The Gathering of Lost Souls

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AntiSaneDesciple

AntiSaneDesciple

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The MAIN story thread is HERE

The odd glow took form and then was gone. There was nothing left save the two teenage children. The young man would resemble none that any would remember, the girl was a smoothed female version of Matron Aranor, her build showed it as well. The boy must favor his mother. Their faces were masks, however inside they were toil and conflict. Moments ago they had been standing outside of a Tavern in Bakarne with its death smell and decay. The horrors of that place around every corner and literally beneath every stone. The next moment they were here...where is here?

"Where are we Sarah...." The young mans voice was confident yet startled.

"I dont know Theron. What are these green things?" She spoke solidly as well however the question was very real, she pointed at the trees with her shield hand.

Theron stood there mouth agape with wonder. His athletic stance was ready, a spring coiled to release. The place they were raised was nothing as lush and alive as this place. The air smelled clean and pure here compared to what the air in the nightmare realm Bakarne had smelled like. The pureness here, the brightness of the place almost turned both of their stomachs.

Sarah stood much more solid than her brother, planted, grounded...FIRM. Her shield brought up to keep the blazing infernal ball of brightness that lived in the sky here from blinding her, longsword at the ready. Fighting back the urge to empty her stomach she would not allow the sweet smell of life in this place to be ruined by her sicking up. A slight grin threatened to crack the stoic look upon her face as she noticed the slightest movement just to the left.

"Brother, we are not alone." Her voice almost whispered, as she drew Theron's attention to the wolf creature that had appeared moments ago. There would be no reading her expression, it was the same always. She was ready, she was iron....that voice in her head told her that something was different about this wolf!

"The bloody hell Sarah! That mangy welp is nothing like the hell hounds of Bakarne!"

"This is different Theron, stay your tongue and be ready...."

Sarah's eyes never left Nalya, however Theron's head remained on a swivel. Speculating that demons and beasts of the night could show up from any one of the shadows in this place...and would!
 
Not so far way from where these 3 souls stood, the Gray lay claim to the forest. From floor to sky, from soil to the tree's tops and more, where it even blocked out the stars and all but a full moons brightness could not bring more then a hazed light to the night, even the suns bright rays could not burn it away, but they did managed to shed a faint light to the world below it.. While one could travel through it, even at its thickest, seldom did a traveler try, for the Gray would attempt to suck the life from anything it encountered, it played tricks of illusions and tried to bewilder those who traveled through it.
But one could go through it, if they knew the secret of how...
In order to make it through, you had to have your heart set on a destination, a picture of it in your minds eyes. Keep it there, ignore the sights and strange sounds, the whispers and heart stopping animal cries, concentrate on your destination and hold fast to your will of life!

The Grey was stretched out along the land, all the way to the once great city of Ayenee, where it pooled and flowed in an en tempt to swallow the last clear courtyard and highest tower.
With in this tower a bright candle light blazed, shadows played across the court yard as the two inhabitants that where awake moved with in the stone walls.
The Lady Light, born before the Gray and her companion for eternity, the Great Cat Chesh. The Lady Light attended to their slumbering little guest with all the care and calmness of one who so wished to be a mother, but was, so far denied this want.
Chesh on the other hand paced, prowled, leaped from floor to furniture, mumbled to himself, growled faintly and faded in and out of sight, tell with a great sigh Light turned her attentions to him.

"What is it Chesh, why are you so tightly wound this night?!?"

He regarded her with a look, the kind only a cat can give, the one that says Are you Daff? Do you not know what I know? Then he shook his great head and nuzzled her fingers, nipping them softly.

"I worry...And you know I do not like to worry! Swish is there and we are here and the one she sends is in the middle. Nalya, yes that is her name, she of the wolves, almost untrained in the magik she can do...I feel her coming closer, but she has paused and is no longer alone..."
Light sighed and rubbed under the cats chin before bringing her gaze to lock with his.

"You could always open you mind to her..."

Chesh blinked, then grinned a bit sheepishly.

"It has been so long, yes so very long. I had forgotten...What would I do with out you my lovely Light? I shall do so now!!"
With this, Chesh leaped to the windows cold ledge, closed his eyes and opened his mind tell it reached Nalya's...
"Pardon my interruption, but you grow close to the Gray and you are in need of directions on how to pass...And you must not bring along others unless they are pure, for evil thrives with in the Gray...Close tight in your mind a picture of a stone tower, one window ablaze with light, in which a cat, myself, black with red paws, sits like a statue...Use this image to reach us...and please for the sake of my mind, do not loose hope or will of living!!"

 
Sarah's eyes followed the Wolf. She couldnt believe here eye's or her brain at the moment but she fealt like she needed to follow. They had not appeared here in this land, mearly to stumble upon this wolf for no reason, there was purpose here.

"The hell is that thing want Sarah," Theron's mouth got him into trouble more often than not, this time was no differant.

With a very unsure step Sarah lowered her shield and made the first step towards the wolf. It was an uneasy step that somehow fealt odd, as if for the first time in a long time the right choices were all so easy to her.

"We will follow it wherever it is going, but do not be to at ease brother."
 
Nalya turned her head back to check on the pair and saw that the girl was indeed following. The boy though seem'd hesitant and Nalya thought to have some fun. Turning her massive head back around she took off like a shot only to make a U turn further up where the pair could not see her. Doubling back out of their sight she came up behind the boy and in a goatish style rammed her self into the back side of him to get him moving.
 
Stumbleing forward Theron shot a string of curses that would make a Kuldanian Sailor Blush. Regaining his footing he took his grinning nature about him like a mask once more and sheathed his saber.

"Ok, ok....I get it, were going to follow"

Sarah fealt amusement but that stoic look never showed it. Theron would have seen it in here eye's however.

"Lead the way good wolf..." with that comment a smirk did cross Sarah's lips. "The wolf will be speaking back to us before long brother!"
 
With a wolfish grin Nalya scamperd out ahead of the pair and led them off to parts unknown. "OK great Feline," she thought, " as the boy said, lead the way."
 
Chesh heard the wolf's voice and let his mind wander, using second sight to locate and track all three of them.
" Chesh, my name is Chesh...You have met my litter sister, Swish...She told me she was sending you our way...The teens seem pure enough to pass...They are a fine looking pair of siblings, strong, smart and if I'm not mistaken, which I rarely am mind you, they are children, but they are also warriors...They seem to hide their emotions well, but if you peer close enough you can see the changes in their energy Ora..Just a moment ago the girl and boy with held smiles and laughter at your prank..."

Chesh's silent stone stature drew Light to him, and she to looked out into the Gray, she knew he was speaking to someone, so she waited, trying to be silent and calm as well.

"The path you need to follow...and Stay On...is over grown, but use it and it only! The cleared paths lead only to danger, traps and dark creatures! They also drain you faster of energy, feeding the Gray! Do not stray from the thick path, if you must camp, do so in the middle of the trail...Do not let anyone wander into the forest!...Hmm...Also, just a suggestion on my part, purely up to you...If I was you, which I'm not, I would probably not wait to long to show these two your other form...I can foresee the problem of dress and give you a little help there...Sending you a small ball of light, when it reaches you, swallow it. When next you change, the ball will provide a cloak of midnight."

Chesh returned his mind to his form, blinked rapidly and shook his head to clear it before gazing up into Light's eyes.

"We will have company soon, The wolf human, Nalya and two teens,brother and sister I do believe..Theron is the males name and Sarah is the female"

Light reached out and stroked the fur on Chesh's back as she spoke.

"If Swish sent them, then they are to be trusted, your sister is a good judge...I'll go and prepare a place of rest for them and some fresh food and water. They will be tired when they arrive, but I hope the Gray does not take to much from them, if so then you and I will need to make a elixir to help them."

Light moved away from the window to go about her task, while Chesh waited, staring out into the thick fog, his eyes glowing brighter then the candle beside him. He drew in a deep rumbling breath, then closed his eyes and pushed with his mind a small ball of golden light up out of his body into the air before him, then released the deep breath, sending the ball of light off like a glow-bug, but moving o so much faster.
 
Coming to a abrupt stop Nalya sat quickly down. Her head tilted slightly to the side and her ears drew foward as she listened to a voice in her head. Seemingly familiar but not whom she was use to hearing, this voice began to instruct her of a quest she must accept. This new Feline, Chesh is what he called himself, instructed her to bring with her the two young ones to a safe haven. But, and the Feline could not express enough, to beware of the perils which lay ahead. If Nalya did not follow his advice he could not help, nor prevent the harm that could fall upon them all. And the Great Cat made sure that Nalya knew she is to protect the pair by all costs.

The voice also told Nalya that before they go any further she needed to let the couple see her in her true form, and that a gift she shall receive to hide her naked form.
As if on cue a small ball of bright gleaming light appeared in front of her. It seemed to come out of no where.....

"Swallow it."

The voice of Chesh instructed her, and swallow it she did do.

Nalya lowered her head as if almost ashamed of what she had to do. Didn't the wise and wondrous Cat know that once in her human form she was not the brave and powerful Wolf that she is now?

Her head dropped fowards and her eyes closed shut tight and she prayed to the Gods that the young ones would not have to witness her transformation.
 
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Sarah's eyes went wide as the golden ball of light collided with Nalya's head. Any second now it would end her! Rushing to the wolfs front she brought her shield to bare and drew the long sword from her back...

"Whatever wizardry you intend for us, I....WILL....HAVE....NONE....OF....IT!" with a bellow from somewhere deep she summoned her inner strength and planted herself firmly! Her eyes scanned the dense foliage about them as she intended to spot the assailant before they could attack again. She suddenly felt the protective nature her mother so strongly displayed with her and her brother overwhelm her. She could trust this creature, she knew she could, and it had been oh so long since she could trust any save her brother.

Suddenly noticing that no ill had occured to the wolf she wondered as she searched. Does the animal bare runes of protection under its fur? It was a fleating thought, the spell may have just fizzled or had no effect on the wolf, meant for her or her brother. The last thought made her resolve thicken, no harm would come to ANY of them this day!

Theron stood mouth agape at the sudden charge of emotion flowing from Sarah. He had honestly never seen her take to any creature so quickly. A moment lost his hands freed his own weapons and he began to play his part in this thing, creeping to the left several yards he would swing around whatever was out there hurling magic upon them. His eyes steady and unmissing in what he sought. However his mouth was something far different.

"I think you may have scared the craven devil off sis'. Its easy to strike and flee if all you have about you is robes and magic!" that smirk, that tale, tale smirk of his shown heavily on his face now. "This fog is hideously thick, Im surprised the coward could see to attack!"
 
Chesh saw all of this happen in her mind and could not help but grin the famous grin. Yes, Chesh had guessed right, these two would be of great help to their cause. Chesh also felt the Lady's worry and with a soft purred voice she sent to her...

"The bravery is not in your form sweet Lady, it is in your heart...Trust it"
 
Feeling the stir from deep within her Nalya lifted her head and gazed deep into the eyes of the children. She sat herself down upon the ground and once again lowered her head. Within their sight she allowed herself to shift back to human form. The soft thick wolf fur vanished before their eyes just as her limbs shrunk and reshaped. Her muzzle shrunk and once again her human features took form. Her long black beautiful hair cascaded down her back and her vibrant green eyes once again sparkled at those who were fortunate to look within them. And as the Feline promised her naked form was covered by a long silk,hooded robe which was pulled up over her head hiding her face.

Nalya stood very still and waited for some sort of reaction from the young ones. She could sense their confusion as they stood there in silence just watching her transformation. Once seeing that they were at a loss for words she allowed herself to lift her head and peer out from the hooded garment.


Her voice was soft, and if you had listened closely you could hear the mix of emotions that flowed within her voice.

"My name is Nalya, and I have been sent to you by the Great Felines. I am to guide you through this wicked forest and protect you from any harm that may fall upon us."

She stopped speaking for just a few seconds to allow the pair to respond. When they did not and just stood their with mouths opened with the look of confusion upon their faces, only then did she continue to speak.

"Danger is all around us young ones so we must not take the beaten path but force ourselves to venture through the over grown brush to keep ourselves hidden from prying eyes. Be silent and be vigilant, and by all means keep your wits about you."
 
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Sarah did nothing more than sit where she was so firmly planted. Theron was at at a loss for words as well, only for a moment. His mind seemed to race through everything as his mouth spoke the words.

"So the wolf is a lady? The lady is a wolf? This is not so very differant than where we came from. The big difference is that niether the lady nor the wolf have tried to eat us just yet."

Sarah looked up to Nalya and spoke slowly and deliberately, "I have reason in my heart to trust you, but a few questions if you will?" Sword and shield across her lap she looked up at Nalya.

Letting that sink for only a moment she continued, "Where are we? How did we get here and who is "The Great Feline"? Moreover, what the HELL is going on here?"
 
Chesh watched this far any moment expand, his heart already swelling with pride at the Lady's strength, the strength she did not think she had. He was also proud of the two teens, for they did not run, nor draw a weapon, this marked them not only as warriors but also one's who used their minds with a purpose of knowledge.

"Very brave M'Lady Nalya....Tell them what you know, and ask me if their are things you do not know. I will answer as best as I can"
 
Not really having any answers to their questions all Nalya could do is speak the truth.

" There is great evil here and if we remain here we surely will be killed. Your father asked of me to find you both and lead you to safety. The Great Cats will guide us and help me lead you to the Tower beyond this dense forest. Now please, we must be on our way. With every minute we waste it is another minute closer to the Gray finding us. I know you both are confused, and for what you just witnessed I can understand you would not trust a creature like myself."


Nalya's kind heart and genuine concern for the pair flowed from her words, and her fear she kept hidden the best she could.

"Now please, please my dear children you must come with me. Draw your sword and use it to cut through the the under brush and vines. Move as swiftly as possible but also keep your eyes on your surroundings. If you by chance feel something is not what it seems than it probably isn't. The Gray is a trickster and will do anything to deceive you. Trust not what you see but what you feel. Now if it is at all possible think like the great Wolf and control every step you take, do not fall for beauty because your eyes can be tricked. Trust your instincts young ones as your father did before you."

With that said Nalya wasted no more time. She led the youths off the path and weaved in and through the over grown thickets and thorny bushes. With each move the inch long thorns stuck and ripped at their clothes and skin. Traveling was slow and agonizing but it was the price they had to pay to remain safe.
 
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Sarah was not eased by the explanation but she understood that this situation did not lend itself to great explanation. She would expect more to be forthcoming when they were somewhere safe. Especially on one count that rolled around inside of her mind, she let that small phrase spoken by Nalya escape her lips in the most inaudible of whispers..."She knows father..." With that she tredged through the mire of thickets and thorns and would see the other side of this.

That as well meant only one thing. They WERE home, Ayenee was a place only of legend and lore to them. Their mother had spoken often about the majestic realm and told them all she knew of "The Prince of Lilies" their father. She kept the excitement from overtaking her, Sarah was going to meet her father. Hope at this time is what drove her, a resolve to see them all safely to their destination.

Others may have just thought that Theron was just thinking to himself. Sarah knew better, her brother never stopped talking unless there was something seriously going on inside that head of his. Under the circumstances she would not break the silence as it was apparently needed as well as wanted.

The thorns would find purchase occasionaly however their armor protected them for the most part. It was something that came with the territory. Both children desperately wanted to know where they were going. What was going on and when they would get to meet thier father.
 
Chesh remained in the window, watching from so far away, alert for dangers that may lay waiting for the trio...He had already decided that when they made camp for the night, and lay ready to sleep, he would ask swish to "Tell" the story of the Great Cats and how they came to be.
 
The young ones had been chopping and hiking for several hours now, though they refused to show it Nalya knew they were exhausted. With dusk growing near she suggested that they stop and prepare for night fall.

There would be no camp fire to sooth them and actually their safest place for them to rest would be up in the trees.

"Children......we have gone far enough for today. I suggest you find your self a tree and climb up. Perch your self on a good sturdy branch, tie your body to the tree truck if you must, and do your best to get some sleep."

As she waited for the children to do as she instructed she looked upward into the sky and she wonderd how all this came to be. Never did she think that that day she awoke and set eyes on that cat that this is where she would end up. But be as it may, here is where she is.

"Oh dear friend, please guide me through this forest. And please Great Feline, please keep me strong through it all."

Nalya lowerd her head and turned her gaze upon the pair and once they were set within their tree she would stand watch until the sun rises.
 
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Theron sat in the crook of a large grand' oak. Tugging his cloak about him he was warm enough. Sleep found him quickly, he had always been quick to sleep but also quick to awake! It was not long until he was walking his path in the dreams of the Great Cats.

Sarah however was another situation all together. Sleep seldom found her easily and rarely stayed for any length of time. With her eyes closed and her body nestled into the swaying grip of a large twin maple she thought, brooded over the occurances of the day.

"You have met my father...?" Her voice low yet audible, directed towards Nalya.

She awaited the answer. She had to know, the only memory of hers that she had ever been able to recal was the day he put the amulet around hers and Therons neck. He had a smile that would warm you on the coldest day. Then he had left to the north with the huntsman, they had been taken several hours later.
 
"You have met my father...?"

Looking up into the tree she heard this come from Sarah.

"Shhh dear one. All questions will be answered soon. But as for right now you must keep silent."

Feeling compassion for the child and thinking back on the slaughter of her parents her heart softened.


"Yes Sarah I did. He was a couragus soul with a caring heart. Now please child you must sleep."
 
That was all it took. That thin smiles crossed her lips and she slept. The dream came to her and she enjoyed it for the first time in many many years she enjoyed her dream.
 
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