Topic: Rescue in the Ruins

Blood Sister

Date: 2013-08-15 01:53 EST
RESCUE IN THE RUINS

A magical student of the Academy had been kidnapped.

Her father attempted to rescue her, but was unsuccessful.

The Headmistress looked into why a prized pupil was absent and found out the truth.

She went to some of her fellow teachers for help.

The obstacles they would face along the way to save the girl would be nothing compared to the problem waiting for them at the end.

Blood Sister

Date: 2013-08-15 01:55 EST
THE KEY TO IT ALL

Brimstone, its sickly sulfur scent hung heavy in the air about the forge. The man working the bellows loved it though, to him this smell of hell was home. The door was open to the night, as Kruger needed to let some heat out of the place. There were streaks in the sooty skin not covered by the leather apron. His skin had that sheen of perspiration that made the smoke from the coals stick to him. He had nothing going yet, between projects was a place to add coals and bring them up to temp.

Lydia walked up to the open door of Kruger's forge. She glanced in and saw him there. With a firm hand, she knocked on the door. If her mannerisms did not give away her proper personality, her attire would. She wore a simple white blouse, which she regretted as soon as she saw the heavy smoke in the air. At least her rich brown skirt and brown suede pumps were more suited to this environment, for the most part.

He looked up at the knock, the lighting was horrible at this time of night. Or perhaps it was simply that the source was too close to him and not nearly close enough to her. Either way he needed to squint into the shadows to see her and wave her in. "I'm open...Come on through, just mind the edges, you don't look to be dressed quite like you thought this visit through." The closer she got the better he could see. "I...What can I do for the headmistress of The Academy?" He had interviewed with her once back when he started at the daycare.

She smiled humbly at his recognition of her. She never thought of herself as something as exalted as a Headmistress. She appeared to be just a simple teacher, down to her strategically placed black hair wrapped tightly into a bun. She spoke up as she continued walking toward him. "Mr. Allen. I'm terribly sorry to bother you this evening, but I have a request that I was hoping you could create for me." Most of the staff and students of the Academy never questioned why their Headmistress only worked at night. Lydia hoped it was because she did a good enough job that no one noticed, though she feared her secret was on everyone lips during the day.

Kruger

Date: 2013-08-15 01:59 EST
Kruger considered his appearance a look at his hands was enough to tell him that she didn't need him pawing at her. He settled for the grin that he found so many uses for. "You know, there is a point at which you need to go home and take a break from the days activities." Like he was one to talk, up early for the kids and out at night to keep the shop running. "Though I do have to say some things are best done at night, you know...in the dark." He thought about the statement after he said it and realized how it sounded. "Forge work I mean, the uh....nevermind....I hear the Hellhounds put up a good showing this year...your doing, as much as anyone else's." Yes subject changes and flattery will cover over his faux pas. "What do you need me to work on' I'm surprised you didn't just go to Miranda, she'd have been much closer." He couldn't see any weapons concealed on her but then this was Rhydin.

She stared at him a moment. She looked down, as if she regretted what she was about to say and would dare not look at him. "Unfortunately, something has happened and I do not wish to bring the matter to her yet. When I go to her, I rather have the situation under control. I don't want her to worry that I have neglected my duties to protect my students."

He shook his head, the barest of movements. "I don't see her worrying about that, but I do see her causing a bit of attention...and that isn't what you want is it?" He pinned her with a pair of amber irises. Clamping them down hard on her face and studying the smallest movements. The curve of lip and the glint of eye were not things he would miss. "And that still doesn't tell me what it is you need me to work on. It does say that I need to keep my mouth shut...but perhaps I should know what I am burying?"

Still looking down, she began playing with something she had hidden in her closed hand. She looked up to him, looking him directly in the eyes. Her fear and concern were obvious. "You see, one of my students had not shown up for class in several days. She's a wonderful student and I thought it seemed odd. I tried contacting her father, but he never answered my telephone calls. I finally went to his home and he broke down and told me everything that had happened."

Blood Sister

Date: 2013-08-15 02:00 EST
Lydia took a breath and continued, "He had received a call after his daughter when missing telling him to bring money in exchange for his daughter. He brought all the money he could, but it wasn't enough for the man. Her father fought with the man and overtook him. He retrieved a key off of the man, but it had been broken in the struggle." She trailed off and extended her hand to him palm up, showing two halves of a broken metal component. She said softly, "I need to know if it can be replicated. It's truly the key to finding his daughter. He tried to repair it himself, since he is a welder, but his hands were too damaged from the fight and we are running out of time."

Kruger reached for the broken pieces, trained eye inspecting the broken ends. He began to speak more to himself than to her. One of the habits of being alone so often. "Welding, well it has its uses, but it tends to degrade the integrity of the metal being welded. Simply put you are making it hot enough to ruin the temper of the metal...that's if you use a mig...a tig is more for thinner metals..." He had moved to a work bench and pulled out parchment. He was drawing as he spoke, measuring and leaning in to draw more. Technical schematics were coming off fairly quickly, it was almost as if he needed the chatter to help his focus.

He continued, "See" the heat too a bit off here and then the feed added there..." He seemed to realize that he was ignoring her the apron tied around his back didn't hide the mass scarring. He looked over his shoulder. "I'm sorry....How much time did you say we have?" He couldn't recall as his mind was still putting angles together with hammer strokes that hadn't happened yet. She ignored his babbling, hoping it was at least helping him to think, assuming whatever he was saying made sense to him. She also ignored the scars along his back. It was never her place to judge. Instead, she asked simply, "How quickly can you complete it?"

He looked back at the schematic then the pieces she gave him. "Simple enough to make, it's the metal I will need..." He looked back to her once more turning to favor her with his grin. "You know what....I actually can remake this thing out what you brought me. The handle will be a little short, but I can compensate with a sleeve just in case Torque is an issue." He met her eyes again, ever confident in his trade, and the ability he had been gifted with. "I'd say a day, two if I am being conservative.?

Kruger

Date: 2013-08-15 02:02 EST
She hinted at a smile, but there was more, "Unfortunately, the key is not the only thing I would request from you. You see, her father explained how he tried to go into the cave from where she was supposed to be retrieved after he paid. He went inside to find her after the scuffle, but was met with too many traps that forced his retreat. I was wondering if you could go with me to help me along the way."

He heard a few things in there, mostly he heard scuffle. The fact of the matter was that he might be able to disarm traps, but it would be up to someone else to find them. Once he had a better eye for it, but that was half a lifetime ago. "Of course, I will be more than able to accompany you along on this rescue. Are you sure she is still alive to be rescued?" She sighed, "In truth, no, her father made it far enough in the cave to even hear a cry. But I must at least try to find her, even if it's to bring her body back to him. I'll understand if you wouldn't want to participate on hope alone."

He turned to look at the belt that held his hammers, screams that he couldn't forget echoing through his head. "No...hope is probably the least of what would restrain me. I'll do this and perhaps...Things will be different this time around." He didn't know exactly what he meant, but he was willing to do whatever it took. "I'll send word to the school when it is done...unless you have someplace else you would prefer me to send it?" He wasn't really sure where she lived.

She finally allowed a small smile of gratitude to show through. "Yes, the Academy will be perfect." Though her bed was elsewhere, Lydia practically "lived' at the Academy anyway. "Thank you so much for your aid, Mr. Allen." She hesitated and debated shaking his hand, stained and soiled from his work. She looked down briefly at her ruined blouse and quickly made her decision as she extended her hand to him.

He saw the look and the decision in her face. He took her hand in his rough skin barely able to feel the touch of her skin. "Alright then, Headmistress. I'll get word to you very soon." He was already concentrating on the girl trapped with no way out and using that to fuel his course. He would work all night, it hadn't been the first time and surely wouldn't be the last. "I won't disappoint you.?

She nodded and left him to his work.

Serine Delin

Date: 2013-08-15 22:33 EST
ADDING A MAGICAL TOUCH

Lydia waited outside Serine's classroom. Her class had just ended, and the last few students filed out the door. Lydia looked around overtly, looking over her shoulder once more as she walked up to the classroom door and knocked softly. Fire lessons were often messy. Serine was in the middle of sweeping ash into piles when she heard the knock.

"Come in..." Serine said, continuing to work.

Lydia's grey patent pumps carefully stepped over a few piles as she entered. She dusted off her pale pink blouse and heather grey pencil skirt as to prevent lingering ash clouds to settle on her clothes. She said softly, "Ms. Delin. I was wondering if I may have a few moments of your time." Her tightly wrapped bun of black hair gave the impression that everything was in order, but the worried look on her face dissuaded that assumption.

Serine's green dress was accented with black strips from side to center that formed diamond shapes in a vertical row down the front. She wore black pumps to match. All of this was visible because she was using magic to keep the ash from settling on her. "Oh, Headmistress. I'm terribly sorry." She touched Lydia for the briefest of moments, and soon Lydia too was free of any ash on her person. Even the floor around her became clear, if only a half inch from her shoes. "Please, excuse the mess. I haven't quite perfected a magical cleanup or I'd be much farther along. What can I do for you?"

Lydia jumped slightly at her touch. She felt bad for doing so, but only because she was so on edge. "Why, thank you," she said softly. She continued in a more concerned, quiet tone as she walked closer to her to keep the conversation between them, "The reason I am here is to ask for help. One of the students has been kidnapped." Serine was visibly taken aback, and leaned her broom against a nearby desk so as not to drop it. "What' When did this happen?"

Lydia answered, "I just found out last night from her father. She had missed a few days of school and I tried to contact him, but he would not respond to my phone calls. When I went over to his home, he broke down and told me everything. He had received a call from a man who told him that his group had his daughter." She paused and continued, "You see, she is a student of Mage Hall and I suspect that they may have been using her for her magical abilities."

Serine put a hand against her chin pensively, and held her other arm across her near the waist. "Do we know where she is" Is she safe?? She had more questions but did not want to overwhelm Lydia, and so began with what she felt were the most important.

Serine Delin

Date: 2013-08-15 22:34 EST
Lydia explained, "Her father told me the location, a small cave opening, not too far from here. He went as instructed and brought all of the money he could obtain, but did not have enough to satisfy what they demanded. They are just a poor family; she uses our scholarship fund to attend the Academy." Her thoughts were scattered a bit as she tried to explain but keep her mind on track.

She continued, "When the man would not retrieve his daughter from the cave, her father began to fight with the man and eventually overtook him. He went inside the cave and got hit by a few booby traps along the way, but could not continue." She took a breath and finished her answer, "Unfortunately, he does not know if she is even alive, but I could not sit back without trying to save her, even if just to bring back her body to him. I knew I needed help, which is why I came to you."

A young girl's life was at stake. Serine wasted no time. "When do we leave?" If necessary, the particulars could be worked out on the way. Her days of seeking out trouble and evil were past her but that did nothing to stop her from springing into action when they came to her. Since she used magic to meet all her needs, she was always ready to go. Lydia smiled softly, grateful for the help. "I am waiting for the assistance of another, but we should be able to leave by tomorrow. Meet me in my office after your last class tomorrow."

"Is there nothing that can be done tonight' Without knowing for certain that the girl is safe, every second may be one too late." She shifted her stance slightly. "What I mean to say is preparation is always valuable, but giving them an extra half-day seems risky." Lydia nodded respectfully. "As I said, I am waiting on another who will help us. We may only have one shot at making an attempt and I want to ensure our success by having all of our options covered. But we will move as quickly as possible, I assure you. Thank you so much for your help."

"As you say, and you are most welcome." She offered a small smile, tempered by what lay ahead. "I am always willing to help. I will be at your office tomorrow." Lydia thanked her with a nod. She turned and watched her step as she exited the classroom.

Blood Sister

Date: 2013-08-24 22:37 EST
OFFICE VISIT

Down the main hallway of the Administration Building of the Academy of Bristle Crios, is the Headmistress' office. Through the open door was the waiting area. The large L shaped desk where the Headmistress' secretary sat overlooked the door way. The assistant was away from her desk, leaving the room vacant. There were a few chairs next to the closed door that was undoubtedly the Headmistress' office. Decorated in rich reds, golden yellows, and deep mahoganies, the room was decorated with a few minor touches, but still did not seem opulent in its d"cor.

Serine turned the key in her classroom door and locked it. Her last class of the day had just ended. There was still a mess to clean up, but it could wait. Brown heels clicked their way down halls and up staircases. Ordinarily she'd teleport straight to the headmistress' office but she might need the energy later. She fiddled anxiously with the pendant around her neck. It had been kind enough to match the gold buckles accenting her shoes, but she expected no less. Somehow it always fit in with whatever she was wearing, and together the accents brought a little sparkle to an otherwise plain brown skirt and dark green blouse. She debated knocking on the door, but decided to smooth out her clothing a bit first. One should always look presentable, especially in front of the boss.

The path to the school was a familiar one, though once arrived he didn't take that familiar route to the daycare center. Instead he chose a direction that had him headed for the headmistress' office. The smith felt a little like he was doing something, or had done something wrong. Not that she intimidated him, slip of a thing like that' Never! Though perhaps there was something about the confidence of education that he just didn't have. It had been different when she came to him. He knew himself there in the forge, here he just felt"exposed.

The hallway echoed. He could lose himself in the way it reverberated back to him every step along the way. This was serious though, and the object he carried was more important than any weapon he was working on. He did notice the blonde fixing her outfit in the waiting room outside the office. He hadn't considered his outfit. He hoped that the Academy emblazoned black T and faded jeans were all right. Along the wall he saw the painted letters of the sound heard at those games. Go Hellhounds.

Serine got a dip of the head though he remained silent, unable to figure out when his mouth had gone dry. Serine turned and nodded politely to Kruger. Lydia opened her office door suddenly.

Kruger

Date: 2013-08-24 22:38 EST
Lydia was dressed in something a little more fitting for their adventure. It was an adventure for the quaint little schoolteacher, anyway. She wore tough black pants with various pockets along the sides for a few devices that might prove useful. Lydia was more used to office supplies than switchblades and cutting tools, but she was trying to be prepared. Her dark grey blouse was mostly covered by her black blazer, which provided her with even more pockets. Her pumps were replaced with heavy black boots, laced up as tightly as her bun of black hair. Her usual smile was missing and replaced with a look of concern. She looked to Kruger first. His addition to this endeavor was of primary concern.

Kruger found that grin of his and pasted it on his face as she looked at him. The satchel over his shoulder was opened and the key was removed. Broken tines had been repaired, but there was a point at which the handle seemed to change color. "I didn't have time to wait for the right alloy to come in, so I stole some from the handle and put it into the important end. Then just extended with materials I had available. The work wasn't too difficult, delicate in places. This stuff is old...you knew that already though." He darted a look at Serine wondering if he should be talking in front of her, but there was no help for it now. The next thing out of the satchel was his weapons belt, a pair of light war hammers looped in leather rounded his waist and was cinched into place.

"Wonderful," Lydia said almost excitedly. She eagerly took it from his hand and began to inspect it. "It looks perfect," she said without looking up at him. She placed it in one of her pockets as she looked up to him and said, "Thank you so much. This key is so vital." She turned and explained to Serine, "This is the key to the door that holds the kidnapped student. With this, we can go and save her. Will you be able to get us there quickly?" Lydia knew that Serine had many magical abilities that she used in her classes, and hoped one would be of use now.

"I believe so," Serine replied. "If you could point out its location on a map and give me a few moments, I can bring us there in an instant." She avoided using specifics in front of someone she didn't know, out of habit. "If you have any specific details you could add as to what our destination looks like, it would certainly help," she added.

Serine Delin

Date: 2013-08-24 22:40 EST
Lydia pulled out a hand drawn map from one of her large pants pockets. She began to unfold it and laid it out on the desk in front of them as she said, "This is the map showing the way to the cave entrance that her father went to in order to drop off the ransom money. He mentioned that it was a large enough opening that a few people could walk in easily at the same time, but it was still hidden due to the surrounding brush." She tried to offer further details into what they face, "When he overpowered the man sent to pick up the money, he went inside, hoping to find his daughter, but the traps and obstacles he faced were too great. He did not go into detail about them, but I hope we can all contribute in our own ways." Lydia was certainly the weakest of them. She did not have the strength of the smith, or the magic of the sorceress. She needed their help. "Thank you," she said with a polite smile as she took the map. She studied it briefly, committing it to memory. The city and cave entrance were each marked with a large X. An arrow denoted north as up, and the layout indicated she would be starting off that way. Part of the route followed a major road, and would be easy. Several landmarks were crudely drawn and labeled, no doubt to aid in navigating the more difficult part: a cluster of dead trees, a circle of rocks, an abandoned campsite, a stone arch, and a rock overhang apparently not far from the cave. She returned the map to Lydia. "I should no longer need this. Thank you again." She gestured toward the chairs, offering, "Would you both like to have a seat' This may take a few moments." Lydia nodded silently, trying not to break any type of concentration Serine had, or needed. She went over to one of the waiting chairs and sat down gracefully, sitting up straight in perfect posture. The smith looked around there were seats and they looked to be comfortable, he however was too far on edge to bother with sitting. He let his thumbs caress the carved handles of his hammers and moved to look at something. Should he talk" He had no idea, the urge to speak to himself nagged at the back of his mind. He thought about the girl that had been taken, and his mood darkened for those who would take a child. Satisfied that they would both be comfortable during the wait, she said, "If you'll excuse me...? and closed her eyes. To the pair of onlookers, she appeared to simply stand there in a trance.

Blood Sister

Date: 2013-08-24 22:41 EST
In her mind, Serine's vision moved forward slightly before rising through the ceiling and out of the building. Taking a vantage point suitably high in the sky, she quickly found the road and propelled her sight along it, moving with far greater speed than the group could have traveled themselves. She spotted the cluster of dead trees, orienting her sight as the map had shown. Before long, the circle of rocks appeared, and she changed her heading slightly. The abandoned campsite soon came into view, its half-fallen tents and dusty firepit making it apparent that it had not been used in quite some time.

A moment later she came upon the stone arch, lowering her view so that she could travel beneath it. She stayed near the ground while searching for the overhang, as it had been drawn from the ground and she did not want to risk missing it from above. The overhang came and went, and soon she had found the entrance, mostly hidden behind the brush just as Lydia had described. She made her way into the cave, but did not make it far before her vision began to fade. Her companions might have noticed her eyes close more tightly, as though she were narrowing them at a puzzle.

"Curious..." she said aloud. She backtracked outside rather than risk losing her sight and having to start over. As she extended her arms, she said, "Please, take my hands."

Lydia had been slowly moving to the edge of her seat during the wait and eagerly jumped up when Serine spoke. She stood next to her and took her hand gently. Kruger checked his hands out, a long held habit that held even after having just washed. Dissatisfied with it overall he still wiped it on his pants before offering it up to Serine, conscious of exactly how it must feel.

Serine felt each of their hands in hers and began to tap into her power. Her eyes still clouded, she offered a gentle smile. "Prepare yourselves..." she said. The smith's stomach clenched at her warning to prepare. How did one prepare for the unknown? Simple enough, close your eyes and hope that the powers don't rip you to shreds and put you back in an order that doesn't make any sense.

Kruger

Date: 2013-08-24 22:43 EST
They would each experience everything they could see shimmering in unison and fading away to black in the span of a second. As soon as the darkness had arrived it would reverse, and the shimmering would end just as quickly as it had begun, leaving the three in front of the cave. On arriving, her eyes had returned to normal.

Kruger's breath quickened as the shimmering began, an unconscious squeeze of the hand in his when all went dark. A weapon in the hand, something to protect him from...but no even as he began to panic the world returned in reverse, except that he was somewhere else. Serine recognized Kruger's squeeze as unconscious panic, as it was hardly the first time that had happened when she had brought others along through her teleportation.

Lydia looked around as the shimmering began. She wanted to take note of the details of this ability, but it was over so rapidly. As they reappeared in a shimmer in front of the cave, Lydia quickly let go of Serine's hand and hunched over, holding her knees, trying to steady herself. She did not get sick from the teleportation, but it was clear her timid nature could not handle the disorientation.

"Are you both alright?" Serine asked as she looked the pair over. She regretted losing grip of Lydia, but she hadn't shown any signs of worry until after. "I'm terribly sorry for any discomfort, but it is difficult to explain what that is like to those who haven't experienced it." She paused in case more was wrong than could be seen. Lydia rose to her proper, tall stance. Though her words said otherwise, her face revealed her to still look a bit uneasy, "I'm fine, thank you."

Kruger realized his mistake and dropped her hand quickly taking on an air of unconcern. The grin passed over him and a twinkle appeared in his eyes. "Fine...no no, really I'm fine...Nothing to worry over." The wetting of lips might say something else, the caress of the familiar weapon handles. A nice fist can lock away any tremble in his hand. Deep breathing can steady a pulse that he was sure no one but he knew was racing.

Serine Delin

Date: 2013-08-24 22:43 EST
"So..." Kruger looked over to Lydia. "Where do we go from here?" Lydia was slowly returning to her natural demeanor. She faced Kruger, glanced over his shoulder, and said kindly, "Well, I think that's the spot." Kruger spared a casual glance to the opening and nodded as though he merely meant to confirm that was the place. Truth wasn't what you said but how you looked when you said it' right' He looked at Serine coming back to himself and letting the job at hand brace him. "I apologize, but this is as close as I could bring us," Serine said as she looked toward the cave. "I am not sure why, but my sight could not enter." Lydia began to walk towards the cave and said softly, "Please keep an eye out for traps, and there may even be more men inside that have been put on patrol. We really don't have much to go on. I'm just hoping at least the girl is still here and unharmed. Let's move quickly, but carefully." "Yes. There is no time to waste," Serine said, stepping out front. "If you don't mind, I will take the lead. There will no doubt be dangers ahead now, since events haven't been going according to the kidnappers' plan." She stopped just short of entering and looked over her shoulder at her companions. The smith understood the need to have Serine go in first the place had the reek of old magic and she was far better suited to deal with anything along those lines. He turned to Lydia and squared his shoulders. "If there are more men in there it probably would be best if I took the rear to keep watch." He looked to see if Serine agreed with his assessment. Lydia interrupted before Serine had a chance to respond. She looked concerned at Kruger's suggestion and said, "I know I do not have the physical or magical abilities of either of you. I would feel much safer if you both were before me to make sure you could identify and handle any traps we may encounter. I would simply be in the way and certainly be an easy target." She liked the idea of Serine leading with Kruger following and clearing a safe path for her along the way. Kruger's eyes narrowed slightly, considering what Lydia was saying. He supposed that if things went fairly straight then any enemies would be cleared out as they went. They hadn't been noticed so far. The kidnappers hadn't even posted a guard. He nodded his assent to Lydia. "All right, just don' let us get too far ahead." Lydia smiled softly in agreement and looked to Serine. Serine nodded, saying, "Very well," before turning her head forward once more. She closed her hands into fists by her sides for a moment, and when she opened them a bubble flashed around her for a moment before disappearing. "Just in case," she said calmly.

Blood Sister

Date: 2013-11-04 03:15 EST
INTO THE CAVE

Serine led the group inside. She opted not to use a magical light as it would plainly announce their presence. It was dark but years of hunting through caves helped her see. It would take a little time to adjust to the low light. Kruger tended to work in those conditions though the forge did give off more light than he would find inside. Still the darkness couldn't hide noise, and that would be crucial until his night vision kicked in. He resisted the urge to check on Lydia so quickly in. Lydia brought a small flashlight included in one of her many pockets. She didn't think to get it out, though. She did not even realize how odd it was that she could see perfectly in the dark.

The first few dozen yards were unremarkable and typical of your average cave. Before long, however, they came across paved floors, columns, crumbling walls....Serine turned her head toward her companions and quietly spoke. "Fascinating. It would seem the kidnappers have chosen some kind of ruin as their hideout..." If their mission were not of such urgency, she'd have loved to examine the surroundings more closely.

The shadows became thick and Kruger had to use his finger tips to keep in contact with the wall. He stopped at Serine's words. "Seems like a good idea to me, more comfortable than just random caves." Serine nodded, though whether or not it was visible was another matter. "Yes, quite," she replied softly. She certainly didn't mind a relatively flat floor to travel upon. She continued to lead the party, and soon they came upon a doorway with decorative columns forming either side. She held up her hand.

"Wait. Stop," she whispered, pointing toward the center of the doorway. "Don't get too close to it."

Lydia was the furthest away from Serine, but immediately stopped in her tracks as Serine instructed them to halt. Kruger peered forward shadows becoming shapes, the doorway was clearly a doorway, that was definitely an improvement. He did halt though best to listen and trust to the lead. He put his hand back to Lydia just so she wouldn't run into him. "You got something?" Lydia stared at Kruger's hand in front of her, before looking up to the door.

Serine looked at him quizzically. "Can you not see-" she whispered before cutting herself off. "No, I suppose you can't. I'm sorry," she continued. She pointed to the doorway again. "There's a rune on the floor there....a sort of trap. If someone gets too near, they're in for quite a shock. Stay here." She cautiously moved toward it, careful not to get too close. She looked through the door as much as she could. This rune would have to go regardless, but if any of the kidnappers were beyond the door they would surely see it discharge. Better to know trouble is coming before it gets there, after all. Fortunately, she saw no one. Small sparks began appearing on her hand as she held it toward the rune, but suddenly she stopped.

Kruger

Date: 2013-11-04 03:15 EST
"Hmm..." Serine said to herself without realizing. After a moment, she spread her fingers apart and pointed them up. The sparks subsided and became more like waves rolling across her skin. She held there for a few seconds before sharply turning her palm toward her and pulling her arm across her chest, and her fist was clenched by the time she stopped. As her arm moved, several great arcs of electricity shot from the floor and into her hand, spreading across her body in a bright sheath against the darkness. Just as quickly, it was gone.

Serine turned to face them, and some electricity was still visible in her eyes before it too subsided. "There. It's safe now. I've absorbed it," she said. "I thought I could. I might as well not waste the energy." Her eyes narrowed. "Unfortunately, this means the kidnappers have a wizard or other magic user aiding them."

The floor, he was picking up the rune's outline, he dropped his eyelids a spark could undo everything he had worked for. He would listen instead, hearing the sound of Serine working her abilities, there is a lot that can be learned with your eyes closed. He could sense where Lydia was by the closeness of her. He could hear how far ahead Serine had gotten by the distance in her voice. The arcs flashed against his eyelids and he brought up a fore arm to cover those sensitive orbs of his. He whispered back to Lydia that she may want to keep from looking as well. "Seems a bit strange that the kidnappers haven't put up any lighting, unless of course they have no problem seeing in the dark." That was a disturbing thought for Kruger.

Lydia stared at the display of vaulting electricity in disbelief. She then turned to see Serine's eyes and decided to make a conscious effort not to touch her for awhile, just in case, but Lydia always was the more conservative one. She had been trying not to speak as not to cause any type of alarm. She was certainly anxious and was grateful that her nervousness could be hidden behind Serine and Kruger. She responded to answer them both in a hushed tone, "Yes, I was concerned that the kidnappers may have magical abilities, or at least use the abilities of the girl, since she has magical tendencies."

Serine Delin

Date: 2013-11-04 03:17 EST
Serine was prepared to deal with a magic user but she had hoped the kidnappers wouldn't be so well organized. It made little difference now, however. "We should keep moving. Come," she said as she moved through the doorway. The room was of modest size, full of columns and crumbled platforms. Some sort of display room, perhaps. She wondered what might have been displayed here once. There was no telling where its contents were now, of course. The kidnappers could have looted the ruin when they moved in, or it could have been sitting empty for generations. She didn't think it likely that the contents found their way to a place of study, however. She continued forward, looking around and thinking.

Kruger let his eyes open once again, pulling the arm away from them and noting that the scene was much more visible. He moved forward into the room noting the columns and more than that he noted the way the room spoke back to him. The echoes always so fascinating in their resonance. He wished for the presence of his forge, to make the hammer ring from the walls in this ancient place would give him a strange sense of accomplishment. He moved slowly admiring the crumbled platforms as though he could see them the way they should be. "I wonder..." He didn't say what because he didn't think it was appropriate to dwell on the origins of the place when a life hung in the balance.

Lydia looked around, but then turned to Kruger, wondering what was on his mind. They needed everyone's specialized input to get through this. "What?" she asked bluntly. Kruger shook his head to Lydia. "It isn't important, as mysterious as this place is we should move forward. Who this place is dedicated to is second to the girl." She nodded silently and turned to Serine to continue leading the way.

"Yes, quite," she said in agreement. This mystery could wait for another day. She moved toward the door at the other end of the room, and on into another corridor. She moved cautiously, checking the area as best she could for traps and enemies while advancing.

The ceiling dropped lower in the corridor beyond the walls may have been beautifully painted once but the darkness and time obscured anything of the carvings. The corridor itself moved off into the distance and darkness took the end from the smiths sight but that was less a concern to him than what he thought he saw. The toe of a boot kicking lightly dirt that seemed a little out of place considering what they had seen so far. He looked up at Serine quickly and called to her.

"Wait!" His arm went up with the realization of what he was seeing.

Blood Sister

Date: 2013-11-04 03:20 EST
Serine was prepared to deal with a magic user but she had hoped the kidnappers wouldn't be so well organized. It made little difference now, however. "We should keep moving. Come," she said as she moved through the doorway. The room was of modest size, full of columns and crumbled platforms. Some sort of display room, perhaps. She wondered what might have been displayed here once. There was no telling where its contents were now, of course. The kidnappers could have looted the ruin when they moved in, or it could have been sitting empty for generations. She didn't think it likely that the contents found their way to a place of study, however. She continued forward, looking around and thinking.

Kruger let his eyes open once again, pulling the arm away from them and noting that the scene was much more visible. He moved forward into the room noting the columns and more than that he noted the way the room spoke back to him. The echoes always so fascinating in their resonance. He wished for the presence of his forge, to make the hammer ring from the walls in this ancient place would give him a strange sense of accomplishment. He moved slowly admiring the crumbled platforms as though he could see them the way they should be. "I wonder..." He didn't say what because he didn't think it was appropriate to dwell on the origins of the place when a life hung in the balance.

Lydia looked around, but then turned to Kruger, wondering what was on his mind. They needed everyone's specialized input to get through this. "What?" she asked bluntly. Kruger shook his head to Lydia. "It isn't important, as mysterious as this place is we should move forward. Who this place is dedicated to is second to the girl." She nodded silently and turned to Serine to continue leading the way.

"Yes, quite," she said in agreement. This mystery could wait for another day. She moved toward the door at the other end of the room, and on into another corridor. She moved cautiously, checking the area as best she could for traps and enemies while advancing.

The ceiling dropped lower in the corridor beyond the walls may have been beautifully painted once but the darkness and time obscured anything of the carvings. The corridor itself moved off into the distance and darkness took the end from the smiths sight but that was less a concern to him than what he thought he saw. The toe of a boot kicking lightly dirt that seemed a little out of place considering what they had seen so far. He looked up at Serine quickly and called to her.

"Wait!" His arm went up with the realization of what he was seeing.

Kruger

Date: 2013-11-04 03:21 EST
The screech of metal on stone was his only warning that something more was coming as a heavy metal plate dropped simultaneously to the impact of the slab. Instinct and reflex had him moving forward at the smallest sight of motion from the doorway. The plate dropping in front of the trio took him in one shoulder the palms of both hands snapping up to cradle the bottom edge. The impact drove him to his knees and he couldn't hold back the grunt of the effort it took to keep the thing from crushing him completely.

Lydia stood watching the plate fall, but she hesitated to move.

Serine's eyes widened at Kruger's sudden predicament, but she quickly sprang into action. Her hands formed a cone, and the gap began to fill with a pale blue light as she concentrated. She probably only had time for one attempt, so it had to be good. The light intensified as she continued to channel power for a few more seconds. Finally, she threw her arms from her and the pale blue energy shot out, slamming into the plate. The stone above Kruger cracked as the plate broke free and sailed into the room ahead. Hopefully he wouldn't be struck by any chunks of stone breaking free, but even if he was that would certainly leave him in better shape than that plate would have.

The glow was the only indication that Serine was going to do something. He loosened his grip just in time keep the plate from tearing away fingers. The debris that fell had him rolling forward into the room a little further to avoid the larger pieces though he was still pelted by pebble sized fragments and consumed in a cloud of dust. He eyed the plate across the room and then the doorway.

"I hate this place!" Kruger took a deep breath before looking at Serine and nodding his thanks to her.

Lydia was only slightly relived when Serine stepped in to aid Kruger. She felt terrible that she could not react in such a quick thinking and powerful way. She stood silently behind Serine and gave her own remorseful nod of thanks.

Serine smiled and offered a gentle nod of her own. She didn't feel more needed to be said on the matter. She was just relieved that no one had been hurt, but she also doubted this was the last threat they'd face. She allowed Kruger a moment to catch his breath, stepping past him and into the room so they could keep pushing forward. She found nothing. It was a nondescript room with plain stone walls.

A dead end.

Serine Delin

Date: 2013-11-05 04:02 EST
FINDING THE PRIZE

Kruger pushed himself to his feet working his shoulder to loosen it up. Serine's progress was monitored then he looked to Lydia to make sure that she too was all right before turning to discover what Serine was looking at. Inside the room four walls met his inspection, and only one door, the one he had just entered through.

"I don't suppose the welder got far enough to know how to get through here?" This was offered Lydia's direction though his eyes were trying to find anything out of the....ordinary.

Lydia walked up to examine the walls herself. She ran an open palm just over the walls without making contact, trying to focus on them, but not wanting to touch them in case this room would become their 'dead end'. She looked as puzzled as she sounded when she responded, "No, I don't think he made it this far. Maybe his information was wrong. He just seemed so convinced that his daughter was being held here?" She trailed off, hoping to still find something.

Kruger continued to move along the wall, suddenly wary of actually touching anything that might be there. Still to his naked eye he could see nothing that would indicate a door of any type.

Serine kept searching. What went wrong" Were they in the wrong place" Did they miss something before" She felt her way around the wall and looked everywhere almost frantically, trying to find something, anything....She suddenly stopped, and looked to her left. There was something strange....as though something was making them all not see....see what? She held her palms open toward the odd area. A faint white glow emanated from her hands, but another glow came from the wall as well. White strands of light wisped through the air into her hands, and slowly something took shape on the wall....a door. She sighed in relief before collecting herself. "I believe I've found the way."

The sudden light from Serine and the wall caught Lydia's attention. Her mouth dropped slightly as the door began to appear. She looked to Serine as she spoke, then to Kruger. Kruger turned at Serine's words more than the light that was showing. He caught Lydia's look as it came, another breath before coming closer to where the door was outlined.

"Is that going to stay or will it disappear once again when we get through it?" It was a question, one that could have been directed at Serine or simply could have been him talking to himself once again. Kruger looked away from the door to the one who had found it, realizing that she was the only one with any kind of knowledge regarding it.

"It should stay. It's a real door. It was just hidden from our sight." Serine smiled. It was a legitimate question for someone who had just seen a door appear from seemingly nowhere. She paused a moment to absorb the energy so she could make proper use of it later if need be.

Blood Sister

Date: 2013-11-05 04:07 EST
The drumming sound Kruger heard was his own heart as he stepped through yet another door. Adrenaline had him hypersensitive and he flinched though there were no traps on the other side this time. Still, had there been, he figured better him than the other two. Serine followed shortly after, wary of what might next try to end their lives. This cave had rather a lot of traps for a hasty kidnappers' base. She could sort that later, once the child was safe. Lydia followed closely behind Serine.

The chamber room was only slightly larger than the hallways they had walked through to get there. The same white light radiated from each of the four corners of the ceiling, giving the room a soft, white light. The room was empty, save for a large stone rectangular box in the center. It had appeared to be carved out along with the room itself, the base being a part of the floor. The lid on the human-sized box was covered in a thick layer of dust, so much that even the seam for the lid was almost fully covered. Under the same sheet of dust, symbolic markings and what could only be assumed as letters were carved on the sides and lid. There was also a large carving on the floor between them and the box.

Lydia looked at the stone carved box and said, "The girl must be in there. We have to hurry, in case she's still alive!"

Kruger spotted something familiar about the box, he brushed away the filth along one edge and favored Lydia with a grin. "There...the key goes in there." He was certain of it from having to remake it. He dusted more at the place to make it more visible to all of them, his free hand moving closer to those symbols on the lid.

Serine realized what it was, but too late. She tried to reach him before he touched it. "Wait!"

Too late, his palm pushed the dirt from one of those sigils, it glowed for a moment before discharging into his hand. The blue white light causing him to stiffen and convulse before tossing him across the room to strike the wall and slump to the floor unmoving.

Serine raced to him, not checking for signs of life but instead immediately passing her hands several inches from him, casting a golden light as she went. If it was going to work, she would know soon. If not...

Kruger

Date: 2013-11-05 04:08 EST
Lydia was only focused on the prize inside the coffin. She grabbed the key from her pocket and quickly inserted it into the slot Kruger had begun to point out. She turned the key into place and the lid shifted slightly. She instantly began to pry the lid from the base. As the lid began to budge, it would be surprising to see such strength from one who seemed so timid and reserved. It could easily be attributed to a mother lifting a car off of her child. Lydia loved her students as her own children that she could never have. One of her students was supposed to be trapped inside. She could think of little else than getting inside the coffin to retrieve what she held so dear.

His chest rose and fell slowly at first, then he began to cough hard enough to have him gasping in between. He twisted away from Serine seconds before vomiting on the floor of the chamber. His hand burned, the skin was pink and new but the sensation seemed to remain. "What the hell just happened to me?" The question coming from a throat that could barely make the sounds.

Serine kept healing him as she spoke. "Those symbols were a warding glyph. A magical means of guarding something. When you touched it, you disturbed its magical energy, and..." This wasn't a classroom. The proper explanation could wait. "It's a trap."

As Lydia slid the lid back to expose the top half of the sarcophagus, she revealed the decayed skeleton inside. The adult was dressed in elaborate, colorful robes. Only the face of his skull was shown as the rest of his head was covered with a jewel encrusted hood. She looked down at his hands, which were grasped around each other, clasping a golden scepter. She eagerly reached down and pried his fingers from around it. She stared at it in her hands a moment. She turned and sat on the edge of the tomb comfortably as she smiled boldly to Kruger and Serine.

Kruger looked over to the coffin when he heard the lid drop away. His eyes found Lydia and her bold smile. "Is the child?" His eyes fell on the scepter in her hands and narrowed as he tried to understand what was happening. "okay?" He gave Serine's shoulder a nudge with his hand and pointed Lydia's way.

Serine gave Kruger a quizzical look before looking over her shoulder. She caught sight of the scepter. "What is that' Where's the girl?"

Serine Delin

Date: 2013-11-05 04:24 EST
"I see why Lydia enjoys having you both work at the Academy. You are both so helpful," Leta said while still smiling. Not one to monologue, Lydia's twin continued simply, "Sorry for the little story. At least there was never a kidnapped little girl, and at least you both should be able to leave safely. I think you both triggered all the traps on the way in." Serine had even discharged the magical elements in the room that impeded the wand from working when she revealed the door.

Leta said sincerely to them, "Thanks ever so much for all your help." She quickly raised the scepter in one hand and held it out in front of her. One of the gemstones on the top shone brightly, filling the room with light instantly. When the light faded as quickly as it began, Leta and the scepter had vanished.

Kruger listened as Leta spoke still not understanding what happened even as the light forced him to block his eyes with his hands. He tried to peer through spread fingers but the lady and the scepter had gone. Serine Delin: She was gone before Serine could do anything. Kruger's injury simply needed too much attention. She'd definitely have to find Lydia once they got back and get to the bottom of this. "It would seem we've been fooled. We should get back to the school."

His brows drew down, he hated being played. "I would hazard a guess that you can travel now?" He was grateful that the injuries were gone but the loss of the scepter was obviously his fault. "I wonder why they needed to hide a thing like that this way?" A softly whispered question that he didn't expect an answer to.

"Unfortunately, we may not find out." Serine said as she extended a hand to him. "We can leave whenever you're ready." He gave a small nod to Serine and took her hand, more confident this time than the last. She offered a reassuring smile. The pair began to shimmer, and in a few seconds they were gone.

When Kruger and Serine arrived back at the Academy, they sought out Lydia. They found her working in her office. When questioned, she explained that there was no missing student. They mentioned cave ruins and a magical artifact, and Lydia quickly put the pieces together. She explained about her identical twin, Leta, and her quest for magic and power. She wished that they did not have to find out this way, but the damage was done.

Leta had found what she wanted and used who she needed.