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Serene End
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Serene End

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Having heard the empty voice of the silver-haired heir, Telvern turned towards him. His eyes did stare, but they were evasive as if trying to avoid direct contact. "Are you certain that relying on chance is the best course of action?" asked Telvern with hesitance. "Even if this mad theory is proven true, we still have little clue as to what will even occur. It could very well be cataclysmic to our cause."

"If it fails, we'll adapt to the situation and carry on to complete our objective," argued Raphael, appeasing the genius.

Shinon took notice that Telvern seemed at least somewhat satisfied with Raphael's answer to this irrational idea, causing the archer to sigh. "Well, all right," passively responded Shinon, his voice showing he's not fully pledged to the idea, but was willing to go through it nonetheless. "But if things go south, it's every man for himself."

"This is beyond foolish..." angrily dismissed the Lamian Shakir, looking to Raphael as he stepped over. "Do you truly intend on risking our lives for the sake of chasing such a far-fetched theory?"

"Our lives are at risk regardless," Raphael countered. "As I've said, if it fails, we'll adapt and keep going."

"'Lax, pal," suggested the social assassin Calvin to his fellow Lamian. "Everythin'll work itself out."

A large, heated breath pushed out of Shakir's lungs through his nostrils like venting out hot air. "Very well," he spitefully acknowledged, but then his eyes glared intensely straight upon Raphael. "But understand this, we listen to you only because Jeen drág Essa stands at your side."

"Are you finished?" callously asked Raphael, not fazed by the malice spewing from Shakir's lips.

"No," Shakir answered, getting in Raphael's face. "And if it weren't for that, you would be dead for what flows in your veins."

"Is that why your 'queen' hesitated to kill me then?" the silver-haired prince replied critically.
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28-Aug-2015 01:55:24

Serene End
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"Fellas, fellas," suddenly called Calvin in a voice so calm and casual, tearing the two asunder. He pushed them away from each other, shuffling his head between the two. "Ain't no need fer all dis hostility. C'mon, we're partners! Everyone's workin' fer the same thing 'ere!"

"Why should we join forces with them?!" questioned the Lamian in a frustrated tone. "We've aligned ourselves with a Barn, a cowardly traitor, and that... laacrán caza! I mean, do we not betray the very words we've devoted our lives to?!"

Calvin turned his pale blue gaze to Shakir, giving him a rather serious look. "Everything's there for a reason," Calvin earnestly told Shakir, putting him off.

Shakir gulped saliva down rather nervously, not used to seeing that kind of look from his superior. Although he was unhappy to work alongside those he deemed his enemies, Calvin seemed certain that this went with purpose. "...A-as you insist Kéz," Shakir submitted with slight fear, angstful of perhaps a wrath hidden even in the most laid-back, go-with-the-flow person that could be mustered.

Calvin's face became elucidated after the moment of acknowledgement, wiping away a rather heavy miasma. He bore that familiar light posture, that radiant smirk. "Jus' hav'-a lil' faith, y'know?" the superior suggested to his comrade, his brother.

In the moment to reply, Shakir nodded his head to agree and take in Calvin's advice. He let go of the anger and indignation that wore him like a suit, backing off from the one who possessed him to wield such fury. He returned to the side of his queen, loyally standing by her as a protector. The Lamian fell into the fold of his other fellow brothers and sisters, surrounding Libitina.
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28-Aug-2015 01:55:47

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"Everything's there for a reason", "have a little faith"... Telvern simply couldn't help it, feeling a slight suspicion. Regardless, he turned his gaze off towards to the black flock he once belonged to, inspiring them to tense up and raise their guard. It was very obvious, plain to see like finding a splash of black upon white paper: the Desert Assassins were still very distrusting of him. They were wise to feel that way, to not buy so readily into what could simply be a disguise.

But Telvern's frigid, stoic gaze pierced through that steel-laden veil once more, aiming for Libitina. She simply returned the favor, undeterred to step up to the plate. They looked at each other for some time, a staredown like a heated argument. ""Libitina," I believe you're called," the genius called, catching her attention. "Since you're the leader of the assassins, I think it best you've some word in our planning."

"Very well," she returned, acknowledging his acceptance of her into his planning fold. She stepped forward into the open arms of the members of the former Resistance, much to the dismay of her clansmen. A hundred hands to stop her, but she would deny each and every single one of them. It was with angst and a held breath that they watched their queen go within striking distance from the traitor, but they had to hold faith that she knew what she was doing.

Face-to-face, Libitina and Telvern stared each down like titans about to do battle. Calvin shuffled his eyes between the two as he stood just outside of them, but he kept an eye primarily upon the glasses-wearing genius. Telvern looked as though his lips were at war, quivering and moving in agony. He wanted to say something, it hung at the very edge of his tongue's tip.

Though strenuous, the genius closed his eyes and sighed. He clearly let go of whatever was eating at him, his face returning to that certain stern look that was so familiar to him. "...Have you any suggestions?" he asked, fixing his glasses.
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28-Aug-2015 01:56:00

Serene End
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"I believe it would be best that we attack after the party," she proposed. "Attacking during the celebration might attract too much attention, and draw too many knights for us to handle. Attacking afterwards will be when the city is at its most vulnerable."

"Agreed," Telvern commented positively, then turning to Kereske. "Do you have a map with the position of the patrols?"

"Of course," responded Kereske, stepping over towards the table at the center of the room. He pulled the rolled-up paper from beneath his coat, rolling it out across the table. Its golden-brown skin spanned out across the aged, weathered wood like the shimmering sands of the desert. Sketched upon its face was the rough blueprint of Ormemel in its entirety, marking with circles to indicate enemy patrol.

This scene was repeated just four days later: the day of the infiltration. But this time the scene was played outside, a rather secluded, secure location. Everyone gathered around a small table, watching Kereske roll out the paper once more. Their eyes feasted upon the paper and all its detail, their ears awaited the very plan they had to digest completely by the time of the sun's departure.

Raphael, standing on the inside of this circle of bodies, scrolling his eyes across the sea of black. "Let's go over the plan one last time," he said to the crowd. "As we speak, the entire city of Ormemel is in the midst of a week-long festivity. Its people believe that any threat to their lives has been dismantled, and thus permitting them to indulge in their new freedom. They will drink and celebrate, then go to sleep, thinking only of the future ahead of them. This is when we strike."
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28-Aug-2015 01:56:23

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Raphael planted his right index finger upon the paper, hitting the representation of the city's walls and the multiple circles marked inside those walls. "Earl Darris has taken no chances, placing multiple archers on top of the city's walls," Raphael explained. "Instead of taking them out one-by-one, the assassins will deal with these archers in a synchronized attack. But keep in mind: all soldiers on patrol are Solasúian, so you'll have to approach them very carefully."

He then pointed towards the outside of the southern gate, towards rather nicely drawn basic sketches of some yew trees. "The rest of us will be positioned here, taking cover," he stated. "Shinon and Shakir will have their bows ready, awaiting the signal. Be sure to keep yourself completely hidden, or else the soldiers' Solasúian senses will pick up on you and suspect something's wrong."

Raphael then scrolled his finger across the paper, pointing now upon the representation of the gates into the city. "Once the archers have been dealt with, Libitina, I want you to make sure we've not been figured out," the silver-haired heir continued, then turning his eyes towards Kereske, who was at his right. "Kereske, if we're clear, give the signal."

Kereske nodded his head. "Very well," he responded quickly.

The silver-haired heir pulled his eyes back down to the paper. "There are four soldiers posted at the gates, two for each side," the leader continued, unhindered. "Once the signal is given, Shinon and Shakir will emerge from their cover and take out the soldiers on the outside of the gate. Meanwhile, Telvern will have infiltrated the city along with the assassins and take out the soldiers on the inside."
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28-Aug-2015 01:56:39

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Continuing on with the explanation, Raphael scrolled his fingers along the path from the southern gates to the eastern side of the castle. "Once we enter the city, the assassins will continue their assault. The senses of the soldiers on patrol will inform them of a threat, finding us making entry into the city. Their attention will be diverted onto us, creating an opportunity for the assassins to crush them before they even become aware of what's happening..."

Raphael boldly went forward, explaining the details of the plan that they had come up with. His finger whipped and drew invisible circles upon the map, and everyone seemed to be getting their head around it. The silver-haired heir's voice strong with authority, sounding truly like a leader now. And although some might resent admitting to this, he was a leader -- their leader.

It was creeping up on them, just a matter of time now. The morning air blackened, darkness soon descended upon them. To what was to occur during their infiltration? Would this crazy plan even work? Would they even go on to survive? There was too much to ask, but too little answered. Irregardless, they marched on, hoping to find a light within the dark.



The End of Chapter 26,
Next Chapter,
Chapter 27: The Crossroads of a Thousand Paths

Thank you for reading, I appreciate it. ^_^

~Serene End




...o_o...

Wow, that was madness...

...I'm going to have to take a break before I post the next chapter. xD

Next week! I swear, next week!
The end
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the beginning...

28-Aug-2015 01:58:02 - Last edited on 04-Sep-2015 15:25:37 by Serene End

Azigarath

Azigarath

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Oh dear, I don’t seem to remember much about last chapter, or much of the story in fact. But they’ve entered some sort of realm, fought off imposters posing as gods, and we see what’s going on since then. What I like about Wattpad is that it’s much easier to find earlier posts, with which I can reread, to reread my feedback, and have a refresh to my memory.

Anyways, first sentence of chapter 26 is a bit contradictory but has good poetic value. Raphael recovers somewhere and follows his senses. I think he was possessed a few chapters ago or something like that. The characters experience blistering walking amidst much descriptive emotion.

Page 125, post 9, last paragraph,
*Every corner of every corner”
Was this intentional? Just asking.

Raphael speaks to a goddess of some sort. He also finds some sort of laminar armour set in dark leather.

continue reading from 126

Raphael equips the armour. Igja, the goddess/voice, mentions that Telvern left it for him. A note is also found.

“their face(s) like blistered, bubbly masks*
I liked this one, simple but strong in imagery.

Oh Raphael, you’re such a baby. Lamia, Daevarro, Calvin and Shinon also make an appearance, though I don’t remember who they are, but I recall the names. Libitina? Absolutely no idea who that is. They walk down the hallway. They then sleep in the cold desert somewhere. Just a little more to freedom! I wonder what then.

Later, they approach a sanctuary. Or so it appeared, it seems Lumby is destroyed, with a hill of bodies, the victims put on fire after being butchered and piled.

“Shakir's eyes grew as wide as baseballs”
Oh my, another modern term? So far, we have jackhammers, French hairstyles, and baseballs!
*Giorgio Tsoukalos raises his hands, and smirks* “Dude... aliens...”

The desert assassins bend over is similar fashion as samurai would when bowing before a daimyo. Raphael could not keep his promise to Marie. He does find a little metal flower.

02-Sep-2015 08:41:38 - Last edited on 02-Sep-2015 08:43:09 by Azigarath

Azigarath

Azigarath

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“It was a long, dark path, a birth canal which would see him... born again.”
This stands out to me!
“He sought justice for those who suffer and live, and for those who suffered and died.”
Another good piece; I think your style is becoming vastly better than your earlier works.

It seems that Raphael has some sort of vision, and a unicorn appears; I think he appeared earlier in the story somewhere. He appears at the gates of Governati. He overhears Momus’ death, who is mentioned to be a traitor, or maybe he’s not actually dead. Momus was an impressive serial killer of monarchs!

Ah, hello again General Gallows, I was wondering when you** pop up! His real name is mentioned to be Sergius Ishvara. I suppose he got the nickname Gallows for obvious reasons. Telvern goes through the traders and such.

Page 128, post 6, last paragraph,
“squirming around like a worm trying to run away.”
Well, you can guess why I highlighted this. Worms can*t run. D:

Well, the Loyal Knights fend off Telvern. He tells them possibly the oldest trick. A “friend” does appear, of some kind anyways. He also has a raffle ticket, presumably acquired from Balthazar in-game. Well, at least Telvern goes to the funeral.

Alright, I’ll stop at page 129 for now; that way, I won’t spam a giant mountain of text. I think posting a max of two posts per go makes everything more manageable and easier to read anyways, and its easier for me, too.

The chapter began with vast descriptions of little things, which I think is your style, a strong emphasis on the little things to build the bigger picture I think. Many things happened, too, and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to comprehend everything. I am currently reading a dozen other stories elsewhere, so the many different settings makes it harder for me to remember this one. Oh well, at least every chapter feels like another adventure.

Alright, I’ll continue reading from page 129 later, see you later.

02-Sep-2015 08:43:40 - Last edited on 02-Sep-2015 08:44:56 by Azigarath

Serene End
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Serene End

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Hello once more! Sorry for the long reply time, just figured I'd wait to post when I decided to post the chapter... which is finally today.

I have every intention of posting this story entirely on Wattpad. Right now I'm in the process of revising the chapters I currently have posted there, they're kept mostly the same, but less... well, 2011. One good thing about revising is the fact that I can change characters to make them act/appear as I envision them now. Anyway!

"Page 125, post 9, last paragraph,
*Every corner of every corner”
Was this intentional? Just asking."

Yes, it was intentional.

Oooo, typo! Thank you for putting the (s) in faces there!

"Oh Raphael, you’re such a baby. Lamia, Daevarro, Calvin and Shinon also make an appearance, though I don’t remember who they are, but I recall the names. Libitina? Absolutely no idea who that is."

Aw, Raphael doesn't appreciate that. D: And Libitina is the leader of the Desert Assassins, and a person who the other Lamians believe is the reincarnation of Lamia. But she'll have more relevance in the upcoming chapters.

Not saying it's aliens... but it's definitely aliens. I love that guy's hair.

"Page 128, post 6, last paragraph,
“squirming around like a worm trying to run away.”
Well, you can guess why I highlighted this. Worms can't run. D:"

YES, YES THEY CAN. THEY CAN USE THEIR SMALL, ITTY-BITTY LEGS. No, but uh... Running has several meanings, one of which describes moving very fast, no? Though I'm probably wrong in that. XD

Anyway, time to get this next chapter up. Oh, and thank you once more for reading and posting. I appreciate it!
The end
is only
the beginning...

10-Sep-2015 17:26:53 - Last edited on 10-Sep-2015 17:29:34 by Serene End

Serene End
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Serene End

Posts: 5,834 Rune Posts by user Forum Profile RuneMetrics Profile
Chapter 27: The Crossroads of a Thousand Paths

The dusk faded away like dust scattered in the wind, opening the doorway into the night. And that too had begun to dissipate, slipping through the cracks between their fingers. The only light they had was that of the moon's and a few captured eternal sunfly, emitting just enough light to permit eyes here.

Their light matched with the natural lighting of the nature around them, being as eternal sunfly flew proud and free amongst these lands. They were concerned that too much might attract the wrong sort of attention, considering the sort of beast they were about to dance with. Like capeless matadors, gladiators without arms, staring down the walls of those with glowing eyes.

The seconds of their time dragged on, the angstful, charged air segregated those excited for battle and those that were fearful of it. Lamia was able to pick up upon those rather hesitate of the incoming conflict, and the young, passive Daevarro was included among this flock. Her hollow but meaningful eyes scrolled across this small enclosure of black robes, picking apart those without or with fear.

Through that crowd of black robes, one in particular grew with life. The old merchant-turned-assassin Kereske pondered for just a moment, but then something came to mind. "Oh!" he suddenly remembered, standing up. He stepped over to the red-headed archer adjacent from him. He stood over Shinon, who seemed to tense up at the sight of one of them approaching him. From his coat, Kereske pulled out a couple of arrows and held them out to Shinon. "These should help you."

They were rather impressive looking arrows, which immediately warranted Shinon's examination. He took them from the merchant's hand, taking the head up in his right fingers and the fletching with his left. Its head was a bodkin point, and made of a strange, green metal. "What the...?" Shinon uttered in confusion, squinting his eyes to analyze further. "Green metal?"
The end
is only
the beginning...

10-Sep-2015 17:46:22

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