"Come Little Children..."

[Aylstra Illianniis]

OOC: While I'm waiting on Veraka to respond, I'll try to move things along a bit...


IC: With most of the battle over, the few remaining bandits appear to have surrendered completely, knowing they stand little chance against the clearly well-armed and experienced band of travelers. By now, the forest has returned mostly to normal, and the sounds of battle have left a peaceful breeze in their place, with a few birds beginning to chirp in the trees above. The two captured ones, and the charmed female with her unconscious orc cushion are all that is left of the raiders.

The bard slowly rises, still holding one sword-tip out at his captive, but with less threatening posture now, while things return to a more calm state among the group. He notes Li'Neee', exchange with the other two girls with a slight grimace and a shake of the head, but says nothing. Meanwhile, there is a sound in the distance, of what seems to be another cart rolling towards the group, the plodding of hooves in soft dirt and jangling of harness clearly audible through the trees even before the small wagon rolls into view from the same track as the current party is on. Sitting in the seat guiding the small pony is a gnome in a bright red robe with golden flame designs embroidered into it, wearing spectacles over bright blue eyes, and with his balding head bare. He is clearly old, with wrinkles on his round flushed face, and a large round nose to match, beardless save for a small goatee.

"Ah, as luck would have it, here is our contact!" exclaims Lothir, who obviously recognizes the short driver, by his reaction. "What took you so long? I thought we were to meet at the cave entrance?"

"Bah! Durned fool in the village gave me bad directions. Got lost. Had to turn around and waste a spell to find ye'," answers the gnome with a surly scowl.

[Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar]

as the rogue had been making way to their wagon, the unmistakable sounds of another approaching wagon was heard. already invisible, she moved over and around the trail to see who was making way. the others had to already know so she remained as she was when Lothir spoke and obviously knew who it was.

[veraka]

[color=red:2x1o1tet](In The Underdark)
The Horror that charged Kathryn was killed the moment that Vlad's massive jaw clamped down upon it's throat, even as Kathryn's staff it's head upward, and ended its life in one swift, bloody stroke.

The Hook Horror that had attacked Velkyn, quickly found itself howling as the drow's freezing dagger sliced into its neck, freezing all around it.
However, it continued forward towards the drow, slashing at him with a hooked claw.

The other remaining Hook Horror turned about to face Vlad and screeched a challenge.[/color:2x1o1tet]


Onix suddenly found himself tired beyond recognition, even as he stared at LiNeee, he found himself looking at a blurred drowess, who was now silent as a ghost. The clone began to walk back to the carts, even as he suddenly felt heavy, as if his blades and armor were made of solid stone. Then he felt his chest tighten up, even as his vision narrowed. His heart felt like it was going to stop dead on him, even as he clutched at his chest, grunting in pain.

Onix heard Valor's voice in his head, then heard an eagle's screech over head as his knees buckled.

He gazed at LiNeee between Bella and a polymorphed Phoebey; "LiNeee.. . . . . I . . . wha. . . " were the last words that left his mouth as he collapsed onto the ground, clutching at his chest, and roaring in pain.

[LiNeee-niss'xae]

LiNeee looked on, finally registering that the fight truely was over, that no more harm could come of anyone. She glanced over her shoulder at Bella and Phoebey, a smile stretching across her face as she nodded to each; [i:1jziv5xp]"It's over,"[/i:1jziv5xp] she practically breathed in relief. However, when Phoebey lifted a hand, her eyes on something behind LiNeee, the drowess froze- eyes narrowed. [i:1jziv5xp][color=darkred:1jziv5xp]"LiNeee!"[/i:1jziv5xp][/color:1jziv5xp] Phoebey cried out in alarm, and as LiNeee swivelled around on the spot, she found she already knew what she'd find. [i:1jziv5xp]No! Not him![/i:1jziv5xp] Her mind cried, having no control over her body actions what soever until she was knelt beside Onix. [i:1jziv5xp][color=violet:1jziv5xp]"LiNeee.....I......Wha..."[/i:1jziv5xp][/color:1jziv5xp] Were the clones' last words before he collapsed in what anyone would have placed as severe pain. LiNeee however, tried her hardest to hold in her own gasps, as she watched him. [i:1jziv5xp]"Onix?"[/i:1jziv5xp] She pleaded, placing a soft hand on his face, perhaps to cool it considering her hand was freezing? [i:1jziv5xp]"Onix, what can I do?"[/i:1jziv5xp] She pleaded again, this time converting her eyes.

[i:1jziv5xp]"Leuxana!"[/i:1jziv5xp] She shrieked, [i:1jziv5xp]"please, where are you?"[/i:1jziv5xp] Tears were there, in her eyes and on her cheeks as she tried her best to hold Onix close to her, he wouldn't be alone if these were his last moments, she'd be here the whole time- and when he woke up, she'd never doubt he had feelings again. Looking back down at him, a tear dropping from her cheek she let out one small sob, and on it said; [i:1jziv5xp]"Onix, please, I need you..."[/i:1jziv5xp]

[Aylstra Illianniis]

The bard's exchange with the crotchety gnome is cut short by Onix's sudden collapse. Lothir spins around, a look of concern on his face, and rushes over to see what is wrong. He finds the clone clutching at his chest, clearly in pain, yet with no visible signs of any injury serious enough to cause such agony. A flash of inspiration hits ,and he yells at the gnome.

"Beznik! Get over here! You know more about mechanical equipment than anyone I know- his suit's got some pretty sophisticated gear in it. Could it be causing this? Help me try to get it off of him!"

The gnome blinks, and frowns, but hops down and quickly trots over to the clone's side, where he squats down to examine him, spectacles sliding down his nose as he studies the armor. "Might be," he mutters finally, and starts looking for some way to remove part of the armor. After a moment or two, he scowls again. "Stuff looks like its practically grafted on. How does this fella...."

While he is busy, the bard, rises, and looks around for Luaxena. "Milady, he may need your help. I don't quite know what to do for him. Any thoughts?" He asks, then moves back toward the half-elf and the charmed woman, intent on keeping an eye on the prisoners.

"Some strange friends you have, handsome," says the rogue female with a bemused expression.

[Luexena Deana]

Luexena released the handle of her sword, letting it stick in the cart and keep the bandit she spoke to, pinned. She turned to the one of the ground, rolling him onto his belly with a swift nudge of her foot, then she pulled his hands behind his back, taking out a rope and looping it around the man's wrists securely, keeping him bound now. Only after it, she breathed in a bit of life into him. [i:2yw2dicc]There. He won't die now.[/i:2yw2dicc] Then the priestess turned to the other bandit. Another rope was drawn, from the cart now, and the second bandit was bound swiftly. Only after that Erel'lua'ae was pried free from the wooden plank, so the man slumped onto the ground.

The shouting reached as she was healing the wound on the man's shoulder, The drowess blinked, springing to her feet, grasping her sword and rushing toward the shouts, meeting Lothir on the way. She nodded to him quickly, running toward Onix and kneeling beside him. [i:2yw2dicc]Here, hold his head up some.[/i:2yw2dicc] She asked LiNeee quietly. The priestess tugged her gloves off, discarding them carelessly, her sword left on the ground beside them.

Those thin nimble fingers of hers touched Onix' neck as she checked his vitals quickly, then placed her dainty palm onto his forehead. [i:2yw2dicc]Shhh.[/i:2yw2dicc] Her lips twitched a bit as she saw that expression of pain on the clone's features and she looked to Lothir. [i:2yw2dicc]Can you put him to sleep? It's needed right now. Or I can try to sedate him. Then I will attempt to perform a greater restoration. If the problem is internal, it will cure him. If it is external... [/i:2yw2dicc]Her fingertips tapped the armor. [i:2yw2dicc]Then we need more aid.[/i:2yw2dicc]

edit: to reply to the post below: elves/drow are immune to sleep >.> since they do not sleep and reverie instead. [/size:2yw2dicc]

[Aylstra Illianniis]

He cocks his head, considering, and then slowly nods, a smile spreading on his face. "Not a talent I use often, but- yes. I think so, as long as he is not immune to the effects." He lifts Onix up partly into his lap, and begins to sing a soft, sweet lullaby, infusing it with the subtle magic of spell-song. (Okay, those of you close enough to hear- make checks against sleep, lol!) He continues until Onix is (hopefully) passed out, his fingers gently stroking over the clone's temples, to help sooth the pain and increase the influence of the song.

[veraka]

The pounding in the clone's chest told him one thing; he was having a cardiac arrest. Through his growls of pain and agony, he hears LiNeee's young, caressing voice trying her best to comfort him, despite his heart near its failing point. Through all of the pain, his senses are still awake and he feels a small, wet drop hit his face; then another.

It takes Onix a small moment to realize that those droplets were tears, and that those tears were from LiNeee, sobbing over him as she held him there in her arms.

He heard her scream for the priestess, heard LiNeee asking what she could do. He wanted to tell her not to worry about him, but pain arched up from his chest and exploded inside his body. He let out a another howl as it felt like someone was driving a steel battering ram into and through his chest.


Then the clone heard a soothing voice, as well as the feeling of his temples on his forehead being rubbed. He started to feel droozy, however, with so much stress put onto his body, his senses were fully awake as he started to try and force his body into submission.
Onix never understood why he and his brothers were clones. Now he did, at least one aspect of it. The kind of stress from that kinda fighting would kill an ordinary person. Like his brothers, he was designed to be the best, that included physiologically.


Onix did however, manage to raise one hand to where LiNeee's voice was emanating from, and gently slid a finger across her slender, but soft cheek, wiping what tears were streaked down it away.

Finally, the blackness of sleep took him, as his armor powered down, reverting back to its adamantine-grey hue. With his councious mind now in a resting manner, his OMNI armor would only function as armor.

[LiNeee-niss'xae]

LiNeee stumbled backwards through her tears as Lothir came in followed closely by the priestess; Leuxana. She sighed, feeling like they hadn't even noticed she was there, it wasn't about her though, it was about making Onix better- well that was all she cared about. His face tortured her, the pain emitting from one soul so largely, it distorted her heart and all she could do was put a hand over her chest where she sat upon the ground. Bella and Phoebey hadn't moved, having no skills what so ever to be able to help the Clone in this situation, as much as they wanted to. What could a shifter really do? Instead, Bella turned to Phoebey subtly and whispered; [i:2li84zzm][color=darkblue:2li84zzm]"were you hit anywhere, sister? Are you all okay?"[/i:2li84zzm][/color:2li84zzm] Her voice was soft for once and Phoebey was actually surprised as she showed the elder shifter a small slice on her thigh- [i:2li84zzm][color=darkred:2li84zzm]"s'all I got, so I'm good, yes."[/i:2li84zzm][/color:2li84zzm] She replied, turning back to watch onwards, along with Bella.

LiNeee sucked in air; a gasp, as Onix wiped a tear off her cheek, was he awake? Not for long... She held onto his hand though, and she'd sit there holding it until she were ordered away, which she hoped she wouldn't be, she really didn't want to leave him, nor did she want to see him like this. She bent her head in sorrow, why wasn't see good for anything but combat? She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it, a tear softly sliding down it- "stay with me Onix..." She mumbled between moist lips before she bent her head, pressing his hand gently to her forehead- there...She prayed.

[i:2li84zzm]/Not being snobby or anything, but is it seriously that hard to at least acknowledge that my character was there?[/size:2li84zzm][/i:2li84zzm]

[Luexena Deana]

[quote:id56agub][quote:id56agub] [i:id56agub]Here, hold his head up some.[/i:id56agub] She asked LiNeee quietly. [/quote:id56agub] //if that's not an acknowledgement, I am not sure what it is? Your char won't be the center of every post, I am sorry, hun. In Onix' post he mentions noone but LiNeee, yet I do not feel too upset about it. It happens =p.[/size:id56agub][/quote:id56agub]

Luexena's hand covered Onix' forehead again and she shut her eyes, tightly, calling upon the Lady's grace. Her blood was still rushing from the fight and she tried to calm herself down, listening to her own maddened heartbeat. The woman's head was tilted back so she was facing the sky, the prayer continued for the long ten minutes which for the rest present would have felt like an eternity. At the end of this silent prayer her silhouette began glowing subtly and she finally released all this light into the clone's body, the light mending, soothing and curing Onix, removing the pain and bodily damage along with the negative effects of the spells and fatigue. The priestess, however, felt herself drained, dropping her hand finally and looking down to the prone man to see if the [i:id56agub]Greater Restoration[/i:id56agub] helped him any.

[Aylstra Illianniis]

OOC: Not intentionally ignoring you, m'dear- just focused on aiding Onix ATM. Don't worry, you're not forgotten.


IC: He watches anxiously while the priestess prays silently, glancing over to see the young drowess holding the clone's hand with tears falling donw her cheeks. "I'm sure he'll be alright. He's too tough to die that easily." He says it half-jokingly, but still looks down with worry on his face.

Meanwhile, the wrinkled old gnome scrunches up his face, and fishes in a pouch on his belt, pulling out several small vials. He looks through them, then puts all but one back into the pouch- which seems to hold far more than it should, since his entire arm goes into it. "Here, give him this. Digitalis extract. Good for over-worked hearts and such." He pops open the vial, and pours it slowly into the clone's throat while his head is lifted. "The effect should be quick, 'less he's got resistance to herbals." He then sits back to wait and watch Onix's reaction to the healing and the elixir.

[LiNeee-niss'xae]

[i:9cvyhqsa]/Was more talking to Lothir, than you and Onix- I am not that daft, hun. Nevermind about it though, and does it seem like I want to be the center, Leuxana? [/i:9cvyhqsa]

[i:9cvyhqsa]"I know he will not die, our Onix is a tough soul- no matter if he feels he has one or not,"[/i:9cvyhqsa] LiNeee said, more a reassurance to herself than any other; though she was still laced with such a worry as to keep those tears coming. It annoyed her a little, though she moved herself around near the Priestess and placed a hand under Onix's head, [i:9cvyhqsa]"like this?"[/i:9cvyhqsa] she asked, looking down at the peaceful Onix, anyone would think he truly was dead. She shook the thought away immediately and as Leuxana began her prayer- LiNeee closed her eyes slightly and prayed silently herself..

Once it was over, Bella and Phoebey were holding hands- unknown to the both of them. LiNeee's eyes were closed, one hand with the clones', the other under his head, holding it for the Priestess. She hoped to the Lady, that he would return to them.

[veraka]

Even within his deep sleep, the clone subliminally picked up on the voices that belonged to Lothir, Luexena, Beznik and LiNeee.

Within an odd, and very unknown place, Onix drifted, unsure of what he heard going on outside his own body, yet unable to find out.

[i:p8cwsj2r]Hmmm, well this is one helluva dreary place,[/i:p8cwsj2r] the clone thought to himself.

He heard Luexena's voice start chanting into a very beautiful and melodically wonderful song. He was soothed by the priestess's voice and the odd energy that he sensed somehow.


Within the clone's body, Luexena's [i:p8cwsj2r]Greater Restoration[/i:p8cwsj2r] began to remove the after-shock and exhaustion of the clone's hyper-adrenaline surge, whilst Bezniks odd potion helped his heart recover much faster, and did slow it down to assist the clone's recovery.


[i:p8cwsj2r]I wonder if this is what death feels like?[/i:p8cwsj2r] Onix thought to himself right as he felt another odd sensation; a feeling of wetness coming from his body.

[i:p8cwsj2r]Wait a minute. . feels?[/i:p8cwsj2r]

Onix's eyes shot open and he inhaled a sharp intake of air before coughing at it. When his vision came back into focus, he saw LiNeee's terror and grief stricken face, and Luexena's weary but still concerned look. Next to him was Lothir and his odd friend, Beznik.
Onix looked around, at each one of them; he'd never once even thought he'd find such concern from a complete bunch of strangers, aside from Lothir, whom he knew from a while back, for his well-being.

"I guess a few 'thank you's' are in order," he remarked lightly, his body still recovering from his near death experience. Even as his mind commanded his body to rise, his muscles wouldn't budge.
"I guess the shock still hasn't worn off," he said to no one in particular.

[Zarae Zyne Kilanatlar]

((still not sure what to say/write really.))

the rogue heard the [i:317gi7h9]thud [/i:317gi7h9]of the falling body of the clone. she jumped down from the tree, landing silently and was already moving twords the group. she dismissed the 'invisibilty' as she drew close. three were already helping him and she just remained out of the way. when he spoke that was a good thing, he hadnt stayed in the place she remembered...a bland featureless abode of nothingness. where did folks from other worlds go anyway?
seeing the prisoners, she went over to stand guard of them so others could focus on helping the clone.

[LiNeee-niss'xae]

LiNeee sighed, more in relief than anything else. He was alive, Onix was fine- for now. She scooted back into Bella and Phoebeys' waiting arms, which hoisted her up off the ground and brought her up a metre back. None of the girls had helped, they weren't priestess' or healers. They just had the sympathy and the compassion to [i:1ylb6ln4]hope[/i:1ylb6ln4] for Onix; especially LiNeee. She wiped tears from her cheeks and eyes, sniffing once as Phoebey hooked an arm around her waist; a very normal looking Phoebey. LiNeee looked down at the teenager shifter and smiled, [i:1ylb6ln4]"are you ok, Phoebs?"[/i:1ylb6ln4] She asked the girl, her eyes already converted back to Onix.

[i:1ylb6ln4][color=darkred:1ylb6ln4]"Just fine."[/i:1ylb6ln4][/color:1ylb6ln4] Phoebey replied, rolling her eyes at the question- as if no one thought she'd have been alright? Giggling some, she shook her head and looked over to Onix- [i:1ylb6ln4][color=darkred:1ylb6ln4]"you alright boss man?"[/i:1ylb6ln4][/color:1ylb6ln4] She asked, eyes narrowing as her curiosity kicked in.

LiNeee smiled dimly and nodded to Onix, though she didn't dare say something in fear she'd burst into tears again- had she really nearly lost him? Indeed she had. She held her breath and looked away.

Bella, on the other hand- was very observant. She watched Onix like nothing else existed, nothing else [i:1ylb6ln4]did[/i:1ylb6ln4] exist to her. What if the others had come back? More bandits? While he was on the ground. She had her arms folded, her eyebrows pulled tightly, and her mood? Well, she couldn't find a word for it. Instead, she just looked on silently, her right shoulder leaning against LiNeee's.