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Post by Soren [Pike] on Apr 7, 2007 10:31:48 GMT -5
The demonic Pike almost took that first step forward, but then, something else caught his eye. He leaped right past Narya and scrambled over to whatever caught his attention-- it was the orb.
Gently, Pike bent down and put his free hand on it. Immediately a surge of black lightning shot from his body and was absorbed into the amethyst orb, causing it to glow black. But as the dark energy flowed away from Pike, his appearance returned to normal: tan skin, quietly dark eyes and tamed dark hair. His clothes returned to their normal colors.
The boy breathed heavily as the orb returned to its amethyst color. He picked it up and pouched it in his belt.
"...I'm only able to change back to my normal self if the demon possessing me spots this orb," he said, turning to Narya and letting her see it. "If it doesn't, anyone I see is in potentially grave danger."
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Naryae
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Post by Naryae on Apr 7, 2007 14:56:16 GMT -5
Well, that's not very comforting.
I muttered, still holding my blades in hand. They weren't going anywhere until I was sure Pike was back to normal. Whatever normal is.
Does, uh... does stuff like this happen often?
I asked, unable to contain my curiosity. I knew it was going to get me killed one day.
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Post by Soren [Pike] on Apr 7, 2007 20:19:33 GMT -5
"Only as often as I have to face one of those demon spirits that we just encountered," Pike said. "But I don't believe that'll be a problem for you, unless you start to travel with me-- in which case, more trouble than just rabid spirits will haunt you."
Pike sheathed his elfin blade and looked around. He purposely avoided looking at Narya, out of shame. "...I'm sorry you had to see that."
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Naryae
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Post by Naryae on Apr 7, 2007 20:26:18 GMT -5
Pft, I've seen worse stuff. I just... just wasn't prepared for it was all.
I replied, sheathing my scimitars and flashing a reassuring smile.
And, well, once you get over the fact you're fighting a demon, it's actually... kind of exciting. And, I like exciting.
I added, fiddling nervously with my cape. I looked away for a moment, not wanting to meet his eyes.
So... what would you say to having, I don't know, a companion?
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Post by Soren [Pike] on Apr 7, 2007 21:34:55 GMT -5
"Exciting isn't all as good as we think it is," Pike said. "But yeah, you're right. There are times when we get a good kick out of it." He smiled... somewhat.
Turning away from Narya for a moment, he zipped up his hoodie and put his hands into his pockets. Then, he turned back, a little surprised that she was asking that.
"...I'm not really sure what you mean."
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Naryae
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Post by Naryae on Apr 7, 2007 21:55:28 GMT -5
Well, like, someone to help you out. I mean, if I hadn't been here, that demon would have run you through.
I added, crossing my arms. This was getting into territory I was used to, now. Bartering, making agreements, only this was still different. I had never tried to convince someone that I would make a good friend, usually it worked the other way around.
I mean, if you don't want me around, I understand.
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Post by Soren [Pike] on Apr 7, 2007 21:59:05 GMT -5
"I'm not really used to having a partner around," Pike admitted. "Last time I had a partner, things were a little... disastrous, so to speak."
Pike's manner seemed to sink a little from that nervous, naiive boy that Narya first met not too long ago today. It must've been a sore topic for him.
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Naryae
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Post by Naryae on Apr 8, 2007 11:13:49 GMT -5
Well, the last person I had as a companion ended up being assassinated because he wouldn't kill me, so, I guess you could say that ended in disaster.
I muttered, drawing back into my own shell. I looked around myself, unsure of what else I could do.
I guess... I guess I'm just tired of spending all my time here.
I added. But there was another reason, also. I knew there was a price on my head, I'd ticked off one to many powerful mercenary leaders. I had to get away from town for a while, just till things died down. I hoped that this would not only keep me out of the assassin's reaches, but also give me an outlet for all that destructive energy I'd been feeling.
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Post by Soren [Pike] on Apr 8, 2007 11:37:33 GMT -5
"How so?" Pike said, a little smugly, as if he were trying to hide another emotion. He looked at his fingers. "Because ironically, the last companion I had ended up dead by my own hand."
He shot a dark smirk at Narya, but something was a little off by his cool demeanor. Any elf could sense it-- from his eyes. Those eyes didn't match the smirk. In fact, the eyes seemed more so to express a hint of sorrow trying to be masked by mystery.
"Well, feel free to follow me until you feel like you want to continue your travels on your own," Pike said. "I can't really trust you just yet-- the same way you can't trust me."
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Naryae
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Post by Naryae on Apr 8, 2007 12:21:31 GMT -5
I narrowed my eyes, biting my lip as I thought through his words. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it all, but I decided to store it away for later. Maybe if I got to know him better, I would shed some light on the questions I now had.
Alright, it's a deal.
I said, holding out my hand to shake on it.
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Post by Soren [Pike] on Apr 8, 2007 12:44:27 GMT -5
Pike shook her hand firmly and withdrew his own hand into his pocket. "...I'm heading back to the city, if I can somehow find my way... You coming?"
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Naryae
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Post by Naryae on Apr 8, 2007 12:47:25 GMT -5
Oh, um, sure. If we're going there, could I stop off at my fathers?
I asked, not particularly happy with the direction we were headed. It was closer to danger, but what could I do? If I wanted to keep the bounty a secret, I had to act normal.
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Post by Soren [Pike] on Apr 8, 2007 12:50:37 GMT -5
"You don't have to follow me, you know," Pike said. "But sure, go and stop by your father's place."
Pike thought about this. Now, he debated whether or not he should... So he left the decision up to Narya.
"Am I... allowed to accompany you?"
No matter how you said it, Pike, your question would still have come out a little wrong.
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Naryae
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Posts: 148
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Post by Naryae on Apr 8, 2007 13:10:27 GMT -5
Erm, yeah. I don't see why not. We can go do whatever you want to do first, though.
I replied, reaching into my pouch and pulling out my puzzle ring again. That was me again, going from scared out of my mind to totally relaxed.
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Post by Soren [Pike] on Apr 8, 2007 13:19:11 GMT -5
"I'm just going back to the city to get some rest," Pike said. "C'mon. Lead the way to your father's."
Pike began backing up towards the exit to lead Narya out of the ruins, but a clumsy slip and he toppled over the loose rubble, the rocks crackling and moving under the force of his weight.
"Ow..."
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