Topic: The Seeker

Skye Valarious

Date: 2016-10-28 23:28 EST
"Run Through The Jungle" - Creedence Clearwater Revival https://youtu.be/_7PUPNxsRQ0

Whoa, thought it was a nightmare, Lo, it's all so true, They told me, "Don't go walkin' slow 'Cause Devil's on the loose."

Better run through the jungle, Better run through the jungle, Better run through the jungle, Woa, Don't look back to see.

Thought I heard a rumblin' Callin' to my name, Two hundred million guns are loaded Satan cries, "Take aim!"

Over on the mountain Thunder magic spoke, "Let the people know my wisdom, Fill the land with smoke."

Icy blue eyes gazed across the canopy of trees below while a dense fog drifted. It was like a gray veil that hid the secrets she sought. Behind her a low voice spoke, the lyrical flow of Spanish soothing to the ears. The locals called her "mujer p"lida" or pale woman. As her appearance was close enough to how she normally looked, it fit. For Skye, she used glamour to hide her ears, and toned down her usually radiant silvery-blue eyes and moon white hair. Everything else was much the same. Even with her caution some found her pale gaze eerie and the more superstitious (of which there were plenty) called her "ojos de bruja", or "witch eyes". At least that was what she thought they were saying. The energy of using her magic in this world was such she really didn't want to alter her own appearance too radically. Her instincts warned her that she needed to conserve what she had. Skye knew she was tangling with forces of another world and time. The item she now sought was one Belial had asked her to keep an ear out for, but with her friend incommunicado she was seeking to acquire it on her own. Hence she was standing here in the middle of the Amazon.

Pale blond hair clung to her neck and brow and she swiped a hand to loosen them from heated skin as she turned to regard Eliazar, her current guide. She had paid well enough to keep his loyalty, and had come to trust him this past eight months. She also treated the people aiding her very well. In fact, they had proven to be some very effective allies in her search. "They found it?"

He gave a nod and in a flash Skye was moving surefooted down towards the dig site. Once she reached the bottom, bodies parted to allow her passage and she paused, looking at the innocuous item they had spent weeks seeking to find and unearth. An elegantly crafted crystal sunflower. It looked more like a stylized sun then a flower but the edges curled in such a fashion as to suggest it's relation to the floral subject as well. It was said to have been a gift from the first elves to a long-lost Amazon king. Her sources had been correct but now Skye took a few moments to regard the ancient relic, taking in the allure many such powerful artifacts of this nature exuded. A pale hand rising to touch it, feeling a faint magical pulse that still surrounded it.

Others, unless aware of true magic, wouldn't notice such an aura but her mage sight gave her a slight advantage. Some humans who still carried that inner sense of awareness may have felt something from the aura of the relic, a disquieting reaction of dread, fear and even yearning, depending on the objects purpose. This particular artifact gave off a sort of warmth and suggested a welcoming aspect, but there was also an underlying impression of danger radiating from it.

The very second her skin touched it, there was an explosion of energy from the relic. Most around her felt little to nothing of course, yet there were a selective few whose eyes widened in surprise or shock, a rare phenomenon these days. Many of the mages and some of their deadly organizations that still resided across the planet were undoubtedly also now aware, considering the radius of that enchanted pulse, that a relic of power had just been unearthed. In hours, several would likely show up seeking to claim it. If experience was any warning they would show up in droves, armed to the teeth and with far more resources then she currently had available.

Through the long months searching for this item she had plenty of time to plan. She couldn't do anything outright just yet, other than watch as they placed the precious discovery into a box. The local government would likely collect it, but not before Skye replaced it with a very close duplicate that would hold up to all the human tests and still be declared authentic in the end. Upon discovering its origins Skye had managed to get her hands on a prototype of the crystal sunflower several months earlier. She would have to act quickly of course. But as the one funding the dig, she had unquestionable access. Before the hour was done, Skye had acquired that which she had been seeking. Once the switch was complete, Skye found Eliazar and handed him another box holding the duplicate. "Get this to Rio and leave tonight, before the others arrive."

"Do you not wish to be the one to share this discovery, Skye?" He instantly asked.

"I would love to do that but every moment we wait, danger comes closer and threatens all at this site. Get them all out tonight mi amigo, before it's too late." He gave her a short nod, noting her earnest demeanor and genuine concern.

"What about you Skye, where will you go?" His earth worn hands wrapping tightly around the box as he spoke.

"I cannot tell you that Eliazar, but trust me when I say many dangerous people are coming. I am going to do my best to lead them away. You get the artifact to Rio as soon as possible." Passing him a package to go along with the box. "This gives you full access to the funds for this dig and all the documents and proof needed to verify our find. Bring it back to your people. As for me, I will contact you as soon as possible. Que est?n bien, mi amigo' A quick pat to his shoulder and moments later Skye melted away into the darkness of the jungle.

(Author's Note: The song choice on this post is a tribute to a very dear, long time friend. He knows who he is! )

Skye Valarious

Date: 2016-11-18 02:39 EST
"Black" by Kari Kimmel

Far off in the distance Somewhere you can't see Allegiances have formed your destiny Opposition all around Feeding off your soul Trying hard to swallow up ya whole And the demons all around you waiting For you to sell your soul https://www.youtube.com/watch"v=NnNuSrtxYBk

South America was a place that lent itself to hikers. There were hostels and paths all over the rural lands of which there was plenty. Skye had picked up maps on her second day having literally stumbled into a small village that catered to such a need. That had been well over three weeks ago and she was getting tired.

She dared not use her magic as that would be like sending up a flare for those seeking her. Already she had sent one group of humans over a mountain, but knew they hadn't died. Most magic users in this world have some form of spell that would allow them to hover or drift. Skye had caught the aura of something or someone else that had made her even more cautious. That edge of demonic energy was a concern, as they were a lot harder to dispatch then mere Mages.

By now her family would know something was wrong. She had left instructions for what to do, and could only hope that one of them did locate Luse or Bel. Something however, suggested that Belial was out of commission as Skye could usually follow that connection to the source, but for the last few months she had found little but static. Rather like mental white noise.

It was that sudden absence of sound that alerted her that something wasn't right. That ambient sound of talking and chatter below had faded. Even the dogs in the village were fully silent, which was unusual given that the sun had just gone down. Silvery eyes narrowed faintly as she moved to look out of the window of the hostel. Skye's danger senses were going off insistently and she moved, snatching up her backpack from beside the door. Flinging it over a shoulder she headed towards the door and paused. Her hand stopped centimeters from the handle. It was a curious sensation of intense heat before the door exploded toward her.

Nimbly she leapt backwards and landed near on the other side of the small narrow bed. Her stunned eyes look at the tall female figure haloed in the doorway. Skye took note of what appeared to be horns atop the invaders head with a blinking of silver-blues. So caught up in her surprise for the moment, she almost didn't duck away from the lashing edge of a whip sailing her ways. That snap and sharp crack so loud and unexpected, it sent her springing into action. "At least it wasn't a gun." Skye thought before she dove for the window. Her slim frame slammed through the brittle screen as she tumbled out on to a dirt path.

Her training, years of battles in the lands and other places, made her quick. She rolled to her feet without missing a beat, her heart racing as she took off. Boots hit the ground as she made for the nearest cover which was a tropical jungle several yards away. The sound of gunfire shattered the unnatural silence that had settled upon the village and she went rolling through the high grasses. Using the darkness as cover Skye crawled the last few feet. Once a denser dark enveloped her she was again up. That innate ability of night sight served her well, giving the elf a slight edge over the demon bearing down upon her.

She had to pause for a moment to catch her breath. A muttered cantrip and then she was darting off again. Weaving through the trees and avoiding patches of moonlight as she moved. Behind her the ground started to move, as if the very roots were becoming snakes. Skye indulged in a slight smile.

Her pursuer would have a far harder time catching up thanks to her small tangle-foot spell.

Skye jumped over a fallen tree and glanced back. Her sharp ears picked up the sound of the demonic hunter cussing a blue streak. It brought a low breathless laugh from the elf before she was off again.

She'd taken a risk, as the spell, small as it was, might be detected by those seeking her. However anyone trying to track her down would have a time pin pointing her.

Luck, such a fickle creature, decided to make things far more difficult for the Elf. Skye managed to clear some distance between her and the demon but then ran into what could only be deemed a problem; A sheer drop over the side of a rather tall cliff. Skye had to pause. Her gaze darted about in the darkness looking for a way to go. It was the first moment of panic she had allowed herself to feel. She couldn't see down into the thick darkness below so there was no way of knowing what was down there.

She carefully navigated the edge, looking for a way down or up. Every step had her danger sense jangling wildly. Ducking behind a tree she tried to blend into the scenery just in time to watch the demon dart past.

"I can smell you, silly elf.? The coldly amused voice broke over the hushed landscape. Skye jerked at the sound but was at least able to keep from giving herself away. Now keenly aware of the many wounds she had sustained in her rush to get away.

Skye Valarious

Date: 2016-12-14 23:38 EST
"Game of Survival" by Ruelle

Who's in your shadows" Who's ready to play" Are we the hunters" Or are we the prey" There's no surrender And there's no escape Are we the hunters" Or are we the prey" This is a wild game of survival https://youtu.be/-T5eYF9WiRI

It's in moments of great stress, when adrenalin is screaming through a body, that the mind races in a variety of different directions. Skye's started with the usually array of faces of those that mattered in her life, both past and present. Her family and close friends and even past loves. This all happened in mere seconds, but time always seemed to lose all meaning when caught in such a life and death situation.

Next came the flashing of logical and strategic responses to the given situation. There wasn't any rhyme or reason to what came first or last. The brain worked like that and soon enough it was memories that surfaced to give her suggestions. Rather like flash cards which moved across her mental screen, or perhaps one could call it a cataloguing of a wealth of knowledge she had collected over her past three hundred years or so. One recollection of a past adventure stood out, that fateful trip with Sun into Hell to collect Belial.

She had learned a lot about demons from that jaunt into danger, and Skye's thoughts turned towards sifting through the collection of spells, tactics, and ingenious methods she had picked up along the way. Some were not exactly nice, but when dealing with creatures of the underworld "nice" wasn't generally part of the vocabulary. Her recollections of that time still could inspire nightmares, but as Bel was one of those that she cared about she had continued forward and in the end, they had achieved their goals.

There was also a niggling reminder about most demons which had her caught in a loop of sorts. Some demons were resistant to magic, and that meant she would have to be very clever in her efforts to dispatch the one nearly upon her. Distract then attack, while making sure the hunter wasn't close to her present location. Skye also recognized that she would need to minimize her use of spells, for several reasons. Anything she did would send up a flare to those seeking her. The bigger the spell, the brighter the beacon she created.

"Come out, come out where ever you are!" That sing-song voice broke into her skittering thoughts and Skye realized with another start of panic that the demon was far too close for her comfort. The sound of that sarcastic call, accompanied by the crack of a whip, sent every nerve dancing and with a mere thought, an illusion was born. A silvery flash of a figure darted off through the darkened trees. She even remembered to add the sound effects to the haphazardly crafted spell, all hopefully leading the demon away from her present location.

She always had the ability to use magic. Skye's father had realized that early on, but she had been a rather flighty child and lacked the ability to devote herself to the boring, delicate repetition of a wizard or sorceress. She ended up choosing to attend a School of Bards early on as she loved music and telling stories. It had been the perfect fit.

Over the many years that had passed she had honed those skills and abilities, even added to her repertoire by branching out into other schools of magic. Her powers had grown with every experience, and it was moments like these that made her grateful for those who had shared their knowledge along the way with her. She now used some of that knowledge to craft a very insidious anchor to hold the one hunting her to this material plane.

As luck would have it, the demon didn't even notice the mooring of her being, as she was otherwise occupied trying to capture the elf. Apparently, those that had sent her to ensnare Skye hadn't bothered to warn her about her prey. This amused the elf in question who had to fight to keep that insane nervous urge to giggle from escaping.

Creeping as quietly as possible, Skye slipped from the dense over cropping of leaves, the damp earth under her feet aiding in her silence. A fleeting shaft of glowing light broke from above, bathing the world in its illumination. While it didn't last all that long before the clouds drifted around to cover the moon once more, it was enough for the sharp-eyed bard to pinpoint her antagonist.

Skye Valarious

Date: 2017-09-23 14:47 EST
"Rolling With the Punches" by The Blue Stones https://www.youtube.com/watch"v=QQh7_x4TFxw

Been a long time, been a long time Look into my eyes tell me what do you find" I had enough with you missin' deadlines, Demon with a dollar's been wasting my time Take him back to his fiery hole, Take him to the cleaners with a sword of brimstone And tell the rest of your hungry dogs that I've got a new weapon Just to rule them all

Under cover of a large and obviously ancient tree, Skye paused, peeking around the edge to keep track of the present threat. She had little time to act but with the anchor in place the next phase began. Carefully, fingers of magic sought the very earth beneath their feet. Tendrils crafted with every caution to not alert others to her location, sank deep, moving with muted dread, searching. Silvery, moon-white hair stirred, writhing about her head as the elf concentrated. There, hidden under the layers of earth and rock she found what she sought.

As the light breeze danced through the forest, a sound split the silence. It was like a faint snap, as if one had just broken a dry cracker in half. Quickly a rumbling followed gradually rolling across the darkened landscape and grew into a roaring crescendo. Wildlife stirred, with the air above suddenly filled with the cries of flocking birds, while on the ground, animals raced in panic away from the area.

The one pursuing Skye had spun about with the sudden activity of life and sound. Yet, she remained still, and unmoving. The bard knew there was little time left. With that thought in mind, she sent another push of magical intensity in to the trembling ground. The release of such powerful energy would leave a signature, yet at present Skye didn't really have the luxury to care. What followed was another thundering crack and the ground started shaking wildly, sending the leather clad demon sliding, clawing and scrambling along the now shifting earth.

The demon's ear-piercing scream arose above the chaos, was one of piercing terror, and bitter fury. The rage both heard and felt is what killed any sympathy that Skye had started to feel. The elf believed in "Karma" and for a fleeting moment of thought worried about the repercussions, but the furious tone heard snuffed out her own empathetic, emotional reaction. She would have to wait until later to consider those feelings, as she simply didn't have the time to linger now. In a flash she was off again, racing after the many creatures her disruptions had sent fleeing their roosts and homes.

Behind her, bulky chunks of an already unstable land tumbled and crashed down into the deep precipice with a sound that was near deafening. Even while moving, Skye was already crafting another escape. It was taking her more time than usual, as she had to create more confusion from any that may be hunting her. Under her booted feet the ground rippled like the very earth was taking a deep breath and cracks shot across, creating deep unforgiving gashes into the rich loamy soil. She leapt over those nimbly and then in a sudden explosion of magical energy, half a dozen glowing portals blinked into existence, right before her. There wasn't even a moment to wait as she picked one at random and dove in head first, tumbling head over feet onto rough and unforgiving asphalt.

Skye Valarious

Date: 2017-10-25 11:19 EST
"Before I Sleep" by Joy Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch"v=m_7Pb2-ikrI

Wind blows, covers every single track If I wanted to, I couldn't go back Oh, I just keep stumbling Oh, and it's a sinned kiss facing unforgiving winds Feel the cold, it's creeping in, oh And I just keep stumbling on

Oh, carry my body 'cross the frozen ground While the moon burns

I got miles and miles to go before I sleep Before I can feel anything, before I'm free I got miles and miles and miles

Til the dark gives way to dawn Til the winter, can't hold on I'll crawl tonight, can't walk til I run

It took Skye a few minutes to get her bearings. Taking a quick look around she assumed the distance traveled had been in the same time zone or very nearly. The darkness was broken by the streetlights in the distance. Around her was quaint buildings and quiet streets shut down for the night by the look of it. It was slightly unsettling after the noise she had fled.

Rocking to her feet, the bard took stock of her own state. All and all, she had fared well enough, with only a few minor injuries and bruises. Pushing her wind tousled hair out of her face she drew in a deep calming breath. She was weary, but this night was far from over. Skye's danger sense was still jangling wildly and made her twitchy to say the least. It was inevitable that there was more in pursuit. The item she carried was like a siren's song to those whose greed for power oft consumed them to the point of insanity and murder.

She needed a few moments to rest and recharge. Off some distance down the quiet highway Skye saw brighter lights, and signs of life somewhat, so that would be her next destination. As she drew closer the neon sign flashing the word "Truck Stop Diner" drew a smile, and she glamoured herself to look much different. She used one of the spell stones from Onyx House, which should reduce the release of magics and help her conserve her own energies. The Spider mages had said it would read more like radio static. She just had to be careful as she only had a few for such a use and they didn't last all that long. However, they were created for moments like this, so she was glad to have them.

Mentally, she was seeking contact with Belial, but again her search came up with total silence, which was causing a pall of worry. Skye had never really been very adept at the whole mind speak or mental contact ability. There was only a very selective few she trusted enough to even attempt such a thing. The idea of letting just anyone inside her head left her with an "icky' feeling.

On the other hand, when it came to keeping others out, Skye had developed a very effective defense. Any seeking to invade her brain would end up hearing music. Old and new songs would literally clutter up such attempts upon her surface and deeper thoughts. She couldn't read minds, and by goodness she wasn't about to allow others that privilege. All her skills as a spy, honed over the years, came from reading people's eyes and body language and she was damn good at that. Skye could often spot a liar in a snap, but the idea of actually invading another person's brain had never been a talent she wanted. From her own experiences, there were simply too many sick and twisted fucks out there. It would be sickening to see even a speck of their perverted thoughts.

With most of her family all in Elfhame, she focused upon those she thought may be closer. Luse, Umber, Indigo, Kaulder and Crymsun, but again, she felt nor heard any response. It was almost depressing. She was going to have to refine her abilities if she managed to get out of this mess, that much was apparent.

Entering the diner, she glanced about at the scant number of patrons before approaching the counter. Easing into a seat, she dug about in a pocket and found enough cash to replenish her flagging energies and spirits. A good cup of coffee can always make the worst day or night better.

Skye Valarious

Date: 2017-12-10 16:46 EST
"No Escape" by Sam Tinnesz https://youtu.be/YIMa0MkuqcI

Hiding in the shadows, million miles tall Walking on a wire, trying not to fall But where can I go, to get away, get away" This undertow is pulling me, pulling me There's no escape They're on the chase They're comin' for us, they're comin' for us now There's no escape Nothing is safe We're face to face, with no escape

Skye was working on her second cup of the rich, dark and potent roast that kept truckers awake for the long hauls, when the sensation of incoming peril crashed into her senses. Bright blue eyes darted about as a result of the building panic. She suddenly noticed the sudden departure of the few patrons. After a moments realization it was likely due to the mad flickering of lightening breaking over the dense black world outside. The brief flashes offering a view of two silhouettes strolling towards the diner.

It was an ominous awareness that took over and Skye rose to her feet. Digging money from her pocket she dropped it upon the Formica countertop, before she headed for the ladies" room. It wasn't her best option, but it would give her just a bit more time to plot an escape. Once inside she flipped the lock, the sound loud in the quiet of the nearly empty restaurant and made another effort to mentally contact somebody, anybody she knew. Even as her mind strained with her efforts of cerebral communication, she was still taking stock of the room she was standing it. It was your typical single person bathroom that was painted a powder pink and smelled thickly of roses. One somewhat small window above the sink did hold her attention as she surveyed the dimensions. It would be tight, but she could fit if needed.

Rubbing her hands nervously against the denim encasing her thighs she listened to the low rumbling of conversation taking place just beyond her door. Her pointed ears gave her an advantage. She easily caught what was being said.

"You see a blond woman passing through here," There was a pause and then use of the waitress's name followed. "Cora?" Obviously, the man had taken a moment to read the name plate.

"Earlier a bottle blond caught a ride with one of the truckers." The reply came louder and far easier to hear for anyone inside the place.

A moment of silence and then he inquired. "Was that before it got dark or after?"

"Oh, it was dark by then. I recall it because she was asking any truckers as they came in for a ride. Seemed in a bit of a panic." Cora shrugged then continued. "What did this woman do eh' She didn't seem dangerous and no offense but you two don't seem like cops to me."

"She's just a friend we are worried about." Flat was the tone that even the most unaware would notice. They were using their powers however, as Skye could feel the energy the pair carried. They were not the police. No, these guys were far deadlier. They were mages and they were trying to make the waitress talk, and she was willing to oblige.

"I didn't know the woman. She just turned up here right before that first storm broke loose." Cora offered. "I didn't know the trucker she left with either, but they did head west, I guess driving to Fairfield."

"Did anyone else show up today Cora?" This voice was different, so it must be the second mage trying to find her, Skye assumed.

"Well, this is a diner. Plenty of folks pass through here on a given day and that doesn't even include the truckers. So yeah, had quite a number stop in." Cora then paused as the bell rang over the entrance and another entered. "Have a seat friend, I'll be right over."

"Did any of them stand out to you as unusual or different Cora?" That second voice continued.

"It's a diner Mister. Most times folks coming in are unusual. Still, few today stood out as notable. Now, I have a customer to serve. Do you two want anything?" Their spell hasn't worked quite as well on the lady apparently, which amused Skye to no end. Sometimes even the most innocuous of people actually had strong minds. So, such attempts would generally fail.

The quiet was broken after a minute or so by the faint sound of an order being placed. It was then, that faint buzzing, like an ever growing static bloomed in Skye's head. Pressing a finger to her brow she struggled to capture it. It was becoming quite apparent she needed to really work on this cerebral communication business, and improving her porting skills to boot.

"Skye . . . "Echoed in her head followed with that hissing static that made her grind her teeth. It was a male at least but so distant she was having trouble figuring out who it was. "Do you ha. . . . Bloo. . . pin?"

"Bloo pin" What the heck?" She glanced at the mirror as she paced a few steps and she realized that the glamour had faded. Still, she was trying to decipher what was still coming into her head via that less than stellar mind chatter.

"Use "..pin."

"Use what pin?" Skye started to frantically search her pockets and soon turned her attention to the pack she always carried with her. Lips pursing in thought, she then sighed and then opened it gingerly. Much to her shame her "Pack of many holdings" was crammed with all sorts of things both useless and useful. It was perfectly normal for a magic user to keep so many things, but the bard knew only to well she was, for all intents and purposes, a secret hoarder.

Plunging her hand into dark depths, she was mumbling under her breath. "Pin!" Into her hand flowed a variety of ink pins in varying colors and thickness. She had a lot, so it took a few minutes. Not a one yielded any results.

Next fingers found a hard-stuffed ball laden with a collection of straight pins and sewing needles. One touch and she was very aware what it was, as it was distinctive. She also never left home without such supplies. One never knew when they might need such things after all.

Broaches followed. Thankfully, Skye wasn't one that actually wore such things making the number far fewer then the ink pens, so that went rather swiftly.

After a fruitless search, she was in the middle of withdrawing her hand when she felt leather under her fingers. Skye kept a lot of clothes, coats and more in her old pack, but wasn't able to tell which was what by touch alone. A puzzled look flickered over her pale features as she yanked out the jacket. The black bomber style coat, with red accent was what she found. Having had a rather stressful day it took her a moment or so to focus in on the small pin on the lapel. The sword with wings and a blood stone in the pommel. It was an instant reminder to its purpose. Every member in the family carried one. In her defense, she was still relatively new to the workings of the Bloods.

"I am such an idiot." She whispered to herself with a face palm following. All this time and all she had to do was use the darn pin.