[[Iro's working right now, so err...extremely busy. And I have some things to do before I get back to this. Give me 24 hours. I should be done. XD"]]

Originally Posted by kurobizzle

[[I can't even post until Iro does... He didn't even respond when we were still at the pub ;_;]]

[[Just assume he came along, she'd catch up with you later :)]]

[[ *stabs work* I will try to get my post up later today. I need to dash off to work soon. I'm already half way typing it (since the pub, actually). Sorry for the wait. x_x ]]

(Many apologies, I will be on vacation in San Diego until the 5th. I wont be able to post all that much, maybe once or twice in the next two weeks.)

Joaquin looked at the priestess who had spoken for a brief moment before affecting a slight courteous bow. "Not till the others arrive, my lady," he declined politely before turning in the direction of the forest path to greet the approaching pair. There was the hum of magic in the air, but it didn't feel menacing, so he ignored it in favour of catching aquamarine eyes. "Thalel," he murmured in a low voice, enunciation pronounced and deliberate. "Lady Fia," he greeted lightly almost as an afterthought withoutever tearing his eyes away from the sea elf.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Erdaime awoke to the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. Morning had broken out over the eerily silent city, and the sun's rays were filtering in through the window. She sat up, feeling ill at ease, when she caught sight of the piece of paper on the nightstand. The note was brief and to the point.

'Sierra summons you to her temple. Go as soon as you see this.'

She stared at it, trying to remember how she had come by such a message, but all she remembered was passing out at the prayer ceremony. Perhaps the kind person who had sent her here would know. Still, if Sierra was calling, there was no time to waste. She had to go to at least see what the matter was. Hurriedly getting dressed, she ran out the door with only a quick word to Candice about her hurry and the warm bun the tailor had left her for breakfast. The herbalist ran as fast as she could to the temple outside the city walls, absently taking in the aftermath of the previous night's carnage with more than a little distress.

When she arrived, she saw that quite a number of people had already gathered there, all of them rather different. Looking around breathlessly, she gasped in shock at the sight of the ruined temple. "Oh no, my lady..." she murmured in horror.

At her words, one of the priestesses gathered outside turned to look at her, and she suddenly felt the awkward need to explain her sudden entrance. "Um... I uh... Was told that her worship called for me..? Um, well, I guess she summoned a lot of people..." That was when she spotted the woman who had rescued her the previous morning. "A-ah! Madame Isis! You're here as well!" she exclaimed in surprise.

Fia looked up and turned to the familiar fortune teller. Almost 24 hours has passed since she left him with Harren. She had spent the time teaching Thalel all she knew about the world outside his. That mostly consisted of who to steal from and what to steal. She gave him a small smile. "Nice to see you again Joaquin. I take that you had an excellent night?" She asked.

[[Ladies and gents, I'll be out of town until 5th of Jan. Feel free to entertain yourselves or simply wait for my return <.< upto you. Happy new year!! ^^

Oh and we might have a druid joining up the group :3 got into a friend so she'll join probably X3]]


"Oh lovely." Isis chuckled, gathering attention of priestesses even. "It promisses a merry go round trip, judging by the looks. Goddess would surely love this." her laughter was charming in a dangerous way.

One of the priestesses gasped at this disgrace spoken about the goddess, high priestess turned to look at Isis, apperantly her judgement was same as others.

"That shouldn't be way you're speaking of her grace. At least, not at her home."

"No offense high priestess, I'm just thinking aloud."

"Would you not wait inside?" a priestess asked, one with a lovely heart shaped face, dusty blonde hair and brown eyes.

"While such a sweet thing is waiting outside? No way." she luaghed at the reaction coming from maidens, sometimes it was worth the trouble. "I'm merely interested in fun part of this circus called life, seriousness isn't my thing." she continued as she swung a lock of wavy hair over her shoulder.

Isis was a dangerous creature to handle, she was shameless, outrageous and seductive. Of course, for some these aspects were crimes enough to ban her from lands of Valkeseiren.

(I'm back :3 *huggles*)

[[Welcome back flamingcat!!! So, guys, let's start =D!! I hope you didn't lose your enthusiasm over the RP ^^

We'll be having another character joining us as well!!]]

[[Hello everyone! I'm joining a bit late...and jumping in! Well..Vallie let me do it..really =3
So, here, everybody meet Aerin!! ]]

Aerin was fuming. And panting. Actually panting because she was fuming or panting because she was walking fast because she was fuming...whatever.

Shaking her head to clean her mind, her steps quickened when she saw her target. She vaguely noticed that her companion was falling behind but didn’t mind as her eyes locked to the closest women standing around.

“Are you aware of what happened in the city?” she shouted as she closed the distance to the woman she assumed was a priestess. Ignoring the startled jump and panicked look of the woman, she continued louder, “There are dead birds all around! Cruelly killed by burning or slashing!!”

Taking a deep breath, feeling that her companion managed to reach her and settled upon her head, she waited for some reaction from the priestess. When her expression didn’t change after two blinks, Aerin tried to explain herself better.

“There are dead birds all around the city, did you notice??” The woman continued to look at her face with her blank expression. “Heey! Birds. Dead. Do you know what I mean?” The priestess’ expression didn’t change.

Aerin’s smouldering anger flared. Throwing her staff and narrowing her eyes, her companions chirp somewhere above her was like a start signal for the flood of words.

“I say dead birds!! Do you know what I mean? All around the city yet you priestess don’t even know a thing about them?!” Her voice was gradually rising, “I thought today was supposed to be some kind of a festival for your goddess. Is this how your goddess treats the animals, by burning them?!? I wanted you priestesses to talk to her or something but look at you! All you do is looking at me with that irritating and empty expression!!” flapping her arms and leaning towards to the panicked priestess, she continued, “What? Because their blood is green that you don’t mind about their death?! Who cares about their blood colour!! Oh, sorry, you don’t even care about the animals, let alone their blood!! I want someone to talk to your goddess! One of you get into that temple and ask you dear goddess...about...the birds.”

Her mind slowed at the sight of the ruins. Well, illusion of ruins. Someone wants to hide the temple? She thought it would be a beautiful one.

For the first time, Aerin noticed the angry chirping of her companion and with a motion of her hand, the small blue bird perched on her finger, silent.

Anger pushed aside for a moment, she looked around – as much as she can see from the circle of priestess around her. There was a woman sitting on the ruins, and four more people were walking towards the temple. She blinked, narrowing her eyes, one elf and three...something else.

Turning back to the expressionless priestess again – whose face was as blank as ever – she asked timidly, “Did I miss something?” yet again.

(Holy hippies on a stick. When is someone going to post... the flow of the story is being horrible broken... I don't even know what's going on anymore...)

[[...homg, I'm so sorry I didn't tell anyone I was going away for 3 weeks, but I got back, and then I was so busy getting ready for the new semester that I pretty much forgot about RPing entirely. Okay, just let me read back a bit again, and I'll see if I can post something today or tomorrow. I need to update my post for Erdaime's part too. (Shinigami Yumi is my mule, which I use for this RP, for those who don't know yet. Hello and welcome, Gallie!)]]

[[That's good to see everyone is back, almost :) I was waiting for you guys to post something. So I can continue. And... I guess I'll let Isis wander around a little more :3 I'm borrowing Thallel for a short moment for my convenience :3]]

After a few moments of silence, a melodical laughter filled silence night offered. It was Isis, who seemed quite amused with the scene unfold just now. She shrugged coquettishly, bewildering priestesses who were quite dumbfound with sudden outburst of Aerin.

"Oh my, that was hillarous!" showing a playful smile, she raised one brow as she turned her attention to new arrival. "Dearest, is that how you behave at certain times? Killing before questioning? Because if that's it you're missing the big picture," she said, pointing ruins behind her with her thumb. "And if you cared enough to drop by the city, you could see humans were slaughtered as well as your beloved demonic birds. Plus, I believe that's goddess's temple that's in ruins now, the one you claimed to be the real culprit behind this macabbre." she said calmly.

After a moment of pause, letting the elven girl digest all that, she continued with same tranquil voice. Authoritive, yet soothing and gentle.

"If you're truely bored, why don't you step in and join the fun? They're giving a free ride inside to fantasy land!" she added in awkward cheeriness. Noticing glares coming to her way from priestesses, she shrugged with a charming smile. "What? It inside is as well that boring, I could offer a more exciting challenge anytime."

"Oh my!" one gasped, her face turning to white.

Isis chuckled at confused reactions of the younger ones, they looked fun to tease as well as the older ones, who caught the meaning.

"You're not coming with us, inside?" Thallel asked.

After al the nonsense she chattered, Isis must've seemed like some figure of authority in this scene. If not, it was quite the polite way to behave. Actually, Priestesses also seemed to be wary of the woman too, they didn't like her presence but they couldn't drive her away either.

"Oh no, I prefer staying outside and ruining the motivation of the devoted ones. Strong hearts are always a challenge and I like challenges." after seeing clueless blushing on sea elf's face -he probably had no idea what she hinted but knew instinctly it wasn't something fitting a lady at all-, Isis sighed in defeat. "I don't believe in pure goodness neither senseless violence, so I don't trust any deity at all. I swore to not step in a temple in my whole life!" she declared finally.

(^^; Ok... after reading back a bit I grasp the broken plot of what is currently happening. As luel is busy I shall answer Fia myself.)

Harren grinned widely, and hugged Joaquin from behind, grinning at Fia from over his shoulder.
"Oh I assure you we had a wonderful night. Though the inn will never be the same..."

Joaquin laced the gloved fingers of his right hand through Harren's with a knowing smirk. "Yes, I don't think it could still be called an inn in its current state even," he murmured, correcting the understatement. Turning to Fia, he added, "Yes, we had quite a pleasant night. I trust your walk here was at least half as charming?" He slid a glance to Thalel at that. "You might be somewhat pleased to know that we've at least temporarily put your unpleasant former employer out of business, Lady Fia."

Hearing Isis's outburst, he turned to glance at the temple entrance. "Well, I can't say I disagree with the lady's sentiments, but I certainly wouldn't mind getting the sun out of my eyes." The vampire sighed. "The years have made it bearable, but it's still rather unpleasant." He glanced at the three around him. "Shall we enter and find out what this is all about?" he invited with a charming smile.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Erdaime gasped as she realized what Isis was insinuating and blushed. "O-oh my, I... I'd better hurry inside," she murmured, somewhat embarrassed that such a thing was happening on temple grounds. Barely managing not to trip as she ran up the steps and into the temple, she almost fell over in shock when she entered to find that the temple was perfectly intact on the inside. Then, the exterior...was just an illusion? she wondered.

It looked like all the temples to Sierra she had ever been to, all white marble lined with gold and lapis lazuli, only much larger than the other temples. And before the familiar altar stood a beautiful creature with regal white wings and fine golden blond hair, an angel, glowing with holy light. "Oh..." she found herself saying with some awe.

At the sound of her voice, the angel turned and cast the clearest blue gaze upon her. "Are you here to heed the goddess' call?" it asked, voice melodious and resonant.

"I... Yes! Yes, I am..." Erdaime managed, still rather awestruck by the scene.

The angel smiled then, and it was breathtakingly beautiful. "My name is Adorielle, child. Let us wait for the others to join us here."

The herbalist nodded and curtseyed, almost losing her balance in the process. Steadying herself with the help of a nearby pillar, she carefully and quietly made her way towards the altar and knelt to pray beside Adorielle for Sierra's guidance and protection while renewing her pledge to do her worship's bidding. She only hoped she could be of help to the goddess.

Oh yeah. This definitely answered her question; she missed something. A Big something, if all the people around the temple were any indication.

She felt awkward now that her anger has passed and those priestesses were still surrounding her as if afraid that she would start shouting again. All her blood rushed to face, this time in embarrassment at the brunette’s words. “Killing before questioning?” she murmured, lowering her head. She could clearly remember an old tree spirit saying those exact words to her. An oak tree from foots of the Risen Mountains. Her reaction to seeing a dead animal – demonic, angelic or any other type – was as violent as it was a few decades ago.

She raised her head when some of the priestesses gasped, looking to the woman – Isis, that girl called her, right? – with wide eyes. Wearing an annoyed expression, she raised an eyebrow. When will these priestesses go away? She won’t start screaming anytime soon.

From the corner of her vision, she saw four people entering the temple after listening to Isis’s exclamation. She sighed in relief when the priestesses seemed to follow them. Walking to get her staff she threw away in her anger, she noticed a young priestess looking at her with questioning eyes.

“What?” She asked with narrowed eyes after taking her staff.

“Won’t you come inside?” the girl asked.

“Peh.” She snorted, “I pass.” Entering the temple of a goddess she doesn’t even believe? Sounds like a waste of time. Though this didn’t mean that she wasn’t curious. Oh, dead birds were enough to rouse her curiosity to extraordinary levels.

Glancing to Isis and then eying the ruins, she waited until everybody entered the temple before walking towards her. Feeling suddenly very awkward and nervous, she asked “Then can you tell me what happened?” with a sheepish smile. It was after a few seconds that she remembered she didn’t introduced herself and added “I’m Aerin, by the way.”, feeling the level of awkwardness increase tenfold.

(TT.TT I miss this RP... why is noone posting anymore!!!?!?!?)

[[Well, you see, I posted, and then Gallie posted, and until someone else posts, I don't know what to do next. So I need someone else to post before I do so again. =3]]

Harren followed Joaquin into the Temple, their fingers still interlaced. The enchantment that made the temple look broken seemed to ripple as they walked though it. Harren leaned in and wispered into Joaquin's ear.
"What do you think it really looks like?"

[[finally, someone other than gallie and luel have posted +_+;;;

Now, I shall continue the scene...]]

Isis smiled to girl, after a brief blue glance to her way, she looked up to darkening sky.

"Well, it all happened quick, but it'll be wise to say something is truely messed up up there." after a pause she continued. "Statue of the maiden was shattered to pieces, a flock of demon birds attacked whatever living creature was at sight... A sight to see, it was like a carnival, only bloodier..." then she looked back at young girl, who was more eccenteric than the group itself. "And I think you really should go inside. There is an archangel waiting there, it's not an everday sight I daresay." she smiled playfully at Aerin.


---------
Adorielle looked up as three more people entered, her blue eyes flickering over the count. She looked over to couple waiting in shadows of the temple.

"You may come out, Lady Kel'irana, Sire Ginnrol Aeranion."

Both sun elves stepped out to clearence, Lady have glanced at gathered group around briefly with anxious eyes. Soon her worries were gone as her eyes turned to archangel, who had a calming aura. Ginnrol barely glanced at Erdaime, remembering girl at instant, but her being a mountain elf, it meant little to him. So he focused on his lady's needs and her protection.

"Welcome, and thank you for answering her grace's call!"Archangel started, her voice ringing in the temple, priestesses were sitting on benches located around the altar in a circular arrangement. "It's a troubled time and you are needed for sake of goddess. None of the mortals are aware yet, but gods have turnt against her excelence, Sierra. Nastasia is attacking all her earthly presence and posessions, including temples, people and cities worshipping her. Goddess needs followers, but more over ones who are willing to answer her call, fight for her and aid her through this chaotic time." she said.

"What about Lord Plaithon?"Lady's shaken voice asked. "Does he not watch over his sister? Or something unfortunate came over him?"

Adorielle looked at her with no emotion on her features, only disappointment was obvious in those crystal-like blue eyes.

"Lord turned his back to goddess, she has no where to run but you." she said shortly. "Goddess will speak to you shortly after, I have to make sure you're the only ones to hear her."

[[any questions? you can ask them now! 8D]]

(I'm not sure what the inside of the temple looks like, as I hinted with my last post ^^; )

"I would assume it would look like most temples. White marble and gold and whatever precious stone the religious order has decided represents their deity best. An altar, many columns and space for ceremonies and worship. The usual works," Joaquin replied in a disinterested murmur. "Still, it might be new since I wouldn't expect you to have had any reason to drop by such places, but one thing one quickly realizes about these orders are that the people in them aren't usually very interesting or original, and the structures only vary mildly in architectural style depending on the continent you're in, so this is going to be one tourist destination you're unlikely to want to revisit," he added with a slight chuckle, inclining his head a little more to nip at the demon's ear playfully.

The archangel had already begun speaking when they arrived in the main hall of the temple. "None of the mortals are aware yet, but the gods have turned against her excellence, Sierra. Nastasia is attacking all her earthly presence and posessions, including temples, people and cities worshipping her. The Goddess needs followers, but moreover ones who are willing to answer her call, fight for her and aid her through this chaotic time," she said.

The mage lady of the sun elves he had seen at the massacre was also present with her head knight, and she asked shakily, "What about Lord Plaithon? Does he not watch over his sister? Or has something unfortunate come over him?"

The archangel remained expressionless as she answered, "The Lord has turned his back on the Goddess; she has nowhere to turn but to you." There seemed to be a hint of sadness or disappointement in those crystalline blue eyes even when observed from the across the hall. "The Goddess will speak to you shortly after; I have to make sure you're the only ones to hear her."

"Ho, we just might be in for an adventure here," Joaquin remarked, smirking. He didn't much care who won this latest divine feud, but it usually meant that interesting things would happen, and he would certainly stick around to hear Sierra out. When one has lived as long as he had, one needs something new in life occasionally.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Erdaime rose as Adorielle began to speak, paying close attention to what was being said even as she noticed all the newcomers to the temple hall. The only ones she recognized were the Sun Elven noblewoman and her knight from having seen them from afar at the festival, and she wondered who the others were. Some of them didn't look like the sort of people who were usually concerned with religious affairs.

"W-well, I... I don't know about fighting; I'm not terribly good at it," Erdaime spoke up nervously in the silence that ensued after the archangel finished her speech, stepping towards the holy being. "But if there's anything I can do to help in any way at all, I swear to do my best for Her Worship!" she declared with determination.

Just then, she tripped on the hem of her dress and fell forward, flailing her arms with a sharp cry before grabbing onto the closest support to steady herself and regain her balance. "Oh dear, I really need to stop doing that and be more careful..." she muttered. Suddenly, she realized in horror exactly what she was holding onto and swiftly retracted her hand, flushing in embarrassment. It was the Sun Elven knight's arm. "Ah! Oh my, I'm so terribly sorry! I didn't... Well, I didn't see what I was reaching for...um... I didn't mean to do that, sir. I'm really sorry," she said in a rush, flustered.

[[oh dear XDDD you're asking for it luen 8D]]

Archangel smiled at Erdaime's determination, but her crystal eyes were still haunted by a disturbance she haven't voiced to the crowd yet.

<M'lady?> she asked kindly with her thoughts, <...we're expecting your presence now.>

Of course, only goddess could read her mind, and no other deity could, since she was gifted to goddess by her brother. Adorielle was now the only archangel, and only angel from heavens, who could still help or see Sierra. Others were supposed to follow orders of the only lord of Heaven and skies, even they like or not.

Ginnrol frowned slightly, but he was still composed and looking undisturbed. Lady Kel'irana have smiled to girl with sympathy, clutzes always were quite entertaining and given to her manners, this one was hard to be angry at.

"'Tis alright dear, be at ease." she said, almost talking in her knight's place as well.

Ginnrol simply nodded to Erdaime, helping her stand up on her both feet, holding her under her elbows. And when she was finally standing up, perfectly able to stand on her own, he left her. Ignoring curous gaze from sun elf lady, he regained his protective position as her knight. He had a certain feeling that whatever his lady was thinking, was not for his own good...

"Attention please..." Adorielle's voice ringing in temple. "Her grace will speak..."

For a brief moment, archangel closed her eyes. A wave of relaxation, relief washed over the audience in temple. Priestesses began chanting, lowering their hands as they raised their trembling fists, tears rolling from their eyes. Kel'irana was moved, already fragile looking lady was now trembling, gasping as she recognized godess' presence. Ginnrol was holding her on her shoulders, his eyes fixated on the archangel almost bewildered with this sudden aura change. Archangel's wings fluttered slightly, her posure straightened a little if possible and a polite smile appeared on her lips.

As Adorielle opened her eyes, it was a shower of her briliant blue ones, with a different ethereal shine in them. Her expression have changed something into more serene, relaxed and characteristic. Mere look from those eyes were enough to encourage anyone to drop their guard down.

"Greetings..." was first word poured from same woman's lips in a musical voice . "I suppose, you're the ones who were brave enough to answer my call?"

Words were not enough to describe her voice, it was rising lots of emotions, yet leaving you feel vulnerable, stupid and lost in many ways alien to one. Sierra was goddess of light, but apperantly she had many capabilities other than giving light and life...

Harren's green eyes suddenly became slitted, his demon side trying to break trough as he gazed at the goddess. So this was a goddess huh? Everyone in the room seemed to be almost moved to tears, but he seemed more inclined to lose his lunch. No wonder gods and demons didn't get along, he was nauseous at her very presence. She was just so... pure...

[[Err, is no one else going to post..? It seems like everyone but the three of us have disappeared... =3]]