topagae
Angel
[M:-11500]
Posts: 179
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Post by topagae on Feb 28, 2007 6:23:21 GMT -5
The Cave of Ordeals, Topagae had no idea what was inside, besides the obvious clues from its name. The name was nothing less then poetic justice.
Topagae guiding a lost soul through a cave of ordeals. A place he had never been, but nonetheless seems to be the guide. He hoped that his new at least starts to see a small glimmer of what he really wants in this experience.
Topagae gathered equipment. Ammunition, rations, camping gear, various concealed weapons and he switched out some of the lenses and trinkets in his headgear.
Topagae met his friend outside, and at his suggestion, they headed toward his home, which is also inside where they needed to go, so it was on the way, and Aeirn needed to pick up a few things.
The two set out toward Aeirn's home, and Topagae wondered how this particular demon lived.
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Yumei
Prinny God
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rose wallflower
Posts: 424
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Post by Yumei on Feb 28, 2007 17:51:35 GMT -5
Aeirn thought to himself about what his roommate was gonna say about Topagae, but decided to shrug off the thought - after all, they all wanted Aeirn to have some semblance of outside friends apart from them as well; considering that Aeirn would either often be physically abused (as shown from his massive amounts of scars/wounds) or just ignored. It'll be fine... Aeirn said. He was at the entrance of the Cave of Ordeals along with Topagae. "Well, I don't live too far in from here, actually. My place in there looks kinda shabby on the outside, but it's none too bad on the inside. Anyway, there'll still be light coming in when we reach my place." he pointed out.
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topagae
Angel
[M:-11500]
Posts: 179
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Post by topagae on Feb 28, 2007 20:33:04 GMT -5
Topagae followed Aeirn, not having ANY idea where they were, or where they were going. Topagae have seen demons homes. They ranged about as human dwellings go in the same fashion. Some lived in dank dirty hovels. Some had more palaces then they could ever need. He wondered how an amnesic feminine demon who could kill people by looking at them would live...
Aiern trod across the desert landscape and Topagae followed.
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Yumei
Prinny God
[M:-22000]
rose wallflower
Posts: 424
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Post by Yumei on Mar 1, 2007 3:28:27 GMT -5
As Aeirn walked through the barren, skirting innards of the Cave of Ordeals. It reminded her of that cave-exploring act of "spelunking," but Aeirn didn't want this excursion to feel like such a thing. As they were going through the landscape, various eyes and hands popped up to wave at Aeirn, to which Aeirn nodded humbly and kindly. Several of Aeirn's friends and acquaintaces from her previous life had appeared, two were Bastets who spotted Topagae and winked at him in a joking, playful manner. Aeirn softly and friendly nudged Topagae and assured him that they were just mischievous and didn't really mean harm. As they were nearing Aeirn's house, one of the group who had come to greet Aeirn had ran to Aeirn's place, possibly to tell his roommate of his return.
When they arrived at Aeirn's rather large "shack," of sorts, on the outside, it looked like a semi-detached terraced little house that sort of extruded from the wall. "Well, this is where I live. It's not too grandiose, but... It's good enough for me," Aeirn said. "Well, let's go in. I need to check some stuff, and you might want to get acquainted with my roommate." Aeirn said as he led Topagae within his place.
Inside, it exceeded all expectations of the exteriors. It was kept clean (to the combined efforts of Aeirn and his roommate) and everything was well-organized, though the furniture seemed rather antique. There was quite a bit of room to do things. "Hi, Mari!" he greeted in a high-pitched girly voice that was totally unlike him. This so-called Mari, who's real name was actually Marisa, took notice of Aeirn. "Where have you be- Ohhh, look who you've brought along! I didn't know you swung that way~" Marisa said, giggling in a joking manner. Aeirn shook off the friendly joke and chuckled. "Well, you see, I came back 'cause I needed to pick up some stuff, so, Marisa, I'd like you to meet a new friend of mine, this knowledgeable Topagae..." Aeirn said, slowly shoving Topagae forward in order to get acquainted with Marisa, a Galaxy Mage who dyed her hair blond and liked to wear witch's attire - she was also pretty short, and looked very short to Topagae and Aeirn.
"I'll be off to my room, it's best if you don't interrupt me," Aeirn said. "I'll leave you two to get tah know each other, am I right?"
"Of course~" Marisa said assuringly. She looked very eager.
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topagae
Angel
[M:-11500]
Posts: 179
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Post by topagae on Mar 1, 2007 3:39:28 GMT -5
Demons that would usually try and eat Topagae alive waved at him as they walked to Aeirn's home. Such a strange kinship demons develop with one another. Cat women? What an interesting concept. Topagae wasn't 100% sure how their clothes stayed on, but Aeirn signaled to him that he need not fear. So he tried to look confident and walked on.
Topagae eyed the house built into the cave, and as Aiern signaled him to come in and get acquainted with his... Roommate? This should be interesting.
Topagae eyed the place, taking it all in. The inside was like that of a noble's living room. Ancient and comfortable furniture, well kept and clean, and in the middle.... A mage. It had to be a mage. Topagae's list of mages was even worse then his list of demons. So far, none have been good.
But hey, Aiern was all right, if not a bit confused. Topagae flashed his friendliest smile. He REALLY hoped this mage had no idea he was scanning her with about 20 different spectrums of analysis and light.. Ooo cute panties. But there was no time for that. Time to make a good impression.
"So, the names Topagae, your name must be Marisa m'lady. A pleasure to meet you."
Topagae flourished a bow, mages loved that kinda crap. He was a little on edge about her, but he certainly was going to withhold judgment for now. Besides, he had good reason to be nervous, if he remembered his mage rankings, a Galaxy mage is guaranteed to be able to fry him with every element, then raise his corpse to do it again.
Topagae tried not to think about that as he rose and signaled if he could take a seat.
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Yumei
Prinny God
[M:-22000]
rose wallflower
Posts: 424
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Post by Yumei on Mar 1, 2007 3:53:23 GMT -5
Marisa smiled back at Topagae and was indeed rather impressed at his gesture of politeness, something which she hadn't seen since... quite literally forever. Marisa noted Topagae's equally polite requested for a seat. Marisa then nodded in what she thought was a 'cute way,' and 'granted permission' for Topagae to take a seat, which she'd assumed Topagae would do the minute he got here, but she supposed not all humans acted the same way. Marisa then quickly noticed that one of the candle flames went out. She put her hand to her mouth in a shocked manner and muttered politely "'Scuse me please," before scurrying off to the candle, snapping a flame and lighting it again. "So, your name's Topagae?" Marisa said. "Sounds nice. Never heard of you from Aeiress, though." Marisa always called Aeirn 'Aeiress,' especially in public, for some strange reason that even escaped Aeirn.
From his room, Aeirn yelled out (not in an angry manner, mind) "That's me, she's talking about. Don't think of it as anyone else!"
Marisa laughed. "Don't mind hi- Oh, wait..." Marisa said. She could already see from Topagae's expression that he knew. Oh, that rascal~ Marisa thought in her mind. She was notorious for blurting out random innuendos and double entendres at the most inopportune moments. "So~~ You seem to be rather neeeew to the Netherworld," she mentioned quite bluntly, even after sugarcoating it with her cute mannerisms. "What d'you think of it? Any good, eh? Hah?" she asked, if albeit impatiently. She'd secretly hoped Topagae would disregard that.
-*-
Meanwhile, within the deep confines of Aeirn's room, he was busy taking a look at the stuff he'd think he'd need for the travels. Aeirn then quickly remembered about the cream Topagae had offered him, and then decided to apply it now. Aeirn undressed, and looked at himself in the mirror. His back had been riddled with whiplash marks and his body had also been scattered with cuts and scars. It was apparent that at least one point in his life, Aeirn had been heavily abused. This was yet another secret he kept... He didn't want to look pitiful to the world, after all. Aeirn took out the cream Topagae had given him and started to apply it on as it would be done, and Aeirn started to cringe in pain - the cream, though effective; would, of course cause some amount of stinging pain. Aeirn had spent a few minutes and he was done. It had dried fairly quickly, much to his surprise, and had taken a mental note to thank Topagae at some point.
Aeirn then dressed again and took some ointments of his own, before going to his brewery cupboard and checking his medicinal herbs and flasks and whatnot...
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topagae
Angel
[M:-11500]
Posts: 179
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Post by topagae on Mar 1, 2007 4:06:22 GMT -5
Topagae noticed the very feint and quick flash of surprise overcome the mages face after his polite gesture. Most mages didn't think much of humans, but this one adapted quickly. He admired that, power is one thing but if you can't change to adapt to your environment you tend to croak pretty quick in the Netherworld.
Topagae didn't know if this mage could read minds but he understood the gesture of snapping her fingers to light the flame. Topagae was on a dangerous edge. Or she was just fucking with him, Topagae never COULD tell with women.
Heiress? Was that a pun on her roommates name denoting some kind of royal lineage? Topagae did know that royalty among demons often developed strange and terrible powers. It would certainly explain a few things.
Topagae then took on a challenge. After noting the slight twitch in the mages lips as she said it, how did he like the Netherworld? Aside from constantly fearing for his life he always did manage to not die... So far. It certainly is a place filled with wonders and terrors, depending on your point of view.
"This place is filled with monsters and creatures that are neigh invincible and seem hell bent on killing everyone but themselves. Some can come back to life while others just never die, or are already dead and killing them won't do any good. In a constant battle vying for power that nobody ever has for very long, few demons seem to ever find any peace or accomplishment in their lives, and I can't help but wonder why they even try at all. All in all I fear for my life with just about every thought, and it's the only thing that's kept me alive for so long. I do enjoy what I do, and the search for what I want, and the people I seem to meet along the way is as priceless as the realization that I can't imagine myself living anywhere else."
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Yumei
Prinny God
[M:-22000]
rose wallflower
Posts: 424
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Post by Yumei on Mar 1, 2007 4:17:39 GMT -5
Marisa could tell the slight nervous-ness in his voice. After all, he was only human. It was perfectly understandable for him to be afraid of his surroundings, to fear death. However, this was the basis for training for survival. It was either kill or be killed in such a hostile environment, after all. Marisa had already learned quite a bit about Topagae even after stating his opinion on the Netherworld. ...Until it dawned upon her. Perhaps, this knowledgeable Topagae, who had survived his stay here even all the way through to Aeirn's house, despite Aeirn's presence, Marisa could sense the residents' composure calm... Perhaps, it was something terrible or especially benevolent about this young human who had somehow bridged himself into her and Aeirn's life. And yet, even with this strange feeling encroaching into her mind, she felt at peace around Topagae. Somehow, and for some reason. Marisa smiled again.
"I see," Marisa said, now in a more serious tone. "You do indeed impart wise insights, just as I could tell from Aeiress' face as he came in." she looked out the window. The two Bastets who Aeirn and Topagae encountered were seen standing outside, looking at Topagae in an admiring manner. "Well, you've made a good impression of yourself. Everyone seems to feel calmer around you," Marisa said. "I don't know if it's just me, but there's something about you that... that reassuring presence, that strikes me as astounding." Marisa said, in her now more rational and intellectual figure.
-*-
Aeirn could already feel the heat within the residents cooling down, ever since Topagae had set foot into here. Aeirn was feeling confident he and Topagae would face little resistance to Aeirn's sanctuary. Aeirn had already stashed his cream into a small messenger pack along with a few restorative herbal vials. The last thing on Aeirn's agenda within his room was... his armaments. Aeirn had left the house unarmed, though he was good barefisted, he was best with either a bow and arrow or the traditional blade. He took his trusty personal-made bow, made only of the finest wood available within the vicinty of the Cave of Ordeals, and set to fletching extra arrows with what little wood he had left. He gave himself yet another mental note to get some extra wood after this...
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topagae
Angel
[M:-11500]
Posts: 179
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Post by topagae on Mar 1, 2007 4:25:52 GMT -5
Topagae blipped on his HUD radar. it wasn't very advanced, but the mage was telling the truth, presumably from the large sources of heat that were most likely the large bosoms of the cat girls they were looking in on their conversation.
Topagae wasn't sure if he was to believe this mage, but I suppose she was right, he and Aiern had no trouble getting to this place, despite all the potentially hostile demons.
Reassuring presence? Astounding? Topagae looked skeptical for a moment, he hoped it didn't show. Was this mage sucking up to him? She sounded so sincere. But then again, they always did. He decided to believe her until she gave him evidence to the contrary and responded.
"I certainly have a knack for making friends, but I always accredited it to my stance on giving people a fair chance, and trying to work things out, instead of you know. Killing them outright, which is a strangely common philosophy in these parts. I am certainly flattered by your kind words though m'lady, and if I would have to reply in kind, I must mention that you and your roommate have been the most gracious hosts I've ever had the joy of being entertained by. Besides, what's life without love and friendship?"
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Yumei
Prinny God
[M:-22000]
rose wallflower
Posts: 424
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Post by Yumei on Mar 1, 2007 4:32:53 GMT -5
Marisa chuckled slightly. "And indeed, there is no need to be complimenting the both of us..." she said. "But I'll let you in on a secret - Aeiress is secretly trying to make up for possessing the burden of the killing intent, which, you might have already known, is the agonizing pain that comes to those he looks at when he feels like killing something," Marisa explained very matter-of-factly. "Again, you may already have deduced this, but she cannot fully control it. That is why, I plead of you not to be afraid of him." she trailed on, as she went off to light another candle which went off. "After all, as you said, what's life without love and friendship?" Marisa said, flinging what Topagae had just said back at him. She chuckled, and hoped that no one had heard that little exchange.
-*-
Aeirn had used up all the wood, and sighed in relief when he had realized that he had fletched around 42 extra arrows. He stashed around half of them in a basket of arrows he'd keep for spares, and put the rest on a special belt of arrows he'd wear when he'd be bringing his bow around. Aeirn also snatched the scabbard of a thin blade, that seemed thinner than a regular sword but not as thin as a rapier, foil or saber. He had worn the special belt in place of his casual one and clipped the scabbard along it. He was more than ready to go, but only along the OK of Topagae. Aeirn left his room, and locked it...
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