:00100 Posts Today!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iS4o1VdgNrU/XYTaCPmrmMI/AAAAAAAAAq0/HjAMIWVBVfokU_9vWLs6-RvqSRNTa2tpACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/100_posts_ty_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1054" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iS4o1VdgNrU/XYTaCPmrmMI/AAAAAAAAAq0/HjAMIWVBVfokU_9vWLs6-RvqSRNTa2tpACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/100_posts_ty_image.jpg" width="421" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zabcd33G5E/XLDQnRPeFwI/AAAAAAAAAo4/P0UOllYAbZougBrKjoaKn_4gCKoelUVGgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/author_sd_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="544" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Zabcd33G5E/XLDQnRPeFwI/AAAAAAAAAo4/P0UOllYAbZougBrKjoaKn_4gCKoelUVGgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/author_sd_1.png" width="67" /></a></div>
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Morning everyone this fine Friday, September 20th 2019.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So we've done it! 100 updates (though there might be a little bit of cheating getting there considering Chapel Days has only been 1000 word updates instead of 2000)!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I don't have a lot to say beyond thank you very much for the support. I never would have gotten here without my readers and I just have to say thank you again and again. If I had more time I would have put together a cool celebration pic, but I hope the sloppy doodle above will suffice. I'll have it up soon on the Art Page to enjoy it without my babble, but again thank you. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that we've made it to 100 updates, lets do as the sketch above says and strive for 250. I know with everyone's support I can make it so I look forward to your continued support and hope that we can all enjoy the ongoing Sa·B·ers stories together!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Thank you everyone and stay well (^_^)</div>
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Joshua D Tarwater</div>
<br />Joshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-11801022497760959542019-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-20T06:48:01.081-07:00099 Chapel Days · Scene 17<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 17 · Intentions c<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~ Interior
~ Main Chapel<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~ Late
Morning, Scattered showers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Daylight filtered through parting clouds and
stained-glass relief<br />
Candlelight chasing away shadows from alcoves of prayer<br />
Rows of pews for hundreds left unattended<br />
The prayers to Ocia long finished even as her blessing persisted<br />
A silence perfect for self-reflection <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">“A<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">h! There we
are!” </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Following Squawk pushing open the great double doors into the
main chapel of the Chapel, Drop cried out in relief as she swam in and spotted
Chain. Chain was nowhere near as cheerful as her tiny mermaid counterpart and
looked back at the two entering with an expressionless face and an air of
helplessness. Squawk snorted in disgust at the sign of Chain so listless at the
far end of the main aisle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What a sight you make right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I can’t help it; I don’t like any of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hmph! Big deal you idiot. Do you think I like this anymore
than you do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You can still say no!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And why should I?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Stopping halfway up the main aisle, Squawk crossed his arms
and glared at Chain. She pouted and furrowed her brow as she lifted her fists
to emphasize her point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You don’t want to go on my adventures! You want to bring Atheaeldre’s
gift back to the Face of Icarus! But if you try to follow me–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’ll get myself killed? Pah! You truly are an idiot.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Throwing his arms up as he interrupted Chain, Squawk shook
his head as he blew off her concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’ve survived this long while having no intention of
becoming a corpse of any fashion. And that’s considering my short time with my
fellow pilgrims and the dangers to my life I have faced again and again. Yet I
have survived you idiot, be it by the grace of Atheaeldre or the Light of
Cardinal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">At the mention of Cardinal and her Light, Chain’s eyes
widened in terror. Tacking a forceful step forward, she emphatically refused
the possibility she saw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“NO! You can’t mean to either Squawk! You can’t! I’d sooner
let them seal me up and–”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Play the hero? Ha! Don’t make me laugh you idiot. We both
know that you have no desire to be a hero. And if what the smaller version of
you says is true, the world would just be forced to deal with you anyway.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">As he mentioned her, Squawk nodded at Drop. Chain looked at
her double who returned her stare with both embarrassment at having to get help
and the same desire to be a world-renowned adventurer. Squawk smirked behind
his beak as he knew Chain could not argue with herself and continued
condescendingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’d sooner deal with you in a form I know I can handle. Yes,
even if I have to taint this perfect nāti body of mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Don’t say that! Don’t do things you don’t want to!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Doesn’t the same go for you, idiot?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I didn’t want to be a Sa·B·er! But it wasn’t a choice I
made! I just wanted to be an adventurer and see the world! I didn’t want to be
anything but me! That’s why I made my chainmail–</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain stopped short, a flood of memories evading the typical
fracturing of her mind. She saw a forge and her hands working iron wire again
and again into tiny rings that she linked together with the most delicate of
care. She saw a completed chainmail shirt and leggings that she held up proudly
for a gaunt icaran man with messy brown hair tied into a high and bushy
ponytail. He wore a wide smile on his face as he looked at her with hazel eyes
through his large round glasses and patted her on the head. Tears began to run
down Chain’s face uncontrollably as she looked down at her Chainmail clad
hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So that’s it… Even with my skin underneath it just like the
Beast, it’s <i>my</i> chainmail on top. I’m still the one on top, and…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Looking over her shoulder, Chain watched as she willed her
cape into being from the jets of darkness that erupted from her shoulder
blades. As her cape fell, she reached back into and pulled her sword out by the
scabbard strap and smiled as she let her weapon dangle at her side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“…it’s the Beast that’s ejected while I take whatever is mine
underneath. That’s right. I shouldn’t be surprised that that light didn’t come
out. It’s not mine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Turning her eyes upward towards the holy symbol of the
Cardinal Church, Chain smiled even wider. Three crosses in a Y shape with their
tops pointed towards each other looked back at Chain as they represented the
three Sister Goddesses, the arrangement the spherical body of Icarus, and the
symbol as a whole the unity brought by Cardinal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That Light is hers and I can sometimes call it up if I do it
right. But the Beast is me, that Darkness kept at bay by the chainmail meant to
protect me on my adventures. But I can control the Beast’s Darkness because it
is me. I just need to make sure I don’t lose myself, even as fractured as I
am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Swinging her sword about so that it rested behind her right
shoulder, Chain turned a huge smile onto Squawk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It’s fine Squawk. I’m fine. As long as I have my chainmail,
I shouldn’t forget myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And you’re already being an idiot again. I can hardly
believe you, you idiot!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">As Squawk’s hands found their way into the air in
frustration, Chain became utterly befuddled. Fortunately for her, Squawk was
fond of lecturing people who irritated him, and Chain was clearly irritating
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Who do you think it was that even got you thinking clearly
enough to figure that out in the first place</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> That’s right you befuddle-faced
idiot! It was me! The person you already admitted to being the only anchor you
have right now! You’ll never make it as an adventurer who can gather the
attention of the other idiot without me along, and that makes it final! I’ll
just have to become the first and only Sa·B·er who spreads the gift of
Atheaeldre if only to keep you from making life harder for me! You best show
some appreciation for my sacrifice you ungrateful idiot! Especially since this is a decision I know I'll live to regret.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="background: #41A2B1; line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0in; text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-46150241112179897622019-09-18T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-19T06:47:58.089-07:00098 Chapel Days · Scene 16<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 16 · Intentions b<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">“N<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">o! Well, I
have been waiting here all night, but that’s not it! You just can’t!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You’re not making any sense heretic, including waiting here
all night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Maye sighed and pressed her fingertips against her forehead
as Chain rambled on incoherently. The pout Chain wore only intensified as her
hands fell from her hips and curled into tight fists at her side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I at least have a good excuse to not make sense! But you
don’t have any excuse! So, no, you can’t! Stop even thinking about it!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You’re still not making any sense heretic and I came here to
practice, not try to decipher the gibberish pouring out of your mouth this
morning. Perhaps if you allowed yourself some sleep you might actually be able
to speak in a manner where I understand what you are trying to say.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Finding talking to Chain to be a waste that morning, Maye
lowered her hand and took her rifle in hand from her back as she went to walk
past Chain. Chain allowed her pass, but not peacefully as she grabbed her tail
in her right hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“YEE~!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Inhaling sharply, Maye’s face flushed as she looked back and
instinctually mule kicked. Chain easily however dodged Maye’s right rear hoof
and caught her other with her right hand. Finding herself tilted forward like a
wheelbarrow, Maye kicked her rear legs fruitlessly unable to free herself of
Chain’s grip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What do you think you’re doing</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Finally asking the question she should have led with rather
than justifying Squawk calling her brutish, Maye sought to understand Chain’s
intentions. The icaran maid stopped pouting and let her face fall
expressionless beyond a hint of her brow furrowing as she spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Is this why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Why what</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain was still not making sense to Maye, but it was becoming
easier to guess what she was going on about. Where Maye struggled and strained
to no effect, Chain was not even putting forth an effort to keep the centaur’s
back end elevated. The next sentence that Chain spoke, while not a direct
answer, made it even clearer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It’s not worth it. You won’t be you anymore. There’s barely
any me left so I know what I’m talking. I’m lucky I’m still shaped like me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Don’t tell me… Master Squawk spoke to you of my intentions,
did he?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Master Squawk…?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Releasing her grip on Maye, Chain’s arms fell to her side as
her expression became crestfallen. Maye did not pay Chain much immediate attention
as she trotted away from her and shook her back left leg out. Not being
countered by Maye became Chain’s opening to continue and she put forth an
accusatory question as she lifted her massive eyes onto the centaur.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That’s what he meant by having his arm twisted. Why would
you do that to him? How could you do that to him</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> You don’t even know him, and you’d
ask him to follow me around knowing the danger I’ll throw myself into without
thinking while you throw away your humanity</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> Why would you do that</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You already answered your own question heretic.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Eh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">With a heavy sigh, Maye gave Chain a cross look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“First it should be noted that you have no say over my life
and the decisions I make heretic, but I wonder if you’ve truly noticed how little
say you have in your own. You seem to keep getting in your way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That’s…!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain leaned forward to counter Maye before taking a weak
step back. The expression on Maye’s face spoke volumes about how she was pained
to be breaking down Chain’s state to her, but she did not apologize for her
words. Instead she pressed on taking a step towards Chain who retreated a step further
in kind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You just admitted that you won’t think about what you are
doing, and Finch told me about your uncontrolled assault of her. One prompted
according to the she-devil by the further spirits you’ve contracted. You’re
growing unstable not just in your thoughts and emotions, but also your self-control.
Can you really be trusted to travel on your own? I think not and it is why I
first approached Mater Squawk during your half a tenday slumber. You need
supervised, for your own good and that of the world. Realistically, you should
be sealed away and your stability left to the work of others, but I doubt that Darkness
in you would stay so quiet if you were treated so. Darkness that can consume
the light of the Lucifalz. I’d never imagine such a possibility and wonder if
even the Light of Her Eminence within you can pierce that Darkness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So, if I can just summon my bow, you’ll forget all of this
then? If I can prove to you that I’m in enough control to go out on my own, you’ll
give up on this?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I can make no such assurances heretic. Venturing with you
and encounter that Foreigner and facing so large a Lucifalz speaks to the limitations
that the I possess. The strength of our enemies purified by Her Eminence though
compared to my own was unfathomable in its difference. But we are not speaking
of me heretic, but rather you, and I wonder if you can truly conjure up Her
Eminence’s Light through that Darkness within you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Her brow furrowing as she began to pout, Chain took Maye’s
goading to heart and curled her hands into fist once again at her sides.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You don’t know what you’re talking about! The Beast answers
to me and if I want to summon my bow then I’ll summon my bow!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Prove it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I will!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Lifting her left hand and extending it in front of her, Chain
prepared to snap her fingers. It was an unusual gesture, not because spell
casters did not make use of gestures to remind themselves of the effects of the
spell they were casting, but rather because it was how Chain opened the
Ambrosial Gate she used to draw in Nectar. She was unfamiliar with the
sensation of her own Ambrosial Gate and instead summoned forth the Ambrosial Gate
of the Foreigner beast that had infected her with a snap of her fingers. A
distinctive ringing sound filled the air as she did due to her chainmail
skinned fingers and a small sphere of white light appeared above her upturned
palm. Willing it to move forward, Chain twisted her hand around and clenched it
tight into a fist around the light. Experience told both Chain and Maye that in
response the gateway to the Nectar of Ambrosia would be transformed into a bow
of pure Light. To both of theirs surprise, far more the terrified Chain than
the slightly put off ease Maye, the bow that took form from within Chain’s clenched
fist was one of pure Darkness like that from which her cape spawned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“No… What? I don’t… This isn’t…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain could not find the words to convey her incomprehension
at the bow of Darkness she held, and Maye offered her a sympathetic look. There
was a third pair of eyes that watched the proceedings with interest from the shadows
and a look of curiosity with a hint of disappointment adorned Lute Mouser’s
face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Well, that is interesting. The way this job changes at a moment’s
notice. Whatever will brother think?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-77851422196502043872019-09-17T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-18T05:06:34.646-07:00097 Chapel Days · Scene 15<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 15 · Intentions a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~ Interior
~ Upper Floors<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~ Morning,
Light rain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Brought on by morning rain, prayers to the goddess
Ocia<br />
Various tiny chapels as frequented as the main <br />
The nuns’ normal morning put on hold for the blessing<br />
A routine disturbed falling in line with a goal<br />
That it was Ocia’s blessing was akin to a sign <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">M<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">aye would
have loved nothing more than to join her fellow nuns in the continuing morning activities
in response to the rain, but her goals denied her that privilege. As rain was
quite rare despite the frequency of thunder clouds in the domain of the goddess
Celestia, she could only hope she could pry away some of the more combat
oriented of the nuns to assist her with an idea she had. First, she had to
present herself in a manner befitting the urgency she wished to get across and
made for her monastic cell to rid herself of her habit that blended into a
matching horse blanket that adorned her lower half. Collecting her rifle before
she departed garbed in her white shirt and red denim jacket combination, it was
not lost on any of the nuns that her mind was elsewhere. Fortunately for her,
what she desired to know was a simple lesson and she soon learned of a spell
with a prayer incantation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“~ Through Lady Cardinal’s union I
beseech thee Father Icarus<br />
Let your flesh and your anger become as weapon waiting<br />
Let my will give it purpose and form<br />
Ambrosial Bullet! ~”</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Yes, this is perfect.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">A single bullet appeared within the grip of Maye’s fingertips
as she completed the prayer. She marveled at the sight of what had come to be
through the Nectar that passed through her Ambrosial Gate and body. The nun who
assisted her though offered a word of warning about the magically created
bullet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It may seem like a normal bullet Sister Maye, but it is an
object of Nectar. And the spell used to summon it, it is akin to holding Nectar
in stasis. The form of a bullet is simply the form you have given that stasis.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That is because I am familiar with bullets as the means I
use to stabilize the spell, correct.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is Sister Maye. It should not surprise me that a teacher
makes for a fine scholar I suppose.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“No, you are not wrong to be impressed. There is much I must
learn if I am ever to be worthy of calling myself a teacher again. But at least
with this I have a means with which I can face monsters that I am comfortable
with. And if I can hold off on creating them until I absolutely need them…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It would serve you well. But you should perhaps practice
sustaining a full chamber as well as summoning them as you need them just to be
prepared. It is also good practice for managing Nectar that you have expelled
from your body. I understand that the Chainmaid and the most powerful of
wizards can cast their magic by manipulating Nectar expelled from their bodies
eliminating the limitation of the vessel that is our bodies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Having seen the Chainmaid cast magic I can at least vouch
for her ability, though she seems to favor a sword even in this time of war.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Can you fault her Sister Maye? Guns are typically useless
against monster of any fair size as bullets are too small to hold enough Nectar
to be of use.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“True, but with these bullets…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Trailing off, Maye looked hopefully at the bullet she had
summoned into being. As solid as it was, she knew it was comprised entirely of
Nectar and would dissipate as soon as it had served its purpose. That it was
nectar sustained by her will though made it further interesting to her. As a
bullet, her mind accepted that it would not change form until it was fired from
her rifle making sustaining the stasis state of the spell easy. However, as it
was simply an attack spell held inactive, Maye could also feel it tugging on the
core of her being as the energies that gave it form desired to return to their
natural form. As her fellow nun had stated, she would need a great deal of
practice to handle the magic bullet she held, especially in any great number.
Having already dismissed herself from morning prayers, Maye intended to begin
immediately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~ Interior ~ Bowls<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~
Morning, Light rain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Rain was a rare thing on the Athecian continent under natural
circumstances and normally required the prayers of the faithful for the
Goddesses Ocia and Celestia to bring forth the sustainer of life. So rare was
rain that it was seldom accounted for in construction undertakings and the
Chapel was no exception. The bowels of the mobile fortress were not as dry as
they should be as rainwater seeped into the titanic vehicle dripping from the
pipes and ceiling. The plant life that had found root thanks to Squawk was
grateful for the water and seemed more vivid than ever. Maye had no care for
the positive effects of the rain however and was concerned that the firing
range set up for her would be comprised putting the paper targets it used to
waste. It was not water that awaited Maye though as she arrived at the
otherwise unusable hall that had become the firing range.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heretic? What are you doing here?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Before the stalls of the firing range, Chain stood in a wide
stance with her hands on her hips and a strongly disapproving pout on her face.
She also looked like she could barely stand, and her eyes were heavy and red
with sleeplessness. Naturally, a complaint fell from her lips in response to
Maye’s arrival.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hrm~! Why did it take you so long to get here</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’m afraid I don’t understand why you’re asking heretic.
Looking at you though… Don’t tell me that you were waiting for me here all
night?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-62248239590714617412019-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-17T07:11:02.894-07:00096 Chapel Days · Scene 14<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 14 · Beacon b<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">L<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">ights out on
the Chapel meant little as Squawk’s voice woke everyone aboard the mobile
fortress. Those jarred from sleep were on as high alert as those who worked the
night shift. When Squawk’s yelling ceased the Chapel lit up as the nuns went
about checking on each other’s wellbeing. Before Chain the sight of the Chapel
coming alive with light in the dark of night was mesmerizing. </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So pretty!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Though she spoke the words aloud, Chain could not hear
herself at all over the ringing in her ears, but she did not care at the
moment. Captivated by the beauty brought to life by Squawk’s voice she could
only marvel in amazement. Her amazement though conjured old memories from a
quaint village within a cliffside alcove nestled in a forest and of the dreams
of those she cherished. Looking at the vegetation that adorned the Chapel in
the artificial light, her face of awe gave way to a jealous smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You beat me to my dream, didn’t you Squawk?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The answer the n</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">āti youth provided was not picked up by Chain’s
still ringing ears and she offered him a smile as she pointed at her ears.
Naturally, Squawk threw his arms up in frustration making Chain’s smile widen
even more. Not to torture Squawk too much though, she turned her eyes to the
stars above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You really are my beacon back to who I was
Squawk. I bet you don’t want to hear that though. You’re probably thinking I’d
want to drag you along on my adventures just to keep me, me. But you know
Squawk, if you look down, you’ll see all of the life on the Chapel and it’s so
different from what the rest of the world is like. People are happy and their
worries aren’t worn on their faces. They know that life can recover and grow
strong again, and you’re a part of that Squawk. You always went on about how
you’d become a Pilgrim of Atheaeldre and return her gift to the Face of Icarus.
Everyone doubted you, you know? We never thought with your pride you could pull
it off, and yet… I can see it with my own eyes, the life you’re bringing back
to the Face of Icarus and it amazes me. How hard did you work to make your
dream come true?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It hasn’t come true yet. Look beyond this vessel
and you’ll still see the same charred waste you do everywhere else you idiot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Though Squawk sounded muted, Chain’s hearing was
coming back and she heard him clearly enough to respond.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But you’re out here giving it your all, even
when your life is in danger you haven’t given up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Can finally hear again can you, you idiot?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Barely.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Then consider it a lesson you best not forget;
never give me a reason to yell at you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Heh heh… I think I’m probably going to though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“YOU WHAT</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Chain scratched at her cheek as Squawk surely
enough raised his voice, though fortunately not anywhere near his full volume.
Risking giving the already agitated youth reason to raise his voice further,
Chain backflipped off the railing and onto the balcony. Stretching, she looked
down at his bewildered expression behind her and smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t want to take the path to your dream away
from you Squawk. Not after you’ve worked so hard to get here. Besides, I have
others out there who can be my beacon so you don’t have.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You mean to tell me the other idiot and your pet</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Pah! And how
exactly do expect to find them in your state. You were fortunate as it was to
find me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You were too Squawk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">With a condescending harrumph, Squawk folded his
arms indignantly as Chain pouted at him. Curling her hands into fists at her
side, Chain’s pout deepened but did not budge Squawk. With a groan she gave up
and turned her back on him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Well it’s not like I don’t have a way to find
them. I shouldn’t have to get lucky like I did with you. I just have to chase
after my dream and they’ll naturally come to me. Though becoming the most
renowned adventurer in the world might take some time and effort.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A heavy sigh escaped Squawk as Chain again
scratched at her cheek in thought. Lowering his head, Squawk uncrossed his arms
only to clasp his hands behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“It’s little wonder that brutish horse has chosen
the path forward that she has. She’s still a fool but considering the level of
idiot you are it’s a decision I can deride for only so long. Pah! It really is
like you’re all twisting my arm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tilting her head confused, Chain looked back at
Squawk trying to fit his words together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t think I get it Squawk. I just said I’m
not going to take you with me, and I have no idea what horse you’re talking
about?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“The one prone to calling you a heretic you idiot!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Maye?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t believe I stuttered.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A nervous laugh escaped Chain and she scratched
at her cheek again as she came to terms with Squawk’s way of referring to Maye.
Coming to terms with that though was only a partial answer to Chain’s question
as it became easier for her to refine her inquiry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“But what does Maye have to do with anything? She
isn’t forcing you to follow me, is she?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“You’re innocent naivete does not fit you, you
idiot. You opened her Ambrosial Gate today and can you guess who she asked to
teach her magic?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Eh–</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> She asked you</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Why</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Turning to fully face Squawk, Chain held back not
one drop of her growing curiosity. Squawk was not in a particularly good humor
however as he spoke about Maye’s intentions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Because of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“That’s right, you idiot. Your idiocy seems
infectious and she has decided to head into the world with you when you leave this
vessel behind. She believes there is much to learn following an idiot of your caliber
around and knows more about my opinion on that than I would like. Hearing you
spout your own idiocy however it has become apparent that you surely will just
get yourself killed on your own, but I can’t possibly trust that fool when she
would choose to willingly become a Sa·B·er so as not to be a liability.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">“Eh? EH</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> E~~~~~H?????!!!!!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Absolutely dumbstruck, it was Chain’s voice that
next echoed out into the night.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.sa-b-ers.com/2019/09/095-chapel-days-scene-13.html">Prev</a>| <a href="https://www.sa-b-ers.com/p/story.html">Story List</a> |<a href="https://www.sa-b-ers.com/2019/09/097-chapel-days-scene-15.html">Next</a></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-9379457960558087472019-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-16T06:27:54.806-07:00095 Chapel Days · Scene 13<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 13 · Beacon a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~
Exterior ~ Crow’s Nest Office<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~ Evening,
partly cloudy and cool<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">At the zenith of the Chapel a crow’s nest<br />
Below a large office and command center <br />
A panoramic view through clear windows and from a compass shaped balcony<br />
The young maid with chainmail skin sitting upon the rail<br />
The stars and setting sun held in her massive eyes <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">H<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">er back
awash in the light that flooded out from the Crow’s Nest Office, Chain seemed
almost a luminescent being against the evening sky. She was not so unearthly a
creature however, and for as broken and fractured as her mind was, her thoughts
were grounded in quiet contemplation. Had she a better grasp on her thoughts
she might not have sat on the railing as long as she had, but the passage of
time did not bother her.</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Excuse me, Lady Chainmaid?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">The voice of a nun called out to Chain from a door back into
the office the balcony was apart of and she looked over her shoulder at the
nun. She didn’t say a word as she did and let her confirmation of the nun’s
presence be the invitation she needed to continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“We will be rotating shifts soon and the Chapel will be going
dark. It might be best if you come inside before then.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’m alright. A little darkness won’t bother me…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Looking away as she spoke, Chain turned her eyes to the
heavens as she mentioned darkness. Considering the Darkness that dwelled inside
of her, an aspect of her that was her yet not her just like Drop, she truly had
nothing to fear from the dark. The nun seemed pensive however and did not
return inside immediately. Pouting, Chain looked back again to shoo away the
concerned nun but paled at the sight of Squawk emerging from the spiral
staircase that led into the Crow’s Nest Office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Is something the matter Lady Chainmail?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">An answer was forthcoming from Chain, but Squawk’s voice
suddenly erupted behind the nun washing away the need for her to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“There you are… *huff* *huff* …you idiot!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Just as Chain had hoped, a day of searching for her had worn
out Squawk and he lacked the strength to weaponize his voice. His voice still
struck fear in the hearts of the nuns who had barely survived a day of him
yelling unannounced for Chain to reveal herself and the nun who held the door
jumped out of the nāti youth’s way in hurried terror. Chain smiled awkwardly at
the sight, but her amused smile soon softened into something more wistful.
Squawk saw the change in her expression and grew even more irritable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Honestly… *huff* *huff* …you avoid me for an entire day…
*huff* *huff* …and then you show me that look. I swear… *huff* *huff* …it’s
like you’re all trying to twist my arm.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heh heh. Sorry Squawk, I have no ide what you’re talking
about.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Of course, you don’t, you idiot!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Throwing up his arms in frustration as Chain scratched at her
cheek in confusion, Squawk had to lower them again nearly just as quickly as he
had to grab on to the balcony railing to support himself. Chain watched him
gasping for breath and stayed quiet while he recovered. Behind them in the
Crow’s Nest Office all but the most integral of lights went out as the last
traces of daylight gave way for the stars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You know Squawk, I really am glad I found you out here…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">As Squawk neared recovering, Chain began both to express her
thoughts and hopefully dissuade him from yelling at her. He suspected as much
and earned a nervous smile from Chain as he glared up at her from where he
leaned against the railing. As before her smile fell, though as she continued she
looked out at the horizon while gripping the railing tightly with both hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Since I don’t know even… Everything has been jumbled and my
thoughts and memories don’t fit back together again like they’re supposed to.
Even my emotions feel distant sometimes, like they’re far away from me or too
deep inside of me. I can’t keep it all together at all and wonder if I’ll ever
be able to reconcile who I was and who I am now. But when I heard your voice…
when I saw that irritable look you always wear, when you yelled at me like you
always do… It was the first time in what felt like forever that I was just me
again. I keep trying not to let everything that happened bug me, but just
trying to think is more of a reminder than even my body.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So, I’ve become your anchor then, idiot?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Something like that, maybe…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Hmph a fine joke if ever I heard one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“EH~~‼ How could you say that Squawk</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“How could I say that you ask? Hmph, how couldn’t I say that?
<b><i>NOT AFTER YOU LEFT ME</i></b> <b><i>SPENDING THE WHOLE DAY LOOKING FOR
YOU, YOU UNGRATEFUL IDIOT‼”<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain did not catch the sharp intake of breath Squawk squeezed
in after his irritable harrumph and she was completely defenseless as he
suddenly exploded in arm flailing rage. She could not defend herself from his verbal
barrage lest she release the balcony railing and risk plummeting below while defenseless
from recoiling from Squawk’s voice. As loud as he was though she could barely
make out what he was saying beside him and could only surmise that he was
criticizing her for how she cast magic, becoming a Sa·B·er, opening Maye’s
Ambrosial Gate, sleeping for half a tenday, not seeing him when she woke up,
worrying him half to death after something happened in the past before all she
could hear was a ringing in her ears as her eyes watered over. Holding the most
strained of smiles Chain waited it out and when his beak moved without her
whole body vibrating in horrible pain, she replied with the only response she
could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I’m sorry Squawk, I can’t hear you right now. My ears are
ringing so go ahead and give me a moment, please."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-60104651730046949402019-09-12T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-13T05:47:41.937-07:00094 Chapel Days · Scene 12<br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 12 · Tea b <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">“E<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">h–</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">” </span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Figuring out was going on with the Mouser Brothers was a far
more difficult task than it should have been for Chain. To make matters worse,
through some series of events that she could not wrap her head around, she somehow
ended up seated with them for tea. Holding her teacup anxiously in both hands
she watched the Mouser Brothers as they exchanged words, her eyes darting from
one to the other as they spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I must say though Chainmaid, I’m really surprised that you
didn’t surmise we would still be here. You are still our target and we are also
Sa·B·ers recognized by the Cardinal Church. It’s part of why we chose this café
for our tea. Had you abandoned ship we would have had a clear view of you no
matter where you went.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">There was more than enough truth to Lute’s words as the café was
on the backside of the Chapel and the scenery it passed over could be seen
flowing out behind easily. That the Chapel easily traveled at a speed that
would outpace most humans, despite taking days at a time to get anywhere,
assured that anyone leaving the mobile fortress would be completely exposed
upon the scarred Face of Icarus. As she acknowledged the truth of Lute’s words,
Chain took a sip of her tea to hide her awkwardly nervous smile. Fortunately
for her, she did not need to speak up for herself as Pan was more than glad to
correct his brother and Chain’s eyes darted towards him as he spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You forget Lute, we’ve heard more than enough of the nuns
here mention that the Chainmaid’s mind is fractured to ignore that detail.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Perhaps brother, but she seemed to be just fine when I
fought beside her recently, and the nuns here speak of it as though she was
like that before we ended up lending each other a hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“And you are not considering the situation around her when we
were to make sure she was not removed from our client’s domain.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Are you implying that our client broke her mind brother?
That would be slandering a client.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It would be, but she had already failed to receive the Saint’s
Light and then there was the appearance of the Lucifalz.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“So, the Lucifalz then both broke her already Foreigner
weakened mind and allowed the Saint’s Light to root in her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It makes sense, does it not?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It ignores that we were being cut open while alive because the
people there wanted to know what the Beast was.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Cutting into the Mouser Brother’s back and forth, Drop
crossed her arms and pouted at the two men from where she sat on a doily. Chain
wanting to also lash out at the Mouser Brothers for discarding her experiences
with the Cardinal Church yet also wanting to hide behind her teacup for fear of
things turning sour did exactly that. Left to confront the Mouser Brothers
alone, Drop pouted deeper as Lute challenged her word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“You’ll have to forgive me little one, but there was no
mention of any spirts present until after her escape attempt began.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That is because this part of us stayed hidden within like the
Beast. We did not reveal ourselves until after the Beast became the part of us
that was on the outside. Even then, we are very familiar with the pain we felt.
It was horrible and unwanted. Is that the way of holy people to hurt those who
ask for help?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is not supposed to be child. I do believe we spoke of
this when first we met.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Ah</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Looking up in surprise, Drop was joined by the others at the
table in acknowledging the arrival of a venerable nun garbed all in white known
as Mother Osprey. She was the head mother of the convent that made the Chapel it’s
home and gave the mobile fortress life. She spoke with a voice that was full of
wisdom and the power to calm and bring peace to all who heard it. Her arrival
was unexpected, but the Mouser Brothers were no boors and both rose to offer
her a seat. She held out a hand to decline even as she smiled and offered them
a nod of her head. Lowering her hand, she folded her hands in front of her as she
continued to speak with Drop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“But your concerns are not without import. If you desire, we
might speak at a later time of your experiences with those who wear the
tri-cross of the Cardinal Church.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">As Mother Osprey brought mention to the holy symbol of the Cardinal
Church, Chain’s eyes peered over her cup at the one made of precious metal that
hung from a chain around the old nun’s neck. The three crosses arranged in a
Y-shape brought to the fore images Chain would be glad to forget but were offset
by more pleasant childhood memories as Mother Osprey spoke. Unsure of how to
feel or what to say, Chain did not speak for herself and allowed Drop to
continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“That we would very much like. …though we nearly forgot that
this part of us desired to speak with you without our larger self.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Eh~</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> Why’s that Drop? Why would you want to keep secrets from me?
We’re the same person, aren’t we?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Unprepared for Drop to request a solo meeting with Mother
Osprey, Chain nearly whined out her string of questions as she lowered her
teacup. Drop looked up at her larger reflection and tried to explain as best
she could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It’s that it would be better if only this part of us spoke
about what must be spoken. We are too unstable like our situation to act on it
all at once. Do not worry though, the secret must be kept from certain parts of
our self for only a little while. It will not be a long wait hopefully.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“There are many factors that could decide that child. One of
which is why I am here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Turning from Drop and Chain, Mother Osprey shifted her
attention to the Mouser Brothers with a gentle smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Forgive me for interrupting your tea, but there is a matter
I would like to speak to Sa·b·ers of your reputation and caliber about.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is no trouble at all Mother. If you so desire, we would
be glad to have you join us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Smiling at Lute’s invitation, the twinkle in Mother Osprey’s
eyes spoke of how she would love nothing better. Pan was not so unobservant
though as to not notice the air about the old nun and pushed in his chair at the
table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Unfortunately, Lute, this would appear to be a matter that
requires a different locale to discuss.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“I see. Excuse me Mother for my presumptuousness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is quite alright Master Sa·B·er. If it is not too much
trouble, I would be grateful if you would follow me. And child, if you do not
mind, should you join us I can have one of the sisters lead you to my private
chambers where we might speak in earnest later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Drop’s eyes lit up at the invitation and she swam up into the
air to follow after Mother Osprey and the Mouser Brothers. With a blank look on
her face Chain stared at the empty café around her and blinked several times.
Looking down at her confused expression reflected in her tea she tilted her
head before once again lifting it. As before, she was still alone, and a lonely
breeze played with her hair mockingly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Eh–?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2513543010579659046.post-90532110114854615092019-09-11T08:00:00.000-07:002019-09-12T07:06:49.099-07:00093 Chapel Days · Scene 11<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cohl_logo_dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="1600" height="66" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQxeXch1N-8/XT2AEX2g8mI/AAAAAAAAAqc/cQSt9T4pb8IrEr1HQEs9DkPV6QehHMNIwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/cohl_logo_dark.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Chapel Days · Scene 11 · Tea a <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">The Chapel ~
Exterior ~ Upper Floor Cafes<br />
</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Early Autumn ~
Early Afternoon, Approaching clouds and strong breezes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps;">Quaint though unfrequented<br />
Small exterior dining spaces welcoming for the weary <br />
Overlooking the Chapel’s gardens and the view of the day<br />
They were a place of sanctuary<br />
More often for visitors than the nuns <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "parchment"; font-size: 65.5pt;">R<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">ustling tree
leaves celebrated the passing breeze and the arrival of Chain to the cafes hidden
behind the upper floors of the Chapel. As she dropped out of a tree and onto
the cobbled patios of the cafes, she was joined by Drop who swam down out of
the tree. Unlike the brightly smiling Chain who placed her hands on her hips,
her tiny mermaid double wore an expression of worry and had a question on her
lips.</span><span style="color: white; font-family: "agency fb" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Should we really leave him to keep shouting? I doubt it is
good at all for the nuns.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Heh heh… probably not, but I don’t want to be yelled at by
Squawk while he has so much strength though.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It is true that it would likely be safer to face him after
he has worn himself out…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Tilting her head, Drop pressed a finger to her chin as she
contemplated the effects of Squawks yelling on her and Chain. Much as they did
not desire to find out the full brunt of that force, there was the wellbeing of
the nuns and that which relied on them to consider as well. Lowering her finger
and straightening out her head, Drop presented that problem to her larger
counterpart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“If we leave him to wear himself out though we have no
guarantee that this rolling building will persist.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Well, that’s fine. Sure, it would be bad for them, but I’d
rather travel on foot for now. It’s not like I have my own Dolmen to where I
would need a mobile fortress.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Her smile giving way to a pout, Chain tried to dismiss the
nuns using her own selfish desires to make a point. It naturally didn’t work on
Drop who knew better due to simply being Chain, but the disbelieving smile she
offered Chain quickly disappeared. A voice from a table behind them sent a
chill down both of their spines despite the warmness it spoke with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“Come now Chainmaid, that is a horrible way to treat your
benefactors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">From Chain’s shoulder blades a jet of Darkness in the form of
flames jutted out before taking the form of a cape. Spinning about to face the
origin of the voice, Chain also revealed that her simple cruciform sword had
also appeared from the flames. Drawing the weapon and taking up a combat stance
even as she returned the sword’s scabbard to the void it had come from within
her summoned cape, Chain faced down the owner of the voice. She immediately
wrinkled her mouth as she became no longer sure how to proceed when she saw
them however.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It would appear that she is still ill at ease Lute.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Taking a sip from the teacup he held, an icaran man with
silver hair and red eyes dressed fancily in a red great coat eyed Chain coolly
past the long, curled lock of hair that dangled by his left eye. The chilling
voice he spoke with obviously did not mark him as the initial speaker, leaving
the curled tip red haired man with the silver eyes and matching great coat to
be the speaker as he was the only other one present. Like the other light
skinned icaran man, his older brother Pan Mouser in fact, Lute held a teacup.
Where Pan leaned against the table between them threateningly, Lute lounged
back in his seat with one leg resting atop the other. The lack of weapons on
their persons would have made them appear anything but a threat regardless, but
anyone who knew of the Mouser Brothers and the reputation of those two Sa·B·ers
would not have faulted Chain for her reaction. That the Mouser Brothers were
also openly hunting Chain only made her wearier. The lack of their weapons
however left her feeling villainous as she held her sword threateningly at
them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“It does look that way brother. *Sigh* And after you trusted
me enough to have your back Chainmaid. Have the results really disappointed you
so much?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">Chain’s mouth wrinkled even more as she was confronted with
Lute’s hurt expression, yet she adjusted her grip on her sword regardless.
Sweating nervously, Chain was grateful in that moment for the grip her Chainmail
afforded her upon her weapon as she challenged the Mouser Brothers with a
question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“What are you two doing here</span><span style="font-family: "tahoma" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">⁈</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;"> I would have thought the nuns here
would have never let you on here after they saved me from you two the first
time!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">It was not surprising to see Lute sigh, as his warmer and
more open nature than his brother allowed him a greater range of expected
emotion. Pan sighing then was akin to experiencing an artic breeze in the
middle of a rainforest summer. The chills it brought along with it were just as
paralyzing and Chain was afraid she only still held her sword as she did
because she was too paralyzed herself to loosen her grip. She did manage to
grit her teeth however even as Pan lowered his teacup to its matching saucer.
Withdrawing his hand from the cup Chain feared she may find out where his
weapon was hidden and a bead of sweat ran down the side of her face. Then Pan
reached out and Chain tensed further. All of the tension she had been
experiencing disappeared in a blink however and was replaced by confusion as
Pan picked up a teapot and poured himself another cup of tea. Returning the
teapot to its tray on the table he lifted his cup and breathed in the tea’s
aroma before taking a sip. Lowering his teacup once more to its saucer he
leveled the still combat ready Chain again with that chilling gaze of his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%;">“To answer your question Chainmaid, Lute and I are having
tea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #41a2b1; font-size: 11.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;">.</span><span style="color: #41a2b1; font-family: "syncopate" , serif; font-size: 16.0pt; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Copyright © 2019 Joshua D TarwaterJoshua D Tarwaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03028324088381236778noreply@blogger.com0