Finding Solidity in the Mist - Asthallion, Sam 27 Late TT

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 9:41 pm

Ashtallion made his way through Cerleann to the CullÃ mh estate. The small shops gave way to modest homes, which in turn gave way to larger homes, which in turn gave way to the large compounds of the nobility.

The CullÃ mh compound was easy to recognize, the family crest woven intricately into the iron of the front gate. A large, airy home sat far back from the street, lush grass and large trees filling the area in between. Shaped hedges sat under large picture windows, framing the house as the TradeTide sun glinted off the windows.

The compound was surrounded by a fence made of iron and pristine white stone, stood three times as high as an average adhiel and were topped by elegant, deadly spikes spiraling toward the sky. A hard-packed road lead from the front of the house to two large swinging gates, wide enough to let mounted men enter side by side with plenty of room for any bags they may be carrying. Beside the larger gates stood an almost unobtrusive smaller door, just taller than man height, from which lead a small, bricked path that eventually widened into a beautiful wide walkway to the front door. Beside this smaller door hung a brass bell. With hope, Loraith, or at the very least Alyn, should be inside to allow the Battlemage entrance. Otherwise, he would need to find another quiet location to practice.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Mon Jun 26, 2006 9:44 pm

Ashtallion stood before the gates with his hands hidden in the sleeves of his robes, looking entirely wizard like. He appraised the gates, wondering if they were closed all the time. With a wistful sigh, the blonde, golden eyed adhiel crossed to the smaller door, pulling on the brass bell three times, hoping he would be heard and quickly. Standing back a few feet, he waited patiently for someone to answer.

Despite Alustariel being injured, the mage apprentice knew he had other matters to attend to, though she was of course at the top of the list. Having her brother constantly about the temple, checking in on her, tending to her, it would most likely grow increasingly irritating. So, he thought to steal a few candlemarks away and do some sorely needed practice.

Amongst his possessions within the estate, in one of the rooms he had been kindly given to rest, were a few books he had.....aquired....from the University of Magicks' library. One was a book of Battlemagery, mainly annotating how to use battle magic effectively, aswell as containing weaving examples. Another was on monsters and demons.... he had yet to flick through that one... it was the last book, Secrets of Creation, that had interested him the most, yet until now he had been apprehensive about opening and reading. For now all he could do was wait to be answered....

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 9:26 pm

It took only a moment for a liveried servant to appear on the other side of the gate. The crest was one Asht would have recognized from inside the compound. He wasn't anyone that the battlemage would have remembered seeing while he'd been here the night before.

The adhiel stood tall, one hand on resting lightly on his sword as he looked over Ashtallion. "May I help you, m'Lord?" he asked with respect and authority.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Wed Jun 28, 2006 8:34 am

Should have asked for something from Loraith.... something to allow me admittance without explanation....

He hesitated but a moment with his reply, " Namaste, I am Lord Ashtallion, of House Alrul... ", he mentally winced at using his newly found title. Yet he supposed this was not uncommon, so he went along with it. " Lord Kasvenir extended the use of his family home to myself and my sister but yesterday.... perhaps he mentioned such, though I also go by the name of Urdil. ", though looking very wizard like, Ashtallion drew himself up to his full height, taller than your average adhiel. " I have also left a few of my belongings in the room I am staying in..... you may wish to confirm all of this with.. ", he cocked his head to side, as though thinking, "......Alyn, I believe his name is. "

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Thu Jun 29, 2006 9:43 pm

The guard narrowed his eyes. "So you're one of them, eh?," he said with a cold chuckle. "Alyn did mention you. Her Ladyship wants to see you." Without a further word, the adhiel opened the small door and stood aside for Ashtallion to enter.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:41 am

The mage didn't like the way that guard laughed and simply glared at him, allowing a trickle of power to reach his eyes, a flash of golden light flaring momentarily, until he tore his gaze away to step past the guard without so much as another glance. Waiting for the guard to close the door, Ashtallion surveyed the immediate area, perhaps being overtly cautious, yet guard had rattled the sorcerers nerves with his laugh and strange words.

Evidently, Loraiths cousin and owner of the estate was back. This would prove interesting no doubt. He gestured sharply, " Take me to her Ladyship then. ", again, he never allowed his eyes to settle on him, not deeming him worth the extra attention.

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 1:22 pm

The display of power had it's intended effect. The guard paled slightly as he closed the door behind Ashtallion. "This way, Lord Ashtallion."

The adhiel silently lead Asht to the back of the manor house and through a small door. Several turning halls later, the pair approached a closed door. Through it a loud voice could be heard. "I want him found, Alyn. He cannot simply have disappeared into the Aether."

The guard stepped up to the door and with strong hand knocked three times. "Come," was the angry command from inside.

He opened the door, allowing Ashtallion to step through before him. The room he entered was a small study at the front of the house, sunlight streaming through it's long windows. Ledgers were arranged neatly on shelves attached directly to the walls and a large desk with a small stack of papers sat beneath the window.

Seated in a chair before the desk was a willowy adhiel lady, copper curls framing anger-reddened cheeks. Her green eyes captured his figure and held there until he fully stopped. Beside her stood the familiar figure of Alyn, his hands clasped behind his back and his face just a touch pale.

"M'Lady, this is Lord Ashtallion Alrul," the guard introduced him from the doorway. "He was your cousin's guest here last eve."

"You may go, Sajag," the Lady dismissed the guard. He seemed to waste no time retreating and closing the door. The lady's eyes narrowed as she studdied Ashtallion. "'Lord' Alrul?" she asked coldly. "Do you claim that title as honestly as my erstwhile cousin?"

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 2:24 pm

Ashtallion returned the cold stare, his face a marble mask of indifference as he looked at her. " It is no claim, dear Lady. I am Lord Alrul. Though I will admit I only found myself with this very day..... my mother is Elamshin Alrul and alas I was unaware of my heritage. ", he hoped she would recognize the name. He gestured over his shoulder, " As your servant pointed out, I was a guest here..... Loraith extended the invitation. If he has done so to the result of offending you, then I apologise for imposing myself upon your good graces. I came to collect a few of my belongings that I left here. I will find alternative accommodation. "

The sorcerer bowed his head slightly in respect of the womans position. " I mean no disrespect m'Lady, it has been a very trying day.... my sister was assaulted and now lies in the Temple being tended to by healers.... I find my Mother has hidden a surprising secret from me for many yahren.... I am moments away from acting out of anger against the humans that attacked my sibling. So, please, say what you will. ", he placed his hands into the sleeves of his robes, once again looking very Wizard like. An image he has come to like, for it gave people pause when dealing with him. Or so he thought at least.

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 2:27 pm

At the mention of his lineage, Rilana's eyes narrowed slightly. "So that is what happened to her," she said to herself softly. Then, more loudly for Ashtallion's ears, "It seems that my cousin certainly could choose his companions with care. Even if he were unaware what that choice would bring." She chuckled. "It would not surprise me if he tries to seek you out again. In return for the short hospitality that my house offered you, might I ask that you contact me should he do so? He seems to have... disappeared."

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 6:45 pm

" Certainly, Lady. Though I have not seen him since last eveingtide, should he show up, I will pass on your message, or contact you myself. ", he bowed slightly at the waist, still somewhat intimidate despite his own heritage. " Now, if I am to be of no further use to you.... may I collect my sisters and my own belongings? Unless of course you have any other business you wish to discuss? "

Sevti · Post by **Sevti** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:42 pm

Rilana waves her hand dismissively. "No, no other business, though I do thank you for your cooperation when it comes to my cousin."

Turning slightly in her chair, she looks at Alyn. "You will assist Lord Alrul in gathering his and his sister's things," she tells the boy. "Offer him every courtesy."

Alyn nods in silent acceptance, moving to stand beside the door to await Ashtallion. In the meantime, Rilana rises. "It has been a pleasure to meet you, Lord Alrul," she tells him. "Though I wish it had been under better circumstance. Should there be anything that House CullÃ mh can assist you with, I do hope you will ask."

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 8:19 am

Ashtallion eased slightly at the Lady's words. " My thanks, Lady Rilana. ", he placed a hand over his chest as he bowed, a little lower than before and a shadow of a smile on his lips. Straightening he then turned to the door, nodding to Alyn as he moved past the door. However he stopped, pausing for a moment as though considering something.

Glancing back to the Lady, a questioning look on his face. " Would it be acceptable with you, Lady, if I were to return within the next few days to see your good self? I have.... a few queries and something tells me you would give me a straight answer and not hide your motives with agendas and cryptic phrases. "

Sebastian Beauvais · Post by **Sebastian Beauvais** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:30 am

OOC: guest appearance this week

------------------------

"Of course, Lord Alrul," Rilana answered with the barest curve of a smile beneath her large emerald eyes, her fingertips resting lightly atop the desk in front of her. "That is why I offered."

"You may arrange your visit through Alyn, if you wish. I shall look forward to seeing you again."

Her tone was polite, but indicated their conversation was over. Alyn smoothly slipped in to prevent any uncomfortable silence, already well aware of his mistress' current state of mind.

"If you will follow me then, Lord Alrul?" he prompted Ashtallion, a hand already poised to guide the adhiel sorcerer off toward the guest rooms. "We should see to your things at once, so as not to delay you any further."

Dartimos Hammer · Post by **Dartimos Hammer** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 9:47 pm

OOC: You are the first one to make it this far in time.

IC:
As Alyn guided Asht to the rooms they had been using both adhiel's ears prick at the sound of the howling of a wolf. It seemed to be coming from some where near the garden area of the estate. Long and mournful it still carried great power.

The cry was picked up by another near the stables. And then another, and another. For a burn or more they bounced back and forth across the estate. Some of them were clearly humans impersonating the wolf call they had heard. Others sounded so wild and ferral it was impossible to know if they were real or not.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 11:19 pm

Ashtallion bowed once more to the Lady before leaving through the door, following Alyn. Yet, the Sorcerer had not even reached the room to collect his belongings before the sound of a howling wolf broke the silence. The Battlemage stopped but did not flinch at the sound. His head cocked to one side slightly, listening as the cries carried on. " I will assume that is not a frequent occurance? Humans playing at being wolves? ", he paused a moment, something sinking into place. His golden eyes widened ever so slightly as he turned to the servant.

" Alyn..... they wouldn't be the Brotherhood of the Wolf? "

Sebastian Beauvais · Post by **Sebastian Beauvais** » Fri Jul 14, 2006 10:21 pm

Alyn had not remarked on the noise without prompting, although his shoulders had hunched up at the sound as if it worried him. But with Ashtallion questioning him directly, Rilana's servant had little choice but stop and answer.

"Not frequent at all, m'lord," replied Alyn, a look of concern on his features as he spoke. "And certainly not a sound one is likely to hear at the estate. Wolves usually keep to the forests and shadows beyond our civilized areas."

Alyn licked his lips and considered the golden-eyed mage before him a flicker, before answering Asht's supposition. "I wouldn't know about that, Lord Alurl. But when the howling comes, trouble is usually not far behind. In the forests and shadows, that is."

"There is no need to worry here at the estate," he reassured the mage, though his young eyes betrayed some doubt in his own words.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 10:19 pm

" Somehow I am not entirely convinced. "

He left the discussion at that and continued on his way to the quarters he slept in. It had been a stressful day... learning under Falgan, this he had prepared himself for. True it would be difficult training, yet what he would benefit from it far outweighed any small matter such as how hard it was going to be. Finding out he was nobility and having Alustariel assulted, Ashtallion simply wanted to vent some frustration over having no control over those situations.

As much as he enjoyed being in control, of his emotions, his mind, his magic.. his life...there was a part of the apprentice sorcerer that desired release. To merely let his magic, his thoughts and emotions control him. A seductive notion, and one he promptly banished from his mind.

Reaching the rooms, Asht collected his belongings, thankful to have his books back and the Pelegrim. After retrieving Alu's possessions also he returned to Alyn. " Ok, I believe that is everything.... I will be staying at the Lord Advocates Estate until I can arrange more permanent arrangement, if you would pass this on to her Ladyship. "

OOC: Sorry if I assumed anything!

Sebastian Beauvais · Post by **Sebastian Beauvais** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 1:06 am

Alyn smiled wanly at Ashtallion's scepticism as the mage headed off to collect the belongings he and his sister had left at the estate, and then followed along to wait nervously in the hall outside each room.

For his part, Alyn hoped the rebels were not planning any activities near the compound. Even in the capital there had been the chaos of uprisings before, and the harsh justice that the adhiel overlords handed out when each riotous event was inescapably quashed. His position was favoured, after a fashion, and he wanted nothing to jeopardize his relatively comfortable life. The Brotherhood, or whoever was raising the hackles of every person in Cerleann with their foolish howling, could just go back to Sirionnabh and leave the rest of them alone!

Ashtallion's return drew Alyn from his internal musings and focused him on his present duty. "Of course, Lord Alurl," he replied smartly to the golden-haired adhiel. "At Lord Advocate Insurinn's estate. I will be sure to inform Lady CullÃ mh of your residency there."

"If that is all I can escort you to the gate. Have you a coach to take you to the Lord Advocate's home? It may not be wise to try walking tonight." The howling had ceased outside the manor house, but clearly the unnerving sound was still on Alyn's mind.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 7:31 pm

" Yes, Lord Argil has given me the use of his coach. So I will use that to travel to his estate..... though I do not fear a few humans, I can protect myself easily enough. ", was he just trying to convince himself? Part of him wanted to mkae his own way to the estate and maybe he would bump into a few members of the Brotherhood of Wolves. The mage had an intense desire to take his frustrations and anger out on a few humans after what happened to Alustariel.

" Can you show me the way out, Alyn? "

Sebastian Beauvais · Post by **Sebastian Beauvais** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:15 am

"As you say, m'lord," answered Alyn to Ashtallion's bravado, though his tone was nothing but respectful. Apparently Rilana's servant didn't doubt in the adhiel sorcerer's power, nor the emotion swirling in Ashtallion's eyes.

"If you follow me, Lord Alurl" he agreed without hesitation, pointing back down the hall, "I'll take you out straight away."

And so he did. With a minimum of fuss Ashtallion found himself at the front doors to Rilana's manor and then out on the front landing, Alyn next to him. Another servant was already hustling down the crushed gravel drive leading to the wrought iron gates, so Lord Argil's coach could be let in to collect the sorcerer. Within burns the conveyance was pulling up in front of the landing, the coachman ready to assist Ashtallion with his things.

"I trust we will see you again, m'lord. May K'Tan smile upon you until then," Alyn said in farewell.

Ashtallion Urdil · Post by **Ashtallion Urdil** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 10:10 am

After packing their possessions into the coach, though Ashtallion did keep a hold of the satchel containing his three treasured books, the wizard turned back to Alyn with a small smile of appreciation on his lips. " Thank you, Alyn, and I have no doubt you will be seeing me again..... ", he looked over the servants shoulder back towards the estate, " .....I can see myself needing the advice of people who are not so caught up in political plots and mysteries... ", he smiled again, only a shadow of it darkening his golden eyes.

Shaking his head slightly he moved into the seat of the coach. " The Insurinn Estatem driver! ", he raised his voice to be heard from within, " Goodbye Alyn, and thank you once more. "

Sebastian Beauvais · Post by **Sebastian Beauvais** » Sat Aug 05, 2006 8:16 pm

Ashtallion, your story continues here:

https://tazlure.nl/board/viewtopic.p ... 232#172232

Sorry for the delay!

Tristam · Post by **Tristam** » Mon Dec 04, 2006 4:33 pm

Thread skilled.