RP:Burning the Field of Flowers

The Fold Clan Compound, East Sage Forest

As you step off of the forest trail and toward the fortified wall and gate that restricts access to the Fold compound, your senses are flooded with a heightened awareness of your surroundings. You become alert to the watchful observation of sentries at their posts in the archery towers on each end of the wall, and of the defensive stance of the Minotaur towering at the gate. Any knowledgeable in runeology will notice the unique pendant around the Minotaur's neck, a tiny pebble laden heavily in crimson symbols- If he wanted, the guard could quite easily burn you to a crisp with a simple lazy flick of his great axe- Only when you have proven to this mammoth guard that you mean no harm, are you permitted to enter the sanctum that is the Fold compound. It is a place where you can sense order in the air; a place that somehow makes you want to be a better person. Intrigued, you allow your gaze to wander. The compound is made up of three separate buildings hewn of wood and stone, laid in an arching horseshoe shape around the natural forest enclave in which you now stand. Behind and surrounding these buildings, the forest is lush and dense, providing the perfect natural, and enchanted, defensive barrier. To the south on your right, you see the residential barracks for clan officers and what appears to be a prisoner cell block of some sort. To the north on your left, your gaze finds what seems to be a training facility. It is from this building that the sounds of combat emerge. Not wanting to get caught trespassing, you hurry ahead into the building directly before you on the eastern flank of the clearing, the clan Headquarters. The sheen of highly polished armament and weapons catch your eye as you enter a spacious wood paneled hallway and make your way towards a half open doorway on the left. Curious, you peek into the room hidden behind the door. It is clearly intended for deep study; a library, rich with bookshelves, maps and clusters of work stations. Those with magical ability can sense that this library serves as portal to another, perhaps hidden location. As you travel further down the well lit hallway, you notice the grand vaulted doorway at its end, leading to the room at the strategic heart of this facility, The Council Chambers; access to its secrets are but a step away. Less noticeable perhaps, is the smaller doorway nestled into a niche adjacent to this grand entrance. The secret of what lays behind it can be known only to the clan. You are pensive as you make your way back to the enclave and eventually to the forest trail from whence you came. The Fold was obviously a clan of purpose entrenched in military discipline. If you are one who seeks to preserve Balance, you may be tempted to become part of their family. If you travel the dark path, you might dread the results that such unity of heart and purpose must bring.

Aranhil stood in the compound clearing off to the side with his cart of special herbs and potions. Perhaps he would make a sell later today, but first he hoped to rid the world of this potential poison for at least the next four years, which would be win the flower would bloom again.

Rhoswen made her way to the compound. The scent of a sea breeze clung to her skin, telling she had just come from Cenril, though the lack of dampness told she had not been swimming. She looked about the compound as she entered, and it did not take long for her gaze to rest 'pon Aranhil. "Mister Aranhil, I presume?" She spoke as she approached him, knowing him only from the clan link, and not having met him yet in person. She offered a warm smile as her left hand raised to scratch at her right forearm.

Aranhil would step forward in front of his cart at the words, he had not noticed the woman until she had spoken. He needed to be more aware of others around him and less aware of the possibilities of this or that happening. Aranhil would nod to her as he properly introduced himself following a light bow. "Indeed, I am Aranhil. I believe that makes you the lovely Rhoswen?"

Rhoswen blushed softly at being called lovely. Yes, she was complimented as such many times, but she doubted she would ever get used to it, "Yes, I am Rhoswen." She smiled softly, giveing a small bow of her head in return to his gesture, "A pleasure to finally meet you face to face, Aranhil."

Aranhil would smile back at her and then his smile would slowly fade as he began to speak. "Your messages lead me to believe that you can help me. Seems you possess an ability that I am in temporary need of. So tell me, do you have morals against destroying that which is beautiful, even if that which is beautiful may have thorns?"

Rhoswen lofted an alabaster brow at his question, "I suppose it would depend upon why it must be destroyed." She replied, her own smile fading. What was he driving at exactly? She suddenly was not certain she should have offered her services to begin with. What did this man plan to destroy exactly?

Aranhil would think on what he should say, the Lady of the clan had made him swear not to reveal the true intentions of why what was to be done, should be done. Finally he would answer her, "I have been given a secret mission from Arien, I am sorry but the reasons for the mission are to be kept secret, even from other participants." He hoped this would be enough for her, hoped that the Lady had the influence that he believed she did amongst members of her clan.

Rhoswen eyed the other half elf skeptically a moment, then gave a small nod, "Alright then. If Arien said it is to be done, I trust her." She knew that Arien usually made the right call, and though she would not follow her blindly, she did trust her. The half breed's gently smile returned to her features, "Then what is it we must do?"

Aranhil| If any form of happiness or pride was in his face it would fade now. "We must do something that pains me beyond anything else. A herbalist wants nothing but to live and help things grow." He would sigh before he would continue, "We must destroy the Field of Flowers north east of Gualon." The words he used sounded sad, like a part of himself may be part of what was to be destroyed. He looked at Rhoswen now and knew that she may feel the same pain as he did, she was of elven descent as well, though Aranhil was closer to the nature than most, or at least he felt that he was.

Rhoswen , as a druid, was also close to nature. Though her closeness lay more to the animal side of things. Still the thought of destroying something so beautiful made her heart sink. Her mother, afterall, had been far closer to nature than she was, and she remembered how the full blooded elf could almost seem to communicate with plants on some mystic level. "Must we?" She wasn't looking forward to such a mission, but if the orders came from Arien, there must be some good reason behind them. And she could tell that Aranhil was no happier about their mission than was she. She gave a solemn nod, "Then I suppose fire would be your best tool...and I am skilled enough to help with the job."

Aranhil nodded, "Then, shall we be off? The sooner it is done, the sooner life will grow there again." Aranhil had wanted to leave the flowers alone, to just let the four year flower come and go, but it was not worth the risk to Arien, not worth the risk of a weapon stronger than anything hollow has ever seen.

Rhoswen gave a feeble nod, still slightly toubled at the prospect of what she was about to do. But if it must be done, "Alright. Let us go." She would wait for him to lead the way, not oft venturing to the Gualon region herself.

Aranhil would lower his head and venture towards gualon, stopping by his shop to gather a few things should protection be needed beyond that of his own strength. The shopkeeper would be left there for now, though his help will be needed later, his magic as a herbomancer would help restore field afterwards. Now they began their long trek to the field of what will soon be called ash.

Field of Flowers

Beautiful pink and white flowers stretch as far as the eye can see, filling the air with their sweet aroma and drawing great swarms of bees to their sweet nectar. Roses nod slightly with the wind on long, thorned stalks, and lilies and carnations mix in with them willingly. The place is so tranquil, so quiet, that you feel your eyes drifting closed. Jerking awake, you wonder if some sort of spell has been cast upon this place to make it so. To the south, the flower field gives way to light prairie, while the Milous Plains continue to the west. Eastward there are green, rolling hills.

Aranhil would meet Diamond along the way with Rhowswen. After a short conversation she would follow even against Aranhil's wishes which was the norm for her. They soon arrived at the field of flowers. A large expanse of open space that housed so many flowers that one could not hope to see them all in one day. A great deal of magic would be needed to see this through, to protect the world from Aranhil's greatest, and most deadly creation. He would spend his time now looking out over the field, admiring it for what it was now, and not what is soon would be. After a time his head would fall, eyes upon the ground, shame in his heart.

Diamond had followed Aran, and was confused at what was going on, if even it was a simple manner. As soon as she would see the flowers a twinkle came to her eyes and she suddenly began to run around, skipping, and brushing her fingers against the flower's petals. After a few minutes Dia would return to the half elfs side and tilt her head, " Whats wrong?"

Rhoswen followed after Aranhil. They were soon joined by a woman, and at first glance, Rhoswen would not but think her some new aquaintance. When at last they arrived at their destination, the half elf would stare in wonder at te expanse of flowers, not having seen such beauty in quite some time. Her lips curled into a smile and she breathed deep the lush aroma of the flora. But the smile soon faded as she recalled her mission. She looked to her fellow half elf as Diamond came skipping to a halt at his side. She was awaiting instruction, but as she looked closer upon the strange female, she realized the exhuberant woman was no stranger at all, "Diamond?" She inquired, "You are looking well."

Aranhil would nod his head at the question, "Not alright, take a good look Diamond, for these will soon be gone." He looked out over the field now and meant the many flowers, his own mild depression and sadness would flood his mind not wanting him to do what had to be done, he had missed Rhoswen's words to Diamond completely. It was then that he would give the order ignoring anyone else that may speak, "Rhoswen, burn away anything that is green, anything that grows, anything that calls this place its home, nothing ..can survive." he turned away from them at this and walked away a bit, not wanting to see the destruction, then would turn back forcing himself to watch what his own creation would call to be done.

Diamond stared at the woman like she was crazy, and completly ignored Aran's first sentence. Akwardly the elf looked around, as if someone else had her name, " Um...t-thank you?" Pale lips pursed in wonder, a mere question of if she used to know this woman, " Wait!" A finger was pointed at the woman," Why are you gonna burn down this beautfiul place?!" Her voice seemed heavy with plead and anger, and even trifle higher then it usually was.

Rhoswen blinked at the other's confusion, which in turn confused her. Did the woman who had told her to call her daughter niece not remember her? But the time for questions was over as Aranhil issued his orders. The half breed nodded sadly and turned toward the field, a soft sigh being breathed as she closed her eyes to savor the scent one last time, raising her hand to send forth the flame that would do the deed. Her efforts were halted, however, at the elf's plea, "I..." She turned her gaze to Aranhil, not knowing the full answer herself, "Arien said it was to be done."

Aranhil would walk forward and place that of a single hand on Diamond's shoulder and turn her towards him lightly. Diamond knew much of Aranhil, things that not even his clan knew, the strength of the giants that ran through his viens, the ability in melee combat he possessed, Diamond knew all his secrets but one, this one. "You have to trust me, this must be done, to protect those I care for." Not giving her time to react or argue he released the magic into his rings giving him the strength once more which he used to hold her in place should she try to stop Rhoswen. "Rhoswen, continue, lets get this nightmare over with before the night sky blankets the land and are deed can be seen by all of Gualon and the northern desert." A single tear would tremble threatening to fall, though it would not.

Diamond stared at Rhoswen for a second, and was to lash out when a hand landed on her shoulder, and before she knew it she was to be held in place. But this would not stop the elven druid. A scream bellowed from her mouth and she would try and thrust forward, with no more then a futile attempt, " But what about the animals that live here?! What about the plants?!" Unlike Aran, her tears did fall. Sliding down her cheeks quickly as she became more and more flustered, " Please stop!"

Rhoswen bit her lip, chin trembling as she tried to fight back her own tears. "It is not that I do not care about the plants and animals!" She replied, her tone desprate, she wanting to be understood, "But ..." Again her pleading eyes landed on Aranhil. Why did they have to destroy the flowers? The animals that lived there. At the other half breed's insistance, she held her hand out again, closing her eyes as she conjured a fireball, a quick prayer being uttered to Lauria for forgiveness. Then she unleaashed the swirling blaze upon on section of the field, setarting what would soon be expanded into an inferno.

Aranhil would watch as the inferno would begin, building slowly destroying the life of the planet that he fought so often to protect. Now was no different, part of him wanted so badly to release Diamond and stop Rhoswen from the deed he was forcing upon her. He knew she felt the same way, such a disaterous thing should never be done, Aranhil knew at this moment, that should an expirement call for anything in the future it would be a failed experiment. nothing was worth this cost, the expiration of life.

Diamond would continue to struggle even after the flames brought its destruction down upon the grass and flowers. But soon, she grew tired and weak and just simply went limp. Her defying screams had made her throat ache, and now only a whimper could be heard. The tears had a stain trail down her face, and continued to bubble over, but slowed down. it was only pure luck that Aran had still held onto her, for the elf would have ran into the fire.

Rhoswen sighed softly,. tears spilling now, as she conjured another ball of fire, launching the flame to the oposite side of the field. She stared at her work through eyes filled with tears, focusing on the blaze, trying to sustain it even after it had left her grasp, a new technique for her. And it was not one that would work very well. She continued to have to shoot balls of flame into the field to ensure the blaze continued. Making her way toward the center of the field, she knew she would be safe from the burns that other would suffer. She bit her lip hard as she shot more spheres of fire out from her hands, larger and larger they grew as she became desperate to finish the vile deed as soon as possible. She coughed slightly as the smoke wended its way toward her. That had not been something she had taken into account.

Aranhil held Diamond as she went limp, holding her from falling to the earth but turning her instead to face him, she would not be forced to watch something she had no part of. Aranhil could no longer hold back all of the tears that welled up in his eyes now, several of them fell as he held Diamond close to him. He watched still as Rhoswen continued buring the inferno.

Diamond certaintly didn't wanna see Aran right now. For he was the one who told the half elf to continue, even though Dia didn't know the whole story; that was her assumtion. So the tears would be shaked off and carefully she pulled away, but remembered the man's iron grip, " Let me go! Now!" She spoke loud, trying to get her voice to be louder then the blazing inferno. ...Was it getting hotter in there already?

Rhoswen had soon set all the field, save where she stood ablaze.as the flames smoldered out in one spot, she would launch another flame to that area, until it would not hold the blaze any longer. As a portion of the field was completely cleared, she stepped into it, feeling the lingering heat on the soles of her boots, and lauched her flame into the space she had left unburned so far. She was engulfed in the roar of the blaze, and could not hear Diamond's protests.

Aranhil would push her away from the field and the blaze. "Ill let you go as you wish, but you will not interfere." It sadened him to talk to her like he was, but today was a sad day and could not be helped no matter how many begged. The blaze was slowly dying, leaving hehind nothing other than charred earth and the ash of what was once the magnificient field of flowers.

Rhoswen continued to renew the blaze, paying little attention to those outside her circle of fire. Slowly the blaze would fade to smoldering ashes. She was exhausted, having spent much of her energy in keeping the flames going, and saddened, and collapsed to her knees. She bit her lips and breathed a heavy sigh, closing her eyes, "Is it done?" She asked, looking around to ensure she had scorched away the entirety of the field.

Aranhil watched as Diamond would rush away, more tears filled her eyes though once more these did not fall. Turning now he would see the end of Rhoswen's fiery assault on the field. Once she fell Aranhil would rush towards her, his quick steps and footfalls kicking up ash into the wind, it seemed thats all there was upon the ground, no longer a sea of neverending flowers, but instead a sea of ash. Upon reaching her he would hold her up in his arms. "I am sorry for asking this of you but yes, it is done. You did well for me and the clan." He would wait a few moments before talking to her once more, "Do you think you can walk?" If not he would carry her back to the Keep and lay her down on one of the beds there, where she could recover her energy and hopefully forget the nightmare that had happened this eve.

Rhoswen stumbled to her feet as he held her up, a weary sigh passing her lips. Pale blue hues surveyed the ashen landscape, sorrow filling her gaze. It pained her to think of what she had done. At her comrade's question she gave a small nod, "I think I can..." She tried to stand on her own, swaying slightly on her feet and taking a few steps forward. Though she swayed and stumbled slightly, she was able to stand and walk, "I can..." Another weary sigh parted her lips.

Aranhil would hesitate to let her go and let her attempt and stand. When finally he did he would stay close by, his hands ready to catch her at a moments notice should she fall or sway unsteadily. "Alright, let us try and get back to the Compound, perhaps you should lay down there."

Rhoswen smiled to the other, not sure she could make it up her icy hill in her current condition, and gave a nod, "Alright...yes." She continued to stumble her way out of the scorched landscape, not objecting to his hovering. Afterall, should she fall, she would appreciate being caught.

Aranhil| The two of them would begin the trek back to the Compound Keep, he would carry her there if need it was needed.

The Fold Keep

A brief journey through candle lit secret passage and up a flight of stairs brings you to this secure location. Spanning most of the length and width of the rooms below, the Keep, like its namesakes of old is the one place on the compound that can protect its occupants in the event of an assault or siege. Your exploring gaze reveals that the room for all intents and purposes is divided into four quadrants. Along the eastern wall, below small windows nestled near the wooden rafters and covering half the length of the room, are a series of makeshift cots dressed with linens and bedding kept in a constant state of readiness. Along the western wall of the room and immediately opposite the sleeping arrangements, a cluster of roughly made dining furniture is arranged. The tables and chairs sit in front of a long storage unit which doubles both as a supply store and a food preparation area. A curious invention protrudes through the roofing, opening up into a clean pail below. Further examination reveals that it is a device to collect rain water from the eaves of the roof. Closer to the door where you still stand, the room is more clearly dedicated to facilitating the continued business of the clan. Racks of weapons of every kind rest against the remaining walls, while a simpler and smaller version of the table of the round and its accompanying seating provides a location for strategy and group council. Indeed, it appears that The Fold is well prepared to sustain a siege of some length, and you depart the way you came with an increased sense of your own security.

Rhoswen managed to make it halfway to the compound before nearly collapsing of exhaustion. It was only then that she allowed Aranhil to carry her.

Aranhil would enter the Compound and climb the staircase to the keep where only the clan was allowed to enter. Moments later he would lay Rhoswen upon one of the beds there where she could easily rest. Aranhil would cover her as well, not caring one way or another if it was his place to do so. Stepping back from her bed several steps he would wait for a time, then finally if she would say nothing he would descend back down the staircase and exit back to his shop where he would prepare to return to the Field of Ash.

Rhoswen sighed softly as she was laid in the bed. A small smile graced her lip as she looked up at him, "Thank you, Aranhil." She felt badly for making him help her, and wanted him to know that she was greatful. As he covered her up, her eyes slid shut.

Aranhil would exit now, a small smile upon his face after bowing slightly to the woman in thanks.