Where am I?
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Getting up in the water, in a pitch black space of indeterminable length, and size. Merryn ran her hands on the ground. It was hard and wet. It smelled of brackish water. She slipped and fell into the water, it was so cold that it stole her breath.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA4yY4gp8js8
Getting up again, she continued with her arms outstretched and bumped into a smooth outcropping. Pulling up, she knelt and stretched forward with her hands. Inching back she hit a wall.
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After a time she curled up into a ball and shivered. This was worse than the cave could at least see in there.
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Water splashed her feet, it's filling up.
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She waved her hands about to cast the Luminous spell, though it cost her energy. The cavern lights up, revealing the small ledge, along with the walls that are rounded to the top in a great dome.
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The floor of the cavern is a great lake with no passageways. After about twenty mins of looking around, she noticed the water had risen a bit more. Sitting, she watched the water line against the wall rise another inch. It's filling up so fast. There has to be a way out, but where?
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Using her night vision the area looked to be a small cavern, the ceiling smooth and curved. The ledge was all that stood above the rising water. Sweat trickled down the back of her neck. She crouched up and wrapped her arms around her knees. Time had no place here, every second as long as an hour.
997Please respect copyright.PENANARdO1AvCLuO
She tried sending the light globe down into the water, but it flickered and went out. Not going to die down here, do it. Stretching her arm out again, she willed the light spirits to come again. They came from under the water little wisps with faint faces swirling together and made another globe.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAWCtDXyTs6X
"Thank you," she whispered.
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They left and passed under the water. Sliding her legs over the ledge, she let them dangled into the water then slipped into it.
997Please respect copyright.PENANADQHlZRE1VL
She took a big breath, and let it out slow, then took another. She dived down under the water, the light globe followed beside her lighting the cavern lake. As she swam deeper into the lake, the walls were covered with a soft blue-green luminescent moss.
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Ahead were several tiny schools of fish with stripes that pulsed as they swam and darted about.
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Her chest became tighter, the pain was at the point of being overwhelming, she managed to swim forward to some hanging glowing moss.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAzseFfGBo7i
She pushed it aside and spotted a small passageway ahead. She swam through up the passageway and swam faster. Light streamed through the water overhead. Her lungs demanded air. A darkness crept around her vision. So close, come on, faster. Unable to hold her breath any longer, her lungs tried to breathe in the water and she lurched forward choking.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAo1RdmwDQr3
Keep going, week to give up so soon, move it! Unnamed screamed.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAcvfZKywhIL
Anything to make it shut up. She flailed at the reeds along the bank, pulled forward and forced her tired body to roll. Several kicks later she was clawing at the muddy bank and into the sand. Pulling in air until her lungs stopped screaming, the cool air helped push away the thick thoughts.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAUCfURcJJOB
A soft breeze blew and the clouds changed their cover, as a gentle rain fell it cooled the hot midday sun. She knew this was to change, as the leaves on the trees now all fallen, they yielded their fragile forms on the earth to the coming onslaught of the winter.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAgBx7c8j5eS
Stop stalling and get up. She whispered to the wind spirits her prayer. Her body shimmered and vibrated, while goose bumps ran up and down her arms. She took off in a sprint over the lake, down the pathway leading back to the town.
997Please respect copyright.PENANADuXRYn5si8
Running faster than ever had before, it was the only way to get back in time.
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Streaking back towards the town of Badger. Pushing hard each breath come out in wheezing gasps and a dull pain in the side of her chest. Come on, push faster.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAq3ZmvSVSTm
Hopefully, Maxwell hadn't taken his wrath out on them yet.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAkLDEHBFUFc
The sand covering the path burst aflame, turning it into glass as she streaked her way back to the town. Her leather boots smoldered they peeled back as they burned away.
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No time to worry about it, no time to think. Just run. The spirits had taken a smaller toll than usual it seemed.
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As she entered the town she whipped through the streets, around the houses straight the marketplace.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA7ZB9q8uXJu
Several hooded people jumped out of the way, she heard much yelling and crashing, along with a few less than polite words.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAaPYsFopouV
Where to go? She ran round a hill behind the marketplace. Her body was now using up its energy her legs wobbled.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAwTB0q57WTU
Running over to the right, she found a house on a large hill that felt like the right place to go.
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Unable to stop, she crashed through the doorway, splinters of wood scratched and cut into her shoulders. It didn't matter if it hurt, there was no stopping.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAEbd1tg67EN
Marryn slammed into someone inside who was standing near a long floating table. She tangled with him and they both broke through several walls in the house. At the last wall, she was able to roll off before they both broke through the back wall of the house.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAYTOUpwu8MZ
The blurriness started to go, and the person she slammed into had curly black hair. Maxwell.
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Maxwell walked up to her, standing close to her face, he leaned over and whispered in her ear: "This is just not your day," he said.
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Merryn tried to get up but still need more time for her body to mind her.
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"Where are my friends?"
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"You're proving difficult and I've had enough. I do see why he chose you though, your stores of energy are high. You have been most aggravating. The spirits favor you, and condemn you."
997Please respect copyright.PENANAoq7gobppQ3
He stood up and went to the stairwell.
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"Master the preparations are underway your stores will be accessible soon."
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Unnamed took over, her body stiffened.
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"Good. Hurry before the moon changes and find a male body, this one is inadequate."
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Maxwell nodded.
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Moving wasn't possible and unnamed wouldn't let her talk. To be made so helpless and small was too much she screeched at him in her mind.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAealMQ0jga1
Jason came down the stairwell to the right and rested a hand on the stairwell beside Maxwell.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA5xQDeKf9Yk
"Where ever you go I find you, be sure not to stray too far, or this day will be repeated, not just for you but for your friends too," said Maxwell.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAFrWH7vuK2I
Only, the sound of the door opening and closing told of them leaving.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA6OKDxN8oxU
Later that day when sunbeam from the window touched her feet did Unnamed relinquish control.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA9GhPndpJau
After searching for a while, she opened up the basement door and found them at the bottom of the stairs with several lumps on their heads, unconscious. kneeling down before them and shook their shoulders.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA40k7iTBmut
"Wake up. Hurry!"
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Her vision started to blur, she struggled to stay crouched upright.
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After a while, the men relaxed then sat upright. She smiled a little at Parcival. Glad he's alive.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAuShZzmATwQ
Her vision, blurred again, she felt a sharp snap inside and collapsed to the ground. The dull pain again from before ripped through. The blood as it streamed out of her mouth spread onto the floor, it was warm as it touched her cheek.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAvlM9jeygH8
Vessel you take me for granted, endure a little pain and remember if you live or die it is up to me not you. You are mine.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAOOwFUogGFp
I am no--
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I made you. I made everyone.
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The hell with y-
997Please respect copyright.PENANAxfh4aU9Fqq
Pain flooded her sides and legs, she squeezed her eyes shut, trying to break--
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I refuse to dull it this time. Next time have more care.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAtEFQrukcuU
Parcival crawled over to her.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAB9nrEKzYeA
"Marryn! What did you do?"
997Please respect copyright.PENANA512bf0IYGX
She opened her eyes, the blurriness had gone down some. The pain, it was impossible to talk, let alone think. The edge of death ... so easy .. to give up.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAUBxlbah4Cy
Han came over and looked over her. He turned towards Parcival.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAX6VgD6ISpA
"I can't do much right now it's just too soon."
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Parcival whispered something.
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"Hey, Parcival?"
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She groaned. Her eyes even hurt, she closed them and rode the waves of pain.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAvDj26T0hzH
Parcival picked her up and carried her. She partially opened an eye. Maybe not ... so ... easy. Then closed it again.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAj2WRP77noa
Outside the house, she opened her eyes again. He carried her the stables and climbed on his horse. Han jumped up and sat near its tail. He held her upright on his chest with an arm. The steed's hooves clopped in a muted way and a blurriness overtook her eyes. shady figures come to her side as they moved.
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She grunted. Parcival turned the horse. She heard a clang of metal and several thumps, along with screams of pain.
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There was some yelling, the beast reared, a whinny in pain. Poor horse, damnable people. There was a tinkering of broken glass.
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"Come on Han, this way," Parcival said.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAqvYioTuJM4
She felt them going again, the clip-clop of the hooves and his body relaxed.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAkWMVZNVzSJ
Clank of steel, and a snap of a buckle. We must be out of town. Strange that I haven't passed out yet, hells, I should be dead. She closed her eyes resting.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAbb9QrHECuF
Parcival took them back the way they came, a few hours later she could see what she assumed was trees. Good the forest lots of places to hide.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAS8bNDdgFcj
Parcival patted her face several times, "Merryn, come on wake up, please? Can't you try healing her again Han?"
997Please respect copyright.PENANA3jZAX6KQRW
She huffed at him, though her nose, "Awake," the rest of the words were too slurred.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA1B0BzkfVyB
Parcival pushed her further upright. She hissed and twitched as he had pushed too hard on her sides.
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"Sorry," he said.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAYOJncW8ZUU
"Nuuuh."
997Please respect copyright.PENANAgZ5XUH9rwX
Han sighed, "I've already used my strongest healing magic on her. I can only heal her so much for this day."
997Please respect copyright.PENANAbIoLJYngpB
"I don't know what to do. What can I do?"
997Please respect copyright.PENANAwMfDEpjzfl
He adjusted her in his arms. She wanted to move, she tried to move, She just needed rest ... like for a year. She shivered.
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He yelled several curses, that the horse nickered, its hooves clopped a couple of times.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAhGL4bXK8Tc
"I'll go and make her a potion."
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Parcival laid her down, after a while she could smell smoke. Must be a campfire.
997Please respect copyright.PENANACRLNM81Rmm
A voice in her ear said, "I'll be back soon."
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His footsteps crunched and then faded. She passed out a few times and fought to stay awake.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA9mH1axbhlZ
The god she realized had been trying to keep her alive all this time. As some feeling had come back to her, she could feel the vines spreading and pushing under her clothing towards her injured areas.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAiuOMnP80V7
She didn't want to think about if it was inside her body. The thought of it was too much. Inside her chest, her skull. Stop it!
997Please respect copyright.PENANAIcPPgY3CEc
No idea how long a time passed before she heard the forest floor being disturbed by footsteps. Small sounds clank of metal.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAFjMlAE2Scd
Then later on the smell of something cooking that was so foul she wished she could turn her head away.
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"That stinks worse than a young one's britches!"
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"Good, it should be effective," Parcival said, In a flat voice.
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He sounds tired.
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Whatever he was cooking started to bubble, and pop. Then after an even longer time a pouring.
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"That's an interesting healing potion you have there Parcival."
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"Yes, it's a special one, just for Merryn."
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it smells wrong. She felt his hand tilt her head back. His touch was cold and sent shivers up and down her back. She started to panic and tried to move away, but couldn't. Get away from me!
997Please respect copyright.PENANA6cti1Ny0Kx
"Gerr-uurg!"
997Please respect copyright.PENANAhF6K0bsVO6
An oily black syrup touched her lips. The fumes from the syrup stung her eyes. What is this stuff? Her lips tingled. She managed to spit it out a little.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAmEjvEdwWCE
"Swallow it," Parcival said, his voice had a rough hollowness to it.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAkQmtzgn5hk
There was the running of footfalls to the right of her.
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"Put her down!"
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She heard a thump, and a crash with what she assumed was something breaking. Then there was a low sizzling and the smell of wood burning.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAoC3J4xjwC6
He put her head down, there were a few footfalls near her. Parcival, why was he hissing?
997Please respect copyright.PENANA06xNgLRvWa
Soft padded footsteps near her. A ring of a weapon drawn.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAx76nRPn2IA
"I warn you, I'm in no mood for games!" Han said.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAccvz4CviXt
A slashing the air around her. She opened her eyes. Still to blurry, several showed forms fighting. The two tallest stashed at each other. The one nearest the forest jumped back out of sight.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA7KDeIpDWwI
"What the freck's is going on?"
997Please respect copyright.PENANARHuE2LfLoK
His small form moved closer with his saber drawn.
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"Help me blast it!"
997Please respect copyright.PENANAFSu0PaMALh
One of the tall men stabbed the other through his midsection.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAzYiIr1fLeV
Parcival!
997Please respect copyright.PENANA0mDZ03r9Nr
Nothing would move not her fingers, nor feet. There was nothing she could do when the heartless man thrust the sword in even deeper up to its hilt, and the sword stuck out of his back.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAkqaUh9zblF
She started to sob when a tinned screech made the hairs on her arms stand straight up. She blinked back the tears. Men don't screech.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAsM339yZDmW
Some color came back and she could see a thick blood as it oozed down the blade and dripped onto the ground. The grass smoked and wilted.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAWfWRsOaO6P
No! My friends, no ...
997Please respect copyright.PENANAKB48FGifNy
Give me full control and I'll save them.
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Not this again. Ignoring you.
997Please respect copyright.PENANANjT982vR2C
Then watch them die.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA3VVpbNzRtF
The injured man hissed with venom in the other man's face.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA2fFpMTbQWb
"Ugg what is this thing?" Han said.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAxr71Cb9q9t
"I don't know, step back."
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Ha. You lie.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAp0xMJa39zi
The annoying tears started again at hearing his voice. Stupid man, making me worry about you.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAuVvqPflx1N
Whatever it was let out a wailing noise as it pulled the sword out. It staggered and come over towards her. The man landed onto the ground in front of her with a thud.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAotrdRSUNfd
It turned its face towards her. Parcival? She wanted to scream, his eyes were black and empty and his mouth deformed, filled with sharp pointed teeth. Her heart slammed into her chest, and her breathing became rapid. No!
997Please respect copyright.PENANAXjk32NrAOi
Yes. Give me control now before he dies!
997Please respect copyright.PENANA1Ag7KzHgDj
"Disgusting!"
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The other man said, he came over to her and kneeled down. She was afraid to lo look and squeezed her eyes shut, this was far too confusing she didn't know if it was him or not.
997Please respect copyright.PENANArpzwTrKFt3
"Hey, it's okay."
997Please respect copyright.PENANAc7PA7xaWXK
He laid a hand on her shoulder. She opened one eye. How do I know it's really him?
997Please respect copyright.PENANABY4PJlEJoz
You don't. Have fun watching them die the creature doesn't die easily.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAtNzGHrBVjG
Freck off!
997Please respect copyright.PENANAmiLStFIS8g
"Help me with her. Good thing I decided to make this while out in the forest. That is why I took so long."
997Please respect copyright.PENANAyj2HAEJlt5
It had to be him. Right?
997Please respect copyright.PENANAvhA4Nzduyp
A soft padding of feet and furry hands held her head in his lap. Han. He tilted her head back. She managed to turn her head to the side.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA6bkPmw9s0u
"It's okay."
997Please respect copyright.PENANAZXOKCrQRv8
Han tilted her head back again and smoothed her hair.
997Please respect copyright.PENANACWri4JD2I6
Huh, is it that bad that he's being comforting?
997Please respect copyright.PENANAeuYHcUdI2u
Han held Merryn's head in his lap and tilted it back. Parcival scooted closer and poured something into her mouth, it was thin and sweet.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAYv6qbZGUKw
"Pink?" Han chuckled.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAQyQXDMK2z7
"Yes pink, the flowers on the plant I need were pink ..."
997Please respect copyright.PENANA90eFLaR6IH
Must be him. She relaxed a touch-most of her body was still in pain. So far when trying to speak the pain made it so only a moan came out. Am glad he's alive.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAzt1YvFgTE5
"Ahh, that is the stuff for sure," said Han.
997Please respect copyright.PENANABDrupc4wGw
She wondered what he meant by that. A tingling sensation started on her scalp and worked down over her face and down to the rest of her body. She blinked, colors came back in full, and the blurriness was gone. The pain in her chest lighted and she took in a deep breath. Yes, much better.
997Please respect copyright.PENANANfHsNvtAhS
A croaking sound came from her was she tried to speak again. She coughed and spat another mouthful of blood onto the ground.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAzMuQpKrvoC
"I thought you were gone," she said.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAfopXjEODpM
She had a hard time looking at Parcival. She resisted an impulse to bolt up and hug him. Heat rose into her cheeks and she looked down to the ground, unsure what to do with herself.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAF6CQSGyk06
The last time ... You're not, you're just grateful now snap out of it. She shook her head and squared her shoulders, before sitting up.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAcIUAKIDa0Z
The mind said one thing, the heart another. She sat up took one look at his worried face and all of the pep talk melted away. She pounced on him and held him tight.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA8adm3A0nFs
Parcival startled, but then wrapped his arms around her.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAtYbuOVFwW4
"I won't leave you, Merry." His breath warm on her cheek.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAxtpTKHoaLP
Have heard that before, he meant it too. It was unsettling how much they were alike at times.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAPVWF1GsCfp
"You need to leave." She broke free of his embrace turning away.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAiUpferUxzr
"Then give it back." His voice was thick and edged.
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She bit the inside of a cheek.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAwGlVr0yChc
Unnamed is right about one thing. The longer they stay with me the sooner they'll die. Death works though me. He'll die, the longer he's around me the more likely it'll happen. And that is unforgivable. Never again, I can't bare it.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAIm0vOoIjnO
No tears came this time. She fought them back; eyes burning.
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Make him leave. Do it.
997Please respect copyright.PENANAQ18fnjaw5u
The cloth fell from the flower as it spun to the ground.
997Please respect copyright.PENANA7KDyIsNXT0
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