Before The Fall: Sign Up & Discussion.
“Dixitque Deus fiat lux et facta est lux.” And God said: Be light made. And light was made. The voice was spoken with a hushed, respectful tone. A man’s form could be seen kneeling before a stained-glass window, palms pressed together in prayer. With a soft sigh, the man rose up, feebly, to his feet. His hands were separated, and he held them behind his back. Pale, amber eyes gazed at the outside view, so beautiful and vibrant due to the stained glass that filtered God’s light. This was the world as Jehona Cavea had always seen it…beautiful and precious, for this was the new Eden, finely crafted by God’s own nurturing hands. Jehona picked up his leather-bound bible, and tucked it under his arm with a tender gentleness. For a religious man, God’s Book is not only your faith, your guidance, your hope…but the object of your affection. The holy men and women that are showered in God’s light and uphold his teachings…are forbidden from committing carnal sins. The only pleasure they were to know was the satisfaction of passing on God’s word…and serving Him.

Jehona Cavea was one of the chosen Cardinals of Sanctus, a most wise and holy man. Many looked up to him, and respected him as a pious and kind-hearted Cardinal. Every day he had devoted himself to hours of scripture, translating word-for-word every perfectly composed sentence in their oldest Bible: the Latin version. Jehona felt that the most modern translation had misinterpreted some of those words, and so he took it upon himself to translate it properly, so that a new and proper translation of the Good Book could be published for the masses.

Leviticus, was Jehona’s partnered Cardinal within Sanctus, a man who also remained under God’s loving glow. Yet, Leviticus was a much more stern and strict individual, who proved his faith with his suffering. He believed that the only way for to show the Lord his diligence and loyalty, was to whip and harm himself, to cleanse his body and make it pure once more. God was all he needed to ease the pain and heal his wounds.

He believed that Jehona was incapable of proving to God just how ‘loyal’ he was to Him, and felt he was not a competent Cardinal. Jehona always viewed the world as so perfect, so beautiful…because it was all he had ever known. Leviticus on the other hand, knew that Eden was wholly perfect. He was born in Exitus, the level under the religious teachings of The Church of the End. It was a vile, disgusting, and violent place. Leviticus was forced to witness things that shaped him into the religious man he is today. He felt that the only way for Jehona to prove his loyalty to God, was to show him the darkness that existed in the world.

One day, Leviticus convinced Jehona to accompany him to Exitus, so that they could act as Missionaries, and spread the word of God to those corrupted and lost souls. Jehona was quick to accept the offer, a decision that would also decide his fate.

Once the duo were allowed to enter Exitus, they were immediately greeted by a fowl stench, and the view of a dark, and gloomy place. Jehona quickly pressed his hands together in prayer. “Et vidit Deus lucem quod esset bona et divisit lucem ac tenebras.” And God saw the light, that it was good; and he divided the light from the darkness. Exitus…was the darkness. Jehona and Leviticus stuck out amongst their surroundings, appearing like Angels, untouched and pure. These were not beings that were welcome within Exitus, and it took only a few days…before they were apprehended by devout followers of the Church of the End. The Church of the End thrived on death and violence, and decided that they would teach these ‘mercenaries’ that the ‘right way’ was the ‘wrong way.’ Leviticus was chained to a wall, while Jehona was tied to a chair facing him, his torso and legs bound, but his hands free…to tightly grip his holy book.

The followers began to torture Leviticus, who, at first…remained silent. His body had suffered much harsher punishment than this. Jehona, on the other hand, was utterly horrified, he struggled against his bindings as he saw the first thin river of blood run down Leviticus’ body. One of the followers turned to Jehona with a snear, and spoke to him. “Holy-boy, I want you to read that pretty little book of your's, while you remain sittin' there in your pretty little clothes, witnessin' your partner's pain.” With that said, the man returned to his ‘other business,’ and returned to tearing up Leviticus’ flesh with various items; nails, sharp blades, broken glass, whips, and even more.

Jehona shook in his chair, his hands shakily turning the pages of his holy book. Leviticus was beginning to moan in response to the follower’s assaults upon his body. He may have been able to endure a fair amount of pain…but he was approaching his breaking point. Jehona’s voice, shakily began to read the words within his book. “Qui percusserit hominem volens occidere morte moriatur.” He that striketh a man with a will to kill him, shall be put to death. Such fitting words for a time such as this. Leviticus’ cries became louder. All Jehona could do to remain sane, was to continue reading, his voice increasing in volume…higher and higher until those loud Latin words were overpowering the screams of his partner. “Si quis de industria occiderit proximum suum et per insidias ab altari meo evelles eum ut moriatur.” If a man kill his neighbour on set purpose, and by lying in wait for him: thou shalt take him away from my altar so that he may die. One of the followers, whose face was speckled with Leviticus’ blood, turned back to the Cardinal, and loomed over him. “…That first sentence. I've heard it before. Translate that fancy-talk for me. Now."

Jehona refused to look at the darkness, he refused to look at the man that was responsible for causing his friend so much agony. He shook his head, and received a blow…as the man’s fist connected with Jehona’s jaw, coupled with enough force to knock the chair over onto its side. The man then walked over to the barely conscious Leviticus, and snatched up one of the knives, grabbing Leviticus’ left hand and placing the blade at the base of his index finger. “Translate it!” Jehona’s eyes were welling up, as terror began to finally sink into him. His throat was dry, and he swore that he was unable to breath. “…..” He tried to speak, but couldn’t…only silence came from his mouth. As such, the man severed Leviticus’ finger, causing him to shriek and writhe against his chain-restraints. Jehona was overcome...and frozen with fear! Yet his voice found the courage to be heard.

“….He that striketh a man with a will to kill him, shall be put to death…” The follower, bloody-blade in hand, looked at Jehona, before finding himself within a fit of laughter. “Why didn’t you just say that earlier, Cardinal?! Death is what we worship here…how ironic that God wishes to grant us what we desire most…as a reward for taking the life of another!” The man motioned for the surrounding men to finish Leviticus off, and Jehona, unable to find his voice, was screaming in his mind…but nothing came out audibly. Leviticus was stabbed repeatedly, until his body had ceased movement.

Jehona was freed, and fled back to Sanctus, to pray to God for forgiveness…forgiveness for being responsible for the death of his fellow Cardinal. But forgiveness would not be granted to the ‘incompetent Cardinal.’ From that day onward, Jehona Cavea’s life became a downward spiral into the darkness…


Involved: NPC Characters.

It was proud and powerful being backed by the voices that soared on the breeze as it drifted by. Vocals were strong; posture was perfected and concentration was flawless. Pale and slender fingers plucked at acoustic guitar strings with precision and care for every note to echo out; every word flowed from her lips to the breeze, letting her song be carried throughout Sanctus for all to hear.

Long legs dangled over the edge of Templum’s main entrance adorned in white leather and matched by the harmonious clicking of belted leather boots in the same hue. Silver bangles chimed and danced along the skin of her waist as she sat, strumming her guitar lightly. Her eyes were closed while an expression of nostalgia was etched across her pale face. The song seemed to envelope her completely and one could only hear the emotion being poured out through her words. It was if she were singing a story; writing out lyrics in place of memory to make the pain easier to accept.

The story she began sang of a girl wishing that her love would return to her as the months had become cold and it seemed all too long that he’d been gone. Feelings she’d never exposed before were being expressed, as she could only reminisce about the time they’d spent together before he had moved forward with his life. Sorrow was evident in her voice as she wondered if he had ever felt the same as she had. From the first time she had spotted him; she knew her life had begun then and there. It took only time for her to miss everything about him, his laugh, his smile, and so much more that she could not manage to speak of when he was around. Every moment that passed seemed like an eternity and she continued to reminisce; wishing he was there.

Mid-day arose and the sound of the Grand Spire’s bell tolled loudly above her; finishing her tune she set her guitar to the side, opening her eyes, and looked up to see a swarm of beautiful birds replying to the bell’s voice, a smile curving its way onto her lips. She put aside her song for the time being and clasped her hands tightly around the edge of Templum’s entrance, staring down at the few people who came through to seek answers and guidance at times. Pushing herself forward, her arms reached upwards above her head and she let out a heavy sigh as she indulged in a more than deeply needed stretch. It wasn’t early but she knew the day would be filled with tiring business as the other Cardinals of Eden were soon to arrive.

Her hands came down and clasped them selves upon her lap; silver bracelets dancing upon her wrists as they began to settle into rest. Her gaze of cold-steel scanned across the country-side and up into the sky, she was thankful for Sanctus’ beauty, its advances, but most of all for the gifts the Gods had adorned unto her and the responsibility she took up for them in return. Long, wavy white hair was curled up in a messy bun but folded neatly downwards being caught in the quickness of a breeze as it swept by again; the curls licked lightly at her face, like falling feathers and she giggled to herself before looking down at Templum’s entrance, awaiting the time when the others would arrive.

“Now Frejya,” she began to herself, “just breathe.”

((OOC: URL for the song Frejya is singing as her own. It's called "Wish You Were Here" by Blackmore Night or Within Temptation http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ei1KaNKksbc ))

The midday sun gleamed through the wispy clouds, shining upon Eden, the last settlement of mankind. From the sky, Eden was a titanic, sprawling metropolis, with several city levels. On the top of a large plateau, at the uppermost level of the main city, the mostly neo-classical architecture of Patris stood out marvellously. Most of its districts were obviously laid out in an orderly manner, with a rather uniform style. Many lush, green gardens surrounded the city districts, with trees of varying sizes, and several clear lakes, which beautifully reflected the sun. The western side of Patris seemed to have fewer, less densely populated settlements than the Eastern side, most significantly, the South-East. Nothing could compare to the evidently important buildings of the Trinity area.

However, what dominated the sky view even more, was the floating island of Sanctus, and the huge spire of Templum. High above Trinity's greatest towers, its beauty and magnificence stood out above all else.

Romaro Von Kaizen, Cardinal of Patris, admired the view as his air shuttle approached Sanctus. Apart from the pilot and a formally dressed Lieutenant, who would never speak to a cardinal unless spoken to, he was alone in his private aircraft.

Romaro reflected on the week's happenings, taking it all into perspective. He enjoyed the solace of shuttle journeys, even if they were a little noisy.
One could look upon the world and think deeply. All would fit into place, as it were.

Five minutes later, there was a clunk as the shuttle docked in a hangar. There was only one other craft present, but this wasn't the only docking bay. Romaro steadily got to his feet, and glanced at the young lieutenant.

"Now, you know your duties, do you not?"

The man nodded. "Yes. Official business."

"Good. Lord be with you. And thank you, pilot. You are free to look around Sanctus, with the strict exception of Templum, but be ready for my return," Romaro added with a stern, patriarchal tone.

Although there were at least two methods of reaching Sanctus, Romaro had decided to take a shuttle rather than teleport there.

With that, Romaro headed for the main gate of Sanctus, a short walk from the hangar, and it opened instantly. "My two companions may pass, as well." The cardinal walked through the beautifully adorned passageway in admiration, as he always did.

Up ahead, the main town of Sanctus was quiet, most of its inhabitants would be eating lunch. As Romaro walked closer, along a bridge, the bell of Templum rang out. It would not be long until the meeting, and there would probably be a feast afterwards. Out of all the pleasures in life, holy and unholy, Romaro did not view feasts and mild gluttony as sinful. Food for the stomach, food for the soul.

Time to get down to business, Romaro mused.

Caleb walked down the long street that would take him to his familys store, the store had beeN passed down from Pertith to Pertith. He twirled the keys on his fingers as he walked towards the store. Populus seemed to be bustling with people that very day. I should jog to the store today Caleb thought to himself. I'm in need of a good run. Caleb twirled his keys one last time then stuffed them into his pocket. he took a deep breath then bolted forward down the street. He loved the adrenaline of a good run. things passed by him in a fuzzy blur as he pumped his legs pushing his limits to the edge. It was a nice day that day. The sun brightly shined down warming Caleb's face. it was 9:50 AM, Caleb opened at 10:00 on a normal basis. The store was named "Pertith Goods" after the family. the goods store came into Caleb's view a minute later. he saw a citizen of Populus pushing a cart, they happened to be right in his path . a wide grin appeared on Caleb's face. Right as he was about to crash into the cart he jumped with all his might. He soared through the air wind ripped through his hair as he cleared the cart. His converses crashed down onto the street and he continued his run. he glanced back briefly to see the suprised cart owner looking at him gaping. Caleb flashed hm a grin then turned to look straight. the store was just up ahead. his lungs were burning.


Caleb tossed the keys onto the desk of the store and proceeded to the back of the store where the storage was located. it was about time to open up the store. he just had to check to make sure everything was in order and ready for the customers. everything checked in so it was time. Caleb walked over to the door and grabbed a sign that was next to it. he put a sign in the window, it read: OPEN. He then prepared for the customers.

One Hour Later...

Caleb paced back and forth. it was a slow day. slow days were always boring. He walked behind the counter and leaned on his elbows. Populus was swarming. and yet...no one was coming into the store. the store was always crowded. He needed some employees. Caleb frowned annoyed at himself for not thinking of that sooner. he took his elbows off the counter then walked into the back to emerge a minute later with a white blank sign. he took out a marker and wrote in large words: NOW HIRING. he picked up the sign and put it on the window opposite of the OPEN sign."Maybe that will attract some people" Chris muttered outloud to himself.


One Hour Later...

Caleb stood in the doorway of "Pertith Goods" he glared out the door not glaring at any one in specific. he sighed then walked back into the store. he walked over to the water dispenser took one of the cups put it where it needed to be then pushed the button. water flowed out into the cup filling it halfway. Caleb stopped putting preasure on the button thus stopping the water from coming out. he reached out and took the cup then brought it to his mouth. the water gushed out into his mouth relieving the thirst that had been choking him. he placed the cup down next to the dispenser then walked away to the counter. a picture of his mother and father. he picked it up then sighed. a strange glint appeared in his eyes and memories flooded back to him.


9 years ago...

12 year old Caleb ran down the street of his home town holding a bag full of food. he had a big smile on his face. his mother and father would be so proud of him for getting the food himself. he burst into the house."Mother,Father, I'm home!" Caleb called. he stopped in histracks. the bag of food dropped to the floor spilling its contents. Caleb's eyes grew huge and he shook. in front of him on the floor. Was his mother and father. they were in a pool of blood face down on the floor.They were dead.A man stood behind their dead bodies. he was wearing a black cloak and his face seemed to have been scarred. "Hate" the man said.

"Wha-What?" asked a horrified Caleb."Hate" the man repeated."Hate me", hate life,hate love".
"I dont understand" Caleb said as tears flowed."Come after me when your older" the man had said."give into your lust for revenge". the man then rushed forward striking Caleb on the head. Caleb then blacked out and that was all he remembered...

End Flashback-

Caleb put the picture down on the counter. If he ever found that man...



I hope that was a good first post ^^.


Involved: Caleb Pertith.

Hadrian leaned his face into his outstretched palm. Things were not going as well as he had hoped. The chair he sat upon creaked with anxiety, his hands gripped the armrests tightly.

" If the energy reactions inside the Servitors cease, Your Eminence ... "

" I know what happens. Just see what you can do about it. " He brought his hand down on his lap. A smile crossed his lips. Whether fake or real, the engineer did not know. " I'll pass by later. " Hadrian stood up and walked towards the door, which opened noiselessly into the hallway.

" As you wish, Your Eminence. " His boots clicked against the floor as he stepped into the main road of Sanctus residential area. The people would stare, others would wave, and many would smile and nod at him. Hadrian did his best to meet all their eyes, nodding as he walked towards the ornate Portalsphere all by itself.

The Portalsphere was housed in a small temple of sorts, the globe of crystal-clear liquid was suspended by the ornately decorated post, no taller than Hadrian's chest. He stretched his hand out and placed a hand to the sphere. The globe gently rippled and a droning sound issued forth from the sphere.

At first it felt like a suction, then a pulling motion. Hadrian could not breathe for a couple of seconds. The portalsphere on the other side, the promenade leading towards Templum, droned and sprang to life, depositing him on the other side. I always hate that. The columns lined the promenade in stunning fashion, the sun reflected off the alabaster white columns before the wonderful gate of Sanctus.