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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2008 8:07:51 GMT -5
Talarya splashed around in the crystal clear water while the other Crystal sat on the shore and sharpened her sword with a stone. If the warrior wanted to swim, she would have to take off that bulky armour first or she would sink like a stone.
"So, do you travel alone? What about your family, do you see them? Sorry for asking you so many questions..." Crystal shrugged sheepily.
Tal blinked and rubbed the water off her face before replying. Treading water, she said "My dad's dead and my mother may as well be," her face went dark as she mentioned her mother. "I'm sure that I have plenty of brothers and sisters by now, the way that she's been carrying on. Well, half brothers and sisters anyway."
She paused and ducked her head under water again before continuing. She still wasn't sure that she wanted to mention the child that she had had in prison or even the fact that she had been in jail. She knew that if Crystal ever saw the brand on her left palm that she would know about it, but she always kept her gloves on to conceal the mark. "So, yes, I'm travelling alone. But now that I've answered your questions you can answer mine. Why are these Spartans after you? What did you do?"
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Post by Aeris on Mar 12, 2008 8:38:48 GMT -5
"Wow, it...must be tough for you...." Crystal replied, upon hearing about Talarya's broken-up family, "So, i'm assuming you live alone? I guess that makes the two of us...."
Crystal did not expect this from the woman. It must have been difficult for her to live without a father, a mother who cares nothing for her, and the fact that she does not know her siblings. Things was worse for her, then she expected. And here Crystal though she was just a thief....Maybe there was more to her then met the eye? That goes for everyone else...including Crystal herself.
However, she was not ready when Talarya wanted to know about why the Spartans were after her. Nontheless, she had just met this woman and so she wanted to be honest with her. Mostly.
She took a deep breath, "It's a long story, so be prepared."
At this, Crystal dropped the stone she was using, and took off her sword hilt, and the dagger fastened on her leg. She took off the dull golden armor, and red leather outfit, until all she wore, was a black undergarment. Much like a dress. With that, Crystal carefully edged herself in the lake, and swam towards her friend.
"When I was 10 years old, my mother was executed for a crime that she did not commit. I know for a fact that she was framed by someone in Spartan solder rank. For four years, my father came to the conclusion that I needed to defend myself somehow. I was young, so I didn't quite understand why."
"Anyway, that four years later, by father was assassinated by a corrupt Spartan solder. They are after me because I know more than they thought. They now know I suspect them, which means I may put their ranks at risk. The murderer is now a commander, which means he may corrupt the Spartans, and lead them to destroy me. That's why I am always hiding from them. One day, I will teach him a lesson not to mess with me or my family....and I know he was the one to frame my mother."
At the last comment, Crystal almost spat in fury. She was clearly angered by this, and one day, she will seek her revenge. She wasn't the harmless little girl they once new. She was now a warrior.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2008 18:59:52 GMT -5
Talarya's eyes widened as Crystal told her the story. It must have been harsh knowing that your mother had been executed for a crime that she hadn't committed, it would have been bad enough having a mother killed for a crime that she did do.
"I would hate to be that Spartan right now," she told the warrior woman with a grin. "He doesn't stand a chance against you."
She paused and rubbed her aching head, which had started to bleed once more in the water.
"What are you going to do now?" She asked. "Will you go to Sparta and find him?"
Tal looked over at the other woman; she knew that if she were her that she wouldn't want to be running her whole life that there was a time when a person needed to make a stand.
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Post by Aeris on Mar 12, 2008 20:19:36 GMT -5
[]
"Well, the trouble is....He's a trained Spartan solder. He spent more years then I have training in combat, and fighting wars. He clearly has more skill in hand-to hand combat. But, I was trained as an assassiator, learning to evade my enemy at all costs, and carrying out personal tasks without being detected. He does not have that skill, "Crystal explained with a heavy sigh.
"Honestly, I am constantly training myself for the day I finally meet him. I fear it may be sooner then I thought....But will not back down for the fight, and allow him to see any weakness."
It was true. Crystal was not raised to run from a fight, nor did she ever accept defeat. But if one thing was certain, she would give the Spartan solder hell, and expose his treacherous acts. May the Gods look upon him as a murderer and condemn him straight to Tartarus.
"As what i'm doing now......Honestly, I have no idea. I want to try and avoid confronting him in public, for fear that he will send other solderis against me and cast me out from the city. However, I dont want to run in fear. When I confront it, then so be it. I will face him then and there, but in doing that, I pose myself as more of a target."
Crystal continued to swim in small circles, allowing the cool water to soak in her skin. It was a clear day, and perfect for a good swim. Usually in warm days like this, Crystal would be training. But, in meeting this woman, she feels she has more of a duty. Something to fight for, since becoming unlikely friends, after what had happened earlier. She needed a friend, since she lived alone for about four years.
"So....Did you have a certain reason for visiting Delphi? I don't think you really gave a clear reason...." She asked, hoping that she didn't sound controlling. She simply wanted to know more about her, since she has explained to her about the Spartans and why she was here.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2008 9:04:11 GMT -5
Talarya nodded as the other woman spoke, he sounded like a very dangerous adversary and not someone to confront lightly. Then Crystal asked the question that she had been dreading.
"So....Did you have a certain reason for visiting Delphi? I don't think you really gave a clear reason...." The warrior woman asked.
Tal flushed slightly, annoyed that her fair skin gave away the slightest of emotions and she pondered how to answer that question. Crystal had been nothing but honest with her and she felt that now was the time to return that honour. She took a deep breath and began to speak.
"I guess you know that I'm a thief," she said with a wry smile. "But a few years ago I got caught breaking into the Palace at Athens and I was sent to prison."
She peeled off her left glove and showed Crystal the brand that had been burned into her skin. It showed an owl, the symbol of Athena, with its feet bound.
"They gave me that mark to show that I was a thief, but not just any thief; that I had tried to steal from the King."
She quickly put the leather glove back on.
"While I was in there I met a guy and we got kinda friendly. Then I had a baby and to cut a long story short; I want to know where it is now."
She flushed again, hoping that Crystal didn't think any less of her for being an ex prisoner.
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Post by Aeris on Mar 13, 2008 9:19:27 GMT -5
Crystal was stunned. Simply stunned at what she had just heard from the ex-prisoner. For a moment she just stared back at Talarya, almost waiting for her to continue, but Crystal simply put a hand to her gaping mouth.
"Uh...Woah, that's pretty serious, Talarya....Breaking into the Palace in Athens. Don't take offense or anything, but crimes like that, usually they would just execute you then and there, without no trial whatsoever..." Crystal took in a deep breath as considered Talarya's next statement about a baby.
Crystal looked at Talarya, almost sadly, as she offered a weak smile, "A child? Th-That's terrible....losing a child. Especially because you've been locked up for so long, there was nothing much you could do."
"If you ever need my help....I..." Crystal trailed off. What should she do? Should she offer to help her find her child? But that means that she may have to abandon her mission, since it would prove quite difficult if she seeked to search the major cities, knowing that trained soldier's were after her, "If you are willing...Would you allow me to help? Your situation is very...unique, and i'd hate to turn away from anyone in your situation. If trouble arises, let me know and I will deal with it."
"But, i'll have you know that i'm only willing to help you re-unite with your child. Not because your an ex-prisoner. I'm not a bad warrior, so your lucky I hadn't taught you a major lesson yet..."
Crystal smirked, waiting for her reaction. She really was willing to help, and if it was one thing she hated doing...it was turning her back on people in need. Either they are a thief, or simply lost their way, she will help.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2008 9:40:19 GMT -5
Crystal seemed shocked at first by what Talarya had revealed and the young woman didn't quite know what to make of it. Then the warrior offered to help her find the baby that had been taken from her in prison.
"I think that they didn't kill me on the spot because I was only 14 at the time, didn't look good to publically kill a girl like that. Besides, Athens is cultured you know."
She smiled as Crystal offered to help her in her search.
"I wouldn't want to put you to any trouble," she replied. "But I thank you for the offer and if we find ourselves going the same way then maybe we can team up on the road. It would be nice having some protection as well as company."
She considered what Crystal had said about her being lucky that the warrior hadn't taught her a major lesson.
"You could have done a lot of damage to me if you had wanted," she gingerly touched her bruised temple. "I did all the damage by myself. As for the child; I guess it would be about 2 years old now... I was hoping to ask the Oracle for help finding it."
Tal sighed; she wasn't even sure if the child was a boy or a girl or even if was was still alive.
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Post by Aeris on Mar 13, 2008 9:49:55 GMT -5
"I'd be more than happy to join you, Talarya, "Crystal answered, "It would be nice to have some company. I've been travelling alone for four years, while trying to hide from many people. The last thing I need is for someone to scream my name, especially in Sparta, then i'm pretty well stuck..."
Crystal then began to swim to the rocky edge of the lake, and swiftly pull herself up. Then, she took a seat at on the rock next to her armor and weapons, as she allowed the sun and the wind to dry her off. Nothing like a nice swim on a warm day.
"So, you still willing to see the Oracle? I hear there is only a certain time she can be seen. Not on a public basis, "Crystal mentioned, as she called out to Talarya who was still swimming around, "I'm sure as hell not ready to see her yet. I'm sure Apollo himself knows why I am willing to see her. But, who are we to question the Gods? Well, what's left of them, anyway..."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2008 10:00:59 GMT -5
Talarya grinned and pulled herself out of the water, shaking herself like a dog sending water drops flying in all directions; the heat of the day would soon dry her off. It would be nice to have someone to talk to; the young Athenian wasn't used to being on her own. Her whole life she had always had someone there, whether it was her family, the gang that she ran with or the people in prison. A week on the road by herself had not been easy.
Crystal asked her if she still wanted to speak to the Oracle and Tal nodded.
"Yes," she replied. "I can think of no other lead except to try and find the doctor who delivered it and even then I may get no answers."
She grinned and turned to her new companion.
"What say we both just go for it; march up that hill and straight into the temple?"
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Post by Aeris on Mar 13, 2008 10:14:16 GMT -5
[[Should we both RP as the Oracle? Sort of , like, take in turns? As long as the Oracle stays real cryptic, then it should be easy ]] Crystal smiled, as began to attatch her leather dress, armor, and weapon belt, along with her long leather boots, "I wouldn't put it better myself. I hope the Oracle is there now....We need to head up the Sacred Way, which leads to the garden outside of the Temple. I know alot of people leave offerings out the front for Apollo....Not that he has been heard of for a while." Crystal then strapped an empty pouch to her belt, then stood up and shaking her wet hair around. Soon enough, it'll dry and become wavy. Not that a warrior could care much about her hair when much was at stake. Even in the heat of battle. "Ready, Talarya?" Crystal asked.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2008 20:18:49 GMT -5
Talarya grinned back at Crystal and tried to smooth her hair into some kind of neatness; an effort which was very much in vain as it sprang up in all directions.
"Ready as I'll ever be I suppose," she replied. "I hope that the Oracle can see us."
The two women began to make their way back up the hill to where the temple stood majestically in the noon day sun. A few priests were tending to the garden out front of the temple and they didn't even pause in their work as the two women approached.
A wooden table stood by the entrance of the temple, a place where worshipers could leave a gift if they desired. Tal wondered what she should leave as an offering to the Apollo; it wasn't as if she had a lot to give. She dug around in her pocket before her fingers closed on her last copper coin. It wasn't much of a gift but she hoped that the Sun God would understand that, short of the clothes she wore and the small knife she carried, it was all that she had. Gently, she lay the small offering on the table with the other gifts.
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Post by Aeris on Mar 14, 2008 1:58:53 GMT -5
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Crystal watched as Talarya placed her small coin onto the offering Altar. I wonder if she knows? Of all the rumours floating around about the Gods....Not many people new the truth...Crystal had heard stories about the disappearence of the Gods. Only a few remained, however, there were rumors telling of a warrior who defeated them. Many people thought it was obsurd. To kill an immortal being? By a mortal? It was unheard of. But very few, like Crystal, had believed that they were truly dead.
She did notice that society now became more, somewhat untouched by the divine entities. There were little wars....where Athena was likely to intervene. Hades guards, know as the Potideia, did not surface, therefore the God himself must not be present. Event the skys became clearer, due to Zeus' absence. Some claimed to have seen Ares and Aphrodite, but no-one could be sure.
In contemplating this, Crystal felt that Talarya had the right to know.
"I don't really think that's necessary, Talarya, "Crystal said, slowly, "No one has heard of any trace of the Gods for a long time. Haven't you heard the rumors?"
Crystal still did not make a move to retrieve a gift, "I just hope the Oracle is still able to foresee...It has just occured to me now...."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2008 8:08:03 GMT -5
[[Hmmm... Tal isn't going to believe you I'm afraid ]] Talarya stared open mouthed at Crystal as she told her that the Gods were dead. Surely the Gods were life and how could life exist without them. With no Demeter there would be no crops in the fields; without Apollo there would be no sun in the sky, no music and diseases would run rampant; without Hades the dead would walk the earth. The list went on. As for a mortal woman killing them, that was inconceivable to the young Athenian. Tal decided on a more diplomatic route. "I think that I'll leave it there just in case," she replied. "As for the Oracle, if Apollo wasn't around then she would just be another Priestess." If Crystal didn't want to leave an offering then that was her choice. Tal found it best to err on the side of caution when it came to the Gods. Her father had bad mouthed Poseidon, complaining about the storms that had been particularly bad that year and less than a week later he had drowned. "So who is this mortal woman who is supposed to have killed all the Gods then?" she asked.
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Post by Aeris on Mar 15, 2008 2:33:26 GMT -5
"The Oracle may very well believe that Apollo is alive. But remember, not all the Gods were destroyed, so Apollo may be alive. My insticts tell me he was one to die..." Crystal explained, crossing her arms stubbornly. Of coarse Crystal was a huge believer in the Gods and that she will respect them. That is, if they were alive, and for Apollo, that was the case. Why believe in a God that did not exist?
But if Talarya believed in him, then so be it. When it comes to religion, it's the individual's own choice in what they believe in.
"As for the mortal woman, a warrior to be exact, who destroyed them.....I think her name was Xen...Ah, Xena, I think..." Crystal thought for a moment. She has passed by so many warriors, it gets more difficult to remember evryone, "I've never met her, but her skills are legendary. They say she had an affair with Ares...."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2008 7:20:56 GMT -5
Xena... that name tickled something in the back of Talarya's mind. She had heard that name somewhere before but couldn't quite place it. Then she remembered, she had heard it from other prisoners in the jail where she had been incarcerated; this Xena had been the bane of one or two criminals in there.
"As good a warrior as she may be, I find it hard to believe that any mortal could kill a god," she replied.
Some where deep in her mind something began to nag at her; what would they do if it were true? Tal couldn't conceive of life without the Gods and she sent out a quick silent prayer to Athena, the patron God of her city, to watch over them.
Tal wasn't surprised that this Xena had had an affair with Ares, most of the Gods seemed to like consorting with mortals. If she were truly as good a fighter as Crystal was saying then she was just the type who would catch that particular god's eye.
"Shall we go in?" Tal asked the warrior woman, gesturing for her to lead the way into the temple interior.
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