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320.857143	2024-01-22	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Wisteria, Witch of Flames", "message": "The fire mage sighed, watching as the group was finally ushered somewhere where they could catch their breath. After what they dealt with the, it seemed like a gift from the gods with how the priestess seemed to react. Already rushing to rest her body after having a near death experience or two.\n\nWisteria? She just took a moment to stretch, an eye staring at the few elven soldiers watching them before disappearing somewhere. Probably to make a report of this strange group that had caused a fire and fought one of their greatest enemies.\n\n\"I don't suppose we're allowed to walk out of here if we get bored?\" Wisteria asked, turning to raise a brow to Regulus. The tone was hard to pick up on. A joke, being serious or just testing the nerves of their honorable captors. \n\nEven if these warriors had good intentions, Wisteria didn't enjoy being locked up. Even if it was in a pretty cage with wine and ornate furniture." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis sighed and picked up the shield and staff, gently propping them against the wall. Then he took some blankets and pulled them over the priestess, stroking her hair once before straightening up. He strode across the room and sat in one of the large comfortable chairs, leaning his head back against the wall. \n\n- - - - - - \n\n```Regulus: Well this is a keep under the charge of the Czar of Velaris, blessed be his name, Cullen Stellae. I suppose I can't just let you walk around anywhere but if you wanted to leave I don't have orders to stop you, or if you wanted a tour I could take you.``` \n\nThe dark haired elf said, looking at Wisteria thoughtfully a moment before stepping back. \n\n``` Regulus: If you need anything I'll be in the hall. ``` \n\nHe gave her a warm smile before closing the door to leave them in privacy. \n\n- - - - - \n\n\"I'm going to get some rest Wisteria, I know you have lots of questions. I have some of my own, but I'm still recovering from a wound. Keep an eye out, hm?\" He asked, and then he closed his eyes, though not after gazing at her for a long moment. He was asleep rather quickly, amazingly quickly in fact. Healing magic was incredible but it held a terrible drain on the body's stamina. \n\n\n\n- - - - - \n\nSome hours later if there were no interruptions from Wisteria, there was a knock at the door and Regulus would step in. \n\n``` Commander Brightblade is ready to speak with you three.``` He said and there was a note of caution in his normally cheery voice. Noctis caught it instantly and raised an eyebrow. \n\n\"Let me guess, no bodies were found in the tavern.\" Noctis said dryly, and the elf glanced at him nervously. \n\n```Regulus: No bodies were found at all, actually. Please, we should go right away.``` He said with a note of urgency, glancing nervously down the hallway." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As hours passed and time went on, the devotee was in a deep slumber. Gaining a hard lesson on preserving your energy for unexpected events and troubles, to solely count on her magic could have easily been a weakness. A lot of guilt bleed her mind, regret on her choices and actions as she believed that more lives could have been saved if she was wiser. However, such feelings were considered sin and the devotee knew better than to drown herself in her woes. Sleeping for hours and regaining some strength, resting her body and mind. She slept like a dead body, unmoving and motionless. Only her breathing made her appear alive. No dreams were made underneath her shut eyes, only a blank slumber.\n\nAlmonde awakened an hour before Regulus stepped in, simply laying down and slowly waking up. Stepping in and out of being awake to sleeping again, before a sudden knock snapped her back awake. Rising from the bed, she listened to the elf speak. Tidying up her clothing and helmat, straps were torn or broken. She expressed a look of disappointment and dread, finding it impossible that any evidence of the bodies were gone. Pondering and putting herself in the shoes of these thieves.\n\n```\"Understood, I can only hope the Commander is a man of words and ears.\"```\n\nShe spoke with a tired tone, taking a moment to eat the fruits and bread that were placed in their room. The devotee began to ready herself for an explanation. Evidence maybe gone, but surely there something to be found. They were witnesses. Perhaps the vampires took the opportunity to hide their tracks, out of fear of their misstep. Almonde had their trinkets, details and such. The woman stood up, ready to use her words and wisdom to speak to the Commander. Brushing off ashes and dust off her person, the woman was eager to get moving.\n\n```\"Lead the way, I'm ready when everyone else is.\"```" }, { "author": "Wisteria, Witch of Flames", "message": "\"No bodies, huh?\"\n\nShe wasn't surprised. The dragon had seen many things in her time walking Aeterna. The world and its denizens did whatever it took to accomplish their goals. And for those such as these Black Nights, they surely had every good reason to not let anyone know of their activities or get in their way.\n\nDisposing of a body or two was child's play.\n\nThey weren't going to make pursuit any easier; that was for sure.\n\nShrugging, the fire mage shifted from her spot where she leaned on the wall, walking over to the poor soldier that had to tell them the bad news. The elf looked as if he was sweating knives from his very skin with the expression he held. He was nervous.\n\nJust how bad was this situation? Noctis still had explaining to do.\n\n\"I'll follow. Sooner we get to this, sooner we find these Black Nights. I'd like some more payback for the fight from earlier.\"" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis' grey eyes remained steady on the elf as he watched him, then he nodded nonchalantly. He watched Almonde get ready and eat, and took a finely polished walking stick from a stand near the front door. As soon as the trio was ready he led them through the halls. Twisting right and left, he continued to walk steadily until he froze. The head of Noctis' walking stick, which upon further inspection was actually a cane with a dragonturtles head carved on top. \n\n\"Does the Commander usually speak with guests in the kitchens?\" He asked softly, dangerously. The elf swallowed and turned to look over his shoulder at them, then behind them. \n\n```Regulus: The Commander is convinced that you're the Black Nights. You'll be arrested the moment you walk in- I was to bring you in without warning, but the keep has eyes in all its servants. If I said anything there we'd be swarmed by the Silver Regalia within moments. Now you can follow me or go back.``` \n\nHe said the last bit fiercely, he wasn't cowardly, just not stupid. It seemed he was going against orders- but the question was why? Still stopping him to ask might mean they find trouble, if it even exists. \n\nNoctis looked to Wisteria and Almonde, sighing, he removed his cane and prodded the elf forward, following after him. It seemed the fallen demigod had made his choice, but what of the other two?" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the followed the elf into what seemed to be the kitchens, Noctis asked a seemingly innocent question to Almonde. Perhaps the Commander was in a rush for breakfast or lunch, maybe he had some fine wine to share. But as Regulus spoke his answer, the words began to show their weight. Almonde wasn't sure at first, she pondered for a moment. Perhaps it would be easier to claim the trio were the Black Nights and enjoy a false victory, as the leader passed the blame. The captain always showed what kind of leaders the elves possessed. Even if the devotee used her words well and spoke with logic, a tyrant didn't need excuses. As the tale of the chicken and the cock went. But, she wondered why Regulus would take such a risk, was he sick of the terrible leaders? Was there corruption involved or perhaps the leaders of the army were simply fools that fail to see the bigger picture.\n\n```\"Then lead the way. Something tells me that I can trust you, Regulus.\"```\n\nShe spoke briefly and quickly, her tone was calm and careful. If he wanted them dead, poison or anything else could have been easier. Her gut feeling wasn't ring with dangers, the man sounded as if his heart was racing. A man of his rank surely had a lot to lose and risk, especially with people like the Captain. Perhaps the Commander was worse, more irrational and unwise. If that was the case, no wonder the Black Nights hadn't been found. Regulus didn't seem to be a friend of the Black Night, especially on how he spoke of losing his friends over them. She placed her bets on trusting him for now.\n\n```\"Let's trust him. He's the kindest souls we've met so far here.\"```\n\nShe said as her head turned to Wisteria and Noctis, a wide smile on her face as a nervous laugh escaped her lips." }, { "author": "Wisteria, Witch of Flames", "message": "The dark-haired woman shrugged, listening to the elf try to explain what was to come next. She couldn't help but let out a scoff at the idea. Their commander thinks a little group of humans (well, supposed humans considering what she was), were the great and terrible group of criminals that had been plaguing them for so long?\n\n\"It sounds more like your commander is running out of options and looking for a scapegoat.\" The dragon woman spoke up, unafraid to insult the warrior. \"These Black Nights are supposedly powerful and known for secrecy. To suddenly be found out, the way we were too, seems illogical. It feels more like he's desperate and the situation just so happened to fix a problem for him.\" \n\nShe closed her eye, debating the best move. Go forward, get arrested. Maybe a fight ensues. Become enemies of Velaris. Not the best move. Especially for her case. But running made them look guilty. Or just more suspicious. They'd be chased after for who knew how long.\n\nThis wasn't what she was expecting to deal with when having to drag Noctis back.\n\n\"No rest for the wicked, huh?\" Wisteria mused, watching Noctis and Almonde make their choice. She looked to Noctis, giving him a short nod. \"If there's a fight, you sure you can handle it in your... State?\"" } ]	314	2,246
249.666667	2024-03-03	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Pride", "message": "It seemed as if by divine intervention alone that as Alcuin's mind was plagued by whispers ethereal and his body was overcome with shivers that made his teeth rattle- the door to the tavern was thrown open.\n\n\"*NEXT ROUNDS ON ME!!\" A voice cried out as multiple unarmed soldiers piled in, led by a figure in white and gold armor that seemed to glow with an aura of some unknown power. Cheers sounded all around the tavern at the deceleration of a free round of drinks, the music became livelier and folks began to dance- it seemed almost picturesque for the time. Pride, demigod of war and Magister Militum of the Empire, laughed loudest of all as he grabbed two drinks- chugging one within moments before setting the other down infront of Alcuin with a thud.\n\n\"Don't look so sour friend, drink with us, drown out your worries for a time.\" A large smile, simple and almost childish in nature crossed the already flushed face of the white lion of the Empire, his aura seeming to actually make an effect on Alcuin- a strange effect that seemed to instill courage, vigor, happiness and peace of mind- like the calming effects of the suns golden rays itself the demigod of war was pouring outwards his aura to better help the man who seems down on their luck." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin nearly jumped out of his skin at the crowd pouring into the tavern and the bright but booming voice that followed. His golden brown eyes clocked them all entering, getting their drinks, and it was dawning on him with mild horror that the biggest, shiniest one of them was coming right up to him. He was about to mutter something about watering plants and leave when he suddenly felt... Nothing. Not nothing in a bad way, but more like emptiness after feeling too full. He hadn't felt so Light* In over a month. He looked up at the man with big round eyes, almost like a tiny baby looks at their mother, full of adoration. He also hadn't seen someone quite so attractive in a long while, but then again, he also didn't pay a lot of attention; he still quickly looked away, grabbing the mug and downing it all in one go, some part of his brain aware he Should Feel nervous even though he Didn't. \n\nAfter two beers, his tan skin was looking a little flushed too. But he was certainly beyond elated that the only noise to deal with was that around him, and the beer wasn't the only thing leaving him feeling intoxcated. The crowd, the clamor, this bold stranger, were all making him feel more alive than... Maybe he had ever felt. For the first time in a while, he was able to flash his warm smile genuinely, \"I think I will! Though I'm not much at the drinking, and I don't want to pass out here.\" He laughed at the thought, a vision for once that was pleasant and not from some unknown entity, just his imagination. \"But I can't spend too much on drink!!\" He shook his head vigorously, also waggling a finger at the man, clearly already drunk. \"I'm getting ready to travel, and I'll need every penny.\" Speaking of which, he was feeling worlds better about leaving in this moment. What a great idea! What could possibly go wrong?" }, { "author": "chiren2178", "message": "If the demigod's aura hadn't pushed it all down so quickly, he might have recognized something familiar, reminiscent of an old friend, lurking deep behind Alcuin's eyes." } ]	284	749
408.333333	2024-03-20	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "With each sign of Pride's growing rage, Alcuin flinched, expecting for his now miserable life to be over. He didn't dare look up from the table he stared at; he was too scared, and honestly he'd rather it just all suddenly be over rather than see it coming. A distant, calm part of him spoke through the chaos in his mind, that maybe this was better. Maybe it was better to go out this way rather than cause trouble for others, rather than becoming an even bigger disappointment to his parents.\n\nThe healer had nearly found his terrified peace with it all, when he heard Pride speak falteringly. He looked up, chocolate eyes full of fear, to see the demigod coming closer. He heard the offer of help but still couldn't help flinching at his touch; it'd only been seconds ago he was threatening to erase him. \n\nAlcuin shuddered with the alleviation of his crowded mind. What was once drunkenness now just left him feeling...So exhausted. Though the peace washed over him, it felt different this time, now that he was aware it wouldn't last, wasn't real. \n\nWanting nothing more than to bolt and run until his legs couldn't carry him anymore but lacking the courage or energy to do so, he brushed Pride's hand off his shoulder. He spoke calmly though his words were anything but, even stuttering a little over it as he thought out loud, \"If... If you, a *Demigod* Have *That* Kind of reaction to whatever this is...\" He shook his head, laughing in a way somewhat eery compared to his calm tone and soft smile, \"It must be truly terrible. What hope do I have? I've been such a fool...\" He stood, feeling heavy in his bones. \"Well, I thank you for your help. Sorry to have troubled you so.\" He almost felt he should wait to be dismissed and didn't dare leave without being told he could." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "\"*There is always hope.\" Pride answered plainly, no room for questioning or denying his point, he spoke with the authority of the demigod of war.\n\n\"What you have communed with is a... A dark force, ancient and from the time when droves of demigods led legions across these lands. I recognize because I have seen it at its zenith.\" Pride rose to his full height and looked down at Alcuin. His mind, his powerful mind of strategy and tactic began to work at such speeds he thought of it All* In the time it took him to take a deep breath.\n\n\"*Do not be sorry, you did not do this with all the information required to know it's full scope- that much is clear, and it happens to us all.\"\n\nHis voice held a kindness and understanding that seemed so alien from the commanding and furious presence he embodied but a moment ago. Even as he reached into his powers and summed a small silver pendant and chain to his hand and held it out to Alcuin he harbored nothing but concern and conviction in his eyes and tone.\n\n\"Take this and wear it at* All *Times. It carries a small portion of my essence and it will keep the voices quieter than usual. Take it or leave it, it is up to you, but you can go. There is nothing that can be done at this time.\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Surprised at his words, Alcuin's attention snapped back to Pride. Between the aura and the demigod's authoritative tone, the young elf found the spark of hope in him that had nigh flickered out spark up once more. What followed wasn't promising, but at least it was an Answer. Part of him wanted desperately to believe that Pride was mistaken, but he knew better than that. And the information lined up with his experiences so far. \"Well, that's less than ideal... I'm surprised something dark would do something kind like save someone, but...\"* But obviously whatever, whoever it was didn't do it for free; they seemed to be calling in their due.\n\nAlcuin was truly touched at Pride's understanding, to the point of tears in his eyes. The rage and fury was what he had expected, from anyone really. It was nice to see that maybe that wasn't a point of no return. That maybe, supported by Pride's own thoughts, it wasn't entirely his fault.\n\nThe alchemist watched with awe as Pride summoned the necklace out of thin air, taking it delicately before putting it around his neck and tucking it in his shirt. It had been quite the ride, going from casual chat, to fearing for his life, to gratitude and awe. He saw and felt the immense power of the man in front of him. He tried not to think about how the power of whatever had hold of him must be similar.\n\nGiving Pride his warmest smile through his exhaustion, Alcuin gently took the hand still extended in gifting with both of his squeezing tightly for a brief moment. It was a sign of how extraordinary his gratitude and peacefulness were at the moment. Normally such a touch would cause him great discomfort. He spoke in soft tones as he bowed, \"I can't thank you enough for all this. And...\" Brows furrowed a moment before returning to his usual cheer, **\"I'll do my best to fight this, or... Make it work. I'll figure out something. I swear it. As much as in my power, anyway. It was great to meet you, I won't ever forget.\"\n\nHe chuckled, waving as he left to head home. What a strange thing... But then again, no stranger than his life had been lately. Fiddling with the chain of the necklace, he smiled. If nothing else, at least he could say he got a gift from a pretty boy." } ]	419	1,225
610.666667	2024-04-02	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Aspeth was happily indulging in her drink, chugging down tankard after tankard. A night of celebration across the realms if need be! She didn't care Where She ended up, so long as she couldn't remember how she even got there! The night was still young and she was wanting a few new adventures. A tinge of red was across her face. She had only just gotten started, but the heavy stuff was certainly working on her system. \"Oh, if you had met me sooner, then This Whole land wouldn't even exist!\" Loud snickers escaped her at the thoughts. The land would Not Be able to handle such chaos for long. Especially with the drinks in their systems. She could not wait to see what the night held, especially after the little fiasco with the convent they had found. If that was going to be anything to go off of, perhaps more than one night would be needed. A week then! A whole week of celebration! God\n\n.\n\"What's next?\" The question brought her laughter to a stop for a moment as she thought about just What They could do. She couldn't deny the fact that the only place to go was up for now. But she was Tired Of doing small things for the night. She wanted to do something that would be spoken of throughout the kingdoms, and she wanted it to be Stupid. Something that would go down in history as either a massive drunken mistake, or the greatest idea of all time. Unfortunately, the alcohol was causing her to struggle with ideas for a moment. \"I have no clue. There are plenty of things we could do.\" Her eyes took a moment to gaze around the tavern, curiosity inside of them as she tried to find someone interesting. A fresh mind would likely be better than either of their drunken ones. Fresh ideas in a sober mind. She just needed to make sure they weren't a dullard.\n\n\"Maybe... Someone new...\" A crew! A crew would be perfect for the night. Maybe a new ship or something else. Just as long as it wasn't a damned carriage. They were much too slow and bumpy for her. She despised those cramped moving prisons, and she had actually been to prison! Idly, she tossed some balls of illusory lights between her fingers, it distracted her from her thoughts and she completely lost her train of thought. \"What do you think?\"" }, { "author": "Cirara Nefeli", "message": "Cirara had already been drinking in the tavern, traveling around the realm alone had been tiring. She wanted to have a crew but didn't know where to find people, the only people she could think of were her two best friends but she had no idea if three was good enough for a crew and where they were. She signaled the bartender for another drink, he had been making a lot of money just from her so he didn't have any plans to stop the drinking. She had a very high tolerance, but no matter the tolerance the sheer amount of ales she had been drinking was enough to make a giant drunk. \n\nAs she sat there, swirling the remnants of her ale in the tankard, Cirara's mind drifted to the tales she had heard of legendary crews who traveled the realm, seeking adventure and treasure. She longed to be part of such a crew, to feel clouds on her face and the thrill of discovery in her bones. But finding the right companions was proving to be a difficult task. The tavern was filled with rough-looking sailors and mercenaries, but none seemed to possess the qualities she sought in potential crewmates. Finally, the bartender gave her more ale bringing her out of those thoughts and into other thoughts right away.\n \n\nThe tipsy pirate grabbed her new glass of ale, the magic pirate had just come back from the Riable Isles. She had a very successful time there, even taking her own bounty poster and pinning it in her quarters on her ship. The salty breeze, the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the thrill of the chase filled her memories while drinking her ale. She had faced off against some foes, outwitted cunning adversaries, and emerged victorious each time. So it was also a time for celebration while she was here, she would worry about making a crew later. As she finished that ale and ordered another, she had lost count long ago, the pirate heard a distinct laugh and shouting. This had brought a grin onto her face, she instantly shot up out of her barstool and scanned across the tavern trying to locate her best friends. \n\nFinally the Darkchild Archimage had spotted them, and made her way over to them. Ignoring the shouts of the bartender about payment. She stumbled over to the table of her friends, bumping into people and shoving them out of the way. She was on a mission to sit with her friends and surprise them. It had been too long since she had seen them. She surprised them by slamming her drink on the table with a large grin on her face, and stealing a chair out from under a fella sitting at a close-by table so she could sit. \n\n\"How are me favorite two friends? Mind I join ya's?\"\n\nHer celtic accent only seemed to thicken even more with her tipsyness, nearly impossible for most people to understand, besides her friends." }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "Hallie laughed along with Aspeth, barking out between the giggles, \"Oh most definitely, so perhaps it's better it took a while to reconnect. The poor Empire couldn't handle us!\" Her drunken mind swam with all the possible destruction they could've caused. She loved having a, literal, partner in crime. It was far more fun to make chaos with someone you enjoyed than to do so alone. While she hadn't exactly chosen to be on her previous crew, she had found her favorites and companions within it. The rougher times overshadowed many of those memories for her, being berated or punished by her captain, when she'd done nothing wrong; more often than not, she hadn't been brutal Enough For him, when her brand of brutal was rather already above average. Regardless, she did have some good times, even if they were few.\n\nThe pirate's mind wandered as her friend thought out loud. In a moment like this, of celebration after glorious bloody conquest, it was hard for her not to miss Elise. Her fellow vampire had been her first friend on that damned ship, showed her the ropes, later became her lover. As her giggles subsided, she fell silent a moment, staring into her mug, expression somewhat blank. There was zero regret in her dark heart for killing Elise. The woman had made her decision, siding with that bastard captain when Hallie only wanted out, and to take her with her. Swirling the ale left in her mug, she mused that Aspeth was really only missing a few of Elise's qualities. Both were bloodthirsty, wild, and beautiful. But Aspeth was rather religious and, well, a living mortal. It made things complicated for Hallie's plans, but not impossible.\n\nThe slam of a mug brought her out of her glum reverie, and she was about to turn to unleash hell when she saw that familiar grin. Throwing her nearly empty mug at random, it clattered behind the bar, as she excitedly hopped up and wrapped her arms around her friend, shaking her excitedly. Pulling back, she put both hands on both sides of Kee's face, planting an exaggerated kiss on her cheek before releasing her with a squeal, \"Kee!! You beautiful bitch! You're just in time!\" Plopping back down in her chair and waving down the irritated barkeep, she ordered another mug, muttering to him, \"Oh, don't act like you haven't had worse. You'll fucking survive. We're paying you, lighten up.\" Turning back to Aspeth, her wicked grin had returned and any traces of her moment of vulnerability had long passed, \"Why look for new when we have perfect right here?\"\n\nHallie gestured Kee closer, \"Hells, yes, please join! We're trying to plot mischief, *Significant* Mischief. We're celebrating a grand victory over some faithful scum, but all this energy has to go somewhere. Any ideas?\" She drawled out the words excitedly, gesturing wildly with her free hand. While the vampire had only recently found Aspeth again after many months, she and Kee almost seemed to run on a similar circuit at times. They'd worked several jobs together in the last handful of months, in addition to various robberies and other schemes they cooked up. She'd been impressed by Kee's ruthlessness, a trait that generally endeared others to her. With these two ladies, the night could only get better and better." } ]	590	1,832
470.75	2023-12-02	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the scent of rosemary grew closer, the devotee began to search for the source. Her open visor revealed a curious pair of blue eyes, as she saw the figure with a witch hat. It was rather easy to see that she didn't want trouble. But Almonde couldn't help herself by spacing out for a moment, remembering bard songs of witches in the deep forests and what wonders or horrors their potions could bring. She was brought back by the stranger's voice, slowly Almonde rose up to her feet while leaning on her staff.\n\n```\"Sister Almonde Jagger, traveled here for freelance work. Specifically, to assist a potion brewer in their search for a rare mushroom within the Merii caves. I suppose it wouldn't be a big leap to guess that you would be that potion brewer.\"```\n\nAlmonde said with a tone spoken through a smile, resting her weight over her staff. The young human began to wonder what the chances would be for another potion brewer to arrive at such a specific time and place. Her eyes kept a close gaze on the woman's books and satchel, more curious than cautious about what they hold. The devotee motion her hand over towards the campfire as she'd invite her employer to her humble campsite.\n\n```\"There's no mistake that you're my employer, although I wish I had time to send a raven on my description. Nonetheless, please make yourself at home. We may regain our strength for the day ahead, but I am sure you wish to exchange a few pleasantries and details. Would you care for some tea?\"```\n\nThe woman slowly sat back down, her tone calm and warm as the flames before her. Almonde tried her best to be professional and polite, as the woman before her seemed unsure and cautious. Reaching out, her hand would grab the pot of tea before pouring a new cup for her guest. Almonde hoped that she could confirm that this was in fact her employer, it would be incredibly awkward for it to not be the case. The devotee sat comfortably over a log, taking a moment to sip her warm tea." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Ah, I would indeed be your employer.\" The witch returns with a smile, extending out her hand in greetings.\n\nWaves of relief wash over her, anxiety cascading until she feels it no more. Travelers, good and bad often frequent the roads and wilds. Travelling at night is typically dangerous. Bandits bring trouble where the shdadows are cast, away from the mother moon's light. But a witch is not to be tampered with, especially one who knows her power and just how lethal they can be. Still, there is no need to dwell on dangerous what ifs since her contract is here and hospitable too.\n\n\"I do apologize for the delay. There was a small collapse on the road, so I had to bypass it.\" She explains as she nods in gratitude in the offering of the tea.\n\nShe knows not if she should request they seek the materials tonight or wait until the morning. Risking anyone is not in Esme's agenda. In fact, the more she can avoid it the better. Normally if it were just her alone, she would be able to weigh the risks of her own safety. But she isn't alone this time and she does not know exactly what Almonde is capable of. Of course she notices the staff, perhaps a druid or a famililar spell caster. Esme always admired those who could channel magic through objects so easily. Or perhaps it was quite the opposite. Nonetheless, there is a flashiness to a wand that a grimoire simply cannot achieve,\n\n\"You need not worry about the raven. It worked out in the end. Of course if you have any questions for me, feel free to ask them.\"\n\nSettling in, Esme gentle sets down her bag. The sound of glass clinging together can be heard paired with the sloshing of liquid. As she opens it, small vials of healing potions. Sealed with a single red ribbon and a star chain around the cork can be seen. A seller who equals herself an artist it seems. Past them are small snacks that she brought along with her on the journey. An asortment of nuts and dried fruit which she promptly offers to Almonde.\n\n\"Would you like any? Contracted or not, I do not prefer the term boss.\" Esme explains as she sees herself on equal level to the woman before her." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the distant coos of owls echoed between the thick brush, the steady sounds of crickets and the soft cracking of burning firewood filled the air. The devotee would reach out and shook the hand that was politely given to her. Her soft gaze would glance at the Potion maker's ears, confirming that she was not an elf. Much to Almonde's relief, she would listen carefully to her explanation on the extend of her trip.\n\nAlmonde's mind began to fill with plans and precautions, to endure the success of the quest as well as the safety of her employer. Carefully and gingerly, a cup of warm tea would be given to the witch's hands, the apple aroma with hints of honey and hay. The devotee listened carefully to what she had to share, although curious about the potion maker. All the potion makers that she met, although few, were always elderly people who spent their lives perfecting the art of potion making. This one particularly had a youthfulness which was oddly refreshing.\n\n```\"No need to apologize, but I appreciate it. And yes, I do have a few questions.\"```\n\nAlmonde answered with a calm and warm tone, her attention turn to the potion maker's clothing before glacing at the bag curiously. Upon the offer of savory nuts and dried fruit, the nun couldn't help herself. Softly nodding with a smile, finding her new company to be rather interesting and kind.\n.\n\n```\"I would, thank you. I'll remember that and treat you as a friend. But, I do have a few questions that have been eating away at me. First, what are you capable of in terms of defending yourself? The caves that we wish to head to, are considered the homeland of drows. They are not particularly friendly and could pose a threat. Not to mention what else we may encounter. Knowing what you can do and such, would give me a better idea of what to do if we get into a troubling situation. I don't intend to seek out a battle, but the homeland of the drows may lead to it. But, a small party of two would have a good chance at avoiding trouble. I'm sure.\"```\n\nThe young nun explained, asking her first question with a genuine tone. There was no judgment or hostile behind her words, concern and curiosity mixed in her voice. As a handful of nuts began to make their way to her lips, Almonde would enjoy the snack." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Well the hat is not just for show.\" Esme jests before extending out a hand and producing a great orb of magic.\n\nOf course she isn't going to rain down fireballs from the sky, reverse gravity and plane skip. That would not only be insane but overkill of a demonstration. Instead, she pulls out a dagger that she had sheathed within the garter that is locked around her right leg. Making a small incision, enough to produce a small bit of blood but to not end in disaster. She takes the hand alight in the weave, pressing it against the wound and instantly closing it. A simple healers trick but one extremely useful nonetheless.\n\n\"I am a witch, though I know the term is more acceptable now. I understand there are those who harbor rightful concerns of those with my title. As we do not train in colleges like higher born wizards do.\"\n\nGiving the cup a soft blow to release some of the steam. Esme takes her first sip, closing her eyes and allowing the tea to warm her core. It is rejuvenating and well appreciated after such a long deal of travel. With a smile pressed acrossed her face. She takes a secondary sip before continuing, as if not wanting to miss a second of the well brewed drink that serves to give her aching bones a bit of rest.\n\n\"I am diplomatic but our safety comes first. I have done a bit of scrying in advance on the future of our endeavors and any troubles we may come across with be handled swiftly and most importantly, ethically. Though I would wish it not to get to that point, I have no quarrel with any drow.\"\n\nHer hope is that they can avoid the Drow all together. They are ultimately intruders on their land. So a fight would likely be unjust and just add further strife between the under elves and those who dwell outside of caverns. Esme holds no ill will towards them, their distrust and aggression is warrented. Especially giving their history even if their kind is not always moral. But it is not her place to judge culture. Only to go in, retrieve the herbs and return." } ]	467	1,883
453	2023-12-03	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As Esme produced q great orb of magic from her finger tips, Almonde went silent as she'd curiously watch her. Pulling out the dagger was slightly concerning but she trusted that the woman knew what she was doing. A smile grew on her face as the wound began to close, listening with a lit up expression.\n\n```\"Interesting, can't say I've met a witch in person before. I have heard about those who share in your title, but I doubt you'll eat babies especially with a bag full of nuts and fruit. I jest.\"```\n\nThe devotee said in a joking manner, clearly influenced by easy air that this woman gave. A witch, she couldn't say that she was surprised. The hat being a big give away, but Almonde didn't know the world outside of the Capital. Outside of pages and words. A wave of relief began to wash over her shoulders, as the witch mentioned her more diplomatic personality and her desire to avoid conflict. It was clear that Almonde had more things in common with this witch than she realized.\n\n```\"I suppose that's something we share, being one to avoid conflict and rely on diplomacy. I must say, I don't think I could have found better fellows to work with.\"```\n\nAlmonde said before taking a moment to refill her tea, as the warm tea continued to boil over the flames. Sitting back down, her attention returned to the drows.\n\n```I don't have quarrels with drow, I mean I have never met one yet. But, from what I read. They are quite dangerous. Should we run into them, I'd suggest we have a cover story to why we are found. Perhaps we use their hatred for elves? Claim that we search for a poison to end elves? I don't enjoy lying, but a lie could make diplomacy make easier. But, it would be best to avoid meeting them if possible. I recommend we rest for tonight and regain our strength for tomorrow so we may start the search with well rested bodies!\"```\n.\n\nA hue of excitement and glee could be heard in her voice, the young devotee couldn't help herself as the idea of being on an adventure with a witch sounded like a bard song come true." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme cannot help but chuckle to the witch joke. They have never phased her even during the times of the onslaught of her coven. She understands the tall tales and at times, her sisters did not help the stereotypes surrounding those who practiced their art. But she wouldn't change it for the world even with how things turned out. Plus is it is hard not to maintain a positive attitude at times, for the jokes and beliefs surrounding witches can be both diabolical and ludicrous in all ways most entertaining. But she dares not dwell on it long, keeping proper manners and finishing half of her tea. She gives a nod.\n\n\"It is good that we are of similar mind... But...\" Esme hums in thought.\n\"If we are caught, playing into their strife can work poorly for us. They may wish to keep us around and ask for proof...\"\n\nHas Esme dealt with drow before? Yes. The unseelie and the drow tend to linger closer than most would realize. Though not every family of drow support this theory. Their spaces are often shared and Esme has heard the stories. They will need to either bribe their way or manipulate their way out of the situation should one occur. But the witch hopes it will not come to that naturally. She may be human but she was raised with ancient elven values. Even her accent is of the old tongue and even after two hundred years, its near impossible for her to hide it.\n\n\"It's best we remain unseen. The herb- actually it's a mushroom.\" Esme chuckles as she pulls out her journal. It's her botany journal and most importantly, the sketches in here are beautifully accurate.\n\"We need to collect a pixies parasol. It supports mana regrowth and wards off against mana instability. It gets its name from the fact pixies like to dance around it so... But I would imagine it is not them that we are to fear guarding it.\"\n\nShe then nods in agreement to rest. If Almonde has further questions for her, she will not hesitate to answer. It is best to get these out of the way now so that they me be set off early in the morning with little to no interuptions." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As laughter softly echoed between the thick brush, Almonde listened carefully to the witch's words. Slowly, realizing a strong accent of the old tongue which was odd but no alarming. Perhaps playing with drows is the equivalent of playing with fire, as a bad outcome is as likely as a good one. Almonde also become aware that she wasn't at lying, more towards being persuasion. The witch seemed more familiar with the drow which was welcoming to the young devotee. Almonde would stretch out her arms and her bones cracked, the sore arms of a long journey made harsh reminders. Esme would receive the devotee's full attention as she explained the mushroom in question. Almonde was no herbalist but her curiosity was quickly turned on potentially threats. Her eyes widened at the botany journal, studying the art which was quite well drawn.\n\n```\"Impressive work, it almost looks realistic. I see the gods have blessed your artistic hand haha.\"```\n\nShe would compliment the witch's art work and skill, the art gave the young woman a clear picture of what they were searching for. Almonde always had a love for arts. She took a moment to enjoy her tea, her eyes began to search around the camp as if checking a feeling of being watched. Yet, nothing of the particular caught her eye. Slowly returning to the conversation at hand.\n\n```\"I see, sounds like a prized ingredient for magic. I shall leave the worries on the parasol to you. I am curious about what could be guarding it? Does it have natural defenses or attract predators? I know... Well... I know fairies can be mischievous but I am not familer at all with pixies. Please, tell me whatever you can or wish to.\"```\n\nAlmonde said with a calm and curious tone, a soft yawn began to escape her lips. A hand quickly came over to cover her lips, realizing how rude it may look. Her body was certainly tired but she wished to be informed and familiar, knowing their sneaky quest into the caves may require a lot of silence or focus." } ]	457	1,359
598.2	2023-12-08	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme cannot help but let out a hearty laugh. Oh how it must feel to become a wheel of cheese. Would one feel? Such a mystery she cannot help but wonder as she looks at the small snack in her hand. A terrible fate. Though she would imagine there would be nothing left, no sentience or feeling. Just... Well, just. To be and nothing more. Ah, what a grim topic, best not focus on that for now.\n\n\"I am quite adept at dealing with fae. I am sure we can convince them to spare us of the cheese.\" She jests following it with a cheeky wink.\n\"All will go well. Oh, I will say this. Our lives are always a priority. Your safety is mine, mushroom or not. I will pay you all the same even if we leave empty handed. Understood?\"\n\nA rarity in this world perhaps. Yes, Esme is a merchant and contractor depending on which role she decides to play of the day. But how cruel is it dive into danger without pay. Many hire this way but Esme could never. It is not in her ideologies to do such. With a gentle smile she nods her head in respect to the prayer. She may not know what gods Almonde worships. But she does understand the sentiment and will always value respect above all else.\n\n\"I will chat with you in the morning then. Do rest well.\"\n\nEsme then rises to a stand, taking a glance over to see the tent. Lovely, it is much better than being stuck in trees or on them. She double checks the fire pit before retiring to ensure that they are not spotted by any unsavory individuals or catch aflame unaware. Normally Esme would alternate watch hours. But they are not particularly close to the cave yet, so they should be okay. She will remain vigilant though, even in her rest as Esme has never been a deep sleeper. This comes with perks as it does its shortcomings. Should any sound wake her, well it's a natural disturbance to her sleep. But sneaking up on her can be rather difficult. Taking off her hat, Esme moves in to her bedroll and tucks in for the night.\n\nThe following morning.\n\nEsme is woken by the chirping of the nearby birds and sounds of the rushing stream water that resides closer to camp. The sun does not need to be up for her to be. Wearing the same adventuring gear from before. This time Esme has her hair beautifully woven into a loose side braid with small white blossoms in each ring. She hums quietly as she is already in the midst of preparing a sweet breakfast. Simple of course given she only has limited rations. But a nice meal of oats is a hell of a lot better than unseasoned and rubbery meat. Plus she can be spared of hunting this way.\n\nThe witch hums a sweet elven folk tune as she awaits Almonde to wake." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As a hearty exchange of laughter was made between the two woman, Almonde felt more comfortable and relaxed around this witch. She never thought she'd befriend a witch, but that's what she loved about these quests. You truly never know what may happen. The reassuring words from Esme were deeply appreciated, although Almonde was surprised at the mention of being paid regardless of the outcome. Her mouth opened to protest but she held her tongue, as to respect the witch's decision. Perhaps it was more common outside of the city, she pondered.\n\n```\"I understand, thank you for such a kindness. I doubt I'll find an employer like you hah. But yes, good night and may Calisto bless your slumber. See you in the morning.\"```\n\nThe two would find themselves in their tents, it would be far from the comforts of a feathered bed but it would be bliss for any tired soul. Almonde allowed her sore muscles and legs to rest, before she'd quickly fall into a deep slumber. Unlike the witch, Almonde slept like a dead body.\n\nThe following Morning\n\nThe smell of oats along with the soft hums of an unfamiliar song would awake the sleeping nun, a whimper and a yawn could be heard as the devotee began to crawl out of her tent. Her blue hair was messy and her eyes were scanning the environment around her as if she had forgotten where she was. Slowly, her half asleep mind would realize the situation as she'd caught a glimpse at the witch. Who clearly was more of a morning person than her. Almonde prefered to not be seen in such a messy state, but she would give Esme a pleasant greeting as she'd make her way towards the rushing stream.\n\n```\"Mh- Good morning. I'll be with you shortly, just gotta wash myself a tad bit.\"```\n\nHer voice was husky and slow, as a friendly wave was given. A few moments would pass as the young woman had cleaned herself up and had properly awakened. Back with a fresh face, she'd begin adjusting her padded armor and helmat.\n.\n\nEnjoying the morning air on the surface, pondering how different the air below would be like. Was there no wind, no breeze and no light. Perhaps that's why the drow were easily drawn towards bloodshed, she wondered. For they did not have the grace of the sky above. As her faithful mind began to wander, she sat herself down as she'd take a peek at the oats.\n\n```\"Your hair is looking marvelous hah, I am almost influenced by it with thoughts of growing out my own. What was that song? That you hummed? I feel like I've heard it before.\"```\n\nHer tone sounded curious and genuine, her hands set aside her staff as she'd watch the witch prepare a breakfast of warm oats. Her stomach growled at the sight, much to the embarrassment of the devotee.\n\n```\"Oh heavens, forgive me. I suppose your cooking has casted a curse upon my stomach haha.\"```\n\nShould Esme allow it, the devotee would begin to take a bowl for herself upon the completion of her cooking. Her eyes took a glance at the tents and the equipment, taking a mental note of what they should bring and what can be left behind upon their return." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "As Almonde steps out, Esme beams with joy as she gives the woman a wave. She is unbothered by the quick delay as it allows her to further prepare their simple breakfast. It is often that Esme packs light and travel means that certain luxuries are avoided. But she can at least prepare a little bit of flavor with the oats thanks to some of the dried fruit she brought with her. It will be enough and Esme cannot complain. She sets up a serving for both herself and of course Almonde. Carefully setting the dish beside her while preparing small cups of water.\n\n\"I gathered water from the freshwater stream. It is quite crisp, we are lucky.\" Esme chuckles.\n\nShe continues to hum as she waits for Almonde to return and when she does, she smiles at the woman while holding out her serving.\n\"It is an old elven folk song.\" She explains while taking a seat.\n\"We trained in the ancient culture- my coven. While the coven is no more, I do enjoy singing the songs from time to time. Of course most of them are about love, tragedy and new life but the tunes are quite catchy.\"\n\nNormally Esme wouldn't admit such things. A witch singing about love followed by heartbreak? She is no longer twelve and her elder years should have long taught her to give up such emotional ties. But they are sweet to the ears and whether Esme likes it or not. The idea of receiving love is a bit appealing, she just dare not to speak on it. When Almonde's stomach growls Esme brings no attention to it as she holds up a reassuring palm to let her know that it's okay.\n\n\"It is best to concede to your stomach. Once we are inside, rest will not be our luxury. I doubt the mushrooms grow too deep. But any trouble can arise and we will soon remember how lovely it was to be relaxed enough for our stomaches to growl.\" She calmly states before gesturing to the oats once more.\n\"Here, go on and eat.\" \n\nThe way Esme carries herself is comforting. Everything she does is in regards to putting Almonde's best interest first. Of course she is taking care of herself. But in her eyes the woman is like a guest rather than someone she has employed. It's clear based on how she is acting is that she cares and each gesture, each word is truly sincere. It's almost motherly and the aura around Esme is extremely welcoming, charming even.\n\n\"Oh, and if you do ever grow out your hair. I can tell you a few tricks to maintain it.\" She chuckles just before taking her first bite." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the devotee sat down, the scent of oats was oddly familiar. A soft comfort and a calm before the storm, she pondered. Carefully, she reached out to take her serving with a bright smile. Almonde had prepared herself for the worst, and somehow found the best. Nothing could beat this.\n\n```Interesting, I never imagined a witch who had the heart of a bard haha. But, perhaps there's a bard singing in all our hearts. Forgive my constant surprise, my knowledge on your culture is very limited. I remember how our caretakers would tell us about witches stealing naughty children away haha. But thank you, for sharing that song. I hope it doesn't get stuck in my head forever.\"```\n\nThe devotee said in a joking manner, reaching out to her cup as she'd enjoy the fresh waters. She knew this wasn't the best time for heavy topics such as love, tragedy and rebirth. Her curiosity peaked at the culture surrounding witches, were they like humans? Fill with good souls and those who sadly drifted away into darkness. She pondered at the thought as mouth began to chew and devour the lovely breakfast given to her.\n\n```\"Thank you for the warm meal. My hair? I kept it short only because my blacksmith friends advised me to. Although, maybe once I've gained more strength then perhaps I may wear it so long and elegantly as you.\"```\n.\n\nAlmonde said with a smile and a mouthful of oats, she enjoyed this feeling of being treated like a friend. She had prepared herself for a serious and firm employer, yet found herself with the nicest witch in realm. This only strengthen her drive to protect Esme, and help her with the quest. It was oddly too nice, although Almonde trusted this witch, she couldn't help but feel cautious about the situation. It wasn't the witch that she worried about, more she was a blessing from her Goddess, to prepare her for a cruel challenge ahead.\n\n```\"That meal was lovely, although I'll be sure to make you something one day. Perhaps you may face the wraith of my Chicken Marengo!\"```\n\nAlmonde said upon finishing her meal, eating rather quickly as the oats were oddly delicious despite their simplicity. Almonde was feeling rather comfortable and excited, not too afraid to show Esme this side of her as she'd almost begun to view the witch as an old friend. The devotee slowly stood up with care, as she'd begin making some preparations to their equipment, awhile exchanging some idle chatter with the witch. The nun wasn't one for idleness, as her hands hunger for action.\n\n```\"Were you a witch, all your life? Born into it? You mentioned a coven, was it like a religion or a guild?\"```\n\nShe asked sounding genuinely curious, her hands were busy packing some rope and touches into a pack. Her tower shield of chains leaning over her leg.\n\n```\"Forgive me, if I am rushing you. I am quite hyper with excitement.\"'```" }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Some sing songs to lure and then steal children away.\" Esme snickers, covering the lower portion of her mouth as she chews.\n\"But in all seriousness, it is no different than... Well like your devotion. You chose to believe in something, cultivate that something and then devote yourself to that very cause.\"\n\nEsme didn't exactly have a choice but she holds no regrets. The coven picked her up and while ideologies are endless. To study magic, to feel it course through her and speak it's name... To hold hands with the goddess of magic itself. At least that's how she feels each time she cast, it is a wonderful thing that no words could dare to describe. The weave is eternal and she is just a small fraction of it. She only wishes to be embraced by it.\n\n\"And I am looking forward to a meal then. I do hope I am worthy of such a gift.\"\n\nEsme continues to chuckle. It has been a while since she has been so chipper with someone. In fact, Esme cannot remember the last time she hadn't been nervous when directly speaking to someone. Usually she is always on edge. While she may not be keen on calling just anyone friend. Her shoulders are relaxed, her words fluid and her mind oddly clear while talking with Almonde. She is a woman of pure heart it feels and Esme is more than happy to embrace the warmth she radiates. As it is not often she gets to feel this.\n\n\"Was I a witch all my life? Hm... I believe so. I was not brought into the coven till I turned around six however. But they knew of my birth, so I guess it wasn't until then but... My life was dictated I believe before I was conceived.\"\n\nEsme returns to eating though she speeds up naturally as she does not want to keep Almonde waiting. Even holding up an open palm to let her know it is okay that she ate so fast. In truth, the earlier they leave the better. Even the caves attract and bring out the worst of creatures at night. One does not need to see the light to know this.*\n\n\"You can consider the coven like a guild- yes. Like how archemages and grand wizards attend schools to become scholars of magic. But we also worshipped the goddess of magic. To know the ancient rights and study under the ancient laws of chaos and order. The Twilight Order.\"" } ]	611	2,991
524	2023-12-09	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "The young woman would pause mid bite as Esme mentioned luring songs to lure children, wondering if it was a joke at first before the snicker confirmed it. Her shoulders were washed with a wave of relief as she'd share a chuckle with her travelling companion. She'd listen with care as devotion was mentioned, although it did make her wonder what made Esme choose such a path of a witch.\n\nThe thought of her famous Chicken Marengo being given to a witch was a funny thought. The devotee continued her packing and sorting, ensuring that they had everything that they needed. After connecting so quickly with her, she would hate to disappoint her with her clumsy acts. She was there on a job first and foremost, and had no intentions to fail the witch. Their odd yet warm connection only drove her to a more confident level. Carefully, she strapped the large pack over her back as her hands made sure to adjust it for a tight and comfortable fit.\n\n```\"Oh? That's interesting. The bards told me that a child is eaten by a witch and puked out in order to make a new witc- wait maybe that's a hag. Apologies. I always got my fey knowledge mixed up. Your upbringing sounds quite pleasant, I suppose I can't be surprised if you're the product of the coven.\"```\n\nShe said with a smile on her face, as she'd slowly close her visor. Hiding her face and muffled her voice, perhaps it overly cautious or just the right amount of caution to be held. With a dry piece of cloth, she'd begin cleaning her staff as she'd lean against a tree, listening to Esme's words as she'd kindly share her story. Her openness and trust was quite an honor to have, Almonde always enjoyed earning someone's trust even if it was a little.\n\n```\"Interesting, so in a way of speaking, you're a nun of magic? Ahem, no disrespect of course. I can't say I've ever heard of this Twilight Order. It sounds mysterious but not ominous which is always pleasant. I hope I'm not rushing you, please take your time. I'm just putting my game face on haha.\"```\n\nShe said in a voice that was slightly muffled by her helmat, her thoughts began to ponder on what exactly this Twilight Order was. Some clues were in the name, perhaps a balance of darkness and light magics. Keeping a balance in the ancient magics of old. Her understanding over magic was basic, only from the pages and simple guidance of bored old lady. She leaned against the tree, her tower shield of chains, her staff and her pack on the floor. Her belongs were neatly packed and the rest were organized away from light. Almonde was patient yet eager to see what adventures await her and her kind companion, her gaze drifted off into the trees." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"A hag would be correct. There are a few renditions of that story actually.\" \n\nEsme debates on whether or not she should really get into the gritty details about the fae. Seelie or Unseelie, they both have their fair share of grim tales that can be confirmed or denied depending on who you meet. As she rolls up her bed roll, tucking it away and setting it in the small hang of her bag that now remains strapped to her arm. The witch figures there is no harm in discussing it since they are already on the topic anyways.\n\n\"Hags can steal children and instead of eating them, they raise them on their own. Of course there is still ritual practice. The sick changeling, beware of bringing yee babe into the woods over there.\" Esme then playfully points ahead.\n\"For if you come across a witch, she will tell yee to leave your babe in a ditch. Come back on the morrow, and a sick changeling gift shall bring the mother sorrow.\"\n\nIt is an old tale full of heart break. A mother who loses a child, desperately wandering in the woods. With a promise of bringing the very child back, only to experience loss again. For a changeling bestowed to her by a witch will be frail. To impose the vicious cycle of promises, to have the very mother return so that she can be feasted upon. Is that Esme's coven? No. Come to think of it, she never met any witches who actually did this sort of thing. Technically, hags are a type of witch and she has met at least three of them. But one was never clear on how she got her children and most importantly, Esme never had the jurisdiction to investigate and ask.\n\n\"And you need not apologize. However I can tell you that my birth and being brought into the coven was no accident. I was not, fortunately, puked up in the process. The Twilight Witches practiced beauty since magic is beautiful. As aspects of the very thing, we must physically embody it at all times. Puking just doesn't fit that narrative.\"\n\nNow coming to a stand and double checking her things. Esme playfully waves off Almonde's concerns of being rushed. If she was truly bothered, she would have said it. There is no need for her to apologize though the witch can understand why she is doing it. Digging into her bag, she takes a step closer with a smile. In her hand, a small vial filled with peach-colored liquid. A red ribbon beautifully placed around the cork with a single golden chain dangling. Fitting given what Esme just said about her order. Everything must look near perfect, pleasing to the eye. So the packaging for her healing potions are no exception.\n\n\"Take two of these. You never know when you may need them.\" She hums out before working on the clasp of her cloak.\n\"And no offense taken. The Twilight Coven- well order, it is an older order and I am likely the only one left now. I guess you could think of us as nuns. We also made oaths of purity so that checks out to- most of us.\" Esme then abruptly cuts herself off. She wouldn't be here if her mother truly stuck to that oath. But again, the coven has their ways of making sure girls like her are born.\n\n\"Anyways... All ready?\"" }, { "author": "Armoured Almonde", "message": "As Esme spoke and shared her knowledge on the details of the fae. A topic that was very alien to a city girl like Almonde, almost as alien as the stories of the far east monsters and the giant filled north. Her hand held her chin, as the curious devotee listened with her full attention. Finding it fascinating, had she been a bard, she would probably beg the witch for more tales and information to be shared.\n\nHearing the old tale of heart break was saddening to hear, yet that was a grim fate that anyone could find themselves in. She wondered if the Hags could be redeemed or if they were simply misguided, were they lonely and desperate to have a family of their own even if it meant the vile rituals. Hearing more on the Twilight Order, her head peaked up as she'd speak.\n\n```\"Interesting, I suppose the way that magic is practiced, is reflected on their devotees or followers such as yours. Wild and cruel magic, brings the ugly side to light, as such with the hags and others... As you say, being the embodiment of your path.\"```\n\nShe said as she'd relax herself, finding their conversation to be fascinating and a fun tale to tell her fellow sisters when she returns to the Capital. Her drifting mind quickly shifted back to the witch as the woman approached her. Her eyes widened at the neatly presented vials. Impressed by the attention to detail, even merchants weren't this good at decorating. Although she wondered if the red ribbons, golden chain and other eye catching things were part of the witch's beliefs, teachings or perhaps she simply enjoy pretty things.\n\n```\"Thank you kindly. These healing vials. Are they able to cure poisons?\"```\n\nShe asked as she'd carefully place them onto her hip bags, curious if the potions doubled as a cure to poisons. The fear of spiders, drow poisons and dealthy plants began to fester.\n\n```\"Oh, I see. I never knew witches and nuns had so many similarities haha. And you can bet your behind that I'm ready!\"```" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Almonde said in an excited tone as she'd quickly pick up her staff, before carefully strapping her shield over her left wrist. The devotee would happily take the lead, taking a faded dirt path towards the Merii Cave. The cave was a series of tunnels, tunnels built and fortified by the drow centuries ago. The devotee walked with an average pace, the chains of her shield had pieces of cloth between them to avoid them from constantly rattling with each step.\n\nThe forest was slowly awakening, as the dark sky began to fade into a dark orange. The soft rays of the morning sun gently hitting the tips of the tallest trees, the forest below was cold and dimmed. Slowly the sun rise would catch up to the traveling pair, finally the dark woods would be blessed with a soft light. The proud green leaves and old bark revealed themselves around them, before the dirt path began to grow harder. The stone path of the old forgotten, perhaps it was elves, drow or something far forgotten. The ruins were claimed by the forces of nature over a century's battle period. The clear victor was the wildness. They'd arrived safely to one of the entrances to the main cave systems. The cave inside looked rather pitch black, darkness as the path lead deeper and deeper into the underworld below. Almonde paused for a moment, looking around for anything of note. Her main concern was the drow, the ruins looked rather empty and quiet. No signs of a struggle or a patrol yet, birds began to sing their morning songs while a strong breeze could be felt. Oddly coming from the cave entrance itself." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme gives a nod as Almonde begins to conceptualize her words. Devotion is an unbreakable thing and while each path strives to be unique. At the same time each bout of devotion is cloaked in similarities. An odd thing belief is. Upon thinking about it, Esme realizes she never truly asked or delved into what Almonde believes. The girl is so easy to talk to that she is genuinely surprised she opened up this much. It causes her to bring her fingers to her lips, feeling a tinge of guilt as she realizes that they will need to keep going. Small talk will have to occur after they fetch the mushrooms.\n\n\"They cannot cure poison but... I can.\" Esme grins as she holds up her hands, giving them the ol' razzle-dazzle as her fingers produce small bursts of light magic.\n\nAs she wraps her fingers inwards, allowing that very hand to drop. The essence of the weave fades and Esme looks ready to embark further. With a small hop and a minor adjustment to her bag. She turns towards Almonde with a small tilt of her head. It has been a while since she has also met someone so eager. Her positivity continues to remind Esme of a reflection of her own and with newfound determination. The witch gives the girl a nod as she begins to march forwards.\n\n\"Should we fall to ailments. I can cleanse them rather quickly. So tell me immediately if something bites you or if you feel off. The healing potions are to keep any wounds or burns at bay- a just in case.\"\n\nEsme continues, explaining as they walk. Only falling quiet as they near the caves entrance. Though she is still as chipper as before. Esme knows better than to be too loose of the lips in a situation like this. Dangers lurk even outside of the caves no matter the time of day. Now that they are nearing it with the sky just starting to change color. She knows she needs to be more vigilant than ever. Which is why she has her grimoire at the ready. It's pages turned open as it floats gently above her extended palm. It may not be completely dark but the magic produced from it sheds a very small bit of blue light to help them navigate.\n\nThe one in the know is the one that survives. Which is exactly why Esme is perceptive. Each sound that her hears can pick up, she internalizes and quickly deciphers each one. The smells, the visuals. Are there any footprints? She too, has concerns for patrols even at this hour though Esme imagines they will not see much drow influence till they completely step inside. It's quiet but not enough to cause alarm, at least not yet.\n\n\"We should be vigilant of tracks and most importantly... Traps. No good cavern dive is without traps.\" Esme jests, the humor laced with darkness in her words." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "She took a mental note over the fact that the witch could cure poisons. Which would come in handy, although she began to wonder if it would have been wiser to explain their abilities before. But, she was sure it would fine as long as the two kept a level head. She stared at the magical lights that grew from her very fingertips, even without speaking the commands. The nun wasn't too surprised, she was a witch devoted to magic and didn't command it like a wizard would. As the two marched and hiked along the path, the mention of the additional care of sickness, poisons or ailments was oddly comforting. She felt safe, yet couldn't get the strange feeling of fear in her gut. Like walking along a cliff, she had her safety nets and her ropes to hold onto yet a fear kept her sharp and cautious. She never felt this alert before.\n\nAlmonde gave the witch, a whisper of acknowledgement as the pair approached the cave entrance. The devotee walked with care, her eyes searching and scanning the area. The lack of animals were a good sign that something was up. The breeze that flew past them had a scent of rotting flesh, a vile scent. With her staff, Almonde would cast a miracle as the pair stood in front of the wall of darkness of the mouth of the damaged cave.\n\n```\"O, Merciful Mother of Health and Vitality, Be my light in the darkness and lead us, your humble children, illuminate our path with the colour of the summer sky. As you may.\"```\n\nShe whispered her miracle, as her staff began to glow with a blue light from the tip of her staff. Almonde would point her staff into the dark cave, the walls were held up and broken apart by the many roots of the wilderness.\n\nYet, the old bones of an ancient fort could be seen. The scent of the rotting dead could still be smelled, a distant echo of a rat could be heard within. Almonde would begin making her way, very carefully into the cave. The cave was only one large tunnel, her eyes were set on the ground below. Rats were always a bad sign.\n\n```\"S-stop. I... Trap ahead. Pit fall.\"```\n\nThe devotee would make sure that the witch did not pass her as she'd extend her shield over, blocking her way. The blue light from her staff began to illuminate a trap ahead, a pit filled with spikes. It seems that this trap was triggered a long time ago, if they were careless, they would probably be the breakfast of the rats below. Below was body of a creature of fur, Almonde didn't look at it long enough to identify it. Instead, she began to look around for another way but she suddenly got an idea.\n\n```\"I could cast a miracle, a barrier for us to walk on. But, if you have spell in your book that could help us, I'd prefer that haha... I'm not a master at holy barriers yet.\"```" }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "As the wind howls from the mouth of the cave, Esme stands quite proud before its maw. It is clear this is not the first rodeo she has had with ominous sites and spooky territory. It should be expected though. No matter how delicate or how pretty she is, a witch is still a witch. Strange places and omens are like beacons to them. As the most dangerous and unexplainable places tend to draw in the most magic. Wizards and all mages alike tend to share this reckless trait that fuels their thirst for knowledge. So even now, before possible beasts and disaster. Esme remains unswayed.\n\nShe is silent during Almonde's sweet prayer. Again, it drives some of Esme's curiosity to know more about who she devotes herself to and why. They do not need to share the same god in order to find comfort in the higher powers. For Esme, prayer is done through action. Each spell cast is a blessing bestowed upon her by the goddess herself. Using her magic is to pay homage to her, especially if the witch can cast gracefully. Two different ways to approach the same topic.\n\n\"Rats are drawn to the deceased... We may see more than just poor lost animals who had succumbed to the traps here.\" Esme mumbles as she looks directly at the body in the pit.\n\nBringing her hands up, she stares at her open palms as she contemplates on what to do? Almonde's ability sounds more reliable. Esme can mold the earth, cause it to repture if she so willed it. But in a place like this? The witch does not wish to add two more souls to the likely long list of this cave today.\n\n\"I think we should go with your magic for this. I can shape earth to a certain extent. Making bridges and flat surfaces... I can try to manipulate the spell but there is no guarantee.\" She explains while looking back at Almonde.\n\"Unless we find an alternative.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Despite the challenge that they faced, this trap pit did make it clear that patrols along this particular tunnel was unlikely. Unless the drow enjoy jumping the pit and the scent of death. There was some comfort in this uncomfortable situation. Her head turned to listen to the witch's words, heeding her advice on the rats.\n\nShe patiently waits as the two discussed the best manner to face this obstacle. Learning about the witch's abilities more, although it did sound promising. The fear of a cave in or trusting the dirt to hold their weight wasn't a great guarantee for the devotee. Heh rhythm.\n\n```\"I think this might be the best path, at least with the least traps and potential drow. Look, that skeleton is kinda... Facing us. I think they may be coming out of the undergrounds... But yeah.\"```\n\nAlmonde said as she'd shine her blue light deeper into the pit below, the bones and flesh of a handful of bodies told many tales. She wished she was smart enough to identify the bodies better.\n\n```\"I think we should go with my barriers. The risks are minimal and I think it's the safest way to handle this. I will cast a holy barrier over the pit, you can throw some sand over it to confirm it works properly. Slowly make your way over, and I will join you next.\"```\n\nThe nun explained with care as she'd hold her staff rather firmly, taking a stance with her staff over her heart. She would cast another miracle, yet she seemed more focused on this one in particular.\n\n```\"O, Merciful Mother Of Health and Vitality, Lady Calisto, please heed my words. Be the shield between our hearts and the dangers that would end its rhythmic beats. As each beat of life is a reminder and tribute to your embrace. Plese protect us, your humble and devoted children. As you may.\"```\n.\n\nShe closed her eyes as her words whispered true, a yellow light began to slowly glow above the pit. A flat barrier of holy magic would be seen, becoming a makeshift bridge for the pair to walk on. The barrier was transparent enough to see below it, although it continued to pulse with Almonde's heart beat. The devotee would continue that same prayer as her focus seemed to keeping the barrier up." } ]	537.5	4,192
429	2023-12-10	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"If they animate at some point... I do trust we will have the capabilities to handle them.\" Esme whispers in a faint nod.\n\"Tulu a gar.\" \n\nWith a single command phrase in ancient elven tongue, though ushered in a whisper. Grains of sand move forward before materializing in small crystals. Esme's earth magic doesn't entirely rely on what's around her though it is stronger when there is more to work with. Nonetheless, it always forms itself in the shape of large crystal pikes or crystalline flat surfaces. The support is thin but should be enough to carry both girls given their stature. Of course Esme is also expecting Almonde's own magic to assist, which is not left unimpressed when the nun begins to cast.\n\nIf they weren't in such a dangerous place, Esme would likely take the time to marvel at their little creation. It is beautiful to say the least and the witch tends to have an eye for pretty things that magic can create. With a reassuring smile, Esme decides that she will move first. Even with their magic support, she remains vigilant. Especially with dealings across the pitfall itself. She wouldn't put it past her for drow or really anyone with a sentient mind who has settled here to set two back to back. Where there are passible pitfalls, there are wires... Where there are wires, there poisoned tipped darts and arrows.\n\n\"Make sure to watch the ceilings as well.\" Esme whispers as she crosses.\n\nCaverns like these tend to have nasty buggers... Litterally. Giant spiders, face hugging worms and those of the ilk. It is... Best to be avoided and while Esme is not particularly squeemish about them. They are not a preferred way to go out. As at that point, she'd rather take a blade to the neck than be wrapped in webbing, waiting for her inevitable doom. Ah... Another pessimistic thought... It is best to let that one pass for now. To keep her mind distracted, the witch then holds up her grimoire as it is still produce a very faint arcane light so that she may properly see. She is still human afterall." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "The devotee would peek through half opened eyes for a glance at what the witch was doing. Her words were meant as throwing sand over the barrier to ensure it was solid, but the witch had a far more genius idea than she intended. A soft smile grew on her face as she'd be grateful to see how the pair handled a situation. Teamwork seemed naturally grow between them. Her concentration was her priority at the time, holding it and focused, it only added to the barrier's durable. As the witch crossed the pit, the nun waited with a slow breath. Her breathing was slow and calm, her words continued to repeat that prayer as she'd step her first steps over the supported barrier. Taking note of the witch's warning, glancing at the wall to see bits of old spider webs. Old and faded, bones of rodents among the silky treads.\n\nAs she crossed the barrier, Esme would find the corners of the tunnel be filled with broken cracks and holes filled with spider webs, bones and rusted wires. The bones of humanoids, rats and other creatures littered the tunnel ahead. The holes along the walls seemed to be once used for traps of sorts, but it was difficult to know if the traps were stilled loaded or past their time. The floor was solid stone, with light webbing covering it. A few mice began to flee from Esme's light, some ran away towards the end of the tunnel while others ran towards the holes in the walls. One particularly fat rat would be caught in a web, and a large spider, around the size of a street cat, would quickly leap onto the trapped rodent. Sinking its fangs into the warm blooded creature.\n\n```\"Oh O merciful Mothe- ah. Sorry.\"```\n\nAlmonde said as she'd softly bump into the witch, noticing her hands were shaking. With her concentration fading, the barrier behind them would slowly weaken. Fading away, leaving the supports behind. The single spider's eyes glanced at Esme for a moment before slowly dragging the mouse deeper into the hole." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme watches the sight unfold before her. She isn't shaken nor does she show any shift in her expression to the sight. Then the spider descends and takes hold of the creature, her moment of observation halted when Almonde bumps into her. With a small smile, Esme gives a nod over to let her know that they should keep going. Yet, the spider is big. But she doubts that is the adult. It is momma that they need to be watchful for. Spiders of that size, capable of hunting on their own, likely need to be just as wary as their broodmother as the two girls do. Being aware is crucial and being afraid will only work against them.\n\n\"No need to apologize.\" Esme quietly chuckles. \"I think it's cute- minus the eating part.\"\n\nEsme has seen all sights in the last two hundred years she has been alive. There are spiders a lot worse than that one. At least they are treated to a sight of two bright eyes and fuzz. It's the giant spiders that without that tend to make Esme's skin crawl. As even the witch has her limits of what she finds cute and what is not. If it is raw carapace, Esme has a tendency to avoid such creatures. The thought alone makes her reflect back on when she faced off against giant centipedes. Now that was a time she does not wish to go through again.\n\n\"Be very careful where you step. I know it's easy to assume that big white cobwebs are going to mean a spider is nearby. But silk can sometimes be translusent. Look here.\"\n\nEsme then takes a very cautious step towards the wall. Holding up the light of her book. It is very faint but there is a small bit of sheen on the wall. Thin lines of silk, easy to miss. All it takes is for one misstep and they could alert a whole brood.\n\n\"We do not want to set off any trap trip wires... Or spider ones.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Slolwy opening her visor, she began to listen carefully to the more experienced witch's words. Almonde was slightly weary of spiders but she knew all life had value even the most scary looking creatures. Slowly, she would move her tower shield onto her back, her hands holding onto her staff with care. Knowing that she'd have to be very careful with her steps.\n\n```\"I don't suppose you can speak with spiders? Tell them... We're just passing by?\"```\n\nIt was times like these that she had wished she could communicate with animals, perhaps buying an artifact that could provide some magical ability to do that. Her attention turned towards the silk like spider webs as the witch pointed out. With her staff, she would be very careful and alert with each step. Silence would fill the tunnel, as the occasional breeze flew by. With careful steps, a slow and steady walk. The pair would eventually arrive to an opening where the sun light could be seen. Their eyes would be met with a deep cavern, the surface being far above their heads, a small amount of rays of the noon sun scorching the wet grounds below.\n\nThe light revealed a feeding ground for a very large spider colony. Entangled prey and victims alike hanging from sticky webs. The ground below was filled a shallow amout of water. Looking closer at the victims, some were barely alike while others were far gone. A humanoid body could be seen, a drow, handing lifeless in the middle of the cavern. Looking around, there were a few other entrances to take. But the pair could still feel a breeze along their skin, and unfortunately carrying the scent of death with it.\n\n```\"These poor souls...\"```\n\nAlmonde whispered under her breath, simply standing at the sight before them. Slowly, she'd study and search around the feeding grounds. At least, they were not in the spider's nest. There were no visible spiders but based on the first spider's behavior, it seems these were more ambusher types of predators." } ]	423	1,716
514	2023-12-11	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"It is a spell I once knew, but wrote it out a long time ago.\" Esme responds with a bit of a chuckle. Though she makes sure to keep her voice low as she doesn't want to attract any unwanted visitors.\n\nBut her silence will soon be warranted as they come up on the next opening of the cavern. Dark and mottled hues, despair in the air and a sight that cannot be described in words. A horror before them, victims of a brutal fate. Though she seems to show no emotions, there is a great sense of sorrow in Esme's heart. The colony needs to feed but no one truly deserves to die like this. For a brief moment Esme can even hear the whispers, feeling their fear and listening to their prayers. But she is quick to shake the voices out of her head as she simply cannot afford to fall into a trance.\n\n\"We will need to stay vigilant. They are still cavern dwellers through and through so have light at the ready.\"\n\nTogether they should be able to produce enough light to blind the creatures if they need. But it isn't a completely safety-fail and once the spiders are no longer stunned. The situation can escalate out of control to a point where both Esme and Almonde can easily get surrounded. Yet a passing thought echoes in her mind. What if one of these wraps has a living soul in it? No, they would have long suffocated by now or worse. They need to stay focused if they wish to survive this and as Esme's expression turns serious. She is already beginning to ready a bit of magic just in case they need.\n\n\"And whatever you do, do not panic should you get caught in a bit of webbing. Doing so alerts more. It is sticky, but it is not impossible to get off.\" \n\nAs she gives a bit of a warning. Esme's voice is soothing, melodic even. It may not exactly match the dire expression she has but it is clear she doesn't want Almonde to get into any danger. This mission was already suspected to be difficult. Not that she doubts the woman's abilities. But should something happen, Esme wants her to know that she is here for her. They need each other and not a moment will be spared hesitating to watch Almonde's back." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "The sight was horrible and horrific to the eyes of the devotee, she didn't blame the spiders for feeding yet this display of death to a devotee of life was a heavy load to bear. With a careful ear, she listened carefully to the words of the witch. Her feet were planted to where she was, afraid to take a step. She didn't fear the spiders, it was failure that she feared. But, she shook her head as her focus returned to the situation at hand.\n\n```\"Understood. I'll do my best. Thank you.\"```\n\nAlmonde would say as she focused on breathing slolwy, as she was slightly overwhelmed by the sight of so many dead. Taking the first steps into the shallow waters, the water was seemly ankle deep at first. The muddy waters were a mix of rain water, cavern water and God knows what else. Luckily for the pair, the shallow waters provided a clear way to walk without fear of webs yet it wasn't all rainbows. Almonde carefully ducked underneath a long thread of webbing that blocked the way forward. Soon, the pair found themselves in the middle of this grand cavern. It was slow and steady with them. Slow breathing and silence, as their feet slolwy pushed forward along the waters. The occasional bone would be stepped on, which alerted the devotee to be careful where she stepped. The muddy waters made it difficult to see.\n\n```\"H- Hello? Is any- anyone there? Hey! Help me.\"```\n\nA distant voice suddenly echoed through the cavern as the skin on Almonde's body shot with adrenaline. The devotee began to look around and her eyes met with that of a drow. The entangled drow was a few meters above the pair, webbed onto the walls of the cavern. Only one eye could be seen as a large part of his body was webbed, he did not panic nor moved. His voice was low and his tone was rather authoritative.\n\n```\"Assist me, or I scream alerting the dark ones to you. Either we leave together or we die here, humans.\"```\n.\n\nThe drow said in a lower tone, his eye had an expression of desperation to them. Almonde slowly turned to the witch as she'd be speechless, to avoid the man from panicking, the devotee provided a thumbs up to the trapped drow. Looking closer, his arm seemed to be missing, his voice harsh and torn as if he screamed for ages, his eye was blood shot red. Almonde would softly whisper to Esme.\n\n```\"What shall we do? I wish to save him but I fear he may not have our safety in his best interest. Also. If something comes, we could hide the waters. It's shallow but muddy enough to hide?\"```\n\nShe whispered softly as the devotee shared all her thoughts on the situation. It was a hard situation to manage and handle, but the devotee had faith in the witch." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Like I said, it's going to be-\"\n\nEsme then halts in her reassurance, whipping her head in the direction of the voice. Her suspicions of the imagination have been confirmed. While she is not inconvenienced by this, a life is a life no matter what. It does however, make their situation more difficult. Craning forward a little bit, being exceptionally careful of where she steps. Esme's eyes land upon the desperate drow and a frown quickly displays on her features. But perhaps there can be something to gain here and as she cautiously shifts through the water. Esme decides already that it is in their best interest, his and overall the better interest for life in general to help.\n\nAs he ushers commands the witch promptly puts a finger to her lips to tell him to silence himself. If he panics, he will put them all in unneeded danger. Her gaze is soft and with her eyebrows slightly raised, she tries to let him know from her body posture alone that she isn't going to just leave him. It's dangerous here and she most move slowly if she is to properly help him.\n\n\"Assist me in helping him. Drow or not, he is still a man who doesn't deserve a cruel death. Even if he intends to betray us, we can be aware and prepare.\" Esme promptly whispers towards Almonde as she draws closer. Her hands are up to let him know that she means no harm.\n\n\"Do not fret, tell me where you are most bound so that we may assist.\" Esme now whispers towards the poor man. Her golden gaze remains soft, her voice like a lullaby still even in this situation. With a gentle smile she tries to get as close as she can to the trapped drow without setting off any websense of the spiders. They need information and even if he is of ill-intent, he can can still give insight as to what trapped him here in the first place. Given he is still alive, that means it is likely close by given he must have been wrapped not too long ago.\n\n\"Try not to squirm too much. I promise we will get you out but you must work with us to ensure the safety of all three.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Almonde would halt her movement, as she'd begin to study the webbing around the drow as well keeping an eye out for anything that could appear from the dark corners of the cavern. Her barriers could trap or halt a foe, perhaps blind a foe or heal the man's wounds. But in terms of finding a way to untangle the man, she was stuck. Providing a firm nod towards the witch as she'd follow her lead. Her body language was tense and slow, while the witch attempt to speak to the drow. The devotee kept a watch out, making sure to nothing surprises the trio.\n\n```\"Sounds like a plan, if anything pops up, I can possibly command them to flee. The best I can do is give us more time. I have a dagger if you need it.\"```\n\nHer voice was sharp as the intense situation had the devotee on edge. A small amount of shame gell onto her as she'd believe that she wouldn't be as useful a she'd hoped.\n\nThe drow watched and listened carefully, his movements were still and his one eye began to soften. It seems like the witch's actions had calmed him down enough. Softly the desperate began to breath slowly and whispered his answer.\n\n```\"Very well. My chest. Most bound.\"```\n\nHe spoke in his harsh and broken voice once more, the drow seemed to cooperate even if he was too pleased to be saved by humans. A hue of humiliation could be seen in his one eye. The drow was entangled fully, yet as he pointed out, the mass of his webbing would be on the center of his body. The witch could get 3 meters close to him as the floor began to meet the edge of the waters. Looking up, he was 3 meter above the wall and below were other cocoons of dead drows.\n\n```\"Hurry. The dark ones linger with hunger.\"```\n.\n\nHe would whisper out as he awaited whatever solution could be made to save him. Almonde would slolwy arrive by the witch's side, trying her best to provide an additional solution.\n\n```\"3 meters, give or take. I... I cared for wounded and injuries. That's a serious fall. I could create a slide barrier for him or something? Maybe? I'm not sure.\"```\n\nAlmonde wasn't very confident in her abilities, she wasn't sure if she spoke the words of a genius or a fool. Her barriers could make the fall easier to manage, a slide could work as well, but there still the matter of getting him out of the webbing.\n\n```\"What if we throw a dagger at him and he cut his way out?\"```\n\nAlmonde suggested as she would pull out her dagger, not sounding too confident with her suggest.\n\n```\"Ruthless but foolish.\"```\n\nThe drow said upon hearing the words from Almonde, he seemed to respect her ruthlessness yet also hated the foolishness." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Can you move your arms?\" Esme promptly whispers.\n\nThe dagger plan is a good one if he can actually utilize the too. But if he seems willing, then that must mean he should be able to move them somewhat. But a dagger alone will not be able to cut giant spider webbing so quickly. Fire is the best option but that's going to be dangerous due to just how flammible this whole cave is. Burning to death, as ironic as it is for the witch, is also not a preferred way to go. Suffocation paired with that makes the concept even worse, causing small shivers to be sent down her spine. Which is why she is still moving forwards without causing must disturbance. She is is willing to start cutting with her own dagger as well if need be.\n\n\"If you can create something for him to slide down on, good.\" She promptly answers Almonde before looking back up.\n\"If you can cut yourself out. If you are injured at all, I can help you.\"\n\nThis whole situation is a big risk but at this point they have no choice but to take them. Esme pulling out her own dagger. She takes a look at it, questioning how she is going to get up there? No, how stupid. She can shapeshift and land if there is space for it. Sure, she may need to hang a little and get into his personal bubble. But if things are sturdy enough around him paired with Almonde's slide, it can be done. Which is why she turns towards the priestess to let her know of this crucial information.\n\n\"I can also fly up as a small bird and revert back. We want to create as little disturbance as possible on the web but we also need to get him out as quick as possible. Can your slide handle two bodies? Actually no- I can fly the second it is cut.\"" } ]	478	2,570
490	2023-12-12	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the cavern remained still and quiet, filled with the rotting and the decaying. The drow turned to his left arm, slowly attempting to moving it and realizing it was firmly stuck onto his body. His right arm was no more, as it seemed to have either been eaten or ripped off.\n\n```\"I cannot move my only arm. It's firmly stuck onto my ribs. Do what you must even if you may harm me, I am no stranger to pain.\"```\n\nThe drow explained sounding rather frustrated at his situation, his breathing was slow and steady. With all things considered, he seemed rather calm and wise enough to listen to the witch. His one eye was watching them, studying and curiously watching what these humans are capable of. Almonde would give Esme a firm nod as she spoke in a soft tone.\n\n```\"Perfect. I can make a platform just in front of him, and then make a slide. It should be strong enough, yes? But, I'll need to concentrate so... Mr Drow? Could you keep an eye out? Please?\"```\n\nShe would speak first to Esme in a low tone before looking up to question the drow. Before she would begin her prayers, she knew that she would need to focus on the barriers. Having an extra eye out seemed useful to ensure they did not get ambushed. The drow seemed to cooperate.\n\n```\"Gwylyss. And yes, I shall make myself useful. I am ready. If you must harm me to be faster, then do so.\"```\n.\n\nGwylyss said in a firm toned voice, a rough cough could be heard muffled slightly the webbing. Almonde took a moment to look around, sizing up the cavern and trying to measure the distance between the drow and the safest place to land onto. A steady barrier in front of the drow, for Esme to land onto and for the drow to step on. A second barrier to provide a makeshift slide to ease the fall onto the waters. It seemed like a steady and good plan. With a deep breath and a firm stance, she began to make her prayers.\n\n```\"O Merciful Mother of all that breaths, lives and dies. Please heed my words, please protect us with the light of your embrace and love. Be the shield against dangers, be our roof from he horrors and be the might that pushes the darkness away. As you may.\"```\n\nAlmonde would say as she'd hold her staff over her head, pressing her forehead onto the staff in deep meditation and prayer. A sizeable barrier would begin to form in front of the entangled drow, a floating platform. Big enough for two individuals to stand on. A second barrier began to form, just next to the first. A 35 degree barrier formed a makeshift slide that ran down to the shallow waters below. It wasn't going to be a safe landing but it was the most quiet place the drow could fall to.\n\n```\"With haste! We must act swiftly.\"```\n\nGwylyss would say in a low tone, he could feel the posion is in blood beginning to burn inside his body. Slow yet constantly reminding him to their presence, he was very eager to feel relief and the taste of freedom even if it came from two humans." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "With a plan in motion, Esme doesn't hesitate to act. Her hand reaching down. She grabs hold of her dagger that once rested against her thigh, attached in her garter belt. She is swift in unsheathing it and before long. The once beautiful witch turns into a small songbird of white. Promptly flying up. She gets close to the drow and transforming back into her human form when she is close enough. Grabbing hold of what she can, latching on so that she may begin cutting.\n\n\"S-sorry...\" She mumbles as she is now a bit in his personal space.\n\nBut this isn't the time to get nervous over closeness, his life is on the line. So she infuses her movements with a big of magic and promptly begins to cut. Now that she is closer, she can see just how ill he looks. Nothing her magic cannot fix, she has cleansed spider poisons. She first starts on the rougher parts of the web. Trying her best not to cut him while also doing what she can to ensure he is detached.\n\n\"I'll cleanse you of any poison if you are. Venom will not take you today, sir.\" She reassures as her movements are quick and precise." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the witch's dagger began to cut, the sticky and thick webbing felt as if she was cutting a thick leather material. Layers upon layers had been aggressively wrapped around the drow who kept a eye out. Glancing at the witch with his red eye, the dagger was cutting true. Slowly, the drow's body was getting loose and revealed. It seemed he wore leather armor, ironically decorated silverlining of spider webs and spiders. However, the once proud armor was ripped, melted and torn. The dark skin of his was covered with scars and fresher cuts, he had most likely been in a serious fight.\n\n```\"Oh, enough of your pity. I've been humiliated already, Songbird.\"```\n\nThe drow said in a very low tone as if he was mumbling. His breathing was slow and his body looked weak, yet his gaze was as sharp as the witch's dagger. The cavern was filled with an intense and heavy air, as each second felt like a passing summer. However, her cuts and precision would ultimately free the drow. His upper torso free, only a few cuts over his limbs and neck provided much easier.\n\n```\"You've done enough. I'm free.\"```\n\nPerhaps a mix of frustration and impatience, the freed drow would push his body away from the sticky wall through a very painful feat of strength. He managed to pull himself off the wall, and jumped onto the barrier. Accidently bumping into the witch, but swiftly grabbing her hand. Pulling her back to the center of the barrier.\n\n```\"Don't even thank me. I can believe I'm even breathing the same air as you. Bu-\"```\n\nThe drow would say as he let go of the witch, he looked up suddenly as the webbing around the cavern began to shake and sway slightly. He would grab the dagger from the witch and immediately jumped down the slide. Loud clicking noises echoed around the cavern as the once bright light began to be shadowed by something massive climbing down the cavern walls.\n\n```\"The dark one! She has returned! Ready yourselves for a fight.\"```\n.\n\nHe would say in a low tone, as he arrived down the waters near Almonde. Almonde kept her prayers up as she'd fail to notice the large spider that had climbed down with a new victim in its fangs. The witch would meet with its many eyes, the aider was massive. Around the size of a minotaur, legs that reached the ends of the cavern and back. It's new victim was seemed to be a deer of sorts, barely alive as the venom drained its life like a flame over fresh. The barriers began to fade as Almonde's concentration began to be interrupted with fear." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme only briefly looks into the drow's darkened red eyes. Resistance is something she often deals with, especially from men who believe themselves gods. But to have that fuelled by racially driven superiority is a whole other can of worms that the witch prefers to avoid. But she cannot help but let out a small chuckle. It is not meant to mock nor even look down on him. In fact, it is quite the opposite. The drow are some of the most sturdy people one could meet. Their culture never sways and as years pass they always stay true to their original roots. It is not her place to judge on that and he is clearly a born and bred warrior.\n\n\"Trapped or not, you are alive. My words are not meant to pity, I admire your people.\" She replies softly just before she hears a snap of the web.\n\nWith a small gasp, Esme tries her best to prepare herself. Her instincts are to transform into the bird mid fall and stablize herself into a glide, at least that was the plan. Yet before she can she feels a force knock into her and as her eyes widen. She grits her teeth in anticipation to a nasty fall. A bone will be broken for sure and though she does not scream. Her eyes fall shut and then... A touch, though not kind nor is it gentle. She is tugged forwards and her safety is secured.\n\n\"Well I'll thank you any-\" Esme starts as she tries to comb out her hair. However, she is swiftly cut off by the sudden appearance of the giant spider.\n\nHer eyes then dart towards Almonde and she promptly calls out her name to get ready. Her grimoire ignites in a blue radiant flame and Esme takes position. There is no way that their new drow friend isn't poisoned. But that will have to wait, at least briefly. She will not let anyone fall today. Her vision sharp and her hearing astute. Esme slows her pulse, breathing steady as she focuses in.*\n\n\"Stay within my range. Neither of you shall endure death today. Gwylyss, keep hold of my dagger!\"" } ]	506.5	1,960
508.7	2023-12-13	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the giant spider observed the two invaders and its former snack regroup, the spider quickly made its way towards the nearest wall to place its latest victim onto the wall for future munching. It's eight eyes of raven black turned to the trio below, letting out a haunting and loud hiss. \n\n```\"Angry Spider noises\"```\n\nThe spider would lift his fangs as it began to shoot out a concentrated attack of webs onto Almonde, smart enough to realize that the armored figure would be the most difficult to kill. Almonde, who was already back and ready, thanks to the witch's call, would attempt to block the web attack. Her shield would be yanked out of her hand rather aggressively as she'd be slightly lifted by the attack. Falling onto the waters. Gwylyss was busy looking around for an exit as he held the dagger, he carefully remembered which tunnel he was brought in.\n\n```\"That tunnel! We escape there. She will not have me today!\"```\n\nThe drow would watch as the giant spider began to descend, as it let go of the towering shield. Dropping it into the waters below. He yelled at it to gain its attention, and once it was closer. The drow took hit and threw the dagger with his remaining strength. The dagger flew through the air and found its mark. Burying itself deep into 2 of its eyes. The spider hissed loudly as it's arms began to attempt the removal of the dagger.\n\nAlmonde took the opportunity to quickly grab her fallen shield, while Gwylyss began to bolt towards the tunnel that he pointed to earlier. Almonde looked up at the wounded spider with a sence of pity, but knew that an escape plan maybe the only way to keep it alive. It wasn't evil, it simply eating and surviving. She began to make a prayer of light to potentially blind the distracted spider.\n\n```\"O' Merciful Mother, please provide light and chase the darkness. Now would be lovely! Accept our pleads and shine bright! As you may!\"```\n.\n\nShe said in a nervous and speedy tone as her staff would flash a bright light at the spider. However due to her delay, the spider was able to make another web attack. This time, aimed at the witch." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Escaping is a better idea than fighting. While Esme is not opposed to a scrap here or there. The spider is preferably, to be avoided. They need to conserve their resources and as the webbing shoots down. She winces to the fact that Almonde's shield gets torn from her, not good. Sure, she may be heavily armored. But that shield can be a matter of life or death.\n\nBut the drow is a warrior and Esme is impressed with his determination. She gives him a nod over and seeing the opportunity, she quickly rushes forward. The shield is recovered and a path forward is clear. At least mostly as she catches something from the corner of her eye. The witch is swift and with magic up her sleeve, avoiding getting hit is her number one priority. As the glob of web is hurled at her, Esme makes a jump and in mid air she transforms. She is harder to hit now as a small bird. Such a spell normally would be useless in the eyes of many. But she's quite speedy and so long as she isn't caught in close quarters, the witch will be fine. Whistling as a song bird now. The avian flies past the drow and makes a dive for the next cavern exit." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the giant spider struggled to maintain its balance on the cavern walls, the trio would begin bolting towards the the tunnel that the drow seemed confident was the safest exit. The witch would find herself diving for a long time, before the sounds of water began to echoed in the tunnel. The floor of the tunnel began to form a river of rushing waters as the solid path ended over a cliff. Below lay dark waters of unknown depth. Before the witch could act, she would hear both Almonde and Gwylyss falling into the pool of water. As the giant spider's loud hissing echoed behind them.\n\nThe waters were rushing and pushing the duo into a larger underground cave systems before they'd be met with a soft blue light. Some magical ore of unknown material lit up the roof of the cave, surrounded by the remains of a mining operation. The drow began to weakly drag himself into the edge of the land, pulling himself weakly onto the ground before falling to his knees. Breathing heavy and beginning to struggle weakly, yet his stubbornness was very visible. Almonde took some time as she'd struggle to swim with a heavy shield on her back but eventually she too found her way onto the edge of the land. She was too weak from running and swimming with a heavy load, she begin crawling towards the drow with a vial of Antitoxin in hand. However, she was too weak to get to him.\n\n```\"AH... Anti... Cure... On second..\"```\n\nAs she crawled, her arms gave out due to exhaustion. Falling face first onto the mud and taking a moment to rest, she had some faith that the witch would handle the drow. The devotee was sure that she only needed a moment to catch her breath. Her heart was pounding so hard that her body felt each beat, her body was warm and exhausted." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme doesn't hesitate to promptly loop around. Her wings pulled in for a dive. She gracefully extends them at the last moment so that she can safely glide, followed by a proper land as she transforms back. White feathers slowly float down towards the ground and the beautiful witch is seen again. Her arms burn hotter than a searing knife. She is used to long flights but such maneuvers take a great toll on the body. Wincing as her feet hit the floor, she spares no time in thinking of the others before herself.\n\n\"Come here.\" She softly breathes out, approaching the drow and gently pulling him a bit closer by the arms.\n\nShe doesn't know how long the toxin has coursed through his veins. Yes, the anti toxins she provided should help cleanse most poisons, at least paralyzing and blood thinning agents. But he had been running, his heart rate quickened most likely. This would have spread the venom faster and deeper into his core. Which is why she doesn't even look at the vial. Her hands softly pressed against his chest, her eyes closed. Esme whispers a small incantation to cleanse him of his ailment. It will take from some of her magic reserves but his life must be saved and she doesn't expect much gratitude. As her palms pull from him, a small ink-void orb floats from his body and into her hands. A representation of the venom that she crushing in her grasp so that it is no more. Her skin looses the glow that is normally produced from her casting and Esme is back to normal.\n\n\"Allow me to heal the both of you. Almonde, were you bit at all?\" Esme asks, whipping her head in the nun's direction.\n\nAs she gets up, she gently sets the drow's head down. Moving towards her companion and grabbing the vial in the way. She begins her first observations of her. Gwylyss should feel his strength return quickly. Though Esme imagines he is going to need some extra care. But if Almonde also got hurt, then she will need to use more of her magic.\n\n\"I know you are tired but you must keep your wits about you.\" She gently whispers to her companion, her gaze dancing around the breathing taking sight in front of them." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "The one armed drow, weakened and injured would begin his adrenaline fade away. Watching with a tired gaze as the witch approach him, his expression was that of shame and fear. Not of the witch but of something else, the thoughts within the drow were his own and he did not share his woes. Simply letting the witch do her work, the drow watched in quiet awe as she'd pull the poison from him. Crushing the orb in her fist, she felt the burning of the venom begin to fade.\n\n```\"I owe you and that other fool for obeying... Me. I rather not be indebted to a pair of humans so... S- so tell me what you came here for. I will... Assist to make us even.\"```\n\nThe drow said as he let out a deep breath that did not sting anymore, his one eye began to search the area around him. The new and large cave system, was massive. Pillars of mined stone reached far above the ceiling, a thick fog like air made it difficult to see further. Yet, the distant shadowy pillars made it seem like this cave was miles long. Past the pillars and on higher ground, growing and giant plant life could be seen. It seemed that most of the plant size around them was manually destroyed or removed. The ground itself was mixed with dead bark, soil, stone and mud.\n\nAlmonde herself would lift herself from that mud, sitting on her rear as she'd glance around her. This place was a new world entirely, no sky nor sun, simply rock above their heads. There was no visual wildlife, simply old mining equipment, burned webbing and touches lighting up the area around them.\n\n```\"Alright. I'm fine. Not hurt, just dizzy and tired. I need some oats again...\"```\n\nAlmonde would jest as she'd slowly use her staff to lean on, glancing at the drow and then the witch. They made it, they survived a giant spider and their feeding grounds. And even saved a drow. An expression of light pride could be seen on her face as she'd lift it, revealing a soft smile at the witch.\n.\n\n```\"I wonder what that glowing ore is. Oh nevermind. Are you alright? I think we should find a place to rest for a moment. Or at least, dry ourselves hah...\"```\n\nAlmonde said as she'd slolwy remove her wet pack, surely some of her equipment would be damaged so she would quickly remove what didn't work anymore. The drow slowly stood up as he made his way to the duo.\n\n```\"We... My kin had a camp nearby. Before the dark ones emerged.\"```\n\nThe drow said sounding better and stronger than before, his voice was less harsh and yet kept its deep rooted authority in. He stood with no right arm, a broken eye and a torn down leather armor set yet the man still stood with some dignity." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Okay...\"\n\nEsme needs to take a moment to catch her breath. Now that a life is saved and Almonde is secure. The intensity of their situation starts to weigh on Esme. Her body aches and the burning in her arms increases ten-fold. As her hands fall to her knees, she holds up an open palm with a small shake of her head. It takes her a moment but eventually the witch brings herself to stand up straight. Though it feels terrible and looming danger of these caves only add to the severity of her anxieties. But she must remain calm for now, loosing it will get her and the others killed.\n\n\"You are not indebted to us.\" Esme chokes out, closing her eyes briefly before opening them to reveal a more poise version of herself.\n\"You life has been saved, that alone is enough for me. You may spite us for who we are but I truly hold no such intentions or animosities in my heart.\"\n\nEsme begins to walk towards Almonde. Kneeling down so that she may help the woman up. Hearing she is okay, she gives a nod and allows her own body to be used as support if Almonde needs it. Though she doesn't turn an ear away from Gwylyss. She hears very clearly the mention of these 'dark ones'. Given drow's close affinity towards spider-kin. It is odd seeing one in such dire straight involving them. Something is afoot and Esme can feel it in the air. This may just be another cleanse mission and it is Esme's duty to oblige.\n\n\"Do you know if that camp is still around and perhaps safe? If we can recover some energy, it will make navigating much easier.\" Esme figures she would ask, her tone laced with concern as she looks back towards their new temporary companion.\n\n\"And to answer your question, I am a potion seller. I make different salves and concoctions for the people and to further improve research against lethal toxins. There is a mushroom I seek. We had no intention of intruding but such a fungus... Is... Well, difficult. If you wish to travel with us I must ask you do so not out of an idea owed, but for your own safety and ambitions to perhaps return to your kin. You owe us nothing.\" Esme finishes off with a smile bright enough to light the cave, a warmth they will not feel in a while until they escape." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "The drow listened to the kind and warm words that the witch share with him, he felt uncomfortable and unable to understand this level of kindness. His expression was that of disgust and confusion but that began to fade away slowly as he spoke.\n\n```\"I've... Heard enough. That kindness would lead you to an early grave here, Surface Dweller. I do not spite you for who you are but what you are. But, I'll spare you my beliefs.\"```\n\nThe drow let out a soft cough as his attention turned to something moving in the far distance from the upper cliffs. Before his attention turned to the witch as he placed his spite aside for survival's sake.\n\n```\"Yes, that camp should be near. If any of my kin still draw breath, they should be there. If not, some weapons and supplies may let linger. Mushrooms? Intruding? If you can survive and take it, it's your by right. Hmmm.\"```\n\nThe drow thought carefully on the witch's words as Almonde would lean on the witch, which made things a lot easier. Almonde remained silent as she'd let the witch handle the drow, as she'd seem to already have a steady relation with him. She'd begin to say a prayer, a powerful one of her faith as her eyes locked with his.\n\n```\"O Merciful Mother of Health and Vitality, with each heart beat, we remember your embrace. Mend our flesh, cleanse our souls and heal our wounds. Nurture your humble children, allow us to rise and regain our lost strength. For our love is eternal yet our flesh is not, as you may.\"```\n.\n\nAlmonde prayed as her staff began to glow with a bright yellow light, that began to heal her and her two companions. The healing was intense and powerful, from each little cut to lost limb. They gained the healing of Calisto's Aid and blessing. The drow watched as his eyes was healed and his torn off limb returned to its former glory. Yet his older scars remained, he moved and grasped his returned fist.\n\n```\"Very... Well. I will travel with you for my own ambitions. I owe you nothing. But we find my kin, I urge you to hide that kindness and... Smile. For your own good.\"```\n\nGwylyss said sounding confused and conflicted for a moment, he would come to terms to the witch's wishes. He would take a closer look at his arm and hand before turning to the duo. The drow began to take the lead to where his camp maybe, Almonde would whisper to Esme as she'd lean with her.\n\n```\"Do you think all Drow are like him? Can't say I've... Met a drow in person.\"```\n\nAlmonde asked as the trio began to leave the rivers and the bottom levels of the cavern, making their way towards an old pathway. Almonde would provide an axe to the Drow as they'd begin their hike." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"The mushrooms have potent properties that can help stabilize ones magic. I am not privy of information, it could serve you and your people well.\" \n\nEsme may be kind but she is no fool. For years she has been told not to be so kind, so soft especially when payment is often never given. But it is her morals, to be true to herself and never sway. She holds no malice in how Gwylyss spoke to her or about her companion. She doesn't even fault him. In fact, the witch is fully aware of just how cruel his kin can be. Not only to outsiders but those who are not strong enough. A woman like her... A woman like Almonde. Esme knows the horrors that can be committed but again, there is not a single ounce of doubt in her eyes as she gazes upon the drow. To him it may be unsettling. He need not explain to her on how she conducts herself and in fact, it is clear by her look that she knows. Yet a smile on her face remains all the same.\n\n\"Then let us seek out this camp. If you can explain anything in regarding these dark ones, the more we all know. The more we can prepare to defend one another.\" Esme softly assures before giving a nod over to Almonde in gratitude.\n\"And... Thank you Gwylyss.\" \n\nEsme does not smile at him nor does she seem irritated. Her words come out as a matter of fact and without giving it much thought. Her attention turns back towards Almonde as her words are whispered into her ear. The drow could have left by now, he could have even taken them. Who knows, they could make for great bargaining chips if he was exiled. It wouldn't be past the drow to disown a failure if they deem him such. But again, Esme is equally aware as she is faithful that he is a willing companion rather than a conniving one. In fact, Almonde's words cause her to fall into a small chuckle. Gently, she shakes the nun's arm in a friendly gesture.\n\n\"Yes and no. Their culture is vastly different from mine and yours. Even me and you are leagues away in such beliefs. But drow are no fool as we are not, I have met many cruel and kind. The same can be said for human men, wives, elven children... Vampires...\" Esme trails off, her gaze downcast briefly as her words soften.\n\"But what matters is what the induvial believes in here...\" She then points to her chest, still positive even in such gloom environments.\n\"Our union will be brief with him and if we come across other drow. We must seek to understand in order to collaborate.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the witch questioned the man on additional information on the giant spiders that he called the dark ones, he pondered on what exactly should be shared with outsiders. Their last encounter did not go as smoothly as one would hope, he explained with a firm tone as he walked.\n\n```\"We disturbed the dark souls, it was not our intent yet we faced our judgment through venom and fang. Disturbing their nesting grounds lead to our ends. They were aggressive, surprised and punished us for our foolishness. However, it seems they relocated or retreated. We left them vulnerable hence the dark ones retreated deeper into the shadows. We stand in the open and the light. The hooked horrors will be our main concern for now, or my kin if they believe me to be bewitched by that smile of yours.\"```\n\nThe drow said as he explained in vague detail on what had happened and what was useful enough for the pair to know. The dark ones were no longer a threat, they enjoyed the comforts of the shadows but there were exceptions as the man experienced them first hand. He continued to lead the pair as they spoke, his attention looking around the cliff for a potential figure of his kin. His eyes filled with a hue of hope as he searched, yet he could find them. Almonde listened with care as the witch explained, a smile growing on her face as she'd quickly take worried glances at the drow in front of them.\n\n```\"Haha, interesting. I suppose it's as you say. It matters what the individual chooses to be. You're quite wise for someone your age hah. I expected such wisdom from a grand old wizard. I'm sure we can come to an understanding with both our diplomacy skills combined.\"```\n.\n\nThe trio continued the hike up the cliff as they'd take a path that ascended up to the cliffs, but the trio was quickly halted as a loud bird like scream was heard nearby. The sounds was unusually painful to hear, anyone familiar knew it was a hooked horror or two. The drow slowly lowered himself as he halted his movements, listening with care as he'd move his white hair over his sharp ears. Almonde stopped her movements as she'd listen quietly as the sounds of two bird like screams echoed over each other.\n\n```\"Hold. Mating session. Just hold.\"```\n\nThe drow whispered as the sounds of hooked horrors making very disturbing noises echoed between the roots and giant mushrooms. They were far enough away to not block their way, yet the drow wished to remain hidden. The fog made difficult to see yet a shape formed behind a few roots to the direction that loud screams were made." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Hooked horrors... Yes, Esme has come across them twice in her lifetime and they are a creature most preferably avoided. They are savage, act out of sheer malice. Their life expectancies are quite short and often you can smell them before you see them. They are ambush predators and with one fluid motion, can disembowel the unsuspecting. This causes Esme to let out yet another sigh. So yet again she must face off agains them. But this time, her party is small and likely unprepared to deal with them.\n\n\"If my memory serves correct then they have poor eyesight. Not just because they are cavern dwelling but often their bodies are covered in mange and parasites. The eyes are the easiest to devour... Though this was nearly eighty years ago...\"\n\nThe witch then lets it slip a hint of her age. She has mentioned it to Almonde prior. But to the drow it will make no sense. She is not wrinkled, in her prime and her looks match that of a young adult. Eighty years old only scratches the surface of her true age. But magic works wonders and even he should not be too surprised... Except for it is a human who retains the beauty of his disgruntled cousins with sun-kissed skin from above. Yet there is no point to her ears as Esme is truly human.\n\n\"And as much as I would love to think I have some enchantment with a look. You can trust I will not give even a hint of it.\" Esme mumbles, trying her best to remain poise despite the little giggling that can be heard from her.\n\"Apologies... But again, as I said. You are a warrior and we will not undermine you should we come across your troupe.\"\n\nWhat Almonde says is true. Together they can likely solve this diplomatically and better yet, perhaps gain unsuspected allies. Then again, this is partial hopeful thinking. The drow are secluded as they are shifty. They are human and it is unlikely that such an allegiance will ever form. Esme cannot even suspect that from Gwylyss... Wait, bewitched by her smile? Her eyebrow shoots up in thought now as her gaze flutters over towards the man. What an odd thing to say.\n\n\"Sa-say...\" Esme starts, whispering quietly to Almonde. At least she thinks she is quiet, who knows if Gwylyss is truly listening.\n\"Is my smile bewitching? I... I did not mean to make anyone uncomfortable... I-\"\n\nShe then comes to a stop, crouching beside the others as she hears the howls of the horrors. What a time to descend into the caves. Mating season is lethal for any adventurer and without realizing it, Esme is in the midst of pinching the bridge of her nose. This is will add... Further complications. The Horrors will be more alert due to sheer adrenalin alone. So they must stay vigilant for now." } ]	526.5	5,087
736.333333	2023-12-15	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Soft breathing escaped the mouth of Almonde as she'd try her best to not smell a fragments of the air, the vile scent almost turned her face green with disgust. The drow would seem unfazed by the scent as his focused eyes scanned the area before him, as if he was searching for footprints, signs or traces of his fellow kin. His face had an expression of hidden hope, hope that he tried to keep hidden. He knew better but he really hoped that his kin survived just as he did. Turning to the witch, he gave her a firm nod to her response of understanding his beliefs. He would whisper in a low tone, his eyes locking with hers. Her averting and avoidance to look him in the eyes, almost created a smile over his face. But he was very quick to stop it.\n\n```\"For once, I agree. I mean- we should talk about beliefs somewhere else, that's what I agree with. Not while surrounded by delay and rot. I- nevemind.\"```\n\nFor once, his voice had a tone of hesitation looming over his words. The drow stooped his conversation immediately, this wasn't the time nor place and he chose his words poorly. Almonde held her nose closed, as her head titled to the witch's words. A smile grew and the sudden urge to tease her rose, but she knew better than do tease the vulnerable witch.\n\n```\"I'm pretty sure he did, he let it slip as they say hehe. Ahem. But, as you wish. I'll take the lead if you need a moment.\"```\n\nAlmonde said as she'd gently pat the back of Esme, speaking in a soft and soothing tone. The devotee wished she could cast a happy emotional spell on the witch, but she'd take a moment to comfort her.\n\n```\"Thank you again, for doing the talking and diplomacy. I would have panicked back there. I believe a soul like his, can be redeemed. Thanks to you and me, he has that chance. Calisto would be proud of you.\"```\n.\n\nAlmonde wasn't sure nor truly understood what the witch was going through, was it serious self doubt or simply introverted embarrassment. Either way, she hoped to provide an fragment of comfort and support to her fellow companion. She made sure to keep her voice down, the drow would lead the party along the path. Hiking and tracking the path, the path began to slowly change with each step.\n\nFrom tall roots that grew between stone, the party found themselves surrounded with the wonders of the wilderness of the underground world. Away from the hooked horrors, tall mushrooms surrounded them like trees. Glowing plant life of blue, green and red would light up the ecosystem. Almond was left speechless staring and studying all she could see. Gwylyss was focused on the path ahead, occasionally stopping to check the path and for any tracks. As he took a knee and inspected a footprint, Almonde would pop up beside him. Trying to start a conversation with him.\n\n```\"Hey Gwylyss, are you married?\"```\n\nHer tone was genuine and was spoken with a curious smile, the devotee leaned her weight over her staff while she waited for his answer. The drow seemed surprised at first, taking a moment to process the question.\n\n```\"If that was an insult then I'd try harder. If that was a question. That's none of your concern, healer. But. I'll humor you. Since I have an arm because of you.\"```\n\nThe drow said while slolwy standing up, his attention on his arm that he lost and regained. It felt so unnatural and unfair yet, there it was. He glanced at the witch once more as he spoke, with a annoyed expression and crossed arms.\n.\n\n```\"I am not worthy yet. A drow man needs feats to gain the attention of a drow woman.The greater the feat, the greater the woman. My scout leader, she is a great and ruthless woman. Quite the opposite of the witch here heh.\"```\n\nThe drow said as he gave out a single chuckle, it seems that he was beginning to get lost in his words. Almonde was quietly listening as tint details dripped from his words.\n\n```\"Maya's smile was cold, refined and sharp like a blade. Not cute, warm or bright like the witch. Her eyes could scare goblin horde away. Meanwhile, the witch's eye's cou- I've spoken too much. Lloth end me now.\"```\n\nThe drow stopped himself upon realizing that he lost himself in his words. Like a drunken fool. The drow went silent as he simply continued to lead the group as if he didn't speak at all. Almonde truly wanted to poke the drow but she knew that she was on thin ice, simply the devotee gently hopped towards the witch with a smug smile." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme is in the midst of her inner turmoil and panicked over thinking when Gwylyss addresses her. His voice is drowned out by her own inner thinking and she nearly misses his words. For a moment the witch looks as though she is going to speak but then her mouth shuts before any words can slip out. With a few blinks followed by a long winded blank stare. Esme is a bit surprised by the idea of a drow, any drow wanting to actually have a discussion. It's clear he actually meant it and as her ears pick up his own stammering. That warm, 'bewitching' smile returns again as she gives him a nod over. If it is something he wishes to pursue then Esme imagines that both she and her companion can have a lovely talk with him perhaps one day.\n\n\"It seemed more like a jab and a compliment- what did I even do?\" Esme quietly whines to herself, feigning despair before giving Almonde a playful smile.\n\nThere are no amount of words that Esme can find that describe just how grateful she is that Almonde is with her. Normally these contracts and outsourced clients tend to be too quiet, too talkative and not enough sincerity. Yet Esme truly believes she has found a kindred spirit and it has been a long time since she has felt such. It warms her and no amount of cold that can be produced from the underdark can truly sway that. Without even realizing it, Esme cannot stop herself from smiling as she watches Almonde walk ahead. It is good experience for the both of them and given how excited the girl was last night. This, as terrifying as some of the sights have been, they have been equalized in breath taking views, should be something Almonde will never forget. Which is why Esme must give thanks to her once this is all over.\n\nLook at her go! Walking towards Gwylyss proud without an ounce of hesitation. Perhaps they can truly socialize and Esme dare say that she is proud-\n\n*Hey Gwylyss, are you married?\n\nThe sound of glass shatters in the back of Esme's mind as she nearly trips over her own feet, eyes widened like an owl as time itself stops. It is not the matter of the question but rather how misplaced and sudden it is. It takes Esme a bit to actually recollect herself from the shock alone. Why... Why did she ask that? This is definitely not how Esme would have gone about first contact given the two did not talk much prior and soon her gaze is shot down. Still widened of course as the witch now bites the inside of her cheek, her thumb rapidly rubbing against her closed palm. Though no blush can be seen on her face as Esme flusters easily to any situation she may deem embarrassing. Her rounded ears shine brighter than the red mushrooms she seems unable to look away from.\n\nThis only heightens when Gwylyss starts talking. At first she understands, cross referencing what he is saying to drow beliefs that she has come to learn and understand over the years. To prove oneself as a warrior, to treasure strength and cunning wit about all. But then Esme is called out and her body immediately stiffens, her muscles tensing like the very trees that surround the cave outside. Again, her own words now repeat in her head.\n\nWhat did I even do?\n\nEsme had only spoken to him like she had spoken to everyone else. Sure, she comes off a bit soft on the outside. But she didn't imagine just a smile would make such an impression and soon her eyes are darted back down to the floor as she nervously hums to herself. Then... Did he just compliment her? This causes Esme's thoughts to go in over time as she rubs the back of her head and her words spill out like a great waterfall.\n\n\"I-if I have made you uncomfortable, I do apologize. I did not mean to pry or make you fe-feel...\" Esme then stops as calls out from the back, now a few extra feet away from both Almonde and Gwylyss.\n\n\"Bewitched...\" She mutters to herself, clearly still unable to understand just exactly what he meant. Her eyes then dart to Almonde. A wide stare like a puppy in trouble. Poor Lass." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Almonde would quickly make her way back to the witch, her smile fading into a glittering teeth expression. As she'd hoped to bring their bound closer together, only to look at a witch, the poor puppy in trouble. Her arms were extended wide open as she'd warmly hug the witch. The devotee apologized as she'd hold the precious witch in her arms, the drow suddenly stopped and rolled his eyes at the sight.\n\n```\"Oh I'm so sorry, Esme! I thought I did a good thing. He technically called you cute, warm and bright! Which I completely agree with. It's not your fault if the drow falls for you. If anything, he should be the one to apologize!\"``` \n\nThe drow clearly heard this but pretended not to, his hands closed together as he began to wonder if this was his punishment for not submitting to his punishment by the dark ones. Taking a step away from the duo, he mumbled a little.\n\n```\"Oh, maybe I should died and fed the dark ones... I'm sure that is mercy compared to this... Lloth. I beg mercy.\"```\n\nHe kept his gaze toward and held his tongue, the drow set his priorities straight. These two humans were useful but distracting. The man continued to lead, as the duo behind him began to slolwy catch up. Suddenly, mushroom covered boar would run past in between the party. Which scared and surprised Almonde, falling to her feet. The drow seemed to have found this amusing, an evil laugh escaped his lips. He shook his head as he took a few steps, that was until he came arcoss the view. The sight of his camp.\n\n```\"By Lloth fangs...\"```\n\nThe drow was speechless by the sight of the camp site. The camp was placed next to a cliff, overlooking the mining area. Tents were torn, dried blood had turned the mushrooms red. Pieces of torn armor and broken weapons littered the area. No bodies could be found, but only one statue remained. The statue of a drow, a female drow who dressed in a noble manner. Yet, the statue had a steam around it as if it was breathing almost.\n\nA wise mind and a sharp eye could tell that this statue was no statue, it was a petrified drow. From the look of her body language, she seemed calm and collected. Those who were turned petrified by monsters always had a fearful look, not here though. The drow quickly ran to the campsite and began to search around, trying to understand what exactly happened. A hue of desperation and despair would be seen in his eyes. Almonde stayed with the witch, before letting the drow search on his own. The woman turned to look at the dried blood and the destroyed campsite.\n\n```\"Dried blood can stay on stone for a very long time... I'm not sure how long this happened. It's a lot of blood, enough for a few deaths.\"```\n\nAlmonde looked at the drow with some pitiful eyes, the loss of your kin will always hurt, no matter the face. However, her attention turned to the statue and she began to stare at it. What a statue doing here of all places, in the middle of the wilds. The drow fell to the ground at the feet of the statue, looking rather defeated.\n\n```\"Gwylyss... I am sorry for your loss. Truly, I am.\"```" }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"I-it's quite alright.\" Esme nervously chuckles as Almond returns to her side, reciprocating the hug with a small pat on the back.\n\nThe witch isn't sure if the awkward tension in the air is more suffocating than that of the stench of the hooked horrors. At least they can have some form of merry making. Sure, Gwylyss isn't exactly keen on joking back and forth. Not to mention he spoke so pitifully just moments ago. Esme's lack of social skills aside, she heavily frowns as she looks ahead at him. Their affectionate behavior is seen as weak, Esme knows he is looking down at them to a certain degree. Not that she minds it per say, but she still feels a small tinge of guilt given that he likely lost his scout leader... No, perhaps she is still alive and they can reunite him and Maya.\n\n\"Though I think he finds as a bit insufferable.\" Esme mumbles in a girlish giggle as she tries to collect herself.\n\nSilence befalls them as Esme doesn't wish to test his patience any further. Keeping a vigilant eye, the witch hopes that the mushrooms she seeks are nearby. Though she doubts it. They grow in areas dry in the underground, where magic surges in the weave. Esme will be able to sense them naturally, but so far there is no luck. Thankfully to her perceptive behavior, Esme is able to hear the boar before she sees it. As Almonde takes a small tumble, Esme is quick to help her up with a reassuring smile. At least Gwylyss is amused and that's the first time she has truly heard him laugh.\n\n\"You okay?\" She asks Almonde, keeping her hand out to help the priestess up.\n\nBut then she sees Gwylyss run and Esme is quick to rush after so long as Almonde is ready. When she sees the ruins, the dried blood, the aftermath of something truly terrible. There are no words from the witch. In fact, saying sorry will likely only aggravate the drow. A warriors death, she can only hope that their purpose at least was fulfilled. But the witch is not cold. She slowly approaches, clasping her hands in front of her as she stands a little behind Gwylyss. Looking at the statue, she tries her best to remember if she had seen the woman anywhere. But... Nothing. With a small sigh of defeat, Esme turns to more pressing matters.\n\n\"We can give you time and space. But if there is anything we can do, please let us know Gwylyss.\" Esme then falls quiet again, still trying to collect her words.\n\"I do not mean to instill false hope but perhaps... There are some survivors.\"\n\nEsme then glances over towards Almonde. Though she says nothing, she gives a look followed by a nod for her to follow. The drow will likely need time and for now, they should give it to him. The last thing she wishes to do is upset him further. Even her hand is instinctively reached out and for a moment, her palm almost connects with his shoulder. He may even feel some of her warmth though no contact is made. But deciding against it, Esme then turns away to commit to her original plan of allowing him time as she can only hope that will provide some comfort." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the devotee found her footing, her attention turned to the boar. She wondered how different wildlife was to the surface, the curious woman quickly gave the witch, a thumbs up to express her well being. Taking her hand as she'd slolwy get up.\n\n```\"Oh yeah, just a little slippery. Fast little guy, wasn't he.\"```\n\nAlmonde's smile slolwy faded away, as the sight of the ruined campsite came to view. Almonde quickly ran in hopes of finding some wounded to heal or perhaps save a few lives. But, the only thing waiting for them was a statue. The scent of blood, burnt-out mushroom, steel and mud filled their sences. After giving her condolences to the drow, the drow only had silence to give. The devotee watched as the witch offered her words of encouragement and support. Perhaps their could be survivors just like him, trapped in webbing somewhere. The drow gave no response to the witch either, simply sitting there as his gaze was low and unmoving. The proud warrior a few moments ago was left as a groveling man now. An expression of sadness could be seen on the drow's face. Almonde was silent as she'd begin scavenging the remains, searching for clues and making herself useful. That was until she found a satchel with a note, thrown into it. The note was covered with some blood, the drow language was difficult to read, she'd lift the note up. Trying to find a better light, the satchel fell over and the sounds of a glass potion could be heard.\n\n```\"Hey Esme? Can you read drow? I think it's ancient elf tongue but... Also blood on it? Maybe it's a journal, could tell us what happened. I think Gwylyss is mourning... Now.\"```\n\nShe would pass the note to the witch, the note was written with a rushed hand in formal ancient elvish. The readable words read as follow.\n\nTO WHO EVE- -EADS THIS, POT- WILL -URN STO- TO FL-H. USE IT -ME. RE-ARDS -ALL B- -EN.\n\nThe blood made it difficult to read even if it was a drow eye, it was a note written with a short sentence. Only a handful of words were readable, as the witch read the potion. Almonde would open the satchel, pulling out a potion. Any potion maker could easily recognize it, Basilisk Oil. An oil that can save those who are petrified and return them to their original state. Almonde began to shake the strange black liquid.\n\n```\"Looks like some weird black potion. It's not like cursed, right? Right?\"```\n\nTO WHOEVER READS THIS, POTION WILL TURN STONE TO FLESH. USE IT ON ME. REWARDS SHALL BE GIVEN.\n\nHowever, the eyes of the witch could read it rather clearly as the simply blood stain hardly meant anything as the letters came naturally to her." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "As Esme keeps an eye on Gwylyss, not wanting to come off disrespectful while also observing the statue. Her eyebrow raises when Almonde calls to her, turning her head to observe just what it is she s talking about. Of course she does not wish to leave Gwylyss alone completely, so she keeps him in sight.\n\n\"Let me take a look.\" Esme whispers as she approaches.\n\nThe note reminds her of a lot of fey riddles. Though they are not to be taken lightly, she doubts they have extreme influence here. A few times read, Esme then glances over her shoulder to where Gwylyss is kneeled. Her brow furrowed and then another look over the note. A light flickers and the witch begins to move without warning. Carefully she grabs hold of the bottle from Almonde's hand carefully, seeing the oil for what is and the note confirming her suspicions.\n\n\"It's basilisks oil...\" She mumbles to Almonde while not breaking her sight from the statue.\n\"I think I understand. Follow me.\"\n\nAs Esme turns she gives an assured look. With the note in one hand and the oil in the other. The witch makes her way towards the Drow and to whom she may suspect to be his beloved. She is gentle in her approach, now feeling bold enough to set a soft touch upon his shoulder. Though she expects him to shy away from the comfort or even ignore her. Flicking her thumb upwards she uncorks the bottle.\n\n\"Gwylyss, I believe this bottle can undo the effects. But I shall give it to you, as well as this note.\" Esme's voice hums like a soft harp, kneeling down beside him as she extends the possible treatment.*\n\n\"I dare not do anything rash, perhaps we could try this for her? You are a warrior, do not give up on her now.\"" } ]	721	4,418
796.444444	2023-12-16	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Almonde wasn't sure on what the witch was meant with the basilisk oil, her knowledge on alchemy and magic ingredients were not her specialty. But the devotee held a lot of good faith in the witch. With a curious look in her eyes, she followed her while slowly putting her salvaged tools and equipment down. The duo made their way to the broken drow, who simply sat on the dirt ground. Silently wishing for death, as great shame fell onto his shoulders. Their voices were only a blur and inaudible to him. What could they possibly say, did it even matter now. But for a brief moment, as a potion and a note was presented to him.\n\n```\"What is this. Of course... Yes. How could I have been so foolish. You... Two. Did well. I need to explain something to both of you, before I even do this.\"```\n\nHe held the potion with care as the note left his fingers, his expression was that of a confused and conflicted man. So much emotion had surged in him, the once self controlled drow. The man slowly got up as he realized the situation at hand, and believed the two humans before him deserved some recognition. Almonde would scoop on closer as the drow spoke, facing the pair.\n.\n\n```\"Before you, stands Maya of House Vandree. A noble drow truly stands for our people... But only our people. She had a collection of slaves brought here, many humans. Her ladyship will... Not view you as anything but slaves. I am duty bound to serve her without question. If she wants you as slaves or dead, I will and must do as she wishes. I tell you this now, for your interest. If I free her now, she will most likely... Order me to enslaved you two. I cannot speak on why we are here nor what we intend to do here. But... You brought me here so I speak a warning.\"```\n\nThe drow spoke and explained with a firm tone, a serious hue in his red eyes. He turned to look at the statue of the noble drow, the warrior was very close to simply freeing her without thought. But, he held himself back.\nAaaa\n\n```\"Take it as a kindness. I've idolized her since the day my hands held a blade. I will not betray her over two humans... No matter how kind nor powerful. I will not pretend that I know her ladyship, perhaps she will reward you. But, it's uncertain. She has killed those who insulted her indirectly, I rather not watch you die.\"```\n.\n\nThe drow said holding the potion with care, explaining with a focused pair of eyes. Almonde looked confused and pondered on the words that the drow spoke.\n\n```\"So, is this goodbye? I suppose we were going to be temporary allies but are you sure that you'll be alright?\"```\n\nAlmonde asked sounding very genuine, the female drow began to actually sound very dangerous. A part of her began to regret showing that note, wondering if this is a good thing or not.\n\n```\"It is not my safety that you should be concerned about. It is yours. I will free her but I wish to warn you. You may stay and persuade her, perhaps. Or you may leave. I cannot guarantee your safety either way. Even if you leave now, her orders bound me. I will end both of you... If she wishes it.\"```\n\nThe drow spoke his last sentence with a hue of sadness to it, his eyes did not look at the women's eyes. The drow popped the cap of the potion open. Almonde felt a lot of pressure on her, she could potentially blind, trap or simply run. Yet, her feet were planted. Could they really talk their way out of it? If they failed, they would face an old ally and a unknown drow. The devotee gently held onto the witch's shoulder.\n\n```\"What should we do? I have trust that we can use logic and reasoning... To convince her? We already did a great job with... Him... Kinda. If it turns ugly, you can fly away and I'll blind them... Maybe jump the cliff? I don't know...\"```\n\nAlmonde shared her plans and her thoughts in a whisper, the cliff that they stood was overlooking a large body of water. But, what lurks in the water is unknown. They had little to work with, but Almonde wasn't consumed by fear as she had a lot of faith both in her witch companion and the drow. The drow did not need to warn them, yet he did. There was light in him, surely there must light in her." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme smiles over at Gwylyss as he takes hold of the oil. Coming to a stand, she lets out a small sigh of relief. Though the bad news has yet to come, the witch can be content that some life has returned to him. Drow or not, am an broken so quickly is a sight that breaks the heart. Who stands before them is a proud warrior seeking to prove himself. There are many Esme has met in her time and even now, she finds them truly valiant no matter the difference in beliefs. As what she prioritizes most is the ability to stay true to oneself and cause. Which makes her wonder if this is his wife, it has to be.\n\n\"Oh? What is it Gwylyss?\" Esme hums, pondering his hesitation and concern soon appears on her face. Gwylyss isn't married and while she is familiar with the drow as well as the ancient languages. The witch is by no means any expert and has completely misunderstood the conversation past.\n\nThen her suspicions, at least part of them, are confirmed. As her gaze flickers behind him to look at the statue, she nods in understanding that this was Maya- is Maya. But then the realization hits that this woman of great nobility, means there are great risks. She knows just how far the female side of drow customs can go, how dangerous they can be for those who do not share their blood. 200 years is nothing, Esme can be a great asset to them in ways she would prefer to avoid. To be killed would be... Lucky and her heart begins to sink as reality kicks in about the concerns she had prior of the drow are spoken to her in warning.\n\n\"I misunderstood earlier, I believed her your wife already. I understand what you mean now.\"\n\nGwylyss was a warrior under the command of the noble rule. His life, his spirit, soul, mind and body are forfeit to House Vandree. It is likely that he never had Esme's or Almonde's sense of freedom. For freedom to drow mean completely different things. They had come here for mushrooms, Esme had every intention to avoid the drow and keep a low profile. Having someone trapped and saving them was never part of her original ideas. Yet she has her concerns even now for the man.\n\n\"We would never ask you to betray, that would be foolish.\" Esme continues, her tone is kind as it is soft. Even though he does not address her by name and rather 'human', she remains warm all the same.\n\n\"But what Almonde asks is also my concern. Will you be alright? I would be more than willing to talk to her but I will also not be a fool and heed your warning. If you prefer us to not speak to her and leave now, we will. We have yet to find the Pixies Parasol and while I am sure under her watch you will be safe... But there was once a group of you and now there are only two. Safety can be found in numbers and if she wills it, perhaps we can enhance this temporary alliance.\"\n\nThen Esme ponders it a bit more. Is the risk really worth it? Her gaze returns to Almonde as she nods to the idea. They have escape options, this is true. Not to mention Esme's magic is truly powerful and she expects no less from her companion. Still, they are not invincable and if Maya has an ability to alter or halt Esme's casting in any way. It could spell big trouble from them. Plus... As Esme looks back at Gwylyss she nervously smiles to herself. He is... Well he's extremely fit. If either of them are grabbed that can also mean sudden death. He isn't their friend, their companion, he is someone who they so happened to come across.\n\n\"Who knows, maybe she would like a conversation under the willow trees too.\" Esme blurts out and immediately regretting the words, causing her to look at Almonde with the same puppied expression as before.\n\n\"Ye-yes the cliff is a good idea...\" Esme then mumbles over, clearly embarrassed enough as is." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the witch explained her misunderstandings, the man would not hold that against her. He was actively ensuring that the two women did not know what their plans were, should they return to the surface from which they came, it would work in his favor if they weren't so well informed. Hence, his words keeping his intentions vague. Part of him was actually happy to hear that the witch understood that asking a drow to betray was a foolish decision. He held the opened potion of oil, as the drow spoke without looking at the duo.\n\n```\"I will admit, you have a point. I do not know what exactly happened here. It was so fast and chaotic. To say that you are not useful and deserving some recognition is a lie. But, it doesn't matter what I think as it is not my decision to make. But... For what it's worth, I agree that a temporary alliance would prove us well.\"\n\nThe once authoritative voice of the drow was faded into a slow and steady tone, as if he spoke from an neutral point, rather than his previous passive aggression. It had a hue of respect, his words and body language. In his end, it maybe the last time that he is allowed to view them as allies. When the witch blurts out her words, the drow turned to her. His eyes were a window of the conflict that was stirring within.\n\n```\"As foolish as I sound, I hope so as well.\"```\n\nHis words were spoken in a sad yet controlled tone, no longer did he gaze at them with pity, anger or resentment. He was calm. Which actually scared Almonde as his drow wildness was fun to poke and jest with. A serious and calm Gwylyss seemed off putting, as if she had no clue of what he was thinking. Almonde simply smiled at the witch as she'd once again turn into a ball of embarrassment. She wanted to comfort the witch but stopped at her tracks, the drow was pouring the oil onto the statue.\n\n```\"Looks like it's happening. Best we look presentable. Heh...\"```\n.\n\nAlmonde said as she'd began patting her dirty linen armor, in a jesting tone. The drow was silent as he began to pour the last drop of oil onto the statue, before he took a step back. Taking a knee and looking down at the ground. The statue of stone slowly began to crack and the solid stone slowly began to turn into breathing flesh. Begone was the grey and cometh the dark skin of a proud drow. It was at this point, that Almonde slowly closed the visor of her helmat.\n\nAlmonde and Esme would witness a noble drow woman beginning to breath, as she'd slowly regain her footing. Almonde was tempted to help the lady, but the warning kept her feet planted. Her eyes were indeed cold and unnerving, as she'd study her surroundings. The blood, the kneeling Gwylyss, the two humans and the scene itself would drag a very uncomfortable silence. The drow held on to a white mask, carefully wearing it onto her face. Now, an expressionless white masked drow spoke. The air around her was very intimidating and cold, oddly enough Almonde found the spider less scary.\n.\n\n```\"Rise. And answer me, Gwylyss. Why do I have the displeasure of meeting two surface creatures before me? Is this another insult? Have I not humiliated enough. Surrounded by flith, failure and humiliation?\"```\n\nHer words carried a heavier sence of authority than Gwylyss's did. Her tone was cold, the ice directed into tears heart of Gwylyss. She did not look at the duo, instead turning around to look down at the mining area, down the cliff. Her posture straight, firm and one of nobility, which made it look very out of place here in a once simple campsite. Gwylyss kept his head down as he tried to explain.\n\n```\"Your ladyship, I wish to bring you success, and what is yours. That is my purpose. I've brought thes-\"```\n\nGwylyss said before he was caught off by a Blight spell that the noble drow casted on him, silencing the drow as his flesh began to burn from the powerful necrotic magic that drained moisture and some of his vitality. A 4th level spell, would greatly harm the drow but he stayed on the floor. Almonde took a step forward, hoping to assist the drow. Her eyes turned to the witch and then the witch. Only silence was given to them, as Gwylyss grunted through the damage that he had taken." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Well whatever happens Gwylyss...\" Esme begins as she watches his hand raise to pour over the ointment.\n\"It was my greatest pleasure to have travelled beside a warrior such as yourself. No matter your beliefs of me, others, or yourself... You have assured our safety and our alliance will forever have my gratitude.\"\n\nAs Esme finishes her words, she begins a small curtsy bow. Male drow are not exactly top of the heirarchy when it comes to Drow customs. Though she dare not speak of some of the horrors here, especially not to Almonde. Esme knows that it is unlikely anyone has ever truly bowed to Gwylyss out of sincerity and respect. Sure, perhaps he has courted authority in the past. She knows not the details of his life. But even so, the likelihood of anyone of his kin viewing him as an equal is just unlikely. Again, scouts and warriors are expendable. His own life is not his to make claim over.\n\nHer attention then turns to Almonde as she takes a breath. This can go extremely dangerous and with a snap of the finger, casting prestidigitation, both girls will have muck and grime promptly washed away. Nodding over at Almonde, the least they can do is be confident before the lady. But there is a gnawing sensation that something terrible will soon happen. They are not drow, Esme borderline looks elven though she is missing the main important factor, which is their blood. Most importantly, they are women of high magic potency and Esme, though Gwylyss and even Almonde do not know it, can turn the active fates around. A magic so powerful that there are many who will kill to get their hands on it. No matter how kind she has treated even Gwylyss, she knew better than to mention this to him.\n\nOnce Maya is freed from her petrification, Esme does not react to the insults. Only half of them are directed at her and Almonde though she does feel bad for Gwylyss. But this is how Drow conduct themselves and it isn't the first time Esme has seen it. She doesn't even flinch to Gwylyss' words as she had expected for him to refer to them as captured slaves, gifts for the lady's taking. But there is a hope that some form of diplomacy can be reached, at least temporarily. If they can get the woman on their side, should they come across more drow... They will have a backer which could somewhat allow safe passage from here on it. But of course, this is Esme's own selfish and wishful thinking. Thinking that is abruptly cut short when magic is used on Gwylyss.\n\nHis body is not his own... His body is not his own... The phrase repeats itself in Esme's mind like the buzz of a pest. It takes a great deal of willpower not to immediately react and to ensure that Almonde doesn't either. She promptly grabs the woman's arm, though gentle, without breaking gaze from Maya. If she misspeaks here, Gwylyss could get killed. At this point, it isn't about Esme's safety but the other two. Her heartrate quickens and Esme knows she must do something. A spell that withers while Esme creates, such a woman... To have such a spell. Now is not the time to over think, Esme must act without causing further harm.\n.\n\n\"Lady of House Vandree, a word please.\"\n\nEsme's voice rings sharp, authoritative and confident. A side not seen once by either Almonde or Gwylyss. The soft witch, the one who's smile could melt the coldest of ice. Now has an air of power about her. Two hundred years of cultivation, two hundred years of unsightly sights. She looks directly at Maya completely unphased, her expression unchanging. Maya think herself the leader here but ultimately it is her who has lost her men, Esme has not lost a single soul and together with Almonde and Gwylyss they made it back.\n\n\"You throw away a good man. I speak to you not as an equal, I am no Draʊ (drow), nor do I carry the blessings of the Dark Queen herself.\" Esme speaks with conviction and her true accent is revealed. A woman of ancient tongue, one shared by likely even Maya's ancestors. A smile is displayed but it is not kind.\n\n\"But I am no Múl (slave). I am what your people call Baedaeth (The one who bares fate and luxury). Witch of the Twilight. We have returned you to your glory, he bested the dark ones, recovered over their venom. I do not hold malice with you, but I will not allow a man such as him to be perished either. I implore you to re-think your decision.\"\n\nEsme then finishes with a bow, still keeping eye contact with Maya. Being exiled is worse than death, so she must bargain with this woman in order for her to accept Gwylyss back. It is not her place to drag him out of here. Even if Almonde and Esme jumped in, even if he lived. He would have nowhere to go. This is a sensitive matter but she will not allow her or her companion to take a fall either. Esme is old, very old and she will make it known that she is not one to be tempered with." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As Gwylyss lays down on the ground, the necrotic magic biting and draining him. He would not protest or move, simply keeping his head down in shame. Silent and keeping his head. A strong magic aura was glowing in between her fingers before the noble drow, felt the witch grab her arm. Her cold eyes met with that of the witch's, as Almonde would inch closer to the wounded man. Clearly, she tried to heal the man but keep silent. The intense and heavy air between the noble and the witch was delicate, the devotee did not wish to distract either of them. Kneeling next to the drow, she began to check how damaging the spell was on his well being.\n\nMaya would promptly free her hand from the witch's grasp, the voice of the human would spare her a few moments from her normal wraith. It was difficult to see her expressions with the white mask, yet her eyes were cold and still. Like a mountain of ice, that formed around who she truly was. The noble listened to what the witch said, her usage of their language, her understanding, her accent and her wisdom took the noble by surprise. Silently, she listened. Her body language was still and straight. Watching the human, the witch and the Baedaeth* Bow before her, their eyes locked. Almonde was frozen as the air was cold, heavy and painful silent for an uncomfortably long time. The noble drow placed her hand over her chin, in a moment of thought.\n.\n\n```\"I expected to face a fool, a bed warmer and slave. Instead, I speak to a you. Wiser than most that I've slaughtered. I will provide the privilege to hold a few words with me. Only because you amuse me in this flithy place.\"```\n\nThe Lady of Vandree would be quietly impressed by the witch, hence she'd allow her to speak to her. She knew her place, held some wisdom and held authority. Either was she a slave, a competitor nor a rival. A welcoming challenger. The noble spoke once more as she'd turn her gaze to Almonde, she'd very quietly whisper a prayer as she'd carefully heal Gwylyss. The noble looked down at both of them, before meeting the gaze of Esme.\n\n```\"Despite your wisdom, you know nothing. This pathetic excuse of a drow has been the key to my failure. He is not my glory. Never should he have even faced the dark ones, now. Now, the Dark Queen herself silently curses me. Perish? Death is a mercy for him, I do not intend to provide mercy especially to those who fail me.\"```\n\nHer voice was again as sharp and as cold as a blade of elvish steel. The noble would motion her hand to showcase the camp, explaining the situation at hand.\n\n```\"Thanks to his failure. Our drow warriors were weakened. Forced to retreat here. Only for our slaves to turn against us. Now, I stand as alone. And, what was rightfully mine. Further from my grasp.\"```\n\nThe noble drow would cast a spell, summoning a crow to her arm. The crow took flight immediately after, flying high and began to scout out the area. The attention of Maya turned to the witch, her eyes were no longer cold and empty. Now, they were filled with anger, rage and shame. A painful mixture in her purple eyes." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"I never made claim to be knowing.\" Esme quips back with a cocky chuckle to her tone, though she does not pass the point of being disrespectful.\n\nShe can feel her heartrate calm down as she senses Almonde rush towards Gwylyss' aid. This allows her to solely focus on the problem at hand, Maya. She listens intently, watching everything down to the detail of how small wrinkles form at the corner of the woman's mouth, indicating her disdain. Yes, Gwylyss in the eyes of the Drow is a failure. A warriors death... Those words are fleeting now and even when Esme had tried to assure him. Culture spans leagues across the world and unfortunately, the two of them stand on opposite sides of it. As her hands remain clasped in front of her, she gives a nod as if to understand Maya. Which perhaps to the surprise of many, she does. Esme has travelled with Drow before, she even learned to adopt their customs temporarily to understand them. Of course... This was eighty years ago just like she had mentioned prior as they passed the Horrors.\n\n\"Which is why I may ask you, just why were you down here?\" Esme speaks bold, she has to if she truly wishes to save but their own and Gwylyss'.\n\"You make mentions of slaves, lost glory. Were you transporting them? Or were you seeking something?\"\n\nBut if there is something she knows about the Drow is their great ability to exchange. Rolling back her shoulders, Esme glances over towards Gwylyss once more to make sure he is okay. With Almonde's hands, she imagines he will be. There is a part of her that would suggest to Maya to hand Gwylyss over. For a warrior who cannot partake in a warriors death, one who is shunned by his troupe, is fated to damnation. But how would that be fair? Gwylyss cannot speak in this altercation and Esme cannot condemn him to something he may not want. Even if he found peace with the girls.\n\n\"The reason I ask is simple, allow a temporary alliance. We seek the Pixies Parasol, your warrior seeks redemption, so allow him the chance. You? You seek fortune. He survived, meaning he still has use. I know your kin not to be wasteful.\"\n\nEsme's words are cruel and cold, apathetic even. Where she once spoke to Gwylyss by name, she now talks as though he is an item. He could think whatever he wanted of her prior, he could scorn her now. But if this is what it takes to get him back to safety so that he may have some foot again, then so be it. The mask she adorns is to ensure his survival, not so that he is happy. But she feels sorrow, it is not easy speaking in this way and Esme cannot even show it which hurts deeply.\n\n\"So may you at least hear out his plea? I dare not make demands of you, only suggestions. There is prosperity to be found yet if you seek out the opportune.\"" }, { "author": "sister_garuda", "message": "SF\"As the air of the underdark was cold, heavy and still. A breeze or a soft comforting wind would be rare, the blue sky was replaced with glowing ore like stars of a cloudless night. The campsite, dirt and mud, mushrooms and rock, a witch and a noble. As the two spoke, each word was a careful step over a thin layer of ice. Threatening to crack at any moment, even if they'd lasted this long. One crack and failure was all it took. Almonde chanted a healing spell, yet the powerful spell seemed to simply drain her efforts. The devotee had to work a lot harder to nurture the wounded drow more, her attention fully on him as she'd have faith in the witch's ability. Each of them was handling one drow, Almonde did not envy Esme's position. Her hands visible shaking as she'd heal the man, was it fear, the magic or simply the aura of the situation. Putting all that aside, she'd focus on healing the drow back to his prime at least, physically.\n\nMaya of House Vandree, listened to the witch's words with a firm gaze. Unbreakable and sharp. Each word spoken was carefully heard with drow ears. Esme's cocky chuckle was ignored, yet her question would be answered with a serious tone.\n\n```\"You are brave to ask, I killed my own kin for lesser insults. But your bravery, amuses me. I came seeking a hidden scroll. The content within are of great value to me, and not of your concern. The slaves were brought here to assist our search.\"```\n\nThe noble drow kept her words vague and short, her voice had a hue to controlled rage within. How dare she be questioned, this human best prove her worth or serve as a Ghoul. Her cold and unnerving eyes would widen at the mention of Pixies Parasol. The noble actually let out a cruel and short chuckle. The noble woman took a step towards the witch, as she'd circle her like a vulture on a flesh carcass. Walking with a posture that demanded respect.\n." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "```\"An alliance. You seek to bargain with me. Hmmm, you aim to ensure your safety and claim what you sought. Very human. He has little use, perhaps. A broken blade has little usage. I prefer to not hear his voice, nor his pathetic pleas. I agree, there is indeed an opportunity here.\"```\n\nMaya said while holding her chin in deep thought, turning her back against the witch as the crow from earlier began to fly down to the party. Landing onto her shoulder, the crow disappeared into a fog. Upon seeing the eyes of the crow, the noble turned her attention on the kneeling Gwylyss. Motioning her finger upwards as she spoke to him, in a belittling tone.\n\n```\"Silence yourself and save your pleas. I shall allow this temporary alliance to remain. Find the scroll. If these two attempt to betray me, kill them. Oh... And if you fail. You will envy the dead.\"```\n\nMaya said in a chilling voice that made Almonde's spine rattle with fear. It seems that the witch had successfully persuaded the noble drow. Gwylyss kept his eyes on her feet, as he spoke.\n\n```\"As you wish, your ladyship. I- We will not rest until it is in your grasp, in its rightful place.\"```\n\nGwylyss said in a rather formal and healthy voice as Almonde had successfully healed his wounded. A hue of surprise could be seen in the eyes of Maya, before the noble dismissed him. The noble woman would take a seat over a rock, facing the cliff. Gwylyss waited for her gaze to be gone before he started to check the salvaged equipment, hoping to find something useful. It was at this moment the two humans had a moment alone.\n\n```\"Goddess Calisto has truly blessed me with you, Esme. I think I peed myself several times over. But... Besides that, Gwylyss is healthy... Physically anyways..\"\n.\n\nAlmonde said in a low tone, as there was some distance now between them and the drow. The devotee looked at her hands, realizing that the magic of the necrotic spell had dried her hands slightly. Digging into her pockets, she'd pull out on of Esme's healing potions. Drinking it with care. Her head slowly turned to Esme.\n\n```\"Should... Should I check up on Maya... I mean Lady Vandree. I don't know if she- nevermind.\"```\n\nAs a healer, she was always concerned about the health of others even if that person didn't see the young woman as an equal. A part of her wanted to check on her, but she'd hold herself back. The air was still intense." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"I suppose you could put it like that. A bargain can be made with benefits. Your safety is already guaranteed, having us fetch it for you is only a cherry on top.\" Esme continues as she smiles at the woman.\n\nKeeping her gaze straight, Esme allows the woman to circle her as she stands proud. Even when she turns to the still groveling Gwylyss, the witch does not falter. The mask must stay up and she mustn't act rashly. Negotiations are difficult and now they are caught up deeper than what she would have wanted. At this point, there is a portion of her that wishes to escort Almonde away so that she may complete the quest on her own. This wasn't apart of the original deal but given Esme feels a kinship, she doubts Almonde would turn high-tail and leave. It would be uncharacteristic of her.\n\n\"I, Baedaeth, give my word and conditions clear. You shall have your scroll for an exchange of safe passage to the Pixies Parasol. From there, we shan't stain your lands or your eyes any further. Belief in my words or not now, they shall soon be proven.\"\n\nThis is the most Esme can do. What Gwylyss will decide will be on him but at least she has guaranteed him a second chance for now. The moment Maya turns away and takes a seat on the nearby rock. There is a rush of excitement as she had a feeling the woman wouldn't be so keen on joining. It is... Better this way. Maybe if Esme was born a Drow she could easily skyrocket in the ranks as she clearly knows how to navigate herself around them. While she imagines Maya to be a great asset, she is an equal a liability. Which is why she would rather chance a smaller party of three that has better synergy than if she were to join.\n\n\"I apologize Almonde but this must be done. I will pay your four times the original price.\" Esme then quickly ushers as she turns on her heels, giving a shake to her head in regards to the question of Maya. Less interaction the better. She is a woman of great pride and Drow minds can be fickle. The terms have been set, she dare not chance their altering.\n\"Stay with me, get what you can to prepare yourself. Conserve your healing from here on out. We have a long road ahead... And at any point... If you feel it is too much, I will do what I can to see to it you escape here.\"\n\nEsme's warm aura returns to her and she reassures Almonde with a small touch of the shoulder. Even the smile that Gwylyss had been so conflicted about is back. After the almost altercation with Maya, it's like a sweet luxury now and soon the witch approaches their Drow companion.\n\n\"When you have a moment Gwylyss, please come speak to me and Almonde. There are plans to be discussed.\" She whispers to him, her voice somewhat formal though there is still that hint of gentleness to it. She doesn't expect Gwylyss to meet her gaze. In fact, she expects him to be furious with her. His pride, his spirit crushed only to be saved by a woman who walks the lands above. A woman too sweet to be down in the bellies of the underdark.\n\n\"And I do not take anything you do to heart, not even if our alliance must end abruptly in the nearest future.\" She then finishes as a fail-safe, now walking back to Almonde's side and keeping a fair bit of distance away from Maya.*" } ]	761	7,168
587.8	2023-12-17	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "The noble, herself seemed to find it difficult to argue against the witch's words. There was no visible reasons to slaughter them yet, most of her kin and slaves were either dead or missing. A dull blade was better than none, yet the feeling of distrust grew. But that was as common as a tavern in the Capital, although she made her views on relying upon words and promises very clear.\n\n```\"I hold no belief in your words. I put my beliefs on your self interests and fear of me, it's a much sweeter belief. However, if you act upon what you say... Then you may have all that you request. With my blessing, no less.\"```\n\nMaya said with a hue of sadism in her last line, the drow would ultimately take her leave. Allowing the air of the ruined campsite to lighten and intensity to fade down. Sitting on the rock as she'd regain her lost strength. As Almonde and Esme would reunited after such a dangerous situation, the devotee would let out a sigh of relief. Listening to the witch as she'd lean her weight on her staff. Providing a dismissing hand wave as she'd speak.\n\n```\"Haha. There's no need. This is an adventure of a lifetime. But I take a potion lesson or two if you really wish to repay me.\"```\n\nAlmonde said as the witch offered to pay her more, although it was tempting to have more profit to donate to the church. But she thought that this could be an opportunity for a lesson or two, as the witch was incredibly wise in her eyes. Upon being told to keep her distance from Maya and stay with the witch, her head would nod softly.\n\n```\"I understand. I don't intend to leave hah, the church did not raise a quitter. Although, I could use a rest when the time arrives. Glad we rested when we did though haha.\"```\n.\n\nDespite the situation, Almonde kept her positivity high and her easy air remained. Even if her heart was rapid a few moments ago, the woman quickly fell at ease with the witch's warmth. Although, she was very curious about the scroll, the drows, the slaves and most of all, the darn mushrooms.\n\nGwylyss was putting on a new set of leather armor, it was worn down and it's colors faded. Yet, it would serve better than his torn armor from before. With a steady hand, he held a short sword. His red eyes turned to the witch as he listened, his eyes hesitating to look the witch in the eye but ultimately locked eyes with her. Providing a firm nod, there was a hue of conflict within his eyes yet his body was at ease.\n\n```\"I shall, there are many plans that demand our attention. I just need a moment.\"```\n\nThe drow said in a calm and firm tone, there was no hate nor anger within those words. Simple and straightforward. The man was grateful and thankful to be given a second chance but the shame, broken honor and pride were heavy upon his shoulder. His hand would clean and oil the blade, for a few moments. Almonde would set down for a moment, resting herself as she'd simply lean against a rock. There was some peace for a moment, until Maya began casting a summoning spell. Suddenly, a the dried blood would be wet, fresh and warm. Creating a pool in front of her as she'd speak.\n\n```\"Rise and serve me once more, I command thee. Rise and obey your Master. Rise.\"```\n\nMaya said as she'd cast her spell, her eyes were glowing with a light green and her hand commanded great necrotic magic. From the blood, came three haunting and broken souls. Three ghostly spirits moaned in pain and madness, hearing the woman's words.\n\n```\"Protect me for now.\"```\n.\n\nHer command was simple and the three ghosts would obey, flying to circle the campsite and secure the area. Almonde would watch wide eyed, with fear as one of the ghosts flew past her causing her to flee and scream out. Maya let out a chuckle while Gwylyss was silently preparing his equipment, he did not provide a great reaction to her magic unsurprisingly. The ghosts kept their distance from the camp, patrolling the surrounding area like guards. Yet would fall in and out of vision." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme has nothing further to say to Maya for now. Unlike with Gwylyss where she is a bit more approachable, the same cannot be said for the Lady. Their agreement is set and while betrayal looms in the air for both of them. The witch knows better than to undercut or put faith in this transaction. She will do her job in this bargain to ensure the safety of everyone. If things go well, not only will Gwylyss even be redeemed. Then maybe the woman he so desperately desires and envies he can win over. But perhaps that is too much hopeful thinking. One can never know, Drow customs are cruel but they are a prospering culture and race for a reason. So maybe there is opportunity yet.\n\n\"You will always be welcome in my shops. Better yet, I will even teach you how to make a few potions if it fancies you.\" Esme says with a small chuckle, lightly nudging Almonde.\n\"But in all seriousness, stay close to me. There will be time to rest but as of now, we must be vigilant. A noble request has high stakes, I doubt this scroll is left unguarded.\"\n\nThe thought of their quest is weighing heavily on Esme. A small group they are... But she images that perhaps if they play their cards right, all will go well. Not knowing the danger they face is plaguing her mind, corrupting it with the many what-ifs that could occur in the near future. Ultimately, Esme feels unprepared. There could be a beholder down there for all they know or something worse. Steeling her nerves, she knows better than to let anyone see her worries. Almonde is relying on her and at this point, she dare say Gwylyss as well to a certain degree. Even when he glances over at her, she takes notice to how he struggles to make eye contact with her but still gives him a smile as she thinks nothing of it.\n\n\"Take your time, we will be here waiting.\" Esme reassures before glancing over towards Maya.\n\nNecromancy, it does not bother her. It is a means of another portion of the weave and given how Esme has been trained. She shall hold no judgement in her observations, no matter the state of those souls nor how the drow gained the ability to cast such a spell. In fact, it is commendable that Maya can cast so effortlessly. Though Esme cannot help but hope that she will stay behind. There is a strange feeling she has but now that their terms are set. She doubts that Maya intends to be completely passive. That crow she sent earlier and unsummoned. A magic caster seldom only has one familiar, she suspects there will be scrying eyes in other places... Then there are the slave concerns.\n\nBut Almonde's scream catches Esme's attention and she swiftly makes her way towards the nun.\n\"Fear not the appearance of the souls. No matter what, we each have one. Like I said, stay close to me.\" She attempts to calm down with a soothing voice, her words coming out playful. Leaning in, she then whispers.\n\"We don't want Miss Maya laughing at us.\" Esme then jests as she waits for Gwylyss to approach." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Almonde was deeply afraid of these haunting souls, the way they moaned in pain and how quickly the flew by. Putting a hand into her pockets in desperate search for holy water, before realizing that it probably would not work at all. It was then that the witch arrived to comfort the devotee, she'd take a deep breath in and out.\n\n```\"The- They just... Suffering... But... Yea- yeah. We have each other. I'm sorry, I just never realized you could suffer so much even... While dead. Yes... I don't like her laugh... Hah..\"```\n\nAlmonde said nervously as she'd take a moment to breath slowly and deeply. She'd sit herself on a root sticking out of the ground, her eyes alert and following the haunting ghosts. With the witch with her, Gwylyss would eventually approach the duo after a short while. He looked rather intimidating in his black leather armor, fully geared and armed. Yet, it was Gwylyss and that intimidating aura quickly faded as he spoke.\n\n```\"I hope you two are prepared. I have a plan made but we must be able to adapt. First, we must find a suitable new campsite. This was meant to be temporary before... Nevermind. This is our priority so ou- my lady, does not bear her fangs and keeps her venom at bay. Once we secure a base of operations, we can continue our search for the scroll. The slaves are not a priority yet, but if we encounter any of them. We will...\"```\n\nGwylyss spoke in a serious and firm tone, speaking to the two as if they were his fellow drow on a campaign or perhaps as equals. As he mentioned slaves and what they would do to them, his gaze met with Almonde's eyes. He paused for a moment before continuing.\n." }, { "author": "sister_garuda", "message": "```\"Then we will extract information from them and neutralize them. Blade, fist, words or magic. As long as they do not threat the main goal. One of our drow was a tracker, the scroll was said to be hidden in a ancient grave. We... Believed to have found one but it was a nesting ground for the dark ones. We cannot confirm nor deny that the scroll was there. But I have reason to believe that the slaves knew more than they'd shared. They definitely planned a betrayal with care and caution. I do not know if we can capture them as they are probably dead or long gone now.\"```\n\nThe drow spoke as he looked around, reflecting on his decisions and investigating former events. It was too convenient for it to be an accident. The enslaved translator urged drow to investigate that specific ruin, it was no grave. A simple tunnel to the fort gate for the surface. The drow seemed frustrated and hateful to the slaves, before glancing at the duo. He knew these two good souls would prefer to not harm slaves, but Almonde would speak up.\n\n```\"How many slaves did you bring? And... Why? Like why not get a drow translator or something...\"```\n\nAlmonde asked curiously as she'd speak rather calmly and casually now, to the warrior drow. The drow took a moment to look at the noble drow woman, before speaking.\n\n```\"We had a handful, six men and 2 women. Different uses for each. The information ok the scroll, everything from its very existence is meant to be kept hidden. Even you two knowing it exists is a threat... In her eyes. We intened to kill the slaves once we had the scroll. Lady Maya, only trusted a few loyal warriors to assist in this search.\"```\n\nAlmonde listened with care as the drow explained with a lower tone, he spoke with a neutral stance. The drow knew this information was required for the duo to understand, they were a part of it now. Almonde grew too curious and asked the burning question.\n\n```\"What's in this scroll anyway?\"```\n.\n\nThe drow paused and raised his finger at Almonde, he gave a firm and serious expression. His red eyes were as sharp as a blade, he warned Almonde once more.\n\n```\"Keep your curiosity in check, Healer. I share what needs to be known. I don't know what's inside the scroll. Even if I did know, I would take it to the grave.\"```" }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"We will not ask further about the scroll's contents, I understand.\" Esme promptly interjects involving the sensitive subject matter.\n\nGwylyss' words do raise her suspicions. Killing the slaves after the scroll has been obtained can easily be changed from 'slave' to 'healers'. It would not be beneath Maya to command Gwylyss to kill them. In fact, the deal is safe passage to the pixie parasol but nothing further. Meaning once the contract is complete, them obtaining the mushroom could be their death sentence and as much dread as that would fill the normal person. But as Esme looks over towards Gwylyss, there is an emotionless gaze to her eyes.\n\n\"If I may... If we come across the slaves it may be in our best interested to have me or Almonde approach. They may be more trusting to this whereas they will likely attack on sight if they see you. I want to minimize resource consumption.\" Esme comments as she rubs the bottom of her chin.\n\"I know a few languages, old and new elvish... And some others but... I think this would be our best course of action after we set up camp.\"\n\nSpending a few nights in the caverns is not going to be pleasant for Almonde and Esme cannot help but frown. Again, the girl is now obligated which she would have preferred to avoid. It cannot be avoided now and so long as the three of them stick together, Esme imagines they will at least somewhat seek comfort in one another once they get proper settled. It has been a long journey and their magic deposits are depleted, rest is a must.\n\n\"Would you like to lead the way Gwylyss?\" She huffs out, trying to ignore the fact that at the end of thise there could be a very real face off. In fact, Esme is already becoming colder as she has a great sense that it will not be between her and Maya... The lady will use her warrior... He must prove himself afterall." } ]	530	2,939
906.875	2023-12-18	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Gwylyss turn to listen to the witch's words, a suspicious gaze could be seen in his crimson eyes as the drow had his suspensions. He knew these two women were good of heart, kind and caring so it would not be surprising that they'd pity or even support the slaves. He thought for a moment, his finger gently tapping the butt of his blade.\n\n```\"Yes, that maybe our best approach. If we come across them, I will hold my tongue and my blade.\"```\n\nDespite the suspension in his eyes, he knew that if he killed the slaves and started a fight then the drow would have nothing to work with. Esme and Almonde had proven their worth, from the beginning they were far from useless. His gaze turned to Maya as he began walking past a floating soul, and began to take the lead. Providing a firm nod to the witch's question.\n\n```\"I'll take the lead. On our way here, I saw a potential location. Better suited for her ladyship. Let's move.\"```\n\nThe drow said in a neutral tone, an expressionless face as his eyes simply stared forward. With a pack on his shoulder, the man began to lead the way as Almonde waited for the witch to follow. It was then she took the opportunity to speak to Esme. Titling her head as she spoke, hands behind her back.\n\n```\"I thought it was the Duergar that worked with slaves, not Drow. I don't suppose this is a rare occasion. Maybe... If given the chance... We could take the slaves with us to the surface? If the opportunity comes, maybe we can consider it an extra reward. Heh...\"```\n\nAlmonde made her intentions clear with her words, she wasn't one to betray but her good nature wanted to save the slaves if it was possible. Some comfort and relief would fall onto her shoulders as the drow agreed to follow the duo to the speak first and blades approach. Almonde would make a jest to lighten the mood.\n\n```\"So much for avoiding the drow huh? Haha...\"```\n.\n\nAs the trio once again traveled and began to take a short hike, the drow would lead them deeper into the mushroom forest. The more south they went, the more glowing life surrounded them. Gwylyss was silent as he always was, as an uneasy air seemed to surround the party. One order is all it took for the man to turn his blades against the duo, or at least that's what Gwylyss said. The trio crossed a stone bridge that went over a small river, wildlife echoed around them and colorful fuana surrounded the floor. Despite the cruel and harsh nature, the underdark was not without its beauty. As they began to cross the river, Almonde would get curious and asked a bold question to the drow.\n\n```\"So do all drow men like girls that nearly kill them or is it just you. Normally it's the opposite, where I come from.\"```\n\nThe devotee kicked a rock over the stone bridge, watching it fall into the waters below. The waters reflected the soft glowing blue around them, as she could even see her reflection. The drow spoke as simply continued walking arcoss the bridge, not turning around as he spoke.\n\n```\"I am aware. Comfort and care does not create strength. My kin beat the weaknesses out of me. Maya was ready to bleed and burn the shame within me. Perhaps one day, she will end me but I know that... If I father her children... They will be even more monstrous, ruthless and powerful than either of us. They will not only survive the underdark, but dominate it.\"```\n\nThe drow said sounding oddly proud and passionate for a moment, before gripping his fist. The same fist that he lost, before finishing his answer.\n\n```\"That is... If I gain her favor and my feats outweigh my failures.\"```\n\nGwylyss said with a lower tone, almost like a whisper as he began to walk forward. Almonde couldn't really hear what the drow whispered well, and walked a little closer to him. As she'd ask another bolder question, while taking a glance at Esme. Wondering it is was a good idea.\n.\n\n```\"So... For example... If you and Esme had... Kids hypothetical. Would they be like half elves? Maybe they'd \"Dominate\" Both the surface and the underdark. Ever thought of that, huh?\"```\n\nAlmonde hoped to challenge the drow on his beliefs and what his views were, hoping to bring out that light within him. The drow turned his head to look at Almonde, before his gaze met with Esme. He was quiet and his expression was one of genuine surprise and concern.\n\n```\"I would never bring such dishonor to my own kin. To bring in... Half bloods. That's unnatural! It- No. No, it would mix and the cultu- Just no. Enough. Silence! Before I strangle you with the very hand that you healed!\"```\n\nThe calm and serious drow was replaced with a embarrassed man, he tried to explain the clear dishonor that it would bring but the more he spoke, the more his words would stumble upon each other. He simply threatened the devotee as she'd step away with a smile, as the nun was quick to hide behind the witch. When his red eyes met with the witch, he quickly turned away.\n\n```\"Focus on the mission, you fools. This place is perfect for a campsite. Unpack your things with haste.\"" }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"I am not saying we should be completely pacifists, we must defend ourselves.\" Esme promptly follows up as she walks a couple paces behind him.\n\"And once we find this potential campsite, we should each take position and scope around.\"\n\nAs Almonde walks beside her, Esme gives a slow nod. The nun isn't wrong about Duergar and slaves but it isn't beneath the drow to get slaves either. The original group she had assisted all those years ago had the concept of it. They didn't dare make slaves of the witches but they did play into the concept of owning them should they had come across other cave dwellers or underlings. That was when Esme learned to speak less and listen more. The scolding her mother had given her that day still riddles Esme with guilt.\n\n\"If we have the chance, I think it would be wise... But allow me to be blunt.\" Esme hesitates as she feels she sounds like her mother above all else.\n\"We mustn't court disaster. We can assist but we must not intervene entirely on matters that are not our own- it is not to be selfish. But if it cannot be done, we mustn't force it as badly as I do want to help.\"\n\nThere is a tinge of guilt in Esme's tone. For years she has had to endure watching horrors that should could not act on. This has allowed Esme patience and further enlightenment but at a great cost. To remove the heart, it is needed as a Twilight Witch. It is not their place to intervene in matters that do not concern their immediate cause. Even if her order is long dead, she must still keep some of their beliefs alive. As there have been times Esme has helped causes to condemn others. It doesn't feel good and often she has come to realize that misplaced helped in areas that should not be touched, allows corruption to further spread if things are not handled properly. So what is the harm in handling slaves?\n\nThe Drow can retaliate and the neighboring villages and towns are innocent... But it wouldn't be beneath them.\n\nThis causes Esme to zone out in her own thoughts, leaving Almonde to converse with Gwylyss. She doesn't even hear the question that is asked as she is too busy looking out at the sights before her. A world drenched in a beautiful blue, whereas in the past she has walked similar roads under the grand glowshrooms of purple. Two drow children, five men and one woman. All accompanied by her own coven. It was a nasty start but by the time they had come to a place similar like this, Esme had learned of a few folk songs sung by the drow. She can hear their laughter now and it causes her to chuckle in response to her own memories. Her fingers tap against her upper leg as she sways her head back and forth, no longer paying attention to what is in front of her.\n\nThen she feels herself collide into the broadened back of Gwylyss and her gaze widens, the song coming to an abrupt end as Almonde's words register in her head. The annoyance on the drow's face over such a suggestive question. Unable to figure out who to look at, the enraged drow or the mischievous paladin. Esme stammers over words that cannot form sentences and panic ensues. It only makes it worse when he looks at her and unknowingly, the witch exchanges an apologetic glance at him. Then Almonde hides behind her and Esme is left to stand straighter than a board, letting out a bit of nervous laughter.\n.\n\n\"U-unfortunately even if I wanted to be a mother, I could not.\" Esme blurts out rather loudly as if trying to address Almonde's curiosity to get her off of Gwylyss. But silly nerves turns into seriousness and a hint of sorrow forced out in a single chuckle.\n\n\"My magic- I am not infertile by any means. But the magic that courses through my veins is strong, ancient so it was claimed. The coven would have me... Oh dear... Create...\" She stammers again, rubbing the back of her head before setting down her bag.\n\"With a child of equal strength. So I'd likely need to consummate with a god or demi-god of magic value- that's what is written in the prophecy I guess. But that's all hypothetical and I enjoy being quite pure very much, it allows me to focus on other things.\"\n\nAt this point Esme is rambling while cold sweat drips down her brow. She cannot bring herself to look at either of them. But the hope is that this will get Almonde to ask her questions rather than Gwylyss and to ensure she keeps calm. Esme begins singing the old drow tune again. Her voice angelic though quiet as to not attract much attention. If she wouldn't have made it far as a witch then she would get quite far as a bard. It is beautiful and the resonance of it is quite serene.\n\n\"A-and I am sure after this Maya will accept you Gwylyss, if that is truly what you want.\" \n\n*Shut up! Shut up! You're talking too much! Stop mentioning it! Stop!* Esme then hums a tiny bit louder to drown out her own cursing thoughts." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Upon hearing the hard hitting wisdom and advice of the witch, the young devotee was somewhat conflicted on this. She knew that there was no saving anyone but she was more than willing to her own skin, until the woman realized that she may endanger her companion. This entire adventure bad been quite a rough ride that caused the devotee to almost forget what she was here for. She was to protect the witch and assist her search, that was her word. The hard advice was swallowed and redirected her attention on themselves. The witch was right. Almonde gave the witch an understanding nod.\n\nThe trio continued their hike and search for their new campsite, it was ironic that Almonde assumed that they could simply hop in and out of the underdark earlier in the morning. As the witch reflected on her past, and losing herself to the entire world below the surface. Before suddenly getting dropped back into reality, as Almonde and Gwylyss were having their not so civilized discussions. The frustrated crimson eyes of the drow slowly faded into curiosity, as the witch spoke of her situation. Almonde popped her head over her shoulder, to listen carefully. Both were oddly curious enough to pause their conflict to listen.\n\n```\"Ancient and strong blood, I suppose that explains how you lived over 80 years without looking like a hooked horror's neck. My instincts told me that you were than meets the eye. But, prophecies are lies yet proven wrong.\"```\n\nThe drow said as his eyes soften, his voice was firm and calmer. He'd learn more about the witch, his knowledge of the Arcana was low. His gaze ran onto the ground as he seemed deep in thought. Almonde would lean to Esme's right as she'd ask in a curiosity tone.\n.\n\n```\"Oh wow, so like in this prophecy... You're like a bride for a God or demigod. I've heard about songs like these! Wizards and witches charming the gods with their magic ability, and well... Demigods are born. Oooh, was there a particular God or demigod that you fancy? I mean- no need to tell if you're not comfortable. It's just that I've studied almost every divine being, even the scary ones like Lolth a- oh sorry, Gwylyss.\"```\n\nAlmonde said as she'd place her bags on the ground, enjoying the feeling of a free back. The drow was focused on a fire as she apologized for mentioning the dark queen. He spoke as Esme's angelic voice was distracting him, sometimes pausing to listen for a moment.\n\n```\"You... You are right to fear her. We all worship her. Out of fear.\"```\n\nAlmonde would begin clearing the area to be used as a camp, the drow busy with making a flame. The witch's song made the air, easy, warm and peaceful. Gwylyss felt very at ease, his body language was telling. Almonde had a big smile as she'd busy herself. As the witch spoke to the drow, encouraging him that his ladyship would accept him. He simply looked up at her.\n\n```\"To be with a woman of her status and strength, is the highest honor that anyone can gain in my stead. It's less of a want, and more of a duty... A need. Thankfully, I've... Been given another chance to fail or earn such an honor. What... What is it that you both want?\"```\n\nThe drow spoke rather calmy as he began to reflect on his journey. From a young boy too afraid to fight, into a man who that cheated death on a regular basis. The witch's words struck him, what he truly wanted. Was that even a question and was it even a priority? He shook his head as the fire was set aflame, softly blowing into the flame, it rose brighter and bigger.\n.\n\nAlmonde used the opportunity to demonstrate her tent building skills, that was until she heard the drow's question. It was rare for the drow to be curious, so the devotee gave her answer in a genuine and gentle manner. Putting aside her mischievous nature to not ruin the peaceful air, knowing that will change as Maya arrived.\n\n```\"Well, I'm a blessed with a lot. But I suppose I'd want to help others. Spread and bring Calisto's embrace to as many souls that accept it.\"```\n\nAlmonde's voice wasn't spoken with a lot of confidence as she wasn't sure on how to explain it. Pondering if she chose her words right, taking a moment to pause and see if her words fell on their feet or down a cliff. Her eyes naturally turned to glance at the witch." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Ah time eludes me, it is equal a blessing and a curse.\" Esme chuckles, trying her best to conceal the pain in her voice.\n\nHow many adventurers has she seen die? How many funerals had she attended. Hands held, sisterhood made, all for it to end in a sea of flowers with coffins being lowered into the ground. There are many who would kill for this 'blessing'. But Esme knows the real pain of knowing she would even out live elves. This causes her to wince as she isn't paying attention, gasping out as in the middle of sharpening her pike to set up her own tent. Esme sighs as she looks at the small bit of blood that trickles from her thumb, the warm glow that usually surrounds her quickly fading.\n\n\"And I am no bride, I never will be. The prophecy was a bit broad and of course was talking about my coven, how they are interpreted is... Well up for debate. I don't think it is so literal.\" \n\nEsme then lets out a hearty laugh to Almonde's question. A god she fancies? She has never met any and only once has she met a demi-god. A man of true perfection but she dare not make claim of love in regards to Noctis. Like most who meet her, she imagines his interest in her looks will promptly fade. He needs her magic for his ambitions and as silly as it would be to think that the prophecy was speaking about him. Esme doubts it, it would be too literal. It's just that her coven often referred to such godly standards, especially with her genes. Not that she was ever comfortable with the idea of being talked about like she was a prized mare. But again, there is a reason her coven no longer steps in the day of light.\n\n\"I do not have anyone I fancy. In fact, I admire that you guys can.\" She finishes off with a final chuckle, her ears picking up to Gwylyss' own curiosity.\n\"And if that is what you truly desire then you should have best faith you can achieve it Gwylyss. Even if it seems impossible, you have the capabilities... As for what I want?\"\n\nWhat does Esme want? This isn't the first time she has been asked the question and never has the answer changed. Her gaze averted, now locking onto the various orbs that light up the caverns around them. Her breathing slowed as a look of melancholy is present on her features.\n\n\"Love...\" She then mumbles out. \n\"But it is not something I can have. I wish for magic to love me, and I, it. It is the closet I can get to love I would imagine. Eternal life denies it from me, my duty will not permit it.\"\n\nAlmonde's sweet response brings the warmth back to Esme. It is a good goal to have, one that she can relate to. If she didn't have it, the witch isn't sure if she would have the strength to keep going in her eternal life. Her gaze then turns back to Gwylyss and despite the admission of such sad words. She even smiles at him, hoping that if it is truly what he wants. That he shall pursue it as Esme knows all too well what happens when you cannot.\n\n\"I suppose to you, it's quite silly isn't it? Sorry if the sweetness is too much to bare.\" She jests." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the cool air of the underdark was battled against with the warmth of a bonfire, Almonde took a moment to hear what the witch said. Wondering if immorality was really a curse or a blessing, the devotee knew that living a long life was important yet knew that all mortals would fall into slumber. If there was a start than there would be a end. She did not realize how close and sensitive this topic was to Esme, yet felt honored to hear her speak openly.\n\nA soft chuckle left her lips upon knowing there wasn't a particular God that she fancied, yet the drow and her held their faith true. Despite the differences. The drow was silent upon hearing hearing the word love being mentioned, while Almonde had a gleeful expression on her face.\n\n```\"Awww, but maybe there's a way? Maybe you can find someone who also lives for an eternity? Ahhhh, an eternal love! Oh, apologies. I er- have a soft spot for romance. Well- not for myself but love stories and such.\"```\n\nAlmonde said nervously as she'd turn her attention back to work, and spare her companions of her romance obsession. During this moment of silence, Gwylyss turned to the witch. The corners of his lips began to curve up ever so slightly, as he spoke.\n\n```\"Like a sweet venom, I slowly bulid a tolerance to it. Although it is not foolish to commit to your duty, putting your own desires aside. It's a sacrifice to be a part of something greater than yourself.\"```\n\nGwylyss spoke as he was checking the sharpness of his bolts, blades and daggers. His tone was calm and even held some warmth to it, perhaps it was just the fire. He approached the witch, handing her a dagger. An drow dagger, it was far from a beauty. Practical, sharp and strong. The blade was oiled and cleaned. No magic just a simple dagger.\n\n```\"Here. Take it as a gift, as you refuse to take debts.\"```\n.\n\nThe drow would hand the dagger to her, rather carefully. The man was gearing up, and seemed ready to leave. It was then that Almonde spotted the dagger and could not hold her tongue.\n\n```\"Aww, Gwylyss. You're too kind. Hmm, every weapon should have a cool name. What about... Dark one? It's the same blade I know but... It's kinda like a reminder?\"```\n\nAlmonde said as she'd warm her cold hands against the fire, taking a moment to steal its warmth for herself. Taking off her helmat, her blue hair was a mess. The drow stood up and faced the duo, speaking with a unloaded crossbow in hand.\n\n```\"With the camp set up, I will not keep her ladyship waiting. I shall escort her here personally. The two of you may rest here after securing the area. Keep an eye out.\"```\n\nWith that the drow began to hike back to where the noble Maya was waiting, with hope to run into a boar, the drow slowly walked out of view. Leaving the two humans at the camp. Almonde kept herself busy, filling up a bucket of water and other camp chores. After awhile, she sat down and turned to Esme. A feeling of deja vu fell upon her as she'd sit on the opposite of the flames as Esme.\n\n```\"Do you want to take a nap? We can take turns and keep watch?\"```\n\nAlmonde said as she'd tried her best to hide her tiredness in her voice, her staff never leaving her side as it sat on her lap. Occasionally, her eyes would gaze around them. Looking at the sun in wonder what the time of day it was, wondering how civilizations below counted time. Stretching her arms out as her back cracks and popped." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Believe it or not I have met a few.\" Esme nervously chuckles.\n\nVampires are an interesting topic. She is as perfect as it gets for them. Her blood can be extracted, it is always potent. She is marriage material for any man who can walk the night. Yet they were turned down all the same and while Esme imagines they are doing quite alright. It is still not a luxury she can have. Though Almonde's hopeful attitude is quite sweet. It even reminds Esme of when she was younger even if those dreams have long then since been crushed.\n\n\"Unfortunately I have no love story for you, I do wish I did.\" She hums as she finishes staking her tent.\n\"Plus finding true heart can be tricky, no? Such a luxury I do not get to have but it is alright. I dare not give empty promises that I may swoon into the arms of any man.\"\n\nEven in such depressing conversation, Esme is brought to a bit of laughter. It would be nice to have love. To have someone sweep her off of her feet right now and let her know that everything will be okay. Esme isn't sure of the last she really thought about it. It causes her to grow a bit flushed in the cheeks as she realizes that she hasn't completely removed her feelings regarding the matter. But Gwylyss' words pull her out on what-ifs that she will never obtain. Much to her surprise he is approaching her with a gift no doubt.\n\n\"A sacrifice... I guess you could say that.\" Esme then smiles up at him as she carefully takes the dagger in hand.\n\"Thank you Gwylyss.\"\n\nEsme then looks over to Almonde's suggestions. Dark one, huh? That could work and with a happy nod, the name shall be bestowed. She moves her hand downwards to feel for the strap of her garter. Carefully strapping it against her outer thigh, with a thumbs up the witch is content to feel armed again. Her previous dagger was used to free Gwylyss. So it's good to have a weapon back at her side that she can easily reach just in case they need it.\n\n\"Dark One will do- and be safe Gwylyss. Though I am not sure you need my blessings. Just take care of yourself on the way back.\"\n\nAs the drow begins to walk off, Esme then comes to a stand as she approaches Almonde. She can see the exhaustion in the girl's eyes. Rest is needed and she will not deny Almonde it any longer.\n\"Why don't you rest first? I can keep watch- also...\"\n\nThen a deep and long winded sigh escapes Esme's chest as she hunches over. From the many questions of Almonde, the mentioning of her and Gwylyss sharing off spring to even dealing with Maya. It was a lot and Esme felt as though at any second she was going to explode. As she slowly comes to a rise, her cheeks brighter than the flames in front of her. The witch groans in a bit of frustration, though not at Almonde, and over the fact she was overwhelmed.\n\n\"I have never been so suffocated- He complimented me and insulted me at the same time! What an unreadable man! I didn't even do anything and don't get me started on Maya! I will say, the Drow are a beautiful people and the warriors are no exception!\" Esme barks as she wags her finger back and forth, poor girl is unloading now.\n\n\"But by gosh! I have never felt so vulnerable! Every time he stared at me he looked as though he was going to kill me! Did he stare at you? My goodness... What did I even do!? Now he gives me a gift- I truly know not of what to make of this. I am not even sure if we really helped him, oh gosh!\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the drow left the newly made campsite, the air was silent and cool. Distant wildlife echoed between the tall mushrooms, a sounds of a rushing stream of water nearby along with the occasional cracking of the burning wood. A tired smile grew on her face, as she'd nod in understanding to the witch's frustrations and overwhelmed mind. Poking at the fire with her staff, with a soft smile. She understood the overwhelming situation and was glad that she wasn't the only one breaking slightly. A deep breath escaped her lips, she'd wrap her arms over her legs and rested her chin over her knees. She also wished to talk about this, so naturally the devotee was relieved.\n\n```\"I know! My body is screaming at me. We came for mushrooms! Not giant spiders, hooked horrors, bloodthirsty drows and ghosts! What's next? We going to fight a God for these mushrooms?!\"```\n\nAlmonde share a moment of united frustration and pain with the witch, holding back no more as she'd hold her legs tighter in her arms.\n\n```\"I never met a more complicated and difficult man in my life. At least, I know if a spider hates me or not. Stare at me? No- well maybe in disgust and anger a few times. I didn't get a bloody gift, I healed his eye and arm! I don't need a lot but a darn thank you would be nice! Maya... Gods. I feel like she'd kill me if I looked at her funny.\"```\n\nShe'd rise up as her hands patted her legs and rear from dirt, before sitting herself closer to the witch. Taking a deep breath out and her hands resting on her lap, an expression of determination could be seen on her face.\n.\n\n```\"We have done fantastically, despite the many obstacles. We cannot truly help him, some people... Can only help themselves. That's why, we will have each other's backs. We will not be vulnerable if we stick together, we did great. I do not know what Gwylyss is doing or feeling, I hope there's some redemption growing within. I also hope that for Maya. But my priority has not changed, I will protect you and get those darn mushrooms.\"```\n\nAlmonde gently patted the witch on the back, wondering if they could just leave the drows now. No. They can't. They could but shouldn't. The devotee knew that Gwylyss behavior was odd, perhaps there was conflict within him. Maybe he was putting on an act to gain their trust? Whatever it maybe, it was stressful.\n\n```\"Again, you did great. When we finish this quest, I will march us to a tavern and order a feast for us. But... Even though I've only known you for a short time. I feel like sisters, as if I can face the world with you and still not fear it. I am so glad I prayed for us before the quest, Calisto knows we need her guidance in this matter. I'm gonna make some tea for both of us. Gods know we need it.\"```\n\nAnother deep sigh escaped her lips as she'd begin to boil some water, she sat back down and turn to the witch. Before she'd ultimately open her arms and lightly hugged the witch, it was an embrace. She needed the hug almost as much as the witch did." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme is practically aghast at the journey. Nearly speechless as even Almonde has to get her pent up energy out, her shoulders slump and for once she completely believes that their thoughts are truly aligned. It takes her a bit of time to catch her breath after she had spilled out every word, words with sincerity and truth to them. All of this... For mushrooms. Esme always knew of a possibility of coming across a Drow, maybe two, Well it was two... But she still didn't expect this! Not only did this mission get more complex but the two of them are tired up with a noble. Oh by the gods will!\n\nThen she falls into a great deal of laughter, clutching onto her stomach as she leans back. What a journey this has been! And little did Esme know that poor Almonde was suffocating as much as she had been. Both girls are quite reserved and while there are parallels to their first meeting, she finds herself completely relaxed in the others presence. She would have never allowed herself to be so free prior and if Esme has to take a guess, she doubts Almonde would be so brash either. But here they are, complaining like two girls at a sleep over. It reminds her of simpler times despite being in a not-so current simple time. With an arm placed around Almonde as she reassures her, stifling her laughter. Esme cannot help but be in a way happy that things have worked out this way, at least for now.\n\n\"I have been around Drow before and they have always been so certain. Gwylyss is a strange exception... Though I think we both know he is grateful in his own way.\" Esme has to take a deep breath before continuing as to calm herself down.\n\nA smile shown on her lips, her golden orbs filled with wonder. While things are truly quiet Esme now realizes the true beauty that surrounds them. A moment of peace, a sight that could only be seen if one were to take a stop and pay attention. Just how much of this has both Esme and Almonde missed? Not only is it breath taking but it's once in a lifetime. Well once per past lifetime in Esme's case as this is her second time being in an cavern similar. The underdark... It's name does not properly match just what can be found here. There is light, there is always light if you seek it. Which causes her to look back at Almonde hoping to cheer her up a little.\n\n\"I haven't asked what you truly wanted to do. Your job with me is to fetch a mushroom. But I notice that you think Gwylyss can be changed to see the light as you said prior. Is that something you really want to do?\"\n\nEsme seldom finds herself involving in matters that she shouldn't. An oak tree will grow the way that it does, it cannot be changed. To expect it to stretch tall like pine simply is against the natural order of the world. But... If a gardener dares to change how these trees grow and ask for her assistance. Then perhaps she can... Work around her little clause of observation.\n\n\"And don't think I haven't noticed your comments.\" The witch then snickers. \"Using me as reference for marriage and children. Just what romantic schemes have been cooking in that head of yours, hm?\"\n\nThese are thoughts that can be interesting to entertain. But Esme will always keep in mind that this situation can still be a set up. While she is unsure why Gwylyss gave her a gift and most of his intentions. She knows Maya is not one to be trusted what so ever. Gwylyss will listen to her command without a doubt and as Esme pulls out a few rations to share. She leans back in thought, even the words she spoke to Maya were not of Gwylyss' own desires. It was only to save his hide and play into the ideologies he believed himself. But he has been conflicted ever since they saved him and she doubts that either of them will get to talk to the warrior personally since he has gone to fetch Maya.\n\n\"Goodness we better revel in this peace now before the Lady comes... It may be the last time we have it in a while.\"" } ]	857.5	7,255
815.75	2023-12-20	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Resting her warm hand onto her cheek, the devotee relaxed as she'd listen to the witch speak. A hearty laugh leaving her lips upon seeing the witch's dramatic reaction. It was then that she began to think. Esme was technically immortal, living for so long and yet all she wanted was love. Being held back by duty, Almonde wondered if she should learn from her. Was love really that precious to someone who lives lifetimes. The devotee questioned if she should remain faithful to her vows or perhaps seek out a family of her own. All the talk of romance had her face turning a soft red, as they spoke of the drow as well.\n\n```\"Awww no, my beloved love story denied! Haha. Although, I don't think the drow spoke with heart. He spoke about her like she was a sword or a piece of armor to give his children. I've seen people in love... Then again, they weren't drow.\"```\n\nAlmonde leaned back against her folded bedroll, her hands holding her warm cup. She reflected on the drow's words and seemed convinced there was a chance for the witch, like a desperate bard trying to connect two songs together. When the witch began to playfully squish her cheeks, a loud laugh escaped her lips.\n\n```\"Haha, I think your freckles are quite adorable... Bewitching even.\"```\n\nAlmonde said with a very mischievous smile that grew arcoss her lips, she'd tease the witch like a sister as she'd take a sip of her drink. Her mind began to ponder though, as her blue eyes were deep in thought for a moment. The scroll could be a treasure map, a great relic of dragons or gods, a powerful or even forbidden spell. She let out a soft huff out of relief, her eyes glancing at her companion with a smile.\n\n```\"Bewitching, I believe it means that you're so beautiful and so gorgeous that he cannot think of anything else. But I am curious, my bewitching siren of a friend. How do you do it? Like you... Know, charm someone? Bewitching them? Haha, is there a love potion that you've yet to share with me or...\"```\n.\n\nAlmonde said jokingly with a snicker, yet her eyes were filled with curiousty as if the question was spoke as a half joke. She was curious about it naturally, wondering if it was just a simple smile or a way of carrying yourself. A soft hue of red would grow from her warm cheeks as thoughts of romance began to fill her head. She'd gentky tap her face and try to change topics before the two drows would appear to witness a blushing wheezing fool in their camp.\n\n```\"Err- would you like some more tea?\"```\n\nAlmonde said nervously as a smile that couldn't be controlled on her face, but there was something in her gut however, a lingering feeling of being watched. Her gaze began to look towards the bridge, along the path and in between the tall mushrooms. With the soft fire cracking and burning, she listened carefully for a moment. Then she heard it, the soft clang of two glass vials hitting each other. It sounded very nearby, yet her eyes couldn't spot anything.\n\n```\"Oh, and Esme. I wanted to show you my staff and shield. Your eyes are sharp so can you help me? Look. At them maybe?\"```\n\nThe sudden change I'm topic and her tone was changed, the woman slowly got up towards her equipment. Bringing them with her. Almonde hoped that the witch could feel the sence of being watched as well, the devotee prepared herself for an attack or ambush. It was then, where another sound was heard. It was the sound of a bag of coins, coming from behind Almonde. Esme got a good view of some dirt around the camp beginning to form small footprints that weren't there before. The devotee glancing at the witch with a hue of fear in her eyes." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Drow love is... Fascinating. They love a cause, a legacy. That is not to say that they cannot love, their priorities are different than other cultures.\" Esme quickly clarifies.\n\nShe understands that Gwylyss wishes for his bloodline to continue. How could he not? His best chance is that his offspring will be female, carrying strong genes of both parents and find their rightful place in the path of true conquest. To love ideology, to love a conviction that will guarantee the blessings and future of your leading generations. It is admirable even if it means that sacrifice must be done. But love is irrational. Esme may not have personally felt it before but she knows that there often can be no words to describe the thought.\n\nShe hasn't felt it before...\n\nNot once... Right?\n\nA strange sensation aches in the back of her mind, the haze taking over her. It's that feeling again, that missing piece that she cannot grab hold of. She is quick to shake it off, steadying her breath and putting on a smile as if nothing was wrong. This happened back when Noctis had visited her. Anytime this topic is brought up, Esme feels quite empty. It isn't from the idea that she cannot love. She has had years to come to terms with it. It bothers her none and to be frank, it is better that way. Love is dangerous for a woman like her. She has lost many companions to their elder years and the pain is no less each time someone passes. But her memories... They...\n\nNo matter. Keeping her gaze over at Almonde. She feigns a coy teenager, batting her eyelashes at Almonde as she waves the compliment off while holding a palm to her own cheek. Oddly enough, it is alluring so even when Esme is playing around, she is quite enchanting through and through.\n\n\"And as much as I would love to say I casted something upon myself... I didn't.\" Esme chuckles as she picks up wind of some of Almonde's true feelings. This causes her to get a bit closer as she smirks, holding up her hand to deny the tea for once.\n\n\"Sincerity is rare. In two hundred years I have learned to be true to myself... This is... Unheard of to many. It is also alluring to many I would imagine. No amount of gold, no amount of proving yourself, no love potion can bring forth sincerity... True companionship is... Borderline a fairytale.\" Esme's words are a little grim but they are true. As she smiles through them, she then sets a hand on Almonde's shoulder.\n\n\"What I am trying to say is Almonde. That to be charming is to be genuine to yourself. Many would kill to have that, to believe that in their own. Partners are picked based on our own reflections. A sincere smile, sincere words... Sincere beliefs. That is what it means to bewitch.\" She finishes with a cutsy wink before giving a nod\n\nThough the hair on the back of her neck rise, something is... Wrong. She is making a point not to bring attention to it. But Esme knows that they are not alone here which is why she decides to play it off. Her hand is close to the dagger Gwylyss had given her and unfortunately... She may have to use it. Though she does attempt to briefly look over to see just how big those print are. Wait...\n\nWithout a second thought, Esme grabs hold of the dagger and jumping up from her position to throw it at the ground in the direction of which the prints had attempted to walk. She doesn't want to skewer the creature but she isn't going to allow it to steal from Almonde either." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Almonde would smile and snicker as the two enjoyed a moment together being dorks, around the camp fire. As the witch played around, even Almonde began to see why the drow found her enchanting. She found it odd and amusing that quite her enchanting looks and charms, she was still rather shy or self conscious in a way. Her eyes peaked up with curiosity as she'd heed the woman's words and advice. Listening with a curious expression of awe, as it did make sence. Sincerity. Almonde always held herself to play a certain role for a certain task, forgetting who she really was. Trying so hard to be a nun of Calisto, that she forgot what she really was. A street girl from the Capital, who couldn't sit still. It was advice that she'd begin taking into heart, to be truly yourself. Not to fit roles, not to present yourself or act a certain matter. It's simply sincerity. She was at awe at the advice, until her awe faded into concern and alertness.\n\nIronically enough, she would not act very sincere as the devotee acted calm yet ready for an ambush. Planning the right tactics in her head, trusting the witch to watch her back. The footprints were small, smaller than even the two woman who could be considered short by many. They were slow and quiet, softly leaving a shoe print into the dirt. The dark one would hit its mark and pierced the soil, causing the intruder to gasp out in surprise. Jumping back and losing his concentration on his invisibility spell. Revealing a surprised deep gnome as the knife was throw at his feet, yet missed his feet.\n\n```\"Wait. I know this looks bad but heed my words. I mean no harm to you two humans. Calm yourselves.\"```\n\nA deep gnome of dark ashen skin, wearing a hooded rope and holding a drow grimoire spoke with a serious tone that had a hue of fear and shock. Almonde stood up rather quickly, lifting her shield and walking in front of the witch. Her eyes began to scan the area around them, but before the devotee could speak.\n\n```\"I intend to cast sleep on you. You're clearly not slaves or locals by any means. I saw the drow, these equipment and even that blade is drow. I am survivor of those damn bastards. You work with them, perhaps you hope to gain something from them. But hear me, they will kill you and dispose of you. If they say a ruby is red, they are lying. They promised me freedom, wealth and safety for my assistance. Yet, all that was waiting for me was a blade and a smirk.\"```\n\nThe gnome began to look around backing away as he'd kick his footprints away from being too visible. His fear wasn't directed to the two humans, it was clearly from the drow.\n\n```\"I... Listened to you two, you're good souls. They don't survive here, don't even make for good slaves. I urge you to either leave or kill the drow if you have the chance. Once they have no use for you, a cold blade will be your end. The bitch will stop at nothing to find Ludwig's grave. I need to leave, less they find out we spoke. Let me flee... And perhaps donate a handful of rations... Maybe weapons? The more you give, the more I can assist. I'm not doing this out of kindness, I don't want to see the tall bastards succeed.\"```\n\nThe gnome said as his eyes began to dart around the forward path, before glancing at the ration that were in front of him. Almonde recently sat there. It was difficult to understand his intentions as a large cover of genuine fear would veil his other expressions. Almonde was quick to throw a question to the desperate gnome.\n\n```\"What's this Ludwig Grave you speak of? Can't you retreat and run away from the drow? Secure your lives and maybe seek refuge above?```\n\nAlmonde asked genuinely as she'd lower her shield as she'd notice the gnome's pack of bottles, coins and salvaged tools. He was clearly scavenging. The gnome held a serious face as it faded to anger.\n.\n\n```\"I can't explain everything, I only know bits and bobs. They search for a grave to rob, the same old hidden treasure shat. Ancient history. We stay and fight because we're a stubborn bunch. They took our home, our work and our people... And you expect us to simply run away? Allow them to succeed with ease?\"```" }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme does not jump to action to retaliate. Instead, she carefully walks towards her thrown dagger and pulls it from the ground, twirling it in her hands before sheathing it. His presence has just further complicated things. Esme for the most part is passive until the fates decide to put a dividing path in front of her. The drow or the slaves? Her heart will always side towards the solution that will avoid suffering. She can understand the Drow but she will never truly agree with them and now her own morality is being tested. Fate is a cruel mistress and as her duty to be on standby, to observe what comes and goes. It has decided the a slave end up at their feet.\n\n\"Casting a spell on me would have been unwise, I am glad you did not.\" Esme says with a small sigh. She does not mean to sound cocky, but over years she has grown exceptionally tolerant to magic as a whole. If something were cast, it would have been unlikely it would be just a dagger in front of the feet.\n\n\"And despite how it may look, we wish to actually separate ourselves from the situation entirely. The intent was to avoid the drow if possible, but we would leave no soul to suffer in death either.\"\n\nShe is fully aware of the possible betrayal that is to come. Only an idiot would truly think that any Drow would keep their word. Both women are clear threats to Maya. Gwylyss has already failed and as punishment given his possible affections, especially with how gentle he has been with them. Esme can only imagine as a means to prove himself he must deal the final blows. This is drow tradition and if Gwylyss truly wishes to commit to duty, then he will listen to her command. What Esme did not inform Almonde of was that she intended to sneak away. To come up with some plan that would allow Gwylyss to retrieve the scroll and the girls to separate before then. Not impossible but damn hard.\n\n\"And here, I understand you were desperate. Take some.\" Esme gestures towards her bag, even allowing the deep gnome to take a potion if he needs.\n\n\"As far as this grave, it must hold some artifact I think that is a given. As silly as it may sound, we came for mushrooms... A pixies parasol. But it seems now we are caught in the war and must pick sides I would imagine. There is no way to divert the Drow and keep them content momentarily while your people regroup?\"\n\nThere is guilt as there is concern in Esme's voice. Right now they could be watched by Maya. The woman has the undead and familiars at her disposal. But the information the man can provide is too valuable to pass up. It is obvious the witch has wanted to avoid conflict from the start and has only attempted to help as far back from this situation as she can. But Gwylyss is likely no longer an ally ever since Maya had awoken. Esme holds no regrets, but this makes their situation difficult and the more she thinks about it the more the witch feels alone." } ]	825.5	3,263
704.2	2023-12-22	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"You could say that, we found him trapped in web which we saved him.\"\n\nEsme rubs the back of her head as her mushrooms are very much likely at the gravesite that the Drow want to find. Of course, this confirms her suspicions of the fates intervening. As she takes a seat, her hands settled in her palms. Her ears perk up to the past mentioning of this poor lad's shop. It is heartbreaking to say the least. Not like she can do anything but there is a slight hope in Esme's eyes. She could use an assistant or two and she has been thinking about Almonde as a prospect. No, she cannot take every poor soul she comes across. But perhaps if he is reliable and she can give good faith, then maybe their paths will cross again. She can understand why he snuck up on them, but it doesn't make first impressions good.\n\n\"Thank you for telling us this information and I hope my potions can serve you well.\" Esme assures with a smile, approaching to hand over a last few snacks for him to take along in the journey.\n\"The Drow are a hardy type indeed, but it is not my first time dealing with them.\"\n\nUp the river, find the waterfall and look for the hidden entrance. Taking a seat, Esme watch the gnome walk off. Another sigh escapes from the depths of her chest as stress begins to rise. She has options, betray the Drow and possibly escape with the gnome? Or work with them, condemn the gnome and likely get betrayed herself. Both options she hates and for a moment, she feels truly alone once more Almonde's voice pulls her out of her thoughts.\n\n\"Pretend we ne'er seen him, yes.\" Esme responds, her old elvish tongue slipping as she rubs at her temples.\n\"I am sure you are aware that Maya likely has every intention to betray us. What I did was to simply buy us time and put Gwylyss in the spotlight, for better or for worse. I did not wish to see him brutally killed.\"\n\nGetting up, Esme then walks over towards where she had originally set up her things. She will take watch first and allow the girl to get some sleep. But not without her grimoire which she rapidly flips through. Spells forming and runes igniting on the pages. Thoughts rush by as each page is turned. What will she do? Survive, it is her priority, Almonde is her priority which is reminded by Esme as she looks over her shoulder at the other. Her book shut closed as ideas quickly form.\n\n\"We will lead them to the site as promised. If we wish to survive the drow, we must think like them. As promised, we would be given safe passage to the parasols. Afterwards... What happens is up to the fates and our own abilities. We have upheld our deal and if Gwylyss wishes to stay true to his cause... Then we will meet as combatants, not comrades.\"\n\nEsme speaks with conviction as she holds no emotion in her tone. Grabbing hold of her cloak, the witch moves over towards a flattened rock surface and finding a place to sit.\n\"I'll keep watch and then afterwards, I will consult the fates to see what their visions hold. You should get some shut eye Almonde.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the gnome couldn't help himself from carefully retrieving a few snacks, his expression was rather puzzled. The gnome's eyes were sharp and serious, yet a hue of curiousty was within. Clearly, he was a stranger to humans yet held his tongue on. A simple exchange and a plan was made, his survival chances and that of his kin rose from this exchange. With a simple nod, the gnome was gone and away from sight.\n\n```\"Got it, never seen him. Technically we are not lying since he's invisible. Maybe there's some redeemable qualities in the noble? But, yes... If we are gonna keep each other same... We have to be a step ahead of them. Isn't like... Lying and cheating bad for integrity? I don't know if integrity and drow mix or not. I also don't wish for either of the drow to be harms even if their crimes hold weight, but... My priority is keeping you safe and those darn mushrooms.\"```\n\nThe devotee said as her eyes refused to remain fully open, a deep sigh escaping from their lips. It almost seems that each step was a challenge yet they were on a steady path, with Almonde's only concern being where it would end. Her hopes of a happy end where all were safe and happy seemed like native dream, so she set her priorities to protect the witch and accomplish their goal. When the witch spoke of fate, her eyes widened with interest. Runes and spells forming from her magical book, a rather lost expression on the devotee's face. Her body moved as if it was made of lead, a soft nod provided to Esme.\n\n```\"Thank you, I could definitely benefit from some sleep. Take care, Esme. I pray the fates are nice and honest.\"```\n\nAlmonde said her goodbyes, leaving the witch and retreating to her tent. Where she'd almost immediately fall asleep as soon as she'd enter her bedroll. Not even bothering to remove her armor, her hand gripping tightly onto her staff. Falling into a deep slumber, her body burning of exhaustion began to cool and rest.\n.\n\nAs the witch sat on a flat rock surface, the sounds of rushing waters pouring down, the soft cracking fire and the looming silence of the underdark met with her ears. The glowing of blue mushrooms and ore above her, as nothing would approach nor appear in her line of sight. The occasional boar, insects and lizards but nothing of note for awhile.\n\nConsulting with the fates, it would not be long until her eyes were answered with two visions of what her future may hold. The fates provided two firm warnings, visions were brief and difficult to understand. Yet, each vision held a very threatening aura as the witch felt her body tense and her heart race.\n\nThe first vision was painful, she could hear a woman's scream as green cube blurr consumed her. The desperation in her screams echoed in a ruined hallway. It was too brief to see anything else.\n\nSuddenly, another warning was given by the fates. It was even more intense than the last. Instead, her eyes were burning with heat, her body temperature rose as she'd witness a giant demon like creature looking down at her with a smile. Holding a person in his claws, the demon motioned Esme to come closer as his voice seemed to break the vision.\n\n```\"Curious, aren't we? I am quite curious as well, savory soul. Come.\"```\n\nThe creature's voice was oddly alluring as if spoken by a chrismaric bard that sang into the witch's ears, almost making her forget the warmth growing within her. The fates immediately shut and stooped this vision before it could really harm the witch. The vision stopped and Esme was left to her own devices. It was then that two familiar drow began to come to her sights, slowly arriving as a 3 ghosts began to circle the camp. Gwylyss held a boar over his shoulders as Maya lead on." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"I believe it will be alright, we just need to keep our wits about us.\" Esme chuckles as she begins to watch ahead.\n\"And we are neither lying nor cheating. We have information and we will use it as we see fit.\"\n\nNot that Esme feels good about it. But they must survive and unfortunately when they arrived in the cave. Being faint of heart and attempting to act out of all pure good intentions, was signed away. Just because the girls have the capacity to do good and to act in the best interest in all, doesn't mean it is realistic and feasible. The desire can do good can be driven by pure selfish desire. Esme must be careful not to give into it, no matter how much she agrees or disagrees with either party. This is what they signed up for and Esme knew the risks when they saved Gwylyss. This trip was never meant to be easy.\n\nAs her gaze then follows Almonde, Esme is able to take a deep breath. Her palm pressed against her grimoire as she gets lost in thought. Keeping a steady eye ahead, her hood pulled down in order to hear better. She hums quietly to herself as she can feel the weave swirl around her. She needs guidance and feeling closed off from the weave for so long has left Esme unsure. The fates must have something to show her, something to warn her of... Or set her up. Knowing something is better than not knowing at all, bad or good. This is the very reason the witch is sought after, her true power. Briefly she closes her eyes and as they re-open, they are white like the moon. Glowing as small rune twist and form around her. Esme's own hair glowing a faint gold as she allows the fates to embrace her form.\n\nThe world morphs around her and soon Esme is cast in darkness. Seeing only through weave, her gaze flickers back and forth as the witch finds herself standing in an endless void. Her heels clicking against the grey stone surface underneath her. Then a scream catches her attention and Esme promptly lifts her head to view the blur. Yet Esme does not try and syphon further information than what the vision provides. A cube... Dangerous but stagnant. Just how did Maya get in there? Her breathing comes to a sudden stop as warmth trickles up her legs and soon... Turning around.\n\n\"What is this?\" Esme gasps out as her eyes widen to the sight of the Devil.\n\nDevil? Is that what this creature is? No, demon. Creatures that often seek out her kind, for there is no true witch without a demonic companion. Many girls are born from their union afterall. But now is not the time to question her own genetics and potential father. Why a demon could be here is beyond her. It even addressed her in the vision and as he breath returns to her. Esme gasps out, trying to catch her breath as she suddenly falls forwards off of the rock and onto her hands. Panting for air, Esme's hair returns normal as her eyesight. The weave fading as she grips onto the gravel underneath her. The feeling of heat rising, the sight of the cube and worst of all... Who was it that the demon was holding?\n\n\"Shit...\" Esme curses, a rarity. As her gaze slowly rises, she can see the approaching Gwylyss and the ghastly figures from behind. She is vulnerable but not entirely weak. That demon could have very well been here for her... Or something will occur that will unleash it. The visions may even tie together, which makes it all the more worse." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the witch fell to onto soil below, the cool dirt cooling her warm fingers. It was as if she had a sudden fever, before it thankfully passed with each heavy breath. The two drow would eventually arrive to the campsite, the noble drow gave the witch a disappointed look. Raising her brow as she'd inspect the newly made campsite, the woman did not approach the witch. Instead, she began ordering Gwylyss to complete tasks for it. It was rather obvious that she'd use slaves for such jobs, and had none at her disposal yet.\n\n```\"You will make a meal worthy of me, set up a place of rest and secure the area. This is below my expectations and standards. Now correct it with haste.\"```\n\nMaya said with a stern voice as her eyes glanced at the area, her sharp eyes slicing through the sleeping Almonde, the fire and then at the witch. Her eyes had a heavy judgement within them yet she'd simply snap her fingers at the warrior drow who rushed to meet her needs. It would take awhile, cooking a boar and serving it to her while also trying to set up a nicer and more fancy looking tent while she ate. The noble had nothing to say to the witch, yet made her disappoint on the campsite rather obvious. After a heartily meal, and a moment of thin patience. The luxurious tent of grand textures and size was built, it wasn't perfect but it would hold. The male drow was in the middle of a few adjustments before being suddenly dismissed by Maya.\n\n```\"Enough. Go secure the area. Keep an eye on those things, brief them and report to me when I rise. I expect a fine breakfast and good news when you speak to me again, unless you wish to serve as an undead slave. Dismissed.\"```\n\nMaya said waving off the warrior drow would kneeled in silence, giving her a firm nod as she'd disappear into her tent looking rather frustrated and tired. The drow rose up and let out a deep sigh, as if he could finally breath. His red eyes began to loom around, as he approached the witch.\n.\n\n```\"Anything to report? When we arrived, you seemed ill. We cannot allow you to... Be sick in the presence of her ladyship. So, I command you to take a health potion and sleep now. Ohh... And if you wish to devour the remaining hog, then you may.\"```\n\nDespite his rather commanding and demanding tone, his eyes would betray him as they were softer than before. Perhaps it was exhaustion or simply concerned on the subjects of his Lady.\n\n```\"And before you get concerned about me. I've been trained to stay awake for weeks on end. Her ladyship holds such a strength as well... But that's no matter. Go rest. We have a busy day tomorrow.\"```\n\nGwylyss spoke with some confidence for a moment as if proud to share his strength and feats with the witch before snapping out of it. He stood up and held his crossbow with care, before beginning his patrol around the area. Leaving the witch to collect her thoughts, devour the boar and rest up. The drow wouldn't take too long to speak to the witch, his focus on the orders of Maya." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme does not hesitate to push herself up as she sees Gwylyss and Maya draw near. She may not harbor any ill will but she dares not show any form of further distress or wandering thoughts. With a final deep breath, the witch will rise to her knees and she promptly brushes off any grime that has found it's way to her palms. The fates are not kind and given she has seen Maya's possible death, at least who she thought was Maya. Her options are weighing heavily on her.\n\n\"We picked up what we could, Almonde is resting for now.\" She says, her tone a bit airy as she tries to regain her composure.\n\"But nothing of notable interest. We mostly gossiped and watched the glowshrooms. Though I doubt you wish to hear about that.\"\n\nThough her tone is calm, her smile ever present and a giggle to back it up. Her tone is just as misleading as Gwylyss'. Her gaze holds distrust and as warm as she is, very little of it will reach the Drow. Giving a slow nod over, she simply waves off the concern of her health. Not that she will go into detail to him, especially not with Maya around. But the witch can handle herself and she has no intention of resting with just Gwylyss on watch. Leaning forward, she takes a small bit of meat. It's a lot better than eating simple rations and given that Maya has had no interest in speaking to her. Esme figures she'll at least keep her voice low.\n\n\"And you need not worry about me Gwylyss. I may not look it, but I too have stayed awake for many of days. Gone the same amount without eating. I promised Almonde I would keep watch and I intend to do so.\" She further confirms her distrust with yet another misleading smile.\n\nHer gaze does not linger either when he leaves. With her grimoire in her lap, Esme rather focuses ahead. Her visions replaying in the back of her mind. Serving as a reminder of the severity of her situation. But dwelling on them will do nothing for now. So the witch does what she has always done best, hum. Her voice angelic as it is soft. She cannot resist the old Drow tune that had been taught to her. Again, Esme is reminiscing. Though Gwylyss and Maya are nothing like the group she had come across. Her name... Baedaeth. It was given to her then and at times she questions if she was ever truly worthy of it, especially now.\n\nEsme will rest when Almonde is up. But no time before." } ]	691	3,521
642.2	2023-12-23	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the cool air of the underdark was flowing between the tall mushrooms, from the highest levels of the cavern to the lowest level near the dark lake's edge, the soft blue blow remained. Lighting the area like a full blue moon, it was rather difficult to tell whenever it was morning or night, but that would be the last thing on anyone's mind. The warrior drow listened to the witch's words, giving her a nod as she'd refuse to sleep. The witch clearly didn't fully trust him nor submitted to his commands, rather than show offense, the drow held an expression of understanding.\n\n```\"Then as you may. You continue to surprise me.\"```\n\nIt wasn't clear exactly what the drow was surprised by, but he simply went to return to his duties. The distant moans and cries of the haunting ghosts echoed in the distance, the witch's hum of the old drow tune peaked up Gwylyss ears as he took a glance at her. Before forcing his attention back to his patrols.\n\nFor a moment, the witch held some peace to herself as the drow went away from the campsite to reach higher ground, clearly looking for lurkers and potentially foes. Leaving the witch to reminisce, her memories of other drow and the visions flooding her mind like a rushing waterfall. Yet, her voice held such a melody and angelic beauty that it caused the intense air to faded.\n\nAs she continued to hum, a particular mushroom began to move towards her. It slowly clicked and moved quietly towards her. A dark crawler, a special type of spider that disgusted itself to ambush prey began was lured by her song. Their black eyes curiously listening to the tune. It listened to her song before eventually returning to the dense mushrooms forests. The campsite was rather peace if not for the occasional ghost passing by. The visions, the warnings from the fate felt like a sting of a flame. Remaining in the witch's mind for awhile, the scream of desperation and hopelessness along with that demon's starved voice ringing in her ear.\n.\n\nA few hours of peace would befall the campsite, as the calm underdark rested. The drow occasional being spotted in the distance as he patrolled the area. Eventually, Almonde would awaken from her slumber as she'd crawl out of her tent. Noticing the new tent and approaching the witch, she'd promptly sit near the witch and seemed well rested now. A smile on her face as she spoke.\n\n```\"Morning, Esme. I see our drow friends have arrived. Shall we switch roles? Unless you have something to tell me, of course. I had a funny dream about you, haha. Where you turned evil, your hair black and your eyes had like a shadow lines or corruptionbin them. You served poisons and even had an evil giggle that sent shivers of fear down my back hah.\"```\n\nAlmonde said as she'd share her odd dream of an evil Esme, her tone was spoken with a humorous whisper. The drow could be spotted returning with a sack full of mushrooms, quickly placing them by the fire before quickly returning back into the wilderness." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme's gaze flickers towards the small creature that moves closer. Normally any sign of movement should be a cause for alarm. But the witch just smiles, letting out a small chuckle in between the notes. Acknowledging the creature, in a way she sees it as a little blessing. A small fragment of peace in lands that are often extremely volitile and hostile. It's cute in its own way too and as it fades back towards the mushrooms. Esme's gaze looks back towards the ore filled sky, magic coursing through each rock planted within the cieling. Her song coming to an end as the witch now takes her time to just watch.\n\nCurious...\n\nThe word rings in her ear like a dulled whisper. Not always do the visions put her in a position of her actually being there. The demon could have not been talking to Esme at all but rather someone else... Maybe in the position she was standing in or perhaps behind. She sighs, leaning back as her arms prop up to keep her weight held. Occasionally her gaze drifts towards the ghosts or even Gwylyss when he is in view of his patrols. But Esme does not make an effort to say anything and opts to focusing on her job. She doesn't know how long she had been seated for but with the slight hue changes due to temperature of the ore. Esme knows that day must be rising up above.\n\n\"Oh? Good morning Almonde.\" Esme says sweetly, moving to the side so that the nun may join her.\n\"I do hope you have slept well.\"\n\nAs Almonde describes the dream, Esme cannot help but chuckle. Turning evil? The witch could never imagine herself in being so. But then it dawns on her... What if Almonde can also see visions? Dreams are a gateway to the guidance of the fates. Then again, unless she were somehow forced. Esme would never act so cruel. But magic works in strange ways and she has seen kind souls turn twisted for less. She keeps a smile on her face though, not allowing her thoughts to bleed out into their conversation. So long as her true name remains unknown...\n\n\"Rest assured, I have no intentions of becoming corrupted. I'd make a darn cool evil witch I would imagine though.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Almonde was rather gleeful to see the witch again, her spirits were high as the ore above and seemed happy that she'd be able to share her odd dreams without worry. Softly seating herself down, the devotee would nod her head.\n\n```\"I slept like a baby. Haha, I think you're already cool as you are. I doubt being evil would suit you, you're perfect as is haha. Although, an evil you is certainly more pleasant than... You know.\"```\n\nThe devotee said as she'd tilt her head towards Maya's tent. Almonde stretched out her arms and cracked her fingers, as her gaze began to linger around the camp. Looking up at the glowing ores above, failing to notice anything different. Almonde spoke as Gwylyss returned briefly to collect a pot, making his way down to collect some river water.\n\n```\"Huh, who knew that he could cook. He would certainly make for a grand home husband...\"```\n\nShe said in a mischievous tone once again, as she'd softly elbow nudge the witch next to her. But, her smiles and jests began to fade as she'd realize that the heavy challenge awaited them both. That's when she began to search into her pack, as a thought rekindled itself in her mind. She spoke in a whisper as her hands held a small prayer book.\n.\n\n```\"Oh, I almost forgot... Ludwig's grave. The name was familiar but I couldn't remember it. It's a popular name that I've read in my religious books specifically my Pantheon heh. The name is considered an insult. It used to be a name of a warrior but apparently a paladin with such a name betrayed a certain God. So his name become a taboo, I remember calling my friends that as an insult back in my younger years. The details change constantly but... It all boils down to a paladin betraying a God and being the big bad as they say.\"```\n\nAlmonde spoke rather casually about the name and what it meant to her, perhaps the grave belonged to that paladin or perhaps it was simply a name to insult the buried soul within. Maybe it was a play on words even. She'd hope that her insight would prove some usefulness. It was then that Gwylyss returned with a bowl of water, he began to make preparations to create a worthy mushroom dish for her ladship. The determination in his face was rather intense but also humorous as the drow took the task quite seriously, far from the devotee's relaxing cooking nature. She held herself from a chuckle, simply smiling at him as she'd turn back to the witch." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "More pleasant the Noble drow? Absolutely. But there is a charm to their bluntness. When speaking with Drow, you tend to know what you're getting into with them. Esme has dealt with elves of all types. She cannot say she has a favorite but she knows how to keep her guard up at least with any denizen of the Underdark. Which is why she cannot help but chuckle at the thought of the Drow being not-so-pleasant. It's partially true, but not all can be categorized as those who walk in the path of lady Lolth.\n\n\"Everyone has their charms. Maya is headstrong, in a way its admirable even if we have different viewpoints.\" She says as she begins to work on packing her bag.\n\"And yes, they brought back that pesky boar that frightened you. I had a little bit of the meat-\"\n\nEsme's brow raises up to the mentioning of Gwylyss being a house-husband. Her gaze then flickers to the warrior and then back Almonde before she lets out a loud, girlish bit of laughter. Feeling embarrassed, Esme is quick to set a palm over her mouth, ending her amusement with a small snort as she turns her head away. Maybe it's Almonde that is interested in such forbidden fruits. Now that, would be a true romance story. The nun and the cutthroat warrior. Even if it's a joke, Esme cannot bring herself to look at Gwylyss. She can see it now. Pink aprons, a broom and a baby carrier. The vision only gets worse as her imagination goes wild. Seeing him stand proud with a thumbs up followed by a shine to his smiling, pearly whites.\n\n\"My goodness...\" She snickers, her shoulders bouncing as clearly the woman is a bit tired so anything is a bit too funny to her.\n\"Imagine two little kids hanging on his back as he brings out dinner. O-oh, I found a cute critter last night. I think it enjoyed my singing.\"\n\nNow pinching the bridge of her nose to get herself to stop laughing. Esme takes a deep breath as the picture of Gwylyss fades and a vision more ambiguous appears. Children... No, not now. The witch's eyes widen briefly before her face of slight discomfort fades away. They a dreams she cannot capture and should stay locked away. Her hands placed in front of her now, her brow furrowing. The mention of this oath breaking paladin is disturbing to say the least. This adds severe weight to the fact that Drow are seeking out his tomb and for a moment. Esme's lips part to inform Almonde of her visions. But then she can hear the small moans of ghost and she decides against it, at least for now.\n\n\"And I see... We should try and collect any information about him if we can. Whatever we can find out about this Ludwig will do us well- but lets not talk about this for now.\" Esme whispers before looking back at Gwylyss.\n\nWhat is odd is that she did not see his death. Then again, she didn't see Almonde's or her own either. Just, who she thinks to be, was Maya's. Without realizing it, Esme is frowning for the first time. She does not like that she has to distrust him and perhaps in a different world. He could venture off with the two and he could see potential in himself rather than relying on nobility. But there is nothing to be done and the paranoia of having to face Gwylyss is eating at her. It even bothers her to possibly cross blades with Maya, not out of fear, but because the witch simply does not want to. Then there is the sight of the demon, the intense heat and before long, Esme feels feverish again.\n\n\"Are you okay to keep watch while I rest a little?\" She asks, her voice a bit weakened.\n\"I need to grab some water real quick.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Almonde was yet to be wise enough to understand other people, always assuming the best in everyone. Her eyes express a hue of hope as the witch would call the noble headstrong despite her obvious dislike towards humans. But that hope was sparked as there was something she could use to bring the drow into the light, redemption and healing for her darken soul. Almonde was wise enough to know that was a delicate healing treatment but there was hope.\n\nHer smile grew wider and a few uncontrollable snickers left her lips. She'd have trouble controlling herself as she'd glance over to Gwylyss, before coughing a laugh out. Tears at the corners of her eyes as she'd desperately search for a cloth in her pockets. The drow turning his head with confusion over the two girls laughing like a druken pair, his first assumption was that the pair were drunk or perhaps fooling around again. As the witch mentioned, the image of Gwylyss with two children hanging on his back. Almonde turned to glance at the drow, their eyes locked and her cheeks turning red. She'd immediately cover her face, as she'd turn her seating position around. Ensuring her back was turned away from the drow.\n\n```\"I- ha- Yeah... Gosh. You're such a evil witch. Haha... A cute critter? That's a blessing! Maybe its a good sign for whats to come. Your singing is rather alluring, are you sure you're not a siren with legs?\"```\n\nAlmonde said as she'd swiftly change the subject, the soft red fading from her cheeks. Her eyes began to grow a hue of seriousness as the topic of Ludwig The Unforgivable, was placed on hold. Away from the sharp ears of the drows, she would provide an understanding nod. Forgetting to keep her naivety in check. Her face radiated a sence of pride as Esme asked if she could rest up.\n\n```\"Yes, please rest as much as you need. If you need extra blankets, feel free to nab mine. I'll keep an eye out for you so rest assured.\"\n.\n\nAlmonde said as she'd swiftly change the subject, the soft red fading from her cheeks. Her eyes began to grow a hue of seriousness as the topic of Ludwig The Unforgivable, was placed on hold. Away from the sharp ears of the drows, she would provide an understanding nod. Forgetting to keep her naivety in check. Her face radiated a sence of pride as Esme asked if she could rest up.\n\n```\"Yes, please rest as much as you need. If you need extra blankets, feel free to nab mine. I'll keep an eye out for you so rest assured.\"\n\nAlmonde said as she'd pull off her helmat from her head. Her blue messy hair reflecting their wild adventure so far, placing the helmat on her feet. She'd gentky pat the witch on her back, knowing how exhausted she sounded. It had been a very eventful day for the witch, even more than the young devotee could assume. Maya would not leave her tent, while Gwylyss was busy tending to his delicate mushroom recipe. His crimson eyes focused on his blade, as mushrooms were cut into small bite sized pieces." } ]	656	3,211
554.4	2023-12-27	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"What? A girl cannot dream?\" Esme playfully bats at the air with an extended palm before turning on her heels.\n\"I'll just have to dream of such forbidden romance then... Nighty-night Almonde~\"\n\nEsme's snickering can be heard even when she is out of sight. She dares to even prance past the Drow though she does not look at him. The witch may have the upper hand now but all it will take is him saying something snide or remotely suggestive for her to crack. Which is why she figures that she will make a b-line straight towards her tent. First she tosses off her hat and begins to unbraid her hair. Her locks draping past her shoulders and now coiling around the ground as she takes a seat. A moment of playfulness removed by the thought of their situation again and Esme cannot help it. She rubs at her forehead as she slips off her boots, quietly groaning to herself as she wonders if she is a bit in over her own head about this sitation.\n\nRest first... Anxieties later.\n\nAs she finally settles, though not as comfortable as she would like given she is still wearing her normal attire. Esme is able to at least calm herself and upon breathing softly, eventually drifting to sleep. She tosses and turns, it is only natural given the ground here is as cold as it is rugged. Not even the padding of her bed roll can reinforce this and the woman gets cold easy.\n\nBut soon the scent of old-cooked boar fades, the air turns humid and Esme is able to find some comfort in laying in her side. A darkened cave turns bright, the light piercing through her closed eyelids. Yet for some reason... She cannot open them. With one hand over the other, Esme twitches a bit more as her brow furrows. The witch cannot see but she can... Feel? A presence in front of her. It blocks out some of the suns rays, at least from what she can think is the sun. Then a soft touch on top her hands. Though the palms of this stranger are a bit course, they do not bother her in any way and Esme's heart flutters. But her lips do not move, why?\n\n??? \"Napping out here is dangerous songbird.\" The masculine voice smoothly warns in a playful tone.\n\nHer eyes start to open, at least she thinks they are. But the sight in front of her is blurred, the features of the man indistinguishable. She can see his tanned palm atop of hers yet she does not feel the desire to flee. No, rather, Esme embraces it though thoughts tell her she shouldn't. Without realizing it, she is smiling even if she cannot make out the figure whose hair glows brighter than the sun, yet remaining humbled as a brunette all the same. But why... Why can't she see his eyes? The witch tries desperately to get closer yet her body will not move. He's smiling at her and her own fades as she lets out a gasp as his hand draws away.\n\n\"N-no... Wait...\" Esme chokes out.\n??? \"Songbird...~\" It sings to her again as she jumps up, the vibrant greens getting replaced with muted and dull purples\n??? \"SADIKA!\"\n\n\nWith a loud gasp followed by a bit of violent coughing. Esme wakes as her body jolts up, gripping onto her chest as the woman is a bit shaken. She knows for now how long she slept... If she even truly slept at all." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the witch let out a loud gasp and let out a rough coughing fit, the witch would have slept for a handful of hours. Almonde was sitting nearby, like a guarding Hound, she tried her best to keep the slumber witch asleep. Having heard her rough slumber and mumbling of her sleep, she couldn't make out most of the words expect the name Sadika. She'd had her back turned on Esme's tent, watching the two drow discussing and preparing themselves. The devotee turned herself around with an expression of concern, speaking as she'd simply sit near the entrance of the tent.\n\n```\"Esme? Are you okay in there? Need some water? I don't mean to intrude on your personal tent, but I'm here if you're awake.\"```\n\nAlmonde sat rather casually on a bedroll, having pulled it closer to watch the witch with care. However, her cautious and overly protective nature could be understood upon listening closely to what was nearby. The sounds of the ghosts were gone, replaced with grunting, growling and bones moving violently. The camp would have more undead roaming the grounds, four ghouls and a skeleton were roaming the grounds. The devotee was on high alert, making sure that none would disturb the witch.\n\n```\"I'm guessing you're having trouble sleeping, wish I had a sleeping potion or something to help you. Want more blankets and maybe bedrolls? You can go back to sleep if you want, don't worry.\"```\n\nAlmonde spoke with a concerned tone as she'd glance behind her, checking if the witch was alright. Clearly worried about the witch and wondering if the fates had something to do with it, maybe the undead energy that rose around the camp had ruined the atmosphere for sleep.\n\nThe grunts, screams and growling of the ghouls were distant yet loud, the drows were talking loudly or rather Maya was yelling loudly to a kneeling Gwylyss. With a cup of tea in her hand, the devotee would provide a simple update on the situation.\n\n```\"So basically, it's been a few hours. Gwylyss found a gravesite nearby and brought some bones for Maya to work with. Now, I think she is whining about the scroll again. Oh. She also said that she'd want to speak to you when you wake up, but if you need more sleep than I'll just pretend that you never woke up.\"```\n\nAlmonde knew that the witch had a nightmare or something but knew that was not her business to pry. If Esme wanted to speak on it, than she will when she chooses. A heavy report was thrown at the half awakened witch, the devotee wished she'd could have made it easier somehow.\n\n```\"I've saved some mushrooms for you, and some tea.\"```" }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Almonde's voice is distorted and nearly drowned out by Esme's own rushing heart beat. It takes her a moment to regain herself, rubbing the cold sweat from her forehead as her blossom tinted bangs fall in front of her face. The dream has left her cold and where there is confusion, annoyance soon takes place afterwards. It is something best left ignored but it has been so long since she had a dream like this... Was it due to stress? Lack of sleep? Perhaps an external force?\n\n\"I am alright, I just... I had a weird dream is all, I was told I can be quite the active sleeper!\" Esme forcibly jokes as she attempts to mask any weakness in her voice.\n\nShe doesn't come out right away. The witch knows she is pale in the face and any sign of weakness will court disaster. With a deep breath to herself, such strange visions are sealed away and she soon embarks from her tent. Esme isn't wearing her hat nor is her hair braided. Her locks run long as per tradition of which she was raised. For an elven man or woman dare not cut their hair, it nearly drags on the ground. Of course Esme isn't Elven but the amount of time it likely took to grow out her hair is admirable.\n\n\"I see Maya got new... Companions. I'll talk to her, are you planning on coming along or do you wish to keep watch?\"\n\nEsme may be troubled but she is already concealing it well. The woman radiates warmth as per usual and is a beacon of light even in the underdark. Her bag is hoisted over her shoulders and her hand slides down her thigh to ensure the dagger is where it should. Even her boots are fit snug. Honestly, Esme would fit the perfect picture of a princess if she was not dressed up as the typical adventurer adorned in black leather pants. But she does not wear her signature choker. Esme is already feeling like she cannot breathe due to whatever those visions were paired with her dream. She does not want anything around her neck.\n\n\"And do not feel forced if you do not want. I figured I would ask.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As she'd turn around to look the witch in the eyes, the devotee gave her a soft smile over her forced out joke. She could tell that a heavy burden was resting on the witch's shoulders but knew this wasn't the best place, once they finish this quest and left the underdark, she'd make sure to have a feast to calm those nerves. Almonde's blue eyes held a hue of concern and alertness, like a surprised barn owl. Her hand would play with her short hair, circling around her head while looking at Esme's long angelic hair.\n\n```\"Haha, I see we're the opposite kinds of sleepers. Oh... Maya did speak to me earlier or more... Threatened me. Asked for a reason to keep me alive, I told her that you... Had an idea of where the scroll was and th- that if I died than it would only complicate a otherwise simple road.\"```\n\nShe said as her blue eyes watched the witch radiate her warmth once more. Esme could be in the coldest northern lands and yet have the same warmth in her heart, Almonde thought to herself. Her eyes began to glance at the two drows who also looked towards their direction. Upon being asked if she wanted to come along or keep watch, she'd think to herself.\n\n```\"Hmmm, I think I'll come with! If I had to talk to her, I'll want some trusted company. Might also be good to have me around, in case something odd happens.\"```\n\nAlmonde spoke with a smile yet her tone was genuinely nervous at the thought of worrisome something happening. The devotee would rise up, still wearing her armor but keep her shield over her tent. Simply holding onto her staff like a old teddy bear that gave her comfort. She watched as the noble drow would enter her tent with a huff, leaving Gwylyss alone. The warrior drow would remain on the ground, before rising up. Letting out a deep sigh before his gaze turned to the human duo. Almonde had shared that the witch had an idea of the scroll, as she was threatened prior and cracked under the pressure. A little lie to calm down the impatient drow." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"She threatened you?\" Esme's voice suddenly spikes up in pitch and for a tiny blip in the moment, genuine anger is revealed.\n\nShe has made a deal with Maya but she will not tolerate any further forms of disrespect. Upon hearing this, her gaze promptly dances over towards the direction of where the noble is staying. Her chest fills with emotion though her heart will not cloud her mind. She has been passive up until this point. The witch doesn't act in her girlish nature alongside Almonde as the nun circles her. In fact, the long postponed concerns of what to do has just been realized. It doesn't matter how silly Almonde may be or even the fact she 'handled' it. Maya threatened her life while Esme slept and that will not be tolerated.\n\n\"I'll handle her from here on out. I am sorry you went through that.\" Esme promptly follows up, her tone stern as she sets a hand on Almonde's upper arm before walking ahead.\n\nShe does not dwell on her dream nor is she focusing on the visions right now. As sweet as Esme can be, she is a product of the weave. It is temperamental, volatile and in some cases downright destructive. There is a darkness within Esme that has remain left to slumber for the last 172 years. Yet as she walks forward with her head high, her brow tilted in a slight rage. She holds herself equivalent to a noble, even a commander. She was trained to be a sentinel above all else and she will invoke that right. Most importantly, she will protect what she has made claim to be as hers. Almonde shall not be harmed, not physically nor verbally.\n\n\"She is unaware that not only I am Baedaeth... But I am Yalura d'Tempere Ap'za (Omen of Tempered Fate). I have no intentions of being passive any further.\"\n\nAll it took was a single sentence. Her tone is grim and even mimics the cruelty of which Almonde had likely dreamed prior. Magic radiates off of her and where once Esme had stepped, blossoms of white grew. They now wither and fade, reaching the end of their lifespans as the witch seems to deem it so. The fates are ambiguos, but they will punish those who dare to overstep their boundaries without discrimination. Maya is lucky enough as is to have both Almonde and her. But now she has crossed a line." } ]	510	2,772
682.4	2023-12-28	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "Almonde would listen and watch the witch's reaction, her eyes widened with surprise. Noticing that, the witch seemed stern and firmer than normal. Waving her hand over her face in dismissal, as she'd feel her own heart rate increase.\n\n```\"Oh its quite alright, just spiders bearing their fangs. I've gotten used to it haha. Wait, Esme. I trust you and such, but please forgive Maya for it. Hate is bad for the soul hah..\"```\n\nThe devotee said nervously as she'd grow an expression of concern and worry about the situation. It was both scary and impressive how quick Esme could turn from pink adorable witch to an Omen of Fate. The devotee carefully followed the witch as magic began to radiate off her like a powerful Elder Brain. The male drow simply watch the pair make their way towards the tent, a neutral expression on his face.\n\n```\"That's really cool, I wish I had cool titles... But! I hope you take a little breather, not because I don't trust you but mainly because I worry about you. I don't want Maya to bring out the worst in you, Esme. Please be better than her and don't let her make you snap... You know? I am honored and flattered that you care so much about me, but just don't lose yourself. Okay?\"```\n\nThe devotee said as the duo finally arrived at the tent of the noble drow, Almonde trusted the witch to not do anything rush but was worried that her odd dreams grew closer to reality. As they'd face the opening, the devotee opened her arms to hug the witch. Hoping a small gesture of kindness would even the scale, the hug was warm.\n\n```\"Anyways, just know that whatever happens. I have your back, Yalura d... Tempere Apza? Haha... I think I prefer Esme.\"```\n\nShe said with a smile yet her nervous tone was subtle, the devotee would finally let go of the witch and helped open the tent for her. Giving her a bright smile, as the devotee tried her best show her support. In the end, she wasn't worried about Esme or her, moreover it was Maya that she was worried for even if she'd threatened her prior.\n\nAs the tent opening was lifted for the witch, Almonde chose to stay outside for now. Should the Baedaeth enter, she'd find Maya leaning on a desk. Her back turned and her attention on the map, a few books and scroll on the table. Her cold hand held a amulet of red. However, before Esme could speak, a sudden loud growl caught her attention. A foul ghoul would growl at her, before biting its own tongue. Maya's voice rang cold and quick.\n\n```\"Out. The Baedaeth and I need silence.\"```\n\nThe drow said as she'd open a scroll, red runes began to glow from it as she'd not face the witch. The ghoul began to limp towards the opening, leaving behind a decaying odor. The drow would not speak first, her eyes did not turn yet her ears peaked up as the witch approached." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme stops in her tracks momentarily to glance over towards Almonde. She can understand the other's concern. This whole mission has become greater than mushrooms at this point and unnecessary fighting could spell the end for both parties. In truth, the witch does not wish to be cruel. She would never do such a thing even if that is the best course of action when dealing with the Drow, but there is still a slight feeling that tugs at her. A spider baring its fangs will eventually strike, which Esme knows is bound to happen. But it is also her job to reassure Almonde that everything will be okay, it must.\n\n\"When I say I shan't be passive, I do not intend to fight. Do not worry Almonde.\" She says with a bright smile, her voice as soothing as before.\n\nYet as the two hug, that smile promptly fades. There is a coldness in her eyes. Maybe it was from the dream prior, the visions or something else that has woken entirely within Esme. It's been quite odd how unphased she has been even by the undead. The smile returns the moment the two pull apart and Esme cannot help but give Almonde's arm a gentle squeeze.\n\n\"I just need to ensure we are on the same page. If Maya wants our assistance, she needs to remember that me and you are a packaged deal. Not only that, but she cannot do this alone. It is foolish to threaten those who can work with you, any Drow should know that.\" \n\nInsults are being thrown, though Esme is masking it under casual conversation in trying to uplift Almonde. She had been rather passive up until this point, sweet even. But there is always a side to everyone that can be quite unsavory. She isn't speaking loud enough to intentionally court Maya's wrath as they are not at the tent yet. If Gwylyss hears it then so be it. It was this same logic that saved his life from Maya's cruel grasp originally anyways. So it cannot be debated. With an even brighter smile now, she gives a nod over towards the nun before glancing over towards the warrior.\n\n\"Why not keep him company, aye?\" The oh-so-evil witch snickers as she begins to elbow Almonde, pointing her head at Gwylyss before turning towards the tent.\n\"I'll be out soon, don't get into any trouble!\"\n\nThen the ray of sunshine leaves and Almonde is left to her own devices. Now inside, Esme's expression is for the most part unchanging. Her gaze follows what is in Maya's hand, assuming it to be some type of artifact. Her lips now tugged into a smirk, the woman stands tall with her hands held together in front of her. Not even flinching to the ghoul who dares to growl and snap at her, ignoring it all together even when it passes her. Esme may not be in any direct competition with Maya per say. But she has to appear confident, borderline cocky. Failure to do so will just allow the woman to be even more inclined to act out, even if this is out of character for how Esme usually conducts herself. She may hate how Almonde was threatened, but she doesn't like being this way either.\n\n\"Your Baedaeth has been informed you wished to speak?\" Esme asks as she gives a curtsy." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As her blue eyes would behold the witch's bright smile and reassuring words, her tense shoulders would relax and fall. Never truly doubting the witch, simply concerned. A soft breath of relief escaped her lips as the two embraced. Hearing of the witch's plan to ensure that the deal was set with a logical understanding. An expression of approval and agreement could be read on her face, eyes softer and widened with faith. A large part of her, felt very grateful that the witch was with her. To handle these challenges so flawlessly was fascinating.\n\nGwylyss simply watched from afar, before turning his attention to something moving among the mushrooms. It was just a little spider critter again. His ears heard the words of the witch, yet showed no objection nor offense. If two females challenged each other, it was their battle to fight and interfering was disrespectful. Almonde let out a sudden wheeze at the witch's suggestion, to keep the drow company. How her teasing turned against her.\n\n```\"Ah shush! And, likewise for you two. I'll be close by.\"```\n\nAlmonde spoke with a smile and an embarrassed hue in her voice, watching the witch enter and a ghoul leave.\n\nInside the tent, the air remained still and cold. The scent of death present and strong, yet either two of the women fell to its foul odor. Taking a look at the drow's hand, the amulet had a cursed red glow to it. If the light of a sun was warm, the glow of this red amulet was cruel, cursed and a bad omen. It stinged the air like a poison, unpleasant to be around, pulsing a red stone between her fingers. Maya spoke with a firm tone.\n\n```\"The woman in white said that you knew where the scroll was. How can you be so certain, so confident in its location. Is this the power of the Twilight, or another lie to keep me distracted. Where is the scroll?\"```\n.\n\nThe drow would spoke with a serious tone, a hue of frustration within her words. The woman rose from leaning over her desk, to stand straight as her sharp gaze met with Esme's eyes. Her expression was a mix of many emotions, masked with a stern look of suspicion.\n\n```\"I have neither shared the information on the scroll nor shared our past findings with you. How did you come to simply locate it, in a matter of days when it took my drow warriors months to find nothing. I almost find it difficult to believe, yet that soft faced fool spoke with clear confidence.\"```\n\nThe drow would speak with an annoyed tone, rage and frustration boiling underneath her skin. Her campaign took months, her warband of drows searching almost every inch of dirt and rock, yet the witch before her knew where it was in a day.\n\n```\"This better be true, I am not one to jest with. I intend to travel with you all, take it as a privilege to search and fight by my side. If you speak true, than as promised, you will have want you desired. But, we will linger here for another moment longer.\"```\n\nThe drow said with a more relaxed tone, a hue of pride and confidence returning to her face. The noble woman sat down on the seat, her fingers holding the crimson stone. She'd motion the witch to sit, as her hands ironed out a map of the area.\n\n```\"Sit. We have much to discuss especially on the scroll itself. If you are truly capable of such feats, than you deserve to know more about my prize to be.\"```" }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme is quiet in listening to everything Maya says. She does not show fear, malice or even a sense of over-concern. She doesn't know what Almonde said to Maya so this situation must be navigated cautiously. With a deep breath, she takes a step closer and finds herself her seat of which the other has provided. Though the smell is beginning to annoy her, which is why with a snap of the finger the scent around the area begins to mimic the warm smells of autumn. Her hands now rested in her lap, she leans back with one leg crossed over the other.\n\n\"I have no interest in playing you, it would be stupid. I am a guest here, no?\" Esme calmly speaks.\n\"You know I am Baedaeth, I am also Yalura d'Tempere Ap'za, I have many names in your tongue. But all ring true that I am the bridge between mortals and fates.\"\n\nShe then sighs out, she doesn't expect Maya to completely understand. She also doesn't want to outright exposes her hand, explaining all of it could bring forth a closer end.\n\n\"I had a vision of it, a dream.\" Her voice then hums like a sweet bird, soft but confident in its natural airy tone.\n\"An idea of sorts, if we must simplify it. I cannot know the exact details other than I speculate it is in an old gravesite. If you do not trust it, you may send your own scouts. But again, I have no intentions of crossing you as we only came here for mushrooms.\"\n\nEsme then leans back. Her hand raises forward and she holds a smile on her face. The floor is Maya's and if she wishes to enlighten Esme more then so be it. But at this point, the witch has revealed more portions of herself. She is the one who can change fate, see its outcomes and in some case, strike forward on its wishes. Magic radiates off of her for she is the walking vessel for it. Maya may be a powerful warrior, but Esme is a Twilight witch, a woman who could reach into the very weave itself.\n\n\"I have been to the Underdark before. Retrieving artifacts is second nature. The darkness that nearly took a troupe... Three noble families that were fated and destined to die... And thus I whispered to it and the strings of their very fates were pulled. Their tales now are sung in ballads I would imagine, their bloodlines continuing even now.\" This then causes Esme to lean forward, her tone becoming a bit deeper.\n\n\"I admire the conviction of your people. We may not always agree but it is my job as a Twilight witch to view and record all. To understand, to read what is in the stars. I have no qualms with you nor the others, I do hope you understand.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the air is filled with the warm scent f autumn, the odors of the dead gone and faded away. The drow raised an eye brow, as she'd listen to the witch's sweet and confident words that flew around the tent interior like humming birds. The drow placed her hand over her chin, a hue of fascination in her cold eyes.\n\n```\"Yalura d' Tempere Ap'za, the ones that challenge even fate. Here. Collecting. Mushrooms. What a waste of great power, if I had you during my youth. I'd have the Underdark in my firm grasp.\"```\n\nThe drow spoke in her native drow tongue, before leaning back. Her eyes filled with thoughts of her own fate, before she'd continue listening to the witch's explanation. A vision, of course. A glance into the future, such a powerful advantage over an enemy or obstacle. The suggestion to send scouts were noted, but when the witch mentioned the mushrooms once more. A cold and cruel chuckle escaped her lips, it was short and sharp like a dagger.\n\n```\"Haha, a Baedaeth sits in front of me. One that can see the future, one that can be the bridge to fate itself. In the right hands, you could prove to be a dealthy weapon. What importance do these mushrooms have to you? I speak of claiming prizes, bringing the drow to its prime and discovering the deepest secrets of the underdark. Yet, someone of your talents or perhaps power... Seemingly wasted collecting mushrooms like gnome or a goblin.\"```\n.\n\nThe drow had a smile on her face, as if amused by this situation. In her eyes, a great sword of power was being used for cutting cheese. Learning of the Baedaeth's history of collecting artifacts, pulling the strings of noble families away from death itself and yet it felt like only a tea spoon of the witch's feats. Her facial expression looked rather impressed for a moment,before speaking once more. Gently tapping her red amulet, and sliding it to the witch.\n\n```\"You speak of altering the fate of someone's death, a skill I wish to possess myself. And this, scroll will be that key to such a destiny. Ludwig's grave, it is called. Inside, within his blasphemous and forgotten grave. Is the scroll, that will allow me to control my own fate. A power like yours. Some would even consider you a divine being by some standards, something that is just out of my reach.\"```\n\nThe drow said, as the red amulet began to pulse violently as it would get closer to the witch. The autumn air began to turn warmer and warmer, a familer scent of flesh, fire and melted gold could be felt. The words of that demon, echoed around her skull once more.\n\n```\"It seems that fate had brought us together, you shall indeed view and record all. My triumph is what you will see and what you will record. Now, if you may. Where was this gravesite, you saw in your visions? Twilight Witch.\"```\n\nThe drow said as she'd gently tap the blood amulet, that began to whisper yet only Esme could hear it. The corrupted amulet spoke only one word.\n\n```\"Savory.\"```" } ]	687	3,412
444.5	2023-12-30	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme is silent, listening to Maya's pride and ambition. Should this strange scroll fall into her hands? The witch doesn't know. What she should question is if whether or not she should play a part in whether or not Maya gets it. It is situations like this that cause a great inner conflict within her. This is no coincidence, Esme was sent here for a reason. The fates are watching her and she knows not if she is to act against or with the woman in front of her. But her death should be something, perhaps it is destined... Or perhaps, like before, she is meant to prevent it. Tests to check the durability of this woman's ambition... Or a cold and swift reality check to the grave.\n\n\"Your death was not clear. I doubt it was suicide and I doubt even greater it was betrayal. You have Gwylyss who seems quite loyal to you and as Baedaeth, I am not exactly inclined to work against you... I would have done so already.\"\n\nAnd thus begins the lie. Esme is being careful not to think too much about the deep gnome that had passed her and Almonde. This woman his adept in magic and while Esme believes her willpower to be quite great. She can never be too safe in regards to her own thoughts being read, let alone stolen. That amulet is helping in its own twisted way as she cannot keep her eyes off of it. Of course it is from one of Ludwigs descendants... That voice, Esme would not doubt it to belong to Ludwig himself.\n\n\"Do not be an instrument to anothers ascension.\" Esme blurts out without second thought, her voice low as she has a growing distrust for the trinket in front of her.\n\"Nonetheless... Is there anything else you need? We should be getting ready to embark as soon as we can.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "The once proud woman who could kill someone with a gaze, suddenly felt more vulnerable. Upon hearing that her death was unclear, that either suicide or betrayal was involved. Maya shook her head, as her confidence grew back. Her eyes in deep thought as the red amulet began to move on it own without the drow noticing at first, it inched closer to the witch.\n\n```\"A threat that I will savor. But if it's either suicide or betrayal then I can face it without fear. I don't intend to be an instrument to anyone, I will claw my way to the top. But, yes. Let's embark now, Gwylyss should be finished arming my undead.```\n\nThe drow stood up as she'd take the witch's words as a subtle threat, that she could have pressed her fangs on the neck of the drow but chose not to. Maya turned heel to take inventory of her magic spell scrolls, her hands motioned to pick up the amulet. Yet, the amulet would drag itself toward Esme. As a force pulled it towards the woman, it fell upon her lap as it spoke more clearly. First it was the voice of a elderly man, then a sweet woman and finally a child.\n\n```\"Can't you feel his warmth? We are all his children now. Come Sister.\"```\n\nThe voices were not spoken but rang inside of the witch's head, that familiar warmth boiling within her blood once more. The red amulet placed a strong feeling of relaxation and bliss for a moment, as it placed the witch in a trace for a brief moment. Before the noble drow grabbed the amulet from her lap and held it with a firm grasp, looking down with a smile. A chuckle escaped her lips.\n\n```\"Hahaha, it seems to take a special liking to you. It did the same to me when I first set my eyes on it. But, enough of this. Prepare yourself. We've have nothing more to discuss.\"```\n\nMaya said with a firm tone as she'd pocket the amulet back into her cloak. The drow said nothing more, simply preparing her equipment for the journey ahead. Outside, the sounds of metal against metal could be heard." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme has very little to say to Maya as she comes to a stand. If she truly believes herself unstoppable then so be it. It's not her place to say otherwise and with Drow pride often comes the power to back it up. Not that Esme is afraid but necromancy is riddled everywhere. Its stench coats all and she cannot help but question if the scent has long rubbed off on her. The smell around her is unrecognizable and as disgruntled as she is about it. Esme will keep quiet in regarding the matter.\n\nBut her issues will not end at the scent of undead. For the moment she takes her eyes off of it, the amulet forces itself upon her lap. Her instinct is to pull her hands away as to avoid direct skin to skin contact. With a grimace, she is quick to reach into her bag to pull out her pair of leather gloves. Normally they are used to pick various herbs and fungi. But in this case, the relic is not to be touched. Even if it doesn't matter, it at least provides Esme some comfort to not be directly touching it. It's not hers, she doesn't want it and most importantly, the feeling it gives her makes her antsy.\n\n\"Yes as most things do...\" She growls underneath her breath as she holds the item in between her gloved fingers, catching up with Maya to give it back.\n\"It is best you do not leave it behind.\" \n\nShe refuses to hold onto it and she pretends as though she did not hear what it had said to her. The first step of possession is being curious enough to descipher demonic messages. As she steps out, Esme takes a deep breath and her gaze drops as she hopes Maya will take it from her. However, between the sight of Almonde and her little fan, the mushroom spider. Esme promptly smiles, even surprised that the little critter grew the nerve to come back. She gives it a curtsy and even hums a quick little tune for it before winking over at Almonde." }, { "author": "Sister Almondeaa", "message": "As the demonic lures and whispers were wisely ignored, one could could only wonder how many people fell into curiosity. Maya promptly took back the amulet with her bare hand, keeping it and turning her attention on their journey. The witch had failed to mention where it was, so the drow simply assumed Esme knew which direction to do like a compass of sorts.\n\n```\"Grand advice, Baedaeth.\"```\n\nAs Esme would exit herself from the tent, Almonde was gentky approaching a large mushroom rhinestones, it seemed that the little critter brought a friend. As a quick hum was heard, the little spider quickly turned its attention to Esme. It began to gently tap the dirt with a certain rhythm, its many legs against the hard ground. Listening with sharp ears, it almost mimicked Esme's muse from last night.\n\n```\"Hey Esme, you seem happy. I would take that things went well? Look how big and gentle this fella is, oh there's also another one by your tent there!\"```\n\nAlmonde said as the mushroom rhinoceros sniffed and huffed at her hand, the large beast seemed calm and curious. The beast stood nearly 6 feet tall, with the mushrooms on its back reaching greater heights. It's eye sight was poor, but Almonde's soft spoken words calmed it down. Gwylyss was on the other side of the camp, as he began to arm the undead. Providing a crossbow to a pair of skeletons while debating if the ghouls could wear leather armor.\n\n```\"I wonder what these critters eat, mushrooms? Haha but that's hardly important. Gwylyss said we'd best prepare ourselves for a journey so I packed my bag. I would do the same with yours but I didn't get permission heh. That and I was worried that I'd find a myself turned into a cow for touching the wrong potion haha.\"```\n\nAlmonde seemed rather in a good mood, the creatures of the underdark were oddly refreshing for her soul. Especially after having being surrounded by undead. The rhinoceros appeared to be part mushroom, bark and beast. Peacefully fused into one.\n\nThe brown mushroom critter began to crawl its way towards a higher rock surface, yet kept its black eyes on the witch. The party was lucky to be faced with the friendlier wildlife.*" } ]	446	1,778
510.285714	2024-01-03	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme cannot help but let out a chuckle. Kidnapped? In all her years, no such thing has ever happened and she doubts it ever will.\n\"A dragon? I do hope he can shapeshift into a handsome hunk.\" She continues in her girlish snickering as she grabs hold of her cloak, wrapping it around her shoulders.\n\"I hear the red ones of legends were as dangerous as they were attractive. Eyes bright like flame, long, flowing hair like the red sea. True blooded warriors, through and through.\"\n\nThen Esme falls silent as she realizes that she is getting a bit too carried away. Cruel warlords? Really? Since when did that become her type? This causes her freckled face to flush into a faint as she decides that maybe keeping such whimsical fantasies are better left to the mind. Imagination can be a fickle thing and love stories tend to be delusional. Dragon warlord? Ah, she can see it now. A heart burning with passion only for one. Yeah, such a thing would never exist so why did she even bring it up? This causes her laughter to turn into one laced with anxiety as her smile begins to fade awkward.\n\n\"Doubt he fell in love, cruel men could never-\" Esme sputters before rubbing at her forehead. Fantasies get inspiration from somewhere. Who is to say that his cruel heart didn't soften for one?\n\"A-anyways...\" She stammers before coming to a stand before she gives a tiny finger wave at the spider.\n\"Lets feed the little one and it's not so little friend and rendezvous with our Drow companions. I have a feeling we will find more information as we draw near the site.\n\nWith a sharp inhale, Esme takes hold of her dagger and begins to slice a good chunk of meat for their new friend. By now it has to be cold, not that this would likely bother the spider any. But still, it's at least a good attempt. Most ambush hunters are equal in opportunistic feeders, so she doubts she needs to wiggle the slab in order to entice its feeding response. Making a quick fix to her laced up boots, the witch then approaches the spider, though still providing it a couple feet of space as she pushes the meat slab over towards it with a gentle smile.\n\n\"There you are.\" She hums before turning her attention to Almonde.* \"I'll be just up ahead, do not feel rushed. I just suspect Maya will be impatient if I am not directly by her side.\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almondeaa", "message": "Her face lit up with some glee and excitement as the witch spoke of her love of dragons, there were definitely a romantic tale to be spoken by the sweet songs of bards. She'd place her hands on her hips, listening with a smug smile before it faded. Her eyes deep in thought as Esme seemed to have a type.\n\n```\"Oh? Am I hearing that our bewitching Esme has a thing for red haired warriors? The big bad types that you can change into a loving and protective hubby? Sweeping you off your feet and flying into the sunset?\"```\n\nHer mischievous tone would rise as she'd take her vengeance for before, when Esme teased her with Gwylyss. She let out a overly proud laugh as if pretending to be a snobbish noble woman, her hand elegantly covering her lips as she'd laugh like an owl. Oddly, Almonde wasn't the type to let someone feel awkward instead she would either be awkward with them or more so. The drow duo glanced at the two laughing fools, rolling their eyes in unison. Almonde began to wonder if Ludwig the Unforgivable could have found love himself or simply deprived himself of it. The devotee extanded her handful of fruit to the large beast that used its tentacle like teeth to munch on the sweet treat.\n\n```\"Sounds like a plan, hopefully I can find out more about Ludwig. Maybe bring some additional Information back to the church, he was a paladin of Calisto after all. Might get a reward for it hah. I'll be right behind you, after he stops licking my palms.\"```\n\nShe said as the large beast began licking the juices on her hands, causing her to giggle as it tickled.\n\nThe little critter watched as Esme approached it, it simply looked at her. As the meat slab was pushed towards it, the creature began to carefully stalk the meat. Slowly, making its way closer inch by inch before jumping onto the meat itself. It would grab the meat slab and carry it into a darker place, it's chosen place become Esme's tent. Oddly having the same behavior as the first spider that they encountered.\n\nThe noble drow watched as the two humans feed the creatures of the underdark, they were useful so Maya would bulid a tolerance for their child acts. A weak spider should not rely on a donation to survive, a large beast seemed useful enough for meat so maybe they keep it around. Perhaps as a feast after their quest came to an end, she thought to herself.\n\n```\"Gwylyss, do you have the poisons ready. When we encounter any run away slaves or creatures, I want them dead without question. I cannot lose my undead too early. If we encounter anything in the grave, then wait for my command. Do you think have enough witts to remember that.\"```\n\nMaya said standing tall as she'd take a look at the party, it was now or never. Today is the day that she either rises or falls. Gwylyss nodded his head, as his red eyes kept the ground.\n\nShould Esme approach the pair, the masked drow waited expectantly. Her arms crossed as her impatience grew, Gwylyss began to walk back and away. The noble Maya spoke with a firm tone as she'd direct the witch along with the party. Almonde was quickly to follow Esme.\n\n```\"The Baedaeth will take the lead, my undead forces will surround the party, Gwylyss will take the rear guard. I will be in the center along with the healer. I expect everyone to fulfill their roles in this.\"```" }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "\"Ehhhhhhhhh!?\" Esme quickly gasps out before frantically waving her hand away at Almonde's pesky little teases.\n\"I have no type. I was simply repeating bards tales.\"\n\nThe witch is quick to cough away any possible hint at what she could or could not be into. Even being as daring as to narrow her eyes at Almonde before glazing over towards Maya and Gwylyss. Ah, the anti-fun crew. Perhaps she shouldn't think that but she cannot help it. How much easier this mission would be if either of them would just let up a little. Not that she should expect Drow to be... Well, playful. They are in a dangerous mission and at this point, the girls really should be more... Aware. But this whole situation would be suffocating if there were not some type of way to keep relaxed. Esme needs a steady head on her shoulders and sometimes a bit of laughter can help her keep her mind clear.\n\n\"Anyways... See you shortly... And bye little one~\" Esme coos at the smaller creature before turning on her heels to approach the Drow.\n\nShe gives a nod as she paces towards them, understanding her position. Does Esme really prefer to lead the charge? Absolutely not. She is a caster, not a warrior who can take a beating or two head on. She has had her fair share of rough housing, at least thats her best way of minimalizing the fighting she has both experienced and witnessed prior. But that does not mean she wants to remain in greater danger than what she already is.\n\n\"I assume you two have everything you need?\" She asks, figuring that nothing of importance should be over looked.\n\"I will also ask we stay vigilant for any clues in regards to this scroll. My visions only tell so much and ultimately even I do not know what we are to face or even the precise location of the site.\"\n\nBasically, without outing the deep gnome. Esme is really walking into this both blind and on a hunch. It is a finnicky issue she has in front of her. Her gaze flickers towards Almonde before looking over at Gwylyss. The image of the body held in the hand of that demon... Who was it? Then it returns to Maya and that increasing discomfort begins to form again. Whatever that amulet is, Esme has a feeling the noble is playing into its hand." }, { "author": "sister.almonde", "message": "SF:The little critter peeked out of its hiding place with the meat still in its fangs, watching the party getting ready to leave. Gwylyss was looking nervous and hesitant for a moment, like a shy bard that wanted to sing yet had stage fright. He took a step towards Maya as she placed roles on the party, yet he paused as Esme spoke about staying vigilant for clues and not relying too heavily on her visions. Maya seemed satisfied with such a suggestion, nodding her head as she was also curious about the secrets and treasures that this hidden gravesite brought.\n\n```\"We are prepared to leave, everything is in order. Hmm. Very well, sharp and alert then we shall be. It would benefit us all.\"```\n\nThe masked noble spoke with a confident tone before her attention turned to Gwylyss who seemed hesitant to enter the conversation between the two woman. Despite him being a warrior, their was a hue of fear in his eyes as he made a suggestion.\n\n```\"My lady, if I may. Perhaps the healer can take the rear guard? She has shield and the armor to guard our flank, and could heal our front if need be. I also suggest that u take the lead? Esme can be our guide but I believe I'm a better tracker and overall quicker. If we lose the Baedaeth to a trap or a fast foe, we lose our guide to the scroll, she may also need some space between her and foes to cast spells... And such.\"```\n\nThe drow warrior made a fair suggestion, to put Esme in the lead was seemly very dangerous especially if she cannot spot a trap fast enough. Gwylyss was made to fight in the shadows and knew ambushes like the back of his hand. Maya simply put hand up, motioning an silent approval to the suggestion.\n\n```\"Fine. You will lead, Esme and I shall be in the center, the healer may protect our backs.\"```\n." }, { "author": "Sister Almondeaa", "message": "Maya explained out loud to avoid confusion, it become rather obvious that the noble was no military genius. Almonde simply stood there in silence, as she'd put her shield on the ground. Maya snapped her fingers that alerted the undead about their plans to head out.\n\n```\"As you said, Baedaeth. Take us to the site, to the best of your ability. My undead will search for clues as you guide us. A hidden gravesite is expected to be very well hidden, yet the amulet screams with glee. I have a good feeling about this.\"```\n\nEven if one cannot see her smile, her tone and words revealed it. Almonde wasn't sure on what to say, thinking it would be best to simply follow orders now. The sooner that they get these mushrooms, the sooner they can return to the surface, even she couldn't feel entirely safe with the undead around." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Though Esme does not show it, she does appreciate Gwylyss for speaking up. Their new positions will be better though she would prefer to walk side by side with Almonde. This is better for the overall group. Plus her companion is vigilant, in a way she feels more comfortable with Almonde watching her back rather than Maya or Gwylyss. Even the undead give her some unease. All it takes is a single flick of the wrist and they will be sent attacking.\n\n\"This works well, stay sharp everyone.\" Esme continues with a growing false confidence.\n\nHer hands clasped over the strap of her satchel. Esme now walks forwards with a somewhat clear mind. The scenery around them is breath taking but she needs to keep aware of it holding very real threats. Whats more concerning is coming across the slaves. She just hopes that they are wise enough not to cross paths. Esme has to remain on the side of the Drow if she wants to uncover the mystery of this relic and most importantly... If Maya needs to be stopped, it needs to happen at the right time. Anything premature will just set her off and cause her to attack prematurely.\n\nBut she cannot help but glance over her shoulder. She knows the spider will be okay but there is a hopeful feeling that maybe, at least in some whimsical fairytale, that a creature will come and help her. A wise caterpillar? Ah, such a thing will not exist. Not here, not in the underdark.\n\n\"You may not have an interest in the mushrooms but they attract creatures that are naturally, magically inclined. Unseelie fey may roam around. The last thing I want is us being turned into to toads or worse...\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almondeaa", "message": "The air was cool and still, as the campfire met its end. Almonde wasn't one to let a fire fade out on its own, so she'd began to work the flames with her staff. It'd be a shame for animal to touch the flames or for it to spread. The final line of smoke erupted from the burnt and black wood, waters of the stream ran through the small slope below. Rushing down with the same pace as before, dark and clear as it reflected the blue ore above. The undead kept their distance from the party, forming a large circle around them. Two of the crossbow skeletons following behind while the ghouls limped along.\n\nAlmonde would be tasked with watching everyone's back, a determined expression could be seen on her soft face. She had no time for day dreaming, their safety was on her shoulders. The devotee allowed the party to move forward, as she'd take a back step yet stayed close enough to the center to ensure she could protect them if chaos grew. It was then that Maya turned her attention on the devotee, asking a question with a smug tone.\n\n```\"Tell me, those colors that you wear. They are of Calisto, are they not? You must be aware of Ludwig The Oathbreaker, another failed design in the eyes of your Goddess. Tell me, what do you think him?\"```\n\nMaya asked as Esme spoke of potentially dangers that could be brought with the mushrooms magical mana ability. This actually peaked the concerns of Gwylyss, Maya seemed to view the fey as a joke. Gwylyss asked Esme a question, while leading the party away from the campsite. The large beast stayed there, grazing on some left over fruits.\n\n```\"The fey of the unseelie court, their tales and horrors have even reached my ears. Evil fairies and creatures. I've fought against a band of Redcaps and Quicklings, but even then I've yet to master killing them. Best that we don't underestimate them.\"```\n.\n\nGwylyss spoke as he would acknowledge the witch, his tone was that of worry and concern. No fear in his eyes, but concern that her ladyship would have to encounter such nasty creatures but they had Baedaeth and a healer with them. His shoulders relaxed as he held his crossbow with an caution gaze around, walking and taking the lead. Glancing ahead for tracks or traps, that were his expertise. It was then that Almonde nervously laughted as she'd answer the noble drow, one part was happy to share her faith's history while another part of her was worried about the unstable necromancer.\n\n```\"Well, I'm glad you asked. I think he is a cautionary tale about greed and obsession? He had a lot, chosen to be a champion yet was never content. The more he took, the less he had in the end?\"```\n\nAlmonde said sounding unsure of her words, the tale of Ludwig was difficult to speak of as the tale was older than the era of man. So the tale was told in bits and pieces that never truly made sence in the end. Tales change as time goes on. Almonde turned her attention to Esme as she'd asked a question about the unseelie fey.\n\n```\"Is there anyway that we can perhaps work or make a peaceful encounter with the unseelie fey?\"```\n\nShe asked hopping to not harm creatures of the fey, the party began to move away from the camp as they followed Esme's directions. The little critter seemed to be following them, as it watched them from a tall mushroom tree. Quietly watching, if it would help or not was a mystery. But now, it seemed rather content to watch over the group as they made their way along the river." } ]	506	3,572
390.857143	2023-11-14	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "The hooded figure chuckled to himself as he opened up the sack he had stolen. Elves had always been fascinating to him, he'd had a sweetheart as a teen who was an elf. Her tall and slender form had informed many of his formative decisions- if she hadn't joined the war he might have stayed in that little village with her. That almost sobered him, but then the smell of the sweet frosted roll inside the pack hit his nose. He'd stolen the pack filled with supplies and food from a group of elves moving from one city to another. They had sat around the fire singing and talking, one pack had lain against a log a bit of ways away. \n\n\"Enhancement. Silent Steps.\" He'd whispered, heightening his senses and body to a superhuman level and using illusion magic to silence his footfalls, and in a blink the pack had been gone and he'd trotted down the road and into the trees. Only the most vigilant would have seen it. \n\nSurely he was safe now. Softly he sang to himself, not quite under his breath and from the branch he sat on, the sound carried gently through the woods. The hooded man's voice was beautiful, not angelic, but with a slight rasp and a wonderfully carried tune, he sang an Elven song that was old even to them, a song he'd heard in his child oh so many years ago. \n\nHe didn't love being a thief, but the elves wouldn't miss it. They'd survive without it, he however was broke and not looking to ask for handouts- unsure even exactly where he was, only that time had passed on without him and all he'd known and loved about the world had shifted and changed. \n\n\"And from the river my lady danced, her silver hair was streaming, and from the woods the beast he crept, and I was ever dreaming.\"" }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "On this day, some time ago, a few scouts hidden within the trees had reported a thief stealing from a group of Elven immigrants. The word got passed around from each Woodland Protector until their leader, Mazikeen Adfaren, heard the news. This time, she decided to track down the thief and hopefully return what had been stolen. From the skies, it wasn't hard to look. Her vision was keen, like a hawk, and she rarely missed a detail. It wouldn't take long at all. If she had to search the entire forest, she would. He couldn't have gotten far. \n\nMazikeen's large white feathered wings were spread, gliding across the sky. They created a large shadow on the ground of the road, which could only be noticed if someone was looking close enough. It was very freeing and a wonderful feeling to be flying. She didn't see Noctis retreat beneath the trees, but she soon heard the singing, a beautiful singing, she had to admit. Mazikeen landed high above in a nearby tree rather silently, searching quickly for the thief, following the sound of his voice. He might have heard her land if he had listened carefully. \n\nThe Angelic Warrior didn't quite recognize the song, but it was lovely. Folding her large wings against her back, she held onto the trunk with one hand, her weight supported beneath her by a branch. This had to be the thief. She looked down upon him, unable to see his face. Eventually, she spoke in the common speech. \n\n\"It's not good to steal, specifically from travelers.\" \n\nHer calm but firm voice came from a few feet above him. If he were to look up, the figure standing in the tree was truly Angelic. Long white hair, icy-blue eyes, white and gold plated armor, and huge white feathered wings that stuck out despite being folded." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis was just about to take a bite of the sweet roll when he heard the large bird come flying overhead. Perhaps an eagle or some other species of bird that had evolved over time. Noctis' heightened senses caught the sound with ease, even over his own singing, but he didn't look up until the bird Spoke. \n\n\"It's not good to steal.\" He blinked, turning his head slowly, slowly until he was looking up at her from his perch on the branch. What. The...? \n\nWas she a Demigod? He'd seen one or two be born with wings but... This was different. No, no no, this was different. Demigods wings were usually a boon or a gift and... She was an Angel. Though, perhaps only half. There were some slight differences in the skin and the eyes, and she lacked the raw energy they seemed to exhibit. Still... Talk about impressive. \n\nShe would have looked perfectly in place during the cousin conflicts. Standing so regal and tall, her armor even more splendid than the fine armor pieces he wore beneath his cloak. Rising, he tossed the sweet cake up and down in his hand, gazing up at her. It was in this moment that he saw an opportunity. \n\n\"Well I myself am a traveler. So a traveler stealing from a traveler cancels out the extra bad part of it, don't you think?\" He asked, his words dancing out of his mouth and carrying up to her. \n\n\"However my lady I must say, I am rather now attached to these things that I have taken, and so I will issue you a challenge. You can take part or you can let me be on my merry way.\" His face was hidden beneath the depth of the cloak, but it was a fine cloak indeed. Dark as pitch and embroidered with gold, marked on the back with the symbol of the first emperor. \n\n\"Defeat me in a meeting of swords and I'll give the bag back, and do so with the humblest of apologies. Unless that sword of yours is simply for decoration? Do halflings such as yourself all carry gaudy weapons and armor or are you the special one?\" \n\nHe couldn't resist teasing her, a sly grin on his face" }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Over the last few months, Mazikeen has dealt with many thieves as part of her goal to keep the Velaris woodlands free of them. It was an easy task. She didn't kill them, of course, but they paid the price for their crimes. The Angelic Warrior kept a careful eye on the stranger below her, expression carefully neutral. She inclined her head as he began to speak. No matter what a person was, they were still a thief, either way. And she was going to make sure those items were returned. \n\n\"I beg to disagree, thief,\" She said carefully, looking down at him like a bird to its prey, a truly terrifying sight. \n\nA challenge? That was something she would never turn down. It seemed like a fair trade, and there was no way she was letting him walk away. When he began to tease her, however, her expression darkened. Mazikeen never backed down, and he was asking for a fight, quite literally. One detail she noticed was that he took notice of her being a halfling, angel, and elf, not something people usually picked up on. How fascinating. \n\nBefore replying, she dove off the branch, spreading those magnificent wings and soon landing on the ground a few feet away from him, the impact bringing a gust of wind to the air. Narrowing her eyes, she studied that cloak of his closely. Not only was he a possibly Wealthy Traveler, but there was something unique about that cloak, something she couldn't quite place. Mazikeen soon folded her wings, them disappearing from view, presumably through magic. She placed a hand on the elegant handle of her sword, now glaring at him. \n\n\"I accept your challenge. My sword is no decoration, and we've only just met, and you insult me. How rude.\"\n\n— \nMazikeen considered his comments to be insulting to her pride. She took a lot of pride in who she was: a leader and a warrior. She was very curious about who he was but still unable to see his face. Since he could recognize her as a halfling, seemingly easily, and that cloak of his... Truly fascinating. \n\n\"Whether or not you offered, you're asking for a fight, thief.\"" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "She truly was an elegant and impressive being. Those expansive wings, the sheer confidence in herself and her ability. It wasn't cockiness either, it was rather easy to tell the difference. The command in her voice, the look in her eyes and her presence- she was a leader. The kind that was both born and made.\n\nAs she moved, he too dropped from his branch. His was lower than hers and he landed with ease, only bending his knees a bit to spread the impact through his body. His midnight cloak billowed around his body for a moment before settling down, but by the time his blade had been drawn. \n\nIt was almost as if his sword had been made to be the antithesis of her own. It's blade was made of a strange black metal, a metal created through the use of magecraft. Within the black blade was engraved rubies that shaped roses- it gave the effect of the blade almost seeming to Bleed. With a platinum hilt and a pommel of ruby, it was obvious that it was a weapon that could sell for a large amount of gold. \n\n\"My sword is no decoration.\" No, no he did not think it was- and that made his blood race through his veins like wildfire in anticipation. After all these years he yearned for something like this, something to feel anything like the life that he'd lost. \n\n\"You're asking for a fight, thief.\" \n\n\"Yes I am...\" He said with a smile. The sword he carried was also known as a bastard sword- to be use with one or two hands. As of now, he only carried it in one. His feet shifted and his shoulders titled. With his arm now out from under his cloak, Mazikeen could see his forearm was covered in a beautiful platinum plated vambrace that glistened in the low light. \n\nHe dashed forward and thrusted at her with his blade, nothing fancy, a simple thrust to test her defenses. What she would discover however was that he was Fast. He crossed the distance between them like a pouncing wild cat and struck with the force of a man twice his size in muscle mass. \n\nThe fight had begun." }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Mazikeen stared at Noctis as he jumped from his branch, waiting patiently. The Skyline Trees had open areas, trees widely spread apart so the duel would run smoothly without the trees being an issue. \n\nHer keen eyes soon focused on the sight of the stranger's sword. Never has she seen such a sword in that design. It was Beautiful, And seemingly the direct opposite of hers. This stranger was clearly no average thief, and the more that was revealed, the more she wanted to know who he was. He would notice her eyes lingered on the sword for a very long time, as if very fascinated, but there was no recognition in her expression. \n\nOnce he spoke, Mazikeen focused her gaze on him again, soon drawing her sword as she caught sight of his vambrace. That also intrigued her, but now was not the time to be distracted. Her sword was magnificent, a longsword with a golden hilt engraved with many intricate designs. The blade was made of steel, quite simple, but still good for a fight like this. She held her sword in both hands, gripping it tightly. \n\n\"Then we shall begin.\" \n\nThe Angelic Warrior had just enough time to get into a combat stance before he dashed forward. He was fast, she had to admit, and rather... Strong. Who was she dealing with? She met his thrust with equal resistance, her blade colliding with his with a metallic Clang,That echoed through the trees. \n\nMazikeen held her blade against his for a second, soon separating it and lunging with brutal force, aiming for nowhere in particular. This made it hard to predict where she may hit. She was going easy so far." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "This was what it felt like to be alive. A duel was a dance of swords, an elegant, messy, terrible blue waltz of death and the willingness to survive. There were few things more beautiful than that battle on the brink. \n\nShe withheld his blow and managed to shift it into a counter, ha! She was strong, good and had good reflexes. He'd fought a few non Demigods before, but ninety percent of them had fallen from his first blow. Now his blood was on fire, it was roiling beneath his skin, he was an electric conduit dancing on the skyline of the stars with his anticipation for her skills as his partner. \n\nAs her muscles shifted he too danced to the side and rotated that black blade to parry her strike, knocking her sword off course and away from his body. He didn't just move- it was like he was dancing to music only he could hear when he fought. His body was fluid like water and yet when he struck, it was like a viper uncoiling and lashing out- with the strength of a bear behind it. \n\n\"Good!\" He declared, and feinted left before before rotating his wrist and striking overhead to chop at her shoulder. \n\nHe'd fight her without Enhancement magic, win or lose." }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Mazikeen had to admit, she was impressed, which was a rare occurrence. It wasn't often she dueled someone who fought with such strength and managed to keep going. It was quite enjoyable, actually, like a dance indeed. If it were any of the other members of the Protectors, they most likely wouldn't last long against this stranger. \n\nHe was highly skilled, which added to her questions that may come later. It was almost a balanced fight, but who would win? Only time could tell. She paid close attention to his movements, making sure not to miss anything. Mazikeen stepped backward swiftly as he knocked her sword off course, soon raising her blade, the tip blocking his blade merely inches from her shoulder. \n\n\"I'll admit this. You are a worthy opponent,\" She said quickly, moving her blade upward more to knock his blade away from her shoulder in particular, pushing him back, soon making a downward strike towards his legs, curious as to how he would parry that. \n\nMazikeen had no idea how long this would last if they got tired, but she was enjoying it very much. Her expression was bright, confident, and prideful. Their shadows created quite a beautiful picture on the ground, surrounded by the trees as they fought." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis had practically been born with a sword in his hands. His mother, a human woman, had been known as Regalia the Sword Saint. She was a human so gifted with the blade that she could battle even children of Titanos on equal footing. She'd only ever experienced draws- never defeats. She was a woman of pure grace and regal beauty, a woman who'd managed to win the attentions of Masculo himself. \n\nHer pride in her ability was only magnified when she birthed her son- and she'd formed him into her legacy. It had been her obsession. \n\nAs his sword was knocked back, he moved with the momentum it made and watching Mazikeen shift her stance to adjust her strike, he did a single handspring backwards and slashed sideways from the ground with his own sword as he straightened- letting it clash with hers and send a spray of sparks across the open clearing. \n\n\"Tsk tsk my lady, you look like you're having fun. I'm a no good thief after all, you should be condemning my behavior!\" He said, wagging his finger at her even as he drew his sword back and launched into a flurry of blows. He thrusted, feinted and then struck at her shoulder, feet ever moving as kept his movements both tight and fluid. Another slash that flowed into a chop and then finally- he spun the hilt across his knuckles to switch directions from right to left and slashed at her side. \n\nNoctis wanted to see how well she could perform under pressure, this marvel of the modern age, a woman of half blood just like himself." }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Mazikeen was skilled with a sword but probably not as skilled as Noctis, perhaps. Most of what she uses is raw strength, but, of course, no magic. She had years of experience. Her mother taught her magic and basic combat skills. She learned almost everything from her time in Velaris' military. Since then, she practiced with other Protectors, training them and sometimes with Millicent. It was a rare occurrence she had an opponent such as him. \n\nShe observed Noctis' next move. A backward handspring. Impressive, a clever way to avoid her strike. She kept a firm hold on her sword as a spray of sparks appeared as her sword clashed with his. Yes, she was enjoying the combat aspect, but he was still a thief. She still condemned his behavior. \n\n\"You're still a thief, but that does not mean I don't get enjoyment out of this,\" She said calmly before focusing on his flurry of blows. \n\nThis took all her focus to dodge and determine her subsequent attacks. Typically, she didn't often perform under pressure, but for the most part, she managed. He was quick and precise, but she dodged rather quickly on all but the last as he switched directions. Mazikeen was a second too late with the slash aimed toward her side. His blade grazed her side, where there was no armor. Gritting her teeth in response, she got her sword beneath his and blocked his blade before beginning her own flurry of blows. She started with a slash, feint, and then a quick thrust toward his right shoulder." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Were you born this stoic and serious or did you eat something sour this morning?\" He asked, his tone playful as if they'd known each other their whole lives. He ducked her slash and when she performed her feint- he did something rather unexpected. His right arm shot up and forward slightly- catching the tip of the sword on the intricate platinum vambrace. The blade would stop still against his arm and the force of her thrust would knock his hood back. \n\nRaven black hair that ended in beautiful curls fell around his face, which held silver eyes that seemed to shine like stars out of his ivory face. It was as if angels of old had taken to his face and lovingly worked on it for lifetimes until they could go no further. He was both pretty and handsome, masculine and feminine- a strong jawline and a slender nose, long lashes and pearlescent white teeth that flashed beneath a wry grin. \n\nWith a monstrous strength that didn't belong to a slender figure such as himself, he pushed her sword back and away from him. \n\n\"You're strong, quite strong. I'm impressed- though I think I've only scratched the surface with you. What is it that you are really capable of?\" He asked curiously, prowling around her in a circle. He was several paces away from her now, with a flick of his sword that should have been impossible for a longsword, her blood left his black blade. \n\n\"I'm loath to make a child of the Angeli bleed. Please understand I offer my sincerest apologies in drawing your blood. I'll be more careful just to whack you next time.\" There wasn't mockery in his voice, there's was a sense of familiarity in his tone. \n\n\"What's your name half-child?\" He asked, his sword low but his defense not totally gone- a trained warrior such as herself would be able to see that although he appeared relaxed, he could uncoil and strike at any moment." }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Mazikeen frowned slightly upon hearing his clearly playful comment. It was honestly a bit funny, she had to admit. When it came to doing her job, or combat in general, she was usually quite serious. The way he worded it was a bit amusing. She watched his reactions to her attacks closely, eyes widening as the tip of her sword caught on his vambrace, and it... Stopped in place. It was magic. It had to be. What kind? She didn't quite know. \n\nWith the next surprise, she arched her brows as she got a look at his face after his hood was knocked back. He was the definition of Beautiful. It was perfect, being both beautiful and handsome. Mazikeen came to the conclusion that he was definitely not human. He was too beautiful to be human, most certainly. The show of skill and magic through items only supported her conclusion. He was extremely strong despite his appearance. It was easy to underestimate. \n\nMazikeen pulled her sword back as he pushed it away from him, holding it firmly, but she didn't attack him again. The Angelic Warrior took a few steps back. She inclined her head as he spoke, briefly considering his question before replying. \"I am capable of many things,\" She said mysteriously, not elaborating. She wanted to ask the questions first. \"But, I'm more curious as to who you are. You're no average thief, surely.\" \n\nShe watched with intrigue as her blood left his blade with a simple flick of it. That had to be enchanted in some way. \"I wouldn't want you to go easy, but I appreciate the apology. It's no big deal,\" She said, taking one hand off her sword and placing it to her side. While focusing on him, she focused some magic on the wound. It should be healed within a minute since it wasn't serious.\n\n— \nLooking at him closely, she could see his guard was not entirely down. Neither was hers. He could be unpredictable, and she would be ready if he struck. After a moment, she answered his question. \n\n\"Mazikeen. Mazikeen Adfaren. What would yours be? What are you To recognize the child of an Angel upon first meeting?\"" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "So she wasn't entirely devoid of life. In a way they were like distant cousins, both of them with divine blood coursing their veins, both with mortal blood. He watched with interest as she healed her own wound closed. Noctis couldn't help but ponder if her Angel lineage made her naturally more gifted with healing- he had a theory that one's magical ability directly tied to their bloodline. \n\nNoctis had never quite practiced healing magic, though in all truth he wanted to learn. Others had been so naturally good at it however during the war that he'd left that duty to them. Now how we, he was alone and he healed faster than a man and was definitely much harder to hurt than one, but he couldn't heal overnight either. \n\n\"Mazikeen Adfaren. A valiant name, for one such as yourself I should think.\" As he spoke he bowed low though his silver eyes stayed up towards her, one hand holding his sword across his body and the other outstretched like a ravens wing, his left foot crossed over his right. A true and proper bow. \n\nShe'd been honest, and he decided that she had earned the right to at least know his parentage. He did not know what knowledge of the 11 demigods still remained- if any, he had heard nothing so far. \n\n\"My name is Noctis Camille, and I am the child of a God.\" Straightening, he smiled at her and his silver eyes danced, a breeze blew through the clearing and carried his scent to Mazikeen. What she would smell would be whatever allured her the most, the smell of her lovers soap, a childhood favorite food, his scent was never the same for any one person. \n\nNoctis watched her to see her reply, his breath held. Her response would inform him of how cautious he should be going towards the Eternal City." }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Mazikeen wasn't exactly sure who he could be and was curious. Her only guess was non-human, most certainly not an Elf either. It only took a moment, and she removed her hand from her side. Any sign of blood had vanished. Her powers were various: wind, plant, healing, and invisibility. Invisibility and healing were more on the light aspect of magic, resistant against undead and evil. \n\nInvisibility was a mastered ability, purely through her wings, but she wanted to learn more about enhancing her healing powers. They could heal non-fatal wounds without much energy, specifically if it were on herself. When he spoke, she nodded, expression brightening slightly. He was quite polite. \"Thank you, kindly.\" Mazikeen took notice of his bow and found it proper to bow in return. \n\nAs he bowed, she pulled her sword back, leaning forward slightly, her magnificent wings again appearing. She spread them ultimately, ranging fourteen feet in total, as she bowed. The white feathers moved with her body as she made the gesture. Mazikeen never took her eyes off him as he did to her. Both of them were still on high alert, it seemed. If one paid close attention, the wings had a powerful aura, radiating light magic. \n\nMazikeen soon straightened as he introduced himself, raising her brows slightly. It made much more sense for him to be a Demigod, but it was also shocking. Thinking about it, she might even be able to pinpoint which God, but it was simply a guess. The Angelic Warrior had some knowledge of history and the first Emperor. \n\n\"Ah... That makes much more sense. I've never had the pleasure of meeting a Demigod. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't all Demigods disappear?\"\n\n— \nWhile waiting for his response, she suddenly began looking at the trees around them, her expression different- almost suspicious. After looking around completely, from left to right, ahead and behind her, she could see the arrows sticking out beside the tree trunks. The arrows were all pointed at Noctis. They couldn't have been there long; they most likely arrived after she spoke. Mazikeen could see it, about six figures hiding behind trees surrounding them. She knew what they were waiting for but focused on Noctis, not saying a word yet." } ]	390.5	5,472
412.333333	2023-11-15	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis watched her wings appear and he could admit they were quite the display. As impressive as the Angels he'd come face to face with had been. The cousin conflict had shown him many things, he'd walked the lines between life and death too many times to count. Her curious expression sealed the deal for him- the age of demigods had truly come and gone. How many of his cousins were now less than memory on this world, how much of the legacy Scipio and the others had tried so hard to build was still left. The Eternal Empire still stood- at least in name. So many questions- no real answers. \n\nThe moment she became distracted from him, his danger sense alerted. \"Total Enhancement.\" Activating the magic was like dunking his body into an ice cold river, it sent riveting signals through his body as his senses became acutely aware of everything around him. It was as if he grew roots into the very Aether of the world stood as its nucleus. He could smell them now, others- a quick survey showed the glint of arrows and eyes trained on him from the dark. Well hidden, quiet, these were not just some hunters or marauders. They were trained, well trained. \n\nDid they serve Mazikeen, or was she in danger. She was strong, doubtless, but he doubted she was capable of taking an arrow to the neck. \n\nOutwardly his appearance did not change. He lazily spun his dark blade in circles, his free hand dangling along his body. \n\n\"To tell you the truth I'm a bit fuzzy on the histories of Aeterna. It's a study I've neglected for some time and I'm aiming to correct that. It's getting late now- I'm sure someone's missing you.\" He said, and he pulled the satchel from his back and it fumbled from his hand. It hit the ground and what must have been a sack of flour exploded from within. \n\nCoughing, Noctis stepped out of the cloud and held up the satchel, covered in flour. \n\n\"Oops.\" He said with a weak chuckle. \n\nThat was the version of events that Mazikeen and her compatriots would see. What had\n\nTruly transpired was that when he dropped the bag, he used illusion magic to make it appear as if flour had exploded and he'd lept up into a tree, wreathing himself in a camouflage illusion. It was not as effective as Mazs invisiblity, but with the sheer speed he moved it was more than adequate. \n\nThe Noctis that came out of the cloud was an intangible illusion, the real bag hidden behind an illusion behind him. \n\nNoctis was equally as proficient in illusion magic as he was in Enhancement. It had been a dangerous combo even in his own age. \n\nNow he prowled quietly above them in the trees, counting out the archers and seeing what the intentions of everyone involved were. \n\nEither they'd all go home hurting tonight, or this woman truly had integrity. It was the moment of truth." }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Mazikeen wasn't too pleased that her sisters of battle were here, but they were doing their job. And part of that job was to protect Mazikeen if she were ever in danger. They were doing their job by scouting the woods, keeping them safe from thieves and bandits, as they should be doing. That's what they trained for, even if it was the wrong time. \n\nThe Angelic Warrior wasn't sure if Noctis was aware of her archers, but she guessed most likely so. This was about to become awkward real fast, the longer she waited. Looking at him, nothing looked out of the ordinary. She folded her wings again and held her sword close, waiting for his reply. Her expression shifted to neutral again, but that hint of suspicion still existed. She was acting as if everything was normal. \n\nShe listened attentively, understanding that the history of Aeterna was a lot of studying—so many years, wars, and things to know. When he reached the end of his sentence, she sighed. He knew, and she might possibly scare him off. They weren't done here. In the next moment, Mazikeen didn't quite understand what she saw, but it was definitely strange. The sack of flour... And him simply walking out of the cloud. She didn't know it was an illusion. Even her archers were confused as they moved closer. Instead of questioning it, she looked around and cleared her throat before speaking in a commandeering tone for all to hear.\n\n— \n\"I appreciate your assistance, but it is not needed here. Everything is under control. Continue scouting elsewhere, ladies.\" \n\nOne of the Archers spoke. \"Are you sure, Maze? We heard the ring of swords and came as soon as possible. Are you in danger?\" \n\nMazikeen sighed again, looking at the Archer who spoke specifically. \"Lower your bows and go on your way. I'm fine, Arya. It's nothing but a friendly spar.\"\n\nThe Archers looked at each other and eventually lowered their bows, simply nodding and disappearing into the trees. Their faces were never visible, and Mazikeen could tell they were reluctant to leave. After dealing with that, she looked toward where Noctis was and the bag of flour that supposedly spilled. \n\n\"I apologize for that.\"" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"It was of no concern.\" Noctis replied from above her, resting with his back against the trunk of one massive tree. He flicked his earring as the illusion of the flour and the fake Noctis vanished from view, the real satchel sitting on the ground only a few feet away from Mazikeen. \n\n\"It's good to see that you have friends. Reliable comrades are hard to come by. Well my rule was I wouldn't use magic- but I did, so I guess you can keep the bag.\" \n\nNoctis dropped lightly from the tree and landed with the grace of a cat, even stretching out his limbs afterwards. His sword sat sheathed on his hip as he tilted his head and gazed at her curiously. \n\n\"Maze, huh? Very cute, a nickname or something? I used to call my commander Skippy.\" He said, thinking back to the early days of traveling with Scipio. Noctis knew in his heart of hearts he'd never meet a demigod or man or Angel or beast or dragon that could rival the potential of Scipio. \n\n\"What the hell happened with you and the dragons, Scipio?\" He thought to himself. \n\n\"Perhaps you'll be so kind as to offer a poor, weary traveler some hot food and a good drink before he goes on his way? I get hungry after a tussle. That is of course unless you still wish to fight, I can see you use magic, perhaps you want to test yourself with that too? I'm not much of a mage myself but if you want I'd have to oblige- what you being the authority here... Maze.\" \n\nNoctis' voice was a melody of sound, it's light rasp and notes could rival elven instruments played by masters. Despite their fight not a hair on his head was misplaced, no dirt caught his boots or cloak hem and a drop of sweat could not be seen. \n\nThere was something about this Maze woman that made Noctis feel like jesting with her, she felt safe and yet also provided an all too easy target. Her stoic nature, her dedication to good- it was impossible for him to not partake in light ribbing." }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Mazikeen soon looked up, realizing the whole flour act was merely an illusion, a simple distraction; even she had fallen for it. Very clever. She watched the illusion disappear, her expression slightly surprised as the archers ultimately left the area. At least they could follow orders. \n\nMazikeen nodded when Noctis spoke of her friends. Yes, they were good comrades to have. She was closer to some than others because the guild was growing, and she spent much of her time training new recruits. It's come far in six months. \"They are good companions. And yes, I'll need to have the bag returned to those Elf travelers, but I can give you some supplies to replace it.\" \n\nAs he dropped from the tree, seeing his sword sheathed, Maze took hers and sheathed it, as well. It was a good duel, better than those she recently participated in. When asked about the nickname that was used, she smiled. \"Something like a nickname, one of few. Skippy? Huh, that's an interesting one.\" \n\nShe had a few nicknames. Maze, of course, Mazi, Elven Angel, and The Angelic Warrior, but those were more of an alias. Maze was the most common to those who knew her. While she was always down to fight, using magic would bring a lot more damage, specifically through wind magic. Perhaps another time.\n\n— \n\"Another time, Noctis, but you seem like quite the mage with that illusion. Very good. You are welcome to come back with me, and you can dine with me... At camp. That's the closest,\" She said formally and politely. Her voice was accented, as her first language was Velarian, then Modern Imperial, but it was very good. His voice, on the other hand, she would say, sounded like a song. It was wonderful. \n\nLooking at him carefully, she noticed he seemed completely unfazed or tired by their duel, perhaps the perk of being a Demigod. Her armor had some dirt on it, but other than that, she was fine. But, she was ready to go. It wasn't often she met thieves in the woods and invited them to dine with her. This was different." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "A free meal and hopefully, some information secured, he nodded his head in gratitude and strode alongside her. \n\n\"So, a camp? Are you in some sort of military force or something? Your troops are abnormally well trained- so your force must not be large if you are.\" He said casually, hands resting behind his back as he thought out loud. \n\nFrom his experience the larger the army the worse it's actual synchronicity would become. Oh a great leader could still make the largest armies move with efficiency but smaller forces could focus on the training and teamwork on an entirely different scale. \n\nHe was curious about this woman, her golden armor and angelic descent, swords skill and magical ability. He wondered if she was the rule or the exception in this modern day world." }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Mazikeen began walking toward the direction of the said camp, weaving past trees effortlessly, keeping pace with Noctis. She figured he would have questions and would be happy to answer them. The guild wasn't a secret, but her motivations for it in the first place... Were more personal. It was still a bitter memory, and she had a particular grudge against murderers. \n\n\"Yes. I'm in charge of a guild. We protect the woodlands against any crimes. So far, I have a small group of around fifty members, all given military training by me,\" She said, glancing at him momentarily. \n\nAs of right now, the members were all women, but she was considering allowing anyone to join. It was a thought she'd had for a long while, but for now, they had to focus on money intake and resource management. Fifty members was a handful. Horses, food, and weapons were in significant demand. It kept her busy... But it was worth it. \n\n\"Tell me. What brung you to Velaris?\" \n\nMaze was curious about this Demigod and his history. She may not know much about them, but they definitely were a rare few. Two things they had in common was their divine blood and they were excellent warriors. She wanted to know more." } ]	463	2,474
225	2024-01-21	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "poetency", "message": "ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴏʀ ʟᴇꜱꜱ ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ, ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 1" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "``` Dear Tarin Vo, \n\nMy name is Aaliyah Sinclair, I'm seeking aid and only you can help me. I've heard your a man who's been cursed without even an ounce of mana, but that you're very strong. Please meet me within the Velaris Forests. Enclosed in this package is a down payment and a seeking stone, it'll glow brighter as you get closer. Please, please hurry. Only you can help.``` \n\nA strange package delivered to one Tarin Vo by a young man with sandy blonde hair, aviator goggles and a riding on a flying broom. The package is untampered with and handled with great care by the delivery man, who sits on his broom watching Tarin open it. Within the package is in fact a Seekers Stone and a large, flawless diamond that would likely sell for an incredible amount of gold. \n\nThe postman nods when he sees that Tarin has opened it and once again mounts his broom, however he rides it quite strangely. He seems to stand on mounts upon it like a skateboard, rather than sit upon it. Tipping his hat, the bristles would ignite and he'd explode upwards into the sky upon the broom, spiraling towards the clouds. \n\nIt seems that the mercenary has received another strange request. Will he take it and embark on a new journey, or will he ignore it and let his destiny shift in a new direction?" }, { "author": "Tarin Vs", "message": "\"*Um... Thanks?\"\n\nThe cursed man said as he took the package from the young man, his confusion every growing as he began to open it. Finding the seeker stone and diamond he pockets them both while reading the letter detailing why he was sent this package, his eyes only flicking to verifying the young man was still there for the moment.\n\n\"Only I can? That doesn't sound right. Velaris forests... Great, a chance to stretch my legs. If this turns out to be another quest to save someone and I meet a little creature that helps me along the way I'm gonna be very upset.\"\n\nHis internal dialogue is one of humor but understanding, it's not often he's sent a message directly asking for him. Only time that happens is when the Empress' spymaster has a new job for him so to have this Aaliyah Sinclair ask for him personally is quite the oddity. Once the young man left, Tarin approving of his stance on the broom, the mercenary pondered for a moment. He could pocket the diamond and be done with it, he doesn't know who this supposed woman is and he doesn't owe her anything...\n\n\"C'mon Tarin.\" He grumbled as the part of him that is a decent person began to usher him on the path to assisting another person in need. Pulling out the seeker stone from his pocket the cursed man held up the stone and moved it around until it began to gently glow.\n\n\"Off to save someone else once again it seems.*\" With a small chuckle the cursed man began to walk in the direction the seeker stone guided him on, slowly turning his walk into a run which then became a sprint- soon enough the misbegotten son of heaven was rushing at full speed towards wherever this stone wanted him to go.\n\nOff on another quest to save someone, another journey that could very well see him end up dead for trying to do the right thing- how wonderful." }, { "author": "poetency", "message": "```Some Time Later...```" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "After traveling the distance needed, Tarin would find himself deep in the massive and ancient trees of Velaris. High above him beyond the boughs and the thick leaves, glimmers of starlight flicker through and moon beams cast vibrant spotlights through the darkness. The dancing of fireflies and the songs of night, hooting and croaking and the grinding of crickets. Yet even beyond all that, the superhuman ears of the half eleven mercenary could pick up the secret song of the wind through the leaves. A tune as old as the nine realms themselves, a whispering of the wood telling tales of when the gods walked the earth. \n\nThe Seeker Stone was glowing brightly and with his superhuman endurance and speed, Tarin would find himself coming into a clearing where a crystal pool only ankle deep sat, the water vibrant and fresh. A marble column sat in the center of it and upon that column was a statue of a Satyr playing a pan flute. Staring at the statue was a woman who wore a bracelet, a twin to the seeker stone sitting in it and glowing gently. \n\nTo say the woman was beautiful was an understatement of the highest degree. Golden blonde hair like the sunlight upon the brilliant Imperia Fields, soft and cream colored skin perfectly caressed by the sun, a light splattering of freckles across her cheeks and a slender nose, with eyes as blue as the sky. She wore lilac clothing and was barefoot, staring at the statue in deep thought. \n\nHer heartbeat was like a mockingbirds wings, faster than any creatures should be and yet, no smell of fear or nerves. She despite the glow and his speed, she did not seem to notice his arrival. \n\nWhat an odd scene..." } ]	296	1,125
275.153846	2024-01-22	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Tarin Vs", "message": "His senses gave him a varied understanding of the ancient forests around him, all the hidden details beyond the normalcy of sense that most mortals can become attuned too. It was like he was destined to be a predator, destined to hunt and to track. He could hear the faintest heartbeats of birds miles away, see the shifting branches hundreds of yards away as a squirrel scampered around. He could smell the fresh kill far away, the odor of blood and meat, the sound of a wolves howl. It was all present to him even as he raced through the woods, allowing the spirit stone to guide him.\n\nOnce coming upon the clearing, the pool and the statue the cursed man slowed his approach- slowly walking forwards toward the pool and woman. He studied her, noticed the pulse of her bracelet in conjunction with the stone in his hands- she was who sent for him.\n\n\"It's like Esme all over again... Except Sweet Tooth, some guards... Golems... And a drugged up battle mage.\" His assumptions quickly vanished as he thought of the disconnections, allowing himself to approach this situation from an unbiased mindset.\n\n\"*You sent for me?\" His voice cut through the silence of the forest, the serenity, and his presence became known. His most underestimated ability but one of his most advantageous: his ability to be unseen. With not a drop of magic to his name and the physical prowess to move silently he's like a wraith to the world, someone constantly barely out of sight- a shadow.\n\nHe held up the seeker stone, showing its glow to identify himself to the woman in the pool, as he drew closer.\n\n\"Though I'm not sure why. I'm no adventurer but I'm going to assume you know that given you contracted me personally.\"" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "She jumped when he made himself known, turning in the water and sending ripples across the shallow pool as her big blue eyes fell upon him. Her soft pink lips parted in surprise and she slowly tilted her head just a bit as she scanned him up and down. Then she blinked and blushed and one delicate hand brushed her hair back behind her ear as she spoke. \n\n\"You really don't have an ounce of mana inside you. Even grass has traces, only stones and inorganic things don't have it- and even then they can be infused with it...\" She mused, not moving as she looked at him with deep curiosity. \n\n\"I'm sorry, I got lost in thought. It's rude to get right to business you know!\" She said, her hands coming down onto her hips as she suddenly was Pouting* At him. \"My name is Aaliyah Sinclair, I like cricket song and my favorite food is mushrooms. Now your turn.\" \n\nHer expression left no quarter for disagreement with her, she was tiny and fragile looking and yet she looked upon him like a housewife upon her husband when he's home late from the tavern." }, { "author": "Tarin Vs", "message": "\"*Not a drop. Works out well enough, can't detect me through magic and I know how to stay quiet.\"\n\nThe cursed man replied casually, this is a conversational topic he's had to discuss many times with people so he's not unaccustomed to the reactions. In truth it's a handy thing not being detected because of his magical energy, saves him a lot of trouble that way. \n\n\"Nothing to be sorry about, happens to us all-\" Tarin said at first, just casual conversation, but quickly enough he felt like his wife was mad at him and he knows for a fact he doesn't have a wife.\n\n\"Um... Tarin Vo, I like rain and my favorite food is meat.\" Despite being here for a mission, he assumes, he doesn't mind the conversation. Bit odd to him, usually he's just given a name and a sum of payment, not questions about his favorite food.\n\n\"Anything else you'd like to know before business is discussed?\"" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "She clicked her tongue and wager her finger at him, her dainty index finger almost hypnotic in its movements. \n\n\"Yes and no, what you should phrased it as is that you can't be Sensed* By your magic energy. Anyone could detect you with magic since you can't ward yourself, and furthermore, you can't tell if they're detecting you. In fact you're being scryed upon by someone right now!\" She said irritably, waving her hand. Unseen to Tarin, the spell was broken by her with a wave of her hand. She didn't speak in a condescending manner, in fact she once again sounded like a wife irritated that her husband had skirted his chores of the day. \n\nHer nose wrinkled as she finally got around to digesting his answer. Her pretty blue eyes and light eyelashes came down further as she shook her head. \n\n\"Did you Run All the way here, Tarin Vo? Tch. Take off your shoes and shirt and sit by the pool.\" She commanded, waving towards a spot by the pool. Then she strode over to edge of the pool where a small satchel sat and she pulled out a bundle of moss. \n\n\"Others might disapprove of you eating meat, but man is a predator and that's how the cycle works. I like your answers, Tarin Vo. Now hurry up and sit.\" \n\nAn odd woman indeed, she spoke to him as if she'd known him for a long time, as if they were familiar with each other. She sighed and came closer, waiting for him to obey or argue." }, { "author": "Tarin Vs", "message": "\"*Can't be sensed but not much a scrying spell will do if I move faster than you can see. Works out in the end.\" A simple shrug was all he gave in reply, he knows that she's right- magic can be used to find him, but that's never really been a problem anyway. He found it both odd and funny that she seemed like a wife worrying about her husband, not something he's ever experienced really. Kinda heartwarming.\n\n\"Well, yeah? Only way I can get from place to place. I'm faster than horseback and I have the stamina to do it.\" Initially he seemed casual but at her last request he cocked his eyebrow upwards and looked confused.\n\n\"Uh... Hm.\" He ventured closer, his guard now slowly being put back into place as he watched her stride closer to the waters edge. He doesn't know this woman nor her intentions and he's not gullible enough to just idle on like a simpleton.\n\n\"I eat what's fueling. I enjoy meat but vegetables and fruits do the trick too. And no, I won't be sitting, not until you tell me why you summoned me.\"\n\nHe spoke with a mildly reserved tone, unsure of who this woman is or why she seems to act like they're close in some regard. His memory might be getting the better of him but his gut tells him otherwise." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "She rolled her eyes at his explanation, shaking her head. She muttered under her breath which of course his enhanced hearing would allow him to pick up on. The words were as followed. \n\n\"Strong men always think strength is enough.\" \n\nSighing, she played with the strange moss in her hand and turned her blue eyes on him. \n\n\"There's a pocket of the feywild that is currently under the affliction of a strange curse. It's draining the mana from most things, though not all I suppose, and it needs to be stopped. You don't have mana and can fight without it- so you were the perfect one to contact.\" She explained matter of factly, resting her knuckles against her hips and glaring at him with an expression of 'are you happy now?'" }, { "author": "Tarin Vs", "message": "\"Strength is all I've ever known. I don't think it's enough but it's all I have to rely on, my own strength.\"\n\nThe cursed man offered in reply to her muttered words, crossing his arms and nodding his head as she explained her reasoning for summoning him. Strength has always been his way to strike out amongst the crowd, to be a different man than everyone else. While most if not all have magic to add to their list of strengths Tarin can only rely on his own body and mind, a fact he doesn't see an issue with really. \n\n\"Once again I have to face something that's sapping away mana. The feywild owes me money at this point. But, I accept, I'll do what I can.\" A small chuckle escaped him with the final remark as he stepped closer and let his arms fall down to his sides.\n\n\"Are you done pouting at me now?\" He asked as he cracked a small smile, poking fun at her attitude." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "\"I will be when you sit down, Tarin Vo. And remove the garments I requested.\" She said irritably, her voice indeed sounding pouty and her plush lower lip pushed out. Still she seemed unabashed and gazed out across the trees. \n\n\"Yes you assisted the Twilight Witch, another reason I called you. However she's deeply ingrained in her corner of the world and will never leave it. I caution you to remove thoughts of her from your heart and your mind. Unless you too wish to wander forever in a tiny corner of the world that will never miss you.\" Her words were sharp but not hateful, almost melancholy and... Something else. Hard to pin down. Her blonde hair swayed like fine silk as she examined him. \n\n\"The Feywild gives to you and the world a lot more than you or anyone with magic can see, perhaps this will enlighten you a bit more on that.\" With that she gestured, a hurry up motion with her hands towards the edge of the pool." }, { "author": "Tarin Vs", "message": "The cursed man sighed at her response, hands mildly raised in a sign of defeat as he took off his back holster, shirt and shoes. He kept them close by as he sat on the waters edge, waiting to see what she wanted.\n\n\"Tell me about it. And yeah... Got me there.\" Her words rang true, she knows more than he expected but the feywild and those connected to it seem to have a way of knowing the goings-on in it. \"Haven't heard from her since I saved her, no clue where she is. Unfortunately she's already out of my mind and heart, I don't often try and stay connected with people.\"\n\nHis way of wording it made it seem like the fact she and him haven't remained connected doesn't bother him, in truth, it doesn't. He has ever really known companionship, not really. Sure he's made ally's here and there but they're not friends and nothing beyond friendship has ever been explored by him before. When you're so cursed that your nickname is the flaw of the world you don't ever really make friends.\n\n\"I know a few things, I'm more connected with the world than most even if I don't have magic to assist me. I live for the world and for myself, nothing more and nothing less.\"" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "The girl looked as if she wanted to say something but bit her lip and shook her head. As he obeyed her though she visibly brightened and splashed towards him until she crouched down and gingerly she began to wash his feet. Her touch was gentle and her hands warm, her fingers soft as silk and yet methodical in their work. \"In the ancient times, one washed the others feet when they returned home from a travel. It was a symbol to wash away their weariness and the burdens that they brought home. It's a dead practice now, but the world remembers it still.\" \n\nOnce she was done with his feet, should he not kick her away, she'd climb out of the pool and walk around his back. She'd then begin to wash his shoulders and back with the strong smelling moss, it was herbal and medicinal in nature, and had the consistency of a sponge. \"Washing of the shoulders and back acknowledged the sins of one who entered a holy place, it signified trust in the washer and commitment from the one being washed.\" She continued, her voice a beautiful sound of spring. Fireflies continued to flicker through the twilight, light filtering down to cast glittering diamonds across the waters surface. \n\n\"Speaking in a wise way does not make a man wise, Tarin Vo. One day you'll see just how truly disconnected from the world you are- and it has nothing to do with how you were born. Or perhaps you won't, and you'll be another powerful man who was forgotten by everyone because they were unloved. I hope that is not the case for you.\" She said softly, her voice a whisper as she moved away. \n\n\"I'm done. You can get dressed now, we will enter the feywild together. When you're ready we can depart.\" This would be what she'd say if he refused to be washed, or what she'd say after the washing was done." }, { "author": "Tarin Vs", "message": "Originally he was taken aback by the prospect when she grabbed his foot, his sense of touch almost overwhelming for a moment. But, he assumed it was some custom, many places in Aeterna harbor traditions and practices he still to this day does not know of, this might be one of them.\n\n\"Hmph... I see.\" Making a curious sounding Hmph the cursed man let it be and simply sat there. He didn't really enjoy what was going on, he doesn't like being touched by most anyone, but for the sake of greater kindness and her stubbornness to do this before the job can be done he has to swallow his pride and accept the facts.\n\n\"Ironic.\" He muttered under his breath when sins were mentioned, as if his could be washed off.\n\n\"No, it doesn't.\" His tone shifted to a more reserved, almost defensive standpoint. \"I know I am disconnected from the world, I'm reminded about it everyday. I'm reminded about it when I see smiling families in the streets, when I see young men and women laugh at another for proclaiming love, I see it when mages use magic as if it's a commonplace* Thing *In their lives and not a blessing they are given. I know more about the world than most do, I may not know your whimsical feywilds but I know the realm like the back of my hand.\"\n\n* \nHe stood up near the end, obviously past his limits of acceptance, and began to put his clothes back on. His holster being on his back gave him a sense of reassurance, reminding him that he has his ways about the world.\n\n\"I don't care if I'm loved or not, I don't care if I have some merry band of friends who'll come running to save me whenever I almost die- do I have that? Camaraderie? Companionship? No. There will be no one to mourn me when I die but there will be people affected by my death... No matter what.\"\n\nHe scoffed and turned away, angry at himself for allowing his emotions to get out of his control once again- but more so that someone made assumptions about, he despises that, they don't know him. No one does. But, his turn has a hidden truth. A truth he hasn't revealed to anyone, not something he plans to ever do. \n\n\"Let us be off, I want to get this over with.*\"" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "She smirked as he went on his tangent, her eyebrows climbing as if to say- \"If I was wrong you wouldn't have said so much.\" Looking quite Pleased* With herself, she turned on her heel with a hmph! And began to march into the wood. She stepped onto a thin deer trail and began to walk, her hands and feet forming a perfect cadence. \n\n\"When I say so, hold your breath and walk with your eyes closed- backwards. Do so for ten seconds, then spin around and say, Kuramba! That will throw us through the Gate.\" She said, without even an ounce of humor in her voice. They walked for less than ten minutes before she said, \"Here.\" \n\nShe spun around to face him, her pretty face tilted up to gaze at him before she closed her eyes and held her breath, walking backwards ten paces before spinning around quickly and saying... Well it was cut off as she disappeared from sight." }, { "author": "Tarin Vs", "message": "\"*Remind me to stay away from sassy women in forests, it never ends well for me.\" Using humor to deflect his annoyance and out right anger the cursed man followed along. He didn't care to walk with some form of grace or dexterity, he just wandered a few paces behind the woman as if following her through a town.\n\n\"Ok.\" Not the weirdest thing he's ever been asked to do before and it's likely some feywild magic stuff he doesn't fully understand.\n\nOnce the woman told him this was the spot he did as he was told, spinning around, closing his eyes and holding his breath- ten paces backward, turn around...\n\n\"Kuramba.*\"\n\nHopefully he disappeared alongside her." } ]	234	3,577
125.333333	2023-11-16	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Alyona Solnishko", "message": "Audience with the guild representatives was, as always, Exhilarating. A whole twenty minutes spent just on introductions and city gossip - absurd. Not to mention that now there was an Apiarists Guild Petitioning for greater standing in Luminia's guild sector, and she had to be the mediator and final say on whether they got a shop at all, how much presence they were allowed in the city, the prevalence of their banners... Just dreadful. Necessary, but dreadful.\n\nOf course, not much better was the prospect of the visiting prince. Again, necessary, but what she'd heard of the young royal had not been particularly enticing. Certainly, he was sweet, that was a unanimous understanding, but he had no eye for politics, no understanding of the games of the court. He likely was entirely unaware of the potential dangers facing him outside of his coddling little bubble of the Capital. All of what she was used to would mean nothing to guileless ears, to untrained eyes.\n\nPerhaps she assumed incorrectly. Perhaps he was uncomplicated, a gentle soul, and would make for refreshingly honest company. She doubted it, but perhaps. She left the conference room - decidedly separate from her throne room, as she did wish for there to be proper discussion when her attendance was required for meetings - with her guard hot on her heels, always eerily silent beside her softly clicking heels. She would meet the prince at his arrival, as was customary in Velaris; gods forbid the ruling family of the Empire be made to kneel before the throne of a vassal state. The grand front doors swinging shut behind her, she folded her hands neatly in front of her and settled in to wait." }, { "author": "_stork", "message": "Looks good, will respond soon!" }, { "author": "natcat0", "message": "Awesome, take your time! I've got a meeting in an hour anyway 😔" } ]	17	376
366	2024-01-27	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "The night had been fairly uneventful thus far, as Protectors left Camp to start their patrols while others enjoyed their evening around campfires after a long day. Meanwhile, Mazikeen took the time to look over today's reports at her desk within the main tent. She leaned back in her chair, holding a roll of parchment with both hands, reading over it quickly. The report's contents were not overly significant, as the others weren't. To put it simply, mere bandits and thieves were easy for the Protectors to handle. It was the bigger threats she wanted to hear about. \n\nMaze looked up when someone entered, setting the parchment down on the table in front of her. She glanced at the half-elf, quickly remembering his name. Ren. Presuming he had something to report, her expression went from neutral to intrigued rather quickly. Faewild. That was something they didn't hear about often. When he got to the last part, her eyes widened and she stood up abruptly. A lead was good news, something they hadn't had in months. \n\n\"That's very good news, and intriguing coming from a fairy. Do tell,\" She urged, staying composed. There were many questions to be asked, but she waited.\n\n— \nMaze nodded almost immediately, on board with the opportunity. Any opportunity to bring down the Black Nights was to be taken, even if it was small. Despite it being dangerous, she believed they could be brought down, with patience and the right strategy. The Black Nights were possibly the biggest threat at the moment, one to have beaten a few of the Protectors. It was not only embarrassing for the protectors, but she was not about to allow them to be a threat any longer. \n\n\"Yes, of course. We'll organize a small group and go as soon as possible. Thank you for coming to me with this,\" She paused, her expression both determined and grim before asking the next question. \"What exactly did the fairy tell you?\" She drummed her fingers on the hilt of her sword with one hand as she moved the patrol reports aside with the other to glance at the map of the Realm at the center of her desk." }, { "author": "poetency", "message": "As she agreed the excitement and determination lit his handsome face up, he stroked the beautiful dagger on his hip and nearly bounced on his heels- nearly. He was a very well trained member of the guild, one of the newer ones just over his first year but a rising star amongst both the guild and the people of Velaris. \n\n\"She told me that within the Grey Wood There's been a larger than normal sighting of night children, says it's strange just how many of them visit the Great Rotted King. I think that sounds like a named tree, most trees don't carry names among the Fey but the oldest and the wisest. An ancient tree that's rotted through within the Grey Wood is the biggest lead we've ever gotten.\" He said, grimacing as he said it out loud. Truth was that it was the biggest and yet still nothing concrete, trying to find one particular tree out of the many in the Grey Wood would be extremely difficult. \n\n\"Still, if we take Anya we could use her beast speech to seek the tree out since it's named. The Grey Wood is dangerous though, many fell beasts dwell within its depths and the wood itself can play tricks and try to claim you.\" Everyone knew the dangers of the grey wood, even the woodland protectors did not patrol within, only the perimeter to make sure nothing came out. \n\n\"I'm prepared to face the dangers and I'm sure Anya will be too, Captain.\" His clever dark eyes rested on her face and he bit his lip, his gaze steady and unwavering on her angelic eyes." }, { "author": "Mazikeen \| The Angelic Warrior", "message": "Maze could see Ren was excited and determined- that was good. It was about time they pursued the Black Nights, and a lead was exactly what they needed. She glanced back down at the map, running a few fingers along the forest areas of Velaris, inclining her head to hear his response. Immediately, she knew this was going to be harder than usual, especially if the lead was involved in the Grey Wood. Night Children visiting a supposedly named tree is rather strange, indeed. It was something worth investigating if there was an answer at the end of it. \n\n\"Hmm...\" She said, glancing away from the map. \"That is rather strange. It's very dangerous, but we should still check it out.\" \n\nMaze wasn't necessarily the biggest fan of going into the Grey Wood, especially when she's never been there before, therefore not knowing what would be encountered or what would happen. Ren's next words gave her a bit of hope, reminding her of Anya's skills. They would be incredibly useful. She nodded in agreement. Both Ren and Arya were skilled Protectors, and Maze was confident they would succeed. \n\nShe appreciated his willingness to face the dangers that lay ahead and was sure Anya would too. Maze's icy blue eyes met his for a moment, stern and determined. \"Good. I'll need you both to be prepared, especially when going into the Grey wood. Did the fairy say anything else? If not, we'll depart at once,\" She said, her tone having a firmness to it, and authority." } ]	328	1,098
381	2024-02-28	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Tolius Olosim", "message": "Whatever someone expected to cross deep in the woods, it was likely not the sight that adorned the roadside that day. The sun was high in the sky - it was around midday when Tolius had decided it was time to go about foraging for the day. He was an elderly man, but he walked as though he had the youth of a young man. His green robes dragged across the ground, the hem collecting its fair share of leaves and twigs as he walked. Tolius did not seem to care.\n\nHe walked along the side of the road, his eyes scanning the grass in a methodical pattern. It was the pattern of a man that knew what he was doing, and he sure seemed to have the attitude of it. Echoing down the road was the tune he whistled, a somewhat calm and jolly one. He was enjoying the day, even if he was sore from the travel to Velaris. Tolius wasn't one to travel, but sometimes it was inevitable - he could only find certain plants around his home, and if what he needed was not available by trade, he would simply have to go find it himself.\n\nAs he walked, the man used a staff that was made of old gnarled wood with a knot at the top. It truly seemed to be slowing him down more than anything - he looked as though he would be walking much faster without it, but he did not seem to mind. He stopped for a moment, bending over and using his staff for support as he picked a mushroom off the ground, still whistling as he put it into a satchel on his side." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Sweat beaded on the young elf's face despite the winter chill as he stared at an unopened flower bud before him. Between the difficulty sleeping lately and his lack of druidic expertise, he was struggling to help the little flower along to bloom. Having made up his mind that he needed to prepare to leave Velaris, he was trying to stock up on things he might need for the road, various potions and salves. This flower was the most potent option, in the winter months, for a good anesthetic salve; however, it only bloomed for a few days in the deepest midwinter, which was at least a month away. When well-rested, nourished, and sound of mind, Alcuin could generally work a little magic to help things grow. His brows furrowing, he was starting to think maybe it just wasn't going to happen today.\n\nHe was so focused, it took him a shamefully long time to notice the old man approaching about five feet away on the road up ahead. Observing the debris on his hem and watching him pick the mushroom, Alcuin couldn't help chuckling to himself softly; was this reality or the ghost of his future? *It'd be nice if this... Madness, I guess, could give me such nice delusions, he thought with some cheer he hadn't felt in a while. Once the old man got closer, Alcuin called to him in a soft voice, \"Good sir! You'll want to take care with that particular mushroom.\"* He gave a small smile, \"It goes bad quickly if it gets too warm. And it's a coin toss whether it'll make you sick or, uh...\" He trailed off and looked away, nervously scratching his head, then realizing he had a small twig in his hair, which he discarded quickly. He took another look at the bud in front of him, sighed deeply, and stood up.\n\nHe chewed his lower lip, as if considering something, then lightly shook his head before brushing loose grass and twigs off his robes. He gave the old man a warm smile that didn't quite touch his sad eyes, \"Can I help you with anything? I know these flora and fauna well.\"" }, { "author": "Tolius Olosim", "message": "Much like Alcuin, Tolius seemed to be so invested in his work that he had not even noticed the young elf so close by. In fact, at the voice, Tolius blinked and looked up as if he had not expected to be spoken to. Clearing his throat, the elderly man gave the young man a curious look. He looked down at his satchel for a moment, almost as if it took him a moment to piece together what the young elf was even talking about. He must have been in some deep thought. \n\nAt the young man's smile, though, Tolius gave him a smile in return, even chuckling quietly. \"Ah, yes. It does seem you know these flora and fauna well.\" He said, seemingly unable to stop himself from a few more little chuckles. It was rather amusing to him, after all - this young man clearly didn't know the extent that Tolius did, or at least he assumed it. \n\nAt the question about if he needed help, Tolius glanced back to the ground for a moment. In truth, he did not often like others doing his work for him - he was often afraid that they may not produce quite the same result. But, he was curious. This young man seemed interested in helping after all. \"If you do have the time,\" He said after he cleared his throat, \"I am looking for some hagsfinger and a few more of these mushrooms.\" The old man looked down to the bud on the ground, then back up to the young man with a smile. \"If you help me find, oh... How about five of each, and I'll show you a thing or two to help with that bud there.\"" } ]	350	1,143
484.666667	2024-02-29	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin maintained his smile but grew a bit embarrassed at the older man's chuckles. He spoke cheerily but a bit falteringly, \"I uh... I never meant to imply... I just...\" He chewed his lip again, staring down the gentleman without meaning to, \"I'm sure I have a lot I could learn from someone who must be as experienced as you. I didn't mean to be so bold, it's just my habit to offer help. I'm happy to assist you.\" He laughed again, nervously. Glancing down at the bud again, he nodded, looking back to the old man, \"I have some healing magic, but little else outside of it. I would love to learn more about druidcraft, in any capacity.\" He began walking along the same path the old man had been, brows furrowed in concentration as his eyes searched. He went on this way a few minutes, finding a few more mushrooms, before he turned to the other man and blurted with some anxiety, \"Oh! How rude of me! I'm Alcuin, by the way.\" He gave a small bow, \"Very pleased to meet you.\" \n\nTime was plentiful enough for Alcuin, right now. He tried to do what he could each day, offering his services and potions for a little extra coin. But he tended to spend it too easily on rare ingredients, when someone really needed them. His mouth turned down into a frown at the thought. He'd have to learn to be a little more... Conservative with his resources, if he was going to leave. Stealing a glance at the man foraging alongside him, he ventured, \"If it's not too much trouble, I'd ask a little more of you...\" He trailed off, then took a deep breath, \"I'm treating a... Condition,\" He almost stumbled over the word, \"That I'm having a lot of trouble figuring out. I plan to leave to do more research and maybe try different reagents and recipes, but...\" His eyes become glassy, and he swallows, \"I've never really left home before. Had no need to.\" He looks sheepishly up at the older man, through long lashes, \"But you must be well-travelled... Any advice for the road?\"" }, { "author": "Tolius Olosim", "message": "Listening to Alcuin talk, Tolius simply couldn't help himself but keep smiling. It was like looking in a mirror at his younger self. \"I'm just pulling your leg, boy.\" Tolius chuckled, walking alongside Alcuin as he continued to look for the mushrooms. \"Druidcraft? Well, you seem to have bumped into the right man. I'm quite the druid myself.\" He said casually, watching the young man pick some of the mushrooms. Tolius did not seem to be in any rush at all, and seemed relatively calm compared to the young man. At the introduction, Tolius held a hand out to shake, waiting for Alcuin to finish bowing. \"I am Tolius, Tolius Olosim. I suppose some have called me more colorful names, but Tolius will do.\" Bowing to a simple old druid?, he thought, making a little Tsk Sound, I haven't seen that one before. \n\n\"A condition?\" Tolius questioned, in a way that implied he would like to hear more about it, \"Well, if you would like, I could help you research this... Condition. But, if this is something you would rather solve on your own, I won't stop you.\" The man straightened his back and raised a curious brow at the question. Advice for the road? He glanced off to the woods for a moment, taking his sweet time trying to decide on an answer. \"Common sense. You and I were both made to understand what we should and should not be afraid of. Our instincts are within us for a reason. Do not ignore them. If you hear a noise and it scares you, run. If you feel tired and hungry and think you should stop at an inn, stop at the inn. Trying to be brave or trying to ignore your instincts is what gets people hurt on the road.\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin eagerly and warmly returned the handshake, noting the gentleman's reaction to his bow. It was common enough in Mertune; perhaps it was outdated elsewhere? It just wasn't the sort of thing he paid much attention to. He listened to Tolius and continued walking. Hagsfinger was a little harder to find this time of year, but not impossible. It liked the cover of trees to shelter it from the cold. Noticing that Tolius didn't generally seem to like keeping eye contact, and not wanting to stare, he let his eyes wander to the tree line.\n\nIt took quite a few more moments before he could figure out how to put his thoughts into words. He didn't want this stranger to immediately dismiss him as some young lunatic. But other than his parents, he had no other elders skilled in such arts to turn to; and he didn't dare tell them anything about what he'd been experiencing. It was too shameful, and they already disapproved of his worship of Lunara anyway; they couldn't understand how or why he'd pay reverence to anyone but Calisto, who had given them so much.\n\n\"If you could help, it would be much appreciated.\" His levity quickly melted away, replaced by a frown and a dark look in his eyes, \"I owe you honesty, otherwise I'm just wasting your time. I got lost over the border to the beyond lands, about 30 years ago.\" He heaved a deep sigh before continuing, \"It's literally a miracle I made it back. I thought for sure I would die there. But... Someone, or something, saved me, guided me out. Since then, my magic has been somewhat better, and I could do some things I previously couldn't. And that was it, for the last 30 years.\" He shrugged, \"But it's as if something has awakened, and now my mind is plagued by... Voices, visions, desires... It's overwhelming at times.\"\n\nFinally spotting a bit of hagsfinger, he walked a few paces away, back to Tolius, not daring to meet the man's eyes now, for fear of what he'd see there. He crouched down, gently plucking the hagsfinger. He slowly turned and walked back, extending the specimen to Tolius. \"I don't know that there's anything to be done for it, really. But staying here, feeling a danger to those I love, isn't an option anymore. So I might as well seek answers and curatives along the way.\" He gave a small laugh, a little ruefully, \"Thank you, for the advice. I'll certainly follow it, as much as my scattered mind will let me.\"" } ]	494	1,454
486.333333	2024-03-02	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin chuckled, but it was mirthless, \"Well, I got lost there, so I'm clearly a poor traveler.\" His gaze followed the direction Tolius was pointing. \"I was looking for a rare herb to cure my mother's chronic illness, and I just...\" He ran a hand through his hair, not noticing the leaves and other forest debris he was spreading in it from his hand, \"I was so determined to find it, I lost all track of time and place. By the time I realized the sun was about to set, I looked around, and I realized I'd somehow gone far, far too deep into the mountains... Possibly even past them. I honestly don't know quite how I got there...\"\n\nAs he listened to the old man droning on, he couldn't help feeling such pointed questions weren't as lazily thrown out as they sounded. He felt his heart pounding, hoping he was opening to up the right sort of person. He'd been accused of being too trusting so many times, but he struggled to be too skeptical. He really believed everyone had at least Some Good in them. He thought about all he'd been experiencing internally, as of late, and was trying to parse out what he should say and what he shouldn't, when he looked at the spot where he knew the hagsfinger should've been.\n\nAlcuin's eyes widened, his breath hitched, and his whole body froze. He said a little tonelessly, \"Well, for the visions... I know I saw that hagsfinger over there, just a moment ago.\" He swallowed, \"But now... All I see is a small white rabbit, belly torn open, it's entrails are spread out like a fan across the ground.\" He shook his head vigorously, squeezing his eyes shut, rambling the rest off quickly, \"I hear incoherent whispers every morning and night. For the last several days, they even come up in the middle of the day. The urges... Usually are just to hurt people, sometimes more like... Seduction? Things I'd never do.\"\n\nOpening his eyes again, he looked to the shady spot under the tree, and of course nothing was there but plants. He woodenly walked over, crouching down to pluck the herb. \"Like I said, I should've died. I ran into several things that tried to kill me.\" His laugh this time was genuine, \"But I guess I've run enough from bears and the like in the forests that I as able to get enough distance between me and... Whatever it was.\" Feeling suddenly bold, determined to rid himself of this broken mind, he took the hagsfinger and went to stand in from of Tolius, offering to him once more. \"I don't entirely know what saved me... I thought it was Lunara, maybe. I looked up after stopping to rest for a short time, and I saw the moon. Giant, bigger than I'd ever seen it, and so bright... It felt like it was beckoning me that direction, it felt like it was moving to guide me. And so I followed it. Before I knew it, the sun was coming up and I found myself at the edge of familiar forests once more.\" He shrugged, \"But now... I'm seriously doubting it was the intervention of anything so kind and good.\"" }, { "author": "Tolius Olosim", "message": "Tolius watched the young man run a hand through his hair, shaking his head slightly when he saw how many leaves and debris Alcuin was leaving in it. If there were ever an incarnation of the word druid, Tolius was sure that he had found it. \"That is a very interesting affliction that you have, Alcuin.\" Tolius said slowly, stroking his beard in thought.\n\nFrom what Tolius knew, there were many things that could cause the man to start having visions and voices. In truth, it could even be as simple as the young man losing his mind from getting lost in his travels, and the subsequent creatures that tried to kill him. Perhaps it was something that possessed him, something that was fighting for dominance in his mind. Or it could even be a curse - he could have stumbled upon anything that some creature would have been angry about. There were way too many possibilities, and all were varying difficulties to dispel, if it were even possible. \n\n\"That is a very interesting tale,\" Tolius continued, reminding himself to look at Alcuin as he spoke, \"And you say that for the last several days they have come up in the middle of the day. Do you think that darkness effects your condition? Or perhaps the moon?\" He questioned, figuring that would not be a bad place to look. The man took the hagsfinger as Alcuin handed it over, stuffing it into his pouch on his side. \"And do you have the impression that it is getting worse? Or do you think it just happens that for the last few days it has been worse?\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin wasn't feeling encouraged by thoughtful expression on the wizened man's face. That sort of look on an elder generally meant they didn't have answers, or at least not the ones you wanted to hear. He absently started chewing his bottom lip as his mind wandered. If someone of this man's caliber, seemingly skilled, couldn't help him, was there any use in seeking answers elsewhere? He felt despair clawing at the edges of his mind and tried to refocus on anything he could in the present moment. He spotted some acorns, edible weeds, and began gathering somewhat mechanically. Surely Someone Could figure out what was wrong with him...\n\nWhen their eyes met for a brief moment, Alcuin felt a little more comforted. Tolius seemed to have genuine interest and care in him, but he was reluctant to trust such feelings even with people he knew rather well. Regardless, there was much to be gleaned from this encounter, even if he didn't get solid answers or make a new friend or acquaintance. He tucked his finds back into his pouch and stood, continuing to walk slowly.\n\n\"It's certainly been worsening this last week. It started at all about a few months ago, with only the whispers, quiet in my mind each morning and night. Then a few weeks later, the visions and urges began. And this last week, it's all worsening in both frequency and intensity.\" Brows furrowed thoughtfully for a moment, he continued. \"All of those things have generally been worse while the moon is up, but this week it hasn't seemed to matter as much. And I'm already someone who gets lost in thought, loses track... It's so much worse, trying to find a handle on my mind at all... So I haven't eaten well. Some of the visions certainly make me nauseous, and the near constant anxiety doesn't help either. Oh, and especially of this last week, I sleep terribly. Soon, it will take it's toll.\" He spoke with solemn resignation." } ]	420	1,459
881.764706	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin was quite uncomfortable with all the attention he and Yrsa attracted as they made their way to his home. The people that mildly knew him were accustomed to seeing him a little dirty and disheveled, but This Was a new level. His usual accessories of dirt and bits of foliage were accompanied by crushed berry stains, small tears in his shirt, and blood on the knees and sleeves of his shirt. To boot, Yrsa looked Worse And was Incredibly Loud as she shared every thought that came to her head about the things she saw around her. His head hanging low and looking beyond tired, he heaved a sigh as he pushed open the door to his townhome. \n\nIt was a small townhouse that was part of a larger building containing several other townhomes. His was a little plain inside, modestly decorated with some vases holding flowers, various clayware, and a few paintings of nature scenes. The front entry came into the kitchen, which also doubled as his alchemy lab. There were two small rooms off to the side for his bedroom and bathroom. It was clear he was very much a commoner. \n\nThe kitchen/lab seemed to be where he spent most of his time, as well as speaking to his deteriorating mind. He generally kept it quite clean and tidy. But he felt a little embarrassed for even Yrsa To see it, and Calisto knew she was far from the cleanest. Spilled potions and a few broken bottles littered the table of equipment. Scattered papers on his desk showed his writing becoming more and more frantic, closer to illegible. The bucket for his dishes was piled high and needed washing.\n\nTossing his bag on the desk with a thud, the young elf plopped in a chair by the kitchen table, putting his face in his hands. He muttered between his fingers, \"Please make yourself at home. I have... Some food. No meat though, sorry.\" Pointing to the tall cabinet that acted as his pantry, he tried to focus on the sounds around him, as the morning hours meant the whispers in his mind were at one of their loudest points. He desperately needed to sleep, having stayed awake to watch Yrsa yesterday. But he felt filled with dread and rather certain he couldn't sleep, no matter how much he wanted to.\n\nThe healer pulled himself out of his chair with great effort, going to his herbs cabinet and getting together ingredients for a tea to help energize him to try and make it through the day. He filled his kettle, started a fire in the stove, and stood blankly staring at the pot of water." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "All the more due to the contrast. Velaris, the Elven realm, had a reputation for the quieter demeanors: to tread lightly and speak in a manner perhaps like a bird's song, present but without the intention to dominate anyone and everything. Meanwhile, the barbarian he had taken into his home was the opposite of that. Had Alcuin some modicum of wit about him, and his intelligence didn't betray the opposite - naturally, his profession would outright Require Intelligence - he would know that the peoples of the Empire wouldn't precisely look favorably upon Yrsa's type. Neither what she was or what she represented. Did he not also look at her with initial disdain and apprehension when they first met? Did he not also presume her a foe?\n\nThe vast mountainous range separating the Elven lands from the barbaric north and northeast likely was the sole reason they entered this town as quickly as they did. The city guards had Undoubtedly Heard of the savage horrors that inhabited those vast, unknown lands. But no army, tribal warband or warlord's marauders could pierce through the natural barrier, keeping their realms separate. To see one of Yrsa's ilk here was probably a Rare Occasion, and they knew not to identify the inky black markings upon her arms or face. The southern Orcs of Lestos that held the line would perhaps be able to see the hell that inviting a 'berserker' Into their fold would bring, to comprehend the implications and to greet her not with warmth but with ARROWS And BLADES..\n\nThose mountains were impossible for any army to cross. But a single person? All the more, someone of her type, who could survive for months in the wilds?- Those were far less considerable odds. And now, Yrsa von Schwarzhofen was here, .. Mouth agape, eyes wide.\n\n\"Friend Alcuin..\" She voiced, words dry. There was a stammer to her. And though she wasn't the type to quickly veer into stutters, they intruded on her words. \".. This..\"\n\nThe young berserker chewed down on her lower lip and turned her eyes sideward- to him - as he made to pass. Of course, she had been to a lord's castle before. While accompanying her late master, many meetings occurred within the manors and fortifications of local tyrant warlords. Those could, on occasion, be quite grand. Quite elaborate. But even That Was Nothing Like this; the majesty and feeling of Eternity Pervaded every Elven home. Of course, they were a long-lived people. And so they could not build houses, like Her People, that only lasted for a few summers at best; simple straw-and-wood dwellings held together with mud and animal excrement.\n\n\"You've run me around as if I am a fool!! I thought you a WITCH, Alcuin, with a WITCH's SHACK. But where is your pot?!?! Where are your severed, shrunken heads? Where is the bucket in which you collect maiden's BLOOD?\" Yrsa continued, Utterly Stupefied. She had been looking somewhat BAFFLED by all the sights and smells and sounds the moment they stepped Into This town, but this .. This felt like the PEAK of all that! He deceived her!! And she almost sounded insulted! Emotion crept back into her voice, turning a pitch somewhat agonizingly High. She swung her arms and hands about with vigor, gesticulating to try and hammer down this BETRAYAL.\n\n\"You are not witch Alcuin!! Alcuin! You have lost this title! Now, you are PRINCE. Even the richest, fattest Warlord's son would not have these things! Prince-uin! That must be why you have headache, yes? OF COURSE, you knew this! But!!\"\n\nHer lips spread wide, and Yrsa carved a Toothy Grin on her face. She stepped forward, immediately dragging into the Elf's home, probably around a year's collection of MUD and DUST and FILTH. The rankness of her smell - the last time she bathed must've been some time ago - Gushed Through the closed space. Enough to make a grown man turn sick outright from the faintest whiff. She followed up her smile with a rambunctious laugh!\n\n\"You need not worry! I have already forgiven you. That is why I am me!! I am very forgiving. You now know this! But I will eagerly partake in your feast because I am even more forgiving and because .. I am also, hungry.\"\n\nAlcuin didn't need to say that Twice. Before he could even THINK of objecting - or, well, maybe he could but Yrsa was very much commandeering his home - she was right in front of the cabinet he pointed out and promptly opened every drawer, every door, every little thing that looked like it could Vaguely Hold food. She might've strutted around as a Human, at the moment. But her habit to SCROUNGE and EAT clearly remained the same, digging around like a Bear Would!\n\n\"HAHAHAHA... YES!! ALCUIN! Is this HONEY? Ah... Agh...! You know me well!! Also, is that why you are like a twig?? You have no meat? But, I can solve this! I will HUNT you some rabbit later! This is what I ate a lot while in your forest! They are scrunchy, juicy and delicious; ripe and fattened with seeds!\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The young alchemist was far too tired to argue with her that he was not, in fact, a prince or any kind of noble or royalty—really not important at all, in any way. Nothing terribly extraordinary had every happened to him, save for getting lost in the border lands. And that dream where Lunara appeared to him to help him get the flower to heal his mother. And this madness... Maybe he was wrong, after all. But it was hard to feel important while he felt so Shitty. Yrsa's stench was beginning to weigh on him, as he rubbed his temples waiting for the kettle to boil, watching her ransack his pantry. He was trying to use what focus he had to think of a nice way to ask her to bathe. He huffed out, \"A twig? I guess I am kinda skinny...\" He sighed, \"It's worse lately, all this... Mess in my head can make it hard to eat at times.\" The kettle whistled happily, and he took it off the heat, pouring the steaming water into a small clay teapot with the herbs. He plopped back down at the table with the pot and two cups. He wearily looked up at Yrsa, \"That's... Kind, but I don't eat meat. Like, at all. I'm a vegetarian.\" His stomach roiled thinking back to her being covered in blood, and the urge he'd felt to touch it, to touch her; but what really sicked him was the urge he was able to fight off, the urge to Lick The blood off her. It made him want to vomit, but he didn't have much on his stomach to empty anyway.\n\nAfter a few minutes to allow the tea to steep, he poured two cups, pushing one towards Yrsa. \"If you'd like some tea, this will help energize you, though you seem like maybe you don't quite need that at the moment.\" He laughed softly but with strain. He took a few sips, beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. He was exhausted, starving, a tiny bit battered from Yrsa's tackle, dirty, and the whispers in his head were So loud. He tried to focus on the sharp and floral flavor of the tea, but it was no use. He stood up suddenly, walking over to his desk and looking down at the papers there. He'd tried everything to make this better. Tolius had had some suggestions, recommended far better sleeping potions than Alcuin was capable of making. But none of it made a dent. He thought with some trepidation of the demigod he'd met at the tavern; while his efforts had helped for a little while, it also eventually failed. A sinking dread filled him; if a demigod could do nothing, what options did he have? Was he truly going to go completely mad? He felt he'd likely die first.\n\nHe was brought out of these dark reflections by Yrsa's noise and stink. With a sip of tea and a deep breath, he ventured, \"After you've eaten your fill, why don't you take a bath? We're lucky to be able to source hot springs for our homes here in Luminia. It'll probably be the most luxurious bath you've ever had.\" He tried to maintain a friendly tone but could hear the mild irritation in his own voice; he hated that." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The trepidation any other visitor might've felt intruding on someone else's home was lost on Yrsa entirely. Though it was less a conscious thought and more a nagging feeling in the background of her experience, it felt good to be in the presence of someone again. That's why she took to Alcuin so readily, amongst other reasons. From that perspective, they were very alike; silence tended to be the most deafening for her. Those quiet hours in which she had nothing but her mind, which would inadvertently dwell on a mixture of bereavement and confusion.\n\nShe took to him readily—perhaps too readily—to the point that it could've encouraged a less well-intentioned individual to take advantage of her. Even Alcuin must've felt it, her precarious situation and how easy it would've been to exploit that. Her wide-eyed expressions as they entered the city displayed how little she knew about this realm. Probably, wherever she came from, .. It was very different from this one, wherein a wandering beast wouldn't necessarily have to care much about the sanctity of this and that.\n\nHad Alcuin not seen them? Those tribal lands of primitive savages—before even those ended, and the world—at the northern caps—transitioned to pure darkness. Lands of glimmering, northern lights - of Trolls and other horrors.\n\nWell, they were far from that now. The wandering berserker was visibly glad to be here, even if she wasn't the type to outright say it. While Alcuin wouldn't know how long she had been trapped in her bear form before their meeting, there was no guarantee it hadn't taken a long time. It felt good to be Human again. It felt good to be in another's company and to experience all these weird and exciting things! From that perspective, she was still very instinct-driven - even with her Human thoughts. Still very much a Bear, even if cloaked in Human skin.\n\nFor the moment, however, she took to gathering a feast that mirrored the warlord's dining halls she visited in the past, a vast bounty of foods that might've come across as INSULTING - she wasn't just eating her fill! She was plundering his stuff, .. Nigh-on everything he had!! And with a jovial grin on her face all the while! The promise of good food, Especially Grains because they tended to be rather calorie-rich and filling, enthused her and motivated her .. Even if her energy reserves weren't entirely up to snuff. She approached him and his desk, one hand stuck in a large pot of honey, which she eagerly and messily scooped up, guzzling with fistfuls. That which didn't enter her lips dripped down her arm and across her bear fur garments, inadvertently spilling large droplets onto the floor. Meanwhile, she held an Elven baguette tucked under her other arm, using the hand of that arm to carry a pot of jam and then .. She was using her teeth to drag along a sack of potatoes?! She LOVED roots!! And these were roots, weren't they? Sorta.. Root thingies!!\n\nWas this really the companion he wanted to have??\n\nThough ..\n\nHe probably wasn't going to get rid of her easily. She smacked her collected bounty atop his desk and dragged a log stool over to it before greedily rubbing her hands together. Her eyes almost seemed to SPARK and SHINE with hunger and opportunity. And that honey? Yes. Just yes. It was making EVERYTHING sticky.\n\nShe had about as much courtesy as a TODDLER. The patience of one, too!! But Alcuin probably had more important things to worry about, .. His strange affliction number one among them? Yrsa greedily stuck about a quarter of a baguette into her face, smacking and crunching, while turning those vivid blue eyes on him again. She tilted her head a little and observed him curiosly.\n\n\"Hyowyuhs awhr ayy whassh?\" She said, blinking a few times before swallowing down her bite!! \"An, uh.. Vegeta—.. Huh!! That is funny! You are a funny person, Alcuin!\" She grinned and laughed again. \"Are all Elves plant-eaters?! .. Maybe ... That is why ALL of you are skinny!! I saw it with your warriors, too! A lot of muscle, but-\" Yrsa reached for a mug of .. Whatever she had plundered. If there was alcohol, you betcha she was drinking it! Otherwise, whatever was available! \"- no STRENGTH. See?? Too much muscle .. And you just get tired quick! THIS, my friend .. Prince.. Witch-friend... Is POWER..\"\n\nShe pulled up her collection of rags and furs, eagerly showing off her belly and slapping it once. To be frank, she didn't have THAT much weight on her, but it did wobble a little! It was as much a joke, though, and she laughed along with it again!\n\n\"... Also, yes. Maybe bath is good. My belly smells like stinky mushrooms fungus. But!! I have heard you Elf-peoples are more magic-things! That's what my uncle said. Pixies! I admit, I am surprised you don't have wings! And instead, you are ... Uh, what is the word ...\" She reached to grab the mug he pushed her way, swirling around the liquid inside while she thought about it. And when the word entered her brain again, she looked at him and nodded with a wide smile.\n\n\"Sad .. Not happy- AH, YES. DEPRESSION. You are depressed!! This is a weird thing. Especially, now that I am your friend! And we are feasting. This alone is cause for good things. Also, what is tea???\"\n\nShe stared down at the liquid inquisitively. Before Alcuin had much of a chance to elaborate, however, she promptly THREW IT BACK, opening wide her maw and guzzling the beverage in one go. .. Not exactly a smart move, what with it being a hot liquid. With a mighty roar and a jerk upright, she snapped and staggered back, slamming the mug back upon the table while fanning her tongue!\n\n\"AGGGHH!!! IT ATTACKS ME! ALCUIN WHAT IS THIS? YOU HAVE TREASONED ME! That's it! You are back to the witch title!! This is some .. TERRIBLE WITCH POISON LEAF WATER!! Witch-Alcuin!!!\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Watching Yrsa virtually empty his cabinets and his pantry, Alcuin knew he should feel angry or upset or Something, but he just felt unfazed. His mind trudged through the noise and came to the conclusion that it was probably better this way. Maybe if there was no food in the house while he was gone, there wouldn't be a large family of mice when he got back. Better for Yrsa to eat it and benefit rather than for it to sit here wasted, unused. He thought to suggest some things he could make with what she was grabbing, dishes that would maximize the full benefits of the food, but... She was shoving it down her gullet more quickly than he could think, so he let it go.\n\nA part of him said he had a million reasons to be afraid of her, but he just found he couldn't be. Especially in her human form, Especially In this particular moment, she reminded him far more of the wild children running around the village green back home, high on sweets and the joys of carefree childhood. It certainly made it easier to not be Too Mad at her.\n\nThe Thunk Of her assorted food hitting his desk resounded in his head painfully, and he squeezed his eyes shut for a moment until the wave of pain passed. His brows furrowed at her honey and jam dripping all over his work... But they were notes for failed experiments to help him, so did it really matter? He heaved a deep sigh as he began to answer her questions, \"No, not all Elves are vegetarian. It's quite common but not necessarily universal. I just found I couldn't stand to harm a life like that, even tangentially...\" He trailed off a moment, \"Though I feel like that is about to change.\" He saw her blue eyes scanning the various bottles in his home and commented, \"I don't really keep any alcohol, not much of a drinker. I have some in very small quantities for alchemy and medicinal use. Do you want that too?\" His question might have been taken as angry out of context, but it was really an invitation. If it brought her some joy, it was worth it, right?\n\nA warm smile graced his face at her display of her belly–truly childlike in her candor and openness. Continuing to sip his tea, he found he was glad he ran into her before anyone else did. If she attacked a guard, she'd be arrested. If she was found by someone more manipulative, who knows what kinds of situations she might have ended up in. Besides, he was happy of her company, no matter how loud, smelly, and intrusive. He needed someone pushy, if he was ever going to have any friends at all.\n\nLaughing at her idea that he should have wings, he found his newfound mirth abruptly cutoff by her all too real insight; it caught him incredibly off guard, since she wasn't typically the type to seem to notice, or perhaps care, about such things. His face was blank, and he looked down at the floor. \"You're right. I've been quite depressed for a while now. I think you saw...\" He ventured to meet her gaze then, but ultimately looked away, *\"Whatever it is that's inside me now, it's been incredibly difficult to deal with. I could find things to be happy about before, keep my life full of things that brought me joy. But now, nothing makes a dent.\"\n\nBefore he could tell her what tea was, or to drink it slowly in sips, she had downed the whole mug. He quickly rushed to get her a cup of room temp water, pressing it into her hands, \"I'm so sorry, Yrsa!! I thought you would've had Something Like tea before. It's just hot water that you steep herbs and such in for flavor or medicines. Do you feel ok??\" The sudden distraction was nice, making it easier for him to stay present rather than get lost in his head." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Beneath the veneer of casual conversation continued to lie an undertone of ... Violence? .. This girl - this ... Yrsa*, of the barbaric north-east, she conversed with him now. But Alcuin had seen the chaos intrinsic to her transformation; unlike the more druidic practices of more civilized peoples, it wasn't easy nor pretty. A gruesome curse cloaked in the darkness of hate and war. How much would it take to set off again? Would she recognize him if she shed her form as Human? Simultaneously, there was a darkness to Alcuin. Something seemed to plague his soul, too.\n\nThat may be why they found such steady companionship in one another. Yrsa wasn't the introspective type. Even her comment about his 'depression' came more off-handedly and enthusiastically. Less a question about his well-being and more an observation, as if it was part of his species. She had evidently never met or spoken to Elves. But ..!! They seemed to care a great deal about nature. Every home in the vicinity was built with nature in mind! And that was a good thing.\n\nYrsa usually didn't like cities. It boiled her blood just thinking about them. Stone hovels that left everything beneath them trampled and DEAD.\n\nNonetheless, despite her lack of introspection and 'care', his words brought a measure of silence to the Elven shack. Naturally, though less due to anything on his part - anything active -each word felt more drawn out. Her disgusting eating habits had temporarily stopped. After quickly dousing that fire in her throat with that second cup of water, she slumped back onto her stool, head hanging back a moment. A long sigh left her lips.\n\n\"Me too!! Hah! We are feeling same things! Like a.. THUMP ... THUMP ..\" She said, starting her sentence relatively chill at first. But by the middle, her voice had already raised into its usual bluster. She turned her right hand into a fist and, with her last few words, echoed her verbal THUMPS by knocking herself on her noggin along with the rhythm.\n\nCould she be experiencing the same thing as him? But the way she said it, her intonation... It was like she treated it like they were wearing the same socks! And Yrsa didn't even wear any socks! Another smile carved its way up along her lips. It was a little gentler than before, less goofy, but still upfront and energetic.\n\nShe turned her icy blues away from him, back to the feast before her, smacking her lips together once, \"... Hot water? No, no, Alcuin, that is not tea! That is soup. You have made soup. Alas!! I don't like soup. It is a WEAK food. Watery and foul! But your soup is not bad. It is like ..\" She circled her index finger about thoughtfully.\n\n\"Leaf juice. Yes.\"\n\nYrsa crossed her arms and closed her eyes while leaning back, nodding confidently. She was, of course, the expert on such matters.\n\n\"BUT. You talk about your head and I will eat! I heard this helps, yes? You talk, then smash things, and suddenly, .. It is all alright. Because you are my friend, I will share this wisdom ... Free of charge. Even if I could use the dainty little .. Circle.. Metals— what do you call them, again?!\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin watched, with some mild concern, as her eating slowed until it stopped. He was rather sure nothing short of the building falling down on top of them, and maybe not even that, would stop her from eating. Feeling self-conscious from having shared something so deep, his tan cheeks were a bit flushed, and he downed the rest of his cooled-off tea in one gulp. He watched her hit her head with wide eyes, caught between feeling like it was silly yet accurate. It did, at times, feel like something was trying to break out of his head... A horrifying thought that he didn't further pursue.\n\nThe alchemist was surprised to feel his heart soften at the gentleness in her smile. It was still Her* Smile, goofy and a little wild. But he found it so endearing, so Friendly. It boggled his mind how he could feel so connected to this wild woman he barely knew, when he had struggled to get close to people he'd known his whole life, who were just like him, or at least near enough. But maybe that was just it; maybe this Thing Had been inside him since the border lands, maybe that was why it was so hard to get close to people. Maybe they could see it, or sense it, or maybe he'd been doing weird stuff for way longer than he realized. But it also explained how he so easily felt connected to Yrsa; they both had things they could view as bizarre about one another, but they didn't. They had welcomed each other with rather open, albeit a little confused, arms. \n\nBubbling laughter escaped him before he could help it, and the morning wearing on as all this occurred, the whispers receded more or less into the background; present, but not overwhelming. He was finding he was feeling a bit better; Yrsa was quite a good distraction. \"Well, you're not entirely wrong...\" He put a finger on his chin in thought, \"Tea is just... Hot leaf water. But soup is different because it's chunkier, thicker. It has actual food in it. Tea is just a drink, no food bits.\"\n\nAs she continued to eat, he laughed a little more before taking a seat across from her at the table. \"I think you mean money. Gold, silver, copper pieces?\" He took out one silver and held it up to confirm before putting it on the table behind him. He gave her a small smile, then looked out the window that looked over his small garden, \"I've already told you far more than I've ever told anyone else... I'm not exactly good at this. I guess it helps, I wouldn't really know.\" His smile grew, and his boyish charm was on full display, despite his exhaustion, \"I don't know if it's the *Talking* Or *You* In particular, but I do certainly feel a bit better already. I'm so glad I met you, Yrsa.\" His gaze on her was sincere and loving, truly appreciative of how much she had helped him in such a short time. If for no other reason, That Alone was well worth letting her eat everything he had." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "If he thought he would get to share his thoughts in Peace, Alcuin would have to think again - although, maybe, what she offered Was Some sort of peace? While he shared his feelings and sentiments, the crude caveman of a Human- oh... OHH.. She had DILEMMAS. Bonafide mental CONFLICTS. EVERYTHING WAS TOO DELICIOUS. Should she go for the pickled vegetable gravy next? Or perhaps the Elven leaf-bread? The latter was quite filling, but the former had a more... 'rounded' flavor.\n\nBut, see? Yrsa prided herself on being a problem solver. She grinned to herself dumbly. Why did she have to go with one or the other? Why, there was nothing that said she couldn't Combine The two. So she tore off a piece of bread and dragged it through the gravy, ensuring that no one could enjoy it properly in the future; her warpath through it left breadcrumbs all over the thing. She lapped up 'way too much' gravy for her lil piece of torn bread to hold, but somehow managed to THROW it into that maw of hers. She SHMACKED, SLLUUURPED, CHEWED and LICKED to her heart's content, and what was her expression save pure happiness at the moment??- oh, yes, she was glancing at him on occasion. A nod here. An off-handed comment there.\n\nAlcuin was the priority. But she could multitask. A little. So .. Again, why not COMBINE the two? Her mind echoed with a Cackle, a real 'HARR HARR HARR.. YRSA, YOU ARE SUCH A SMARTIE-PANTS', which Alcuin obviously couldn't Hear But she Looked like it. And, genuinely? Seeing the Elf smile a little, well .. That felt pretty good. Also, even if he Wanted To listen to those voices in his head,\n\nHe probably couldn't. Because Yrsa's eating noises probably DESTROYED them audibly. By all the Demigods out there, her way of eating stuff was downright INTIMIDATING. Some things she just swallowed whole!\n\n\"That..\" She gulped, quickly swallowing another greasy bite. She reached over, trying to punch Alcuin in the shoulder. She meant it as a gentle punch! But even in her Human form, she had a Heck Of a lot of strength.\n\n\"- is funny, Alcuin!! Because.. I am glad to have met me, too!! I eat the BEST things. And am very nice! But also, charming, and .. What is it your, uh.. Your .. WOMEN. Yes! I am the BEST at WOMENING. This is part of my charm! But not only! In fact, I am also a great man. Probably.\" She said, phrasing what she meant as a Joke. It was just a terrible joke. And somehow, Alcuin was meant to survive this. She vocalized the end of her mental cackle with a light, suppressed Chuckle Out in the real world.\n\n\"But! You are not so bad, either! You have food! And your eyes are black sometimes. By this measure, I know that you are a fierce warrior. And witch. Actually, did I not need one??\"\n\nYrsa hummed a moment. She looked over the room. Vials, ingredients .. Didn't she need someone like this? WELL, whatever it was, she was sure to think about it later. Besides, there were more Important Things right now. Food, for one. And Alcuin. Yes. And she made sure to keep the two distinct. It was easier not to confuse the two while in her Human form.\n\nShe shrugged.\n\n\"I think you are good at talking about yourself! Better than me! But, I can share one thing. I, my friend, am on a QUEST. That's what my master called it. I go to.. Uh, some.. -... Big.. Pillars. You must come with! Also, I will take my bath now. I am less hungry. Still hungry. But will eat the rest later. The...\" Her face flushed a moment, mildly embarrassed. She cleared her throat and pushed herself to her feet, immediately steadying a wobble. She was already feeling a lot better! Still extremely lethargic. But, better! The amount of food she'd eaten, well, it looked to be enough for FOUR full-grown MEN.\n\n.. That probably had to do with her bear form, too.\n\nAnyway, she pulled up a mildly insecure smile and looked about.\n\n\"Ah .. I feel ashamed by asking this. Yet, I hear not your river! Alcuin, where does one engage in the bathing within this land? Is there a lake? .. Is it frozen?\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "It didn't take long for Alcuin to become a bit distracted by Yrsa's loud, bold style of eating. He was contemplating really opening up to her; after all, what did he have to lose? Who was she going to tell? But the more he thought and watched her, he was both too engrossed and too distracted to put the right words together and gave up on the endeavor for the moment. As he listened to her speak, soft splutters of laughter became a full-on laugh, and he was greatly enjoying the reprieve from his darkness. \n\nTrying to catch his breath from laughing quite heartily, he agreed happily, \"Yes, Yrsa, you are *Quite* The woman, I have to admit!\" Though he was somewhat teasing, he also meant it. She was incredibly brave, strong, loyal, and though she didn't seem to know much in terms of what the Empire thought of as an education, he could tell she had learned a lot from her experiences; plus she was just a lot of fun... If you could look past the hundred pretty terrible habits. But beggars couldn't be choosers, and he found her few amazing qualities far outweighed the awful ones anyway.\n\nAlcuin's brows arched a moment as he listened to her... Were they supposed to be compliments? His brows furrowed; he wasn't sure. With uncertain tones he said, \"Uh, thank you...? No one's, uh, ever said that to me before...\" Once she switched gears to talking about needing a witch, going to \"Big pillars,\" He tried to listen intently and read through the lines. It seemed like maybe he needed to try to learn more about her mentor. But she was already moving on to the next thing, and while she was friendly, that shoulder punch earlier Really Hurt, and he didn't feel like having to try to fight her on anything. As she found her words, he reassured her warmly, \"You've been such a help to me, and if you travel with me, then I don't have to worry as much about dying on the road. I'm happy to help with your quests, so far as I'm able.\"\n\nSince her embarrassment was rather obvious, Alcuin did his best to be delicate, also keeping in mind her lack of knowledge of more modern habits and technologies. Yet he was also afraid being Too Delicate might result in some mishaps he Really Didn't want to deal with, so he was blunt where it felt appropriate to be so. *\"You don't need a river, let me show you some Witchcraft* We all have in the Elven city!\" She was already convinced of the witchery, so he decided to lean into it for less explaining. He put a hand gently to the small of her back, guiding her to one of the other rooms. It was a small bathroom with a claw foot tub with two knobs, a faucet, and some pipes. There was a stand against the wall with a mirror hung over it, a large wash basin on top of the stand. A rack nearby held towels, the dirty ones spread over dowels to try and the clean ones folded on shelves beneath. A chamber pot, currently empty, was in the corner. \n\nHe explained as he pointed to each thing, \"That's called a tub, and if you turn this knob,\" He demonstrated, \"You get hot water, the other knob is cold. That over there is a wash basin with soap beside it, to wash your face or your hands.\" With a sigh, he knew it was time to be blunt, \"And if you've never used one, that's called a chamber pot, it's where you piss or shit if you need to.\" Nodding at her and fervently hoping she understood, he asked, \"Any questions?\"** He'd seen plenty of nudity off and on in his work; sometimes it was just part of it, and it was easy enough to separate when it was for the purposes of healing. But he wasn't sure he could get past seeing Yrsa like that... He was only mildly getting comfortable being emotionally intimate with her, and that was More Than plenty for him." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "If ever there was a signifier of Imperial wealth - in both traditions And Material wealth - it had to be the Empire's bathing tradition .. Of a luxury that peoples from other regions could not even imagine. A private bath? With heated And Cold water? The luxuriousness seemed prevalent throughout not only those practical devices but the entirety of the room. The separate chamber for it all. The slightly opened window. The type of soap and even the Flooring - and then, Alcuin .. — he wasn't even royalty, was he? Just an alchemist! It was not exactly a profession that would leave him without coin, but it was different from actual royalty, right? So if HE had access to these sorts of things..\n\nIt's a good thing he phrased it in the manner he did. He had to get down to her level of understanding. Because a house was one thing, no matter how neat or beautiful. But these were things, Concepts, that she couldn't possibly understand. The land she came from was frozen for most of the fall, winter, and spring seasons. And even the summers were Cold. So most water .. Well, that tended to be ice. And bathing?? Sure, In summer. .. On occasion. In lakes and rivers. As a bear, she occasionally went into pools of water as to regulate her temperature. Her fur was a little too thick for these more southern lands, practically forcing her to do that. And that kept her Sort of Clean?.. And she actively kept herself groomed as most animals of that type did!\n\nBut a bath??? Not in MONTHS. And, as usual, these more elaborate concepts weren't anything she said Verbally. But they were clear in how she reacted. So, too, her mild embarrassment. The savage barbarian followed her friend with an uncharacteristic timidity, which most might associate with a desire for privacy and the separation of genders and this and that.\n\n\"A..-.. Ah. Yes. I know this, too. Of course!! It is the Elf magics!\" She cleared her throat again, nodding in the direction of the ... The... Tub? Nay, her embarrassment didn't come from the idea of any of that. She didn't care. She was a bear half the time. Instead, the idea that she Didn't know what to do, that she Couldn't find a river And that she had No clue about any of this. Her culture was evidently based a great deal on Pride. Social pride at being capable! At knowing how things worked!\n\nHow would she look if she told Alcuin she didn't even know how to bathe here?? She would indeed look like a fool! So she followed him bravely, even if a pang of fear rose through her system. She roughened up her voice, trying to sound Tough.\n\n\"AHH.. The knob! HAH. That is, indeed, the Elven magical wand-knob! Of course I know this, Alcuin. Your explaining is not needed, but, I will hear it for your sake, because You Like to say this. Uh-hu-\" .. And she wasn't trying to APPEAR that way? But she was practically cowering behind him, staring at the tub with wide eyes. When he turned one of the knobs to demonstrate how they worked, she interrupted her words of bravery with a high-pitched squeal. She almost JUMPED back at the sight of it! But she quickly recovered. Her exclaim she transitioned into something of a frantic sentence, and her half-jump she turned into .. Exercise-\n\n\"AAAAAAARRGHH DEMON—.. Uh, ah.. I MEAN THIS, yes, listen to me well; AAAAH... HAH... HAH... HAH-HAH! What a good.. DEMON... Stration, witch-Alcuin! I am indeed impressed by your sorcery! But, used to this. Yes.\n\nWhy, uh, ... — oh, the jumping? YES. This is.. Tradition. Before river.\"\n\nShe jumped a few more times for emphasis, fully believing that her recovery had been smooth and refusing to show that she was utterly PERPLEXED at the fact that this thing shot cold And Hot water magics.\n\n\"Uh.. Alcuin. So, of course, as said, this is known to me, and I know this. But, why is the... '.. Tub'.. Why is it a witch's pot??? Is it to, uh, .. The water is hot, yes?\"\n\nHer eyes shifted to him suspiciously, having a Slight Feeling that he would COOK her in his WITCH's cauldron. Wasn't there some sorta fairy tale about these kids that got fattened up by a witch before being eaten? But, then, .. She did trust him! AND, and those stories never told tales of BERSERKERS." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "With a bit of his own embarrassment, Alcuin slowly began to realize, watching Yrsa's clearly unintentional theatrics just How much She didn't know about modern society. Her life must have been so incredibly rustic, it was a bit difficult for him to fathom. She seemed to be pretty embarrassed about what she didn't know. Maybe some of it was about bathing in front of a man, but that felt unlikely. She was so brazen in every other regard, it just didn't sound like her.\n\nBetween all her thinly veiled voiced worries and the way she was asking about witch's pots, he could nearly guess where her mind was going. Normally, he'd be far too terrified to make the offer he was about to; but nothing about his life was normal anymore. The things in his head were far scarier than his new friend. And he found he trusted her, at least in some ways.\n\nAlcuin had been trying earlier to suppress a wide grin, out of respect for Yrsa, and he finally managed to smooth it into a soft smile. \"You know, I probably need a bath too. But it'd be uh... Rude, in my culture, to bathe together, unless we were romantic partners. So I'll just wash off a little, and I can get a bath ready for you while I do.\" He began to strip off the various layers of now very dirty clothing, down to his breeches. He had somewhat of a farmer's tan, being outside often but not caring to tan evenly, and never having any particular reason to wear less than a thin long-sleeved shirt. He began to fill the tub with hot water, fetched two wash cloths, two towels, and the bar of soap. Kneeling by the tub, he wet the rag, lathered the soap, and started by washing his face.\n\nSystematically, he washed himself down to the waist, except his hair, which he grabbed a nearby brush to attempt to fix. Besides many tangles, the brush also pulled out various twigs and leaves. He sighed at the sight, thinking maybe he should worry more about how he looked sometimes. By now the tub was full enough of hot water for Yrsa to get in but hopefully not flood the room; a drain existed on the floor beneath the tub in case of such events. He put a hand in the water tentatively, and turned to her with that same smile, \"It feels good to me. Though I like a hot bath, hopefully that's ok.\" \n\nGetting up, with a towel wrapped around his upper half, he put the soap, wash cloth, and towel near the tub for her. Standing in the door looking back at her, he asked, \"Anything else you need?\" Trying to think of how to give her an out if she was too scared to close the door, he added, \"If you don't want it to get too steamy, you can crack the door. I won't peek. And we can still talk, if you're worried you'll get bored.\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The world to which Yrsa, the berserker, belonged didn't quite account for such frilly apprehensions;... She was a warrior, a tribalistic savage from a culture that couldn't even afford to think about such things! But it was good that Alcuin mentioned it because she also Didn't know, And she voiced her curiosity with a mild and brief \"Huh...\"—genuinely interested! She placed a hand upon her hip and Observed The Elf in a manner most would probably find uncomfortable. \n\nShe was studying him, trying to Learn From his ways, and her usual bravado meant that she didn't beat around the bush with it! Her eyes were GLUED to him! Because, again, where she was from? She was expected to know these things! That also meant there was no better way to learn than by watching!\n\nYrsa nodded with a level of contemplation beyond her usual shenanigans.\n\n\"I understand this,\" She paired with her nod, accent thick as ever. In the meantime, she somehow managed to portray precisely the same because she followed the Elf's example- ridding herself of her fur-and-leather garbs without hesitation. She bundled all of it up and tossed the patchwork of ''clothes'' outside the door and by the Gods They STANK; there was a deep, inherent Rankness That seemed to follow them.\n\nSimultaneously, there was something more to them. Both the barbarian's form and her garbs told stories—stories that might help Alcuin knit things together and make sense of some things. But there was also a mystery, those new doors leading to more that had been closed off. As an Elf, as an apothecary of eminent skill, and as a budding Warlock, Alcuin might notice the rankness inherent to Yrsa's clothes wasn't Purely Physical; .. There was something ... Something deeply Off About it. As he had seen earlier, her transformation into a bear and back seemed to account for those clothes. And it wouldn't even be right to call them that. They looked more like a mass of stitched-together furs and leathers. \n\nThey were undoubtedly Warm, but also loose - torn, stained, with holes and cuts from where blades and other weapons had pierced. The most reliable pieces of her regalia were a sleeveless, ragged top and a set of pants. Even her boots seemed fashioned out of material derived from a bear's carcass.\n\nAnd that was the thing. Though everything had been altered, all those pieces were derived from just a Single Bear. The magic that imbued Yrsa's soul and changed her physiology was dark and primal, ancient forest sorcery that few would understand. A Druid might understand nature and shift into a bear. But this went deeper! It didn't only change her Shape - it involved bloodlines and a person's essence. Those clothes? They were somehow Tied To that. As an Alchemist, Alcuin would undoubtedly know that some types of monsters and beasts had intrinsically magical properties and that collecting parts of their physiology tended to be potent in mixtures.\n\nThat raggedy old set of garbs contained the same. It had her essence. \n\nOnly it was much older, harkening back to a different age.\n\nBack in her lands, Yrsa... Well, not that she was famous to any degree—on the contrary. She wasn't. But those who knew her knew her as the 'Claw-Marked', more of an Imperial take on a word from another language. In that other language, it was more akin to 'the one blessed, or cursed, by the beast's mark'. And that showed. It was, without doubt, one of her most defining features. Without garbs to obscure it, her back appeared 'painted' with a trail of five uneven Lines — stripes? But jagged. They didn't necessarily look like Birthmarks, but they did have something in the way of that. Neither did they look like wounds, but they could be mistaken for that. These darker lines ran across her back, from her right shoulder down to her left hip. Some were lighter, some were thicker, and the Alchemist would probably come to identify them - if he looked - ..\n\n.. With the same, he'd find on trees in a bear's territory! They looked Just Like a bear's claw mark on a tree! And like her garbs, primordial nature-based magic was almost oozing from it, like a window into her 'aura'.\n\nIt'd take someone acquainted with magic to see that, though. Alcuin probably could, especially if he had a record with mystical and magical potions!\n\nAll of that told one story of Yrsa's life - but that was just what made up her from inception - what was part of her natural state. The pitch-black tattoos on her face and arm appeared to stretch across her form, though they didn't necessarily cover everything. They looked more like these .. Black marks that decorated her skin here and there. An elaborate, snaking pattern was on her right arm, which almost went as far as the shoulder. There was another just above her left knee. And her side, below the armpit, also had a few scribbles. Of course, parts of them could be gleamed even with her clothes on, but like her physique, that only seemed a small part of the larger picture .. And it was precisely her Physique That told the rest of the story.\n\nFrom more than one perspective or angle, her stature was not too different from that of her bear form—only cast in Human proportions. She was strong and muscular but more so in muscles hidden beneath a thin layer of fat. Rather than a well-toned six-pack, as might be the case for the Empire's athletes, she had something of a pot belly. And well, she was a bear, so she seemed to have a Lot Of bodily hair, too. Armpits. Feet. Legs. Everything. All that same color of an auburn, brownish ginger.\n\nThere were a lot of scars, too. Some smaller. Some bigger. The Empire educated its youth through schooling programs, right? Her Education, insofar as it could be called that, was following an absolutely INSANE psychopath around with an axe for eight years straight. And it showed.\n\nShe circled her other hand about, gesticulating a little while she spoke.\n\n\"Although, I must say this; whence I came, it is not a problem - but, I understand this well. For, ever since my uncle died, I have found it.. Ah ... More, challenging?? Yes, yes, this is right. I have found it more challenging to fight for lords. Perhaps, you will say, 'Yrsa.. You goose, then, why fight for lords?!' - and, yes, this is good question,\"\n\nAs to Alcuin's current predicament, Yrsa Fully understood His custom for one to bathe before the other. HOWEVER, ... It seems she understood it as purely bathing. In other words, so long as she stood there and waited for him to be finished, there wasn't a problem.\n\nThis cultural barrier was probably going to come up a Lot.\n\nYrsa frowned lightly. She knew the answer but also didn't know the answer. It's more like her answer was just something she told herself but hadn't thought through all the way!\n\n\"- it is because the coin thingies. What you showed?? Because, without, then .. I come into the market-place, and wish to have something, but these rude people REFUSE me! I do not get this, either. However...!! I think, the lords think that I am weak because I am not him. So, also, there are not many like me. They are wrong - this is true. Well, perhaps, I am not many. But they are wrong that they cannot hire me. So there, too, they would probably rather hire a berserker man.\n\nBut, worry not, Alcuin!! I will abide by your culture's customs. You may bathe first, and then, I shall follow. In this manner, I pay the proper respects!\"\n\n.. Perhaps.. That's why she was in these lands to begin with? The amount of work in Her Land dried up. But the adventurer's guilds were always looking for new people, right?" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Once the young elf noticed and felt Yrsa's eyes on him, a flush colored his cheeks. He certainly wasn't used to being so openly stared at, and especially not in such a... Delicate situation. But he reminded himself he was trying to help her out, help her not feel embarrassed for not knowing what to do, so he tried to carry on and just finish up. He kept his cool until he noticed, out of the corner of his eye, that she was already Undressing. With mild horror, he hurriedly looked away, his cheeks only getting redder; he was only just beginning to call her friend, he was Not Ready for this kind of intimacy.\n\nAlcuin had become so accustomed to her stench he didn't much notice the difference or anything too particular about her clothing. He was also fighting off such stifling embarrassment that he struggled to do more than finish the task at hand, talk to her some, and then get up to go stand in the door. But that distance gave him a moment to collect himself, just in time for a fleeting glance to catch the marks on her back. He was slightly taken aback. They looked almost like old wounds, but also very apparently weren't. They certainly looked animalistic, brutal. He found he was closer, knelt down, a hand reached out to them before he realized what he was doing.\n\nQuickly, he retracted the hand and went back to stand in the door, facing sideways so as to give her some modicum of privacy. He belatedly absorbed everything she had said. \"You uh, you should wait until the person before you is out of the room before you disrobe. Again, unless we were romantic...\" Looking down at her pile of clothes, the oddities and magical essence began to stick out to him some. They certainly weren't normal furs, whatever they were. \"Do you uh... Can I wash your clothes?\" In the event it would damage them, he didn't dare do anything without asking.\n\nFinishing up drying off, he wrapped the towel around himself like a blanket, still looking at the door frame or out into the kitchen area. \"Oh you need coin? I guess we both will, once we start traveling. I'm not terribly good at holding onto it; tend to give it away or spend it when someone else seems to need it more.\" He laughed softly to himself. \"But don't worry, we can find work on the way, I'm sure, to make some coin. And if you let me do the talking, we can work for whoever, though nobility does tend to have more money to spend on such things.\" His brown eyes kept drifting to the marks on her back; he wanted to ask about them but was somewhat fearful to do so. If they were tied to painful memories, he hated to dredge that up for her." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "A better, more considerate friend would've taken Alcuin's reaction as a cue that they were, perhaps, doing something wrong. His flushed face, his inability to look at her straight, all of it was pretty obvious. Unfortunately, that wasn't Yrsa, who met his apparent timidity by planting Both Hands on her hips, standing tall and Proud And by all the Gods and Demigods, did she have no shame whatsoever?!\n\nBears were notoriously difficult to tame, after all—let alone housetrain! She laughed without restraint, the foulness of her nature surfacing; well, she was a berserker. It's not like her type bothered much with such things as physical shame. On the contrary, she seemed to take much pride in her bearing!\n\nSuffice it to say, it was a culture shock for them both.\n\n\"HAAAAAH...!! Alcuin! Your face... You are blushing like maiden in spring! A delicate flower-bud!\" She Cackled, trying to slap a pat on his back while he passed by; it wasn't intended to Hurt Him, but it probably had the same effect as a wet towel.\n\nNot only did he have to suffer through her eating habits, but he also had to sit through her bathing habits! Seriously, did no one teach her some manners?! Her laughter dimmed down a little once Alcuin left the room in earnest, going from her full-mouthed cackle to a gentle chuckle. She tutted her head back and forth-\n\n\"It is I who will grant apologies, my friend. It seems .. I am not used to many of your habits and culture-things. Yet, I am smart! I will learn all these things. Next time, I will—.. Err..\" She rubbed her chin and stepped up to the bathtub absently, removing the braids from her hair. Her appearance clearly showed that she didn't spend much time looking decent at all. But, there were still a few things her mentor taught her that Had to do with the battlefield, but Also, with a semblance of... Decency. Braiding portions of her hair not only kept it out of her face mid-battle but also served to have her look slightly less unkempt. Less of a caveman and more the northern berserker she'd been forged into.\n\n\"I shall disrobe before entering! But, I must say, is this not a not-so-handy tradition, Alcuin? .. Out on the field, I must say, I would have to find a ... Tree, or a bush, in which I may disrobe- but, sometimes, these are not in the area! And, if we are not to bathe together, then, may we not use the same river?? This seems..\"\n\nShe sat down on the same stool that Alcuin had used, utterly ignorant of the fact that she was, you know, actually supposed to go INTO the bath. Instead, she just kinda copied him with the towel, full of confidence. He could hear the sounds of splashing water in the room, indicating that she was at least doing Something.\n\nMore than something, in fact. Yrsa had built up such a layer of grime, grease, and all sorts of Disgusting Accumulated filth that it BLACKENED the water. Like she was turning it into oil or tar or something!\n\n\"This seems inconvenient, yes? You need not worry about such problems, my friend; you had rid me of heart's rage! Like your head, yes? THUMP... THUMP... And, am happy to not be alone anymore. This is a good thing.\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The poor young elf only blushed more deeply with Yrsa's teasing, nearly looking sunburned he was so red. With furrowed brows and a slight frown, he stammered, \"I uh... I haven't–I mean I don't...\" A frustrated groan escaped him with a near whining tone, \"I hate this stuff!\" His hands gripped his hair for a moment, fists curled tight, before he let go, still staring away, \"I mean... I can deal with it work, but like... That's so different. I can put it in a box of 'I'm helping this person, they're my patient' and it's fine.\" He looked at his feet shyly, \"But you're not like that, I'm not... Treating you. It's so awkward.\" \n\nThe healer was silent as her laughter slowly died down. He knew she didn't really mean anything by it. And he could guess that where she came from wasn't so delicate. His fear of being left, rejected, ran so deep, he fervently avoided anything and everything that might lead to it. He wondered if maybe he reacted particularly strongly because he Was Afraid of losing Yrsa. A very small smile pricked up the corners of his mouth; it was an amusing thought.\n\nA soft sigh, somewhere between tired and contented, escaped his mouth. \"It's ok, I didn't expect you to get everything right away. And I should apologize for not realizing sooner that I had a lot to explain to you.\" At her thoughts of being out in the field and manners, he chuckled a little, the exhaustion really starting to creep up on him. \"Well, you're right... It will be quite different when we're not in society. We'll just have to do the best we can. I can... Deal with it. Just...\" He shuddered thinking of her pat that really felt more like a slap, \"Please don't touch me, in those situations. I...\" He hated the heat he felt in his face and how hard these things were for him, *\"I haven't Been* Touched much, like, at all, so it's... Uncomfortable, almost too much.\" He rushed to add, not wishing to offend her, \"It has nothing to do with you!! You're fine, it's entirely a me problem.\"\n\nThe berserker's final words left a tired but very warm smile on his face, \"I think I know what you mean. I'm really glad I could help you, because you've certainly been helping me. Having you around has only underscored how incredibly lonely I was before; like I knew, but I didn't know it was This Bad.\" He laughed a little nervously; it sounded so lame out loud, to admit how desperate he had been for any kind of connection, while simultaneously fearing having one all the same. But things with Yrsa had come so easy, he began to feel attached before he even really realized it was happening." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "\"Then...\"\n\nThe sounds of splashing water momentarily ceased. Droplets of warm water dripped down Yrsa's body, pattering onto the tiled floor, but she tried to have her single word serve as a brief interlude. There was no immediate follow-up to it for a moment - a silence that must've been deafening and quiet simultaneously. When she finally broke it, it wasn't her tone that hammered it through. She wasn't louder than usual. It's just... It felt like a connection on a deeper level;\n\n\"My quest .. Is your quest, too.\"*\n\nYrsa pushed herself off her stool, the wood audibly creaking with the release of her weight. The heat inside the chamber was so that even though she wasn't splashing more water onto herself, she still felt moist - like she was already building up sweat.\n\n\"This I have heard,-\" She continued, following Alcuin's example with the towel. She still didn't Really* Understand what he was talking about; he didn't have a problem with her bear form, and she wasn't precisely a clothed bear. That'd be silly! But then, as much as she was a barbarian, she was a guest, too! So she fumbled with the towel, wrapping it about herself to preserve some modicum of .. Imperial decency.\n\n\"This, I have heard; I have heard there is a mighty gathering of warriors!— in a 'city', to the far south. It is called Aeotarnia City, home of gods and dragons. It is there where my uncle said one may find the 'adventurer's tribe'. It is also said .. \"\n\nShe interrupted herself again shortly, pushing open the bathroom door. Her Alchemist friend might expect her to barge into him all bare again, but, as mentioned above - it was much less terrible! She grinned at him in her usual manner, from ear to ear!\n\n\"HAAAH...! I think, you expected me to barge into you once more! But it was a joke, Alcuin, for I am wrapped in cloth. Therefore, you needn't feel shame. But, .. It is also said, that, this tribe seeks many warriors. We will find fate there, I am sure!\"\n\nSo, the way she described it obviously had a few holes. But it took little to figure out that her quest in these lands, why she was here, was to join one of the Adventurer's Guilds! To venture to the far southwest and visit the Eternal City.\n\n\".. I have this on the proper evidence and account. I heard these tales from an old lord .. Who said, 'Fear me... I am Imperial. I serve GODS.' - alas, his gods did not help him. Yet, I have a good feeling that what he said was true. Perhaps, his gods were simply too far away for him..\" She pondered a little, absently running a hand through her hair. Yrsa definitely still wasn't the Imperial beauty ideal. But without the accumulated filth and having taken a proper bath, she looked much less like a caveman; her hair wasn't as messy .. Her skin looked clean. And she actually didn't SMELL as much!\n\nWhatever this dead lord imparted on her, she seemed to take it seriously.\n\n\"Thus, I have my uncle's accounts... And the account of this Lord. We may trust on this. Your .. Sadness. I think, I saw this. Before. It is like a dream! But also not. Perhaps ... When we first met? Perhaps.. That is why you want to leave??\"\n\nYrsa scanned the interior of the room for a moment. By all rights, one would be CRAZY for wanting to leave such a cosy place! Such a comfortable house! But .. Whatever it was, she concluded on much the same. Her blue eyes came back to him. And while he didn't want her to touch HIM, .. That didn't count for the other way around, right?- she extended her right arm to him, offering her wrist in a warrior's handshake, offering her destiny to him, too.\n\n\"So... Let us decide to leave. And take baths in cold water. Warm water is nice, but .. I am sweating again, and feel sticky. I will show you the glory of lakes and waterfalls, Alcuin!\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The berserker's words struck him, and he felt a warmth blooming in his chest that he hadn't dared kindle before; a spark of hope, even while the darkness steadily closed in around him. He felt the weight of everything behind her words, yet it was a weight that helped him feel lighter. The promise of not being alone anymore was almost too good to be true. Yet he got the feeling from his interactions with Yrsa so far that, once she chose you, she would never abandon you. It wasn't a feeling he fully trusted yet; he didn't hope quite that far. But he decided to try to enjoy it, for however long it may last, rather than let the fear of what could happen drive him.\n\nListening intently to her talking about Aeterna, he was quite surprised for her to push open the door, standing in front of him with her wide, goofy grin. He smiled, tired but full of affection, and his tone was somewhat playful as he teased, \"Yes, I did expect it. And I'll start thinking you're coming onto me if you keep shoving your beauty in my face so brazenly!\" Though he was just joking, he did find himself blinking at her a bit dazedly; she was no beauty queen, but she did look quite nice, all cleaned up. His sluggish mind tried to remember what she had just said, \"Ah, uh, yes! The Adventurer's Guild, is what I think you mean. Their headquarters is in Aeterna, certainly, but we might find representatives of theirs in any large city in the Empire. I've hired adventurers through them before here in Luminia City. Though you're right, the most work will be available at the headquarters in the Eternal City.\" He wasn't really sure he was cut out to be an adventurer, but, he was certain he wasn't leaving Yrsa's side. And they both needed to go south anyway.\n\nAll signs of joy faded from his face at her question. He was So Incredibly exhausted. He wondered errantly if maybe he could actually sleep with Yrsa watching over him. At least then he could be more certain he wasn't wandering off in his sleep doing unspeakable things. And if he awoke from some terror of his mind, he wouldn't be alone. Recalling she had asked a question, he nodded, \"Yes. My... Sadness, as you call it, is getting much, much worse. I'm afraid I'll hurt someone, without meaning to. And I won't risk it. I'd rather do myself in on the road, if it came to it, than hurt anyone else.\" His eyes, bloodshot with lack of sleep, were determined when they met hers, \"We'll travel together.\" Briefly he smiled, \"And yes, you can teach me all about cold baths, and anything else that might be helpful on the road.\" Turning serious again, he sighed as he stated, \"But I can't say how or who I'll be, months or even days from now. If... If you have to, please, don't let me hurt you. I'd rather you kill me first.\" And with that solemn vow, he made yet another pact, the ramifications of which would remain to be seen." } ]	764	14,990
759.56	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The wind in the rough grasses brought Alcuin out of his brooding thoughts. He'd always appreciated the sort of song of wind in grass; it made him wonder what it would be like, being away from home. Would he come to miss this sound? He took stock of his surroundings, realizing he'd gone farther than he intended. A pang of anxiety hit him, fear washing over him thinking of that last time, so long ago, that he'd gone farther than he meant to... Shaking his head as if to shake out the memories, he whispered a soft prayer to Lunara as he kept walking, \"Please protect me, despite my stupidity.\" He laughed quietly, \"Though I don't blame you for not, since I keep getting into the same trouble.\" He scanned around once again, looking for taller grasses bearing seeds. They were useful to bulk up various food items and not completely devoid of nutrition. After collecting a few, he spotted some red in the distance. The ebbing anxiety quickly became excitement, *Berries!! They'll be perfect right now or dried for later... Best be sure they're not poisonous though.\n\nAlcuin quite contentedly harvested all the berries his pack could feasibly hold, wearing a small smile as he did so. A distant part of his brain lamented how he'd been losing the ability lately to appreciate and relish small joys like this. But with how crowded his mind had felt of late, he would take any victories of joy, no matter how small. He was so wrapped up in his gathering that it took him a moment to notice the rustling of grass and snapping of twigs. He froze, brown eyes wide, hand mid-way to his pouch. After a brief moment, his eyes darted around quickly, but saw no apparent source of the sound. Apprehensively, he called out softly, \"Hello?\"* His hand went to his dagger hilt, for all the good it'd do him. *Please don't be a bear, please don't be a bear,* He thought fervently, *The last one seemed pretty pissed at being blinded... And I have no guarantee that spell will work again..." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The keen adventurer, outdoorsman, or someone of Alcuin's caliber might come to confirm it by Smell* First and foremost; deeply penetrative and reminiscent of upheaved earth and moss. Indeed, the fair alchemist might not boast to carry the experience of a veteran hunter - yet, did his ventures not often take him to and through the forest groves? Woods old as time, trees tall as mountains. Some would call these elven lands Majestic, ... Others would call them Haunting. Those forests with thick canopies, through which only the slightest sliver of light managed to dance to the forest floor.\n\nOne paw, each digit armed with a veritable dagger, allowed her to shift her weight onto the shoulder of the animal carcass. With that distribution of strength, she exposed the soft tissue of the belly, though the incision of her elongated canines very much followed the <crunchand <crackof molars grinding bone to paste as if it didn't Really Matter. Despite the steady change of the seasons, the winds still had a winter chill as they howled and whistled through bushes, branches and leaves. Winds picked up that ursine scent and muddied it further with a stench of Rusted iron.\n\nDespite her size, she blended well into the environment. And though jaws crushed through bones and claws tore at flesh and sinew, it'd take a cunning eye and ear to note those beforehand. But, again, the Elven alchemist would Likely be able to tell. To anyone who had smelled that type of scent before, it was dead obvious. But it did take that sort of knowledge—the smell of an ursine creature, ... A large omnivore that had seemingly gotten lucky.\n\nAnd it was luck, for she appeared a clumsy beast. Not yet acquainted with what she should be looking out for - too inattentive. She did glance up every now and again, but those were also largely pointless. The problem with her type of beast was that she had the strength and size to give eight out of ten competitors a run for their money. A wolf? No problem. A pair of Orcs? Sure. But it also filled her with false confidence. Made her think she was at the top of the pack while That wasn't really the case. That's why she didn't have the perception necessary to Spot someone like Alcuin, ahead of time.\n\nIt was a she, most definitely. A brown bear. A considerable animal who currently appeared to occupy herself with the carcass of a stag almost as big as hers, with antlers that quickly showed it hadn't gone down without a fight. Though the majority of the blood on her snout appeared to originate from the stag's carcass, which she was eagerly digging into, there were faint signs of puncture marks around her shoulders and by her front legs. Her lack of attentiveness showed in those injuries, too, and they seemed to have a pretty good reason. She wasn't the largest, which would've made her gender pretty easy to discern. But more than that, she seemed to be physically around that in-between point of 'adult' and 'juvenile', mature but without the imposing frame of an older member of her species. 'Young adult' tended to be a description as fitting as any.\n\nDespite her size, her brown fur allowed her to blend well into the environment. Well enough that regardless of experience, the Alchemist seemed to have found himself within what said creature might very well consider 'its territory'." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The coppery scent of blood wafted through the air, and as soon as he noticed, Alcuin cursed silently. He was all too familiar with the smell of blood and hadn't felt squeamish about it since he was a very small boy. Once you stitched enough gashes and pulled out enough arrows and the like, blood just becomes part of the background. But in a situation like this, a time he was hoping would just be peaceful and calming, it sent him on high alert. *I can't just leave... I don't know how I could help, but... If someone is hurt, I have to do something,* He thought, steeling himself and taking very light steps forward. It only took a few steps to get around the large bushes and trees, then he saw it. He froze immediately, the fear feeling electric as it shot down his spine. He suppressed the urge to jump at each snap and crack of bone. But as he quickly scanned the gory scene before him, he heaved a small sigh of relief; it was just a stag. \n\nWhether or not the bear noticed him, he wasn't certain. He knew he should be backing away, slowly, but his feet felt rooted in place. A strange curiosity was washing over him, and he looked at the bear more closely. It was certainly smaller, though no less intimidating, than the last few he'd seen. Eyes used to assessing for wounds quickly noticed the punctures on her shoulders and legs. There was a dormant part of his brain screaming at him to get out, run, an injured animal is even more aggressive than normal. But for the second time of late, his head was suddenly filled to bursting with a cacophony of whispers, nothing discernible amid the overlapping noise. He felt the overwhelming urge to get closer. The shred of sanity tucked in the back of his mind rebelled furiously, but he'd barely slept last night, barely eaten anything today, and he just didn't have anything left to resist with. With eyes glassy and unfocused, he took one step forward." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Baleful blue eyes, cold as ice, Suddenly Shot up to meet Alcuin's gaze while his last footfall touched the somewhat moist forest soil - .. A gentle rain had passed through these woods sometime earlier. And though it was no longer all that obvious, his approach paired with a faint Squelch And Squeeze Of wet earth. Between the sow's fixation on her bloody feast and Alcuin's proximity, it wasn't an overstatement to say that the Elf's approach caught the bear Off-guard. Hence, it had become a situation that would have the blood of grown men run cold. And though comprehension was entirely up to him and his skillset, those ursine eyes spoke of Wrath And Rage, but also something else. \n\nSomething Deeper. And maybe Alcuin wouldn't know bear physiology - or perhaps he did? - but his experience in the medical field didn't make it that much of a stretch to see that this dumb bear teenager Shared many of the effects he felt. In this staredown, every second - every split of a second - mattered. While she wasn't the largest or the strongest, that still didn't eliminate the preposition that - if triggered - this creature could likely bridge the distance between the two instantly. She still had claws, teeth and strength sufficient to give a proper account of herself.\n\nInstead, more out of instinct and Continual, subconscious annoyance, rather than anything Active On her part, she suppressed a groan and wiped a paw across her snout. Her tongue lapped at one of the injuries on her paw, and along with it came a drawn exhale - her breath leaving the air before her temporarily misted.\n\nShe was tired, too. And while she TRIED to put up a real 'tough guy' act in what MOST would've experienced as the most intense staredown they had likely experienced, her wounds Hurt. They stung every time she moved a limb, ate, or breathed. Not that they were intense or lethal - they'd probably heal on their own given time. But even a stray city person would come to notice that the stag she put down? It was large, muscular, and probably experienced for its breed. \n\nIt hadn't been Easy To kill. Not at all. But Yrsa Won; she WON and CONQUERED her PREY and CLAIMED her TERRITORY. Her victory tasted Sweet, .. From more than one perspective! So .. Why did she feel so reluctant to direct that upon the-..\n\nHer head tilted a little. Didn't she recognize Alcuin's type of creature? He was an.. Orc? .. Troll?? Maybe Alcuin couldn't acknowledge her mental battle, but he could probably make out that this encounter wasn't clear-cut. His presence startled her but also left her visibly Confused - unsure of what action to take next. And that, in the end, was what came to the fore. A deep huff left her nostrils while she opened her maw a little, leaving the torn carcass to slump to the ground.\n\nThe bear appeared to stand its ground, trying to See What the Elf was doing - to detect his intentions. Its exhaustion seemed to prevent an immediate charge. Maybe it even left a small opening? Well, all of that could change in an instant, obviously." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The soft Thump Of the carcass hitting the ground as the bear released it and leveled her chilling gaze on him seemed to finally reach some part of Alcuin that could take control. His steps forward ceased, and though he was still a good five feet away from the young bear, he knew death was close at hand, if he made the wrong move. It was now far too late to run, and with the incessant whispering continuing in his head, he could barely think straight to formulate any kind of strategic plan. He squeezed his eyes shut for just a moment, willing his mind to be silent, but to no avail. His mouth turned down into a frown at the mental effort he was exerting, but he knew he had to try harder if he was going to walk away from this.\n\nAlcuin looked the bear over again, trying desperately to find anything that might help him out of this. When his eyes locked with hers again, after the initial jolt of fear passed, he felt the trembling he hadn't noticed go still. There was something... Familiar? Intelligent? He blinked a few times, almost walking forward again, out of curiosity this time, but stopping himself. Maybe it was the impending insanity, but he thought perhaps he could talk to this bear. It was worth a try anyway; what were his other options, besides die?\n\nHe held up both hands, very slowly, brows furrowed to stay focused on the bear and not his thoughts. He spoke as gently as he could, \"You're injured, and I'm a healer... If you'll let me, I'll help you.\" He tried to give a small, close-lipped smile, but couldn't manage it. Unbidden, images popped up in his mind of the bear ripping him apart, entrails and blood coloring the forest red. He gritted his teeth, one hand going to his head, and he mumbled to himself, \"I can't deal with this anymore! Maybe it's better if I die here, at least then it'd be no trouble.\" He breathed in sharply, shaking his head again, \"No, no I won't give up...\" Squinting through it, he tried to meet the bear's gaze again." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Those who genuinely understood an animal - druids, rangers, and fae of the wilds- could tell that Yrsa's breed was at its most dangerous during these adolescent years. That's because she hadn't yet gotten acquainted with the Theory of fear. Maybe there was an overly boisterous male or two who wouldn't mind picking a fight with a Humanoid, especially if pressed. But Most Of her kind knew to stay well away from anything with two legs and that it was usually more trouble than it was worth. And Elves? Especially Elves. They were the lords and protectors of these forests for a reason.\n\nBut she didn't get that. Young adults were dangerous because they had the power but not the wisdom. More than that, they tended to be Curious. Another would've fake charged Alcuin already - not of aim to kill him but only to scare him off - she Didn't know what to make of him. Even with her mental faculties unburdened by her transformation, Yrsa had only heard of the Elves as passing footnotes.\n\nShe did know of Orcs. Foul green tribal men and monsters that PELTED her with ARROWS and SPEARS, which she had to FIGHT OFF again, and Again, and Again. Orcs and GOBLINS, with their puny WOOD STICK WEAPONS. It infuriated her even thinking about it! And indeed, this ... This THING, it was just another Orc, wasn't it?! She was the LORD of this part of the forest! Not them! Not HIM! HE WAS HERE TO STEAL HER, KILL, AND CLAIM HER STUFF!!—\n\nBut then his voice hit her.\n\n'Injured.. Healer... Help.'\n\nShe couldn't make out whatever he was saying. But he didn't sound like an Orc. He didn't sound angry or challenging. He sounded considerate and soothing.\n\nThe bear clicked her teeth together and drew out another groan, one of those 'don't you friggin' DARE to move in on me' - type of vocalizations. It was clearly a warning that she wasn't falling for his Tricks And that he had better keep his distance. Yet, while that's what she had intended to relay to him, that she was TOUGH and STRONG and that he shouldn't even Try To compete, somehow her body refused to jump into action.\n\nIn the end, it was all an act. Maybe she couldn't understand Alcuin's words. But he also didn't seem hostile. And that's when something inside of her Clicked, ...\n\nWith a visible inhale, the bear tried to get a whiff of the Elf's scent. Outright, defensive hostility had slowly gone to ... To Something else. As Alcuin averted his eyes, shaking his head about while mumbling to himself, it's like she outright disappeared from his view. Of course, she wasn't That Subtle, but she was plenty quick. And what had been a tense staredown now transformed into a wild encounter perhaps a little too close for comfort? He wasn't approaching her anymore-\n\nShe approached Him. Rather rapidly, with a somewhat spirited gait in her step. Not a charge, but not an ordinary walk - trying to see how Alcuin would respond to something playfully provocative. If he hadn't turned tail to run away, the net result meant that she ended perhaps only a pace or two away from him. Right in front of him, close enough that he could see the individual strands of her fur. And feel the heat of her every exhale." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Vaguely aware that the bear seemed to be... Sniffing him, maybe, Alcuin tried to be very still. He could feel the trembling had returned with each ragged breath he took. He sorted through the threads of the many voices in his head, trying to will his mother's in amongst them. Hadn't she said something about bears responding to confidence, standing your ground? Or was that another animal? It was hard for him to remember on a good day, nonetheless while having one of these... Episodes, or whatever it was. Regardless, it was too late for him to do anything else. He turned the hand he had been up in surrender down, an open palm, beckoning. \n\nYet he was still caught off guard when she started to... Run wasn't quite right... Lumber, perhaps, towards him. The cadence of her run reminded him of children in the village running up to him when playing chase, almost as if to say, Got you! Your turn! It happened so quickly, his mind was torn between the memories of the children and the visions of bloody terror. But he tried his damnedest to stay focused on Her, for surely this was some act of trust, or maybe a test. And he was so tired of backing down, of rolling over, ignoring it. He wanted to take action, to do Something. \n\nOnce she stopped, just a pace away, and he could feel his hair standing on end, the pit in his stomach grew lighter. The more he fought to focus on the creature in front of him, the quieter his mind became. He took in the musky odor, the bloodstained fur, the extent of her injuries, and the curiosity in her blue eyes. He lowered both hands, a little amazed at both the internal events and external ones. Did bears usually have blue eyes? Wasn't that strange? He couldn't remember. Facts about plants and potions always stuck with him more easily.\n\nSlowly, not breaking eye contact, he crouched somewhat, wanting to meet her eye to eye on her level. Taking a deep breath, that he let out almost like a soft sigh, a sigh of relief from at least some of his anguish, the smile that graced his features was finally able to be fully genuine and full of all the warmth he could muster. He spoke softly again, almost reverently, \"I don't know if you understand what you've given me, but it is a great gift. Even if it's only fleeting, only a few hours of peace.\" He quirked a brow, \"Or maybe only a few minutes, if I piss you off.\" He reached into his pack, bringing out an assorted cluster of flowers and leaves, which he held in that same hand. With the other, he slowly reached towards the bear's shoulder, \"Maybe you were sent by the gods, or maybe this was just chance. But I'll share what gifts of healing Calisto has granted me, if you'll let me.\" He didn't quite touch but got close enough to be sure the magic would still contact and started to channel. A faint green flow emanated from his outstretched hand, and his gaze shifted from watching sinews sew themselves together back to her eyes, watching for any sign of anger or aggression." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Even with his calm disposition and soothing words, this confrontation still teetered on a knife's edge - Yrsa's physical state and Alcuin's approach had prevented outright conflict up to now. But an approach of her type tended to be reason enough for most creatures to do precisely the opposite: to draw a weapon or flee. That, in turn, signified them as either a potential threat. Or, worse, as prey. If the Elf had given in to his fears and Ran, Everything In her demeanour indicated that she would've chased him. And she would've probably caught up to him, too. There was definitely something intrinsically juvenile to all of it, but that's Precisely What made it so dangerous; the situation was chaotic and highly unpredictable.\n\nHis steadfast refusal to run. His ability to maintain his cool and commune with the bear in words that didn't betray either hostility or fear gave him far more power than any warrior with a sword. If he didn't run, that meant he was probably pretty tough! But he also wasn't moving in on her kill, so maybe this pointed ear orc thing didn't eat meat???? Her mind was too much of a swirl to consider that she KNEW something about all of this, primal urges continually overriding the sentience behind her gaze. Well, even if that was true, she still felt like this .. THING .. Wasn't edible. Or a threat. She was curious to try and find out?? But maybe it wasn't worth the effort.\n\nShe pulled a Brazen Display. Talking the big game, albeit figuratively, still left her close to this seemingly fearless creature-thing. He spoke, but she pointedly seemed to cast her attention Away From him; she rubbed another paw over her face and snout and shook her body as if with light Nonchalance.\n\nIt wasn't difficult to decipher that she was talking the big game, pretending she didn't even CARE about the Elf's presence. Or, more like, his presence was INCONSEQUENTIAL to her territory Or Her kill. Nothing could be farther from the truth, of course. With her clear inexperience, it was so obvious that she was just trying to feign inattention to see what Alcuin would do; what would he do if she wasn't looking at him directly? Would he try to take advantage of that? Could she lower her guard in his presence? Her posture said more than a million words. Giving off ALL the non-verbal signs that even if she was pretending not to look at him, She had him in her sights And she could STILL Lift a paw to PROVE her Dominance.\n\nUp close and personal like this, however, Alcuin might come to notice - especially if he had encounters with others of her species - that she wasn't a native of these woods. She was still very much a brown bear, which wasn't exactly rare in these forest thickets. But her fur was just a little denser, and her bone structure differed slightly due to a difference in diet - a little fatter, too. For a young adult, while she wasn't the largest brown bear around, she was still quite sizeable for her age; she took to storing more Fat Whenever she could than the local variety.\n\nAll of these attributes hinted at a more Northern Origin. A creature of the same species. But with better adaptations for pine trees, frozen lakes, and thick snow blankets.\n\nHer inexperience must've also come partially from that - a Wanderer Like himself.\n\nThere might be time to contemplate those little details later, but now probably wasn't it. The bear PRETENDED not to look at Alcuin, ACTED like she was In control, but everything changed when he reached out a hand for her. With an almost scared demeanour and a quick twitch of muscle fibres, her eyes were ON him again in an Instant; her throat reverberating with a deep, guttural Groan Of such intensity the Elf could likely feel it echo through his system. The end of her grumble turned to a pitch slightly higher, like she was NOT pleased with him encroaching on her space like that, and he was taking TOO many chances. The situation Switched Just like that, from relatively peaceful to VOLATILE; she was ready to bat him aside with a surge of defensive adrenaline.\n\nHe'd have been in his right to pull his hand away as fast as possible. But if he did, that would also confirm her suspicions. Her mild inattentiveness meant that Alcuin could reach his hand out and follow through with his healing if just for a moment - so long as he 'stood his ground' for lack of a better description. If he did choose to back off, that'd likely trigger a different approach, but assuming he DID follow through with his healing ..\n\nAnother growl followed the first. But rather than PAIN, the extension of his arm was paired with a feeling of Relaxation. How or why? She had NO clue. But it wasn't anything she expected. She had tensed up her muscles to strike but she just .. Remained in place, utterly dumbfounded by Alcuin's healing. And those herbs he showed? She thought to recognize them! She ate them whenever she wasn't feeling well!! They had that same sort of scent! That, and..\n\nThe creature suddenly tried to move in on him. Alcuin could see it coming, given that he was watchful for that sort of thing and kept an eye on her aggressive tendencies. It very much LOOKED like an Attack, but if he had taken note of her behavioural changes up to now, he might have noticed it wasn't Hostile at all. If anything, she wasn't moving in on Him. With the grace of a flopping fish on dry land, she tried to drive her snout into his form and swipe his bag away. Well, she didn't MEAN it aggressively, but she still weighed enough to push back a giant.\n\nShe was sure he'd survive. But there were more important matters at hand - or at paw - right now. Putting attention on his bag acquainted her with a subtle, sweet scent she knew Very well. And if Alcuin wasn't careful, if he wasn't quick enough, his bag probably wouldn't survive the encounter; teeth and claws trying to get at the trophies inside, to STEAL his BERRIES." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "As the bear looked away, even seemed possibly disinterested, Alcuin also let his gaze and mind wander for a moment. He was just starting to notice that she looked a little different, somehow, from bears he'd seen before, when saw her twitch and heard—Felt, even—the growl growing up from deep within her. His eyes widened, golden brown irises dominating as his pupils shrank, and his hand briefly twitched backwards, just a hairsbreadth. It wasn't enough to break the channel, and after a split second of holding his breath and still being there, whole, unharmed, he noticed the bear seemed to be... Confused? He felt the herb bundle in his other hand starting to disintegrate as it was spent for the spell he was using. Just when he had decided to go ahead and touch her shoulder to make the most of the last of his power for this spell, everything changed.\n\nHaving his eyes trained on hers, he noticed when they slid to his bag, a crossbody style that left the bag itself resting on his hip. The subtle twitching of her nose was a fairly good sign she was sniffing him, and his bag, out. Normally, a few weeks prior, he would've slung the bag at her, tried to blind her, and run. But he'd been working so hard to prepare to leave—he Had* To leave—and while he had some stash at home, he still needed every herb in this bag; his life might, literally, come to depend on it. Seeing her muscles tense as if to move, he made a sudden decision accompanied by quick movement, trying to sling the body of the bag around and behind him, aiming to get it somewhere underneath his head by the time she had him on the ground. A distant part of his mind wondered, *What good are the damned herbs if I don't live??* But he didn't have time to follow that thought through, and he was rather certain he couldn't fight her or outrun her.\n\nEvery breath he had felt like it was knocked out of his body with the impact of such a massive animal barreling into him. She had him mostly pinned to the ground, there was no way he could wriggle out, and he wasn't entirely sure as the adrenaline surged through him if he was hurt or not. As he regained his bearings in this new position, he felt his pack bundled up right under his neck; not quite his target, but still close enough. He wanted it somewhat hidden but not crushed by their combined weights. He took a gamble at what might work and spoke more loudly, somewhat more aggressively, to try to divert her attention and her snout from him bag, \"HEY!! Look at *Me* , listen to *Me* .\" If she was paying enough attention, she might notice a strange darkness lurking almost behind his eyes—something deep and unsettling, something that felt Wrong. Only present for a brief flash, it disappeared just as quickly. Hopeful that he'd gotten her attention but not her ire, he continued in a softer but still authoritative tone, \"You can have the berries... You can have them all, I don't care. Food is easy enough to come by. But I *Need* These herbs. I might literally die without them. Please, leave me the herbs.\" Searching her blue eyes, so dangerously close to his own, his brows furrowed and his eyes reflected the desperation he tried to not let seep into his voice, \"I feel there's... More to you than meets the eye. Please, please... Understand me.\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Unless he sought some form of escape by crawling out from underneath the ursine's massive shape, thick tendrils of drool would inevitably slather his face. He could feel this monster's teeth graze him by while she tried to pry the bag away from his hold, prodding and digging with those long claws while her tongue licked out for it. Her front fangs snapped out for the container, clicking together threateningly, ravenously - utterly hellbent on that sweet scent she had just now noticed on him. Pure instinct drove her actions, somewhat ignoring him in favour of what mattered far more; .. Sweet, sweet berries.\n\nHer response might've made more sense to him in the context that if she was a more Northern Type of bear, forms of sugar tended to be complicated for her to obtain. Berries contained a lot of energy but were rare in snow-covered locations. And even in forests such as this, she ran into fruit bushes now and again, but it also wasn't THAT common. So, smelling that sort of scent on him immediately had her mind Switch To something else again, something deeply opportunistic.\n\nA lot of people could've recognized that. And a lot of people would've simply given her what she wanted. They'd have tossed her the berries and the herbs and assumed everything was okay.\n\nIt was also one of the easiest ways to get maimed and eaten. Because while Yrsa had started associating Alcuin with something that WASN'T A threat or a competitor, if he started giving her food, she would come to associate him with food. If he then didn't continue to provide her food, it wasn't a giant leap of thinking to assume that, perhaps, he WAS the food. \n\nAnd if she realized that he was rather edible - ... About as tasty as the elk she put down - a creature which took far more effort TO put down-\n\nWell, there are still plenty of things he could've done. But if this encounter had gone that path, he would still have to be content with a furious, motivated, top-of-the-foodchain animal. But what she was doing to him, doing With Him, wasn't necessarily hostile. She was treating him in a manner similar to a curious juvenile trying to prod their older sibling. It was no doubt intrusive and annoying, but a second or two into the exchange, and while her claws and teeth probably scathed him by, she took care not to injure him deliberately. She wasn't digging at his skin - actually trying to Avoid Those fleshy parts as to leave him, well, maybe a little bruised? But she did nothing that would draw blood.\n\nShe tried to bump her head into his shoulder repeatedly and snake her snout along his neck. She tried to shift her weight from side to side to roll him a little, to make him relinquish his bag, but the fact that he remained underneath her made it difficult for her to reach. An irritable huff showed that she REALLY didn't appreciate him defending his berries like that, but also- more like, she just wanted to get at the berries and tried to boop him aside- but she was dealing with him in a very infantile fashion. Stubborn and steadfast, akin to a humanoid toddler who wasn't getting what they wanted. But rather than give her whatever she wanted and play on her spoiled nature, ...\n\nHe set boundaries.\n\nIt didn't take strength. Or power. Only that the bear associated him with something vaguely positive— albeit, on that line of continued confusion? And whatever she was doing - his voice made it clear that he didn't appreciate it. She was just rough-housing, a bit of playful wrestling. Yet, his voice and how he looked at her told her she had already crossed a line. And it wouldn't be clear what mattered more: the way he spoke, or what he said, or that moment of perilous eye contact. Inevitably, his eyes would reach hers. It was a frantic back and forth, and she was primarily concerned with the bag, but for just a split second, he got her Full attention again.\n\nMaybe it was the adrenaline. Or something else. And Yrsa couldn't comprehend it fully right now. But while that might've been true, she saw her reflection mirrored in his stare. A simple moment, so incredibly short, that she experienced as something which lasted far longer - something that felt like it diluted time itself. She became numb to the howling winds in the backdrop and ignored the sweet, fruity flavours wafting from Alcuin's bag. Her eyes stared into his, and she Felt Whatever lurked in his mind, like his eyes provided something of a gleam into his soul.\n\nIt was the case the other way around, too. Yrsa stared into his eyes and saw a terrifying, unspeakable, eldritch darkness - a... A type of madness that even beasts of the wild would know to avoid. At least, that's how she interpreted it. It felt like those places in the world that even SHE wouldn't dare encroach upon, and there Were Places like that.\n\nOn her part, as he noticed earlier, there was a strange sentience to her responses - an intelligence relatively Unlike Most bears. It wasn't prominent enough to stand out immediately. But staring into her icy blues revealed a Storm. A cloudy, murky realm wherein lightning struck with every beat of her heart, and her every vein and muscle screamed for the sweet sensation of adrenaline. Like him, it had an unsettling quality to it - but more upfront. An almost hedonistic desire for a primal release, yearning for dominance. That didn't necessarily mean Combat And Battle, because what did a bear know of such concepts? But there was a subconscious urge to her motivations.\n\nProbably the same that had her take down a stag that was out of her league. Her eyes screamed of a perpetual battlefield—raw emotion encapsulated in its most glorious state. She didn't Only Kill it for food but also to show the world that this was HER territory. A territory that SHE would PROTECT.\n\nAs mentioned, that moment of focus between the two didn't last long. That exchange didn't somehow miraculously end things. When their gaze disconnected, the bear still tried to get at Alcuin's pouch - even as he struggled and verbalized that he NEEDED it for some reason. Thus, it was a more gradual effect - one that Alcuin might Notice Immediately? But which took some time to seep into her mental recesses. After that moment, she continued to try and pry, but it was far less spirited than before. Hoping that this massive mammal might understand him was, perhaps, too much to hope for but somehow, ... He was winning! She tried to tire him out! Roundhouse him about a little more! Obnoxiously lick at his hair and face to try and get him AWAY from her berry prize. But she was slowing. She wasn't as spirited about it as she had been before.\n\nThere was something wrong about all of this.\n\n'I feel there's ... Something .. More.. Understand-'\n\nIt had to be some sort of illusion, right? This creature couldn't ACTUALLY understand him! But then, the bear gradually stopped. She hovered over him for a few more seconds, but then slouched back her frame to plop herself upon her rear.\n\nThis thing had helped her for no reason other than to try and .. Help? Presumably? She treated him with continued Ire And yet he hadn't really done anything to earn it. On the contrary, she felt a lot better because of whatever he did!\n\nSo. That's what felt wrong to her. Even a creature of the wilds could sometimes comprehend acts of kindness. And those last few words he shared slowly started to twist in her mind, repeated again and again. Her mind was like a storm, but his voice like a ray of light that broke it.\n\nWhat was more Human and compassionate than the desire to understand someone else? The light piercing through the chaos of her mind turned to the physical realm as well as her icy blue eyes lit themselves like a pair of torches - like bright fires that just HAD to be mystical and magical in nature. It might've just been a hunch, but he was right. \n\nBrown bears didn't usually have blue eyes. His acts of kindness had brought them to the fore. And allowed him to be a spectator of a marvel of nature. Simultaneously beautiful and unsettling.\n\nThat surge of bluish light briefly enveloped the beast's entire body. The thick coat of fur dissipated, .. Turning to flesh. Four legs turned to two. Quite frankly, the mysticism involved made it difficult to see the Exact Process. The unsettling crack and rearrangement of bone and muscle also showed that it wasn't Entirely Magical - not just poofing from one thing to another. It might've held similar properties to a Druidic Transformation, but, really, it was far more similar to Alcuin's Healing Than it was Sorcery.\n\nAnd it was a process that lasted a good few seconds at least.\n\nBut when it ended, the ursine creature gave way to something far Less Volatile to behold- .. Humanoid!! No, more than that- HUMAN, if the shape of her ears and features was anything to go by. Her bear's pelt settled upon her skin, draped across her body as garbs - the transformation also seemed to account for that much. A female in her late teens by the looks of things, with bright auburn hair - which, Alcuin could probably note, was the Exact Same colour as her bear form's fur - and pale skin decorated with dark marks; runic tattoos which, if the Elf had ever gone beyond the ordinary boundaries of this realm, he might identify with the tribes of men far more tribal than their southern neighbours. Quite frankly, her appearance was more in line with a caveman.\n\nHer physiological change ended with her staggering back a pace or two, breathing frantically before collapsing upon her back with a loud <THUMP>. Her chest moved in such a manner as if she had just run fifty miles, entirely out of breath. And her eyes had gone wide, staring absently up at the forest canopy." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin was surprised, bordering on shocked, that his gambit seemed to work. At least, as far as not getting mauled to death. He played a strange game of keep-away with the bear for a time, unable to keep the mixture of surprise and mild disgust off his face when she started licking his face and hair. He didn't consider himself all that dexterous, but she also seemed to be slowing, both in speed and the intensity of her attempts to get to the bag. Her previous confusion seemed to prevail, but as he'd been feeling for a while with this creature, something just felt...Weird.\n\nHe couldn't have imagined, in his wildest dreams, what happened next. That was, in part due, to him not remembering a lot of his dreams lately. And the fragments that did sometimes stick with him weren't as magical and mystical as what began to unfold before him. He was about to see if he could maybe wiggle his way out, while she was in her confused stated, when her eyes started to glow. It caught him so completely off guard that he just froze underneath her, both mystified and uncertain of what to do. \n\nAs bones began to crack, reshape, and fur began to recede, it started to click for him. It wasn't too dissimilar from stories the elders told to scare them around dark campfires in his childhood. Stories of people that could change their shape, often to some sort of animal form. He'd thought it was only a story, meant to scare them from wandering too far or going out alone in the forests and fields. By the time she had staggered a few steps away, fully human now, it took him a few moments to really register what had happened. He wore an open and honest expression of awe.\n\nBut once he had a moment to observe her, fear settled over him like a heavy blanket. Her tattoos and hairstyle were vaguely reminiscent of some of the things he'd seen flashes of in the dark as he ran for his life in the lands beyond, so many years ago. A sense of dread filled him to bursting, for just a moment. He was flooded with images of all the ways he could end her, while she was vulnerable, for just a moment. He shook his head fiercely, doing his best to shove those thoughts, those wishes for violence, far, far down. She had been good to him, so far. He had No reason, other than where she seemed to be from, to fear her. He swallowed nervously.\n\nTaking a deep breath, he slowly crept over to her. Her blue eyes, the same as the bear's, were still fixed on the sky as she breathed heavily. He scrambled back to his bag, then back to her. He put together a handful of fresh herbs as he looked her over for further injury. He spoke, once again, in the same gentle, soothing tones of before, the awe apparent in his soft voice, \"You must be exhausted... If you eat these, it should restore some energy to you.\" He held the handful out to her, not forcing." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "It took the barbarian several seconds before she responded at all. And while Alcuin probably couldn't read minds, he could see the terrible toll the transformation wrought upon her body. Unlike the more gentle ways of the druids, she bore the lingering echoes of a forest spirit's final death-howl - cursing her very soul, nor was she more Human Than Bear But something that was Both Yet neither simultaneously. Her ursine qualities, improved hearing, sense of smell, a better insulated body - all of that Went away Within mere moments. In their place came supreme eyesight, and a type of flexibility in the smaller digits that a bear wouldn't manage in a hundred years. Nature twisted her body and spat her out as something completely different, fresh like a newborn babe but with a stage of development that matched both species; she was a young adult Human. Therefore, a young adult brown bear.\n\nShe slowly raised a hand before her, up in the air, looking at the limb while she flexed her digits. Even that motion alone betrayed the level of exhaustion she felt, as she only managed to leave it suspended for a short period of time before her arm drooped feebily by her side again.\n\nIt was a harsh toll. But it wasn't the first time she transformed. And while it took a lot, she knew it well enough to manage. With Alcuin encroaching upon her, her eyes flitted to him again. Her teeth clenched together, jaw tense, as if she still thought to be in her bear form - as if she hadn't realized that the tables had turned Completely. Yrsa was no longer in control, no longer a beast of fury and power. Yet, her gaze went from him, briefly glancing at the slight, reddened marks upon her shoulders. And they were on her face, too.\n\nThe injuries she suffered in her bear shape naturally transitioned over to her Human body, too. As did the fact that they had been recently healed. And they still stung a little, but Most Of the pain had gone .. And that got her to look at Alcuin again. Her mind temporarily left the chaotic swirl of rage and chaos behind, returning to her that which she had been struggling to regain; .. Full consciousness. Unburdened - or at least less influenced - by animalistic instinct.\n\nShe could see clearly now. See what he was. He wasn't an Orc at all!\n\n\"... Elf...!\" She managed in recognition between cracked lips and parched breaths. Her eyes sparked with a strange enthusiasm, like she was GLAD To see someone like him. But it was short-lived. Before long, just a moment or two after Alcuin mentioned eating something, Regaining her energy, she suddenly shot up with a sudden vigour - something of an inbetween from a roll to a crawl. The bear-woman ended on her knees and palms, violently convulsing-!! She tried to SNATCH the herbs out of his hands with little regard for him, though too late, as a vile smelling stream of putrid, bile-like liquid flowed from her lips. A vomited out, barely digested mixture of raw meat, blood, acorns and leaves. And it didn't end there; whatever was plaguing her Hit her like a sledgehammer.\n\nShe vomited out her stomach's contents, but the moment she felt something of an opening, she FORCED those herbs down her throat before her body shot into motion for the stag carcass. Her stomach rumbling violently as she stumbled up to the fallen animal's side, allowing herself to fall upon her knees right next to it. Her hands dug into the still warm body, tearing out organ meat and sinking her teeth into it in such a manner that it sent blood to splatter all over her face - and not just blood, but a mixture of vile animal fluids. She drank the blood, relished in the beast's bile, and set her teeth about bones like a scavenger picking clean a rotten corpse.\n\nIt looked absolutely disgusting. At times, her body repulsed, and threatened to spew out more vomit, but she suppressed it by simply drowning it out in whatever she was eating." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The young elf watched, with some small amusement, as this very young human woman before him almost seemed to be reborn again. He watched her observe and move her hand, as if being a five fingered creature were completely new and foreign. He was also keenly aware of when she began to truly clock his presence again. He continued to proffer the bundle of herbs and suppressed a chuckle at her aggressive annoyance towards him. Once his amusement at this strange new situation subsided, he began to regard her injuries again. His healing was simple but did the job well enough. It would still possibly scar, but she wouldn't bleed out either. And no other sickness or injury would impede her overall recovery now.\n\nHe was mildly startled by her blurted recognition of what he was but offered the same warm smile, nodding, and reaching to also offer her his waterskin; her voice was so hoarse. But before he could really offer the water, she shot up and snatched his offering. He was about to speak, to advise her to take it easy and eat them slowly, when she violently began emptying the contents of her stomach. He sidled out of the way of the bile, putting a very light, very soft hand on her back as she retched. He was significantly more startled by her immediately shoving the herbs down her throat and lunging for the stag carcass in a display worse than any starving animal he'd ever seen.\n\nScratching his head for a moment as he regarded her bloody display of eating, he was mortified to feel and Hear His stomach growling. How in the hells did This Stir his appetite?? He was a vegetarian, firstly. And as of late, his appetite had been terrible; even his absolute favorite meals prepared by his own mother weren't enough to rouse him to hunger. This dissonance was too great for him, and he watched her a little dumbfounded for several minutes.\n\nThe disgust won out, in the end, and he was absolutely certain he couldn't possibly eat That, especially in such a gory way. He approached her cautiously, still feeling somewhat that, though in a human form, the beast still lurked just beneath the surface of this girl. He crouched down next to her, about a pace away. He started to warn her, \"Please, miss, do slow down... I guess someone like you can eat raw meat, you must not get too sick or surely you wouldn't do it. But I'm rather sure no one can eat at this pace without getting sick.\" His eyes were calm and warm but pleading; he really didn't want anything else bad to happen to her. \n\nBut after looking at her for a few minutes and getting no immediate response, he grew distracted. He felt almost mesmerized by the blood covering her hands, smeared all over the lower half of her face, splattered about all over her general person. He was no stranger to blood, but in this instance there was less of the drama and immediacy he generally felt when confronted by someone covered in blood. Or at least, if such things were present here, the part of him that should've recognized it wasn't paying attention. He knew better than to disturb an animal while it was eating, but he felt like a moth drawn to flame as he reached out to touch her bloodstained cheek. It was the softest, simplest touch; one gentle swipe, then he was holding the fingers in front of his face, regarding them with furrowed brows. It was again almost like she wasn't there, like he was lost in some other world for a moment." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "A frantic startle shot through the berserker's system, from her spine to her neck .. Electric - her behaviour like a Cat Sprayed with water! So focused on her bloody feast was she that the Elf's presence had faded into the meaningless backdrop. But his touch, gentle, and his voice, brought him back to the center of it all; her head Twisted Toward him, teeth bared. Her nails, far more blunt than her bear claws, were still trying to dig into the stag body. For the moment, she looked more akin to a serial murderer- a butcher of men- than anything more civilized. And by that measure, along with her strange apparel and tattoos, any would tell that while she was Human - at least, partially -, she was a far cry from the civilized peoples of the Empire.\n\nShe initially appeared to recoil from his touch and presence. And she almost jerked herself back when that initial moment of contact came. The baring of her teeth was still a remnant from her previous state, but the keen intellect of a Humanoid filled her thoughts soon after, and she Realized .. Comprehended, which her face failed to hide. Her expressions and how they changed showed everything. \n\nFrom the initial fear and hostility, which she manually ceased - she blinked Once, Twice, and then looked at Alcuin with Recognition. Her shoulders and chest still moved with evident rhythm as she unconsciously tried to feed more oxygen into her chest, the pause brought about by his touch getting her to stop eating for Just a moment. Yrsa bit down on her lower lip, almost to the point that she drew blood, and slowly conquered her apprehension .. Culminating in something far more profound than any sentence. She stared at him with those same blue eyes he knew, rarely blinking. Then, her head tilted just a little, and while she had intended to drag another batch of torn, tattered flesh to her lips, she glanced at it ..\n\nBefore slowly bringing it not up to her Own Face but Toward Alcuin. Tendrils of animal blood still dripped from her lips. Viscera and gore blackened her teeth. Blackened teeth she showed clearly not in aggression, but—\n\nCompassion?\n\nA gruesome smile had taken its place on her face, big and toothy - almost childlike.\n\n\"Ais shwfinalleh f-\" She blundered out of her lips, quickly swallowing and clearing her mouth so the Elf could Actually understand her. Bloodied saliva spat all over the place. Nonetheless, she cleared her throat, and Spoke;\n\n\"... I finally found you!!\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The young elf was completely unaware of the young woman's actions for a few solid minutes. His mind was consumed with the blood on his fingers, feeling it, observing it, Relishing It. He was getting a certain kind of... Comfort, or maybe glee, from just having it on his hands. But once a handful of bloody, smelly meat and viscera was shoved in his face, it startled him from this reverie. His conscious mind was in control again, and he was Completely Repulsed by what Had Happened and what Was Currently happening.\n\nNow it was Alcuin's turn to vomit, as he bent over and attempted to empty his stomach, shaking a little and frantically wiping his hands on the grass. But only a little came up, followed mostly by bile. Eating had been a struggle lately, with near constant nausea making his stomach do flips. Once nothing was left, he made a few dry heaves, then took a few minutes to just breathe. Sitting up, he only just registered what she had said. Him? Who would be looking for Him? He had some reputation as a healer and alchemist but only very locally. As his wide eyes took her in, he wondered, *Was she really, actually, sent by... Whatever is influencing me?* His mind was a scatter, and it was so hard to find any foothold at all. This was all Far Too much; he was a simple village boy!\n\nHer gory but somehow innocent smile almost drove him mad... Well, more mad. The contrast was too much, too much a mirror to what he was feeling every day. The more he regarded her, the more his emotions roiled and became incredibly mixed. He was alarmed, disgusted, to find her and her general appearance...Alluring. He hardly ever had such thoughts or desires on his own, but this damned insanity was making them more and more common. But this... He felt he might vomit more but worked to suppress it. Not that she wasn't attractive, but she was nearly a child. And covered in blood and gore. It certainly wasn't normal for him to feel attraction to this.\n\nAlcuin swallowed hard, unable now to meet her deep, expressive blue eyes. Shame washed over him, accompanied by embarrassment that tinged his cheeks pink. He spoke even more softly, more quietly than before, \"Gods above... I hope you're here to help me. I so desperately need it.\" \n\nHe felt a strong desire, no; he felt the Need To... Make this up to her. As if his stray thoughts were written all over his face. As if he'd tainted or offended her by simply Thinking Of her in such a way. He tried to ignore the smeared and dried blood on his hands as he frantically dug in his bag, retrieving another bundle of the healing herbs he'd used before. His sane mine screamed at him that this was a waste, wholly unnecessary; He Needed these far more than she did. But he ignored that too, gently but firmly planting one hand on her shoulder while the other clutched the herb bundle tightly. He cast the healing spell again, watching the faded pink marks fade away completely, her injuries entirely gone, no trace they had ever been there. He tossed the dust leftover from the bundle once it was used and the spell was done. He wanted to return her smile but could only bury his face in his hands." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "A nightmarish grin and rambunctious nature seemingly only tempered by the level of Exhaustion The young woman felt in every muscle fibre; .. As a doctor, Alcuin surely knew the biology of even Men - different, though similar, they were to his kin. Humans were, after all, populous. But this dweller of the woods before him was such a far cry from That template. Though his experiences were his own, likely locked and obscured by the darkness he so briefly allowed her to glimpse earlier, if he had ever travelled beyond the ordinary boundaries of the Empire he might identify her appearance more so with the tribal men and women who lurked beyond those borders. From her tattoos, which spoke of a different culture entirely, to her Build, bearing, and even her height. For one, she was Tall ..\n\nNot exceedingly so. But Alcuin, as an Elf, was quite lengthy. And she seemed around that same height, albeit maybe just a Little Shorter. It was a slight difference. At the same time, most Humans of more southern, temperate lands - especially women - tended to be a head or two below her. And while the blood dripping through her fingers obscured her calluses, her arms were relatively thick - shoulders broad, waist also somewhat broad, slightly slimmer around the waist just through sheer physical acumen. It was a physique that told a warrior's tale but Less of a soldier, and more Of someone who just smacked a club around a lot Ate a lot of meat and drank a lot of beer. Like her bear form, she had an evident predisposition for gaining weight and storing fat. The lands she hailed from required it, given how cold those winters were.\n\nThe herbs he had given her earlier helped. A steady energy flow and a functional metabolism allowed her to Slowly Find her bearings. As he surmised, her strange biology probably allowed her to consume such raw flesh without risk of unnecessary sickness or death, some sort of .. Gut biome that carried over from form to form. Most importantly, the blood quenched her thirst. The stag's flesh gave her stomach something to Digest. Its organs kick-started her system. And then, finally, Alcuin's herbs helped immensely by providing that same system just a slight, additional boost.\n\nThat didn't fix her outright. But for the first time since her transformation, her eyes had a deeper awareness. She examined Alcuin, .. His ears, what he looked like, what he was. Her depraved manner of consumption momentarily Stilled As she stared at him. So she saw all of it when he buckled over and recoiled from the foulness of the food she tried to share with him.\n\nNot everything carried over perfectly. Much of the time Yrsa spent in her bear form was more of a 'blur'. After all, she was trying to recollect memories with a completely different intellectual capacity. But she did recognize something—a vital part of why she hadn't attacked him earlier.\n\nA soft groan escaped her as she pressed a palm against the forest floor, still sticky and wet with the stag's blood, and she rose. Her hand provided the initial support, and she used the carcass to stabilize herself. Finally, standing on two feet, she nearly surrendered to a stagger; her body felt Weak, Tired, .. But she remained standing. From there, she disconnected herself from the stag, standing at full height. She rolled her shoulder, testing the limits and noticing the lack of pain—the renewed vigor due to his healing.\n\nThe warm sunlight caught her from behind. And a shadow stretched from her form, half-overlapping with the Elf. It might've looked like she eclipsed it from his position. \".. Don't..\" She spoke, following her word with a tired sigh. Before she could follow through with whatever she wanted to say, a light Laugh Escaped from her lungs- \"Heh...! Haha...\" - though, another irregular breath stopped it. She wiped a hand across her forehead, sweat collecting on her face and neck.\n\nShe couldn't correctly say it right now. Yrsa still had too many things to deal with - too much exhaustion and too many side-effects from her transformation. But she recognized what he was doing. Out of anything, he just felt..\n\nReally desperate. And .. It felt like it had to do with how Alcuin looked at her earlier.\n\nHe was a bizarre creature. Yep, she was sure about that. Anyway! She gathered some strength and swallowed down her bloodied saliva again, reaching a hand out for Him, in turn, to try and place it upon his shoulder. Her body almost slouched while she did, struggling to remain upright. And if he allowed it, he could feel that she was using him as support to deal with her own lack of balance.\n\n\"Don't know.. What you need help with. But-\n\nHelped me!! Think, it'd be right to .. HELP you too!! Whatever... It, uh.. Is-\"\n\nThe Elf just felt really sad!! Was that why he was here? Because he felt sad? Well, even if she was exhausted, she still had a lot of strength in that body of hers. With a jerk of a movement, she tried to give Alcuin a comforting hug. Was she a hugger? She didn't really remember. But that's how people comforted each other, right? He felt sad so, because he helped her, it felt right to let him know stuff was okay!\n\nWell. That was the intention. And it probably half-worked if he didn't resist? But soon after that, she just became a Dead weight. She slouched meaninglessly forward and to the side, and her strength dissipated instantly. Her eyes shut. And she crashed, face first, down towards a big, muddy pool, beside Alcuin. He'd have to be careful not to get swept up with her! She weighed around one hundred and eighty pounds like this!\n\nAgain, Alcuin's herbs helped a lot. But she seemed completely out of it for the moment and likely would be for a while. Like this, he could easily wipe his hands clean from this situation— leave, and not look back. Forget all of it ever happened! .. But if he chose to stick around, or do something different? She probably wouldn't come to before the evening hours. And maybe, then, he could find out if there was more to this than a chance encounter?- but then, was that worth the risk?! There weren't any guarantees that she wouldn't subconsciously transform back!" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Buried too deeply in his own feelings, it hadn't quite registered yet how very odd her speech was. The words themselves only half-registered; he wanted to just cease existing, he was so tired of just...Everything. He jumped slightly at the hand on his shoulder but was already too overwhelmed to do anything about it or to notice anything irregular. He once again resolved that leaving was the right decision. And also felt his hesitations slipping away. There was no reason to wait anymore, he would leave tomorrow. His mind was racing, too many feelings and thoughts to keep track of or even begin to sort. He hadn't moved his hands or even tried to respond before he felt arms circling around him.\n\nAt this touch, he gave a rather mighty jerk. Not necessarily to pull away but more borne of fear. He didn't really respond, or at least didn't allow himself, to touch in an entirely normal way. He could shake hands, tolerate shoulder touches, and had over the years been able to turn off his fear with touching or being touched by his patients. But it had been many years since he had been hugged. Even from his own mother, he shied away from such contact; especially after the incident, it just... Wasn't the same between him and either parent anymore. If he hadn't been panicking before, he was now. His hands left his face and flailed uselessly for a moment, as this young woman was quite strong and seemingly unaware or unable to control the force she was exerting on him. His pink face became red, and not just from the blood now being liberally smeared all over his person.\n\nHis precariously spinning mind finally slowed enough for him to take a good look at what he could see of her face, so close to his own. Her expression was warm, serene, kind. Much like the expression he had so often worn when trying to calm someone down. Though he still trembled vigorously from the unexpected contact, his mind at least understood her intent. He didn't dare think beyond that.\n\nHe was about to gently push her away, blurt some awkward and not well thought out thanks, when her eyes slid shut and she began to drag him to the ground with her. Seeing it coming somewhat, he managed to only get half pinned under her, this time. He wrenched himself out, immediately but gently flipping her over with the practiced ease of someone who had done so many times. He looked her over quickly—she was completely out! He huffed out a \"Huh...\" A bit confusedly. He surmised, just seeing the transformation, that it must be quite laborious on her system; he also guessed, based on her age, that perhaps she wasn't very experienced at it yet. He laughed softly, despite all the dark emotions that had been roiling in him just moments ago. This strange girl seemed to have a way of clearing his dark clouds, like a ray of light.\n\nHe thought aloud, \"Well... You can't stay here. But I'm also not strong enough to move you very far.\" He looked around, spotting a large tree very close. Surely he could drag her there. \"It'll have to do.\" He struggled for a good deal longer than he'd like to admit dragging her, as gently as such a thing could be done, underneath the cover of the tree. He said with a wry smile, \"You're quite a dense young thing!\" He dusted his hands and set about gathering soft brush to cushion her head. \"This might put a damper on leaving tomorrow... Oh well, no bother.\" He was at the very least certain that he couldn't do much if any harm to this one. He would stay with her until she woke. It was the least he could do after this strange but pleasant back and forth they'd had. He continued his gathering, staying nearby enough to see or hear her if she needed anything." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "During the day, the steady change of the seasons and the presence of the sun meant that while it was still chilly, it Felt Like spring was just around the corner, too. Aside from those frigid, howling winds, it could get quite gentle. And that showed in the entire natural landscape; some late winter flowers had already started to bloom. And the desolate, wintery landscape of brown and white had steadily grown back to an abundant, lively green. That said, winter hadn't gone entirely, and it could still get plenty cold - especially at night.\n\nYrsa wasn't entirely sure what woke her. The cold biting her skin - a sensation that she could Easily Have ignored with her thick winter fur. Or the chaotic, flitting dreams that plagued her mind. She had barely regained her mind, and already, that spectre of ultra-violence rooted itself in her mental backdrop, threatening to spill out. And whatever she dreamed about had her whiten her knuckles, her hands a pair of tense fists. Sweat rolled down her face and had already soaked the fluffier parts of her garb. When her eyes did open, they did so Suddenly - pairing with a sudden gasp of air, like a fish on land, struggling to breathe.\n\nIt lasted only a moment. Her breathing was elevated for only a moment, before she managed to slow herself. She gathered her saliva and swallowed loudly, following it with another short inhale before her lungs finally calmed.\n\nWhere Was She?\n\n\"Uuhhgh..\" She groaned, rubbing the back of her head as she made to sit up straight, with her back against the tree. Which she glanced back at, actually, because she didn't remember seating herself against it. Neither that, nor some sorta... Mossy pillow??\n\n\"How much did I DRINK last night?\" She continued, the exhaustion still keeping her in its grips. But unlike before, she actually seemed to be moving with some fluidity. She just felt like she had a hangover times a hundred. But she was capable of being understood, at the very least. Despite her northern origins, she seemed to speak the common Imperial tongue!! — albeit .. A Heavily Accented variant. Not so much in the way she Pronounced Her words? But the heaviness with which she spoke it. Which directly contrasted her pitch because while her voice didn't have That High of a pitch, it was still thoroughly feminine. \n\nRelatively smooth and relaxed - a far cry from her ursine vocalizations.\n\nThe sun hadn't come up yet. And wouldn't for several hours. By all accounts, as far as any could tell, it was in the Middle of the night, in the Very early Morning hours. The lack of light meant that she realized only a few seconds in that .. She wasn't—\n\nAlone? She blinked and rubbed her eyes, trying to clear her vision, mumbling a tired .. \"Uncle??\" Under her breath." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Very true to his nature, Alcuin was so preoccupied that he didn't note the passage of time accurately enough. He had also felt pretty sure she would wake after just a few hours of sleep. So he was surprised as he noticed the blue-purple tinges of sunset beginning to end on the horizon. He'd gotten quite a good haul, for the day in total, even not straying too far from his sleeping new friend. Were They friends? He supposed that would depend upon her on waking. He felt enough of a connection, a kindred spirit in having a split mind, that he was keen to make the most of whatever time he could share with her. \n\nThough simultaneously, he was terrified. He'd only allowed himself to get close, really close, to a small handful people in his life so far. And after the rejection from his parents, his heroes effectively, he tended to abandon people first, before they had a chance to abandon him. He wouldn't Literally Leave, but he would spend less time or give less empathy, pour himself into work, whatever he had to do to lessen the connection, to prevent the potential pain. Yet this time, his need outweighed his fear, for once. And for a change, he was actually planning on physically leaving. That could be an out, if he felt he really needed one.\n\nOnce it was too dark for him to feel he could still gather safely, and the cold began to prickle his skin, he made his way back to the woman. He hadn't realized the time in time to build a fire. And the lingering moisture of winter weather would've made it near impossible anyway. With some trepidation, he sidled up as close as he could to her without actually cuddling; body heat was going to be the only certain warmth he could offer. He attempted to channel the bit of light he was capable of summoning, but after 3 tries, unsuccessful, left him with nearly a migraine, he gave up. He let his eyes droop, not really sleeping but not entirely awake; much like many recent nights before, exhaustion without sleep.\n\nHe had no idea how much time had passed when he was roused from his light, fitful sleep by sudden, sharp gasping. He scooted about a half-pace away, her consciousness reigniting his fear of being too close. He tried again to summon a little light, the pain of his previous attempts dulled enough that he was willing to risk it again. The morning hours meant his now familiar mental background noise of constant whispers was going again. He was too tired to pull his focus away from it and was surprised when a small ball of soft, clear light, much like moonlight, ignited in his palm. Had listening to the whispers made casting Easier? \n\nThe confusion evident in her speaking, tore his focus from this line of thought. He'd also never heard an accent quite like that before. \"The only thing I saw you drink yesterday was buckets of stag blood. And I don't know about any uncle... You were a bear, and alone.\" He offered a warm smile, small with his exhaustion but sincere. His voice was a little strained but gentle, \"I don't know if, or what, you remember... But you were injured, I healed you, you passed out. I couldn't just leave you here.\" It struck him how similar her deep blue eyes were, no matter what form or state of mind she was in. He held her gaze steadily." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The light finally filtered properly into her eyes, and she could tell - almost at the same time he said it - that he spoke the truth, something that brought her Right Back to the present day. Her mention of that familial name paired with a slight spark in her eyes .. A gentle 'what if'. But instead of the person she thought to see, that her memories still frequently brought to the fore, the image settled on a somewhat skinnier figure.\n\nHer mind clicked—recent memories shooting through her brain at rapid speeds.\n\n\"Elf...!\" She said, almost Enthusiastically! Less like she was addressing him. More that she had finally, at long last, encountered An elf! Marvel sparked through her blue eyes. And the personality she presented appeared, before she even said much, almost Whimsical In nature - like ..\n\n\"Huh? Me?\" She feigned surprise, pointing a finger at herself.\n\n\"I did no such thing! I don't know what you're talking about-\" She said, obscuring a dumb smile and crossing her arms before realizing that the stag corpse was STILL IN THE AREA. Also, half her face - her chin, jaw, and neck - were crusted over with dark blood. She opened her mouth again, then stopped before saying anything more to think it over Just a few more seconds, biting down on her lower lip while raising an index finger up to her chin .. Tapping it contemplatively.\n\n\"Okay!! So, I'll admit that I might've drank a.. Pint. Yes!! But certainly not buckets. I am not a barbarian! In fact, I am very graceful! Probably the graceful-est of my homeland!\"\n\n.. Like, she was just outright goofy. \n\nHaving the chance to get something in her stomach, to sleep a little - she still felt Very Tired. But all things considered, she also seemed to have enough energy to go off on her ploys and plays again, grinning along with her bold claim. She scratched her head again.\n\n\"You're... The elf seer-shaman! You have the berries.\"\n\nYrsa nodded to herself confidently, knowing she had remembered the most crucial part of their exchange while she was in her bear state. With a slightly more spirited spring in her step than before, she climbed up to her feet along the side of the tree. From there, she made a couple of stretches, twisting her hips and flexing her arms.\n\nWell, he probably couldn't tell exactly why. But she sounded like she was in good spirits. It had been Months Since she woke up in the company of someone, and that felt .. Good! Less lonesome!" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "At her excited exclamation, his smile deepened and he nodded. He observed and listened with fatigued amusement to her animated responses. She was so full of contrast. A young woman, well-developed, clearly strong and skilled in combat; yet she was acting and talking like a young little girl excited by an unexpected surprise. He dug in his bag a little as he listened, fishing out a simple combination of things to hopefully help him wake up a little more. He couldn't suppress a chuckle as she tried to deny her kill and consumption, so clear by the evidence all over them both and the nearby carcass.\n\nHe was still absently chewing his herbs when she called him a seer-shaman. He almost spat out the herbs, \"Pfft—wait, a what now?\" Some flecks of chewed herbs stuck around his mouth, but he didn't seem to notice; it added nicely to the complete picture of him covered in splotches of blood and forest debris. \"I can heal, I can make various potions and other healing concoctions.\" He considered for a moment, \"I guess I've started having visions, but... They don't seem like the prophetic kind. At least, I hope not.\" A shudder ran through him. \n\nHe regarded her warmly as he stood, too, maintaining the light in his hand. \"I'm sure you're quite graceful, under better circumstances.\" He gave a small bow of his head in more official greeting, \"I'm Alcuin. I live in nearby Elpherdy City, and I grew up in this area. But you...\" His eyes narrowed, more thoughtfully than critically, \"Seem to be far, far away from home. What brings you here?\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "\"AH-HA!!\" Yrsa laughed, acting like she had him All figured out. \"— of course, you hear whispers! From what I can tell, .. Alcuin, of Elfy City ... You are a Witch!! Only a witch would claim to heal and make potions in front of a big potion pot! Perhaps...\" She rubbed her chin, briefly looking up. \"- this is the first time you have heard that you are such? Do not worry. I know these things. My nose is lucky. This is true because my uncle said so, but I say so too.\"\n\nShe then gazed down, back at him, and planted her hands upon her hips - a robust and confident posture.\n\n\"A... Ah! But, you do not need to worry times two. Because, I do not hunt witches. Only hags. My people would hunt witches, .. My old people!! But, I like witches. You even have a witch-like name! Alcuin. That is the witchiest witch-name I have ever witched! Even you cannot deny this.\n\nBut. I do not like hags. I think I already said this. But I will say it twice. So you had better not be a hag.\"\n\nYrsa shuddered at the thought of Those Types of foul woodland creatures. Thankfully, it was only a fleeting thought, and she contemplated their introductions. Several seconds passed after he introduced himself and asked his question - one she answered with short-lasting silence. Like even She Didn't entirely know the answer. So she started with the easiest thing for her to handle;\n\n\"Yrsa.\" She started, but her eyes narrowed just a little when she phrased the next part of it.\n\n\"... Von Schwarzhofen.\" She said, wondering herself if that Still was the case.\n\nBut..\n\nIt felt good to introduce herself like that. So she stood by it.\n\n\"I beat things up. For metals! .. Gold. The shiny ones. I don't see why they are so important. But without, the market people won't give me meat! Even if their meat is MANGLED and HORRIBLE. Not even fresh!!!\"\n\nThen she pondered on the most important part of his question. What the heck was she doing here? Like, surely she had some sort of— purpose, or, reason, or-\n\n\"At this tree?? Well.. Uh. Now, you can tell us where we go next! I don't remember falling asleep beside the tree. So I think you saved me! You get to choose! I heard there's, uh.. South??? Yes. But it's still night. So .. Should probably sleep until it's day. There's Goblins! Filthy, PESKY little GOBLIN FILTH! STOLE my SMASHER and CHOPPERS!\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The young elf was flabbergasted, initially, by her interpretation of events. But when she said he heard whispers, his brows furrowed, the noise in his head rose in volume and, with it, the light in his hand brightened. He hadn't Said Anything about that, had he? Was it so written on his face, now? He was distracted from these thoughts by her continued sharing. She seemed to be from a more... Tribal society. Maybe magic was less common there? He wanted to explain but guessed she wouldn't understand anyway; plus, she gave off an air of stubbornness. \n\n\"Well, Yrsa, you're right, I'm certainly no hag. I've never seen one, nor any goblins, for that matter.\" He looked up at the moon, which used to give him such comfort, and felt a knot in his stomach like a knife. He grimaced, before shaking his head gently; the whispers were a constant buzz this time of day. \"Get more sleep, if you can. It's no use for me.\" He chuckled darkly. \"I'll watch over you. At least maybe one of us can feel rested.\"\n\nAt her suggestion that he choose, the unspoken but implied invitation to travel together, his face went blank, and he blinked at her a few times. \"I just healed you a little and tried to make you comfortable...\" He trailed off, letting out a big sigh. He had the feeling she wouldn't be easily shaken. And he wasn't sure he wanted to, anyway. \"I was planning on heading south, too. I need to grab some things from home though. I had intended to start my journey on what will soon be today.\" His face grew serious as he asked in a small voice, not meeting her eyes, *\"You know I'm... Going insane, and you still want to travel with me?\" He preferred to rip that bandage off now. If she was going to leave him, sooner would be better than later, for he could feel an attachment to her already... So very dangerous, at least to him." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "With her lucidity ever a point of contention, Yrsa seemed to have blurted out a word in this language that didn't perhaps Entirely* Relay what she meant - but it appeared to Resonate With him. Her simplistic, goofy demeanor kept the beast inside locked away, and his acquaintance with her would surely bring that to the table sooner rather than later. Maybe they were alike from that perspective - because she was often scared, too. And it's not something she necessarily could pinpoint? .. She..\n\nYrsa folded her arms while listening to him. Her lips pursed, and her gaze lowered to a spot between them. \n\nShe recognized his fear. \n\nBecause she was afraid of people leaving her, too. For obvious reasons. And some less obvious. Her surname, while definitely of a more Northern Bearing - it seemed rooted in a language heavily influenced by the Empire's but bastardized - was also relatively Intelligible. If Alcuin HAD been to the north, he might recognize its regal bearing— .. It wasn't the name of a Peasant. Nor would it fit someone like her. It screamed of civilization, whereas she was far from that.\n\nHer stare was initially contemplative. But before long, after Alcuin's last sentence dropped, ... 'do you want to travel with me?', her lips curved into a wicked grin. She looked downright Malicious. Predatorial and exploitative. Well, that's what she Looked Like, but the truth was that .. She treated his request with HUMOR?? Her grin twisted further, lips parting, eyes clenching while a rambunctious Laugh Vibrated out of her throat!\n\n\"Bwargh.. HAHAHAHAHHAAAAAAA...!!\"\n\nWhile he couldn't see what she saw, and the memories that flashed before her eyes, he could perhaps gleam the intention behind her reaction. Her mind played back the Thousands Of memories of that vile man—a disgusting wretch of a person who embodied the very essence of insanity. Memories of ecstatic slaughter, of innocents and warriors alike, though he always made it a point to spare the very young. The Lords of the northern lands knew that to take such a person into their confidence, to Hire Him, would mean a gruesome, unfiltered death for their adversaries. There was nothing glorious about it - only chopped-up body parts and frantic laughter. Yrsa recalled the sheer SHOCK she felt accompanying that man during their first battle together.\n\nInsane? .. Her eyesight lifted from the floor and met his, straight-on, icy blues sparking with Joy. It might've looked that way, initially, but she wasn't really Laughing at him. And whatever she saw in his stare earlier Did Unnerve her to her very core. \n\nBut, that was just right, wasn't it??\n\n\"Only ever heard, uh ..\" She snickered, but managing to suppress her laughter.\n\n\"STORIES .. About your people! Fabled Elves. Never spoken with one before. You're the first! But. I'm GLAD. Uh. Glad you're normal! Had a feeling I'd be BEWITCHED after entering this forest! But the only witchery you're doing is making me laugh!! Alcuin, my FRIEND- you're the most NORMAL person I've ever met-!! But still a witch! Normal witch!\"\n\nShe lowered her hand down to her hip and raised the other to her nose. With a sickening gargle, she collected some snot and flushed it out of her nostrils before wiping herself clean with a finger. Another brief spurt of a laugh escaped her throat, but she concluded it with a single sentence that might've told him So much;\n\n\".. I see visions too!!! A lot. Sometimes, I can't sleep either!\"\n\nVisions of a perpetual battlefield and death - surely, different from Alcuin's terror. Still!! If he thought she'd leave him for insanity? For better or worse, she gave off the feeling that even if he Ran Away, she'd just catch up and continue to be annoying in his presence. He earned it! For helping her! She took a deep, conclusive inhale, and took her paces back to the tree. Using it as a support and backrest, she allowed herself to get back to a seat. Her body still SCREAMED for rest, so a few more hours of sleep weren't what she'd pass up on!\n\n\"I will go with you to Elf-city. Then, you can help me KILL those GOBLINS .. And then we go south!\n\nDo not worry. I will do the killing. I have a feeling.. With your healing .. I will DESTROY them EASILY. Yea..\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin looked up at her sheepishly at first, upon hearing her laughter, then cracked a smile himself in turn. Maybe it was no wonder she was willing to be by his side; there was a maniacal quality to her laughter, to her person. And with the shifting, she was someone split herself, someone who must struggle to control her mind, her urges. He was quite happy to hear her confrim she, too, saw things at times. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and laughed softly, meeting her gaze once again, a light in his eyes that wasn't there before. He didn't dare call it hope...\n\nHe smiled at her calling elves fabled; she was far more fabled to him. No one in Aeterna met anyone from beyond the mountains and lived to tell about it. \"You're quite fabled for me, as well. We have plenty of dark stories about the people and creatures beyond our mountains to the north... I even had an encounter...\" He trails off, the noise of his mind and flashes of memory distracting him for a moment, \"But you seem quite different! Quite normal.\" He laughed softly. She could be a bit... Crass, but he found he didn't mind. It made him feel better about the things he knew were unusual about himself, that must put people off as well.\n\nFor a moment, he balked at her suggestion of combat; he was fighter. But upon her statement about healing, he relaxed. Why not? He could certainly use some muscle on the road. Taking out some goblins would surely be a small price for such a service... For friendship, apparently. He was reluctant, still, to embrace it. But happy all the same. \"That settles it then! Get a little nap in, then we'll stop by home before heading out.\" He blinked at her a few times, considering. \"I'll probably need to empty my pantry... And we'll definitely have to buy some meat.\"" } ]	707	18,989
562.090909	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "```3 AoM, 874```\n\nThe woods had always been closer to home than anything else to Tarin Vo. A serene place filled with life, a pecking order designed by nature, each part of the whole completing its own task with due diligence, flawless. It was the perfect place for someone like him, more animal than man, so he's always felt anyway. He could hear heartbeats for hundreds of yards around, track people for miles by scent alone, eyes so well attuned to track motion that stationary things like letters hurt his eyes if he focused on them for too long. So many things in his life had always pointed him towards the uncivilized, the bestial, so much so that he'd just come to accept it for what it was- for what He Is. *The Flaw of the World.\n\n\"Explain it to me.\"\n\n\"But sir you're h-\"\n\n\"I* *Said to explain it.\"\n\n\"Y- yes sir, my apologies.\"\n\nThe poor boy, who'd been tacking up the job postings on tn he bounty boards, explained to Tarin the tales that have been spreading- legends and rumors of something within the woods that commanded the very forests itself. No one had been harmed, perhaps it was just some mythical creature passing by, but to Tarin this was an opportunity.\n\n* \n\"Thanks.\" He tossed the boy a small bag of coins, the boy failed to catch it and when he saw gold spill across the ground he dropped and picked them up with fervor while the mercenary stalked away into the woods. He was intrigued by these sets of rumors and tales, a thing of great size that bends the forests around it, none had laid eyes on it- only glimpses of its shadow and size, enough to get Tarin's blood pumping at the prospect of laying his eyes on a beast of legendary status. A favored pass time of his, since he wanders so often, is to try and spy as many rare creatures are he can while he's out and about.\n\n\"This is gonna be great.*\" The hunter mused aloud as he walked along the forest paths, enjoying the sounds of rustling trees and flowing water- Flowing water. As if on command when he heard the trickle of water the merc found his mouth dry, with a few smacks of his lips he decided it would be a good idea to stop for a drink. He followed the sounds of water, an easy enough thing to track even without his keen senses, and when he walked into a clearing he spotted both ruins and a steam of water running down into them.\n\n\"Well.\" The often impulsive mercenary found a mischievous grin coming over his face. \"Gotta* *See what's down there.\"\n\nA small chuckle left the cursed man as he trekked along the waters path, leading him into the mossy ruins lost to time, the thrill of a new discovery aching at the back of his mind." }, { "author": "Shishiyan Kevirya", "message": "For the forest, it was a near perfect day. The sun was shining down upon the plants and the blades of grass were reaching towards the sky in order to get as close as they possibly could to the rays of sunlight. It was a peaceful day within the woods. The birds sang as they jumped from tree to tree, the ants marched in line as they sought out whatever food they could find, and the deer were caring for the newborn young. The forest had been flourishing recently, a hidden hand guiding each animal and plant to true prosperity. Plants that had been dying in the shade of trees were flowering, the population of animals had boomed, despite the recent hunting parties.\n\nThe glade around the ruin was an absolutely gorgeous area. Plants bloomed without restriction, flowers of various kinds covered the grounds, even the animals seemed docile. Wolves and doe rested close to one another, uncaring of the others presence. Even the lowly toad seemed to be at peace with the bugs around it, not even attempting to even strike at a single one with its tongue.\n\nThis clearing was shockingly tranquil. \n\nThe ruins were directly in the middle of the clearing. Pillars stood tall over the stream that ran through the middle. The walls of whatever building it had been were long gone, replaced by thick vines that wrapped around the stone and hung loose from the tall ceiling. But it was beneath the roof that would have caught one's interest. Grass grew where the sun did not shine, flowers stood tall without any source of sustenance.\n\n* \nBut it was the statues that were around that would have caught one's true curiosity. Many of them seemed broken, old pieces of history that had long been forgotten. But oddly enough, some in near perfect condition seemed vaguely humanoid, and were simply standing around, looking towards the stream.\n\nSat by the stream was a single statue, it was feminine in appearance and had quite the height to it. Moss covered various parts of her body, hanging down and freely flowing in the breeze. Small bits of gold seemed to be carved into her stone skin. Her hand was placed into the water, with small fish swimming around her digits and she stared down at them with a warm smile on her face. Upon her shoulder a small bird sat, but it was her hair that might have been most shocking. A bundle of stone snakes that seemed to be resting, all frozen in place and all in perfect condition. \n\nIt was a statue of a Gorgan, and it looked incredibly realistic. Whoever the sculptor was must have had the hands of a god, surely." }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "Tarin took his time to survey the world around him, careful of where he stepped, as a genuine smile came over his face as he saw all the creatures of the woods in perfect harmony. He saw doe beside wolf, toad and bugs, it all made his smile grow even wider. Seeing something so blissful, so calm and serene as this, one of the rare times where Tarin didn't feel nearly overwhelmed by his senses. He could simply enjoy existing while in a place like this, a rare thing for him, very rare.\n\nAs he made his way through the tranquil oasis and into the ruins his keen eyes looked all around, noticing the thick vines that clung to nearly everything and hung from above him. The grass and the flowers grew even without the light of the sun able to touch them. \"Something is taking care of this place... Probably that thing people kept talking about.*\" He affirmed aloud to himself as he kept looking around in awe. Eventually he focused on the statues, noting how some lay in ruins while others seemed relatively well kept- gazing towards the stream with their stone eyes.\n\nOnce he looked down the stream all the way and he saw the largest statue of the bunch the mercenary was star struck. Quickly making his way over he stood on the grass a pace or two away from the stream, looking up at the statues face. He studied it, looking from head to toe and marveling at the work, indeed a sculpture of divine make.\n\n\"Wow.\" Was all he could say, a smile of true peace and joy across his face." }, { "author": "Shishiyan Kevirya", "message": "As Tarin gazed upon the statue, he might have noticed a few things. The depiction of the woman was clearly elvish in origin, the length of her ears clearly showed such a thing off. But what might have been most shocking was how her golden eyes suddenly flicked to him, taking a moment to gaze upon him before she turned to properly look at him. Her smile kept on her face, radiating warmth and providing a comfortable presence around her. She removed her hand from the water, small droplets falling off as the fish within swam for the shade.\n\n\"Oh, good tidings, traveller.\" Her voice was full of warmth, both silken and wizened by age. She leaned back, resting on her hand. \"I'm afraid thou caught me unaware. Lost in a little world of mine own creation, as thou can see.\" Her hand lazily moved to gesture to her surroundings, her own little slice of nature that she had nurtured for years. The snakes upon her head had awoken as well, slowly beginning to move around. They coiled around one another, their tongues slipping out to taste and smell the air, a few had their gaze upon Tarin before wandering to something else.\n\n\"Ah, good traveller. Thou needn't worry about mine gaze. I may not oft have visitors, but I am quite aware of my appearance.\" Soft laughter escaped her, humming as she spoke further. \"I may hold the visage of a Gorgon, but I do not hold the powers of one.\" She knew it was a worry of the few travellers that she did meet, most people did not want to be turned to stone after all.\n\n\"It is rare for one to travel so deep into the forest. I pray you do not hold it against me, but may I question to what purpose you have to bring you to such a place?\"" }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "\"Man... Whoever made these statues really took their time...\" Tarin squinted his eyes as he looked over the statue once more, trying his best to really take in the details this time, and after he'd gone from foot to face he could have Sworn* Her eyes moved. \"*Have her eyes* Alw-\" When the statue moved to face him the mercenary couldn't help but yell at himself mentally, he fell for the oldest trick in the book.\n\n\"ANIMALS IN AN OASIS WITH WATER LEADING INTO RUINS WITH STATUES BOTH OLD AND NEW LOOKING AT A STREAM WITH A GIANT GORGON WOMAN AT THE END OF IT- ARE YOU BLIND?? THATS LIKE FREAKY SHIT 101 FOR YOU.\"\n\n\"*Uh-\" Was all he could manage, his words caught firmly within his throat as he looked at the smile on her face, a face that should harbor no true emotion and yet she seemed to radiant a sense of comfort and warmth, peaceful and serene. \"Hi?\" He asked with a small squeak to his voice as he looked at the statue lean back and rest on her hand. \"Um- makes sense?\" As she gestured around the gears in his mind started to turn, she was the keeper of these grounds and likely the thing people have been seeing within these woods. He'd found his goal, even if she's not a massive monster and instead is a tall stone gorgon, so that's a plus.\n\n* \n\"Oh... Yeah now that you mention it I'm lucky that's true, I thought you were just a regular statue so I didn't think twice about looking at you. Glad I didn't die from it... Heh...\" Not his brightest moment, looking at what most would assume to be a gorgon without a worry in the world, but in his defense he's done stupider things and been ok. \"Oh, no, I won't hold that against you.\"\n\nThe mercenary leaned down and took a seat on the grass, crossing his legs and looking up at the statue before his eyes began to wander around the ruins. \"I like to wander around the woods, especially when I find places like this, little pockets of history. And I happened to be passing by the town not far from here when I heard about the rumors and legends of a giant figure in the woods. I asked around and then decided I'd try and see if I could catch a glimpse of whatever everyone was talking about. Here I was expecting to find some giant monster I'd have to try and not be eaten by and instead I found a pretty gorgon talking statue lady.\"\n\nThe cursed man rubbed the back of his head and gave a sheepish smile. \"Sorry I barged into your home uninvited, I just had to take a look and my curiosity got the better of me.\"" }, { "author": "Shishiyan Kevirya", "message": "She couldn't help but let out another laugh. It was always rather fun to see someone realize that she wasn't just an ordinary statue, though most panicked when they realized that she didn't exactly have hair. There was not much she could do other than to speak and let them know that she would do them no harm.\n\n\"There art not many who wouldst behold the eyes of a gorgon, even the statue of one. Thou must be rather courageous.\" Her hand raised once more, and a statue beneath the runes came to life. It seemed to stumble out of whatever trance it was in, taking a moment to recognize it's surroundings before it moved off to do something. It took care not to tread on any of the animals within the area, and there was already a rather clear path for it to travel.\n\n\"I am quite sorry to disappoint. As I am no monster. Merely the caretaker of the forests one travels.\" She properly turned to face the man, placing her feet into the stream and placing her arms upon her lap to lean forward comfortably. \"A wanderer of the woods, I do hope that thou takes care not to leave anything behind.\" Shiyan had to admit, it was quite annoying how many things were left behind in the forests. Her collection was getting a bit too large for her little area to keep it stored. Whilst she had originally found it quite amusing, now it was just becoming an annoyance.\n\n \nSoon, the faceless statue that had been brought to life had brought a small stone table to the pair. It was a fairly basic thing, with a good bit of decoration around the edge to make it stand out. The statue moved to the side, and then placed two small cups onto the table. \"Well, since thou has barged into my home, uninvited at that, there is but one thing that thou can do to repay me.\" She smiled as the statue moved over to a firepit that was well away from the animals.\n\n\"I do hope that thou will stay a moment and rest. Regale me with thine stories of old. Tell me of where thou comes from.\" Shiyan did love learning from the travellers she met. Plus, having a visitor to speak with was always a lovely experience." }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "Some of his anxiety dissipated when the statue laughed, finding a small sense of peace in knowing that she didn't seem to find him annoying enough to try and kill, a common ordeal he's used to facing in situations like this. When he happens upon something majestic and ancient, a place of old history or of a magical nature, most things that dwell within those places tend to turn away all who enter with force.\n\n\"Well, thank you for the compliment, but I'd say more stupid and lucky than anything.\" His reply was honest, meant to come off as humorous to appease, even at his own detriment. A method of shielding oneself from kindness they find so alien, especially to someone like him, a cursed thing. His eyes followed the movements of the gorgons hand, seeing the statue arise from below and with what he assumed was sentience, it wandered off to do something.\n\n \n\n\"No, that's not how I meant it my lady. I meant no disrespect.\" His eyes widened for a moment, a split second that showed his quickness to act if he had to, a trait present in those who rely more often on instinct to survive- those of warrior make. \"The woods have always been my home... I take care to treat it with the respect it deserves.\" His words seemed true enough, the way he held his eyes but also his body language- it almost seemed animalistic. Not mimicking a beast, but being one, someone who has walked among the creatures of the woods long enough to have become one of them in his own way.\n\nHis gaze flickered to the statue as it brought the table towards them, then to the statue as she regarded him. He understood what she meant and he slowly stood, taking care with how he moved. \"Humbly, I will.\" He was prepared for whatever she requested, honestly fearing the worst even with the table and kindness- it could all be a ploy after all. So when Shishiyan regarded him with the desire to hear his story, an invitation to rest and stay for a time.\n\n \n\"I-\" He turned and looked around him, at the ruins and the statues, before he turned his gaze back to the guardian of these woods and gave a small bow of his head. \"-will happily do so, thank you.\"\n\nHe took steps closer to her, standing at the table for a moment before he crossed his arms and cleared his throat a little. \"I am Tarin Vo. Shadow to the Empress... And nothing more.\"\n\nPart of him wished she did not know of him, that his story was alien to her and as such he could leave out pieces and things he deemed undesirable. Another part of him knew that she might know him, his name and his story. To the natural world, the magical and the divine, he was known by them all. The bearer of the first curse, passed down since the very age of the gods, the first age. The curse branded upon the bloodline of the woman who committed the first sin of magic- the first drop of blood shed by sorcery nearly four millennia ago. The curse that kept him sealed away from all traces of magic, to be born with none to his name, for magic to be repelled by his body. The Flaw Of The World.\n\nHe prays she does not know that name." }, { "author": "Shishiyan Kevirya", "message": "\"Sometimes, stupidity and luck can be the same thing as bravery and talent.\" She wasn't going to just allow someone to disrespect themselves in her forest. She would give the poor boy plenty of compliments if he was going to be acting in such a way. Plenty of people had in the past, and she always knew they did it to protect their little hearts from beating just a little bit faster.\n\nShe was rather lucky to have spoken to so many people to see it.\n\nWhen he spoke about how he did care for the forest, it caused her smile to widen. \"I am rather elated to hear that thou does care for the woods. Too many travellers lose respect for it.\" Even with so many not caring for the woods, the forest still protected them from the sun and often enough led them to wherever they were needed most. The trees did have a way of leading travellers to a place of peace if they so needed it. It was then that the statue she had sent off before returned with a stone kettle in hand. It poured out a beautiful amber liquid into the cups, and Shiyan thanked the sculpture as it walked away for the moment.\n\n\"I do pray that thou aren't against a bit of tea whilst one chats? I do find it rather enjoyable to break bread as one tells a story. It makes the atmosphere much for comfortable.\" With her large stone hand, she gently picked up the porcelain cup. A sigh of content escaped her after she finished the first sip, it was her own special herbal tea, made from the flowers that grow upon the ruins. She had made sure they were safe for human consumption long ago. Each time she had a new cup, she could always swear it was better than the last.\n\nThen, he introduced his name. If she recognized it at all, she didn't show any tell. Her eyes did not glimmer with a spark of recognition. Her body did not tense up. She barely reacted other than twirling the tea inside her cup.\n \n\n\"Tarin, then. It would be polite to introduce myself as well. I am Shishiyan Kevirya, but I believe I am more known as The Hands of the Forests.\" A soft laugh escaped her at the mention of the nickname. She had heard it mumbled plenty of times when she had met some merchants who had been travelling through. She had to admit she rather enjoyed such a moniker. Shiyan most certainly believed that she was, in a way, the acting hands of the forest. The hands that allowed it to perform more actions than it had ever been able to do. Thus, she accepted such a title in her life. She knew she had others, but that one was definitely her favourite.\n\n\"When thoust says they are the... Shadow of the Empress, does this mean that thou is an assassin?\" Shiyan had met plenty of people from all walks of life, but assassins were few and far between.\n\nShe actually had a checklist hidden away, with the hopes that she would meet every type of people one day." }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "\"Got me there, I'll take it.\" Tarin grinned with his reply, letting himself lose the battle before it even began. He knew better than to downplay himself around those who wouldn't allow it, even when he slips up from time to time, he'll do his best around her. It did feel good, he could admit that, and so he'd let himself enjoy the compliment.\n\nIt made him happier to see her smile widen, it was good to know that his care for and love of nature was appreciated by someone else. Not many understood why he did it, why prefers the woods and a tree as a place to sleep over a bed in a tavern. \"Those who lose respect for the woods often find themselves at its mercy sooner or later. I prefer to stay on the good side of what's green so I try to mind myself with it.\"\n\nHe'd always taken care to respect the forests he so often wanders within. Not killing for killings sake but instead respecting each and very kill he made, helping the animals when he could- he'd saved quite a few from poachers in his time. When the statue returned Tarin watched it with a mixture of curiosity and wonder, he'd never seen such a thing before and as someone who enjoys discovery it gave him a nice feeling of joy to see something new.\n\n\"Oh no, no I'm not against it. Tea is actually my preference for a drink, can't stand mead or ale, so it would be nice to enjoy some good tea. And yeah, it does tend to make the atmosphere a bit kinder.\" He took up his own cup, swirling the amber liquid around a little before he took a drink. With a satisfied sigh he took another longer sip before setting his cup down. \"One of the benefits of having senses as acute as my own is that tea seems to be more marvelous because of it. I can taste every flower, it's pleasant really.\"\n\n \nAt her reaction, or lack there of, when he said his name it felt like a weight was somewhat lifted off his shoulders. Maybe she knew, maybe she didn't, but the fact that he wasn't being attacked or berated saved him some peace of mind.\n\n\"Pleased to meet you, Shishiyan. Nice name, I like it.\" An attempt to stay within her good graces, even if it was a genuine compliment. \"Good title too, fitting, and strong too. I like it.\" He admitted with a small smile, he enjoyed when others found joys within the titles and names given to them by others. He couldn't say the same, not really, but he was happy she could. She deserves to.\n\n\"Well... Sort of.\" The flaw of the world took another sip of his tea, giving himself a moment to prepare before he told the truth of it. \"I was a mercenary, still am in a way, and a damned good one. I always took the jobs no one wanted, rogue mages and monsters, things like that. Over time I made a reputation for myself and I was hired by some very... Powerful, people, and over time my status grew until the Empress herself asked for my services. I did a few jobs for her and eventually she asked me to become one of her shadows... Guardians for her and her family hidden in the shadows.\"\n\nHe hoped that such a story wouldn't offend her, his life as a fighter and a killer. He knows it is no life to be proud of, to speak of with bravado, but it's the life he was set upon from birth and as such he followed it to the fullest." }, { "author": "Shishiyan Kevirya", "message": "\"Thou art quite right there. The forest does have a way of getting at those who lose their respect for it.\" She had seen it time and time again. Sometimes the forest was merciful and simply made them get lost. But sometimes the forest was cruel, and forced them to slowly waste away, trapped in a moving labyrinth.\n\n It was rather pleasant to find someone who accepted the tea she offered. Many people were much too wary and would deny a drink from a stranger they had met in the ruins. Though, she supposed that she wasn't exactly able to place the blame upon the wary travellers alone. They had likely had their fair share of ambushes and robberies, that they had simply grown accustomed to taking extra care around strangers. Her appearance likely didn't put their worries to rest either.\n\n\"Oh! Well that is rather pleasant to hear. I, unfortunately, have a rather dulled sense of taste.\" It was the unfortunate part of being made of stone, a few of her senses were rather dull. But she still loved tea, even just for the warmth. It was a calming drink, even with most of the taste missing. She gave a bow of her head as he spoke her name and gave her a small compliment. It was rather nice to have someone find her name pleasant. Oddly nice.\n\nShiyan hummed as she heard the story, remaining rather silent as she sipped her tea and listened. It was quite the tale to hear. A mercenary who had worked hard to gain fame and skill, who had practically worked his way to the top to perform his little acts of battle for only the highest of customers. \"I must say, I have not had the guardian of a royal walk through my forest in quite some time.\" If she had a petal for each time one had walked into her little garden, she'd have two petals. Not alot, but still so strange.\n\n \n\n\"Thou sounds like quite the proficient fighter. But why dost thou perform such acts? Why fight?\" There was a sense of curiosity in her voice. She wanted to know the nature of the boy that sat across from her. She wished to know the reasons as to why he functioned in the way he did. What caused him to travel down such a path? What fuels his motivation to continue?\n\nWhy did he go down this path?\n\nAll such interesting questions, and she just knew the answers given would only cause a hundred more questions to be asked. She couldn't help herself, it was just so fun learning about someone and speaking to them. Especially with the wisdom that hung within her golden eyes." }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "Tarin flashed a toothy grin at her reply, a genuine display of the happiness he felt to have a peaceful conversation for once. \"Oh yeah it does. It's bitten me a few times too, especially when I helped this witch out a while ago. Never been around the Fae before, they didn't like me at much first.\" It wasn't unwarranted when nature got back at Tarin, it felt like a weird sort of karma sometimes. He'd get into a fight and blow away some trees then three weeks later he wouldn't find a tree for miles during his wandering and adventuring.\n\n\"That sucks.\" He said bluntly, but genuinely, before taking another drink of the tea. \"The senses are what connect us to the world around us. Being able to feel, taste, smell see and touch... I couldn't imagine not having mine.\" Tarin smiled softly as his gaze fell away from the statue, looking off into the void as he got lost in memory and thought. \"I guess it's not all bad, if you've got magic anyway. But... I don't. Cursed at birth, long long bloodline curse. Ancient ancestor pissed off the God's and lost her magic plus the magic of every family member born to the Vo family. I'm the last of them. The blessed child given supreme physical powers and gifts. While I can't use magic I can sense... Everything.\" He snapped back to the present with a shake of his head. He looked back to Shishiyan with an apologetic smile. \"Heh- sorry.\"\n\n \n\nHe took another drink of the tea, coughing once into a closed fist before finishing off the tea with three big gulps. \"Well... I fight because I... Want to be the best.\" He scratched the back of his head for a second, likely a nervous thing. \"Sorta. It's what I'm good at I guess. Everyone else has magic and I don't, but I can track you realms across by scent alone. I can hear the heartbeat of everything within miles of us, I can feel the beating of a butterflies wings and I can see the stars during a thunder storm. Everyone else can't. So I put that to use. It's crude but I don't kill just anyone. I kill bad people, and I know that's hypocritical given I'm the one killing them but I don't just take any bounty. I've slain Lich and Warrior, Mage and Dictator, but never senselessly.\"\n\nHe tilted his head to the left, exposing the tattoo trailing down his neck from behind his ear. Jagged and black as the abyss. \"Add my senses and a body of myth on top of power unlike anything you've ever seen and I'm the most dangerous man around if I play my cards right.\" He paused for a second as he raised his head back up, taking a moment to breathe and compose himself. \"I'm good for one thing, so I might as well try and be the best at it.**\"" } ]	609	6,183
891.4	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Lusine Sterre", "message": "The Moon's Shadow found herself feeling heartened, unusual for this darker form. The ever-present melancholy and coldness of the moon demigoddess' Eclipse form were still there, but lightened somewhat. She even opted for a black gauzy mask over her usual veil, wishing to feel the moonlight on her skin, let it bring out the dark blue of her long black hair. It had been hours since she walked away from Karmius City with the smallest smile on her pale lips. As opposed to the glow of her brighter side, her alabaster skin seemed dull; yet in contrast to her black dress, mask, and hair, her pale skin made her look more like a ghost gliding through the forest. At first, she was merely wandering, enjoying what little extra freedom her cheery jailer was granting her. Lusine of the Moon had been so much better controlled in recent years; so this one, the Lusine of the Dark, only got to emerge on the traditional new moon each month. It was getting Really Frustrating and Really Boring. Yet, she found, she wouldn't change it for anything.\n \nWhen Lunara created the demigoddess, this side was meant to be her protector, meant to help her stay on track and fulfill her true purpose with more ease. Yet, the Dark Lady was finding she was needed less and less; she blamed the demigod of war, for that; but thanked him, too. Her counterpart needed much guidance, So Much protecting. The little weakling would tend to anyone who even vaguely needed help without a second thought, which lead to trouble at times. But with her encouraged resolve from Pride and her overzealous drive for peace, she was handling the trouble better than she used to, not needing to call on her Shadow quite as often. Less, too, were the moments of being emotionally overwhelmed, now that her hope had been reignited and she had a reliable person to lean on. But the dark one still had her job to do, and she intended to do it for as long as Lusine, as a whole, drew breath.\n \n\nA strange feeling broke through her blessed internal process, making her stop in her tracks. Lusine turned her head about quickly, as if looking for something. She changed facing and set off at a more slightly hurried pace, leaves rustling with her fast walk that soon broke into a steady run. What was this sensation? It felt... Familiar somehow. Not quite like kin, but something...Not Unlike herself. The feeling burrowed deep into her, settling like bad food on her stomach; it felt Wrong, it felt... Like the world rocking out of balance, somehow. The more she ran, the more confused she became, for another sensation presented itself along the same course. This second one Was Much more like herself, something definitively divine, and fairly strong too. But it felt incredibly peaceful, serene, and, thank Lunara, Balanced. The second feeling was closer, almost on the way to the first, so she veered off course, coalescing into the shadows to move a little more quickly towards the source.\n \n\nThe dark demigoddess materialized again in the shadows at the edge of a glade. Stepping out from them, she gasped in true surprise, an emotion incredibly difficult to elicit from her. In front of her stood ruins, some of the most beautiful she'd ever seen. Plant life was everywhere, even in covered places that it shouldn't be able to grow. She smiled briefly, in appreciation, of several night-blooming varieties of flowers that emitted their soft fragrance around the glade. Taking a few slow steps forward, she saw many animals about, and asleep, predators lying peacefully next to prey. She forgot herself for just a moment, reveling in the ruins themselves. After spending so many thousands of years in such a place, any ruins felt much like home to her. Perhaps this would be the perfect place to spend what remained of the night. She noticed the tug in her heart, still fresh from the recent confession of emotion, wishing that Pride were here too. Her dark self longed to talk poetry with him under the moon, to wax poetic together over their sorrows. With a sharp inhale, she remembered why she had come here to begin with, looking around more earnestly as she treaded carefully.\n \nThe statues gathered underneath the pillars did not escape her notice. They struck her as somewhat odd, in the way they were arranged. The divine presence she felt seemed to call out to her from there. She approached slowly, staying several paces away. Her masked face gazed up at one particularly tall statue that looked like a gorgon." }, { "author": "Shishiyan Kevirya", "message": "Another beautiful night within the glade. The smaller birds of the day returned to their nests to rest their little beaks from singing all day, and to be replaced by the owls that sat upon the branches. Their hoots were much louder and much less songlike than that of the regular bird. But it was still beautiful in their own way. The beasts of the forest were resting by the water, and the young of both predator and prey were sleeping practically on top of one another in a lazy pile. A whole day of playing always did cause the young ones to be exhausted. But it must have been the stream that ran through the glade that was most beautiful. It was practically glowing blue! A type of algae caused the water to glow blue and each movement the fish within made seemed to make it glow even brighter. It was certainly a magical setting.\n\nShiyan was beneath the ruins as she often was, having had a rather good day of tending to both the forest and the animals. Upon her shoulders, and kept steady by the snakes on her head, there was a small fox resting. She was large enough that it had plenty of space to sleep without having to rub up against her face, but it seemed to be doing so either way. She had a small book in hand, taking her time to read over each page, after all it wasn't easy to turn the paper pages with her large stone fingers. She had received the book from a traveller, a kindly girl who had been exploring the world with her steed. The girl had wished to explore every inch of the world to find inspiration for her books, supposedly she had been a rather well-known writer. Shiyan was lucky to have given her a decent bit of advice, and the girl seemed to have been rather appreciative and left with her an unfinished work. A rather kind gift, but Shiyan was dreading not having an ending to such a grand story.\n \n\nThen, she heard the familiar crunch of leaves beneath one's feet. She was quick to look up and noticed the girl that was now stood near her. A warm smile appeared on her face, not unlike one that a mother would give upon seeing their child playing. \"Oh! Hello there. Thou caught me whilst I was reading.\" She softly shut the book, as to not awaken the fox upon her shoulder before placing it to the side.\n\nShiyan was dressed in a moss cloak that clung to her body. It almost seemed to be connected to the ruins themselves, but that might have just been by design. Designed to make her look as though she was part of the environment. The bits of gold within her skin shone under the moonlight, highlighting her features and adding an extra layer of beauty to her. The statues around her seemed faceless, but one could easily identify that they were of different gender and race. On her left was an elven man, but on her right was a human woman. They all seemed to be standing perfectly still, as if they held no sentience at all. Shiyan's golden eyes took a moment to look the woman up and down, her gaze turning concerned as she spoke. \"Goodness, thou looks as though they have seen a ghoul, what with such pale skin. Are thou alright?\" Shiyan was considering getting a meal prepped quickly, just in case. Such pale skin she had only seen on those who were starving or injured.\n \n\nAround Shiyan, one could not deny that there was an oddly comforting aura. It felt as though one was just being healed from her words better than any healer could perform. Of course, with the plants that seemed to reach up towards her, she would be unable to deny the bit of magic that went into creating such a feeling. An aura to heal both plant and beast. It had the odd effect upon such creature's as a good stew would. It made the area around her feel warmer, more comforting. Like a ray of sunlight, even though the moon was high in the sky. She simply wished to make sure that the woman before her was not injured in such a way, many people did not trust those they met in the forest when they were going through some sort of hardship, but Shiyan merely wished to provide a place to rest.\n\nThus, she would be unable to deny the way her gaze took a moment to look over the girl. For a moment, the thought of vampire entered her mind, it would explain the pale skin and the midnight travel. But then she felt it, she had been lost in her own little world that she hadn't noticed the presence that seemed to fill the air as the woman had entered the glade. That divine presence, similar to the one that rested within her. After a moment, she let out a gentle laugh, leaning back against the ruins behind her as she finally understood." }, { "author": "Lusine Sterre", "message": "The central statue was Quite Impressive. Looking back over her shoulder momentarily at the glowing blue stream, a small smile graced her lips before fading; she had an appreciation for things with a soft glow. Turning back to the statue, she was just about to step forward to further admire the bits of gold when the statue smiled then moved to turn a page. Lusine was very still the next few moments, watching another page or two be turned before she was certain she was awake, this wasn't in the dream realm, and it was real. Though the statue appeared to be a gorgon, it was apparently a divine being, and nothing about this place Seemed To be evil. She let her tensed muscles relax, and that was when the statue spoke in such a comforting, kind tone, that she was completely certain there would be nothing to fear here. \"Greetings, I apologize for the interruption.\" Her tone was cordial, somewhat business-like, but not unfriendly. For a moment, she looked at the book curiously, and couldn't resist asking, \"What are you reading? I'm quite an avid reader myself. I might need to add it to my library, if you'd recommend it.\"\n \n\nBefore sharing her true intention in being here, in being in the woods at all, the demigoddess wanted to get a good measure of this... Creature. Unlike her other half, she was not one to spill her guts, openly display vast arrays of emotion, or open up to nearly anyone decent. No, the Child of the Eclipse was far too discerning for that. At the look of concern and the statue's words, Lusine only huffed a laugh. \"I assure you, I'm quite alright. But your kindness and care are quite refreshing... She'll like you.\" The last part was more murmured to herself. She weighed it in her mind a few moments more and decided this place, this woman, seemed safe enough. By then, Shiyan had already come to her own conclusions, leaning against the ruins. The demigoddess spoke matter-of-factly, \"I was drawn here by you, by the holy presence I felt within you... Though, you are not like me. Not a demigod.\" She felt relieved by this; despite Pride's insistence that demigods no longer slaughtered each other needlessly, Lusine felt apprehensive about meeting more of her own kind. \"I am Lusine Sterre and, in this form, the Moon's Shadow. I am only pale in that I am... Of the moon itself, in a way. Much more so than my counterpart,\" She touched her temple lightly for a moment, looking irritated, \"Who is Clambering To meet you. But it will have to wait. If you are a guardian of nature, as you so seem to be, we have business to discuss.\"\n \n\nThe Dark Lady briefly considered removing her mask but ultimately decided against it. In the last few millennia, only Pride had ever seen her without it, and she rather wanted to keep it that way. The eyes held too much of what was being felt, what was being thought, and she hated feeling naked in that way in front of people she didn't know well or trust completely. Like this very moment, in which she suddenly felt emotion she wasn't expecting, and was happy to keep it private. Her eyes widened under her mask, glassy and vulnerable. The only give away outside her mask was slightly parted lips. The aura flowing off this being was so like Pride's... Intended to calm and heal. She felt safe, comforted, and warm. If she closed her eyes, she really could pretend he was here... But that was just a dream, a distraction, and she pushed it aside in her mind; let the brighter one enjoy such frivolity. It wasn't the dark's purpose, to love and be loved, but to protect and fight. Maybe her day would come, too, but... Not this moment, not this day. \n \nRegaining her momentarily lost composure, Lusine's brows furrows as she shared her news in a grim tone, \"Something is wrong... Do you not feel it? It's like the... Balance of the world itself is swaying. Like... Nature is *Angry* .\"" }, { "author": "Shishiyan Kevirya", "message": "\"Oh, do not worry. You have no need to apologize for such an intrusion. It is rather lovely to have a new visitor within the glade.\" Shiyan gently placed the book to the side, into the hands of one of the many statues that were around. \"The tale is called The Book of Lies and the Universe. The author gave it to me as a gift. A unfinished tale, a story that they may never truly publish.\" A tale without an ending was truly the saddest thing to ever exist. Whilst it was certainly a great read, she found herself reading it a thousand times over just to try and figure out what the ending could have been. What could have happened to the characters within? Would they find peace within their world, or would it be doomed to burn? Thousands of questions that would likely go unanswered, lest she saw the author once again. \"I am unsure if they have written other copies, but I am happy to lend it to thou for a read.\"\n\nThe murmur caused her eyebrow to shift upwards for a moment, curious as to what was said. But, she wasn't going to be prying, at least not now. They had only just met after all, and it was not often that she met another with a similar presence as to her own. \"I am indeed not a Demigod. I am merely a Champion that resides within the woods.\" As the woman introduced herself, Shiyan took a moment to check over herself to rid her body of any crumbs. She had just had some fresh bread, and whilst there were no birds clinging to her clothing to try and pick at such a treat, she just had to make sure. \"I am Shishiyan Kevirya, the Sculpture of the Woods.\" The way the woman was acting did cause some interest to appear in her eyes. Hearing about this supposed counterpart was something that brough a bit of curiosity into her eyes. She was rather curious about whom this person could be.\n \n\n\"I am indeed a guardian of nature.\" To hear that they supposedly had business was a rather curious thing to think about. She had never met this woman before, yet supposedly there was something to discuss. How exciting. Shiyan took a moment to lean forward. The moss bristled from the movement as it became disconnected from the ruins, almost seeming to flow like water as it clung to Shiyan's body, as if it even left it for a moment it may wither away and die. But when Lusine began speaking about what exactly they were talking about, Shiyan could help but let out a soft laugh. She knew exactly what was causing such a feeling. At least, she was fairly certainly that she did. \"Yes, I do feel it. There is another staying within these woods. A man who seems... Cursed in such a way. He means no harm or foul to any of the life within these woods, nor to anyone who enters them. He and I have spoken. He is a kindly individual, but none can escape their nature, nor the aura one creates.\"\n\nIt was a saddening tale, one so cursed and yet so full of love for the world around them. She could understand that the plants and wildlife weren't exactly happy. Such a cursed thing went against the natural order of nature. But then again, such an order was always shifting. \"This is what you meant, yes? A feeling of... Emptiness?\"" }, { "author": "Lusine Sterre", "message": "This living statue was quite a lot more friendly and warm than Lusine had expected her to be; hells, more warm and friendly than She Was in this form. She only nodded in acknowledgment of the gorgon's joy at a new face, regarding the other woman appraisingly through the thin mesh of her mask. Looking over the book, she could tell it was one that had been read and reread over and over; while the title was interesting, she had no interest in an unfinished story when she felt like she was living one. \"I thank you, but I couldn't possibly take such a well-loved book from you. Besides, I'm not in control enough to have much time to read it.\" She was a little irritated that her one extra night of freedom was suddenly filled with business, but it couldn't be helped. Their duty had to be done, anything more could wait. It was the bright one that got to live a full life; this one existed primarily to serve. But damn, she was tired.\n\nThe demigoddess laughed softly, \"Merely? My dear, you are Merely Nothing. Not only a Champion but quite a fascinating and imposing figure... Do give yourself more credit.\" She wore a wry smirk on her pale face. \"It's a pleasure to meet you, Champion. I think we'll work quite well together.\" It wasn't often that dark Lusine handed out compliments, but she had to give credit where it was due. This being before her was clearly wise and powerful; it would be idiotic to suggest or believe otherwise. She typically disliked working with others, feeling they were too incompetent to keep up, but she was hopeful with this one.\n \n\nAt Shiyan's explanation of what she thought Lusine was referring to, her dark brows furrowed. Casting out the net of her senses, she did notice the person that Shiyan was speaking of, but... It was not the same thing she was feeling. At the final words, her face contorted into a frown, \"No. It's quite impossible to escape one's nature or aura. Gods know I've tried enough to be sure.\" She felt a small bit of empathy for this cursed man. She knew too well what it was like to be immediately judged for what you were, or even just what you seemed to be. All her thousands of years, only two in her life had ever really bothered to get to know this side of her, to accept her as a whole person instead of just the fun, happy part that suited them best. Meeting this statue's golden gaze, she wondered if that number might grow to three.\n \n\nShaking her head of dark hair with mild agitation, the Moon's Shadow tried to explain further, \"I feel what... Who... You're referring to, but that's not what I mean. Emptiness is much an old friend of mine, that I could endure.\" Though the mask hid the casting about of her eyes, her head still turned from side to side, \"It's far more... Unsettling than that. Perhaps this metaphor will help... It feels like the rage and pain of a mother bear that's had her cub taken from her... And a little like the confusion of a flock of flying geese that have lost their leader, unsure where to go.\" Pain, confusion, loss, and rage were the dominant feelings coming to her from whatever... Whoever this was. It felt volatile enough to hurt others, but her larger concern was of more importance for this particular conversation. \"I'm afraid if left unchecked, it will invite upsets in the natural balance that will harm many, man and animal alike. I plan to check it out. And I would appreciate your advice, or at least, your blessing.\" Her tone became a little mournful, \"My control over nature is little, so unfortunate when Mother expects us to help maintain its balance.\"" } ]	914	4,457
420.142857	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "It had sounded like easy coin, smuggling in and protecting barbarians from the East. And for the most part, it was. Countess Oskovsk had setup somewhat of an underground network that made the work a little easier. Adelaide had been impressed by the woman's ingenuity and connections. But even if trouble did present itself, her imposing figure and a few raised zombies were generally enough to deter the average citizen or guard that stumbled upon them. Some mercenaries might be afraid to take a job that would do besmirch their reputation if caught. But the Wilted Rose was already a disgraced knight, she didn't care.\n\nClad in a thick black woolen coat with a gray scarf wrapped around her neck, Adelaide strode through the town towards the Countess' keep. Her fiery red hair stood out against her dark clothing, finely made though plain. She had foregone armor, as this was just meant to be a report made, a check in. The job was rather off and on, dependent on if any barbarians were ready for the journey. Occasional check-ins were part of the deal.\n\nAs she was admitted through several series of gates and doors, blue-green eyes looked around curiously. She was always fascinated by how others fortified their homes, and she prided herself on how uninviting and impenetrable hers was. The strange looks the housestaff gave her were rather par for the course by now; if it wasn't her hair, it was the purple scar snaking out from her left eye that drew attention. Finally arriving in the appointed meeting room, she made a small bow, her tone calm and cool, \"My Lady, I've come to make a report, as requested.\" A short pause, \"And also to collect this quarter's payment.\"" }, { "author": "Astarkana Oskovsk", "message": "It was upon a solid stone throne - impeccably embellished with ancient scriptures and tapestries carved intricately into its grey body - that the mercenary found Oskovsk settled prim atop a dark blue silken drape in the gloom of the dim candlelight's artificial crepuscule. The Velarian Countess seemed to very much enjoy the subdued flickering, often choosing to meet by the faint glow of flame than the full haze of sunlight beyond the heavy curtains and glazed panes about the room. It brought upon her a resolute calmness, and thereby rested upon the rest of the room that same calm. \n\nOksovsk's eyes were upon Adelaide as soon as the fiery-haired woman had set foot in the chamber. Piercing, nearly silver eyes watched her from the veil of shadow upon the throne where glistened in the candlelight only glimpses of pallid skin. It was as though she hid there in the wavering shadows. \n\n\"Yes, payment,\" She echoed in that collected, steady voice she owned. Though she spoke no louder than if she were stood directly before her audience, the relative desolation of the chamber itself projected her words beyond her own measure. \"Do come.\"\nIt was with that short command that Oskovsk stood from her drape and smoothed down the skirts of her dress over her legs. She descended the barren triplet of small stairs onto the ground level and began to walk toward an ajar door to Adelaide's right - the connection between this room and a much smaller one lined with bookcases and illuminated by a much warmer and more comfortable golden hue.\n\n\"Tell me about your travels of late.\"" }, { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "Adelaide supposed one of the many reasons she didn't mind working for the Countess was how terribly comfortable she found her home and person. The undead that comprised Addie's staff weren't huge fans of bright light, so her estate, too, was rather dim compared to most. Though even her abode wasn't quite This Dim. She also appreciated talking to someone who got to the point, wasn't terribly verbose, and had a similar air of cool nonchalance. Generally the redhead hated both talking and nobles, but with the Countess she found both either tolerable or even sometimes pleasant, depending on her own and the noblewoman's moods. \n \nFollowing the woman with soft footsteps, she spoke in a tone somewhat friendlier than average but still a bit flat, \"I think you'll be pleased, my Lady. These last several months have been even more fruitful than usual. Maybe the thawing of some of the snow and ice has encouraged the barbarians while the Imperials are still not ready to brave the cold to protect their precious Empire.\" Her tone shifted to somewhat biting near the end. She had no particular love for the Empire either. Being disgraced and disowned simply for bringing back the one she loved had severed any loyalty she previously felt. It was a tenuous loyalty anyway, as she had long ago learned to rely only on herself and that people could be, at times, worse than any monster.\n \n\nEntering the more lit room roused her from her thoughts, and she waited to be told to sit before doing so. Continuing the report, she gazed at the Countess with sharp blue green eyes, \"We had a few spots of trouble here and there, but as you might imagine, the Eastern border is rife with corpses. So I made quick work of those attempting to harm your barbarians... Excuse me, refugees.\" She smirked at the change of word, not out of ill feeling, but more that she thought she was smiling when she did so. \"They made quite nice additional guards until we got close to the border. I thought you might enjoy knowing your enemies served your purpose, in death anyway.\"" }, { "author": "Astarkana Oskovsk", "message": "As they made their way into the study proper, Astarkana indicated with her right hand the seat nearest to the door - Adelaide's seat. She stepped around the desk to her left and would then place her left hand onto the desk. The extensive scarring across the entirety of her hand and forearm was easily visible in this light - webs of melted and reformed flesh stretched in sprawling expanses of reddened skin with an almost twinkling, scaly texture where once pallid, soft skin had been. \n\nWhen compared to the rest of her, the imperfection of her old wound was most striking - almost out of place.\n\nAs Astarkana sat herself down, she spoke once more in that hushed voice without any verbal acknowledgement of Adelaide's report.\n\"What was the agreed upon price?\" She queried as she sifted nonchalantly through the drawer beneath the desk. It was unclear why she asked this - the answer was always the same. They operated on a set price, and it never wavered regardless of happenings. The Countess believed above all economic things in steady, sustainable pay. \n\nPerhaps she asked it as a challenge - to test whether the person before her would bestow upon her truth or lies.\n\nAnother interpersonal tactic to try and read a person." }, { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "Observant to nearly a fault, the scars on the Countess' left arm didn't escape Adelaide's notice. Blue green eyes saw but did not linger. She wouldn't ask about such an injury, just as she didn't expect the Countess to ask about her eye. It wasn't the sort of relationship they had. It served them both far better to remain cordial and business-like; what kind of friendship could they really have anyway? While the former knight had attended various noble functions in the past, she no longer dressed for it and never had the attitude for all the small talk and pandering. She felt there were far better uses for her time. Besides, if the Countess thought it important or wanted her to know, the Wilted Rose firmly believed she would tell her.\n\nA thin red brow arched at the question. Adelaide gave the same old answer that she knew the Countess knew, in a steady, cool tone. Her voice was respectful but also had a small shade of challenge, as if to say I see your game. While she wasn't above lying and, at times, her greed did push her to squeeze every possible penny out of a person, this was not one of those times. She admired the cool, business-like demeanor and quiet strength of the other woman. The work was steady, usually pretty simple, and very reliable for an agreed upon price that never shifted; she very much enjoyed such transparency and ease. This was far too good a job and working relationship for her to lie or let her greed jeopardize it.\n\nNot enjoying the subtle game and unafraid of being blunt, Adelaide asked in that same respectfully cool voice, the edge very slight in it, \"Have I given you reason to not trust me? If I have, I'd like to clear it up *Now* .\" She regarded the Countess with a piercing, steady gaze. \"I like this job. I like you. And I don't plan on quitting the work until either you tell me to or it becomes unfeasible for me to continue.\" Holding the Countess' gaze, she thought this outburst might have jeopardized the job already, but if the noble woman couldn't handle her abrasive demeanor, they wouldn't continue to work well together anyway; best to find out now." }, { "author": "Astarkana Oskovsk", "message": "Oskovsk paused for a short while, her icy gaze holding Adelaide's without wavering for a few long seconds. The air was tense as neither spoke following the mercenary's words..\nHowever, that soon ebbed. A small smirk crept across the corner of Astarkana's lip as she turned away and sifted through a drawer. Adelaide likely noticed that it was full of little pouched of equal size and, judging by the sound of the movement as she picked one from within, equal weight. She held the moneybag in that scarred hand and raised it over toward Adelaide. The usual payment. \n\n\"In my life I've trusted only two people,\" She said coolly. \"Myself and the man who raised me. I've found many other people have a habit of disappointing me.\"\nAstarkana, provided that Adelaide had taken her money, leaned back in her seat and brushed a strand of hair from her face. To a keen eye, it was easily distinguishable that she was disgusted by the imperfection of that loose hair upon herself - a reaction much different from that which she offered to others who were perhaps less fastidious than her. It too soon faded.\n\"You've yet to disappoint me. You've so far done nought but impress. Forgive my offence.\"\n\nWhile her voice and face didn't seem to carry much intonation toward her words, there was a relaxed air about her wgucg suggested her the genuine quality of her words." }, { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "Adelaide rose with a small frown to gently take the money offered, tucking it away in a pocket of her coat. She stood near her chair by the door but did not take it again. \"I'm glad to see we can continue to work together. I think it suits us both quite well. Coin absolutely buys my silence, as I'm sure you've noticed.\" There was only a small list of things Adelaide Wouldn't Do for money, much of it consisting of a level of social requirement or intimacy that the fiery redhead despised. She far preferred breaking the law or committing atrocities to things like social subterfuge. She'd had enough of it vying with her classmates at the Academy, playing the little games of the noble she served when she was a knight. She swore to never do those things again. A smirk graced her lips as well, her arms crossed over her chest as she spoke, \"I also quite enjoy any chance to undermine the Empire. It can all burn, for all I care.\" She took no heed or pause in speaking of the very thing the Countess feared, in speaking of fire; it was not an act of aggression, but more willing and uncaring negligence. \n \n\nNodding in solemn understanding, the Wilted Rose voiced her agreement in her usual cool but cordial tones, \"I can't fault you for that. I find myself with a similarly short list, including myself.\" Her best friend was the only person she trusted without any qualms. Her allies, amongst their band of disgraced knights, she trusted in varying degrees, but not completely. She was distracted by Astarkana's sudden and intense disgust at something so simple. If she cared enough, it would've made her a little self-conscious. Her clothing was well-made and suited its purpose, but she never tried to be fashionable, often opting to wear men's clothing if it was better-suited for her needs. Her hair, while clean and groomed, was an unstyled and mussed from travel mess of loose red waves. She found she got the results she wanted more out of others the less she cared for her appearance, so she rarely did. Giving the Countess a small smile, some warmth cracked the ice of her voice somewhat, \"It's no great offense. I would much rather win and prove my worth to you than be given approval immediately without showing my value.\" Shaking her head a little, she added, the smile returning to a smirk, \"Giving approval so recklessly would make you a poor, unwise investor. And you are none of those things.\"\n \n\nThe former knight noted the air of approval from the noble woman, relaxing somewhat herself as she leaned against the doorframe. \"Well, my lady, is there aught else I might do for you?\" Unless Oskovsk had more need of her, she'd likely be on her way. Her eyes widened for the briefest moment, and she added, \"I might have a small favor to ask, a little... Additional payment, if it helps you to think of it that way–but only if it would be no trouble to you, of course.\" The glint in her blue green eyes and the wicked grin she wore said she wasn't going to be asking for more money, nor any other form of usual payment nobles might consider giving; but it was one she thought, perhaps, the Countess might be open-minded enough to consent to. After all, she'd hired a necromancer to do her dirty work, which spoke of her lack of fear of it." } ]	370	2,941
723.25	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Alexander Hendrix", "message": "The Hundred Man Slayer road his horse with determination, his mind and heart set to accomplish the task at hand with as much ferocity as he could manage. He knew that the fate of his love, and by extension his own, was riding on the output of the battle to come. Hopefully enough souls gathered within the keep, he knew that there were atleast enough to make a good months wage but physical payment is not his concern at this moment. It bothered him greatly knowing that Adelaide was still hurting, she always seemed to be, but even now she was in pain yet she refused to stay and rest within her estate- much to Alexander's already burgeoning anger.\n\nHe'd ridden ahead of her to scout, his horse' lead being tied to a small tree branch the beast could snap off if it was scared or summoned. Kneeling down infront of some brush the slayer kept his eyes peeled, his senses giving him a good understanding of what was to come and how many they're facing. He waited for Adelaide now, knowing she would arrive soon enough, and when she did he began to lay out the plan he has prepared.\n\n\"*Around two hundred knights are within the keep, common folk all around it in those small houses-\" He pointed a finger to them and then to the massive door. \"There are three doors, we won't be using them.\" Only one building, a church, stood taller than the walls and it just so happened to be right up against one such wall. \"We will scale the wall and use the church to get us inside, silently, and once we're inside the keep I want you to get the dead to begin to rise up around the keep... Preferably to act as perimeter but also as rear guard should we find ourselves on the run.\"\n\nHis gaze finally turned back to Adelaide from the object of their attack, the fire within his eyes now burning nearly white hot as the battle drew closer and closer- like a berserker his joy and anticipation was getting all the larger with each passing thunder of his heartbeat." }, { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "Though the strategic inspiration behind it made sense, Addie didn't love riding alone; especially not now. While Lex was considerate enough to stay with her most of the way to their destination, she couldn't help worrying as soon as he was out of her sight. He was the strongest person she knew and more than capable of handling himself with almost any opponent. But now that she knew so keenly what it felt like to lose him, she couldn't bear it, and it was always a worry floating somewhere in her mind. After her recent meeting with their lords, the worry was more at the forefront than usual. If Alex wasn't such a useful tool in her arsenal, she was rather sure the demons would've used him, taken him, to punish her by now. She would, as she always did, do everything in her power to protect him. It felt absurd sometimes, that she thought she could take care of him, the wild and lumbering oaf who easily dwarfed her in size and strength. But she knew that deeper down, in his heart, he was so incredibly vulnerable. And she would, without prejudice, end anyone who sought to snuff out that flame.\n\nSuch worries and errant thoughts occupied her, the usual grimace on her face, as she rode. She was just thinking it was time to send more money to her family when she came upon the spot where Alexander's horse was tied up. Dismounting, she tied up her own horse in similar fashion, going to kneel next to her best friend, eyes scanning as he explained the plan. Nodding, she spoke in the tone reserved only for him, cool, but like frost melting in spring, \"That should be a satisfactory number for the demons. And hopefully keep them sated for some time if it's more of a trickle after.\"* She laughed softly, a warm smirk on her lips as she met his eyes, \"You did factor into this plan that I'm not the best at stealth, right?\" She raised a brow before the smirk grew into a more genuine smile. \"But I think it's a fantastic plan. I can nearly fill this place with undead, easily. I'll post some outside and inside. Then there's the reaper if any try to run...\" Her eyes took on a devilish glint. She so loved fighting by Alex's side; it was how they met, how they bonded, and how they've lived almost all their days together. It was as much an intimate interaction for them as dancing was for high society nobles.\n\nSeeing the light in his eyes grow brighter and brighter, the Wilted Rose felt her heart jump a moment. She was just happy any time he was happy, and battle brought him such great joy. With a mildly flirtatious tone and gesture forward, she purred, \"Lead the way, big boy.\" Putting on her horned helmet, she did her best to follow and move quietly through the brush, avoiding the clinking of her armor. Feeling around with her sense for the dead, she was happy to notice plenty of corpses nearby, both inside and outside the keep. The church was also a perfect entry because of the small cemetery nearby; that should provide a small force to stay with her while Alexander worked the magic of his blade. Once to the wall, they watched the guard's patrols around the wall, finding a gap to throw up a grappling hook. It was often easier, with his size and strength, for him to carry her in some fashion, as he could get up the rope more or less unimpeded by her meager weight, giving them more speed. She climbed up on his back, holding on tightly, as he made his way up the wall to shoot the gap in the patrol. With more nimbleness than his size implied, he leapt for the church roof then slid down the wall into a closed courtyard–the cemetery.\n\nAs Alex prepared for battle and scouted this new area, one purple eye glowed from inside Addie's helmet, numerous skeletal and half-rotten hands breaking the earth as she chanted in infernal. The battle was set to begin." }, { "author": "Alexander Hendrix", "message": "\"*And I am?\" Alexander replied with a grin, mischievous and sarcastic, but it was quickly replaced with a genuine smile- happy to hear that she liked his plan and knew how to make it better. That was possibly the greatest part of them fighting side by side, atleast to Alexander. Sure it's nice to show off a little, it's good to know he can protect her- but something about their minds working in near perfect synchronicity during times like this made him all the happier for it. It was the thing they both bonded over and it is a far more intimate act to them then the dancing of nobility or celebrations of others. Two warriors both alike in determination brought together by a common craft, poetry.\n\n\"Today is a great day for me.\" Was his only reply, a look of both blissful excitement and the spur of commitment dwelled within his silver eyes, before he did as he was told.\n\nThey both crept through the brush together, silent despite their heavier armor, like iron clad wraiths. Once against the wall the mind of the tactician began to move at full speed, a skill he's often doubted to have unless prompted to display it, he understood the guard routes and movements within a moment and then acted upon it. Hurling up his grappling hook, even if he'd normally just jump his way up, he knew that silence was their ally for the moment. Once Adelaide was on his back, a fact that always brought him some odd comfort, he began his climb. His legs didn't touch the rope and with each pull of his arms it was more so they flew up the rope than climbed it, a perk of his strength of course, and once they scaled the wall he jumped. Angling his body he caught the wall of the church and slid his way down until they reached the focal point of their strategy.\n\nWhile The Wilted Rose began to preform her dark arts, fascinating as it was to watch, The Blade of Totality began his. His tenets of blood, his oaths of violence, prayers of power and decrees of death. The powers granted to him by warlock and diety, a mixture of divine and dark that swirled within his very being like a black flame- hungry, wanting.\n\nHe knelt, his head bowed and his blade belt close to his heart.\n\n\"Blessed be the hands that snuff out the spark of tainted life. Rejoiced be the sinners at their hour of judgment. I am her blade. I am the point of her spear. I am the mail that is faced. I am the bane of her foes and the woes of the treacherous. I am her weapon and I decree death fall upon them.\" Then, as he stood, the fel beings of undeath arose.\n\nHe moved far faster than he should be able, his hulking frame and armor added enough to his weight- but his Sword, that was what truly made him seem like myth. The blade several inches longer than his already staggering height and it's thickness was nearly as wide as he is shoulder to shoulder. A blade of unnatural power, drenched in the blood of countless demons and damned souls, it seemed almost alive. It creaked and groaned when it moved, like the weight of itself might break it in two, and with each strike of the blade it sounded like cannon fire.\n\nHe had slain six men by the time his presence was know, his blade cleaving limb and life with each stroke. The two died as one, heads still flying in the air while the third and fourth became four pieces of meat within two swings. The last two suffered a far worse fate, helmets dented in by the brute strength of the hundred man slayer, left to convulse on the ground until death while Alexander wasted no time. The battle had begun and the Rose and Blade began to dance once again." }, { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "The screams and squelches Alexander was able to elicit from his victims was like music to Adelaide's ears. Over the years she'd found that she really Did* Enjoy inflicting pain and cruelty on others. Perhaps it made her evil, maybe it was vengeful or misdirected, but the adrenaline and the Power And holding another's very Soul In her hands was just too much for her to resist. After watching her life fall apart before her piece by piece, she even at times felt like she deserved the additional joy. Sitting back in the courtyard for a few more moments, for the utmost safety, as Lex carved a path, she ensured they had enough undead both inside and outside the Keep. The distant screams and groans were confirmation enough outside her sense for her creations to tell her she had lined multiple along the outside walls and pulled others from the earth about the small town. She focused on mostly skeletons and some zombies, aiming to replace the fallen skeletons with more zombies as they fell; the skeletons only needed to distract and main until her love could get to their targets, which wouldn't take long. Suspecting some to run, especially among the civilians, she preemptively summoned a reaper, a phantom clad in tattered black robes and carrying a large scythe. It hovered near her like an honor guard, awaiting its command.\n \n\nThough she had managed to calm down, the Wilted Rose was still carrying a good deal of rage, and she always carried a hefty amount of well-concealed fear. Both served as fuel for the flames of the terror she sought to inflict on this settlement. Not bothering with her shield, as she didn't expect much resistance, especially with the Blade out ahead of her, she sauntered almost lazily out of the cemetery, dragging her longsword with a menacing Scraaaaape Along the cobblestones. The undead from the cemetery gushed forth around her, seizing any nearby and gorging to their fill. Her eye would glow bright purple throughout this fight, as she controlled her minions and worked her darkness. Movement caught her attention in the corner of her eye, and she pointed the sword that direction, the chain around it unwrapping hastily to shoot out and wrap around the ankle of the target, which happened to be a withered old woman. Dragging the woman to her roughly and unceremoniously, Addie struck down with no sign of remorse, severing her head cleanly from her body. She slew her way thusly forward, eventually catching up to her favorite.\n \n\nPerceptive and sharp eyes noted, as well as admired, how Lex drew the attention of the knights that were Supposed To be protecting this place. They were far too focused on him, and if not him her little pets, to notice her slinking up near them. Ensuring she didn't get in her companion's way, she took advantage of the openings he left her, much the same as one might follow in the footsteps of a lover's dance, adding their own flair. She thrust her sword through the soft part of one man's armor under his arm, the tip of her blade protruding from under the other arm before she twisted the blade with a dark, maniacal laugh, drawing it back out to strike the man next to him in the exposed hamstrings. Once he hit his knees, she stepped behind him, jerking off his helmet and wrapping her hand around his jaw, making him look up at her devilish, blood-splattered helm and glowing eye, her touch spreading blight that quickly rotted his flesh and eyes, her grim visage the last thing he saw.\n\nShrill crying broke into her focus, and the Wilted Rose let the man in her grip drop with a hard Thud Into the pool of his own blood. Turning, she saw a young mother sprinting with a screaming babe in her arms. Her voice dark and hateful, she commanded the reaper, \"None survive. None escape. Hunt them without ceasing, then pursue and exterminate anyone else who tries to breach these hallowed walls.\" Turning back around, she assessed the immediate area, taking a step to the side for space and security, holding her rune and chain covered sword high as she summoned more undead to reinforce their number, the infernal escaping her lips like fervent prayer." }, { "author": "Alexander Hendrix", "message": "While *The Wilted Rose* Weaved her fel magics and commanding the undead to peruse without mercy and reek havoc- she did not forget to inflict punishment by her own hand as well. Alexander was drawn to it, not so much the act of violence itself, but drinking in Addie's art like one might watch another dance. He studied every moment and committed them to memory, the ghoulish grace she held- the speed and precision of her strikes like the coiled bite of a snake or the sting of a scorpion. Every movement measured, not an ounce of motion or energy waisted. To others it seemed she was a monster, a demon in her own right, but to Alex she was heavenly.\n\nContrast to the magic and grace of Adelaide, Alexander, brought no such skill. He moved like a juggernaut, a berserker that seemed to have no end to his strength and stamina. Where one swung of his sword cleaved a man in two his next stroke came at the same speed, to him it was almost routine at this point. Addie and him alike have suffered a past that now many would wish upon their worst enemies and while both came out with their scars and skills- Alexander's was simple. Violence was his chosen craft and he is it's master.\n\nHe rushed ahead of Adelaide, allowing her magics to sew confusion and discord amongst their enemies for but a moment before he struck. One knight, larger than most of the rest, actually clashed with the ardent knight for but a moment.\n\n \nTheir blades smashed together, stances wide and strong.\n\n\"Shift weight, push.\"\n\nHe drove forwards, dropping his weight onto his back foot to allow his enemy to overextend before he pushed with all his might- shoving the knight back a few paces. In a panic and to retort, likely a reaction out of his desire to live that he believed to be trained skill, it was all the same. None of them knew how to truly fight, not like him, so when the harsh downward struck of the knight met nothing but air and he suddenly realized he was somehow looking at his headless body from a few feet in the air. That is when it fully registered to all around who saw the display of both the rose and the blade.\n\nThere is no hope.\n\n\"*ADELAIDE.\" The berserker called as he swung his blade overhead, throwing the hulking slab with such strength is was hard to even follow the spinning blades path. It crushed a few men as it landed, drawing attention to some of the knights climbing onto heavy horse. \"HEAVY HORSE-\"\n\nHe rushed like a madman, his strength allowing him to move fast enough to practically appear several paces ahead of Addie in a flash. Holding up his hands an odd thrumming generated from the hands of Alexander while his blade wobbled and shuttered where it was imbedded in a man's torso and the ground below. Within a heartbeat the blade ripping itself from its place and flew to Alexander who caught it and precisely redirected its energy from flight to spin and decapitate a knight that drew near him.\n\nHe held a hand out, his eyes locking onto Addie's for a moment, the ever enveloping fires of determination and strength burning with his own.\n\n\"STAY BEHIND ME.\"\n\nHe did not give her time to react, simply turning around to face the knights on horseback that now began to charge at them- preparing himself for what's to come next." }, { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "Blue green eyes filled with cold and calculating affection watched Alexander crush and slice through their enemies. Though his appearance right now would send most running in fear, it was one of the times she found him most appealing. The gleeful madness in his eyes, the blood splattered all over his otherwise shining armor, and the raw display of pure power–she couldn't love him more. His ferocity excited her, and once she was done reinforcing their undead, she waded back into the fray beside him, whipping and cutting with wild abandon, feeling each soul severed as it was liberated from its mortal shell.\n* *\nThough it might often appear to an outside observer that Adelaide was in charge in their battles, in truth, they were a team, with equal control to order and command. Addie certainly enjoyed Taking* Control, but she knew when to step down and heed Lex's calls. This was one of those times, the tone of his voice brokering zero argument. She whipped around to where he directed her attention, a groan of frustration escaping her. While it wasn't anything they couldn't handle, it was Annoying. Now she'd have to expend more power and effort than she had originally wanted to. Enough of her undead within the walls had fallen to free her up for her biggest summon. Standing firm behind her love, she planted her glowing sword into the ground, growling out the infernal summoning for the lich, her left eye seemingly consumed by purple flame, it glowed so intensely. \n \n\nThe lich sprang into action as soon as it floated out of the shadows, casting cloudkill out towards the swarm of horses and men, giving its masters exception from the spell. Lunging into the fray, it swiped with one clawed skeletal hand, ripping the flesh of horse and man equally. With the other hand it would occasionally point to a knight, scream in infernal, and watch the man fall dead off his horse. Intending to further soften their foes for the Blade and the lich, the Rose added to the infernal screams, casting fear in a wide net at the horde. Many knights managed to resist, but many poorly trained horses went wild, screaming as their eyes rolled with terror in their skulls, bucking and trampling their riders. \n \nNot wishing to disobey or get in the way, Addie would remain behind Lex until he told her otherwise. From this distance she could really only cast, which was beginning to strain her dwindling resources. But she wasn't one to stop or back down, not until the job was done, not until every last one of them was Dead. As knights came close to her love, she reached out a hand and cast blight at a distance, starting the rot on their hands or arms to try to make them drop their weapons. Hidden under the din of battle, she was beginning to pant with the effort of sustaining her magic. She would continue until she literally couldn't, such was her stubbornness. And she hated to look weak in front of Lex, she would never call his attention it, maybe even do her best to hide it. Watching the lich continue to fell knights with ease, she felt a little dizzy but knew it should only be a matter of time." }, { "author": "Alexander Hendrix", "message": "\"*Ease up goddamnit, don't overdo it.\" Alexander said through gritted teeth, somehow knowing that Adelaide was pushing herself past the limits- a fact she's often guilty of, hence his knowing. \"I'll handle the rest.\"\n\nThe brute gave no room for argument nor question from his better half, he didn't allow her the chance. He sprang into action, his thunderous footfall sounding like the approach of a giant at full speed. He swung his mighty sword, it's blade cleaving off both the head of a horse and the torso of a man in one full stroke. He continued his dance of death, greatsword carving a bloody path through what was left of the charging heavy horse. Blood splattered all around them as body parts flew into the air, a shower of gore that sickened the very core of those who saw it. The knights left alive all around them began to panic, cursing the two beasts who had laid claim to so many souls. Some of them ran outside of the keep, some of them simply dropped to their knees or fell over completely- either sobbing like children or foaming at the mouth as their minds shatter.\n\nWith one last stroke of his blade he felled the last horseman, his blades tip dragging across the ground as he hunched over a moment. Taking a deep breath the brute stood tall, blood both his and his enemies dripped from him like a shower of pain as Alexander walked back to Adelaide.\n\n* \n\"You know it's bad for you to do that, I have told you countless times to no over extend.\" The ardent knight drove his blade into the ground with a firm shove before he stepped to Addie, all sense of rage or sternness leaving him as a gentle smile came over his face. She always had that effect on him, no matter the situation really, to soothe his rage and bring him back to a state of relative peace.\n\n\"I know you're strong, you don't have to prove it to me.\" Alexander remarked as he laid a hand on Adelaide's shoulder, wishing he could tell her how he feels- how he's felt for a long time, but he knows now is not that time... And maybe it never will be.\n\n\"You did good, thanks for having my back. Let's clean up, see what we can salvage for trade or keep and then let's go cash in this bounty too Aye? Get some coin along with souls for the day.*\"" }, { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "A growl crept past her lips at Lex's rebuke; she'd quite hoped he'd be too busy to notice. But she should've known, he always had an eye for her, regardless of what else was going on. She was simultaneously intensely annoying by it and immensely grateful for it. Watching him create a most brutal display of bloody dance, she heaved an angry sigh and let most of her undead drop with many Thuds* That resounded around the area. She kept up the lich, reaper, and 2 zombies at each entrance. She took a deep, wheezing breath as some of the weight came off her with the drop in the power she wielded. But letting go some meant inviting the exhaustion in more readily. She pulled her sword from the ground, returning it to her back, taking a moment for a few ragged breaths before ordering the reaper in a biting, ice cold tone, \"Find *Every single* Runner and end them.\" There would be tales or scary stories told about this day; not if she could help it.\n\nOnce all the enemies were dead and accounted for, Adelaide dismissed the lich and reaper with a wave of her hand, wrenching off her helmet thinking the rising nausea in her stomach would lead to vomiting, but watching Alex approach, she could push it back down. She hated seeing him hurt, even though she knew he could take far, Far More than the average man. While blood was amongst her favorite accessories, she loathed for it to be his. Uncertain of her own faculties at the moment, she stayed put, watching him approach with a deep frown that didn't match the affectionate worry in her eyes.\n\n \n\"I know. I just haven't had to use the full force of all my power in a while. That's all.\" The Rose's voice was hoarse with both exertion and emotion, though it'd be hard to pull the two apart. Too many emotions swirled in her, with too little time and too much exhaustion to sort them. It felt like it was always that way, anymore. She managed a weak smirk, a slight playfulness in her tone, \"I'm sure you'll tell me countless more times, because I'm not a good listener, and I do what I want when I want to.\" \n\nLex's praise was unexpected, and she felt that irritating lump in her throat accompanied by heat in her cheeks; though at least this time, it could again be mistaken for exertion. Rather than speaking, she put a hand on top of the one on her shoulder, looking up at him a little defiantly through her lashes as she channeled some healing into him. It only took a minute of drawing on her own stamina for the dizziness to become too overwhelming, and she stopped, gripping his other arm with her other hand to steady herself. Before he could admonish her, she spat out icily, \"I know, I know!\" She held his gaze a moment more, the defiance warring with the other thousands of emotions to be most visible.\n \n\nWith a nod, her cold demeanor melted somewhat. Generally Lex had that effect on her, softening her rough edges, though feeling the blush still on her pale face left her somewhat irritated. \"Thanks, it's a thousand times easier to do jobs together. And you know... I'll always have your back.\" While she began with a resolute, if a little tired, tone, it faded to something softer and quieter by the end. She began to rummage in the pockets of nearby corpses, a tired but genuine smile on her face, \"Oh, good thinking! Coin certainly wouldn't hurt.\" After stumbling between a few bodies she was trying to loot, Addie looked up to see the knowing and admonishing look on the face of her best friend. With a frustrated groan, she spoke warmly through the irritation, \"Fine, fine! Don't come manhandle me into resting. I'm going, I'm going...\" She walked over to a nearby crate and sat down, watching Lex salvage with soft blue green eyes as she wiped her face off and took a little rest." } ]	768	5,786
507	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "A love for blood and gore combined with complete disregard for the gods and the law might be called careless by some. Hallie knew without a doubt she was above it all. She didn't care that her usual antics or how she completed jobs left a rather obvious trail that some kind of monster, some kind of vampiric creature, was about causing havoc. So it wasn't an uncommon occurrence for her to find a vampire hunter on her trail. It was actually quite fun to her. She savored the moments they thought they were so close, sometimes would even let them injure her, capture her. It made it all the more satisfying to turn the tables on them, see the confusion and terror in their eyes before they were slaughtered. Sometimes it seemed to her that the blood tasted sweeter if she was able to make them lose all hope before they died.\n\nOn this particular night, she was very much a cat playing with a mouse, having literally reversed the situation so that She Was hunting the Hunter. Near silent footfalls followed his panicked ones through the forest. She could easily run up and end him, but that would be no fun. Though her pistols were in holsters at her hips and her cutlasses on her back, she was choosing her natural weapons in this game. Hearing his terrified gasps for air and a sudden Snap Of a twig he stepped on, she decided a little magic to further soften him up wouldn't be amiss. Her icy blue eyes glowed very faintly, almost as if moonlit, and as if from nowhere a swarm of screeching bats soared at the man from behind. They flew at him, biting and pulling at his hair and clothes. Watching from nearby shadows, the vampire smiled with unhidden joy at his pain, his fear. She drank it up like she would soon lap up his blood.\n\nLetting the bats have their own fill of fun, they flew off at her approach as she dismissed them. Slowly, she sauntered up to his trembling form on the ground. The coppery scent of his blood already wafted through the air from previous injuries she'd given him in this chase. Grabbing him by the hair with a clawed hand, she forced him to look up at her, \"You're quite inferior. This was almost boring.\" Her voice was cold and irritated. She really had been hoping for a bit more of a challenge. Her sharp eyes caught him about to strike out with a dagger from his boot, and her quick reflexes allowed her to stomp his hand into the ground swiftly, the crunch of bones audible, faintly resounding off the trees. \"Nice try, but like I said, you're not good enough, sweetie. Time to say goodbye.\" Her voice suddenly turned playful, coquettish, as she released him and waved with the same hand. \n\nThe man looked at her with wide eyes, and when she could see that he had no intention of running, though he was free to do so, she smirked and began her assault. Rather than killing him outright or showing mercy in any way, she cut him down with her claws, long gashes across his chest that splattered blood all over her own clothes. She pounced at him, pinning him to the ground with strength you wouldn't expect from a woman of her size. Wrenching his head aside to expose his neck, she ripped it open with her fangs and began to drink her fill, her claws digging in and drawing further blood. As she neared the end of her feeding, the blood was smeared all over the bottom of her face and her hands. Yes, she decided in the end, a satisfying hunt after all." }, { "author": "chiren2178", "message": "Can't wait for the dark lord's debut 👏🏼" }, { "author": "Targorath Hasuyan", "message": "A phantom observed from the abyssal realm only it could stride through. It was unseen, anathema to the realm of existence that all else knew of, only it knew better then they. It's eyes, like the molten metals of a forge encased by darkness itself- blacker than the very shadows around them. A gaze as old and unknowable as time itself, primordial in its essence, merely observed the display of bloodshed before it. It showed no emotion nor sign of movement but something was made known as if declared to the world around it. It liked what it saw.\n\nTargorath Hasuyan, the Monarch of Midnight, had taken a stroll this night. Bored and annoyed had he been, so very bored, within the walls of his sanctum. He wanted to explore, just a little, and spy what had become of the world he has not graced within three Thousand Years. Standing from his throne of bone and metal the dark lord faded into a puddle of ink-like blackness. He scoured the shadows of the realm, attempting to find something worthy of his gaze, and after nearly enough time for him to consider this boring- he saw her.\n\nA mortal that moved like a predator of night, a hunter of Shadow. From his realm of shadow did he watch her, the display of gore and bloodshed- the joy of the slaughter, the spilling of blood and fragrance of death. She was like him.\n\nStepping from his realm of shadows, like a wraith appearing from the darkness itself, stood only a few yards away from the vampire. His hands cupped and held low at his waist, a cape of shadow that seemed to stretch from all around them and slim black armor adorned with onyx finery- and at his head lies a crown of bone, smoldering with a faint fire that seemed to only brighten the molten gold eyes of the monarch of shadow.\n\n \nTargorath then regarded Hallie, giving a small tilt of his head. \"*Pleased to make your acquaintance, child of shadow.\" A smile stretched across his face, twisted and uncanny as it seemed to stretch farther than his face would allow.\n\n\"May I indulge in the scent of blood with you? It's been so long since I have smelled the aroma of a fresh kill.\"" }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "A strange sensation washed over the vampire as she ensured she'd extracted every possible drop she could, fangs and claws ripping and pulling out flesh with ease. It wasn't an Unfamiliar* Sensation; she always felt pleasure when feeding and fighting. But it felt odd... Almost like it wasn't her own. The thoughts swam lazily in her sated mind and slipped away before she could be pushed to pursue them any further. After a few more moments, she felt more than saw that someone had approached. Alarm bells sounded in her mind and her whole body tensed; how had she been snuck up on? She should've heard most anyone from miles away. At least she'd already had her fun and fill with this one, if she had to abandon it. And alternatively, maybe her fun wasn't quite done yet...\n\nThe sharp and teasing warning she was about to spit died in her throat as her light blue eyes sailed upward. Her blonde brows, flecked with bright blood, furrowed in confusion. She remained frozen and tense for a moment as she regarded this being before her. Some distant deeply buried part of her screamed that she should run. But the vicious, overconfident monster she had become was intrigued. She sat up from her position pinning the corpse to the ground; it might have looked somewhat tantalizing, the way she perched atop him, if not for the blood and gore. A being of great power was clearly before her; she fully believed she was rather better than, well, most everyone, so this man had to be quite skilled to have surprised her thus. And even with her preferences, she had to admit he was quite beautiful, almost Too Perfect in a way that was unsettling. That was when the wide, toothy grin nearly split his face, and she barked a short series of laughter, slapping the drenched corpse underneath her with a squelch. She knew her kind when she saw it, that much at least was sure.\n\n\"Oh, I think the pleasure may be all mine.\" Hallie spoke with confident ease, easing off the corpse and sitting on the other side of it from Targorath, looking it over head to foot before nodding approvingly. She looked up at him, light icy blue eyes only accentuated by the red all over her milky white skin. \"I don't think I've left much in the way of blood, if you're interested in that.\" She tilted her head as she returned his regard, openly looking him over for any clues as to what–who–he might be. \"There's plenty of meat though, I've no use for that. Smell to your dark heart's content.\" She stood, leaning against the tree behind her, crossing her arms. \"Consume his flesh, obliterate him and make it rain bone. I don't care. I got what I wanted. He can rot now, stupid prick!\" She kicked the body in irritation; though she'd enjoyed the hunt and gotten to feed, it hadn't been her plan to come this way. He'd driven her here before she decided to end it. Though... Looking into Torgorath's ancient eyes, she was thinking maybe she should thank this man. There seemed to be a possible opportunity here that she'd be loath to pass up." }, { "author": "Targorath Hasuyan", "message": "\"*You could say that.\" The widely grinning figure replied with a small inclination of his crowned head, still remaining cordial if not a tad excited. Even as he watched Hallie find a new position off the corpse the eyes of the figure did not waver, as if taking assessment of who was before her. He recognized traits of his own, sharp fangs, eyes that burned with a bestial fury encased by striking blue like the ice upon a mountain top. The pale complexion, a beauty that seemed to push beyond the scope of realism and into the fantasy. Truly, whoever this woman was, she was indeed a kindred spirit.\n\n\"Oh no thank you.\" The figure regarded with a small shake of his head. \"I much prefer the* Aroma. *I have no need for the sustenance of blood. But I do thank you for such a kind offer.\"\n\nHis head moved with what sounded like the snapping of bone, eyes now laying on the still warm corset before the pair, and with a somehow widening smile the man inhaled deeply from his nose. Tendrils of fire tinged shadow flew from the body and into the nostrils of the man, his head tilting back with closed eyes while he sighed with content. \"Ah... The stench of death... How long we have been parted from one another.\"\n\n* \nAfter a few moments of enjoyment the monarch returned his unblinking gaze to Hallie, his smile shrinking into much more of a uniformed smirk.\n\n\"It's been so long since I last walked these realms under the stars. I remember... So very long ago, when I first led mortals in hand out into the night- showed the majesty of the stars, the serenity of silence and the joys of shadow. It pleases my cold and rotten heart to see what my guidance has grown into.*\"\n\nWith a small flick of the man's right index finger the corpse was lifted into the air, it's bones breaking with audible cracks and pops while it contorted into unnatural angles. Then, with a whisper of some long forgotten language, the body erupted into fire for the briefest of moments- a white and pure light humming steadily left hanging in the air as the corpse burnt to ash. Stepping forth and finally raising a hand the figure grabbed the light, akin to an orb of shimmering starlight, and Ate* It. His mouth pulling open to the same size as his smile had been, rows of serrated teeth and a serpents tongue, and he consumed the soul in one bite.\n\nThe fire smoldering within the man's crown burst into brightness while his cloak of shadow consumed all behind him in darkness for a brief moment before they both receded into normality. \"*Have you a name?\"\n\nTargorath asked with a smile, looking towards Hallie with a curious and delighted expression.\n\n\"I am Targorath Hasuyan.\"" }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "Regarding him more with curiosity than anything, she took in with some admiration the many razor sharp teeth and the way he seemed able to bend his form to his will. Hells, the way he'd appeared made her wonder if he could bend time and space to his will. A most powerful creature indeed, one she'd want to use all her devilish charm to befriend. Flashing a smile of teeth and fangs stained with blood, she hummed approvingly, \"I can quite understand. Even when I'm rather sated, there's something that's just so* *Pleasant* About that coppery scent.\" It was rare for her to find others who shared her penchants for cruelty and gore; even rarer in those to find someone stronger than her. While she was rather overconfident and arrogant, she wasn't stupid; she knew greatness when she saw it.\n\nMuch in the same fashion he had, the vampire made herself comfortable and watched him consume. She was enthralled with the sights and sounds, invigorated by the complete and utter destruction of this man. If she could do the same to the gods, erase them as if they'd never existed, what a happy day it would be. Once he'd consumed the soul, she spoke in a very friendly, mildly sultry tone, \"If it's death you want, I can lay it at your feet in spades. It's my favorite pastime.\" She inclined her head slightly in thanks for the compliment, \"I'm afraid me and my kind are rather a rarity in the world. But no, ancient one, what you've brought has certainly not been forgotten.\" More intrigued than ever, her mind raced. He didn't strike her as a god, but he was certainly a similar level of ancient. What Was he?\n\nA smirk of pure delight colored her blood covered face, \"What a happy meeting, Targorath. I'm Hallie Kolbeck, or Bloody Hallie, if you go by my warrants. I think we could be *Quite* Excellent friends, sir. Meeting someone of your quality is so very rare and exciting.\" Her wildest dreams of power and terror felt like they were beginning to come true." } ]	552	3,042
169.736842	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin was rather thankful for his familiarity with the forests of his home. He was also grateful that his friend, Yrsa, was not particularly careful, at times. Hopefully, these two things would make it easier to find her. She had apparently shifted into her bear form and wandered off from their camp while he was asleep, if their messy, destroyed food supplies leading a trail away was any indication. Picking his way carefully through the brush, he was concerned but not in a hurry. Occasionally, he would stop to pick an herb or look curiously at a flower. \n\nIt was very easy for the elf to get distracted by plants. He was an alchemist and healer by trade, though he'd been doing less of that lately. He found himself connected to a great, evil being with new power he had no idea how to control. And her goals, her purposes were so opposite his, he was still trying to figure out how to make it work.\n\nLooking up for signs of bears, trying to track his friend, he sighed. He was no hunter, and he was worrying he had lost her trail. Taking stock of his surroundings, he also noticed he hadn't been in this part of the forest before. At least if he had, it looked different here now. He'd lived here all his life, surely he wouldn't have missed a treehouse like that. Curious but cautious, he approached the house in the distance." }, { "author": "chiren2178", "message": "No rush, I'm only available a few times through the day anyway" }, { "author": "Lance Stonewell", "message": "Lance awoke from the sun hitting his eyes. He stood up with a yawn and a stretch. He then went about his normal morning routine. Feeding animals that live at and around his home. He then put on his elvish attire.\n\nHe then went to the stream where he usually gets his water from. Filling up a bottle, he then took a huge drink before putting his bottle into one of his leather pouches. He looked up at the sky, and as he did he heard some crunching leaves in the distance.\n\nHe quickly put up his hood and climbed into a tree. You would think he'd make noise when Jumping from tree to tree. But he was completely silent. Eventually he ran into the source of the crunch. \n\n\"Another hunter ugh...\" Lance thought to himself.\n\nHe drew his bow and fired a warning shot right next to the so called hunters feet. He stayed silent." }, { "author": "mrtroll5213", "message": "I may be a bit rusty bare with me lol" }, { "author": "chiren2178", "message": "You're good man, no worries ❤️ I may have time in a few hours or so but most likely it'll be tonight or tomorrow that I reply." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Before he realized what was happening, Alcuin heard the whistle of the arrow and watched with horror as it struck his leg, the blood immediately beginning to bloom around it. But feeling no pain, he closed his eyes tightly, then reopened them, to see the arrow stuck in the ground next to him. They weren't as bad as they once were, before he became reacquainted with his patroness, but the visions that plagued him were still present, still made it confusing sometimes to tell insanity from reality. \n\nHis golden brown eyes darted around, searching for a source of the shot. He heard no sound, not that he was some trained combatant to even be listening for that sort of stuff anyway. But he was certainly paranoid enough to notice. It didn't seem like it had come from the house, but as he scanned the trees, he saw nothing. The alchemist didn't look terribly threatening. He was wearing a brown jacket over a green linen shirt with tan breeches and boots, a large backpack overflowing with herbs perched on his back. He had no visible weapons, the only one he carried being a dagger in an inside pocket of his jacket.\n\nHolding up his hands, he walked forward very slowly, speaking loudly and clearly, \"I mean no harm! Actually, I might be able to use your help... I'm looking for my friend.\" He hesitated a moment, trying to decide on the right words, then just decided blunt honesty was likely best, since he was already getting shot at, \"Right now she's a big bear, kinda reddish thick fur, probably sort of angry looking. Have you seen her?\"" }, { "author": "Lance Stonewell", "message": "He looked at the elf confused his head filled with thoughts. He was thinking whether he should help or not. Is he trying to trick him. Maybe he'll stab him the second he gets close. He puts his bow on his back.\n\nLance let out a large sigh as he used his vine magic to wrap the elf up in vines. It's better to be safe than sorry. He jumped down from the tree landing on his feet.\n\nHe then looks at the elf with a confused look. \"What do you actually want... Why are you here?* He then pulled his hood down as the wind blew his white hair." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Panic filled Alcuin as the vines began to bind his feet to the ground, climbing up his legs. His mind raced, trying to think of how he could get out of this when he saw the elf jump from the trees; that explained why he was so hard to find, his attire was perfectly suited for blending in with the forest. And as a fellow elf, Alcuin knew they were well-adapted to this land of their birth. The other elf didn't look particularly threatening or evil, mostly irritated and cautious. The vines continuing to climb up, now past his hips, spurred his mind on to find some solution that, hopefully, wouldn't offend his countrymen further—he needed a way out.\n\nThe thoughts hadn't even fully formed when he heard his patroness whispering in his ear, Thou hast the means to easily escape... Like this...* And it was as if he no longer had control of his body, for a moment. He held out his hands, palms up, and almost seemed to pull the shadows up from the ground, out from under the canopy of trees, to swirl at his feet. They climbed up his form more quickly than the vines, fully covering him, until he and the shadows were gone. With a burst of shadow that quickly dissipated, he reappeared several yards away, but still within talking distance (at a shout) of the other elf.\n\nLooking a little confused, he mentally whispered thanks to Alekhya, and tried again to explain himself. \"Look, I really don't want to fight. I don't want anything from you. If you haven't seen a bear or a woman with red hair, I can just leave.\" He sighed, worry coloring his tone, \"I just really need to find her... She has a penchant for getting into trouble and not thinking things through.\" For now, the warlock stood his ground, hoping to resolve this peacefully." }, { "author": "Lance Stonewell", "message": "Just as Lance thought he had the other elf he vanished. Lance had a surprised look on his face. \"H-how did he...? No time.\"* Lance grabs his bow from his back pulling back an arrow.\n\nHe then heard the elf speaking to him. Lance kept his guard up but responded. \"A Bear...? Well I could probably track a bear down easily... But. Why..?\" Lance still has his bow drawn pointed in his direction." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Standing his ground at a distance, Alcuin attempted to explain. \"She's a human fighter with the ability to shape shift. Right now, she's a bear. I just want to find her.\"* Running his hand through his messy brown hair, which had leaves stuck here and there, he looked somewhat dejected, \"I'm no hunter. Plant life is my specialty. I haven't had much luck finding her, the trail has gone cold.\"\n\nGetting a sense that this elf was trying to protect something, Alcuin added, \"She and I take care of each other, the way it seems you're taking care of something here. I just way to do my job as her friend.\" His eyes were determined but held a small plea, \"If you can't help me, then I'll be on my way. I don't want to bother you, and this is all I would ask of you.\" A slight nod of his head, \"Apologies for the trouble I seem to have already brought you.\"" }, { "author": "Lance Stonewell", "message": "He looked at the elf bow still drawn he thought to himself for a moment. Was he lying? Can this guy be trusted? Is he really looking for his friend? All reasonable questions though he wasn't the type to keep two people separated. After all he is all alone out here.\n\nHe sighed as he undrew his bow and put his bow on his back. Putting the arrow back into its quiver.\"Fine... I'll help you look for your friend just... Don't try anything ok... I'm Lance.\"* Lance walked over to the other elf keeping his guard up but becoming a bit more trusting." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin saw the uncertainty on the other elf's face and understood entirely. He himself had worn that look of wary confusion too many times not to. Though he was more likely to see the good in others, sometimes even trusted too easily. It had been so hard for him for so long to really expect bad things out of people. But that had begun to change. He still mostly felt that people were generally good. But with the dark things swirling in his head, it was harder and harder to maintain.\n\nThe warlock heaved a sigh of relief, dropping his own hands as he saw Lance put away his bow. Putting on a warm and welcoming smile, he introduced himself as well, \"Pleased to meet you, and also to not get shot. I'm Alcuin, and I really appreciate your help.\"* As they began walking, Alcuin heard the familiar whispers in his mind that had nearly become constant background noise. Though now, instead of alarming him, they were strangely comforting, as if he wasn't alone. He wondered if they meant she was watching him. Speaking as they walked, he wondered out loud, \"I've lived in Velaris all my life, wandered its woods countless times in 50 years. How have I never found this place?\" It struck him as odd, but Velaris was rather big. He supposed it was possible he hadn't actually explored all its forests like he thought he had." }, { "author": "Lance Stonewell", "message": "Lance kept walking and looking around. He made a strange sound which was him trying to communicate with bears. He held his arm out as a crow landed on his wrist. He made some more strange noises which the crow seemed to understand. It crowed then flew away.\n\nLance looked at his companion \"Well I usually don't see anyone coming through this forest... Unless it's to hunt. Other than that I'm pretty much alone here... It's not like this place is anything special... Well at least not to most people..\"* His white hair flowed with the wind as he looked around." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin watched the elf beside him as they walked. It wasn't often he ran into elves younger than him; how had this one ended up on his own so young? It seemed odd. But the alchemist wasn't one to pry and left it alone. He was impressed by Lance's knowledge of animals and the land; a true elf, so very connected to nature. \n\nNodding in understanding, Alcuin called out his friend's name, Yrsa, a few times, before speaking in a gentle tone, \"I'm a healer and alchemist by trade, so I'm out foraging a lot for various plants and herbs. I've walked out forests many, many times in my years.\"* Taking further stick the forest around them, he hummed approvingly, \"I can see why you like it here. It's incredibly peaceful, blissfully quiet.\"" }, { "author": "Lance Stonewell", "message": "He got some water out of his pouch. He took a quick drink the put it back. Guess he's not as bad as Lance thought. He became a bit more trusting.\"Yea I would rather die than let it go to crap... This is my home and I love it... Though it can get a bit lonely.\"\n\nHe looked up at the sky then back at the forest. His crow eventually flew back cawing like nuts. Lance made some strange noises. He then looked over at his companion.\"He picked up some bear tracks up to the right up here...\" The crow then flew off." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Looking back at the treehouse shrinking behind them in the distance, Alcuin wondered how old it was. He was no architect or builder and had no way to date the structure. But he guessed it wasn't terribly old; at least not to an elf. Lance must've built himself, which was quite impressive. Especially for one so young.\n\nWith a soft chuckle, Alcuin empathized, \"I can see how it'd be lonely. Before I met Yrsa though, I could be in a sea of people and still feel lonely. Life is what we make of it.\"* Meeting the other elf's eyes a moment, he asked, \"Do you *Enjoy* Your solitude? I know I didn't.\"\n\nWatching the crow and nodding at Lance's words, \"Let's check this way then. But,\" He looked back at Lance uncertainly, \"If we seem to be getting close, I'll need to part ways. She doesn't take kindly to strangers. Sorry.\" He didn't want to endanger this man any more than necessary." }, { "author": "Lance Stonewell", "message": "He was saddened by the thought that the first friendly person he's seen in months had to leave. He sighed but got over it he can deal with solitude. He kept walking.\n\nHe kneeled and examined the tracks these ones are fresh as in they've been made in the past few minutes. They right on his friends trail he stood up and looked at his companion.\n\nWith a slightly saddened looked he said \"Well I uhhh... I guess this is it then... I hope you and your friends reunion is a nice one.\"* Lance turned around getting ready to head out. He sighed." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Nodding, Alcuin prepared to say his thanks but noticed the impending sadness of the other. He'd had too many similar moments of grief at parting to not recognize it. He resolved internally to seek Lance out again in the future, when he could. While solitude could certainly be nice, too much was certainly a detriment. He couldn't let such a good young man waste away alone here.\n\nReaching out but not actually touching, he retracted his hand before speaking, \"Wait, Lance! You've done me a great service today, and I'm very thankful. I won't forget.\"* Looking around at the beautiful forest, he smiled his usual warm smile, \"I'll come back to visit, when I can. I swear it. You've created quite the lovely sanctuary here. I'll commit it's location to memory.\" He tapped his head.\n\nWith his own sigh, Alcuin turned to follow the trail, \"I'd stay now, but I'm afraid finding her is rather time sensitive.\" He laughed nervously, \"She can be, uhh... A little reckless and destructive.\" Giving a wave and one more smile, he said gently, \"Thanks, again, friend.\" With that, he left to follow the trail deeper into the woods." }, { "author": "chiren2178", "message": "If you're not ready I can delete it, I just assumed since I hadn't heard from you yet 🙏🏼" } ]	131	3,225
1,373	2024-04-26	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The hearty laugh of his only friend soothed Alcuin's nerves somewhat. Even though she wasn't the most emotionally attentive of friends, she had a way of calming the young elf without even really trying. He was happy for the companionship of a friend At all And thus didn't mind the way she hardly left him alone. Her constant reliable presence kept him somewhat grounded, otherwise with his troubles of late he likely would've gotten lost simply from not paying enough attention to the world around him. But Yrsa tended to... Well, need tending, which meant he couldn't get Totally Lost in his thoughts. Somewhat miraculously, at least for him, he'd even gotten accustomed to all the little friendly touches she gave him. He didn't jolt or jump away from this pat on the back as he used to, simply trying to enjoy the closeness it symbolized as he feared less and less that Yrsa would leave him.\n \n\nThe warlock listened closely to her words, feeling an initial dash of disappointment that it didn't seem she experienced similar things to him, at least, not like he'd hoped. Brows furrowed, he tried out the unfamiliar word out loud, \"Eikjarn...\" He stopped walking, looking at her with wide eyes when used the word 'bound.' Maybe it wasn't Totally Dissimilar. Her theatrics created the intended response, and he was soon laughing before continuing their leisurely stroll as his eyes cast about for the corpse flower. He nodded along in understanding as she continued to speak. \"I can certainly relate to the hunger... Though I've never hungered to cause pain, to hurt Anything Before. It's still very foreign. I struggle to admit that...\" He sighed, eyes looking somewhat distant, \"I Like It.\" A wry smirk graced his lips, \"I do hear actual voices that aren't there... Be glad that you don't. Although... It's been quiet in my head, lately.\" His brows furrowed with his concern. \n \n\nBlinking away his own troubles, Alcuin regarded her curiously, \"What do you mean, 'why you left?' Because you were too angry, you mean?\" Her words swirled around in his head. She was bound to a forest guardian, which Sounded Druidic, but he was certain that wasn't what was happening with her. Between her mannerisms, the stench, that strange magic he noticed in her clothes while they were in his home... Could she be, somehow, not entirely human? Or was it a curse? Regardless, he knew she was at least as much bear as she was human. The two seemed difficult to separate at times.\n \nYrsa mentioning harming friends shot into his attention like hot lightning. He looked up at her with an expression of vulnerability. His voice was soft and small, \"You too? Gods, I've been so scared that this thing that has a hold of me...\" He hesitated, wondering if it was too much to say out loud, but then deciding it Had To be said, \"I have to do what I'm told, Yrsa, and... I'm so afraid it will ask me to hurt you.\" His sad eyes were downcast, unable to look at her. \"I won't do it, I'd rather die first, but... I don't yet know what happens if I disobey.\" He let the words hang, still somewhat fearful of her response despite both their bond and his certainty that she could easily take him, if it came down to that.\n \n\nThe mention of the mushrooms perked him back up again, and the alchemist's face became thoughtful. \"I believe we have those here in the south too. Well, south considering your origins. But it sounds like a recipe! You must tell me all you remember about what he made with the mushrooms.\" He nodded enthusiastically, \"Oh, but what effects did it cause in him?\" He wasn't going to tell her no; she was so excited. But he began to feel somewhat wary about what exactly he had agreed to." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Thus,... At last, some secrets were laid bare. While Yrsa and Alcuin got along swimmingly so far, their metaphysical curse appeared to be that while they seemed to carry that trust for one another, they also didn't actively challenge each other. They appeared, in effect, enablers of each other's behaviours; Alcuin was allowing Yrsa to stay in her shell of dependency, continuing to rely on 'someone else' By taking care of her in the manner he had.\n\nMeanwhile, the ursine berserker appeared as a gateway for the budding warlock to obscure his fears and hesitations. He was already capable of wielding some very dark forces, and he admitted to the urges that would have left his old self appalled. Another friend may have confronted him with that, forcing him to come to terms with it, reject it, or do... Do Anything, but that wasn't Yrsa. Isolation and being forced to THINK.. To ponder on some things, wasn't that His Greatest enemy? And by taking care of her like he had, wasn't he pushing that envelope further and further?\n\nHe'd have to confront it sooner or later, right? But maybe that wasn't so bad after all. What Alcuin was doing, what his companionship Meant Was that the berserker had been given a bit of Time. She had mentioned her Uncle A few times in passing by now and spoke about him in a manner that seemed to imply .. Reverence? Dislike? Well, whatever it was, she did speak of him fondly. And while it might be better just to.. Embrace those things, to come to terms and stand on her own two legs, .. Maybe..\n\nShe didn't feel ready for that yet. She was happy. There was a part of her that was still grieving and sad, but she never really focused on the bigger picture. She always focused on the here and now. And while she didn't really 'get' some stuff, she did comprehend Alcuin's overall state. She didn't get nothin' about some weird talking spectre demigod what have you but she Did Get that it seemed to occupy her friend a lot, that it probably tied to his depression, and that..\n\nWell, this was the first time Ever, Ever, since the 'bathtub incident', that they.. Actually spoke! Earnestly! You know, without cutting corners and just leaving it up to emotions! Yrsa's icy blues had been resting on him while he talked, looking at him with her trademark curiosity - retorting with a brief 'huh', 'right..!' and 'uh-huh?' every now and again. She tended to be more of an active listener than someone who stayed quiet and waited for him to finish. But his words and how he spoke them were pretty heavy. Her usual manner of talking was surefire rapid responses, but right now? She was giving stuff more thought. Her footsteps halted, and her eyes went to.. Her palms? She turned her hands about and held them somewhat lax, simultaneously trying to think of the words while she spoke - a.. More hesitant way of speaking! But still with her usual vigor; \"I think, perhaps, this is not so strange.\"\n\nShe nodded. Actively thinking stuff over, when she did speak, she sounded pretty confident about it- like, that's what Yrsa knew, and that's how she felt from her perspective.\n\n\"It is like.. Your veggie-thing. Vegataria?? I do not recall the word. It is too silly. It is nice, maybe, to not eat meat, BUT.. It is also very delicious, and good for you. I would not be this strong without meat!\" The warrior nodded once more and grinned to herself, tensing her hands into fists. She looked up and sideward at Alcuin because he was still on her right flank, and she suddenly.. Clapped her hands together in resolution! With a few paces, she got over to a random tombstone and leaned against it while shooting her Elven friend a relaxed, pointing gesture.\n\n\"Ah-ha! I have decided this, my friend Alcuin. Usually... YOU are the storyteller, and you tell good tales. I know this to be true.\" She paused briefly and then jerked a thumb at herself. \n\n\"BUT.. This time, I shall tell the tale. I, too, am good at telling stories. And I like bards. They are funny.\"\n\nYrsa briefly hovered on her tangent, visibly occupied by the thought of a 'bard'. She really wanted to run into one again soon! Anyway, it only occupied her a second, and she snapped her attention back to her warlock ally.\n\n\"Uh.. YES. So, where was I? So.. I shall tell this. I am from a village! .. It is called, uh, 'village'. They did not know how to name things. But, you can get there by first .. Going that way-\" She pointed to the north-east.\n\n\"First, one must travel, I think, three full moons! And you will pass the big mountain. That is the large mountain before the elf-land. And then, you will be in the white snow plains. From there, it is another.. Ten moons. It is east, then north, then east, then north... Then further north! Long, long way from here.\"\n\nAs per usual, she was Terrible At describing these things. But it had her set the tone well enough; wherever she was from, it was far from any of the Empire's borders.\n\n\"The witch-seer said, once, in that wood .. There was a mighty forest spirit ghost. Eikjarn- who lived for a long time. I don't know how long - she said this, but I forgot. BUT THEN.. DISASTER.\" She threw her hands upwards, adding spooky noises to try and sound Extra Fantastical.\n\n\"Something-something lumberjacks and the mighty Eikjarn DIED. But, the dad who I am to dad was not the dad but actually the Eikjarn was the dad which upset the other one and pitchforks. Therefore, I left. And joined my uncle, who was insane. He is not my real uncle. But, he is nice enough to be. However, he was also bad.\" She scratched her head, still unsure whether to put him in a good or bad light. \n\nA bit of both?\n\nShe huffed briefly and quickly skipped over to the rest of her tale.\n\n\"You, I think, will not know this .. But, he was berserkir! Mighty warrior! He was but a man. Yet, I say this truthfully; he was.. Okay, well, maybe I was stronger - but he would kill a Troll like that really quick! I mention this because HE told me these things; .. It is Normal To want to kill.. And murder!! When I hunt ELK.. I do not think of the elk, BUT I respect the strong elk who fights back. This is the way. He would..\"\n\nYrsa mimicked the gesture as if quaffing down a potion.\n\n\"He did not make the berserkir potion. But, he had the recipe and told witch-seers to make this. When he drank this, made from the mushroom, he would become VERY strong - he would become even more insane, and take arrows, and get chopped, and he did not care. Before the potion he was strong! But.. With the potion, he was RAAARGGHH..\"\n\n... Her poor description aside, she seemed to allude toward some sort of.. Hallucinogenic concoction? There were plenty of potions that drove madness and allowed their imbibers to come across as physically invincible. And then the mushrooms Yrsa referred to often had hallucinogenic properties! Specifically, red mushrooms with white spots-\n\nThe only one that grew with some regularity, which had Those Properties, in both Yrsa's home and these mountainous ranges, was the fly agaric, literally one of the most common mushrooms of that type!\n\nShe shrugged and conclusively patted her right fist down upon her left palm.\n\n\"My uncle said this, and maybe, it'll be like that for you too... Alcuin! You KILL.. SLAY, DESTROY, BURN .. But only the things that are worth this effort! Therefore, it is GOOD.. To wring the necks of Goblins. But it's less good to kill your friends! Maybe, our thingy is probably different, but.. If we kill the good things, then, the people will not mind this. And also, you do not need to worry because I will explain this now; if you feel like I am the killable, then, I will transform .. And I will be very hard to kill! That way, you may be dangerous yet also safe. But, we probably want to be careful with this around weaker people, I think.\"\n\n.. What... What a *Terrible Ideology. But it wasn't Just Her uncle's words. And she manifested that by that little streak of confidence when she spoke about it. She had given Alcuin the rundown of who she was and where she came from - probably enough for him to figure it out. Her duality between bear and human also brought another ethical dilemma to the table; .. People usually consider Killing The act of taking the life of another Person. To hunt and kill was usually not held in the same league or categorization. However, for her? There wasn't that much difference between taking the life of a big animal and killing a random soldier. She almost seemed to revel in it! Simultaneously, it was more like a silent recognition of what she considered fundamental to life.\n\nYrsa folded her arms.\n\n\"I think.. You just need to let loose sometimes! Then, it'll be better later on!\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The berserker's words hit Alcuin like a drink of cold water on the hottest of summer days; both a shock And A relief. He let out a breath he didn't realize he had been holding with a big huff. Once again, he was incredibly glad of her understanding, and he was in no position to question the how or the why of it; he was simply happy to Have It. He couldn't help a smile breaking out across his face, soft chuckles escaping, as she talked about his vegetarianism. She wasn't going to forget that, was she? And he began to wonder... Did it even matter anymore? It was somewhat a cultural thing for the elves. Many did not eat meat but there were those that would occasionally partake of fish or fowl, and of course there were those that ate whatever they wanted. But by and large, they worked to live in concert with nature, and the slaughter and consumption of wildlife just didn't quite further that goal. But now... He knew whatever resided within him would only demand more and more death. Was he really protecting or preserving Anything Anymore? His chocolate eyes rested on Yrsa for a while; yes, there was at least One Thing, if Only One thing. \n \n\nOnce Yrsa got that twinkle in her icy blue eyes, the warlock knew he should stop and observe; she was up to something, and it would likely be quite fun. He stopped to face her, regarding her with crossed arms that spoke more of relaxation, not at all of judgment or boredom. His expression was entertained, truly lit up, as he listened to her speak. Unlike his ursine friend, he was a very good, very quiet listener. If she wasn't looking at him she would miss the occasional nod that signified either agreement or understanding. He only emitted the rare hum as any noise to indicate he was listening. While he knew her home was far away, he found he was surprised by how Very Far it actually was. He couldn't help asking aloud as she began talking about the forest guardian, \"How could mere lumberjacks fell something so mighty? Seems odd...\" Surely a being of such power would require more to kill it; but what did he know? He began to get lost and confused in all the dad-ing and held up his hands waving her to stop for a moment, \"Wait, wait, wait! Are you saying... The Eikjarn was your Dad ?!\" His eyes were wide with curiosity and confusion, \"I get the bit about joining your uncle, though.\" He could see her distress related to the uncle, so he simply said with some solemnity, some empathy for her sadness, \"It seems like he meant a lot to you,\" And left it at that.\n \n\nDeciding to address the more important, less emotionally-wrought topic first, the alchemist spoke a little warily, \"It sounds like the sort of brew that might have potent results but terrible side effects... Sometimes, the potency of such things is Because Of what it does to you.\" He became quite serious, a little somber, for a moment, \"Are you ready for your greatest fears, your worst nightmares, to be the things that fuel you into such a powerful state of rage? Because that's likely how it will work. You'll see things, feels things, that may not be entirely pleasant... You may not always be terribly connected to reality.\" He sighed, \"And you may find it harder to keep control, to not hurt the people you want to keep safe.\" He held her gaze steadily, his eyes full of his care for her, \"But it's your choice, of course. If you want me to try this brew, I'll try it for you. I won't deny you this thing you've sought for so long... I have no right to.\" As a healer, this went against every instinct he had. But... He was ready to accept that he was leaving that life behind. While he'd do what he could where he could to help others, he was no longer Really A healer, a preserver of life. He was learning to become more of an ender of it.\n \n\nRunning his hands through his messy hair, Alcuin heaved a heavy sigh. \"I think I see your point, but... That's just not how I was brought up to think. We elves are taught to respect All Life, it's part of why I haven't eaten meat. Yet... I know I can't deny this thing in me. And I also can't keep denying that I Like Feeling powerful... That it's just as satisfying, maybe more, to choke the life out of something as it is to ensure a soul stays put.\" His golden brown eyes were glassy, full of the conflicting joy and grief he felt at this transition already uncontrollably underway. \"For now, yes, I think I will focus on killing the Right Things... But I fear that won't be something I can do forever... That eventually more will be required of me.\" Attempting to shake the dark mood, he shot her a smirk, \"I could certainly use some letting loose.\" Looking around, he continued their walk as he thought out loud, \"Surely a place this dank and musty would have some of your mushrooms somewhere... Then again, maybe that's just you I smell.\"" } ]	1,157	4,119
1,110.5	2024-04-27	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Maybe.. That's what got it to work. Yes, a better friend might've told him no; told him this, and that and that Alcuin should Sort out His life- but, again, that Wasn't Yrsa. The both of them? They seemed to be in this.. Perpetual struggle for Violence; every twitching muscle and fast movement hid within it the lingering sentiment to Give in, to surrender- filled with genuine angst and fear. How much longer would Yrsa be capable of holding back her rage? .. When would Alcuin be faced with that impossible demand, wherein he needed to choose between his newfound master and his friendships?- they were like.. Walking kegs of lit black powder about to blow.\n\nIt would be better to head into the inferno with a head held high, then. Alcuin was by far the smarter of the two; neither was Yrsa particularly wise. But she did know one thing. The land from which she hailed married death with life, and the latter rarely came without sacrificing the former. Her last eight years had acquainted her well with the concepts of death, pain, torture and such things - and even before that .. How many winters had she experienced in which someone around her didn't die off? Of course, as a healer, Alcuin would have had to make peace with that, too.\n\nBut his purpose, likely, had ever been to protect life. Hers was silent recognition that it'd end anyway. The only thing she could do was prolong that inevitability for as long as possible. And.. It was with that type of resolution, with that figurative aura, that she pushed herself away from the gravestone, their complex bond of friendship and loyalty lingering in the air. Her movements were as much like an explosion as always, and she lunged forward, continuing on her push to try and catch him off-guard with a sweaty Hug — and, GODS, she Really Needed another bath! Her armpits were even more VILE up close! She cackled meanwhile like she KNEW as much, crudely trying to ruffle a hand through the warlock's hairdo to Mess it up as much as possible, before pushing herself away again. She was acting like an annoying sibling! And what made that worse was that she often struggled to control her speed and strength; even playing around, she was just way too damn strong!! It would knock the wind out of a fully-trained knight!\n\nThen again, Alcuin Was Pretty used to her habits. She shot him a grin and turned on half a foot, casually falling back into her stride beside him with a pep in her step- \"My friend Alcuin..\" She blustered, tucking her hands behind her back and taking a few comically large steps. She retracted her right hand and raised her index finger like a real smart-ass; \"This is the way!! But, I shall not let you say this without meaning! Together.. As FRIENDS, KIN.. We will hunt the BIGGEST Elk this land has seen! I can SMELL it, even now-!!\"\n\nShe gestured for the sky, waving dramatically. Meanwhile, she intoned her words like she was on to share some great tale or story, the beginning of myth and fable; \".. And then, we will EAT IT. With mead! Good honey mead that goes SLUSH and GULP.\" Yrsa said boisterously, though it sounded anti-climactic. But he couldn't reasonably expect to journey with a BERSERKER and not have his vegetarianism questioned, right?!- she made it sound like some.. Grand and essential decision! To travel with her into this life of death and constant trial!\n\nIn her mind, reverberating through the way she acted, she couldn't know what tomorrow brought. Maybe she'd turn to some monster and leave the encampment covered in scraps of her friends' flesh and bone. Maybe Alcuin would put a knife to her throat in the night. And what he said about those mushrooms? That was a genuine concern. There was probably a REASON why she wasn't allowed to imbibe that yet. But all of that— all of that felt like a 'tomorrow' thing. Right now, things were good, and she was happy. On her part, she was wholly committing herself to living day by day, seeing how far they could go with this. And the idea of going hunting with Alcuin? That felt good, too." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The young elf was indeed caught entirely off guard by the berserker's sudden lunge. While he was getting used to her, only her, touching him, they didn't generally hug. It was quite a lot more than he was ready for; a more normal, gentle hug would've been a bit overwhelming. But this was sudden, forceful, And Stinky. He stumbled back a few steps in her overzealous embrace, initially making feeble attempts to push her away in a panic, her strength squeezing the breath out of him for a moment. His gasp of an inhale only assaulted his senses; he'd honestly grown somewhat fond of her usual musk, and he could handle that. But the straight up body odor was a bit much, and he made a mental note to suggest...Some Kind of bathing later. How they'd accomplish it with snow on the ground, he wasn't sure, but it was about to become rather necessary. Once the panic and the disgust subsided some, it was like the world shifted a little.\n \n\nWhen was the last time anyone had embraced him so? Alcuin honestly wasn't sure. While his parents cared for him, they retracted a good deal of their love and affection after he returned from the Lands Beyond. It happened slowly, over time, but it happened all the same. Likely... It had been over thirty years since he had been hugged, longer than his friend had been alive. Far more focused on how invasive and claustrophobic he was worried it would feel in the past, he had forgotten how Warm And Comforting A hug could be. How reassuring it could be that someone cared for you, was on your side, had your back. He found himself overcome by positive emotion rather than negative, a lump in his throat and his eyes stinging with tears. Briefly and a little clumsily, he returned the embrace, squeezing his friend tightly with all the might in his weak little body. All of this happened and ran through his head in a matter of seconds, as soon Yrsa was cackling and roughly messing up his hair. Swallowing down the emotion and putting on a warm smile was easy, as Yrsa pushed back and shot him a wide grin. He wasn't sure he'd ever be able to put into words all the joy she'd brought him, or how grateful he was to have met her. For now, staying by her side, helping her meet her goals, would have to do.\n \n\nCombing through his now very wild brown hair with his fingers, the warlock had rather entirely forgotten his troubles, had almost forgotten why they'd even come here to begin with, and listened to her go on with rapt attention. Laughing quite heartily, gave up on his hair and regarded her with a quirked brow and a smirk, \"Fine, my friend, have it your way. The next time we slay a great, edible beast... I'll try some.\" His smile widened and his brown eyes held that darkness she had first seen upon meeting him, but... It was More Sinister somehow. \"I'll listen more to the part of me that's Very Excited to do great slaughter with you... We'll paint the Empire red, together!\" He made no theatrics and there was no joke in his tone; he was quite serious. \n\nA large structure suddenly looming up in front of them on their path stopped the healer in his tracks. He looked up at it curiously, the nameplate so archaic that he had no hope of reading what it said. The metal gate to the mausoleum was ajar, the lock seemingly broken long ago. Alcuin felt himself drawn to this place, felt a strong pull to go inside. Somewhat seeming in a trance, he said in a slight monotone, \"Let's... Go in here. Maybe they things we're looking for are inside.\" Cautiously, he pushed the gate open further, its loud Creeeeeaaakkk Announcing their presence. Not that he expected there to be anything or anyone inside... But it wouldn't be the first time he was wrong. And it certainly wouldn't be the last." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": ".. And if that was enough for them, for now, then- that was fine, wasn't it? Even after turning away from Alcuin and refocusing herself on the road ahead, and what they were doing, a gentle smile still lingered on her lips. And by that measure, anyone could see that it was genuine. It wasn't another one of her barbarian hustles or ploys, not another battle scream or what have you, just simple contentment. And it's weird, too, .. Maybe it WASN'T so much that she needed to go at it on her lonesome. Because, despite her day-by-day philosophy, she DID have a feeling that she needed to figure stuff out, that.. There was some invincible weight on her, and she couldn't rely on her 'uncle' anymore.\n\nIt was all contradictory, but that's just how people work sometimes. And while she wasn't exactly the type to dwell on great introspection—far from it—she did sort of think about how she got here. It felt like Alcuin had been pretty guarded up to this point. And just his emotions—to see them like that? That meant a lot, even if she didn't say as much!\n\nIt did beg another question, though. Yrsa glanced at him briefly when he mentioned they'd paint the Empire red. She didn't judge him for it; she didn't really know enough to say anything on it- but, she did sorta wonder— wasn't he a part of this Empire? Didn't he like the Empire? .. And it didn't necessarily sound like him, either. He spoke about some sort of.. Master patron or— well, she didn't really get it, but he did say he heard something talk to him.\n\nAnd she wasn't sure why. But it sounded more like it came from whatever it was. Maybe the creature trying to influence him intended to bloody the Empire?\n\nWell, that was all just speculation on her part. She answered it with a continued smile, not really digging deeper into it; she'd ventured to these lands to find employment .. And out to the north-east, she Had Allied with pro and anti-Imperial forces before. Stray barbarian chiefs. The occasional, lost general. It was common. And if Alcuin wanted to take the fight to them, well.. Maybe..\n\nDid her former master ever consider those things? Like.. Allegiance and working for one thing or-\n\nYrsa wasn't smart enough to hide those sorts of intentions. But for the first time in her life, she figured that maybe she needed to know more about stuff before she could help her friend with that particular problem. So that's where she left it; on a high note, with a smile, she resolved to find out more about this strange land later. Besides...!! They had more important matters to tend to.\n\n-\n\nEven after combing through the entirety of the graveyard, going from gravestone to gravestone while they chatted about stuff together, they hadn't struck gold yet. Alcuin did say those flowers were rare, so, their run-in with what had to be the largest crypt around would happen sooner or later. There were various mausoleum structures around, undoubtedly dedicated to families and such. Still, this one had to be the largest - with stone gargoyles carved into the rocky roof and ornate window slits that once seemed to have been decorated with painted glass. It had a gothic-style architecture, with jagged points at the top of the fencing to prevent intruders from climbing over it, though Alcuin's mild exertion to open the gate made that unnecessary.\n\nThe majority of the graveyard wasn't all that special. But this? .. It'd be hard to pinpoint, but it might've felt a little colder than the rest of the area. A chill wind emanated from the mausoleum's insides as Alcuin pushed it open, but.. That couldn't be, right? That place should've led underground. Sure enough, a constant wind current seemed to come from the place's depths. It was hardly noticeable, just a faint sensation, but it was still there. — Yrsa came to stand beside Alcuin, lowering her right hand down upon her hip.\n\nHer tattered, bear-fur regalia rustled along with that breeze, and her stray strands of auburn hair moved with it, too.\n\n\"... Are you sure of this?\" Yrsa thinned her lips and ran her tongue across them, squeezing in some air with a twinkle of humor shooting through her right eye - with which she had been observing Alcuin. \".. My friend Alcuin. I shall say this in honest means. I am not the witch; you are the witch, but.. If I have ever seen a cursed place, then, it must surely be this.\" She said, somewhat deadpan. She turned toward him a bit, opening her palms as to add a brief gesture to her logic;\n\n\"And.. Also, I cannot wrestle ghost. They are like.. Air. Maybe I can wrestle the air, but it always runs away.\"\n\nShe had something of a feeling about this entire thing, though. Yea, she did encourage him, and that probably did something - allowed him to embrace certain stuff. But it also felt so... Incredibly anti-Alcuin to— argh, she couldn't put her finger on it! But she did notice that it was like.. Something was trying to LURE him here like something was getting him to think a certain way. His trance-like state was what got her to think about that the most.\n\nHer words had her pause a moment. She crossed her arms, closed her eyes, and shook her head with a light 'tut', a sizeable shit-eating grin on her lips. Ghosts?! PFRGAH. The only thing SHE feared was COWS. Wretched devil creatures! But semi-transparent dead people? She tried to shoot Alcuin a brief look and expression, like she was just playing with him a little, stepping into the darkened crypt with a resolution a moment after he did.\n\n\"Of course.. This means they are more scared of me, than me, .. Them!\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin felt it was a godsend how easy Yrsa was to read. For someone like him, so constantly preoccupied with how the people around him felt about him, so primed to be immediately rejected, it was a relief and great comfort to know that whatever she was feeling would be simply shown on her face. And a great bonus, whatever she was thinking would likely come right out of her mouth! Not that he didn't think she was capable of deeper thought or that she couldn't keep things to herself, but outside of some rare occasions, she generally seemed to enjoy making her internal world more externally known. It was effortless for him to return her contented smile, because he felt just the same way. For better or for worse, they seemed to be joined at the hip, now. The fearful part of him was painfully aware of the atrocities they could cause together, given time and the ability to grow in power. But as he glanced sidelong at his companion, he felt that somehow, she wouldn't let it get out of hand. For all her talk of hunting elk and loving fighting, he got the sense, too, that she loved Him. Not in a sappy romantic way, but in a trauma-bonded, found family sort of way. That she would try her best to give him room to grow, whatever that looked like, without letting him lose the things that made him essentially himself. At least, he swallowed nervously, that was what he Hoped Would happen.\n \n\nWhile the warlock was aware of what he was saying, it didn't entirely land in his brain beyond 'do murder.' The pull he was feeling had become quite distracting, and he might have already begun to, unintentionally, do the letting loose he had promised to do. Besides, he was becoming quite resigned to the fact that... He would become a killer. The transformation wasn't complete, and he was still grieving even the tiniest pieces of himself he had already lost... But he knew he had already passed the point of no return. His life, his body, and his soul were no longer his own; they were just borrowed, for however long his patroness saw fit. It sat heavy on him, and he was beginning to find ways to bear that weight, but it was a transition that would take him time. For now, all he could do was try to keep letting go just a little more, and a little more, and a little more still, until he was able to fulfill his duty to a point of satisfaction for his patron.\n \n\nThe alchemist would've been appalled at his statement, had he noted the individual words. While he wasn't interested in politics and only vaguely cared for the Empire, it was Velaris to which he truly felt any allegiance. The land of his birth and the home of his people called to him, like to so many elves before him. He didn't love being away from home, from the magical forests with their impossibly tall trees, the wall of mountains that served to protect them, or the rivers that helped sustain life. But what he was becoming wasn't fit for Velaris. He would rather be self-exiled the rest of his life than harm any of the people or the land of his home. The rest of the Empire, too, he had vague feelings of protectiveness towards. But he was also aware that to meet the objectives he would likely be set, Someone Had to die, and he knew for a fact he couldn't survive outside the Empire. So turn against his own, he would have to.\n \n\nBut these were vague thoughts bouncing around his subconscious as they walked and began to approach the mausoleum. He didn't notice the chill in the air or the gentle breeze that shouldn't have existed. It felt like something had grabbed him by the heart and was gently, slowly tugging; he felt both longing and terrible curiosity that felt... Planted there, not emotions that had naturally arose within him. But even with such knowledge, he found he didn't have the willpower to deny them, even as the hair on the back of his neck raised and he felt goosebumps on his limbs. Shooting a quick glance at Yrsa, his expression was determined, his usual warmth replaced by the driven curiosity he felt, \"I'm sure. And I understand.\" His voice was steady, no trace of the fear he felt present in it; partly because it felt like that fear was being muffled. He Knew He should be scared, should be looking at this as Yrsa was, but he couldn't get his heart or mind to go those directions. The cloudiness that had been in his eyes briefly was gone; whatever bewitched him had released its grip some. Though the lure remained, and with a hiss of pain he felt it tug harder in his chest. \"There's Something Here... Something I think I must see... Or do? I don't know.\" He made his way further inside, hoping to dissuade any further painful pulls, rubbing his chest as if that could soothe the sting deep within it.\n \n\nYrsa's confident proclamations were a welcome distraction and background noise as they entered the crypt proper. The inside was as ornate as the outside, though even with darkvision it was hard to make out the finer details of the sculptures. A single sarcophagus lay in the center of the room, and he approached cautiously. As he neared it, torches in all four corners of the room immediately lit with an eerie purple fire; it felt... Cold, somehow, rather than hot. He met Yrsa's eyes for a moment, a look that said she could leave anytime she needed to, this was his thing, his fight. But after a moment of holding her icy blue gaze, he felt certain death would be the only thing that could actually separate them. With a nod to her, he turned to look into the sarcophagus now that there was light. The lid was off, half broken to the side, and the end closest to him was broken as well, that wall nearly completely gone. He peered over and down, a small gasp then slight chuckle leaving him. He turned back to Yrsa with a smirk that spoke of adventure, \"It's empty... But there's a staircase leading down.\"" } ]	1,119.5	4,442
1,176.545455	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Thus, their journey - At long last - Began.\n\nYrsa crouched low, hidden by the snow-dusted foliage and bushes. She kept one hand on the ground to stabilize her posture, using her Other To beckon her companion toward her position - the terrible Reek Of that which she had described already thick in the air. It was a stench, somewhat between uncontrolled flatulence and unwashed armpits, emanating from a dark crevice. The entry of a Cave Of sorts, which they could just barely see from her location - peeking through the branches and bushes to afford them a sight of the little green men dotting the area adjacent to the entrance.\n\nDespite their distance, they stood out clearly. .. Four, five— no, ten. Maybe even fifteen. This landscape of late winter, of frigid rocks and tall mountains, made the Goblins a prominent sight; .. They could've blended into the greenery of the trees, but their location was something of a backtrack for the bear-woman—a slightly more north-western course, which she had vaguely recalled from her last bout of Humanoid sentience. To be fair, she was remarkably tight-lipped about her origins and Where she came from in general - and not because she refused to speak about all of it .. Just, she didn't seem to put much value on it! And she didn't naturally elaborate on that.\n\nEven with her companionship to the Alchemist and Doctor, to Alcuin From Elpherdy, .. She never once questioned why she accompanied him. She never asked for much clarification or the this or the that. It was just ... One chance encounter in the forest and she treated him like she had known him for Years — and by all the Gods of the LAND, to call her a Handful Was a MASSIVE UNDERSTATEMENT. To summarize their shared experiences, which she felt had flitted by instantly, .. The morning following their acquaintance had him realize just the FOULNESS Of this Human teenager. Not in terms of smell or— just.. The lack of discipline! \n\nThe complete disregard for, well, Everything. The LAZINESS. That first day after they met, which they had taken as the starting point of their journey, could best be described in the first few Hours Of said day. Alcuin had granted her sleep during the night but she Didn't wake Until the late afternoon! Even attempts to prod her back to waking were just met with grumpy groaning and mumbles before she went straight back to .. To snoring? Oh, hell, the Snoring. She sounded like a CAVE TROLL. And then when she finally woke up? Yea, she was hungry. So she spent another good three or four hours eating. And then it turned dark again!! After which she realized it was probably a good idea to travel a bit??\n\nShe got approximately a league away from their previous position before she wanted to laze around and sleep again. But she was dependent on Alcuin! Because she didn't know the way! And he was probably too good of a person just to leave her there? And that was Just the start. She spent the LARGER PART OF THEIR STAY IN ELF-CITY just SLEEPING. And EATING. And she ate a lot!! She emptied Pantries. Which wasn't necessarily a bad thing because it sounded like Alcuin still had stuff left to do? Or something like that. Yrsa didn't honestly keep track of it. She just occupied herself with being a deadbeat and abusing whatever hospitality he gave.\n\nBut she was finally back to her old self. Her ursine heritage gave her a Lot Of power, strength enough to wrestle Giants And Trolls .. But its drawbacks were equally sizeable. That strength didn't come free. And her laziness could, in part, be attributed to a feebleness following her transformation into a Human.\n\nMaybe she hadn't touched upon it much. She, again, wasn't the type to go on and explain that she had come from the far north - .. How far? Well, no one would be able to tell. It was a land very different from this one. But it didn't take a genius to figure out that she had been Roaming Until now, that she didn't really know where to go and that she had only been searching for the 'land of the elves' because that was in a loosely 'southern' direction. And that she eventually ran into some form of trouble — goblins— that left her bereft of a few essential possessions. If she wanted to continue travelling - alone, or with Alcuin, she Had to get them back.\n\nIt probably wasn't too difficult to envision. Wandering blind, walking into a Goblin ambush only to have her Rage Get the better of her; surrendering to her animal instincts just to fend them off. To stay in that primal state for Days, until Alcuin's presence allowed her to grasp onto her Humanity again - and shift back.\n\nSo, for her, it did - again - entail some backtracking. Whether they had moved out of the Elven regions, into the realms of the Dwarves, was anyone's guess. But after a two-day journey, the pristine forests - so ancient and beautiful - slowly transitioned into hills and a terrain more Rugged; steep, unkempt paths. It was colder, too. The Elven lands seemed to be enjoying the earliest signs of spring, but all that grew here were hardy pines and oak. Wild rivers, teeming with fish, parted vast swathes of land. And it did not take long for those same hills to allow them a vision of tall mountains and glaciers in the far distance, topped with eternal snow. Snow that, while less abundant than some months before, still occasionally danced down. \n\nThe bushes and trees were wet with it, their colors obscured by powdery white. It didn't entirely cover the ground, but it was an area of browns and greys, white and dark mossy green. That's also what hid them, for the moment; the Goblin cave wasn't only ahead of them, but sloped a little downward and embedded into this hill and beside a creek of gently running mountain water. The creek had parted the massive forest, each side dense with pine trees. But here, the sunlight still reached. As did the cold winds flowing up the waterway - a natural channel of not only water but howling gusts.\n\nThat was good because the current wind direction hid their scent.\n\n\"There...!! I would recognize that foul smell anywhere! THOSE are the ones that have my choppers!\" She huffed, eyes narrowed. Yrsa was careful not to allow her anger to get the better of her. So, instead, she just spoke and acted with a spoiled and indignant tone of voice - like a princess who was fussy about having to eat the wrong foods. But it was a good thing, also. Because she spoke with Vigor..\n\nIt had taken her a Grand Total of three days to recuperate entirely from her state of exhaustion and weakness. Three days of worthlessness, in which she could not even harm a fly.\n\nBut She felt better now. Last time, the Goblins' numbers proved too much for her. She had to transform - and even then, she didn't manage to get back her stuff. But now... NOW... — she had a wide grin plastered on her lips, teeth clenched together. She had turned her hands to fists and felt her strength flow through her limbs again.\n\nMost importantly, this time She wasn't alone." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Golden brown eyes scanned the ridgeline, trying to take mental notes of the goblin's locations. He intended to stay back and let Yrsa do the fighting; she seemed to have a grudge to avenge these things. And he didn't really Know How to fight, on top of being unsure how many blows his body could handle taking.\n\nHe struggled to stay focused on this present moment but not for the usual reasons. He wasn't distracted by the new flora he hadn't seen before, and his head was blissfully Quiet For the first time in the last few months. He couldn't stop thinking about Her...Alekhya... Even just the Thought Of her name left him feeling a bundle of strange, mixed emotions, with the feelings of being hungry and comforted prevailing.\n\nEver the gracious host and most attentive caretaker, Alcuin took Yrsa to his home after their last encounter, intending to pack a few things then leave immediately. But three days later, she finally seemed to have slept enough and had emptied what he hadn't hidden away from his pantry. It worked out, in a way. He found himself slipping further and further away, barely able to help guide her down the roads once they finally did depart. His illness had grown to nearly unbearable heights, with constant noise in his head and attempts or desires to inflict pain others anytime he was interacting with others. Yrsa was the exception, a little pinprick of sunlight in his growing dark. He wasn't sure if he couldn't hurt her with words because he was still a little afraid of her or if maybe he was strong enough to resist.\n\nYrsa had wandered off one night, six days into their travel, and he was so out of it that he didn't even remember where she went or why. But in the time she was away, Alekhya came to ask her due. And oh, her due was Significant. She saved his life all those years ago, saved him now from his own mind, and was responsible for the miraculous recovery of his mother. He'd never known... Now that he did, he could refuse her Nothing.\n\nAlcuin had never quite known what it meant to be bound to someone. People often spoke of family, friends, or even lovers that way; he'd never allowed himself to owe someone so much, to hitch his heart and soul to someone that way. And now suddenly he was, to someone so opposite him that it still made his head spin. She tasked him with extracting pain from others when he'd made it his life's work to ease pain... He was still reeling, trying to figure out how the hell to do such a thing without losing himself... Maybe it wasn't possible...\n\nYrsa's voice, so alive and happy and ready to fight, pulled him from his brooding. He gave her a small smile, nodding in agreement to her direction. \"You lead the way. I'll do my best to stay out of the way and support you however I can.\" As always, his voice was soft, though calmer than it had been the last several days. He imagined it must be odd for Yrsa, observing from the outside, to see him go from moderately normal, to nearly incoherent, back to more calm, alive, and balanced than he'd ever felt, all in the course of about a week. Once he understood it better himself, maybe he could tell her about it. But his heart tightened at the thought. Sharing his feelings, getting close to others, seemed to have even higher stakes now. What would She Do...? He shuddered at the thought." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "From that perspective, Yrsa had been a Terrible Friend. Alcuin and her had only known each other for less than a week, so would it even be appropriate for them to consider each other such close companions? They hardly Knew One another! She was a greedy, gluttonous, lazy piece of work who never cleaned ANYTHING, who often smelled FOUL, and who had an attitude to boot! Alcuin's mental state? His mood swings and the inner strife he felt? Maybe a Better Friend would've paid it more heed, tried to comfort him or .. Or SOMETHING. Of all her habits, That Would surely be the easiest one to HATE ... And an average person would, right?!\n\nOdd? Sure. But as Alcuin joined her, likely crouched beside her, she looked at him with those same pristinely blue eyes that had observed him during their first encounter. She could've said a million things, and none of it would've relayed what her gaze did. Ever since he helped her out of her ursine Curse, ever since he Healed Her .. She had looked at him the same. From that perspective, she TREATED him with the same animal instinct intrinsic to her wild form. Even in the shape of a girl, many of her habits and tendencies overlapped her bear state. She didn't look at him as someone MAD, or INSANE.. Hell, by all accounts, she looked like she thought that part of him.\n\nA piercing gaze which spoke of Trust And Companionship. Alcuin Tamed Yrsa while she had claws fit for tearing through thick elk hide and teeth capable of piercing the skin of Ogres. So there was no reason to mistrust him Now. All the more because madness, insanity? Again, Alcuin probably didn't yet have the mysticisms and magics required to read minds, but her old mentor shone through Everything She did. Her elf friend had never met him.\n\nAnd he had probably never heard of her and her people. After all, the Elves had many of their Own Legends. Nor could Yrsa be rightfully called a LEGEND .. Far from it! But to the far north, where darkness clouded every step and living itself was a challenge far beyond even the stoutest soldier, there were Tales. In a land where the winters can claim all but the strongest, the warriors are Even stronger - but even amongst those, there were tales of a specific breed.\n\nA warrior archetype. Unlike most, they did not revel in glory and song. The only songs of their kind were laced with curses and threats to cast them out from villages and drive them to the dark places. Beasts of nightmares, and often cast in the role of the Villain In children's bedtime stories. Aye, those depraved men who slaughtered as they willed - and took as they desired. Those who saw the battlefield for what it indeed was: a horrible, disgusting place - a Hell. Naturally, few in these southern lands could Read The ink-black runes penned upon her skin. Most would be ignorant of their meaning.\n\nIgnorant of the will of death imbued within them. A path of carnage and reckless abandon, symbols that tied her loyalty - mind, body and soul - to the cults of the berserker. Of course, none of that would particularly matter to Alcuin — what did he care? But should he meet her gaze, as she had tried to draw it to her, in those moments before hell's gates opened .. He would see Desire. None — well, save from the realms of those evil creatures — held the girl's capacity for wrath. Hers was an anger far more profound than any battle scream but resonated deep from inside her Core. She was suppressing it now, ensuring it didn't go out of hand. But such was her grip that blood slowly started to trickle from her fists, dripping down from nails that dug into her palms. Her teeth gnashed together. Her face was strained — shadowed and hellish.\n\nAnd throughout it all, she continued smiling. The same revelry with which she had claimed her STAG danced across her features. Mildly juvenile but somehow also the most feminine she had shown herself to be throughout their entire acquaintance, as if she was a cutesy maiden princess prancing through a field of flowers.\n\nHer flowers were Goblins, numbering in the DOZENS. Her wicked expression Slowly Twisted back to them, eyes gleaming with opportunity. It probably wasn't Exactly The same as what Alcuin felt; she didn't care so much about inflicting PAIN... But what seemed to scare him, she embraced.\n\nThat's why she didn't mind his strange state of mind. Her old mentor was Far worse. An utter psychopath. Just the way she liked it!\n\nA more... Tactically sound person would've, perhaps, gauged the area — gotten a reading of the Goblins' numbers and armaments. Especially When dealing with Goblins. They might've seemed frail but they tended to be a challenge Above Most starting adventurers. Their apparent frailty hid a clever ability to use Weapons, and to Swarm Over foes while they didn't expect it. Sure enough, the Goblins directly adjacent to the cave entry seemed to wield simple armaments: crudely crafted spears, axes, and even the odd bow here and there.\n\nFurther, while the Goblins were armed, Alcuin might've noticed that Yrsa Wasn't. Her bear form granted her NATURAL weapons, but she didn't have a single blade on her like this! So— why the HELL was she starin' that path down in the manner she did?\n\nAgain, a more tactically sound person would've done other things.\n\nAs in, her friend might find out, NOT YRSA. It was one of her most eminent flaws, quite frankly. They took her down the same way the first time. But after her eyes fixated back upon the mouth of the cave, it took only a Second or two More before her Body kicked itself into gear — her left foot, toes pressing her footwear into the earth, kicked herself off with a leap that saw her blast through the bush and land - skidding - upon the slope before them. The wet snow and mud had her kick up a torrent of slick, upheaved ground while she slid a good three or four paces, ending her slip and slide with a stomp that, just as quickly, transitioned into a Sprint.\n\nShe had the bearing of a mead-drinking warrior. But up to now, her physical prowess had been limited to, you know, SLEEPING. And it probably wouldn't come to the fore immediately? But she moved with a level of Strength And Speed That was, at times, well beyond the ordinary Human. Yrsa couldn't tap into it efficiently yet. But every step she took seemed to tap into just the SLIGHTEST Portion of her ursine power. It didn't necessarily make her as fast as the standard Human sprinter, or the strongest lumberjack. But it raised her entire physical spectrum Up, which showed in Everything She did. The ease of her movement - .. Her bearing, her resilience. It was as if she was fully committed to wrestling a CAVE TROLL rather than taking down a pack of Gobbos.\n\n\"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOBLIIIIIIIINS!!\" She yelled out across the hills, her giddiness almost making her sound Chirpy. Also, she just murdered the element of surprise, but WHO CARED ABOUT THAT, RIGHT? Her feet had settled into a complete, bear-charge of a sprint, leaping out over the creek and landing on the opposite side with a hefty THOMP. She broke her fall with a ragged roll, rickety and uncontrolled, her momentum allowing her to transition from that straight back into her run without losing much speed.\n\n\"Foul.. GREEN... Takers.. Of.. My.. CHOPPERS!!! THIS TIME.. THIS TIME, I'VE GOT A FRIEND. SO..\n\nSAY GOODBYE, IT'S TIME TO DIE!! .. Hey!! Alcuin! That rhymed! I'm a GENIUS. Did you hear my joke-rhyme?!?!\"\n\nAaaaand.. She had spoiled his element of surprise, too. What's worse, she had caused such a ruckus that every. Single. Goblin in probably a TEN LEAGUE radius Heard Her. And while she was hellishly quick, three Goblin horror-men - somewhat shaken by her presence but NOT scared off - readied shoddily crafted bows. They didn't seem to have the size or draw-weight necessary to do much harm, and given how they were made probably weren't all that accurate, but All three of them Were fixing their aim on Yrsa! Even THEY wouldn't be able to miss a target That Obvious!" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "With both of their sets of communication skills lacking, for various reasons, Alcuin and Yrsa might take a while to know, if they ever knew, how perfectly their paths, both past and present, were weaving together. He felt more than knew that she either had to be crazy herself or close to someone to crazy, to not bat an eye at his evolving mental state. He didn't expect much from her. And the things he had come to expect, just small signs of simple companionship like waking up near someone, he was sure he could learn, again, to live without. But never having a really deep friendship or close companion before, he was rather tolerant of a lot of things, just to have her around. He wasn't always the cleanest himself, and he hadn't asked her much about herself because it felt like prying.\n\nYet despite his best efforts to keep her at arm's length, a habit of so many years and fears, when she trained her blue eyes on him, it was so easy to let down his defenses. There was an innocence about this wild girl that disarmed him. While she may not have been terribly caring, unable to follow a schedule, and reveled in violence and gore, he felt that everything she was, at least towards him, was offered freely on the surface. She seemed to hold nothing back, told him exactly what she thought or felt, and went for what she wanted with, literally, wild abandon. In some ways, he admired her, even envied her. He couldn't yet entirely mirror back the trust and affection in her gaze—but he Wanted To, and for him, that was a start. Seeing the hunger in her eyes that he now felt in his bones made him shiver, and he turned his gaze back to the matter at hand.\n\nInitially, Yrsa's wrath and menacing glee were a little unsettling for Alcuin. But now he had far more disturbing things to ponder, to actually try to Do, and the... Repair, maybe, was a good word, of his pact had awoken various things in him that he was still adjusting to.\n\nThat feeling of being uncomfortable about Yrsa's murderous glee was now the thing in the back of his mind, and as he watched the blood drip from her hands, it was a far more significant effort than he cared to acknowledge to not try to tear more holes in her. Not that he thought he could, literally or emotionally, but his mind now beckoned for blood at the slightest call. It was easier to suppress the urge as he watched Yrsa take off, almost more animal than woman in the way and ease that she moved. He was feeling truly impressed, even a little proud, until she started yelling.\n\nAlcuin was no combatant, certainly no tactical genius, and even he knew better than that. As the goblin horrors drew their bows and aimed at Yrsa, his mind raced. He desperately wanted to help, to do Something! But what? He was aware that Alekhya was granting him power, but she hadn't exactly given him a magic lesson. He scrambled to recall the process of learning to use healing magic, which drew power primarily from the herbs he used. But was drawing power, over a distance, from a higher being even remotely similar?\n\nSuddenly, Her Voice cut through the panic in his mind, Oh, little rabbit... It's not that hard. He saw a flash of an image, the goblin horrors covered in cuts and necrotic wounds, and as if it was some kind of epiphany, he started running and scrambling to the closest high point overlooking Yrsa where he might still duck behind a rock. Standing beside the rock, looking down at her and the large creatures, he felt as if his arms were moving on their own while simultaneously feeling like he'd done this a dozen times before. His eyes began to glow a bright red, and he held his palms together briefly, as if cupping something precious in his hands, then pushed both palms out towards the goblins. The three training their bows on Yrsa screeched and howled in pain as he ducked behind the rock, his heart beating wildly with a mixture of satisfaction and terror. What had he just done?? He hadn't looked to see yet, but the flash of an image he saw had been fulfilled. The wounds he inflicted were not lethal, he wasn't strong enough for something like that yet, but he'd achieved his goal of at least distracting and softening them up a bit for his friend." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The Foulness That undoubtedly accompanied the dark nature of Alcuin's spellcast choked the area with the vaguest hints of Sulfur And Brimstone. Somehow, the AIR ITSELF almost appeared to become stale while blood drizzled and spat out of painful pustules inflicted upon the trio of Goblins. Their howls and cries further added to the terror - they might've been straightforward and putrid beasts, a plague wherever they were .. But their wails of anguish would've given even the bravest second thoughts. \n\nThankfully, Yrsa was Far From the bravest. Her anger, spite and wrath came from a place more profound than that. It's BECAUSE of her Fear That she found her strength and glee; after all, what was more tantalizing than feeling FEAR and charging straight at it with reckless abandon? The progression of actions and combat became a matter of Seconds. Even less than that, as every split of a moment could mean the difference between LIFE and DEATH. Alcuin's spell was an unexpected ally .. It hit Just A few moments before the Goblins loosened their arrows, sending two of them wide entirely. One hit a random outcrop of rock, and another clattered against a tree. The third Did Hit Yrsa; her Elf companion got her in the clear for the majority, but what she was doing was still tactically very stupid.\n\nThe Goblin arrow embedded itself in her left shoulder with a sickening squelch and thump. But where most would, perhaps, find themselves CEASED by something like that, STOPPED, or at least— at least most would RECOGNIZE it, right?! Where most would do that, Alcuin's werebear companion just didn't seem to register it? Like, at all? Within this game of split moments, it was like she disappeared from one place and reappeared at the next, lunging out of the riverbank overgrowth to appear Right in front Of the Goblin trio. Her upper row of teeth bit down HARD on her lower lip, and her eyes were almost closed with sheer joy. \n\nIt almost brought her to tears. Not because of the pain at all! That was like a mosquito bite! But she knew well to identify blood in the air. A deep, primordial DESIRE overtook her; .. Bears knew well to recognize the sounds of injured animals. To seek out blood sources from leagues away and track their prey through that smell. Alcuin's spell might've harmed the Goblins, but it did More Than that.\n\nIt hyper-fixated and motivated Yrsa, too. Her frantic, blazingly fast charge hadn't abated for even a Second. And while the Goblins managed to loosen one barrage of arrows, she was already on them before they could do so again; in fact, they just barely managed to release the first. She was more like a specter, suddenly popping up before the group — and it was her arm that got to them first. Her arm that suddenly, like a striking viper, emerged and Reached..\n\nOf course, she had already blown their element of surprise. But she maintained a modicum of that through the unorthodoxy of what she did and relentless, merciless speed. Before the Goblin she had set her eye on even managed to respond, she thrust her palm into the creature's face with enough power to break bone, all the while her fingers clawed, dug, and Found purchase. A light squeeze while she passed through a small opening between the one in the center and the Goblin to her left, and a sickening Pop Shot through the area, heralding the steady flow of brain juices and goblin blood in her wake. The viscera and gore showered her and the other two green men, her squeeze having effectively Caved in the Goblin's skull.\n\nShe released her grip on the creature a short moment after, crudely tearing its bow from its already faltering grip. The green creature plopped down, rolling a short distance along the slope and to another group of its fellows - but Yrsa didn't stop her attack even once. Their advantage was their numbers. But individually, she was not only far stronger than these creatures, but also far faster. The other two - one on each of her flanks - barely seemed to register the level of ultra-violence she employed. But before they had much chance to, she swung the Goblin bow - more like an improvised club at this point - in a haphazard arc for the archer on her left. The bow's wood IMMEDIATELY cracked upon the impact, but it seemed to have done a number on her target too - who quite literally flew and crashed into the wall of the cave entry, unresponsive.\n\nThat wasn't nearly the end, however. With Yrsa's fixation on her immediate surroundings, Alcuin might be able to tell that she hadn't paid much attention to the half-a-dozen Goblins that seemed to be climbing the hill up to her position, most of which wore an assortment of melee weaponry. Two wore spears that 'really' looked more like sticks with stones attached to one end. One had some sorta tree-bark shield and a rusty axe lumberjack's axe? And the others seemed to have knives and the like." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Once he'd taken a few deep breaths, Alcuin looked around the rock and was half dazed by what he saw. He couldn't believe he'd caused such wounds on those creatures. Goblins were foul, crude little things, but still sentient beings... If he didn't think too hard about it, he could convince himself that they probably deserved it. And with that little concession, he felt the Thrill. Hunting down the goblins and squashing each one like an ant excited him, though a part of him that felt far away in this moment lamented that he'd never killed an animal, never even eaten meat. But that part wasn't the loudest right now. Watching Yrsa, crazed and covered in gore, he itched to join her.\n\nAlcuin was very aware it would be stupid to get in melee range. Before he realized what was happening, however, his feet moved seemingly of their own accord, down the craggy rocks and stopped next to his friend. He called out as he ran, surprised to hear the glee in his own voice, \"Watch out, Yrsa! More are coming up the hill!\" Standing beside her, smelling the blood... He felt a strange mixture of invigorated and disgusted. \n\nThe goblins began to charge up to the elf and human. As the pair met them head-on, Alcuin tried to feel his way into the same spell again, without Alekhya's direct guidance this time, and found it a little weaker but still effective. He was only able to cause significant bruising and minor cuts on the two goblins in front of him as he hastily weaved the shadowy magic. He saw a spear rushing towards him and managed to dodge. He was immensely proud and opened his mouth to make a quip to Yrsa, when he felt a searing pain across his right ribs. The other goblin, looking more angry than hurt from his magic, had managed to slash its spear across him. He cried out and put a hand to the wound; this bloodlust made him quite Stupid, indeed.\n\nAlcuin had never felt such physical pain. He'd always been careful and healthy. He was surprised to find an edge of...Pleasure In the ebbs and flows of the pain. It was enough to give him a foothold to focus and mentally regroup. He hastily began to reach and dig in his bag for a potion, when he heard a sultry chuckle in his ear, accompanied by a whisper, You don't need that... He found his hand planted on the forehead of the goblin that stabbed him, his eyes burning vermilion once more. The goblin's eyes rolled back in it's head and it convulsed violently as the wound on Alcuin's side began to heal and close up. The goblin dropped dead with a Thud, and Alcuin turned to Yrsa with a wicked grin, the red fading from his eyes but the sharp lethality remained." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "\"AHAHAHAHAHAHAH YES!!!\"\n\nThere was nothing glorious about such a fight. Even dealing with creatures that - by all rights - should be rid of this world, the battle was bloody and painful, outright HORROR. Every instinct, every pulsating vein of a Average person Would tell them that this wasn't a place for any person to be; often-times.. The fight-or-flight instinct Wasn't So clear-cut. And more often than not, it was more of a 'GET THE HELL AWAY AS SOON AS THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTS ITSELF'-type of ordeal.\n\nBut Alcuin could hear it, couldn't he? Despite her animalistic movements and hyper-fixation, Yrsa's form came from thousands of hours of experience. When her Elven friend yelled for her that Others Were making way for her position, she almost confused it for Someone else. 'YRSA.. WATCH OUT! STOP BEING STUPID', 'YRSA, YOU'RE BEING SURROUNDED!!', 'YRSA..'- this, and THAT.. — she didn't CARE. But she did care about Alcuin! And even with her level of instinctual, reactive prowess..\n\nAlcuin's arrival in the thick of it took her off-guard. He was a healer! A potion-brewer! An ALCHEMIST. Not someone that, y'know, FOUGHT for a living!! So what the hell was he doing? His hands were too SOFT and PRETTY. And she told him, right? He didn't need to worry! She'd take care of 'em!! But seeing him leap into the fray like that, seeing him suck the life out of one of the Goblins..\n\nYrsa almost felt a tear build up in her eye. Again, he could HEAR it, right? Not those things about her form or this or that or what have you; no .. About that Song. The people from her lands sang NO ballads about the berserkers and told NO stories in which They Were the heroes. Criminals, one and all! But there was one song. One song that only people like Her Heard—the whistle of arrows, the clashing of steel, the adrenaline. Battle and war were hell! If so, she made her bed in it like a demon claiming the fiery pits. Her rambunctious, uncontrolled laughter and words spilt from her lungs like a Tsunami Swallowing the land;\n\n\"I forgot to SAY this GOBLINS. You THINK I would-..\" Yrsa frothed at the lips, saliva splattering out with every word said. Still turned toward the Goblin she had whacked away, the third of the trio of archers - the only one still Alive - tried to make use of that opportunity by running and leaping towards her back. The little green man hung on with sharp claws but also drew forth a dagger, which it tried to thrust into her spine. Before it could, however, she plucked the creature from her leg before it could get higher, clenching an iron grip upon its arm. She SWUNG her body toward Alcuin, and the Goblins assaulting him, throwing her enemy directly toward the other that had sought to attack him. Sure enough, even if his spell hadn't killed the second, his spell had severely slowed it— and the Goblin archer Yrsa threw found itself Impaled Upon the Goblin's spear. Meanwhile, the one holding it got one hell of a whack, thrown from its feet by the 'improvised projectile, ' which effectively threw it down the hill a distance. \"- You THINK I would just bring ANY FRIEND? BUT NO. You are wrong. THIS... GOBLINS-\"\n\nThe young berserker charged in after the Goblin she had thrown, ending up Right Next to Alcuin and trying to give him a hearty - if someone obnoxious - ruffle through the hair. She was just fooling around a little. And her hand would probably leave blood smeared all over his hair. But if he allowed it, he would likely catch her jovial eyes again, faintly glimmering with that icy blue he knew so well. Whatever he was doing, whatever he'd DONE... She Loved It. It felt like this was his TRUE self!\n\nAnd Yrsa thought it was wonderful.\n\n\"- IS MY WITCH FRIEND!! HE DOES WITCH THINGS. HAHAHA... YES!! REALIZE HOW DOOMED YOU ARE!\"\n\nShe.. Probably sounded So Lame. And her thick accent didn't help matters. But somehow, those words combined with her and Alcuin's performance just now made attacking them a Little Less straightforward. They had taken care of the spear-wielders, and the other three seemed reluctant to move in.. Inching closer but not daring to make the first strike.\n\nThat was until a Goblin suddenly flung itself down from one of the trees above. What made these creatures dangerous, again, wasn't their prowess. But they were coming out of the woodworks in NUMBERS— some funnelled out from the Goblin cave! Others climbed the hill! A bunch came from UPHILL. And for all their power and might, Yrsa wasn't killing them fast enough, even WITH Alcuin's help.\n\nThere must've been some fifteen around them now, scattered throughout the area." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin watched Yrsa fight with rapt attention, trying to Actually Stay out of the way, behind her, this time. He knew he'd have a lot to think about later but, for the moment, he just felt Elated. He joined in on Yrsa's crazed laughter, forgetting for a moment they were In the middle of a fight. He laughed so hard he had to wipe away tears, which meant Yrsa was Right Beside him without him realizing. \n\nHe met her steady gaze with his warm smile, but it was replaced by a blank look of surprise, then anger, when she ruffled his hair. His eyes narrowed for a brief moment; it made him feel like a child! But seeing the joy and affection in her eyes, he couldn't stay mad. He gave her a small smile, accompanied by an incredibly weak and playful punch to her shoulder. \n\nBut that was when he realized how outnumbered they were. Yrsa was, easily, a killing machine. But even she couldn't manage such a horde, practically by herself. Fear was creeping in again, at the edges of his maniacal joy. And yet, he felt a strange confidence that stopped it in it's tracks. Part of it was certainly Yrsa. But he also found that he, pretty implicitly, Trusted His patroness. It had been a large part of his internal debates of the last few days. She looked at him the same way Yrsa looked at raw meat; he was incredibly aware of how expendable he was to her. But at the same time, she had saved him Twice Now. He wanted to believe it was because there was Some Good in her, if even only a speck. He knew such acts were likely only to garner power, but still he hoped and believed. This foolhardy trust in the goodness of everyone was his especial weakness. \n\nHe watched the goblins inching closer grow bolder, and rather than feeling more frightened, it only stirred his bloodlust further. He smirked and curled one finger, beckoning them towards him and Yrsa. The quiet, rational part of his mind was screaming at him, while the hungry part drank in all their pointless confidence.\n\nThe goblins began to charge, and Alcuin tried to just Surrender. He let go of everything except the surging thirst for Blood That welled up inside. He was astonished at what happened. He felt himself taking a wide stance, arms stretching out wide almost as if he were drawing a bow. His eyes glowed like they were on fire, shadowy tendrils circling him and climbing up his body, coalescing in the middle of his back. There, they exploded, two long lashers sprouting forth with large bulbous ends, edges like serrated blades. He continued to weave the spell to inflict minor wounds while the lashers acted seemingly of their own accord, reaching out to slice, grip, throw, and assist him in dodging.\n\nSo lost in the flow of it all was he, drinking in the smell of the blood splattering all over him, that he had no idea how many he was actually taking out. It only lasted about five minutes at most, by his reckoning, then he collapsed to his knees, gasping, utterly spent." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Yrsa had been fighting Hard In the few preceding moments before Alcuin surrendered himself to his matron, a flurry of actions that pushed her to her limit. But its significance was more crucial than that. Even with that toothy grin stretched out along the entirety of her face, covered in blood and gore and viscera and All those things, a tiny nagging in the back of the berserker's mind told her that this was an EXACT copy of how things went the first time. The Goblins fought differently. She fought fought differently. And she had Alcuin beside her. \n\nBut that didn't matter if the net result would be the same. With her ursine blood and blessings and her type of skills, she wasn't someone who* Contemplated why it went wrong the first time around. Her fountain of primordial, savage strength was, in these instances, as much a handicap as it was a boon. And while she, perhaps, held some advantages over the common soldiery of this realm, she didn't have their brains — their wits.\n\nThey could've taken any other approach and probably have dealt with them quickly. Instead, every Goblin of this particular tribe was honing in on their location like a swarm of ants trying to take down a small mammal- big, small: more robust variants, weaker types. Moving in on the opportunity created by the Goblin lunging from the trees, the two dagger-wielding back-stabbers moved in on her flanks while the shield-bearer made a frontal assault. Of course, a bit of bark wasn't going to do much against blows akin to a sledgehammer, and Yrsa met the outstretched shield with a frontal kick - thrusting her heel against the top of the shield and following her weight through on it to quite literally drive the Goblin the ground. The shield shattered, and she squashed the creature under her weight. Neither did the other two pose too much of a threat; they tried to outflank her, but her step forward distanced them from her. One tried to follow after her with a frantic Goblinoid jump, dagger primed, only to be checked with a forearm to the throat during its attempt.\n\nBut while she was fighting those three, a fourth threw a pointy rock at her back. A fifth loosened another arrow in her direction — an arrow which didn't hit her like the first but which tore open a bloody gash on her right arm. And it's not like she didn't necessarily keep up; her speed and strength had been gradually Growing Since the start of this battle. It was intrinsically tied to her animal form, which had gone from a mild urge in the background of her brain to something that was gradually starting to scream figuratively. She thought she could suppress it, but every fiber told her to Give in ..\n\nIt was made worse because she Despised These creatures. .. Goblins. \n\nAnd Orcs.\n\nAnd, maybe she had many of the same reservations about Mankind, too. But these creatures - corrupted monsters of the fae - opposed Everything That represented the ordinary course of nature. They PERVERTED the wilds wherever they existed - twisting it, corrupting it with foul magics that left entire landscapes barren. A FOOL might think them but another part of the natural world, but Nothing was farther from the truth - just as how HAGS turned entire Forests Into CESSPOOLS.\n\nBut.\n\nYrsa also knew that she couldn't give into that rage right now. She had just recovered. And the circumstances which brought That About were the same. She turned into a bear, lost her intelligence, and Lost. \n\nShe even lost her STUFF.\n\nThat wasn't the only thing, though. Maybe Alcuin was the only one who could loosely understand her reluctance. Because surrendering to her animalistic instincts meant turning into a threat not Only To the Goblins, she tried to distinguish between FRIENDS and FOES while shapeshifting, but her limited mental faculties just often meant she Couldn't. There were stories of plenty of people that had tried to TAME her BREED, only to end up as a SNACK fifteen years down the line. Bears Couldn't Be trusted .. And she felt that. Because it took only One Moment, One Tiny moment of a misinterpretation or misunderstanding, for her to turn her claws not just on these GOBLINS, but also..\n\nOn Alcuin.\n\nYrsa was scared, too. How many days would she get stuck in it this time?\n\nWould she even manage to transform back??\n\nShe hadn't tired yet. She felt like she could've gone on for DAYS At this pace. But there was one problem; even if she didn't necessarily care for them, her injuries were accumulating. Another dead Goblin, one she killed by simply his rock BACK AT HIM, preceded three others that moved in on her and tried to Climb Onto her limbs. One tried holding onto her leg, the other waved a blade dangerously towards her hands, .. The third tried snapping and biting.\n\nBy all accounts, she should've directed all her attention toward the fight before her. But something caught her eye and drew her attention Away From the Goblins. She had her back to him, which meant she couldn't see Alcuin correctly - at least, not at first. But it didn't take more than a second until her friend SPLICED one of the Goblins clinging to her apart with his razor talon, missing her flesh by a hair with precision almost Beyond Any mortal.\n\nIt was not often that Yrsa von Schwarzhofen felt herself in awe of another creature's prowess. Or, more like, that she feared it. She was not the strongest or most skilled warrior around. But she tended to be good enough that any warrior of less dedication found themselves in dire odds; even the noble knights of the south, who started their education at twelve, would find themselves hard-pressed.\n\nBut this. This visage of darkness and Evil. Out in the far north, where few southerners dared dwell, there was no clear distinction between good and evil. It would, perhaps, frighten the people of this realm, but Yrsa? She saw a strange familiarity. And Comfort. And Not just because of what Alcuin had become But because of What it represented. During their first encounter, he looked at her with eyes of oblivion.\n\nMaybe it was because of her spiritual attunement that she felt such. Her forebear's blessing - curse - intertwined her soul with the natural world. \n\nBut it felt like ..\n\nIt was a manifestation of those same eyes. The berserker from the northern reaches saw HOPE, where most would see terror.\n\nBecause even shaped as an ursine monster, Those Eyes were what got through to her. And she knew that even if Everything Turned wrong, if Alcuin managed to enrage her beyond a point of no return, she would recognize those eyes. The eyes of her WITCH FRIEND.. - \n\n\"Alcuin...!!\" She phrased through clenched teeth, stomping her fist into another crawling pest. Her call-out of his name had a different intonation to it than usual; usually, she was Whiney And Annoying And Whimsical!! But she sounded severe for a change! There was a tension, and not only wrought from her exertion!\n\n\"My friend!! I will COUNT..\n\nOn—\n\n YOU..!!\"\n\nSo, yes, maybe she was trusting in the Power of Friendship a bit too much. But she was simplistic like that! And she LIKED her FRIENDS. Regardless, her last word was remarkably distorted, far deeper than she usually spoke, but it wouldn't be challenging to figure out Why, or What she meant. While Alcuin surrendered to his MATRON, she surrendered to Him - and with that,\n\nThe forest shuddered.\n\nAfter all, Yrsa couldn't well leave her friend to become the ONLY monster in this part! Had to support one another, right?! But whereas her transformation from bear to Human Was like bottling something up, Restraining Something, ... The other way around was the opposite: a violent eruption of supernatural hatred such that it could almost be FELT. A deep, guttural groan - drawn from the lowest point of her stomach - tremored through the forest, gradually lowering in pitch and increasing in presence while her nails formed claws. Her teeth grew and elongated, and she fell on all fours.\n\nIt wasn't a slow transformation, either. Perhaps a matter of half a second, or a second, or something in that range; Yrsa's bestial instincts WANTED to come out - DEMANDED Control of her body. And now they had it. Her eyes quite literally shone in recognition of that fact, contrasting the crimson imbued within Alcuin's pupils with an icy - almost pale white - blue. It shrouded over her form a moment, briefly obscuring her-\n\nHer right claw was the first to emerge from it. The Goblin that tried to BITE her suddenly found itself intercepted by a paw capable of Smashing down a HORSE, after which it promptly found its Own Head bitten off in a gruesome display. Yrsa spat it out, of course. Goblins were yucky.\n\nThe arrows and rocks that had cornered her a moment before now pattered off her thick fur meaninglessly. A more powerful bow might've done something. Maybe a longbow at full draw-weight. But these Goblin fiddlesticks? They did not even penetrate her hide. She was faster, stronger, more durable, and more than that; while she had some of her animalistic power whilst in Human Form - she also had a bit of her Human intelligence while in bear form.\n\nIt wasn't even close anymore. Starting adventurers Struggled with Goblins. But quite frankly, Yrsa and Alcuin had tipped the scales SO INCREDIBLY MUCH That probably even fifty more Goblins wouldn't have made a difference. The Alchemist Healer turned WARLOCK Choked The area with many excruciating spells while his scythe-blades seemed to keep the immediate area thoroughly Free Of Goblinoids. A few tried to sneak up on him, only to get separated into cleanly cut pieces. This meant that Alcuin not only formed a PERFECT rear, he also created points of Weakness In the enemy's advance. This effect, in turn, played to Yrsa's strengths, who almost instinctually sniffed out those weaknesses and outright bear-boulder charged straight into them.\n\nQuite frankly, it didn't even take five minutes. At one point, the Goblin creatures realized that they just Couldn't do much anymore. During one such point of revelation, three Goblin spearmen had tried to gang up on Yrsa, but Alcuin's spellwork had weakened two of them Severely - enough that a bear-paw crashed through them utterly. And before long, those remaining Goblins looking on from a distance — well, they had no qualms about ganging up on stuff. But this was a death sentence.\n\nThey started to flee, showing their archetypal lack of discipline by running off randomly. This particular Goblin colony had been quite sizeable, perhaps some forty individuals.\n\nAlcuin and Yrsa reduced that to about half of what it had been. Maybe if they stuck around and counted, they'd reach a number of around the twenty, or twenty-two. But there were Goblin bodies Everywhere.\n\nWith their flight, and their quickly diminishing voices - squeaky and loud - a calm slowly returned to the forest." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Gasping for air, feeling more exhausted than he ever had in his life, he forced his eyes to stay open and tried to get the bearings of the battlefield again. Alcuin had only been vaguely aware of Yrsa's ursine roars, so he was a little startled to look around and see her bear form looming large. He was too fried to feel much other than tired, but he was a little afraid. Her memory didn't seem great across the forms; would she know him? In this weakened state, he would be completely at her mercy. He mentally sent off quick but fervent prayer to his new god that he didn't meet his end at the hands of his only real friend. \n\nAlcuin dragged himself over to the nearby rock wall, scrambling clumsily from all fours to a sitting position, leaning against the hard, cold wall. He pawed at his bag a moment, intending to fish out a concoction to invigorate him—at least enough to get back to their camp. But he was so tired, and so... Full? It wasn't quite the right word, but he felt like he'd eaten a grand feast and, maybe... He was too inexperienced to really know, but maybe also a feeling like after being intimate with someone. He was satisfied to the point of complete release, including his strength and faculties, apparently. His thoughts swam lazily in his head, I wouldn't have used so much if I'd known... But maybe it was good? \n\nTrying to work through the mental fog and his heavy limbs, he finally gave up on trying to retrieve the right potion, letting out a disappointed, annoyed grunt. He watched Yrsa for a moment, trotting around, pawing and sniffing at bodies. Before he'd realized it, a wide smile broke out across his face. He was surprised to feel the warmth, the Happiness Blooming in his chest. What a Strange Thing this all had been. He'd never have guessed to find such companionship, especially so quickly. And certainly never would have imagined he would relish such violence and gore.\n\nHe silently tried to reach out to Yrsa, but after a moment his arm fell limply. He couldn't even try to wave her over. He must've gone too far with this new magic, he thought with chagrin. It was becoming a significant struggle just to keep his eyes open. He could feel his eyelids fluttering, his eyes trying to roll back into his head in surrender. This was the first time he cursed Yrsa's inattentiveness. Ah well, she'd notice eventually. But hopefully not in a way that meant his doom. He all too easily would probably look like food, unconscious and covered in blood. However there was very little he could do about it but Trust. He'd found himself doling out trust like candy lately, and to the most unlikely characters.\n\nMustering every ounce of the drops of energy he had left, he managed to grate out in a rough whisper, \"Yr... Sa...\" He heaved a heavy breath, his eyes trying to say the word he couldn't get past his lips: Help. Her bloodied red-brown fur was the last thing he saw before darkness took him." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The battle abated. With the last of the Goblins running off to find their fortunes elsewhere, Abandoning This colony for what it was, a steady calm and silence returned to this mountainous forest. They probably hadn't noticed it mid-fight, but a gentle stream of soft snow descended from the heavens. Soon enough, there would be little to tell the tale of this battlefield save for decomposed corpses and the remnants of clothes and weaponry. .. From one perspective, She Felt like nature could reclaim these territories. And that felt good.\n\nBut the war hadn't ended for her, for Yrsa. Her breathing was still elevated, paired with the occasional defiant Huff As she scoured the field with her eyes. Her heart still sang a tale of battle. And every minor irregularity - every crack and bit of noise had her home in on it with her gaze as if Obsessed. A berserker's rage was no small thing, and whereas Alcuin had met her before while in the latter stages of it - that point wherein her mind was already trying to crawl back from her instinctual behaviours - she was now at the peak of that animalistic desire.\n\nMore than that, within her body - within her blood - flowed the hellish demands of her ursine forebear. A wicked and ancient spirit of the far north, a protector of nature who claimed any who dared venture too close; if ever there was an incarnation of Nature's wrath, it was a creature of this type. Yrsa felt his call, boiling rage, relentless defiance, and the dominion he claimed. If she surrendered herself to it completely, she would claim this cave as Her Territory - and protect it as her forebear did to his woods.\n\nShe clawed at one of the corpses in continued agitation, prodding it to see if it still showed any sign of life. The frustration that followed after realizing It had already died She vocalized through mild whines and grumbles, almost sounding Pissed off. The fight wasn't supposed to END so quickly!! What the HELL was she going to do with all her pent-up energy now?! These things STOLE her stuff; they CHALLENGED her, DROVE HER off, and now she had WON. SHE HAD WON AND THEY HAD LOST. Which made HER The boss of these woods. Her, and her ALONE-\n\nBut at that moment, she heard Alcuin's voice call out for her.\n\n'Yr... Sa...'\n\nHe probably wasn't conscious enough to recognize or understand whatever happened next. He might feel the intensity of Yrsa's glare, which lasted for a second; her attention SHOT Toward him with the Hope, the DESIRE That he was another Goblin. She HUNGERED for it. And then there was the blood upon his garbs, his dishevelled state— he was PREY, wasn't he? He looked like it! Like a wounded lamb! She clacked her teeth together and licked her lips. The battle had left her pretty hungry but ... BUT...\n\nThat same question hit her. The one she posed herself the first time.\n\nHe didn't LOOK like an Orc or Goblin. So what the hell was he?? But this time.. Her mind had an answer. She shook her head about and slowly sauntered in his direction. He could feel the hotness of her breath if he still had any mental faculties left. The way she opened her maw and reached out for him. Her breath Stank - defiled by the inevitable scraps of Goblin flesh stuck between her teeth.\n\nNo. He wasn't food. Or a Goblin. Or an Orc! Her mind HAMMERED it through her skull as much as she could, repeating it again and again; 'ELF... ELF... ELF... AL... CU..'\n\nHe might feel a tug at his clothes, a paw press here and there, and maybe the feeling of being rolled around. She wasn't exactly the most subtle about it. Then, something that continuously rocked back and forth almost like ... Like a ship!! Or something else? The soft feeling of fur - almost like a Bed. And a warmth that exceeded his bodily temperature just a little, Just enough To shield him from the cold winds. Between her teeth, she carried what looked like— a bag?- a bag and a stick or— something like that! \n\nAnd on her back?\n\nShe was carrying a friend away from this place of horror and war into the deeper thickets of this forest, which would shield them from the elements and provide respite." } ]	967	12,942
820.090909	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Even here, out in these border regions, the civilization that Her friend Alcuin Knew must've felt So far away - even though it was likely no longer than a day's walk at most, and, of course, he was the author of his own experiences. Nonetheless, whereas winter had steadily gone to leave the ancient elf forests - trees old as time - it still held this locale in its steady grasp. It wasn't necessarily more northern than the realm of Velaris. But the mountains and altitude painted a landscape that seemed built around those vertical slopes: large hills with gentle slopes and tall mountains topped with eternal snow. The gentler trees of Velaris, which always seemed to have something Mystical about them, steadily gave way for vast swathes of pine and oak, those hardy giants that Thrived In these colder conditions.\n\nBut even here, travellers could feel the gradual onset of spring. The frozen-over lakes and rivers steadily Thawed, and little water funnels managed to press through the ice and create a flowing current— water pristine and pure, delivered straight from those mountain tops mentioned earlier. The snow, which blanketed nearly every region of this land some month or two ago, now turned soft and Wet, the forest grounds muddy and moist. And the wind, howling at times - whistling at others -, carried forth a Chill From the northern reaches .. But also the gradual warmth of the south.\n\nFor the moment, the weather appeared to have turned to allow for a mild snowfall to manifest. Not the type that would last and collect on the surface. But the sort that danced and fluttered gently upon the occasional gust. It left the otherwise brown and grey landscape of trees, mud and rock tinted with a sheen of white. A faint blanket that had steadily covered Her And Her companion In much the same manner. \n\nIt had been some time already. Yet, He Didn't seem to have awoken yet - for reasons that she did not, Could not Understand. The blood she'd drawn with claw and teeth had now long crusted, tinting her otherwise brown fur with a streak of red here and there. And given that she could not cleanse his body of it either, the taint and stench of those foul little green men still clung to them. A putrid scent, like .. Putrid eggs and sweat, and.. Rot, but also, a stench of Wrongness.\n\nIt was an annoyance, to be sure. But one that, for the moment, she ignored. Under ordinary circumstances, she would have efforted to warm him with a Fire. And, perhaps, a blanket if she had one to spare or found some materials to make one. Yet, it was another impossibility at the moment. Thus she resolved to try and warm him in a much simpler fashion; should he wake, Alcuin..\n\nHer friend. Companion. Alchemist and healer. Fellow monstrosity, if their last encounter was anything to go by-\n\nIf he woke, he'd find himself lodged against the massive frame of that creature he stared down the first time around. It was no fire, but her fur provided ample protection against the winds and the cold. And beneath that, she was Warm; like an overgrown heater. The elements didn't bother her In the least. And this way, she ensured that they wouldn't bother him, either.\n\nPerhaps because of .. Instinct, or something they discussed earlier, or a mention on his part, she had found where they needed to be—needed to be? Alcuin probably explained it at some point. Given her habits, it probably also wasn't a massive surprise to him(?) that she HADN'T PAID ANY ATTENTION AT ALL. Despite that, even with her animalistic instincts taking a center stage, she somehow Felt .. Knew, that she had to go somewhere. Even the most basic of creatures knew to identify their territory. And while she didn't understand the REASONS for it ..\n\nThey were here. Waiting for?.. Well, the day was steadily passing them by. By now, a soft red gleamed through the misty clouds, of a setting sun and- less literal than that- of an adventure that awaited all of them. It appeared that if they Wished to venture south - to the realms of Men, ancient structures, and Gods, they would do best to travel South-west - or, loosely in that direction. Undoubtedly, each of them had a different reason. But for the moment, all of those reasons also seemed to culminate together: a journey from the Elven forests, Through The mountain reaches of Mistrion, and then? ...\n\nThey could decide that when they got there. In the here and now, however, something required far more attention. It Was .. The meeting place, as had likely been decided. However, there was no Camp To be seen- nothing that alluded to a journey in the making! And a Fool Would've failed to notice the pungent smell that figuratively choked the area. Not just of the Goblin blood, which laced passing winds with a strong scent of Iron. But also something earthier. Something reminiscent of moss and freshly upheaved earth. Something Deeply penetrative, that the keen woodsman would identify within an instant: its territory, its presence, and what All of that meant.\n\nHer approach had not been subtle either, carrying additional weight for one - but also trodding on with the recognition that they had Won. This place was HER territory now. And deep paw-prints in the snow and mud, leading up to the forest clearing, hinted toward a feeling of Confidence. Or foolishness. Because no beast, ursine or otherwise, would make themselves So obvious.\n\nThe meeting place did appear to be something like a small clearing in the forest. It directly bordered a river of running water, which separated two massive forest halves with a gentle stream. The flow of water was a constant in the background. And for all the slopes, hills and mountains around this place, it seemed remarkably flat, a piece of steady ground that gradually gave way to hills further ahead. Without a doubt, if there was a place that one could call the 'point of no return', it was this. Trudging on further, along forest trails, would inevitably lead into the Mistrion mountains proper.\n\nWhether the Third member of their party Would arrive, whether he would notice the signs, was entirely up to him. A fool would've walked straight through them, directly into an irreversible situation. But one attuned with the wilds, one that knew the animals and the good sides and the bad sides - they would Be able to tell. That scent. That shadow in the distance. The claw marks on trees — ripped open bark —, the size of which indicated a Young adult Of that particular breed, and probably not a male either. Those tended to be Larger.\n\nA clumsy beast, if the experienced woodsman would be the judge. The issue with her type of animal was that she had Strength And Resilience To spare. That meant that even without the size of a fully grown male variant, she still had a size sufficient to give eight out of ten competitors a run for their berries. Alcuin had stumbled into much the same! The type of beast that DIDN'T KNOW YET that it Wasn't The most dangerous creature around. Yes, she had more than enough power to give those eight out of ten competitors a challenge-\n\nBut those last two tended to be Forest trolls And Ogres And Other nasty creatures. She just .. Probably didn't have the 'pleasure' of running into one yet.\n\nA young adult brown bear. And not a small one, either! Certainly not the largest. But she looked like she put on a decent amount of fat, even during the winter months.\n\nShe seemed to be squatting RIGHT on the meeting spot for the moment. And a keen eye would reveal that she wasn't just squatting on their meeting spot, but she was .. Focused on something? Fixated?? Wrapped around a vague, Humanoid creature. A... Human? No, no..! An Elf! Recently caught prey, perhaps?" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin hadn't been one to dream much prior to the last few months. At least, if he did, he hadn't remembered them. But the dreams he was having of late were nigh impossible to forget. They seemed to have no root in any particular time, a smattering of things past, present, and future. Sometimes it was people he'd never seen before, sometimes it was himself, as subject of the dream. This felt somewhat different, though. A mixture of worse and better than sleep. Worse because the dreams were so vivid, so real, and flashing by so quickly that he was vaguely aware of feeling dizzy. Better because he was resting so deeply and so completely, like he hadn't in months, like he Needed To. \n\nMostly he saw scenes pass by that, at first, felt like watching a play. Scenes of war, of daily life, even of romantic moments he dare not think more on... Then it suddenly dawned on the observer self watching his dreams. He'd met that white-haired man in the tavern... Pride, wasn't it? And the woman...It was Alekhya! A thousand times more innocent, more reserved, Good...He felt a bit stunned at the drastic difference. And who was this dark-haired man, who was even more beautiful than the other two combined?? Alcuin didn't have long to consider before he found himself in control in the dream.\n\nLooking down at himself, he was wearing robes of black and white accented with black feathers, much like Alekhya's own clothing. They were of quite fine quality and, with his limited magical knowledge, maybe enchanted, somehow? He was brought out of his musings by his patroness, Alekhya, putting a clawed hand on his shoulder and cooing in his ear, making him shudder, Thou should pay more attention, Little Rabbit, Her long finger pointing ahead of him. He looked in front of him in time to see and hear the charge of some soldier brandishing a blade.\n\nWith no time to think, he just reacted. And with Alekhya so nearby, his power felt nearly limitless. His eyes burned red, shadowy long lashers erupted from his back, and he unleashed unholy fury, only realizing a few moments later that one soldier had turned into a horde. For a time, he fought them off excellently, as if he was born to wield this power. But upon turning to look behind him again, Alekhya was gone, and with her so was his power. He was overrun in mere seconds, bloody, battered, and nearly dead. The horde dispersed, and crouching to loom over him, one on either side, were the two versions of Alekhya he'd seen. The sweet, innocent girl was weeping silently. And the demon, smiling deeply, reached over a clawed finger to slit his throat.\n\nYrsa would have noticed Alcuin's body jolt, one hand knotting itself deeply in her fur, his brows furrowed and a frown on his fine features, eyes still closed in something much deeper than sleep." }, { "author": "Tolius Olosim", "message": "It certainly was cold, Tolius thought to himself as he walked through the forests. Though the snow was melting quite rapidly and the mud seemed willing to steal one of his books, it was still quite cold for Tolius. Not that he necessarily despised the cold - it was simply something he noted. Besides, he had remembered to layer his robes - he knew they would be close to the mountains, and that would mean frigid weather.\n\nHe used his staff to help him walk through the mud - it would leave his boots muddy and he would have to find somewhere to wash them later, but for the time being he embraced the mud. Why be worried about some mud if it is unavoidable? It wasn't like he was going to meet royalty anyway. Though after a few little slips and slides that almost led to him falling, he felt as though it would be best to go slow and steady with his staff, which made a horrible sucking noise when it was pulled from the mud.\n\nWhile he walked he hummed to himself. He was quite concerned about Alcuin and the state he may be in, but there wouldn't be anything he could do until he got there. As much as he worried, he kept reminding himself of that fact. \n\nTolius' eyes darted around the trees as he walked, making sure he was still on the right path. Thought it had been some time since Alcuin had told him what direction to go in and the paths he should take, the man remembered them as if he was told that morning, even though he recalled looking quite distracted when the young man explained it. As he approached the camp, he raised a brow. He knew that his eyesight was beginning to fail him - but, there was no mistaking the large brown shape and the figure with it. Typically there weren't many large brown lumps in the woods that weren't a creature. With a smile, Tolius approached the camp. \"That looks mighty cozy.\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The older man's kind smile was almost grandfatherly, resonating deeply with the vast number of years in life and Experience He likely had at his beck and call — yet, the eyes that looked back at him foretold of nothing more than Pure wrath. A set of icy blues, verging more toward grey than something of a more substantial coloration, as if they mirrored the frosted lakes and snow-covered pines from which she hailed. This creature might not have been home in the swamps that the man presumably called home, .. But the Forefather of the Bog would probably have wisdom beyond any ordinary tracker. And it wasn't entirely unheard of that its kind, this type of Beast, wandered into his realms on occasion..\n\nThat's why he approached this situation with leisure, was it not?.. It was a scene that would've turned aside even the bravest, even those with vast knowledge of their ilk; there was no escape. Even the fastest Humanoid runner would inevitably fall short of the pursuit that would come their way. She had the POWER, the SPEED .. The MIGHT to pursue ELKS, DEER, and HORSES. Claws, each as long and sharp as daggers. A set of front canine teeth fit for lacerating sinew and molars built for chewing through Bone.\n\nIt was, typically, the smell that hit people first—a point of no return. For them both. Because Tolius would likely be able to identify it immediately; .. A Her, without a doubt. She was pretty sizeable but didn't have the size of a full-blooded male. More than that, her inexperience seemed ever on the fore. Where an experienced adult would've noticed the elderly man from Leagues away Through scent alone, his merry 'That looks cozy!' comment earned a glare born from surprise as much as it was wrath.\n\nOut of all the species of bears and their close relatives, it was Her Type that tended to be the Most Dangerous. And not because of physical might or what have you. But because of the unpredictability. They took risks that no adult would have and tested the waters where an older member of her species would've known to turn around. One example was that her kin usually gave Any sort Of Humanoid a wide berth. To even SNIFF a Human or Elf in the environment was a clear sign to them to make themselves scarce. There was an apparent reason why Elves, not Bears, ruled these forests.\n\nAnd that, again, is what made her dangerous. As Tolius' eyes took in her form, he would come face-to-face with it—that young adult, filled with vigor, not yet acquainted with the LAWS of these realms. A man of the Forefather's stature would likely notice, in an instant, that she was not a native to these forests. She was a brown bear, and those did occasionally visit these parts. But even in these mountainous regions, where it tended to be a little colder than the Elf forests, her fur was remarkably Dense And Thick — suited more for forests where the snow and ice were eternal. Her size accounted for that, too, storing a great deal of Fat For the winter months and those that followed.\n\nMaybe that held a clue? The stench of spilt blood hung heavy in the air, and her fur was tinted with streaks of crimson. Not only that but the one she huddled beside was equally tainted with that bloody dye. It wouldn't take much to misinterpret that she wasn't PROTECTING this Elf, but ..\n\nShe was eating him. The elder had walked Right In on a young adult brown bear amid her feeding session. Or so it must've seemed ..!!\n\nThat wasn't entirely the truth. But what was the truth, and what stood as a fact, was that the man intruded on a place she CLAIMED as her TERRITORY. More than that, she was Protecting Something .. She was keeping it WARM. Maybe she wasn't a mother protecting cubs, but the maternal instincts were Almost identical. An OGRE could've shown up, and she would've tried to wrestle it. Just by being in her presence, the man was messing with her CUB—.. Friend? *FRIEND.. And sheWouldn't have it. Her massive body lumbered to its paws, and she gently nudged the dreaming Alcuin toward the tree so he wouldn't come to harm. But when she finished that, her attention went toward one thing alone.\n\nShe drew out a huff. Then, she clicked her teeth together and fixed them together afterwards — clenching down ..!! Looking upon Tolius with a level of fixation that would almost feel.. —\n\nThere was something WRONG about it. Tolius would surely notice that as someone in tune with magics. The anger flowing through her ursine veins was more than just an agitated bearing, but something that almost appeared to radiate off her like a shroud! Like something or someone was shadowing her, not so much in the Physical realm, but in the Realms beyond. \n\nSomething ancient.\n\n But there would be no time to contemplate it. Tolius could see that she was going to attack. She dragged one paw through the muddy soil, leaving thick gashes in it, and her body arched forth a little — a telling sign that she would charge at him. HE, with his experience, could probably see that sort of thing. But for someone that COULDN'T - it was usually already too late. She wasn't the Fastest Animal around, but she could bridge this paltry distance between them within Two or three seconds - perhaps less than that!" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "It was so Very Cold. His mind swimming through thick blackness, Alcuin couldn't recall Why...He was vaguely aware he had been sleeping, thought that he had been dreaming, but he couldn't really remember the dreams. His mind yearned to recall, but only one thing came back to him with sharp, terrifying clarity: the image of two versions of his new demigoddess, one weeping and one... Killing him. The cold felt as if it had seeped into his bones. What had he accidentally gotten himself into? As more consciousness returned to him, he sighed inwardly; no use asking questions like that now, what's done is done. He'd just have to find a way... Try not to lose himself, at least not entirely...\n\nThe elf was beginning to register various sensations but wasn't quite able to place them. Warmth, fur, the smell of blood, then a shift of his body that led to more cold, bark, the crunch of snow. His brows knit together with the effort to make his brain work better. He thought that voice sounded familiar... And growls? If it was going to be like this every time he used Alekhya's magic, what was the point? But again, a useless line of thinking. He'd made a promise, and he'd keep it if it killed him. Hopefully this was only a result of overdoing it, or from using her magic for the first time.\n\nA loud, undignified groan escaped him, followed by a sharp inhale and a hand going to his head. He had the feeling he'd slept off a pretty bad headache. And though he was able to heal off any serious injuries, most of his body still felt sore. Maybe he just wasn't made to contain such power. Once he finally managed to open his eyes, all the things he'd felt before made sense. He must have been leaning on Yrsa, then she shrugged him off. Alcuin's eyes darted to who or what she was growling at, and that was when he remembered giving Tolius directions; so much had happened since they met, he'd forgotten entirely!\n\nHe cursed himself and his feeble mind, struggling to stand, gripping the tree behind him. Yrsa was shifted and clearly agitated. He rather believed Tolius could likely handle himself, and he was certain Yrsa could, but if Tolius misunderstood the situation, Yrsa might get hurt. Alcuin still felt weak but not completely drained anymore. He was a little unsteady but able to walk. He stumbled over to Yrsa's flank, knotting a hand in her fur again, both for balance and to try to use his measly weight pulling on her to signal to the intelligent part of her brain to slow down, maybe.\n\nAlcuin patted her and tried to fight the instinct to speak softly, using what energy he had left to inject authority and command into his tone, \"Yrsa, no!! He's my friend, too. Please...\" He slipped into a gentler tone, almost pleading, \"Don't hurt him, he can help us.\" The same trick might not work twice, but speaking to her with some confidence when she was a bear worked before. And if she wouldn't listen, then she would drag him with her for as long as he could hold on." }, { "author": "Tolius Olosim", "message": "The sight really was startling, at least for a moment. Tolius was not someone who fared well with the sight of blood, but he knew it was often a necessary sight. With the amount of blood on the bear and the strange circumstances required for this kind of bear to be in this neck of the woods, the man worried for the creature. Perhaps it was hurt, or something had attacked it and his was why it was so on edge. The bear didn't seem to want to hurt Alcuin, though, which seemed a good sign. \n\nThe bad sign was that this bear seemed Aggressive. Tolius held onto his staff, but did not raise it. He held it only like he was using it as a walking stick. The old man had no intent to hurt the bear, but he knew that self preservation may override concerns for wildlife. \"Easy there.\" He said calmly, his voice smooth and kind. \"I see you know my friend, Alcuin.\" He nodded towards Alcuin.\n\nThe phrases pleaded by Alcuin implied to him that the two knew each other, and that they were at least somewhat close. Tolius raised a brow. Yrsa, an interesting name. \"Yrsa, I know Alcuin. He asked me to come here. I bring you no harm. I assure you, you do not need to worry about me.\" In truth, Tolius was prepared to cast a quick spell if he absolutely needed to, but he would prefer not to do anything drastic. There was only a simple misunderstanding, and he didn't want any creature or person to be hurt because of a misunderstanding." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Such was the chaos of their encounter with the Goblins that it must've slipped the Elf's mind because of that: a few Dozen Of the green little men that almost brought them to the brink and back - and, therein, perhaps, lay for Alcuin a breadcrumb trail with which he could identify the Why And the HOW.. .. And, most importantly, the cues that might come to the fore in the future. They had stepped off the battlefield, proportionally speaking, only Recently, only a few hours ago. And for a beast set primarily on her instincts, the adrenaline flared up in her body as if it hadn't yet left. \n\nYrsa had severely downplayed the threat, and it was perhaps miraculous that they managed to escape relatively unscathed. But if that hadn't been the case, then Alcuin surely would've told her—they didn't expect to come to this place battered and exhausted. And that also contributed to the entire situation. A less tired mind would've been more RECEPTIVE, more OPEN..\n\nThe situation also showed how special it was that Alcuin managed to stop her the first time during their first meeting and just how close that one got to a more violent outcome. He pulled off a miracle. And not because he necessarily did anything Wrong, but because - as Tolius, with his vast repertoire of experience, managed to tell - there was a streak of aggression within her system.\n\nHer icy blue eyes flared and glistened with it. A deep, primal Hate That whispered - .. No, no, more like BEGGED For her to give into her claws and teeth. Alcuin also had the advantage that, up until that point, she hadn't spoken to an Elf yet; she didn't know what to make of him, which made her Curious. Her curiosity effectively removed some of that tension, some of that hyper-aggression;\n\nBut Tolius didn't have that. He smelled Human. Like a.. Strange sorta Human. But still Human. It was still a scent she recognized and associated with something- .. He was a HUMAN. A HUNTER, wasn't he?! BRINGING HIS .. POINTY STICK ... AND POINTY-STICK LAUNCHER. He even was HOLDING something like a pointy- .. A stick?! Most definitely a STICK. Her teeth ground together, her jaws clenched, and her form slowly rose as she erected herself upon her hind paws. Even for a female variant of her species, a young adult, and all those other things, standing on two legs had her tower over even her Elven companion. She stood almost at seven to eight feet!! Her rotund physicality, like this, fully displayed the muscle she had to her: limbs thicker than even an Orc's. The light warped around her, casting forth a tall shadow that seemed to consume everything within the almost supernatural rage she felt.\n\nIt was a posture designed to intimidate. Yet the bear's body had already switched between fight or flight. And with the recent battle still fresh in Yrsa's system - as mentioned, still tired and pumped up on adrenaline - the choice for the former was more accessible. Plus, if she RAN, she would have to forfeit her cub.\n\nNot in a thousand years. With a rattling growl, she lowered her body back to the ground. The impact of her front paws crashing back into the earth, with all of her weight behind it, forced the adjacent area to just briefly Tremor, and her back legs tensed to RUSH at—..\n\nSuddenly, she felt something touch her side. Its .. Its scent was familiar. As was its presence. She knew it! But wasn't he sleeping?? And he spoke too! Did that mean he was feeling better? Her mind tried to Wrap Around what he was saying! He was SAYING something, wasn't he? In that weird .. Way of ... Ah, right!! YES! This cub had a problem with relaying his intentions! That's why she was taking extra special care of him!! She understood some parts of what he said, and then some parts left her puzzled!\n\n'No.. Yr.. Friend—'\n\nWith his hand knotted in her fur, Alcuin could FEEL that her body instantly turned less tense. She moved less rapidly, and much of her attention went to him. Especially his attempt to dissuade her from attacking held her back a little; it sowed a tiny seed of Doubt.\n\nBut.\n\nEven if that is what ran through her limited mental processes..\n\nThat didn't override the subconscious nor the instincts that fuelled it. Alcuin could feel her SLOWING, but likely even outside of Yrsa's Perception, she had already settled into a full-blooded bear charge for Tolius' position! And even with her slight reluctance and doubt, it was murderously fast. Given that Alcuin kept holding on, she would probably carry him with her, though that also seemed part of why she wasn't going full out! By putting HIMSELF in harm's way - or, at least, making himself part of the equation -he forced her to slow down because her ultimate goal here was to ELIMINATE the threat and PROTECT him! She couldn't well end up trampling him herself!\n\nOf course, there were many ways to handle this! A good spell or two probably would chill her out considerably. But as an animal lover, Tolius might recognize this moment! She was charging at him, but that didn't necessarily mean she wanted to tear him to shreds Yet. Maybe if he found a way to make himself less of a THREAT .. Make himself less of a potential danger, then, ..\n\nThen again, all of this depended on split-second reactions." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "It dawned on Alcuin with great trepidation and some horror that Yrsa was beginning to stand. She had been growling, gnashing her teeth; he knew she was still probably in some kind of adrenaline-fueled instinctual animal mode. But he had to try to stop her. He wouldn't quite say he was friends with either of these people yet, but for the first time in forever, he felt like the Possibility Was there, and he wasn't going to let go of it. He felt like he had to do everything in his power to keep them both safe. But that was incredibly difficult with a large raging werebear. It wasn't that he didn't believe Tolius could handle it or that the old man would intentionally hurt Yrsa. But he felt responsible; after all, they both followed him here. His exhausted mind scrambled for a solution.\n\nA wild idea came to him as Yrsa's feet pounded into the ground. The tremors felt like they shook his very skull. This idea would be a gamble, in several ways. First, it might not work. Second, it might not work correctly. And third, it might maim or kill him. But he was desperate to stop this and with Yrsa running full speed, he had to act fast with the little power he had regained from his brief sleep. He closed his eyes, wrapping his arms as tightly as he could around the werebear, willing her to be targeted too. He focused his mind on what it looked like when Alekhya had woven and unwoven herself into and out of shadows as she moved. He pushed all the power he had into it and with his eyes squeezed tightly shut to help him focus, he didn't actually see what happened.\n\nTendrils of dark shadow slithered out of him, seeming to simultaneously envelop and erase him and Yrsa from the spot. The shadows coalesced and swirled further back from their campsite, still in the more sparse part of the forest they camped on the edge of, with the two appearing out of thin air. Tolius was a small figure in the distance, so they hadn't gone terribly far. With that expenditure of power, Alcuin lost his grip on the bear, sliding off and hitting the snow with a thud. He was barely able to prop up on his elbows as he shook. Suddenly, he was wracked by a terrible cough, feeling as if he'd breathed all the air left to breathe, gasping desperately for more. After a few minutes of this, he coughed up ribbons of blood and spit, with not even the strength to wipe it from his mouth. He tried to look up and find Yrsa, but found that he could see nothing. It was eternal darkness, as far as the eye could see; with a sinking feeling, it reminded him of the border lands.\n\nThe elf heard a sultry but irritated whisper in his ear, Little dove, thou should not make thyself a nuisance, lest thou lose thine usefulness. Then thou would feed me, rather than the other way round. He felt a terrible pain in his head, like the migraine right before Alekhya appeared to him. He used every ounce of strength he had left to at least drag himself into a sitting position, both hands on each side of his head. As he stared blankly at the ground in front of him, what his friends would see, but he wouldn't know, was that his eyes were entirely black." }, { "author": "Tolius Olosim", "message": "Tolius was not unfamiliar with the wild action of beasts. As much as he wished he could communicate effectively with animals as is, it simply did not always work. The minds of animals and men were separated - and they could not be joined without supernatural means. The thought always saddened him.\n\nBut he did not have much time to grieve the barrier between the worlds of men and beasts. This bear was charging him, and he would have to act quickly. This bear was full of a rage - a suspicious one. There must be a reason, he thought. Bears did not attack simply out of want. There was almost always a reason. Tolius lifted his cane - it was no time to get lost in thought. Even as Alcuin began to use his power, the man was focused on the face of the bear barreling towards him.\n\nWith a booming voice that echoed through the trees around them, Tolius began to chant the words of a spell. The words were in an old language, unknown to many. As he chanted, his form began to shimmer slightly, as if he was becoming Blurry. As he saw the shadows beginning to cover the bear - he encountered a dilemma. To finish the spell or not. \n\nHe chose to finish the spell. Ending it too soon may result in an accident, and he would be incredibly embarrassed and possibly maimed if Alcuin's power did not help him. As the bear charged towards him, suddenly the man's form shrank. At first glance, it would look as though he may have disappeared. But where he stood now sat a small rabbit with brown fur, standing right between the path of the bear's paws, praying that it would charge Over Him instead of Onto Him." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "In a culmination of adrenaline and primordial instinct that drowned out Everything Else, Yrsa Closed in on the elderly wizard — again, a matter of split seconds that Tolius seemed to have anticipated Well. Even so, the timing seemed extremely precarious; would he get the spell off in time? Would Alcuin manage to get through to his matron and intervene before, before .. —!! It must've almost seemed like time dragged itself to a standstill. The wise elder, by now, surely must've uncovered that the bear's aggression came from treating her Elven companion as part of her sleuth.\n\nEven if everything went wrong here, even if neither of them had been on time, she probably wouldn't have done more than maul him a little. She wasn't hunting something. She wasn't trying to kill something actively. The creature just tried to scare Tolius off—to set the boundaries of her territory and keep him well away from what she considered hers. \n\nUnfortunately, the size of her claws and teeth still could turn that lethal. She was only what must've been a pace or two away from him, the full power of her charge brought to the fore, her muscles twitching and her right paw lifting. Alcuin was still impeding her, and his continued efforts elicited an agitated groan from her like one of those maternal complaints to get him back in line. It would've, likely, told him just how far gone she was - and, probably, .. Why she tended to be so carefree back in her Human Form.\n\nBecause .. Doing the opposite, allowing these sorts of feelings - they inevitably turned her into a monstrosity.\n\nThankfully, this time, they were fast enough. As mentioned, the bear's right paw had raised, and she was ready to strike. Her massive body still carried her forward. And using her hind legs to power a brief spurt of mild elevation, she sought to strike down her claws toward Tolius. That ensured the ENTIRETY of her weight was behind it - a blow fit for taking down a fully adult male BISON. A smack that would've shattered bone and crunched through armour if it had to-\n\nBut then, the world Shifted.\n\nIf ever there was an expression of TOMFOOLERY and DUMBFOUNDEDNESS in the realm of ursine creatures like herself, she had it all over her. It felt like the world turned to pure black for just a moment and then- and.. Her claw— ..??? She STRUCK, but kinda just .. Passed through NOTHING and that unbalanced her which in turn had her crash into the ground. Of course, her biology meant that she didn't really stumble so much? But she did lurch forward a little. And then a... Rabbit??\n\nShe clacked her teeth together dangerously the initial second after Alcuin had translocated them. Her gaze went from side to side, looking ALARMED by WHATEVER THE HELL just happened. She then spotted the rabbit and stared at it momentarily, and then Alcuin was ..?\n\nWhat in the name of HONEY WAS GOING ON HERE.\n\nHer shoulders eased a little, and some of the tension in her body went away. It could have been more of a hunch; creatures like herself communicated more through changes in posture and other minor cues.\n\nBut they could clearly see that their combined effort worked brilliantly. If Alcuin had Only Teleported them away, it wouldn't have been hard for her to reassert her gaze on Tolius and think that HE was to blame for it. That would just have led to more aggression. She would just charge straight back at him until he Removed Himself. But that wasn't the case! Instead of the weird HUMAN she smelled, she saw a RABBIT and that- like, she LIKED rabbit. She HUNTED rabbit. But she also wasn't exceptionally hungry right now. And while she was much quicker than a rabbit, they were still very fast. In other words, chasing after it would've left ALCUIN behind, so her instincts didn't switch over to 'FOOD'.\n\nTrying to eat the rabbit was more of a hassle than just letting it be. In other words, Tolius was no longer a threat. And like a switch, her entire demeanor changed in an instant. Her shoulders relaxed. Her vocalizations stopped. Her breathing, more of a mildly exerted pant at the moment, slowly returned to normality. She still stared at the rabbit in Confusion But that also helped because it kept her focused on .. Whatever the hell this was rather than aggression.\n\nAnd then there was the matter of Alcuin. She didn't get it yet. But, also, she couldn't really understand Any of this, which slowly, SLOWLY.. Got the gears in her mind to Turn. She was trying to Comprehend. But for now, she settled on her previous duty. She tried to prod him gently by thrusting her head into his frame. If that didn't wake him up, she'd position herself around him again, returning to her job as windshield and glorified pillow. Which might bring him back to the land of the living again, too, because she was drooling all over the place, and her spittle smelled disgusting." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "At the prodding from Yrsa, Alcuin initially jolted away for a brief second. It was too reminiscent, in his state of pitch black vision, to the nudges and near misses he'd experienced beyond, as he ran for his life. But the feeling of her fur, her gods awful musky smell, were familiar and comforting. He blindly patted around, trying to get one hand on each side of her large head. His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, \"Thank Calisto, I must not have hurt you.\" He tried to keep her head pointed at him, willed her to look at him Very Well. \"Yrsa, *Listen. I can't see right now, I'm* *Blind* .\" He moved one hand to try to emphasize by waving it in front of his face, then by gently finding her own eyes. \"I need you to guide me. I'll hold on to you, but please don't run off. I won't be able to follow.\" \n\nTaking handfuls of fur on her flank like handholds, he felt and pulled his way to standing beside her. He kept one hand firmly knotted in her fur. He absolutely didn't trust her not to bolt off. Once he found his feet, he was wobbly, but able to stand. He called out, \"Tolius? Tolius!!\" The lack of an answer concerned him. But also he had no idea quite Where Or how far he'd taken them. His guess would be not far, since he was a novice and clearly couldn't hold much power. He'd just have to let Yrsa guide him and wait. \n\nThe new warlock guessed he had severely overdrawn from his demonic demigoddess. He shuddered at how far she'd gone to punish him. Though, he supposed, it wasn't entirely undeserved. If he weakened her, that could be the difference between life or death in an even fight. He whispered, feeling she could hear him somehow anyway, \"I'm sorry, mistress... It won't happen again.\" At least he'd endeavor for it not to. He certainly couldn't deal with a condition like this for long without danger. But he acted because he felt he had to. Though he was trending towards a path of darkness, it hadn't consumed him.\n\nHe still wanted to protect others, especially those he could call allies... Friends? That felt like a stretch, perhaps, but a small part of him found he would like it to be true. Alekhya's presence within him helped him feel less alone. But these two he'd met along the way, they were warm brightness, like the sun, compared to her cold comfort, like the moon." } ]	695	9,021
1,211.8	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The battle in which Thyri found herself an inextricable part had the same rapidity as a flash of lightning, a sudden intensity that came without much warning. Of course, as a seasoned merchant and blacksmith, she would probably know that these back roads, through thick, untamed forests, came rife with danger. Goblins, Orcs, Hags and other creatures frequently inhabited such places, hiding away from the more significant part of civilization - ever fearful of when Aeterna's grand armies of Demigods and Champions would crash down on them next. By all rights and accounts, these lands were relatively safe.\n\nOf course, they had their challenges. But it wasn't the same as the demon-and-monster-ridden wastes to the north and east. The land from which Yrsa hailed was a barren, snow-covered wasteland controlled and vied for by over a hundred kings, warlords, chieftains, and vagabonds. None of them could rouse armies of Aeterna's size or scale, yet their seemingly perpetual warring was different: constant raids back and forth.\n\nPerhaps it wouldn't be correct to say such an environment bred hardier warriors. The warriors Aeterna brought to the field tended to be in a class of their own, well equipped in both arms and armour—perhaps, in part, due to the efforts of Thyri herself? Yet, a battle like the night before was no realm for vast armies. A Troll of the like they found was large but equally stealthy by sheer virtue of staying isolated, a single horror hidden within the thick pine forests.\n\nFrom a particular perspective, the barbarian figuratively brought a small part of her homeland to these realms, a sense of chaos wherever she went. Undoubtedly, if they meant to continue travelling together through these desolate parts of the Empire, their journey would likely continue to be arduous. .. Did they truly desire such companionship? Alcuin was well-acquainted with the woods, but was he not far from home? Thyri had joined their encampment to receive the alchemist's healing, to recuperate properly, but did she not also have her own interests in mind within these regions? - her clients were relatively close to here, right? They needed her Weapons, and here she was with these random strangers ...!\n\nThe witch-seer who once guided the berserker remarked that fate had strange ways of showing its hand. In truth, Yrsa paid it no heed; she wasn't ever the most spiritual type. But things were happening—perhaps beyond what could be explained. In Thyri's case, her acquaintance with runecraft and similar magicks might have strange influences infringe upon her dreams while she slept- if she slept-. Memories of a giant, ursine beast who tended to a forest thicket. It was of similar coloration as the bear-shaped barbarian but Far Larger and far more imposing. Even within the dream space, its spiritual presence was massive .. Like staring at a forest fire trapped within a body of fur, claws and teeth. It was a forest thicket covered by snow, within which large trees - larger than any of this land - grew; trees that had written on them the same types of Runes As the ones with which the Blacksmith worked!\n\nWell, whether any portion of those images filtered into the blacksmith's mind at night was entirely up to her and her abilities. But Yrsa's transformation back and forth was intrinsically... Not so much magical as Spiritual. The blacksmith had felt it the night before, right? That shadow that accompanied it. Whatever it meant, it was bound to be significant.\n\nFor now, though, the world had thankfully settled back into a steady normality. There were no epic world-ending battles against fierce Trolls or desperate last stands against Goblins. Furthermore, the Rain, hail and snow finally lifted! The weather within this place seemed to frequently alter between the three, but for the moment, a steady trail of gentle sunlight shone through the tall pines, reflecting off the forest dew and bathing the land in a dazzling array of sparkles. The scent of wet moss, snow and dirt was all around, and— oh, GODS .. It would probably Take a second to get used to! But bears had this Scent To them. And while Yrsa frequently switched back and forth, the stench of BEAR MUSK seemed to perpetuate throughout the encampment.\n\nIt was a humble encampment. But in this part of the forest, with no town or village or what have you for miles around? It was the best they'd get. There were three dwellings of various shapes: two tents. One belonged to Alcuin, who could give a good tour of his makeshift alchemical and herbal lab. He was always busy picking flowers and mushrooms, and Yrsa Heard Him get up to shenanigans at night? So she just half-assumed he had turned his tent into a witch's cauldron. As for the other tent, that one belonged to the Forefather of the Bog, Tolius Olosim! An elderly but legendary wizard. He had other commitments in the past few days, necessitating his temporary absence, and the tent didn't seem in use currently.\n\nIt would be wrong to call Yrsa's dwelling a tent. It was more of a dug-up patch of earth, a bear hole, on which she had strung a portion of a tree branch to provide cover from the rain. In this way, she combined her bear traits by clawing up the earth, digging about two feet into the ground - half a metre - with her Human intellect by stringing up that tree. It provided less cover from the elements, but she wasn't as concerned with those anyway. And she did stay relatively dry.\n\nIn the here and now, which was undoubtedly more important than flitting dreams and little specks of information here and there, the warrior with whom Thyri had fought beside was Nowhere to be seen. Or, well, she had arrived at the encampment the night before, around the same time as her two companions did. They could've SEEN her withdraw into her little hovel. But it was already after midday; the sun had already reached its peak — hell, it must've been one or two P.M.! And yet, there was no sign of her. Aside from the prolonged, loud, obnoxious, drawn-out SNORING that drew out from her place, there was no physical sign of her. It had gotten pretty late last night! But Alcuin would Probably Be able to tell that this? .. These habits? Yea, Yrsa Always Slept in, sometimes even until the late afternoon. Better to let her sleep, too, as she tended to be very grumpy if she had to wake up too early.\n\nHow lazy could someone be?! Besides, the blacksmith still had to give her a lecture on weapons, right? They'd probably be long awake by the time she finally stirred from her slumber." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin was now long accustomed to his routine before Yrsa woke. Some herbs were best harvested while morning dew still clung to them, and with the change in weather he especially didn't want to miss opportunities to gather in better conditions. Besides, the rate at which Yrsa (sometimes literally) ate through his supplies meant going out to gather was a near constant necessity. He found he didn't mind much, since so much of his routine before he met her was alone anyway. Going on his rounds to see patients and deliver potions was the most interaction he ever got in a day; the rest was left to him and his thoughts. His mind had been unsettlingly quiet as of late, the whispers that had become near friends almost subsiding entirely. His powers hadn't waned any, so he wasn't entirely afraid the connection had been severed but...Something Wasn't right. Yet he had no way to find out why or how; his patroness decided if, when, and how she spoke to him. So he must wait.\n\nIt was nice, for a change, to return to camp in the morning hours and be greeted by a smiling face. Thyri was certainly a welcome addition to their little group, in many ways. It seemed she had much to offer, but for the moment, Alcuin was just glad to have company. He wasn't sure how long the blacksmith would be with them, but he was determined to enjoy every minute he could. His time with Yrsa had made him more excited to meet new people, gave him hope that sometimes there would be people who liked him and really would stick around. He had spent the morning with her, getting her acquainted and up to speed on their little camp. He had left again mid-day to go gathering elsewhere, knowing Yrsa ate everything in sight after a transformation; they'd need every edible thing they could find. While he still didn't much care for meat himself, he'd learned how to set traps for small critters, and checked them at least a few times a day.\n\nReturning with a bag near to bursting with the spoils of the land, the alchemist sat down next to the blacksmith in the mid-afternoon. He began to unpack the bag he always carried for gathering, revealing fresh mushrooms just washed in a nearby stream. \"It isn't much,\" He spoke warmly as he worked, putting the mushrooms on little skewers, \"But it'll keep us from starving.\" He placed them over what remained of the fire. Though it was a bit low, it was a perfect temperature for roasting vegetables. He'd stoke it more soon, after he prepared the three rabbits he managed to catch. With a knowing twinkle in his eye and a wry smile, he warned the blacksmith, \"Whether you're hungry or not, I'd advise you to eat now. Once our ursine friend wakes, there may be nothing left. And while she's willing to share, taking food from her right after a transformation just makes her cranky.\" His features scrunched up momentarily, \"Trust me, it's not worth it.\"\n\nOnce the warlock had gotten in a rhythm with his work, his mind drifted. He'd felt the now familiar satisfaction at killing something when he killed the rabbits, but it felt... Hollow, somehow, as if distant. He'd had strange dreams last night, too, of eyes watching him from the shadows, being pulled into the darkness and, literally, ripped in two by two entities. But it was all darkness and screams; other than being unsettling, he didn't know what to make of it. The coppery scent of blood from the rabbits brought him back to the present, and he stared at his hands for a moment. He held one open, fingers outstretched. It was only him and Thyri at the camp now, so naturally he jolted, when he both saw And Felt a pale hand with long dark fingernails placing his skinning knife in his open hand and closing his digits around it. He stood suddenly, nearly throwing the rabbit in the fire, and looked around frantically.\n\nA feminine voice, different than the usual, whispered in Alcuin's ear and made his hair stand on end. Killll herrrr. His golden brown eyes landed on Thyri, filled with fear. What was happening?? He looked around saw nothing. His new friend only looked at him quizzically. Sitting back down and clearing his throat, he went back to cleaning the rabbit with trembling hands. His voice was strained when he spoke, \"You didn't just... See or hear anything... Right?\" He hated having to ask such things, but, there was only one way to know. And if Thyri was to join them, he supposed it would all come out eventually anyway." }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "For Thyri, she was hoping for a grand rest after such a long and arduous battle. After receiving enough healing to make sure she wouldn't keel over during the night, and a good meal to fill her stomach that wasn't dried meat, she had practically passed out the moment her head hit her bedroll. It wasn't as restful as she wished, strange symbols appearing on trees that she could read, a large lumbering bear stalking through the woods? Just what sort of dream was she even having. She'd likely not remember any of the symbols when she woke, but she wasn't going to forget the dream itself.\n\nThe smell around the camp was... Difficult To handle. Her nose was scrunched up for quite a while as she tended to her cart to make sure it hadn't been damaged in the battle, she also took time to check over the weaponry that was inside. They were each individually wrapped to protect them from the elements, so it took a fair bit of time to rewrap each one. She had unfortunately gotten up much earlier than she had wished. Thyri had a habit of waking up right before dawn broke to prepare her shop for the day. It was a decent habit to have whilst travelling, but not a fun one to have when injured.\n\nShe was fairly groggy even as the hours passed. Her movements slow and sluggish, still half asleep and nearly unwilling to wake up. But still she stood, and went about what tasks she needed to do. She wasn't going to be staying in a camp for free after all. She was quite happy to help with any tasks there were. She was still hanging around to speak with the warrior woman, though Thyri had to admit, she was Shocked By how much the woman could sleep. Hearing the snoring constantly as the sun passed overheard? It almost felt like the snoring was fake and some sort of echo that kept bouncing back and forth.\n\n \nBut as the time passed on, Thyri found herself with one of the ordered weapons upon her lap, thinking about the dream as she ran her hand over the blade. In her mind, she read over the runes that were carved upon the weapon what must have been nearly a thousand times. She was trying to remember each rune upon the trees within her dreams. Trying to remember each symbol. It wasn't often she had dreams that contained runes.\n\nBut she was soon broken out of her musings when the alchemist arrived. She flashed him a friendly, yet tired smile as she looked at him. She was rather appreciative of his efforts in healing her, it wasn't often that someone was willing to spare both time and a healing potion to a traveller. \n\nIt was certainly better than just being stabbed and having one's equipment stolen.\n\nShe couldn't help but watch as the mushrooms were placed onto the fire. The smell was already making her mouth water. She had skipped lunch, and was mostly planning to eat around dinner. But to see such a thing being cooked? Well, she just couldn't help herself. \"Gods above, 'ow'd ya know I was starving?\" She let out a small laugh as she hefted the large blade off of her lap to rest beside her. She didn't want to drop any food on it and have to polish it through most of the afternoon. But the rabbits were what she was most excited about. Rabbit stew was one of her favourite meals, and to have it in such a snowy land would be a blessing. She could already remember the times she would sit by the windows back home, watching the snow fall for hours as she had a warm bowl of stew with her.\n\nGods. It had been such a lovely time each winter.\n\n \nThen, the alchemist did something that she had not been expecting to do at all.\n\nHe suddenly stood. She could see a hint of fear in his eyes, so she was immediately set on edge despite her tiredness. She believed that it was some sort of creature that had entered the camp, and she was quick to begin glancing around, searching the treeline for any movement. She didn't want to have to use a customers weapon, but she believed that they would accept the excuse of having to use it if she was attacked.\n\nBut soon, she noticed that there was nothing around. The only movement was caused by the trees. Her gaze turned to confusion as she looked back at Alcuin, and heard his question. \"Uh... No, I did not. Why? Did ya see something?\" Now she stood, could it have been some sort of creature that was based on sight or sound? Some sort of hallucination? Maybe these mushrooms weren't all that safe..." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "For sure, something... Something Dastardly Stirred, an evil so heinous that the Gods would find themselves fainting before its very presence. Compared to the night before, which was quite frankly terrible, there was a warmth around the encampment, not only due to the comforts of their fire and the gentle rays of the sun. Maybe somewhere, someone had perceived their battle - and deemed them worthy of a momentary respite? Alcuin and Thyri appeared so taken by whatever stalked the warlock that the most actual evil momentarily appeared to pass them by. \n\nA dirt-stained hand suddenly erupted from Yrsa's bear burrow, lunging forward and clenching firm about a collection of moss, mud and snow, fingers tense and the wrist visibly strained. It was like a picture straight out of a necromancer's spellbook, but it was Even worse Than that .. BECAUSE ANOTHER FOLLOWED. By all the Gods, how Late Must it have been?! The sun had long reached its peak and was already starting to settle into a comfortable midday. Why, it would only be an hour or four until it turned NIGHT again,... Just... The sheer lack of discipline! The audacity! The-\n\nYrsa yawned loudly and smacked her lips together. With her hand and arm extended, she slowly - emphasis on slow - dragged herself out of her hole. And if Thyri needed any more confirmation, .. Sure enough, she entered that thing as a large brown bear but now erupted from it as the berserker she had seen initially. Once people got acquainted, the signs were So Obvious; again, the coloration of her hair, her blue eyes, .. Even her bearing! Shapeshifted, she presented herself as a young adult brown bear with a relatively large build. In Human form, too, she looked like a young adult human - surely no older than eighteen winters at most - with a build of fat and muscles.\n\nAnd whereas her companion, Alcuin, she always thought to have some natural elven Finesse .. Well, she was like the direct opposite. Dragging herself out of her hole, she accidentally knocked her head into a stray branch. She failed to get up to her feet even a reasonable distance from her hole, and her manner of movement could best be described as the 'reverse butt-scoot' — almost like a snail! She looked CLUMSY. CLUMSY, stubborn and lazy! And the SMELL .. Well, if Thyri had a problem with that before, it somehow clung to her like a Cloud.\n\nSome four paces from her bear burrow, she groggily pushed herself up to her knees and then her feet. A second yawn followed, and she gracefully had her right rear-half interact with her nails because she was itchy. Was she sure she didn't have any fleas yet in these warmer climates? Yeah, she was pretty scared of that. She hated fleas. Her homeland killed them. Because fleas hated cold and frozen temperatures.\n\nThese temperatures also froze lakes and such. But it was still warm.\n\nQuite frankly, the alchemist was Way Too good for her. Thyri could see that, too, right? The blacksmith had been busting her behind helping out with the chores and such, and meanwhile, this already permanent member of the party - Yrsa - hadn't helped out with a single thing!! And it was easy to see what roused her, too. She stood silent momentarily, stretching her limbs, her nose wrinkling a Little..\n\nA thick, icky tendril of drool ran down her lips. She swallowed loudly and fixated her eyes on the campfire. Her eyes were barely open, and as she resolved herself to make her way over to the Elf, it was more akin to a drunken stumble and stagger; \"My friend Witch-Alcuin, t'is this I must say ... I had the weirdest dream last night! Hah! It was mighty. And almost felt real!\" She blustered without a single bit of regard for Anyone Other than herself. Also, the only reason she knew him to be awake was that he was cooking food for her, and she just, y'know, assumed he'd be there.\n\n\"Yet .. I cannot say that it was. For, it had too many strange things in it. For one, who would complain about my choppers? I for one cannot imagine this. Then, perhaps, it was also a nightmare..\"\n\nYrsa hummed to herself and dumbly made her way over to a log beside the fire, plopping into a seat and placing a hand upon her chin.. Giving it some thought.\n\nOf course, Alcuin was used to her manner of speech. But for Thyri? The barbarian girl spoke with a thick accent, emphasizing vowels greatly while also cutting them off. Her voice was rough around the edges but also a little perky, almost reminiscent of her ursine vocalizations—just not as deep. If the blacksmith had family members of similar heritage, she might have recognized it; it was like a bastardized form of the Imperial language.\n\n\"No.. No. I do not think this was a nightmare. Because, I won. And also.. My uncle was not in this. He was not dead or dying. This is why I know.\"\n\nShe nodded sagely, still not seeming to have properly noticed THYRI. And sure enough, Alcuin knew her like few did at the moment. She leaned sideways to cheekily sneak one of the raw rabbits away from him, her eyes finally widening with interest as she presented it to herself. Her conversation so far had been more loose comments and stray thoughts, which probably made sense due to the lethargy she always felt whenever she transformed. It wasn't As Bad right now, which was pretty straightforward because she had only spent a couple of hours in her bear form. It mainly was the exertion she pulled off against the Troll that was biting her at the moment, but she seemed Reasonably Tolerable for a change.\n\nStill a slug. But at least a somewhat responsive slug.\n\nAnd it was probably So Incredibly disgusting to see how she manhandled that rabbit. She just brought it up to her face and sunk her teeth into the raw meat, tearing away a good, squishy and greasy chunk - intestines and all - with blood running down her face. As with her vestigial ursine strength, she Probably Carried some of her bear resistances to raw meat, too, given how she tore into it without hesitation.\n\nIt was only then that the haze before her eyes started to clear. And that the world filtered itself into her view properly.\n\nHuh.\n\nAlcuin sorta seemed... Occupied with something? She wasn't sure what. But she hadn't smelled any intruders and was pretty sure she could whack 'em anyway, so.. - and then there was-\n\n\"However...!! I slew a Troll in this. Of course, this is not so strange. But it was still a good fight. I think, perhaps, it may be a dream from my homeland. The witch once said; Yrsa, .. Dreams.. Bladi... Bla... Uh... Something... I forgot. Something with dreams, yes.\"\n\n-.. And then there was Thyri. Yrsa just kept Snacking On her rabbit, entirely ignorant of the blacksmith's presence until she figuratively got HIT IN THE FACE WITH IT. The berserker Stared At her for a moment - an unsettling stare lasting perhaps three or four seconds. Then, she glanced at Alcuin and glanced back at Thyri. She blinked, tried to wipe the dust out of her eyes, and then reaffirmed her sight Again.\n\n\"Alcuin. .. Do not be alarmed. But, I think... I may be a witch myself. I seem to have magicked my dream into ... Our camp. Can you see it, too?\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The warlock stood there a moment more before dropping the knife and putting his face in his hands, which inadvertently smeared rabbit blood all over it. Pulling one hand away, he side-eyed Thyri with the one chocolate eye that was visible, half of a soft frown also peeking out from his hand. His voice was gentle as usual yet somewhat defeated, \"Wonderful. It's coming back then... Can't say that I'm relieved, though part of me feels maybe I should be...\" With a sigh, he addressed Thyri more directly as he picked up the knife, wiped it off, and continued his task wearing a worried expression, \"I have... Bouts of insanity, is all. So it must've been a vision.\" He didn't dare look the blacksmith in the face, as he couldn't hand the judgment or the questions he feared would be there; he had questions of his own, and answers for none of it. Yrsa's emergence from her burrow was a welcome interruption, in more ways than one. The elf listened to her with patience, not speaking up until she had seemed to have gotten it all out. As he listened to her prattle on, his worry slowly melted away, replaced by a small smile. \n \n\n\"I think you'll find, my friend, that it was quite real, and no dream at all.\" Alcuin's voice was bright and cheery, full of warmth, with little trace of the worry and fear that had just been consuming him. Better to deal with that later, though... Such a command was very worrisome. And the intensity with which he felt it... His connection to the demoness hadn't felt quite like this before; his thoughts and visions weren't exclusively violent, sometimes they were... His tanned cheeks reddened at the thought, and he shoved it away hastily. It certainly wasn't the time or place for That Kind of thinking. Regardless, he could do nothing about it at the present moment, so he turned to other matters, saying almost absentmindedly, \"You really should tell me more about your uncle sometime, Yrsa. He seems quite important to you.\" Though they'd spent a good bit of time together, Alcuin still didn't know so much about Yrsa and her past; the same could be said the other way around, as well.\n \n\nSpeaking softly to Thyri, Alcuin handed her a skewer of mushrooms, \"Sorry, again. I didn't mean to startle you. Yrsa's rather used to it by now.\" Seeing the uncertainty in the woman's face, the herbalist tried to reassure her, \"I promise these are safe to eat, what you saw was just... Me.\" He turned away sheepishly, having forgot what it had been like initially to talk to Yrsa about these things. But then again, Yrsa didn't exactly have a normal reaction to it anyway. He was quite fearful of what a more civilized person might think. His ursine friend chomping down on the raw rabbit caught his attention as he got distracted from preparing the stew. He found himself staring, first with weakened disgust, as he was getting more accustomed to it, yet also with a longing much stronger than what he had felt before when he found her tearing into the deer carcass. It was a strange feeling, something between hunger and affection, and he was interrupted from sorting it out by another hair-raising whisper that felt like it was right behind him. Ooo, I like this one. Keep her around. Trying not to alert Thyri any further, he turned his head slowly to look behind; he knew there would be nothing there. But he was more unsettled by how the voice was Different; it wasn't Alekhya anymore.\n \n\nYrsa's jovial musings brought him back to the moment, and he found himself chuckling despite the terror crawling up his spine slowly. He shook his head before regarding the barbarian girl with a crooked smile, \"You might be a witch, but not because of this. It seems you met Thyri while fighting that troll, and she helped you fell it. She's a blacksmith from the Eternal City.\" His smile widened into a broad grin, as he focused on his joy to share the news with her now that she was more conscious, \"She says she can help us find the mercenary's guild you were looking for.\"" } ]	999	6,059
1,875.722222	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The creature's gigantic, grubby hand reached for a nearby pine with such power and might that its stoney skin could be heard grating upon the bark and the wood. The tree's roots came loose with one mighty Yank; earth, moss, and grass upheaved as if struck by a tremor, sending a loud <SCHRRAAAAAASSKK...> To resonate through the stormy weather, almost as if in mimicry of the thunder that hammered down from above. It paired that display with a low bellow - a cry of anger and hate but Deep, far less an animalistic screech and more like a groaning of the earth itself. Its baleful eyes were fixed on that single shadow before him, upon which it swung with the force of a dozen men - nay, it held no reservation for mercy or any consideration other than the defence, .. The RECONQUEST, of its territory. From that perspective, these creatures were dumb. But they also tended to be smarter than people gave them credit for, which made them dangerous - far, far more dangerous than even the most savvy woodland predator.\n\nA creature similar to her in more than one way, which more than came to the fore as a bumrush charge saw her evade most of the tree club, though not entirely. Despite its size, it was Fast, and she brought up her own stick to meet the improvised weapon closer to the Troll's grip - there where its leverage was momentarily weak. Her arms bulged, her teeth gritted together, she tasted the blood that ran down her face .. And screamed in retort. The creature's cry of war was low, with a bass that shook the very bones, but hers was like a shrill banshee's shriek - tempered only by the fact that her voice typically didn't lean towards that sort of higher volume. Nonetheless, the monster gripped the tree so tightly that the wood splintered within his grip, and such was its physical power that it would outmatch her easily - Even her. And she was strong, too. Strong enough to HOLD it, to STAY its movements for just a second—!!\n\nHer feet sunk into the muddy earth, her palms had started to BLEED from the strain, and her club was Screaming For a release ..\n\nAnd that release, thankfully, came shortly. The monster pushed its weight into the tree, but it was something the berserker had Predicted For these ALWAYS Relied on their strength ...!! She was like that, too. That's why she knew to be careful! To be more cautious of the QUICK ONES. As it pushed, she manoeuvred herself toward its flanks - thereby FREEING herself from the lock and allowing the tree to continue its path unabated.\n\nThe creature struck the earth with enough power to crater it. On her side, her jagged maul found its mark — Smacking Into the creature's right knee with such impact it resonated through the forest a sickening SMACK - a blow that saw its black blood pour from its thick hide and even force it into a mild stumble. Alas, it was only through her strength that she managed such a superficial blow at all, for its hide - again - was like a stone .. Its flesh like granite, its blood a precious commodity for alchemists. To the creature, the blow had been nothing more than a mild TAP..\n\nBut tap the same place repeatedly, and it will eventually start to hurt. This madness kept the exchange going; the creature was far too prideful to consider a withdrawal, and So was its opponent— Almost to the point of suicide. Its hefty belly flapped about as it forced itself to regain balance, dropping the tree it held and sending another terrifying crash sound through the forest. It scooped up a rock beside itself and promptly threw a cart's worth of stone and soil towards its foe, who was - this time - just a moment too late to take notice! She swung her warmaul towards the most enormous rock, batting it aside with wild abandon. Still, the earth and grass washed over her like a tsunami, batting her back and sending her to crash a reasonable distance before she eventually stopped by a tree.\n\nShe FELT the impact upon her spine. Surely that was enough? Surely she could call it quits then and there?! And even the creature appeared to try and gauge as much - to see if it had Won. Instead, when the dust settled, and the mud on her face slowly dripped down to reveal her features, all that was left was a madman's smile - big and toothy, stretched from one corner of her mouth to the other. It was vile, disgusting, filled with malice.\n\nThe sound of sweeping winds and battering rain finally eased through the adrenaline again. Thunder crashed in the distance, followed by a ray of light that lit up the eldritch night sky with a momentous clap. .. Out in these mountains, in the far north.\n\nDespite the onset of spring, these parts tended to be perpetually cold. Though it was less severe than in winter, a soft layer of snow still draped the landscape in white, and both trees and wildlife seemed tailored toward a colder climate. It was a landscape of vast pine forests, uneven hills, and mountains topped with eternal snow. The day had already gone into deep darkness, for the days were short, and the nights were long, and the skies seemed illuminated primarily by these... Strange colors in the sky - this peculiar rainbow of colorful hues. Some ascribed mystical reasons behind the formation of these 'northern lights'. Others would undoubtedly try to find a scientific or alchemical reason behind said light formations.\n\nBut there was no denying they tended to carry a sense of mystical beauty and grandeur.\n\nThis place was not so far north as to bridge - not even tentatively - upon the northern void .. But it was far from civilization. Leagues upon leagues of nothing but pine forest, hills, uneven roads .. But, at the very least, roads. Or, better said, one road that merchants Sometimes took To get from place to place. It wasn't unheard of that people travelled through here, only relatively rare - perhaps a few people yearly.\n\nAside from that, it was as wild as can be imagined. The night was cold and wet, and a pitiful trickle of rain had soaked the forest for almost a full day. It had turned the otherwise soft snow into an icy sludge. The cobblestone road that ran through the forest was incredibly slippery, making travel arduous and difficult. Simultaneously, this overlapping of clouds and the aurora borealis only worsened the darkness, as the light the latter gave off inevitably added to the shadows. The road was one of the few places where looking into the distance was still possible, the thick pine forest bordering it - almost choking it - on each side.\n\nIn terms of temperature, it hung around that freezing point. It was cold, but not significantly so—at least, that's what she thought. The place she once called home was far colder than this. However, that didn't remove the fact that her breath turned to mist with every exhale and that her fingers had started to numb.\n\nIt was a good feeling.\n\nYrsa von Schwarzhofen felt as if her heart had been set aflame. And at the moment, this part of the road had become a Battleground. Her stumble and crash through the forest seemingly had her pass straight over it, her feet dragging thick marks through it. And though she remained in place for perhaps only two or three seconds - only a few seconds to recover and recompose - it might provide the wary onlooker .. If there were any .. A cursory glance of a young Human woman. But one So Different from most of the Empire's populace. She was tall, with auburn ginger hair as fierce as a forest fire and a pair of icy blue eyes that almost seemed to gleam with the same intensity as the ice. Further, her build as a warrior was evident. But it was far less a model example of the Imperial soldier; she had a belly with broad hips and shoulders and an overall bearing that betrayed her liked her pork and mead. Physical exertions like this kept her relatively 'in shape', but she clearly had a disposition for gaining weight. \n\nAnd though few within This Realm would decipher the meanings behind the black tattoos, the obsidian marks penned upon her skin, they spoke tales of affiliation to tribes of cruel men. Barbaric, uncivilized cults to the far north-east, beyond the reaches of the Empire - into those steppes and wastelands, past the giant mountains that protected Velaris.\n\nAnd yet, she was here. A Barbarian! Clad in what appeared to be ... Furs?! Loosely fitted furs and poorly stitched together leather. More like a caveman than anything else! The weapon she had kept clutched in her hand, the same one with which she parried that Tree And used to slow her momentum along the earth by dragging it along as if an anchor, was as poor a weapon as one could envision. It was literally a stick - ... A stick with a head of raw pig iron. Half broken off and chipped protrusions and 'spikes' upon the metal gave the weapon the loose appearance of a two-handed staff... Morning star???? - well, the point of it seemed simple. It evidently had a lot of weight to it. \n\nThe wood seemed solid, and that was its only virtue. A big hammer goes smack or something like that.\n\nThunder echoed one more time as if the GODS themselves recognized this fight. Yrsa did not believe in any God aside from herself, but she had heard this to be the land of gods, dragons, and demigods. Be that so, then, surely, she should not waver .. And that motivation saw her push herself from the tree she had crashed against. She steadied her feet, blew her wet hair out of her face, and met the Troll's stare dead in the eye.\n\nA creature of folk and fairytales. An evil villain, a beast with no remorse.\n\nWell, that was a little farther from the truth. Arguably, it was just trying to protect its territory like any animal, but it was more intelligent than most animals. It stood at a height of over three fully grown men and had the width of a boulder. Its skin was a dark grey, reminiscent of the rocks from which they were believed to have sprung and originated — and sure enough, many of its body parts appeared dotted with tiny pebbles and rocks as if a link to that mythical past. It stood on a pair of stumpy legs, with arms that were far longer in comparison - almost like the arms of a monkey or ape but more muscular.\n\nIt shouldn't be surprising that one might try to make its home in these mountains and caves. \n\nIt wasn't a foe any ordinary Human should make an effort to take down on their own. It was far too big, too strong - more something a large group would need to confront. And anyone could see that the woman was hard-pressed in this unequal matchup!\n\nYet, her type was often cast as a monster, too. Her crash against the tree had only winded her, whereas most would suffer broken bones and that sort. She thrust the butt of her strange weapon into the snow and dirt, leaving it there momentarily, instead reaching for a pair of oversized, chipped and rusty throwing axes. They hardly seemed fit for the job, but she clutched them confidently .. To which the Troll finally responded. The forest again shook as it broke out into a frenzied charge, further agitated by the woman's stare, and on her part, she Charged right back at it - screaming atop her lungs with wild abandon." }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "A rarely trodden path always came with danger. Be it bandits who thought to use the paths as favoured ambush spots, or the odd band of wandering goblins. An unused path was never the safest option. Most merchants would move in bands, or within caravans with hired guards to protect themselves. Even travelers would often avoid such a path, sticking to what was tried and true, even if it took them longer to reach their final destination. But as a smithy who had given her word, she would Never Allow a single order to be delayed by even a minute. If she was not true to her word, then what about her wares could be trusted? A reputation for being late as a smithy would be taken as being unreliable, and making repeat mistakes. Thyri refused to have her name besmirched in such a fashion. She would rather they spit on her grave than to garner such a reputation within the merchant world. \n\nIt was here that she found herself within the snow peaked mountain paths. A small hand drawn cart rolling behind her with gear to be delivered to those of a northern village. Whilst the cold wind was biting at her ears and nose, she found the frosty wind was a familiar feeling. A sparkling memory of a long winter when she was but a babe. She had barely been able to see the lights from another house out her old home's window. Dressed in her usual gear, she found herself wishing she had packed a bit of fur with her to warm her shoulders up something proper, or at the very least to provide a bit of shelter against the torrent of rain. Even as thunder cracked overhead, and lightning gave the snow a blinding light, she pushed onwards praying for a break in the storm.\n\nAlas, prayers would not grant her any ease from such a situation. All she could do was push forward into the night, and push she would. If desperation set in, she would carve extra enchantments into the chainmail under her cloth to provide extra warmth just to allow her to pass over this damned mountain.\n.\n\nThen, as if by divine chance, a break within the clouds. A moment of peace introduced by the roar of thunder. Thyri found herself halting for a moment as she glanced towards the star filled sky and at the lights that hung from the heavens. There was no warmth from such illumination. Nor was there the burning of one's eyes from staring for too long. Only a sense of peace. It was odd being alone in such a cold and forsaken land. Even as the shadows grew heavier from the added light, Thyri could imagine the strikes of lightning from the thunder in the distance.\n\nOnly, that didn't sound like thunder, and it was only growing closer.\n\nA gasp escaped her, as well as a puff of mist from her hot breath as she had her first glance of the berserker. Watching as the human crashed across the snow like an avalanche. She had been too distracted by the gorgeous painting that was the sky to notice how the road beneath her had transformed from a cobblestone path to rubble and mud. It was so strange seeing such a woman, with such ferocity in her eyes. The quick realization of the female being a warrior brought answers to questions not yet asked. Yet there was no tried and tested armour, no shield to protect against an arrow, not even a helmet to defend one's skull. All there was was furs poorly put together. But none of that was what caught Thyri's eyes. What caught her gaze were the dark tattoos upon the female's arms.\n\nNone too dissimilar to the blue ink that blotted her arms with tales of her ancestors.\n\nYet her gaze was soon to turn to pure disgust and horror at the reveal of the barbarian's favoured weapon. To her, it was naught but a hunk of metal that needed to be reforged a thousand times over to gain even the faintest resemblance of a proper weapon. She had made better weapons as a dullard child still learning how to properly hold a hammer. She had made better weapons whilst Drunken.\n\nFor a moment, it saddened her to see such a warrior with so poor a weapon. \n.\n\nIt was then that she recognized the opponent of such an individual. A troll that had made it's home within the mountains. She imagined it likely feasted upon goats and bears, as well as the unlucky traveler who found themselves lost within a storm. A bulbous gut likely still held it's previous meal, half digested and possibly even still screaming if it had been small enough.\n\nThe smith was shocked to see such a beast being taken on by a lone individual. Tales from her youth had told her that such a creature needed whole battalions to bring them to their knees for even a chance at striking a killing blow. Yet before her very eyes, she could see a human defying the laws of nature once more and standing toe to toe with such a monstrous creature, with weapons in such disrepair as well. If she had been a bard, it would have been beautiful inspiration for a darling tale of humanity. The reveal of the axes was a welcome change, but her heart broke at seeing such munted blades. She had her doubts about such weapons being able to even pierce the skin of such a creature.\n\nShe was almost too engrossed in watching the battle unfold that she realized that She Was able to help. For a moment, she pondered if the barbarian would even welcome a fresh face into the battle, perhaps they wished to have the glory all for themselves. \n\nThose thoughts were dashed as her hand grasped her hammer, and one of the many keys that hung from her neck. It was a familiar motion as she slammed the key into the hilt of the warhammer, quickly twisting the item to the side as a glow appeared around the symbol on the hammer. Such a difficult enchantment, yet such a perfect tool for the moment.\n\nDropping the handles of her cart, she was quick to charge forward. She gave no warcry, nor a shout of anger or fury. The only sound was the soft hum that escaped her hammer, and the crunch of snow beneath her feet. This was going to be a battle she would not allow fate to decide.\n.\n\nFor the moment, she moved to the side. She watched as both individuals charged forward, waiting for the right moment before she gave a sudden turn. In turn, she charged towards the beast with a sense of purpose within her eyes. She would likely reach first, thanks to her having been on the road. But the timing would need to be perfect if she wanted her makeshift and sudden plan to have any chance of working.\n\nIt was then that she noticed it. The barbarian had done quite a bit of damage to the right leg already.\n\nIt was perfect. \n\nBeing fresh into the fight, allowed her to move without exhaustion. Her sprinting was not graceful by any means, but legs powered by years of lifting steel and swinging heavy weapons were more than enough to carry her weight the distance. As she grew close, she wound her hammer behind her. Her hammer had been with her for years, and swinging such a weapon required a good amount of momentum to properly carry out it's devastating power. But creating a larger wound was not her end goal in this charge.\n\nShe was seeking to create an opportunity.\n\nWhen she was in the perfect range, she brought her hammer around from her left side, allowing it to slam near the open wound that the troll already had as the enchantment took effect. The purple glow was transferred onto the knee of the beast as gravity began to force it down. Upon a joint such as a knee, it would be practically impossible for an already tired monster to stand true and finish the battle without tumbling. She would bring the beast to it's knees and she would hold it there for as long as she could.\n\nOf course, no enchantment could truly last forever.\n\nEven as the large oaf stumbled into the ground, she could already see the beast trying to shake it's limb free of the enchantment. Trying to climb to it's feet to finish the fight. With the berserker growing close, she would need to use every chance she had to keep the creature down.\n.\n\nThyri made haste onto the other side of the beast, once more winding her hammer back as she dashed around the feet, before once more slamming the weapon into the opposite knee of the troll, her hammer letting out a shrieking ring from the strike as the key within shattered. The spell was weaker than the other, but it would hold for the moment. It would keep the creature from rising to a kneeling state, thus keeping it's head close to the ground.\n\nIt would be the perfect chance for the warrior to attack the head and neck directly. Even just planting one of those rusty blades into the eye of the beast should be enough to give it a true wound.\n\nBlinding the beast would be the best option, perhaps even the blood loss would make it fail to stand once more on it's injured legs, allowing both hammer and axe to cave it's bones in and carve into it's flesh until it's heart stopped pumping it's vicious black blood. A brutal death for a brutal beast. There was nothing that would fit better. \n\nAs the troll slammed it's hand down, Thyri found herself rolling backwards to avoid such a clumsy strike. Snow covering her from the movement, she used the movement to roll her hammer behind her shoulders before bringing it down in an overhead arch to CRACK The troll's nail. Whilst it might have seemed like a pathetic wound, the cry of pain the creature gave from the sudden strike was but music to her ears.\n\nIt had been so long since she had been in such a battle. Even if it had been so long since she had been truly adventuring, she could not deny the familiar feeling of adrenaline that coursed through her blood. She felt how her muscles pumped as her heart pounded within her ears.\n\nIt was an addicting feeling.\n\nShe showed no signs of joy upon her face, only signs of focus and commitment. She would assist in felling such a beast, even if she were unwelcome in such an act.\n.\n\nWith the troll focusing on her, she allowed her gaze to wander as she stepped out of it's range, her eyes seeking out the warrior. She hoped that such an individual would strike at the beast without hesitation, even if she had been a surprise addition to the fight.\n\nTales from her youth told her how great generals and commanders would always adapt during battles to find the best solution. She truly hoped that this woman was one of those greats.\n\nToo many times had she heard of foolish adventurers who had rushed off to their own deaths." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Akin to natural phenomena like thunder and lightning, wind and rain, some events just happen—something that goes beyond active thought and consideration. The physical mixing with the spiritual. And somehow, the body moves ahead of the mind. As an experienced adventurer and a master of the weapons she crafted, Thyri Sigtrygg Would surely recognize the same - that her entry into the encounter diluted time to a point as if everything appeared to be happening far slower than it was.\n\nSuch was the intensity of the battle and also what it required. Because that Troll? Sure, it was large and arguably obese, but every one of its rampant blows was enough to crush a man outright. A single one of its steps was enough to cross vast distances that would make it feel faster than anything—and its stride was of such a pace that it still felt extremely fast. It was arguably going as fast as a horse in a spirited trot.\n\nIn a situation like that, every second mattered. Every split movement could dictate an instantaneous death... It is what She Knew, her master's path, and perhaps why they were loathed, too- pariahs amidst their people. The role of a warrior in most societies and civilizations, especially Imperial society, was often romanticized and seen as some grand and virtuous thing, a matter of honour and glory and such things.\n\nWhat children's fairy tale didn't contain a mention of some dashing and noble knight? The handsome fellow atop his steed, coming to save a damsel.\n\nBut that was not the reality of these things, of these terrible, absolutely terrifying and horrible situations. There was nothing fun about any of this, just a sure-fire path to pain, death and suffering. And Yrsa's teacher was no man of noble virtue. Nay. By all rights, he was a terrible person, a person who ravaged, slaughtered, tortured and took as he saw fit. There was no glorification, only a recognition and acceptance of these realities.\n\nThat's why, perhaps, people hated them. The youthful woman facing this Troll was no noble knight abiding by a code of honor but a wretch caught in a bloodlust fuelled by a vileness beyond even the Troll's capacity. It had sought to batter her, to kill her, so now she was intent on doing the same to it. Even if it backed off and surrendered, that would not have been enough. And, of course, the blacksmith could probably not read minds or scry into the past or future - many of these elements would remain a mystery. But all of these things, these Factors, surfaced with Yrsa's reaction. Her twisted face and efforts showed a slight breadcrumb trail to those variables mentioned above.\n\n.. It did not necessarily matter What Drew the Troll's attention away. They were fixated on one another, utterly hellbent on coming to a catastrophic collision course that Anyone would be able to tell was stacked solidly in the Troll's favor - but the berserker had been Fishing, actively PRODDING for even the slightest point of misdirection.\n\nAnd then someone else entered the fray, someone ahead of her. A shadow in the darkness, .. An ally? Another threat? At the moment, it did not change things. The very Second The Troll drew its attention AWAY from the charging barbarian, she reacted nigh-on instantaneously. She had been seeking that, practically begging for it .. And to take note of the slightest bit of inattentiveness on the Troll's behalf changed this entire scenario. Her two axes suddenly LEFT her hands, whistling almost in Conjunction With Thyri's assault - their edges aligned in such a manner that they easily betrayed the years upon years of experience she had under her belt with these things. Neither did her approach slow, merely using one of her charging steps to throw her weapons, funnelling into them the total weight and strength of her approach, muscles and posture-\n\nThey were borderline blunt. Hardly weapons befitting a warrior. The last time anyone oiled them, well, that was MONTHS ago - because her Master Used to do those things. The oxidation was evident all over them. Even so, the blacksmith might've come to note that this barbarian woman-\n\nIt wouldn't be right to say she was moving or acting with superhuman feats. It wasn't that, necessarily. It's that a lot of her physical feats are Bordering on that line. It was like a... Combination of a top-tier sprinter mixed together with a dedicated powerlifter and then someone who prioritized stamina and then a bunch of other categories, too. Her human form wasn't as potent as her bear shape, but when the rage started seeping into her system and the gears of her bestial instincts started to Turn, some of those physical attributes inevitably bled over.\n\nThat's also why she felt a pang of RELIEF in her chest. Because she had been fighting a losing battle. And she didn't have much doubt that if she wanted to stand a chance .. She would have to transform in a situation that she didn't dictate. Even then, even transformed, it was questionable whether she would be able to defeat this Troll. .. She didn't like the idea of losing herself to her animalistic instincts; not Yet.\n\nThyri's intervention allowed her to steer her mind away from that. To de-escalate and temper her wrath. Subsequently, the aid was most welcome, and the barbarian's accuracy was On point. Those weapons were terrible, but the sheer physical force she put into those throws meant that it didn't matter; they were shaped pieces of metal, and they Cut. As the Troll turned its head towards Thyri, one axe buried itself DEEP within the creature's left eye.\n\nThe other axe was less accurate but still managed to dig into the monster's shoulder—a significant feat, too, because the blacksmith could also feel that, by the gods, this thing was tough. Her keen use of manipulating its bodily mechanics worked, and it bellowed a pained howl as blood gushed from its now clenched shut-eye .. But it was like striking something as rigid as a rock. It hurt the creature and briefly waylayed it, but even with one functioning eye..\n\nIt wasn't even close to death. It was like someone had tripped it and gotten a tiny needle into its eye. That hurt like hell, it was dangerous, but it also didn't kill it. Furthermore, it began to flail around itself wildly. It was far from an effective 'technique' in the realms of mere men - more like a toddler throwing a tantrum. However, this toddler's tantrum could take off heads and limbs, pulverize boulders, and, to make matters worse, it was deceptively fast. Its limbs, arms, and legs were like stone pillars, if just in weight and width. Again, to fight this thing .. Solo?! Or with just the two of them?!?! It was INSANE. SUICIDAL. COMPLETELY UNDOAB-...\n\nIt did catch the barbarian. The Troll hit her full-on. Thyri might notice that while the woman had hit her mark by throwing her axes, it also left her without weapons - none of which she could use to defend herself now .. And she was still on a direct collision course with the flailing monstrosity. But her darkened expression said more than a thousand words; .. She accepted these things. A stray swing from the back of the Troll's four-fingered hand SMACKED into her mid-charge, but the barbarian moved like a Rabid animal, having outright thrown - JUMPED - into the swing WILLINGLY. She therefore couldn't avoid it, but it also meant that rather than resist the swing, it would Carry her - like trying to bat a flying mosquito aside with an open palm. A few of her ribs felt like they cracked with the impact, and a strong heave left her breath knocked out of her, and yet ..\n\nShe held on. Her axes had dug deep. And the creature's hide was as if stone. This meant that they would be difficult to dislodge, and while the Troll smacked her aside, she had reached far- .. Far enough! Far enough to GRASP onto the axe embedded in the creature's shoulder and HOLD ON, upon which she bellowed loud and deep, \"ᚨᚲᚲᚢᚱᛋᛖᛞ ᛒᛖᚨᛋᛏ! ᛏᚺᛁᛋ ᛁᛋ ᚤᛟᚢᚱ ᛖᚾᛞ!!\" - which both.. It sounded like a chant and another language and— it was probably utterly indescribable for the blacksmith. But if her family originated from the same places, if there was any overlap between her origins and the northeastern tribes to which Yrsa originally belonged, maybe it wouldn't sound That Strange. In that case, would it not be vaguely familiar?- a language of ancient runes...!!\n\nHer cracked ribs? She showed no signs of even recognizing the injury. As if it simply did not exist." }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "Fate had an odd way of placing one into the strangest of situations. Just a mere week ago she had been speaking with a Champion about a weapon for her child, a sword to defend him and perhaps a blade for her to throw. Now, she was doing battle with a troll, besides a strange woman with blunted weapons. Not once did she ever believe she would be in such a situation, having been content with where she was in life. She couldn't deny that the excitement was a welcome change for once.\n\nA large foe with strong bones was less than ideal for her particular fighting style, especially with a blunt weapon the most she could do was strike at joints and possibly create a bruise or two. But it was not impossible to create openings for the warrior woman to attack. She had already successfully created one. Now she needed to find a way to keep the attention of the beast, and make sure that it did not lose interest in her.\n\nTo do so, she needed to enrage it in such a way that it would be forced to blunder.\n\nTo speak naught but the truth, Thyri was surprised to see the rusted axes fly through the air. She was even more surprised to see the accuracy of such an act. From the distance she was, she could see that it didn't exactly cut the eye, rather that tear it asunder with the force from the throw alone. A beautiful feat of strength. More brutality than any form of grace.\n\nBut she could not disguise the horror on her face at the sheer State Of such weapons. Thyri had no clue how ANYONE Living could allow such a weapon to obtain such a state. It looked less like the weapon of a barbarian and more like the object a desperate traveler would grasp onto in a century old crypt. Once the battle was finished, she was NOT going to be allowing this woman to escape without a firm lecture on the state of her weaponry.\n.\n\nWith the beast flailing like a fish out of water, Thyri was quick to dash around. She kept her distance, not particularly wanting to be crushed beneath the weight of an angry troll. But it seemed like the warrior had no qualms about such a fate. The blacksmith was witness to the madness of the berserker, watching as she leapt into the strike of the troll, and latched onto the lost weapon. Such an act caused Thyri's grip to tighten. She did not want to be having to scale the beast to regain her weapon in the same way.\n\nAs the magic upon the knees began to wane, the beast would likely find itself able to stand soon once more. But before she would allow that to happen, she would cripple the troll in such a way that if they were to fall here, they may rest with the knowledge that the beast may still be yet to die. With her hammer in hand, she charged towards the head of the creature, once again winding her hammer back over her head as she charged before slamming it directly into the jaw of the beast.\n\nIf it could not chew, then it could not eat. If it could not eat, then it would starve.\n\nOf course, getting in such a dangerous area did have it's consequences. She was struck by the beast's hand and sent crashing into the snow some distance away. With the wind stolen from her lungs, and a hacking cough escaping her as she rose to her knees. She may have been struck, but she would NEVER Go down from a single strike.\n\nIt was there that she heard the call of the warrior. That strange and harsh language. There was an odd sense of familiarity to it, but the smith had never heard such words before. Unaware of how similar they were to the runes carved into the head of her hammer, on each key that hung from her neck, and the markings on the chainmail beneath her apron. Whilst Thyri was able to read runic languages with ease, she had never had the chance to speak, nor learn what such a language would sound like.\n.\n\nUsing the hilt of her weapon to drag herself to her feet, she stumbled forward before once more moving into a charge. She had her doubts that the warrior would be able to do much damage with the axes in such a state.\n\nYet, it was her job as a smith to arm adventurers and soldiers with the weapons to protect themselves, and by Celsus she would arm all she could.\n\nWhilst still some distance away, she held her hammer by the head with one hand, reaching around her back as the rasp of steel sung through the air. It was not often that she drew her shortsword, but there was not a single day where she did keep it in near perfect condition. The blade was polished to a shine, the edge sharpened until it was able to slice through with itself, and the balance was simple perfection. \n\nShe was not the most dexterous woman in the world, reeling her arm back as she tightly gripped the hilt of the blade. \"Oi!\" She called out to the warrior, as she flung the blade towards them with a sense of purpose, yet poor accuracy. If the woman wished to be able to catch the weapon, she would have to jump for it. But now she needed to make sure that the troll wouldn't attempt to fling the barbarian to the ground before she could even find the right spot to strike.\n\n\"Aye! Ugly!\" She screamed. Her voice full of adrenaline as she brought out one of her tools. Slamming the metal of her hammer and the tool together to create a steel drum beat to force the dullard creature to look at her. The magic upon the first knee broke with a sharp crack, almost as if the branch of a tree had been snapped. But the second was holding strong for the moment.\n\nThyri kept on the move, forcing the creature's head to turn just to track her movements. The beast had to be feeling sluggish from the wound in it's eye, but it could be panicking, perhaps even thinking that there were more of them laying within the snow waiting for the time to strike.\n.\n\nThe smith wished for a proper mage to be hidden within the snow, ready to cast a strange and powerful spell to smite the beast within a single stroke. She would have given any amount of coin for such luck to be granted to her.\n\nBut in such mountain tops, there would be no rescue, nor reinforcement. If they were to fall, their screams would fall upon the deaf ears of animals and naught else. She could NOT Allow such a thing to happen. She refused to die upon such a forsaken mountain, and she would NOT Go quietly into this cold night.\n\nThe skin of a troll was strong, yet so was steel. The bones were nearly unbreakable, yet so was a mountain. Humanity had tamed both. They would bring down this troll, paint the damned snow black with it's blood. As a merchant, she idly dreamt of using the bones to strengthen her weapons, but dragging down such a corpse from the mountains would be nigh impossible. Yet a vial of it's blood would certainly provide a bit of coin. Such thoughts would need to come later. She needed to stay focused. She couldn't be allowing her mind to wander into such stupid topics in the moment.\n\nShe hollered and whooped at the creature, doing her beast to keep it's attention, trying to get it's head to turn towards her. She had struck it last, so she would not be surprised if it was still focused on her and her hammer." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Up to now, the barbarian's reaction to Thyri had been purely instinctive, an opening in the massive Troll's defences upon which she pounced the second it opened .. Such was its power, such was the battle's intensity - as mentioned earlier - that this was the only way through which it could be recognized. \n\nAnything more, and it would mean death. Yet ...\n\nThe blacksmith's steadfast refusal to die warranted a glance. Her means of defying fate - such things spoke at a level deeper than any word could convey. The weather was picking up again in the negative sense; the trickle of rain had increased to a freezing deluge - a mixture of wet hail and rain buffeted against those harsh, sweeping winds. Such were they that to keep the eyes open would be to be stung by the downpour. And the darkness did not help in the least to aid in the visibility.\n\nEven so, the barbarian's icy blue gaze travelled from Thyri's overall form .. To the artworks penned upon her skin. Another might overlook it, might ignore it, especially now, but Yrsa beheld them instantaneously. They might not mean much in this realm. Evidently, the one from which she hailed placed great importance on such things and then other qualities, too.\n\nMore opportunities like this would present themselves. While every exchange in this battle might've felt like a crash of thunder, each blow carrying the impact of lightning, it was a slog. That's what made it so dangerous, too. Most warriors could land a passing blow upon a creature of this type, but .. Few could survive longer than that. All three combatants here would likely recognize that this was a war of stamina and durability - the victor, whoever would weaken the slowest. And it had likely already gone on for some time; the barbarian berserker looked dishevelled. There was blood on her face, hands and legs - blood that wasn't pitch black like that of the Troll; Her Blood.\n\nBut Thyri's presence changed things massively. She was no longer losing. And now, the TROLL fought a more defensive battle; it plucked the axe out from its eye with a low groan of a howl that sounded equally painful and agitated. It couldn't sound it properly either because the blacksmith's hammer blow upon its jaw had forced its vocalizations into spittle-laden mumbles. Her enchanted weaponry was of a category of its own, and it was likely solely through this virtue that she managed such a hefty impact at all - for the creature's jaw .. By the GODS It was TOUGH. In Humans, the chin was arguably one of the most rigid pieces of bone, but in a Troll? Its head, save those few spots where it was weaker - the eyes, as the blacksmith noted earlier- was like one giant shield. Rather than sound a satisfying Smack Through the environs as might've otherwise been the case, it was like striking a dull gong.\n\nAn issue the berserker soon discovered as well. Thyri's efforts to keep the creature grounded and immobile allowed Yrsa to climb from its shoulder onto its back and head. The jagged rock protrusions upon its skin allowed her a strong grip even after she passed by her axe, and it might come to partially explain How she got here; The mountain range of eastern Velaris was a nigh-on insurmountable challenge for any army to cross. But she was no army. And her home was filled with mountains, too. She knew how to climb!\n\nThe Troll's rapid movements and wettened exterior made it difficult at times, but she managed to crawl up from the arm onto its shoulder in earnest, holding onto its frame by keeping a hand dug into its neck muscles. With that one-handed grip, she swayed back and forth alongside its movements, using one such moment to REACH for the axe she had used to climb just a moment ago - freeing it with a hefty heave and exhale. She had just enough air to lift herself up, one foot on each shoulder with her legs spread wide apart to allow it. It was far from a stable position. Nonetheless, she spent her last bit of lung capacity by sending through the sky a battle cry whilst bringing her axe down towards the back of the Troll's skull with a two-handed grip on her weapon's handle, hammering, Hammering, Hammering Over and over like she was trying to chop down a tree. But again, whereas one might expect to hear the soft give of flesh and crunch of bones, it was more of a...\n\n'THUMP... THAMP... THUMP..!!'\n\nThe back of its skull, like its jaw, was practically invincible. Sheer strength alone allowed Yrsa to chip its rocky hide a bit, but it was comparable to a scrape on Human flesh, nothing that would seriously hurt it in the long term.\n\nAt that moment, at that particular point in time, Yrsa saw the blacksmith before her and recognized that her timely ally was no natural phenomenon but a person—a person who conversed and yelled in a language she knew. Even to Yrsa, her rune speech was solely the realm of her master and that which she knew to shout as a battle cry. There was understanding when Thyri yelled out her 'OI...!' - evident as the barbarian's eyes went from Her, to the blade she held and threw. The axe with which Yrsa had been clobbering was now reduced to little more than a piece of bent metal as if she had struck it down on an anvil repeatedly .. But that sword...!! It gleamed and showed its presence clearly, quickly relaying its sharpness.\n\nFurther, while the strange, barbaric woman might've come across as a physical epitome, she wasn't necessarily fighting this Troll in an advantageous manner. She met the Troll's strength with athleticism, trying to deal with its resilience through strength. Even if she was Less dumb Than the Troll, even if only a little, it was still very much a picture of a caveman trying to outwrestle a bear. Her physical feats allowed for that. But Thyri's approach was more intelligent. As the blacksmith knew well, the beast was ill at ease with loud, sharp noises, and while it had already raised a hand to try and pluck the woman from its shoulders, its attention snapped to Thyri one more time with even greater rage than before. It was brighter than the average animal but was having trouble concentrating.\n\nIt was either one or the other. And while it could make that switch quickly, it couldn't focus on these two foes simultaneously. Its sluggishness due to its half-blinded eye and the knock against its jaw only added to that, but .. It was starting to compensate.\n\nThere was one important detail, however. It Changed Everything. That being, ... Thyri's blade! Yrsa had SEEN it and noticed its warped trajectory. Noticed how the blacksmith had just prevented her from being CRUSHED outright by the Troll. It allowed for a glimmer of trust and better understanding, even if they couldn't share words yet. She took a frantic leap from her position atop the Troll's shoulders, but she had already powered a mild rotation in her form from right to left. It was far from elegant. But it allowed her to, with that blade in hand, come 'round to cut at the monster while coming down. It was not even a straight cut! Her trajectory meant that her horizontal cutting somehow transitioned into something more .. Diagonal; neither was it her choice of weapon— or was it?!?!\n\nHer axes were heavy. Her maul was heavy, too. But this blade? It felt... It felt lighter than even her arms! It was so easily manoeuvrable that Yrsa only Noticed it After she touched ground! She had CUT without even realizing she ... Did?! Her blow with the sword had inevitably traced a line across the lower part of the Troll's head and a portion of its chest. Stiff, rigid areas...!! But they were bleeding now! And the cut was clearly visible!\n\nThe barbarian woman clearly had a lot of strength. But now that her weapon wasn't rusty, and she transitioned that strength into a weapon Meant For cutting, it was going through the Troll's hide — well, it certainly wasn't easy. But Thyri's weapon was allowing for that!\n\nAnd that was a cut inflicted upon the more rigid areas. If directed at more vulnerable parts, then maybe...?!\n\nWell, for now, she landed with one foot first - the momentum drawn into her jump having her scathe a good pace or two over ice-crusted earth, from which she recovered through a mild stumbling stagger. Her eyes went from the Troll to the blade, now stained with Troll blood, and she blinked a few times - alternating her gaze between It And the blacksmith ...!!\n\nThe battle was not yet over by far, though. Thyri's method of occupying the Troll had worked so far, but the cut upon its chest annoyed it beyond belief, and it was losing its patience. While Thyri and Yrsa both engaged it with an utter, hellbent motivation to Stay alive, the Troll was doing the same .. And if it couldn't focus on both simultaneously, it would concentrate on EVERYTHING. With every one of its muscles trying to SHATTER through Thyri's enchantments, it instead began to hammer its fists upon the ground and the trees and everything around it. One of the trees on its right, a smaller pine but still the size of five or six stories, suddenly began to tumble over .. Which led to it crashing into a smaller tree, which Also Began to collapse. The ground quaked with every slam of the Troll's fists, snow, ice and dirt all thrown about so that it left the field as if cloaked by the smoke of a cannon. Powerful gales and gusts, each enough to batter a man, also paired with its limbs. Rocks and boulders shattered, the earth tore, ...!\n\nIt was like a preview of the world's ending, localized entirely in this small forest pocket. These Humans would suffer! They would feel its wrath! They hurt it, invaded its territory, and it was no longer willing to abide them!" }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "The strike from the troll had done it's damage. Whilst it couldn't be seen on her exterior, she could definitely feel the pain throbbing within her leg and lung. A trip to the local healer in the town that was her original destination would certainly be warranted now. If they managed to come out of such a battle, she could already imagine the look of pure shock upon her parent's faces when she sent a letter detailing such an encounter. Oh, how she wished she could be there to see the expressions, unfortunately, she would only have a few letters of worry to look forward to.\n\nEndurance would crown the victor here. Hours spent within a scorching forge had given Thyri an insane amount of stamina, able to work for hours on end hefting metal and striking steel. But that did not mean she was made of metal herself. Whilst her muscles had been tempered in the forge, her armour was what truly protected her. Thick leather from a pelt without even a modicum of imperfection.\n\nShe preferred such armour due to it's weight. It was easier to carry than plate, and if she ever found herself thrown in a river again, she wouldn't be struggling to remove each strap as she held her breath. Though it did sacrifice protection against many things, it was what she felt was best for her.\n\nEven as she banged metal against metal, she could feel her arms aching from the earlier strike upon the beast's jaw. It was like striking a metal rock with naught but a hollow tube of steel. It had been as if her arms had been Ringing From the strike. Injuries would have to be looked over later. It wasn't like she could rest in the middle of battle after all.\n\nThe ease at which the woman scaled the beast did cause her eyes to widen slightly. After all this fighting, and the woman was still able to climb the beast? The amount of stamina this barbarian had was incredible! Thyri was quite happy to have such a long lasting companion in such a fight, even if she didn't even know the woman's name.\n.\n\nShe watched as the warrior attempted to strike against the head of the beast, the shameful blunt weapon giving nothing for her efforts. She could dream of how powerful the strike could have been if the weapon was sharpened, and with a stronger handle. She gave a prayer for the poor smith who had created such a weapon, for it to have lasted so long was surely a testament to the durability of the blacksmith themself. Was the woman perhaps from a clan that did not understand the importance of weapon maintenance? Perhaps that was why it was so durable.\n\nShe would need to find such a smith herself, and be taught how such a weapon was so strong.\n\nEven if she was proud of her creations, that did not mean that she was unable to keep learning. If she was to one day craft for the Rulers of the lands, then she would need to make sure that her weapons outlasted even that of humanity.\n\nYet the pride she felt in her chest as she witnessed her blade slash through the creature's flesh. Whilst she knew that strength and momentum would be at play, her blade had cut through the skin of the foul beast. The feeling of watching one's creation perform in battle and crushing whatever expectations she had was a feeling like no other. It had been so long since she saw another use one of her weapons outside of a mere spar or duel. So long since she had seen a weapon of her creation truly spill blood.\n\nHer grin was wide, and adrenaline surged through her body.\n\nWith the axes and maul out of the question, she knew there was a chance to bring down the creature now. The blade could slice through the creature's flesh, and she would be able to hold it down. If they positioned themselves right, they would be able to cut the throat of the beast before it even realized what had happened.\n.\n\nShe was reaching for a second key when the troll began it's assault on the ground. The ground beneath her shook as she stumbled, losing her tool in the process and cursing as it vanished into the snow. A true shame with how useful it had been. She should have picked a different one.\n\nShe struggled to move as the ground moved beneath her, stumbling from side to side as the troll practically bloodied it's fists with these strikes against the ground and trees. Her final enchantment snapped like twine from the pressure, and the key that Thyri was trying to keep a grip on snapped off of the chain and slipped between her fingers. A curse escaped beneath her breath as it joined the tool beneath the snow.\n\nShe was quick to back away, to keep out of the dust and snow that had been kicked up and was soon crouched to keep herself in a ready position. She did not want to be sent tumbling to the floor. Grasping a third key, she tore it from it's place and placed it into the head of her hammer before turning it. As her fingers left the iron key, electricity sparked off swarming around her hand before she placed it onto the head of the weapon, letting the bolts seep into the metal. It almost seemed as if a small storm cloud was forming at the top of the hammer.\n\nUsing a warhammer certainly had it's perks, but it left one vulnerable to ranged strikes. Thyri's enchantments allowed her to work around such a weakness, but such keys were near impossible to forge consistently. Spinning the weapon to gain a bit of momentum, she once again brought herself to stand, charging forward even as the ground shook. Even as her legs threatened to buckle beneath her own weight.\n\nShe drew the hammer back as far as she could over her shoulders, leaning back before she practically flung herself forward. Muscles that had spent hours lifting heavy metal strained as she threw her hammer at the troll, praying for the accuracy to be better than she had been with the sword.\n.\n\nShe could hear naught but her own heart pounding within her ears as she watched the weapon sail overhead, spinning from the momentum. As it moved, so did she, slamming into a collapsed tree and landing harshly in the fallen branches. She felt them stab at her skin, and became tangled in her hair. She desperately moved to fling herself through the branches, letting the tumble slam her into a rock that had been hidden beneath the snow. She felt the pain stab through her shoulder as she finally rolled to a halt.\n\nWhichever Gods were witness to such a battle must have decided to answer her prayer. The weapon would strike true, striking the shoulder of the beast. Of course, it wasn't the hit that was Thyri was wanting, it was the enchantment that would do its work. As it struck, the key within snapped and the cloud upon the hammer would release the energy stored within. Cracking the air with a thunderous roar as lightning, born from the enchantment, was released unto the beast.\n\nHer hopes were that it would stun the creature. Force the beast's muscles to freeze up in response to the bolt coursing through it's body. She recalled when she had first struck herself with the enchantment, how dazed and confused she had been as she collapsed to the smithy's floor. She had been stunned from the strike, and had perfected it into an enchantment that was grand for taking people down without needing to kill them.\n\nUnfortunately. Thyri had no clue if it would even work against a troll. She had no clue how a troll would react to lightning striking it, or how the electricity would fair against the skin alone.\n.\n\nNot only was it a gamble, it was a gamble that left her without her weapon. Whilst she could always run to the cart to acquire one of her customer's weapons, she simply could NOT Allow one of her deliveries to be broken. Not even with an excuse such as a troll attack.\n\nShe owed it to those who put faith in her.\n\nBut that didn't mean she would be useless in the battle. She was still full of energy, and had only taken a few hits. She could outlast the bastard troll whilst the warrior got into position to attack it properly, and if she was lucky she would be able to get her weapon back during the troll's confusion.\n\nThe snow beneath her was already stained black and red from the battle. It was practically turned to sludge as it had been mixed with the dirt enough to create mud. It was slippery, and she struggled to stand. The trees collapsing around her were the worst part. She knew they would struggle to traverse them, whilst the troll could easily barrel it's way without a second thought.\n\nThe environment was not in their favour, they would need to use every trick possible. With only three of her keys remaining, she had no clue if she would be able to rely on her enchantments at all." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "No wonder it took vast war hosts to bring these things down! Even with all the damage it had sustained, with all its injuries and the adversity it faced .. The creature wasn't relenting. It had walked these lands for longer than generations of Men, and man now dared to drive it from its home? It could not verbalize these things. Hell, it likely did not even think about them the same way; its thought processes were Different. Indeed, its cruel, thinned gaze was like a vortex of endless rage, indignity and challenge. This was ITS home, and these creatures needed to DIE and LEAVE Right now...!!\n\nThe barbarian berserker, Yrsa, .. The lands from which she hailed had myths and stories about the fabled ending of the world, wherein the gods would return to the realms and wage one final war of annihilation. On a more personal note, the shaman seer who once shepherded her believed that she had some role to play in that, too- .. That her ursine ancestor would rise from her blood once again and do something fundamental.\n\nPerhaps such things were mere myths and stories. ... However;\n\nThyri might've been one of the few within this realm to perceive a kernel of that idea. The blacksmith's affinity to runecraft might allow her to FEEL something, though, well, that depended entirely on her skill outside her workshop—whether she could identify those traces in the air. Still, something had begun to Resonate— .. To those who could feel it, sense it; it was tangible before it even entered the realm of reality.\n\nMost forms of magic within this realm undoubtedly had something mystical, and words could not describe the difference between that and this: a mage conjuring a fireball, a wizard bringing to life words on a scroll. Those were all overt shows of sorcery, of a manipulation of reality. A spectator could clearly identify that to be magic.\n\nThis was different. It involved fate, the past, and the future. It was a manifestation of the world rather than something outside brought into it. Binds of ancient bloodlines and a deep connection to nature. The druids of this land practised something similar. But they engaged nature on a more superficial level. They could shape into an animal and back, but that was only changing into such on a physical layer. It did not change their soul.\n\nIn contrast, whatever this was weaved deeply into the fabric of creation itself, the culminated power of a creature from a different age. It wasn't correct to say that Yrsa was one or the other - nay, it was like .. She was both simultaneously, but also not. Two sides of a coin, but of a faceless coin. If Thyri and the barbarian Did Share some mutual origins, even if it was a distant past for the blacksmith, the sorceries woven into her runes - that of the natural world, .. Runes of power that few of this land would understand - then, indeed... She might feel that. It was like an aura - a feeling of profound wrongness. An evil.\n\nThe Troll had cast this part of the forest into an apocalypse. Amidst the scuffle, the barbarian woman—like Thyri—disappeared into the upheaved snow and smoke with no trace. Therefore, for the first half-a-dozen seconds after Thyri's re-emergence, she faced the Troll on her lonesome. Her potent 'keys', mystical weapon enchantments, allowed her to face the terror in a manner few could. She was actually keeping up!! Keeping up with a horror that could easily lay to waste entire GROUPS of levies, knights, and all those things! .. Was that not a testament to her weapons and armor? A testament to her skill??\n\nFurther, her choice to assail the Troll with thunder and lightning was genius. Even if supposedly crafted out of stone, the old legends and stories told the same tale: these creatures... They Feared The thunder, which likely had something to do with their ancient ancestry. Thyri was putting up a mighty battle while the Troll sought to barrage her with one limb after another, sweeping, grabbing, punching and biting .. It was like a battle of GODS. Then, her hammer struck the creature's shoulder, and for a moment, the Troll ... Shrieked??!! As before, and especially now that its jaw still hung slack from the last blow, it was low pitch and deep in the bass, a shriek to quake the earth. But rage briefly faded to a split second of FEAR.\n\nIt HATED this weather. It HATED the lightning. It would never come out of its cave during such conditions unless something forced it! Its hide was like a STONE but also wet from the rain. With its limbs released, it tried to cover itself frantically, but Thyri had the upper hand in the exchange .. And the hammer she held pounded upon the creature's flesh without remorse. It took a second for the electricity to traverse through it, yet it found PURCHASE ..! It found PURCHASE, and the beast reeled back, retreating a few paces and whimpering. The stench of cooked and burnt Troll flesh filled the area, and the blacksmith's desired effect took hold;\n\nIt was far too large to be stunned in the same manner as a smaller Humanoid. Yet, it gripped the beast well enough. And that which hadn't stunned it necessarily physically stunned it mentally. Again, it FEARED the thunder. And fear locked it in place for just a moment!\n\nBut it was just a moment. And there was likely very little doubt that once it returned to its senses, it would come at the blacksmith with even more motivation than before. It RULED this realm. This was ITS territory! These two, two-legged creatures were WEAK and FRAIL and-\n\nAnd there was no sign of the barbarian! It was a perfect opportunity to strike. It might be enough to END the fight. And yet, she was nowhere to be seen!! .. Then again, the Troll had already proven itself powerful beyond belief. Even if they scored a perfect blow, would that have been enough to stop it? .. Would it not have simply crushed them while it gargled on its own blood??\n\nShe did not wish for it to be so. But the unfortunate reality was that she didn't have much of a choice ever since the start of this battle. The wheels had already begun to turn. Her Human shape was maintained through active thoughts, Human emotions and perceptions. Those are what kept her within that shape. However, this Troll encouraged the opposite; it was fighting for its territory, so she saw it as a territorial despite. It was challenging her. Therefore, her instincts activated a fight-or-flight response from her battle cries to everything else.\n\nAnd ...\n\nThyri was right. Perhaps they had yet to exchange a single word. But the Troll was dominating the battle by manipulating the world around them. It could move without reserve, and they had to worry about everything else. The truth was that Yrsa recognized it as a weakness within herself.\n\nHer master was little more than a Human. The only 'magic' to him were these psychedelic mushrooms he imbibed before battle. But his swordsmanship was purely physical. Yet, he would not have struggled with this beast. He would have cleaved the Troll's skull in twain with a single strike.\n\nShe could not do these things—not yet. Maybe in the far future, with better equipment and the aid of a blacksmith.\n\nBefore everything else, that's what she thought about—amid the snow, the chaos. Maybe her master WASN'T the same as her. Because her power always came from her weaknesses. She was scared and, therefore, fought harder. She was weak and, thus, became strong.\n\nAnother auric vibration resonated through the forest thicket. Again, feeling it Heavily Depended on Thyri and her affinity to her runes. But if she could, it was like an indescribable feeling, yet simultaneously as if something Else Was approaching this fight. A spectre or a shadow that attained physicality. A bridge to the world of the dead but also not.\n\nThe barbarian might not have taken the opportunity the blacksmith presented in one way, but that moment of pause, those few seconds, were far more critical. The only thing Yrsa regretted was that she could not be sure she would see her strange ally as an 'ally' afterwards. Such things were always tricky. But then, she was no longer in control, and those thoughts faded. She was dumb for thinking she could conquer this thing Without Resorting to that .. And with one second more, the presence that had filled the environment collapsed in upon itself in a single manifestation. The Troll had just about started to recover, too, fixating its attention Entirely Upon Thyri once more, fully intent to finish this battle once and for all and showcase its wrath in a manner no mortal had ever seen BEFORE-\n\nIts wrath, anger, and hate paled before what emerged from the mist next. Such intensity that it could almost be felt. Battle-hardened warriors had fled from it before. A form of hate that transcended mere emotion and dipped into the spiritual realm.\n\nThe sky appeared to respond to it, too. Crackling with lightning in the background. That flash of illumination allowed a brief glimpse of the tall shadow that had now chosen to appear - a preview, though it soon stepped into sight properly. An abomination of claws the size of daggers, Teeth fit for tearing through chainmail as quickly as it did flesh, bone and sinew. A hide so thick that it would take a heavy poundage war bow pulled at total capacity just to puncture it. The Troll's whimpering and cowering from Thyri's electricity had transitioned to more of an angered roar, but the entity that now appeared in this battle Returned it; about as deep as its own vocalizations. A guttural, foul vocalization urged upward from the deepest corners of its lungs.\n\nIt wouldn't be right to call them rare in these parts. Had Thyri grown up in such environs, she might've even seen or met a pair of varying height and quality. However, the opportunity to see one up close like this?- was relatively rare. And though the barbarian seemed to have gone, it's like ... Yes, this THING looked completely different but also similar?! The youthful woman had auburn ginger hair! And this beast had fur of similar coloration, though a little darker due to its abundance. The woman had icy blue eyes, and this beast also had those! Furthermore, the barbarian was a young adult female.\n\nAnd that was also the case for this thing. Albeit, quite a sizeable one. Especially as it re-entered the area standing on its hind legs. The Troll was massive and tall, like a small tree, the size of several men stacked atop each other. She was still smaller than that. Yet, she reached the creature's chest on her hind legs. It was no longer a battle between one giant and two midgets.\n\nA young adult female Brown bear. Though it looked slightly different from most bear species in these parts. The forests she came from were covered in eternal snow, and temperatures tended to be far colder than this pine forest. Hence, her coat of fur was thicker. She was quite a bit fatter and taller; she had more of a predisposition for storing food Ahead Of time in her belly. Bears in these lands could scavenge without reserve throughout the year. She could not and depended more on taking down the large game to fuel herself. She wasn't quite as large as a full-blooded adult male? But sizeable enough.\n\nMore than that, size wasn't the only thing. The bear's limbs were thick, and its shoulders were broad. Even like this, the Troll still possessed more strength. But that disparity was far, Far Less prominent now. She had strength fit for taking down MOOSE and ELK. She had a SPEED fit for keeping up with HORSES. And while its hide was rigid like a rock, she sharpened her claws by tearing through wood and bark. Further, the Troll's arms were long. That length was good from one perspective but also inhibited it from properly transferring its power beyond generating momentum.\n\nThe Troll claimed this part of the forest as its own? .. It considered itself master over nature? The very THOUGHT had the bear bristle. At the very least, the ursine's appearance drew the Troll's attention, who very much met the challenge with continued rage. It was more tempered now, more of an... 'Oh, this is different. I can't smack that as easily...' but it was still committed to seeing this through.\n\nIt did not take much longer for the fight to continue. With its own strength, the bear thumped its body back down to the ground - landing upon her front paws with a hefty THUMP. She dragged her claw through the mud twice before entering a sprint for the creature of stone. The Troll had already regained its senses from the effects of Thyri's lightning enchantment, but it was Not in time To counter the bear's charge, which now crashed into the Troll. She elevated herself up on her hind legs again during the last pace of her sprint, thereby throwing the entirety of her weight against the Troll's frame. It was quite a bit heavier than her, even in bear form, but she had a Lot Of momentum going along with her attack .. And the Troll's stubby legs proved ineffective at maintaining its balance. It was like smashing two boulders into each other, and the bear draped itself over the Troll menacingly, claws digging into its stoney flesh while it reached high to snap its clacking jaw out for the Troll's neck. The Troll, in turn, attempted a frantic defence, pressing one hand into the bear's snout whilst slamming its other upon the creature's back repeatedly!\n\nAgain, it's unlikely that the bear would wrestle this thing down alone. But the tables had turned somewhat. Whereas Thyri had played the role of a distraction before, the bear was now capturing close to one hundred per cent of the Troll's attention. And Thyri had powerful enchantments and weapons fit for disrupting the Troll's bearing. It was exposed, and perhaps, in conjunction, they could finally bring it down...!!" }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "It was like a pulse through her blood. A reverberating tingle of words that she could understand, but not put together. Runes were a strange magic for her. Being able to pull magic from mere symbols and words. She needed no incantation, nor spoken component. All she needed to do was carve the words into her chosen material, and any would be able to bring forth her magic. It was a family magic, one not seen for generations. Possibly, it laid latent in her uncles, her aunts, her parents and even her brother.\n\nYet she was the only one who could pull the magic out of these words. Only she could empower the armaments she made with such magic.\n\nYears of carving those runes had given her a firm understanding of the written language. She was practically able to write full sentences. To feel such a language ring through the air was disorientating. The horrid power behind such magic pulsed through her lungs and heart. It was as if a sixth sense had awoken within her, and she could FEEL The hairs upon her neck jolting from the feeling.\n\nFor a moment, she feared something had awoken from the battle. An ancient evil that had laid beneath the snow, burying itself deep within the frost and dirt to rid the world of a doomed horror. She was pulled from her musings by the troll's horrible cry of fear. To strike fear into such a beast was surely a feat that few had performed. Here she was, a mere blacksmith from a village, standing before the great beast with her warhammer striking against the hide of the beast, and with the troll still crying out in horror.\n\nWhilst she may have been from a lineage of artisans, and craftsmen, warrior blood still ran through her veins.\n\nMuscles bulged from each strike. Her nostrils scrunched from the smell, and her hands ached from the grip upon her weapon. The cloud was slowly starting to dissipate from the wind. That's when she noticed the missing warrior. Her eyes sought out her figure, trying to spot her within the dying cloud.\n.\n\nYet she found no peace.\n\nHad she been abandoned? Her helping hand taken advantage of? Had she been left to die whilst the other ran? Surely not. Her mind wiped such thoughts away. The woman had the air of a warrior, and whilst she may not have been a noble knight, she must have had a sense of pride to finish a fight.\n\nIt did not matter. There was no chance for her to run at this point. With keys missing, she was NOT Going to let such work go to waste.\n\nAs another feeling pulsed through the air, Thyri would swear that she could almost SEE The resonation run through the air. She could feel it jump through her spine, through her body. It was as if some figure from a dead realm was passing through her, using her As A bridge to the other side. Even with the frost surrounding her, nothing felt colder than the pulse as it sung through the air.\n\nYet still she stood across from the troll. Even as it recovered she stood tall against such a massive beast. The grip around her weapon only tightened as blood dripped upon the snow. Not an ounce of fear was visible within her eyes.\n\nOnce more, she tore a key from the chain upon her neck. Once more, her hammer glowed a somber blue. Her features were highlighted by the shine, her amber eyes almost shining gold if one were to peer from the correct angle. Once more, the key snapped as she turned it, watching as the enchantment took hold of the hammer's head. It almost seemed as if small flakes of snow had begun to rain from the hammer's head.\n\nThen, a new beast entered the destroyed arena.\n.\n\nFor a moment, she cursed beneath her breath. For a moment, she believed that she was going to have to worry about another target attempting to take over the fight.\n\nBut as her gaze wandered to the beast that had entered, her eyes sought out the familiar features. The auburn fur, the blue eyes. She was stunned for a moment. Had the warrior truly been a druid? In a way, it made sense. She doubted that such a person would have ran. It made no sense.\n\nShe wouldn't be able to dwell. She had seen such beasts around her village, but none had ever drawn close enough to see them in such a state. She had heard that the hunters had encountered plenty of them, and there was a respect for their territory. Now, it seemed as though she would fight side by side against one.\n\nHer family would never believe her.\n.\n\nFor a moment, she cursed beneath her breath. For a moment, she believed that she was going to have to worry about another target attempting to take over the fight.\n\nBut as her gaze wandered to the beast that had entered, her eyes sought out the familiar features. The auburn fur, the blue eyes. She was stunned for a moment. Had the warrior truly been a druid? In a way, it made sense. She doubted that such a person would have ran. It made no sense.\n\nShe wouldn't be able to dwell. She had seen such beasts around her village, but none had ever drawn close enough to see them in such a state. She had heard that the hunters had encountered plenty of them, and there was a respect for their territory. Now, it seemed as though she would fight side by side against one.\n\nHer family would never believe her. At least it would make for a great tavern tale.\n\nAs lightning cracked overhead, she began her charge to the side. The ursine beast seemed rather content in taking the charge against the beast. She watched as the bear attempted to tear out the throat of the bastard troll. She watched as the troll attempted to bash the warrior bear off.\n\nShe would not allow it.\n\nShe charged towards the head of the troll, once more winding her hammer back before she moved to slam it against the shoulder of the beast. The enchantment reacted with the wet hide of the creature in an instant as frost swarmed onto the area. It sought out moisture, freezing tightly to the creature's skin. It would slow down the movements of the arm. But she was not finished, nor was the spell.\n\nShe moved to the head, using the momentum of striking the shoulder to land a strike against the troll's bulbous nose. Once more, the frost shot out against the moisture. But now it also sought out the snot within it's nose, and the drool inside of it's mouth. She would choke the air out of the beast with frost.\n\nThen, she moved towards the other arm, aiming for the elbow.\n.\n\nOf course, the shock of ice and the sudden lack of oxygen would cause the beast to panic, and she struggled to get close to the free arm as it flailed. Slamming both against the ground and bear. She thought to keep her distance, but if she wanted to assist properly, she needed to strike before the spell wore off.\n\nHer mind shot through the possibilities. She could throw her hammer, but there was a chance she would hit the bear and put them both onto equal footing. She could allow the spell to wear off, and use her final key. But that enchantment was no good for keeping something still, and it would ruin the effects of the previous spell. It would free the damn beast, rather than damage it.\n\nThere was truly only one option. She needed to land the strike, and she needed to strike true. With years of practice of pounding the same area of metal, pounding her hammer against the anvil. Whilst she may have not had the best aim when it came to throwing, there were few others that would land as many strikes in the same area as she could.\n\nThus, she flung herself forward. With her hammer held like a spear, she slammed the head into the elbow even as she was slammed backwards. Once more, the air left her lungs as she was thrown backwards. Thyri once again found herself slamming into a log, an aching pain shooting up her back as the frost took over the troll's arm.\n\nShe felt herself panting as she struggle to gain footing. This was the chance. The troll was both struggling to breath, and would struggle to use it's arms with the ice freezing them. It would slow down it's movements, and struggle to fear itself. With an angry bear upon it, it was a death sentence. It had to be.\n.\n\nShe felt the warm blood run down her forehead, and over her eye. Ironically, it resembled a warrior's paint of old. It ran down her face, dripping over her eye and down her cheek. She must have looked like a mad woman as she struggled to her feet. \n\nBut she needed to know if the beast would fall here and now. She needed to see it's death with her own eyes, or she would believe that she had failed. She could not allow such a thing to happen.\n\nHer leg ached as she put pressure onto it. Her back was pained as she straightened herself. Her arms felt as if they would fall as she hefted her hammer up. All things that would be sorted with a healer in the future. Her eyes glanced over the blood that lay upon the snow, painting the barren landscape a fine red. Blotches of snow were darker where the troll had been.\n\nA shaky step forward was her first step. Followed by a hurried second. Then a third thump, and a fourth pound.\n\nOnce more, she found herself charging. Her breathing heavy as she raised the weapon, her target in sight. \n\nA proud scream escaped her. A fine war cry as she slammed the hammer down onto the troll's one good eye. The ice upon it's face would crack around the area, possibly even stabbing into the squishy object as the hammer smashed through the pupil, before travelling through the rest,\n.\n\nBut she was not finished. Even if the troll were to scream a muffled scream, she hefted the hammer up once more. Uncaring of if the beast could break it's arm out of the frost and grab her. She brought the hammer down, again and again and again.\n\nIt was as if she were pounding down against an anvil.\n\nThe eye socket was smashed again, and again, and again. Black blood coated her hammer as the eye was crushed beneath the weight and the strength. Even parts of it splashed against her armour from the troll writhing in pain.\n\nShe did not care about the beast's agony.\n\nAs if she were wielding a pickaxe, she would mine a way through the creature's skull and into it's brain. Bone would turn to dust beneath her weapon, and they would both gain access to the flesh beneath the hide.\n\nWith a final cry of fury, she hefted the hammer up and slammed it down against the skull, praying for the socket to crack." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The dark sorcery entwined into the bear's shape may have a similar result as the druidic practices of the Elves and others - some of whom weren't even that far from Mistrion's borders .. And it might come to add further to the tale of the How And Why. The mountain range separating Velaris from the chaotic, eastern barbarian ranges was nigh-on impenetrable. It was so exceedingly rare for them to be a crossover that the native Elves had rarely seen an individual of the barbarians like that, and that was probably why she had managed to get through relatively unscathed! The Orcs manning the southern borders would probably know her variant well - know them well enough to give them a wide berth and meet them with nothing more than Hostility, for that is what they deserved. Yet, ... Yet...!!\n\nIt could help to fill in the picture. Those mountains were almost unclimbable. But someone already quite apt at climbing, together with its ability to transform into a beast unburdened by the cold? Able to scavenge the wilds and go for months without contact with any other Humanoid creature? Her eyes had twisted in fury. Again, a druid might, too, turn to the shape of a bear, but it was questionable whether they had indeed become one - or whether they had merely adopted its skin.\n\nTherein lay the connection of magicks. The runecraft of Thyri was by far a different game and produced vastly different results. But were they not also similar? The blacksmith's craft somehow attuned creation to invoke effects by matching patterns—the underlying language of creation itself. And that was the case for Yrsa's bear shape, too. The wild magicks ran through her veins to such a degree that it might not even be considered Magick Anymore .. Merely a physical phenomenon! And the SHADOW, the evil figuratively hovering over her shoulder, there was something deeply primal to it. The barbarian was undoubtedly but a... A manifestation of that! A vessel— an HEIR. Something that had yet to grow to the same levels of intensity and might.\n\nBut those same magicks .. They were Ancient. That which composed the berserker barbarian must've felt as old as time itself! Hundreds of years! Perhaps more! And to MOST, it would've merely been thought of as a form of auric disruption. That uncanny feeling something was Wrong. However, Thyri had the advantage of knowing her runecrafts. She might've been no wizard, but she was undoubtedly well-attuned to such manifestations. In fact, a wizard would find it More Difficult to feel such things because they worked via the understanding of the mind whilst this could not be understood in the same sense; was it a curse, a blessing, .. The last embers of something far mightier? Or something that emphasized all those categories?— then again, the only reason why all of this mattered was because of the disparity in Strength,\n\nThe TROLL was by far the mightier creature. Its hefty, stone-like fist SLAMMED into the bear's back repeatedly, and it was slowly regaining the upper hand in this duel of might; it was pushing back against the bear's weight, forcing Yrsa's hind paws to dig deep into the mud, ice and earth. However, it wasn't That One-sided anymore. While the Troll had more weight, height, and overall power, and the bear only got up to its chest comparatively speaking, the difference was that bears of her breed - brown bears - had a build meant for stamina and stability. Again, as mentioned above, her shoulder line was broad. Her head was large and thick. Her back? It might've not been crafted out of stone, but the Troll's hammer swings sounded like they impacted a thick rug rather than flesh- her fur dampened their impact to a fraction, and her muscles absorbed the rest. Right now? The Troll left little more than bruises.\n\nBut more important than that was the distribution of weight. The bear's entire body centred around maintaining a solid posture; Yrsa's hind legs carried the remainder of her weight. Further, she was arced forward, not only keeping her weight and power but driving All of that— over four hundred pounds of pure muscle and fat— into this wrestling match. The Troll undoubtedly weighed almost DOUBLE that, but it had only stubby legs to support it. That ground it, but it also meant that such forward pressure was forcing it on the back foot, and it was threatening to Topple.\n\nIts lengthy arms could have done more to compensate for that. It tried to press a palm into Yrsa's snout but could only relay a fraction of its strength. Furthermore, it attempted to do so one-handedly, whereas she matched her entire weight against the thing. There was, without a doubt, a significant disparity between the intelligence with which she conducted herself in her Human shape and her smarts as a bear. A druid might maintain their intellectual capacity even while shapeshifting. But Yrsa was different. Her Entire world Changed; her thoughts became dulled, and her vision altered. But while her human form seemingly carried some of the vestigial effects of her bear form - her strength and durability - her bear form also carried over some of her vestigial intelligence.\n\nFor a brown bear, she was very, very smart. That might not mean too much. But in a wrestling match like this, while the Troll relied on pure power, she countered it with technique. And that's what brought it to the forefront, too. She somehow seemed to know how to deal with the distribution of the Troll's weight, shift herself, move, and keep herself stable ...! It was an Active Thought process. One that was encouraged by the swirling pool of HATRED that had settled into her eyes ...!—\n\nAlas, even that would not have been enough. If Yrsa had continued this fight on her own, she would have inevitably lost. That's because the Troll was just That much stronger. Even if she could wrestle it for a while, there's no doubt it had more chances and opportunities than she did. A... Consequence that seemed to be in the process of happening; even with her masterful weight distribution and her grappling skills and all those things, the Troll's palm was digging into her snout - digging into her flesh - and Yrsa felt herself Relenting. She SNAPPED her teeth about the limb, drawing blood, but it was also like chewing on ROCK .. A slow process!!-far too slow for her to make a difference. She WOULD be bashed off, and then the battle would be as good as over- .. But then...!!\n\nHer mind could no longer understand it. Her fixation on the Troll and its challenge meant that Thyri's presence largely passed her by without notice. But she recognized the... The sound of falling icicles? She had turned stray caves into a den many a time. She KNEW that sound! It was annoying because it kept her up while she tried to hibernate. But it was also comforting in a way? The sound of Thyri's frost-encrusted hammer felt similar, literally FREEZING the Troll's hide where it stood.\n\nAnd that changed everything.\n\nMaybe one-on-one, it would've won. But two-against-one? With one mighty swipe of her left claw, the bear SWATTED aside the frost-encrusted limb. The ice had visibly and tangibly weakened the integrity of its rock-like skin, which meant that Yrsa's claw found Far more purchase Than before; her previous attacks had been little more than thick gashes upon rock, but right now, her claws sliced Deep. She advanced with her right hind paw, forcing her weight against the Troll's left shoulder, holding on by sinking her teeth into the rocky outcroppings. While such an attack did not leave much of an injury upon the Troll, it strengthened Yrsa's position- preventing the thing from pushing her off.\n\nThyri ensured that wherever the Troll was strong, she made it weak.** A blow on its elbow might've not done too much otherwise, but that exact blow prevented it from bringing its arm about to coil around the bear's neck. Furthermore, the ice growing onto its nose was starting to make it panic. Because it was forced in a lock to wrestle the bear, Thyri had free rein as to where she struck—aside from the occasional flailing limb.\n\nWhen it came to such bouts of strength, there was little more fatal than Panic. It was struggling to breathe, and such a response was perhaps normal. But strength and pressure predominantly came From The breath; .. And the fact that it wasn't doing that anymore—.. The bear felt the difference Immediately. In the wild, those competitors that gave to fear, hesitation and panic Always Lost. And while the Troll had gone on to flail wildly, she was keeping her ground, strengthening her posture, utterly hellbent on claiming her place in the natural hierarchy. It was working, too; the Troll was giving way! It resettled its right foot behind it to regain a stabler posture, but it was still buckling backwards! The bear's pinpointed, localized strength was trumping over the Troll's rampant, uncontrolled fury and with one final exchange ...-\n\nAs the Troll withdrew, Yrsa again advanced, sticking to the creature whilst her teeth ground upon the stone of its skin. She twisted her ursine body to the right, left paw mirroring the Troll's right, before SNAPPING back all her power and weight upon the Troll's left side! Her right paw SLAMMED into the creature's arm and back. Her left front paw dragged a cruel gash across its chest. Her head she thrust into the creature's body, sticking close— and again, with that one final exchange, transitioning everything she had available to her and exploiting every angle Thyri had presented, she THREW BACK the Troll, taking it down with one mighty push-and-pull that saw it collapse like a castle tower struck by a catapult. It stumbled upon its side before crashing onto its back, the earth quaking again as if the mountains were torn asunder!\n\nAnd it Did Try to gather its bearings and to stand up. But it was heavy. And while that weight came with power, the distribution of its limbs made that quite difficult. In addition, Yrsa clamped onto the Troll the second it fell, continuing her charge and slamming a paw onto its chest to keep it Pinned.\n\nEven if it were to manage, the blacksmith fully showed the power of her craft. Now that it was downed, Thyri had easy access to the creature's eye, and her hammer strikes sounded like she was shaping a WEAPON rather than ending a Troll. Crash, Crash, *<KRRAAASSSSHHRSSHHGGHH...>* ..\n\nThyri could feel the initial rock layers give way to the softer parts below. Every strike became easier. While the Troll continued to try to resist, its limbs weakened. Low roars of rage, as it had sounded during the battle, slowly transitioned into yawns of suffering and pain. It was a slow and resilient creature, and its passing was similar. \n\nFinally, one last strike of Thyri's hammer put a fatal end to its resistance. It also showcased the Troll's mystic origins, as it seemed to ... Turn into rock entirely?! Its intelligence simply dissipated. And with that, and the removal of its soul- if it had one-, had the entirety of the Troll turn into nothing but a slab of rock. The grey color of its hide turned darker, and those bits of squishy flesh and blood underneath its stoney hide solidified into one.\n\nIt no longer breathed. And thus, the battle was won.\n\n... But what came next? The barbarian had turned into this hell beast to fight the Troll, but Yrsa and Thyri hadn't exchanged a single word! The bear appeared to be panting slightly, breathing elevated from the intensity of the wrestling match. Its attention had yet to go to the blacksmith. But its eyes still held that same level of intensity in its eyes!" }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "Her hammer came down like a strike of thunder. Her rage grew with each strike. The rage of a barbarian. The rage that had laid dormant within her blood for so long, finally gaining an opportunity for release. Many of her family member's had always had troubles with anger, yet this was a different beast entirely. Her cries for battle grew louder with each strike landed. Her cries of rage grew as her hammer thundered against the skull of the creature. Until she finally felt the damned bone break, and her hammer finally struck through. She felt the change between rock solid bone and squishy flesh. She heard the pain cries of the beast that now lay dying at her feet. \n\nHer rage grew.\n\nWith a final cry, a final shout, a final scream to the heavens and the Gods that bore witness to this battle. Her hammer flung down and slammed into the brain of the beast. \n\nNo longer did her hammer bounce back, no longer could she use the momentum of each strike to power the next. Her muscles ached as she tore out the hammer, bits of hide crumbling at her feet as the beast turned to rock. Her clothing was dripping with black ichor, a mixture of a dark red dripping unto the snow beneath. Her eyes scanned over the corpse, as if seeking out any sign of movement. Part of her couldn't believe that the battle was over. Part of her refused to believe that the fight was over with them living.\n\nAnd yet what lay before her, was the rotten corpse of the troll. \n\nIt felt as though her gloved hand was frozen to the hilt of her hammer. Her hand refusing to release her grip by even the slightest bit. She took a few steps back, mist escaping from her mouth as she took deep breaths to calm her pounding heart.\n\nHer bloodied face stared at the destruction before her. A weapon dripping with the flesh, brain matter and blood of the beast it had slain. Pride welled within her chest. For she had slain this beast, even if not alone.\n.\n\nIt had been her hand that had throw the final blow. Her Hand that had pinned the beast to it's spot. HER Hand that had terrified the beast. \n\nThe grin on her face almost seemed manic. A laugh of disbelief escaped her. The battle was over. They had won. Even with a single key remaining, dangling from her neck, she knew the battle had been worth it. It felt as though her ancestors were smiling upon her, as if they had taken their hands onto the hammer and granted her their strength to strike that final blow. She had dedicated her life to the craft in the name of her family. She had dedicated so much study to her magic, understanding every little inch of the runes that she could read. The runes that she could draw power from.\n\nNow, it felt as though she had been rewarded.\n\nA chance to finally see just how powerful her enchantments were in battle. Tales from customers and adventurers had given her the inkling of just how powerful her magic truly was, but she neer had the chance to see just for herself. Even if she had them for most of her life, battle was not something she had always been quite happy to jump into. Her blood felt like it was on fire just from the thought of the fight. Her pained legs felt like they could sprint the rest of the way to town, uncaring of how steep the mountain was, or just what would be in the way. Her heart was primed with energy.\n\nAs she turned to finally greet her companion in battle, it was then that she noticed the glint within the eyes. Was this truly still the warrior that had fought beside her, or was this just some crazed animal that had thrown itself into the mix? She couldn't help but take a few steps back as the snow crunched beneath her feet. Her hands once more rested upon the hammer as she called out.\n\n\"Hail! Are you alright?!\"\n.\n\nIt felt like the correct thing to do. She knew the woman had been fighting long before Thyri had arrived. She had no clue what level of injuries the lady might have had. If it had been quite drastic enough to change into such a form, she had no doubt that the woman might need some help. Whilst Thyri did have a handcart back on the path, it was going to be difficult with all the weaponry inside.\n\nIt was then that she was reminded of the weapons she had yet to deliver. A soft curse escaped her at the thought of just where that cart could be now. For all she knew, it was back at the bottom of the mountain, shattered by a tree or even buried beneath the snow. It was painful to imagine all her work squandered from such a battle. If she had to reforge all the items that she had inside of the cart, then she was surely going to lose a fair bit of coin in the process. She just hoped that her customers would understand why she had to delay their orders.\n\nShaking her head, she returned her gaze to the bear as thoughts shot through her mind. She wished to ask about the magic. That familiar yet dreadful sense that had sung through the air without care of what was around it. It was the first time she had ever felt something similar to her own magic, something similar to her family's history. For all she knew, this could have been a lost bloodline from thousands of years back, or even just a connection to wherever her family truly began.\n\nThe possibilities were endless for her. The questions only grew, and she desperately wished for answers. \n\nOnce more, she called out.\n\n\"Is that you?! The warrior who was fighting the troll?!\"\n\nThe woman she had thrown her sword to. She prayed the beast would answer, and that she would not have to find such a corpse hidden within the snow.\n.\n\nShe did not want to bury such a fine warrior within this mountain. Such a person should be celebrated within a tavern! Two fine ladies, one of the craft and another of the axe, taking down a troll upon a mountain. Such a tale would be worth a few free rounds within an inn, perhaps even a hearty stew for their troubles. Especially if the town had been plagued by such a beast.\n\nThyri knew it was difficult to find good help within these lands, with paths such as these, adventurers didn't oft come to the towns and villages. The wilds were not a friendly place, and for those who were unfamiliar with the landscape could easily be lost within a blizzard, whilst those that came ill prepared would freeze within their tents. Even now, she could feel the swear across her brow attempting to freeze her eyes shut as the wind blew. The mountains were harsh and unforgiving. She knew many merchants who would even fall with seasoned guides.\n\nShe was lucky to have been born in a snowy climate.\n\nHer eyes scanned over the ursine beast, watching it for even the slightest movements. She had no clue if the creature had even understood her, yet she prayed that the battle was well and truly over. She was unsure if she would be able to outlast such a creature, with exhaustion creeping up her back and frozen blood covering her face. Yet still, she stood firm. Her hands upon her weapon, ready to react if the bear seemed even the slightest bit hostile.\n\nShe would Not Fall here.\n\nFor as much as she loved the snow, and enjoyed the frost, she wished to pass away somewhere sunny. She wished to feel the heat of the sun upon her face when she finally fell. With a prayer to her Goddess, she wished for such a fate to be bestowed upon her. To restrict her from dying in such a horrid landscape.\n\nSlowly, she attempted to regain her breath. Each breath sent out a tumble of mist, partially obscuring her vision.\n.\n\nOne of her hands moved to her cheek, smearing the blood that leaked from her forehead against it. It streaked against her sunkissed skin, creating a beautiful contrast. If she were to look within a mirror, or perhaps even just a puddle, she would have been shocked at the mad eyes that stared out. Eyes that were ready for war. To swing her hammer until she could swing no more.\n\nRed and black blood were her warpaint for this night. Splattered across her face as if it had just been thrown. Her amber eyes shone against the small snowflakes that came down from the troll's earlier rage. In a way, she still held that odd beauty even as she stood with her muscles tensed. Her arms were practically pulsating from how hard her muscles had work, from how hard they were willing to continue working.\n\nShe looked like a barbarian. \n\nYet there was still civility within her. She did not charge to attack, and her hair stayed in it's complicated braid. Her hair smacked against her forehead and back as it was whipped within the wind. Bits of twigs from her earlier crash into the tree stuck out, and there were even a few leaves.\n\nHer leather armour had been torn in places, and bits of chainmail hung loose from where it had been hidden beneath. She would need to repair so much of her armour, and likely reforge most of the chainmail if she wanted it to be a full set again.\n\nShe tried her best to stand still, but with the energy that was flowing through her blood, she found herself struggling to stop moving as she adjusted her weight on her feet, moving from side to side." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "It was a mighty victory. As the last strands of life faded from the Troll, Yrsa - in her bear shape - settled her weight down upon her right paw, which she had planted atop the Troll's chest. She initially guided her snout along the creature's hide, licking and biting at times to ensure it was completely dead. But it didn't take her long to confirm their kill. A kill that meant so much more than a singular victory because it meant that now this Troll's territory ... Was Hers.\n\nIn the battle's aftermath, Thyri could see features and marks upon the ursine beast that few were privy to. Like the warrior she saw fighting earlier, she appeared to be a young adult. While it wasn't an exact one-to-one transition, the growth of either form directly mimicked the other. And that? ... That was potentially problematic.\n\nOut of all bear species and stages of development, the only two categories more dangerous than what She was right now, were either a full-blooded adult male before winter or a mother defending her cubs. But even those were entirely predictable; stay from the cubs, and most would be fine. Stay away from the adult male, and it most likely wouldn't be bothered to pursue due to the exertion.\n\nHer variant was so dangerous because young adults tended to be dumb. They didn't yet know their limitations. And took to situations with a dangerously curious demeanour. It was, in effect, a curse of being a top-of-the-food animal; just through sheer existence, she proved more than a match for eight out of ten woodland creatures. Few predators actively hunted brown bears, after all.\n\nBut that also meant those two out of ten situations were exceedingly dangerous. With that level of might came arrogance and the inability to fully grasp that some creatures were mightier and more powerful still. A fully grown, weathered adult male would probably know those two-legged creatures were best to give a Very Wide berth. And a Troll, whilst not precisely on the same level as a thinking, creative Humanoid, that was far too dangerous for her to engage on her lonesome too.\n\nShe did not yet know these things. She was still stupid and foolhardy. And a singular glance would reveal that any sort of thinking process beyond the instincts of a bear was well beyond her now. The battle had ended with the Troll's demise, but adrenaline was still pumping through the bear's system. There was still a deep fixation in her gaze, which screamed of the Berserking State she still found herself in; that hunger for war and death and ...\n\nThat was the point when Thyri spoke out. Within an instant, the bear's gaze snapped over to the blacksmith. So occupied was the creature with the Troll corpse that the blacksmith's presence had momentarily eluded her. Heck, even mid-battle, it wasn't so much that this bear actively worked alongside Thyri - rather .. She exploited the opportunities provided. Or was that really true? It was a deathly stare. The creature had turned its head toward the woman but left most of her body idle, unmoving.\n\nA gush of air left the bear's nostrils. A huff.\n\nCreatures like this one tended to communicate far more through postures, gestures, and mild vocalizations—nothing akin to Humanoid speech. The bear's huff was equally a threat as it was a point of inquisition: Who WAS this woman? And that it had BETTER not be threatening to claim HER territory as the Troll had. And that curiosity marked her, too. Whilst another bear might've simply left the woman be or distanced themselves, she was arcing forward Just a little, just enough to correctly inhale the woman's scent.\n\nIt was ... Pungent.\n\nThyri was a mighty warrior. She had shown that much! She just faced down a Troll! But this bear ... Creatures of this type were fast and sturdy. Could she face down another threat? There was likely little doubt that if the bear considered Thyri a Threat, the creature could be on the woman within a span of a second. They were close to each other - perhaps too close. To call the situation tense was a massive understatement; the bear locked its eyes with Thyri, very much looking like she was preparing another charge, but then-\n\nWell, it wasn't really anything sudden. The creature tilted its head rightward Just A little. It took another sharp inhale. And... Yes! Thyri DID smell pungent. But, it kept her back. Had the blacksmith woman been Anyone Different, Anything Different, Yrsa would've lost herself to her berserk. She or the blacksmith would've ended up as another corpse to add to the pile. It was, truth be told, one of her greatest fears whilst in Human form. And the blacksmith could likely NOTICE that. The intensity of the bear's stare, the tension within the creature's muscles..\n\nThyri, ... Looked familiar. It smelled familiar. Some speculate that bears had this uncanny ability to recognize distant family members, even those far removed—something to do with inbreeding and all those things. Well, regardless of whether that was true or not, the manner of Thyri's appearance—her steadfast refusal to look away, she might—it was like locking eyes with a shieldmaiden—another fabled warrior archetype from her people.\n\nRight now, her mind was trying to determine whether Thyri was a threat, food, or something else. Deep within the recesses of her mind, that part of her which still clung to her Human intelligence, something was pounding at her mentally not to consider the woman either of those first two categories. The jury was still out on the first one. But the bear was pretty sure that something like this? It wasn't food. She felt that trying to eat this would hurt her, too.\n\nSo what was it? Why did it look so familiar? And the rage intrinsic to her form, somehow ... Somehow, it didn't feel as extreme.\n\nNonetheless, the two likely remained in a deadlock for the moment. It was an extremely precarious situation that wouldn't quickly change because even the slightest variation in the Human's presence might Just be enough to set things off. Her mind was trying to fight a desperate battle against her animalistic instincts, exacerbated by the idea that this warrior Helped Her. There was no god to heed her prayers, but, that Human side of her wished desperately for her to stay her claws-\n\n-\n\nThat darkness of wrath and hate, of the primordial forces of nature.\n\nIt had been a few hours since her departure from their encampment. That was normal; they often had their own tasks and challenges, which seemed part of why their fellowship functioned as well as it did. He usually seemed occupied(?) with gathering various herbs, which was part of his trade. Tolius, too, often seemed to pursue his own works. And as for Yrsa, she occupied herself predominantly with the natural world. She usually limited her presence in the camp for food, rest, or mild companionship. However, aside from that, even in her human state, she showed many qualities and preferences that directly overlapped with her bear aspect.\n\nOne such example was that their encampment, down by that frozen river, was relatively small. Yrsa, however, considered a vast area adjacent to it to belong directly to 'her' territory, which is probably how she ran afoul of that Troll. And that territory stretched for quite a few miles, carefully guarded as her sense of scent far exceeded the capabilities of any Human or Elf.\n\nSo, it was typical for her to go missing. What was less usual was that the weather was abysmal: freezing cold, with thunder striking regularly in the background and heavy rainfall. The type of weather that, as per a rule, had her return to whatever she called 'home'. She Never Stayed out with weather like this, hating the thunder almost as much as the Troll did. Furthermore, while Thyri had taken notice of the spiritual mirror that came paired with Yrsa's transformation, there was Another Who was acquainted with that feeling, too. He had been in her presence many times and seen her transform several times. Though there was a distance between them, surely he would recognize them by now; that feeling of... Of Whatever it was! — almost similar to the boons of his PATRON but different...!\n\nIt was telling. And the sounds of their battle could be heard for many leagues from their position. Of course, the thunder did obscure them somewhat, and it'd take being in 'that general area' to notice it properly. But he KNEW the bear's habits. The risks she took. The juvenile dumbness with which she made her way through the forest. \n\nIt was only a matter of time until she bit off more than she could chew. If there was ever a time of urgency for the young alchemist, if he even cared, then it was probably this. And if he made that choice, he would arrive at what seemed to be a mountain adjacent to their camp - perhaps some... An hour or two walking from that place. Still, the middle-of-nowhere location they had chosen to pass through, several leagues from any point of civilization. A single road ran through this heavily forested territory, covered in snow and ice, which clearly only seldom saw use. \n\nBut more evident than that was the SHEER DEVASTATION left behind by the battle against a... A — he could've heard the sounds from a distance! The sounds of a CAVE TROLL. Those gluttonous, ravenous creatures, giants that no single bear could take down, no matter how mighty. Trees had been uplifted and thrown about as if toothpicks. The ground was cratered. The otherwise snow-covered forest floor now looked like a scene from the end of the world, covered in a muddy, icy slush. As mentioned, the weather was poor, a mixture of wet hail and heavy rain.\n\nThere, he would stumble upon the sight. The sight of a Troll that had formed to stone. And two figures - two shadows - staring each other down amid the darkness. One, he knew very well. Not only did he know it well, but he probably understood its implications, too.\n\nShe wasn't in her Human form, and worse, she looked fresh out of battle. And the last time that happened... Well, that probably didn't need a stronger reminder!" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "As the alchemist wandered near their camp, shivering in the cold, he laughed softly to himself as he wondered how Yrsa could also wander about in this mess. She was from far colder climes, he reminded himself, so this might be nothing to her. But still... He pulled his hood further over his head as the rain began to softly fall, deepening the chill. In her human form, he wasn't sure how well she could stand up to freezing rain. But then again, he was all too aware she wasn't a typical human. Normally, he wouldn't be out in the dark looking for herbs and reagents. He was aware of a particular kind of mushroom native to Mistrion that he thought might be easier to find at night. Plus there were some flowers that only bloomed at night that might also prove easier in the darkness. His darkvision gave him enough light to see by, and he picked his way carefully and slowly through the forest... For a while, at least.\n \n\nAt first, Alcuin thought the distant sounds were just thunder. The storm had picked up after a small reprieve, and he was just considering going back to the camp when he heard the yelling and screaming. Even at this distance, he was Certain It was her. He started walking that way, trying to listen and be sure before he just darted off deeper into the forested mountains. They had formed quite a bond, the warlock and the berserker, so when he felt that wave of her wild magic, he knew the clock was ticking on whatever fight or situation he was in. His thoughts raced as his feet began to, pushing through the sloshy snow and brush. He still wasn't entirely certain what triggered her bear form, but it seemed like generally she was under duress when using it. He chased the crystals of his panted breath through the air, his hood flying off in the wind, shaggy brown hair quickly becoming soaked in the rain. Coming to the road, he paused briefly in consideration. By distance it was probably quicker, but with how slippery it was and how clumsy he was, it was better to keep slogging through the slush and keep his traction.\n \nThe fear in his heart and his mind stirred the darkness within him, and he was bombarded with images of Yrsa dead, dismembered, and otherwise brutally mutilated. If his heart hadn't been pounding from running full speed, it would've jumped out of his chest. He knew it was just the influence of his demonic patroness, but it still stoked the fear higher and higher, pushing him to run harder and faster than he ever had in his life. He couldn't let the only good, close friend he had die–it still felt odd, still warmed his heart, to even call her Friend. It was lovely and exhilarating, and he Wasn't Going to lose her.\n \n\nAfter what felt like an eternity of running, he found himself at the bottom of the hill they were upon. He immediately took in the black bloodied corpse, the bear atop it, and the bloodied woman nearby. While the healer was concerned for the woman, knowing Yrsa wasn't in control and could attack anyone in this state, he was more concerned with his friend. The blood matted her already messy fur in places, and he felt a pit in his stomach at how Much Of it there was. She'd been pretty badly wounded. He'd just been teasing her earlier today for using too much of his healing supplies–now he felt like an ass. Eyeing the strange woman a moment longer, and deciding she was probably too injured to stop him If She was an enemy, he gathered all the breath he had left to yell, \"Yrsa!!\" \n \n\nAlcuin made his way up the hill as quickly as he could manage, getting another look at the woman as he passed, ready to use the shadows to move out of reach, if needed. She looked... Oddly a little familiar, with tattoos reminiscent of Yrsa's, the similar hairstyle, and with a face covered in blood; he could've believed they were related. Giving her a curt nod, he continued on towards the corpse. He hesitated just a moment; he'd only ever read stories about cave trolls, coveted their blood as a reagent. He never thought he'd actually See One. Pushing aside thoughts that he needed to gather what blood he could, the alchemist clambered up to the bear, taking her large head in both hands and making her look at him a second. Those blue eyes stared back at him, looking untroubled other than the usual 'I must protect' look, so he released her to her angry staring and began to assess the damage, pulling a jar from his pack that he applied ointment from, as she would let him. More talking to himself than her, he wondered aloud, \"What did you get into this time? It really... Tore you up. Though,\" He regarded her confident, unwavering stance a moment, \"You don't seem to care much.\" Once he was satisfied she wasn't in any danger, he stood next to her, one hand knotted in her fur, in a mixture of protectiveness, possessiveness, and restraint. \n \n\nGolden brown eyes looked down at the woman below them, not unkind but still firm, a bit wary of who she was and what exactly had happened here. He knew Yrsa had a penchant for starting trouble, so it was possible this woman had already been battling this beast, and Yrsa swooped in to snatch it. But the scene around made him think more that they had fought this thing together. Yet he had no way of proving that the wounds on his friend Weren't From this woman. As much as he Wanted To trust her kind face, he was struggling to. Her obvious pain and suffering was... Distracting for him. He could nearly hear Alekhya purring in his ear to make her Sing. But cruelty was far from natural for him, and was something he was... Uncomfortably, begrudgingly, trying to learn. For the time being, he could only fully unleash the darkness within in battle; even then, his glee in causing harm was so disgusting to him, still, so opposite the life he had lead before. That life was over now, and he had to keep reminding himself, though he hated it being true.\n \n\nSpeaking with a mixture of wariness and curiosity, the Elven warlock introduced himself, \"I'm Alcuin Demodred, of Velaris.\" Patting Yrsa before getting a grip in her fur again, he continued, \"This is my friend, Yrsa, who I think you've... Met?\" He asked with some uncertainty. \"Once I'm satisfied you're friend and not foe, I'd be happy to heal you, as best I can.\" At the mention of healing, a little of his natural warmth broke through the firm facade he was trying to hold. She was pretty injured, and his healer's heart just couldn't let her go on like that. Looking back at Yrsa, before turning again to the woman, he spoke a warning with some edge in his tone, \"Do be careful. When she's in this state, she's a bit... Unpredictable. She probably thinks you're in her territory or something. So I wouldn't get too close, if I were you.\" He had full confidence that Yrsa would never hurt him, and that even if she did, he was fairly capable of hurting her back now, compared to when they first met." }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "Unfortunately for the blacksmith, she was not all too familiar with the dangers of bears, and what was best to avoid. All she knew at the moment, was that the beast was now staring at her. She held the gaze as she waited for an answer, any sort of sign that this was the woman she had fought alongside with. She stood firm, only a hasty dash away, with her hammer primed if she was rushed at all.\n\nAs the creature huffed, Thyri was still in the middle of gaining her breath back. Puffs of mist escaped her opened mouth. Hell, it looked like steam was actively coming off her body from how heated her muscles were in the moment. Her hand was tightly gripped around the key within her hand, ready to slam it into the head of her weapon in a moment if the need rose. She was still coming down from the adrenaline of defeating a troll. She believed that she could take on ANYTHING That the world threw at her in this moment.\n\nEven if she was rather injured.\n\nAs she stood, she adjusted her pose for the moment, the head of her hammer moving behind her. She could swing it in front of her in a split second if she really needed to. Watching as the creature seemed to be preparing a charge. She waited, and tensed her muscles. Ready to catch the animal upon her hammer. Though she did wish she kept her blade, such a thing could easily pierce such fur.\n\nBut the beast never came.\n\nThey stood, locked at a standstill. Their fiery gazes matching with one another.\n\nHer blond hair blew wildly as the wind picked up. The ink upon her skin was easily seen even with the blood and frost covering them. She looked every part a barbarian. One might even relate her to a berserker even. Yet the posture she kept with her weapon showed just how much practice she had with such a brutal tool.\n.\n\nThe snow irritated her nose as it gently rained down. The lightning in the distance both blinded her and cleared her vision. Allowing her to see where it struck in the distance, yet made it difficult to see what was closer to her. The only thing she could smell was the blood that covered her body, a vicious and disgusting stench of mixed bloods. She felt the cold biting at her ears and fingers, the sweat dripping off of her skin quickly freezing.\n\nBut she still stood her ground, even if she was up to her ankles in the snow.\n\nShe stood her ground in this destroyed landscape. She could taste iron within her mouth as she stood her ground, her teeth slightly bared as she continued panting. It felt as though time had slowed down, as seconds turned to minutes, and minutes turned to hours. \n\nShe swore she could hear the agonizing tick of the clock. Time slowly passing.\n\nIt was slow, but the stand off was clearing her mind of the rage that was bottled up within. The rage that sought to escape in a brutal flurry of blunt strikes against the nearest skull, just to allow her to experience such a dreadful rage.\n\nShe slowly began to realize just what sort of situation she was actually in. She was injured from the battle, and even if the ursine may have been in a similar state, she had her doubts about being able to withstand such a creature with so little magic. Whilst she may have been a rather powerful warrior, and enchantress, she was still only human beneath it all. She relied quite heavily upon her enchantments in battle against beasts.\n\nHumans were something she could handle with ease. They were predictable, and she knew what areas would hurt the most. She had been in plenty of bar fights to understand what sort of hit would knock a person out.\n\nIt was then that she could feel her ears prick up at a sound. The crunching of snow?\n.\n\nThe shout was what she heard next.\n\nIt was enough to snap her attention away from the beast. Usually, it would be a rather fatal mistake to take one's eyes off a creature of such power. But she was too tired and injured to be thinking properly. She watched as the man approached, her eyes watching over his features as he eventually passed. Confusion was quick to enter her gaze as the alchemist nodded. Just what in Celsus' name was happening?\n\nThen, she watched as he approached the beast. Truth be told, Thyri did try to shout out a warning, out of fear that the creature may rip him to shreds. Her voice was too hoarse to actually speak. When had she gotten this thirsty? Her throat felt so dry. The cold wind and the battle had thoroughly dehydrated the blacksmith. Then, she watched as he began to care for the beast!? She truly was out of her element in such an area. An elven boy approaching and caring for a beast after a battle with a troll? Perhaps she was dreaming. Maybe she was inside a bard's tale as some sort of curse for mistreating a customer by mistake, a curse made to confuse her.\n\nNo, that didn't make sense. She needed to get her head on straight and think properly.\n\nGiving a quick hake of her head, she returned her gaze to the duo. For a moment, she feared she would have to fight two on one. But it seemed like her worries were quickly dashed as the man's gaze met hers. She still subconsciously moved her hammer to the front, unsure of what he wanted.\n\nThus, she listened as he spoke. She listened to her name, and his little explanation. She needed a healer. With the adrenaline already wearing off, she was beginning to feel just how painful the earliers strikes had really been. It felt as though her leg was slowly being torn apart from within.\n\nSo, she took a moment to step forward, letting her hammer hang low to show she wasn't wishing to use it. She stood proud and called out to the duo.\n.\n\n\"I-\" She took a moment to cough, clearing her throat of the dryness. \"I am Thyri Sigtrygg, of Marsalus Village. Enchantress and blacksmith of the Eternal City.\" She might as well use all the titles she could think of that might have any meaning. She had absolutely no clue just how this would end. \"I have met your companion there. She assisted with the troll.\" She blinked to clear the snow out of her eyes. \"There was another woman who had also been fighting the troll, did you see her from where you came?\"\n\nShe still wasn't certain that the bear was the warrior that she had fought alongside. If the woman had been knocked down, then it would likely be best to try and find her before she fell due to the frost.\n\nBut she did heed the warning that was given, she didn't make any moves to advance from her spot. But her eyes continued to search the locale, trying to find any trace of the woman. Trying to see if she had survived like she did. She had no clue if she would next be drinking in a tavern with the lass, or digging her corpse up from beneath the snow.\n\nSuch a battle tale would be worthless told by one mouth. It was a battle that deserved to be sung about!\n\nBut, she knew that such a fate befell many an adventurer in such mountains. A challenge could always prove more difficult that it actually appeared to be. With her having no clue how injured the woman actually had been, or if the troll had struck first, she had no way of knowing if the woman had been dying during the fight. But she had seemed healthy, so surely...\n\nShe could not stop her mind from wandering. The possiblities were endless." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Their battle had finished. Though every moment must have appeared like a folk tale brought to life, the only sign of it now was the Troll's stonified corpse and the devastated surroundings. The darkness that had choked this forest might've felt especially prominent now; there was not a speck of light for leagues around, and though the massive creature had knocked down a few trees, there were still many more, thick pines that blotted out the sky. It was a miserable place, cold and wet - even Alcuin would likely have arrived at the scene drenched from head to toe. Yet .. There was something peaceful about it, too. A bittersweet conclusion, frigid and miserable, but victorious.\n\nThey may no longer be capable of direct communication, but Thyri was right; it was not something that could be said. A battle of this calibre had to be sung and regaled via tall tales and those likes—and even then, who would believe them? But did they need to share it? Was their shared memory of this event not enough? As they remained fixated on each other - the ursine horror and the runic blacksmith - there was obviously still that layer of tension. It could Still All go to hell; the beast could perceive Thyri as a threat and charge, at which point the warrior woman would hammer down her weapon and-\n\nSome seers and witches of Yrsa's homeland said the 'eyes are mirrors into the soul'. Therefore, while they could not speak, and Thyri would have Nothing To confirm anything more- nothing based on purely physical changes- that locked gaze might've felt like it held something significant, too. It was almost too dark to correctly see one another, but they were still close, and the bear's icy eyes nearly seemed to shimmer at times, reflecting whatever light there was like a frosted lake.\n\nWild animals weren't just bloodthirsty murderers. Often, their violence held a far broader scope and Meaning. And Thyri could probably FEEL some of that, strangely enough! Yrsa's transformation naturally tied her with her ursine ancestor, who imbued her with rage and wrath, but that same ancestor was no more, and no less, than a beast of the natural world. An exceptionally long-lived beast, sure, but even its vilest curse could not eradicate its naturalistic desires. Sometimes ... Bestial instincts encouraged a path of harmony rather than immediate violence.\n\nThat magical connection might have made it tangible for the blacksmith. It might have seemed like the beast lay cloaked beneath this evil, spiritual pressure. As mentioned before, something SHADOWED it. But it wasn't so much evil as it was just ... Intense, A calling to a particular set of behaviours and instincts.\n\nAnd if anyone knew those things well, it had to be Alcuin. Was his patron not similar, in a way? From that perspective, both parties—both Thyri and Alcuin—engaged with Yrsa differently. Thyri knew her rune magic, which probably had some mutual origins with the nature of Yrsa's condition. Alcuin, however, was a highly talented alchemist and healer who often went out to collect herbs. Even if she had probably been his most tangible experience with brown bears, how he dealt with her Back then Clearly demonstrated his affinity with such creatures. And then ... He was an Elf - what Elf from Velaris DIDN'T know a thing or two about nature? Besides, even if his knowledge regarding this species was limited before, Yrsa had been sure to give him a thorough crash course.\n\nThat's why he might be able to grasp the reality of this situation even Before He spoke out. No doubt about it; the problem just a moment before had been Extremely Tense. But creatures of this type also perceived time differently. Had she truly wanted to attack Thyri, that decision would've come quicker. Instead, the bear merely seemed to be holding its ground. If one extrapolated that to its next logical point, especially considering how fervently she protected her turf, ...\n\nHer Elven friend arrived at precisely that moment. He'd seen it before! The creature Wasn't Going to attack Thyri. If anything, that prolonged stare slowly built to a mild understanding. The blacksmith respected this bear's boundaries but simultaneously Respected her own, Which was just as important. If she had chosen to lower her weapons or walk away, there's no doubt Yrsa's mental instincts would've instantly switched over to think of her as 'PREY'. If she had raised her voice or done anything hostile, the bear would've perceived her as a THREAT. And she was curious about her...!! But, there was one factor that played an equally sizeable part.\n\nAgain, Thyri looked familiar.\n\nSo, there was no reason to examine her further. When she first met Alcuin, she thought the Elf was some weird hag orc goblin hybrid! He just smelled a little better!\n\nMaybe all of that didn't matter. Perhaps it was just a staredown about to descend into violence. But the bear Broke Her eye contact with Thyri, averting her gaze. She lowered her rear into a mildly relaxed seat, wiping one paw across her snout as she worked to lick her injuries better. As an alchemist, Alcuin—more so than anyone else—would probably be aware of bear spittle's healing properties; it is naturally antibacterial. And for the better, too. She was covered in cuts, scratches, and bruises while trying to wrestle that Troll. Her fur absorbed a lot, but that thing was still coarse and rigid.\n\nThyri had been given the 'okay'. And when Alcuin's voice shot through the area? The blacksmith's wariness was well-placed given how tentative the creature had been with someone that just FOUGHT beside her; a random stranger would've undoubtedly gotten mauled. But that wasn't her reaction to the Elf at all! The rain and thunder had left her sense of smell a little impaired, meaning she hadn't noticed his presence so closely to her. So when he Did Show up, there was almost excitement in her bearing. Not so much as a wolf or a dog, who would go about with maximum intensity; more an immediate stare thrown his way, filled with recognition. She wiped another paw across her face before lowering herself down to all fours again, exhaling shortly through her nostrils in a manner that relayed her approval.\n\nYrsa sauntered over to the Elf, crudely attempting to barge her head into him as usual. And as per usual, for a display of mild affection, it still had Way Too much strength behind it; enough to floor a grown man. But then, Alcuin was probably used to that by now." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "It wasn't too hard to piece together what had likely happened here. Knowing Yrsa as Alcuin did, she probably engaged this huge troll on her own, with full confidence that she could best it with no issue, thinking more of the glory of the kill and the story rather than keeping herself safe and alive. He shook his head at the thought. Then this woman... Thyri... Must've wandered along and tried to help. Well, Succeeded In helping, from the looks of it. A small part of him was irritated that Yrsa would take on something so significant without him, mostly because he wanted to be of help, but there was also that hungry, dark part of him that was upset to miss out on the bloodshed. Swallowing against that feeling, he tried to be more attentive to blonde woman as she spoke. Her story confirmed his theory, and at her question, he couldn't help a hearty chuckle, smiling down at her broadly.\n \n\n\"Well, you see,\" The alchemist looked back at the bear then again at Thyri, \" *This* Is the woman you were fighting alongside. She has some very special magic, the ability to shapeshift.\" The awe was readily apparent at his voice as he talked about his friend, \"It's extraordinary, isn't it? But as I said, she's unpredictable right now.\" With that, she nearly barreled him over with her affectionate nudges. He did his best to hug her large head, patting her on the jaw softly with a loving smile on his face as he looked at her. Even he hadn't fully comprehended yet how long he'd been waiting for someone to care for, even just in a friendly way. He had so much love to give and had nowhere to place it for so very long. Thus it flowed forth rather unabashedly now, like warm sunlight amongst the dreary snow. He spoke softly to the bear, \"I know, I know. I missed you too. It's only been like... Maybe an hour or two? You could've just brought me along to begin with, you know?\" He ruffled her fur playfully before becoming more serious. \"I need to tend this woman–Thyri's–wounds. Don't get in my way, ok?\" The warning in the question was incredibly mild, but it was still there. He couldn't have her running them over while he tried to work, likely wasting both precious supplies And Possibly hurting the blacksmith more.\n \n\nHopping down off the corpse of the troll, now that Alcuin was a little calmer, he noticed it had already turned to stone, and thus its blood dried up with it; a shame, it would've been such a useful reagent. The healer approached the woman carefully, gentle brown eyes looking her over for the worst injuries. She was so covered in blood, hers and the troll's, it was hard to tell what was most severe of her injuries. He decided to try a bit of general healing first, to make it easier for her to walk. Then he could do more once she told him more about her injuries and if she would allow him to examine further. Taking a few steps closer to her, only about a pace away, he reached out to touch and waited a moment for her consent before doing so. \"I'll do what I can to heal you, but I was only an adept at best, and...\" He trailed off uncertainly, brows furrowing and anxiety coloring his features, \"I just hope Callisto hasn't shunned me, though she'd have the right.\" Touching Thyri's shoulder with the utmost tender care, he waited with bated breath to see if his healing still worked. To his happy surprise, the soft amber glow radiated from his hand, and he released the breath he didn't know he was holding. It would only heal all her injuries a mild amount, since he was spreading the spell over her entire body. It would close small cuts completely, but larger gashes and deeper muscular wounds would require more care, perhaps at camp. \n \n\nAfter a moment, Alcuin withdrew his hand, bringing his pack around and opening it, fumbling inside before withdrawing a few bottles. One contained what was obviously a healing potion and the other a translucent green brew. He handed over the health pot first, \"I'm sure you know what that is. I'm hoping it can mostly finish off what I wasn't able to heal with my limited magic... Well, limited healing magic, anyway.\" He more muttered the last bit to himself, with a resigned sigh. Handing over the other bottle, he explained, \"This is just a little energizing elixir, it should give you the strength and stamina to make it back to our camp, if you'd like. Then there, I can treat your wounds better, and you're more than welcome to rest before going on your way.\" He wasn't sure she would accept, but... She also really shouldn't travel in her condition, even after his healing.\n\nPutting away the empty bottles, he snapped his fingers with a big grin, looking at Thyri with excitement, \"Oh! I just realized! You said the Eternal City, right? We're actually headed there, to the mercenary's guild.\" Looking back at the bear, he shouted excitedly, \"Did you hear, Yrsa? I think she might be able to help us!\" What a wonderful coincidence this turned out to be. If Thyri lived and worked in the Eternal City, she should be able to tell them all they needed to know about it. And it would be great to have a contact there already. Whispers in the back of his mind suggested how much chaos and suffering he could cause in a place so big and crowded... But he tried to push it to the side, for the moment. He still wasn't ready to face that part of the deal he'd made yet." }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "No matter how long she kept the gaze for, not matter how hard she stared, she could not break the moment. It was as if her head and been locked in place by an iron bar, connecting her gaze to the bear's. The intense feeling washed up and down her spine like waves crashing against rocks.\n\nIt was such an odd feeling. Only adding to that was the feeling of the beast being shadowed by something greater.\n\nBut then, the bear broke the contact first. Thyri felt a gasp of relief escape her from the movement. She watched as the great creature moved, sitting down in the snow and tending to it's own wounds. The bear was obviously a companion to the elf, anyone would be able to see that. But it only forced more questions into her mind. Just why was an elf in Mistrion? Why were they such buddy buddy with a bear? She needed answers, but the strength in her legs was beginning to fail her.\n\nIt felt almost like she'd collapse in mere moments. A slight wobble in one of her knees, a shiver up her back as her eyes blurred ever so slightly. The exhaustion of slaying a great beast was certainly quite the symptom to deal with.\n\nThen, she received her first answer. The woman WAS The bear. She blinked in confusion. Her mind taking a moment to catch up as she let out a noise of surprise. A shapeshifting warrior? How incredible. It made perfect sense as well, the warrior definitely did not seem like the kind to run from such a battle. \n\nThe woman had merely changed to fit the battle better, and with such a transformation, it had been perfect to finish the beast.\n\nThyri breathed a sigh of relief as she finally allowed herself to relax. Such a feeling caused her to drop to one knee, using her hammer to stabilize herself. A few deep breaths were stolen from the cold air as she refueled her lungs.\n.\n\n\"Ya've got quite the friend there.\"\n\nShe had a grin on her face as she let out a tired laugh. They seemed like quite the interesting pair. A barbarian warrior with what seemed to be an alchemist elf? Not a sight she expected within such mountains, but most definitely a welcome one. She was a bit wary as the elf first approached, but then again what did she have to lose in the moment? She was already exhausted. As the man laid a hand upon her shoulder, once more a sigh of relief escaped her as she felt the healing magic wash over her body.\n\nFirst, she felt cold, then warm as wounds started to heal. A fun addition of healing was the added energy that they gave people, as the body was able to focus upon the more severe injuries, rather than worrying about it all. \"Any 'ealing is good 'ealing, lad.\" She was able to push herself off the ground, her hand remaining on her hammer, but keeping it on the ground.\n\nHer smile only grew as she was handed the healing pot. Memories washing through of the first time that she had taken one. She was quick to take a swing, before drinking most of it down as she felt the wounds under her skin begin to repair themselves rather quickly. But she did hold a rather surprised look at the second bottle, taking a moment to look over it. Even if she was feeling a bit more energized from the healing, it would probably be better to be safe rather than sorry.\n\nShe was quick to drink down the energy elixir as well.\n\n\"Gods, cannae say I agree with the texture, but I can feel meself standing a bit lighter.\" She took a moment to test the weight of her body, gently bouncing from one heel to the other. It was nice to have the energy back, she already felt as if she could run down the mountain itself!\n.\n\n\"I 'ave to take yer offer. Don't really want to be wandering round 'ere alone in this condition.\" Going alone after defeating a troll? Too risky. She wasn't going to lose her life because she was an idiot and thought too highly of her skills.\n\nAs the man spoke of the Eternal City, a bit of surprise appeared on her face. That was quite the coincidence! \"Aye, I do live there. I'll gladly 'elp ya with whatever ya need, but first...\"\n\nShe took a moment to peer over to the bear, taking a moment to glance around her before her gaze eventually returned to Alcuin. \"Ya friend there needs to take better care of 'er weapons. I cannae believe what I saw in that fight. I've seen bloody spoons with better slashing capabilities.\" Oh, she was NOT Going to let those weapons go without revenge. She was going to give the woman a firm lecture, even IF She was a bloody bear.\n\n\"That mace as well... Celsus protect it, it looked like it 'ad been taken right from the ore deposit it was found at.\"\n\nShe didn't even know where her own blade was in the moment, likely wherever the woman had transformed. But that could be anywhere after the troll slammed the ground.\n\n\"I don't spose that she can understand me proper like, can she?\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The remnants of the barbarian's \"Weaponry\" Lay scattered over the former battlefield; one of her throwing axes—the one she had sought to clobber the Troll in the head with—lay bent and split in twain. The head was terribly deformed, which both served as a testament to the woman's strength and her lack of understanding over such things; she got her weapons to CUT solely through force alone. And the handle was little more than a splintered mass. Meanwhile, her weird 'pole-club-morningstar-abomination' still stood erect close to the road, planted in the ice, snow and dirt, most of the jagged ends broken off. The pig iron head itself was torn and sundered - and though it didn't need reiteration for the blacksmith, to reiterate nonetheless, it was literally just a stick with a lump end of metal.\n\nHer friend Alcuin might recall that their first adventure outside his hometown involved collecting them again—her 'cutters' and her 'smasher'. Alas, despite their efforts, it seemed that those weapons had outlived their usefulness and that even if she hadn't run into that Troll, they wouldn't have lasted her much longer.\n\n... Her previous master always took care of those things. And maybe it was for the better that she ran into these people- these .. Companions? She didn't really understand what they talked about, almost to the point of comedic effect, but she did notice their different .. Emotions? Alcuin probably knew it well. And though her acquaintance with Thyri was Short - they hadn't even spoken a single word with each other - she very much appeared to perceive the world in an entirely animalistic manner right now. It wasn't like a druid where they just took the form and added the plus-points to their Humanoid capabilities; she no longer could Think Like a Human. She no longer saw as Humans did. Smell became far more critical, and even her concept of 'time' and the space in which things happened was drastically different.\n\nThe only thing that remained, which made her just a bit more intelligent than the average brown bear, was the vestigial intelligence woven into her essence. In other words - her Human form held vestigial ursine physical capabilities. Her bear form, lingering embers of Human cunning and smarts.\n\nWhat made that significant to observe, especially for Alcuin, was that he had seen it a few times. There were particular triggers for her transformations back and forth. As a doctor, healer, and highly skilled alchemist, he might be able to identify that triggering certain behaviours in her Might Allow him to attain some modicum of control or influence, those transformations. There were plenty of potions and concoctions that allowed for specific highs and mental states, after all. But whether he saw that or even found any interest in that, ..\n\nWhat was fact was that she had been wandering aimlessly. And, like the state of her weapons, that couldn't go on for much longer. This meeting may have been different from how she met Alcuin. Thyri was a completely different person with a vastly different personality. And yet, there seemed to be some mysterious significance to it. For all her physical power and might, without them? This berserking barbarian was probably going to end up in a ditch somewhere.\n\nInstead, the creature appeared to perk up somewhat at Alcuin's words. She shook her head, somehow managing to puzzle together that—yeah, yeah, maybe she SHOULD have brought him. She didn't interpret it the same way, but she got to the same conclusion, sort of. And while she didn't precisely understand What He said, she still comprehended basic instincts; big enemy easier to conquer with two. Anyway, she huffed a little in disregard, having the Elf run afoul of her eternal stubbornness, at this point, she casually turned her sights back to Thyri. She initially paced around the place for a few seconds, still wary. But when she was sure they were in the clear, the bear got Straight Up to the blacksmith and alchemist ..\n\nThey had been close before, but this was on an entirely different level! Thyri could probably feel the heat from the creature's breath, which visibly misted the air every time she exhaled. While parts of her fur were coarse, some clumps and strands appeared quite soft, too. She was close enough that Thyri could literally Touch Her if she reached out.\n\nAnd yet, there was not a single sign of aggression. She was even quite gentle. Somewhat distracted at times - but brown bears played rough. And she did not barge herself between the two of them while Alcuin administered his healing. Alcuin's excitement was palpable. And that Kinda Shot off on her as well. She didn't know WHY .. Only that her Elven friend was in good spirits.\n\nHuh.\n\nSo..\n\nIn other words, Thyri had a positive impact on her companion. And she still looked familiar! Overall, she decided that Thyri was okay. Yep. Didn't even need to keep an eye on her anymore. So that's probably why when the woman went off on her rightful criticisms of how Yrsa maintained her weaponry, the bear just .. Kinda stared at her absently. And Alcuin could tell it was the Exact Same sheepish look she pulled in her Human form, too. Somehow, due to her appearance and What She said, Thyri kinda reminded Yrsa of her old master! But different! Nicer! And, uh, she did think the woman was slightly peeved about something. That made sense. So she did FEIGN some level of interest? But it was So Evident that whatever the blacksmith was saying, it went right over her head.\n\nWas there ever ANYTHING more frustrating? Not only did she use weapons derived from the Stone Age- hell, they probably made better spears back then- but she also seemed wholly OBLIVIOUS to her wrongdoing! If she was in her Human form, she'd probably have responded with something like, 'AH, BUT... YOU SEE MY DEAR FRIEND THYRI, WHAT IS A BLADE IF IT DOES NOT ALSO SMASH?? IT IS AN AXE CLUB.' .. And it's not like she could SAY that? But that's the Feeling She gave off. This... Juvenile ignorance!\n\nAnd as to make matters worse, something Suddenly Came to distract her. Yrsa needed to figure out what it was. She heard something SNAP or TWITCH or .. Whatever it was! But with little more than a second or two to spare, she reared herself up and turned about with a spirited gait, probably bamboozling her two companions to go off into a lazy sprint through the forest. It was lazy because she needed to go faster. But it was still a sprint, still relatively quick!\n\nWell, it probably wouldn't do to stand in the rain for much longer anyway, and her path did Seem To head in a direction loosely toward their encampment." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Feeling the tension that was in the air melting further and further away, only to be replaced by the wet, bitter cold of the night, Alcuin couldn't help a warm chuckle at Thyri's words. He spoke with great warmth and affection for Yrsa, \"You don't have to tell me twice. She's really something else, huh?\" He whispered, playfully and a little conspiratorially, \"I'd love it if she'd bathe more, but you can't win 'em all, right?\" Despite her many perceived faults, Alcuin really had few complaints about the berserker. He was quite an understanding and permissive person, so she could get away with a great deal with him, as she had discovered when they went to his home. Alcuin was just happy to have someone he could truly call a friend, someone he felt he could rely on, someone that wouldn't betray or abandon him. He thought of his parents with a pang of sadness, but shoved it down with a resolve to likely never see them again. He couldn't risk bringing the darkness he now knew he'd carried inside for so long near them again. He'd rather die than hurt them, even after their soft disowning of him.\n \n\nYrsa's approach caused Alcuin's brows to raise a little, but then he saw she just seemed to be curious. Turning back to Thyri, he continued to smile, \"Well, I don't know quite what you did, but she seems pretty happy and relaxed around you. And quickly too! That's good.\" He ruffled her fur slightly before retrieving the potions he gave Thyri. It felt odd, now, to think of how he and Yrsa had met. He was so tortured, so lonely, and so desperate for his madness to end... He'd gambled greatly in standing his ground with her, but it had paid off. While his insanity was... More controlled now, and he felt both happier And Had a companion, he wasn't sure if things were exactly better. While having an answer was helpful, finding out that he was losing his mind because he was tied to a demonic demigoddess, who now chose to call in the debts he unknowingly owed her... It wasn't a Happy Answer, and he was still mentally scrambling, in the quiet moments, to figure out how he was going to fulfill her wishes without losing himself entirely.\n \nAfter Thyri drank the elixir, the alchemist nodded in understanding. \"Yeah, sorry about that... I don't have my full set of equipment on the road, so uh...\" He scratched his head a little nervously, displacing a piece of leaf that had gotten stuck there at some point. \"I do the best I can to make things palatable.\" Feeling more relaxed himself and having provided the aid he could, Alcuin took a moment to really look at Thyri. Her muscles spoke of the work she did, and she indeed looked awfully similar to Yrsa's own style of braids and tattoos. Yet where Yrsa radiated a playful and lazy lethality, Thyri wore her kind heart over a seemingly iron will. Seeing the end of the standoff between the two women, as well as seeing and healing her injuries, he had no doubt of the strength and power Thyri was capable of. But she didn't exactly carry herself like a dangerous warrior; she was more approachable than that.\n \n\nThe rain continued to trickle down through the trees, and he was very aware of the crunch of snow under their feet, especially as the bear shifted nearby them. He knew he'd be freezing half to death, drenched as he was, if not for Yrsa's nearby warmth. He was truly gladdened to hear Thyri's acceptance of his offer. Looking down the hill, he could see her cart on the road that he had passed on the way up. From the glance he'd gotten at it, with the tools and weapons on it, it had to be hers. With a nervous laugh, somewhat embarrassed that he, as a man, probably wasn't as physically strong as this woman, he offered, \"I uh, I could *Try* To pull your cart back to our camp.\" He wasn't sure what else they could do with it otherwise; he hated to leave her hard work exposed to bandits and the elements.\n \nTaking a look at Yrsa upon Thyri's question, he saw that adorably oblivious look on her face and sighed, \"She understands more than you would think, but... Not quite enough to always fully grasp. I'd be willing to bet she doesn't understand a thing you're saying, other than the general... Feeling of it.\" For a moment, the alchemist stared into her blue eyes, feeling he could sense the human within looking back at him. He'd seemed to trigger... Something in her, upon their first meeting, that had caused her to revert. And he was rather certain anger helped her become a bear. But his brows furrowed as he wondered about the exact conditions for her transformations. It'd be awfully convenient if he could find a way to control or influence them... The dark whispers in his mind intensified a moment, scaring him with a physical jolt and breaking the train of thought. Maybe that would be a dangerous thing to look into, if he wasn't in the right mind... But before he could ponder further, his bear friend broke out in a galloping sprint that distracted him.\n \n\nWith a mixture between a chuckle and a sigh, he spoke to Thyri as he watched Yrsa disappear into the trees, \"Well, we'd better follow her, lest she get into more trouble. At least she's vaguely going towards the camp.\"" } ]	1,878.5	33,763
377.375	2024-01-02	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena watched him attentively as he explained his unique food item, her face visibly puzzled at the mention of baking- of Seasoning? Her mind running through memories until she vaguely remembered a similar practice back when Tiaris still sat above sea level, seems the humans innovations continued without her- a sad yet exciting thought.\n\nThe mermaids skins glistened in the sun, her icy scaled glimmering like fine jewels as the sky's light gently kissed them. Her large innocent eyes widening with shock as he entendes his hand, as his warm skin brushed against her fingertips- such an interaction puzzled her, flustered her. Her cheeks flushed, her pale cheeks painted with a soft rose as he pulled his hands away from her. Syrena's expression quickly turned into one of excitement as she realized she held his delicious treats within her hands, part of her wanted to eat them all right there but she wouldn't forgive herself if she didn't share them will the ocean and all it's creatures. She tapped her bottom lip in pensive thought before speaking, her plush lips parting to emit words that seemed closer to a song than sentence. \n\n\"Oceania bless you...\"\n\nShe paused, realizing she was unaware of his name. She nearly called him Sylvar due to their similar appearance and demeanor- the strange kind man surely reminded her of her close friend.\n\n\"Human...\"\n\nShe looked at him with curiosity and apprehension as she turned her head, her eyes locked onto him until she began to throw the chips to nearby fish- keeping a few in the bag for the fish back at Tiaris. She then turned back to Cullen once she finished throwing the treats, her eyes batting gently at him as she adjusted her hair to sit nicely over her shoulders and onto her back. \n\n\"Would you like to feed the coralbacks with me, they would be so upset if I didn't bring them a...\"\n\nShe paused for a moment, trying to remember what he called the delicious treat. \n\n\"Hard... Kelp.\"" }, { "author": "Cullen Stellae", "message": "\"Gods she is so cute!\" \n\n\"Annoying.\" Atlas countered, gagging audibly at her reactions to the food. The half demon couldn't believe how daft this creature was, and she was too slender, too delicate looking, no meat on the bones- nothing to grab. It was hideous. \n\n\"Would you shut up?\" He told Atlas in his head and muted the demon, dimming the noise the half demon could make down low so he was barely a whisper. Atlas hated when that happened and Cullen felt bad, but he didn't want anything ruining this moment. She really was grace personified. He couldn't help but look at her pretty lips as they parted and he realized that he totally Could Check her out, but that it was hard to beneath that sort of innocent and delicate etherealness she radiated. \n\n\"M-my names Cullen.\" He stammered out, her batting eyes making him go dumb in the head for a moment. She had nice shoulders too... \n\n\"Cullen!\" Aranea snapped annoyed, and Cullen shook his head. \n\n\"I'd love to, only... I think I'd drown.\" He said sheepishly, looking down at the depths. Even Aranea and Atlas didn't have magic that helped him breathe under water. \n\n\"Kelp and Seaweed Chips.\" He said, toying with his earring again as he watched her with solemn eyes. She'd go feed the sea creatures and leave him here, and this little daydream would be over." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena watched him with big, innocent eyes as he spoke. Her plump lips forming a small genuine smile as he told her his name- Cullen.\n\n\"I am Syrena. But I think your people call me the... Siren of Solitude? No that's the Yronis legend... Oh! The Lonely Maiden of Seafoam!\" \n\nSyrena giggled as she spoke about her Titles. Sailors from all around the world have caught sight of her for over two centuries, solidifying her in pirates mind as nothing but a beautiful myth. \n\nSyrena frowned when he mentioned drowning, thoughts of Sylvar drowning flooded her mind- how did she save him again... That's it! Syrena then placed both of her hands on Cullen's cheeks, her soft palms cupping his cheeks with a firm grasp as his cheeks were smushed. She then moved closer to him before gently kissing him on the lips, pulling away from him after a moment with a bright smile on her face.\n\n\"That should do the trick!\" \n\nSyrena then grabbed Cullen's left hand with her own before dragging both of them underwater. A carefree smile painted across her beautiful visage as they swam through the water towards the reefs floor. Looking back occasionally at Cullen to make sure he was okay as she ushered him through the briny depths. Her blue tail seemed to dance in the currents, the angelic fins adorned on the sides of her tail effortlessly dancing in the water as they danced in the waves." }, { "author": "Cullen Stellae", "message": "Sea Salt Silk, A Poem, By Cullen Stellae \n\n\"Her hands were clouds, my cheeks the suns light melting upon them, \nEyes like crystals filled with life giving water, mine a dying man wandering the desert, \nThere in the sea foam where the waves whispered nothings, there our lips met like two pilgrims blushing, \nOnly a kiss, a moment of bliss, \nAlas, I can't keep it, \nThe memory of something too good to be real.\"\n\nCullen drifted in the white clouds of his mental landscape with an blissful smile on his face as he rested his head on his hands, gazing up at the sky he'd made up. \n\n\"She kissed me.\" \n\n\"She was letting you breathe underwater.\" Aranea responded with a sigh, sitting beside him and playing with a piece of fluffy cloud. \n\n\"The first time me and my wife met, we broke the floorboards within an hour. That was boring.\" Atlas grumbled, punching holes in the clouds. \n\n\"I'm a man now.\" \n\n\"No.\" They both said, then looked at each other in disgust. Suddenly a black hole formed as Cullen realized with horror that he'd kissed a hot mermaid babe so early on in his adventure. What the fuck?! What was he to do now? What could he look forward to in terms of babe kissing? The only way to top it was to kiss a hot fox girl like in his childhood dreams- but the chance of that happening was so slim it almost didn't exist! \n\nHe'd peaked! Shit! \n\nHis mental state was collapsing, so the other two souls did the only thing they could think of. They stole the memory of the kiss away from him until he was ready to handle it. \n\n- - - - \n\n\"Whoa! Okay! I can breathe?! This is incredible!\" He said, squeezing her hand and kicking his legs as she pulled him along, his golden eyes taking in the beautiful underwater sights. As they approached the reef floors, he couldn't help but feel he was forgetting something very important... \n\nAh yes, his mead, it would get warm. Oh well, he could get more. He'd never get another moment like this." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena chuckled at his comment, the excitement of breathing underwater apparent in his boyish tone. Once they reached the seabed she let go of Cullen's hand and placed her hands in front of her mouth to project her voice before singing.\n\n\"Oooooh Squishy!\"\n\nHer voice was like an angelic opera, the soft airy notes of her syllables dancing through Cullen's ears like he was being serenaded by the gods despite the simplicity of her notes. \n\nMoments of silence passed before a small blue creature with a spiny shell emerged from a small cave that laid hidden behind a frilly anemone. The small creature scurried into Syrena's arms and looked startled at the sight of Cullen. Syrena smiled to the creature before singing a quiet melody into its ear, reassuring the creature that he was a friend. \n\nThe small coralback then swam over to Cullen and did a few laps around his head before heading back over to Syrena, digging it's head into the bag of chips given to her by Cullen, yanking it's head out of the bag with a few chips stuffed into its mouth. Syrena then shut the back before laughing. \n\n\"Save some for me you little glutton.\"\n\nThe small creature then laid atop a coral shelf and happily ate thee three chips it managed to take from the mermaid as it watched the two with big curious eyes.\n\n\"I think he liked your chips... Might need some more soon. He's a picky eater.\"" }, { "author": "Cullen Stellae", "message": "Cullen simply floated and watched the two interact, he didn't have much to say. What was there to say in a moment like this? Then as he sat there he realized that he really would miss out on this if he just drowned in awe. A memory was happening right in front of him and he'd be damned if he didn't take an active part in it. So, steeling himself up he swam over to her and grinned. \n\n\"Squishy huh? You guys must be good friends.\" He said, tilting his head as the coral back swam past. Blinking, he swam over to where it ate and reached into his belt and pulled out a thin but firm bristled brush. \n\n\"Can you tell him I won't hurt?\" He said gently towards Syrena, then when he had the go ahead he'd take the brush and start brushing the ridges of the coral back out, cleaning out the hard to reach places that might cause an itch here or a stiffness there. He'd seen a few of these creatures and always brought his little brush to help them and the turtles out. \n\n\"There we go! Plus it feels really refreshing and soothing for them.\" He said, holding the brush out to her. \"You can keep it, Syrena.\" It felt like a crime to say her name but he didn't want to squander this moment and not treat her like a friend. \n\n\"So.. Does that mean you'll want to see me again?\" He asked hopefully at her request for more chips." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena's eyes widened when Cullen revealed the brush, it was a strange device. She had learned of brushes when he traveled with Sylvar but this one seemed far too tough to use on your hair. The mermaid leaned in close to examine the tool, even running her hand across the bristles, giggling as it tickled her fingertips. Squishy watched, swimming above Syrena's shoulder letting out occasional chirps. \n\nSyrena then gently nudged Squishy towards Cullen before whispering to the small creature.\n\n\"You'll like it! You're always whining to have me itch your shell anyways.\" \n\nSquishy then swam into Cullen's arms and let out chirps of glee as he began brushing Squishy's shell. The creature stretched out its limbs in pleasure, letting them lay limp as she closed his eyes with a smile on his tiny blue face.\n\nSyrena clapped her hands together with bliss as she watched the encounter unfold. Coralbacks were shy animals that used their shells to blend into the rocky shores and often slept in caves away from prying eyes, it was a joy to see one- Squishy of all coralbacks warming up to a stranger.\n\n\"He loves it! Aren't his little chirps the cutest!~\"\n\nSyrena smiled as she watched Cullen finish up brushing the creatures shell, opening her arms for Squishy to swim into once he was finished. Her expression turned to one of shock as he offered his trinket before her, gently reaching out her hands and taking the brush from him. What a kind gesture, she was starting to like this... Cullen.\n\n\"Well of course! The fish want you to come back too, and not just for your chips.\" \n\nSyrena looked away from cullen for a moment, smiling to herself as she watched Squishy swim back into the solace of his cave. \n\n\"I'd love to show you more of the sea, the tides seem to welcome you Cullen.\"\n\nShe spoke with grace and ethereal beauty as she mentioned the tides, she could feel how natural the water felt- how comfortable the fish were when he was around, Oceania looked fondly upon him.\n\n\"Perhaps you could show me more of the land in return?... And bring me more chips?\"" }, { "author": "Cullen Stellae", "message": "Squishy was perfectly cute, it reminded him oddly of a kitten stretching out in the sun. Watching it swim away, his gaze inevitably drifted back to the miracle of a woman in front of him. Cullen kept finding himself shocked to see her, as if he couldn't quite comprehend that she was both real and as beautiful as she was, so he would forget until he saw her again. His face felt warm, his chest felt as if it were racing laps around his ribcage and when she looked away he hurriedly fixed his hair and would have tugged his shirt into place- but then he remembered he was shirtless and instead just pinched his own skin. At least he knew he was awake. \n\n\"The fish... Want me back? Really?\" He asked, turning slowly in the water to look at passing schools of fish that eyed them curiously. This had been his safe place as a teenager, after the move from to the Capitol realm. With an angry pirate captain as a step father, you got out of the house as much as possible. This cove had been his haven, his reminder that he Could Do something good for others, even if it was just fish and sea creatures that would never thank him. He never thought that they'd actually care about him. It made him cry, though it was impossible for anyone to notice since... He was underwater. Still he wiped at his face and nodded his head. \n\n\"Okay, then it's a date Syrena. Let's see each others worlds together.\" He said, and he swam a little closer to her. His Drow skin caught the ripples of sunlight that filtered through the water like a dark canvas, his golden eyes pearls of optimistic hope and interest. The proposal sounded grand, it sounded fantastic, it sounded... \n\n\"At least for the short time I'm here. I'll be gone soon, I have to go the Magios Academy.\" He said solemnly. He'd have to leave the next night in fact to make it on time." } ]	367	3,019
476.666667	2024-01-03	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena watched attentively as Cullen spoke to her, her eager eyes carefully scanning him and his features- careful to miss a single hint of emotion on his lavender visage. Her mouth seemed to be frozen in a permanent toothy smile, her perfectly straight ivory teeth gleaming between her soft lips.\n\nHer smile faded to one of gentle empathy as she watched him pause in thought, instinctively leaning a smidge closer to get a better look at his expression. His face painted a picture of emotion she had only ever seen on Sylvar's face when they spoke of the wretched scourge of the seas they both hated so much. An expression of pensive thought, of complex emotion- Syrena desperately wanted to understand Cullen's thoughts in that moment, her eyes frantically scanning his face in hopes of understanding him a bit better. She regained her smile once he spoke once more, snapping out of her hyper empathetic trance and leaning back into a more natural position. \n\n\"It's a... Date!\"\n\nSyrena had no idea what a date was, she had heard humans use the word when talking about the beautiful chase the sun and moon played with each other. Too embarrassed to ask for clarity the clueless mermaid simply smiled and nodded to his proposal, if it entailed more chips and seeing her new friend again she was all in. Her gleeful expression shattering into one of gentle disappointment as he spoke of the academy. \n\n\"I'm not familiar with the ah-cad-emi. Will you not be with the ocean anymore while you are there? The sea's will miss you dearly.\" \n\nHer words seemed to bounce off her tongue like a solemn ballad, each syllable a somber note as they passed through her lips. She knew not of the place he spoke of, but by the tone of her voice she gathered it was nowhere near her- near her beloved goddess." }, { "author": "Cullen Stellae", "message": "A date with a beautiful mermaid was not something he could pass up. So, he smiled the biggest smile, and raised his eyes to hers. Then he reached his hands up and cupped her cheeks, pulling her in and kissing her cheek long and sweet. Then he pulled away with her soft face still in his suprisingly strong hands and said, \"Lets worry about our date for now! We have the sun to see, chips to eat and smiles to share.\" Two days and one night- thats what he could have with her. Letting go of her face, her twined his fingers with hers and looked around them. \n\n\"Show me your favorite thing about the ocean, and then we can go to the surface together. They say the Maiden can walk on land to-\" He stopped before saying 'steal the souls of men', \"To sing to the fish in the ponds. So I am guessing you can walk!\" It was a hunch, but she didn't seem to shy from the idea of going above land. He wanted to keep her distracted, never to hear that somber and beautiful sound again. \"Dates are very special, Syrena. They mean...\" He thought about it hard, noticing the absent look she had about dates, \"Well, having a date with someone means you will always be very close.\" He said finally, squeezing her hand. He liked the way it felt in his, delicate and soft and yet... There was something else there too. \n\nThe young man looked alive, a dark shadow with a radiant sunset within. Velaris, the Academy, his mother, Atlas, Aranea- all of it could wait for a day. Just one last summer moment before the world fell into chaos. One last wonderful memory of youth before he really had to grow up and be the leader he needed to be for his people. \"Show me the way.\"" }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena's icy blue eyes seemed to glitter when Cullen gently kissed her cheek, her pale cheeks flushing into a bright pink as he pulled his head away from hers. Her oceanic orbs and his golden ones gazing into each other as he pulled his hands away from her cheeks. She simply stared at Cullen for a few moments until he spoke once again, seemingly broken out of her girlish trance with the first syllable of his sentence. \n\n\"HAHA\" Ahem \"Yes! The date!\"\n\nSyrena was dumbfounded by his actions, she had seen people kiss- remembered her parents, they kissed. She always thought kissing was for sharing the gift of breathing the brine, but her entire perception of the practice shattered after Cullen pecked her cheek- It was like a hug!. Her mouth couldn't help but water at the mention of his delicious seaweed chips, she would definitely see to it he holds up that part of his deal. \n\nSyrena smiled when Cullen mentioned her very own legend, she always found it so fascinating that the humans told stories about her. In her beautifully naive mind she was cherished as the champion of Oceania on land, that her story of devotion was told to children as a warning to love the seas- thankfully Cullen didn't shatter this innocent fantasy with the unfortunate truth. \n\n\"Oh I do feel so bad for the fish in the ponds! They must be awfully lonely don't you think?\"\n\nSyrena then looked away in embarrassment, her cheeks once again flushing pink but now for an entirely different reason. \n\n\"I'm not too good at walking, you guys make it look much easier than it really is you know.\"\n\nSyrena puffed her cheeks out in frustration, she was jealous of how easy Sylvar and Cullen made walking seem. She recalled how agile Sylvar was on their excursion together, how nimble was. She wallowed for a moment before it all clicked for her, she simply needed more practice. While scary, an adventure onto land would be an opportunity squandered- and a net loss of kelp chips...\n\n\"If it means we will be close forever than I'd love to go on a date!\" \n\nSyrena stumbled over the word Date It still felt unfamiliar gliding over her tongue. Syrena then smiled before tapping her bottom lip in deep thought... She wanted to show him her beloved city, but it was quite the swim away- far too far for somebody with no fins. Syrena's face then lit up as she got an idea. \n\nSyrena then cleared her throat before singing a heavenly melody of the ocean, her cheery notes echoing through the water as the ocean itself seemed to sway with her rhythm. A faint cry could be heard in the distance, an elegant horn like sound that oozed regality. A large blue seahorse like creature the size of a normal land steed approached the two at an impressive speed as if the ocean carried it to them itself. \n\n\"This is bubbles! We can take him to Tiaris.\"\n\nSyrena gently stroked the animals long sleek nose as it let out a neigh of satisfaction before bowing its head, beckoning the unlikely pair to mount its back." } ]	385	1,430
264.333333	2024-03-05	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Edric Aelfsige", "message": "It was raining, and it was raining hard. Edric walked along the road, his hood up to keep himself somewhat dry. In truth he was as content as he could usually be, though no smile was upon his face. His hood obscured his face, and through the rain it would be unlikely that anyone could see his face and make a guess for who he was. He was both thankful for that and for the rain itself. It was a sort of spiritual calmness - the rains reminded him that Kjartan was there, but he still worried that the rain would have been a punishment. It made it difficult for him to find his way, and he found himself stepping in the mud more often than not. \n\nAs he walked through the rain, he could feel the water soaking through his cloak. It wouldn't be long until he was drenched all the way through, he figured. Best to find an inn or somewhere to rest for the time being. He let out a long sigh as he stopped at a crossroads, looking at a sign that was there. In truth, he did not know the area very well. He had stopped at port a few times but had not ventured much further than that. \n\nHe was utterly lost. With a frustrated grunt, Edric raised a hand to wipe the water from his face. He was not a man to ask for help, but he may have to resort to asking one of the locals or a passerby which direction to go. With tired eyes he looked down the roads, looking out for someone that may be passing through." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "Naidi was not at all dressed appropriately for the rain. As one of the merfolk, she was very well acquainted with water, to the point that the rain wasn't too bothersome. Sure, it slowly seeped through her tunic and pants that she wore on land, but she could fuss about that later. The mermaid was leisurely strolling along the roads, while most others seemed to be hurrying off to find shelter, or simply had better things to be doing. Oddly enough, this was a new activity to her. To simply be walking around, rather than swimming. Surely a longer endeavour, but it had its own charms to it.\n\n To see an individual halted at a crossroads in this downpour, Naidi was naturally intrigued. She was aware that the Isles could be a little much for a newcomer, so she was more than happy to extend a helpful hand.\n\nHer footsteps were quiet, due to her being barefoot, but it was hard to miss a blue skinned individual headed toward you. But then again, Naidi wasn't going to assume she was seen at first glance. There was a small wave from her as she spoke up from a few paces away.\n\n\"Are you alright over there? It's raining quite hard today!\"" }, { "author": "Edric Aelfsige", "message": "Edric was not anticipating such a cheerful voice, nor despite the location expecting a blue skinned individual. He had heard that there were native merfolk to the area, but he had not ventured far enough within the Isle to actually have seen any. As the woman approached him, he raised a brow, instincively reaching towards his hip where a dagger was. But, he caught himself doing it and stopped, resting his hand by his side.\n\n\"I'm fine,\" He said simply, letting out another sigh as she waved at him, \"Just lost. As much as I thank Kjartan for the rain, I wish he wouldn't make it shower like this when I'm traveling.\" The man kept his hood up, his face still somewhat obscured by it. He hesitated a moment, as if he was still contemplating whether or not he could actually use help.\n\n\"Which way is the nearest inn? Or somewhere to get out of the rain?\" He asked, lifting one hand to wipe the rainwater off of his exposed chin." } ]	263	793
299	2024-03-09	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "\"Ah, you think this is abundant? You should see the proper storms that come around every once in a while. I don't envy the people that live above water and the amount of water they have to deal with.\" The mermaid smiled, looking up at the clouds that hailed rain down at them. While Edric didn't seem entirely engrossed in the conversation, Naidi thought it wouldn't do much harm to be conversational. Perhaps it would cheer their spirits a little bit. At the very least, he didn't seem to be disgrunted at her, and moreso just the weather.\n\n\"I believe the name of the inn is just The Puddle, which I always found to be a silly name. It's owned by a human, from what I'm aware of, and it's tucked away in a quieter part of the city, if that's what you would prefer.\" She offered, already thinking of the quickest route they could take to get there. In the process of thinking, Naidi figured that it would perhaps be best to get them out of the rain sooner rather than later. \n\nTaking a few small steps forward to get them moving, she turned to Edric again. \"May as well get a move on now, right?\" She smiled. \"We can start walking to The Puddle, but if you change your mind, the Half Sunken Inn is basically the same way as well, so no need for changing routes.\"" }, { "author": "Edric Aelfsige", "message": "\"I'm not entirely certain they could be considered 'above water' if they get much more rain than this.\" Edric said, catching himself a little off guard with the little joke. It wasn't like him to joke around - perhaps he was letting his guard down too much, he thought. Strange.\n\n\"The Puddle? That is a curious name.\" It was funny to him, really - the thought of such a notorious name on the sea going to a little inn called The Puddle. He would have to be certain he didn't get into any major conflicts there, for he would forever not be able to live down being in The Puddle. The Half Sunken Inn was a much more intimidating name, but he supposed it would still be practical to stay away from larger crowds of people. \"I would like to go there.\" He said simply.\n\nFollowing Naidi's lead, Edric walked alongside her. \"Let's be on our way.\" Edric didn't entirely return the smile, but not so much in a manner of trying to be rude. He simply didn't seem like a man that smiled much. \"What is your name, by the way?\"" }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "An amused laugh escaped the mermaid's lips at his comment. \"Hah, I can see where you're coming from. Those downpours really hit the city hard with the worst of the storms. Pretty sure a good few years back people were wading around in knee high water, and I wouldn't be surprised if there's been worse than that.\" Perhaps he wasn't as cold and quiet as her first impression led her to believe.\n\nNaidi nodded at his confirmation for the quieter spot, and was silently glad he agreed to that inn. Perhaps moreso out of curiosity and wanting to check out the spot for herself, too. She had only ever heard about it from the few friends she had who'd like to spend the night a quiet spot in the city. \"It is a strange choice for an inn, hmm? But I suppose it also invites a calmer group of the people the innkeeper would want to host, cause I can't imagine the most rugged of people would want to stay in a dainty place like that.\" Or perhaps it was the perfect cover for such individuals. Naidi was, perhaps fortunately or unfortunately, oblivious to those sorts of undergoings that weave their way in the city's livelihood.\n\nThey began their journey, with Naidi quickly wiping some of the wet hair that begun to cling to her face away from her eyes. As much as she enjoyed the rain, it getting all in her hair and ruining the good half an hour's work spent on it was never fun. A look of intrigue made its way onto her face as she was asked for her name. She didn't think he would have wanted to know, but she was more than happy to share. \"Naidi Wa'anar, nice to meet ya. What about yourself?\"" } ]	297	897
982.25	2023-11-28	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "deg. Your Grace @ * . Adalius", "message": "_ _\n﹌﹌﹌ 𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖑𝖚𝖗𝖐𝖘 𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖍𝖔𝖗𝖎𝖟𝖔𝖓?\n\n The night was tranquil and dark, with a full moon's reflection rippling gently over the ocean. The atmosphere was stable, and a dense layer of fog had settled upon the surface. It was just past midnight, and the majority of the Riable Isles' inhabitants had gone to sleep long ago. However, something stirred the waters. A menacing presence loomed over the peaceful, cold depths; undetected by most.\n\n It began in the archipelago's quiet outskirts, where a few merfolk from a village claimed to have spotted something large emerging from the fog. Perhaps it was the kraken, or some other monstrosity from the depths. To those living in the underwater cities, however, it was far clearer that this was a ship - they could feel its wake turbulence, and looking up, could observe its large, oval-shaped silhouette moving slowly across the water's surface. Soon enough, the inhabitants of every island and sunken city near its course were awake. \n\n News travel quickly in this archipelago, moving from island to island through underwater messengers and word of mouth. This applies especially to outsiders and strange visitors; especially ones that were uninvited. Being so isolated from the mainland, the Riable Isle only expects ships in the form of scheduled trading and tourism - but rarely did these ever arrive in the middle of the night. \n\n Soon, even the Archduke himself was made aware of the unexpected visitors. He quickly departed the Red Palace, arriving at Varrim City in mere minutes. From his appearance, it was clear that he had just been awoken - instead of his usual regalia, he donned a loose, white linen gown adorned with some simple ruffles. His long, silver hair was tied into a thick braid, which he typically wore overnight to give it a wavy look. His light blue eyes looked even more tired than usual, and he hadn't even had the time to put on shoes before leaving his palace.\n\n_ _\n`\"Go from door to door and ensure all of the citizens are awake. Instruct them to find a safe hiding place. It is crucial that they do not light any lanterns - we do not want our position to be visible from the bay.\"`\n\n Heeding the Archduke's instructions, the armor-clad Palace Guards began to fortify the city, focusing on areas near the shoreline. Soon, the city's winding streets were abuzz with panic and anticipation. Nobody knew exactly what was coming, but everyone had an idea of what it may be. In fact, Adalius himself was rather apprehensive. As he gave out orders and tried to prepare his people, he could not help but feel his chest becoming tight with pent up stress. The Riable Isle had not faced pirates in years, and having ascended to the throne mere months ago, the Archduke was not sure he could deal with them properly.\n\n Within half an hour, windows and doors were boarded up, and a legion of about a hundred armored soldiers stood waiting. Groups of brave locals stood watch as well, arming themselves with rudimentary spears and daggers. The atmosphere had grown tense and quiet as everyone waited for the ship to arrive. The archduke stood at the edge of a rock which oversaw the ocean, accompanied by a small group of guards. A cool sea breeze blew against him, causing a shiver to travel down his spine as he looked out onto the ocean. With the darkness and the fog, the ship was nowhere in sight. Anxiously waiting, he tried to mentally calculate how far along it might be, taking into account wind direction and where it was last spotted. He desperately hoped it was a lost merchant ship of some sort, but given the circumstances, it seemed likely that something more sinister was afoot. \n\nAll they could do was wait.\n\n_ _\n\n─────────────────────────────────────\n\n｡ ˚ ° Re__quired pin__gs ;; \n\n─────────────────────────────────────\n_ _" }, { "author": "Drake Kreshlovik", "message": "In the darkness of the night life forces swirl and plans begin to unfurl, the night as it was, was hardly any different from other nights. Cool breezes carried the familiar smell of salt and the gentle rolling of waves a calming backdrop to the night. The stars twinkled brightly in the sky unfettered and kind as they gazed down on the seas, but their light was overshadowed by the pale light of the full moon. A perfect night as all the other nights were in the almost paradisical Isle capitol. It would have stayed that well if the air was not laced with a seemingly terrifying presence. Even under the sea, fish fled their otherwise protected area, sharks bolted as if they were being chased by a predator that could not be seen. \n\nFog. An unusual sight in these parts began to roll in slowly at first but it became thicker and too dense to see much as if a silent tsunami was overcoming the city. The odd lit lantern was blown out, the sounds of creaking lanterns and ringing chains overcame the sleeping city. Then came the dark storm clouds in the distance, rumbling thunder and brief flashes in the distance. Strom clouds rolled over the moon hiding her gentle light from the cities inhabitants. Gentle waves swelled as winds began to blow a little harder, the occasional spray of water jetting into the air above as the waves slammed into the rocks. For some under the sea one moment they saw the ships hull churning through the water and the next it seemed to have vanished. \n\nIn a moment the ship far from the city on the horizon a simple but still alarming silhouette had seemed to close the distance rather rapidly. While word rang out for the people of the city aboard the ship it was silent as not a soul seemed to stir. No lanterns on the deck to illuminate, it would have appeared to be a ghostly pirate ship to those close enough to observe it.\n\nSuddenly, a fire split through the fog as one of the two figure heads on the front, a dragon in this case, began to burn casting a great orange light on the young archduke, soldiers, and brave admittedly foolish citizens who stood at the ready. The ship approached the sounds of sails in the breeze, creaking wood, and swishing ropes from the rigging offered a welcome change from the dreadful silence that had been offered with the preparations put in place. A man stood at the helm, alone and without any sailors or seeming life of any kind aboard the ship. Without seeming to waste a second the ghostly seeming figure walked across the deck and as the figure walked across the deck and disappeared behind one of the large masts harboring the black sails of the apparent pirate ship. It was as the ship got close did a few of the citizens begin to walk away, the symbol on the sail was familiar to some... A skull with a quarter note underneath... The Broken Melody. \n\nIt was as the realization of the ship and then the knowledge of the man who made it so infamous settled did some flee in terror a few shrieking a bloody cry, one in a certain case crying out for mercy as they fled back into their homes. It was only then did the shadows give up their master, in the very shadow of the archduke, hidden by the fog and only illuminated by the fire from the dragons head the figure from the ship rose. The figure stood between the armed guards and the archduke. With a snap a eruption of black magic slammed into the small escort sending some smashing against the rock and into the water strangely not appearing to surface once more.\n\nTurning the figure towered over the archduke, shoulders broad with a thickly muscled frame hidden by a gorgeous black tunic and overcoat accented heavily in gold. Pale skin shone brightly as the fog dissipated some and a hole split in the clouds casting light upon the now only two figures standing on the rock. The man had dark slightly messy hair, pale almost corpse-like skin, and most of all two shining gold-amber eyes that glowed like molten gold. Gazing down upon Adalius the figure spoke a deep and almost alluring voice, with the same charm as a foreign prince. \n\n\"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, chancellor, you may call me Drake or any other names your people have so graciously given me. I am here to conduct business so dismiss those soldiers and people, lest you wish for conflict to erupt and we both do not want that, now do we?\" \n\n─────────────────────────────────────\n\n ｡ ˚ ° Pings ;; \n theme music should you wish to listen: \n─────────────────────────────────────" }, { "author": "deg. Your Grace @ * . Adalius", "message": "_ _\n\n﹌﹌﹌ 𝔄𝔫 𝔲𝔫𝔢𝔵𝔭𝔢𝔠𝔱𝔢𝔡 𝔳𝔦𝔰𝔦𝔱𝔬𝔯 \n\n The suspense was finally over as a hulking pirate ship emerged from the fog. The panicked cries of citizens tore through the air - and as the Archduke's head snapped toward them to see what was going on, he stood in shock seeing them flee. Even his own guards seemed to back off in fear, clutching their spears as they braced themselves for an attack. He flinched as a jet of fire spurred from the ship's dragon-shaped bow, backing off and holding his hands out in front of his face to protect himself from the searing heat.\n\n Before he'd even realized that the captain had disembarked, a sudden burst of dark magic had decimated the guards that stood along side him. His heart sank as he heard the guards fall; screaming as their armor clashed loudly against rock, and as one of them plunged into the cold waters below. His eyebrows knitted as he gritted his teeth, nervous eyes darting around as he searched for the source of this wretched magic - only to realize the culprit was standing right in his shadow. Adalius looked up to see this 6'8 mountain of a man looming over him, horrified as he realized the pirate's golden stare was tearing into him like a hawk examining its prey.\n\n The Archduke was speechless. He wanted to interrupt the pirate's introduction - that false display of amiability - and shout, reprimanding him for what he'd just done to those poor guards. However, he found himself unable to do so. The elf's menacing presence had him frozen in place. He could feel his own heart pounding behind his ears - it felt like his lungs had been ripped out and replaced by a hornet's nest. He tried desperately to regain his composure, to disguise his fear with some semblance of dignity. \n\n_ _\n\n`\"Why, of course not.\"` He shakily replies, before waving a hand to the remaining soldiers - which, mind you, was not many - and, in the most confident voice he could muster, ordering; `\"You may stand down - return to your posts immediately. Notify the others that this was a false alarm, and I shall deal with our visitors personally.\"`\n\n The Archduke made sure to speak in Common Imperial so that the captain could understand him - heavens forbid that the man misunderstood and took this as another threat. He spoke with a slight Nevian accent, which mostly came through in the way he rolled his rs and pronounced his vowels. This became especially noticeable given how abrupt the language switch had been, and how much fear and discomposure permeated his tone. Looking back up towards Captain Kreshlovik, he took notice of how nicely the man was dressed - the sharp silhouettes of his ornate gold and black suit. Suddenly, the Archduke felt that he was obscenely underdressed, and his fear began to morph into shame, a flustered expression replacing his frown. \n\n`\"Well, Captain Kreshlovik - or, shall I say Grimtide - it is a pleasure to meet you as well. I sincerely apologize for the rude welcome you received, though I hope you can understand that the Riable Isle does not usually receive unannounced visitors at such late an hour, and we were simply preparing for the worst. This overreaction of ours could have very well been avoided if you had sent a letter in advance, so do keep that in mind if you wish to visit us again in the future.\"`\n\n Despite how much of a wreck his mind was at the moment, he had managed to pull himself together enough to speak in a dignified way, his soft voice holding an air of regality as he welcomed the pirate. But even so, he felt absolutely ridiculous; standing there in what was essentially his nightgown, with no crown, no jewelry, no entourage of guards - hell, not even shoes. This Was the Archduke of the Riable Isle? What a joke.\n_ _\n\n`\"Now, you and your men must be exhausted from the long journey you've just endured. Might I invite you all to the Red Palace so we may discuss your offer over some refreshments?\"`\n\n_ _\n\n─────────────────────────────────────\n\n｡ ˚ ° Re__quired pin__gs ;; \n\n─────────────────────────────────────\n_ _" }, { "author": "Drake Kreshlovik", "message": "A grin seemed all to bright for the darkness they now found themselves in as the pirates gaze met with the small detachment of soldiers. Ecstasy. A sick pleasure poisoned his mind for if just a moment upon seeing the pulverized metal shattered and twisted by the force. Broken limbs lifelessly coated in dripping crimson blood into the water as he watched it blossomed in its new home. Sick twisted voices only spoke and gave him more, he was deeply pleased at the sight. Never was he allowed to enjoy something for long, the man behind him was of greater importance than the guards would ever be. Lifting his hand a wave rushed over the rocks sweeping the bodies and gore into the sea like sweeping dust under a rug, \n\nTurning around slowly he could practically feel the fear radiating off the smaller man, it was addicting, the fear so many felt. The control, something he had yearned for was now his at a whim and the Archduke seemed to be no many of fortitude. Admittedly, he wasn't sure what to expect from a young ruler - but it wasn't this. He was young to be sure, not too much younger than himself by the looks of it. Drakes gaze looked him over, it shifted to a look of... Intrigue? His eyes were something people struggled to look at, they held no lively glitter, it was akin to looking at a murky liquid. Difficult to understand to read what was going through them, but if one thing was certain. He exuded an aura of mysterious danger, likely a mix of the well groomed appearance and calm, if anything, polite demeanor just made him more confusing to understand.\n\nHe did not offer any gloat, no frightful displays of intimidation... Nothing. Drake simply stared him down soaking in everything he could before he snapped in an instant. A large hand reached out and gave a squeeze to the archdukes shoulder. \"Are you quite alright? I apologize for the fear I may have caused you, I like to make an entrance and your guards seemed more than ready to kill me out of fear. I assure you, you will be compensated for their deaths. Unfortunate as the sea may be, she wont give up her dead and as such I can only seek to apologize for my behavior.\" His voice was deep, smooth and seeming to come across as genuine. But more surprisingly is he kneeled and lowered his head to gaze upon the rocks in front of the smaller man. As such, when he returned to a standing position he produced a gorgeous gem. Deep blues and greens swirled in the crystalline structure like a galaxy. However, as he offered the object, it began to glow, casting an ethereal light between the two men. \"Let me begin our exchange more properly with a gift, I offer you the Heart of Durenous. A relic I acquired in my voyage to the far east, it was difficult to acquire it but it is of great importance. Now it is yours.\" \n\nThe sounds of armor clanking as the remaining soldiers returned to their posts resounded in the empty air, a wise choice for the duke to make. He may have been offended by the language shift in a potentially different circumstance, he knew the Merfolk's language fluently, but the fact the Archduke went out of his way to ensure he wouldn't distrust him was... Positive. He gave Adalius a charming smile upon seeing the shameful flustered expression on his face, a silent way of communicating he didn't care. Well as far as could be told from his body language.\n\n\"No, no, by all means simply call me Drake. I am not a man deserving of your formalities, but if you so with your grace then feel free to call me whatever you may like. It is quite alright, not many would expect a ship such as mine to arrive so suddenly and it was not my intention to terrify you or your people. I will do well to keep what you said in mind for the future, wouldn't want a potentially disastrous situation on our hands.\" Certainly, despite all that would say otherwise, the ability to pull oneself together in such a situation is a trait found in leaders. Even should they be terrified to their core at whatever they faced, Drake certainly appreciated it more than he would acknowledge. \"Do not worry about my crew, they slumber and I would hate to bring them to intrude on such important grounds. But I would be a fool to deny that being the perfect place for our... Business.\"\n\nAs he stepped aside for the other he made a movement to indicate for the other to lead the way to the palace out of respect. However, placing a hand to block his way at the last minute he looked him over. \"If you wish to spare some of the potential embarrassment for how you are clothed, take my hand and I will ensure we get there far faster and avoid any potential mishaps. You came this way in nothing but what seems to be bed clothes to face a potential enemy, you have earned my respect as such I believe it wouldn't be a problem to aid you even if only a little?\" With that his cloved hand turned upside down in an offering to the Archduke, would he entrust Drake or would he turn away such a kind offer... \n\n─────────────────────────────────────\n\n ｡ ˚ ° Pings ;; \n theme music should you wish to listen: \n─────────────────────────────────────" } ]	959	3,929
336.5	2024-03-04	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Pride", "message": "Pride's own ego began to chip away at the thin layer of public decency and kindness he has spent years forming. He was once an Imperator, feared and respected across all of Aeterna to the point his names very mention was considered blasphemous unless spoken with respect. Once he was ancient, once he was feared, once all knew his name and deeds- but in this modern age, for one reason or another, most of those who stride Aeterna are filled with some idiotic bravado where they would make light and jest in his presence and To Him? Unthinkable. \n\n\"*Your insolence and disrespect will be remembered.\" The words came with a tone of absolution and commitment, letting it be fully known that Pride does not appreciate disrespect in any capacity. Holding his right hand to the side a shimmer of golden light begins to spark within the grasp of the warrior- arcing more and more until a brief flash of white light came and went, an ornate long spear made of gold and silver appeared within the grasp of Pride while angelic wings white as snow sprouted from his back and unfurled outwards.\n\n\"I am Pride, son of Titanos and the Demigod of War.\"\n\nWinds began to whip and roll as the clouds above darkened, lightning crackled within the heavens above and the demigod of war leveled his spear towards Taenli.\n\n\"You __dare__ question ME, THE GREAT LION O-\"\n\nSuddenly the winds stop, lightning ceases, his wings fold back into place and somehow Pride ends up standing only a few feet away from the little lady- his expression and tone changed from anger and arrogance to simple confusion and also an odd kindness.\n\n\"Um... Ink? Yes, I believe it should have ink... It's quite a common thing.\"" }, { "author": "Taenli \| Marlo's Lance", "message": "She watches him; the two nodes on her shield taking on a deeper glow as she prepared. She doesn't look particularly upset; but she certainly doesn't seem dumb Enough* To simply idle while he shows off his prowess. She also seems to fixate on his center-mass, rather than his face.\n\n\"Owah...\" She mutters, watching the display; her attention moving upwards towards the sky. Towards the mana that manifests within; a single step forwards, a readied hunch, lance leveled and wreathed in violet light, shield pulled in close, and-\n\nAnd he's answered her question.\n\nThe aggression is gone with whimsical speed, and instead she hoists the lance to the sky triumphantly, a sound like shattering pottery echoing off of the lance as whatever enchantment that had overtaken it broke away.\n\n\"Huzzah! We go, then. Marlo awaits! I know not the customs of this land, Son of Titanos. Surely with someone like yourself in tow, acquiring this ink shall be of naught for difficulty. Tell me of your deeds!\" She notes.\n\nShe's-\n\nShe's already. Walking away.\n\nShe's marching off at a steady clip, with the expectance that he'd follow him just the same.\n\n\"I am Taenli, Lance of Marlo. And Marlo, my Archive, requires ink. If he has no ink, he cannot archive, as is Father's will. And I am already irritable that he has been left alone for this long. Father's will is that he is my charge; and if something were to happen to him, I would assuredly fail such.\" She offers.\n\n\"I, Taenli! Will never fail such a task. There is nothing in the world that can produce a strike with sufficient force to bypass the gaurd of one like I!\" She chines, smitten with herself.\n\nShe hasn't even stopped to let him speak yet, droning on and on... And on... And on...\n\nShe eventually stops, though, tilting her head as she goes to look over her shoulder at him as she moves." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "\"*What in the world...\" Pride looks remarkably shocked whenever Taenli speaks again, perplexed by the manner of speech and word usage at hand- reminds him of Alekhya, almost Too* Proper, extremely uncommon and practically unheard of.\n\n\"*And you're already walking away...\" Sigh.* \"*Great.\" The demigod of war waved to his celestial lion to remain posted while he ventured onwards, the spear that had manifested in his hand moments ago vanishing with the same sparkle of golden light.\n\n\"You don't know the customs? As in you've never been to Isles-?\" Pride attempted to speak once more but the short lady spoke again. \"Lance of who- ink isn't hard to find- yeah that makes sense- can you slow do- there are a lot of things that can bypass your guard- can we slow down so we can tal-\"\n\n\n WALKING.\"\n\nHis voice sounded like a thunderclap while his right hand grabbed the top of Taenli' helmet and he hoisted her off her feet so she cannot keep walking. He stared into the eyes of the little lady and breathed deeply, steam escaping from his nostrils like an angry bull for a few seconds until he calmed himself with a deep sigh.\n\n\"Since I know where to find said ink don't you think it would be best if* I *Lead us there?*\"" }, { "author": "Taenli \| Marlo's Lance", "message": "The little knight keeps marching for just a second, as their feet leaves the ground. He'll find her to be decently heavy; as if he were picking up a statue, instead of anything like a gnome. The rosy-cheeked creature aught be no issue for a demigod to hoist, though, but they straighten out, and consider his words.\n\n\"I shall allow this.\" The note, plainly.\n\nIt's now that, again, attention is called to the idea that she is speaking tonhim without at all moving her mouth; even though she is clearly emoting and the like, the smug smile on her expression increasing in width as he suggests taking the lead.\n\n\"Someone such as I would perhaps ruin the situation with my battle-prowess. And then Marlo would be upset with me. And then... I would have to go to the next town.\" She notes, as if rationalizing the situation to herself.\n\n\"Son of Titanos!\" She notes.\n\n\"Should one accompany you, like for like? I would not have you do this task for me without recompense. It is uncouth.\"" } ]	340.5	1,346
566.8	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "The bars within the Agnin city were a rather rough and tumble area, full of rowdy individuals ready to jump at the first person that looked at them wrong. Having a weapon strapped to your side was certainly a grand way of keeping such ne'er-do-wells at bay. On this rather gorgeous night, Aspeth had gone without her hat or her coat, even her holster was gone. Well, that was a lie, she still had a flintlock strapped to her side in her sash, but the usual holsters across her chest were missing.\n\nBeside her lay a full tankard of ale, her third of the night. She was celebrating obviously, having taken a grand victory against a bitch Champion and her hag God. Oh, tonight was certainly a night to be celebrated. She could not wait for the stories to properly spread, about how a high and mighty Champion had been brought low by a mere mortal and in her rage had murdered a poor young lass. She didn't particularly care about the woman who had died. But what a perfect bit of timing, she truly was in the right place at the right time for Aspeth.\n\nShe was in a good mood and high spirits, the beautiful and practiced grin on her face was telling. Even when she moved there seemed to be an added bounce, drawing eyes to her as she turned around to lean against the bar. Taking the tankard up once more, she cheered to herself as she sipped at the beverage. If there was one thing that she would have to complain about, it was how Lonely This victory was. Most were too scared to come up to her, or busy with a group of there own. Erasil above, she sometimes she wished for people to be a bit braver.\n.\n\nAh well, not much she was able to do about it other than look pretty and keep the drinks flowing. She was enjoying herself either way. It was a beautiful night, and she was going to rest. Her bandaged arm was still a bit numb from whatever poison that cobra had, but she had luckily been able to get it to a apothecary. Luckily it seemed like they didn't really ask about where one got a snake bite.\n\nHolding up one hand, she watched as a spark danced between her fingers. For a moment, she pondered what life might have been if she had decided to stay at home and pursue a place in the academy her parents had so badly wished for her to go to. Would she have been a master of flames at this point? Perhaps she would have already delved to the deepest depths of the ocean. Shaking the thoughts away, she scoffed and laughed to herself. Whilst she might have been a high value person, she would have Hated Such a lifestyle. \n\nShe was much better off where she was." }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "The seedier taverns of Agnin City were some of Hallie's favorite hunting grounds. No one looked twice when a fight broke out. Her prey weren't often the sort of people anyone noticed were missing; and even if they were, they wouldn't look into it because there was no point, murders here didn't get solved. It was a common pastime for her to either lurk or post up in one of these taverns. Even if she wasn't hungry, there was always some kind of fun to be had. The people watching was Fantastic. \n\nThis particular evening she had decided to post up in a dark corner of the tavern, slowly nursing a mug of ale. Though she was quite beautiful, with her sea-kissed blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and milky skin, none dared approach her. The aura she gave off was like a cat lying in wait for a mouse, though she was all smiles and charming words for the barmaids that passed by. However it didn't generally quite work in her favor, since a full smile for her revealed incredibly sharp canine fangs that most found a bit off-putting. She wore her long black coat, though the cold had stopped bothering her decades ago, mostly out of habit. Tonight she felt like leaving the hat in her room, wanting to feel the moonlight on her face when she had been outside. At the current moment, the nearby mounted candelabra cast a faint glow over her that only accentuated her already washed out features.\n\nWith a sigh, those icy blue eyes watched the last barmaid saunter away. Taking a long swig from the mug, she felt quite frustrated, building the urge to start a fight. She was hungry, anyway. It was so incredibly unfortunate that she'd had to kill her girlfriend; she'd actually quite loved her, which had become increasingly rare for the vampire. Though it had been many months ago now, she still felt the pang of grief. But there was no guilt or shame accompanying it, really only regret that it now left her alone. Elise had made her choice, and she paid for it. To Hallie, it was as simple as that. Nothing, no one, would stop her from getting what she wanted. And at the time she couldn't stand to be under that bastard of a captain anymore. Due to his pressgang tacts of acquiring and keeping his monstrous crew, kill or be killed was the only way out. \n\nAlmost having decided to leave and see what sod she could lure into an alleyway, her sharp eyes lighted on a somewhat familiar figure at the bar. She must've been brooding too long, as she knew she wouldn't have missed such a gorgeous thing walking in. Her eyes hungrily scanned up and down, both ogling and trying to place the woman. After a moment of thought, she remembered: Aspeth, was her name. They'd done a job together months back, not terribly long after the vampire had broken free. Must've been why she didn't pursue this woman, her grief being too fresh to feel up to it at the time. But that hadn't lasted long. She remembered Aspeth's impressive skill in battle, the joy she saw in her face at deceiving people; it was Delicious.\n\nGrabbing her mug and walking over, she took the seat next to her at the bar just as Aspeth created a few sparks. Tilting to her head to the side as she faced and regarded her acquaintance, she nearly purred, \"How did you know how I was feeling? Sparks *Certainly* Are flying. Such a pleasure to see you again, Aspeth.\" She flashed a soft yet lethal grin." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Aspeth was watching the barkeep clean an old tankard that she was certain he always seemed to have. There was no chance that it wasn't already clean. It was practically polished to a shine. Though, she could certainly understand why. A barkeeper doing nothing always looked so odd, so cleaning even a mere tankard was quite a neat trick to have up one's sleeve. She had used it plenty of times when she was acting within a crowd. It made people's eyes believe she was meant to be there.\n\nWhilst she was lost in her thoughts, a single voice stuck out from the crowd. Hearing the voice did perk her eyebrow up. Oddly familiar and strangely sweet. If she wore a poet, she'd liken it to some sweet shite like a candy or some colour. But Aspeth was no poet, nor did she particularly care for having such a creative bone in her body. But when she heard her name, now That Caught her attention. Finally, she was getting the recognition that she deserved. A sly grin appeared on her face as she allowed the sparks to fade away.\n\n\"Well, perhaps I'm able to read the future. If sparks are flying, then why don't we light the whole barrel, Hallie.\" She turned to face the vampress, taking a moment to gaze up and down her outfit as she let out a hum. \"You're certainly looking dashing tonight. Got plans?\" A bit of sarcasm was within her words. She could remember how late the woman would stay up, and with how pale she was it wasn't difficult to assume she was one of those who laid in undeath. But, she had been a damn good hand within the job, and she wasn't going to be judging someone off of what they were. Unless they were a Champion, Demigod or other religious person who didn't worship her Goddess. But this was an old friend of hers. She made a gesture to the barkeeper, and turned to properly face the woman.\n.\n\n\"You've caught me at Such A grand time. Just bested a Champion in her own home. So I am drinking plenty tonight.\" Laughter escaped the woman as she placed the tankard down. It certainly seemed like the night was going to be getting better and better. \"Truth be told, I was just looking for a bit of company. Suppose my prayers have been answered.\" She flashed a wink before snickering to herself. Oh, she could already tell it was going to be quite a fun night now.\n\n\"How have you been now, Hallie? How long has it been?\" That old job back in Yronis felt like it was years ago. She could barely remember how much they haad been paid, but Hallie had left a good enough impression to keep nice and fresh within her memories. Perhaps it was the alcohol that was flowing through her system already, but the slight red tinge to her cheeks was not easily missed, nor was how her smile seemed to be much brighter than usual." }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "The vampire's toothy grin widened in delight, which only served to make her look more feral. If she was looking to catch the average woman, she had to be more careful, all closed lip smiles. But Aspeth had a touch of that madness about her that Hallie simply couldn't resist, and she knew that her fellow pirate wasn't afraid of her. Though fear could be appealing, it wasn't what she wanted to strike in a more constant companion. Continuing to sip her ale, she reached over with the other hand to momentarily stroke the back of Aspeth's hand holding her own mug, \"Good idea. I do *Love* A good explosion.\" She laughed softly, \"And any future with you in it suits me just fine.\" A pained look washed over features briefly, accompanied by a dramatic sigh, a tad of sarcasm in her tone as well, \"I know, I'm so very ravishing, but,\" She smirked, \"No one will bite. So I find myself quite free.\"\n\nArched blonde brows raised and she nodded approvingly at the news. She hadn't been aware this beauty was That Skilled. \"Grand, indeed. I hope you made her suffer. I hate those pricks and their bastard gods.\" Her tone was icy, and she knocked back a larger pull of her mug, beating it on the bar twice to summon the barkeep for more. She hated those zealous freaks. In her usual whiplash style of emotional cycling, once her mug was full again, she turned to her companion with a devilish grin, a hungry twinkle in her eye, all cool joy with no traces of the anger from seconds before remaining, \"Congratulations are in order, and celebrating certainly.\" She spat in very brief disgust, \"Prayers have nothing to do with it, but I like you, so believe what you wish.\" A very distant part of her whispered not to crush this woman's faith, as her own has been. Besides, the world would eventually do it for her.\n\nScrunching her features in thought, she rubbed her mug absent-mindedly. \"I think that was... Five months ago, give or take.\" A small pang of grief hit her anew, but it only made her want to seek this conquest more. She cast a sly side eye at Aspeth, \"You know me. I've been leaving a bloody trail across the Empire. Quite fun.\" She held up her clawed hands in mock defense, \"Though I've defeated no Champions. *That* Would be a display I'd ensure *Everyone* Saw.\" With a sigh, she turned again to face her friend, \"I've been looking for a ship of my own, but it's damned hard to get one. I'd prefer to be my own master, but, I'd sail under the right person, I suppose.\" \n\nTaking a slow sip and eyeing the other woman over top of her mug, she cooked, \"I'm also desperately hungry. Being in the seas with a crew for sometime but no fights is hard on me if no one will be generous.\" She flashed a charming closed-lip smile, \"I hope you've been well, love. Been busy?\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"I certainly remember that you do.\" Her eyebrow perked up as her hand was stroked, but it wasn't like it was some sort of snake ready to leap out and bite. She might as well allow it. Leaning forward, she used her free hand to rest her her chin against her hand. \"No one has taken even a nibble?\" She looked aghast at the mere suggestion. \"Impossible. A beauty such as yourself? I don't believe you.\" Her voice was teasing, and a snicker was soon to follow along. There was curiosity in her eyes however, was this bar so dull that beautiful woman were set to be ignored in favour of an ugly bastard with a pair of cards? Oh, what a travesty. Perhaps she would have to do her own work to fix such an issue, she didn't mind at all. A night with booze and a gorgeous woman? Most men would dream of having such a moment at least once in their lives.\n\n\"Oh darling, she was Sobbing. The hag had no clue what to do!\" Uproarious laughter escaped her as she slammed a hand down. Good spirits was quite the way to give Aspeth a giggly mood. She'd likely laugh at almost anything in such a state. Who could blame her? Alcohol made almost everything so much funnier than it was. \"If not prayers, then my dreams have certainly come true.\" A flirtatious wink was given, but she was quick to move onto the next topic. After all, Aspeth believed the best thing was to tease someone before reeling them in proper. It let her see just how they reacted. That was always the fun part.\n.\n\n\"Five months... Feels like it's been much longer than that.\" Being stuck in prison and hunting down a Champion was definitely a way to pass the time. Prison had certainly been rather enjoyable, having met the talking fish, swordsman and horned girl, she must say that the escape was a beautiful thing. It had even gotten her a proper musket as a gift. Oh, how she loved that weapon as if it were her child. It was such a beautiful piece of equipment. \"If you weren't leaving a trail, I'd have to ask what you had done with the Real Hallie.\" Of course, Aspeth might not have known the woman all that well, she was still familiar with how she tended to do things. Perhaps that is what caused them to work so well in tandem, a similar fashion of dealing with issues. A good old knife stuck into the shoulder blades was always a grand way to fix a particularly noisy problem.\n\n\"Hungry? Well, perhaps I Could help with that tonight.\" How a crew could go without fighting was unbeknownst to her. Those crew fights were something to Live For. She still remembered her first like it was just the previous day. She had gotten clocked around the jaw so hard she had been seeing stars. There were times she wondered how that old burly fighter was doing. She hoped he was well. \"Busy making a name for myself, certainly. You might have seen a poster or two with my perfect likeness painted on it.\"" }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "The vampire's grin turned wicked as it seemed Aspeth was willing to play her game. Winning was excellent, of course, but Hallie also found the chase, the back and forth, quite tantalizing as well. She feigned pitifulness with big sad eyes and a huff of a sigh. \"No, not even a sniff, never mind a nibble.\" The mischief couldn't stay out of her face for long, as she flirted, \"Well, at least not from anyone I cared to indulge. Though that seems to be changing.\" A few men, as always, had approached her before they noticed the fangs; they were easily distracted by her other assets. But women, generally, were more discerning, and it was hard at times to reel one in. When desperate to feed, she didn't care. But she was hoping for companionship, too, on this night.\n\nHallie drank in Aspeth's vicious joy, finding it very life-giving. While finding unruly sorts to work with was rather easy, it wasn't every day she found compatriots in cruelty, and she intended to soak it all in. She hummed with pleasure, \"I do so *Love* To break a person, to dash every last hope. I have to say I'm quite jealous. You did two of my favorite things in one fell swoop. I hope her suffering reaches her shitty god, too.\" At her friend's flirty quip, she quirked a brow and smirked, leaning closer to whisper brusquely, \"Oh, is that so? Sounds like we're having the same dreams then.\" She enjoyed playing along, also trying to get the upper hand, but as long as the other didn't walk away from the game, she didn't incredibly care who 'won.'\n\nNodding approvingly, she was pleased to see Aspeth remembered her. Not that many that met her and lived Didn't, but it was particularly pleasant to know she had wedged herself in the mind of a beautiful woman. \"I agree, it's certainly been a busy several months. If I'm not fielding jobs I'm playing with the hunters that trail me... Always busy.\" At the offer of blood, the mild haze of lust in Hallie's blue eyes was overtaken by a far more intense hunger, and she immediately became somewhat distracted, staring with those sharp eyes at the other woman's slender neck for a moment before tearing her gaze away to look Aspeth in the eyes, \"That would be *Most* Welcome and appreciated. I promise I wouldn't take too much.\" The hunger being closer to the surface now, she was somewhat less playful, though not entirely. She licked her bottom lip before raising her brows with an impressed nod, \"I thought I'd spied you around the Empire from time to time, it's a decent likeness. Though of course, it can't compare to the genuine article.\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"A true tragedy for the ages. However could a beauty such as yourself be left alone. We'll have to remedy this right away, won't we?\" Her eyebrow perked up as her grin widened. Her finger gently traced the rim of her tankard, her nail picked up a bit of the amber liquid that had remained from where her lips had been. She brought it up as if to inspect it for any impurities. Leaning back and holding it over her head, she allowed it to drip onto her tongue, making a show of the whole process. As she leaned forward once more, she rolled her shoulders as a soft sigh escaped her. It was a subtle movement, but it worked to adjust the lighting from the torches near her. It made her features that much more striking, all whilst seeming to be a natural change in the lighting.\n\n\"Most women are jealous of me. But that doesn't mean you have to worry, darling. Plenty of Champions to go around. For now.\" With her plans already being made, she believed that Champions would cause trouble for the common bandit and criminal no more. They would be forced into hiding and lose All That they had. Ah, there she went thinking about work whilst it was time for play. She truly was too focused on the job at hand at times. \"A dream come true most certainly.\" She watched as the Vampress leaned in and whispered, the hairs on her neck standing up from the proximity. She knew what a vampire could do at such a close range\n.\n\nIt made it so much more enticing.\n\n\"The hunters do make for a bit of entertainment.\" She had her fair share of bounty hunters, but none of them would compare to a Vampire Hunter. She had heard stories of their strengths, and how some of them fought. They were quite the dirty bastards. If she didn't already have her own line of work, she might have taken up such a job for fun. She watched as the gaze within Hallie's eyes shifted, and she did not miss how her eyes roamed down to her throat. There was always that innate fear within a human whenever one in undeath looked towards them. But Aspeth was able to overpower such a fear, shifting in a way that teasingly left her neck in the open, almost inviting a bite. \"I'm sure they were all beautiful posters, but those poor artists can't truly capture perfection, can they?\" She had to admit she had seen some Awful Interpretations of her. So many seemed to fail to capture her beauty or just did an awful angle. It was sad to see such poor artists being made to draw up such a poster." }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "Light blue eyes drank in the show before her, an unabashedly lecherous smirk on her lips. Finishing her own mug of ale, Hallie said alluringly, \"You certainly seem to be the balm for what ails me.\" Which, while it was Definitely A line, wasn't entirely untrue. Aspeth could be a rather perfect companion for her and was certainly capable of meeting all her needs. Watching the light play over the other woman, she was starting to wonder which hunger would win out first, or if her impatience might trump it all.\n\nA soft appreciative laugh escaped her; she'd forgotten quite how fun it was to connect with a like-minded woman this way. Raising her brows, icy blue eyes warning of her growing hunger, she wondered aloud, \"How about we bring the dream into reality then?\" Her grin widened, fang tips peeking out from her lips, \"At the very least, it'd likely be looked down upon for me to enjoy your delicious-smelling blood here in the open. Though,\" She looked around the rather dull tavern, \"That might liven it up a little.\" Her mind swam with thoughts of watching the bright red drip down that sun-tanned neck, and she shivered slightly. Five days was a long time for her to go hungry, and she had just gotten back, having no luck yet with grabbing anyone. The more enticing her friend made herself, the more the animal in Hallie was priming to make a scene. \n\nLeaning closer once more and reaching out with one hand, fingertips lightly tracing down the line of Aspeth's neck, her voice was flirtatious but carried a thin blade of threat underneath. \"Of course not. The only way to capture something so perfect is to grab it,\" She pressed the tips of her claws into Aspeth's flesh just enough for it to prick, \"And refuse to let go.\" The more she was tempted, the more her hunger grew, and the pupils of her blue eyes were large, like a cat that had cornered a mouse." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Vibrant blue eyes moved to meet Hallie's own, as always there was a challenge waiting within them. A teasing and taunting look, ready for anything. She could see the impatience growing within the Undead, see the flicker in her eye that betrayed feeling after feeling. The eyes truly were a window to the soul. Aspeth's own eyes seemed to shine in the darkness, highlighting them above all other features. Her soft lips, and red tinged cheeks had nothing on the sapphire orbs that she used to see.\n\n\"Oh please, I doubt Any Of these idiots would be smart enough to notice. Maybe the bartender, but the rest?\" She snickered as she took a moment to look out at the drunken masses. Too drunk to care, and too lively to have their attention wander. She could easily have stolen the attention of the bar with a single scream. \"But lively might be exactly what we need, don't you think?\" Something to make this atmosphere a bit more Chaotic. A bit of bloodshed never truly hurt anyone. Aspeth watched as the hand approached, normally she would never have allowed anyone to even touch her, but here she actually leant into the touch. She felt the gentle prick into her skin, and a small dribble of blood began to flow. It was a sickly sweet smell, tainted with the alcohol she had been drinking. \"I must warn you though. As I'm sure you already know...\"\n.\n\nAspeth brought her hand up, smearing the drop of blood on her finger and taking a moment to glance over it. \"Once you've had a taste of perfection, you might never be satisfied with anything else again.\" A sly grin was on her face as she extended her hand outwards, the blood still smeared across her finger. It was as fresh as could be, and she knew that hovering her finger in front of the Vampress was going to affect her in such a grand way. Aspeth couldn't deny her pounding heart's sense of excitement at the possibilities." }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "Seeing the mixture of bravado and deeply hidden fear in those dark blue eyes only incensed the vampire more. She savored when her meal was afraid, it was the most succulent spice; even better when they tried to pretend it wasn't there. The blood rising in her companion's cheeks made her salivate with near starvation. All traces of playfulness, humanity, and even lust were gone from her features. The beast was primary, and it was in near complete control. A distant part of her mind warned her to be careful, she didn't want to hurt Aspeth anymore than necessary, but the woman was making it difficult for her to retain any of her wits.\n\nWith a straight face, pupils so wide her eyes looked more like pools of black, she said brusquely, \"You make many good points, my dear. Clever and exciting, as always.\" Her grip tightening on the pirate's neck, she leaned in again and put her other hand in Aspeth's hair, on the back of her head. This close, her companion would notice she smelled of whiskey and exotic spices, feel the cool radiating off her undead form.\n\nThe next move was all too much, and Hallie was guided by pure instinct alone. The pounding heart, the smell of blood in her face, made her completely wild, and the whole bar couldn't have separated her from Aspeth if they'd tried. Unable to think straight, let alone form words, she didn't respond to her friend's quip. The hand in her hair knotted, gripping tightly as she wrenched her head aside, her other arm looping around the woman's waist in an iron-like vice grip. Her teeth immediately sank into the delicate flesh, the blood bursting in her mouth to her great delight. \n\nHallie was oblivious to all else while she fed, and anyone who tried to stop her would die. She felt intoxicated by Aspeth's scent, her taste, and it took her some time to regain enough sense to slow down, to stop before she drained too much. Her grips loosened, and she pulled away a fraction, laying her forehead on her companion's shoulder a moment and taking a deep breath. She lazily licked off the mess of blood from Aspeth's neck, pricking a fingertip and rubbing the drop over the holes she'd created. Slowly, they closed up, as if they'd never been there. \n\nSitting back, with a cocksure smirk, Aspeth's blood still smeared on her lips, eyes alight and glowing anew, she practically cooed as she released her, \"I think you might be right, love. You won't be getting away from me now. Best I've ever had.\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Aspeth knew full well what she was getting into. She knew what provoking and teasing a vampire would likely end up with a pair of teeth sunk into her neck. She was fully ready for such an occurance. After all, she might as well have 'being bite by a vampire' on her bucket list. Who knows, maybe the scars would give her an even greater air of mystery. She knew vampire hunters would Swarm Over her at the mere sight of such a thing, and she would act oh so confused. Give them vague answers that'd lead them to a trap and take all their weapons and gear. \n\nBut, the one thing she wasn't ready for was the coldness of it all.\n\nAs she smelt the intoxicating spices, she wasn't prepared for the cold lips that were placed on her neck. She wasn't ready for the cold breath that stung her skin. She wasn't ready for the cold arm that wrapped around her waist, pulling her from her seat and into the arms of the vampire. The teeth were the strangest part, as sharp as needles yet as cold as ice. The sharp pain in her neck was the warmest part of it all.\n\nShe stifled a yelp of pain and let it all happen. Bringing a hand up to lay on the cheek of the vampire in an attempt to hide the true nature. For all looking in, it must have seemed like a drunken lass laying her lips on another's neck. It was among such times that she found herself truly blessed with such magic, having the ability to conceal one's true expression for another was simply divine. Her face expressed no pain, but instead curiosity and amusement. Of course, such an illusion would be gone when Hallie had finally had her fill.\n.\n\nAs Hallie laid her forehead against her shoulder, Aspeth let out a laugh and brought a hand around to the back of Hallie's head to keep her steady. \"Well, you certainly had your fill.\" Most people would be pale after such an experience. Even though she was a bit woozy, her sunkissed and now vampire kissed skin kept a healthy sheen to it.\n\nAs the Vampire leaned back, the pirate brought a hand up to feel at her neck, feeling how the holes closed up. \"Seems like you'll have to stick with me then, darling. Cause I'm not running at all.\" A laugh escaped her. She would definitely need a good meal after such a moment, or perhaps just a lot more drinking. Ale was always a great solution to every single problem that anyone in the world had.\n\nOnce more taking her seat, she crossed her legs and looked at the Vampress with a smug grin. \"I always knew my blood would be intoxicating to a vampire. Though, guess it was better than I could ever imagine.\"" }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "Feeling the hand on the back of her head while she had gathered herself on Aspeth's shoulder was unexpected. Such a small, simple gesture, but one that said so much. A gentle, caring, steadying touch that spoke of affection and care. For a second, it took her somewhat aback, and she was glad her face was hidden. It stirred the deeply buried human inside her, something beginning to bloom in her dark little heart. With her nature, with what she was, it was so incredibly rare for anyone to make a gesture to take care of her; from Aspeth, she found she quite liked it.\n\nScrunching up her features in mock disgust, she said in a cheery tone, \"Yes, well, I was near to starving. And while I'm amongst the most beautiful women in the world, that goes downhill quickly if I starve.\" Something about her particular affliction caused her to begin rotting if she went a week or more without blood. Perhaps it was because she was turned on the brink of death, and without sustenance her body returned to where it naturally should be. Seeing Aspeth swaying ever so slightly but assuming too much help might be taken as an insult, she turned so she could wrap an arm around the waist, supporting her somewhat, and laid her cool head on her companion's shoulder. She was ok with looking 'weak,' looking like some lovesick sap, to take care of this one. \"Let's get you some food. Then, perhaps, this establishment's best whiskey. I find I'm craving that burning flavor.\" Seeing Aspeth feel where the bite should've been, she remarked, \"Handy, isn't it? My blood has some mild healing properties for mortals. Suppose I can thank my dad. He was a master alchemist, I'm sure it's related to that, somehow.\" Her eyes looked distant, for just a moment, before it passed.\n\nOnce food arrived and Aspeth seemed steady, Hallie withdrew herself but was unable to stop touching her friend. A hand on her arm or shoulder, a finger stroking her delicate neck or playing with her hair. Perhaps it was simply affection, or perhaps it was a more bestial, instinctual signaling of 'mine.' But either way, she found she was incredibly happy in this moment. \"Oh, love, you have *No* Idea.\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"I can certainly tell that you were starving.\" She was the feast after all. It was so strange to be the meal of a vampire and yet still have her life. Perhaps it was the reward of the divine. She would rather think she was just exceptionally lucky. Judging from how Hallie was looking, she could see that her gestures were appreciated. How lovely.\n\n\"Bah, I'm sure you'd keep your looks even if you fasted for a year.\" A vampire would Certainly Look amazing after even a century. Aspeth believed she was going to keep her looks for all her life. Technically she could, with the lovely power of illusion she could look however she wanted. If there was ever a trend, she could match it perfectly without having to alter herself. What was better than a woman who could change her looks with a mere wave of the hand? A laugh escaped her as Hallie suddenly laid her head upon her shoulder. A rather nice gesture that allowed her to steady herself with the added balance. \"I could Devour A steak right now, and some whiskey will obviously be needed to wash it all down.\" Whilst Aspeth perferred cider or ale, she was not going to deny a beautiful woman her own drink. \"It is most certainly useful. Don't think I've ever seen such a thing.\" She was quite happy to have the holes gone, she didn't need some drunken git coming around and thinking she was a vampire just because she had the holes. It would have been so annoying to have to keep up an illusion just to cover such a wound.\n\nIt took Aspeth a few moments to steady herself, but she was quick to dig into the meal when it arrived. Savouring the nutrients as she ate. She grinned at each touch and stroke, leaning into it, and always having a teasing gaze within her eyes. \"Oh, I'm sure I don't. But I would Love To find out.\"" }, { "author": "Hallie Kolbeck", "message": "Hallie's brows shot up in an expression of disagreement. \"The fact that I'm not being brazenly confident about this should tell you how serious I'm being.\" She took a sip of the whiskey, letting the burn slide down her gullet before continuing, icy blues glancing sidelong at Aspeth. \"You see, my particular affliction is such that, if I don't feed every 7 days, I start to rot.\" She spoke very matter-of-factly, a far cry from her usual flirty, playful tone. \"When I say it's not pretty, I *Really* Mean it's not pretty.\" A smirk played on her lips, and her tone turned playfully sarcastic, \"You saved me, Aspy. Truly.\" She nuzzled into Aspeth's neck momentarily, until the food arrived. On occasion the vampire would eat, if the food sounded good or made her feel nostalgic, but those were rare occasions. And in this instance, she much preferred to just watch her friend, listen while she talked. She got the feeling her fellow pirate would revel in the attention, in 'winning' this little duel of attraction, and she found she didn't mind giving in.\n\nFeeling emboldened by Aspeth's obvious appreciation of her attentions as well as the comment, she ventured, \"Then I see no reason we should part. We're beholden to no captain, have no crew nor master.\" Placing her hand on the other woman's back, then snaking it around to her waist, she near whispered in her ear, \"We're two fine ladies, quite unattached.\" Leaning back and withdrawing her touch, turning her attention back to her drink, she looked at Aspeth through long lashes. \"Let's travel together. Do jobs together.\" She clapped her hands together dramatically as she cooed, \"Never be apart!\"\n\nThe vampire would never openly admit that she missed the camaraderie of a crew, the solace of having someone who was just hers. It'd be quite the blemish on her record of being a cold-blooded, bestial killer. Yet it was true all the same, whether she liked it or not. While she was completely out for herself in this world, it didn't erase the fact that she still needed others, that at the end of the day, her human hardwiring hadn't entirely faded away. Her bravado quite hid all this, as was her intention, especially in front of someone like Aspeth. After all, it was only fun to let her revel in winning if Hallie felt like she was Giving It to her, rather than she Genuinely Earned it. Though Hallie might have revealed too much of her hand already for bravado alone to do the trick anymore." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Rotting each week?\" Ouch, she could imagine that would Not Be a pleasant experience. Aspeth had absolutely no idea how such a thing would feel like, but she could certainly imagine that it was not something one would voluntarily experience. But when Hallie spoke about how Aspeth saved her, the pirate couldn't help but let out a laugh as a grin grew on her face. \"Oh, just had to do my civic duty and save another darling citizen. What other choice did I have?\" A bit of teasing as she leaned her head against Hallie's. It was a nice experience, and she enjoyed how cool the Vampire's skin was. Truth be told, Aspeth loved a cold night over a warm one, even if she loved a warm day. She would sleep in the frost if she was able to survive such an ordeal. The meal she had was quickly finished, and she leaned back in her chair with a content sigh. \"If there's any proof of the divine, it was in that steak and it is all gone now.\" That meal had been absolutely beautiful. Almost as beautiful as the pair of them was.\n\nWhen her companion grew close, and began speaking about sticking together, a soft hum escaped the pirate as she thought for a moment. Sticking together would be absolutely grand. The crew she had escaped prison with were all in hiding or dead for all she knew, and she was needing some more companions for the adventure ahead. Especially with the enemies she had made recently. She made a show of tapping her chin in thought, letting out a small hum as her gaze travelled over Hallie before a wild grin appeared on her face.\n.\n\n\"I have to agree. It will be Perfect To travel together.\" Oh, the chaos they would cause. The treasures they'd steal. The men they'd kill. Oh, it was just too perfect to think of. A pair of beauties was better than a single one, and she knew that with Hallie's proficiency in combat, she was not going to be having many troubles with her little ambushes anymore, plus she doubted she was going to run away at a mere cart being moved. The opportunity was just too good to not take, and she rather enjoyed the company of Hallie. They were like minded folk, and weren't scared to show it." } ]	582	8,502
621.6	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Amunet always enjoyed any reason to go to the Riable Isles. The sight of so much water still absolutely thrilled the desert-dweller, no matter how many times she'd seen it. Though the ocean called up things she'd rather keep locked away, the fascination with the beauty of nature won out above all. This particular time, she'd come out to help a set of small villages along the coast rebuild. A particularly terrible storm had leveled every single house and hut across 3 villages along the coast. She had already been near enough by that she wanted to lend a hand when she heard about it. She was far more dexterous than strong, so she took on jobs that required climbing and precision. \n\nIt was always so nice, being among the common people. *The more remote, the better, she thought with a small smile. She often got tired of the bowing and scraping of nobility. In further villages from Rhakotis, in more remote locales, she could just pretend to be any other adventurer who wanted to lend a helping hand. She still did her work in the name of Elira, because she loved people and wanted to see them happy, doing well. But it didn't have to feel like a show, she didn't have to perform. For things like this, she even tried to dress down, somewhat. Her exceptional looks couldn't be hidden, but she left her jewels and gold and other riches at home. The one exception being a sizeable ruby and diamond ring on her left middle finger, that almost seemed like a security blanket from the way she fidgeted with it.\n\nThe lone figure, dressed in a bright blue hooded cloak, wild and wavy long dark hair escaping from the hood and dancing in the sea breeze, she walked down the road away from the village rather lost in thought. She'd occasionally look up and around, admiring the environs, take a deep breath of the sea air. But otherwise seemed relaxed as she walked gracefully along, in no rush." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "A highway robbery wasn't an unfamiliar act for Aspeth, she had performed what must have been nearing a hundred in her lifetime. Robbing from the poor and wealthy, they were all the same on the road, the only difference was if they'd have much influence on the wanted poster. However, time and practice had altered her strategies quite a bit, and she had learnt what was best to gain the best possible advantage. Many people on these roads seemed to fit into two categories. The kindly folk willing to chat and assist, and those that would rather keep to themselves and ride by. It was easy to take advantage of the kindly when their backs were turned. So, she had created the perfect scenario for a helpless maiden requiring the help of a strong traveler.\n.\n\nA carriage with a broken wheel was a common problem, and with Aspeth kneeling down by the damaged area, trying to lift it up to place on another wheel, it created the perfect image of helplessness. Of course, she had forgone her iconic coat, cutlass and flintlocks. The only weapon she had was a blade hidden around the belt of her pants. Of course, she was not defenseless, the two hired muscle hidden within the treeline would provide a perfect distraction to get the blade nice and close to whoever was unfortunate enough to stop to help. They had studied the path quite a bit before enacting their plan, making sure it wasn't a highly trafficked area. Too many people would cause trouble, and they'd easily be overwhelmed. They were hunting for anyone showing a decent bit of wealth on them, plenty of nobles were stupid enough to wear fancy clothing whilst out in such dangerous areas.\n\nWith a groan escaping her, Aspeth continued to play the damsel in distress as she stood, the new wheel flopping to the ground as the carriage was dropped. Her hands were covered with dirt, and she wiped some sweat off her brow. She looked the perfect part of the average traveler, if not a bit better looking than most. It was then that she noticed the wanderer on the path. A cloak was a gamble, and an individual could easily be hiding armour beneath, or something of real value. Taking the risk, Aspeth moved to wave down the individual to see if they'd be able to 'help'" }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Seeing the woman down the road waving snapped Amunet's attention back to the present. She slowed her pace a little, to allow for ample time to analyze the woman and the situation. Pretty, decent though a little worn clothing, messy hair, and dirty hands; she felt rather confident this woman was a commoner, though likely not poor or a peasant. The latter didn't tend to have carriages. \n\nAmunet was all too aware of how out of place she looked here, that it was clear she was a traveler. And though her cloak was one of her plainer pieces, it still was well-cared for and had finely detailed arabesque embroidery; it was clear she wasn't poor, if one looked hard enough. While she had been on the road off and on for the last decade or so, it occasionally happened that some idiot tried to rob her. They tended to walk away with their lives, unless they were persistent or particularly bent on her ruby ring. It was the only thing on her she'd kill to keep. And in the right circumstances, she'd turn a blind eye to thievery, give the thief a tip, or if she was feeling particularly generous and cheeky, she loved to reverse pickpocket them some gold. She was aware that sometimes desperate need drove people to steal; those people she was happy to help. But those that enjoyed the thrill or striking fear into others, those that harmed others, she was happy to teach a lesson to.\n\nShe waved back to the woman as she sized her up. She looked a bit strong but nothing threatening. Completely confident in her safety, she stopped and stood in front of the carriage with the woman. \"Well, this is a fine pickle, eh?\"* She offered a small smile. \"We might be strong enough to lift it together. Strength isn't exactly my strong suit...\" With a finger to her chin, she thought aloud, \"Though that leaves no hands to put the wheel on.\" With a shrug, she offered, \"You could walk with me to the next town, if you like.\"\n\nThis test would tell her more, and likely what she needed to know. If the woman was truly bent on fixing this carriage, she might come up with a solution. If she was truly scared to go on without some kind of protection, she might go with Amunet. And if something was really Off Like Amunet suspected it might be, getting away from the area would likely help. Though she highly doubted this woman had enough conspirators nearby to really present a problem.\n\nAmunet was somewhat a walking arsenal at most times, so she had little to fear. Daggers and throwing knives were too easy to hide all over her person, and she carried several items that looked ordinary but could become weapons with her magic. Let this one try something, if she dared. She put her right hand on the carriage as she turned slightly towards the other woman. One might notice, paying enough attention, a small scar on that hand on both sides, about the size of an average dagger wound. It was the only visible blemish on her otherwise remarkably perfect skin." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "As the woman approached, Aspeth eyes took in every detail that was available. She first sought out any weaponry, looking for how the individual would defend themselves. A good tactic was to disarm the victim before the fighting even had a chance to properly start. Many seemed to hold blades with a sheath attached to their belts. A good slash from a blade could easily send those to the ground.\n\nWhat she sought out next was any riches easily seen on the person. Rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings were always a good sign of wealth, or just some old family trinket. Either way, jewelry usually went for a fine price out in these lands, but it was enchanted items that were the real treasure. Idiots would pay quite the pretty coin to acquire certain enchanted rings. The greatest prize she had gotten was a pendant that made one feel stronger. Of course, it was only a feeling, and the pendant didn't actually give any true strength to the wearer, but the one who had bought the pendant had been none the wiser to such a scam. She prayed for the day she would get such a perfect item again, she believed that she could go for an even higher price these days. People were too stupid to actually inspect what they were buying most of the time. It was a perfect time for thieves and scam artists. As her eyes moved over the cloak and it's details, she let out a hum before she turned back to the carriage with her arms crossed.\n\n\"Ah, if we can get maybe a log or crate underneath it, wouldn't even have to keep it held up.\" Her usual accent was gone, replaced with a much more common sounding one. Accents weren't her strong suit, and she had spent plenty of nights trying to perfect it. She was quite proud to be able to say that it was a fairly decent imitation of a peasant. Though she absolutely Despised How it made her sound quite like her mother. \"Walking to town might be good... However, I can't say I fancy leaving everything here for bandits to take.\" A reasonable worry.\n.\n\nThe reveal of the scars upon the hands did cause her eyebrow to perk up slightly, but she decided not to question such a wound. Many people had scars, that was for certain. Perhaps it had been some form of punishment, or possibly it was a wound during combat. Shaking it from her mind, Aspeth took a moment to crouch down as she inspected the wheel, making a rather decent show of being frustrated from the events of the day.\n\nAspeth couldn't help but feel rather exposed without her usual weaponry. Whilst she was fairly decent with a dagger, she preferred to have the range of her musket or pistol at hand whenever she needed it. After all, a good shot to the chest and you could put just about anything into the ground without needing to worry about them lashing out at you as they fall. She really needed to meet the individual who had designed such a beautiful weapon one day. Sure, she was going to steal everything they owned, but meeting such a person would still be quite the honor." }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Amunet couldn't shake the feeling of something odd. Being as good a reader of people as she was, she couldn't miss the irritation on the other woman's face. This situation was obviously annoying, but it didn't seem to be about that. It was a particular-seeming irk with every word she said. The champion took note and simply nodded at the woman's words. \"I guess it depends on how much value whatever is inside holds for you.\" She leveled a knowing look at the other woman, fishing a folding fan out of her pocket and unfolding it with a snap.\n\nThe fan was of good quality but otherwise didn't look particularly special. It looked to be made of finely woven linen and painted with a beautiful series of ocean waves all the way across. Amunet considered it for a moment before starting to fan herself lightly, \"Like this fan... It was a gift from someone I had much affection for, but...\" She smirked, \"That was a long time ago. I could possibly part with it; it might even help to forget.\" She snapped it shut, peering inside the carriage briefly before opening it again and holding it back, her arm straight and slightly behind her. Her voice was calm, even, self-assured. \"But I find the reminder is more helpful than hurtful, to be careful with myself.\"\n\nWith that she swung the fan forcefully forward in arc, parallel with the ground. It created a gust of wind that pushed the broken carriage forcefully into the treeline, creating a loud crack that ought to frighten anyone in the vicinity. She wanted to gauge the woman's reaction. She didn't see anything inside that looked terribly breakable or irreplaceable. If she was wrong, she'd find or pay for replacements.\n\nShe put on a winning smile that always either melted people like butter or intimidated them into stammering and muttering, saying with playful confidence, \"I don't think you'll have to worry about bandits, if you want to leave with me.\" She gestured with the fan towards the only-slightly-more-broken carriage, \"Take anything you can't leave without that we can carry. And if aught else is gone upon your return, I'll replace it myself.\" She swapped the fan to her left hand, right hand fingers stroking and fiddling with the ruby ring to activate it. She'd find the truth, or lack of, in this woman's words, then use the last draw of power for a little intimidation boost. She'd love to solve this without a fight. After all, she just got this cloak; it'd be a shame to stain it with the first wear." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Well, it's practically my life in there.\" It wasn't uncommon for travelers to simply take everything they owned with them. It was a safer bet than leaving them in some old home that could be robbed whilst away. As the woman brought out her fan, Aspeth looked at it with a bit of curiosity. It wasn't that hot in the the Isles, and there was a fairly fine breeze going through the trees. Maybe it was meant to be a weird show of wealth, most wealthy gits did enjoy showing off how much coin they had to those less fortunate.\n\nOh Erasil save her, it now seemed the woman was going to be prattling on about her past. No, this was fine. Aspeth could easily keep a straight face through such a thing. Even if it was dreadfully dull. It was an odd thing about the wealthy, they seemed to draw on the past quite often, making references to their past experiences. Maybe it was a thing about coin that made one think about their youth more often. Maybe they were all just crazy. \"I'm sorry... I don't believe I am following?\" It was awfully confusing. She had no clue how this little dinky fan was relating to the broken carriage at all.\n\nBut then, a terrible gust of wind blew through the area. Aspeth instinctively went to protect her face and keep her hat on. But the crack of the carriage is what threw her to the ground. Quickly checking over herself for any wounds, she bolted up to try and figure out what the Hell Had just happened. Upon seeing her carriage thrown into the treeline, a look of scorn appeared on her face as she was quick to stand. Whilst the carriage was being used for nefarious actions, it wasn't like she had made the damn thing. Carriages were rather expensive in the Isles, considering that most people preferred to take it by sea.\n\n\"What the hells!\" Anger in her voice, rage in her eyes. Her eyes scoured over the carriage, and even if it wasn't much more broken, she couldn't help but feel the fury build up. She had always hated it when people touched her things. \"Ya rotten fucking bitch!\" Normally, Aspeth would have rushed the individual with her blade, stick it in their throat and kick their damned head in. But after such a powerful gust of wind, she had to play her cards right. There was no doubt the hired muscle would have ran off like the sorry bastards they were. She was going to be stuck alone in this. \"Do ya know how much I had in there?!\"\n\nBut, there was always a different way to rob.\n\nScam." }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "The woman was certainly being truthful about her rage and the importance of the contents of the carriage. But it turned out Amunet didn't need the power of Elira's ring to discern the truth here; she funneled the remaining power it gave into her features, helping her radiate an aura of danger and dynamism. A smile sharp as a blade broke out on the Desert Rose's face, and she spoke with scorn as she tucked the fan away in her cloak, pulling two daggers out from the back of her belt, \"Of course you didn't follow. I was trying to warn you, but you seem to be too stupid for that. You really don't understand just *Who* You decided to target, do you?\" The sash wrapped around her midsection began to unwind itself, hanging loosely, both ends seemed to stand at attention as they floated at her sides. \n\n\"Now, you can show some wisdom in this, if you so choose.\" She leveled one dagger at the woman, standing her ground but still giving the feeling that she could close the gap in milliseconds. Holding one of the daggers in her teeth for a moment, she fished again in the cloak and pulled out a coin purse, fat with gold, then tossed it to the woman, holding the dagger once more. \"That should be about the cost of your carriage, plus your paltry belongings, plus a little incentive to not piss me off any further.\" She narrowed her eyes, \"I would've given it to you outright, had you just asked; I have enough to spare. However, it now comes with strings attached.\" She burnt out the last of the ring's power to fill her voice with malice and threat, \"If you don't leave this spot, if you try to take from someone far less fortunate than even your sorry ass, I'll be forced to *Make* You leave. I won't have you endangering or further impoverishing innocents.\"\n\nWhile this was bothersome, Amunet found she was glad it happened. She always enjoyed clearing trash from the roads; it was another reason she preferred to walk through her travels. But more than that she found the distraction welcome. If she walked too long with nothing to do but be with her thoughts, they would wander to places that were less than kind to her, far less than pleasant for her. \n\nShe laughed, a nearly musical sound, before composing herself with a smirk, \"Oh, and if you think you can get *Any* Authorities *Anywhere* To believe your word over the word of the Champion of Elira, then you're even more stupid than I thought.\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Perhaps ya can't see I don't really care about Who I just decided to target\" She spoke in a mocking voice as she tilted her head side to side. Uncaring of what repercussions mocking such an individual would have, it wasn't until the dagger was pointed at her that she had a moment of clarity to think straight. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of the blade, turning her body slightly to hide her hand behind her own body, ready to reach for her own blade if she needed. But then, a purse full of coins was tossed to her. She was quick to catch it, and also open it to view the contents inside. It was a decent amount, but that ring upon the Champion's finger was calling to her. Erasil be blessed, it would be an absolute gift to retrieve such a fine ring.\n\nAnd sell it, of course.\n\n.\nThe strings attached were obviously going to be ignored. After all, she had only mentioned from this spot. There was another fine area down the road that was perfect for jumping from the trees and simply murdering the occupants of the carriages. The second string was easy to avoid, how was She Meant to know if someone was less fortunate than her? She might have been the most gorgeous lass upon the seas, but plenty of people had their own victories in life. She would simply have to decide after they had given her all they owned. Maybe she could spare them a coin or two after the fact. Either way, she was Not Going to be told what to do by some run-through harlot on the road. She'd most definitely be back, but she wasn't going to leave her gear behind next time. If putting on an act was not going to work due to such an encounter, she'd simply take over the road, and abandon it whenever the local guard came knocking. There would no doubt be plenty of coin upon her ship at that point.\n\n\"Fine fine, I'll leave. Happy?\" Of course, she wasn't going to outright tell her plans to the individual. Let her believe she was turning over a new leaf. She'd send some men down the trail a few times to make sure that the woman had actually left before she returned. She was sure she could put together a decent enough crew. After all, anyone would do anything for the right amount of coin.\n.\n\nShe stashed the coin purse in one of her pockets, beginning to back away. But once she got to the treeline, and the identity of the woman was revealed. A cruel grin came to her face. Oh, she could not resist getting in the last words. Her body was covered as she passed behind a tree, vanishing from sight for a moment before she moved to stand on it's opposite side, looking back at the woman. \"Oh! You're a champion of that hag. Now it all makes sense. Though bits of stone in the desert were always such an eyesore. Would have been smarter to tear them down. But, it's really no wonder it took you so long to get out here, if I had a face like that I think I'd sooner carve out my own eyes.\" The grin was stuck on her face. She left herself completely open, as if uncaring of any attack. Confidence was in her grin.\n\nPiss of the individual enough, and they'd make mistakes." }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "The baroness watched with narrowed eyes as the woman backed slowly to the treeline. It seemed too easy, considering how much of a pain the interaction had been so far. This woman seemed intent on upsetting her; it wasn't a bad tactic, she'd done much the same at times. But having it thrown back at her was Annoying. Amunet just wanted to be done with this nuisance that seemed to respect nothing.\n\nBut she didn't realize how deep that disrespect could go. She was confident enough in herself that those words didn't matter; they were blatantly false. But to have Elira, her home, their glorious pyramids disparaged so, really did piss her off. She had a bad temper, she always had. Too many years of shoving down her feelings meant that, eventually, they all came out at once. She'd already been feeling out of sorts, tired, and she didn't have the clarity left to realize she was being riled. \n\nWith a grim and determined look, brows furrowed, she growled through gritted teeth, \"That's it!\" Momentarily stowing away the daggers, the sash at her waist unfurled on its own, one end wrapping around her wrist while the other shot to the treeline. It stretched impossibly far, further than it was long, wrapping around the woman's ankle and all the way up that leg. With a yank and swirling flourish of the sash, she'd thrown the woman into the carriage's side. Simultaneously as the sash retreated, wrapping around her waist again, she pulled many multiple throwing daggers from her hair, sleeves, boots, throwing them in a quick flurry of strikes. Most pinned the woman to the carriage by her clothes, deep resounding thuds sounding around her as blades pierced the wooden walls. Most would have knicked her, at worst. But the last two hit their targets perfectly. One pinned her hand to the wall, sinking in between the bones much like Amunet's own scar, while the other pinned her wrist in place.\n\nAmunet raced up to the carriage with speed, brandishing the daggers once more, holding one to her throat and ond one to her side. She pressed the one at her throat in enough that a tiny line of red bloomed around the edges. She stared into the woman's eyes a moment, her own full of unleashed fury and sadness. She'd easily be in the right to kill her; it was likely she was a murderer as well as a thief. But as her tide of emotions ebbed and flowed, she regained enough clarity to realize what she was doing. This woman was a scoundrel, without a doubt, but still didn't deserve to die like some dog. This wasn't who Amunet was, wasn't who she Wanted To be. Hadn't this, in a way, been how she'd lost him? Actions taken in a fit of anger?\n\nGritting her teeth, more angry with herself now than with this lousy bitch, she lowered the daggers, turning the one at her throat to push the blunt side under her chin. \n\n\"You're a blemish on this world. But I will show mercy, *Once* . Perhaps you can do some of my work for me. Let's see how you feel about my Hag's Specialty.\" She smirked, pulling the familiar magical strings to charm the woman. \"You're going to be a good girl, for once in your life, and wait right here until the guards come to get you.\" Her words would strongly compel the woman to do as asked, and unless she was quite exceptional, it should last long enough for Amunet to summon someone here. \n\nBacking away several steps towards the road, she wore a wide, honeyed grin, her soft voice full of satisfaction. \"There, that should do. I'd say it was a pleasure meeting you, but... It wasn't.\"** She turned, summoning wind and sand around her in a blinding swirl, and dashed down the road with inhuman speed." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "The grin upon the face of the pirate was confident and smug, way too confident for an individual who had just insulted the God of a Champion. It was the grin of someone who had a plan and was certain that it would work without a single fault occurring. It was how she had always worked, piss off a person enough to make some pretty major mistakes. It was a grand way to learn or steal everything she needed, and boy was she learning some useful things today.\n\nAspeth was quick to look down as the sash was suddenly around her leg. She couldn't deny that momentary look of surprise upon her face, before she was suddenly flung towards the carriage. A surprisingly soft thud shot out when she made contact with it, and as she was pushing herself forward, she felt the first knife connect with the carriage, pinning her shirt to the wooden material. The other blades were swift to follow, each landing with a thud and cutting through a small part of her clothes.\n\nAs the first blade struck her hand, there was a moment of shock in her eyes, soon followed by a yelp from the second knife landing in her wrist. If one was paying attention, they might have noticed it took the blood a few odd seconds to start flowing. Aspeth's attention was quickly taken as a blade was placed against her throat and side. Even in this moment of near death, she still had that bastard grin upon her face. Confident even in death? Perhaps even goading the woman to drag that blade right across her throat. Though, it was soon that Amunet began to use her charm. A bit of confusion upon Aspeth's face before the charm took effect. Slowly, a gentle smile appeared on her face as she slumped against the carriage. \"Yes... I'll wait.\" Simple words of agreement. Seemed like that charm would keep her in place rather happily. Yet, as Amunet suddenly sprinted off, silence reigned in the area for a moment for the crunch of leaves beneath feet were heard.\n.\n\n\"Oh, but it Certainly Was a pleasure to meet you.\"\n\nFrom behind the tree she had passed previously, out stepped Aspeth. She tossed the gold pouch in her hand up and down, a cocky grin on her face as she made her way over to her mirror image. She hummed as she took a moment to look over her doppelganger, grabbing onto one of the many throwing knives and yanked it out of the wood. She took a moment to inspect the item, humming at the best ways to avoid such a trick in the future. Well, wearing some nice chainmail underneath would probably be a good option. But that sash was going to have to go. She could imagine a bit of fire would work best against a piece of fabric.\n\nTwirling the blade in her fingers, she looked towards where the girl sprinted off. That little charm power was not going to be fun to deal with, but she would figure something out.\n\nThere had been such a Rush During that encounter. Adrenaline pumping through her veins as ideas swarmed her mind, begging her to further insult such a Champion. To curse out one of those lesser Gods in front of their own chosen and survive. Her own Goddess did work in odd ways, but she had been blessed with illusions all her life. Those illusions had saved her so many times. Aspeth took a moment to glance back towards the illusion's hand that had the blades within it.\n\nHer grin widened as she began to remove the blades, taking each one and stashing it. She always was a scavenger when it came to weaponry. From her pistols, to her musket and now to a few throwing knives. She'd happily leave the mimic there for the moment, it would vanish before the guards would ever even arrive. \n\nWith a small bounce in her step, she began to make her way back into the woods. She'd most certainly be back, however." } ]	599.5	6,216
461.1875	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "It was yet another night for the Half Sunken Inn, and it was always at night that the inns seemed to get a little more rowdy. Drinks were flowing, slurred speech was yelled between friends and random people that didn't like one another, and music weaved its way in the air from somewhere that was out of sight. Or at least, out of sight for a particular mermaid. Naidi had never been to the inn before. She knew it was a popular spot to hang out with others, but with her much more isolated life, she didn't know what it was like going out with friends to drink. She had also never been drinking before. \n\nToday, she was going to change that!\n\nSeeing as she lived quite a bit away from the inn, Naidi had ridden Strider, her hippocampus and left him nearby with snacks. She wasn't cruel enough to leave him by his lonesome for an hour or two. Though, she doubted that she was going to be in there that long. As a result of riding her underwater companion, she was naturally drenched in water, but she was at least covered, and she surely wasn't going to be the only merfolk in there that looked a little out of water. Plus, if they hosted merfolk, it was bound to be slightly wet at all times. Wringing out her hair of as much water as she could, she waved goodbye to Strider before heading in properly, choosing to drink in the un-sunken part of the ship.\n\n_ _\nThe smell of alcohol was what had gotten to her first, a surprisingly poignant scent that smacked her in the nose. Her head reeled back in surprise, followed by a blink of her eyes as she quickly glanced around. Inns seemed to be those places where everyone was in tight knit groups, and so it felt strange being the only person by themself. Regardless, she continued on to the front of the bar, looking curiously at everything in front of her.\n\nThe bartender seemed rather intrigued at the young mermaid's appearance, after all, someone who looked like her didn't seem like the type to frequent an inn. Regardless, he was happy to serve someone who would help to pay his wages.\n\n\"Uhm...\" Naidi began.* \"I'll just take a random drink. And bread.\" A short and sweet order. Though, why bread?\n\nAs she waited for her random drink, there was another short glance around. All of the groups that were drinking here had taken all of the booths and semi closed off seating, so the only spots left were the barstools at the bar. Naidi took a few cursory glances around to make sure that no one was perhaps waiting to use these stools before sitting herself right in the middle. Way to make herself stand out." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Within all of the buildings in the world, Aspeth could think of no place she loved being in than a random inn late at night. Workers and adventurers would always pile in to drink themselves into a stupor, and she would always be there to collect the coin that they were so kind to split with. She would always show at the end of the work week, where people were most excited to spend what coin they could on entertainment, the workers were always the easiest targets, yet never held enough coin on their own. That was where the adventurers came in. She would always aim for the ones that looked exhausted. Of course, Aspeth was no worker of the fine establishment, but instead a regular who had quite the deal with the owner.\n\nAspeth moved between the members of the crowd with a sense of grace that only a sober mind would have, yet the half empty tankard in her hand would have one believing quite the opposite. As she moved, she seemed to bump into a few individuals, exclaiming a friendly greeting as her hands sunk into their pockets and pouches for the treasures that lay within. Aspeth was a shockingly beautiful individual, her hair seemed to flow even without a breeze, bright blue eyes almost seemed to shine within the candle light, and the smile on her face seemed so genuine, one would struggle not to let their guard down around her. Yet the cutlass hanging from her hip, and the two flintlocks across her chest certainly gave her an air of danger.\n.\n\nYet those she spoke with, almost seemed to ignore the weaponry. How odd.\n\nLaughter escaped the woman as she pushed away from a man, landing herself at the bar. Her hand slapped down as she pushed a few coins towards the bartender, watching as he swiped the coins away before she leaned against the bar to find her next target. Whilst she might have believed pickpocketing was a bit beneath her, she could not deny the hidden trove of gold that was within a few of these individuals pouches. \n\nSoon enough, her eyes wandered over to a rather young man who seemed to be with the crew of a merchant ship. She could tell he was either the son of a sailor, or maybe just a new recruit who was down on his luck. But she needed to wait until he was a few drinks in, which meant she would need to stall at the bar.\n\nShe couldn't deny the hint of excitement that entered her eyes at the thought. The bar was always where the most miserable and interesting individuals hid away. From the common mourning widow, to the rare raging wizard. The bar always had something she was looking for, and she certainly didn't have to look long.\n\nA blue tinted girl sat within the middle of the bar? Oh, she simply Had To see where this would go. Leaving the tankard on the bar, Aspeth allowed the easy smile to appear on her face. If one had a keen eye, they might notice the hint of smoke escaping out of the corner of her smile, and the half full tankard suddenly becoming empty as the bartender placed it below. \n\nWith a small thud from the wood, Aspeth was leaning against the bar, taking a moment to look the blue girl up and down before speaking. \"Ya know, ya look mighty familiar to me. You been stuck in the tropics before?\"\n\nShe certainly had quite an upbeat tone." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "The bread appeared first in front of her. Hastily thrown into a small basket where a few small rolls of bread, not fresh, but certainly far from stale. An acceptable state, Naidi had thought, considering it was the end of the day, and they certainly weren't going to start making bread in the middle of the night. Though, now she was wondering if she should have ordered some better food. Regardless, Naidi reached into her own gold pouch to put her coins on the bar for the tender to take. He gave an appreciative smile to the mermaid, who gave a simple smile back in return. She wasn't aware that she had paid a little more than she had to.\n\nTo tide her over until the bartender was done tending to other patrons to make her mystery drink, Naidi slowly snacked on her bread while glancing around. It was fascinating being able to see so many different types of people all gathered in one place. Perhaps not the best of places to gather, and definitely not the best types of people, but it certainly showed a part of life that Naidi was certainly more naive to. But naive she would be no longer. After all, she was an adult, she could go wherever she pleased! Though, maybe revisiting an inn isn't high up on her list of priorities. \n\nWhile it was indeed an oddly comfortable place to be in, with the low lighting and the music playing just loud enough in the background, she could tell she didn't quite fit in. But that was fine, she wouldn't worry herself too much with the other people around her. She was just here to give drinking a try for the first time.\n\n_ _\nIn the middle of chewing through another bread roll, Naidi caught a figure in the corner of her eye that seemed to be facing her. With how caught up she was in her small people watching session, it would have been easy to sneak up on her. Hence, the surprised tone of voice she replied with.\n\n\"Oh- me?\" She asked, eyebrows raising slightly. \"Well, I suppose so, yeah. Very easy getting lost around those parts. Why, you seen any strange mermaids about?\" Curiosity began to replace the surprise in her voice.\n\nNow having had the time to actually look at the person who had struck up a conversation with her, there was certainly a lot to take in. The weaponry on her person, the kind smile on her face, the casual way she brought up conversation like they've known each other before, when Naidi knew for a fact they hadn't. Perhaps this inn visit wouldn't be as plain as grabbing a drink and heading out." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "A huff of amusement escaped at the first question, her grin seemed to stay even as she spoke. \"Who else? Ain't many others round the bar. But aye, seen a few mermaids, was locked in a cell with one a while back. A fearful girl, but she held her own well enough.\" Aspeth let the possibilities of why she was in a cell linger in the air before she moved on.\n\n\"But don't see too many of youse above the water, though...\" She pondered for a moment, recalling a few memories before continuing. \"Spose the inn is famous enough for it.\" It made sense the more she thought about it, the city was well known for being both above and underwater, so it made sense that one of the few establishments that combined both aspects would have members from each side meeting in the middle.\n\nWaving her hand as if to dispel the thoughts, Aspeth leaned forward, resting on her arms. \"So, what's yer story? Ya some sad sop looking to forget a bad day?\" At first glance, Aspeth didn't believe the woman to be a worker of some sorts, at least not a worker at the docks. Though a sailor was definitely a possibility. She knew that some captains specifically sought out merfolk for their abilities within the water. She had firsthand experience with having to work in the water without a merfolk to assist, it certainly wasn't fun.\n.\n\n\"Maybe just someone looking for work?\" Aspeth knew that plenty of less than savoury dealings were done within the shadows of this inn. Admittedly it was a fairly popular place, which meant that it was constantly full of noise and drunk individuals.\n\nWhat place would be better to exchange a bit of bloody coin? \n\nThough, it would likely be poorly of her if she was going to ask a thousand questions and not allow the woman to get a few of her own in. Clearing her throat, she gestured for the bartender to approach, and soon enough she had a small bottle in front of her. It was a simple amber bottle, and Aspeth was quick to bring it up to her lips, savouring the beverage. It was truly a tragedy that these were so unpopular due to the minty aftertaste. She thought it was a fine complement to the texture, and actually enhanced the flavour of it. At least it meant the actual price of the drink was rather low. A good taste for a quarter of the good it should truly cost.\n\nAs she removed her hat to place it upon the counter, she took a moment to shake her hair free of itself as she got comfortable in her seat." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "At the question of who else the pirate could have been referring to, Naidi glanced to her left and right, even though she knew that there was no one else sat at the bar with her. \"...Okay, fair enough.\" She smiled.\n\nHer hand reached down for another bread roll as the other individual continued talking, eyes focused and full of intrigue. After all, you don't casually bring up being locked up in a cell of all things when introducing yourself. Or maybe you do. It does very quickly highlight what type of person you could be talking to. Perhaps at that point, there should have been some alarm bells ringing in Naidi's head, but her curiosity overrode her caution.\n\n\"Well, you'll find more of us around here, the Isles are a nice place to live.\" She replied, taking another bite of her bread, then gently pushing the bowl between them, a silent invitation to share, should the pirate wish to.\n\nThere was a short laugh at being called a sad sop, but the question did make Naidi think. Was she here for anything other than to just try drinking? The question of looking for work did strike a particular thought. Now that she had left home, she would have to find some form of getting money for herself. Granted, she knew her father would be more than happy to provide for her, should she be desperate enough, but having her own means of work would be nice.\n\n_ _\n\"Mmm, nothing as grandiose, or as miserable as that.\" Naidi began, a small laugh escaping her lips while watching the pirate tousle her hair. \"I just simply wanted to try drinking for the first time. Kinda realised that I can do whatever I want, and this was the first thing I decided to go off and do.\" There was a brief pause. \"Hmm, perhaps a little miserable then.\" She joked.\n\nNaidi eyed the bottled beverage Aspeth had begun drinking from, curious to its contents. She was beginning to realise she was completely oblivious to all the types of alcohol that she could have just ordered, and was silently praying it wouldn't be all that bad. \n\n\"But what about yourself? I've never properly had a chance to hang out with anyone that wasn't merfolk. Cons of living underwater, heh. We're so far removed from the rest of the world too, so what brings you around over here?\"\n\nShortly after the pirate's drink had been put down, Naidi's drink was also placed in front of her. The only reason she knew it was there was because of the sound of the thud of the cup onto the bar, as she was still facing Aspeth. She didn't immediately turn to try it, simply as she wanted to converse a little more, but there was also a little nervousness in her system. Not enough to turn her way, but enough to want to delay the inevitable a little longer." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Bloody right about that. Isles are a gorgeous place to live. If ya can handle the rough seas.\" A snicker escaped her as she took one of the bread rolls. She gave a nod of appreciation as she bit into the object. It would have been fantastic with some butter, but she wasn't going to complain about free food.\n\nAspeth was rather surprised to hear it was the girl's first time drinking, she had the thought that nearly everyone in the Isles had their first sip of liquor at quite an early age. A small huff of amusement escaped her as Naidi spoke about her grand revelation of being able to do as she wishes. \"We're all a little miserable, but that comes with freedom, don't it?\"\n\nFreedom was a grand thing for Aspeth, it let her get out of her home, escape from the city she had been born in, and start a life on the seas. She had been through quite a few jobs on various ships, and after the last one had been sunk, she finally believed it time to get together her own crew. Suffice to say, the prisoners she had been with were a decent start, but she was still waiting on getting a proper ship. She knew exactly the kind she wanted.\n.\n\n\"Oh, little ol' me? Well, I've come here to meet all the darlings of the land, shake hands with the rich and maybe get out in the sun and brown my skin a little more.\" She didn't mention how she planned to rob half the rich in the city. \"Least, that was the original plan, didn't come here on my own terms, so I'm simply making do with what I can. Been doing damn well with my cards, I think.\" Aspeth flashed a wink as she laughed once more.\n\nNow, Aspeth wouldn't deny that the Isles were a beautiful place, but the areas she had been in at first had certainly given her a sour taste of the land. Ugly buildings and ugly people. It was such a shame that such a land was plagued by such an area. She supposed that all lands must have such a place, to throw the vermin they do not care for.\n\n\"But, back to yerself now. Just a little miserable, aye? Must say you've got some good luck on ya side then. Most people turning to the drink for the first time are always running scared from something, or just trying to drown out a couple thoughts.\" It was rather nice to see something actually wanting to try out such a beverage for once, and on their own terms. She knew plenty of sailors had been pressured into trying out a disgusting sour drink as their first.\n\n\"So, what did ya get then? Just a bit of ale?\"" }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "Freedom. Something Naidi had only really began to come to terms with the fact that she had that. It was a strange thing to have, to no longer be under the watch of someone, to not have to follow someone's advice to a T, to be in charge of her own course of action. But that came with its cons. Naidi certainly had the freedom to go out and drink if she wanted, but what of the consequences later? She was certain she wasn't going to be one to have to fall to the clutches of alcohol when in at her lows, but there was always a 'what if' to be considered. But Naidi wasn't one to think of the consequences in the moment, that would ruin the fun of trying things just to try them. \n\n\"Well, if a little misery is the price I have to pay for freedom, then I can afford that.\" Naidi laughed.\n\nShe had finally turned to address her drink while listening to Aspeth, inspecting the liquid inside. It was a light golden colour, and the mermaid briefly leaned in to sniff it. It was a faint scent of sweet that immediately struck her as a little odd. The bartender, having made a somewhat fair judgement of Naidi, had tried to be considerate and provided her with a drink that might have been more palatable to someone who hadn't perhaps drank before. Unbeknownst to her, she had been poured a generous helping of honey mead. Having made an initial inspection, Naidi picked up the tankard, not drinking from it yet, so as to reply.\n\n_ _ \n\"Not on your own terms?\" Naidi repeated, slight surprise in her tone. \"Well, I'm glad you're enjoying it here even if you hadn't intended to. Honestly, it sounds like you're having more fun than me.\" A smile grew on her face at the wink. The pirate was certainly a fun conversation partner. \n\nNaidi seemed a little confused at why she would be lucky to have her first drink in the manner that she was. \"Well, a girl's gotta have a little misery in her life, otherwise I probably wouldn't be here in the first place. Builds character and all.\" Naidi let out a small chuckle before looking back into her cup. \"I... Have no clue what I asked for. It smells kinda sweet though? May as well give it a try though, huh.\" The mermaid briefly held up her tankard. \"Bottoms up!\"\n\nFinally bringing the drink to her lips, the first thing that hit her was the sweetness. It wasn't severely so, just a moderate amount that would appease anyone with more of a sweet tooth than Naidi had. She had taken a good first gulp of the drink, briefly wrinkling up her nose at the sweet taste. There was a strange dryness to it too, but Naidi couldn't complain about that. \"Hurhg-\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Aspeth gave a nod at the little comment. Misery for freedom was a price that was worth paying every day. She'd rather be miserable from her own choices than stuck in a house miserable because of someone else. But for Aspeth, the ocean was where freedom truly was. Laws and rules were mostly disregarded out in the open ocean, and with no one to witness a thousand things, who could tell what would happen to the poor merchant vessel that decided to go unguarded? Well, Aspeth certainly knew what would happen, the people would be fine and sent on their way. Their cargo, however, would be taken into fairer hands.\n\n\"Not having fun here, are ya? Can help you change that if you're interested. Though, depends on what you actually find fun.\" Aspeth had quite a few ideas of getting into trouble that would create quite the excitable night. From starting a fight, to simply stealing a random ship's cargo without them realizing. Erasil above, getting into trouble with the local guard would be a grand time to have.\n\nUnfortunately, she knew that not everyone found that fun.\n\nNow, Aspeth got to enjoy the sight of someone tasting their first drink. From the description of the smell, seemed like she was getting it on easily. Which was good! She'd rather see someone actually have the chance to enjoy it than be given something that tasted like the bottom of one's boot. \"Well, what do ya think? Like it?\"\n.\n\nAspeth had a grin on her face the entire time, it was particularly cheeky. A plan was forming inside her brain as she looked out into the crowd for a moment. Plenty of drunken oafs without a care for their coin in the moment, and a partner in crime was definitely useful when she needed to attract the attention of a few of the bastards.\n\nAspeth was definitely not above recruiting a stranger she had just met to perform a decent bit of crime, but she should At least Give the girl some information about herself, just in case the guard did manage to catch up to them.\n\n\"I am just realizing I never asked for your name. Should probably give you mine as well.\" Turning towards the mermaid properly, she flashed a grin as her eyes seemed to glow. There was no mistaking the bit of smoke that escaped her mouth as she gave a short bow, her hair seeming to wave in a non existent breeze. \"I am Aspeth Sariel. She-Devil of the Seas. Pleasure to meet ya.\"" }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "Naidi looked intrigued at Aspeth's offer for a fun time. She was more interested in what the pirate found to be fun, after all. Like most individuals, Naidi had a few, perhaps stereotypical ideas of what an individual involved with piracy would enjoy, but she was always happy to keep an open mind for others. It'd be rude to assume the worst, after all. \n\n\"Honestly, just being able to swim around freely is great. Especially diving down deep into the ocean. All kinds of strange things down there, like myself.\" She laughed. \"I don't do much stuff on land. Should maybe change that, huh?\"\n\nIn between talking, Naidi went for another sip. The sweetness wasn't abhorrent, and it made the drink easier to stomach. The mermaid could imagine there were certainly worse drinks to have been had. \"Hmm?\" She quickly looked back to Aspeth. \"Oh, well, it's quite nice to be fair. I don't have the biggest sweet tooth, but this drink isn't all that sweet. And kinda dry. How is a drink supposed to be dry?\" Naidi giggled. \"You can try some if you'd like.\" She continued, putting the tankard down and pushing it between them, then took a bread roll to snack on.\n\n_ _\nThe alcohol was slowly making its way into her system. Naidi, because she had never drank before, was most certainly a lightweight. Nothing was happening just yet, but she could tell Something Would happen eventually. Or at least that was what she knew would happen from other accounts from friends who had drank before. \n\nOr maybe it had kicked in way sooner than she had realised. The smoke slowly pouring out of the pirate's mouth as she bowed immediately caught her off guard, eyes wide and eyebrows raised in curiosity and confusion at the sudden, slightly haunting, image of Aspeth. But haunting in a good way.\n\n\"I- W-Well, it's a pleasure to meet you too!\" Naidi had decided to not address the smoke just yet. \"Aspeth's a lovely name. I'm Naidi Wa'anar, fancy title pending.\" She laughed, but immediately after there was a small hum of thought. \"Well, actually, someone called me an accursed mermaid one time, so that'll be my title!\" \n\nPerhaps a little strange to embrace, but Naidi saw her curse as just another part of herself. Why not embrace it?" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Oh, swimming, huh? Swimming is pretty grand. Never went deep diving myself, ain't exactly easy with all the merfolk and... Well, I ain't exactly got a pair of gills.\" She gestured to her neck, where there was obviously not a set of gills for her to breath with. She had heard over a thousand stories about the beauty of the deep sea, but perhaps it was one of those places that she was never meant to see in her lifetime.\n\n\"Ya should Definitely Change that. Plenty to do up here. Ever seen a travelling circus? Good bit of fun, and if you're lucky, there'll always be an accident to happen. Usually to one of the clown bastards, but it always provides a damn good laugh.\" She would always remember her first time within a circus. One of the clowns had fallen into a barrel and couldn't get out. Aspeth had almost passed out with laughter that day.\n\nThough, she had no clue if a circus was ever even going to be in the Riable Isles, with how far out it was, it made sense that most circuses wouldn't want to be bothered with making the journey out to such a remote location, even if it was the city.\n\nAs the drink was offered, Aspeth gave a grin as she reached out. \"Offering a lady a drink? Well, I can only respond in kind.\" With her free hand, she pushed her own drink forward for the girl to try if she wished. Aspeth wasn't sure if she'd enjoy the strong minty taste, but it was certainly worth a shot. As she took a sip, she was quick to return to the conversation. \"No clue how they make the drinks dry, but there's some that burn your lips but run smooth down your throat. Odd texture, that's for sure, but it's nice after a long day.\"\n\nAs she placed the drink down, she took a moment to enjoy the taste. A sweet ale was something to be treasured and enjoyed. It wasn't long before she slid the tankard back to the woman.\n\n\"Naidi Wa'anar, the Accursed Mermaid. You certainly have one interesting name.\" A soft laugh escaped her as the smoke slowly vanished. \"Now, a title like that certainly comes with a story. So, out with it. I want to hear all about that.\" Those that were labelled accursed always had the most interesting stories to tell.\n\nWith how many people had cursed her name, Aspeth was sure that she would garner such a title in her elder years. In the years that she had been travelling, an accursed individual was always a joy to meet, they always managed to shock and awe with their mystical arts, or even their simple stories of how their life has been lived." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "Naidi frowned a little bit at the fact that Aspeth hadn't had a chance to deep dive before. Perhaps when she got a better grasp of her magic with water, making an air bubble would be easier and she'd be able to sustain it long enough to get all the way down there. But then again, was it safe for anyone who wasn't accustomed to such a long dive? Her frown turned into a slight pout. \"Mmm, well I shall change that! The diving part, not the no gills part-\" She said with a small giggle.\n\nAnother thoughtful expression set itself on her face at the thought of a circus. She had always heard of them, but never had the fortune to go see one, even if there were any that happened underwater. In fact, there were a lot of things that seemed to happen above water that she had never really exposed herself to. And that was just within the Isles. Should she leave home, just what would she find out there? Would she ever leave home? \n\n\"Well, unless you count clownfish as clowns, nope.\" Naidi gave a small snicker at her very poor joke.\n\nThe mermaid hadn't expected Aspeth to offer her drink in return. Quickly scoffing down the rest of her bread roll, she picked up the drink, peering down the bottle at the liquid. She couldn't tell its colour, but she could tell it would be far different from her drink. Naidi, not letting her slight apprehension get the better of her, picked up the bottle and took a swig. Her eyes squinted slightly at the mint, it was certainly an acquired taste. Did she dislike it? No. But did she like it? Also no. It was tolerable.\n\n_ _\n\"Whoa- that is Strong.\" Naidi blinked a few times, the taste lingering in her mouth. Now she was somewhat glad she had her mystery drink. \"And it seems you like mint, huh?\" She gave a weak laugh at that.\n\nWith the drink returned to their respective owners, Naidi took another sip from her tankard. \"Story?\" She hummed, thinking about it. \"Well, my dad's cursed, all the males in his family are cursed, I'm the only female with the curse so far.\" Naidi began with a very casual tone of voice. It didn't seem like anything special with her. \"Dad was cool with it, mom, not so much. My shapeshifting ability is the cursed part of me, so instead of the pretty merfolk tails and all that you see, I look a good bit different. I've heard someone call me a monster once, which, ow.\" There was a short pouty frown on her face. \"But I mean, if you've never seen someone like me before, what else are you gonna think?\" She shrugged, taking another drink.\n\n\"Maybe if you ever get to swimming around here, I'll show ya?\" Her smile started to return with the question. \"But you have to promise, no judging.\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Hah! Gonna change it yourself then? Well, I'll happily wait to see how that turns out.\" Being offered a chance to see the deep by a merfolk? Well, she just had to take the chance for what it was. She knew that plenty of them lived in the deep ocean, so it was truly her best shot. Maybe she could find a boat or something that was able to go underwater. Some sort of ancient mythical enchantment sort of thing that parents would tell their kids to put them to sleep.\n\n\"Clownfish?\" Aspeth hummed in thought for a moment, before a massive grin appeared. \"Get enough of them, a few squid, maybe a shark and you've basically got the fish equivalent of a circus!\" She happily followed along with her own horrible joke.\n\nAspeth watched as Naidi took a sip from the bottle, laughing at the scrunched eyes and verbal reaction. \"Aye, quite a strong one that one. I do like a good bit of mint in a drink, makes it go down a bit easier. Though, don't think many share that view.\" Most couldn't get over the overpowering taste and scent. \"Might be best to wash it down with some bread and a bit of your own drink, otherwise the taste will stick to ya teeth for a hot minute. I doubt you'll want that.\"\n\n.\n\nThe taste sticking to the teeth was also something people found unpleasant, but she didn't really care for it. In fact, she found it was actually rather useful to keep herself at a slow pace when drinking. \n\nAs the story began to be told, Aspeth listened with rapt attention and her grin never once leaving her face. \"All the males? I'm imagining that's alot of people.\" She had no clue if she was right, but might as well make the assumption. \"So, what I'm getting from this, is that you're a special lass in your family.\" Aspeth always did love taking the positives from a situation. A hum escaped the pirate as she thought about just What The girl could look like. Her mind went through just about every possible option that she could imagine, but her true reaction would have to be revealed when she actually saw such a transformation. \"Still, I'd have thrown that guy into the ocean, ain't no one calling me ugly.\" Not with her pride.\n\n\"Know what. Think I'll take you up on that. But don't you worry, I ain't gonna judge purely on looks.\" A complete lie, she judged on looks often. But she had been talking with this girl for a fair bit, couldn't be That Bad." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "Her snicker grew into a proper laugh at the pirate adding onto her joke. A travelling misfit group of aquatic animals trying to entertain the merfolk of Riable Isles? As ridiculous as it sounded, Naidi would pay to see it. It'd either be a disaster or the most well coordinated group of animals in the world, and both sounded entertaining in their own ways.\n\n\"But hey, it shouldn't be too hard to figure out how to help you out.\" Naidi began. \"If I better hang of my magic, it shouldn't take too much to focus on keeping an air bubble around your head.\" In the mermaid's mind, she was already set on trying to make this a reality. Being able to be the person who could introduce someone to the wonders of the Eternal Ocean would be such an honour to her.\n\nSlowly chewing her way through the bread certainly helped dissipate the taste of mint in her mouth. With the time quickly passing them by, the alcohol was making its way into her system. Naidi was rather quickly approaching that point of tipsy delight that came with drinking. She was absolutely one of those individuals that had a single drink and was probably an emotional drunk, as Aspeth was unfortunately going to be a victim to.\n\n_ _\n \"Pshh, I sure don't feel special.\" The pout seemed to return to her face again, though it did seem a little more sad. \"It's all well and good that my dad saw a good side to it too, but it still hurts when you're not properly accepted by everyone, yknow?\" In her bout of upsetness, she reached for her tankard again, finishing the drink in a few more sips. The sweetness was beginning to grow on her, alongside the pleasant buzz in her head. \n\n\"Gods, I really should'a dragged that guy into the water with me!\" There was a brief slam of her tankard back onto the bar. \"Mmm, but then I suppose I'd Actually Be a monster then... But he still kinda deserved it.\" A small giggle escaped her lips at imagining the poor sod down in the water with her. He would not have had a good time.\n\nHer brief bout of sadness was quickly lifted with Aspeth saying she wouldn't judge. That was all she ever wanted, for people not to judge her. \"Oooo, I'll show ya on our way out. No point making you wait for forever and a half when we're always surrounded by water, haha!\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Oh? Ya got some magic of your own? I'd love to hear bout that now.\" Magic was Always A fun thing to learn about. Aspeth had taught herself her own magic, mostly by spying on various merchants and stealing a few spell books when they weren't looking, but the methods didn't matter when she was her own teacher.\n\nWith another sip of her drink, she thought about mentioning her own bit of magic to the girl. After a moment of pondering, she eventually gaave a shrug to herself and began to speak. \"Ya know, I actually got some magic myself. Never went to one of those fancy wizard academies, but it's still damn impressive.\" \n\nAspeth watched as the pout returned, her eyebrow perking upwards as she listened whilst the girl drank away her sorrows. \"Oh, darling, trust me. I know exactly what it feels like to not be accepted. Might not be in a similar way to yourself, but my parents weren't so understanding about what I made of my life.\" She could already begin to hear the slurring within the girl's voice. She was quite keen to join her, and grasped onto her bottle. She quickly sculled the rest as she slammed the bottle down, coughing from the taste.\n.\n\nQuickly shaking her head to get the taste out of her throat as best she could, she laughed at the brief mention. \"Who cares about being an actual monster? If people are gonna scream when they see you, give 'em a real reason to be scared!\" She had no clue Why The man should have been dragged into the water, but she definitely agreed!\n\nPushing the bottle away, she brushed her tongue against the front of her teeth. That harsh mint taste was sticking to them, and there wasn't much that she could do about it. Still, it felt nice. The mint made her teeth feel oddly fresh, yet numb at the same time. She imagined how horrible it would be to eat some fruit in the moment.\n\nIt was good to see a hint of joy reappear in the girl's tone. \"Know what? Sure! A fresh swim in some saltwater would do wonders for a cold night like this.\" The water was bound to be freezing cold, and likely pitch black. Who knows what would be hiding beneath the murky waves.\n\nHow exciting." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "\"Yeah, that's fair. I never went to any fancy school, but I learnt a good bit when I was a kid. Would you be at all surprised to hear that the magic I learnt was to control water?\" Naidi chuckled. \"Kinda comes naturally to merfolk, wouldn't ya know? But hey, Not Going to any sort of school for magic but still learning it yourself is way more than impressive! I'd like to hear about that.\" She was doing a good job of not slurring her words together too much, but it was certainly present in her voice.\n\nMunching on the last of their bread rolls, Naidi continued. \"Meh, parents don't seem to know much at all, do they? So much for being the adults in our lives.\" Naidi seemed a little less pouty now, but there was still a look of hurt on her face. \"I'm glad I moved out, but as much as I would bicker with them, it's a strange new part of my life to come to terms with. I'm certainly happier though, don't get me wrong. I can imagine the look on my mom's face if she saw me drinking today!\"\n\nShe was a little quiet, contemplating if she really should give people a reason to be scared of her. She didn't want people to judge her, to say that she was a monster... But if that was all they were going to accept her as, perhaps then it would be a little deserved. But Naidi hadn't been pushed to that brink yet, and she hoped she would never have to. \n\nRegardless, all of those trains of thoughts were all halted as Aspeth agreed. \"Woo! You gonna get another drink before heading out?\" Naidi finished off her bread roll. She would have considered another drink herself, but the bread was doing a good job of keeping her full and she had told herself only one drink tonight. She wasn't drunk enough to go against her word." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Then we're the same there!\" Fancy schools were the most obvious scam. Why would one ever need to go learn from an ancient man when all the knowledge was easily found in the markets. Sure, there were definitely some spells that would never be found in a tome, but there was enough to be satisfied. \"Not surprised about the water magic, but I know a bit of that as well! Pretty much just the basics, I tried learning it to make my ship go faster... Didn't really work out.\"\n\nA huff of laughter escaped her at the words as she gave a nod. \"Parents are old. They take all their damned advice from when they were kids.\" Sure, sometimes the advice was actually decent, but most of the time it was complete bullshit. \"I ran away myself. Haven't seen 'em in years.\" She wasn't going to admit that she did miss them from time to time. She had an image to uphold damnit! \"Hah! Well, drink up and maybe she'll see you dancing on the street!\"\n\nAspeth stood up as Naidi finished off her breadroll. \"Nah, can always come back. Need to pace myself or I'm going to wake up in the streets again.\" With how muddy her hair got last time, she was Not Allowing that.\n\n\"So, what's the plan for it? We gonna find a lil private spot on a beach or just jumping off the docks?\" She assumed thaat Naidi would want this little transformation to be private, but with the alcohol in her mind, she just had to make sure. At least on the beach she could hide all her gear and valuables, make sure it wouldn't be nicked by some bastard passing by." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "\"Well hey, you'd need more wind in your sails to sail faster, not more water, silly.\" She was not at all sure if she was correct, but it made more sense than more water. \"Not that I can help with that, all I know is splishy splash and zappy zap.\" The mermaid held up a hand as a small zap of electricity zapped between her fingertips, a childish grin on her face as she showed off her new magic to Aspeth. \"Granted, I'm not good with zappy zap yet.\" She put her hands down shortly after, not wanting to accidentally shock anyone.\n\n\"Pffft- No one wants to see me dance, let alone my mother. I have two left feet And Two left fins.\" Naidi snorted in amusement at her own lack of dancing skill. \"It sure is nice being away from their constant watch, can't wait to see what I'll be like years from now.\" Was she going to end up like Aspeth? Perhaps not, they were entirely different people, but who knows.\n\n\"Oh goodness, yeah no we're not having you doing any of that.\" She replied, talking with a little bit of food in her mouth but she was done herself, getting up from the bar. Naidi was already thinking of how she was going to show Aspeth her curse. She had put Strider, her hippocampus, a little walk away from the inn, in a little corner that was concealed from most people's view. \"Well it would be pretty funny to just jump off into the water, but nahhh, we gotta go get my horse. ...Water horse, should clarify.\" She giggled. She was a fairly giggly drunk too.\n\nLeading the way out of the inn, the mermaid turned to the pirate with curiosity in her eyes. \"Though, I gotta ask, what do you think I'd look like?\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Well, I get that, but I what I was trying to do was just ride around on a giant wave.\" It had been an aamazing idea! A giant wave would have easily been able to carry the boat around the world, and it would have been a lot faster than just relying on the wind! Aspeth took a moment to watch the small display of power. \"That's still damn impressive! All I know is splish splash, fwoosh and-\" She just herself off as she leaned back, and a second Aspeth had appeared behind her! \"Confusion.\" As she leaned back into her original position, the mirror image seemed to vanish behind her.\n\n\"Oh, come on now. Surely it can't be That Bad. I'll teach you a thing or two if I need to.\" Giggles escaped as she thought about it, Aspeth wasn't exactly a ballroom dancer now, all she really knew were a few decent jigs. \"I'm sure you'll find a good place in the world away from them.\" She certainly had, and she wouldn't mind helping someone else find their spot.\n\nLaughing as she followed the girl out of the inn, she shook her head. \"A water horse? Sounds fun.\" She had absolutely no clue what it was, but she had a fairly good idea that it was in the water. She pondered for a moment, wondering if she should get one of the creatures for herself, it would certainly be useful for getting around when she didn't wish to use her ship. \"You giggle alot.\" She laughed as she spoke, she couldn't help it.\n\nAs she was questioned, a hum escaped her. \"Well, from what I'm thinking, I'm imagining... Something massive. Like, maybe round ten feet tall? Your arms are definitely going to turn to giant crab claws. Both your legs will turn into, I think individual tails, and you'll gain like six bony fins on your back. Your eyes are gonna turn into squid tentacles and... I dunno, you get a second mouth?\" She certainly had quite the imagination for such a thing." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "\"Ohhhh! A big wave Would Be sick! Maybe if you got a buncha merfolk to try pushing your ship, it'd work, but you'd need a good few, heh.\" Naidi replied, trying to imagine what that would be like. She could see about five or six merfolk being enough for a trick like that, if they were well versed with their magic. She was about to talk again when the mirror image of Aspeth appeared, stunning her into awed silence. \"Whoaaaa- that's so cool! Man, I want a second me!\"\n\nThe mermaid giggled as well at the offer of impromtu dance lessons. Certainly not a priority for hers to get any dance skills, but it would be fun. Perhaps whenever they next meet one another. \"Oh, I plan on making a good place for myself!\" Naidi cheered, fists up in the air in her enthusiasm. \n\nHer enthusiasm went up a notch at Aspeth's interest in her hippocampus. \"He is nice! His name's Strider, I've been riding him since I was way younger. Mom was the one who got me into riding lessons, so she did one thing great. He'd like to meet you!\" \n\nA loud snort replied to Aspeth's guesses, followed by a hearty laugh. \"Gods, if I looked like that, I think I'd deserve the title of monster. Now I feel like you're gonna be let down.\" Naidi laughed, running her fingers through her hair and looking out to the water. As much fun as she had on land, the ocean was always going to be home, and she would always enjoy it more down there. The walk wasn't too far, as she didn't want to take a long walk back to Strider if she had gotten herself truly hammered, and as a bonus, Aspeth didn't have to wander too far off with her. \n\nAs they got closer to the little beach she had placed Strider in, the hippocampus' head popped out of the water, giving his rider a loud snort of a greeting, turning his head to the stranger beside her. \"Hi Striderrrr!! We're gonna go home in a bit, don't worryyyy!\" Naidi yelled back, then turned to Aspeth again. \"No judging, right?\" She repeated, squinting a little bit, but in a joking manner." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"I would, but then I'd have to go find a bunch of merfolk who had nothing better to do than push a boat around.\" Most people would likely find it a degrading sort of job. She thought it would be incredible, being able to show off their magic as well as swim all day. What merfolk wouldn't love that? Aspeth laughed at the reaction to her mirror image. \"A second me is certainly very useful!\" Being able to confuse people when she was running, fighting, or even just gambling was a great skill to have.\n\n\"Great to hear it!\" Finding one's place in the world was an odd thing to find. There were times where Aspeth still wondered if she was in the right place. Being a pirate wasn't exactly what most people had as a dream, yet here she found herself.\n\nAspeth was unable to hide the interest in her eyes as she heard the name. Most people named pets after something that related to them. So to receive the name of Strider? Aspeth could only imagine it was one fast creature. \"Well, I'd like to meet him then? But guess we can thank your mom for the lessons then!\"\n\n\"Aw, c'mon! You don't look like that?\" A teasing pout was on her face, though it was soon washed away as she laughed. Who knew if she would be let down, though she was excited to find out. As the hippocampus stuck it's head out the water, the grin on her face widened. \"Hello there, mister man!\" She waved towards the beast, taking a moment to look over it. It had some beautiful scales. It waws the first time she had seen such a creature, so she was certainly going to take the time to memorize it's apperance, just in case.\n\nAs she was asked the question, Aspeth fell into a tense silence, taking the moment to stare into Naidi's eyes. She let the silence sit for a few seconds before snorting as she began to snicker. She wasn't able to keep that little joke up. \"Aye aye, no judging at all.\" As her little fit of laughter escaped, she returned her gaze to Naidi with her usual grin." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar", "message": "\"Yeah, fair.\" Naidi chuckled. She couldn't think of too many people that would be willing to give up that much of their day for something like that. But, if asked, she would probably do it for a day or two, it seemed like a silly but fun way to spend a few hours out at sea. \"Maybe I should get myself a second me, I could get so much stuff done faster.\"\n\n\"Yeah! You can get up close to him if you want, he doesn't bite. But if he doesn't like you, he'll probably just snort some water at you at most, and it's hard for him to not like people.\" The mermaid laughed a little, recalling the last time he had tried something like that. Strider, at the greeting given to him, neighed in response. \n\nNow that they were at the beach, the water rushed forward to their feet before slowly retreating. Naidi hadn't noticed the water at her feet as she continued her squint off with Aspeth. She wasn't sure what was happening, but she wasn't going to lose! The snort from the pirate set her off into a laugh, and she was pretty sure she lost with a blink, but who cares? \"Pfft, okay, good. You can pat Strider if you'd like, he's kinda wet but besides that, he's a good hippocampus.\" She offered, taking a few steps into the water backwards, so that she could still see Aspeth." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar \| Accursed Form", "message": "Before the mermaid had even fully submerged herself into the water, silver-y scales grew along her arms, starting from her fingertips and crawling up her skin, the light of the moon reflecting off of them. Naidi continued walking into the ocean, wading in until her feet could no longer feel the ocean's floor. Her shapeshifting skill began to take full effect, with her legs merging together into a tail, like many other mermaids. But, with her head and torso above water, Aspeth could see the full effect of the change. \n\nThe bright white and blue of her eyes were replaced in their entirety with solid inky blank. The silver scales grew up along her torso, underneath the clothes she had worn that day (she was sure to keep her pants close to the ocean floor near her, you can't wear pants with a tail), reaching up to her chest and shoulders, as well as her face. Her hair had the biggest change, surprisingly enough. The voluptuous black curls and braids she took meticulous care of changed into the tendrils of a jellyfish, a dirty, brick red in colour, resting against her back. They looked more menacing in the water, truth be told. \n\nShe looked nothing like the person Aspeth had been conversing with all day. The only way she would have known was from her voice.\n\n\"Hi?\" She gave a wave with one of her manoeuvrable tendrils, another strange feature of her curse. Strider didn't seem to give a care in the world about the strange mermaid, having been used to her peculiar shapeshifting curse. If he was getting pats from Aspeth, he would be far more interested in that." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"If ya can find out how to make a mirror image pick something up, ya best tell me right away.\" That had always been a detrimental issue with her mirror image. It was never able to pick anything up. She couldn't use it to sucker punch a bastard, to pickpocket someone, or even to just bring up some food onto her ship. Truly, it was a devastating drawback of having such a power.\n\n\"Glad to hear it!\" Aspeth was quick to get up as close as she could to the creature, without falling into the water. She flashed the animal a friendly smile and gave it a small wave, before moving her hand up to give him a few pats. It was a strange feeling, especially when she had it in mind that the creature would still feel like a regular horse.\n\nThough, as the water came up, Aspeth was quick to throw her boots off to get them onto the dry sand. She was Not Going to be spending another night draining them of water, and then having to dry them in the sun. It was way too much effort, and was simply easier to get rid of them. After making sure that her belongings were safely tucked away in pockets, she also tossed her coat over to lay next to her boots, just to be safe. Her white shirt likely wouldn't stand up to much more of the tides, but she could have cared less for that article of clothing, it wasnt' expensive and was rather easy to replace.\n\n.\n\nThen, out of the corner of her eye, she began to witness the transformation. Her attention practically snapped back to Naidi as she watched her body shift. The scales were so strange to watch, growing atop the skin in an instant. Yet she couldn't deny there was a strange beauty to them as they reflected the moon's light. She watched as the tail was slowly formed, and moved through the water. Even after witnessing it, she'd struggle to describe it in a tale. Now she understood why so many sailor's stories were sparce with details. How can you describe something you only saw once?\n\nThe change in the eyes caught her gaze for sometime, there was something about the inky black pupils that simply stole her gaze and held it for a moment. Maybe it was the reflection of what was around, or the strange similarity to staring into the deep ocean. Whatever it was, Aspeth had no clue. She was quick to change her attention to the hair as it flopped behind the girl, such a strange violent colour.\n\nThen, the mermaid spoke, and Aspeth was silent, simply staring for a minute or two before she uttered out a word. \"Uh... Hi?\"\n\nShe was quick to shake her head to get some sanity back in her. \"Sorry, I just... Well, despite my best efforts, couldn't help but stare for a moment.\" She let out a nervous laugh, doing her best not to make the scenario as awkward as it seemed in her head. \"I 'spose I can say that it certainly wasn't anywhere near what I imagined.\"" }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar \| Accursed Form", "message": "Strider noticed the pirate's attempts at keeping away from the water, and so with his front legs he clambered onto the shore a little more. Of course, with the other half of his body being a tail, he couldn't get further on land, but perhaps it would be more helpful for the human. Strider is a very considerate hippocampus. After all, if he was going to get pats out of it, all the more reason to make it easier.\n\nNaidi's mind as she transformed was all over the place. She was intensely watching Aspeth's reaction, trying to see if there was any look of fear or disgust in her face. That was what she was expecting, for the promise to be broken. It would have hurt if she broke it, but that was what Naidi was bracing herself for. However, the expression that Aspeth carried on her face wasn't anything she could decipher in that moment. \n\nTheir awkward moment of silence was cut off by Naidi's burst of giggles. She wasn't expecting there to be straight up silence, and the alcohol was still in her system, making everything seem a little funnier than it was.\n\n\"Heh, hi!\" That cheerful ring to her voice was returning. \"Well, I don't blame you for staring. I'd probably do it too.\" Naidi joked, splashing some water with her arms just to give her something to do. \"It's not... Bad, is it?\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "For Aspeth, there wasn't a hint of fear or disgust in her eyes. There was, however, curiosity. As the Strider made it's way further onto shore, Aspeth continued the pats as her eyes took in each and every detail of the transformation. It felt like each time she looked back at something she had already seen, there waws something brand new about it. How strange.\n\n\"I mean... Ya'd terrify the shit out of a drunken sailor, but it isn't really That Bad. Much better than what I was imagining, that's for sure.\" She could easily imagine a sailor spotting such a thing in the water and making quite the tall tale from the single sighting. Aspeth's grin did come back to her face from the sound of laughter from Naidi. Seemed like things were still in good spirits.\n\n\"Your hair. Those are from those... Stinging bastards down low, right? Do they actually sting?\" Now she was getting much more interested. She had plenty of questions to ask, and she wasn't going to hold back at all.\n\n\"And your eyes... Wow...\" Inky mirrors were the best she could use to describe them. Oddly beautiful. If there was ever a gem found at the bottom of the ocean, that was how she imagined it would look like." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar \| Accursed Form", "message": "\"That's what I'm Saying!\" Naidi replied, glad to hear someone say it wasn't as weird as it seemed. Sure, it wasn't perfectly normal, but it was just who she was! \"I guess it's just cause everyone thinks mermaids are all pretty, so when you see something that doesn't fit the mould, it's cleeeeearly something different. At least you're more open minded than others.\" But perhaps that was only because Aspeth had a chance to know her before seeing the shapeshift. \n\nAt the mention of her hair, Naidi looked back, the tendrils making up her hair flowing a little in the breeze that passed them by. \"Oh, yeah! You mean jellyfish, right?\" Naidi asked, then lifted up all four of the manoeuvrable tendrils that also stung, should she actually touch Aspeth. \"It's more dangerous if you're actually in the water with me, cause they'll just float in any direction and you can get zapped, or if you get too close and I zap you with one of these that I can move. I think it's cool though, I've got built in defences for anyone I don't like!\" \n\nThere was a short, bashful laugh at the comment of her eyes. Oftentimes, that was the thing that scared people about her the most. To not be able to see anything in her eyes, anything human that they could identify from them, most people probably wouldn't find that appealing. \"Heh, certainly a better reaction than other people give when they see them.\" She laughed, swimming closer to the shore so she could sit on the sand next to Aspeth.\n\n\"...It's nice not being judged.\" Naidi commented, splashing the fins of her tail in the water. There was a big smile on her face as she talked." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Aspeth was quite happy that Naidi seemed to agree with her. Seemed like she had chosen the right thing to say. \"I think ya got it there. Every story I heard was praising mermaids about their beauty and with all the yabbos around, probably think you're something ready to drag them right into the murky depths.\" She could definitely see such a thing dragging her down. Though, that vision was a bit muddled now cause all she could imagine was the giggles coming from it.\n\n\"They're called jellyfish? Think so, I ain't sure what they be called.\" She gave a shrug as she tried her best to take a closer look. She didn't want to be flopping into the water now and getting stung. \"Having a defense just in your hair must be So Useful. I've had plenty of times where I wished I had a little extra on me, just ready to go.\" Stinging hair was definitely something new in her life. It was a fun little thought. Maybe she could fancy an illusion from such a devious little thing. It would certainly freak plenty of people out.\n\nShe couldn't help but grin at the comment. \"Well, guess I'm a bit better than most others.\" Laughter escaping as she watched the girl approach to take a seat next to her. She watched as light seemed to dance off of the scales, shining into the water around them.\n\nIt was nice to see a smile on the girl's face. \"Glad I could give you the moment then.\" The words brought a grin to her own face. She took a moment to lean back, placing her hands on the sand and looking up to the sky. The tips of her hair was long enough to start getting soaked by the ocean's waves." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar \| Accursed Form", "message": "\"Hmm... I hope there haven't been any stories about me floating around-\" Naidi contemplated. She didn't imagine that the few people she spooked would have blabbed about it, but perhaps they did. Oh dear. The mermaid decided to cast that thought from her mind.\n\n\"Yep! Jellyfish is their name. They're quite majestic in the water though, they just float around and look rather peaceful. My hair does look a lot cooler in the water than it does just limp when in the air.\" She chuckled. Perhaps if she figured out how to bring Aspeth underwater with her, she could show her what jellyfish were like, and the proper majesty, or horror, of her shapeshift. For a moment, she pondered just how much of the ocean Aspeth, or people in general, were aware of. It made her realise that people wouldn't have had as close a relationship with the creatures in the sea, which is a little sad. Now she Has To figure out how to get the pirate down there with her!\n\nNaidi let the peaceful silence wash them over as she looked up to the stars that were beginning to make themselves known in the night sky. The constant back and forth of the waves were a comforting white noise to her ears. Honestly, she could have sat like that for a good while, but she was aware that Strider was probably raring to go home, and that Aspeth probably should have been heading off. \"Oh! Goodness, I've kept you here a while, huh? I'll probably have to get going soon, Strider needs some food and I imagine you'd want a comfortable place to sleep for the night that isn't the sand, heh. It's been really nice talking with you, Aspeth.\" Naidi gave a big smile to her friend beside her." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"There probably are a few. But I doubt most will believe them.\" New tales were always taken with a grain of salt. After all, plenty had tried to use such tales to inspire hunters to seek out these sorts of creatures, only to find themselves in an ambush. She knew it personally.\n\n\"Jellyfish. They sound... Delicious?\" What kind of person named a fish after a type of rich food? How strange. \"I can imagine when it's flowing around it's much nicer looking.\" She joined in the laughter. Perhaps one day she'd be able to see such a sight. Maybe she'd be lucky enough to just see a jellyfish herself one day. Bah, thoughts for later on. She could travel the sea whenever she felt like it, and she was going to explore the surface until there wasn't a single drop left to explore. She'd find a way to get down there no matter what, be it with magic or something else. Besides, it seemed like she had a new companion that would be rather useful in exploring it with her.\n\n\"Ah, it's been that long already?\" She did not have a pocketwatch, but instead looked up at the moon to try and get an idea of the time. Of course, she had no clue about the exact time. All she knew was that late, and the stars were beginning to appear. \"Should probably get myself to a bed.\" She had to agree that sleeping on the sand again was not a comforting idea. \"It was a bloody good time. Not had a decent conversation in a long while, so I appreciate it. You ever decide to go drinking again, make sure to invite me.\" She let out a laugh as she grinned at the mermaid, taking a moment to stand and stretch her arms. She made sure to give Strider one final pat." }, { "author": "Naidi Wa'anar \| Accursed Form", "message": "\"Hhhhh. Well, at least it won't get too far out there, I suppose.\" She smiled. It was nice being able to find positives out of the more gloomy situations. Though, now a part of her was curious as to how she was portrayed by others. A monster, yes, but what About Her made her a monster? Morbid curiosity is a fascinating thing.\n\nNaidi let out a loud snort at the mention of jellyfish being delicious of all things, which let out into a small fit of giggles. \"Oh... Delicious!\" She repeated with a particularly strong laugh that made her double over for a moment as she visualised it. \"Hahah! Gods no, they're anything but, but I can see why you'd think that. Hah!\" The fit of giggles took a minute to die down. Now that was all she was going to be able to think of if she ever swam past a swarm of jellyfish. \"You better not think of trying to eat me!\"\n\nWhile she didn't want to say goodbye just yet, Naidi was happy to be leaving someone on a good note for once. \"Yeah, I've had fun too! I've really needed this, heh. And of course! You'll be first on my list for invites.\" They didn't need to talk about the fact that the list only had one person on it as of now. Strider snorted cheerfully at the last few pats, he has deemed this stranger as a new friend in his mind. Meanwhile, Naidi had shuffled over to let Strider off of his lead so that they could prepare to swim off soon.\n\n\"I look forward to seeing ya around the Isle some more, Aspeth.\" She finished off, though she had planned to say more, if Strider wasn't being impatient and already turned tail to begin swimming away. Naidi couldn't blame him, he had been hitched up for a while. \"Oh gods- time to catch up to him- it's a very abrupt bye but bye!! It's been really fun!!\" The mermaid gave a very rushed, but enthusiastic wave before diving down into the water, her fin kicking up out of the water, reflecting against the moonlight for one last time before it sank down with her." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Ah, don't pull my leg now! You cannot be telling me that a JellyFish isn't good food. After some of the horrid muck I've seen dredged up onto a fisher's boat, a jellyfish sound like it would be a delicacy.\" She wasn't going to go out of her way to find one to eat, especially not after hearing Naidi say they weren't even tasty. She'd trust someone's word about such a thing when they had likely lived in such an area. At the shout, a grin appeared on her face as she clacked her teeth together, mimicking a bite. \"Ain't promising nothing now.\"\n\nAspeth grinned, she'd accept such an invite any day. It was always good to have a common drinking buddy, especially within the Isle. This had been quite a pleasant night, and with the trouble she planned to get up to in the morning, she had most certainly needed a nice calm night to prepare. Life was likely going to throw some unexpected things at her, so it was good to relax whilst she could.\n\nThe pirate couldn't help but laugh as Naidi was forced to rush to catch up to Strider. \"Take care of yourself now!\" She waved as she collected her items, and began to walk away from the beach. The moon was still high within the sky, but she needed to find a bed to crash into. She had completely forgotten about her original pickpocket target, but she had already taken a decent amount of wages for the night.\n\nShe'd be getting more the next day either way." }, { "author": "shanella", "message": "Yes yes! This was a great first rp for Naidi! Tysm!!" } ]	481	14,758
384.389474	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "It seems that a terrible fate has befallen a rather strange group of travelers. Deep within the depths of a floating mismatched city is a prison, which currently houses three figures. \n\n- One is a tall man with many scars, he is shirtless and bruised, covered in scars along the front of his body. His long black hair draped across his shoulders in a ponytail as he snores softly in the corner, leaned against a wall with a manacle around his ankle, keeping him attached to the wall.\n - One is a tiefling woman with snow white skin and a beautifully regal face, her blonde hair cut short and her red dress torn slightly. A band is around her stomach that keeps her chained to the wall. \n - The final is a beautiful woman with messy hair who is rather short, wearing disheveled and dirty pirate garb, notably she is not wearing a hat nor is one to be seen. She is chained by the wrist to the wall. \n\nEach has a strange colar around their necks, sealed tightly with no visible lock or way to remove them. They are made of an impressive gold and look rather valuable. A strange thing to put on prisoners at first sight, but their true design is to suppress the magic of the one wearing them, making it impossible for them to cast spells or be affected by their own magical abilities. There isn't much room, each prisoner only having a couple of feet between them. There is no window and the iron bars are sturdily installed into the reinforced wooden room. \n\n``` Guard 1: \"Right this way, O' seafoam maiden!\" ``` \n\nGuard 1 was a burly man with a heavy gut, very hairy with a large bulbous nose. He seems to perhaps be descended from Ogres. He guwaffs as he roughly drags along the tiny, innocent and pale blue haired maiden who also has a colar one and is bound by her wrists and ankles with coarse rope. Around her neck is a dead sea creature, a red coralback. It seems someone has put it on her as a cruel necklace- she would know that it was a massive dragonborn, standing over eight feet tall and a\n\nS black as pitch. \n\n``` Guard 2: Can'you believe shes THE seafoam maiden then? I surely can't, shes a tiny little thing. Barely got any curves on her, not like the other bites we caught.\"``` \n\nGuard 2 said, a weasely man with shrewd eyes and a bright red nose. He had a sick and perverse smile upon his face as they reached the iron gate and he pulled out a set of keys, undoing the lock and swinging open the door. He leered at Innos torn dress then at the hips of Aspeth before stepping out of the way. Then Guard 1 threw Syrena into the cell, letting her land with a heavy thud in the center of the small cell, her head not cracking the floor as it collided with the foot of the seemingly sleeping man. A Very Perceptive person would have noticed that his foot had not been where her head landed moments before. Syrenas feet would smack against Aspeth, a very small cell indeed. \n\n```Guard 1: Sleep tight then! We begin the games in the mornin.\"``` \n\nBoth guards walked away laughing, jostling each other as they moved. \n\nFour intrepid adventurers, four different fates crashing together in a small cell. A tale haunted by miseries and woe, a tale with a future unknown. \n\nWhat exactly will be their fate? It all begins... With the actions of a Tiefling." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As the guards took their leave, her yellow flaming eyes turned to their new guest. Her hopes for someone useful began to fade, the young maiden could still prove an opportunity. The former noble, her backbone unwavering as she stood with her full height. Her posture straight and regal, displaying an odd air of confidence despite her surroundings of iron bars. Her mind began to ponder on what the guards meant by the seafoam maiden. Was she someone of importance? Inno took a moment to glance at the woman, searching for injuries or signs of disease. She had not paid much attention to her fellow prison mates, talking would only draw more attention. And, as the prison guards stated. Their games were beginning in the morning.\n\n```\"Are you still with us? Don't lose your spirits yet, young one. Tell me, when they dragged you in here. Will you be able to describe the layout? Freedom isn't too far from reach, a simple leap is ahead of us.\"```\n\nThe woman said in a very low whisper yet her tone was firm and serious, she approached the center but the chains held her back. She had a plan. Assess the situation, gain allies, gain tools or resources and exploit a weakness. All she needed was a diversion before executing a plan. The tiefling was sure that her goblins were smart enough to avoid a full conflict, she taught them enough. Perhaps they could act as a diversion, the chances of them leaving her to die were slim. Perhaps internal conflict at worst. Her face expressed a sense of curiosity at the thought, quickly regaining her composure.\n\n```\"You all heard them. We will be tortured come the dawn. With a clear plan and careful hands, we can avoid such a grim fate. I'm sure that is enough to form an alliance.\"```\n\nHer whispered words rang loud enough for her prison mates to hear her, she spoke with confidence. Yet her eyes made it seem as if it was a command. The woman went silent for a moment, carefully listening for the guards." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena winced as the was thrown into the cell, letting out a sigh of relief as her head landed on the tall strangers foot rather than the cold- hard floor. \n\nSyrena's nude body laid exposed in the center of her cell, her legs bent in a manner to preserve her dignity. Normally her scales would conceal her, but her fish like features melt away with her two legged form- the only form of clothing on her being the corpse of her dear coralback. \n\nTears ran down the maidens pale cheeks as she laid limply on the floor, unable to adjust her stature due to her ankles being tightly bound by rope. Syrena looked up at the horned woman as she spoke, her eyes painting a somber picture of grief and sorrow- of defeat. \n\nThe Seafoam Maiden parted her plush lips to speak, but only a scratchy attempt at a whisper escaped from her bruised throat. The suppressive collar around her neck that suppressed her magic may have taken her magic from her but it had no affect on her goddess' gift of magical song, to combat this the guards saw to it she wouldn't be able to speak in the foreseeable future- bludgeoning her delicate throat until speech was no longer an option. \n\nSyrena looked around the cell, taking in her new scenery. She then truly took in the individuals that surrounded her, the tall man had a kind aura to him, the horned woman was as regal as she was intimidating, and the beautiful woman with messy hair had a spunk to her that intrigued the mermaid. \n\nThe girl then began to sob, motioning her head towards the unfortunate creature that was limply draped around her neck. She hoped somebody would free her of such a cruel punishment." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Aspeth had been quite vocal during her time within the cells, constantly teasing the guards and goading them. But today, she had been fairly silent. Truth be told, their reactions weren't much good for entertainment. Her cellmates weren't the most exciting individuals either. A sleepy bastard and a silent devil.\n\nHow did a woman of her stature manage to get into such a situation? If Only She had told the captain not to cross the Isles whilst they were being hunted.\n\nOh wait, that is exactly what she had done.\n\nAlas, a groan escaped her as a pair of feet smacked against her, looking towards the new arrival. Her eyebrow perked up at the slender body, it was certainly not what she had been expecting to see. Then again, the guards here weren't exactly the kindest group of people. Aspeth was sat slouched against the wall, her arm hanging in the air due to the chain, her legs were spread out comfortable, despite the small size of the cell.\n\n\"Divine save me, Another Person in this cage? They are really piling us up now. Wonder if we're going to the penitence pyre soon.\"\n\nThe brown haired girl spoke with crude humour as she looked over the strange woman. As the girl began to sob, a groan escaped her. She was Not Going to be stuck in a cell with a weeping bastard now. Adjusting her position, Aspeth brough her arm over to remove the creature as best she could. Normally, she would have just chucked her coat at the naked woman, but with the shackle around her wrist, she wasn't able to remove her coat.\n\nAspeth brought the dead corpse close to her, letting it flop in her hand. Not much she could do with the poor thing, probably wouldn't even taste good cooked. Bah, maybe she could throw it at a guard to piss them off later, get them in the cell. As the Tiefling whispered, Aspeth could have cared less and spoke at her regular volume.\n\n\"Oh, so Now You're keen on talking. You got an idea jumbling round those horns then?\"" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "The sound of the Guards voices echoed from down the hall, they got no nearer and strayed no further. It seemed as if they had reached their post, resuming their card games and drinking. Occasionally a high pitched whining laugh or a short barking one would raise a little louder- but nothing more. It seemed the coast was clear. \n\nRats scurried past the bars of the prison, occasionally what must have been more scratched at the wood high above them, likely crawling through tight spaces in search of something to eat or use to make nests. With the only sound the broken, raspy dry weeps until Aspeth spoke normally. The sound didn't seem to carry as well going back down the hall, for no reaction was given from the guards." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "\"Would you shut up? I'm trying to recover from a headache so I can think better.\" The tall man said softly, his arms crossed over his well defined and heavily scarred chest. His almond eyes were shut and he pulled his foot back, gently rolling Syrenas head off of it. It was a strange feeling to feel pain from a blunt impact. \n\n\"Speaking of horns, are yours sharp?\" He asked, opening one eye and squinting at the two woman and seemingly not noticing the crying, naked woman. It would be dishonorable to stare at a woman's bare body without her consenting word. Instead he needed to focus on the task at hand, despite the pounding in his skull. \"Could use them to cut Weepies binds. A pair of free hands could work on these colars.\" He said, then closed his dark brown eye again and settled more against the wooden wall, his breathing coming out slow and gentle. If he hadn't been speaking moments before it would almost be believed he'd fallen asleep again." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Inno took a moment to reflect on the guard's words, describing the woman before her to be the \"Seafoam maiden\". Perhaps this was slang for a seafolk maiden, but it only added to her usefulness. The woman's lack of clothing and the creature over her neck was evidence enough. Upon discovering that the maiden could not speak, her bruised throat began to make it clear how much of a threat her voice was. The guards must have done it with intentions to keep her subdued, if her suffering was a priority then a few cuts at the end of her fingers were enough. Her sobbing was oddly useful, concealing their chatter enough. Sobbing was natural background noise for any prison.\n\nAfter studying the nude woman, her attention drifted to Aspeth. Her crude humor was not appreciated. With a deep breath in and a careful hand, she began to remove what remained of her fine dress. Her eyes noticed the brown haired woman remove the creature, perhaps it could prove useful. As no guards seemed to be alerted, she held her dress. Leaving her in her underwear and a pair of torn pants.\n\n```\"Keep an eye out and your voice down.\"```\n\nThe tiefling quietly commanded as she'd lower herself, before approaching the woman on the center. She threw her dress onto the exposed woman, yet her intentions were not of kindness. This woman might be her key to freedom. Keeping her morale up become a cold priority. As the red fabric fell onto the woman, covering her body somewhat, her head turned slowly to the man.\n\n```\"Yes, save your strength for now. We will need it soon. I will do what I can. Young maiden, be still... It's gonna be okay.\"```\n\nThe woman was clearly not good at providing comfort but pushing her chain to the limit, she'd reach out to her body. Should Syrena cooperate and not fight her, the tiefling attempted to pierce the coarse rope on her wrists first. Using the sharpest horns of her head, in an attempt to piece a single hole through it before using her sharp claws to spread that cut." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena's sobbing was interrupted by a sigh of bittersweet relief when the unfortunate coralback was removed from her neck. She was a friend of Syrena's, a rare red coralback names Kerrie who she often brought with her on her travels- it was Her own Fault she was no longer with her and the guilt was eating her alive.\n\nSyrena then looked to the tall man as he spoke, her gaze interrupted by a gentle fabric being tossed over her- something she appreciated. Syrena's icy blue eyes danced over to the horned woman, if the mermaid could she would thank her for such a kind gesture. Her tears dried as the woman approached, lowering her head and piercing the ropes that bound her small wrists. Her eyes widening as the woman used her claws to widen the cut. After a few moments of struggle, the ropes fell gently off of Syrena's wrist- her gaze painting a picture of gratitude as she looked into the kind horned woman's eyes. \n\nSyrena used her newfound freedom to use her hands to straighten herself up, keeping careful balance as not to fall- after all her her ankles were still bound. Syrena then hopped clumsily over to the shorer, meaner woman- placing her arms around her neck and fiddling with the collars mechanisms in hopes of removing it, or at least loosen the device. Her cheeks puffed out in frustration as she struggled with the collar." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"You've had that headache since you were thrown in here, my darling.\"\n\nWith her voice laced with the usual teasing tone, she let out a sigh. Might as well not make any enemies until they were out of the cell proper. If they hadn't chained up the new woman, then there was certainly a chance she could get them out. If she could just get this Damned Collar off, she'd really be able to cause some chaos. A soft grunt escaped her as she adjusted herself, sitting up in a better position so she could get a bit of feeling back into her spine.\n\n\"Aye aye.\"\n\nHer eyes moved towards the bars, doing her best to peek around the corners to spot any shadows that might reveal a person approaching. Though, her hearing was likely going to be the best, with the guards having quite heavy footsteps. She almost couldn't contain the spark of joy that appeared in her heart when she noticed the ropes fall to the ground. Well, seemed like they were going to be winging an escape plan. Aspeth couldn't help but grin as she noticed the woman approach her first. She was certainly going to be keeping her voice lower now, speaking as she kept a lookout.\n\n\"Got yourself a good taste in first picks now. Oi, check around my coat now, if we're lucky the guards might have left something when they searched me.\"\n\nShe had checked over herself when she was first placed in the cell, but due to the chain on her wrist, she hadn't been able to reach all of the usual spots. If they could find a tool, it would certainly be a lot easier. With the amount of straps and sashes on her person, she was hoping they would have left something, anything.\n\n\"You know how to pick a lock, doll?\"\n\nIf there was nothing, the next best thing would be to get her out of the chains so she could move onto the others. Getting each of them out of these bindings would certainly be quite the boon." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "Try as she might, Syrena would find trying to get the collar off a futile effort. It was a seamless band, as if it had been welded around their necks- a strange and inexplicable device. There is a strange rune on the back of the neck, perhaps it requires a key of some kind? \n\n\nFor a moment Aspeth would think they saw someone moving down the hallway, but careful looking would show only the flickering shadows of torchlight, the voices of the two guards still in the same place. One even gave another barking harsh laugh. \n\n- - - \n\nAs Syrena checked the clothing of Aspeth, the webs of fate began to be spun. Would she find a gift, a blessing of chance? Or would there be only dissapointment? \n\nWhat she found was...\n\nAbsolutely nothing. The very idea that the guards, who'd been exceptionally thorough so far, would miss anything was preposterous. With foolish hopes dashed, perhaps the adventurers should seek other means. \n\nAs they search hopelessly, a small mouse comes scurrying by, sitting in the middle of the hall a few feet beyond the bars. It's beady little mouse eyes watch the group intently, perhaps Too Intently for a mouse. Yet it doesn't seem to do much else besides, what an interesting rodent... \n\nAs Inno sits there, she would also feel a water droplet hit her head from above. Upon gazing, she would find a small leak. \n\nThe prospects of their situation do not look promising." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Syrena seemed quick to action as she hopped her way to try her hand with the collars to no avail. She shook her head, her claw on the collars before turning to see if there was a stroke of luck on their side. Sadly, nothing was found in her coat. Yet, she began to construct a plan. Looking around to get a understanding of her options, before her cold eyes turned to the mouse. Only two possibilities grew from it, either it was spy to ensure they don't escape or perhaps it was here with a purpose. A water droplet caught her attention, before she spoke out in a whisper. Gently patting her thigh to lure the merfolk closer to her.\n\n```\"Come. I have a plan. I need you all to listen. Give me the body of the creature, we will use it.\"```\n\nThere was a determined expression on her face, as she'd motion Syrena to hop to her so her leg binds can be freed. Should she obey, her focused turned to keeping the ropes and cutting the binds on her legs. The tiefling explained her plan with a low whisper.\n.\n\n```\"We will lure the guards in and ambush them. Seafoam here will be our dead lady, you will need to pretend that you're dead from those throat wounds. We will use the creature's blood to make it convincing, fill your mouth with its blood and play dead. Try to play dead near the man over there, with cut ropes still on you. You will initiate an attack. Eyes, throat, groin or knees will be your target. Once he is stunned or surprised by the attack, that's when he comes in. \"```\n\nHer words were spoken with firm tone, looking very intensely at Syrena as she described her plan. Her face was not expecting failure or would curdled to her. The tiefling turned to Nyle, he had scars of a fighters and could prove capable for the role even if he was bounded by the wall.\n\n```\"When she makes that first attack, the guard will be surprised. That will be your golden moment to grab him and overpower him. Smash him against the floor or the wall. Break his neck, knock him out. Do what you think is best. But before you even attack, I want you to pretend that you are sleeping. It may make it easier to take the first guard by surprise. Now, if there one guard then it will be easier but if a second guard is here. That's when me and the loud one come in.\"```\n\nShe explained her plan carefully, although details may change. Nyle had his hands free, so he could potentially take advantage of it. The tiefling turned to Aspeth, she was bounded by the arm. Yet, she could still play critical role in this ambush.\n.\n\n```\"You and I will be responsible for the second guard, we will only have two second window. You will lure the guard closer to you. Flirt with him or mock him, get his attention to get closer to you. Once he is near enough, I will draw his attention to me. That's when you will strike. You will kick him in the lower torso, it will make him fall towards me. I will use my claws, horns and whatever else to strike at him when he is vulnerable. Timing will be very tight but it's our best approach. They should have the keys to our freedom, we take it and we move quick.\"```\n\nThe tiefling explained her plan to the brown haired woman, ensuring that she understands her role in this. Inno was rather skilled with ambushes and such tactics, this was almost second nature to her but this was team effort. Should one of them fail at their roles, it could cause further issues. It was high risk high reward tactics. The tiefling made her plans and waited for the reaction of her peers." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena's eyes darted over to the horned lady as she tapped her thigh, confused on what the gesture meant she simply stared for a moment before hopping over when Inno spoke. Her body physically recoiling at the idea of giving her friend to a stranger. Instinctively Syrena swiftly, but gently swiped the coralback from Aspeths arms and hugged it tight to her chest, a single tear running down her left cheek as she did so. \n\nSyrena kept the animal in her arms as she allowed the teifling to free her ankles from their bondage. Syrena looked at Inno as she disclosed her plan, her brows furrowed and her lip quivering, part of her knew they would have to go to extreme measures to escape, but to desecrate her goddess' children- her friend, was a tall ask. Syrena glanced between the three strangers. Noting their chained wrists, ankles, or waist. In that moment something dawned on Syrena, as if the ocean- as if Oceania spoke to her directly. It was up to her, up to all four of them to get out of there safely. She was in the cruel clutches of humankind now, this wasn't the world she knew. \n\nSyrena hesitantly nodded, her expression visibly distraught and mournful. The maiden then placed the creature in the center of the room, kneeling before it and clasping her hands together as if in a silent prayer. Syrena looked up to the ceiling with her eyes closed, a drop of water from the crack in the ceiling dripping onto her forehead. After a few silent moments, Syrena lowered her head to gently kiss the creature on its nose, a final farewell to her friend while it was still in its god designed form. Syrena then brushed her fingers against the creatures mortal would, the one responsible for felling it- a large puncture wound in its stomach. The mermaid spread the blood over her face, putting more around her mouth to give the illusion she had been mortally wounded. Syrena then lifted the creature, allowing its blood to drip into a small puddle in the center of the room. Syrena then removed\n\nThe cloth given to her by Inno and hid it underneath her body as she laid down next to Nyle, her head rested in front of the blood puddle, quite the convincing scene. \n\nSyrena kept the creature in her arms like a child grasping onto a plushie." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "It was rather unfortunate that the bastards had taken everything. No matter, seemed like the Tiefling had a plan now, and it was certainly a rather gruesome one. Mutilating the body of the beast to mimic a death? Well, she could only hope the blood was the same colour's as the woman's. Either way, Aspeth had to admit that the Tiefling was rather descriptive in her plan. It gave her a decent idea of Who She could have possibly been. Perhaps a commander gone rogue or a captain who grew tired of listening to the higher powers.\n\nDidn't really matter either way, she had ended up in the same place as the rest of them. As she looked around for the thousandth time, a scowl slipped onto her face at the lack of windows. If she had been able to see out into the world, she didn't doubt that she would be able to find a perfect sloop. Whilst she would have loved to take a clipper, just judging from the looks of the people around her, she couldn't assume they were the best sailors out there.\n\nThen, it was her turn to be spoken to, and a grin appeared on her face. Flirting And Mocking? She was basically being asked to have a regular conversation with the swab. With her free hand, she took a moment to adjust her shirt, making her cleavage pop up a bit. With the right position of her arm, she could take the look of a proper harlot.\n\n\"The second guard then? You got that, darling. I'll make sure he doesn't take his eyes off me until ya call.\"\n\nConfidence rang throughout her voice as she got prepared, sneakily placing herself against the wall to use as a backboard to make sure the guard would be slammed over. It was a damn good plan that the Tiefling had come up with, plenty of things could go wrong within a few seconds if they were unlucky. Just the way she liked it.\n.\n\nAspeth's blue eyes glanced over her unlikely comrades. If they survived, maybe she would do well to actually learn their names. Her original belief had been that none of them would survive that long really, but she had certainly been proven wrong.\n\nAspeth couldn't help but grin at what this meant. She had been Blessed Oh, Erasil had heard her prayers and finally sent along her answer. For so long she had been waiting for a sign of destruction, a sign birthed in fire! She hadn't though that She would be sending such a glorious and sneaky blessing. Aspeth couldn't help but whisper her thanks to her Goddess before turning towards the rest, quite ready to get out of this damn cage." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "Foam Maiden. \n\nMeanwhile, the Guard 2 was squatted in front of Aspeth, just out of reach now for anyone, with a dagger in his hand, toying with it across his dirty pants. \n\n``` Guard 2: You gettin bored in here poppet? Want me to take you out for a little playtime? ``` \n\nHe said, his teeth bared in what must have been an attempt at a charming smile- at least, what was left of them. Most of the remaining teeth were blackened and rotted, a few silver ones in their place and the others straight missing. His tongue was bumpy and swollen from a lack of water and care, his greasy hair matted to his head. \n\nThe pieces had moved- but what would the others do now? One Guard was just over Syrena and armed with a deadly weapon, the other armed and out of reach. \n\nNow was the time to see the plan in full, to see how each person might play their part." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena felt a wave of fear wash over her as she heard the men approach, using all of her focus to remain still as not to blow her facade. Her mind stirred at the man's comment, she wondered what he meant by Pair- humans talked so funny.\n\nOnce the man placed his finger over Syrena's nose she couldn't help but gag, the stench was unlike anything she had ever smelled before. She couldn't help but wonder what made the man smell so horrible, she knew humans ate strange foods but his aroma was nothing if not appetizing- as if he had eaten a tube of lard the day before.\n\nSyrena opened her eyes to her own horror to see the man in front of her and soon panicked. Syrena then shot her foot upwards into the mans crotch with all of her might, striking him with all of her strength. As the man recoiled in pain Syrena got up, making sure to keep Kerrie's corpse in her arm as she scurried away from the man, putting Nyle between her and him in hopes the tall stranger would protect her when his shock wore off." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "The shouts of commotion was a surprise, but it got the guards close without them having to risk attracting any more attention. Though, she did have to spare a moment to wonder what they had seen. Though, the thoughts were quickly thrown away as the guards looked into the cell \n\nOnce the second guard's gaze was on her, she allowed a sultry smile to appear on her face. Certainly a rather inviting look that promised pleasures beyond imagine. It was a practiced smile, one she had done hundreds of times to trick the poor bastards that had come across her whilst she was in trouble. It was truly her greatest weapon. Aspeth did flinch at the sight of the pistol. She was hopeful that the bastard wasn't using Her Pistol. For all she knew, he could have shoved the weapon into a pot of butter to try and clean it. \n\n\"Oh? Darling, with a tiny prick like yours, you are certainly welcome to try.\"\n\nAn insult and a flirt. A disgusting man like the one in front of her would often be goaded by such a thing. That was exactly what she was praying for. If the man grew closer, then he would be in the perfect spot for her to strike. As the man hopefully grew closer, she used the pained groans of the first guard as a distraction, pushing herself off the wall as far as the chain would allow her to slam her foot into his gut, trying to have him stumble back into Inno. The first guard seemed to have the keys, so as long as they were able to get them out of the picture, they could have their freedom.\n\nThat dagger that the second guard had could prove either a problem or rather useful, she was hopeful that Inno was able to disarm the scunner and take it from him. Gutting the pig seemed like a fitting fate." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Whatever caught their attention could wait, perhaps it was her goblins or maybe it was a simple stroke of luck. It was time for action, she watched coldly as the guards spoke. It could have been the mouse, perhaps it was druid or simply that these guards are complete fools. Thankfully, the guards glanced into their cell and investigated their bait. She turned around to face the wall, as her tail began to sway slowly. Patiently waiting, she said nothing as there was nothing to be said. It was in their hands now, she will play her part when it came. Pressing her forehead against the wall, as her cold eyes glanced behind her. A pistol and a dagger. Should the pistol go off than it may cause too much of a problem, even if it missed them.\n\nHer ears listened carefully as Syrena began their ambush, a firm and strong kick into the groin. That was their moment, her attention turned to the guard 2. A strong kick to the gut was she needed, as the man lost his balance and fell toward her. She waited for him to meet the stone floor, before reaching out to far as she can. Her claws were quick to attempt to grab his head, before stabbing her claws into his eyes. As he opened his mouth to scream, she pulled his body closer to by grabbing into his mouth. She knew he would bite her but it would certainly conceal his screams. She'd use her tail to grab his dagger, before stabbing his throat. Blinded, pulled and killed. She held the dagger with her sore and blooded hands, turned to look at the guard 1 to confirm a victory there. Readying herself to attack with the dagger, if the large guard proved too difficult for Nyle." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "As the kick drove into the crotch of the first guard, he grunted and doubled over, taking a singular shuffling step back with his hands holding the wounded area. Yet as mentioned before, Guard 1 was a massive man and wide, sturdy built, perhaps descended from Ogres? The kick was fierce and well aimed and it stunned him enough for the girl to scamper behind Nyle, who had somehow risen to his feet in the time it had taken her to launch her kick. The guard raised his gun with wide eyes but the tall man shot his hand out and clamped his finger between the firing mechanism of the gun so when the trigger was pulled it simply jammed. Then his other hand hand whipped around and chopped at the mans neck, which bounced off the thick mans hard muscle. \n\n\"Ah shit.\" Nyle said, the guard dropping the gun and instead lunging forward to tackle Nyle to the floor, which would crush the sweet Syrena behind them. Nyle grunted and twisted his own body weight, twisting so they fell sideways instead and hit the hard wooden floor with a loud Crack. Nyle switched tactics and snatched the keys, throwing them up towards Syrena as Inno and Aspeth fought their own target. \n\nNow that she could see both of his eyes now, Syrena would find one was a vibrant and inhuman blue, and the other dark brown. \n\n\"Get their chains off!\" He gestured towards the other two, before being elbowed in the jaw and being forced to focus on grappling with the larger Guard. Nyle was strong, perhaps impressively so to be holding off a guard this inhumanly durable and strong person. Yet he would definitely not win this fight, not one of raw strength and endurance." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "Meanwhile Guard 2, the rat like, perverse man- was choking on his own blood. However even as he died, he'd do one last act of spite. Fingering something from his pocket, he'd pull out a small pistol from his pocket. It had a strange tube like barrel, and he'd pull the trigger. A flare would fire out from it and whiz out into the hall and explode in a loud \n\n \n\nRed sparks flying everywhere as the gunpowder charge went off, supposed to be a warning signal and now a dangerous alarm bell. The noise was so loud in this confined space that it would cause everyones ears to ring, red sparks burning here or there. Amazingly the wood did not seem to catch fire, perhaps too saturated from the seawater it had been pulled from. Whatever the case, Guard 2 was now dead and Guard 1 was trying to get the upperhand on Nyle, who was putting up a remarkable fight. Any time the Guard tried to change targets to one of the girls, Nyle would suffer another blow to get his attention back on him. \n\nThe clock had begun ticking, what would this party do? Syrena had the keys to their freedom, one Guard, shown to be durable and dangerous, was still fighting. Would this plan lead to victory, or total doom?" }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena raised her hand to cover her mouth as she watched the large guard tackle Nyle, cringing at the crack of the wood accompanying their brutal fall. Her shock was interrupted when Nyle threw the keys towards her, her eyes widening at the sight of his multicolored eyes. His blue eye seemed to sing a song of the ocean that felt fondly familiar, but now was not the time to gawk. Syrena clumsily caught the keys, juggling them in her hands for a moment until finally getting a firm grip on them. \n\nSyrena took a deep breathe as she looked around the room for anything useful, her gaze honing in on the pistol on the floor next to the guard and Nyle. Syrena scurried across the floor towards the pistol, nearly getting hit by the guard as he swung his arm towards her- if not for Nyle she would surely have been struck. One the gun was in hand she made her way over to the two women and freezing before them. She knew Nyle couldn't hold off the large man for long, and she would probably only have enough time to free one of the women... But which one. \n\nSyrena's icy blue eyes looked back and forth between the two women as she bit her lip with uncertainty. Both of the women seemed capable in combat, one armed with claws and another with an impressive physique. Syrena shut her eyes and let out a sigh before tossing the pistol to Aspeth and using the keys in her hand to free the shackle around Inno's waist. Syrena then jumped at the sudden commotion behind her, turning to witness the ongoing fight between Nyle and the Guard with a worried expression." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As her mistake to fully kill and end the guard 2, her mistake blew up in her face. The loud explosion was surely going to bring unwanted attention, she watched the chaos continue as the temptation to throw her dagger grew but it was too risky. She was no skilled dagger thrower and it may even injure their ally, instead she watched the icly blue eyed maiden make her decision. A smart decision, arming the loud mouth and freeing her. She was tempted to leave and save herself, but with the loud shot and alarm. Her survival odds were better with a group, the woman said nothing as she was freed. Simply watching the two men attempt to overpower each other, waiting for an opportunity before quickly spotting one.\n\nShe quickly make her attack from Guard 1's behind, using the dagger to make a deep slash into the back of his knee. The tiefling was rather knowledgeable with such things, a good cut to the popliteal artery would lead to a lot of blood loss. It was then that she spoke as she stepped away.\n\n```\"Guard, you will die if you keep fighting. Submit and you may live, we have your gun and you're bleeding to death. We want to leave and you want live. Let him go and give us the keys now.\"```\n\nShe spoke with an intimidating tone that had a hue of pleading to it, but it was a distraction. The tiefling waited for a moment of reconsideration and confusion, for stab the Guard in the back of the neck. Using her strength to aim at the base of the skull, and end the life of the Guard as quickly as possible.\n\nShe made her attempt while using her plead to confuse him enough to stop his movement for a moment, the woman was no assassin but she did her best attempt to end the fight. Stepping back as any swings or kicks came her way.\n\nShould she fail, the tiefling continued her attacks focusing on the Guard's arm pits and knee. All in an attempt to weaken him more and more, blood loss was slow killer." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "With her kick landing true, a pleased grin appeared on her face. It was a perfect little surprise attack, and the second guard was quick to fall. Though, her eyes did widen at the sight of the pistol, and her eyes trailed along as the flare was suddenly shot out. A pained look appeared on her face as she felt the ringing in her ears. But it was a much more preferable alternative than any of them taking a bullet to the chest.\n\n\"Get me out of these damn chains!\"\n\nHer eyes sought out the current owner of the keys, looking over Syrena with impatience. Even as Nyle was currently stuck in battle, all she wanted was to get out of these shackles and get some fresh air into her lungs. She Craved The wind in her hair once again. Then, a shock of horror appeared in her eyes as the Champion simply threw the pistol at her. Of course, she did catch the weapon, but how Could She? Being left as last in the chains? She was certainly not going to forget this anytime soon. At least she finally had a familiar weapon in her hands. There was an odd sense of safety as her hand tightened around the wooden grip, and as her thumb was instinctively placed against the hammer. However, it still did not make her feel any less Betrayed By the stranger.\n\nNo matter. It seemed like the Tiefling was dealing with the second guard proper now. She urgently gestured for her saviour to get her out of the Damned Chains. She could have used the pistol to easily shoot them off, but she didn't want to waste her lone bullet in this moment. She had no clue if the guard who had owned the pistol had any more ammunition on him.\n\nThey were likely running on borrowed time now, the rest of the guards would have heard that flare go off, and would likely be swarming the area rather soon. They needed to find a way outside.\n\nThough her eyes did trail to the body of the guard that had shot the flare. Those silver teeth would certainly be worth something." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "\"Get clothes on.\" Nyle would say gruffly, once Syrena surely undid his and Aspeths chains. He'd strip the coat, britches and belt from the smaller man to shove towards Syrena before stepping into the hall and gazing down it. \n\n\"We should move quickly.\" He said simply, chewing on his lip. The tall man really was an interesting sight, handsome perhaps to some- his face just as scarred as the rest of his body, though the scars only existed on his front side, his back was strangely untouched. His long black hair was well taken care of, tied back with a leather cord and going all the way down past his shoulder blades. That blue eye was deadly, sharp and alien. \n\n\"We need to find our stuff as well, it'll likely be close.\" He said, a note of hopefulness within his voice- which was a dry and rumbling one. He strode off away from the girls as Syrena and perhaps hopefully Inno got decent, Aspeth too for that matter though he did not know their names. He entered the Guards room and looked at the table, which had discarded playing cards and two cups of booze, both chairs were toppled over. \n\nThere were Three Doors, one that said \"Confiscation Room\", one that read \"Single Hold Cell\" And the other was unmarked. Vaguely if one focused they'd feel that the most of the vibrations could be felt coming from beyond that door, though perhaps they had a couple of minutes yet. \n\nDown the opposite side of the hall past the cell they'd been in was a broom closet with a broken broom, a few mops and a bucket. There was however something interesting there for those that bothered to look- a ventilation like system, a square hole with a thin metal grate over it to allow this part of the massive super structure to breathe." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "With the guard dead and taken care of, she had a brief moment to search the bodies. Inno was the first to search the still warm bodies, with her priority towards finding a key for their collars. But instead, she took the flash of alcohol, the orange, second smaller dagger, the brass knuckles and one bag of gunpowder. She could potentially make a explosive mix of items that may come in useful, upon hearing this voice of the man. The tiefling silently agreed while she approaching the scar covered man, giving him the brass knuckles before turning her attention to the merfolk. Giving her the smaller dagger, a small weapon could allow her to be more useful.\n\n```\"Take this you two, the rest is for you.\"```\n\nThe tiefling knew the brown haired woman was a quick looter based on where her attention was earlier. She stole the larger man's lether jerkin, it was large and bloody but it was something. She quickly follow Nyle as he entered the guards room, reading the doors. Feeling the vibrations, the tiefling would grab the table that read \"Confiscation Room\" But stopped as her gaze looked past the cell. Looking for anything useful, spotting the ventilation system.\n\n```\"There's a ventilation system here. Grab only what you need and we make haste into it.\"```\n\nShe said as she'd point towards the opposite side of the hall, while quickly opening the door. Her only priority was to inside would be to find her invisibility ring and winged boots, an extra blade couldn't hurt. Although, she did not look for anything else that would be a waste of time and they only had a handful of minutes." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena watched curiously as the tall scarred man stole the clothing from the smaller man, catching the clothing as amyle shoved it into her arms. Syrena examined the button up shirt in her hands for a moment before clumsily putting her arms through the sleeves and buttoning up the shirt. She then quickly slipped into the jeans that sat loosely over her slim legs. Syrena struggled to get the belt on correctly, spinning around for a bit trying to see the loops on her pants. \n\nOnce she was dressed she simply watched the group before a small dagger was placed into her hands by the horned woman. \n\nSyrena held the blade in her hand with uncertainty as she followed behind them. The maiden stumbled clumsily behind the group, her footwork messy and unbalanced to the point she bounced off the hallways walls behind the group. \n\nSyrena jumped when Inno slammed the door open, standing on her toes to look over her comrades shoulder to get a peek inside. She had not came with any possessions of her own, but was keen to find a key to get this collar off her neck." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Aspeth uttered a thanks as she was finally released from her chains. She was quick to stand and make her way over to the corpse of the second guard. Not only did she gain a flare pistol, but an extra shot for it. She was quick to load it into the weapon, and inspect the item. Whilst she had no need for vision in the dark, nor to alert anyone, firing the thing directly into someone's face was bound to cause damage. Using the butt of the pistol, she knocked out the silver teeth and stashed them into a pocket, whilst her flintlock was placed into one of her sashes to hold it for the moment. She wanted one hand free, after all.\n\nShe did grab the extra bullets from the first guard, but not before getting herself a bit more decent. Pulling up her top properly, she was quick to exit the cell and take a deep breath. It smelt So Much better than that damned cage. Already, she could taste freedom.\n\n\"Got to agree with Miss Horns over here. We'll have to hurry.\"\n\nNot knowing the names of her fellow prisoners had caused her to create nicknames for the small group. Aspeth was quick to make her way over to the door that read 'Confiscation Room'. She was rather tempted to kick the damn thing open, but she had a bit more class than that. Plus, it seemed like the Tiefling was well ahead of her with that.\n\nShe still entered with the flare pistol aimed, just in case there was any rat hiding within. Her eyes were searching for a few items in particular, but None Mattered more than her hat. If she could find her cutlass, that would also be fantastic.\n\nBut that didn't mean she wasn't going to rummage through Every Prisoners' belongings. Maybe she would find something rather useful?\n\n\"Well well, seems like we got ourselves a little treasure trove.\"" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "The confiscation room would be easy to open, seeing as it had been left unlocked. Within would be all the items confiscated from the current prisoners as well as a cutlass, a compass, a pair of small and supple boots and a small and strange pouch that seemed to be empty. The Tieflings ring, the pirates hat, all were present in full. A stroke of luck. \n\nEach prisoners thing was tossed in together in a pile, it seemed they had not been examined for their magical qualities yet. The tall man was quick to pick up a beautiful katana and tie it into his obi, so that it rested on the left side of his hip. He did not show interest in anything else. \n\nOnce everyone had gathered their items and any additional, they'd find no sign of a key to remove these colors. Perhaps it was held by someone else entirely? Memory of capture was oddly blurry, everything after arriving at Raggenrok was a blur for all but Syrena, who'd know that a massive Black Dragonborn had placed the color himself. Nyle moved to the door where noises were coming from and propped a chair against the handle to give them extra time, then moved and took the confused blue haired girl by the shoulder and steered her down the hallway with a strong hand. \n\nWhen they reached the shaft, he looked down at her. His blue eye was vibrant and foreign in his face, a shocking addition to what might be handsome, might be too severe. His expression was neither warm nor cold- he simply gestured up to the vent. \n\n\"We'll send the smaller one up first, then you. Here..\" He said, taking her knife and tucking it into the belt securely. \"You'll cut yourself crawling.\" He said, then used his height and considerable athletic ability to pull himself up to the grate and remove it. Once that was done, he'd kneel and cup his hands to boost Aspeth up. \n\n\"Assuming we're using this to escape?\" He asked Inno once they were all together. \"I'll go last, it'll be the hardest for me to get through.\"" }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Upon retrieving her belongs, she was aware that taking too much may pose a problem in such a small vent. Hence, she only took her ring and boots. These items alone increased her survival chances, with her crossbow bolts and crossbow taken over her back. She was set and ready, the lack of a key to free their collars was disappointing. Noticing the tall man propping a chair over the handle, quietly approving of the cunning action.\n\n```\"Yes, agreed. Move in and do not slow down. These vents will most likely lead to the outside.\"```\n\nInno answered the man as she aimed at the blocked door with her light crossbow after loading it with a bolt. Her words were encouraged speed and efficiently for the two other women, motioning to enter first.\n\n```\"The loud one and the blue will go first, I will follow suit.\"```\n\nThe tiefling said as she was tempted to use the alcohol and her gun powder to add a fire to the door, but they had little time for that. She could save these for later, simply watching the door as she'd rush the two girls into the vent.\n\n```\"Hurry and get moving. We don't need dead weight, crawl as your life depends on.\"```\n\nShe was not against waiting for the two girls, but the man had a point. The smaller ones could have a easier time getting in, and facing the unknown path. They also made for an easier way to confirm the safety of their escape." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "The mermaid followed the group with her fallen friend in hand until they reached the treasure trove of items, she had not came with any of her own belongings but her curiosity was struck at the sight of the small strange pouch and boots. She looked down at her bare feet, bruised and scraped from the rough floor. With no other options Syrena set her friend down and slipped her feet into the boots and snatched the strange pouch, looking back and forth nervously as if stealing as she did so- at least it felt like stealing. Syrena then picked her friends body back up again and held it tenderly in her arms, she wouldn't leave her in such a wretched place like this. \n\nSyrena ran her right hand across the strange collar that dampened her goddess' love and stole her magic, her fingertips recoiling from her neck as Nyle grabbed her shoulder and firmly guided her down the hall. She looked up to the man as he ushered her, tilting her head to the side in confusion at the sight of his marine eye. She could feel the oceanic song that sung from within it even through the metaphorical sound barrier clasped around his scarred neck. \n\n\nSyrena looked up to the vent when Nyle gestured towards it, it looked like a small cave- nothing she had seen or at least noticed before in land buildings. She jumped when he took her knife, her anxiety calming as he placed it into her belt with a smile. She mouthed 'thank you' to the kind man, accompanied with a warm yet nervous smile that radiated purity. She then promptly nodded and moved aside as to allow the other woman to be boosted up into the wall cave, nervously glancing at the barred door as Inno aimed her crossbow with deadly precision." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "A smile came to her face as she found her little tools. It was a loving sight to her, all her precious little items neatly piled onto one another. She gave a quick test swing to her cutlass as she picked it up. It was a fairly plain thing, but with some sort of insignia on the hilt. She was quick to attach it to her person, before placing the hat onto her head. It felt good to have the extra weight on her head. The next item to grab was her flintlock, it was in much better condition than the one the guard had, and it had a bit of extra shot and powder to go with it. As she grabbed the final items, she checked their condition and quickly gave a nod. A sextant and her compass were going to be useful if they managed to get on a ship.\n\nAs she made her way out, her eyes glanced to the others. It seemed like the horned one and the shirtless man had already come up with a little route they could take. Going through these little vents was certainly going to be a claustrophobic experience. \n\nThough, what other choice did they have?\n\nAfter stashing her pistols into her belt. Positioned her boot on Nyle's hand, then placed her hands on his shoulders before allowing herself to be hoisted up. She took a moment to adjust her cutlass to make sure it wouldn't cut into her, and fix her hair before she began to vanish into the ventilation system.\n\nA grunt escaped her as she moved further into the vent to allow space for the next person to enter. It was difficult to see and full of cobwebs. She was almost certain some rat was going to run past them. She still tried to stay as silent as possible to avoid any detection, even though she had no clue how far they would go.\n\nAspeth pushed through the vent as best she could, her smaller frame allowing her to crawl through with a bit of ease. She searched for any bit of light, the sounds of gulls, or even just the smell of the ocean. Anything to show they were near their freedom." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "His dark eye focused on Inno as she took charge, a natural leader. He wouldn't be surprised if she was a noblewoman of some kind from a foreign land that was used to giving orders and having them obeyed. He'd defer to her unless she offered something entirely stupid. He too silently approved of her willingness to lead in this situation. \n\nEach of the women were unique, none could be further apart. The smallest was incredibly beautiful in a femininely rugged way, she was obviously a pirate and he'd never had much of a good relationship with them however. Still, she'd been resourceful and quick so far. \n\nThen there was the blue haired maiden, the Seafoam Maiden they'd said. If that was true she was in a sorry state- and worse if she ever discovered what he'd done she'd likely drag him to Tiaris to crush him beneath those old ruins. If they existed at all. Still she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, if a bit soft. She seemed almost too delicate for this world, but few things or people were ever how they seemed. \n\nLastly there was the horned woman, Tiefling he assumed, who was the picture of regal beauty. Very alluring in her own way, but there was a coldness in her voice, eyes and actions that told him she was more like a hissing snake than a pretty flower. \n\nOnce Aspeth was up, he'd rest his hand on the katana on his hip and sigh. He had the Amaterasu in his hands again, and even without magic he felt confident once again. It was one of a swordsman's greatest dishonors to have his blade stripped from him. They had to find a way out of these magic restraining colars. \n\n\"Call back if you see anything!\" He said up into the grate." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "As Aspeth crawled her way through the vent, she'd immediately notice that it sloped upwards quickly. The wooden walls that surrounded them had plenty of iron reinforcements that seemed impossible to have done by hand. Observant people would notice that this structure they were in was crafted through magic. \n\nA crawl up the slope would show a split, to the left came the sound of voices and shouting. Though not in anger, it was the sound of... A market? Good smells came through, many voices and sounds. \n\nTo the right was a flickering glow of fire and the clanking of footsteps, perhaps the interior of the guard room they'd been in. It sounded incredibly active. \n\nThough left might lead to freedom, right might lead to answers. A choice was here to be made. \n\n- - - - \n\nMeanwhile the door down the hall jerk and slammed, the chair screeching as the door tried to push in. \n\n```They've blocked the doors! Matt! Barker! Are you there!? Report!``` \n\nThey waited only ten seconds before they continued to push against the door. The chair would not hold long, their time was very limited. \n\nWould they escape this situation? Or find themselves once again awaiting the \"Games\" Of tomorrow." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As she aimed her crossbow, the tiefling had an idea. Taking the gunpowder, she'd tie it to her bolt, with care. The bag was tied shut, the aim was shoot the bolt at the guards that attempt to enter. Regardless if it actually killed or injured a guard, the impact should be enough to cause the bag to burst. Potentially filling the air with the fine powder, should the guards have torches or shot at them. A fine punishment or distraction may erupt, the least is could do was cause a distraction or confusion. The woman glanced behind her for a moment, as Aspeth began crawling. The tiefling didn't trust the woman but trusted that her hunger for freedom allowed an alliance to remain strong.\n\nHer flaming yellow eyes turned the shirtless man, the man had not disappointed her and seemed like a capable fighter. Although, she doubted his chances against pistols. Keeping him in a close quarters fight was something of note. The brown haired woman seemed to be the greedy sort, reminding her of her goblin warband. Even a dull blade like her can be sharpen and oiled. Her thoughts on the Seafoam Maiden was that of curiosity and potential, so weak yet still alive. Perhaps she may see the day that he strength is unleashed, the ocean has more secrets than the lands. But she was quick brought back into reality as the door was being pushed and shoated into.\n\n```\"In you go, and forward you move. Do not stop.\"```\n.\n\nInno said as she'd waste no time, taking Syrena by the arm and rushing her to climb over her cupped hands. Each moment was valuable, she was rough and forceful with her actions as she'd lift the young maiden up and into the vent. Her hand smacked her boots to rush her into it, the maiden was too useful to let die here.\n\n```\"I will repeat myself again.\"```\n\nShe watched as the boots and legs of the maiden began to vanish from her sight, the tiefling turned to shoot that gunpowder infused bolt over the top of the door. Allowing a busted bag to begin pouring and leaking its fine powder onto the chair below. She made the attempt at the shot, hoping that it would work. The horned woman wasted no time, after taking that shot. She immediately turned to Nyle, as she'd strap her crossbow over her back.\n\n```\"Assist me now.\"```\n\nShe said in a firm tone, should the man cooperate and help her reach the vent. Then she'd waste no time and crawled her way the vent, keeping quiet. She did paused for a moment, Nyle was the most useful in combat, her little group needed muscle. But, she was sure he could easily enter the vent and waiting simply blocked his way in. Crawling behind Syrena quietly, her eyes noticed something funny with the walls but her lack of magic knowledge caused her to assume the place was simply cursed." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena nodded when the horned woman began ushering her into the vent, hugging her friends body close as she entered the vent and began to shuffle herself forwards. The now muffled sounds of pounding against the blocked door and oncoming chaos sent shivers down her spine as she navigated the narrow passageway. \n\nThe construction of the vent piqued Syrena's interest, having spent the past 250 ish years in an abandoned city she learned a thing or two about architecture, or at least about construction magic. Tiaris had been sculpted by mages hundreds of years ago and the peculiar craftsmanship of the vent reminded her that back home, who exactly constructed this place?\n\nSyrena was brought to an abrupt stop when Aspeth's boots collided with her face. It seemed the woman ahead of her had stopped at a fork in the vent, delicious smells and happy commotion could be heard from one side but the other had a familiar aura that terrified the mermaid as much as it intrigued her. Syrena patiently waited behind Aspeth awaiting her decision that the maiden would surely follow." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "The discovery that the location had been magically created was certainly a surprising one, but it did not seem to matter for now. As she pushed through the vents and arrived at the fork, the beautiful smell of cooked food attracted her attention. Compared to what she had been eating in this cage, she would take even a cooked rat at this point.\n\nThen, the noises of activity caught her attention. From what she could recall from past stories, many prisoners would either take the keys from a guard, or steal them from the guard room. As the collar weighed heavy on her neck, and the lack of magic she usually had access to, she scowled as she thought for a moment.\n\nOn one hand, it was an easy escape to freedom, but it would come at the cost of possibly losing out on a chance to get her magic back. She had no clue how these collars worked, or if there was even a way to get them off once they were out of the prison.\n\nHer thoughts were interrupted by a Rude* Individual slamming into her boots. Aspeth spared a moment to look back at Syrena before calling out to the others. \"Head to the right!\"\n\nWith a grunt, she turned herself within the vent to begin making her way towards the light. Before she peeked out of the grate, she adjusted herself to pull out her pistol, readying it to fire, just in case some git had the bright idea to stick near the vents." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "Nyle nodded quietly and quickly boosted the tiefling woman up. She was so far the most useful of the three women, ensuring she got out of this alive would be crucial. Still... The chair cracked and the door nearly opened as two men barged against it. His thumb rested on the katana, ready to push it out and draw the weapon and fight here and now. With his magic the fight wouldn't be a question, but without... Even his eye wouldn't work now. He was blind in that eye for all intents and purposes. \n\nBeing shot as he ran would be a great dishonor and yet, dying foolishly and without achieving his vengeance would be even worse. Grimacing, he released the blade and pulled himself up, squirming into the vent and crawling after the women as they turned right..." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "So the pirate chose right, ignoring freedom for a chance at something more. The age old battle for any pirate. Within the other room, there was one guard who nervously stood at the head of the stairs, looking down where several other voices were shouting. They'd just broken through the door as Aspeth peered through. \n\nThe guard room itself was seemingly a lounge with a few tattered couches and worn chairs, a large table piled with cards and coins and other trinkets used to gamble. Four doorways. \n\n• One led down the stairs towards the prison \n\n• One seemed to lead upstairs and was ajar \n\n• One seemingly would lead back towards the the street \n\n• The final was unmarked but however, was oddly locked from This Side. \n\nBreaking into the room would alert the gaurd, causing him to whirl and lose balance on the stairs. Swift action could send him crashing down, but it would alert the bigger group. \n\nHowever a lock would be visible to lock the door after the guard was sent down. From there, it was a choice of where to go next..." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "There was nowhere else to go but forward. Winding her arm back, and flinging it forward to shove the grate off of it's hinges. She was quick to push forward as the guard was spinning around, pistol in hand and firing a quick shot towards his chest. It was the best option she had, and even if she had quieter means, the man would have shouted to the others before she would even be out of the vent.\n\nWith the shot fired, she pushed herself out of the vent as best she could, tumbling into a clumsy roll before she rushed towards the door to slam it shut. The lock would have to hold for now as she quickly latched it shut. With the room hopefully secured, she would do best to begin reloading her pistol with the extra shot that she had, but it would take some time.\n\nLuckily, she had two other pistols just in case.\n\n\"Oi, you three can come out now. Made it nice and safe for youse.\"\n\nA laugh escaped her as she looked over the doors. Certainly quite the options. Though, the final door definitely had her attention. Why would it be locked from this side?" }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena followed hesitantly behind the pirate, gasping when she drew her gun- shooting the man in the chest. Although her quick disposal of the man was appreciated, she couldn't help but wince at the sight of it. Pausing for a moment in shock Syrena simply stared at Aspeth in bewilderment before snapping out of her trance and exiting the vent.\n\nSyrena's borrowed boots made a gentle pair of taps as she landed- albeit wobbly, on her feet. Syrena paced around in a circle for a moment before stretching her arms and legs, the vent was rather cramped after all. \n\nThe mermaid's icy blue eyes widened as she studied the room around her, so many doors and one even had a lock on it... Strange indeed. The mermaid innocently wandered around the room, running her hand across the walls before circling back to Aspeth. She then began to talk with her hands, or attempted to- the mermaid put her hand over her brow horizontally as if scanning the horizon and then mouthed 'here'. Although her intentions were purely out of curiosity, it would be beneficial to explore a room locked from the inside." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "The horned woman followed behind the Sea Maiden, before hearing the sound of a loud gun shot echoing from the grater of the right. It seemed that they were doing full ledge towards the loud approach, she exited the vent and dusted herself off. Her flaming yellow eyes began to scan the room around her, walking towards the shot guard. Pulling her dagger and ensuring that the man was dead, as a stab into his eye was made. Should the man struggle or breath, she finished the task and end life to confirm he was dead.\n\n```\"Let's see if you have our lucky collar keys.\"```\n\nShe began to check the man's belongings and pockets for anything useful, before her attention turned to Syrena who made an effort to show her curiosity. A locked door, a simple shot or some good leverage could pry it open. It certainly looked valuable, the tiefling left the curiosity to them for now. As brown haired woman had the gunpowder to potentially blow that lock up. Instead, the horned woman began to use her ring of invisibility. Should it work, she'd take a quick peek the two other doors. Checking the one the seemly lead to the upstairs and was ajar, while also checking the one that seemed to lead towards the streets. Confirming an escape plan, as the rest were curious about the potentially valuable door. Perhaps it could worth their short time.\n\n```\"I will check and find a way out, break that lock if you can. Five minutes and we leave regardless, I will not face against the entire guardsmen of the island.\"```\n\nShe said before using the magic of the ring, with hopes that it would actually work and not malfunction to the golden collars." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "\"I'll check for more after this.\" Nyle said as he crawled his massive frame out of the vent. His long black hair was slightly messy and he rolled his shoulders, glad to be free of the cramped place. Sighing, he swiped his sword across the lock and sliced it off, then he went to the exit door and cracked it open. It led to a lobby area where people could come talk to the town guard, only it was a pirate city and no one here would dare tarnish their reputation like that. \n\nHowever there was one man posted there, his raggedy clothes and bandana filthy and he was fast asleep. Nyle took his hand from his blade and instead knocked the man out with a chokehold, before laying him down face first on the floor. He thought of the several dead men already and chewed his lip. Never had been a big fan of death, even when it was necessary to dish out. Still if one of the captives was in fact the Seafoam maiden, then all of these men could die if it meant she survived and returned to her duties. \n\nNyle peeked back into the room with the three women to see what had occurred." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "As the last of the pirates life fled his eyes, Inno would search his pockets and find not but a few coins, another dagger and a cutlass. No sign of any keys. \n\nUpstairs was a set of barracks for the gaurdsmen could sleep, rows of hammocks. There were many, easy to infer that there were others around the city and this was only a small group. Looting the room might provide some valuables from the locked foot boxes beneath each hammock, but it would take time and who knew what would be there. \n\n\nInno checking the other door would only bring her face to chest with the tall swordsman, who'd stare down at her until she decided to group up with the other women. \n\nAt last... \n\nOpening the locked door would show a small and well kept office. A finely lacquered dresser, with four strange stones upon them that were faintly glowing. Something about them was familiar, a rune inscribed upon them. \n\nThe other oddity about the room was the little gnome that sat in the chair, politely waiting. It wore all green and was painted green, and when the door inevitably open it would point at the desk without a word, then make the sign for uppies." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "The room was easily secured, after locking the door, Aspeth took a moment to glance around the room to get an idea of what was around. It was then that her vision was filled with a certain individual, she blinked in confusion as she tried to mime out what they should do. \n\n\"What? I don't know what that means.\"\n\nIt took her a moment to recognize what she was actually doing, A look of realization appearing on her face as she purposely made her way to the table in the room, collecting the cards, trinkets and most importantly, the coin. She grinned as she picked up the few pieces, stowing them away in a pouch.\n\n\"You are certainly right. We Should* Look around. There are plenty of things for us here.\"\n\nA new set of cards was a grand find since her last set was likely at the bottom of the ocean, or within some fish guts. Truly an unfortunate fate. Especially since those cards had been Fantastic To cheat with. No matter, now she would turn towards the doors, trying to peek through them even from a distance.\n\n\"You lot found anything useful over there?\"" }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Upon discovering what awaited for them past each door, she took a mental note of what paths to take. Nyle securing their exit with a quick action of knocking out guard, allowed for an easy escape. But, if they walked out with golden collars... They'd surely stand out like golden thumbs among the locals. Taking a step back from Nyle, she'd turn her attention to the newly opened door. The tiefling stepped in rather quickly, magic stones and runes. Even a little green gnome that sat before them. Her mental began to ponder as she'd simply stare at the small figure. This could be how they use the magic collars, using fey magic. Dumb pirates couldn't possibly figure that out, her bloodied claws reached out to the gnome and held him close.\n\n```\"Hello, friend. We need your help, mind taking off these collars? This. Off.\"```\n\nThe tiefling politely asked the gnome, even using hand motions to make her point as clear as possible. Threatening a fey creature was always a bad idea, hence she chose the polite route. The gnome didn't seemed to be hostile.\n\n```\"I'm sure the big and cruel pirates have been treating you poorly. Help us, and we will set you free. Rather than being locked in this room. How does that sound?\"```\n\nThe tiefling spoke with a softer tone, holding the gnome up and like a baby. She turned to look at Syrena, the seafolk maiden looked much more kinder than her. The horned woman motioned to her to approach so she can hand the tiny gnome to her, if the tiefling failed to persuade than a kinder woman may help.\n\n```\"You seemed to have some connection with little creatures, hold him for me. I want to check those runes. Keep an eye on him, he might be our key to freedom.\"```\n\nHanding the Gnome to the innocent looking maiden, she'd watch if she refused or accepted the little guy. Should she refuse, she'd simply hold onto him but if she accepted then she'd have her claws free. The tiefling began to open the lacquered dresser and check out the stone craved runes." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena followed the horned woman out of instinct- as she checked behind each door, Syrena would peer over her shoulder to get a peek. The mermaid was rather disappointed to find nothing but a stairwell, but was shocked to see a nicely varnished room with an adorable little man standing beside a dresser. \n\nSyrena watched as Inno interacted with the small gentlemen, the maiden was no stranger to fae as there were plenty at Tiaris- the folktales told of her often suggest she was fey herself. Syrena gently placed the fallen coralback onto a nearby table as Inno turned to her, asking for help with the creature with a subtle look. \n\nSyrena then gently made her way across the room, her feet gently landing onto the floor with each step as if she were dancing over to them. Once close to them, Syrena shifted her gaze to the small gentlemen like fey and expressed a warm smile, the kind of smile that makes your heart melt and your defenses drop- one of pure innocence and beauty. \n\nOnce the fey seemed comfortable, Syrena gently took him from Inno's arm. Cradling him in her arms with extensive care, as if he were her own child. The mermaiden let out a meek and damaged giggle as she hoisted the gnome into the air for a moment before gently lowering him back into the comfortable nest that was her arms. Syrena gently paced towards the dresser and the strange stones. Pointing to them and then to her bruised and bandaged neck as she looked at the fey with a soft gaze." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "As the little gnome was passed around like an adorable stuffed animal. As it was held up and moved around and cradled, it watched and blinked a few times as the runes and the collar was gestured at. Then, he began to speak. \n\nThe language was slobbery, nasally and full of phlegm, a strange and foreign language to all... But one. The damn gnome was speaking Goblin. \n\n```Gnomlin: Gnomlin like shiny color, only the Mistress can remove them. Yes yes the Mistress! Run, we must run, guards come back, guards get you for shinies. We run! We run! Gnomlin guide!``` \n\nAs he spoke, the doors to the prison slammed harshly, a bullet flying through the wood as they try to shoot the lock. The sounds of gunfire had attracted attention, pirates and sailors and merchants outside were peering into the guards outpost now. Nyle came bursting into the room." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "\"We need to leave, now. I saw several more of the guards coming, you can tell because of the armbands they wear.\" He said, resting his hand on his sword. His icy blue eye and his rich dark chocolate one rested on the Gnome and he frowned, before gesturing towards the exit. \n\n\"Go right and enter the alley, we're on some sort of massive wooden structure or something. It almost looks like a town.\" He said, looking at the door as the lock cracked. It would open soon and they'd be pinched by guards. \n\n\"Let's move!\" He commanded, his scarred and handsome face severe. Yet he didn't move until all of the ladies had left before him." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "The tiefling was understandable surprised to hear the gnomlin speak goblin of all things, her brow raised as she listened closely to confirm her ears. Only the Mistress, but it may guide them so killing it would be off the table. A shame, she was looking forward to remove these collars and regain her magic abilities, silencing a group of pirates would have been much easier. As the doors were slammed harshly, a stray bullet flying and breaking the wood. Their call to leave had arrived. The tiefling wasted no time in moving towards the exit, motioning the party to follow.\n\n```\"Bring the gnome, it shall guide us. Keep it alive. We have no time. Move it.\"```\n\nInnovation spoke as her flaming yellow eyes turned to check on Syrena, she was a useful so having two important creatures close together was easy to manage. Aspeth had her own charms in terms of usefulness, no doubt that she was the only real local between the company. Nyle seemed the muscle and action of the group. All they needed was to either find a place to stay safe or find a ship out of this dump.\n\nMoving to the exit, she walked into the lobby and made her way outside. The clear air was rather welcoming, her eyes began to scan for a possible objective." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Aspeth was quick to move over to where the group seemed to be converging, her face scrunching up at the sight of the strange gnome. It was a damned hairy thing, that was for sure. Probably shed like a cat as well. She couldn't deny that it had a bit of a cute look to it. Then it made that... Nasally noise, and all thoughts of cuteness were gone. It sounded like a man choking on his own blood.\n\nThe moment the shot rung out, Aspeth flinched and ducked on instinct, aiming her pistol at the door. As Nyle came bursting in, her aim flicked to him for but a moment in surprise before she lowered the weapon. \"Have to agree with you there!\" Her voice shouted out as she began to move. \"Think it's time we find a way out!\"\n\nShe was quick to move. Her pistol remained ready, just in case any of the sailors wished to try their luck to earn some coin, and she was prepared to whip out her cutlass at a moments notice. What she believed was best would be to head for a ship and Borrow* It for the foreseeable future. It's not like the owner would miss it, and with scum and rats constantly swarming these kinds of places, the blame would easily be shifted to a rival group.\n\n\"I vote we head towards the docks now. Get ourselves to the water, maybe stow away on a sloop?\"\n\nAspeth was hopping from foot to foot, antsy and ready to get moving as soon as possible. She certainly didn't like being out in the open with all these people around, but the smell of the sea was a familiar and welcome scent." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena panicked as the commotion began, swiftly grabbing the four strange stones and placing them in her newly acquired pouch. The maiden then looked down to Gnomlin with a smile- it seemed the commotion upset the fey so Syrena did her best to calm him down. Syrena then bolted across the room, stumbling a bit as she did so before grabbing her fallen coralback. The maiden held one creature under her left arm and the other under her right as she regrouped with the others. \n\nSyrena's eyes widened with shock as the shot rang out, letting out a scratchy shriek as the noise ringed in her ears. After a moment of distress Syrena ran after the group- following them through the ally and outside. \n\nThen the mermaid let out a sigh of relief, the familiar scent of the sea filling her nostrils with bliss and comfort- but there was something else. It was like the sea wept to her, cried out her name in desperation- something was surely going on here. Syrena's expression turned pensive as she followed behind the group, hoping nobody would recognize her unique appearance and clock her as the Seafoam Maiden, thé last thing they needed right now was More Attention." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "The green painted and green wearing gnome pointed this way and that as they navigated through the massive wooden structure. He seemed to be leading them Deeper Rather than further away. He didn't seem much of a talker, aside from the occasional \"Mistress this\" And \"Shiny that\". A strange creature to be sure. \n\nStrange things indeed, the pouch was small on Syrenas hip and yet felt no heavier from the stones placed inside. In fact, feeling it from the outside the pouch would seem empty. Sticking one's fingers in however would find the stones just find. How odd. \n\n``` Nyle: Getting on a ship wouldnt get us any closer to getting these colars off. Grabbed this for you, by the way. ``` The tall swordsman said as he came alongside the pirate woman. The man offered her a rather long object he'd slung over his shoulder, a musket with a leather strap- his dark eye lingering on her a moment as if appraising her reaction before he looked away to Syrena. \n\nHe'd noticed that the blue haired woman was awkward on her feet, if she truly was the Seafoam maiden then she likely didn't walk often, swimming would be her forte. So he slowed down once he'd said his piece and placed one hand gently but confidently against the small of her back to keep her steady and on course. After a moment of hesitation, he offered one large hand to take the Coralback and hold it more securely and less haphazardly than she had it. \n\nThe sound of shouting rose up behind them but it did not come closer, only rose in volume. It seemed something had happened that caused the guards to be unable to follow. The sounds made the small gnome burst out giggling with laughter before he suddenly looked at Inno sharply, as if appalled she too was not filled with mirth in this moment. Strange indeed. \n\nSoon they were away from all the noise given a party member chose not to stray and found themselves at the back entrance to a ramshackle three story building made up ship parts and scraps, like every other building here\n\n. However oddly enough the floor was made of some kind of stone, parts of it dug out to go into makeshift basements like in the guards chamber. \n\n```Gnomlin: Here! Here! The Queen must knock and speak our tongue, they'll know her! Yes! Yes!``` \n\nGnomlin said excitedly in his nasty goblin tongue, pointing at Inno wildly. He was practically vibrating in Syrenas arms." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As the party made their way with the tiny gnome guide, the teifling wasted no time in keeping fast and alert. Things felt too easy, perhaps the guards of the Imperial Empire were far better trained than the guards of a pirate organization. It left a bad aftertaste in her mouth however, as her gut was preparing her for something terrible to happen. Nyle spoke of getting the collars off as a priority, they were an inconvenience at best however if magic was involved... The possibility of them being tracked with them was possible. An expression of concern grew on her face as the brown haired maiden was given a musket, silently jealous at the gift. But the woman was most probably more familiar with such a weapon than her.\n\nHer yellow pupils took note of the odd manner that Syrena walked, she was most definitely a seafolk. Although, she began to wonder to what extent was her voice. How dangerous could it be that not even collars could control it. Dangerous allies were a double edged sword to her, one can cut your foes while also potentially cutting you. However, her innocence and gentle nature could be enough leverage to secure her control. Nyle was useful muscle and as long as their goals matched, there should be no issues with him. Aspeth was the easiest, greedy souls were her specialty.\n\nUpon arrival of the ramshackle, the distant sounds provided some comfort that the chaos of the situation worked in their benefit. As she was studying the building, looking for ways to get in. Her head turned to the gnome speaking goblin.\n\n```\"Hmmm, remember. If this end as a trap, a painful fate awaits you. If this is truly was I think it is, than rewards await you.\"```\n.\n\nInnovation spoke with a formal tongue of Goblin, as she looked at the gnomlin carefully. Approaching the door, she listened carefully. This could be her goblins or even their allies. She knocked on the door with three firm knocks.\n\n```\"I have four allies with me. Do not kill them, they are far more useful alive. Open and hurry.\"```\n\nThe tiefling spoke in goblin tongue, her claws held into a fist as she knocked on the door before taking a step back." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena stumbled behind the group as usual as she struggled to keep up, her attention quickly shifting to Nyle as he began to speak. Truth be told all Syrena wanted to do was jump into the ocean and leave this wretched wooden wasteland, but she knew he was right- they needed these collars off to ensure their safety. The mermaid stumbled a bit more before Nyle placed his hand over her back, her cheeks flushing when he did so. He had a gentle touch that seemed to startle her...? She was unsure of how she felt. \n\nWhen Nyle offered a hand to carry her fallen friend she hesitated for a moment, offering the body of a comrade to a stranger was a big ask but Nyle seemed trustworthy- so she obliged. Syrena gentle placed the creature in Nyle's grasp and used her now free arm to get a better grasp on Gnomlin. \n\nSyrena turned her head over her shoulder and was confused to see the guards have lost them, unaware that they have found something more important to take care of. Syrena simply let out a sigh of relief and took this as a win, she never wanted to see that wretched lizard man ever again. \n\nBefore she knew it the group had stopped and Gnomlin was growing antsy- squirming frantically in her arms as he spoke to the horned woman. She jumbled the fey in her hands for a moment as she lost grip of him due to his squirming but quickly got ahold of him and pointed her finger at him out of displeasure." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Well, then lets do Whatever Gets us closer to getting these damned things off.\"\n\nThe annoyance that was in her voice was quickly wiped away as she received a rather gorgeous little present. Her eyes widened as she held the weapon in her hands, a wicked grin quickly coming to her face. Oh, she was going to do some damage with a tool like this. A weapon with a nice bit of distance compared to his pistols, and was going to leave quite the hole in a individual?\n\nShe was already falling in love with the weapon.\n\n\"Oh, you are a real darling now, aren't you?\" A laugh escaped her as she slung the musket over her shoulder, getting used to the added weight before she continued her hurried pace. She wasn't used to carrying so many weapons on her, but now wasn't a time to complain about having so many useful items on one's self. With the guard's voices slowly fading into the background, her grin only widened. It had gone quite well for them, better than most escape stories went.\n\nWhen they arrived at the building, Aspeth took a moment to glance over the strange construction. It definitely wouldn't be up to any Royal's wants, but that didn't mean it wasn't going to be cozy inside.\n\nShe couldn't help but doubt it.\n\nAs the Tiefling spoke, she couldn't help but glance behind them, trying to see if anyone was following them. After a moment, Aspeth removed the musket from her shoulder to look over the item. Excitement shot through her eyes at the thought of using it.\n\nThough, as she looked over the group that she was part of, she had to grow curious about each of them. What a strange group and... Was that girl Still Carrying that corpse? Even if she was handing it over to the Swordsman, it confused Aspeth as to Why She was even bringing it.\n\nJust seemed like dead weight to her.\n\nMaybe it was emergency rations or something, no matter." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "Instead of the door opening, there was a clink and a clank as some mechanism began to whir. The wooden floor next to the door slid open and out poked the head of a tiny goblin gear, wearing raggedy wizards robes and a witches hat far too big for her.\n\n```Gum Gum: Ah! Apprentice! You live! Muahahahaha! ``` \n\nThe goblin girl laughed manically before she gestured for them to follow, peering around before sweeping her stained clothing around dramatically and descending down steps. \n\n```Gum Gum: But of course, the first student of the greatest to be Archmagos of all time would surely not be killed in a place full of peasants and scurvy!``` She announced, surprisingly well spoken for a goblin girl and in very good Imperial. \n\n```???: Oh yes please be as loud as possible for the entire city to come down on us, Gum Gum. ``` A voice called as the group came down the stairs. Rounding the corner, they'd find... Chaos. Standing near the stairs at a control switch was a dark skinned man with spectacles, covered in strange devices. Flipping a lever, the hatch above them would slide shut and be impossible to spot by normal means. \n\n``` Theo: Hello, Theo. A pleasure to meet you, you must be Inno. Your goblins have been very... Eager to set you free. Thigh flayer and Leek Leek are both out covering your escape and ah- I see you've found your newest recruit, Gnomlin. And a pleasure to meet the rest of you, please uh... Find a seat. She will come see you in a sec. I'm gonna go grab her.``` He said, flashing them a stressed and distracted smile before dashing off. \n\nBeyond the little entrance and control station was a large den. It was filled with raggedy couches, filthy and moldy seats and a hodge podge of furniture very much salvaged from wrecks. It was filled with goblins, with one orc who was playing an intense game of chess with another fat goblin, several were chugging drinks and wrestling and above them in a loft a pair of child twin goblins dueled with wooden swords. \n\nGnomlin hoppe\n\nD out of Syrenas arms and dashed across the way, sprinting full tilt before launching into the most brutal drop kick into the side of a distracted goblin. Then a brawl broke out." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "\"What the fuck.\" He said simply, his hand still holding Syrenas elbow after helping her down the stairs and standing there gaping at the scene that they'd just entered. Meanwhile Gum Gum was standing at the entrance to the Den shouting orders at everyone that were being fully ignored. Despite it, his eyes had just the slightest twinkle of amusement. Only the slightest." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Upon seeing the floor open up, her eyes turned to witness a familiar goblin wizard popping her head out to greet her. The tiefling held her head high, her face was rather satisfied to see her master of magic once again. A slightly nod was given to her master, as she let out a soft breath of relief.\n\n```\"Indeed, I still draw breathe. Quite a pleasure to see you again, Gum Gum.\"```\n\nShe said as her tiefling tail began to sway slightly side to side, the woman did not smile nor let out a gleeful scream to see her goblins again. Yet, a slightly chuckle escaped her as the dramatically sweeped her stained clothing. The tiefling began to walk down as she assumed the rest would rest the goblins enough, although she planned to properly introduce them once they were set and safe.\n\nEntering and following the goblin, her eyes fell on a unfamiliar face as he spoke about her loyal goblins that being Thighflayer and Leek Leek. A satisfied hue could be seen in her eyes as she stood rather proud, listening to Theo speak and explain the situation. Although his stress and rushful state was noted. She was confused on who Theo was referring to.\n\n```\"The pleasure is mine. Theo, do what you must and know that we are grateful to the assistance.\"```\n\nThe tiefling spoke with a calm tone, standing regal and relaxed as she watched the chaos of the large den unfold. Filled with goblins and the scent of violence in the air, the odd gnomlin that drop kicked another goblin. A relieved and relaxed sigh escaped her, the teifling sounding like soldier just returned home after a long campaign of war.\n.\n\n```\"Ah, sweet home. How I missed this. Oh. I suppose I should explain a few things. We are strangers and haven't had the pleasure to exchange pleasantries with the sad state of our situation. Allow me to properly introduce myself, I am Innovation or simply Inno. I am the leader of a goblin warband and a woman of a dead noble House of Lestos. A few of these goblins such as Gum Gum, Thighflayer and Leek Leek are familiar faces. They can be trusted to not harm you, as long as you aren't foolish enough to betray that is.\"```\n\nThe tiefling said as the woman turned to the party, having properly introduced herself to her allies. Her tone was firm and serious, however her eyes lit with a comforting flame that of a fireplace. Her tail swayed side to side, as if expecting to learn more of her companions. Yet, her expression was that of a serious woman who seemed to study the three." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena stared blankly at the room revealed once the floor opened up, not noticing Nyle still grasped her arm. She noted the strange creatures roaming around, little green men and women with pointy ears and silly teeth- they looked scary but she had a feeling they were nice. Syrena blinked twice at the new stranger before them who went by Theo, she was glad to meet new friends but was nervous about being around SO many people as she was used to a much different- aquatic crowd. \n\nSyrena watched with a blank stare as Gnomlin weaseled his way out of her arms, her hands shooting up to cover her mouth in shock as he drop kicked another small green man and chaos was unleashed. Syrena moved closer to Nyle, seemingly hiding within his arms from the carnage with a nervous look on her face. \n\nOnce Inno began to introduce herself Syrena adverted her gaze away from the brawl and faced the horned woman. She smiled softly when the woman spoke her name, granted a strange one but it suited her in a beautifully unique way. Syrena looked to each gobling as they were introduced, waving her small hand to them with a friendly grin. Once she was finished speaking Syrena opened her mouth to speak, to introduce herself- but only a small whisper of a 's' could be heard. Syrena let out a defeated sigh as she turned to look at the woman carrying the musket, curious of her origins." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Aspeth jumped slightly as the floor suddenly started to open. She had to restrain herself from aiming the musket as the goblin popped it's head out. These creatures had saved them after all, or at least that is what she was assuming. It would be rude to shoot the individuals who got them out of such a cage.\n\nThough, the goblin's dramatic actions were rather interesting. Especially since the creature was speaking in Imperial. Aspeth hadn't heard of a goblin speaking in the language before. The fact that the goblin was apparently the Tiefling's master in magical means did make her snicker slightly.\n\nWhen the second voice spoke, she was quick to wheel around to look at the individual. He was certainly Not What she had been expecting to see in such a place. She would have thought that a goblin den would be the last place a man would want to spend his days. Then again, the world was certainly a strange place. Her expression went blank as she heard the names of the goblins.\n\n\"Thigh flayer... And Leek Leek?\"\n\nShe gave an incredulous look before sighing. Saved by creatures with such Stupid Names? Hiding her disappointment, she took a moment to glance around at the area. It was obviously trying to appear more comforting than it actually was. Mold and a leaky ceiling? Well, to Aspeth it was practically home already. Adding the goblins only made it more similar to the crew she had been with before.\n\nStrangely comforting.\n\nThen the brawl broke out, and it was just like being within a rowdy tavern once again. The only difference being that she didn't have a damn drink in her hand. A problem to be solved at a later date.\n.\n\nAs Innovation began to introduce herself, she couldn't help but perk an eyebrow up at the strange name. Definitely wasn't what she had been expecting to hear, And The woman was apparently nobility? Both the leader of a goblin warband, and a noble. Just how did one get to such a place in life? With the group in a much safer locale now, Aspeth took a moment to adjust the strap of the musket before she spoke.\n\n\"Ahoy there. Pleased to finally give my name. I'm Aspeth Sariel, Devil of the Mermaid's Serpent. Well, at least I Was Until the damn ship was sunk. Though, I won't blame you if you still want to call me by such a moniker.\"\n\nA pleased grin was on her face as she gave a smug bow, tipping her hat to the group. The air of confidence surrounding her was practically visible, and the look in her eyes gave off a smug aura. With the weapons strapped to her in specific angles to grab at a moments notice, she was certainly able to show off why she was confident." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "Nyles arms instinctively pulled Syrena against his bare chest as he watched the scene, no look of horror like Syrenas but one of amusement and interest more akin to Inno and Aspeth. Still he was more reserved by nature- and then he realized he was holding the Seafoam Maiden and quickly let go, stepping aside and turning to study the control console for a moment. None of it made any damn sense, but he wasn't really looking. \n\nInstead he listened to the women introduce themselves, looking first from Inno with a tilt of his head at her explanation of her past. A leader of a goblin warband huh? That plus her nobility explained a lot about how she'd managed chaos so well. He was impressed. Nyle didn't know much about goblins but so far he'd only seen them as resourceful and clever creatures. \n\nThen there was Aspeth. She didn't strike him as a more than a pirate, but her aim with her gun was good and she had the charisma to make her seem more than. Perhaps there was something deeper there- still, he was the least impressed with her. \n\nLastly of course, the Seafoam Maiden. If she really was that. It was hard to believe she was here in the flesh and so frail looking. Sighing, he fingered the collar and spoke. \n\n\"My names Nyle Tsurugi, I came here to kill someone.\" He said simply, then looked away. All three of them were beautiful and likely with the collars off, very dangerous. It made him feel... Naked to be looked at them, which had nothing to do with his shirtless state." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "As the group finally made their proper introductions to each other, Theo returned, making his way through the goblins. In his high boots and long coat, his well kept hair and polished glasses- he didn't seem to fit in here and yet the goblins ignored him as if he weren't there. The dark skinned man pulled a rectangular slate from his belt (which held many gadgets and trinkets), and tapped through what seemed to be some sort of screen. \n\nBehind him came another woman, average height and well built with pouty lips and a lone sultry dark eye beneath white hair. She was as exposed as Nyle, with a white blouse that showed her cleavage well and tight black leather pants, a katana on her hip. A lit cigarette sat between her teeth as she gazed at each of them, giving each a long and silent examination before holding out her hand. \n\n```The Mistress: I assume one of y'all got the keys to the collars, Gnomlin should have pointed them out. Hand em over, we can get you out of those. They'd be stones or sum with runes that match the back of your collars.``` She said, her voice carrying a country twang to it. Once the keys were provided by Syrena, she'd pass two to Theo and then get to work. Within less than a minute, along with some muttering, the collars would be removed. \n\n```Theo: Your magic may be funky for a short while, it's just your mana pathways opening up again. ``` \n\nThe spectacled man smiled and then sat at the control console and toggled through some levers after putting a sending stone device onto his ear. \n\n``` Theo: All clear? ``` \n\nTheo listened and after getting a response, gave a thumbs up towards Inno. It seemed her Goblins had avoided capture or harm and would be returning when the heat died down. \n\n``` The Mistress: So, the four of you are the reason we're taking such a risk. Which of you is supposed to be the Seafoam Maiden? Ah... If it was anyone, it'd be you.``` The woman said, her dark eye falling upon Syrena with a dangerous glint before turning over to A\n\nSpeth. \n\n``` The Mistress: She Devil, impressed they caught you. Seems that Blackheart is finally putting some effort in training his forces. Spells trouble for us. Then you must be the Goblin Queen I've heard about, I think we will get along. I too have a fondness for goblins, much easier to manage than other races.``` \n\nShe spoke the latter half to Inno. \n\nA woman who knew her stuff, and from the looks of it, was revered by the goblins who'd all come to attention when she'd entered the room. They'd gone back to squabbling and horsing around after a few moments though, the low roar of noise amazingly not overpowering the conversation. \n\nGum Gum came over to lean against the wall, nodding her head as if agreeing with things said here or there- but doing it at the wrong time. It was quite evident she had zero clue what the fuck was going on." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As Syrena tried her best to introduce herself, she remained everyone of her throat wound that held back her voice. Surely, a healing potion could help and allow her to communicate better. Yet, Innovation was no cleric. Her eyes searching the large den as she searched for Leek Leek, the shaman could heal her wounds with ease. Although her intentions weren't out of kindness or charity, she was a valuable asset as the sea was her domain and the waters surrounded them from all sides. Keeping her dependent and loyal to the party was optimal. Hearing her name, S was a start.\n\n```\"Gum Gum, you will bring Leek Leek here and request that he heals her throat wound. We will face a lot of difficulties, best we heal our wounded for the fight to come.\"```\n\nInnovation said with a firm tone, her eyes were gentle however to the goblin. Her head turned to listen to the confident and she devil of the sunken ship. Taking note of her name, the smug woman seemed to have earned her confidence. Although, she began to wonder if the lose of her ship was her own doing or simply a miscalculation. But, she knew her weaponry and that was more than Inno needed.\n\nNyle spoke simply and plainly of his name, his intentions vague but killing was as natural as breathing in these dark tides of the sea. Than Theo returned, she wasn't sure who or what his intentions were but it seemed they'd find out soon enough.\n.\n\nAs the Mistress spoke and explained herself, her appearance seemed to have some orgins from Yronis. So this was the Mistress that the little gnomlin was wild about. But at last, they were finally free of those dammed collars. The tiefling held her collar, as if studying it for a moment as the voices of Theo and the Mistress flew by her ears.\n\n```\"You took great risk and clearly invested a lot into this. From what I gather, you have plans for us. What are your intentions? I would thank you, but appreciation isn't what you're here for. I am impressed by the two of you, but it's quite clear that we owe you a debt. I intened to pay it back fairly.\"```\n\nThe tiefling spoke with a regal tone, as if going straight to business. Inno was curious on who she was and who Theo is, however her priority was on their intentions. The party had clear intentions, freedom and salvation. Knowing that, a clear path was given. However, she was unsure on what these two strangers wanted. A debt? Revenge? Business? Or perhaps something personal. However, the idea of bad play or unfair partnership was not in her mind. Her goblins weren't fools to agree to work with untrustworthy trouble, she also took note of how they seemed to respect the Mistress.\n\n```\"My magic is returning, thank you. Theo.\"```\n\nThe woman answered Theo as she almost forgot to address him." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "The seafoam maidens cheeks once again turned a soft pink when Nyle pulled her closer, she was rather confused on why her face felt so warm. She looked up at him for a moment and studied him, her gaze fixed on his unnatural blue eye- it was quite beautiful, her eyes the crystal shallows his the dark abyss. She watched plainly as he noticed her and walked away to stare at the strange metal contraption, she cocked her head to a 45° as he walked away- confused by his body language. \n\nSyrena's face lit up with excitement when the Mistress asked for the runes she grabbed earlier. Syrena placed her hand over the pouch to make sure she grabbed them, brushing her fingers against the pouch and feeling Nothing To her own dismay. She then frantically opened the pouch, her face stark white with embarrassment- but to her own surprise there were the stones. Syrena closed the bag once again to feel if they were inside but once again felt nothing, quite the funny bag she had found. Syrena then promptly handed the runes over and before she knew it her neck was free of the unholy collar. Syrena let out a deep sigh of relief as the collar fell to the ground, she then kicked it clumsily out of anger and watched it slide across the floor with a smile on her face. \n\nThe mermaid smiled as Inno mentioned healing her throat, while she would usually heal her own wounds with her magic she was unsure if she would be able due to her mana being drained for so long. Moments passed as Syrena watched the goblin scurry around the room before coming back with a vermillion liquid in a crude bottle- admittedly not the most appetizing sight but if it meant she could sing to her goddess once again, it was well worth it. Syrena struggled with the cork of the bottle for a moment, twisting and pulling at the bottle to no avail before she handed it over to Nyle who promptly opened it with ease and handed it back to her. She nodded in gratitude before drinking the liquid, her eyes widening at the flavor. It\n\nWas by no means Tasty But it was a unique flavor she had never tasted before, how exciting! \n\nSyrena's bruises seemed to melt away within moments as her blue and purple skin returned to its typical porcelain tone. The mermaid cleared her throat softly before parting her lips to speak. \n\n\"I am Syrena Calypso.\"\n\nThe mermaids words seemed to bounce off her tongue like a melody despite the simplicity of her statement, each syllable a lullaby of oceanic embrace. Syrena stared between the group in silence for a moment. Noting the strange looks from Aspeth, how fancy Inno looked and Nyle... She didn't understand him but he seemed nice, right? After a few awkward moments of silence, the maiden spoke once more \n\n\"Did you all hear it too? The ocean is crying.\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Seemed like the den was rather full of surprises, another person arriving for her to look over before letting out a hum. She couldn't deny that the lady certainly had a fashion sense that brought eyes directly towards her. Aspeth wouldn't blame her, such a power in battle was incredibly useful.\n\nAs Syrena provided the keys, Aspeth let out a sigh of relief. She could not give enough thanks to her Goddess as the collar was released. As she looked over the golden object, she wondered if it would be worth anything at all. Gold could easily be melted down, but if they decided to keep it as such, they could certainly take some high priority targets. So many options for such little tools. Even with her magic in a funky state, Aspeth wanted to see just where she was at in the moment.\n\nTurning around for a moment, wanting to be a bit secretive with her abilities for the moment, Aspeth brought her hands up to her mouth before taking a deep breath. As she slowly exhaled, wisps of odorless smoke whipped upwards from her lips before dissipating as a small fog of dark mist bundled in her cupped hands, gently pouring out of her mouth. It looked as through it had the consistency of a liquid, overflowing gently and falling to the floor in what seemed like slow motion. If one had keen hearing, one might be able to hear a soft sound emanating from within. Laughter.\n\nAspeth was a bit disappointed at the sight. It certainly wasn't what she was used to having at her beck and call, but it was magic nonetheless. As she brought her hands together, the fog was quick to vanish as she returned her gaze to the others, unaware if any had seen.\n\nAspeth smiled as she received a bit of recognition. \"Aye, that old blaggard is finally trying to get his legs into the water proper it seems.\" A bit of a worry, but nothing that couldn't be handled. She was sure a few of the crews would band together to cause him a bit of trouble.\n.\n\nAs the mermaid was finally able to introduce herself, Aspeth let out a hum as she heard Syrena speak, furrowing her brow as she turned towards her. The hell did that even mean? Hear the ocean crying?\n\n\"Fraid all I can hear crying is my stomach. I've been starved of a proper meal for long enough. That, and ale.\"" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "Gum Gum: \"I've just had the best idea! I'm gonna go get Leek Leek and Thighflayer so we can recuperate and make sure everyone's wounds are healed before I conquer this place! Muahahahahaha!\" \n\nThe tiny goblin girl swished her robes and rushed off to one of the side exits, one of the ones only big enough for a goblin to fit into, which was a long metallic pipe. After some clinking and clanking, she was gone from sight. The other goblins resumed their activities, Gnomlin now hanging from the ceiling his ankle and shouting curses upon their bloodlines in his pleghmy goblin. \n\nMistress: \"Of course I have plans for you, but paying it back can wait till you've all eaten, recovered and your goblins are back. We have much to discusss and we should all be in the right frame of mind when we do. Welcome to the Warren. Go through the den and you'll find a dining area, you sit, Skinny will cook you all up some food. Skinny! We need some of the special for our guests here-\" She paused and looked over at Syrena, \"And exnay on any ishnay. Bring the Maiden the Plate of Sin.\" \n\nShe turned back to them and took a long drag from her lit cigarette before sighing. \n\nMistress: \"I'll come find you once you've eaten. I'm gonna finished reading the reports I got this morning.\" \n\nShe turned and sashayed back through the den, turning left to head up a flight of stairs. They were left with Theo, who looked up from his machine. \n\nTheo: \"Go on ahead, I'm gonna stay here to let the others in and I'll join you guys for food. Hungry myself, heh.\" \n\nHe had a breathy and awkward laugh, but he smiled at the group kindly enough before turning back to his strange screen and knobs and devices. It seemed the group would be able to eat, though a perceptive person would see him visibly frown and look more stressed at Syrenas comment about the ocean." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "\"I don't think anyone but you can hear what the ocean says.\" Nyle said, his dry voice sounding uninterested and yet his heterochromatic eyes were a dark storm with a flash of lightning. He gripped his sword and pushed past the group, striding towards the den. \"Let's eat, see what we owe this woman and then I can get on with my mission.\" If he saw the pirate womans display of magic he did not show it. \n\nInstead he weaved his way past the goblins, turning right to enter a dining area. It had a long and raggedy table, with a hodgepodge of chairs to sit on ranging from old and wooden to soft and moth eaten. Yet the swordsman would plop himself down in a large pink chair, put his feet up on the table and close his eyes- seemingly falling right to sleep." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "The wound healed and the voice of the Seafoam maiden returned to her, they all learned her name. Although the name itself did not ring any bells, the tiefling knew little of the seas. But what the woman said next was curious, was she speaking in riddles or did she have a connection with the ocean that she may hear its woes.\n\n```\"No, I did not hear the cries of the ocean. Only the cries of the guards and yourself. But if you hear the ocean speak to you again, tell us.\"```\n\nShe lived long enough to not consider her words that of a mad woman, the seafolks naturally lived different lives to those who live on land. Perhaps she could hear warnings and advice from the waters, the tiefling did think too much on it as Aspeth share the condition of her stomach and it's lacking of good food. Innovation had almost forgotten her hunger and thirst, the chaotic nature had her mind only focused on survival and escape.\n\n```\"Do what you must, send them my regards. But keep a level head, Gum Gum. These are different lands with different folk.\"```\n.\n\nInno said to Gum Gum as she'd rush off into the exits, the woman was aware of her eagerness to conquer but knew to keep her goblins in check. Her attention turned to the Mistress, who politely gave her hospitality. No words were given, only a simple nod I'm acknowledgement. Watching quietly as she turned and headed up the stairs. She took note of Theo, and approached him from behind as he'd focus on strange screen. Her claws placed on his shoulders as she noticed his stressed out behavior, she spoke as her hands moved closer to his neck. Speaking in a low tone.\n\n```\"Theo. Humor me. Why are you stressed and unhappy with our young seafom's words. Are your machines responsible for the ocean's cries? Do answer.\"```\n\nInnovation did not enjoy secrets and plots within her ranks, everyone had the secrets but they become a problem when they lead to a betrayal. The woman spoke in a cold and sharp tone, almost as sharp her claws that gently moved along his throat.\n\n```\"But, let's discuss this more during dinner. I will eagerly await your answer, we all will. I'm sure of it.\"```\n\nThe woman let go of the dark skinned man, patting his shoulder gently before making her way towards the dinner. Innovation was too focused on the strangers that were The Mistress and Theo too have noticed Aspeth's magic display. Her priority was on them currently, she began to make her way to eat. Taking a seat as she sat straight, her legs crossed as the woman awaited her meals. Her yellow flaming eyes were alert and filled with caution, cold and stern. Far less relaxed than the sword man.\n\n```\"Syrena, answer this. Explain and elaborate on what you meant by the crying of the ocean. Will this pose a threat for us or will this be something we can take advantage of?\"```\n\nThe woman seemly commanded an answer rather than ask one, she clearly wanted more details on her little comment. But she shook her head as she'd relax, placing her arms on the table." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena looked around at the group with a concerned look in her eye, her gaze stopped on Theo as she noted his frown. She was puzzled by his expression, the rest of the group seemed to be unaware of the oceans weeping but his concerned expression made it seem as if he knew, why didn't he say something? \n\nSyrena stood still as the group seemed to disperse, noting the display of magic performed by Aspeth with a curious glint in her eye. Syrena couldn't help but notice the horned woman approach Theo from behind, her clawed hands creeping up his back until her fingers were gently wrapped around his neck. Curious, Syrena moved close enough to listen to their conversation. The mermaid was startled by the demeanor of Inno, she was certainly an assertive lady. Although Syrena appreciated Inno's investigation, it warmed her heart to know somebody took her words seriously. \n\nSyrena clumsily snuck away from Theo and Inno and made her way towards the dinner table, her mind pondering on what the mistress meant by 'plate of sin'- she hoped she wasn't in trouble. The mermaid followed behind Nyle as she eyed a pretty colored chair that reminded her of coral. A small grumble escaping her small frame as she watched Nyle sit in the chair she wanted, she then sighed before sitting in a crudely crafted wooden chair beside him. She sat criss cross in the chair as she waited for her meal. Syrena smiled as Inno joined them at the table, her joyous expression morphing into one of shock as the woman promptly questioned her. \n\n\"O-oh well... Im not sure how to put it into words- but it's crying for help, it's sick you see. The fish are going mad.\"\n\nAlthough melodic, her speech was nervous as she stuttered over her words nervously. She was surprised a landleg was so concerned with the oceans woes. Syrena looked around at the table, scanning the faces of all her new companions with an innocent curiosity." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "With food on the way, Aspeth couldn't help the grin that appeared on her face. Now That Was hospitality. Erasil had certainly been kind today, she knew she was just going to have one incredible meal. Even with Syrena speaking in weird riddles of some kind, it probably didn't matter in the moment. Time was likely on their side right now.\n\nAspeth had a nice stretch of the arms as she entered the dining room herself, quickly plopping herself onto a chair and falling into a comfortable slouch. It certainly wasn't the most comfortable chair, but it was So Much better than that damn stone floor of the prison. She removed the musket from it's place on her shoulder and allowed it to lean against the chair she was in, easily able to be grabbed if she needed it. But that didn't mean she was in a comfortable relaxed pose. She would have followed Nyle's example and fallen asleep, if the place wasn't full of goblins.\n\nAs the mermaid spoke, Aspeth's eyebrow lazily popped up. \"You can hear the fish?\" Well, that was something she hadn't been expecting at all. Supposedly it made sense, this was meant to be the Seafoam Maiden after all. \"How's that our issue?\"\n\nOf course, Aspeth couldn't see a single reason why she should be bothered about the fish of all things. If they were going mad, then they were going mad. Though, a thought did cross her mind that she likely Should Protect parts of the ocean, in service of her Goddess. She would at the very least help protect the water, but she had no clue if the fish actually mattered. Aspeth did agree with Innovation's thought process, if it could be used and abused to their advantage, it should.\n\nShe had no clue How The sea of all things could be sick, and when she realized what Syrena had actually said, a look of pure confusion appeared on her face.\n\n\"Wait, it's Sick? How?\" \n\nThe sea being sick was definitely news to her, she just hoped that didn't mean rough sailing." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "A threat to a member of the group that had just assisted her, a bold move indeed. Still, the dark skinned and bespectackled man gulped as she put her hands around his neck. Obviously no warrior, not someone who saw much battle and his stiffness and trembling confirmed that. His lips parted but no words came out, then she let go and he breathed a sigh of relief. As she walked away, Theo rubbed his neck and stared terrified down at the console. The goblins that did not belong to Inno watch her in wonder and awe, some whispering to each other and pointing, others simply gazing at her face as they recalled the stories they were told by her warbands present members. \n\nThe dining room was dimly lit by a few light spells, that flickered like flourescent lights and even buzzed. Strange magic indeed and yet, it was enough. As they sat, an Extremely Fat goblin peered into the room, his jowls quivering and his chins wobbling as he squinted at the group, counting heads and doing math verryyyyy slowly before dissapearing back into a swinging double door that led to the kitchen. No sign of any other goblins in the kitchen. Within a minute, the clink and clang and sizzle and hiss of food preperation had begun. \n\nNow was a time for conversation between the party..." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "\"It's being poisoned by the man that runs this floating city.\" Nyle said simply, opening one eye, the dark brown one and looking at Inno. \"I don't know what the poison is or how its being made, why he's doing it- all I know is its a poison of some kind that has a strange effect on the beasts of the sea. Makes them aggresive, irrational- dangerous.\" His voice was dry and raspy, it had a slow and seductive drag to it that seemed to match the hundreds of scars upon his torso. His katana rested against the chair he sat on, his gaze drifting from woman to woman. \n\n\"Blackheart. Thats his name. The one who runs this place, isn't it?\" He asked as he stopped his drifting look on Aspeth, who was the most likely to know. Nyle had been seeking out the man who ran the floating city, it was the only information he'd had. Yet the city itself was elusive and ever moving in the ocean and worse, a geniunely well kept secret. Only certain pirates even knew of it, and there were more than a thousand rumors of who owned it on the open ocean. Whoever had set it up had ensured the Empire wouldn't come to shut it down. It had been a long and nearly fruitless chase- until now. \n\nWith his sword back and his technqiue and eye working again, he could hunt down this 'Blackheart.' Yet... The Seafoam Maiden was wrapped up in it all now and that wasn't something honor would let him ignore. In a way, he felt obligated to all the women to at least see them out of immediate danger. Not that they needed to know that, and if it got in the way of getting his vengeance... Well, what Would He do? Sighing, he closed his eyes again to let himself think and listen to their answers." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As Nyle only confirmed and backed up Syrena's statement, it made her ability to hear the ocean a reliable source of potential information. Pondering, her yellow eyes turned to Aspeth wondering if she can confirm the so called leader Blackheart. Perhaps that was the swordsman's target. She leaned on the table as the food was being prepared, wondering if the tiefling would eat dwarf or fish again if it was cooked by goblins.\n\n```\"Hmm, judging from the magic and the machinery. Perhaps this poison is the reason that this island can move so efficiently. Could be the island is the body and the so called poison is it's defecation. If it creates beasts to be dangerous and irrational, and... We have a seafoam with us. I can see why the Mistress has plans for us. Stay sharp. I did not escape a slow death to trade it for a faster one.\"```\n\nThe tiefling spoke as she continued the conversation with a calm and patient tone, there was more depth to this. But she began to see a bigger picture at play, with her only concern that the party may fall into a deal that isn't fairly weighted for their favor.\n\n```\"But, atlas. Let us rest and eat for now. Save our strength.\"```\n\nAs much as she enjoyed the dance of plots and schemes, the woman was hungry and tired. Being surrounded by goblins oddly relaxed her, a deal was to be made with the cracks of its secrets already coming to view. Hence, they were not blind nor desperate which always worked in their favor. These new allies seemed to have same intentions as the party, to punish the leader and make an example of them for their foolish betrayal was a goal of hers. There was nothing more to say or do, but to rest now. To speak on things that you weren't sure about seemed like walking circles, the Mistress was surely going to fill them in. Or at least fill them as much as she saw fit." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena looked around at the group with a nervous look in her eye, part of her was hesitant to give so much information to landlegs- let alone ones she barely knew. Despite her doubts, something in her heart hymned a familiar melody that calmed her nerves. Syrena's joyful demeanor shifted to one of dire seriousness as Nyle mentioned Blackheart. She had heard the name muttered by sailors and the guards that imprisoned her. Her mind stirred at the thought of the lizard man who put the collar on her, perhaps that was him. Syrena was relieved, although surprised her and the swordsman shared a common interest.\n\n\"Landlegs have disrespected the seas for ages but never defiled her waters and corrupted its creatures. Why would he do something so awful...\" \n\nSyrena looked down at her empty plate with a sorrowful expression as she finished her statement, she didn't understand the ways of the land- but she found it horrifying any creature would purposefully cause so much suffering. Though the mermaid was thankful this group of landlegs seemed to be on the seas side, she couldn't help but question the motivations of the woman they called Mistress. The mystery that surrounded the woman frightened Syrena, she would keep a safe distance from her for now. \n\nThe mermaids eyes widened at the sight of the large goblin peering into the room. Tilting her head to a 45° angle as she watched the poor creature count the group, very slowly at that. \n\nSyrena cleared her throat nervously before forcing a smile on her face.\n\n\"What is everyone's favorite food? I like seaweed chips, and the fish love them too which is so much fun because then we can share! Though they do get pretty pushy... Usually don't have many left for myself.\"\n\nSyrena seemed to be transported to a different planet as she rambled on about her finned friends. It was rare she got to socialize with others, meaning she was rather clueless when it came to conversation- she was just happy to have new friends to talk to." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "\"Ah, that bastard git.\" Blackheat was certainly a bit of a sour spot for her. Legend among pirates, known for his cruelty. \"Same one that sunk ten of the Archduke's ships, aye?\" She was fairly certain that rumour was true, as much as she had her disbeliefs about what other sailors said, this one just seemed much to common to be false. So the bastard was poisoning the ocean now? Aspeth had always believed he was a bit of a dunderhead, but this was just a step to the next level. \"I can say he's the one that runs this place. That's for sure. Ya know, they say he can stop a blade with his hand? Some say it's magic, others say his hand isn't real.\"\n\nBefore she could go onto a more terrifying rumour, it seemed like they were moving onto a different topic. Truth be told, Aspeth was Not* Excited to be working for someone so quickly after she had gotten out of prison. Usually, she would spend a few days caring for herself, but it seemed like they were going to be going right into resting and then planning.\n\nUnfortunate.\n\nAs the mermaid asked about their favourite food, Aspeth hummed for a moment as she leaned her head back to think. \"I'm not sure what the hell a seaweed chip is, but think the best meal I ever had was this really Meaty Lobster chowder. Least, I think it was lobster?\" Thinking back on it, it had been a fairly sketchy place to go, she hadn't spoken the language either, trusting in a crew member to accurately translate it. Either way, the meal had been Fantastic.\n\nThe mermaid was quite the noisy one, constantly rambling it seemed, and about fish of all things? Sure, the damn things were tasty, but was there really that much about them?\n\nNow, she supposed it would only be fair to ask a question herself. \"What got youse all in prison? Bastards sunk the ship I was 'working' on and fished me out of the water.\"" }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "\"So more pirate scum to kill, great... Whatever the source of the poison it needs to be stopped, its not natural. The ocean is dangerous enough as it is, its wrath as great as its most gentle whisper is sweet, but tip the scales too far...\" He trailed off, not needing to explain what would happen if ships couldn't sail. If fishermen couldn't sell their fish to the masses, if the oceans resources became feral- just how much of the world would become cut off the landleggers. Still, there was just a hint of emotion in his voice, his reasoning was logical and sound and yet... \n\n\"I like saké and cinnamon rice cakes.\" He said, purposefully ignoring the question about prison. The truth was that he'd been ambushed and perhaps he could have won the fight, but getting captured meant getting taken to Raggenrok. It was both a failure and a success in its own ways." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "As they conversed, the fat goblin entered the room carrying several plates. He placed a plate in front of each person but Syrena, and then stood at the head of the table, his hands on his considerable hips. \n\nSkinny: \"Skinny hopesh that you enjoysh your meals, he does. Red beansh and ricesh it is, with some good ol jumbalya substitued with shredded fish and a handful of plump shrimpsh for yas. Skinny done tested the tasting of it HEH HEH HEH and ish good, ish good. Oh righ.\" \n\nHe said with a grumble as he looked at Syrena. He growled and stomped back into the kitchen, coming back out with a plate piled high with some wet and slimy greens. It was a huge pile of steamed spinach. \n\nSkinny: \"OHHHHH Skinny hatesh it, Skinny hatesh it so much he does. Poor Skinny, poor slim and slender Gahblin he is, forced to make THA of all things, plate o' sin indeed!\" \n\nHe wailed and spat, holding his head in his hands and jiggling his way out of the room, still wailing and lamenting as the doors swung behind him. As he vanished, Theo entered the room and sat at the table, as far as he could from Inno, and pulled his plate closer to eat. He ate quickly and often looked over his shoulder. He did not acknowledge the others in the room for a while, avoiding their eyes and gazes as he tried to get through his meal before being interrogated." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "Nyle sighed as he realized that Syrena wasn't given a fork by the fat goblin named Skinny, likely on purpose. He dropped his feet and scooted his chair closer, first showing her how the fork could be used to scoop up the spinach before offering it to her. If she struggled with it, his hand would gently prod her fingers into the proper position until she got it right. Then he'd scoot his chair back and start eating his food with his hands, not really caring that combined with his scars and long hair, it made him look like a savage from the beyond lands. \n\nHis gaze fell on Inno as he waited for her to take the lead on Theo, sure that the Tiefling woman would be the first to seek out information. She was terrifiyingly efficient in her pursuits he'd found. It would be good to stay out of her gaze as much as possible." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Although the nativity of Syrena was rather amusing, she seemed sharp enough to ask important questions. To the tielfing, Blackheart's reasoning for his actions could simply be that of consequences for his push to power. To remain successful and away from the Empire, even with all the powerful champions, demigods and powerful mages under their wing. If she was in his position, perhaps taking advantage of the aggressive sea creatures and using them against her foes... But her moment of wild ideas snapped away as a simple question was asked.\n\n```\"If you must know, and I can enjoy a curious soul like you. I must confess that Dwarf Brisket, slow-smoked and infused with volcanic spices would be my favorite meal of choice. Such a flavorful and mouth melting texture, just ignites fiery passions in me.\"```\n.\n\nShe shared her favorite meal, after hearing the answers of the others. Seaweed chips, lobster chowder, rice cakes seemed like dull meals to her or she simply a different taste. Her flaming eyes were deep in thought, remembering that lovely memory of cooking up that Dwarf traitor. As the chef goblin entered with plates of food, the woman did not have an excited expression on her face as she simply looked down at her plate. These were hardly up to her standards or current carving but she was at sea, so seafood was expected.\n\nShe began to eat bites of the plump shrimp, small bites to ensure it was too local and not contaminated by this so called poison. Should they taste good and not contain anything concerning, she began to feed herself. Chowing down with proper table manners and etiquette. That was until Theo came to the picture, the woman allowed some time to pass. Giving some time to settle and eat of he chose to. But eventually the tiefling stood up, dragging her chain arcoss the floor as it made a terrible dragging noise. Before finally stopping near Theo, she gave him the time and opportunity to speak. Inno simply took it as an invitation to dig deeper.\n\n```\"Theo. Your fear is a delicacy that I savory, the perfect seasoning for the answers we seek. Now, explain yourself before I lose interest.\"```\n\nShe said with a firm and serious tone, placing her arms and leaning on the table right next to the dark skinned man. The party had some idea that Blackheart was responsible for making the sea cry, but that did not explain Theo's reaction to Syrena. Stress and a frown. Did he have a simple hate for the seafoams or was there something deeper and complicated going on.\n\nIt could be nothing of note, but her curiosity was hungry.\n\n```\"Theo, don't be shy. Talk.\"```" }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena smiled as the group conversed with each other, her eyes visibly delighted that her comrades shared their favorite meal with her- though she didn't recognize any of their favorite foods. \n\nThe mermaid clapped her hands together with bliss as the fat goblin entered the room, her mouth watering at the smell of delicious veggies. Though her visible excitement waned when the goblin began to shame her for her meal, the goblins words were like needles in her ears as it spoke. Once everyone's meals were in front of them Syrena looked around, her brows furrowing at the strange sight of utensils. \n\nSyrena looked around for one of the strange pieces of metal for a moment, her eyes frantically searching the table for one- unbeknownst to her she wasn't given one. Then after a few moments she found Nyle's hands wrapped around her own, his fingers gently guiding his fork into hers and demonstrating how to use it. Syrena grasped the fork crudely, holding it firmly in her hand as she balled her fist as Nyle sighed. Moving her fingers into the correct position and guiding her hand until she got the hang of it. The mermaid turned her head to face him, her icy blue eyes staring up at him with a look of gratitude and curiosity. Once he returned to his plate she smiled at the sight of him eating with his hands just like how she often did at Tiaris, but a new trinket to play with was always appreciated. \n\nSyrena then began to eat her pile of spinach with a smile, not paying much attention to the others as she ate until Inno began questioning Theo once more. A look of concern washing upon her delicate face as she chimed in.\n\n\"You did look sad Mister Theo. Is everything okay? I could sing you a song.\"" }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "She frowned as her question was ignored. Seemed like the group wasn't going to be that talkative. Well, that was fine, she'd pry out the answers another time. Right now, it was time to have a damn nice meal.\n\nIf there was two things that she had learnt whilst sailing, it was that you Never* Questioned the cook, and you always finished your plate. Aspeth was quick to dig in, even whilst Skinny was still introducing the meal itself. It was Fantastic. Then again, anything was better than prison food. She ate without care of manners, happily crunching into the prawns and pulling out the meat with her teeth.\n\nShe certainly had to give her compliments to the chef, he knew how to make a meaty dish, and it was exactly what she needed. Though, her meal was interrupted by the loud grinding of a chain. Aspeth watched as Inno moved over to pester the poor spectacled lad once again. Hadn't she already gotten her answers out of the boy? She had seen her threaten him right before they were going to eat, what was it about the lad that could be so interesting?\n\nIn her opinion, he was much too gangly to be considered a traitor or rat. He seemed more like the kind that would stick to the group out of fear of what Could Happen to him rather than what would. Though, she had been wrong in the past.\n\n\"You alright there lad? Seem a bit nervous.\"\n\nWell, Obviously He was nervous. But, she might as well do something to give Innovation a bit of assistance, they were working together now, and they'd have to help each other either way, so it made sense to try and start on some decent terms. Maybe then, she would get some help where she wouldn't be expecting it.\n\nAspeth took a moment to look over Theo's body language, trying to make sure he wasn't reaching for a blade or anything of the sort. In her life, she had been through too many close scraps to ignore any of those signs again." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Before she dragged her chair to Theo, the tiefling noticed that a question was ignored. As her hand rested on the chair, she turned to the brown haired human. To ignore her would be quite rude and the tiefling had proper manners.\n\n```\"I arrived to propose a deal and a beneficial agreement with the high ups of the pirate company. They chose to betray me for a quick profit. I thought I could trust their greed for larger profits but that would be a mistake on my part. I treated pirates like bandits, a foolish mistake.\"```\n\nAfter politely answering her question, and giving her writer some relief, she dragged her chair to Theo. It was true that even a careful Innovation made mistakes, but that came with such a risk filled life. She'd learn her lesson and now, simply vowed revenge. An eye for an eye." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "Nyle choked on his food as Inno responded with fucking Dwarf brisket As casually as someone might say fish. He coughed and coughed and pounded on his chest, heterochromatic eyes watering as he looked up, widening more and more as NO ONE reacted to the news that Inno fucking ate People. Then they just kept on going and shifted attention to Theo and suddenly there was no room to say anything and he threw his hands up, convinced now that he was in crazy town. Grumbling, he continued to eat, not quite sure their interrogation was needed. \n\nThey'd been saved, it was a bold move to be questioning and pressuring their saviors This early, but these women would be better friends than foe. For now he could remain silent and enjoy the admittedly good food, and watching the Seafoam Maiden of all people struggle to eat with a damn fork was... Entertaining. Still, debts or not, he began to scan the room for a way out should one of them decide to eat him or if the insanity of the three women began to spread to him like some crazy fucked up disease." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "Mistress: \"Don't you pressure my genius, Goblin Queen. You're in my den, with most of My Goblins in a city ruled by a man who very much wants to put you through hell. I know this city, I know your enemy- so I suggest you practice a little fucking courtesy and drag your chair back to its place. Your questions will have answers, just like Mine Will.\" \n\nThe Mistress came in, her hand on her sword and the other raised up into a strange hand sign that almost looked like... Like she was encircling Innovations head in it. Suddenly the Goblin Queen would feel pressure on either side of her temples, pressure so intense it was almost as if it had been placed between two ships that were pressing into each other. Slowly but surely any second now her skull would burst and her brain explode across the table, the Goblin Queens eyes would become bloodshot as vessels burst and- \n\nThen the pressure was gone as quickly as it had come, the only sign that it had been there would be the relief the womans head felt and her very red eyes. The Mistress did not look angry, she had a look of pure bussiness. Inno had stepped across the line, The Mistress had restablished her place in it. It was then that Aspeth and Nyle would notice that Skinny was in the doorway with a blunderbuss and two Goblins held flintlock pistols in their hands from hideyholes around the room. They'd been saved, but they were not out of danger. Best to watch their step in this place. \n\nIf Inno complied, Theo would clear his throat and glance at The Mistress who would give a curt nod, though her focus was extroardinary on the ragtag former prisoners. \n\nTheo: \"I am- was, an inventor for the Empire. I am a Technomancer... My father was a um... A veterinarian. He asked me to come help him study some strange sick creatures. We were out and... Well anyways its a long story- the point is, I think I know whats happening and... In a crazy way you're kind of right, Inno.\" He glanced nervously at the dangerous woman\n\nBefore continuing, \"This isn't an Island... Its the back of an ancient Dragon Turtle thats been built upon and... I think its being controlled by Blackheart somehow. The stuff they release into the water and use on creatures is... Its unlike anything ive ever seen before. I don't know what they're trying to do with it, but its bad. It must be whats hurting the ocean. I flinched because its really nasty stuff, and to hear that the oceans crying...\" \n\nThe Mistress clicked her tongue in annoyance, it seemed she was not as soft as the Technomancer. \n\n\"Mistress: \"Blackhearts making something deadly and he's a tyrant, I want to stop him, so does Theo- and all my Goblins and yours, are itching to get lots of shinies and kill lots of pirates. So, are we going to start to make plans civilly, or is this going to be a very long day?\" She asked, her focus on Inno, who she had tasked as the most important decision in this moment, though her gaze flickered to each person in turn. \n\nNyles hand gently rested on Syrenas shoulder to offer some comfort as the news of the turtle was delivered, though he did not look at her, instead just glared at the table and chewed his lip. It was almost as if he were doing the kind act only because he had to, his face grim and his body tense." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As the voice of the Mistress began to fill the room, and made her presence knowledge. The tielfing listened with a stern and cold gaze, standing up quickly as she'd watch the Mistress placed her hand on her sword. Before the temples of her head began to feel a crushing pain, the woman grunted as her claw grabbed the chair. Flaming yellow eyes turned bloodshot red, when suddenly relief was given. A deep breath left her body as she'd slowly rub her head, her bloodshot eyes scanning the room in an expressionless gaze. The chair was grabbed and pushed down to the floor, as the tiefling backed away from Theo.\n\n```\"Mistake acknowledged, I stand before you... Humbled by my error.\"```\n\nInnovation spoke with a cold yet respectful tone, acknowledging the danger and the authority of the room. This was hardly the time to challenge her, as the odds against her were not high by any means. Innovation held no pitiful hate or fear in her eyes, simply understanding. A slim smile grew on her face as she'd watch the goblins that held flintlocks surrounding them in hideyholes, they knew what they were doing and clearly weren't fools as she'd assumed. She took a step towards from Theo, promptly taking her seat and finally sitting down. Lowering the tensions as she'd lean back, listening to Theo explain himself.\n.\n\nIt seemed believable and caused her to wonder if the magic from the prison had some connections fo this Dragon Turtle creature. Her theory held some weight to them, but she'd never assume the island was alive and a dragon of all things. At best, she'd assume it was some magical machinery. Speaking of control, she'd listen carefully to Theo's explanation. A small smile grew on her face as speak, crossing her legs and taking a relaxed seating position showing she held no aggression and was open to listen.\n\n```\"Perhaps like your kind Mistress has done to me, Blackheart could be controlling the creature through extreme pain. Something so ancient would require an extreme bite to submit to a mortal man, could be the what causes so much suffering for the ocean. If we control or simply destroy this whip, this island may fall info chaos.\"```\n\nThe tiefling spoke as she'd turn to look over Syrena to see her reaction to this, before scanning Aspeth and Nyle. However, she'd put her assumptions and theories aside before they'd get her killed.\n\n```\"Let's begin with these plans and come to a fair exchange, I speak for myself and my goblins that we agree to be civilized since I prefer my eyes to inside my unbroken skull.\"````" }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena seemed to share Aspeth's concern about Theo, a quality of the mysterious woman she looked fondly upon. But her admiration for the woman was interrupted by the sound of choking at her side. Her hands raising into the air to try to help just as he grumbled and continued eating, such a strange group she found herself in.\n\nSyrena jumped at the cold voice of the mistress wafting through the room like an ice cold fog. The champions eyes widened at the words coming from her mouth, just moments ago they were enjoying a meal and now everyone seemed so angry... \n\nThe mermaid couldn't help but notice Inno's expression of pain, cringing at the sight of her red eyes.Though her look of concern towards Inno was shattered has her face went blank at the mention of the turtle. Syrena's eyes looked to face Theo, gazing at him with an uncharacteristic intensity before her head followed suit her expression blank and serious. \n\nSuddenly it all clicked in Syrena's mind, the subtle weeping she heard outside- the sea was mourning for its creatures, for the poor turtle. The mermaids epiphany was interrupted as she noticed a hand placed upon her shoulder. Syrena shut her eyes firmly as she collected herself, Nyle's kind gesture soothing her anger at the plague of a land spawn blackheart. \n\n\"We must work together, but this city... Built upon the backs of an innocent creature. It's unacceptable, it all must sink.\"\n\nSyrena's bubbly tone was replaced by one of meek seriousness, her voice filled with sorrow as she imagined the discomfort the creature must be in.\n\n\"I will assist your cause...\"\n\nSyrena thought to herself for a moment, trying to remember the woman's name- before speaking hesitantly. \n\n\"Miss Mistress.\"\n\nSyrena then glanced over to gaze at Aspeth, her eyes scanning the mysterious woman curiously. The brown haired girl was a mystery to Syrena, she wondered what she thought of the situation." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "Ah, seemed like her question Had Been answered. She flashed a grin towards Innovation before her attention was grasped by Nyle suddenly choking. What was his deal? Did he not know how to eat properly or something? Perhaps he just needed a drink to help get it all down.\n\nThen, the Mistress came in and Aspeth watched as Inno was cursed with excruciating pain. Of course, she had no real clue what had just happened, but it was easy t o assume this was some sort of power. Truly a terrifying power for one to have, but she was glad it wasn't being used on her in the moment. Such a pain that it caused the eyes to turn red? \n\nCertainly not for her.\n\nThough, out of the corner of her eye, she did notice the three goblins and the weapons they each held. She could not deny a want for the firearm that Skinny had his hands on. Then again, she wanted practically everything she didn't have. She would need to be content with her rifle for now, she hadn't even gotten to properly use it yet, after all. That didn't stop her from being rather wary. She didn't want to just have a pistol aimed at her without any way out after all. \n\nAdjusting herself, she tried to appear as relaxed as possible, even going as far as to cross her legs. Aspeth was very much ready to spring into action and grab one of her many pistols.\n\nAs Theo began to speak, Aspeth nodded along, listening to the little tale as a hum escaped her. The word 'dragon' certainly interested her. She had been wanting one since she was just a youngin. However, this was a turtle, so it was much different. But the bastard Blackheart had somehow managed to take control of such a thing, through pain of all things? She was almost impressed with how crude he could be.\n\nIt seemed like both Innovation and Syrena were quick to jump into this little escapade. Ready to throw down their life and limb all for a giant turtle.\n\nAspeth was much the opposite.\n.\n\nAspeth fell silent as she weighed the options. On one hand, she owed this person for helping her out of the little cage they had found themselves in. On the other hand, she could honestly not be Arsed Sinking an entire city's worth of ships. Yet the personal gain could Certainly Make up for such a little adventure. After all, with the city containing mostly pirates, who knew what sort of trinkets and treasures would be hidden away. Sneaking away during a bit of chaos would be easy enough, hell she could even cause it herself.\n\nSuch a difficult decision to make.\n\nThen, she felt a certain pair of eyes on her, and for a moment her gaze met with Syrena. A huff escaped her as a smirk appeared on her face, flashing a wink before speaking. \"Ah, what the hell. Been wanting to kill half the bastards in this city since I got here. Might as well kill the gits with some help.\"" }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "Satisfied with their responses, the Mistress nodded and relaxed some, her dark eye however remained hard and calculating even as she motioned for Theo to rise. He quickly scampered to his feet and dusted off his clothing, before pulling a disk out from one of his coats many pockets. He set it down on the table and pressed a series of buttons, then a holographic map appeared woven from threads of light magic. It was a magnificent piece of work and yet Theo did not seem to think anything of it. \n\nTheo: \"This is a rough layout of Raggenrok gathered by the goblins. We're here in the Broken Mast District.\" He said, gesturing to a softly pinging dot of red light that signified where they were. \"Our goal is a multifaceted, first we need to weaken the cities infrastructure- we can't fight all of Blackhearts men, not when they have guns and magic and way more numbers. So phase one will be causing a distraction, pulling the entire guard force out at once.\" \n\n\nTheo then touched the light and moved the map a bit to give them all a better angle of something upon it. \n\nTheo: \"This here is The Calamity, it's a massive galleon that's been claimed from an Archduke, used now as a headquarters for Blackheart and his men. We need to get inside WHILE the guards are drawn out and see if we can find the poison he's been making, perhaps even find a cure. If we get it's formula I can reverse engineer it.\" He explained, glancing at them to make sure they were following and looking away quickly when he caught the cold, bored and menacing eyes of Nyle. Clearing his throat he went on. \n\n\"Then of course, we uh, well we kill Blackheart. Any questions? It's worth discussing splitting the party to have one group cause a distraction and the other slip in, or we can task the goblins with a phase, so on. Floors open.\" He said, sitting down and leaving the map open. \n\nMistress: \"This is your shot to get your own opinion in on how this should all go down. Blackhearts gonna be scouring the ci\n\nTy for you and it won't be long till we have Blackguard breathing down our necks.\"" }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Her brow was raised as the innocent maiden of the sea spoke with cold tone of serious determination, to condemn a city to death so quickly was a surprising turn. Inno cared only for her vengeance, none shall live without regret after betraying her. Yet she had no interest in destroying a city of people, it could be a useful tool for her. So many wasted allies and resources into the sea, all because they could see past a quick profit. Her focus turned on this Blackheart character, killing him would send a clear message to not betray the tiefling. She was unsure of this, but kept her priority to look after herself and her goblins. The human woman seemed to board as well, although begrudgingly.\n\nAs Theo began to explain the layout and the plans set, Inno leaned closer to listen very carefully. Battle, tactics and logistics were as welcoming to her as a sword to a swordsman. The tactics were simple in nature, deception through distraction. But her face began to express disappointment as the plans began to break. Getting in the headquarters of a pirate leader while sneaking around to find the source of a poison while also magically killing Blackheart.\n\nInnovation stood up as she'd take a look at the map, her face was calm and careful. The plans were too simple and risky, she'd bet that even Leek Leek could come up with a better battle plan but she held her tongue for insults today. The woman's hand began to point and move along the Calamity before returning back to Broken Mast District.\n.\n\n```\"Allow me to share my opinions from the beginning. First, causing a distraction and expecting the entire guard force to follow the bait. I would prefer that it was a distraction that divided the guard forces, with hit and run tactics and sabotaging guard facilities to lower their morale. The first phase should begin by destroying their morale, poison their food, ruin their sleep, sabotage their weaponry and burn down their sleeping quarters. Hell, put pics jars in their alcohol or rotten fish in their beds. Whatever we can do to make the guards miserable.\"```\n\nThe tiefling enjoyed details and making things clear, her hands began to ponder for a moment as her yellow blood shot eyes stared at the layout of the map.\n\n```\"If a large guard force does take our bait, we must divine them and ambush them. We fight on our terms, not theirs. Use hit and run tactics, to bleed the guard forces more. Make it hell for them, lure them away from the Calamity if possible, maybe even towards the edge of the city where the ocean mets the city. Maybe Syrena could convince her allies of the ocean to join our forces if that's possible.\"````\n\nHer eyes turned to the sea maiden, she had no true understanding of Syrena's powers but if she could bring a dealthy ally or simply an environmental advantage than it'll only add to their chances of success.\n\n```\"Now, on to the second phase. It would be best to be divine into two groups. Scouts to seek the poison and staying out of sight, Assassins to find Blackheart and kill him. More organized with clear purpose, we can better equip ourselves for the tasks set. Especially since we are venturing deeper into energy territory.\"```\n\nThe woman paused for a moment, looking at the Mistress and Theo carefully with narrowed eyes.\n\n.\n```\"When we succeed and my poetic justice is served. I expect a ship, with the appropriate amout of goods and weaponry for me and my allies. That is my payment for this risky campaign, business as you expect. I like to make my payment known first before action is committed. A simple request to kill a powerful man with a powerful army.\"```" }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena's eyes widened at the sight of the map, reaching her out to touch the hologram only for her hand to be swatted away by Nyle. She grumbled to herself as she shot s glare at the man with the multicolored eyes before looking back at the map. She smiled when Theo mentioned an anti venom, she would be happy to help such a cause.\n\nThough intrigued, Syrena couldn't help but question the man's plan. From her experience, landlegs were kind of stupid- maybe they Would Fall for such a diversion. But she'd been alive for a long time and noticed that even the smallest, stupidest fish can learn to avoid trouble. \n\nSyrena cocked her head to a 45° angle when Inno began sharing her objections with the plan. Slowly adjusting her head upright and then nodding in agreement to her proposals. Though she couldn't help but wince at her cruel methods, using poor fish as stinky weapons, thought effective, it was quite cruel to her. She did however raise a brow when she mentioned her allies of the ocean. This horned woman was full of bright ideas, though she worried the sea would not be as merciful as her new friends hope. \n\n\"Well, I could ask Herbert... But he's busy with the baby. I know a guy from down under...\"\n\nSyrena then looked around as if she were about to drop some heavy information\n\n\"The abyss\"\n\nSyrena raised her eyebrows with a smile on her face, expecting the group to be shocked. She then sighed before putting an arm on the table and resting her chin in her palm. She looked around the group, her gaze lingering on the mistress before sighing and looking away towards Theo.\n\n\"Aaaand if I help I want...\"\n\nSyrena paused, Inno had demanded a boat! Boats seemed pretty valuable... She wondered what they would get her.\n\n\"I want a dress. Like the ones the pretty ladies wear on the beach.\"\n\nSyrena was foolishly unaware that a dress, did not at all compare to a boat." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "As the boy began to speak and show off his holographic map, Aspeth leaned back with a plate in hand to consume her meal as she idly listened. She would have put her boots up on the table, but there was no space without ruining them on the meal placed before them. Though the item was certainly a beautiful thing to see, and extremely useful. It likely came with quite the high price, if given to the correct seller. Maybe a thought to keep for later.\n\nThen, the tiefling began to give her little plan. It was certainly quite the plan, but it also meant they had to be in it for the long run. Aspeth grinned as she allowed the legs of her chair to crack against the ground as she leaned forward, a grin on her face as she spoke. \"Ah, enough gunpowder and All Your problems gonna be solved in a second.\" Gunpowder was such a beautiful and useful tool, from starting fires to removing buildings, what problem couldn't be solved with enough gunpowder?\n\nClearing her throat, Aspeth moved to continue her little speech. \"Why not aim for the guard's quarters? Take out half of them, and force part of the guard to sleep outside in discomfort. You'd be surprised how jealous the right bastards will get at the mere difference of where they get to rest their head.\" It was likely that someone else would have a much better idea, but it was good to throw in her two coins.\n\nThen Syrena spoke about the Abyss And Aspeth allowed her eyebrow to perk up. That was certainly quite the name, but to Aspeth it didn't have much meaning right now. Then, it seemed like they were moving onto payment. Honestly, Aspeth was rather surprised they had the gall to request payment, but she couldn't deny that she wanted part of that.\n\n\"If we're getting paid, I would Adore A new armoury for the ship we'd be getting, a nice little area to store as much weaponry as I so please.\" Might as well tack onto the previous request, if they were going to be getting a ship, she wanted her own little quarters." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "So, plans are being made and each person in the room are casting their dice, playing some of the cards from their hand. Theo and the Mistress both listened, deep in thought and seemingly absorbing every word. Theo looked concerned as the counter plans were laid out. Once they were done and the requests made, they turned to look at Nyle." }, { "author": "Nyle Tsurugi", "message": "\"I just want to see Blackheart dead. I don't want anything else.\" Nyle said dryly, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes, his scarred and defined arms crossing themselves over his chest. Whatever means got him to his ends, he'd take them. \n\nHe'd spent too long now hunting down the source of the poison, the source of his families demise and all that he knew- the source of it all was in this massive floating city. A city that was apparently built on the back of a creature. He wanted to care, but all he could think about was how close Blackheart was. \n\nA chance for redemption, a glimmer of... Hope was never a word he liked to think. Whatever, as long as it worked and his goal was accomplished." }, { "author": "Mysterious Voice", "message": "Theo frowned but nodded, The Mistress examined Nyle carefully before finally speaking. \n\nMistress: \"Very well, the requests can be met- that much I can promise. We take down Blackheart and do this job right, there will be enough booty for everyone. Now to the actual plan- the longer we take the more Blackheart will realize he's being targeted. The plan was designed to be done in a day, but if we use yours it might take up to three. At least, that's the max we have. Any longer than that and Blackheart will definitely get wise and flee with the poison. Then it's almost all for naught. We should probably take Innos plan and make it the foundation for the original- we can't just send any regular assassins after Blackheart. He's a very powerful mage from what can be gathered, so we have to make sure we can catch him unaware.\" \n\nShe clasped her fingers and her lone dark eye was deep in thought. \n\nTheo: \"I can make you some equipment if you need, we can talk about it tonight before resting and I'll try to have it ready by the time we make our move.\" \n\nMistress: \"Yes, that'll work. Okay, first we should scout out the areas we want ringgit for distraction and perhaps hit as many guard barracks as possible, there's five that I know of. We can't afford to poison and wait, make them tired- we need to act fast. They'll tear this city apart looking for you all, especially the Seafoam Maiden if she's who she claims. So, we should split up scouting parties. Teams of two or three perhaps, a few goblins each. Gather intel and make our plan on how to initiate the sabotage. Once the sabotage is made, we form a hit crew for Blackheart and an extract crew from the formula of the poison. Are we agreed to this? If so, plan out who will pair with who. Theo isn't much for the field, I can if need be.\" She said, watching them carefully." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As the tiefling sat in silence, listening to everyone speak their minds. Syrena and her allies from this mysterious abyss could prove to be very useful in the plans to come but she wasn't sure on what part it could be most useful. Perhaps if she had more understanding on the guy from down under. But she'd trust the woman to speak for herself, even if she'd take a simple payment of a dress. Her claw began to gently caress her eyes, as it still stung with a painful reminder of her over step.\n\nAspeth seemed to have a level head on her, the suggestion of gunpowder could be helpful if it could be transported under the noses of the guards. It could even be useful against the fight with Blackheart. Her suggestion matched with the fast pace that the Mistress seemed to press. But atlas, not all problems could be simply blown up. Nyle was an odd ball, she'd assume that he was mercenary and assassin. But it seemed personal due to his refusal to even bargain, he could even ask for a better shirt or some armor. But their words did paint a clear picture for her as she'd speak.\n\n```\"I see. Scouting phase and then the grand finale. I suggest we keep each other in pairs. My skills in causing confusion and tricks would work best with someone like Aspeth. Whereabouts Syrena may accompany the sword man, I believe they can work well together. I suggest that Theo stays with his Mistress, perhaps taking the role of securing our escape since they know this place better than us. Both of our pairs may conduct their scouting tasks, returning here with information. My skills are better equipped for sheath and tricks, I believe that along with Aspeth should take the role of extracting the formula. One thief recognizes another, it would best for us. The swordsman and the sea maiden are stronger than they seem, I believe they'd give Blackheart a run for his gold. Perhaps she could even summon a friend into the fight to come.\"```\n\nShe looked over to Syrena with a smile, sharp and formal." }, { "author": "Aspeth Sariel", "message": "With the promise of each condition being met, Aspeth could only smile and get comfortable. This was going to be fun.\n\nAspeth gave a few nods as the Mistress spoke, she had to admit she was a bit worried at the time limit they had, a single day was quite a short time to not only steal a poison, but also cause a significant amount of chaos. With the target being a powerful mage, she had no doubts that he would be quite the force to go against. Aspeth could not help the grin that appeared on her face as she thought. If her thought process was correct, she was hopeful that she could use his ego to goad him into mistakes and anger. That was her fighting style, pissing off the opponent enough that they cannot stop making mistakes and exhausting themselves. Plus, it would allow for all the others to get a good strike or two in.\n\n\"I gotta agree, the tiefling here has a point about skill, I'm better sneaking around the bastards. But those two would be good to get everyone else all up in arms, keep the front a bit wild and they'll scatter their back in their panic.\" She doubted any of them were actually expecting anyone to plan an assault on them, and with such a quick assault they'd have no choice but to get everyone up. With enough gunpowder, they'd have to set half of their forces to putting out fires and making sure they didn't sink into the murky depths for that Herbert fellow that Syrena spoke about.\n\nMaybe making sure there were plenty of holes would be useful.\n\n\"I'll definitely take you up on that equipment.\" Now That Was what she was hoping for, she would definitely get him to make her pistols a bit better, in anyway she could get." } ]	377	36,517
386.166667	2023-11-27	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Everpresent GM", "message": "Gerillus was crowded, with plenty of people surrounding the central plaza of the stronghold. There, plenty of people continued on with their daily lives, with traders in the market haggling with their customers, children playing soldier in the streets, amongst other daily activities. The sound of blades clashing filled the air as the active training grounds were filled by Orc youth, young men and women training to be warriors one day. \n\nAmidst all the common buzz produced by an active weekday, however, were an influx of strangers of all races flocking into the town. Not because of an immigration boost, but because of a new opportunity— riches. Indeed, the story of Kroznak and his treasure had spread throughout the lands, that now plenty try their luck and aspirated to be treasure hunters.\n\nA point of interest regarding the treasure was the humble home of Ganvil, the grandson of Kroznak. Overnight the house turned into a museum as plenty of people began their search there, with local guards dispatched to secure the place. \n\nThere was quite a crowd surrounding the house, and a young, orc woman at the entrance spoke to them.\n\n\"I tell you, my father holds no other secrets! Is it not enough that we told you about this treasure, rather than keeping it for ourselves? The only thanks we get from you is your demanding to take our household items too!\"\n\nThe crowd slowly dispersed after an exchange with her, publicly airing their disappointment of a lack of further clues. According to passerby whispers and rumors, Ganvil only said a riddle, nothing else. The location was apparently within that riddle, yet nobody was able to decipher it." }, { "author": "Valac Carnifex", "message": "Amongst the crowd, Valac was within the throng. As it dispersed, he approached the woman. He seemed to be... Different from any common person. He was short in stature, with a youthful face, but he was a lot less cruel due to his adventures with Noctis. His behavior had changed quite a sum based on his previous encounters. He bowed to the woman and spoke. \n\n\"I am Valac Carnifex, I hear of your treasure, but I don't wish to concern myself with that. I see that you're being berated by those around you for lacking information. I'd like to aid in some way.\" \n\nHe lifted his head, he was nonchalant, but serious. But he believed that granting aid, and help to this orc woman can give him maybe some information or clues. He didn't really seek the treasure for himself, but it would prove convenient with Noctis's goal. He wanted to aid that, and even repay his debts. He wanted to listen to the woman, even if she was an orc, he himself was a monster. He believed he was far worse, and wouldn't judge the fact that she was an orc. \n\nHe seemed to empathize with her a little. Being treated so harshly like he has. He prioritized the mission at hand, and wanted to aid the lady first with the matter. The constant pestering of these people, to be harassing a woman like this just for a clue to the treasure was an awful matter. He kept his eyes in contact with hers, as he believed this to be a serious matter, and one that proved beneficial in the long run." }, { "author": "tasi_bee", "message": "Esme seldom frequents the crowds and events, as they are suffocating and quite troublesome. The average hustle and bustle of them tend to bring early staged headaches that the witch would most prefer to avoid. But alas, perhaps by her better judgement or a deeper desire to broaden her horizons. She has decided to visit for the rumored treasured hunt. She sees the gentleman ahead introduce himself and desire to do what Esme does best, sit back and observe for now. \n\nDoes she make introductions? It is probably in her best interest to do so towards the orc woman. Though she is sure the riddle will interest her even more. But she will not wrack her brain just yet, she wants to see what others say. Which is why she keeps her posture upright and with a bright smile, Esme finds herself keeping watch. Though she takes great care not to stand in anyone's way. She gives her rather large witch hat a tilt as she begins to unclasp her cloak.\n\nShe is adorned in simple attire. Nothing short of an elegant blouse and muted black pants with leather boots to match. She is not muted but her posture is. As she keeps to the sidelines, the witch takes each name into great consideration. Has she met anyone here before? Not that she is aware of. Though she cannot be so sure if even she can solve the riddle either, which is why she is caught in thought yet again." }, { "author": "Autar Graves", "message": "The smell of heart cooked meat, brimstone, and blood was a very distinct smell he had come to find in Lestos. Only natural given the hellish nature of the lands and jovial yet fiery nature of the young orcs he had come across in his travels. Autar himself was struggling with the crowd and how to traverse around, the stress of trying to not crush people underfoot was something he would never quite get used to. His form allowed him to however easily see around and become noticeable so as to allow people to part where he walked so he didn't cause someone's unfortunate ending like a bug underfoot. Originally he had been there to deliver a commissioned weapon to one of the Lestos commanders, however, upon learning of Kroznaks fortune still awaiting to be discovered he was intrigued. Not that gold enticed him for precious metals were easy to come by, but if the man had collected potential magical artifacts he was eager to get his hands on them. \n\nNaturally he was used to the frightened looks as giants were rare to see in foreign lands, much less a giant who was on the much larger side as he was. The ground trembled where he walked and he did his best to ensure he wasn't heavy footed so as to potentially not knock anyone down or damage a building or road. As he arrived closer to the house his curiosity was piqued at the young woman's muffled words and he frowned at the seeming behavior of the crowd. Autar made sure to walk to the side of the humble home and simply glare down at the crowd causing quite a few to run away in panic of the intimidating giant. After all standing several stories high, covered in dark symbolic runes, with dark eyes and an orange glowing light in his chest that illuminated his ribs and ghostly green skin to almost glow with a stern scowl on his face to match he was not exactly an unintimidating figure to most.\n\n\"What has gotten into the minds of these people, any self respecting and decent individual would be more sensible with this. Is everything relatively alright here or do you require further assistance in dealing with these... People?\" His voice was booming and yet ghostly at the same time as if multiple people were trying to speak at once only to be overshadowed by one guttural and gravelly voice. Fiery orange eyes landed scrutinizing several individuals in the crowd before making a dissapproving gesture and moving to better situate himself in the increasingly empty area so as to try and not take up too much space. Well as much as he could do when he was a giant after all." }, { "author": "Sylvar Valrieth", "message": "A crow flew over the central plaza of the Lestos Stronghold. It circled, several times as if listening in on the commotion. Then, it was gone. If a few may have been paying attention, they would have seen it come and gone. A moment later, a cat is seen brushing past people's legs as it makes its way to the center of all the excitement. It was a black cat with bright, keen green eyes. Then, a figure could be seen pushing past the crowds to the locations of Autur, Esme, Valac, and the Orc woman.\n\nHe wore a dark blue cloak over the simple clothes of a traveler, with very light armor. His weapon belt was quite odd, one side having a sheathed short sword and the other having a sheathed cutlass, as well as several small knives. His face was shaded by the hood of his cloak, but upon closer observation, he had blue eyes, pale skin, and the unique-shaped ears of an Elf. It was a simple thing, but deceiving as this Elf was really not an Elf at all. \n\nSylvar knew what they were doing here. A simple quest for treasure, involving a riddle. He, Valac, and Noctis had come together as if they were a crew. He didn't recognize anyone else. The Deceiver passed by Autur, hearing the giant speak. He didn't look up but spoke anyway, in perfect Modern Imperial. \n\n\"It would be in everyone's best interest to clear the crowd,\" He said, moving forward further, snapping his fingers to call the cat. \n\nShe came almost immediately. Sylvar reached down, and as always, she jumped onto his arm and settled on his shoulder. The Spy didn't say much else, leaving the speaking to the others. He crossed his arms, and simply observed. This was a time to observe. It was rather stressful with the crowds around, a dislike of his for obvious reasons. Ships weren't even this crowded, and he was sure everyone interested in the treasure might as well be as stressed with the crowds as he was." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis had spent his entire life manipulating people. So when they'd arrived, he'd used some illusion magic and his own charm speech to stop at taverns and inns around the stronghold. \n\nMany of the people that began to disperse were doing so because of the \"New clues\" That would lead them on a wild goose chase, away from the home of the Descendants. He continued to spread this false news all the way too the square, to empty it of prospectors and let only a select few get some quality time to speak. \n\nIn his all black attire, he kept his hood up to shield his face from view. A beauty of his caliber attracted notice and he'd been far too incautious about it already. \n\nSidling up to the side of the house, he Enhanced his hearing and listened to the conversations being held while also listening to whatever was happening within the house in question for any other potential news. \n\nSpotting Esme and his two companions, he hoped they'd make introductions naturally. \n\n\"And what a unique giant..\" He thought, taking very keen interest in Autar. No ordinary one for sure, aglow and strange- Noctis had grown up in what was known as Forstead and had gained much of his monstrous strength from spending time with giants. It was they who'd taught him initially about enhancement magic. \n\nThe chance for riches was too great to pass, he'd wanted the entire crew to come to further chances of getting the much needed boost to their finances. Sylvar wasn't cheap after all, Valac and Noctis could eat entire horses if allowed and Esme... Not wanting to dwell on her long, needing to keep his thoughts clear, he focused back on the scene. Now it was up to the giant and the small demon to see what this orc woman said." } ]	359.5	2,317
407.333333	2023-11-28	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Everpresent GM", "message": "\"No, no need for that but I do appreciate the offer. I haven't a clue why the act of thinking makes them aggressive enough to demand our so called secrets. Suppose that's what happens when your homeland's culture revolves around crushing other skulls and not sharpening yours.\"\n\nThe orc commented as the new band of merry adventurers arrived before her doorstep, replacing the rowdy crowd that wanted to simply plunder and move on. \n\n\"Oh, where are my manners? Aralda, at your service. This is my home. Well, my father's, I moved out of here so long ago and into the Capitol when I married.\"\n\nShe explained her story a little, explaining her more refined attitude as opposed to the stereotypical brute force Orcs were known for. Her life is supported by her outfit, a well-tailored red gown, often seen worn by Capitoline women. \n\n\"Come, I'll explain more inside. None of you are interested in my life as much as you are interested in the gold, so let's get on with it.\"\n\nThe doors to the home swung open and what greeted the adventurers was a neat, tidy home. A well-kept, maintained house of near-aristocrat; an accurate description of Ganvil, for even without the riches of his grandfather they appeared to be rather wealthy nonetheless.\n\n\"I insist you not touch anything, trust me I've searched everywhere for more about this damned mystery and all I can find is dust. Now, my father, Ganvil, before he passed told me about a riddle.\"\n\n*'Where life ends, a new beginning starts.\"\n\n\"He further explained it's some sort of code handed to him by his father, and his father before him— Kroznak, of course. He was practically banished from the family after his betrayal, but wanted to leave my grandfather and my father with something before he disappeared.\"\n\nWith the story explained, she allowed the rest to look around. From the looks of things, it appeared to only be a simple home, a house that served a family for generations. Besides some antique decorations and furniture there\n\nWas nothing of note. \n\n\"My father Ganvil knew we were well off, so wanted to give this treasure to charity. Our family's redemption to the world, after Kroznak's betrayal. If only people saw it that way.\"" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Coming into the room as silently as a spectre, Noctis threw back his hood and strode over the group. \n\n\"The start of the trail is likely in a graveyard somewhere. Where was Kroznak put to rest?\" He asked, linking his fingers behind his back and pacing. Yes, life ends- perhaps that was exactly what was needed. A glance over at the giant who would only be able to peek in through the window- that was troubling. Another person who would have some idea of where to go next. There was only one option, he couldn't very well fight the giant or intimidate him away. \n\nHe'd have to initiate some diplomacy, invite the giant to work with them. He'd focus on that and started first by propping open the front doors for the massive being to more easily listen and look into the conversation. \n\n\"If you don't know, are there any graveyards that might hold importance to your family? Some place that would mean something?\" He asked, his silver eyes bright beneath the curtains of his raven hair. Both feminie and masculine, handsome and beautiful, gorgeous through and through- he was like a man sized machine of war, elegant and yet deadly. However his voice was never demanding or harsh, it managed to somehow be authoritative and personable all at once." }, { "author": "Autar Graves", "message": "Autar remained silent as she spoke and nodded his head, he was more than willing to assist in dealing with the mob should it have been deemed necessary. But he did well to listen and was understanding, he did not often believe in stereotypes but from what he had seen the orcs were quite similar regardless of who described them. The mob that had swarmed the poor woman's home had not helped the situation in the slightest. Turning away from the crowd he listened to the woman, it was obvious why people had gathered here and seeing such he did not bother to go out of his way to introduce himself when it seemed silently deemed to be an inappropriate time for the formalities.* \n\nWhile he was not above short conversation he simply wished to figure this out and be on his way as it were, cities were a nightmare for him to be in regardless and all he wanted was out. But not before the curious voice calling to him was silenced. Autar had not accounted for the woman leaving them inside and frowned slightly offended at the dismissal or simple lack of awareness of him. Sitting down he sighed, he damn well was not going to simply leave so he decided if anything to ask one of the other adventurers that had gathered the details. \n\nHis attention was brought back when he noticed the doors were propped open for him to at least hear and so he did doing his best to maneuvere down without smashing anything if possible. He gazed into the window at the party who had gathered inside. Looking for who had been so courteous as to consider him he nodded his head in silent thanks to the oddly gorgeous man. A rare thing for Autar to do but it was not as if those knew who he was... Well outside of potentially hearing about his legendary items if they connected the thoughts.\n\nSuddenly he spoke, albeit attempting to lower his voice as much as a giant could so he didn't seem like he was yelling. \"I wouldn't be so sure it is a burial place, while that would be a good start it seems too obvious. I would be more inclined to believe it to be a place of importance to him. Perhaps a place were an event of great importance happened if you can think of any? Do not let my thoughts dissuade you from looking, some riddles have obvious beginnings and no stone should be left unturn if we are to discover this.\"" } ]	475	1,222
575.222222	2024-01-18	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Innovation", "message": "The city that sat nearby the unerupted and slumbering mountain of flames, Mount Iron would be vast and large. The orc filled city that awakened to a foggy air and the raining ash on their sky, many feared that the slumbering volcano had awakened with the day. Yet, some began to realize the smoke was coming from the opposite direction of the grand Mount Iron. The flames and fire could be seen on the furthest outskirts of the city, where a once humble village residented.\n\nThe small village that farmed livestock and breed the greatest of war horses was silent, only the sounds of drake flame burning and the crumbling of homes could be heard. The village was attacked under the veil of night, and little survivors were found by Innovation. The tiefling had brought her warband with her to strike the village, potentially stealing high value horses. Yet, it seemed the drake had the village its claws first. The drake flames were more cruel, dark and potent than regular flames. The drake was long gone, only a handful of survivors were left.\n\n```\"Assist them to their feet and donate rations, we best not look responsible for this. Once we gain their trust, I will question them personally.\"```\n\nInno ordered one of her goblins as she watched the flames burn through stone, melting it as it's turned into a lave like liquid. The woman and her 30 goblins were far enough from the flames, as they took in burnt survivors who thought they were going to be captured. The survivors were orcs, burnt and bruised. Breathing was a struggle for them, let along speaking. A goblin handed water to one of them, as the orc began to violently cough.\n\n```\"I- drag- dragons were dead! Why- my ho- home of all homes! May- maybe death would be a me' mercy.\"```\n\nOne old orc said as he turned to look at the burning village and the lack of proper guards or protection from the city began to make him look visibly angry. A handful of orcs struggle to remain alive and fought with each breathe." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "A speck of white light breached the clouds of smog and ash from far above, like a shining star glimmering from within the vastness of heaven itself. A comet soared towards the city, a white winged beast soon being visible with a man with flowing white hair saddled upon it. A massive white lion, atleast thrice as large as a regular male lion, with wings bellowed a mighty roar whilst the figure saddled upon it Jumped Off.\n\nThe report had come in hours ago, a suspected dragon deep within Lestos. The Empire began to grow panicked at the idea but Pride took the report and left immediately, he would not allow those damned beasts to roam free ever again- thanks to that zeal, Pride arrived just in time.\n\nThe demigod soared downwards at high speeds, his own holy wings sprouting from his back and spreading out fully- he looks akin to an angel in armor, and once close enough to the ground below Prides wings caught the air. A powerful gust of wind battered the ground underneath where Pride landed but he did not slow in his actions. Clapping his hands together the demigod began to whisper something to himself as ice slowly formed at his finger tips.\n\n\"With my divine blessing I summon the armor of frostbite.\"\n\nA thrumming sound echoed from all around as the white and gold armor that was worn by Pride was replaced by armor of light blue and black- ice formed across his left and a blade of chilled metal appeared in his right hand. Inhaling deeply and pushing out a powerful breath of air cold winds and frost sleeted the fires the drake left behind- powerful ice magic began to battle away the flames and smother the embers.\n\nThe ice coated knight stood tall and looked over towards the goblins and orcs, allowing the cold from his magic to ease their burns while he approached them with lumbering steps.\n\n\"*Is anyone injured? I can tend to the wounded before I hunt the beast down.\" His voice is strong, commanding yet also kind. A knight in all but name." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As the mounted beast flew down, a worried expression could be seen on nearly everyone's face as they feared the dragon had returned. Even Inno looked worried for a moment, before realizing it wasn't the wings of fire and scales that soared down. The flames battled against the demigod's cold and frost, yet it seemed like a losing battle as the flames began to weaken. The cold aura around him allowed some relief from the burnt survivors, as the man captured the attention of many. A band of goblin looked up the man with a worried and confused gaze.\n\n```\"You bet your arse that we got injured. The lot of them, burnt so badly that even our potions ain't helping em.\"```\n\nOne of the goblins said, the goblin spoke with a broken common accent and his words were difficult to fully understand. He seemed old for a goblin leaning on a stick, as he pointed to a bunch of orc survivors with his stick. Another goblin was quick to interrupt him, as he asked the demigod and spoke with a suspicious tone.\n\n```\"Hunt the beast down, what's a lunny like you gonna do? Feed it?\"```\n\nThe goblin said rather proudly as a few other snickered at his amazing joke, but they were quickly silenced as the older goblin smacked his head with his stick. Telling to keep it down. Should the demigod approach the handful of survivors, his eyes fell upon only five orcs." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "\"I see.\"\n\nThe armored figure replied with a simple nod, his gaze turning to look around at the havoc that had been created by that damned winged beast. Even if the goblins speak in a way that some find hard to understand Pride had conversed with many a goblin in his lifetime and as such was able to keep up relatively smoothly.\n\nAs the next goblin spoke with a suspicious tone the demigod simply called back his standard armor, replacing his frostbite armor with the white and gold he is most fond of. A flowing cape and armor in pristine condition shimmered across the body of the man and within seconds Pride stood before them all. Imprinted on the chest plate of his armor is the face of a lion barring its fangs, his white hair fell down past his shoulders and the orbs of golden light that form his eyes glanced at the creature that spoke to him.\n\n\"Perhaps I will, you look like you'd make a fine snack for it.\" Humor and sarcasm coated his tone, even a small smile graced his lips whenever the older goblin smacked him with a stick.\n\nMoving past those goblins he headed for the five orcs, noting the burns that turned once emerald flesh into a miasma or red and black. The smell and the reminders of what had happened to his family so long ago made bile begin to churn in the stomach of the demigod- it took a lot to keep his anger from showing.\n\n\"On my honor I will hunt this beast and make it pay for the lives it has taken today.\"\n\nOnce the tiefling turned her attention towards Pride the son of Titanos allowed her to speak before he acted or replied, instead stepping past her and kneeling down at the orcs side. Raising his right hand his palm began to glow with a warm golden light.\n\n* \n\"You do.\" His reply was simple as he focused on his magics, muttering a holy incantation for a few moments before all the five orcs began to glow with light for but a moment.\n\n\"My name is Pride, son of the god of war Titanos and leader of the Legio Apex of the Imperial Army. I have come to hunt down that winged devil and send it screaming into the pits of hell.\"\n\nA zealousness coated the words of the demigod who has revealed himself while his holy magic began to heal the wounds of the orcs slowly but surely. \n\n\"And you are?*\" His golden eyes flicked over to look at the tiefling woman, a tad curious as to how someone like her seemed to be the leader of a goblin warband." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "The five orcs began to feel their bodies heal and recover, as the pain that burnt over them began to fade alongside the flames of the village nearby. The orc survivors seemed to appreciate his promises, awhile others were unhappy that he arrived at late. Perhaps he could have saved them sooner, maybe they simply bad luck on their side. Yet, they were too weak and broken to even show that famous orc rage. The goblins watched the flames began to fade, as it left behind a black and ash filled ruin.\n\nAs the demigod introduced himself to the tiefling and the survivors, they seemed to be at awe for a moment. A demigod of all things had crossed paths with them. At best, Innovation had assumed he was a champion not a kin of the gods. The woman herself was hardly a friend of the Imperial Army, yet never heard of the demigod of Titanos. She assumed their paths would cross, and yet here they were.\n\n```\"A pleasure and an honor to be faced with the blood of a God. Must be here to end their age, before Era returned to the dragons once more. A fine quest yet a single dragon seems like a humble task of someone like you.\"```\n\nInnovation spoke as she'd rest her hand over the handle of her sword, before promptly giving the demigod and Legio Apex, a proper introduction. A shadow bow given before her words left her.\n\n```\"I am a friend. Innovation, goblin Chieftain of this humble warband. I've come to find this dragon alongside my warband, but not to kill it in spectacular fashion as you plan to. My plans may offer more insight and knowledge that maybe worth more than its body. Why kill it, when we can find its source. A dragon doesn't just come out of thin air, was it in a deep slumber or did someone awaken it? I am sure we can help each other out, with our similar goals.\"```\n\nThe tiefling said with a silver tongue, she had no real intentions in killing the beast. There was hope to control it, seek knowledge around it that maybe useful or simply stealing its treasure horde." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "The demigod kept his magic up until the orcs are stable, healed as best as he can muster and relatively pain free. After the fact he gently placed his hand on the shoulder of the orc who had began to cry earlier, mustering reassurance in his gaze as best as he can. Part of his heavenly boon is the love he holds for those he serves to protect and that includes everyone present at this moment. It is within that fact that Pride found the resolve he needed to muster his aura of inspiration- a magical blessing that seemed to fill everyone present with renewed vigor and courage.\n\n\"I was there during the reign of the dragons and I helped in driving them back. My own family was slaughtered before my very eyes... Much like what has happened here today. A single dragon is still a dragon and I will not rest until they're gone from this world. We must stand tall together, the humble people of this realm.\" His words further instill his power of inspiration, like a general giving a speech to his soldiers before a tremendous battle.\n\n* \nPride stood tall moments later, turning to face the women known as Innovation. He listened to her introduction and her thoughts about the potential that this creature might bring to her and her warband. In truth the demigod doesn't care much for anything about the dragon except that before he ventures back home to the Eternal City he can add another scale to his dragon armor.\n\n\"Well met, Chieftain Innovation. From one leader to another I commend you.\" With a small bow of his head it's apparent that despite the name of pride this man is rather kind and respectful. Fitting the bill almost perfectly for a soldier, a general, a leader and a demigod.\n\n \n\"You make fair points my lady, fair points indeed. Let us hope we both can accomplish our goals this day, perhaps we are not even facing a dragon of old but instead one of the lesser breeds that have been birthed from the titans from ages long past. Regardless of that fact it is my duty to aid and assist the people of this realm and that duty extends to not only the people of this city but to your warband and you as well.\" \n\nThe demigod looked towards the skies, whistling a sharp tone for a moment before looking back towards the chieftain.\n\n\"On my honor as the son of Titanos I will aid you this day.*\" Within moments of his whistle and words the wing beats of something large can be heard. The massive winged white lion from earlier soared into view, flapping its mighty wings to slow its decent before it landed next to Pride. The beast is much larger than your average lion, perhaps thrice the normal size, with thick white fur and a mane that looks like freshly fallen snow. The beast stood beside Pride, it's eyes focused intently on the tiefling woman.\n\nThe lion, Ikabad, took a step closer to Innovation- inhaling deeply through its nose for a moment- before it huffed steam and sat on his haunches beside the demigod. It seems that the celestial lion has approved of those he and his friend will be helping." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "The horned woman listened carefully to his words, even the goblins began to be filled with courage and vigor despite being goblins. Although, Innovation herself was curious about his fallen family. The tiefling could believe in his tragedy yet skeptical about his humble words, a demigod speaking in such a manner could be a fraud or liar. In her eyes, creatures that live for so long couldn't possibly care for the people of the realm. Perhaps his true nature was simply glory, the tiefling wasn't convinced by speech. But, she remained respectful while enjoying his goof manners at least.\n\n```\"Of course, you wish to keep our beloved people safe and I wish to study this dragon. I'm sure with your might, we can easily achieve this. I commend your good manners, a rare sight in the Wilds of Lestoes.\"```\n.\n\nThe woman spoke with a softer tone, with her claw kn her chest. Her eyes shut and her posture as regal as a noble, the goblins around looked rather confused by the kinder words of the tiefling as if it was a rarity. They were not truly familiar with the pantheon of man, as it seemed like a load of dirt to them. All they saw was powerful looking fighter on a big cat, but Innovation saw a useful gloryseeker who was willing to help for free. She opened her eyes to see the winged lion stand beside its master. Sniffing the her and discovering a underworldy scent, it would be no wonder that it didn't approve.\n\n```\"The villagers had no proper descriptions or anything useful to share. It happened in darkness, within moments and only filled chaos. However, based on logic and my goblin trackers. It seemed that it came and went back in one direction, west. The opposite of the city and that direction has its signs of dragon flames, as you can see.\"```\n\nThe tiefling explained with a informative yet cold tone, her eyes looking towards the west. Where the endless and vast Lestoes wilds could be seen, as a distant smoke trail could be seen just beyond the lands.\n\nThe tielfing proposed a plan to the humble demigod, as she approached him closer. Her flaming eyes studying the pristine armor, with the proud lion that bore its fangs.\n\n```\"Even I am not one to command or order a demigod around, but I propose a plan. My goblins scouts could search for the dragon, while we plan our course of action. You are experienced with dragons, perhaps share that knowledge with me and my humble warband. We will research and gather information, maybe prepare specialized resources. And finally plan an advantage over it depending on its environment.\"```\n.\n\nDespite her cruelty, the teifling was a practical and tactical noble that prefered plans over reckless action. It was rather an odd duo, a humble demigod of mighty strength and a weak tiefling of dirty tactics. There was much planning and scouting that need to be done, even with a demigod.\n\n```\"I wouldn't insult you by assuming you cannot do it alone, but who's to say you don't find yourself in a dragon's trap or even something worse than a dragon. The lands of Lestos is rather unforgiving even to a very powerful demigod, I am sure the Son of Titanos can appreciate the art of war.\"```\n\nThe tiefling spoke with a smile as if enjoying her conversation with the demigod, the goblins began to approach the village that was no longer in flames as they began looking for clues and trinkets. The orcs were healthy physically yet looked mentally broken, one stood up and made their way towards the demigod. The orc that he placed a hand on, and reassured.\n\n```\"Please, we have no time for plans. It has my daughter or even her body, i- I d- don't know. Just bring her b- back, oh mighty Son of Titanos. We pray for your victory over this devilish creature! Oh wait, no offense.\"```\n\nThe orc man seemed to be a follower of the demigod's father, and politely requested that his daughter be brought back. If she was alive that would be bliss, but she was dead... Then it would best for her go be buried with family. He looked at the tiefling as he spoke his last sentence, the woman brushed the comment off." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "\"Manners makith man. I am a demigod but I am not above the people of this realm in any regard. My station and birthright do not place me above them, it pushes me to serve and defend them... Hence the manners.\"\n\nThe attitude of the demigod is clear, or his motives for his attitude anyway. His is prideful of much but his greatest pride is that he was born to become a hero, to become a legend amongst the realm and to fight for the lives of those he sees as good and true. A rather simple mindset for a rather simple man indeed.\n\n\"Indeed. Dragons rarely venture from their hordes unless hungry... Or restless. Likely the beast is making its way back to where it calls home. A dragons horde is a dangerous place to venture to but I believe if we act swiftly we could find the beast before such a thing occurs.\"\n\nPride turned towards the west, his golden eyes scanning the horizon and noting the specks of smoke and flame even from this distance away. Ikabad brushed up against Pride and the demigod patted his large feline friend on the head. He knows that Ikabad has picked up the dragons scent already, that will make tracking the monster that much easier. Once Innovation began to speak her plan the demigod of war turned his head to her, watching her intently as she began to ponder and plan.\n\n\"Combating dragons is rather simple in nature.\" Pride said rather casually as his gaze returned westward.\n\n* \n\"Cripple either one or both wings so the beast comes crashing down or is forced to land. Once it's on flat ground use it's size against it, distract it so you can line up either a hard strike or burst of magic at a fine point to chip away at their scales. Even one scale removed is enough. Beneath their scales their skin is tough but far less so than their scales. One blow from my lance is enough to fell most common dragons, let us hope we face one like that.\" \n\nHis knowledge of dragons is indeed immense, he was born during the reign of them after all, and helped lay them low when the time came.\n\n\"I was there during the time of dragons... I was part of the elven armies that faced off against those damned beasts so long ago. I** Relish *The thought of fighting another once again.\"\n\n* \nAfter speaking his piece, letting it be known that he has faced dragons time and time again, the demigod turned towards the tiefling with a raised eyebrow. He found it funny that she was playing into his being a demigod by acting so respectful and careful to not make him seem beneath her. He finds that funny\n\n\"Appreciate? My pretty friend, war has been my life for the past 2,105 years. I know a good plan when I smell one and even someone with my gifts knows better than to chase down a foe like this alone when I have ally's that can aid me.\" With a quick wink the demigod turned, about to prepare for the journey aboard Ikabad but he stopped once the orc began to speak to him. He listened intently, focusing solely on the words of this man who asked for his help and prayed for his victory... This lit a fire within the heart of the son of Titanos and reaching out his right hand he laid it on the man's shoulder.\n\n\"My father hears your prayers and has sent me to help you and your daughter. I swear on my fathers name that we will find this winged monster and lay it low... And I will do my best to see your child returned safely into her fathers arms.\" He smiled, offering reassurance within it while he glanced at Innovation. It seems they both have goals beyond the death of the dragon now.\n\nTurning to Innovation the white lion of the empire gestured to Ikabad with a nod of his head.\n\n\"We'll make better time with Ikabad. Unless you have some faster means of travel. I can bring the beast down to the ground if I am able to get close enough. What say you, chieftain?*\"" }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As the demigod of Titanos began to explain how one kills a dragon, the goblins began to listen carefully as if taking mental notes. He made it sound so easy and speaking like a hunter about his dangerous game, rather than facing off against a legendary monster that held the lands for an Era. Even Innovation was surprised by the manner that he spoke of about dragons, a mix between caution and impressed could been seen in her eyes. Yet as long as the demigod mentioned elves, a few of the goblins displayed a look of disappointment or disgust.\n\n```\"Oh, it's one of em knife ear bed bitt-\"```\n\nSaid one goblin as he spat at the ground, a firm smack kept him quiet as the tiefling continued to listen to the man's words. Pride seemed like a very powerful asset and a dealthy enemy, Inno always enjoyed having weaker allies to keep the advantage in case of betrayal. Yet, it seemed the man's simple nature could be a their advantage. Although, she had interest in testing her luck against such a being. The orc man was silent and speechless as he acknowledged by the demigod.\n\n```\"Th- thank you, I do not want anything more than that.\"```\n\nThe orc man controlled himself as he nodded firmly at the demigod before taking his leave, walking into the ruins to salvage his belongings and bury his dead kin. The tiefling heard his words, a potential leverage for her. Upon the invitation to ride with him, she pondered to herself. Thinking very carefully, it maybe risky but if the demigod found it alone then she'd lose a potential drake to mount, it's knowledge and even it's treasure. So the woman agreed to join him.\n\n```\"Very well, perhaps even I could assist in it's capture. I do not having anything faster than your mount, I highly doubt that.\"```\n.\n\nThe tiefling promptly looked down at her feet, her winged boots were useful for flight but hardly fast enough to catch up with a dragon. She turned to a goblin, armoured and war torn.\n\n```\"Carry out my former orders, nothing has changed. I will venture off with the demigod and return. Keep away from authorities and stay on the low, we are a band of mercenaries and you're the leader.\"```\n\nThe woman said to the goblin with a low tone akin to a whisper, Thighflayer knew the drill and nodded without a word. Before the horned woman approached the majestic white beast and lkabad.*" } ]	534	5,177
452.375	2024-01-19	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Pride", "message": "The eyes of the demigod flicked towards the goblin who began to insult the elves, he might not show any elven physical traits but he is technically a half elf and he fought alongside the army of elves during the age of dragons- he doesn't take kindly to his people being insulted. As such whenever he looked at the little goblin his aura of inspiration turned into one of intimidation, an overwhelming pressure that seemed like the wraith of the sun itself was generating from within the son of war.\n\n\"*Thank me after I return. Words mean nothing unless action is taken.\" Pride remarked to the orc before he glanced at Innovation, his gaze held apparent annoyance and distrust that had been slowly forming throughout this entire ordeal. The goblins that tried to insult his people, take what valuables they can from the burnt homes of these people- uncaring about the devastation brought upon their heads, no, they act like greedy little devils once again.\n\n\"Ikabad.\" Pride said like a command more than anything and the Lion moved immediately. The massive beast laid down on its stomach infront of Innovation and waited patiently while white wings sprouted from the back of Prides armor. His eyes remained locked on Innovation, his father speaking to him in his mind... Pushing him to act as he was born to...\n\n\"If I hear word of your warband causing issues within this city I will have Ikabad memorize your scent and I will personally track you down. Do not get in my way,* Chieftain, *The winged beast is mine.\"\n\nHis attitude seems to have shifted completely as his father helped him understand the tiefling was using his kindness and simple nature against him- they have no plans to assist him or these people, nothing but lies and falsehoods meant to please his ears." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "His intimidating aura had began to spook the goblins that began to put some distance between them, as orc took his leave. A distant goblin began to shout some orders as he struggled to lift some debris with more goblins to check what he found, finding a basement hidden ashes. Surely lots of loot that survived the flames, an orc was among them taking out his keys to open it. The goblins waited greedily for him.\n\nWhile the demigod command the lion to move, the tiefling had shut her eyes and held a smile as his golden orbs stared at her. She listened to his voice and his savory threat, her tail swaying side to side. A threat from a demigod of war was truly something to remember, yet no fear fell on the woman as she spoke.\n\n```\"Oh I'm well aware that suicide is never the answer, the Grand Lord of War and his loyal army would have me killed if we caused such issues in the city. That would be foolish and too risky for my taste. Of course, the glory is yours to take and the rest is mine. Only a fool would stand between you and your glory. Dragon blood for you, the rest for me.\"```\n\nThe tiefling seemed to take pleasure with her words for some reason, perhaps she enjoyed hostile banter with a demigod or living dangerously. She made her points clear and approached the winged beast, lifting her hand for the creature to sniff. Before her hands began to gently pat and move along the creature's fur, taking a moment to mount the winged beast. A shame she could take it for herself, the creature was definitely loyal to its master and too powerful for her to beat into submission.\n\n```\"Such a lovely creature, shall we embark?\"```\n\nThe tiefling said as she'd stabilize herself on the mount, her words spoke with a cold and firm tone. Despite this, her inner child did enjoy riding such a creature. A winged celestial creature of all things. The golden flames within her eyes turned to the demigod, giving a smile as silence filled the air." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "\"I pray you keep true to your word, I do not enjoy liars.\" His tone was firm, bordering on threatening, as Ikabad let out a low tone rumble from deep within his chest. \n\nThe demigod looked to the sky as his wings stretched out and then with one soft flap he was hovering in the air some few feet above the ground. He looks akin to an angel, garbed in white and gold armor with eyes that burned like two sun's had taken up shop there.\n\nThe large lion took a deep inhale as the tiefling held out her hand for him to smell. He seemed to approve of her method, enjoying her actually taking the time to acknowledge him and understand that trust was needed. \n\n\"Indeed. Ikabad, to the sky.\" With that command the celestial lion stood back up, his mass and strength becoming apparent to Innovation as the beasts powerful wings began to flap with strength- and then Ikabad took off into the sky.\n\nPride soared past the Lion and the woman, flying at speeds beyond even the fastest of winged creatures while Ikabad fly only a few feet behind him. Wind whipped and rush past them all as the demigod and celestial lion soared off towards the west, but of them ready to take down the beast once they can find it." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "A short laugh was barked from the tiefling, a demigod who prays was awful humorous to her. Would the gods themselves pray to each other, but his point of liars was noted. So far, her words were true as she had no interest in cruelty unless it was beneficial. Putting her entire warband at risk from the royal armies and a demigod were very clearly not beneficial. She embraced herself for a moment, as the celestial creature stood up. A creature such as this was basically a one man army, she began to ponder what scale the demigod himself could be on.\n\nSoaring into the warm and smoke filled sky, the winds of flight alone began to caused a strong breeze to be left behind. Speeding to the west with such speed, they covered miles upon miles from the village. This dragon was clearly far from home, yet it wouldn't take them very long to find something. First, they found another small stronghold burnt and then another village burnt, before finding the remains of a caravan still burning with its dragon flames. Only ash and bones remained, the survivors of any had long escaped. Before the bread crumbs of smoke and ash began to lead them west, straight towards the west. Stood the mount iron's open vein, as lava bleed slowly through the valley below.\n\nInnovation, Pride and Ikabad were met to the view of a hellish land. Far from civilization and where the potent Wilds of Lestos could be admired in its almost underwork like state. A tall yet ancient fort stood tall, surrounded by a deep pool of flowing lave. The scent of a drake was very potent in the air, that Ikabad was overwhelmed by its scent. Shaking and sniffing like a potent spice filled his nose.\n\n```\"Seems like we found its home, no doubt that it's inside. Good job, Ikabad.\"```\n.\n\nThe tiefling praised the celestial creature, patting his muscular neck and peeking to see what Pride himself was thinking. The fort looked perfect for a dragon, surrounded by lave so armies couldn't march their way to siege it and hidden away in a lave filled valley. The horned woman began to wonder what the game plan was, a place like that had to be filled with traps and dragon cultists. At least, that is what she would have done if she was the dragon. Should Pride get close to her, she spoke to him.\n\n```\"Hmm, if it means anything. I maybe able to turn invisible and fly down the roof, play the role of a scout and create a perfect ambush for you. You're hardly subtle, attacking the creature in its own home could give us a little advantage.\"```" }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "With each ruin and corpse they passed by Pride heard his fathers voice growing louder in his head, his ever stoic and righteous father telling him to find his enemy and deliver a swift blow- a surprise attack of unmatched power. Normally a hammer and anvil tactic was Prides bread and butter, himself acting as the hammer of course- but during a time like this where he doesn't have his soldiers of the Legio Apex to preform their duties he must act as hammer alone.\n\nAs the trio soared over the wilds of Lestos the demigods hands tightened into fists- it enraged him to see such ruin left behind by beasts he fell so long ago... Perhaps this isn't a dragon, maybe a shapeshifter? Or perhaps one of the lesser breeds that have spawned over the years. He cannot be sure now but he hopes it's the latter, he's ready to fight a dragon again, he just hopes it doesn't come to that.\n\n\"Indeed.\" The demigod replied shortly as Innovation took notice of Ikabads snorting, his sensitive nose can be a problem from time to time. Though, while the celestial lion seemed to enjoy the kindness and the pats Pride's eyes never left the fortress ahead of them- like a hunter stalking his prey.\n\n\"It already has our scent, we've entered it's territory. The only way we could get it to leave it's home is to disrupt it or destroy it... I can be subtle but there is no subtlety against dragons. Ikabad, go high.\"\n\nOn that command the celestial lion started to climb, powerful wings beating against the air to take both he and Innovation higher into the air.\n\n* \n\"Hold on chieftain! I will bring the monster out to us and we will slay it here and now!!\" Pride called loudly up to Innovation as Ikabad flew higher and higher. Turning his gaze back to the fortress the demigod of war smirked, he hasn't gotten to let loose in quite a while- this will be fun.\n\nHe hovered there in the air, his hands clapping together with a gong-like ringing, and he bellowed with power. \n\n\"WITH MY DIVINE BLESSING I SUMMON THE ARMOR OF THE SUN, __DAWNBREAKER!!__*\"\n\nA magical thrumming of energy began to sound from the demigod as his body was enveloped in light for a moment. Within but a few seconds of the lights appearance it vanished just the same, revealing Pride now adorned with bright white and gold warplate. It seemed like his armor from earlier but instead of the Lion engraving on his chest it was the symbol of the Sun.* Golden light shimmered all across his armor like rivers of water, coalescing into his right hand that he held up towards the sky. And that's when it happened. An orb of fire and heat began to form above his right hand, slowly growing in size at first before it began to erupt in size- three times larger, ten times, twenty, a hundred- until a massive ball of magic, filled with flames and heat so extreme it made the lips of Innovation began to dry out and crack immediately.\n\nThe sun hovered there for a moment, the heat alone was terrifying but what truly showed the power within Pride was when the pseudo-sun began to Shrink. Crushing itself down more and more until a compressed ball of titanic magical energy was hovering inches from the hand of the Demigod. He leveled his hand, palm aimed at the fortress- \n\n\"*SUN MAGIC-\n\nLANCE.\"\n\nA sound unlike any other erupted from the wave of magical energy that has been condensed into a concentrated beam of heat. It did not outright destroy anything, no, instead it Superheated* It. Anyone within the fortress is nothing but a charred corpse with a shadow imprinted on the wall... And the beast inside, it feels it's flames have been challenged." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As the stone fort that had survived centuries of lava and heat, was pushed to its highest limit as condensed beam of heat turned the proud castle into a hot pot for all those within. A few dozen Kobolds were turned into small charred corpes, the many dragon cultists and even other beasts within were shadows on the walls. Ashes in a moment, yet there were few that survived. Only the strongest among them, the few dragons began to awaken as its nest was threatened. A woman with scales on her body panicked as the hostages and slaves to be in her view turned into charred corpses, yet her fear turned to her own kin. Rushing down to the lower floors to check on her eggs and her kin, the gold and treasure melted into a liquid on the floor. The shape-shifter checked on the eggs and another drake, they were thankful alive. She yelled at them to stay out of keep hidden, a rage filled her heart as she began to make her way to face this threat. It was a God or even a champion that dared attack her home.\n○○○○○○○○\nIn the meanwhile, a deep silence filled the air as Innovation witnessed the power of a demigod. She wondered if there were any slaves and hostages within, but it seemed more of an after thought. Her hands held onto the winged beast with care, as the air around them was painful hot and dry as if all the liquid in the air had vanished. Her flaming eyes on the fort that had been glowing red, some stone even melting into lave from the heat.\n\n```\"I doubt anything survived that. Cold and heat, you demigods are full of surprises. To thin-\"```\n\nHer words were cut strong as the silence was filled with the loud rour of something very angry. A very large dragon of lava and flames began to burst out of the towers of the fort, the creature's wings were flaming with molten stone and scale. It turned to look up at the threat, an winged man. The dragon roured very loudly at the demigod and the tiefling, the very air shook as it's sound wave could scatter bone." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "The demigods hand remained held in place after he unleashed the blast of power, a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead as he breathed a sigh of relief. Sun magic, despite being his most powerful and personal magic, takes a lot out of him. Slowly lowering his hand Pride turned to look up at Innovation, waving towards her and Ikabad. The lion knew it was safe now, the heat and dryness vanished once the attack ended, so he flew down to meet Pride.\n\n\"*If it's a true dragon we face than it has. My sun magic is not only flames but heat itself, a dragons body could survive such heat and flames but that attack wasn't meant to kill... It was meant to draw out.\" Pride remarked with a smirk as his dawnbreaker armor vanished away, replaced by his white and gold Lion armor.\n\n\"You haven't seen the half of it yet... And we're only getting st-\"\n\nHis boasting reply was cut off at the same time as Innovation's words, the roar of a mighty beast indeed. The demigod turned quickly to see what it was, his smirk turning into an almost excited smile. Such power, such size, truly a beast of epic proportion's that Pride hasn't gotten to face in so many years. His father spoke to him in his mind, reminding him of the proper method for handling a dragon- keeping his desire to charge headfirst in check also. \n\n\"Look at the size of it... Let us bring down that beast together shall we? I can keep it distracted, you'll need to take out one of its wings. Can I trust you to do that?\" Pride asked with no hint of sarcasm or room for humor in his tone as he gazed into his tiefling ally's eyes." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "His sudden action was beginning to show its consequences as the dragon turned its rage towards Inno as well, she did not enjoy being placed in a position to face off against a powerful dragon. She hoped to get a drake and some treasure, not to meet her death. As Pride asked his question, she had a conflicted look on her face. Holding her sword, she'd realize how weak she was. An iron sword wouldn't do much, the horned woman shook her head.\n\n```\"You told me not to get between you and the dragon. You ignored my plans and now, you wish me to fight alongside you. Take that glory for yourself, I won't die for it.\"```\n\nThe tiefling began to make her escape, attempting to leave the area but the dragon already had them both in her sights. The dragon let out an explosive breath, much like a volcano exploding out. It reached high into the air as it began to fly away instead of facing them head on, the dragon was flying towards Mount Iron. The tiefling knew she had no choice anymore, escape was not an option anymore. A infernal curse left her lips, as she finally agreed.\n\n```\"By Mormon's ass, fine. Keep the beast distracted and I'll break my sword against its wings. It seems to be on the run.\"```\n\nShe yelled out as the horned woman was forced to draw her short sword, hardly the dragon killing weapon. The woman began coating it with purple worm poison, it had a purple glow to it and an awful scent.*" } ]	407.5	3,619
417	2024-01-21	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As a greatsword was thrown at the tielfing to catch, she'd grab it and struggled to keep her balance. Using it more like a massive spear than a great sword, trusting that Ikabad knew how to fly. The winged beast understood what and where to fly, as the dragon was forced into the lave filled ground by the lauched demigod. It let out an ear piercing rour, that shook the tiefling by the bone and horn. Her ears bleeding and her heart racing. The dragon shook its head as he grabbed hold of its head, confused and scared of what was happening. The tiefling wasted no time in piercing the dragon's wing with the greatsword, almost losing it to its hard and hot flesh. A deep cut to its wing caused it to violently shake its head, as it began to dig into the lava below it in an attempt to escape.\n\nJust as Innovation was about to circle back, another rour could be heard from the above. Another smaller drake had appeared as it began to target the demigod, as its breath of acid and poison began to cover the man. It was smaller yet faster than the dragon, flying like an insect. Even its features were insect like, the dragon that was trying to escape suddenly stopped. Now, becoming aggressive as it began to burn its scales with hot lava and let out a very targeted breathe at the demigod. It seemed they were ignoring the teifling and focused on the bigger threat." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "The demigod fought with all his might to hold the beast steady, gritting his teeth as his dragon armor protected him from the heat and added to his strength. He felt the burning rage and adrenaline coursing through his veins like it had so many years ago when he last fought a dragon, it was thrilling, a battle of true titans and he knew he was the superior.\n\nHe felt the monster thrash harder, something must have hurt it- had Innovation succeeded? He looked away from the beasts head, grip still like iron, and as he saw Innovation and Ikabad soar past him in the air he felt pride swelling in his heart. They'd done it.\n\nTurning his attention back to the dragon him below he swung his right fist, smashing it against the back of the dragon- the beast roaring in reply. He was about to strike it again whenever he heard the secondary roar, turning his head to see what in the hells was happening now- the poison and acid breath came down upon him. Had it not been for his holy magic keeping him constantly regenerating he'd have been in a rough spot. But, that attack against him wasn't done yet, and when the dragon below him began to heat up and began its breath attack he launched himself from its back. Flying up into the air with power the demigod motioned for Innovation with a swing of him arm.\n\n\"*AIM FOR THE DRAKE!!\"\n\nHe gave her no chance to rely as he changed his armor again with that same prayer. This time his armor looking larger than before, stronger. He fell downward at rapid speeds- his own angelic wings catching wind at the appropriate time and he soared right at the drake with speed even greater than before, fast enough that the dragon couldn't stop him.\n\nWith a loud explosion of concussive force the demigod punched the chest of the drake- the beasts entire body curled inwards before another blow struck its chin, whipping its head backwards and leaving its weaker underbelly exposed- the perfect target from the dragon slayer great-sword." }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "Despite having a deep wound on its wing, the lava dragon had no signs of showing weakness as it fought for its life. The creature seemed to panic as Innovation turned her attention and her blade towards the drake, the dragon began to cast a powerful magical spell of its own. Causing frightful presence, like a shockwave it hit all those who could see it. Innovation and Ikabad were stuck as fear began to cause them both to panic, Pride was too resist to be affected and his will did not allow fear. The tiefling's eyes filled with fear as her hands were shaky, even the winged lion was struggling to fly straight momentarily. Fear filled her heart and she began to visibly shake, the lava dragon began to turn its attention to the tiefling now.\n\nPride met with the drake so quickly that it took the creature off guard, the drake coughed acidic blood out of its jaws. It's chin stuck by his force, the creature realized the demigod was not a foe that it could kill. It began to shape-shift into a man, armourd in drake scales and multiple arms to hold his weapons. He spoke as his insects wings kept him afloat.\n\n```\"Stop! Le- leave her al- alone! This isn't fair! I- It was me who attacked those villages and weak people, not her. Leave her! If you want blood t- then take mine if you dare! She was just sleeping, and nothing more!\"```\n\nThe young man spoke with a harsh and raspy voice, blood leaking from his mouth as he struggled to speak. Holding his blade towards the demigod, as he seemed to wish for a surrender. The lava dragon paused its assault as it gazed above, it's chipping and growls were slow. Innovation was struggling to regain herself as a fearful break down began to fade, the greatsword held by Ikabad by his jaws.\n\n```\"Rakon, you fool. You were meant to flee not fight. I was the one who killed those people, the child is foolish and lying to save me. Return your blade and focus on me, the child is no threat. I am.\"```\n.\n\nThe lava dragon spoke as it spoke with the voice of a female dragon, the battle was paused and its fate laid with the demigod. The dragon and the drake were aware of this losing battle, to fight a demigod who would ruthlessly kill his own people for blood was a fearful sight.*" } ]	424	1,251
470.4	2024-01-24	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As Innovation and Ikabad regained their own mind, no longer flooded by magic infused fear. The tiefling listened in to the conversation, normally she was a silver tongue when the opportunity for a favorable diplomacy arrived. Yet, here she wasn't certain and confident. The woman was far from her element and knew almost nothing when it came to these two creatures. Upon hearing the demigod's words, his request of a captured girl caused the lave dragon below to turn its head towards the armoured drake humanoid. The young man spoke with a more humble tone as the aura of intimidation hit.\n\n```\"The orc girl? She was alive... I had planned to keep her a cute singer for the castle. But, you killed her. You nearly killed everyone inside the castle, only our blood survived the heat attack... Do you intend to punish us with your wraith for your own crime?\"```\n\nThe young drake said as he turned to the demigod, his voice was confused and conflict as if stuck in a hopelesss situation. The drake had watched all his captured orcs and humans turned to ash, all his kobold followers and even the pots of the castle melted. He held back his own rage, for he lost so much of his work as his plans to create a community for himself turned to ash. Now, he stands on death's door with a bloodthirsty demigod on his door. The lave dragon did not react, silent as it turned its head to Pride. Inno spoke up for a moment.\n\n```\"Hmm, Pride is not to blame for her death. You killed many more and held them against their wills. Kindness is hardly your priority. I make a proposal however if we wish to keep this blood free. You will pay for you crimes with your treasures, vow to leave these lands and to never raid villages again. Unless you wish to meet another demigod. Hmm, maybe you could even serve Pride to repay for your crimes or even get thrown into the dungeons. In the end, it's not my decision.\"```\n\nThe tiefling said in a firm and formal tone, her yellow eyes turning to Pride." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "The demigod smirked at the remark, a chuckle building into a laugh that seemed to echo with the strength of a lions roar- it was odd. He was just told the girl was dead and yet he laughed, maybe he knows something they do not.\n\nAfter he was finished laughing the son of Titanos swapped armor sets, his dawnbreaker armor shifting into that of much sleeker armor- like that of samurai, and within the blink of an eye he was gone- vanished. His speed was truly incredible, far faster than he has been thus far and within seconds after his disappearance he reappeared right beside his allys with the orc girl held in his arms. Not burnt, not at all.\n\n\"*You think me an arrogant demigod because my name is Pride. You think me a foolish demigod because my strength is great and you think me a murderous demigod when you burned innocents and I did not. Fools. My sun magic harms my enemies only, my ally's are safe from its strength. If you think my two thousand year long life has not brought me skill and experience than you are* Woefully *Mistaken.\" The demigods words hung true, not an ounce of falsehood or sarcasm could be found. Indeed Pride seems like a foolish and arrogant man on the outside what with his boasting- his pride and his strength, but this godling has lived since the time of dragons and has fought his entire life- he knows how to strategize better than nearly any.\n\nFloating beside Ikabad and Innovation the demigod carefully laid the little Orc Girl onto his friends back- infront of Innovation, before he turned to face the dragon and Drake once more.\n\n\"Had this have been during the old ages I would have carved your heads from your necks and staked them upon mountaintop... But today is a new day. Your treasure, Innovation will have her desired amount and the rest will be given to the villagers you burned without mercy. After that you will leave these lands and if I see you again I will show you the truth wraith I possess.\"" }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As the demigod chuckle, a concerned and worried expression could be seen on Inno's face as she assumed the man had gone mad. Before the demigod reappeared with the girl in his arms who looked as confused as the drake was, the lava dragon below was silent. As his words were roured out with, a hue of hatred could be seen in the young drake's eyes. Watching as the girl was placed on Ikabad.\n\n```\"If you knew that she lived than why do you ask? Do you enjoy toying with us, sadistic moron. Take what you want, as long as I no longer have to fall victim to yoru voice and words. If all the demigods shared your level of hero complexity, then you will never see us again. Take away that power and you're nothing but a war starved brut-\"```\n\nAs the young drake got emotional and let out his outburst, the lave dragon below gave him a loud and painful growl to shut him down. The drake was silent as he took the form of a drake and began to take flight towards the castle as the lave dragon began to speak.\n\n```\"We will meet with your terms, and your threats remembered. A dragon's vow.\"```\n\nThe lava dragon said in a formal and calmer tone, the difference between the two creatures were clear. Taking the form of a maiden in red armor and scaled features, the woman began to make her way into the castle along side the drake. Attempting to retrieve their eggs, and to leave immediately. This left Innovation to speak alone with Pride for a moment.\n\n```\"Huh, sending a drake and dragon to leave their home by simply punching them. I suppose that's the power of a demigod. Here, I believe this is yours. I'll take care of the treasure, a simple 30 to 70 share, equally sent to the victims.\"```\n\nThe tiefling said as her claws brushed down the blade of the greatsword, her hands shaking as the adrenaline began to fade away. For once, she was truly afraid. The orc girl was silent but held on to Ikalad, relieved but clearly shaken. Ikabad had a proud look on his face as he turned to the demigod." }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "The demigod's smirk didn't falter as the young drake loudly spoke to him in anger, it was amusing to see one so below him act like their words have effect on him.\n\n\"*Best listen to your elders boy, she's the only reason you still draw breath.\" Pride remarked with a small flick of his hand, a way of showing that to him the young drake was something he could simply swat away- which of course, they are. As the larger dragon shut up the words of the younger and spoke her vow the demigod nodded his head in understanding, arms crossing as he watched the pair headed inside the fortress.\n\n\"They are the weakest of the winged beasts I have faced, normally they're titanic in power when they truly unleash their strength. But, they're likely young, not fully matured yet. Good news for us.\" Pride turned to face Innovation as she spoke. At first he was going to take the great sword but he saw the hands of Innovation shaking- and he laid his own gentle hand on hers. \"You did good. Thank you for trusting me, Innovation.\"\n\nHe paused there for a moment, his golden eyes locked on the tieflings as he held her hand in his his. It was nice... But he knows he cannot enjoy that niceness. Taking the greatsword back he made it vanish with a simple wave of his hand.\n\n\"Make sure they* All *Have enough, they have nothing now. After that you can take the rest, I don't need any of it.\"\n\nPride laid a gentle hand on his friend Ikabads head, speaking to him in a language all too forgotten, which caused the lion to release a deep rumble in his throat of approval.\n\n\"Now, let's get this little one home aye?\"" }, { "author": "Innovation", "message": "As the tiefling listened to the words of Pride, a thin smile and a chuckle left her lips. Watching the greatsword vanish, with magic powers that she'll never truly understand. The woman spoke as the lava below boiled and erupted with tiny bubbles left by the large dragon's movement.\n\n```\"Oh I had no choice, Pride. That was a nightmare to go through, I'll leave the dragon hunts for you next time. I'll make sure they get plenty, rest assured that nothing will magically vanish.\"```\n\nThe tiefling spoke in a calmer tone, a deep breath of relief and a moment of thought left. Her flaming yellow eyes turning to look at the young orc girl. Her claws reached out to pat the head of the quiet girl.\n\n```\"Lead the way, I have my own green family to return to.\"```\n\n○○○○○○○○○○\nThe pair would eventually return to the remains of the villages, broken merchant caravans and strongholds. With the priority of returning the orc daughter to her father, the father looked incredibly overjoyed to see his daughter alive and well. Unsurprisingly, he thanked the demigod ruthlessly and wished to give him whatever he wanted. Even going so far to name his repaired shop after him.\n\nWork was conducted, treasure was collected and weighed out. The days passed and the village would begin their repairs, as funds were met and builders were found. The village below Mount Iron rose again from its ashes, the dragon and her drake were not seen again as they seemed to hold their vow.\n.\n\nPride found himself watching the village being repaired, as a caravan of building supplies could be seen driven into view. The goblins carefully found as many victims of the dragon's wraith as they could, offering some aid and funds. Innovation did keep as much as she could for herself, although was efficient with the funds to aid the village. Doing so, allowed her to have some good standing with the locals. But the demigod was the real hero that locals made songs for, the villagers promising to hold a feast for his honor once the village had been repaired. The tiefling walked up from behind the demigod as her voice bounced passed his ears.\n\n```\"I believe that's all that I can do, the rest should be handled by the builders and workers. No doubt that duty calls for us both, I intend to leave soon. But, my manners ensure that I say my proper farewells. Do you all your hunts and quests end this smoothly?\"```\n\nThe tiefling said as she stood by the demigod for a moment, as the sounds of hammering echoed passed the bones of newly repaired buildings. The villagers themselves took part in the repair work, while those that didn't enjoyed proper living placement in the next village over.*" } ]	450	2,352
821.5	2023-11-20	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Nyx Bloodtide\|Blood Moon", "message": "New day, New work to be done, an Orc hunt specifically, She had stalked a Semi-large group of the intended band she was to obliterate. To the one who payed her a fine amount of coin and provided her with the details and as much information she could ask for.. This job was supposed to be easy since no heavy hitters were amongst this group, none of them were like Noctis. Barbarians is what they were and oblivious fools at that because to her this group was full of Dishonorable barbarians that would meet swift death by her Odachi..\n\nWhen the time was right and everything fell into place, when all the pieces were in their places she would launch her Ambush! Activating Inversion field she would create a larger, circular radius around the orcs and the gravity would be strong enough to slow them down and even immobilize a few but for the most part they could still move more or less. It was only then that she initiated the second of three phases of her ambush...\n\nStormcaller's Roar, it was but a Simple breath type spell she had discovered and mastered herself but filling up her lungs with air and then her body with magical energy she would release a roar that was similar if not an exact replica of A dragons roar but not just any Roar so to speak, one that indiced fear and sounded exactly like the roar of the Dragon whose blood flows through her. It was as if the orcs had walked into a dragons territory as fear was quickly woven amongst them, but their fear was not without Awe as Clouds in the sky swirled and formed and Dark blue bolts of lightning came down and striked the strongest of the group, their lives over in an instant as the super-charged, magical lightning Burnt their skin and melted heir innards.. Those who Survived were hit by the after-shock or mini electrical explosions and either sent flying or worse, were directly impacted and paralyzed from the explosions.\n\nIf this was an ambush of multiple people which was supported by a dragon of some sorts they could u\n\nNderstand how and why they were to die but they felt confusion when all they was was one tall female Dragonborn in Yronic armor, yet their face would remain unseen as a Helm covered their head and a special face-mask covered her face, this was done of course to prevent retaliation and recognition of her facial features by any who might somehow survive this encounter with her.\n\nDrawing her Long Odachi the Blade would Hum as the Red electircal energy coated the entirety of the blade and the edge of such a well-made weapon. Bear's-Grip is also another physical spell she enacted upon herself as to be able to hold onto her long Odachi, run at such a speed that was almost like a blur for those who had untrained eyes and to hold onto both her Nodachi and Katana, both of which were tightly bound to her left side and on her hip. \n\nThe few that could pull out their weapons were swiftly killed, one was split in half, the other? She cut right through his weapon and armor like a hit knife through butter, it was only then she inspected her weapon before slashing it through the air to clean the blood off her weapon. She showed No mercy and subconciously took pleasure in letting her weapon taste the blood of the orcs. By this time both the lightning and gravity had long since faded and more had gotten up..\n\nSheathing her blade she would try something new, she would have the lightning within her breath flow through her hands and into the weapon and essentially charge such a thing and she would rush yet another orc, releasing the charge and having the hilt hit the orc in the chin before flying into the air only for her to quickly catch the weapon and in a flash of spec dice the same orc into a few pieces before landing upon her feet and sheathing her Odachi.\n\n\"None of them or Worthy of him, Nodachi it is to finish of the rest.\" She would say, drawing her Nodachi as she slowly headed to an orc on the ground.\n\n\"I'll end you all quick so your suffering can end.\" She would say..." }, { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "Lestos was not a realm forgiving to foreigners, it was part of the reason so few other than the orcs would choose to even step foot here, much less live in it. Black volcanic rock and jagged mountain claed at the dark billowing clouds above. Very few were aware the clouds were a mix of storm clouds and ashes from the ever erupting volcanoes of the land. When it rained it would be deadly not just from the highly acidic acid rain that killed any plants that attempted to settle in the volcanic wastes. But the toxic fumes that would come when it met with the lava that oozed out of any crack it could. For the orcs it was home, but to most it was a hellish nightmare that would grind away those unadapted to the harshness. Saurek was in pursuit of an unknown assailant in the realms that was slaughtering his innocent people. His inital instinct was a potential breach in the walls the barbarians had managed to come through. But when word was sent the barbarians had not even mobilized much less attacked the walls he knew it was someone either from within. A powerful person or group at play and he took it upon himself to crush whatever upstart dared to attack his people. \n\nSitting atop a warhorse plated in heavy metal, native to the lands as it had specifically been bred to deal with the terrain. Saurek's fiery orange gaze scanned the horizon when he heard the first sounds of battle in the distance. A flash of something white and a distant roar, the sounds of battle indicated to him his tracking skills had not waned and he had guessed correctly using the very limited information avaliable to him. Spurring his massive steeds side he galloped to face whatever was fighting up ahead. Even from the distance his own unnatural senses told him to not be brazen, this was not an individual worth talking to. More likely a beast to be put down and mounted as a trophy on his wall.\n\nAs the Archduke approached the scene of battle he gripped the reigns tighter halting the steed just beyond the rocky hill. Clambering from his mount he removed his Warhammer from his back glowing a slight blue in the middle as he approached to look over the hill at the battle below. There he saw the ruins of an orc envoy, they were no barbarians despite the look, a simple hunter group securing the area from the monsters that would seek to otherwise assail the nearby cities. It was there he looked down to see a sight he never otherwise would have expected in his lands. A dragonborn, if the large figure was not cutting down orcs he may have found himself entranced in awe. Despite his role and importance he was a younger orc, the only dragonborn he had seen were pictures in the ancient books he read from distant lands. His orc kin stood little to no chance as the figure devastated the battlefield. They were a proud warrior people, but there was little anyone could do against raw magic. No blade, arrow, or axe would ever match the sheer destructiveness of magic and it was on display Infront of him. \n\nStanding up he saw an orc on the grounded, injured and vulnerable and he knew he had to act fast if he was to deal with this individual. Before she could reach them a wall of rock would burst from the ground to block her path before rushing to slam into her. Saurek did not call out or even attempt to stop simply leaping into action as he readied his hammer as he leapt into the air. Notably despite his own immense size and the heavy plated armor his strength was on display as it appeared he had little difficulty in moving. As he was somewhat above her he came down intending to slam the Warhammer down on her, something that no doubt would do severe damage if it connected coming from a weapon meant to shatter armor and bodies alike." }, { "author": "Nyx Bloodtide\|Blood Moon", "message": "When the Wall of rock bursts from the ground to block her path only to try and slam into her, the magic link itself would be not cut but overshadowed as she lept backwards, landing on her feet, it was only because of her sharp reflexes that she was able to launch her body backwards to indirectly avoid the Warhammer, once more landing upon her feet she would smirk under her battle mask. For the features that could be seen, She was tall and obviously female if one could not tell by the breast indentations in her Armor, the armor itself being of a Sapphire color with various etchings and spiked ridges that ended with finite gold trim. Adorned on the center of her armor was a Design, ne that looked like the moon and a sword-grave, one soaked in blood and the moon itself was soaked in blood but that was just art right? Correct that was just art but that's not to account for the blood of the orcs she had killed today and in days time as she endlessly hunted them for the last week or so.\n\nThe nature of the place did not effect her, no it did not, the blood within her body would not be affected by the harshness of the land nor would the accidic rain be able to eat away at her scales or her Odachi and armor due to what it was made from but the same could not be said for her other equipment. \n\nPutting away her Nodachi she immediately recognized this Orc, yes she could smell him and tell that he was indeed and orc, that he was a threat that she needed to either put down or force into submission and if she was to be defeated her she would go down with him in the sense that she would bring him with him because if she did not he would cause chaos amongst the people who hired her and she couldn't have that.\n\nStanding in her place, In such a desolate place she would draw her Long Odachi and prepare for death because of the metaphorical mountains she has climbed she has been given nothing back. Truth behind her contractors words remains unspeaking and so for now, the only thing she\n\nKnows for real is that she must shed Orc blood. Gripping onto her Odachi's hilt she would utilize dragons might and Fleetfoot-stride to increase her strength, resiliance and speed, She must be faster than she was with Noctis, she could afford no mistakes here. Spiting herself for this she would tap into her instincts and see the blood that must be shed here and she would launch herself towards him; Quickly drawing her blade she would go for an upwards slash wich was trailed by a downwards strike, this movement if it connected with his armor would cut through it with a hum, if either of the strikes connected with his weapon a shwave of Crimson energy would occur. At the conclusion of it all she would leap back and repeat this maneuver from multiple directions in the hope she could draw him out for a counter as that is what her style specialized in, punishing those who counter her, though with the end goal of killing the opponent instead of simply ending them.\n\nIf all fails she would launch herself back to maintain some distance, speaking in common she would taunt him to see just how intelligent this orc was.\n\n\"Yes.. Now I see, You deny your weapon and magic it's purpose, Your hammer seeks to bathe in the blood of your enemies yet you Deny it, Now then Orc, Show me a good time.\" Changing her stance with her Odachi in hand a Static mist would begin to emerge and fall to the ground, it was dark blue in color but the mist itself had sparks within it and it quickly leaked from her mouth. She was preparing the coat their place of battle in a Electrifying Mist that has a massive surge of electricity within it. She knew not if she would win or loose but.. She gave it her all..." }, { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "With Saureks focus shifted from maintaining the rock wall to striking with his hammer the wall crumbled into a mound of rubble the clacking of rocks the only sound for a moment. He was slightly surprised to see the speed in which she moved for her size. An impressive display of a warrior's keen instincts for battle that even he held a small sliver of respect for. His hammer crashed into the earth shattering the rock and causing the ground to tremble and splinter from the force as he stood back up to observe his adversary. He was not one to be distracted or underestimate an opponent regardless of their gender, strength, or age. After all he had seen old orc women flip and break arms of young orc men and in this world strength was far more variable than could be readily accounted for. The female dragonborns armor itself was quite intriguing to look at, in other circumstances he may have marveled at the craftsmanship and what the various symbology represented or what it meants. \n\nHe paused for a moment to study his opponent for a moment trying to decipher her next move and plan his move accordingly. Saurek was dressed in a very distinct dark armor black armor, a red amulet embedded into the chest piece. It was finely detailed with gold trims and spikes that despite seeming to be decorative glinted with sharpened edges, his armor itself was a functional weapon. No ordinary orc would have possessed such a finely detailed yet practical set of armor so his social standing and significance were on display. Yet every warrior possessed a keen mind for those of likewise quality, he wore no helmet to hide his tattooed face, not did he hide his burning eyes. Hardened and scornful as he gazed at her exuding an aura of an indomitable spirt he certainly had more gall than the orcs she had so easily slaughtered just moments ago.\n\nSaurek looked at home, amongst the bloodied corpses, erupting volcanoes in the distance, and dark clouds he gave a sense of purpose. He took not of that look in her eyes, spirit was admirable but was not a worthy testament to whether an adversary would truly be a worth opponent. The back of his mind hummed in an excitement, a potential opponent that was better suited to try and endure his might. As he noted her apparent change in physicality he responded in kind. Whether or not he realized it or not his body responded in kind always ready for a fight he was made for. His weapon was not made for fast paced fighting, taking defensively he let go of part of his hammer and moved away from the upwards slash but as he parried her downwards strike a crimson and blue energy bursted as the two weapons connected. He was lucky, should he have gone on the offensive at that moment he had no doubt she would have been able to land a strike. \n\nAs she sped up he moved unnaturally fast, but his strength was in his physical might not in his speed and it became increasingly aware she was on course to outpace him. As Saurek turned a strike landed partially cleaving into his armor narrowly avoiding slicing his back. Turning he moved at the same speed before unexpectedly shifting foot and swinging his hammer around the opposite direction. One good hit was all he needed to inflict serious harm, but he needed to ensure he himself was not overwhelmed by the faster dragonborn. It was a very obvious case of strength versus speed as then two individuals clashed. Saurek turned to look at her a eerie silence as he stopped to acknowledge what she said. \"I need not waste on a flickering ember that is yet to be extinguished. Let us continue, I came to fight not waste my words on a dead man.\"\n\nWith a note of finality he shoved himself off the ground and towards her swinging with practiced precision his eyes still fiery. As the hammer swung he attempted to surprise her with a blast of flames immediately after the attempter hammer strike. Saurek did not know what the mist was capable of but he knew it was to be dealt with immediately and he was not so foolish as to run headfirst into it without engaging his own magic." } ]	823	3,286
837.230769	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "It was swelteringly hot in Lestos this fine spring day, like it always was, no matter the season. Amunet always thought Rhakotis had quite hot weather and unhospitable terrain until she found herself in Lestos; then her homeland seemed like paradise. She was no stranger to these cruel lands, as she often came out to help when large battles arose. It was so terribly close to home, and while she wished to help protect the Whole Empire, her home was most dear to her. That meant taking good care of her neighbors as well. She used to visit Velaris often, as well. She missed its mountains, lush greenery, and... As her mind broached a subject she'd rather not ponder, she refocused herself on the present moment. Velaris was well-cared for, anyway. It had little need of her. The lump in her throat dared not to recede, and she cursed herself for letting her mind wander so.\n\nThe middle of battle wasn't exactly the place for her to do her thinking. But this fight wasn't exactly Challenging, either. As was usual, Lestos found itself fighting off another raid of barbarians. She'd come to help this time because it was a particularly Large Raid group. By the time she'd arrived the battle had already been raging for a day and a half, with only the barest of breaks for sleep on both sides. The orcs and their walls were rather impenetrable, but the barbarians and their zeal were rather unending. As she whirled about, swinging both scimitars to cut down three or four foes at a time, she knew she could count on her orc compatriots to have her back. While she would never entirely understand their complete disregard for beauty, she knew they were excellent warriors. She supposed that was why she'd let her mind wander.\n\nShe couldn't pinpoint why or how or when, but lately she'd been terribly distracted. Sassan, her son, was beginning Gaean College, and had less time for her. As she only let few people get truly close to her, it left her quite lonely, even though she was rarely Actually Alone. It wasn't difficult to surround herself with people... Then on top of that, she wasn't sure what was going to happen with the new Pharaoh. She was trying to forge an alliance with her old acquaintance, but for all her skills at reading people, she couldn't tell how it was going. And she wasn't sure what Meryet wanted for the people... It left her quite uneasy. It left her wanting someone to pour it all out to. Someone to forget with... But there was no one. She wouldn't burden her son so, and no one else understood what it as like. A small, cruel voice from the back of her mind whispered to her, *You* Chased away the *Only* Person who could help.\n\nThe Shwoop Of a crude club coming at her head brought her out of her thoughts again. *This won't do! Maybe... Maybe I need to take a break after this mission...* It all too much echoed His Words, which just made her more flustered and angry. She stepped nimbly aside, the club swinging through empty air, and whirled around to fix her mistake. Her eyes twinkled and her smile was a touch sinister as she spoke, \"Don't you think it's a better idea to swing at your friends there?\" Using her chin to gesture behind him. The crude man looked stunned for a moment as her magic took effect, then whirled and began swinging at his fellow barbarians. She let a dark chuckle escape before turning her attention to her next target, a very large, muscular man with a huge sword. Good, She thought with a mixture of relief and sadness, Maybe I can stay *Focused* This way." }, { "author": "KAIROS ORDO", "message": "Lestos. Part of the realm Kairos hadn't been to in what felt like forever. He had been taking some time to himself and traveling the realm, seeing if he could help any civilians out to distract himself from some of his thoughts about his former relationship. The Tidecaller needed to keep it off his mind for some time, but it seemed fate didn't entirely want him to not think about it. When he stumbled across a large battle happening in the distance, He prepared himself mentally and physically. Taking his sword out of its holder, he made his way into the battle. He knew instantly which side was good and which weren't, so as the raiders began to take notice of another individual entering the battle that wasn't one of their own they began to try and attack him. \n\nThe Stormborn did not falter, and quickly blocked a strike. The demigod quickly began to get into a groove of fighting, but once again his thoughts began to speak louder within his head as he made his way through the battle. As Kairos wove through the chaos of the battlefield, his mind couldn't help but drift back to Her. Memories of their time together flickered in his thoughts like distant stars in the night sky, each one tinged with regret and longing. The Stormcaller cursed himself silently for the mistakes he had made, for the words left unsaid and the rift left unhealed. Amidst the clash of swords and the roar of battle, he found himself wrestling with his own insecurities, wondering if he was capable of winning back her trust and love.\n \n\nBut there was no time for self-doubt now, not with enemies closing in from all sides. Kairos gritted his teeth, focusing on the present moment as he parried another blow from an oncoming raider. The adrenaline surged through his veins, sharpening his senses and honing his reflexes. He moved with a fluid grace, his movements a dance of steel and lightning that struck fear into the hearts of his foes. Soon after he put his sword away, thinking the time to escalte things and hopefully cause this battle to end soon. He summoned his spear and began to infuse it with his lightning powers. A stormcloud drew over the battlefield, and a lighting bolt struck down to his exact position. Causing a small shockwave to blast back raiders and give his spear the lightning magic. This bolt of lighting would show the one person he let get close to his heart know that he was around, he didn't intend for it as he had no clue she was here, but now she would know he was around.\n\nAs the battle raged on, The Maelstrom found himself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. On one hand, he yearned for a chance to make amends with Amunet, to prove that he was worthy of her love once more. On the other hand, he feared the possibility of rejection, of facing the cold indifference in her eyes. But amidst the turmoil of his thoughts, a glimmer of hope remained, a stubborn flame that refused to be extinguished. Some raiders began to run away from his position, as they fled through the battlefield they screamed that the Stormborn had arrived. His blue and white armor shining in the sunlight as he struck down the raiders that stuck around to fight still. \"How could I have let her slip away. Why must I always feel the need to give insight, when it's not best to.\" He truly missed her, wishing he would see her again and fix their former relationship. Regretting the way things had ended." }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "As she had hoped, her large opponent was keeping her plenty occupied, and her dance of blades around him required all her focus to both plant her strikes and dodge. He was proving a bit tougher to fell than anticipated, his armor thicker than it looked at first glance. More aid must have come to their side, as she noticed more barbarians falling and less trouble watching her flanks. She felt invigorated by the battle and tried to let the emotions soak in, to enjoy it in whatever capacity she could before she trudged back to an orcish inn to drink heavily, dance, then pass out alone. She was tired of being alone with her thoughts; they were terrible company.\n\nNo amount of focusing could have let her miss the quickly forming storm, the stroke of lightning, the way the light reflected off that blue and white armor. Her attacks slowed, and slowed, until they stopped entirely. Through the mash of what remained of the battlefield, her sky blue eyes found him–it felt completely impossible, she was certain her loneliness was giving her flights of fancy. But there was no one else it could possibly be. She was so dumbstruck that she completely missed the large sword coming her way until it was too late, even for her nimble feet. The sound of slicing air brought her back just in time to twirl a fraction away, taking a slash to the ribs. How long has it been since someone actually hit me?! I must be losing my mind!!\" She only wore a simple leather chest piece, partly because she was hardly ever hit and partly because she didn't want to be weighed down. Her style depended quite heavily on her speed.\n\nA hiss of pain escaped her lips as she squared up with the man again. The sash around her waist untied itself, one end wrapping around her wrist while the other wrapped around one of his ankles. She yanked, the magic granted her for preserving peace pulling the barbarian towards her, though her strength, her size, would suggest it wasn't possible. He skidded to a halt by her feet, and she let out all the rage, all the pain as she crossed the two blades, severing his head with a clean strike. \n\nFeeling the tears that wanted to come to her eyes, she cleaned and sheathed her blades, putting one hand to her side. Around her, with the help of the Stormborn, the battle was quickly ending. Barbarians ran, comrades cheered. She looked up to expect it really was a dream, wishful thinking. Surely Elira wouldn't be so kind after she'd messed up something so good in such a disastrous way. She'd really loved–No, if she was honest, she Still Really loved Kairos. Then she'd treated him so terribly, chased him away for speaking the truth she didn't want to hear. She was so untrusting of anyone who showed her love or admiration; it was so often shallow and false. At the first sign of criticism, of doubt in her, she'd ran. It felt so much safer than the hurt that was promised if she was right. From someone she'd opened up to so completely, someone that knew the Real Her, not one of the many faces she could wear, the tiniest rejection was like a dagger to her heart. For all her bravado, she was far more fragile than she liked to show.\n\nWhen her eyes found him, it was a shock again to see he really was there. \"Kairos...\" It was just a whisper on the wind. She felt her knees weaken, but she wouldn't dare fall; she'd rather pass out first. Such was her stubbornness. She couldn't help the wide smile that broke out on her face, but it soon turned to a grimace as she took steps toward him. She could take wounds better than the average human, but she was still human in the end. Elira saw fit at times to leave scars, rather than healing them away as if they were never there, to remind her she wasn't invincible; she wondered absently if this one might stay. She'd thought for a time perhaps the heartache was one such scar, or perhaps a different lesson... A few steps away from him, her body seemed bent on betraying her feelings, and her knees buckled this time." }, { "author": "Kairos Ordo", "message": "Kairos continued to fight through countless raiders in this war, the storm clouds above were still dark. Once he began to get used to combat, it provided a wonderful distraction to keep him away from other thoughts he didn't want to think about. The Tidecaller hoped that wherever Amunet was that she was okay, he knew she was strong and could take care of herself. But he naturally worried at times. Just like how he worries about how bad he messed up in their relationship. A cut to his arm, through the gap between his arm protection within his armor, had brought him back into the present. He quickly recovered, grabbing the man that cut him and throwing him backwards.\n\nThe Stormborn summoned another two strikes of lightning around him, to scare off any enemies. Finally seeing the battle dwindle down, he relaxed a little. But the universe decided he needed one last fight, physically at least. So a man came through the crowd with a large sword and tried to strike at Kairos. The demigod quickly dodged, and swept his legs out to try and knock down the individual. But it didn't work. Swords clashed between the two powerful warriors, until the end when Kairos had knocked the man's sword away and knocked him to the ground. The man bowed his head as if accepting that Kairos would take it off. But that wasn't how Kairos was. He knelt down in front of the man and looked him directly in the eyes. The man looked back into the young demigods two different colored eyes in response.\n\n \n\"This fight is over. You have been spared, do not return here ever again. Never fight or take from the innocent again. Or justice will find you. Begone.\"\n\nWhen Kairos rose to his feet and watched the man run off, he heard a faint voice call out. He recognized it barely, but refused to believe who it was. She couldn't be here right? Was fate messing with his mind again. Then he heard footsteps approaching, but he knew these weren't unfriendly footsteps. The tattooed demigod took a deep breath, preparing to face who was behind him. Finally Kairos turned to face the footsteps, summoning his spear away immediately upon seeing Amunet. He didn't know what to do at first, but it seemd his body did as he carefully approached without realizing at first. His features and expression softened at the sight of her, they hadn't seen one another in so long. Kairos quickly caught Amunet in his arms when her knees buckled, helping her stand and letting go once she was on her feet knowing she would be stubborn and try to shoo his hands away. \n\n\"Amunet...\"\n\n \nThe Tidecaller was happy to see her, but didn't know if she would be happy to see him. He truly regretted his words the last time they spoke. And hoped all was well. Seeing her wound brought him out of his mind and summoned some water into his hand and allowed it to swirl, he had done this many times before healing someone. He always asked first, especially with Amunet. But she knew him enough to tell that he wasn't going to directly ask." }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Once she was near enough to see his face well, Amunet found she was quite overwhelmed. The wound, the shock, and the complicated emotions he brought up within her; it was all a bit too much. She was normally so good at reading others, and it wasn't like Kairos was one to try to hide things, especially from her. But she found she struggled to read him the most, at times. She doubted herself and would second guess what she thought she saw. Like now, she saw the kindness in his face, but what more was there? Anger? Hatred? Love? Longing? She couldn't decide. \n\nThe Wind Dancer wasn't sure she'd ever felt more humiliated than him having to catch her. Being an unwilling mother at 18 hadn't felt so bad, though she'd had a fierce dignity about it that challenged anyone to shame her for the sacrifices she'd made and the consequences she had to deal with. His touch, though brief, was so... Comforting, yet electrifying. She hated looking weak in front of anyone, but she had always wanted him to see the best in her. Yet it seemed the gods intended for him to always have a front row seat to her worst. Once he'd steadied her and let go, she almost didn't dare look up at him. She knew as soon as she looked into those ocean-deep, mismatched eyes, whatever she was feeling would just bubble to the surface. It was always that way, for better or worse. She had a hard time schooling her expression or holding back her feelings with him; again, something she was so incredibly skilled at with any other person. It was so frustrating.\n\nAs soon as she lifted her glassy light blue eyes to meet his, what she expected happened. She tried to blink them away, but the tears fell regardless, and she felt the heat in her cheeks that wasn't just from the Lestos weather. Trying to swallow past the lump in her throat and failing, she laughed nervously, gesturing with the hand that wasn't held to her wound to point to the water in his hand, \"Go ahead. If this isn't healed, I don't think I'll get my habitual evening bath; it would hurt too much. And you know how irritated I am without my bath.\" She managed a small smile, sniffling and wiping away the few tears that escaped. She errantly wondered if the pounding of her heart was making the gash on her ribs bleed more profusely.\n\nWith a mixture of fear and hope, she felt a familiar defense come to mind, one that might be perfect no matter how he felt. One familiar enough that maybe she could hide behind it if she needed to. And, at least in part, it wouldn't be fake; the confidence and easy attitude would be the only things she couldn't naturally muster. She Had Missed flirting with him, after all. She spoke as he healed her, in tones playful but soft, \"I'm really glad you're here. It was hard to look forward to dancing at whatever festivities the orcs put on after this. They're all left feet and don't know all that many dances.\" Her smile broadened, but her carefully constructed facade broke a little with her voice as she said, \"You *Were* Always a good partner.\"" }, { "author": "Kairos Ordo", "message": "Kairos couldn't put into words how happy he was to see Amunet again, and to see that she was doing fine. He never doubted, but he had worries. He always knew she was strong on her own, but there are times where she used to be too hard on herself. Doubted herself at times, there was no need for her to do that. The look that Kairos had in his eyes when Amunet looked into his was one of pride, he was proud that she fought so hard in this fight and out on her own. He never once thought she was weak, there was no need to feel humiliated around him. He felt the same when around her, confident and happy as well.\n\nThe Stormborn nodded in understanding, and carefully reached out with the magic water. The water was cold to the touch, but allowed the wound to heal without any pain or stinging. He also let out a small chuckle to Amunets comment about getting irritated without a bath. The Stormcaller was relieved to see that she didn't hate his guts, and still managed to smile and crack jokes at odd times. Her words sparked a flicker of warmth in his chest, a reminder of the camaraderie they shared long ago.\n \n\nHe continued channeling the healing water, his focus unwavering despite the flood of emotions within him. With a gentle touch, he let the magic flow, gradually closing the wound on her ribs. His eyes met hers, conveying silent reassurance as he listened to her words. Once the wound was healed, he removed his hands and allowed another soft chuckle to escape him from her joke about dancing with orcs. Many flirty jokes ran through his head to give as a response, but decided against some of them as he thought they would probably ruin the moment besides one. At the front of his mind, thoughts about apologizing right away swirled, but he knew now wasn't the time to apologise. He would do it soon, after celebrating the victory of battle. \n\n\"I remember a certain Someone Saying my dancing was like an orc dancing with two left feet when she was teaching me how to dance. You were a great partner as well.\"\n\nKairos started off with an amusing tone, but ended with a more somber tone. Knowing there was a lot to talk about between the two of them, he carefully held her hands and looked down into her eyes again. A simple kind expression of his face, the usual one he always had when he wanted to be serious in a time of fun and sadness.\n\n\"There's a lot to talk about. How about we enjoy a little of the festivities, then we talk after. Is that alright?\"" }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "The champion's flimsy emotional defense cracked more permanently with his healing touch, and she blinked furiously, wiping her eyes to prevent further tears. It wasn't just the physical healing, there was more to it than that. She was a touchy person, it was part of winning people over sometimes to give simple, innocent touch. But it was nothing like this, to have someone she so cared for, so longed for, for Years Now, to touch her, even in such a gentle, simple way. It made her wild emotions see-saw between feverish ideas and the desire to breakdown in tears. While she did actually see the reassurance when she met his gaze, it also frustrated her; how was he So Calm, yet her mind roiled?\n\nAnd that was when it hit her, like it always inevitably did at various points, because while she was well-aware it was also easy to forget: he wasn't Mortal, this son of Kjartan. Being two millennia old and all that entailed, holding far more of a god's power than she ever could, blessed or no, it was natural he would have far better control of himself. It was foolish of her to compare, especially when her emotions tended to rise, fall, and crash like the stormy seas he had control over. \n\nAgain she keenly felt the absence of his touch once it was gone, only now realizing how truly lonely she'd been these last four years. She'd tried so hard to stay busy, then her father passed, and that brought more to do on top of what she had created for herself. It was hard to feel lonely if she never slowed down enough to notice much, and she hadn't. Her soft laugh at his joke was a ghost, but an inspired one, of her usual laugh. She was quite amused remembering what it had been like trying to teach him.\n\nThe Stormcaller's shift of tone pricked her heart. She knew he'd get right to it, it was his way. But it seemed he was showing a bit of mercy, for which she was incredibly glad. But the prospect of having to face it all, sort it all with him, when she'd barely touched it on her own was incredibly daunting and terrifying. His hands finding hers was a comfort, and she found she was squeezing back rather strongly before she had quite realized, loosening her grip. At least it seemed he didn't hate her, wasn't too hurt by their final exchange.\n\nIt flitted through her mind quickly, talking in front of his cabin and hearing his calm voice, full of concern, warning her, \"Sassan will suffer if you continue in this way, you have to see what your real priorities are...\" He had seemed to want to say more, but she was full of fury, fear, and pain. She winced in the present moment, recalling her own hastily spoken, venomous words, \"For all your wisdom, you don't know shit about actually talking to people! Can't you see I don't want to hear it?! I am not like the skies and seas you bend to your will! Maybe you're better off alone, surrounded by silent nature.\" \n\nThe Wind Dancer nodded to his question, biting her lower lip, untrusting of her voice for another moment more. Taking a deep breath, she mustered a weak smile, moving to loop her hand through one of his tattooed arms and lead him away from the battlefield. Her internal struggle between the fear and the joy was apparent in the tones of her voice, \"While I'm not exactly... Excited to dig into my emotions,\" A sigh, \"I know I need to. Maybe some fun beforehand will help loosen me up a little.\" Her smile deepened at the thought of dancing with him again, pretending it was like it used to be, even if only for a little while." }, { "author": "Kairos Ordo", "message": "As the demigod healed Amunet, it appeared he was calm and in control of his emotions with the touch. But internally, his mind and emotions were like a storm in the seas. Similar to the very storms he experienced all the time, but this storm was different and always the most difficult one to calm. They weren't as wild as other people's emotions, as he did have good control over the internal storm, but it took focus and determination to keep it calm at times.He wanted it to seem that he was alright. Now he wasn't unstable or anything like that, but he had too many thoughts and emotions racing around but he didn't want to showcase them just yet. He rarely showcased them, when he did it was always in private. He wanted to appear as strong and immortal to the people he saved, it gave them hope. And that was something he had learned from his mother and father. The Tidecaller had a special responsibility to always show himself as brave and strong, and calm so people wouldn't be terrified. It made him feel like he wasn't allowed to be anything other than just a demigod.\n\nWhen he had let go of Amunet, he felt empty inside again. The chaos of the storm within him felt like it became a void, an emotionless void. He hated that feeling. Whenever he was around Amunet, it made him feel mortal. Despite not being entirely mortal. It was a feeling he enjoyed, the emotions of being around someone you loved. Feeling like you didn't have to put up a fake act. In their time together in the past, Amunet made him feel like a human. His burdens were lightened and not so heavy, and it allowed him to be himself and have fun. Allowed him to have fun with not just Amunet, but Sassan as well. Kairos remembered the bond he had with Sassan, a fatherly bond but also a friend. He had wondered how the boy was doing, hoping he was alright and keeping his mother safe but most importantly working hard in school to build himself a future.\n \n\nIntuition, from being around Amunet for so long, he could tell that his tone shift wasn't super pleasant to feel. The Stormborn wished he wasn't always wanting to get straight to the point in moments like this, but he couldn't help it. The demigod was trying hard though to give time for enjoyment, before they spoke about themselves, and so he was merciful with it. Something he had been also working a lot on and trying to get better at. Kairos was also able to tell from the small squeeze that she was thankful for the mercy, and it relieved him a bit as well. Seeing as he completely believed she hated him for what he had said. Without knowing that Amunet was recalling their final exchange, he was recalling it also. Hating his words and tone, and cursing himself for always feeling like he needed to give insight and wisdom. Wishing he had said it differently, and maybe at a better time. If there ever was a better time to say it. Cheering and loud music behind him had brought him out of the inner turmoil and back into the present. \n\nThe Stormcaller was relieved to see that Amunet was sorta willing to talk after some fun. He showed a soft smile and nodded in response to what she had said. Allowing her to lead him to the dancing and away from the battlefield. He took one last look at the battlefield, before looking at the party. He may be physically moving away from one battlefield, but he knew mentally and emotionally he might be heading into another one. Another battle he wasn't entirely ready for. Kairos Ordo had no idea how he would feel during the celebration, pretending like it was old times with Amunet and as if their final exchange never happened. The demigod chose not to think about it too much, he didn't want to ruin any of the fun. Once they approached the celebrations, all the locals cheered loudly with their drinks as the two warriors that helped in the victory had finally joined them for celebration. \n \n\nKairos had one drink, he didn't enjoy the taste of whatever the Orcs had made and spent the rest of the time solely focused on one person. The Tidcaller danced for what felt like an eternity, enjoying every moment with Amunet. Pretending like what it used to be, joking around when dancing and following Amunets lead on almost every single dance. He would even purposely mess up at moments to mess with Amunet, chuckling softly everytime he did so. Each step of the dance felt like a whispered conversation between their souls, a fleeting connection that transported him back to simpler times. Yet, beneath his laughter and playful antics, there lurked a subtle pang of longing—a silent reminder of the moments lost and the ones yet to come. For now, he chose to revel in the warmth of Amunet's smile, savoring the fleeting glimpse of happiness it bestowed upon him. \n \n\nThe Son of Kjartan had missed moments like this. In the back of his mind, his thoughts and emotions began to race again. He had noticed that the celebration was coming to an end as all the partygoers were retreating back into their homes to retire for the night, or had decided that the table they were drinking at was a good enough place to retire for the night as well. The tattooed demigod looked down into Amunet's eyes, the joy within his slowly changing into one of vulnerability. Waiting for her confirmation that she was as ready as she could be, he wasn't ready either and he did his best to showcase it. Being completely honest and open with Amunet.\n\n The Demigod of Kjartan slowly led the Champion of Elira away into a secluded space where they were far enough away to have the lights faint behind them and allowed them to look up into the stars. When he reached the spot where he wanted to talk, he stopped and let go of Amunet momentarily. He walked a couple steps forwards before stopping, silently looking out into the stars. Kairos was trying to get a hold of his emotions, but was struggling. A somber feeling surrounded him and from behind, one could tell that there was emotional pain within him. Finally, he turned to face Amunet again, his multicolored eyes saddened. \n\n\"I'm sorry.\"" }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Upon agreeing to talk, though it was terrifying, Amunet found herself settled into a temporary calm, like the eye of a storm. Maybe it was the promise of dancing, especially with her favorite partner. Maybe it was feeling him so close, her arm through his, a comfort despite the uncertainty ahead of them. Or maybe after feeling so terrible for so long, she just wanted to grasp desperately at the spark of joy, no matter how fleeting, no matter if it was somewhat built on false pretenses. With practiced ease, she was finally able to put on the face she wanted seen, one of happiness and warmth unbridled; it wasn't entirely false, as those emotions certainly dwelled in her at the moment, it was just that they weren't alone. She made all the proper greetings and flashed her winning smile in all the right places as they entered the party and got settled.\n\nBeing more an enjoyer of fine wines and floral cocktails, with the occasional ale in the mix, Amunet felt much the same as Kairos about the drinks. She managed to get one down, both to be a respectful guest and for the slight edge it took off. But she wasn't sure she would've had more even if finer fare had been on offer. She respected Kairos too much to be drunk later for such a serious conversation. And as they danced through the evening, she found she didn't need the buzz of drink anyway, as the high of dancing was more than enough for her, especially with Kairos. She hadn't lost herself in the rhythm and flow of it like this in so long, and it only further ignited the longing and hope that this wouldn't be the last time. It only ever felt this way with him. Even with his jokes and intentional missteps, she couldn't be happier; in fact, they only added to the charm of the moment. The song of her soul certainly was in tune with his as well, and she hoped fervently their duet, of sorts, hadn't come to an end yet.\n\nAs the party began to die down, as their quick rhythmic steps slowed and then stopped, the dread crept up on her to douse the light she'd so briefly glimpsed. She felt somewhat more at ease, seeing her own discomfort mirrored in her companion, but it didn't make the things she knew she needed to say any easier to find the words to say. More than that, she feared hearing him out. Kairos was ever compassionate and kind. Even if he'd planned on telling her he didn't want to be connected anymore, at all, she knew he would do so in the easiest possible way for her. The evening of dancing and closeness gave her hope that wasn't the case, but it was hard to completely dismiss from her mind until he refuted it directly. \n\nOnce he let her go to walk a few steps ahead, she immediately wrapped her arms around herself, almost as if it would help her hold herself together better. Even just from behind, the evident pain Kairos was feeling cut Amunet deep. How much of it was her fault? How long had he turned her words over, and likely his own, again and again wondering what went wrong? Or worse, blaming himself. Seeing the deep sadness in his mismatched eyes made tears well up in her own again. Upon hearing his words, she bit her lip and looked down a moment, feeling a mixture of relief and anger.\n\nMeeting his gaze again, her expression was complicated, but the love remaining for him was rather evident above all. \"You really shouldn't be the one apologizing. I appreciate it but...\" She took a deep breath, trying to manage the words as her face crumpled and the tears spilled, \"I was the one who was terrible. I'm so sorry... I didn't mean it, I was just...\" She squeezed her eyes shut a moment, arms squeezing her torso too, willing the words out through the choking tears, \"I was so scared.\" She paused a moment, trying to get her crying to slow to a point without taking gasping breaths; also to try to choose her words carefully. \"I had begun to realize how much power I'd given you over me, and you have to understand,\" Her thin brows furrowed with the pain of putting it all together out loud, and she looked up at the stars to try not to start crying again, speaking in a quieter voice, \"The last two times powerful men had any control over me or my life... I only got hurt, used, ruined.\" She looked down at the ground, trembling, \"I *Know* You would never do anything like that, but... In that moment, with you pushing me–or at least what felt like pushing–to do something I didn't want to do, a fear very instinctual and primal drove me.\"\n\nA deep sigh escaped her, then she drew up the courage to look him in the eyes, a small sad smile on her face. She spoke with almost a dark chuckle at first, then her speech faded in a whisper with the final words she had been fighting so hard to deny, \"But it turns out you were right... I'm losing control, Kairos.\"" }, { "author": "Kairos Ordo", "message": "Kairos listened to Amunet and observed as tears spilled from her eyes, the turmoil of their last interaction still seemed to repeat in her mind as well. He approached Amunet slowly as she talked about it ebing entirely her fault, something that Kairos would tell her soon that it wasn't, but didn't want to interrupt her. While tears fell, he carefully reached up with both his hands and wiped the tears away with his thumbs. He still deeply loved Amunet, and cared for her more than anything in his long life. He gave a gentle nod of understanding when she spoke about being scared, he understood what she meant but couldn't fully relate to it but he continued to be empathetic to the champion.\n\nHe stayed silent throughout the whole time, as well as allowing Amunet to take her time. The demigod knew this was difficult for her, and didn't want her to feel like she had to rush to get everything out or feel like Kairos would cut her off. His mismatched eyes reflected understanding, love, and care. When he was done wiping most of the tears away, he lowered his hands to take Amunet's hands within his own. Gently holding them. \n\nWhen the crying picked up again and she spoke about the last time anyone had control over her like that, he understood why she was scared and that it was okay to feel scared sometimes. She was strong and powerful, more so than she often thought of herself. The Tidecaller took a deep breath, and moved with deliberate grace, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. His arms wrap around her trembling form, offering warmth and security in the midst of her vulnerability. He holds her close, his touch a soothing balm against the wounds of her past.\n \n\nHe looked down in her eyes, at the same time she looked up and gave the same soft sad smile she gave him. Still holding her close, he closed his eyes for a second as she said he was right and she was losing control. His mind told him it was okay to feel sad in this moment and release tears, but his body refused to listen. At the same time he carefully began to think of what to say. Part of him was screaming to act wise again and reminded him that wisdom was helpful. But the other part of him remembered that it was his wisdom that often caused conflicts. \n\nThe internal battle wasn't noticable to the normal eye, but to someone who had truly Known Kairos, understood him, and had been the only person that he had ever really opened up to before it was clear what storm was wreaking havoc inside the Stormborns mind. Finally, he took a deep breath and opened his eyes. There was sadness and regret, and many other emotions.\n \n\n\"I should apologize and I am glad I did. I messed up, and I'm finally able to admit it. I have So Much regret over my words. A constant ache through me, and it isn't your fault for that ache. Entirely mine. My words were harsh, I was too busy consumed with my own pride and ignorance, Amunet. I was so wrapped up in my own ignorant wisdom that I didn't stop to consider how it would affect you. Seeing you this hurt, hurts me more than I could have ever imagined.\"\n\nHe paused for another moment before continuing.\n\n\"I'm sorry that you felt scared. I'm sorry that you feel like you're losing control. I'm here for you now and forever, no matter what Amunet. We both have made our mistakes, and this time away seems like it's helped. It's helped me that's for sure. I care for you so much still, and hold you close to my heart. We've grown a lot since our last talk, emotionally. If you want to as well, I'd like to give us another shot. In any way that feels comfortable for you.\"" }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Amunet allowed Kairos to help, to soothe, however he wanted. She was somewhat in shock that it was all really happening, and his touches were a grounding comfort preventing her from getting knocked down by the flood of emotions. As her troubled eyes searched his face, she was beginning to understand why everything had fallen apart so horribly without him in her life. It was more than the fact that he was the only person she let see these things, that she let help with these things. Her stubbornness and fear had stopped her from learning from him; rather than figuring out how to help herself sometimes, she had just continually let him do it. She would break, he would put her together, then she was back into the fray, ad infinitum. While she Tried To do a few things for herself, like baths and reading, it was dawning on her that she didn't really know How To truly take care of herself emotionally. \n\nWhen his arms enveloped her, it only made her cry harder for a moment before she slowed then settled. She had So Missed this, missed him. No one had taken care of her since they separated, by her own choice, and this felt beyond comforting. It felt like Home, it felt like an unbalanced world had finally been righted. It didn't escape her attention when he closed his eyes that he was trying to decide what was best; though he was wise and well-controlled, she had to remember that he had feelings too. An urge to comfort him rose within her, and she reached up to gently stroke his cheek, run her fingers through his hair, as he thought and settled himself.\n\nNodding along to his words, she tried to see it from his perspective but struggled to do so. Her brows twitched downward briefly in consternation, \"Your words weren't harsh. I can try to see the truth that might be in everything else, but...\" Her hands had landed on his chest after her previous attempts to soothe, and she knotted his shirt in her hands as her tone became angry, \"Even if they were harsh, I think I needed to hear them. I'm so stubborn and set in my ways, even to the detriment of those I love the most.\" Her eyes met his again as her tone shifted to one of worry, \"Sassan has been...\" She chose the word carefully but bluntly, \"Bitter, since I left you. My actions created a rift I haven't fully been able to heal. I've watched my sweet boy become angry and uncertain.\" Another dark chuckle, \"Just like me.\"\n\nThe champion looked at him with a mixture of worry and adoration, \"I think now I'm far more scared of what happens *Without* You in my life. The things I was scared to feel, to acknowledge, have forced their way out anyway. And have gotten so much worse... I'm glad the time helped you, I really am. I only want the best for you, Kairos. But these last years, everything has been slowly falling apart for me.\" She bit her bottom lip, holding back more tears; she was so tired of crying. \"I've felt so directionless. My father dying lent some direction for a time, but then I found that my vengeful feelings towards him were a big thing driving me...\" She looked away, feeling somewhat ashamed of this ugly part of herself, \"And without him here for me to rub my accomplishments, the power he would never have, in his face... For a time, my work felt a little empty.\" Looking back at him, she wore a look of irritation, with herself, \"Now Sassan needs me less, and he doesn't always enjoy my company anyway. So I found myself quite alone, quite unmotivated. So I did what I always do, and just worked harder, worked more. And now it isn't working anymore, I'm crashing.\"\n\nReturning his embrace, she wrapped her arms around his torso, burying her face in his chest before turning her head slightly to be heard, \"I never stopped loving you, never stopped wanting you. I feel like such a fool for letting my anger and fear separate us.\" Pulling back slightly, she pushed up on her toes and gently pulled him down closer, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. Nuzzling into the crook of his neck with her forehead, she said softly, \"I only want to be yours, Kairos. I know now, with absolute certainty, I *Need* You. And I don't want to leave your side ever again.\" Her heart was ready to burst, and her hope had grown from a tiny spark to a raging flame." }, { "author": "Kairos Ordo", "message": "Feeling Amunet in arms made him realize how much he had also missed this, it had been too long since he had been this close with Amunet. And he would try his absolute best to no longer allow them to fall distant again. He continued to hold her close, allowing her to get out of all the tears and comfort her through her emotions. They both felt at home within each other's embrace, it seemed that destiny had worked its purpose and was allowing them to be together again. At least that's how Kairos envisioned it partly, he never wanted to leave Amunet again. It was a tough timespan for him, continuing to live in solitude and bottle up his emotions. Never allowing anyone to see his weaknesses, especially the people of the realm. Too many people looked up to him for him to let them down in any way. The Tidecaller would work hard to save the people, focusing on that more than anything with himself, and when it was over he either went away to solitude or continued overworking himself to ignore his thoughts and regrets. But he would do that no longer.\n\nThe warmth of her hand against his face had been something he also missed, it wasn't just the feeling of her hand, it was feeling how much she cared for him and understood him. Another thing that had felt like forever since he last felt it, it reminded him of how grateful he was to have Amunet in his life. They understood each other so well, and were the only people that they allowed to get close to one another like this. Soulmates. Truly. The Stormborn used to never believe in that entirely, because he thought it was cheesy and something people made up. He was young when he believed that, never understanding what it truly meant or felt like until now. Nobody was able to reach through him or understand him like Amunet was able to and he knew it was the same for her with him.\n \n\nKairos opened his grey and red eyes, looking down into Amunets and listening to her words carefully. His brows furrowed slightly when she spoke about his tone not being harsh but then they went back to normal in understanding when she said even if they were she needed him. He tried hard to see if from her perspective, and the dmeigod was able to slightly but not in full. But nodded in complete understanding, understanding what she meant. Then his expression softened even more when hearing about Sassan was being bitter since the abrupt temporary ending between her and the Son of Kjartan, he wasn't disappointed or upset like how many would be. Like how his own father would be, Kjartan. He was saddened to hear this, wishing that Sassan didn't have to go through that and become angered by confusion. He needed to see the boy again, to show that everything was beginning to change back for the better. To be there for the boy in his confusion, help him through it. The Stormcaller let out a small dark chuckle alongside Amunet, despite the anger and confusion Sassan was dealing with he was still so much like his mother. \n \n\nTo say Kairos was relieved to hear Amunets words about wanting to be together also, would be an understatement. He carefully listened to his words, realising within them that they both needed each other equally. He had felt empty, and other things that weren't exactly the same feelings that she was feeling but the common thing they shared was the only healing was to be together again. When Amunet looked away, he could tell what she was feeling and refused to let her feel that alone. He stayed silent to listen, but stepped closer to show that he wouldn't allow her to feel shame alone. It was alright to feel shame, it was something people commonly thought was something that cannot be shared and shouldn't feel but it wasn't like that. When she turned back around with irritation, she could tell that Kairos had shifted to show that he would share shame with her and not shun her for it.\n \n\nHolding her in the embrace, his expression shifted into one of joy when she had said she never stopped loving him. It wasn't just the words he needed to hear from her, but they were also the same words he had thought about constantly about Amunet. He felt the exact same throughout their distance, never stopped loving her and never stopped caring for her. He never did and never will. Before responding he let out a light hearted chuckle and planted a soft kiss on her forehead in response to her cheek kiss and words. He wanted to lighten up the mood a little.\n\n\"Well now I don't know what to say. You stole the words I wanted to say, Desert Rose. I promise to never leave your side.\"" }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Feeling his lips on her forehead, she was so light she thought she might float away. She'd felt bogged down and drained for so long, she'd forgotten what it felt like to be truly cared for, to be filled up by someone else. Especially by someone who so understood the struggle of needing to seem perfect in the public eye; no one else could help her carry that burden but Kairos. And though she'd just laid out almost every single thing wrong with her life, and they were still very real problems, she held some hope that they could be resolved–now, she wasn't trying to do it alone, and it made it seem so much more manageable. \n\nLooking up into his mismatched eyes, worry flickered across her face for a moment. What if she lashed out at him again? But seeing the love, the unadulterated joy on his face, she felt a bit more heartened that driving him away might not happen so easily. It wouldn't be easy; she'd never been more of a mess in her life. And while having him back was certainly a balm, a bandage over the wound, it didn't fix every problem. Worse yet, she hadn't fully grasped the root of the problem, no matter how hard she tried, and she was painfully aware of it. She hoped being able to sort these things with Kairos might give her more clarity, more courage to dig into the deep emotions that so terrified her. But if she'd frightened him into withholding his wisdom, it might be slow going.\n\nNot wanting to diminish the moment even slightly, she pushed away those thoughts and feelings, beaming her most winning smile up at him as she gently broke the embrace, taking his hand in hers as she led them back into town. \"I have been told I have a way with words, it's to be expected, darling.\" Sensing his desire to stay on lighter things, she was brief in squeezing his hand, a loving but serious expression on her face as she said with some solemnity, \"Never again. I swear it.\" Immediately changing the tone, she smirked and her tone turned playful, \"I have a room at the inn, as I was expecting to drink myself to sleep after the battle. We're both rather filthy and tired. Besides, it's not luxurious, but I can't resist a bath in Lestos; the naturally warm water is divine.\"" } ]	808	10,884
290.666667	2024-03-30	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Pride", "message": "The demigod of war stepped forth when spoken to, ready to deliver his reply and announce himself- but he paused, lost for words for a split second as his mind worked at high speeds. He doesn't need to belt out his many titles, boast about his lineage and divine blood- this was something he had always done, but now was different. He knew that boasting and prideful talk would get him nowhere, but honesty, honesty would.\n\n\"*My name is Pride Malcorin, and I have come to seek your wisdom as a warrior and a craftsman.\" The demigod replied with a bow, a traditional bow at that, before he stood back straight and responded again. \"I pursue a renewed understanding in what it means to be a warrior, and I wish to learn how to forge a blade of my own- for I have never wielded a weapon made by my own hands. I seek to uphold the honor of my lineage and my person as both warrior and man.\"\n\nThe demigod stepped forwards once more and dropped to a knee, something he had never done in his life, bowing to someone else. Even though Pride is his very namesake, even if he has always seen himself as above such a thing as bowing and even if he knows he is a master of war and battle- he seeks what he does not truly have, wisdom, and that he must show his true desires plain and simple.\n\n\"I understand the path I seek is treacherous but I am prepared to crawl through it if I have to.\"\n\nHe did not plead, he did not beg, he spoke the truth of what he was asked for he knows to ramble on would be against the very essence of being a warrior. To be a warrior and to know oneself you have to be direct, and Pride knows he should operate that way if he wants to find any success along this path." }, { "author": "Yamakozu Hagane", "message": "Hagane observed Pride's words and actions with a keen eye, noting the sincerity in his demeanor and the humility in his gestures. Though accustomed to dealing with warriors of all kinds, he found something different in this demigod before him—a hunger for knowledge and understanding that transcended mere skill in battle.\n\nAs Pride spoke of his intentions and desires, Hagane nodded in silent acknowledgment, his expression unreadable yet contemplative. Here was a man—or rather, a demigod—who sought not to boast of his lineage or divine heritage, but to learn and grow as both a warrior and a craftsman. It was a sentiment that resonated deeply with Hagane, for he too had once been a seeker of wisdom and mastery.\n\n\"Rise, Pride Malcorin,\" Hagane said, his voice steady and measured. \"Your humility does you credit, and your quest for knowledge is a noble one. To seek understanding in both the art of war and the craft of smithing is to walk a path fraught with challenges and hardships, yet also with great rewards.\"" }, { "author": "Pride", "message": "The demigod of war felt nothing except for humility and desire. A strong desire to become a better man and warrior, and the humility to know his greatness is not enough as it stands if he wishes to truly become the best. For too long had he thought he was the pinnacle, the perfect warrior and most supreme power that walked the realms. He had thought so much of himself, so very highly, that he still behaved like he did during the age of demigods. Where war and battle was all he needed to excel at, his wisdom did not matter then. Now is different, thus he seeks to change his ways.\n\n\"Thank you, Yamakozu Hagane.\" The demigod replied as he stood up, facing the master of both sword and smith. \"For far too long have I thought my sword arm was the sole thing I had to master in order to become a true warrior. Now I know different, and I seek to change my ways. I seek your guidance and your teaching, please.*\"\n\nPride spoke from his heart to the smith, being genuine and honest but direct and mindful of his words. Like the poetry he has written his whole life he needs to be selective with his words, precise and true, like a sharpened blade." } ]	263	872
412	2023-12-06	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "He could smell the vampire from what felt like a mile away, as well as Sylvar. So his shapeshifter wasn't dead or turned, that was good. It would seriously dampen his mood if someone had killed his thief. Trouble always seemed to follow their ragtag crew, and Noctis was finding that he wouldn't mind just a short break from the incessant unpleasantries. \n\nSitting up from where he'd been laying, an impossible spot upon one of the mast rigging poles where a cat should have had trouble finding balance- his silver eyes flicked across the banks until it landed on what must be the vampires figure. Certainly an attractive one, willowy and yet curvy enough to be pleasing to the eye. That however was as interesting as chipped paint in comparison to her clothing- it was no cheap fabrics, and certainly not made by anyone less than a master seamstress. \n\n\"Interesting...\" He hummed, and he swung his legs around to sit on the pole. Vampires had a unique scent- just as Demons did he'd discovered. It was a somehow both intoxicating and repulsive, but the repulsive bit was hidden so deep that only someone of Noctis' ability- or dogs, could smell it. The faintest sickly sweet scent of death, old and decrepit. The living dead, beings that had been around since the time of the gods. Noctis was sure it was the result of a mortal playing with one of the gods of death and finding a permanent punishment. Whatever the case, this one had apprehended his thief, or had been taken by him. Unlikely, Sylvar was good with the blade but wasn't a powerhouse, Valac far outstripped Sylvar in raw combat prowess. Yet Sylvar could outstrip anyone in the cleverness department, and he wouldn't just get caught so easily. Interesting indeed.. \n\nAs they got to the Onyx Crest, he dropped down from the masts rigging and landed lightly on the deck. With a flourish of his cloak he hooked one ankle behind the other and bowed low, tilting his head up to look at her. \n\n\"Welcome aboard my lady, I was not expecting suc\n\nH lovely company this evening. Please, allow us to introduce ourselves in some privacy.\" He said as he straightened up. \"Sylvar, go drop off your things below deck and you can join us when you return.\" It gave Sylvar a chance to put away any pilfered valuables and come up with a way to alert Noctis if there was danger. \n\nLeaning against the railing of the boat, Noctis gazed at Eliza. He was for lack of any better words, the most beautiful man to have walked Aeterna. \n\nSomehow both masculinely handsome and femininely beautiful, he had large almond eyes with a silvery color and raven black hair, dark as pitch. It was soft as silk and yet thick, curling at the edges around long and dark lashes. His jawline was strong, his cheekbones high but never too pronounced and his body was lean and yet had a deadly presence too it- like that of a hunting beast. \n\nEven his voice was musical with only the slightest rasp, a siren song of sound- and his scent always shifted to be whatever the person talking to hims favorite or most attractive smell was. It was as if he'd been custom made by the very gods themselves. \n\nNow that they were alone, his pleasant smile widened into a dangerous grin. \n\n\"What are you doing here, blood sucker?\" He asked, revealing that he already knew exactly what she was." }, { "author": "hematol0gy", "message": "Eliza followed a few paces behind Sylvar, still suspicious of the tall shapeshifter, after all he had tried to rob her only hours ago in the form of a irritable squirrel. As the pair approached the ship her eyes danced across the ships appearance, she could appreciate the craftsmanship on the vessel. It wasn't the most lavish thing she had laid her eyes upon but it certainly had style to it.\n\nThe countesses scarlet eyes paused their scanning upon glimpse of a tall man high up on the mast, the man had an usual appearance. Certainly unlike most individuals she had met in her long lifespan. Eliza's eyesight was comparable to that of an eagles, she noticed the man's facial expressions as he studied her. She would be keeping an eye on this one.\n\nEliza made her way towards the deck, her hands postured at her waist in a regal fashion, her elegant clawed fingers interlaced into a basket. She tried her best not to sully her garments as she stepped onto the ship, her balance was impressive considering her attire. A skin tight long silky dress hugged her from the waist down, the dress had a small slit in the front revealing a glimpse of her statuesque legs. The dress transitioned into lace as it got closer to her neck. Due to the sunlight she also carried a frilly aristocratic umbrella\n\nAs the new stranger dropped in front of her feet her eyes widened, that aroma. It had to be coming from him, it was irresistible to her. She paid attention to the semi healed wounds that seemed to still be bleeding, how delectable this stranger was.\n\nShe met the man's gaze and studied his appearance, he was rather handsome for, whatever he was. She couldn't place a finger to the man's race, he was a complete mystery to her, something that she found rather irritating.\n\nEliza was unnaturally beautiful, like a gothic painting come to life, clad in gleaming metals and glittering jewels. Her long ash brown hair in loose curls blew in the salty wind.\n\nThe tall woman smiled at the man's pleasantries, though she wasn't fond of interaction with mortals as she found them ignorant she thoroughly enjoyed his theatrics.\n\nHer expression seemed unchanged as the handsome man commented on her condition, although she wasn't fond of her term he used \n\n\"Tsk tsk , such poor manners\" She spoke in a sultry yet hungry tone, the scent of his blood filling her mind with ravenous fantasies.\n\n\"My intentions are none of your business, man\" She spoke quickly, pausing before her last syllable. She licked her lips before reaching for the man's arm, holding it in front of her face, eyeing his fresh would with a sick look in her eyes. She then reached her hand out, hoping to get a sample of his deliciously scented blood." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "He watched with an an almost lazy amusement as she maneuvered his limbs. Ahhh, she was Old, and likely quite strong. Her sense of presence and self was so strong it practically radiated out like an aura. So she could smell what he was, then couldn't she? What she was after was \"Ichor\", the blood of the gods. It was what Valac had sensed within Noctis when they'd first met too. As her hand moved to touch his side, the wound that Esme had healed had split open again after a tough fight with a strange beast- his own hand caught her wrist. \n\nIn fact, in less than a blink she'd find that roles had totally reversed. One hand held her wrist in a vice like grip so firm that she could have sooner shaken herself free from beneath a mountain than get out of his hold. \n\nHis other hand had taken her jaw and tilted her head up to gaze up at the stars above them, and he'd lean in and whisper into her ear. In that moment, with one thumb pressed against her neck and his other fingers curled against her jaw- she'd realize just how titanic his strength was. It wasn't just that he was inhuman, he was something else beyond. Something that made even her vampiric strength seem like a kitten against a mammoth. \n\n\"Breathe one word of what I am to my companions, take one drop that I don't give you, and I'll leave you staked and chained naked beneath the suns loving gaze to die a beautifully slow death.\" He whispered, his own voice a low, seductive bedroom tone that, despite the threat- almost seemed to caress her ear. Letting her go, he leaned back against the railing with a sweet and warm smile. \n\n\"So, let's try this again shall we? What are you doing on my ship?\" He asked, his tone polite and carefree, as if the entire exchange had never happened." }, { "author": "hematol0gy", "message": "Eliza's undying ecstasy was interrupted when the man stopped her wrist. The strength of his grip startling her into dropping her parasol, the soft fabric of the tool bouncing in the wind as it fell to the ground. His grip on her only solidified her brewing suspicions about the stranger. He was no mortal, no creature of earth could boast such an irresistible aroma. She bit her lip just thinking about how it would taste.\n\nBefore she could even move she was pinned, his larger hands pressed onto her neck. Eliza has lived a fruitful life and taken down foes that made most modern armies look like toy soldiers but this man was different. While concealed in the shade of her parasol she felt weak against his grasp but now exposed to the sun, her bones may as well not even have muscles attached to them she was so weak. She winced in pain as her visage faced the sky, the sun beating down on her face like ray of fire. She gulped, for the first time in ages feeling true fear, he even knew how to properly dispose of her kind, something she thought would've been lost to time by now. Once he let her go from her grasp she frantically picked her parasol up from the floor, dusting it off with her hand before raising it above her head. Sighing with relief as she was now once again concealed in the shadows safe from the suns harsh rays. She gave him a peculiar look, one that seemed to agree with his proposal, she wouldn't utter a word.\n\nTaking a moment to compose herself she cleared her throat before speaking\n\n\"Your shifter friend believes you could use me on your travels, and I happen to be searching for... Something. And am in need of protection\" She paused before finishing her sentence, examining the man up and down again before resuming eye contact\n\n\"You don't expect a fragile woman like me to travel alone do you?\" She spoke in a comedic tone, it was obvious the woman wasn't fragile nor did she need any protection of any kind. But she certainly liked the idea of it." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Of course not my dear, of course not. However, travel and protection both take time and resources and the only way to recover either is coin. I'm assuming of course you can pay your way?\" His own smile was as relaxed as she seemed to be, even flirtatious. Noting the way she examined him, he couldn't help but feel just a shiver of excitement. Vampires were dangerous and it was not often that this new age tested him. If this woman was as wealthy as she appeared to be, then he'd have a reliable source of coin and a vampire in his growing menagerie. All he had to do was make sure he had what she wanted, and not to let her have it until he'd gotten his uses of her.\n\nAs he let her consider her options, he took the time to look her up and down. Truly attractive, a supernatural beauty to almost rival the twilight witch, maybe a rival if for entirely different reasons. It was like comparing the ocean to the sky, both infinitely beautiful and dangerous, both entirely unexplored. \n\n\"My name is Noctis Camille, a traveler. The small man you'll see around sometimes is Valac, you've met Sylvar and soon I'm sure his cat. We travel often and my business is conducted in many places, hopefully that's suitable because our destinations are non negotiable.\"" }, { "author": "hematol0gy", "message": "Eliza let out a sultry chuckle at the man's proposal, she assumed he would expect payment. But his urgency to receive such payment amused her.\n\n\"That's only fair, surely this will be enough no?\" The woman reached into her satchel, rummaging around for a moment before she found what she was looking for. She raised her gloved hands and opened her palm, revealing a breathtakingly beautiful deep red diamond. She took the man's hand opening his palm and placing the gem within it. She wasn't foolish enough to pay it all in full, but she was a woman of her word.\n\n\"Money?\" She giggled, mortals were so amusing \"For each day I travel with you and you're lackeys I shall pay you handsomely.\" She smirked when she spoke her final word, admiring the man's features once more before looking around the ship for a moment, taking in the layout so to not be lost later on.\n\n\"So, Noctis~, what kind of business do you preform?\" She spoke with a sultry playful tone. Though she was a woman of business she was at the end of the day a hedonist, and the attention of a handsome man would always keep her interest. What intrigued her more though, was the meaning of this crew of vagabonds." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis merely glanced at the diamond, with a flourish of his hand it had vanished into a pocket as if he'd never been holding it. Once he'd had enough money to buy his own palace, he could have taken land from any of the nine realms and ruled over it as its Archduke, never worrying for gold. Now he was thousands of years ahead and his fortune had likely fallen into the hands of dragons. Yet he needed money, money was a universal language and it could be used to accomplish many things that pure might just couldn't. \n\n\"Wonderful, it'll be a pleasure to have such a delight as yourself aboard my humble vessel.\" He replied to her payment, his voice carrying just a hint of mockery. \n\nAs she looked around the ship, he gazed out at the mountains around them and his heart ached. Three thousand years ago he'd been born within the Forstead mountains. Somewhere within this region an ancient grave sat where his mother had been buried. If there had ever been a woman that had loved him without gain for herself, it had been her. \n\nHoping she sat with his father within his ethereal throne, he turned to her once more as she questioned him. \n\n\"We pick up jobs where we can, and I am something of a researcher. I have my interests and my crew have their own. We work on mutual interest.\" His voice is smooth and he leans towards her as they speak- to any other eyes it was a picture of pure flirtation, the two of them wrapped up in each other. \n\nIt was only the start of a dangerous game that both of them would be playing, and in truth it was a welcome distraction from other thoughts. Thoughts of the Far Spirit Wood, of the haze and what he'd seen and worst of all, it's primary resident and caretaker." }, { "author": "hematol0gy", "message": "Eliza watched with amusement as she masterfully placed the gem into his pockets, first the Drow and now him? She made a mental note to not leave her pockets unattended around them. She watched with as the man gazed into the mountains she could taste the reminiscence in the air as he stared into the snowy slopes. Her undead heart though cold, was still compassionate.\n\nShe too soon gazed into the mountains, though it was her home she had unpleasant memories of the forstead wilds. Eliza winced with pain as memories of her escape into the secluded manor in the mountains flashed before her eyes. Why was it only she made it? Surely her estate would be in better hands if her father had survived, she got her cunning from him after all... And her mother, far too tender and kind for the fate brought upon her. The countess regained mental clarity before returning her attention to the eccentric man before her. As she analyzed his reply a smirk grew on her face, she could tell the man was enamored by her beauty. It was only natural, a vampires greatest strength is how easily prey fall into their grasps, but this was a stand-off of two apex predators. Eliza blinked slowly before replying.\n\n\"Sounds like a grand time, I do so love to travel... Make connections\" She then passed the man, her elegant dress grazing the man's leg as she seemingly glided past, taking a glance around the ship. She ran her hands across the crude craftsmanship of the vessel before turning back towards her new companion.\n\n\"I'd love to hear more about your excursions Noctis, perhaps you can show me to where i'll be staying? I have some unpacking to do\" She spoke with a soft smile, the faintest sight of her long sharp ivory teeth could be seen below her plush cushion like lips." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Good, she'd picked up on the signal he wanted her to get. Vampires were predators, designed through dark powers to lure in their victims with beauty, to seduce them and then to ensnare them. He'd lived his life just like them in many ways, he knew her game and he intended to play it well to ensure she stayed on a leash that she'd never know she was wearing. \n\nThe easiest way to convince someone of something was to actually feel it, so when she brushed alongside him he let a faint shiver of delight go across his body. Easily subdued and yet just as easily released. \n\nHis silver eyes lingered on her lips as he spoke and he smiled back at her, a crooked one showing pearly white and decidedly not sharp teeth. \n\n\"Right this way.\" He said, and he lead her down the stairs. A woman like her would accept nothing but an actual bedroom and there was only one, which he'd decidedly claimed. He'd have to give it up and sleep on hammocks with the other two, a small sacrifice for what he'd gain. Pushing open the door to the captains cabin, he gestured with his hand. \n\nThe room was not fancy, it was plain with one porthole to look out over the river and had a single bed with a footlocker, a writing desk and chair that were mounted in place and a wardrobe similarly mounted. Sitting against the bed was a beautiful longsword with a rubied pommel. \n\n\"Please make yourself at home. I'll be removing my things momentarily.\" Finally pulling his gaze from her, he stepped into the room after her and left the door slightly cracked so Sylvar could feel free to enter. \n\nHe then began to take his spare cloak, boots and socks to wrap into a script to move into the bunking quarters. \n\n\"Will that manor of yours be secured in the meantime then?\" He asked, his back turned to her as he stood in the wardrobe." }, { "author": "hematol0gy", "message": "Eliza delightfully followed the man as he lead her through the ship. The incessant rocking of the ship mildly irking her. As they entered the room she paused, posing her hands in front her at her hips in a distinguished fashion. It was no spectacle, but there was something inviting about the place. She then shifted her gaze to Noctis' possessions that were scattered across the room, paying extra attention to the craftsmanship of his sword which had to have costed a fortune. She tapped her chin methodically, it was strange how inviting these people were to her arrival. Thoughts stirred in her mind, was this a trap, are they doing this out of fear? She truthfully had no clue, and frankly didn't care, the only threat on board seemed to be enamored with her.\n\n\"How gracious of you, offering your own quarters up to a guest.\" She spoke in a surprisingly genuine tone, delighted to have a space to herself. She soon looked around before setting her parasol on the writing desk. She rolled her eyes over to Noctis as he asked about the security of her manor.\n\n\"I've left the maids in charge, they will ensure the place is just as I left it when I return. You're friend is the first person to find the establishment in nearly half a century so i'm not too worried.\" She spoke in a confident tone, she left the manor in the hands of her girls many of times over the years.\n\nShe then set her large obnoxiously fancy suitcase onto the bed, unpacking a few gowns and putting some pieces of jewelry into the dresser." }, { "author": "Sylvar Valrieth", "message": "Once Sylvar boarded the Onyx Crest with Eliza and Noctis told him to go below decks to store the valuables he collected, he remained there while the two became acquainted. He stored the money and the necklace he acquired in a safe place, then took the time to have some downtime with Luna. When he first arrived below, the green-eyed black cat was curled up in a blanket on his bunk. He picked her up and cuddled her in his arms. This was a rare show of pure affection when no one else was around. Luna was his comfort, in all things.* \n\nSoon enough, from the crew quarters, he could hear Eliza and Noctis talking. He immediately assumed Noctis gave up the Captain's cabin for her. Eventually, he decided to go join them. Sylvar approached the door, hearing the part about him being the first to find her manor in half a century. He took pride in that. He pushed the door open gently, immediately leaning against the doorframe, glancing at the both of them. He had removed his satchel and cloak, but his weapons remained at his belt. Luna was hunched on his right shoulder, kneading her paws into the fabric. Sylvar didn't seem to mind. \n\n\"Acquainted now, I assume?\" He asked smoothly, glancing at the jewelry Eliza was lying out. He hadn't bothered to alter his appearance, to his usual disguise. There was no need for it now. The Captain's quarters were bigger than the crew quarters and much nicer, but he didn't mind much because he simply didn't sleep. His form of sleeping was meditative trances for a few hours at a time." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Yes, you've brought us a lovely new traveling companion Sylvar. I'll have to commend you for it later.\" He said, finishing his packing and slinging the bag over his shoulder before crossing the room and picking up the longsword. He glanced between the two, curious how their initial meeting had gone. Well regardless, the resourceful pirate had survived it and found a way to bring in an income. Sylvar wasn't the type to act without thinking- he must have assumed that Noctis would be able to bring her under heel. \n\nNoctis wasn't absolutely sure he had, in fact he now had someone who'd delight in pricking him full of holes to drink from like a casket of wine- and just might do so in the night. \n\n\"And how acquainted are you two?\" He asked, and the unspoken question was whether or not Sylvar knew she was a vampire. This would be good to know. He came to a stop beside the bed, silver eyes still studying the newcomer and Sylvar alike. Those eyes were pools of ancient intensity, always seeming to be attempting to burrow through the skin and see what composed the person he was speaking to." }, { "author": "hematol0gy", "message": "Eliza could hear Sylvar approaching, his footsteps were graceful and quiet but her keen hearing could anticipate his arrival. Once he entered the room she forced a small polite smile. Glancing over to Noctis as he spoke, his silver eyes capturing her attention and adding to her already growing suspicion. Her eyes like ruby pools of crimson nectar, curtained by elegant lashes that looked almost doll like.\n\n\"We had some lovely conversations at the estate, I thought it was best to cut our visit there short. I could only keep the girls off of him for so long.\" Her speech interrupted by a small chuckle, her maids were just some normal workers but instead young troubled girls she would save and bring to her manor hoping to give them a second chance, something she wasn't given when she was their age.\n\n\"Is your neck feeling any better dear? You must forgive Bris, he's rather playful\" She spoke in reference to the four puncture wounds on Sylvar's neck from his encounter with her vampiric feline. She reminisced for a moment about the taste of Sylvar's blood, in her opinion Drow wasn't very appetizing but his was much better than most. As if being summoned, the black cat scampered into the captains quarters as he had been exploring the ship as Eliza made herself at home. \n\n\"You won't mind if he comes along right? He's a very friendly boy\" She giggled as she spoke, holding out her arms as the feline jumped into her arms, cradling the cat like a baby as she rubbed their noses together affectionately\n\nBris kept his large crimson eyes locked on Luna, it had been decades since he has seen another cat, let alone one who looked so similar to himself." }, { "author": "Sylvar Valrieth", "message": "Sylvar was glad to have somewhat pleased Noctis with bringing Eliza along. After all, they were getting paid. The more people who joined, the more he was prepared to face Drake, even if they didn't even know of his plan at all. Not yet, at least. Sylvar trusted that Noctis could deal with Eliza, considering his strength, and that's why he mainly left the two alone. The Drow glanced between the two, considering Noctis' question but let Eliza answer it. \n\n\"Yes. We had quite a nice time.\"\n\nThat was one way to put it, frankly. He was being slightly sarcastic because he was still sour about getting bitten. He still wasn't a fan of the looks the maids had when they looked at him. It was good to be away from the manor. Sylvar kept his expression carefully neutral when she asked how the cat bite was. It still hurt, since it, for some reason, hurt more than a regular animal bite. He rubbed the back of his neck before replying. \"It will be fine. And playful? I don't doubt the cat would've eaten me if I were still a squirrel,\" He said with a slight sigh. \n\nThen, suddenly, the cat appeared. Sylvar raised a brow slightly. As soon as Bris came into view, Luna dug her claws into Sylvar and had her hackles up. She didn't like other cats much, because she never interacted with them much, as far as he had her, at least. Gritting his teeth, he decided to let Noctis answer that question. It was fine, as long as Luna didn't attack him or vice versa." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis looked puzzled but shrugged, what was another cat. \n\n- - - - \n\nSeveral hours later the Onyx Crest had begun its travels down the length of the ice cold rivers. Around them the jagged Forstead mountains rose up like the ivory tipped maws of some ancient dragon, waiting to clamp its jaws shut and lock them inside its belly. Light snow drifts came down around them as the moon rose high in the sky, casting them into a brilliantly snow lit world.\n\nThe deck of the OC was well lit, with several lanterns set ablaze to cast a warm light across its wooden surface, the dark sails rippling from their tied position as they drifted along through the will of the currents. A table had been brought out and fastened to the forefront of the ship and had an array of food, beasts that had been hunted by the crew and then prepared, as well as some vegetables, bread, cheese and spiced wine purchased a day ago from traders. \n\nThe most interesting sight perhaps to any watching would be the raven haired young man who held a black bladed sword in his hand and was holding it in a low stance. Despite the cold, he was shirtless and shoeless, wearing midnight black harem pants instead that came up to his midriff and hugged his ankles, but was loose everywhere else. \n\nHis body held no visible scars, no imperfections- it was all smooth planes and hard muscle, lithe and powerful like that of a jungle cat. His platinum earrings dangled from short chains, small insignias of the first emperor. Noctis was training his fire magic, using it to warm his body and keep away the effects of the cold. His shoulders were rolling waves of muscle as he rolled them, and gestured with his free hand. \n\n\"Remember Sylvar, Enhancement Magic is about feeling your body. To even begin to tap into it, you need to be consciously aware of yourself and look within. Keep your mana activated the entire time you attack me but do not use any specific magic, just keep it burning while we fight to see if you have the potent\n\nIal to use Enhancement. If all goes well, you'll should at least see a glimmer of yourself within your mind. It'll be overwhelming at first and might cause a serious headache.\" He jumped from foot to foot, moving as if he were unrestricted by gravity, his slender fingers easily curled around the hilt of the longsword, seemingly unabashed to be so lightly clothed in the presence of all aboard the ship. \n\nNoctis truly was as if the gods had crafted the most beautiful marble statue and then breathed life and power into it, a walking pinnacle of mortal beauty and grace." }, { "author": "hematol0gy", "message": "After setting up in her new quarters on the ship Eliza swift went to sleep waking a few hours later, smiling and she glanced through the singular window in the captains quarters to a familiar sight of the moon. While the suns rays were detrimental to vampires, the moons rays were comparable to how a human enjoys the sunlight. She yawned before standing from her bed, stretching her whole body as she straightened herself out. She then began to change into something more presentable than a nightgown. She rummaged through her belongings before finding a beautiful gown with large frilled sleeves. She let out a sigh of delight as she stripped to her undergarments before carefully sliding into the dress, careful not to damage it. \n\n\"Isn't it lovely?\" She spoke as she looked over to her feline companion who was watching her change while flicking his abnormally long tail. The cat let out a soft meow before Eliza slipped on her heels and headed towards the deck.\n\nAs she emerged from the captains quarters she caught a glimpse of some unfamiliar faces, not very interested in anything but a meal she reached into her small satchel, rummaging around for a moment she finally took her hand out to reveal a small glass vial with silver accents, it was filled with blood, her favorite kind O- to be exact. Eliza swirled the liquid in the bottle before taking a modest sip, licking her lips with satisfaction afterwards . She heard a familiar voice and quickly noticed Noctis and Sylvar training together, the glimpse of fire magic made her uncomfortable as her kind was naturally susceptible to it.\n\nBegrudgingly she walked over to the pair, keeping a comfortable distance from the fire dancing through the air. She examined Noctis, frowning to see that his wound had closed as if it never existed. That sweet delectable aroma was now a mere whisper, truth be told she was disappointed. Much to her delight he was much more fit than she first believed, somehow.\n\nEliza simply watched the two train, her eyes dancing between Sylvar and Noctis as they conversed, occasionally opening her luxurious vial to take a sip of her snack" } ]	379.5	6,592
370	2023-12-07	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sylvar Valrieth", "message": "Things were soon quiet as everyone settled in. As several hours passed, night fell, and the Onyx Crest traveled down the icy rivers of Forstead. Traveling down the river was different from the Eternal Ocean, but Sylvar was grateful. They were entirely different experiences. The Drow didn't do much the past few hours except the occasional rest, walk along the deck, run his hand along the woodwork as a show of appreciation for it, or help with the preparation of the food they caught. For the most part, ship maintenance and navigation was up to him, since he had the most experience.\n\nNow that the table was set up toward the front of the ship, few were enjoying the evening meal. Luna was hiding beneath the table, likely waiting for scraps. Sylvar was standing across from Noctis, a cutlass in hand. It was preferable above all other weapons. They were having a training session, both combat and a lesson in Enhancement Magic. It fascinated him and believed he could learn it. It would help improve his Shapeshifting.\n\nWhile Noctis was shirtless, he was not. Noctis seemed... So perfect. It was as if he was the most beautiful man in the world because Sylvar had never seen a man such as him. The Drow was dressed rather simply, wearing a loose tunic that opened at the chest, long black pants, complete with combat boots, a bandolier, and a weapon belt. He was not free of scars, having a few here and there wherever his skin was visible. All of them were different. His pointed ears were lined with golden hooped earrings, for some style. In all, he looked like the pirate he was. Occasionally, he looked to see Eliza observing them from afar.\n\n— \nSylvar listened carefully to Noctis' instructions about Enhancement Magic. It seemed simple enough, especially about feeling your body. When Shapeshifting, he had to feel but knew no magic worked the same. It would be a challenge. He held up his cutlass and began to look within like Noctis said. He was looking within himself, but not quite Shapeshifting. The focus was evident on his face as he nodded. The fight would tell him if he had the potential. \"Then, let's begin,\" He said, not having much to say because he was too occupied with the goal at hand. Sylvar suddenly swung the weapon to clash with Noctis, careful not to use any specific magic while keeping that focus." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis fended off the attack with an almost lazy flick of his wrist. He'd yet to be pushed so hard as to even make use of the armor that Scipio had made for him- it was frustrating. He'd struggled against the creatures with Esme, but he'd been shrunk down and afraid to collapse the tunnels if he'd used too much strength. \n\n\"Good, again, push yourself Sylvar or you'll never tap into it.\" His own blade was a black flicker of death, he seemed to be about to thrust then swept the blade in a deadly arc towards the Shapeshifters chest. The muscles in his arms, shoulders and back might as well have been steel beneath his smooth and pale flesh, only a light sheen of sweat showed upon his body from the fire magic that flickered around his body. \n\nThat was mostly for show, his fire magics unique property was that he could use it within his body. He could increase his blood flow, warm himself up, there were many possibilities. \n\n\"Good evening my lady, enjoying your meal?\" He called out, turning to look at her even as the duel continued. With his enhanced senses and hundreds of years of swordplay, he almost seemed to be dueling a toddler, not that Sylvar wasn't good. However the Drow was also focused on trying to develop new magic, far from his top fighting form. \n\n\"You look lovely, don't you think she looks lovely Sylvar?\" He asks, once again launching a deceptively fast flurry of blows towards Sylvar. If the Drow failed to block or dodge or parry, Noctis would stop his blade from cutting the Drow and only ever wack him with the flat of his blade instead." }, { "author": "hematol0gy", "message": "\"Is he always such a show off, Sylvar?\" The sight of Noctis locking eyes with her during a duel was just as impressive as it was annoying. She watched as the two men's swords clashed and swung through the air. She bit her lip just waiting for some blood to be shed, she desperately missed the smell of blood back at her estate.\n\n\nEliza walked forward towards the pair, moving in and out of the light as she gracefully moved across the deck, her airy dress dancing behind her as she did so. Her ash brown hair was tied into an elaborate bun, from the back the silhouette was akin to a flower. Eliza enjoyed dressing up for every occasion possible no matter how many people would see her.\n\n She was actually quite the fan of sword fighting herself, having been wielding a sword for over a century her skills were rather old fashioned having been trained over 100 years ago but extremely refined. Though her style was vastly different from the men before her, she wondered how they would fare against her blood soaked blade" }, { "author": "Valac Carnifex", "message": "Upon his hammock, staying silent only pondering in his mind, what should he do. He cannot train his magic here, as it was highly destructive. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts, he had obtained his new form, yet he still questioning why such strange thoughts overwhelmed him when he was \"Awakened\". Wearing a collared, tanned button long shirt, with brown aged trousers, and a pair of rustic yet worn out boots. His hands behind his head, with his arms splayed out, his eyes viewing the morning sky. Its hues mesmerizing to say the least. \n\nHe slowly got off the hammock, a groan escaping his lips. He began to walk toward the deck, which Noctis and Sylvar were exchanging blows with their blades, the sounds of clashing metal, he seemed to be more lost in thought, rather than focused on the action. Dwelling on his abilities, his new... What he would consider as \"Comrades\", though not as trustworthy as Noctis, made him slightly concerned that their party had grown so large. All filled with diversity, one a vampire, a drow, an unknown, and a demon. He can't help but assume Noctis plans to do something with his... New found \"Tools\". Knowing his comrade was shrouded in mystery, and every time his questions remained unanswered. Suspicious. It only drew him more concern, he didn't introduce himself yet to the other two, rather... His eyes drawn to Noctis. Only a monotone expression, yet his mind was trying to create speculation as to why he'd gather so many others. For what was his plan to have such strong figures along with him, including himself. He can't help but speculate that there was some ideal of a revolution, or some impending doom." } ]	370.5	1,480
376.4	2024-02-04	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "_stork", "message": "Within the Haupstman estate, tensions are quite high. As the posse of adventurers arrive, the many citizens of the surrounding village glare at them with caution and spite, as if they were the ones causing this whole trouble instead of the peacekeepers preventing it. Nary a single man was in sight, however, with most being driven back to their homes by their angry wives or dragged in by their relatives as soon as they had realized this strange squadron had women amongst their ranks. The men who remained outside were either homeless, or the guardsmen of the villa.\n\nIt, however, was closed off for strangers for the day. Two guardsmen then approached the group in general, halting them from their tracks. They wore the standard steel armor commonly seen amongst legionaries, their outfits colored yellow rather than the usual red, signifying their status as private guards than official soldiers of the Empire.\n\n\"Halt! You're here for the poster, I take it? The only reason why adventurers come here.\" One of the guards spoke, holding a spear with his hand and a circular shield with the other. \"Baroness von Haupstman is not yet home, but she will be soon. In the meantime, as the Captain of this garrison, I'm to assist you in any way I can. If you have questions, ask. You can only look around the walls outside of the villa, until her grace herself allows you permission to enter when she arrives.\"\n\nThe estate-village was not bad all things considered. It positioned itself above a hill, with a river nearby on the east, with an adjacent forest right next to it. Whilst only the villa proper had marble architecture, the stone and wooden huts of the commoners have hardly any damage, even if age and time are causing them to tear a bit. \n\nMany of the villagers outside appeared to be hostile women, some murmuring that the team were \"Harlots in disguise\" And whispering - perhaps a little too loudly - about them being thralls for the succubus haunting this town.\n\nThe only people that did not see the group as a threat, besides the guards, was a singular homeless man lying underneath a tree's shade. His outfit was rugged and his complexion dirtied, yet he only gave the posse a couple of glances before returning to his self-pitying habits.\n\nRules again in case people forget\n\n1. No turn order, however you can only send a message once until the next turn" }, { "author": "Wisteria, Witch of Flames", "message": "To say that it looked as if a town was sucked dry of life was something Wisteria didn't feel described the feeling of the place she'd been asked to visit. The Onyx Creat crew was in need of funds and it had been determined the best way for now was for them all to take quests and jobs that best fit their styles of work. A team was fine and good, but it worked better to split up to gain more funds.\n\nWisteria was still not used to being buddy with everyone. Even after the mission at Alabaster estate and working amongst another group she'd only met that day with good results, she was still wary. Not every group would be so easy to work with.\n\nAnd it seemed not every place would be welcome to help. Despite asking for it with feverish worry.\n\n\"You'd think they'd be a bit happier anybody accepted a quest like this.\" Wisteria muttered, raising a brow at the guard who'd pointed his spear and readied his shield at her and the other adventurers who'd answered this call.\n\nShe trialed her eye to some of the women who started at then with wary looks. Some concerned. Others fearful. Some even looked angry at them. As if they were the ones snatching up their men.\n\nWisteria smirked at them, winking at them with her lone eye to mess with them a little.\n\nThey weren't going to be of any help with how they looked at them. Best to look elsewhere.\n\n\"Surprised you're still around. You'd think a demon snatching men would try to weaken a village's defenses by stealing away the captain of its forces.\" Wisteria mentioned, tilting her head to look to the captain. \"Encountered this demonic menace stealing away poor males at all?\"" }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the group made their way into village, the sight was far worse than she'd expect. A village fueled with loss and anger, with sons, husbands, brothers and fathers torn from their lives. Although, she confused by the damages that a single succubus could cause. Wondering what her motivations were and if the men that she charmed could be returned back to their homes. Almonde hoped to keep the quest free from violence and perhaps persuade the succubus to free the men. Even if the quest poster said otherwise, the succubus could simply be a victim of her own merits and needed a wake up call to the damages that she created. Often times, simple quests can have a deeper depth to them.\n\nUpon meeting the guards, she'd listen in to their words and that of Wisteria. The devotee held her staff and shield closely, unsure of what to ask. Perhaps it would be best to wait until the Baroness herself can speak before them, however she was curious about one thing.\n\n```\"Have you and your forces attempted to speak with this succubus? Is diplomacy completely out of the picture? Why was the poster so sure that we can't persuade the threat? Did something happen?\"```\n\nShe asked her questions as her attention turned to the singular homeless man that glanced over to them. Wondering if questioning the locals would be fruitful or a waste of time, they were strangers after all so perhaps they wouldn't trust the adventurers." }, { "author": "Leu Pandamonia", "message": "Wonderful, a settlement with a succubus problem. It was time for the great, elusive, grand, magnificent Leu to save this place! Leu had shifted themselves into a handsome human warrior, long flowing blonde hair, yada yada yada, all that basic human fighter stuff. He had a chiseled jawline which would mog everyone here and the succubus with no problem. He wore basic plate-mail with a longsword at his side. He looked at the group of adventurers that had gathered, oh how interesting! He was brimming with excitement, this looked like grand fun! Though, he did not let it show.\n\nCedric - as was his new name with the character he was playing at the moment - didn't even bother approaching the guardsmen. Instead, he went directly to the walls as the guards had suggested, making a lot of 'Ah yes,' and 'It all makes sense' noises. Well, after about six seconds of doing that, Cedric moved back to the guards as he actually wasn't finding anything at all. \n\n\"Well, my good sirs! Where was the last place the witch attacked!\" Cedric asked one of the guards who wasn't being bombarded with questions by the others with a jovial and chivalrous tone, in a posh accent as if the man was truly a knight of the upper echelons of society. Of course, he wasn't really, but there's no harm in letting them think so!" }, { "author": "Kane", "message": "As Kane arrived, his eyes quickly darted between the villagers. He understood why they were angry, he understood their suspicion. Even though their welcome was anything hut warm, The Sorcerer still wanted to help them. Thankfully, he wasn't alone. Other people, from all walks of life, came together to help these people. There was power in numbers, but was numbers a good thing against a creature such as a succubus? Only time would tell.\n\nWhile looking around, Kane's eyes eventually spotted and settled on an intriguing person. They appeared to be homeless, but that did not matter. What mattered is that they didn't look at the the group the same way the others did. Kane made a mental note to speak to the man.\n\n>``Halt!...``\n\nKane stopped when ordered to. The last thing he wanted was to cause more trouble. ``Poster? I'm here for the lively town and friendly people.`` He responded in a sarcastic tone. The Sorcerer would remain quiet until one of his allies brought up diplomacy. ``Not possible...`` He chimed in. ``Its a succubus, a demon. That thing isn't gonna listen to us, we'll be lucky to get even a word in before it tries seducing us.``\n\nThough his words might seem pessimistic, Kane spoke from experience. He's never seen a demon do something out of the kindness of their heart, and highly doubted this would be different. Then again, if the stars aligned and this succubus really could be talked down, then who knows? Maybe he'll try being diplomatic for once. \n\n``Ah-`` The Sorcerer suddenly turned back towards the guards. ``When do you think the baroness will return? Would you mind if i asked some questions? Talked to some people?`` He wanted to know if he'd be allowed to speak to that homeless person, or if he'd have to sneak off and do it." } ]	364	1,882
394.666667	2024-02-06	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "_stork", "message": "\"No. Here's the thing, whatever or wherever this succubus is, none of my men had seen her. Don't know if it's just not attracted to any of my boys, or something else. All she targets are the village males and particularly like married men. Sometimes she preys on younger ones, typically the sons of the seduced fathers. One hell of a freak, this woman is.\" The Captain answered their questions, and thoroughly extended them information that they may need for investigation. The sole guard that Cedric spoke to also returned a response. \"Attacked? It ain't attack nobody. It's everywhere, methinks it takes the drunk and brings 'em to a cave or wherever the hell.\"\n\nThe Captain of the Watch stepped forward in order to address the adventurers, the crisp air smelling well. \"I can't exactly say when she'll return, the truth is I don't know either. But she'll be back soon. Got an angry look when she left, though, but I can't blame her. This thing took her husband and her son also disappeared, though the young von Haupstman never saw eye to eye with the Baroness. If he did get taken by this succubus, I wouldn't be surprised if he just volunteered.\"\n\n\"As far as eyewitnesses go, we only have a few. Mary and John, couple of lovebirds. John apparently saw this woman and she tried to seduce her, but Mary was around and when John saw his woman, he rejected her advances. That's the boy's version of the story, anyway. He's an orator, likes to embellish his achievements. This couple lives just on the edge of town, purple roof, can't miss it.\"\n\nHe paused for a second to point at another person - the homeless man by the tree.\n\n\"Next there is Old Glover. Old man's seen and heard near damn everything, no doubt he knows some things. He's probably your most reliable witness.\" He says. \"Last I know is Wilhelm, he's the Baroness' former gardener. Think he saw something about Lord von Haupstman and his son, but he wouldn't talk. Baroness fired him for that, so he just drinks at the tavern now. How he gets the coins for that I don't know...\"\n\nFinally the Captain returned to his station.\n\n\"As much as I'd like to help you out more, the Baroness gave us strict orders not to conduct this investigation ourselves. Not that we can help much, we haven't seen this succubus ourselves and there aren't any crime scenes whatsoever. She's probably afraid we'd lose our numbers to this woman. I suggest you all split up when asking around, maybe form a cohesive story when you get back together.\"\n\nThe people dispersed and return to their homes, but not without giving spiteful looks to the people they thought were arrogant." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the Captain began to explain the situation and address the confusion party, she was somewhat impressed by how informative the man was. She was too familiar with rude and unprofessional Captains, so it was a relief that they worked with proper men. Taking note of the Succubus and her behavior, as if trying to understand the creature's motives and drive. Seducing men... At worst the demon could be devouring her victims. At best, she uses them as servants or bewitched slaves. Although the Succubus and her lack of violent attacks were oddly charming.\n\n```\"Understood. Thank you, Captain. May the Pantheons bless you and your men. We will do our best, Gods willing, this unholy creature will be stopped.\"```\n\nWith that being said, the devotee's attention turned to her fellow party members. She was not gonna boss them around, but it would be good to keep a good communication habit with them. The devotee gathered her confidence, and spoke up to her fellows.\n\n```\"So it would seem we have a few witnesses to question. The couple of Mary and John, Old Glover as well as the Gardener Wilhelm. There are six of us, three sources of information so... Let's stay in pairs? With one male and one female, just... In case the Succubus tries any tricks on the men, we'd have a female to snap them out of it? Just a suggestion, my dear friends.\"```\n\nThe woman made her suggestions known, speaking in a respectful yet nervous manner. She was so glad that she'd not face a unholy demon alone. A capable looking woman, a dashing human warrior, a sorcerer, a confident girl and a gleeful boy. A large group against a single Succubus seemed to point success to their favor.\n\n```\"I'm willing to work with anyone, although I would like to call dibs on former Gardener Wilhelm? He seems like the most challenging witness to speak to. So I'd like to speak to him, if that's alright with you all? With some male company, of course.\"```\n\nShe spoke calmly with a smile." }, { "author": "Leu Pandamonia", "message": "Instead of following any form of rational logic that the guards had presented, Leu- or Cedric at the moment, instead decided to do his own thing. Where, upon hearing that the succusbus takes the drunk. He immediately made his way to the tavern to get blasted drunk. As he did so, he attempted to seem heroic, as he shouted in a noble and heroic voice. \n\n\"Come, my friends! We must get blasted drunk to find the temptress!\"\n\nCedric ran towards the tavern with childlike behavior, was this really behavior befitting that of a noble knight? Obviously not, Leu was already getting tired of keeping up this character. But alas, the show must go on!" } ]	446	1,184
309.666667	2024-03-18	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "The morning sun filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over the room as Bicco rose from his bed, his movements slow and deliberate. With a weary sigh, he stretched his tired limbs, feeling the stiffness of age protesting against the passage of time. Yet, despite the aches and pains that plagued his aging body, there was a sense of purpose that stirred within him, driving him to face the challenges of the day ahead.\n\nDescending the creaky stairs of his farmhouse, Bicco made his way to the kitchen, the familiar clatter of pots and pans echoing in the stillness of the morning. With practiced hands, he set about preparing his breakfast, the savory aroma of sizzling bacon and fresh eggs filling the air. As he ate, he savored each bite, finding comfort in the simple pleasures of a hearty meal.\n\nBut before he could even finish his meal, a strange sensation pricked at the back of Bicco's mind, a feeling of being watched. With a furrowed brow, he set his fork down and rose from the table, the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end. Instinctively, his hand drifted to the hilt of his sword, a massive blade forged in the fires of a distant forge, its gleaming surface etched with runes of power and wisdom.\n\nApproaching the door with caution, Bicco's heart quickened with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. With a deep breath, he swung the door open, ready to confront whatever danger may lie on the other side. But to his surprise, standing before him was an old friend, their presence both unexpected and welcome.\n\n\"Tarin Vo,\" Bicco exclaimed, a hint of confusion tinging his voice. \"It's been a century since I last laid eyes on you. How is it that you look exactly as you did all those years ago?\"" }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "The night had past into day by the time Tarin truly noticed he hadn't slept at all. He'd spent several hours doing nothing but thinking and staring into the stars- he's gonna feel that at some point day. His powerful senses alerted him to Bicco waking up, first hearing the heartbeat increase- feeling the vibrations of his steps, smelling the breakfast he made for himself. It was all there to Tarin, the almost instant location of anyone or anything he wanted, his senses constantly keeping him aware of everything around him.\n\n\"Sounds like he noticed... Haven't lost your edge yet old man?\" He'd heard the blade unsheathe, a weapon of terrifying power wielded by and equally dangerous man was coming out to see if anything was out of the ordinary... Hopefully he recognizes his old friend.\n\nStanding up with a swift motion Tarin took a single step to the door right as Bicco pulled it open, giving a small smile to his old friend to show him he was indeed here in peace. \"*Ser Bicco,\" He said with a small chuckle. \"It's a long story old friend, care to talk over tea? I could use a drink.*\"\n\nIt was at that time Tarin's attire became much more apparent to Bicco, tattered or damaged in various locations with dried blood speckled about. He looks as if he'd just come from a hell of a fight, or, was here with a darker purpose." }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Ser Bicco greeted his old friend with a mixture of surprise and warmth, his weathered features softening at the sight of Tarin's familiar smile.\n\nHowever, even as he exchanged pleasantries with Tarin, a nagging sense of unease gnawed at the back of Ser Bicco's mind. There was something off about Tarin's appearance, a subtle shift in demeanor that set his instincts on edge.\n\nBefore Ser Bicco could fully process his suspicions, he leaned in for a heartfelt embrace, his arms wrapping around Tarin in a gesture of friendship and camaraderie. But as they drew close, a surge of primal energy coursed through Ser Bicco's veins, his muscles tensing as he summoned forth his formidable magic. With a primal roar, he unleashed a torrent of fiery energy, sending Tarin reeling backward with a resounding blast.\n\nAs the flames danced and crackled around them, Ser Bicco fixed Tarin with a steely gaze, his voice cold and unyielding. \"How dare you wear the face of a man I once knew,\" He growled, the intensity of his fury burning bright in his eyes." } ]	303	929
274.25	2024-03-30	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "Tarin swung his sword with all his might, a determination from within his heart to prove to both Bicco and himself that he is indeed who he says he is. After his near death victory against a Demigod His defeat by Eliza came as a shock to his very core. How could a vampire fully counter and defeat him when he fought a demigod to stand still? It didn't sit right with him. Was he truly not as strong as he thought himself to be? Had he gotten soft? It gnawed at the back of his mind and during this moment, blade to blade with the very man who taught him during a time of war how to swing a blade properly- he has something to prove.\n\nEven as Bicco grew tired, and he along with him, he knew better than to stop his pressure. Bicco had never been one for such a thing, a practice duel had never been without stakes- old friends fighting was something to take seriously and as such he could not afford to lessen his strength.\n\n\"*You never have, old friend.\" Tarin remarked to Bicco not willing to falter, a factor about his old friend that was hard wired into his very soul. Bicco had always been stubborn, devote in his passions and determination. Tarin knew that he would never falter because he never has before.\n\n* \n\n\"Knight of the Realm, to the bitter end.\" In truth Tarin had once been a \"Knight\" To a degree. During his days battling alongside Bicco during the frontier wars he had taken a liking to the life of a knight. To the point he'd even begun to think like one and in this moment he remembers those old values- the values Bicco has never lost.\n\nWhen the knight unleashed his powers Tarin could only respond in kind, meeting his old friend on the field of battle and lay it all out on the line as absolute proof of who you are. A warriors mark left upon battle akin to the painters brush upon canvas, a story was told with the stroke of a sword and a passion was shown when facing down adversity. As such, Tarin challenged the powerful combustion magic and the valiant knight of the realm in battle, his tattoos growing larger and wrapping around his forearms in a dark midnight hue, anti-magic, and with all bud night did he fight Bicco. Fully determined to prove to Bicco that he is indeed his old friend." }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "As Tarin's relentless assault continued, Bicco found himself pushed to his limits, the strain evident in every movement as he parried blow after blow. Blood dripped from his wounds, and his clothes were scorched from the flames that surrounded them. Yet, despite the pain and exhaustion, there was a glimmer of something in Bicco's eyes—a spark of recognition, perhaps, hidden beneath the weariness. \n\nHe stood tall, bloody and battered, before bursting out into laughter—a deep, hearty laugh that echoed through the clearing.\n\n\"You old fool,\" Bicco chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. \"Did you really think I didn't know it was you all along?\"\n\nDespite the chaos and destruction surrounding them, there was a sense of camaraderie in Bicco's words, a shared history and understanding that transcended the battle they found themselves in.\n\n\"You may have changed, Tarin, but your spirit remains the same. And as long as that spirit burns within you, you'll always be my old friend.\"\n\nWith those words, Bicco raised his sword in salute, acknowledging the bond that had stood the test of time and adversity. And as the flames of their battle began to die down, there was a sense of peace between them—a shared understanding that no matter what challenges they faced, they would always stand by each other's side." }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "Tarin pushed on and on, pushing his body to the limit in order to contend with and dare to push back the valiant knight. Even with the battle scars, dripping blood and beaded sweat, Tarin saw the spark within his old friends eyes- and so they stopped.\n\nHe stood tall like his old friend and teacher, tattered clothes and burned skin- before a smirk came over his face and the mercenary genuinely laughed for the first time in years.\n\n\"I'd wondered if you'd grown senile old man.\" Tarin said in with a chuckle.\n\nEven with the devastation surrounding them Tarin felt nothing but the sense of brotherhood Bicco and him had forged over a long friendship. A shared them in history, learning and fighting side by side, and now they are reunited once again.\n\n\"The very same to you, my old friend. So long as your determination is as mighty as your size, you'll always be my friend.\" Tarin mimicked his friends salute, feeling genuine happiness at the display, a reminder of his true love of battle- the brotherhood and understanding formed by those who fight.\n\n\"But-\" Tarin reached into his satchel and produced two red vial's and handed one out to Bicco. Health potions, always something handy to have. \"-get yourself cleaned up. We have a lot of talking to get through.*\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Farming Shenanigans, Double Rotondo Floopaloo" } ]	286.5	1,097
266.4	2024-02-01	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Whisper of Aeterna", "message": "The Forstead mountains, cold and unforgiving yet breathtakingly beautiful. Snow danced through the air in crystalline shards and the forests seemed to be dead silent. The path leading towards the manor was a beautifully crafted stone path with silver and gold accents, a keen observer would even spot a small black cat skipping up the path ahead of the group and into the home. \n\nThe manor was nothing short of breathtaking, much larger than any homes within the cities and much nicer too. Any mage would recognize the handiwork instantly, each brick was was carefully engraved with ornate designs- the crevasses filled with the finest silver, the manor was a construct of magic. \n\nOnce the group found themselves at the door of the manor music could be heard inside, a dark and macabre tune that was as pleasant as it was unsettling. The small black cat was now standing before the group, it's long fangs on full display as the funny looking creature let out a raspy meow. \n\nSuddenly the door swung open and the group was face to face with a tall pale skinned man with platinum hair. Beside the man was a small boy with white hair seemingly writhing with excitement as he bounced up and down upon seeing the guests." }, { "author": "Luciel Tenebrian", "message": "\"Oh...\"\n\nThe tall handsome man was clad in the finest fabrics that draped across his perfect figure as if they were hand made to his dimensions- because they were. Luciel was a boy of class and prestige, after all he was Eliza's son by blood. Any travelers familiar with the host would instantly recognize the boy as her son, it was almost uncanny how similar he and his mother looked. Dark beautiful red eyes and a tall yet alluring figure with cheekbones that could slice through metal- and those awfully blood soaked lips that seemed softer than cloud. \n\nThe man cleared his throat before pulling a wand out of his waistband, flourishing it in the air as blue wisps illuminated the area around them, a smug look of pride on his face as he scanned their reactions. \n\n\"Welcome to Lady Eliza's annual Dance of Vipers and Hares. I see you-\"\n\nThe man groaned as he examined the guests, raising a brow at some of their outfit choices.\n\n\"I see you made it... Do come inside.\"" }, { "author": "Alistair Vandruger", "message": "\"*YIPPIE!\"\n\nThe shorter figure was garbed in a black tuxedo, a small bow tie fixed at his collar to finalize his dashing outfit. His bone white hair and skin as well as his bright blue eyes and smile filled with wonder clashed aggressively with the decor and design of the manner as well as the taller figure by his side. As Luciel began his show the little man couldn't hide the smile of delight on his face, eyes scanning the whole of the group present with an almost childlike sense of wonderment and excitement.\n\nWhen the blood son of Eliza groaned at the selection of outfits present and spoke with his usual tone of disapproval Alistair took it upon himself to add some chipper reassurance to the honored guests before him. Stepping a pace before his brother Alistair clasped his hands together as a way to grab everyone's attention.\n\n\"Welcome all, we are happy to see such a wonderful and varied selection of guests who have made their way here.\" He spoke with joyous pride while stepping back, grasping one of the door handles and pulling it open with a sweeping hand to gesture for them to enter as they wish.\n\n\"Please do come in. Food, drink and merriment plenty await you within, Miss Eliza will greet you all shortly.\"" }, { "author": "Whisper of Aeterna", "message": "Once the group entered the manor they would find themselves in a large open room with gorgeous black wallpaper and a glistening red chandelier above them that almost seemed to defy gravity. The floor was grey tile with with silver and gold accents that was sparking clean. On each sides of the room there were ornate staircases that led to a balcony at the center of the room. Once everyone surely entered Luciel spoke once more. \n\n\"Feel free to talk amongst yourselves until mother arrives.\"\n\nAnd with a flourish of his caped suit, he turned, and swiftly exited the room upstairs." }, { "author": "Leu Pandamonia", "message": "Leu had been wandering around Aeterna for what felt like a millennia looking for something interesting. And upon catching wind of a ball being hosted at an esteemed family estate, they just Knew* They had to go. \n\nAnd yet, they were still somewhat surprised at how ostentatious the estate was. Paths laden with gold and silver, every brick carefully engraved, any lord or lady would be blessed to even take residence inside it would seem. It was a far cry from the more practical and mundane estates they had seen in the countryside. Those mostly had wooden palisades, rarely did they have stone walls. And yet here the very paths themselves were laden with gold and silver. Were the owners not worried about thievery? Oh well, it mattered little to them, they were practically brimming with excitement for the ball. What new curiosities would they meet here? What sort of absurdities could they sow here? That is what they were looking forward to.\n\nLeu stepped forward, making their way into the manor, they themselves towered above the rest of the guests uncannily. Leu was an abnormally tall figure, standing at 8 foot, incredibly thin and lanky, with a wicked smile that seemed to encompass almost the entirety of the lower half of their face. It was an uncanny sight, especially paired with the checkered black and white jesters outfit. And behind them trailed a small wagon, an older man in a commoners outfit pulled it himself, it's wooden wheels creaking loudly on the ground. The interior of the wagon rattled with the sound of ceramics, glass and various other strange noises resounded from within. On the left side of the wooden wagon, there was a large wooden wheel, painted with ten different colors, each color taking up an equal section of the wheel, above the wheel was an arrow pointing downwards. Clearly, this was a sort of spinner, some sort of game. Leu turned his head to the right, side-eying his current servant.\n\n\"Leave it there, my good Jenkins.\" The fool spoke in a playful manner, excitement in his tone.\n\nAnd with that, Leu stepped inside the manor. He scanned the room, admiring the opulent layout whilst looking at the guests." } ]	257	1,332
402.5	2024-02-02	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Kallista \| Drakonrider", "message": "After receiving an invitation, Kallista took great care in preparing for the grand event. Igni had decided to come with her while Gravis chose to stay home. It was perfectly understandable. The journey from Weyian to Forstead was not difficult, and they got here on time. The couple walked up the silver and gold-accented path, toward the grand door. Kallista's keen eyes caught the sight of the small black cat entering the manor before approaching the door and the rest of the guests. The manor itself was quite impressive, compared to other buildings in all of the realm. To those still outside, flashes of a black-scaled creature could be seen circling the manor as it dipped above and below the clouds. \n\nWhen the door opened to reveal two figures, she looked them up and down quickly as she did to the other guests crowded around. Inclining her head as they spoke a welcome, she stepped toward the inside, offering a slight nod of acknowledgment. There was quite a variety of attire among the guests here. Kallista made sure to dress nicely, even though she was not a fan of dresses. She was Stunning. Her dress was a few different shades of blue with a black bodice, white skirt, and matching ribbon with two roses pinned at the waist. Her upper back and arms were left exposed, showing off the intricate black markings that seemed to wrap around her arms and back. \n\nHer long white hair was expertly braided partially into a bun while the rest flowed freely down her back. Two gold bands decorated her glistening white curled horns with other necklace charms and coins, that hung from them. Her left eye was silver-colored, while the other was a dark brown. \n\nKallista lifted her head as she walked deeper into the manor, studying the details of the place. Eventually, she turned to Igni. \"What do you think of the place, dear?\" She asked quietly, moving closer to him." }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "\"This was a bad idea, godsdamn you once again Tarin.\"\n\nThe famed mercenary, The Mage-Killer, the Flaw Of The World- Tarin Vo, had decided to show up. He'd debated about it a lot, wondering if he should accept the invitation of the vampire he'd nearly died to. She'd offered it so casually and even in the state he was in during that time he heard her, she wanted to hopefully meet once again on better terms.\n\n\"My ass.\"\n\nHe huffed a little to himself as he walked the path towards the manor and began to hear people both behind him and infront, the masses of people he's probably made enemies out of without even meaning to. He kept to himself, with his new outfit and cleaning himself up a little maybe he'd blend in and not stick out. Ditching the usual tight fitting black shirt, pants and shoes he work a somewhat baggy white shirt with it's top two buttons undone and changed nothing else. He felt stupid in all honesty and when Luciel made the expression about the group, knowing he likely meant outfits, Tarin knew he was one of the rejects.\n\nOf course everyone else, besides the jester, seemed relatively well dressed. Maybe he shouldn't have given All His money away before buying some new clothes. \n\n\"Well... Here goes nothing I guess.\" He followed the group inside, straggling at the back like usual with his arms crossed, and once within the manor he walked a few casual paces away from everyone else and began to look at anything that caught his eye- maybe he can just pass the time, say a few words to Eliza and be gone. Maybe." }, { "author": "Igni Grey", "message": "\"Gaudy big houses all look the same to me.\" He grunted, putting his arm around her waist as she moved closer and leaning down to kiss her jaw. His coarse beard scratched at her skin, but his lips were warm and soft, a tender kiss as always. \"Still, as long as theres good food and some sort of beverage that I can choke down it'll be survivable.\" The smirk on his face said that despite his rough words, he was happy to be there. Truth was that the Monster Hunter loved parties, especially the ritzy ones. Those were the most fun to see go wrong and things Always Found a way of going wrong. \n\nIgni's black hair was tied back in a ponytail and his dark bread trimmed for once, a difficult task because his facial and body hair could be almost as hard as steel thanks to his werwolf DNA, his high brown boots, dark trousers, white tunic and leather overcoat were not exceptionally impressive but neither were they entirely out of place- and obviously cost at least some money, clean to boot. His finger carried several rings, most prominent being the one that mirrored his wifes. Scratching at his jaw, his red eyes fell on a face he was not expecting to see. \"Oh, this party just got a Lot More fun. Tarin fucking Vo just walked in.\" He said, laughing cruelly at the sight of the infamous 'Mage Slayer'. He did not keep his voice down, and instead tilted his head and spoke freely. A normal man wouldn't be able to hear his own name from even ten feet away at a big ball like this, but this was no ordinary man. If Tarin looked towards the one who spoke his name, he'd find Igni staring at him with the blazing red eyes of a vampire. \n\nAnyone who worked in the merc field knew of the Flaw of the World, the man rumored to have been born without magic and given collosal physical strength instead. He was dangerous, Very Dangerous but not necessarily known to be a loose cannon, however, he also wasn't known to be the kind of man to go to a god damn ball. \n\n\"My mel, I am so glad we came.\" He\n\nSaid, (mel being elvish for love), stroking her arm lovingly and smiling a wicked, bloodthirsty smile as he readied himself for the night of his life." }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "A ball was certainly not the sort of event Thyri would have ever sought out, nor did she feel she would truly fit in such a crowd. But having received an invitation personally, she believed it would have been incredibly rude to not attend. \n\nThe Forstead mountains were a frosty wasteland, and Thyri had certainly dressed for the weather. She was lucky to even have such clothing on short notice. Upon Thyri's shoulders, a hefty furlined cloak flowed within the wind, the dress she wore flowed as well, but hugged her upper body rather nicely. The dressed was a beautiful white with a bottle brown trim that featured a golden pattern of diamonds, the same pattern could be found at the end of the sleeves, but in silver. An overdress of the same brown was worn over the white with soft golden highlights, with three strings of beads hung over her chest. Below the beads, was a woven red belt with a golden outline and pattern and seemed to hang as long as the middle of her shin. The final part of the dress, if one was able to see it beneath the cloak, was a flowing bottle brown cape of a silken fabric. She had even done her hair, with multiple small braids along the sides of her head, the middle part of her hair had been down in one large, yet loose braid, allowing it to flow down the back. There were bits of jewelry in her hair, keeping the smaller braids in place.\n\nIt was certainly a beautiful dress, that was well put together. But Thyri believed she looked completely ridiculous. She did not recognize anyone at such an event, and from a few of the merchants heard tht it would likely be difficult to speak with nobles if there were any. A few of the merchants in the market had been kind enough to provide her with tips of how to look.\n\n. \nShe was dreading a dinner however. Too many rules about forks and knives. Who knew that was why so many nobles wanted various sizes? As she made her way indoors, she felt the warmth of the building flow over her, but did not make to remove her cloak for the moment. She hated how cold it was on these mountains.\n\nThere were so many individuals at the dance already, it was quite surprising to see such a varied group of people." }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "The sound of his name stuck out like a sore thumb and it caught the attention of the cursed man immediately which caused him to turn and look directly into Igni' eyes- while he harbored no vampiric blood it was apparent in his cold silver eyes that he had no desire to make friends.\n\n\"*A woman with dragon horns and a man with eyes that could kill, the famous hunter hunters- a person short. Hmph.\" Tarin too spoke aloud, knowing that his voice would also be heard by the man who called out to him before.\n\nBut, not leaving time for conversation, Tarin moved to continue walking around the manor- eyes keenly focused on anything and everything besides the other folks at the ball. In truth he is beyond cautious and a tad worried, it was only a short while ago he'd been sent to this very manor to kill the Daughter* Of the hostess and instead had to fight Eliza herself. Hopefully this wasn't a play by Eliza to have him trapped here without his gear and butcher him- but, that remains to be seen." }, { "author": "Leu Pandamonia", "message": "Oh my! Drama already! Did the Tenebrians invite these two, knowing that they were not on good terms? How scandalous, indeed! Leu snickered to themselves, with anticipation, so many possibilities for the night were already forming in their wicked head. Leu observed the two from a distance, examining what seemed to be some sort of rivalry from a distance. \n\nHowever, Leu had to hold themselves back from antagonizing these two for now, instead they should focus on the rest of the group. And while they waited for the host to greet the guests, Leu had planned to mingle with the crowd. Introduce themselves, make a little merriment even. Leu scanned the room, their eyes wandering over the guests, each face committed to their memory. Each guest committed to Leu's mental encyclopedia of figures. Finally, their eyes stopped wandering, with their uncanny smile still morbidly apparent on their face. His eyes had fallen upon one of the interesting guests, however that was not to say that none of them were not interesting, this was just the one that caught their eye first!\n\nLeu approached the woman with sunkissed skin, the one with the long fur cloak. The abnormally tall, lanky figure, walked with their hands clasped behind their back with their back arched slightly noticeably forwards. Leu looked down at the woman, with their morbid smile still frozen on their face.\n\n\"Why good evening, madam! How do you fare this evening? Looking forward to reckless abandoment of morals in search of booze and merriment - hm? Ah, where are my manners! I must apologize, you may call me Pan!\" Leu cracked their neck and stretched their arms a little, a resounding abhorrently loud series of bones cracking ensued from within their body. On the inside, Leu was forming for themselves thousands of smaller joints within their skeleton. Allowing for much greater movement and versatility. Something they had to forgotten to do a little while ago. After all, they had to get ready to dance! And without acknowledging the loud series of bone cracks from their body, they extended their hand to the woman in front of them for a gloved handshake." } ]	432.5	2,415
291	2024-02-03	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Whisper of Aeterna", "message": "More and more guests flooded the room and soon the room was filled with chatter and interesting faces. Though none more peculiar than a tall woman clad in a silky skin tight dress, her hair seemingly was woven into the fabric- peculiar indeed. The woman was tall, and her thinned framed glasses caught the light in such a way that her steel eyes were shrouded behind the glare. The woman was conversing with a pair of small pale children who were holding hands before she caught sight of a familiar face and began to head over." }, { "author": "Morticia", "message": "Kallista would feel a gentle hand on her shoulder, if she were to turn around- she would be face to face with an old friend. Though it was staggering to see the woman in such fine attire, though she was a beautiful woman- formal events didn't seem up her ally. \n\n\"Kallista? I see you're one puppy short.\"\n\nThe woman's tone was playful and lacked any true malice. She her crescent moon earrings glistened in the well lit room, her tall hairstyle adding to her already statuesque appearance. She then raised her hand, wiggling her fingers to Igni as she poked fun at him. The woman couldn't help but notice Tarin out of the corner of her eye, shooting him a subtle wink before returning her attention to her dear friend Kallista. \n\n\"Enjoying the pleasantries? Eliza surely went all out this year.\"\n\nMorticia's body language was relaxed, her hip popped out to the side and her expression smug and confident. After all her and Eliza have been business associates for years and often visited the manor to discuss future jobs with the countess.\n\n\"I'm sure the night will be Lively. Our hosts children are quite the ruckus\"" }, { "author": "Kallista \| Drakonrider", "message": "\"They are rather similar in design,\" She agreed, a smile momentarily coming across her face after he kissed her, placing a hand on his arm gently. His displays of affection, public or not, always brought her joy. There wasn't a doubt there wouldn't be food and drink. Most events such as these always provided such. \"There will definitely be food and drink.\" Igni's expression told her he was pleased to be here, as was she. It often was not common for them to attend such events. Kallista has been to a few, especially in her younger years, but now, not as often. \n\nShe glimpsed across the grand room, studying the faces of the guests to determine if she recognized anyone while waiting for the host to greet them. With the amount of guests piling in, surely there would be familiar faces. At her husband's next words, she followed his gaze to Tarin Vo. A familiar man, indeed. Not one she knew personally, and nor did Igni but his reputation was known well enough. Kallista didn't say a word, the corners of her mouth curving into a smirk at the cursed man's words. Dragon Horns was a fascinating way to put it. Unfortunately, they did look like the horns of a Dragon, even when that was not the impression she wanted to give off. \"I am as well, dear.\"\n\nKallista's stare seemed to burn into Tarin, her eyes judgmental and stern as he began to walk off until she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. Surprised by the touch at first, she turned to face Morticia, the jewelry on her horns swinging with the movement. \"Morticia. It's good to see you,\" She said, her expression softening. It was unexpected to see an old friend here, but a pleasant surprise indeed. \n\n\"Yes, the place looks lovely, and I would imagine so. I have yet to meet them,\" She said, glancing around at the crowd once more before asking. \"How have you been?\"" }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "Thyri mostly kept away from the larger group for the moment. She would likely be embarrassed by any nobles just from the way that she spoke. She knew that she had no fancy way of speaking, nor did she have the figure of a noble. Oh, how she wished she had worn some gloves to hide the scorch marks that were cast upon her hands from hours within the forge. \n\nThough her thoughts were soon dashed away as a lanky figure approached her. She could not deny the surprise that shot through her vision at the sudden words. Her eyes shot over his strange figure, Thyri had known that there would be some odd individuals at such a dance, but this was not what she had been expecting at all. However, she did not allow any of her immediate thoughts to be cast through her vision, instead allowing an uneasy smile to appear on her face as she was greeted. The sounds of the bones were horrific, a disgusting sound to many, but Thyri did her best to not react, unsure if this was an issue or not. As a hand was extended, Thyri recalled the words of one of the merchants on how to respond. Thyri allowed the tall individual to take hold of her hand, giving a small bow in response before she spoke.\n\n\"Oh! Greetings! It is a pleasure to meet ya. I am doing quite well! Though, it is rather cold, is it not?\" Despite her best efforts to remove her accent, there was sadly no luck. Even whilst she did her best to match the speaking tones and more noble speech. Even just by being near her, one was able to smell ash and the fire of a forge.\n.\n\n\"I am Thyri Sigtrygg. It is rather nice to meet ya, Pan.\" Even with her awkward stance, that did not mean that she was going to avoid pleasantries. It would be good to try and gain as many friends as she could, hoping to have such a crowd speaking about her forge and its wares would be an incredible feat. Though, for now she just needed to get into the area and begin speaking to people. With Pan seemingly taking the first step, it should be easy to sink into a conversation. She dealt with people all day and everyday, how difficult could it be to speak one on one with a person at such a party? Thyri truly had no clue what to expect from such a dance." }, { "author": "Leu Pandamonia", "message": "Leu was delighted when their hand was grabbed ahold of, shaking her hand firmly, though not too firmly to the extent of intimidation. As they shook hands, Leu's hand and arms seemed to wobble in some strange way. Perhaps it was an optical illusion but it looked as if their arm was moving in places that should theoretically be impossible. \n\nThey rescinded their hand, clasping it behind their back once more. They noticed the obvious countryside accent that the woman had, but that was not so uncommon amongst the rich. After all, many lords and ladies rule their estates in the countryside's, and just have their scribes do the reading for them. Leu cleared their throat with an audible 'Ahem' \n\n\"What a wonderful name! And yes, it is rather cold, but that's the charm of this sanguine estate, wouldn't you say?\" That morbid smile was still spread across their face, never relenting for even a moment. \n\n\"Tell me if you would, Thyri - I am not quite educated on the host of this party. Do you know anything about them?\"" }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "Tarin kept himself busy, wandering around large room while eyeing really anything worth looking at- which given his curious nature and inability to socialize was damn near everything. Even while Kallista gave him a long look, which he could feel the presence of, he stayed to himself. After some more meandering, sulking and utter lack of an idea what to do his eye caught the visage of a tall woman.\n\n\"Who in the fresh hell is that?\" He wondered to himself, his attention grabbed even further when a subtle wink was sent his way.\n\n\"Did she- mean to do that? Is something in her eye?\"\n\nHe turned his head around, looking behind him to see if there was a single soul there, that would make sense for her wink maybe she saw another friend- but when all he saw was the wall he turned back around, eyes wide with shock and utter confusion... And then the gears in his brain finally turned completely. She winked at Him.\n\n\"I must have truly lost my mind already.\" \n\nSuddenly, and without anything else causing this, he suddenly became Very Intrigued with the chandelier." } ]	248.5	1,746
240.928571	2024-02-06	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Kallista \| Drakonrider", "message": "After speaking to Morticia, Kallista found herself wondering where their host was. At this time, there were many guests. Surely, Eliza would present herself to the crowd soon. She looked about the room once more, the telepathic link of Vaenyx' voice soon coming into her head. \n\"It's too cold,\" He said, his tone one of boredom.\n\"I'm well aware. You can wait a few hours,\" She said, sternly, mentally rolling her eyes. Kallista could have sworn she heard him snort from here. \n\"I'm going to land. Let it be known when you need me.\"\n\"Stay out of sight,\" She replied, soon ignoring him if he were to reply as her gaze landed on someone else approaching. \n\nKallista turned her attention to the little man who walked up, tilting her head downward. She recognized him as the one who had greeted the guests at the door, and he also seemed to be one of Eliza's children based on the question asked. \n\n\"We are,\" She said with a curt nod. \"I'm Kallista. It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.\" The disguised Dragon dipped into a slight curtsy to be formal, her hand still gently placed on Igni's arm. She stared at Alistair, her eyes stern... And rather strange. There was something about them that was peculiar... Involving the use of magic even if it was not in effect. \n\n\"Are you enjoying the evening, so far, Alistair?\"" }, { "author": "Whisper of Aeterna", "message": "Music began to play through the room, a slow eerie waltz that was as unsettling as it was beautiful. All the guests turned towards the balcony, a few noblewoman gossiping to each other about what she will wear this year. Beautiful pale women began flooding the room, setting up tables with delicious food and offering drinks- Eliza's very own wine, the one responsible for her wealth." }, { "author": "Sabrina Tenebrian", "message": "One girl came up to Kallista and Igni, her aura was cold as if she wanted nothing more than to leave the room. She wore an all black shirt dress made of lace and ruffles with plenty of silver chains and pendants draped across her neck and fabrics. She girl stared at the couple and then shot her gaze to Alistair. \n\n\"Beverage?\"\n\nThe woman spoke in a monotone tone, not necessarily rude just quite interested. \n\nThough once Luciel began to speak she quickly adverted her gaze towards the balcony, her face lighting up with excitement" }, { "author": "Serana Tenebrian", "message": "Another woman approached Leu and Thyri, her aura was graceful and kind- accompanied by a soft smile. The woman wore a black lace veil that shrouded her face, her dress resembled that of a priestess of the divine despite its somber colored fabrics. The woman's hands were postured in front of her waist, a habit that she seemed to share with her mother. \n\nThe girl parted her lips to speak but was interrupted by the sound of her brother, turning her gaze to face the balcony after bowing her head to Leu and Thyri graciously." }, { "author": "Luciel Tenebrian", "message": "Luciel then revealed himself on the balcony of the room, clearing his throat before probing his neck with his wand. \n\n Everyone\"\n\nHis throat seemed to glow, the light emitted from the tip of the wand seemingly projecting his voice to an inhuman degree. \n\n Welcome your host, Lady Eliza\"" }, { "author": "Whisper of Aeterna", "message": "A tall beautiful pale woman then turned the corner, her elaborate attire on display for all the guests to see. She wore a sleeveless black and red dress with chains and beads that jingled with each step, her hair tied up into an elaborate updo that seemed to resemble a flower. In her hand was a crystal wine glass with silver bands across the handle and base. She was nothing short of a pale picture of elegance and grace." }, { "author": "Eliza Tenebrian", "message": "\"Oh, so pleased to have you all join me tonight in my beautiful home-\"\n\nAs she spoke she made her way towards the stairs leading down to the guests.\n\n\"I hope everyone has gotten well acquainted?\"\n\nHer voice was somehow crystal clear, as if she were speaking directly into each of the guests ears despite the loud music.\n\n\"Feel free to continue your Mingling. The dancing will begin soon!\"\n\nOnce she was at the base of the stairs she scanned the room and quickly spotted Thyri and Leu- she was surprised to see the two interact but smiled at the sight. She was worried the pair wouldn't attend, but was glad to see them enjoying themselves. Though her interest was enthralled at the sight of Morticia speaking to the horned woman- by the looks of it they were well acquainted. Though she smirked at the sight of Tarin, pointing her finger towards him with a modest smile on her face before approaching him.\n\n\"Oh if it isn't Tarin? I see you're enjoying yourself.\"\n\nEliza's eyes scanned him up and down, pleasantly surprised at his choice of outfit. \n\n\"My girls haven't been bothering you have they? Sabrina would just Eat you up If she saw you in that outfit.\" \n\nHer tone was genuine and playful, as if talking to a good friend of business associate. Though the pairs meeting was less than friendly, she had taken a strange liking to the man- it seemed her tall friend had as well." }, { "author": "Igni Grey", "message": "\"Listen, I don't do babysitting, I don't do kids, no I won't buy anything, no you can't touch my guns, no I don't want to tell you about monsters and there's no such thing as the Tooth Fairy, it's not real, it's a legend from an old Fae that would buy teeth and eat them.\" Igni said as the small man walked over to them, red eyes burning with...Humor? His tone was rude and gruff, but there was just a hint of smile on his lips. A trickster Fae born and perhaps never truly shifted from it. \n\nThen he was approached by Sabrina and he glared at the drink, sighing and shaking his head. \n\n\"Nah.\" \n\nKallista looked beautiful and he wanted to kiss on and hold her throughout the night, so he'd spent the last few days sobering up. The sweats were the worst of it, at least until the pain hit. Even now he could feel every cell in his body deteriorating and healing again, as his strange genetic makeup tried to destroy itself. Soon enough it would. \n\n\"I don-\" Then Eliza entered and he chuckled darkly. A pureblood vampire, descendant of Abbadon. Part of him wanted to rip her pretty head off her shoulders, but then, they worked with Eliza because she too hated him. She was one of the rare purebloods not under his control and strong to boot- but if she ever slipped over to his side... Well, they'd handle that when it came to it. \n\n\"So, she's met the Mage Slayer. Interesting...\" He said, using his mindflayer abilities to telepathically speak into Kallistas mind to not be overheard." }, { "author": "Alistair Vandruger", "message": "\"*I'm a fully grown adult and I'm Miss Eliza's kid. Find the stick and remove it, I was just saying hi.\" Alistair said with an innocent smile that contrasted with his manner of speaking and the excitement his eyes harbored. It only took a split second for him to look towards Kallista after his reply to Igni, still holding that innocent smile. \n\n\"Yes fine thank you, it's nice to meet you... Bye!\"\n\nNot waisting a drop of time once Alistair was done looking at Igni and Kallista he gave a quick goodbye before vanishing and reappearing at the top of the stairs besides Luciel. He stood beside his older brother and peered down at the guests with wonder in his eyes, truly a mixture of extremely different people- what fun." }, { "author": "Tarin Vo", "message": "Continuing to keep to himself Tarin found his drive to \"Try and do better\" Slowly becoming lesser and lesser as he'd made his way around the room and looked at everything on the walls thrice over already. Sure he could have mingled, sure he could have socialized- but why? He's already gotten dirty looks from a dragon lady and her hybrid husband and he's never even met them before. He doesn't want to talk to whoever the weird looking jester is and the other woman is already having to deal with that- he knows it's probably best to not talk to any of Eliza' kids during this whole ordeal so maybe...\n\n\"I should just leave, this was a stupid idea anyway.\"\n\nTarin grimaced as he scolded himself for thinking he could hope to change how the world views him, how people feel towards him. But, as he was nearly to the door, Eliza made her introduction. Turning around to see the spectacle the cursed man crossed his arms, his way of feeling a little safer despite the circumstances, and as Eliza pointed at him and began to approach he suddenly felt like daggers were poised at his throat.\n\n\"Uh-\" Lost for words at the moment he was somewhat glad Eliza kept talking so he had time to think of anything to say. \"No, I haven't spoken with anyone since I got here. And that's... Harrowing, but it makes sense. I'm not used to this sort of thing, especially an outfit that's for looks and not comfort or pragmatism.\"\n\nRealizing he was speaking casually to Eliza, the woman he fought only a short while ago, while on a mission to kill her very own daughter the cursed man quickly and sharply bowed his head.\n\n\"Excuse me.\" Turning around the \"Mage-slayer\" Pulled the door open and walked outside at a brisk pace, standing a few feet away from the estate in the shadows of the trees- breathing, just breathing, eyes fixed on nothing but the void." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As Tarin opened the door to the manor, peering into the void. A figure began to come to his view, stumping her way onto the front as she'd walk her way up the manor along the beautifully decorated path of silver and gold. A woman dressed in a snow covered priestess grab and a torn veil over her head, her blue hair peeking out in a messy manner. The woman darted past Tarin, politely running past him into the manor. Her staff strapped to her back, as she'd desperately seek out some warmth. Her nose was red and the ends of her ears shared that crimson, the nun forced a smile to the man as she'd try not too look like a begger.\n\n```\"P- p- Pardon m- me, I have a- an invitation, I j- just lost it in the sn- snow. I just to warm up a little ju- just a bit.\"```\n\nThe devotee said in a shaky voice as she'd rub her hands together, snow could be seen in her brows and hair. Her garbs were that of a simple nun, without the addition of fur or extra layers to help with the cold. Almonde had just survived a carriage crash, was abandoned by her driver and hiked her way up the mountain. The devotee had a long evening, and a mission to gather information on the vampires of this manor on behalf of the church of Calisto. But so far, she'd have a very rough start.\n\n```\"Any- anyways, I think you look very sharp and healthy. Sir. May the Mother of Health bless y- you.\"```\n\nAlmonde pasted the unknown man, unaware that he was the same man who nearly killed her demigod patient. Walking into the manor, her head began to scan for a fire. Trying her best to stay away from the center of the room, to not cause a scene. She was already not wearing appropriate clothes for a fine event like this, the devotee began to brush off the snow off her. Her blue eyes glancing at the many faces of the ball, none of the faces were familiar so there was little comfort in that.\n\n```\"Such a fine manor... Such a position of power for a creature of hunger... Hmm.\"```" }, { "author": "Kallista \| Drakonrider", "message": "Kallista suppressed a smirk in response to Igni's words to Alistair, as it was amusing. It was quite easy for the little man to be misjudged due to his height. The look on Igni's face told her he thought it was amusing, as well. Kallista quickly noticed the change in the room, with the music and the women that entered the room, responsible for setting up in the background. \n\n\"Glad to hear it. Goodbye,\" She said promptly to Alistair before he disappeared. Kallista quickly shifted her focus to the girl who approached her and Igni. She narrowed her eyes, taking note of her cold aura rather quickly. At the offer, she slowly shook her head. \"No, thank you,\" She said, as politely as she could. It wasn't the wisest thing to take a drink offered in a place like this, even if she were prepared for it. Perhaps later. \n\nUpon hearing a loud voice upon the balcony, she quickly turned her attention to Luciel, presuming this would be the grand entrance of their host. It was quite the entrance, and her choice of attire was... Quite stunning. She gazed at Eliza momentarily, interested, before spotting her interact with Tarin. Fascinating. Kallista watched the two interact from a distance. It would seem her husband had the same fascination. \n\n\"It would seem so. Our host seems to know many,\"* She replied in turn, projecting her voice back through his head. Her connection with Vaenyx helped with the telepathic link, as she did not have mindflayer abilities. \"The amount of vampires here is... Concerning.\" It was to be expected, as this was a Vampire Ball after all, but there were still more than expected. Kallista was rather paranoid about Vampires other than Igni, as they could smell and identify the blood of others. Her identity was something best not given away. \n\nKallista noticed Tarin make his way back to the entrance, and a new guest seemed to appear. A priestess from the look of it. Interesting. Now, she was staring at Almonde, an unsettling gaze but one of interest." }, { "author": "Sister Almonde", "message": "As the inner warmth of the manor become her sanctuary of safety from the cruel weather outside. She's quickly understand that safety wasn't confirmed here, after all there were vampires about. There was a chance that she'd lose her blood or that a dashing vampire would attempt to bewitch her with their unholy charms. But, she was surprised to see none vampires guests like herself. Scanning the crowd, her eyes locked with that of Kallista. Unsure if it was hostile or welcoming, but from her looks, she wasn't a vampire at least. So many characters stood up in their grand dresses and garb, vanity was definitely a virtue in this event. She had to admit that the slaves of hunger and darkness certainly had great taste in music. A gently wave and a nervous smile was given to Kallista's General direction.\n\nShe'd tidy herself up and attempted to recover what vanity that she could. Making her way closer to center and the fine food." }, { "author": "Leu Pandamonia", "message": "So, the woman was running practically an orphanage! What an interesting host! Leu looked at the woman in the dark fabrics who had approached they and Thryi with curiosity. This ball had quite some interesting fellows attending it. Oh how fun this would prove to be! Leu's already inhuman grin seemed to expand a little more, as they were now literally grinning ear to ear. Leu looked at the two, an idea had popped into their head. But it would have to wait for now. Instead, they turned their attention to the woman in the dark fabrics, perhaps she was a resident of the manor?\n\n\"And who might you be, my good fellow?\" Leu's very body seemed to sway a little, unnaturally so, as if they were a tree swaying in the wind. Despite this however, and their inexplicably strange appearance, they pretended as if nothing unusual was happening." } ]	194.5	3,373
538.333333	2024-04-05	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "One would be hard-pressed to find a home in the Eternal City that screamed \"Stay away\" More than the grand home of the Wilted Rose. A small castle in the gothic style, it was bordered by a tall black wrought iron fence, and on the Outside Of the fence, growing on it and winding over the large gate, were unusual rose bushes. With colors ranging from red, to pink, to white, the flowers themselves looked like any typical rose. But the dark green leaves were nearly black and vines grew throughout the bushes, sticking out prominently, with large sharp thorns. Just inside the gate, tucked out of sight to avoid unnecessary visits from the authorities, was a simple undead who acted as gatekeeper. \n\nThe reception at this home was rather unpleasant for the average person, as Adelaide preferred to just use ritual circles to keep a staff of undead rather than bringing any actual living breathing people into her home. Skeletons, zombies, reaper spirits, and one lich butler comprised her household staff, and they did an exceptional job. She would accept no less. The skeletons weren't always reliable or useful, but they were incredibly stupid, so she didn't expect much from them to begin with. Undead buzzed with work around the home, dusting, cooking, and completing various chores. The castle was decorated in an expensive but simple style, filled with things that spoke quietly of luxury.\n\nA set of black double doors to a room in the center of the building were firmly shut. Intricate carvings ran all over the doors, mostly decorative scrollwork, but also runic engravings that currently pulsed with a dark purple glow. This meant the Bane of Souls was meeting with her dark lords, and the doors were magically locked. She was not to be disturbed in this situation. The butler stood, like a statue, near the doors, awaiting his mistress' commands, as she was often in a foul mood after such meetings; well, more foul than was normal. She'd been in there for nearly two hours, when such meetings generally only took one at the most. \n\nSoon the doors burst open, the glow of runes fading, and Adelaide strode out before turning and slamming the doors shut with a huff. Turning around, she seemed at first glance to be mildly annoyed but mostly collected. However, one who knew her well could tell by her tense body language and a slight sheen of sweat that she was incredibly angry, maybe even a little worried. The twitching of her left brow and eye were signs that the two pained her, which wasn't uncommon after meeting with the demons. Her blue-green eyes slid over to a vase on a nearby table, the roses there beginning to wilt. She walked over, picking one up and wrapping her slender fingers around the stem, squeezing despite the way the thorns punctured her hand.. Speaking to the butler but not deigning to look at him, she commanded tersely, \"Go get more fresh roses.\" When she didn't hear the shuffling of feet, she turned with an icy glare and equally frosty tone, *\"Now.\"* Turning back to the rose, she regarded it with furrowed brows, her left eye glowing purple as the rose wilted into nothing." }, { "author": "Alexander Hendrix", "message": "Sweat dripped from his body and brow, his rough and calloused hands bleeding slightly as his grip was like iron around the hilt of his massive sword. His weapon of both gift and choice, which he handled as if it was a mere plaything, was nearly as tall as he was. It's heft unbearable to all others, a weapon of devastation so pure in its reason for existence that to call it a sword was nearly a sin. His weapon was far too large to rightfully be called a sword. It is larger, thicker, heavier and cruder than any normal blade. By all accounts it was no more than a hulking mass of iron. Iron he swung in repetition, a ritual of training he'd done everyday since he was 6 years old. Two hundred swings, everyday.\n\nNormally the brute of a man would do this while Adelaide read or watched from a chair, catered to by her undead house staff, yet this time he practiced alone while his love was speaking with her dark lords. He hated every second she was in there, his anger growing more and more as the minutes passed by, only serving to fuel his own strength which allowed him to swing his sword at full strength until his deed was done. Right as the doors within the manor flew open did Alexander swing his last, the rush of wind from his final act throwing rose petals around him in a quick puff of air.\n\nTurning and hefting his sword onto his shoulder he took a towel held within the bony fingers of a skeleton, wiped his face off and set it back in its place. With a small nod of thanks, even if the skeleton didn't understand what he was doing, the undead knight walked into the house and headed to see her.\n\nHe caught a glimpse of her fiery red hair, his body and mind instantly feeling a sense of calmness even at a glance. As he approached, silent despite he and his weapons size, and after seeing the tell tale signs of her frustration via her body language he knew what to do. Carefully he set his sword on a weapons rack, his black armor sitting just beside it, and with careful steps the brute found himself behind Adelaide.\n\n\"*Addie...\" His voice cool and calm like a summer breeze. He stood behind her, his arms moving around her until his hands gently placed over her own. \"Blood doesn't help roses grow... I think.\"\n\nHe could tell she was angry, it's never really too hard to tell, but he knew that this was an occasion of much frustration- more so than normal anyway.\n\n\"Care to tell me what's on your mind while I bandage up your hand?\"" }, { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "Alexander's cool voice was like water on her fires, but this one burned with a rage that was always with her, in some capacity. Getting dressed down by those damned demons was bad enough. But at times they found it prudent to do more. And when she had the meeting room built, she put a ward of silence on it for a very specific reason; she knew if Lex heard her screams, he wouldn't leave it alone, and then they'd both be done for. The sending stone that was now her left eye gave the demons a perfect torture device when ever they wanted one; today had been particularly painful, and her brow twitched again at the thought, the purple scar shifting with the movement each time. She huffed a laugh, relaxing somewhat with his touch. Her voice carried the edge of her anger, a very little playfulness in it, \"The thorn bushes might like blood. They're... Somewhat carnivorous.\"* \n\nTurning around and allowing him to tend her hand, it stirred that old, familiar rage. She was particularly upset not because of the news itself–though that was annoying–but because she blamed for herself for it. She had never been particularly kind with herself; that was reserved for her family and Alexander. But knowing she was putting him in even the slightest of danger because of her own decision-making filled her with self-loathing. It felt different in battle–then, he was her love still, but more so a tool. Her favorite, her most valued and treasured, but still a tool. She supposed she had to separate it that way in her mind or she wouldn't be able to utilize him to both their full potentials. It remained a complicated web for her to try to untangle, this mess she'd gotten them in of being beholden to forces outside their control. Watching her protector tend her wounds, she wished it was as easy to fix the wounds on her heart." } ]	548	1,615
454	2024-04-06	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "With a sound between a whine and a growl, she explained, \" *Apparently* We haven't been sending them enough souls lately.\" She spat her words with all her venom, \"They're very unhappy and expect more, much more, of us.\" She sighed deeply, brows furrowing and her tone returning to merely irritated, \"My habit of taking the highest paying jobs is biting us in the ass. I didn't even think about the lack of killing... But we have to fix it. *Soon* .\" Demons weren't known for being particularly patient. She put a hand over her scarred eye, rubbing softly, the other seaglass eye searching Alexander's face. She would never regret bringing him back, same as she would never regret whatever had to be done to keep them both safe. She'd thrown away a life of respect and prestige for him, and considered it more than worth it. All she'd ever done was learn how to make money and master her magics; he'd given her the world, broken her out of her icy solitude. \n\nDropping her hand from her eye, she placed it on his arm, brows furrowed in thought. \"What kinds of jobs have you heard about lately? Or seen posted? We've been banned from the mercenary's guild, but someone will talk to us.\" She hummed as she continued to think out loud, \"And of course Ragnar is always well-connected. He can be our emergency strategy if all else fails. He'll have something.\" She tried to muster a ghost of a smile as she attempted to ignore the pounding in her skull." }, { "author": "Alexander Hendrix", "message": "\"*Just like you aye?\" The brute said with a playful tone to his voice, trying to help simmer the fire of Adelaide- perhaps even turn it towards him, that always seems to work. As she turned around be tore a small piece of cloth from his shirt, tattered and worn as it was from his less than careful training from earlier, and began to bandage her hand with care surprising for one of his size and stature.\n\n\"Ah, the coffers aren't as full as they'd like.\" His words warm as honey despite his betters half venomous tone. \"We'll find a way Addie, we always do.\" With those words he looked up at her, his own dark silver eyes cool compared to the fire of the necromancers gaze. Determination filled his own as it always did, the powerful stubbornness that always persisted with him.\n\nEven as Adelaide moved her hand up to massage her scarred eye while her other searched his face all she could find with a small smile and eyes filled with a righteous determination. He was always so gentle when the was caring for her, or even simply alone with or near her, she brought out a side of him that seemed unblemished and unstained by the past he relived endlessly in his nightmares.\n\n\"Well, as luck would have it, I have the perfect job lined up. Twenty gold a head, a band of knights guarding a small fort on the outskirts of Velaris has angered a very wealthy noble... Plenty of souls and money to be made.\" Alexander chuckled when the ghost of a smile appeared on Addie's face, he knew she wasn't well after what happened, she never was- however he refused to let that stop him from caring for her.\n\n\"I'll do some recon and you get some rest, yeah?\"" }, { "author": "Adelaide Moreau", "message": "Adelaide only rolled her eyes and barked a laugh at his remark. She couldn't entirely argue. She'd do almost anything if it got her what she wanted. She'd killed far more people than she could count, cheated, stolen, lied, and betrayed those that were her supposed allies. All of it for her and those she loved. She was shocked it hadn't happened yet, but she feared the day her family got dragged into the chaos she had begun. Perhaps the demons would leave them alone, knowing they had her by throat with Alexander alone. \n\nLooking back into his cool eyes, his honeyed voice settling into her, she relaxed a little. She still felt irritated with herself but not to the same extent. It just fueled her resolve to do better, push harder, accomplish more; the rage slowly turned into a grim stubbornness. It was her job to keep track of these things, but she had gotten distracted by money once again. Her seemingly cool eyes mirrored the determination of his own, and she knew he could always see the warmth beneath that thin layer of ice. It was reserved solely for him, and him alone. Her draw to money was nearly as old as she was, and it was a hard habit for her to break. Finally having a chance to live a life of means, she didn't intend for herself or anyone she cared for to ever be destitute again. She would always work to the bone to prevent it.\n\nThe necromancer struggled responding to his encouragement, trying to manage a tone that conveyed the worry she felt, but it still just came out sounding annoyed, \"I* *Know* We do. But I don't like taking chances. I don't like any bill I owe being late. It's unsettling.\" She remembered times in her childhood when the cronies of nobles would come knocking, looking for overdue taxes that they still weren't able to pay. Those men would take anything of value they could find or rough you up if there was nothing to take. She wouldn't suffer such humiliation again. She would protect what was hers, including her people. She and Alexander had Been Those men, on some occasions, when they took such jobs. But again it was her faulty compass, and how she would do anything, even the very things she hated and feared, for those she held dear. \n\nNodding, Adelaide felt relieved and thankful; she really couldn't ask for a better companion, a better partner, than Alexander. At times it was like he anticipated her needs before she even knew what they were. \"That sounds perfect,\" She purred with satisfaction. An excellent opportunity to work off the anger of this meeting. At his next suggestion however, her brows furrowed, and though she felt the ache throbbing behind her eye, it didn't diminish her disapproval one bit. \"Absolutely not.\" The hand that had just been gently placed on his arm squeezed with a vice grip, as if it would stop him from leaving or taking any action. She knew very well he could overpower her in an instant; but she also knew he would listen to her. \"I don't need rest. I need to fight.\" Her voice was desperate and strained. Her unspoken desire was written easily enough on her face, as she couldn't hide anything from him. Please don't leave me here alone." }, { "author": "Alexander Hendrix", "message": "Her laugh always made him smile, even at times when it had been at his expense, her laugh always felt good to hear. She didn't laugh often, not as much as he wished he did, so whenever the time came he hold onto every second.\n\nHe knew her sounding annoyed was not intentional, not in a rude way anyhow, it was just how Addie is and he knows that. Thus, he doesn't skip a beat. \n\n\"*I know, I know. We won't take any chances, and if anything I know some people who can get us some work... Less pay, but plentiful souls.\" He always had a plan, even if Adelaide is considered the smarter of the two, Alexander always has a way out. He's always been like that; it was a strategy hard wired into his mind, to always have a way out. Be that in a fight, in a building or in a sticky situation like theirs, he was never without a plan.\n\n\"Good, then I'll get my-\" Her grip tightened on his arm- it always made him laugh a little at how feisty she is despite his size. She knew well and good he'd never do anything to hurt her, much less break away from her touch. He knew that her disapproval was not out of doubt in his abilities, never that. His eyes met hers and he smiled at her last words, he could see it plain as day, even if to others she was unreadable.\n\nHis free arm moved, a hand gently placed on the one gripping his arm. \"I wouldn't have it any other way.*\" His smile turned into a small smirk, a little inclination as to his excitement to get into a fight- but a fight by her side as well. He always loved battle, damn good at it too, but when she was crossing swords steps away from him the fire in his heart burned all the hotter for it." } ]	388.5	1,816
424.181818	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Amunet wasn't sure how the time had flown so quickly. It felt like just yesterday her son was taking his first steps, and now he was well on his way to being a young man, ready to start at Gaean College at age 14. She gave herself the grace, though, that she was always busy, not getting to spend every second of every day with him. And in the last 4 years, she'd ended the only real relationship she ever had as well as her father passing away. So now that she slowed down a moment to think about it, That Was where the time had gone...\n\nWanting to do something special to celebrate Sassan and the beginning of his higher education, she offered to throw a gathering at their family home in Thebamar City, inviting his friends and her acquaintances for a night of dancing, feasting, and drinking. She had no real close friends to speak of but had innumerable connections and allies that she worked like clay to help the people of the Empire. From the outside, it might look like she had a fun life, traveling all over and attending fancy parties. But for her, they were just work. The people she was with would never know that, she was able to make each one feel important and special; it was her gift, quite literally, from the gods.\n\nThe party was in full swing, her desert manor crawling with people from all over, loud with conversation and music. Sassan managed to find her alone for a moment, pulling her to the side, speaking tersely, \"You didn't invite him, did you?\" His frustrated, accusatory gaze said who he meant; Kairos.\n\n\"No, darling. We haven't spoken in years, it wouldn't make sense. Besides, we don't know if he wants to see us or not.\" She had to work hard to keep the strain off her face and out of her voice; of course he'd ambush her like this.\n\nShaking his head, hands fists at his sides, he said through gritted teeth, \"I'm sick of this! You know him better than that–or you Used To. You Know He'd want to be here, he always supported me!\" Saving his best venom for last, he spat as he walked away, \"He was there for me more than you've been lately!\"\n\nWith a bit of regret, she realized he was more like her than she wanted him to be; not that the alternative was much better, his father had been a terrible man, but... She pushed it aside in her mind. This wasn't the time to deal with this. Swallowing back her tears, she scanned the room, light blue eyes landing on a familiar face she hadn't seen in a while. She'd stayed away from Velaris to avoid her former lover, which meant her connections there were in need of some care. Making her way over to the count, she approached him with a dazzling smile and took one hand softly in greeting, \"Lord Nerijor, so happy to see you again! Thank you for coming to celebrate my son with me.\" She let his hand go, her voice seemingly bright and happy though she felt anything but, \"I apologize for not making it to see you sooner; business has had me elsewhere. Tell me, what news of the Elven lands? How are your people?\" She still had a vested interest in helping the people of Velaris thrive, as they were such close neighbors; Kairos couldn't manage it all by himself." }, { "author": "Tyril nerijor", "message": "Tyril had arrived at the soirée thrown by the beautiful and lovely amunet. He had known her for some time now after he had met her a few years back. The two were close but not close enough to be considered as friends. Tyril had a few shares of his friends yes but she wasn't amongst them. She was more of an acquaintance to him. An ally if one would. In this day and age one needed many allies. And tyril had set out to have allies which he believed would be helpful not just for him but for his goals. Which was why he made allies with those that were the closest to his goals both within and out of his region. That was something he constantly did and thus him and amunet had become allies. \n\n\nHe had been invited here today to apparently celebrate the success of her son successfully getting into a prestigious college. He was more than happy to come here to celebrate and had brought some gifts along with him in a show of good faith and in the spirit of celebration. The man had been here for some time but he hadn't spotted her or her son there yet. He had met a couple other people who he exchanged pleasantries with. \n\n\nEventually he spotted the elustrious host making her way towards him. He smiled at her for a moment and nodded his head at her before she took his hand. He had no idea about her personal life or any of her problems yet. Which was why he was completely oblivious to what happened just before.\n\n\nHearing her words he smiled and nodded at her. \"Of course I am happy to be here. Congratulations to your son. I hope both of you are in great health. My people are doing well for the most part. Regardless of everything my homeland continues to thrive.\" He said before stopping. \"You don't have to apologise my lady. I understand you are a busy woman. \"" }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "The Champion of Elira was quick to note which things in his words to prod more to get to what she wanted to know. \"Thank you so much!\" She gave a slight nod of her head. \"'For the most part' and 'regardless of everything' makes it sound like there are some troubles. Not that I wish to pry, I would just love to lend my aid to an old friend, if you're in need of it. How can I help you?\" She wasn't exactly excited to go the Elven lands, but if people needed help, she wouldn't say no for her own selfish reasons. Plus she wanted to be sure to take good care of Tyril as an ally. Neglect someone too long, and they tended to be less open or helpful upon next meeting.\n\nPutting a hand very lightly to the small of his back and gesturing forward with the other, she led him away to a veranda nearby right next to her small garden; a somewhat quieter place for them to catch up. She took one of two cushy outdoor chairs with an excellent view of her collection of plants. Looking out at the garden as Tyril took his seat, she tried to push away all the memories it held. Meeting the elf's eyes again, she spoke in honeyed tones with a friendly smile, \"Also don't forget, while I care a great deal for the people of the Empire, it isn't just them I tend to. As a champion of the Rhakotian goddess of beauty *And* Nature, I am also a protector of the wilds. Any issues in that regard, I can also lend my aid to.\" She laughed softly, a tinkling sound, \"Though, I am no druid. My druidcraft is... Sparse at best. But I will help however I can.\" Her garden was a testament to her love of nature, lush and well-tended. It was partly due to her magic but also the skill of expert gardeners." }, { "author": "Tyril nerijor", "message": "Tyril looked into her eyes for a moment and nodded his head at her words. \"You're welcome. And thank you for your offering your assistance but rest assured everything is good now for the most part. Just some problems with bandits and some tension at the borders have made things a little tense. But nothing we can't handle at the moment. You know if I need your help I will come to you immediately you can rest assured. \" He responded to her with a warm smile. Of course he would be a fool to actually turn down the help from a champion. Someone who had been chosen by the gods. It was natural for anyone to want her help because of her abilities. But he didn't think things were at that stage yet. \n\n\n\nHe then let her lead him towards the veranda. Once there he sat down next to her and looked into her eyes for a moment before smiling softly at her. It was nice being at the varenda. He enjoyed the cool air that swirled around him and ruffled his hair. He listened to her words before chuckling softly at her. \"How could I ever forget. I haven't but you can be rest assured that it's not something you have to worry about. I promise if I need your help I will rush to you first thing. \"" }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "With a nod and gracious smile, she spoke warmly, \"I see, rather common issues the guard are plenty capable of handling.\" She had to admit a mild feeling of disappointment; a more reckless part of her Wanted To go to Velaris, though she was unlikely to give in to that part. Yet, she couldn't help asking, looking out at the garden trying to act nonchalant but failing, \"Any news of the Tidecaller? Kairos Ordo, I mean. As a demigod *From* Velaris, he's typically quicker help than me. I haven't spoken to him in some time.\" Her voice faltered a little and she cleared her throat, trying to cover it, \"I've just wondered how he's doing.\"\n\nShe and Kairos didn't hide their past relationship. They'd been out in Luminia City some together, sometimes even with Sassan in tow. They certainly were all seen together often here in her home city. So it wasn't precisely a secret. Though a few years ago, people had typically stopped asking her how he was, both due to her reaction and not seeing them together anymore. She wasn't confident Tyril would've heard anything about him; he tended to stay alone at his cabin if he wasn't away from home. But she found she couldn't resist asking.\n\nThinking she remembered Tyril to be an avid reader, she also asked, \"What have you been reading lately? I'd love some recommendations, I'm nearly done with my current one. It's fascinating, a history of great swordsman of the Empire.\" Reading was one of her few pastimes, and she lit up again talking about it." }, { "author": "Tyril nerijor", "message": "Tyril nodded gently at her words and smiled softly at her. He could tell that there was a little disappointment in her words regardless of what she said. Perhaps because she wanted to visit velaris for some reason but needed another reason to do so. He thought to himself for some time before clearing his throat to look at her for a moment. \"You know you could always come to visit velaris if you want. I would be happy to host you. In fact I would love to invite you over one of these days. \" He responded to her for a moment. \n\n\n\nAfter hearing her next words he couldn't help but raise his brows at her for a moment. But he had a strong feeling as to why she asked him about the tidecaller right then and there. Judging by the way she was acting and speaking it was kinda obvious. The man couldn't help but smile softly to himself for a moment before speaking to her. \"I haven't spoken to him in some time as well. But last I heard he is doing good so there's that. You know he is. Always preferring to stay away on his own. \" He finally responded to her. \n\n\nTyril much like everyone else had known about thete being something together between them. It was obvious and everyone and their mother knew that. But from what he could tell they weren't together anymore although it wasn't his place to know why exactly. \n\n\nEventually he looked into her eyes again as he heard her next words. The man bit his lower lip before clearing his throat at her. \"Well I have been reading on the history of the gods and the demi gods lately. It's a really good read. I can send have it sent to you once I am done reading. \"" }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "The Wind Dancer pondered the count's offer for a moment. She had, apparently, been neglecting Sassan without intending to, so she was loathe to leave again until he was well-settled in school. But once he was, maybe it wasn't a terrible idea to take a trip to Velaris. She had more connections than just Tyril to revivify there, and her visits had been sparse, at best, in the last four years. Her network was as useful a weapon in her arsenal as her scimitars were, and she was worrying that she had let it get rusty, so to speak. With a warm smile, she nodded at the other noble, \"I might very well take you up on that, in a month or so, if you truly mean it.\" The light in her eyes didn't waver, for she was as much a lover of nature as she was of reading, \"It's been too long since I laid eyes on those gorgeous forests; it's time. Plus, my blacksmith in the Capitol tells me her brother has a fine jewelry shop in Velaris,\" She began twisting one of the many bangles on her arm, \"And I do So Love my jewelry.\"\n\nThough it didn't show on her face, Amunet was a little miffed at his raised brows; mostly because it was proof of her slip-up, and that really irritated her. These things were happening too often, and she didn't want to admit it but she was becoming all too aware of what the best solution would be. With her cool composure back in place, she nodded and said with a small smile, \"Of course, I should've known.\"\n\nThe baroness inclined her head in interest, \"Yes, I'd love to see it! I'd be a rather terrible representative of the gods if I had no interest in that. I've read different versions and different authors from various places across the Empire; it will be interesting to see how this one compares.\" Thinking on the subject brought up a question that she thought Tyril might find interesting to discuss. \"I wonder sometimes if the gods struggle, like we mortals in power do, to balance it all. Since they're so all-powerful, perhaps some issues are easier for them to deal with, but still, surely they must care for themselves in some capacity, as we do.\" She leaned forward, almost conspiratorially, and asked quietly, \"I'm curious what you think... Which is more important to tend to for someone in power: duty to oneself or duty to others?\" Leaning back, she shrugged slightly, \"I used to think I knew. Duty to others seemed like the obvious answer; but perhaps that's a more Rhakotian way of thinking not everyone shares, or maybe it's just me.\" Her light blue eyes watched him with sharp curiosity as she awaited his thoughts." }, { "author": "Tyril nerijor", "message": "Tyril stayed silent for a moment both of the lost in their thoughts. He looked off into the distance watching over the garden silently. He didn't say anything until she spoke again. The male turned his attention towards her again and listened to her words. He couldn't help but smile softly at her for a moment as he nodded his head at her. \"Of course I truly do mean it. I suppose I shall see you again in a month or two. \" He responded to her. At her next words he nodded as he could understand fully what she meant. Much like her he too was a big fan of the nature as well and loved being in the forests. \n\n\nHe then went silent again pondering over her words. Tyril wasn't an expert when it came to romance as he hadn't been with someone for some time. But he suppose that in a way he could understand her and her hesitations. Still it wasn't his place and he would very much like to not to dwell on it anymore. Seeing her excitement about the book he couldn't help but smile softly at her. He was glad to see such excitement in her. \"I am really happy to hear you say that. I am certain you are going to enjoy it. \" He said before falling silent again. \n\n\n\nHe then stayed silent and pondered about her question and about her words. Those were some heavy set words for certain and her question definitely gave him something to think about. The man stayed silent for a long time not uttering a word before he finally responded to her. \"I am not really the best person to ask about the struggles of gods or even if they do. But to answer your question I say the first and most important priority must be the duty to others. Especially if you have that much power to hold. And your thinking just tells me you are a good person and has nothing to do with where you are from. People from the same place as you may have completely different thoughts. But I will also add that sometimes you must take care of yourself. You can't possibly be asked to fulfill a duty to others while completely ignoring\n\nYourself and letting yourself go astray. \" He responded before falling silent again. \"Hopefully that makes sense. \"" }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Smiling radiantly at him, she agreed, \"It's probably obvious I'm quite passionate about the gods... While Elira, of course, is my chosen goddess and patroness, I find all the pantheons and their deities quite interesting.\" She looked thoughtful for a moment, \"The demigods, I'll admit, I know somewhat less about. I've read a lot about the Age of Demigods, but which ones have survived and what their domains are, I don't know; other than Kairos and Pride. I don't think any warrior of Aeterna doesn't know Pride, our guide in the darkness of war.\" Her expression was curious, \"Perhaps your book can teach me more in this area in which I lack, which would be most appreciated.\"\n\nHer eyes scanned the crowd further into the house for a moment, as she waited for Tyril to speak. She'd been so busy focusing on making sure she spoke to everyone that she hadn't had a chance to dance yet, and the music called to her like a siren song. Turning back to him, her expression more neutral, she nodded solemnly, \"Being a favorite of the gods doesn't necessarily mean one understands them any better; any of us can only guess.\" Her sky blue eyes flitted to what she could see of heads bobbing up and down on the dance floor before quickly returning to him, \"I quite agree about duty to others being first; otherwise I worry our society might collapse, if we were all too selfish. But,\" She gestured gracefully with her hands, \"When one has much power And Much responsibility, where then is there room for the self?\" Her elegant brows were furrowed, \"This is where I keep getting stuck, and no tome of religion or philosophy has seemed to have a good answer yet.\"\n\nGently waving her hands outward as if to dismiss the words, with a playful smile, she stood, \"But I don't intend to keep you to myself all night. That Would be selfish. Would you care for a dance or two, before we part?\"** Her joy was quite clear; dance was her one true passion in life." }, { "author": "Tyril nerijor", "message": "Tyril smiled softly at her words and looked into her eyes for a moment. He couldn't help but feel happy at her words and her interest. He had read through the book and had a feeling that the book would be good for her. Frankly he had a strong feeling that she would get everything she wanted from it. Because he had read it a couple of times already and it seemed just up her alley. \n\n\n\nHe then took a glance at the sky. He could tell that it was starting to get late and he would have to leave soon. But right now he was much more focused on their conversation. He turned his attention towards her for a moment as he listened to her words before nodding his head at her. She brought up a good bargain that he knew for certain. And her words definitely had truth to them. \"My father always told me balance is important. You must help others but you must also make time for yourself too. Although these days achieving balance is more and more difficult. \" He said before letting out a deep sigh. \n\n\nAt her next words he raised his brows at her for a moment before smiling softly at her. With a nod he stood up and gently took her hand in his. \"It would be my utmost honour to get to dance with you my lady. \" He responded cordially." }, { "author": "Amunet Hassan, Champion of Elira", "message": "Though she only nodded in agreement to Tyril's words, they stuck with her. The necessity was clear enough on paper. But it was indeed getting more and more difficult. At least for her. She thought she'd set herself up well, had enough things to both keep her busy but help her relax, and she certainly had a lovely family to spend time with. The ache in her heart spoke of those missing, but she tried to ignore it. She felt she had no good reason to struggle so, yet she was struggling more and more with each passing year to feel like she could balance it all. Pushing away these troubled thoughts, she took the count's hand with a big smile, letting him lead her to the nearby dancefloor.\n\nThe next song up was a currently popular waltz, a quickly paced song with graceful steps. Amunet found she was able to get lost in the moment briefly since Tyril, as most nobles were, was quite a skilled dancer and good partner. It wasn't hard to encourage him to do one more dance, another peppy number. She had asked for just one more before she realized it was a very slow, romantic song. She kept her word, however, focusing more on the steps and her joy at catching up with an old friend rather than the last time she'd danced a song like this, so close to someone who as now so far away.\n\nAmunet said warm goodbyes to the count after the third dance, making plans to visit him in two months, at most. The champion continued to make her rounds at the party, happy to have more distraction to keep stuffing down the things she didn't want to deal with right now." } ]	386	4,666
687.846154	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "As the first rays of dawn kissed the horizon, Bicco emerged from the comfort of his farmhouse, a sense of purpose guiding his every movement. With weathered hands, he fastened the straps of his leather boots and donned a wide-brimmed hat to shield himself from the sun's relentless gaze. The air was crisp with the promise of a new day, carrying with it the earthy scent of dew-kissed grass and the faint whispers of magic that lingered in the air.\n\nMaking his way to the fields that stretched out before him, Bicco breathed in the beauty of his farm, a patchwork quilt of vibrant greens and golds that danced in the gentle breeze. With a contented smile, he set about his morning routine, his steps guided by the rhythmic pulse of the land beneath his feet.\n\nWith practiced hands, Bicco tended to his crops with care and reverence, each plant a testament to the delicate balance of nature's harmony. Amongst the rows of familiar vegetables and grains, there grew an array of fantastical crops, each possessing its own unique properties and magical properties.\n\nIn one corner of the field, towering stalks of luminous moonflowers reached towards the sky, their petals aglow with a soft, ethereal light that bathed the surrounding area in a gentle, otherworldly glow. Bicco tended to these delicate blooms with the utmost care, knowing that their blossoms held the key to unlocking the secrets of the night.\n\nNearby, clusters of shimmering starberries hung from the branches of slender trees, their iridescent hues shimmering in the morning sunlight. Said to possess mystical healing properties, these rare fruits were prized by healers and mages alike for their ability to mend even the most grievous of wounds.\n\nFurther down the field, rows of shimmering crystals protruded from the rich soil, their prismatic surfaces refracting the sunlight into a dazzling display of colors. These enchanted gemstones were coveted by artisans and craftsmen for their beauty and magical potency, fetching a hefty price in the markets of distant lands.\n\nAs the morning wore on, Bicco moved from crop to crop, tending to their needs with a gentle touch and a deep respect for the magic that flowed through them. With each passing hour, the fields began to flourish under his care, a testament to his skill as a farmer and steward of the land." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The early time of day meant most of the land kept itself cloaked in shadows - shadows of tall trees and lustrious overgrowth. The land of the Elves, Veralis, seemed blessed with this almost .. Eternal quality, like every tree and every branch had existed for longer than even the most long-lived mortal. For those who came from realms beyond, it would be a mystical sensation— mesmerizing, terrifying, or perhaps a bit of both. \n\nFrom that perspective, She Wasn't an Entirely Foreign element. She pressed down one of her paws upon a lengthier bush, bending the flexible trunk and allowing her easy access to the ripened fruits that hung from its sides and top - each of her digits accompanied by a claw as long and sharp as a knife. The night before brought a steady trickle of rain, which still showed in her fur, wet and as dark as the soil from which these plants grew.\n\nThis place .. THIS PLACE— if there ever was some sort of godly paradise on earth, this would have to be it, wouldn't it?! Her conscious thoughts struggled against her beastly inclinations. Perhaps, under other circumstances, she would've known that these treasures Weren't Just random berries in the wild and probably belonged to someone. But hunger was a primal instinct, and every pang that resonated through her stomach removed her more intelligent thought processes. Every single time she was just about to give it a Little bit more thought, the overwhelming urge to DIG IN on the next crop completely eradicated everything else, .. And Oh my.\n\nOH. MY.\n\nRest assured, the care with which the elderly Ser Bicco tended to his crops, She Vested in her jovial plunder. Her pace was almost like a mirror to himself but then reversed! She did not have much of a smile, but her posture and demeanor indicated she was very content. She greedily lapped up, licked, chewed and tore her way through the more Familiar Vegetables and grains. She liked grains and vegetables, both! So that was a good thing! BUT EVERY NOW AND AGAIN, she found a veritable TREASURE of .. Of something else!\n\nThere was something that looked like... Flowers?? They were pretty! And tasted amazing! Really scrumptious! And then, oh, by the GODS, those clusters of .. Of.. Berries? SHE HAD NEVER SAMPLED ITS LIKE. And they were AMAZING. She even felt better after eating a bunch! Which, of course, meant that she had to eat more! And then there were, uh, rocks?\n\nShe tried one of the shiny rocks but didn't like it. Who would put rocks in a beautiful place like this?? Oh, well. They looked kinda enchanting, and she caught herself staring at one for a long time. She also tried to sample it and give it a lick, but it just tasted like a weirdly smooth rock, so that wasn't edible.\n\nNaturally, someone of Bicco's disposition wouldn't have left Her Unnoticed for long. So isolated, so far from the rest of civilization, even her natural camouflage wouldn't have hidden her for long - if it had at all. And then, it couldn't have been too rare, right? He may have eschewed Humanoid visitors, but animals? The lack of care with which she strutted through his lands revealed a great deal because Most Adults of her species knew to give places such as these a WIDE berth..\n\nA hulking figure, wet, brown fur, canines and molars fit for tearing through sinew and crunching through bone, and thick paws and limbs that—though obscured due to her coat—still allowed an onlooker to gleam their inherent strength. Each plant on this fantastic farm was a testament to nature's harmony. \n\nBut she was like the opposite, a primal incarnation of nature's wrath and chaos. And pretty foolish, at that. It'd take a knowing eye to identify those sorts of things, but despite her size, she wasn't that big, comparatively speaking. Someone in tune with nature and with at least a superficial grasp of animal lore could tell that She Was definitely a she - and probably a creature veering more towards the younger end of the adult spectrum.\n\nQuite frankly, the only things more dangerous when it came to Her Breed was a male of her age or a mother with cubs. But all the guides, all the experts, every single piece of information would be able to tell that a sight like this was terrible news. Not because she was necessarily more potent than the larger and older variants, .. On the contrary. But because, at her stage of development, she hadn't yet dealt with much adversity. \n\nShe hadn't yet discovered that there were creatures that were Far more dangerous Than she was. Her size and power alone meant that she tended to instantly trump over eight out of ten competitors. A top-of-the-food chain animal. She had enough might to take down STAGS and outrun BOARS. The forest was Her Playground.\n\nIt made her overconfident. And That, again, showed in the way she carelessly blundered onto this farm. An older adult would've KNOWN To be more cautious, to keep an ear and eye open. And it's not like she didn't? It's just .. She didn't really know what to look out for yet. And that there was no more dangerous a foe than the ones on two legs - the ones with stone huts and houses and.. And Farmers.\n\nEven with her size, her brown fur coat tended to blend her into scenes, making her far stealthier than most might've initially guessed. And it tended to be her scent that hit people first—this deep, penetrative musk—almost like moss and upheaved, wet earth. Anyone familiar with it, and The old Knight probably was, would be able to identify it within an instant.\n\nA bear.\n\nIt probably wasn't the first time one of those creatures had intruded on Bicco's farm, right? A single glance would reveal those earlier peculiarities; a young adult female brown bear .. With icy blue eyes, inquisitively going from plant to plant and bush to bush. It might require some anthropomorphization, but she looked positive, happy, and fully in her element. Positively DELIGHTED that she had stumbled upon, .. Well, whatever this magical place was!" }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "As Ser Bicco stepped out into the open, the weight of his massive sword at his side felt heavier than usual, a constant reminder of the responsibility that rested on his shoulders. His weathered features were set in a determined expression, his gaze unwavering as it met the piercing blue eyes of the bear.\n\nFor a moment, time seemed to stand still as man and beast regarded each other, a silent exchange passing between them that spoke volumes without a single word uttered. Ser Bicco's heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of fear and awe coursing through his veins as he took in the sight before him.\n\nHe knew the danger that the bear posed to his farm, the potential devastation that could be wrought by her powerful claws and jaws. But even as he gripped the hilt of his sword tighter, a part of him couldn't help but marvel at the sheer majesty of the creature standing before him.\n\nWith a deep breath, Ser Bicco forced himself to relax, to push aside the fear and uncertainty that threatened to overwhelm him. He had faced countless challenges in his long life, and he refused to let this be the one that broke him.\n\n\"Easy there, girl,\" He said, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within him. \"I mean you no harm. But I can't have you plundering my crops like this. We'll need to find a compromise, you and I.\"\n\nAs he spoke, he watched the bear closely, searching for any sign of aggression or hostility in her movements. But to his surprise, she seemed to understand his words, her posture relaxing ever so slightly as if in response to his calming presence.\n\nWith a sense of relief washing over him, Ser Bicco lowered his sword, a gesture of trust and goodwill." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Ser Bicco's words definitely drew the beast's attention, filtering into her ears and entering that maelstrom of thought that had ever struggled against her primordial instincts. How she looked at him revealed an uncanny intelligence that Somehow, in Some sense, wasn't entirely fitting. Ursine creatures of her like, Especially Her like, were clever and keen - capable of improvisation and so much more .. But be her eyes a mirror into her heart and soul, they revealed a mindscape of an eternal battlefield. A conflict of attempts at filtering what he meant and bestial inclinations ..\n\n'We'll .. Harm .. No ..-'\n\nIt was strange!! Didn't she recognize what sort of creature he was? She had met them before! The weird, two-legged predators! Hunters? A lightly agitated huff left her snout, but the agitation quickly faded due to Bicco's words' intonation. He didn't sound aggressive. He didn't sound Hostile. He just sounded .. Resolute? And didn't she recognize what he was holding beside him? Within an instant, her emotions flared and reminded her of thoughts of Pain. Pain and suffering! Her claws were MIGHTIER, her teeth were STRONGER, but .. But were they? She was sure whatever the tall thing held beside him was dangerous.\n\nA lot of her considerations and thoughts reverberated through her positioning. Her posturing and the manner of her vocalizations. Humanoids, of course, tended to have Speech To relay intent. But it was far more subtle for her types of creatures; little variations and ways she observed and smelled and such things. Therefore, even if Bicco couldn't read her mind - and despite his magical prowess, he might not be able to? - he could see a reflection of her thoughts and decision-making process resonating through what she Did.\n\nAnd the first few seconds, from that perspective, were the Most Important. The young adult's relative inexperience and juvenile dumbness showed clear as day in that she Only Noticed him when he called out to her. An older creature would've probably sniffed out Ser Bicco from miles away, but she was so focused on her veritable feast, .. So unconcerned with the potential dangers that she hadn't even SMELLED him before that point! It startled her! She had been eagerly crunching on another collection of Delicious, Ripe Starflowers. Fruit juices gushed everywhere and stained the fur of her snout and maw. If ever there was a description for being 'caught with your pants down' in bear terms, THIS was it, as she almost jerked into a mild, startled jump and shot her sights over to him. It was like someone had hit her with an arrow!\n\nShe vocalized frantic grumbles and groans, trying to identify the SOURCE of the sound. Her eyes scanned the area and quickly settled on Bicco!! Her mouth had briefly ceased to Chew, and she just kinda .. Stared At him for a couple of moments. A mildly awkward exchange in which she wasn't Sure What he was or what he wanted, why he approached her or what He was doing here - she was having a good time, darn-it! So why-\n\nAnd he was TALL. He looked pretty imposing! But .. He wasn't moving into her space? So that meant he wasn't a predator, right? Because no predator would show themselves off like that! AND ALSO, probably not a rival because he wasn't actively challenging her. So what in the HONEY was this?? Well, there was one stark advantage the old knight had. For a second or two, the situation was initially quite tense. Somehow, the beast seemed to Know Where his eyes were, and she stared at him dead on; a gaze that, likely, remained Locked For both parties.\n\nThat's where the knight's advantage came into play. If she had gotten the idea that he was scared of her, that there was even a hint of timidity in his bearing, it wouldn't have been difficult to assume that the man wasn't just intruding on her feast but was a part of it.\n\nBut he wasn't prey. He looked too large for that. And had some sorta claw thing! So .. It probably wasn't a good idea to try that. Also, advantage number two? BICCO HAD CAUGHT HER IN THE BEST MOOD SHE HAD BEEN IN, FOR LIKE, MONTHS??? Her jaw moved again, crunching on the fruits she had taken in, filling the air with delicious squelching noises. Her tongue lapped up the juices around her snout, sending drool all over the place.\n\nOF COURSE, this sacred grove of treasures ..! The two-legged creature must've stumbled upon it, as well? And, well, if there had been less, She Might've been more protective of it! But see? She maintained her eyes on him and exhaled through her nostrils, sharply but also Gently. A sign of recognition! It was as if she was trying to say, 'Okay, fine, you can have some too!' — even if she was a gluttonous beast, she didn't mind sharing every now and then! There was plenty! He was more than free to dig in.\n\nWhy, it might even make it better! There'd be someone ELSE to keep a lookout for potential threats! Quite frankly, even a GOBLIN wouldn't have bothered her much in this place! Okay, well, maybe Those Would've bothered her. Yea. She'd definitely have swatted them away. Goblins stank and taste terrible. But he wasn't a Goblin! More some sorta.. Troll-stag thing??? ANYWAY. He showed his trust by lowering his claw horn thing. And on her part, she showcased mild relaxation and a general Disregard. That's how she showed trust, turning away from him and refocusing her attention on the bush she had been chewing through.\n\nShe wondered if its roots tasted as good as the fruits? With renewed curiosity, she began to claw at the soil." }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Ser Bicco watched the young bear-like creature with a sense of wonder, his eyes tracing her movements as she delved into her meal with gusto. After a moment of silent observation, he cleared his throat gently, drawing her attention back to him.\n\n\"You know,\" He began, his voice soft yet filled with a hint of nostalgia, \"There was once a time when I encountered a man who embodied the spirit of a bear.\"\n\n\"He was a great warrior, feared and respected by all who knew him,\" Ser Bicco continued, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he reminisced. \"But despite his fierce exterior, he possessed a kindness and loyalty that ran as deep as the roots of the ancient trees.\"\n\nSer Bicco's mind drifted back to that encounter, recalling the man's unwavering courage in the face of adversity.\n\n\"I remember one winter's eve,\" He recounted, his voice tinged with warmth, \"When a fierce blizzard swept through the land, threatening to bury us all beneath a blanket of snow. Many feared for their lives, but not him. He braved the storm to rescue a lost cub, risking everything to ensure its safety.\"\n\nAs he spoke, Ser Bicco's eyes sparkled with the memory of that long-ago act of bravery, a testament to the bond between man and beast.\n\n\"In the end, it wasn't his strength or his skill with a blade that defined him,\" Ser Bicco mused, his voice growing quiet. \"It was his compassion, his willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of another.\"\n\nWith those words hanging in the air, Ser Bicco fell silent, allowing the young bear to return to her meal, her heart undoubtedly touched by the tale he had woven." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "In the purely physical realm, the current situation was Just that, Just a stray bear monster wandering through Ser Bicco's farm by sheer chance, having found a great feast. Initially, it did not seem like the ursine creature paid him much heed. She had already consented to his 'presence in her vicinity', so long as he didn't stray too close. Of course, that could still switch just as quickly, and an undertone of danger undoubtedly continued to mark their interaction. How easy would it have been for him to call upon those magical forces he knew? Simultaneously, the creature ravaging his land was quick and powerful. Though there was a considerable distance between them, his elevated tone and voice reflecting that, there'd be little doubt that - if riled - She Could cross it within seconds. Those claws were sufficient to puncture through armour, each paw possessing force akin to an oversized war-hammer.\n\nHis story overlapped that lingering tension. Even on the bear's side, though the bear had consented to his presence, he could See That she, too, kept a portion of her attention on him at all times. She found the delicious roots of the plant, snout digging into the earth while her teeth tried to snap at those hard bits - but her vocalizations .. Light huffs and groans, exhales, indicated she was still paying attention to him. Still along the lines of .. 'I'm digging up this delicious ROOT, so you better not try to bamboozle me!!'\n\nAnd maybe he didn't realize it. Being entirely QUIET in that situation, as most would because they tended to be scared .. They didn't want to draw her attention unnecessarily, would've had an adverse reaction. Among her kin, it was Expected To make one's presence known and continue to do that to prevent incidents. It depended on how well the old Knight knew her type of animal. But .. While she didn't APPEAR or SEEM to be listening to him, his constant talking calmed her. Because it allowed her to 'see' where he was without looking in his direction.\n\nThat's why..\n\nEven if it might've looked like he spoke to mere air and that it didn't seem to have all that much of an impact, she was Listening. Her feral, primordial, instinct-driven part of her being didn't COMPREHEND what he was saying. They just sounded like bizarre sounds! But there was Another Part to it all. Somewhere, within the deepest recesses of her mind, something was changing. Maybe, right now, she didn't understand just how kind this old guy was! But .. There was a pushed-off part of her personality that DID understand. That understood that most Farmers Would've tried to kill her by now! They always did that! That's why she HATED THEM, them.. And their METAL STABBERS-\n\nHer mind briefly dwelled on the rage and anger inherent to her current form, but that went away just as quickly. Ser Bicco hadn't done that! He had his massive claw antler, and instead, he just let her do her thing—eat her fill. And then his story. A story about ... Compassion? Right now, that obscured part of her mind was figuratively burning through the darkness, but a light flicker at first that turned to a torch and then transitioned to a bonfire.\n\nWas there anything more Human Than compassion? Images filled her soul. Images of a cruel, disgusting man - a great deal younger than Ser Bicco. How old was he when he died? It couldn't have been more than forty winters. A miserable death that didn't mean anything. She knew his scent by the booze he drank. Knew his presence by the way he ravaged and slaughtered at will. And, still, she felt an uneasy mourning. The heart of a bear, huh?\n\nThe magics involved in her physiology were raw and primal, a far cry from the common sorceries of These Realms. But, depending on the old man's ability to feel those sorts of things, he could tell that the creature plundering his farm wasn't Just An ordinary bear. He'd taken note of that intelligence, of course. But there was something More To it. Like a... Darkness had gripped its soul. In the purely physical realms, nothing much appeared to be happening. But in the realms beyond, something mirrored its presence, spiritually and gradually transforming from a mosquito's buzz to a full-fledged scream ..\n\nHe might be able to tell. Regardless, the beast's transition was Sudden. It was like someone had struck it with a blade! Out of nowhere, she snapped her attention from the field in panic. She clawed at her snout and grumbled before taking back a few paces. There was a sudden agitation alongside a daze that imbalanced her somewhat. She was barely keeping herself steady, swaying from side to side precariously! And the sensation she felt on the Inside, she vocalized on the outside in a growing roar, like something had brought her aggression to the very forefront of her experiences.\n\nHadn't she chilled out a moment ago?! She had VOUCHED for the farmer's presence and still looked ready to WRESTLE an OGRE. All in all, her current state lasted an agonizingly long three or four seconds, after which she Suddenly took to making for Ser Bicco's Residence in a MAD sprint. Her eyes momentarily seemed to Flash With a deep blue, though it'd be easy to think it a mere illusion or mirage; it passed Quickly And her rush made individual details challenging to observe.\n\nAnyone—almost anyone—would've assumed she turned her aggression on them. It was a full-on, unrestrained bear charge, and as mentioned above, it was incredibly fast—fast enough to keep up with deer and slower horses. She was charging straight at the old knight! Straight at Bicco! But another glance at her eyes would reveal that .. She wasn't charging at Him! It'd really take that level of perception to see. But she wasn't necessarily looking at him - instead, .. Through him! Depending on what he did, How he responded, she was charging straight for the doorway of his house! Maddened! Frantic! As if beset by something!" }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Ser Bicco gently set his massive sword down, a symbol of trust and non-aggression. With a keen eye, he selected the finest crops from his farm, carefully gathering them and tossing them towards the bear, hoping to quell its aggression or fear with the offering of food.\n\nBicco took the opportunity to brew a pot of tea. The fragrant aroma filled the air as he set out cups, inviting the bear to join him. With a warm smile, he gestures for the bear to approach, offering a seat nearby.\n\nSeated across from the bear, Bicco began to recount a tale from his youth. His voice was filled with nostalgia as he shared the memories, his eyes twinkling with the excitement of days gone by.\n\n\"You see, my friend, many years ago, I was but a young knight seeking glory and honor. It was at a grand tournament where I first laid eyes on her—my beloved wife. She was unlike any other, with a spirit as fierce as her beauty. We met on the field of battle, our swords clashing in a dance of skill and determination.\"\n\nLost in the memories of love and loss, Bicco's voice carried the weight of years gone by. \"In her, I found my match, my equal in strength and wit. Together, we faced the challenges of life with courage and devotion. But alas, fate is a cruel mistress, and she was taken from me too soon.\"\n\nA solemn silence hung in the air as Bicco's gaze met the bear's, a silent understanding passing between them. \"If she were still here,\" He murmured, his voice tinged with sorrow, \"She would've known what to feed you.\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "\"Losing her .. Too soon??\"\n\nHer voice was pained and drawn, uttered with an unnatural reverberation that seemed to follow her words momentarily like a strange echo. There was an element of .. Inquisitiveness to Her Voice. Was that possible? Was it possible for someone to leave this earthly realm before their time? The knight had likely pondered such things for a long time. And her asking held a youthfulness to it, like she hadn't yet gotten acquainted with that concept.\n\n.. In the moments preceding this weird encounter, the ursine beast - the brown bear to which Ser Bicco had played host - rampaged into his home with no regard for furniture or possessions. She would have crashed straight through if he had left the door closed behind him. Thick gashes of her claws were left in her wake, tearing through wood and scratching stone. And a deep musk wafted from her, likely filling the cabin and making it known that She Had entered. It was potent, but the sights that followed were likely even more so.\n\nIt all came back to his tale—his story about his lost lover, his compassion, and what all of it meant. He might not have known it, but a battle had been fought. And it was a battle he had WON .. At least, for now. She had sought to rush into his house, and assuming he followed her inside, he would no longer be able to set eyes upon her bear shape; nay. The pop of bones, the shifting of flesh, the transformation of teeth and jaws. Unlike the more focused, more natural magics of druids and those types, the transformation was like the manifestation of a CURSE; gruesome, painful and Bloody.\n\nBut.\n\nWhat was left afterwards was no bear. Depending on how quickly Bicco followed her inside, he could witness some of the transformation process. It wasn't swift. But before long, his visitor was no longer clad in the skin of a bear. Well, in a manner of speaking—because instead of actual fur, she seemed to wear something of a pelt—a bear-skin cloak and a collection of garments that appeared fashioned from the same. His visitor was no longer a bear, but .. A... A Human?! She was left panting and weary, body tremoring and half-slumped against a chair and table. Sweat dripped from her face and arms.\n\nThe knight was an old soldier. There weren't many in this realm who'd identify her type of creature, where she came from, or what she Was. But. He had fought on the eastern frontiers, hadn't he? And he might have encountered those savages, those tribal creatures no better than beasts. More akin to a CAVEMAN than any Civilized Person from the Empire.\n\nShe mirrored many of her bear features. Her hair was messy and unkempt, and she seemed to be a fierce auburn ginger and brown, like her bear fur. Her face was rounded. And while she wasn't precisely obese, she held a physique that naturally lent itself to storing fat. Nonetheless, as a fellow warrior, he could also likely see the athleticism of her form; she was a little more Rounded, but more so in the style of a WARRIOR who drank a lot of mead and ate a lot of meat. Skinnier around the hips, with a bit of belly fat to support a hefty battle hammer, and thick arms fit for wrestling hill trolls. And, like her shape as a bear, she seemed to be in the latter stages of her youth, probably .. Eighteen, nineteen winters. Humans tend to age quickly.\n\nShe was also quite tall. Not as tall, by far, as the half-giant, But taller than most women of these lands, even taller than some of the Elves.\n\nMore important than that, ... The thick, black, runic lines she bore on her face and arms. Again, no ORDINARY citizen of the Empire would recognize Those. Especially not in these lands. Velaris, though bordering the savage eastern regions, was well protected from invaders through its natural mountain range. No army could pass them. But a single individual? Someone capable of ignoring the cold and keep themselves thriving by changing into a bear? It seems .. That she had more success.\n\nA berserker. That's what those symbols and lines meant. Someone in league with heathen spirits and tribal chiefs. If he had fought on the front, SURELY, he would've come across one or two eventually?! Those crazed men and women. Magnanimously REVILED. Wretched butchers; villains!\n\nA moment before, she was mighty and powerful. A powerful bear more than a match for most! But now, she was weak. Visibly shivering, .. Trying to recompose but failing! Surely, it'd be the Knight's DUTY to strike?! To put an end to this THREAT before it could manifest further?" }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Ser Bicco's heart pounded in his chest as he followed the rampaging beast into his home. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of uncertainty pressing down upon him like a leaden cloak. The thick gashes left by her claws marred the once pristine interior of his cabin, a stark reminder of the chaos that had ensued.\n\nAs he entered the dimly lit room, his eyes fell upon the creature in its final throes of transformation. The sight before him was both mesmerizing and terrifying—a being caught between two worlds, straddling the line between beast and human.\n\nThe knight's breath caught in his throat as he beheld the figure before him. Where once stood a fearsome bear now stood a weary warrior, her form still trembling with the remnants of her primal rage. The bear-skin cloak that adorned her shoulders seemed to whisper tales of ancient battles and untold struggles, its coarse fur a stark contrast to the delicate features of her human face.\n\nSer Bicco's mind raced as he tried to make sense of the situation unfolding before him. He had encountered many creatures in his lifetime, but none quite like this. The runes etched into her skin spoke of a power beyond comprehension, a connection to forces far older than the realm in which they now stood.\n\nBut amidst the chaos and confusion, one thing remained clear—this was a being in need of compassion, not condemnation. With a steady hand, Ser Bicco approached the weary warrior, his movements cautious yet purposeful.\n\n\"Losing her too soon,\" He murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. \"Life has a way of testing us in ways we never thought possible.\"\n\nHis words hung heavy in the air, a somber reminder of the fragility of existence. The warrior before him bore the weight of a thousand battles, her weary eyes reflecting the pain and sorrow of a life lived on the edge of oblivion.\n\nBut despite the darkness that threatened to consume them both, Ser Bicco saw a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows. He reached out a hand, offering the warrior a cup of tea, its warm embrace a comforting reminder of the simple joys that still remained.\n\n\"We may come from different worlds,\" He said softly, \"But in the end, we are all bound by the same struggles and desires. Let us find solace in each other's company, and together, we shall weather the storm that rages within.\"\n\nAs the warrior reached for the offered cup, Ser Bicco's eyes held a quiet determination. \"If she were still here,\" He added, his voice tinged with sadness, \"She would've known what to feed you. But for now, let us share in the simple comfort of tea.\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The shadows of the farmer's cabin made the faint, icy blue hue radiating off the barbarian's eyes all the more pronounced. Some claimed that the eyes were a mirror of the soul - and sure enough, for all her characteristics, those she seemed to keep regardless. As the magicks within slowly coiled to an uneasy calm, so too did her tremors lessen, and her grip on Reality Visibly improved. In the end, she was but lurched over, breathing heavily, only the chair and table keeping her upright at all, and once the worst of the transformation pains had passed, she slumped down into a less-than-graceful seat. She landed upon the chair with an audible 'THUMP', her entire weight coming to a sudden standstill, and she took a good few seconds just to ... To Take everything in.\n\nThe lights. The smells. The transition from bear to human was a hard one. It wasn't accurate to say that she was one or the other. Instead, she was both simultaneously and separately. As a bear, she perceived the world in a manner that no humanoid could even Envision; Her scent alone was of an entirely different category. Her distribution of weight was Far Different. Her entire state of being was different. The same accounted for her Human state; as much as she could try, her ursine form did Not Gift her genuine Humanoid intelligence.\n\nAll in all, it felt like waking up from a fever dream. Rather than accurately recollecting everything that had just passed by, Yrsa saw it more as vague glimpses, feelings, and hunches. That wasn't immediately apparent on the Outside, of course, but her eyes were glazed and tired - beset with a mixture of Confusion And steady reacquaintance. As... The old man reached out the cup of hot liquid out to her, the Smell Hit her first. She looked at her hand and flexed her fingers as if she had almost forgotten how. But her eyes lifted from that quickly enough, and soon, she turned them on the Knight again with Slow Recognition;\n\n.. She recognized him! He ... She didn't think he was a bad guy! Hadn't he just .. Something about food?? Her lungs kept pumping air, her chest visibly rising and lowering with each breath. Her fingers coiled about the mug unsteadily, slowly lowering it. For just a split second, her mind dwelled on Another Person. Whatever that was, it informed her that this was probably something she should try sipping carefully. Elf friend??\n\n\"How.. Uh ...\"\n\nThe berserker wettened her lips and swallowed before taking a slow and steady sip. Its taste made her blink and reaffirm her gaze as if Surprised! It tasted good! And while she didn't outright SAY as much, it is evident that she thought so.\n\n\"Heh...!! My uncle. He said... To DIE is glorious! But he did not die very gloriously...??\" She voiced, ending her sentence with an awkward question. Her attention went from the cup to Bicco, only now taking on his features. She recognized him properly! He.. Was a farmer! But he didn't look like a farmer. He was a warrior, wasn't he? She thought so. He had that sort of FEEL to him. That's why it made it easy to talk! But then, she tended to be pretty blunt. On her part, she probably looked very young; she Was Quite young. But the calluses on her hands, the tattoos, and the odd scar here and there painted a home on the battlefield.\n\nIt had to be, given her supposed affiliations.\n\nSomehow, she managed a smile at the end of her sentence. She said it less sorrowfully than she meant it inquisitively! This man felt smart! And .. The way he spoke about his wife - it felt familiar!\n\n\"... When is too soon?? I would like to hear about your wife!\"\n\nThe way she phrased that made her pause a moment. She didn't especially seem like the type to have a lot of introspection. But maybe that came off as insensitive? So she took another quick sip of her tea, and put down the cup, opening her mouth a moment before realizing she was only about to make it worse. It took her a grand total of five seconds to realize that ..\n\n\"I am Yrsa!\" .. Maybe introductions would be good, first and foremost.\n\n\".. Von Schwarzhofen. I am trustworthy. Therefore, you may tell me and all your tales. Also.. I would like to compliment you!! Your garden is delicious!\"" }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Ser Bicco watched with a mix of relief and curiosity as the berserker—now revealed as Yrsa—slowly regained her composure. Her transformation from bear to human had left her visibly drained, but there was a newfound clarity in her eyes as she took in her surroundings.\n\nAs she tentatively sipped the tea he offered, Ser Bicco couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at her reaction. It was a small gesture, but one that seemed to bridge the gap between their worlds, if only for a moment.\n\nHer words about her uncle and the concept of glory in death struck a chord with Ser Bicco. He had seen many brave souls fall in battle, their names forever etched in the annals of history. But there was a sadness in the way Yrsa spoke, a recognition of the harsh realities of life and death.\n\n\"When is too soon?\" Ser Bicco echoed, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. \"A question that has plagued many a troubled soul, my dear Yrsa. Some depart this world before their time, their stories left unfinished, their dreams unrealized. And yet, in their passing, they leave behind a legacy—a memory that lives on in the hearts of those who knew them.\"\n\nHe paused, a wistful smile playing at the corners of his lips as he thought of his beloved wife. \"My wife, Stosa, was a beacon of light in the darkness—a guiding star that led me through the storms of life. We met at a tournament many years ago, where she captured my heart with her grace and wit. She was a fierce warrior in her own right, but it was her kindness and compassion that truly set her apart.\"\n\nSer Bicco's gaze drifted to the garden outside, his mind filled with memories of happier times. \"If she were still here,\" He murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, \"She would have known exactly what to feed you. She had a way with plants and herbs—a gift passed down through generations. But alas, she is gone, and I am left to tend to the garden alone.\"\n\nHe turned his gaze back to Yrsa, his eyes reflecting the pain of loss yet also a glimmer of hope for the future. \"You honor me with your presence, Yrsa von Schwarzhofen,\" He said, his voice warm with gratitude. \"And if you wish to hear more tales of my wife and our life together, I would be happy to share them with you. But for now, let us enjoy the simple pleasures of tea.\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Yrsa, .. This tribalistic berserker from far-away lands - to the far north-east, non-verbally relished in a moment of peace and quiet, which was STRANGE. The older man could probably Tell That she found it strange! This awkward, weird sensation of ... Of home or something! Yea! She didn't recognize it at all! She wrapped her other hand around her wooden cup, too, the warmth radiating through her fingers. And she absently looked down at it.\n\n\"Huh..\"\n\nHer head tilted a little, ponderously.\n\n\"Don't think a lot of people knew him!! Uh.. Those who did probably hated his guts! Hahaha...!! Drank a lot! Heh. I don't even think I miss him!! He was dumb. And stupid! Eh..\"\n\nShe snorted without a speck of grace or dignity, breaking out into a wide, toothy grin that stretched across her face. Then, dismissively, she shook her head. This was so unlike her! Usually, she wasn't this emotional! Like, EVER. Usually, she just blustered and blundered through every situation!\n\nAnd here she was, sharing sad tales with some random old man! Weird stuff. But then, she got an IDEA.. - the man was all wise and gloomy. Kinda like her uncle but in reverse! She snapped her eyes back to him with Renewed Enthusiasm- \"AH ... I have way to fix this! You see, maybe your wife isn't here .. And you don't know what to feed me. BUT.\"\n\nHer palms came upon the table with a Slap, quaking the wood momentarily and causing the tea within her cup to wobble dangerously, and she turned to him with vigor.\n\n\"Friendly farmer person .. Know, that I, .. I, know what to feed me! So, even if your wife is not here.. We can still give me FOOD. Because I know what I like!\"\n\nShe .. She was just trying to squeeze more food out of him, wasn't she? Without spoiling too much, yes, yes, she was. Was there ever a situation that COULDN'T be fixed by throwing food her way?? Her grin somehow increased, and she counted her preferences on her fingers.\n\n\"I like honey! And MEAD. And BEER. Also, I Can Drink the .. Uh, grape-juice alcohol .. The WINE. YES. Bread. I like bread! But!! Oh, what is your name again? So, I just had many vegetables, but no MEAT. I will say this; I will eat ALL of your meat eagerly. That is how nice I am! I like ALL the meat except Goblin. Goblins are icky. They taste like sweat and old feet.\"\n\nYrsa nodded along with her suggestions, wholly sacrificing herself for the greater good. With this marvellous suggestion, she was sure to put the farmer at ease. And she would have FOOD. A win-win situation!\n\nThere is one thing she noticed, though. Or Just Did, at the tail-end of her sentence. Usually, her transformation left her .. Extremely lethargic. Unable to move even a LIMB for days. And she had only wandered around as a bear for less than half a day. But, still, she only Now Realized just how much energy she had! Her gaze went to her palms, blinking several times, and it seemed to leave her distracted!" }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Ser Bicco couldn't help but chuckle at Yrsa's sudden burst of enthusiasm, her energy contagious even in the midst of their somber conversation. It was a welcome change from the weighty topics they had been discussing, and he found himself genuinely amused by her antics.\n\n\"Well, Yrsa, it's a pleasure to meet someone with such a hearty appetite!\" He exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. \"And you're in luck, my dear friend, for I happen to have a bounty of delicious food just waiting to be enjoyed.\"\n\nWith a flourish, Ser Bicco rose from his seat and made his way to the kitchen, his movements surprisingly graceful for a man of his age. He returned moments later carrying a platter piled high with an assortment of meats, bread, and cheeses, accompanied by a jar of honey and a pitcher of mead.\n\n\"Here you go, Yrsa,\" He said, setting the platter down on the table before her with a smile. \"A feast fit for a warrior such as yourself. Help yourself to whatever you like, and don't hold back.\"\n\nSer Bicco couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Despite the trials and tribulations of life, moments like these reminded him of the simple joys that could be found in companionship and good food.\n\nHe couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for his late wife. If only she were here to witness this moment, to share in the laughter and camaraderie. But even in her absence, Ser Bicco found solace in the knowledge that her memory lived on in the stories he shared and the kindness he showed to others.\n\nWith a silent prayer to the heavens, Ser Bicco raised his own cup of tea in a silent toast to his beloved wife, thankful for the time they had shared and the lessons she had taught him about love and compassion. And as he joined Yrsa in enjoying their meal together, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for the future" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "\"How ...\" Yrsa muttered to herself in disbelief. She removed her right hand from her cup and flexed her fingers again, trying to get a Feel For her current state by turning a Strong Fist. The veins in her arms and hands visibly popped, visible even through the layer of softer fat. Quite frankly, her ploy to 'try and get more food' was on the level of a WOLF pulling some PUPPY EYES. Not because She Cared that much, but because she knew it would force the gullible to give her delicious morsels! Her suggestion was more of a cheeky ploy!\n\nBut .. The farmer was... Nice enough to GO with it?? That's why, initially, when he said he'd oblige, she half didn't believe it. And her attention was On it, but not entirely. So when he said he had that food, waiting to be enjoyed, standing up and making it to the kitchen, her attention instantly returned to this weird feeling. And that's when she tested her strength, when she tried to find the vigor running through her body, when she made her Fist.\n\nSer Bicco probably walked in on her at the end of her confusion. He could see her holding up that fist. See that she mentally struggled with something. And he Might Just hear the words she mumbled to herself..\n\n\"How am I still STRONG??\"\n\nAgain. Usually, transforming back and forth left the berserker incapacitated for DAYS. And she was feeling a little more tired than usual. But it was like .. Something Healed Her. It was that sort of feeling! And somehow, it didn't feel Wrong. She relaxed her fist and timidly reached for her cup, taking a sip and looking around the room with a fresh understanding.\n\n\".. The Elven lands. The magic. This must be... A God...\"\n\nShe had travelled long, and her body bore the marks of that. But her mentor, her 'uncle', had once told her there was great bounty in the lands of the Elves. A land of... Of gods and demigods and creatures. And an Empire mightier than ANY tribe! Such things felt weird to think about. But now, she felt like she got her first glimpse of it. That's why the man was living in loneliness, wasn't he?! She had inadvertently stepped... Into a heavenly place! Not even in the metaphorical sense! But REAL divinity! \n\nThat could be the only explanation.\n\nAnd then... Came the food. Within an instant, All Off Yrsa's previous thoughts culminated in an expression of DUMB REVERENCE; her jaw hung wide open, she Stared At Bicco with .. With.. A Sparkle. First, due to his presence. Second, due to his feast! HIS PLATTER. Her right eye twitched a little. Her breath became hot and bothered. She swallowed Deep. And managed to usher out a very light, shrill Shriek - barely audible, barely noticeable. But present. Just a tiny \"Aaaaaaaaaaaaa...\"\n\nYrsa was not a stutterer. She had a heavy ACCENT to her words, sure. But she didn't stutter. But right now? She barely believed what she saw.\n\n\"H-... Honey...\"\n\n\"Meat..!!\"\n\n\"MEAAAD...\"\n\nHer words gradually increased in power and audibility, radiating with pure joy. Her eat-fest back at Alcuin's place was good! Great, even! But .. He also didn't eat meat! And Yrsa HUNGERED for some FLESH. She jerked upright, frothing at the mouth, her quiet squeal suddenly erupting into a mighty exclamation; \"AHAHAHAHAHA... YES!!!!\" - and as he put the platter down in front of her, she made a quick moment of eye contact. She was terrible at saying 'thank you', but EVERYTHING about her radiated gratitude.\n\nShe barely finished her sentence, blustering out a proclamation while clapping her hands together with CONCLUSION. Even if he didn't like it, even if he wanted to be rid of her, well .. He'd be in his right! BUT. He'd bound his FATE;\n\n\"GOD OF FARMS.. MIGHTY CREATURE. By my word, I say you are now my FRIEND! This means much! And I won't forget!\"\n\nYrsa rubbed her hands together eagerly and plopped down onto her seat, hands already reaching out for the... The PILES... Upon PILES of food before her. A lot of people would be intimidated by this amount of food! But not her! NAY. SHE was doing the intimidating! She thrust her face into the platter, clenching her teeth about a whole roasted chicken and simultaneously grabbed a pitcher of mead with her right hand. Her left, she used to scoop up some. Uh, it was something yellow?? Anyway, she grabbed it.\n\n\"SHO JUICHEHH. AGHH.. AGH. Farm God!! SHO WOUND ME. Ish... TOO MUCH TASTE. Yhodh arhghg a GRTEAT GOD.\"" }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Ser Bicco couldn't help but smile and chuckle softly as he watched Yrsa eagerly devour her meal. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and he found himself genuinely amused by her voracious appetite. Despite the chaos that had unfolded earlier, seeing her enjoy the simple pleasure of a good meal brought a sense of warmth to his heart.Once Yrsa had settled down a bit, Bicco leaned back in his chair and regarded her with a gentle expression. \"You have quite the appetite, my friend,\" He remarked with a smile. \"I'm glad you're enjoying the food. It's not often I have guests to share a meal with.\"As Yrsa expressed her gratitude and dubbed him the \"God of Farms,\" Bicco couldn't help but laugh softly. \"Oh, I'm no god, Yrsa,\" He said, shaking his head. \"Just a simple farmer trying to make a living off the land.\"But then, a twinkle of nostalgia sparked in Bicco's eyes as he recalled a tale from his travels. \"However, I have encountered beings that could be mistaken for gods,\" He continued, his voice taking on a thoughtful tone. \"During my adventures, I once crossed paths with a deity.\"Bicco's voice took on a reverent quality as he recounted his encounter with the ancient deity, describing the diety's majestic presence and the profound wisdom she imparted upon him. Despite being a mere mortal, Bicco had been granted a glimpse into the realm of the divine, forever shaping his perspective on the world.\"It was a humbling experience, to say the least,\" Bicco concluded, his gaze drifting off into the distance as he reminisced. \"Meeting it reminded me that even in this vast and wondrous world, there are forces far greater than ourselves at work.\"" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "The young berserker ate, ate, and Ate - seriously, there seemed to be no end to her appetite. If Bicco had a fondness for folk that enjoyed his produce, well, Yrsa seemed a prime candidate; every new flavor sparked in her eyes something New. She had previously attended warlord's feasts, grand celebrations after a battle won - or hosted for some other reason. As travelling vagabonds, she and her mentor were often unwelcome guests. But her master was quite fond of his drink and equally demanding in how he got it.\n\nLarge halls filled with warriors. Mugs topped off with mead. Large animal carcasses, roasted and prepared. Those feasts were Fantastic, but truth be told? Even the grandest celebrations where she was from PALED compared to the farmer's bounty Bicco had extended to her. And she went at it like she had been Possessed. Despite her Human form, her eating habits didn't seem much improved compared to her ursine state - actually, many of the things she did .. Holding and squeezing down Meat while she brought her head over to it seemed to be a direct Mirror To how she ate as a bear.\n\nThe weird flux of her soul meant that while she was currently in her Human shape, she still carried many habits that would've been considered 'primal' and 'savage' - more akin to an animal.\n\n\".. My uncle says this, too! Or, said!\" She remarked, nodding along eagerly. Before continuing with what she wanted to say, however, she thrust another loaf of bread into her mouth, tearing off a large piece. She chewed such that bread-infused saliva flew EVERYWHERE. .. Did ... Did no one teach her ANY manners?!\n\n\"He said this uh, Empire thing..!! Home to GODS. I do not..\"\n\nYrsa pursed her lips, circling what remained of the loaf for about a moment while she thought about it.\n\n\"I do not know what to think of this. But! It is mighty! .. The Empire?? I have heard it's the STRONGEST-\" Yrsa followed up, emphasizing that 'strongest' part with a healthy bit of bravado. Her lips curved up into a grin again while she said it. But that also betrayed specific Influences. .. \n\nBicco had never met her mentor, but it was tangible enough to see that many things she did and said weren't derived solely from herself. Her master's hand still loomed over her like a spectre. And while she, herself, seemed quite ADVERSE to premature death, to .. Horror and carnage, it's like she had been Brainwashed To believe she should chase after it.\n\nThat's probably why she voiced such timidity and uncertainty when asked what Ser Bicco thought about it. Yrsa wanted to say something more. Add To the bravado! But something prevented her. She opened her mouth only to close it again, pensive.\n\nIt didn't take her much longer to finish the feast Bicco had prepared for her. In the end, she had torn through the entire platter; there wasn't a single speck of grain behind. She had lapped up all the meaty juices and drank through every last droplet of wine, mead and beer. She did continue to converse, of course, but she was the type to say something only when it interested her - and, well, the FOOD... The FOOD tended to captivate the MAJORITY of her interest! She leaned back in her chair with greasy hands behind her head, her palms supporting her. And as if to add to the image of an uncultured savage, she BELCHED! One Loud Burp followed by three or four others. It was a belch, but also a hiccup? Because her way of eating didn't allow for much breathing room in between.\n\n\"HARGHARGH.. That was DELICI.. <hic!— AGH. ACCURSED STOMACH. YOU WILL BE QU...\" Another hiccup interrupted her words. And she hammered down upon her chest several times, trying to suppress it!\n\n\"You cannot.. Blame me for this, friend! Your food is TOO— agh.. Agh, it is TOO good!! I will come again! You have my word. But, also, one thing I wonder. If.. You are no god, then, how come I am still so POWERFUL??\"\n\nHer choice of words might've sounded cocky. But it was probably a translation error. What she meant was more like, 'how am I not falling over right now?' - and she tried to elaborate on that!\n\n\"Usually, I would have butter-arms and flab-muscles. Yet ... Yet...!! After eating your flower-star-fruits, I feel ... I feel... I feel SO good! If you are no God, then, how is this???\"" }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Ser Bicco couldn't help but chuckle at Yrsa's unabashed enthusiasm, even as she devoured every last morsel of the feast he had prepared. Her energy was infectious, and he found himself enjoying her company more than he had anticipated. Despite her rough exterior and somewhat uncouth manners, there was a certain charm to her raw honesty and genuine appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.As she expressed her confusion about his supposed godhood and marveled at her newfound vitality, Bicco leaned forward, his eyes twinkling with amusement.\n\n \"Ah, my dear Yrsa,\" He began, his voice warm and reassuring. \"The power you feel within you is not the work of any god, but simply the natural energy that comes from nourishing your body with good food and drink.\"He gestured towards the remnants of the meal before them, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. \n\n\"The bounty of the earth has a way of invigorating us, of restoring our strength and vitality,\" He explained. \"It's not magic or divine intervention, but rather the simple beauty of nature at work.\"Bicco's gaze softened as he spoke, a sense of reverence in his tone as he reflected on the interconnectedness of all living things.\n\n \"We are all part of the same cycle, you see,\" He continued. \"Every plant, every animal, every person - we all draw our sustenance from the earth, and in turn, we give back to it. It's a sacred bond, one that transcends mortal understanding.\n\nHe paused for a moment, lost in thought before his expression brightened with the memory of another tale. \"Speaking of bonds with nature, let me tell you about the time I encountered a gentle giant during my travels,\" He said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. \"The Guardian of the Forests, and it taught me more about the balance of nature than I could ever have imagined.\"\n\nAnd with that, Bicco launched into another story, recounting his encounter with the ancient creature and the profound wisdom it imparted upon him. And in that moment, amidst the warmth of the farmer's cabin and the camaraderie of newfound friendship, the line between reality and myth blurred." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Meanwhile, Yrsa listened to the old knight with such interest that it left her eyes lit—sparking with a deep interest she couldn't really put into words! Like a toddler listening to an exciting bedtime story, it visibly filled her with wonder. Her old master was never much the type for stories—even his accounts of Aeterna's gods were more matter-of-fact! She liked this place. Again, it felt homely! And this man was really nice! She didn't feel like he'd try to pull a fast one on her and had already cemented a degree of trust by eagerly sharing his food with her.\n\nThe giant man kinda felt like.. An elderly grandfather or something!! They weren't AT ALL related! They were practically strangers! But, y'know, there was something to the guy! And then his tale. For some reason, the hairs on the back of her neck Bristled, and she felt goosebumps travel up her arms. Almost instinctively, her ... Mark, her mark upon her back Itched. Given the dim lighting of the cabin, it'd probably have been difficult to see up to now. But if he keened his sight, Bicco Might Just notice the ends of what appeared to be some sorta... Birthmark? Or scar?\n\nThese darker Lines Ran down from her right shoulder. And that she felt itchy wasn't so strange! Everyone's got an itch sometimes, right? But it felt different from that. She scratched at her shoulder, eyes falling a little so that while she kept Bicco in her 'general vision, ' she wasn't meeting his gaze dead on.\n\n\"Same... Cycle.\" Yrsa repeated after him, but softer. Her words had a strange weight to them, and she blinked twice, trying to get her mind to process it. Logically, what the older man said could have made more sense. It'd have made more sense that one of the things she ate had healing properties! But in this instance, somehow, his explanation felt closer to the truth than something purely logical!\n\nLike... Something to do with feelings. Or something. The barbarian wasn't sure, and she scratched her fingers through her hair in this mixture of deeper understanding and confusion.\n\nHer brows furrowed deep. And she raised her eyes to meet Bicco's again.\n\n\"I think I understand this.\"\n\nHer accent was thick now because she was still trying to form her thoughts while verbalizing them. Yrsa couldn't understand it intellectually. Yet... Yet. The spectre shadowing over her, dictating her wrath and rage- it felt... Soothed, somehow? If she explained better, then Bicco might've understood! Might've been able to help her more! But she didn't even know how to phrase it herself.\n\n\"The old shaman-seer says that, no! I am not of Asbjørn Sigurðsson. Nay, she says this; long ago... There was a mighty forest guardian called EIKJARN. But. Then the people came. I feel this .. Nature thing, too! Sometimes, it is scared. Sometimes, it is good. Sometimes, I do not know.\n\nThat is why I HATE Goblins. And HAGS. They are foul.\"\n\nThat line between myth and reality was blurring more than one could've rightfully assumed. Her fingers kept rubbing at the mark on her back, and initially, it didn't look like it detracted much from her story. But Bicco could see that it was distracting her a little. She never thought about nature that way—that it was all just a cycle and a circle and that it transcended something. Her Understanding of the natural world was purely instinctive.\n\nFeelings such as hate, wrath, and anger triggered her transformation because they removed conscious thought and instead paved the way for subconscious rage. Her forebear had INFUSED her mark with its dying breath, an infusion of all those negative feelings. Bicco saw it, too, right? That she was unnaturally hostile for even a brown bear! But there was something more to nature than just wrath. Getting her to understand those principles, in turn, aligned the berserker's mind with Another Element of nature.\n\n\"I think.. I would like to come back and eat here again! I would like to hear more about your wife and how pretty she was! And eat more food! I will behave, too. Please?\"\n\nWhatever was happening to her wasn't immediately apparent yet. But her attention was dwindling. And all, at least for her, weighed on whether Bicco consented .. Or rejected her request. She had just EATEN her way through his vegetables and supplies - he'd have to be crazy to allow her to do the same again, right?! Surely .. If he wanted nothing to do with her, if it was just a burden, it wouldn't be difficult to tell her to get lost! She even seemed somewhat ready - somewhat expecting - to accept that much!" }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Bicco listened intently as Yrsa shared her thoughts, her words carrying a weight of earnestness and vulnerability that touched something deep within him. He couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship with the young berserker, a shared understanding of the complexities of the natural world and the struggles of finding one's place within it.\n\nAs she spoke of EIKJARN, the ancient forest guardian, and her own tumultuous relationship with nature, Bicco's heart swelled with empathy. He had encountered similar tales during his travels, stories of beings that embodied the very essence of the land itself, protectors and stewards of the wild places untouched by civilization.\n\"You have a deep connection to the world around you, Yrsa,\" Bicco said softly, his voice carrying a warmth that belied his years. \"It is a gift, a bond that few are fortunate enough to possess. But it can also be a burden, a weight that one must learn to carry with grace and humility.\"\n\nHe reached out a weathered hand and placed it gently on Yrsa's shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile. \"You are welcome here anytime, my dear friend,\" He said, his tone sincere. \"And I would be honored to share more stories with you, to regale you with tales of my wife and the life we shared together.\"His gaze softened as he spoke of his beloved wife, a fondness shining in his eyes as he remembered her with a mixture of joy and sadness. \n\n\"She was the light of my life, my guiding star in a world filled with darkness,\" He continued, his voice tinged with nostalgia. \"And though she is no longer with me, her spirit lives on in every blade of grass, every bloom of flower, every breath of wind.\"\n\nBicco's words hung in the air, a quiet reverence settling over the room as the weight of his memories enveloped them both. And in that moment, amidst the flickering firelight and the gentle embrace of friendship, the bond between Yrsa and Bicco grew stronger." }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Maybe she was more than pure wrath and anger, more than a single-minded pursuit of death and carnage. Yrsa felt like those were part of her, too; she had a fierce temper and couldn't erase the last few years. She was a warrior, through and through - a berserker. But while she couldn't quite understand Bicco yet on an intellectual level, as mentioned above, she felt like she - something was aligning with what he said. It's just that she hadn't thought it that way before. The ancient sorceries responsible for her strange physiology probably couldn't be understood through simple words - but it was like a split soul that, for a moment, Became whole. If feelings of wrath, anger and instinct led to her ursine shape, and ... Intellectual emotions and thoughts like improvisation and selfless love led to her Human Form - then, perhaps, something between those two extremes granted harmony?\n\nIt was a strange acceptance, perhaps, to recognize that both were part of the greater whole—grace and humility, as Ser Bicco said. She spent entire days trying to suppress her primal instincts, trying to PREVENT herself from transforming without her consent. Yrsa feared that, in part.\n\nShe could set her claws and teeth on her friends and acquaintances. On her family; that's why they drove her away, right? But, somehow, she wasn't afraid of that now. That feeling, that glimpse of knowledge that she was transitioning from one thing to another. She knew it well - knew it to be an unstoppable process. Once it started, there was Nothing more She could do other than try to run away from an area and isolate herself. \n\nBut even then, it tended to be an effort in vain.\n\nThe Knight had seen a glimpse of it, right? Her transformation was something straight out of a nightmare. Wicked, bloody, painful.\n\nIt wasn't that at all right now. If Yrsa was the epitome of nature's wrath, it seemed that somehow, with his tales about his dead wife and fables and encounters, he was placating that. Her forebear had only wanted to be understood, too. It wasn't an evil deity—not really. It was just.. Concerned for his forest. Spiteful. Vengeful. But not necessarily evil. She listened intently to Ser Bicco's words, lips curving into a gentler smile than one of her goofy grins; ..\n\n\"Every blade of grass, bloom of flower, ... Breath of-\"\n\nShe had stared at him until this point, trying to take in his every word, but there was also a strain on them. Sweat had moistened her forehead, and she clenched her hands into fists. Her eyes suddenly began to shine with a light blue hue - foggy like a hot breath amidst a winter frost and ice climate. She was initially tense and preparing for it - but, .. Found that she didn't need to be. There was no pain. No extreme feelings of exhaustion.\n\nInstead, that blue light slowly enveloped her entire body, wrapping it in a soft mist. The outlines of her body could still be seen, but they lacked the archetypal horror with which she associated this process. Halfway through the transformation, Bicco's words felt like .. Well, she could hear the Sounds, but could no longer discern their meaning intellectually.\n\nThe emotions, however, remained. \n\n.. A guiding star in a world of darkness.\n\nAfter about ten seconds, the light slowly retracted back into her eyes. One massive, furry paw struck through the brightness, and the remainder of her exterior soon followed. Her auburn, ginger hair transitioned into a vast fur coat - a little browner just due to the distribution. Her teeth were clear on display. Her claws were still as dangerous as ever. Her weight was enough to crush a horse if she put her mind to it. And Ser Bicco was so close that it probably wouldn't take more than a split second to get to him. And the situation might've initially felt tense, just due to the Size of her, and how many factors continued to be uncertain; did she remember him? Did she-\n\nHer mind had dulled, but she still remembered the farmer of the excellent food and the loyal mate. And... Good sounds?? She liked listening to him for some reason! Animals like these tended to be quite savvy in relaying their intent through the eyes. And her icy blues, having returned to normality—no trace of magic in sight—stared directly at him.\n\nThere was no hostility within them whatsoever. On the contrary! She sauntered her merry way toward the half-giant and sought to thump her head into him affectionately—which, to be fair, still had enough weight behind it to push down a grown man—like a little 'THANK YOU VERY MUCH' boop. It had that sort of feeling to it!\n\nWith that done, however, she made for the hut's exit. She was feeling STUFFED and .. Didn't she have things to do? Something something.. Elf-friend? The creature took in a giant whiff. ...\n\nYep. Elf friend." }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "After bidding farewell to Yrsa, Bicco watched her disappear into the forest before turning back towards his humble abode. With a heavy heart and a sense of longing, he ascended the creaky stairs to the small room he called his own.Entering the room, Bicco's gaze fell upon a painting portrait hanging on the wall—the image of a woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile. It was his beloved wife, Stosa, gone but never forgotten.\n\nWith a tender touch, Bicco reached out and traced the outline of Stosa's face, his fingers lingering on the canvas as if trying to capture the memory of her touch. And as he settled into his chair beside the painting, he began to recount his encounter with Yrsa, his voice soft and filled with emotion.\n\n\"Stosa, my love,\" He whispered, his words a gentle caress against the silence of the room. \"Today, I met a remarkable young woman—a warrior with a heart of gold and a spirit as fierce as the wind. She reminded me of you, my dear, with her courage and determination.\"\n\nAs he spoke, memories flooded back to him—memories of their life together, of the adventures they had shared, and of the love that had bound them together through the years. And as he recounted the tale of his encounter with Yrsa, he felt a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that even in death, Stosa was still by his side, listening to his every word with love and understanding.\n\nAnd so, surrounded by memories and the quiet comfort of his home, Bicco continued to speak, sharing his stories and his heart with the one who had always been his guiding light—the love of his life, his dear Stosa.\n\nAs the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Bicco emerged from his humble abode, ready to start another day of tending to his farm. The air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the promise of a new beginning.\n\nWith practiced hands, Bicco set to work, tending to his crops with care and precision. He moved through the fields with a sense of purpose, checking each row of vegetables and fruits for signs of growth or pests. There was a quiet rhythm to his movements, a comforting familiarity that brought a sense of peace to his soul.\n\nYet, even as he worked, his thoughts drifted to those who were no longer with him. He couldn't help but think of Tarin, his old friend and comrade-in-arms, whose absence still weighed heavily on his heart. They had fought side by side in countless battles, sharing victories and losses alike. Bicco wondered where Tarin was now, and if he was safe.\n\nThen there was Yrsa, the fierce berserker from distant lands, whose unexpected visit had brought both chaos and joy into his life. He couldn't help but smile as he thought of her boundless energy and insatiable appetite, a reminder of the vitality of youth.\n\nBut most of all, Bicco thought of his beloved wife, Stosa, whose memory lingered in every corner of their home. She had been his rock, his confidante, his everything. Even now, years after her passing, her presence was felt in the gentle breeze and the warmth of the morning sun." }, { "author": "Gum", "message": "The forge she frequented had gone quiet. What was once a place of relative tranquility for Gum had become one that felt cold and haunting, a combination of emotions wholly new to the little goblin. As such, she had made the impulsive decision to travel in order to find someplace warm.\n\nIt was the farthest she had ever journeyed away from the streets, though something still poked and prodded at her heart. With the feeling persisting, she continued moving, taking in everything about her environment with wide and curious eyes.\n\nThat all changed, however, as the sun began to slip from view. To Gum, it didn't mean much, even as little water droplets plopped down atop her head and back. The dirt she walked upon became mud, but she had spent countless nights sleeping in the poor weather.\n\nThat was, until the thunder started.\n\nA low rumbling from the sky immediately put the creature on high alert. Her pupils contracted and she began to look around wildly for any sign of such an intense noise. The pace of her steps quickened as she became more panicked, the goblin sniffing the air for any extra tells. Her large ears were perked up, on the lookout for any potential danger.\n\nAll rhyme and reason was thrown out the window as the first lightning bolt hit the ground. The flash of light was a surprise, but the Crack That followed sent her into a frenzy. She began to sprint down the muddy road on all fours, eventually ducking into the trees off the beaten path to try and hide. The next lightning strike prompted her to continue fleeing, stopping to change directions each time a new bolt struck the ground.\n_ _\n\nHer desperate movement eventually put Bicco's farm into view, a place that Gum at Least Recognized as shelter. She made a beeline straight for the farmhouse, completely out of breath as the sky Attacked Her from every possible angle. Gum was so desperate, she slammed her head right into the door, causing her to stumble back in a daze. After coming to her senses, she bolted down the steps and slipped underneath them. It was the only shelter she could think to seek as the sky roared and thundered.\n\nWith that, she was left shivering, covered in mud, and coughing given how far and hard she had ran. Each boom of the sky caused her to recoil intensely, making quite the ruckus from underneath the stairs." }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Bicco had been tending to his evening chores when he heard the distant rumble of thunder. As the storm approached, the sky darkened, and the air grew heavy with the promise of rain. He glanced up from his work, concern etched on his weathered features as he sensed the impending tempest.\n\nThe first flash of lightning illuminated the landscape, followed by a deafening crack of thunder that echoed through the valley. Bicco's gaze swept the horizon, searching for any signs of trouble. That's when he spotted a small figure darting towards his farmhouse, moving with frantic urgency.\n\nAs Gum crashed into the door, Bicco hurried over, concern deepening at the sight of the shivering and mud-covered goblin. Without hesitation, he swung the door open wider, beckoning her inside. \"Quickly, come in!\" He called out over the roar of the storm.\n\nAs Gum stumbled down the steps and sought shelter beneath them, Bicco followed, crouching down beside her. He reached out a hand, resting it gently on her trembling shoulder. \"It's alright, you're safe now,\" He reassured her, his voice a calming presence amidst the chaos.\n\nWith a sympathetic smile, Bicco glanced up at the storm raging overhead, then back at Gum. \"You're welcome to stay here until the storm passes. I'll make sure you have a warm place to rest and some food to eat.\"\n\nIn the shelter of his farmhouse, surrounded by the comforting warmth of a crackling fire, Bicco offered Gum a sense of security in the midst of the storm." }, { "author": "Gum", "message": "Gum was positively terrified. Her little body shook so hard, her limbs had gone stiff. Through her fear, she pushed her face against the ground and used her hands to hold her ears down, trying to block out the noise. Unfortunately, it didn't help much, and a new problem presented itself soon after.\n\nThe hand on her shoulder prompted her to shoot backwards, the goblin retreating as much as she could without exposing herself to the rain. All of a sudden, she had been cornered, and her instincts had all but given up trying to find practical solutions. Behind her was the thundering environment that rattled the goblin to her core, and in front of her was someone she was half afraid would try to kill her.\n\nIn response, she opened her mouth and let out a few small, meek yelps. Her noises were easily drowned out by the rain pounding down, and soon devolved to fits of coughing as she struggled to catch her breath.\n\nEventually, her instincts forced her to make a decision. Her defensive stance was dropped as she went limp, dropping face-first into the mud to play dead. Unfortunately, her fear betrayed the act, Gum's limbs still shaking and chest still moving as she breathed. She closed her eyes tightly and waited, hoping Something Would change and give her an opportunity to flee or seek somewhere safe." }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Bicco's heart went out to the trembling goblin before him, her fear palpable in the way she cowered and retreated. He took a step forward, intending to offer her comfort and reassurance, but he hesitated when he saw her meek yelps and fitful coughing.\n\nSeeing her drop face-first into the mud, attempting to play dead, Bicco felt a pang of sympathy. He knelt down beside her, his large hand hovering over her back in a gesture of gentle reassurance. \"Hey there, little one,\" He said softly, his voice a calming rumble amid the storm. \"You're safe now. There's no need to be afraid.\"\n\nGum's continued trembling and shallow breaths tugged at Bicco's heartstrings. He wished he could offer her more than just words, but he knew that patience and understanding were key in moments like these. \"You're not alone,\" He added, his tone filled with warmth and compassion. \"I'm here to help. Take your time, catch your breath, and when you're ready, we can figure out what to do next, alright?\"\n\nAs Bicco observed Gum's trembling form, memories stirred within him, bringing forth echoes of a distant past. He recalled his daughter, a sweet and fragile soul who, much like Gum, was easily frightened by the world around her. In his mind's eye, he saw her face, so innocent and full of wonder, yet overshadowed by fear.\n\nHe remembered the countless times she sought refuge in his embrace, her tiny frame trembling against his chest as he whispered soothing words to calm her racing heart. His daughter's vulnerability had always touched him deeply, and he had made it his mission to protect her from the terrors of the world.\n\nAs he watched Gum's futile attempt to play dead, Bicco couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy. He understood all too well the overwhelming sense of fear that could grip one's heart, paralyzing them in its grip. Just as he had done for his daughter so many years ago, he wanted to offer Gum a sense of safety and security amidst the storm.\n\nWith a heavy heart, Bicco silently vowed to be a source of strength for the frightened goblin before him, just as he had been for his beloved daughter. He would do whatever it took to ease her fears and guide her through the darkness, for he knew all too well the power of compassion and understanding in times of need." }, { "author": "Gum", "message": "Further ruining her act of playing dead, Gum's ears twitched and perked up as Bicco's calm voice managed to reach them through the rain. In the moments where he spoke, all else seemed quiet, and the goblin eventually lifted her head to meet his gaze.\n\nSomething began to click inside of her head. Bicco's actions started seeming less harmful, especially compared to her typical interactions with people. His stillness, his compassion, and his patience all had their effects on her, and the strength displayed helped Gum find some of her own. Though still trembling, she clambered up onto all fours and inched her way towards him.\n\nWith the storm still circling overhead, there were quite a few cracks of thunder that sent Gum hurtling fearfully back to her original position. Each time she recovered, however, she made it further and further towards him.\nIn the game of life that Gum played, bravery of such order was often met with swift punishment. She never had the opportunity to imagine a positive outcome, and her instincts had adapted to keep her from trying.\n\nBut with Bicco's steeled resolve, she managed for force past her primal design, even if only for a moment, to get out from underneath the stairs. Her big, wide eyes looked up to the retired knight, and her trembling became less prominent. Even the cracks of thunder, while still causing her to flinch, did not send her back to hiding underneath the stairs. She simply continued to look up at Bicco, sniffing occasionally while her little heart pounded." } ]	518	17,884
787.25	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "threesyn", "message": "\"See ..!! Did I not say this, Alcuin?\" Yrsa chirped alongside a victorious cackle, spreading her arms and gesturing - as to Rub it in - for the picturesque scene before them. How long had they spent trying to FIND this .. This little place in the middle of nowhere?? To be completely frank, even She Wasn't sure whether it was some sort of mythical dream or something that actually happened or, Something else. Her double-sided nature meant that some things felt like faint memories, and those memories could never be fully trusted. For one, she had found this place while shapeshifted, trailing alongside hidden pathways that no Human eye could see. And then she had also Left It as a bear.\n\nIn other words, she didn't know how to get back other than the 'rough area where she thought she found it'. She just knew that before their journey took them further southwards, she had to revisit it! Maybe it was a dream? But then, it was a great dream, and she wanted to experience it again! And Alcuin needed to come, too. He had known her for quite a while now- .. How long had it been already? Half a month? Well, To her, it felt like a Lifetime. And whenever she got in 'that particular mood', there was no way she would be convinced of something else. That penchant for extreme stubbornness. It's not even that she rejected his suggestions outright, she just went with those lines of logic like '... AH, BUT, ALCUIN, WE HAVE NOT CHECKED BEHIND THAT ROCK. AND ... NOT THAT ROCK, EITHER. And we can't leave yet because this is very special...!'\n\nThose were most likely the types of persuasive attempts her Elf friend would have to endure throughout their search. Going in circles, and then going in those Same Circles, and then AGAIN .. Only to THEN Take another road and WHAT WERE THEY EVEN LOOKING FOR?? She hadn't explained much AT ALL. Just .. Something, something heavenly paradise, and she needed a witch-man potion-brewer! Plus, she had promised to visit again. So. That was that.\n\nIt couldn't have been more than a short period since her last visit. Their encampment was on the border between Mistrion and Velaris, so they couldn't have been very far. Assuming they left somewhere in the morning hours, they made it in the early noon, and it was a beautiful day - probably one of the First Of the spring season. There were a few clouds in the sky here and there, but overall, the sun bathed the land with a gentle heat. Blossoming flowers were all around them - or, at least, they WERE, because her Alchemist friend probably had this tendency to PICK EVERY SINGLE VALUABLE HERB HE CAME ACROSS. That was the type of person he was, wasn't he?! Anyway!! A gentle springtime breeze served to chill the steadily building temperature. Butterflies fluttered over green patches of grass, and tall trees swayed back and forth with various blossoms and leaves.\n\nAnd there it was, in front of them. It seemed to be the only structure in sight, and the hermit's isolation was reflected in the location. Nonetheless, it'd only make the place even more magical. A beautiful farm out in the middle of nowhere with Many Types of crops. A patchwork quilt of greens and golds. And whereas most farms seemed fixated on 'producing as much as possible, in as little time as possible', .. Yrsa thought, Felt, that there was something different to this place. That every plant, fruit and vegetable enjoyed the tender and eager care of a Man Genuinely dedicated to his life out here; .. A... Memory to his lost loved one.\n\nThat's how it came across to the northern berserker.\n\nThe land almost seemed cloaked in some sort of magical mysticism, as if it were a physical representation of nature's harmony. And though many a more familiar grain and vegetables seemed to grow in abundance, there were plenty that Weren't So plain. As an alchemist and doctor of renowned skill, Alcuin probably would be able to recognize many of them; the lustrous, luminous moonflowers. Groupings of shimmering starberries that had mystical healing properties, rare fruits coveted by mages and healers.\n\nThere was even a field that appeared to grow ... Crystals??? Yrsa didn't like that one. Mostly because none of it was edible. And while she hadn't outright SAID It, it probably wouldn't be challenging to envision how she found this place. Or how she ended up rampaging through all those crops, chomping away without a care in the world.\n\nThe starberries, especially, were delicious. Yrsa needed more of those starberries. Not that this was the only reason for coming. No, not at all! Just an essential part of it. After all, it wasn't Just The old man and his stories, but his food, too! And there she was, back to plunder. Her laughter could be heard from leagues away.\n\nShe wasn't... Alone this time, though? She seemed to be accompanied by someone else! A figure about as tall as her, though it was hard to tell who was taller. And she had changed a Little Since last she met the excellent Ser Bicco. For one, she seemed to have washed away the MONTHS upon MONTHS of Grime That had accumulated on her face and arms - actually looking pretty ... Hygienic for a change?! Probably her Friend's Influence. Simultaneously, while she wasn't precisely strutting up to the farm shaped like a monstrous killing machine, a pair of throwing axes seemed to hang from her waist. That .. And a.. - seriously, ... Could it even be called a weapon? She had this ... This ... MACE on her back, fastened with a leather strap. One Could Call it a mace. Or, more like, a giant branch with a spiked metal slab. Somewhere between 'quarterstaff' and 'morning star' and .. 'caveman club'.\n\nThose were the smashers that Alcuin helped her to get back. She couldn't reasonably be a berserker without her weapons, right?!\n\nYrsa planted her hands on her hips and stopped her feet for a moment, taking in a long Inhale.\n\n\"Of course .. You were the one that said; ah, Yrsa, .. Are we not walking in circles? But, no, my good friend witch Alcuin. This was, in fact, part of the plan-route. I did not get lost. In fact, even if I did get lost, then, this .. Was necessary. You see, this is a highly magical place. The man inside - he claims not to be a god. But I am not so sure. In fact, I am pretty sure that he is in, at least, PART ... Deity. Although, if that is so, then ... So am I - I would be the goddess of eating. Yes. And food.\" She ran a finger below her nose, somewhat liking that idea." }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "Alcuin had begun thinking Yrsa was making things up from some hodge podge of memories from time as a bear. They looked high and low for this fabled farm of riches to no avail for nigh on a week. Between her hazy memories and his distractedness, it has been a prolonged search. At least their random wanderings had afforded him the opportunity to refill his bag with various herbs and reagents. The young elf couldn't pass by a useful or interesting plant without checking it out.\n\nThe budding warlock was still reeling from discovering who–What—his patron was, as well as simultaneously savoring and despising the power he was granted. A debt was a debt, however, and he owed her so many. He was resolved to please her and only prayed fervently that he might somehow remain himself while doing so. At the very least, he was glad for the madness that plagued him to mostly subside. It was still present at times, worse when was tired and with the more power he drew. But it was finallyManageable.\n\nYrsa's exclamation brought him out of his self-reflection, and he looked up in shock, mouth agape and golden brown eyes wide. He'd never seen such a glorious farm. Velaris was a land ripe with magic, yet this felt different, deeper. A sinking feeling began to grow as they neared the crops. He could absolutely picture what had drawn Yrsa here and what would have happened. His eyes remained wide but transitioned from awe to great fear. Some of the plants here he'd never laid eyes on in real life before, only seeing pictures in books. They were so incredibly rare, and so incredibly Expensive. \n\nApproaching the starberries, kneeling down to admire them with apprehensive awe, the healer scrubbed his face with his hands at her mention of eating, a soft groan escaping him, \"Well, I really hope he *Isn't* A god. I've had enough encounters with demigods lately. And...\" Standing, he looked over at her with mild trepidation, \"If you destroyed any of this,\" He pointed to the starberries, \"Especially these, I couldn't repay him, not even in two lifetimes!!\"" }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Bicco observed the scene unfolding before him with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. Yrsa's exuberance was contagious, her excitement palpable as she reveled in the discovery of the farm. Her infectious laughter echoed through the air, punctuated by Alcuin's more reserved demeanor.\n\nAs Yrsa launched into her explanation, Bicco couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. It was clear that her unique brand of enthusiasm was matched only by her vivid imagination. \n\nHe listened with interest as she wove tales of him being a God, of magical places and divine beings. Turning his attention to Alcuin, Bicco noted the young elf's mixture of awe and apprehension. He could sense the warlock's concern, his worry about the potential consequences of their impromptu visit to the farm. The mention of demigods and the value of the crops only served to deepen Alcuin's unease.\n\nWith a reassuring smile, Bicco stepped forward, his presence a calming influence amidst the excitement and anxiety.\n\n\"Fear not, my friends.\" His voice was gentle yet firm, resonating with quiet confidence. \"This farm is a place of peace and harmony, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the world.\"\n\nHe gestured to the lush fields and vibrant crops surrounding them, the beauty of the landscape a testament to the land's fertility and abundance. \"Whatever concerns you may have, rest assured that you are welcome here.\"\n\nAs he approached Yrsa and Alcuin, Bicco's smile widened, his heart warming at the sight of his friend. With a gentle stride, he closed the distance between them, enveloping Yrsa in a warm embrace. Despite their height difference, he cradled her in his arms like a protective bear, chuckling softly.\"\n\nAh, Yrsa, my dear friend. It warms my heart to see you again.\" His voice was deep and resonant, filled with genuine affection. \"And it seems you've brought a new companion along.\" Bicco turned his gaze to Alcuin, extending a massive hand in greeting.\"I'm Ser Bicco,\" He rumbled, a playful twinkle in his eye, \"But you probably know that given you're accompanied by the giant bear of the farm.\" He couldn't resist making a jest, his laughter rumbling" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "Yrsa naturally came to stand beside her alchemist friend, who was inspecting those ripened fruits, and she almost felt herself salivating at the mere sight of them. How many had she ploughed through during her first visit? They were so tasty and juicy and ... And she couldn't help but shake the feeling that her energy was because of them! Alcuin might've noticed it, too. She came back to their encampment in her bear form. But transforming from That Back into her Human state Didn't seem to leave her as lethargic as usual. As usual, she hadn't elaborated on that; she hadn't even Mentioned It. But her ursine aspect was usually a manifestation of great rage waiting to be set off - almost desperate for someone to trigger it. .. The incident with Tolius probably didn't need to be put into words for her Elven friend to remember that much.\n\nBut she came back to their encampment looking more Zen than she had ever before. She had looked satisfied—and for once, not like a brown bear with perpetual anger problems. And to give her friend the additional context that she was too lazy to elaborate on, it wasn't too difficult to envision what happened here—the scents and smells that drew her in—her happy frolicking through the farm, going from plant to plant, tasting every single one.\n\nShe was fortunate. And it spoke a great deal about Ser Bicco's character. Because a Farmer would be well in their right to defend their territory and crops. Nor would most of them abide by the presence of a highly volatile, dangerous, top-of-the-food chain animal. Alcuin KNEW how she responded to strangers like that. So the fact that it was a scene like This, and not a horror tale with dismembered body parts and half-chewed limbs .. Was extraordinary.\n\nThis farmer had faced the same sort of trial he had. And she was responding to it subconsciously, even Right now. The young berserker came to join Alcuin by his side, wiping away a slither of drool that had started running down her lips. Her instinct was to grab a batch of those flavorful fruits and Indulge.\n\nYet ...\n\nShe had promised the farmer she'd behave. So. She crossed her arms and smiled proudly, knowing she was undergoing a great sacrifice so that he could feed her later. So with that sentiment written all over her face, she turned her icy blues to Alcuin with a level of 'shock' — \"Alcuin...!! As if I would ever do something such as this! I would not ... Ah-\" She coughed a little and swirled her right hand about, trying to find the word. And her shocked face was starting to look more and more like FEIGNED Shock at this point; \"- I would not destroy this. No, of course not. However, it must be said - that, if I had eaten them, I would have to say that these fruits especially were very tasty. And better than the fruits, I would also say that, perhaps, the ROOTS were lovely. I would assume them to have a good crunch. Chomp... Chomp-... Heheheheh.\" .. Oh GODS. She had dug for the ROOTS, too!!\n\nNevertheless, she was fully convinced of her ploy to misdirect Alcuin, believing he took her words as truth. And they were causing Such A ruckus that even if Ser Bicco had worked on the opposite side of his farm, he Still Would've noticed them. And then he finally showed.\n\nYrsa was by no means a puny Human. She had the weight, the height, and everything else; the land she came from was rough and Cold And almost REQUIRED a specific size. But she was easily dwarfed by the half-giant. Her eyes lit up as she heard him, turning her sights towards the man and figuratively blooming enthusiastically. Was part of it food-driven? Well, maybe a little. But that wasn't necessarily a bad thing!\n\n\"Alcuin!! That is he! The man!\" She shouted, glancing at her Elf-friend before cracking a lively grin toward Ser Bicco as if he were a spectacle. And he WAS. That's how he captivated her attention, right? But another important factor was that she began to glance around him again shortly after. As a bear, her way of Greeting Tended to just be.. Recognizing someone's presence and letting them do their thing. That's how she showed she was okay with stuff. But those traits overlapped with her Human shape, which meant she looked Slightly distracted While he made his approach. It's not that she Intended To be rude? It's more that no one had, probably, ever taught her some darn manners!\n\nWell, he got her full, unadulterated attention again when he stepped in for his hug. It almost took her off-guard, but she snapped her eyes back to him with that same level of interest, nigh-on jumping into the half-giant's embrace! And, hell, she was Strong. Even in her Human form, she seemed to boast of a level of strength that wasn't what most would associate with a Human of her gender and age.\n\n\"He did not say this, BUT, .. I could see in his eyes that Alcuin thought I was making things up! But! You are real! So, there! .. Sorry for taking a little long. I wanted to come for food earlier! But we had to beat up Goblins and take back my smashers.\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The more Yrsa feigned shock, the higher and higher Alcuin's eyebrows rose. At the mention of roots, he barked out a nervous laugh then somewhat frantically said, \"Yrsa, no! Not the roots!! The plants can't grow more berries without roots...\" He trailed off as the old farmer approached, not accustomed, probably much like Yrsa, at having to look up at all that many people. The fact that his friend wanted to seek this man out meant that Yrsa had given him her stamp of approval. Alcuin wasn't entirely sure yet how liberally she did so, but so far it seemed to be more rare than not, so he trusted the man on that principle first of all. Upon seeing him and what scars were exposed, Alcuin's mind went through flickers of how such scars might be made; he tried to ignore that it made him salivate. \n\nThe farmer's words and voice were immediately comforting, and the young elf felt himself relaxing somewhat. After all, it was a beautiful and incredibly well-tended farm; what harm could befall them here? The man looked likely capable in battle too. His alchemist's mind was buzzing with questions for the man about how he tended some of these plants, Alcuin knowing how finicky some of them could be. He felt there could be a great deal for him to learn here, if Yrsa would let him. A small laugh escaped him at the thought, and he looked on happily as the two embraced; it was somewhat surprising to him. Yrsa wasn't exactly the type that one just ran up and hugged. But it warmed his heart; he wanted her to have more friends, more connections.\n\nIt had been Alcuin's turn lately to be the distracted one not noticing as much. It had escaped him completely that she was so relaxed upon returning from the farm and more energized since. While he was getting a feel for how her transformations tended to go, how to help them be somewhat smoother for her, his mind had been filled with his own troubles. He was beginning to fear he'd be the death of himself if he didn't learn how to control this new power. The consequences of drawing too much were nigh unbearable.\n\nJust as he was feeling glad no hug was offered to him, Ser Bicco extended his hand. Alcuin nodded his head in a slight bow, a show of respect, as he said in a gentle voice, \"Thank you so much for the warm welcome. Any friend of Yrsa's is alright with me.\" Very gingerly, he quickly shook the farmer's giant hand as best he could with his smaller one, then crossed his arms, looking calm but uncomfortable. At Yrsa's explanation of the interval between her last visit and this one, Alcuin added with a chuckle, \"We're uh... Also not the most focused navigators.\" Even as he spoke, he was looking off at those strawberries again, so many possible uses and questions about them churning in his mind as he chewed his lower lip in thought." }, { "author": "Ser Bicco the Old", "message": "Bicco listened to Yrsa's animated explanation with a fond smile, his heart swelling with warmth at her exuberance. As she spoke, he couldn't help but chuckle at her antics, admiring her boundless energy and enthusiasm. When she jumped into his embrace, he wrapped his arms around her, giving her a tight squeeze before releasing her with a gentle pat on the back.\n\n\"Ah, Yrsa, always a delight to have you here. And it seems you've brought along quite the companion as well.\" His deep voice rumbled with warmth as he turned his attention to Alcuin, nodding in acknowledgement of his presence.\n\nAt Alcuin's polite greeting and slight bow, Bicco returned the gesture with a respectful nod of his own. He clasped Alcuin's hand in his own massive one, even if Alcuin didn't want it, giving it a firm shake before releasing it.\n\n\"The pleasure is mine, Alcuin. Welcome to my farm. You'll find that we have plenty of hospitality to go around.\" His eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement as he added, \"And don't worry about getting lost. Happens to the best of us, especially in these parts.\"\n\nWith a warm smile, Bicco gestured towards the farmhouse, inviting his guests inside.\n\nAs Bicco led Yrsa and Alcuin towards the farmhouse, his mind wandered back to memories of old friends from a hundred years ago. The mention of companionship and camaraderie stirred a sense of nostalgia within him, reminding him of the bonds he once shared with individuals who had long since passed.\n\nYrsa's spirited energy and Alcuin's calm demeanor brought to mind images of two of his closest friends from his youth. He couldn't help but see glimpses of the jovial dwarf with a hearty laugh and a penchant for storytelling, in Yrsa's infectious enthusiasm. He had been a fierce warrior, always ready for adventure, much like Yrsa with her warrior spirit and unwavering determination.\n\nAnd in Alcuin's thoughtful nature and gentle demeanor, Bicco couldn't help but be reminded of the wise and compassionate elf who had been like a sister to him. She had possessed a deep understanding of nature and magic, much like Alcuin with his alchemical knowledge and affinity for the arcane.\n\nAs they approached the farmhouse, Bicco couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity that surrounded him, as if history was repeating itself in the form of new faces. It was a bittersweet realization" }, { "author": "threesyn", "message": "From another perspective, Yrsa's reactions and responses might've come across as almost Unnatural - she was Far Too trusting. Took to this man far too readily. She had only met him once before! .. And had Alcuin not experienced the same? She latched onto her Elven companion as if she was 'meant' to follow someone around. Whoever her master had been before she entered the Elven lands, he hadn't taught her much about what it meant to do things on herself - what to trust and what not to trust.\n\nOf course, a big part of that came from her animalistic instincts. She didn't care about elaborate motivations, words, or this or that. And maybe ... It wasn't even necessarily that she was gullible. She seemed to trust people based on what they did and showed her. While Alcuin and Bicco were very different people, they still shared one thing: they stared death right in the eye. They treated her with kindness, respect and personal integrity.\n\nWith Alcuin, back then - in that forest .. It was like he had nothing more to lose. Her rage matched his desperation, wrath versus a veritable void - her icy blues set up against eyes black as midnight.\n\nShe had looked at Bicco with those same eyes. That same level of malice. And instead of emptiness, he had stared right back at her with a gaze of... YEARS of knowledge; a profound, almost grandfatherly wisdom. Her life up to this point had been all strife. Her last battlefield was some three months ago? And it was Bad. Pure horror. Blood and guts and all those things. Beneath her veil of unadulterated happiness and genuine reactions lay deep insecurity, profound grief, and ever that nagging feeling of 'what would happen next'.\n\nSer Bicco could probably tell. He had seen countless wars before, right? For Yrsa, it was like .. She WANTED this to be. That's why she took to it so readily! Her old family was, well, she didn't even think about them anymore! But she liked the idea of a grandfatherly figure! Someone who cared and was friendly and nice and fed her food!\n\nSo that's how she ended up behaving. She casually sauntered her way, almost lazily, into the cabin- which from what she could tell was the only structure around for miles?- arms swaying animatedly. The berserker glanced over her shoulder, shooting Alcuin a wink and a grin - one of those 'I told you so!!' gestures. And as if it was already a habit, she made her way to the exact stool she had taken place on before.\n\nYrsa removed her weapons first. She unhooked her two axes and laid them on the table, followed by her oversized Smasher, which she put over them. Bicco might also come to notice - and, to be fair, it was easy enough to notice - that she also didn't SMELL as much as the first time. Usually, she had this Real Pungent odor following her around. But.. It smelled faintly of .. Of...— no, could she have used SOAP?? Well, not necessarily. But it wasn't her fault that Alcuin's soap bar flew into the bathtub!\n\nIt was a pretty significant improvement.\n\nAnyway, she Thumped Back into Her Chair and put her hands behind her head lazily. She crossed her legs and leaned back, hovering with her back precariously, though she balanced herself out by distributing her weight.\n\n\"Psshh.. Nonsense!! I knew where we were going, all along. It just ..\" Yrsa cleared her throat, face briefly flushing. \"- did not appear that way. But, as they say, Alcuin - you do not kill the book based on the cover. Unless, the cover is bad. Then, it is okay to kill the book. Or .. What was that.. Uh, judge...\"" }, { "author": "Alcuin Demodred", "message": "The young alchemist laughed softly at Bicco's amusement. Looking around more as they approached the farmhouse, he wondered idly how he'd never stumbled on the place. Being from Velaris and having wandered it's many woods his entire life, he thought he'd seen it all. But more and more lately he was being proven wrong. Talking as they walked, Yrsa might have noticed his tone being a bit brighter than usual; it was hard for it not to be on such a magnificent farm, \"I thank you for your generosity. Your farm is amazing! You're growing so many incredibly rare things, and very well, I might add!\" Yrsa hadn't had much of a chance to see Alcuin light up talking about herbs and alchemy, but despite the way his life had felt turned upside down recently, they were still great passions of his. With a small pang of worry that he brushed aside, he hoped that would remain the case as the years wore on.\n\nThis place was so peaceful, so perfect, the warlock hoped the inherent magic he felt might somehow grant reprieve from his dark mistress, at least for a little bit. As he watched Yrsa animatedly bouncing around, then making herself quite at home in someone else's home, someone she barely knew, he looked upon her great, unabashed fondness. If nothing else, she was certainly a balm for his troubles; though in some ways, she fed the darkness within him, she also simultaneously gave it pause. It was an odd relationship, but one he was finding he couldn't live without. Sitting down next to the sprawled berserker, he looked even more a picture of poise. He dug in his bag for a book and a pen, opening to a blank page. Giving his friend a warm smile, trying not to laugh at her cute attempts at covering up her mistakes, he encouraged her, \"You followed your heart, Yrsa, and really, that's all I can ask of you. We made it in the end, and,\" He sighed playfully, \"You were indeed quite right.\"\n\nLooking up at Ser Bicco with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty, Alcuin asked, \"If it wouldn't trouble you, I'd love to ask you some questions about your farm. I don't know when I'll be home again to put the knowledge to use, but it would make a huge difference in my healing work.\" If he could learn to actually grow starberries–it suddenly hit him that perhaps this kind man would share Seeds With him, and his eyes twinkled with excitement–that would change everything. It was a very potent reagent that he could put to use in many recipes. And growing his own would save him significant coin. His eyes traveled around the interior of the home for a moment, and he thought it felt quite cozy. Though he didn't yet know Bicco, he found he was rather immediately comfortable; this man and his home were so inviting and warm, it was hard not to be relaxed. The troubled young elf tried to soak it all in." } ]	640	6,298
268	2024-01-08	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Taka Hanuman", "message": "Taka Hanamura, the Gorilla of Yronis, the strongest warrior within The School Of The Iron Mountain- was walking.\n\nHe breathed in deeply, enjoying the fragrance of the cherry blossoms around him. Feeling the winds grace his skin with it's gentle touch, the strength of the earth below his feet. This is truly paradise, a place of peace and serenity. The perfect location for Taka to preform a long day of meditation training- so that is what he did.\n\nThere he was, the towering monk, sitting calmly within a field of grass scattered with cherry blossoms. An aura of energy was moving around Taka, dark blue and black, that seemed to coalesce in several locations across Taka's torso.\n\n\"*The gongs of the Iron Mountain Temple teach us that all things are not without their own strength. The cherry blossoms of the forests teach us that all things wax and wane like the cycles of the moon. These examples are but a few that show us how to live a life of understanding and enlightenment.\"\n\nClap.\n\nA burst of energy emerges from Taka, blasting away cherry blossoms in a wide circle around the monk.\n\nDespite the normally humorous monk' attitude most say is outlandish Taka is a very enlightened individual who sees thing from a much more deeply spiritual mindset and understanding. This leads to his very openly kind and humorous attitude the gorilla is famous for- because Taka knows that the life we have to live is not one to be squandered with negative emotion." }, { "author": "Kane Akiko", "message": "Akiko was prancing through the cherry blossoms as they danced through the air. Her small fox form easily skipping through the forest as her tail swayed in the wind behind her. Akiko was just about to catch a butterfly when she felt something- something Intense. Akiko turned her fuzzy head towards the spiritual energy radiating off Taka, her ears twitching as the shockwave passed through her. Akiko let out a small foxy giggle before prancing towards the source of spiritual energy. \n\nOnce in sight of Taka Akiko tilted her fluffy head to the side out of curiosity, she expected a yokai of sorts- not a monk. She then smiled at the idea for a fun game. Akiko walked her small form in direct view of tarin before her tail seemed to multiply and spread out behind her lip a fan of peacock feathers. Her white tails were glowing blue and seemed more ethereal than moments before. Spiritual magic radiated off of Akiko in a shockwave of pink and white magic, beckoning Taka to follow. \n\nThe fox then turned its back to the monk, looking back towards him for a moment before prancing through the forest as if she were lighter than air. Her nine tails swirled behind her in a hypnotic motion as she sprinted through the blossoms." }, { "author": "Taka Hanuman", "message": "The monk had been deep in thought, his mediation taking him to a place within his mind and soul far beyond the shell of mortality most are plagued by. He is able to see clearly, feel the earth below him and the winds brush against his clothes, hear the heartbeat of the world around him- Enlightenment.\n\nBut it is thanks to that enlightenment that Taka's eyes opened in time to see the form of a fox with many tails- a being of myth and spiritualism.\n\n\"What magical energy...*\" The monk was awestruck by the preside of the kitsune, the ethereal presence of a fox spirit so sought after.\n\nAs the fox turned away and looked back at Taka the monk stood from his seat on the grass, eyes never leaving the visage of the kitsune until she was prancing away through the forests. He felt drawn in, something to discover and perhaps further enlightenment if he could speak with it. Taking up a run Taka raced after her, imbuing his legs with his chi to further push his speed beyond human." } ]	272	804
412.625	2023-11-21	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Leaving Valac behind to guard their camp, Noctis volunteered to go into town to get some food. However... It would be a shame to come to this little village and not even order a hot meal... Chuckling to himself, he wandered the streets until he found a small street side restaurant with a bar like counter and stools to sit on. He took a stool, drawn to the restaurant by the scent of the sizzling meats, the frying vegetables and the sweet rice being cooked in pots. \n\nHe patted the coins in his pockets and smiled contentedly. He'd order Valac something and take it back to him. \n\nWhat anyone would see as they approached the street side food venue would be perhaps the most beautiful human man- it was almost supernatural the allure his features held. Women and men alike that walked past him on the street stumbled over themselves, children gazed with wide eyes before being pulled along- it was as if his very presence seemed to light up the street. \n\nHis clothes were as dark as his hair, black as pitch, with a gleam of platinum greaves flashing from beneath his large well decorated cloak as he sat down on the stool. His swords sheath peeked out from beneath his cloak but the hilt and pommel he kept hidden beneath the well woven fabric. \n\nAll in all, he was definitely an easy person to spot out of a crowd. He smiled and ordered- and the voice that came out was almost musical, clear and warm but with a hint of a rasp. \n\n\"A large bowl of your steamed rice there, two of those sticks covered in meats and vegetables, two more of those other mea- what's that? Teriyaki? Yes please whatever you say, and then ooo a bowl of whatever you just sold, with the noodles yes. The largest bowl please. Some of those little white balls- Bao? That sounds fantastic, yes. I'll take a dozen. They're very filling? Well I've been warned, I'll take the dozen.\" \n\nIt seemed despite his lithe form that he had a rather fierce appetite. \n\nNoctis got hungry after travel, primarily because he never used a horse\n\nTo get around- he simply ran. It was an arduous process sometimes but much better than traveling by horse- it drove him crazy to just sit there and he'd never quite learned how anyways." }, { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "Saurek had entered the village much more hesitantly than he would have if it was lestos. But he had traveled and a deep hunger had taken hold of the giant orc that he couldn't simply ignore any longer especially if he was to keep his strength and temper in check. Part of him wished he had simply chose to hunt some beast in the woods as his kind often did to attain meat. Yet that day he simply chose to do something a little different.\n\nAs he entered the village he could already smell the scent of cooked meat, vegetables, and whatever else the street restaurants were cooking assailed his nostrils. It was all smells that were much more potent and more appetizing than when even he was used to. Unfortunately, as Saureck dismounted his horse and tied it off to a post nearby he attracted a crowd of his own but for all the wrong reasons. For one being an orc so far from home made him an unusual sight, with his stern and harsh grizzled face, Tattoos form, and distinct glowing orange eyes he made people part ways so as to not get in the way of such a large individual. \n\nSaureck began to walk down the main path, trting ro ignore how out of place he looked in his elaboarate armor. Breathing deeply the fresh air was a crisp and sharp contrast to the heavy and choking air of lestos. Truly it was wonderful people got to live in such a peaceful place. As he approached the street vendor his bright eyes locked onto the ethereally beautiful figure sitting at there. But his gaze was torn away as he approached and smelled the delicious seeming food.\n\nObserving what they had listened in common he tried to think looking around to try and figure out what he was supposed to do. It was obvious despite the fearsome appearance Saurek was out of his league. Still he spoke in a surprisingly deep and course voice, it sounded as if he had gravel in his throat but despite the roughness accented by the lisp of smaller orc fangs.\n\n\"Er... Just give me whatever you think would be best for an individual of my stature.\" He would have tried to ask or figure out what anything noctis said was. He didn't know what rice was much less the do called noodles and bar. A part of him was morbidly curious to see if the other could eat that much as he sat down on a stool that creaked under his weight. Saurek did his best to look serious an attempt to keep people away from him or conversing with him do he did not further potentially emberass himself or make if appear as if he did not know what he was doing." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"They called in the big guns for this quest huh?\" Noctis asked, unabashedly taking a closer stool to the imposing man and gazing up at him, his long dark lashes blinking a few times as silver irises studied the Archduke- that Noctis unfortunately did not Know Was an Archduke. Likely neither did anyone on the street. \n\nAs the workers scrambled to start cooking up the massive amount of food that would be served, Noctis toyed with his long silvered earring before speaking again. \n\n\"I've seen a few orcs in my time- but you're the biggest I've ever seen. Thats impressive because once I-\" He cut himself off, almost on the verge of declaring the time he'd arm wrestled a huge orc who'd been the right hand to a child of Innea. A genius tactician who might have posed a real threat to Scipio in the Cousin Conflict, had they not chosen the wrong lover to bring to their bed. \n\n\"Well once I saw an orc that was over six foot eight or so, but uh, you top that. Names Noctis, Noctis Camille. Traveler, adventurer, very hungry.\" He put out his hand for a shake, he had slender fingers that maybe should pluck a harp but never hold a sword- even his nails were perfect down to the cuticle." }, { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "Saurek looked over at noctis surprised if anything someone chose to talk to him, much less already seeming to know what he was here for. Though he supposed if their was a quest in need of doing and a very large battle ready orc showed up suddenly then it would seem obvious why he was here. But more so it was unexpected for someone to approach so casually, it had been a very long time since anyone had approached him so casually. His fiery orange eyes met Noctis's silver eyes as he looked him over for a moment in case this was somebody he should be more respectful of. But he did not immediately know who he was so he responded in kind. \"Yes they did I suppose, wasn't intending to be here for it but since I'm here I would be a disgrace not to lend a hand in aid.\" He saw no need to reprimand the former as in these lands he was not some famous general or archduke, he was a foreigner in lands not of his own and so it would be best to approach every casual situation with that knowledge. \n\n\"Oh really now, I cant say I've seen many humans in my time, few would even survive my homelands should they step foot there. The only ones I have seen were nobles who came for diplomacy and nothing more.\" Saurek shook his head, he normally would have simply nodded and ignored the other, but perhaps it would be best to learn more about the outside world and peoples through casual conversation. \"I do not think there is a bigger orc than myself in any of the realms, I suppose I should thank my parents for the advantage they bestowed upon me.\" Despite his attempts to sound normal his speach was an awkward blend of trying to be casual and formal and it came across painfully clunky. Internally he winced as he was met with the reality that his lack of small talk outside of war or political matters was proving to be disadvantageous.\n\nA glimmer of amusement shone in his blazing eyes as Noctis spoke as if the orc he saw was some specimen or attraction to behold. He had realized just as much he considered others strange, most others considered him strange. The awkward disjointedness of so many species that did not intermingle often. \"Rather easily if I say so myself. Noctis Camille... Hmmm unusual but a lovely name nontheless, its my pleasure to meet you. I am, Saurek Zerenex, nobleman of lestos.\" Saurek prayed the other did not know of him, he would rather avoid the problems or fuss that could arrive should the knowledge of him being a general much less an archduke was in Yronis of all realms." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "So Noctis' suspicions had been right- this man was here in answer of the quest. It was an easy thing to deduce, but all the same it was a good to know. There was something about this man that felt... Oddly familiar, not as if he knew him, but just a certain nostalgia. Something about him reminded Noctis of his own time period, the one he'd lost. \n\nAfter letting Saurek respond in kind, Noctis nodded his head slowly. He seemed entirely at ease sitting beside the massive armored Orc, as relaxed as someone might seem in their own home, and the truth of it was that he was entirely relaxed. Everything about this man radiated strength, but Noctis still had yet to meet anyone that truly made him feel threatened. Nyx, the blood moon, the terrifying and beautiful in her arts of war, had been strong- but he was confident he could defeat her well and true in a real battle to the death. \n\nPerhaps that was the case, perhaps she hadn't shown him her full strength, who knew? What he did know was that he'd faced down the might of gods and lived, he'd even survived encounters against their avatar armor. That overwhelming power... It was enough to almost make him shudder in remembrance. \n\n\"My Lord, it's a pleasure to meet you. Nobleman of Lestos? My that is interesting- I've been unfortunately negligent of the worlds affairs for some time, so forgive me for not knowing proper etiquettes.\" What Saurek might found the most odd was that Noctis seemed to be speaking perfect Daumanic. It was a minor but exceptionally useful blessing of his fathers, there is a deep beauty in the languages of the nine realms and thus, Noctis was able to speak every language without even a second thought. The ability could even go so far as to be heard as Two Distinct languages by separate people- for example if he spoke to an elf and an orc, the Elf would hear Velarian and the orc would hear Daumanic. \n\nThis one required conscious effort- for now only the orcish language would be heard. Better for privacy that\n\nWay. \n\n\"I've never had food from this realm- have you my Lord?\"" }, { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "Saurek noted him for a moment and turned to look away towards the chefs who cooked with a fervor as they attempted to gather everything. The strong smell of cooking meat and vegetables accented with various spices was unusual and a little off putting to him. His eyes gazed at the strangely beautiful man noting how relaxed he seemed to be, that in itself told him something was a bit off as even his gaze was sometime too much for most people and yet the other only seemed to acknowledge him as another being. He was surprised at how refreshing it felt given the suspicion, fear, and uncomfortable curiosity he was given by strangers as he traveled. He removed a slip of paper from one of his satchels fastened to his armor and started reading, the writing itself was not in a language but a code of sorts of many strange symbols. A system he devised himself to ensure every message was encrypted so only those with proper clearance could even read it. \n\nHearing the other address him as lord caused him to look down and shake his head at the smaller man. \"No need to refer to me as lord, I hold no influence, much less any significant authority to do anything. If anything call me Atlas, its what foreigners have taken to calling me. Don't fret so have I, nobleman is only my secondary title as well, im travelling because I need to learn more of the various realms if I am to be a good diplomat.\" Despite his seeming calmness his eyes darkened with a paranoid fear, why was a foreigner who said they had only seen a few orcs, talking in fluent and proper Daumanic as if he himself was well accustomed to speaking to orcs. With an easy switch in languages he asked with a tensed tone. \"Tell me, how are you speaking Daumanic so well, very few foreigners know it much less speak it and I have yet to meet any that speak it as well as you do. You say you are a traveler, many travelers speak many languages but few speak like a native. Who are you really?\"" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis had forgotten about the gift of his father- with all the craziness of his awakening and the following travels, well, it was easy to get lost. Managing not to grimace, he smiled easily and even gave a tinkling laugh. \n\nThis man was definitely hiding a layer or three- but what was it? Was he perhaps a bodyguard to someone powerful, or maybe the noble claim was a lie? A mercenary maybe. \n\nRegardless Noctis had his own layers to keep. \n\n\"I had a phenomenal tutor, master of language. He told me once that every dialect was like a separate shining color through the mist of a waterfall. He thought himself something of a poet I guess.\" Noctis replied with a wry grin, answering with an ease that couldn't even be practiced. The trick was never to really lie, just never phrase the truth the right way. Everyone got what they thought they wanted that way. \n\n\"Truly and honestly right now I am no one of consequence.\" He replied, turning his silver eyes to gaze at the workers. The smells made his stomach rumble and he couldn't wait to get his teeth into the savory food." }, { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "Despite the easy smile and tinkling life Saureks gaze was as harsh as the erupting volcanoes of his homeland as he stared the other down. He was suspicious of the other, from his relaxed posture, overly comfortable conversation, and ability to easily speak his native language it was not completely out of the realm of possibility of assassination. Turning to look at the chefs cook the food he paused to ensure he didn't miss any details, no secret attempt to add poison to the food he had asked for. But as nothing happened he took a tense breath in before pausing to look back at him. \n\n\"Oh really now? Hmmm... Well your tutor must have been one talented man for languages. Consider yourself quite lucky, few people have the luck of a good teacher much less the ability to speak comfortably with a foreign language. Poets are sometimes quite a treat to listen to, with their eloquent way of words.\" Saurek appeared to calm down but the back of his mind was now razor alert for the slightest hint of danger. Part of him wanted to move away from the handsom figure but instead he simply started nodding a little he turned as a massive plate of food was placed in front of him. It smelled quite unexpected but still... Good and he certainly would admit he was even more curious for the taste. Choosing to not push it further he started eating once more." } ]	445	3,301
509.6	2023-11-26	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "Saureks gaze burned bright, his pupils having long since shrank. He was looking for the slightest indication of the other being a threat. But as the smaller man was rather oblivious to his concerns much less his appearance he paused for a moment to look at him. It felt as if someone had breathed fresh air into his burning lungs, his shoulder muscles untensing as he forced himself to calm down and regain a level head.\n\nAs the good was placed in front of him be eyed it with an air of suspicion. It would be an almost comical sight to see such a large figure perturbed by rice... If he didn't have such a large war hammer strapped to his back. Taking a moment he poked it and tasted the rice... An immediate blanch on his face as he slid the bowl away. Instead he chose to eat... Well whatever the white breaded meat was. This time however he ravenously ate as if he was a starving man. It was quite obvious to see his tendency towards meat based foods he was served as that's what he pretty much sorry ate his tastebuds and stomach not quite ready for such a sudden interaction.\n\n\"Well that is a good thing, any good student would do well to respect their tutor. After all where would they be without such a tutor. Life goes on all the same, but I am sure they'd love to talk to you again. That is if you didn't do something to cause you two to grow apart.\" Saurek paused for a moment and shook his head. \"Please do not refer to me as your Lord, Saurek is fine enough.* \"I find it strange... Its very... Different from what I am used to that is. We don't exactly eat... Vegetables as they simply do not grow in Lestos. But nevertheless some of this is quite good.\" He said and despite it he let out a small chuckle.\n\n\"Well it was actually hand crafted by the finest orc blacksmiths, sent and trained out in Mistrion with the dwarfish folk. I'll take it as a compliment, its meant to be armor not just a showpiece despite the reds and golds you see.\" Saurek nodded as he began picking his plate clean of any scraps that had survived. Even the despised rice he shoveled down out of respect to the chefs who had worked so hard to make the food for him. \"So tell me, what brings you here if you don't mind me asking?\"" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis listened as he ate, scarfing down the rice and buns and noodles and slurping down the soup. He ate much the same as Saurek, like a wild animal out to hunt. However he somehow managed never to spill a drop, get a crumb on his shirt or even gain a soup mustache- as if the food slipped right off him and made every effort to avoid sullying his image. After he decided to stop for breath, he raised his head and grinned. It was a boyish, crooked grin that no noblemans child would have, it was too worldy and knowing. \n\n\"I've been told Lestos is barren and hot, but I am sure there are incredible things there to see. Perhaps if I am ever there you'll be able to show me around. As for right now... Well I am getting some gold. See I recently lost my inheritance,\" Technically true, he had lost his fortune due to being asleep for thousands of years, who knew what creature or person had emptied his vault or claimed his riches for their own, \"So I signed up for this adventurers guild thing to make some money. I can handle a sword pretty well.\" He said with a gleam in his eye, before taking a long swig of the cold alchoholic drink. \n\n\"Ah. Well, orc smiths fashion some fine stuff. Your armor is designed to be both offensive and defensive, right? Let me guess, you're very strong so if all else failed and you ended up having to grapple, you could pull your enemy right into your spikes. The natural formation of the spikes also make slashing weapons less effective- after all a sword loses a lot of momentum if its angle is thrown off course. I like it, its very impressive. Not quite my style but, I see its effectiveness.\" He said, talking avidly. His voice was strange, it was as if he could talk for hours and never would it seem to grow stale or let any words drag together. As if he had been custom tailored to be easy to be around. \n\n\"Did you come to hunt this Indaki as well, Saurek?\" He asked, raising an eyebrow in question." }, { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "Saurek had to take a moment to simply watch Noctis scarf down the large amounts of food placed in front of him. He would have been a fool to say he wasn't impressed at how a much smaller man such as noctis was able to keep pace and occasionally outpace his own speed. Even more impressive was how the other avoided to get seeming any food on himself, Saurek was able to avoid the worst of it simply by being careful or consuming food items in a singular bite. His gaze landed on that boyish grin, and a part of him wondered if under different circumstances he may have been one to grin back jovial and laugh good anturdely. But that childish part of him had died so long ago it was hard to even remember being a boy. \n\n\"Oh well the descriptions of Lestos are hardly ever wrong. Most of the land is engulfed in black volcanic rock, stone, or granite of some kind. The skies are always dark with the billowing ash of constantly erupting volcanoes. The most incredible thing to see in lestos would be the proving grounds where one can watch the finest of warriors win glory or die trying. Or the citadel, truly a marvel of military construction but you would not venture to Lestos for the sights. People come for militaristic aid or to see our warrior customs, we orcs are a proud bunch of the culture we cultivated in our own little corner of the world.\" Saureks eyes blazed with harshness as his mind recalled the eastern walls and the nightmarish warfare constantly raging. But then he recalled his people, the warriors who drank and feasted together, ritualistic dances, and a surprisingly kinder people than one would expect. It was hell for other but it was home to him. \"Oh I see, how did you lose your inheritance if you don't mind me asking. Plenty lose them to conniving politicians, backstabbing family, or through simple unfortune.\"\n\nHe nodded his head in a surprising sense of understanding at his words. \"Good thing you can, even a noble should be able to wield a blade. It is unfortunate but the world grows more dangerous by the day, it can only be helped for some people to try and hold back the evil that threatens us all from the shadows.\" Saurek seemed somewhat surprised by how the other immediately picked up in understanding. \"Well you certainly have an eye for strategy, weapons and armor are just as important as a tactic used in a battle. If need be you are correct I could grapple and slice someone open with just the armor. Likewise these bladed parts are meant to slow down a weapons momentum or potentially serve as something else for an arrow to deflect or pierce other than the main plating of the armor. As for the design it is meant to signify my position on a battlefield, work as a outfit should I need to meet with nobles, and still be just as useful in combat for all the reasons we talked about.\" \n\n\"You would be correct Noctis, I needed to venture to the other realms for diplomatic reasons but if I'm here what better than helping defeat such a dreaded foe? Gold is of little concern to me although a coin could be quite nice.\"" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Well a broken clock is correct twice a day.\" He said with a laugh, chugging down his drink and then setting it down with a satisfied ahh. He cleaned his plate thoroughly and then sat back in the stool like chair, patting his belly. He was six foot exactly, but lean with broad shoulders. He was by no means a massive man, it was as if he'd been built for aesthetics and not power. Running a hand through his thick and silky hair, he glanced at Saurek. \n\n\"So, your people love duels and stuff then, huh?\" He asked, silver eyes dancing with delight at the thought. Orcs battling each other for honor or sport, a deadly dance of axes and hammers, blades and fists. He'd become unable to not find beauty in the dance of death, it was a terrible waltz that made him feel alive to watch, to be a part of. Few had been his equal in his own time, he itched to find others of his caliber now. Though chasing fancies like that only distracted him from what really mattered- getting inside the Eternal Palace. \n\n\"I'd love to see that. Perhaps bussiness will take me to Lestos. Could I make coin by betting on fights there?\" Noctis would likely make a killing if he could, all were surprised with the pure physical ability of Noctis, who at his greatest could even overpower the biggest Giants. It was taxing to make himself that strong, but all the same... He could at the very least send Valac. That would be the upstart, Valac was incredibly strong and even more durable than Noctis- and with how tiny he was. It was almost enough to make him chuckle." }, { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "\"I suppose it could be...\" His deep voice trailed off as he heard the sounds of arguing down the street. Nothing of importance, two obvious intoxicated individuals brawling their heated tempers out. A sight that was not to uncommon from where he was from either. Saureks gaze was disapproving but he shook it off, who was he to judge other behaviors if he himself was not exactly the model individual in certain times. The large orcs attention was drawn back by Noctis's voice and he turned to look back at him his braided pony-tail swinging around behind him. \n\n\"Of course we do, what better way to prove yourself a true warrior than to fight. If one does not wish to serve in the Army becoming a gladiator can be a good path as well. There is money to be made, but honor and the potential to be remembered as a warrior in the great halls is all many could ask for. My people have fought for so long against the barbarians of the east, its molded us and forced my kind to be more inclined to war. Unfortunately, its just about all we are seen as good for.\" There was a note of bitterness as he gripped his cup tightly staring at the brown liquid inside. Even the few orcs he had seen outside of his homeland still could not seem to escape their seeming fate. Many were adventurers or warriors, he saw few in any other positions and it only reinforced his deeper beliefs. Why was his kind simply sold of to be bloodthirsty savages and nothing more when they stood as a bastion against eastern invaders. \n\nSaurek looked back at the other human and gave a nod. \"Trust me, you would find yourself welcome in my homelands despite how some people believe. I'd be a liar to say nobody would try to size you up, but you seem like you have more to you than meets the eyes.\" A voice of stark, grounded genuiness was present as he looked at the other. He really had no reason to, but if anything perhaps it was his intuition telling him something he had not consciously noticed.\n\n\"Oh yes you could make a pretty penny by betting fights there, just don't be surprised if someone challenges you to a fight of their own should they lose a bet.\" He said with an amused snort as he looked back over at the brawling drunkards. \"Say I will bet you ten gold that the man on the right will beat the man on the left, I fancy myself an underdog I suppose.\" Saurek spoke with a hint of challenge, if Noctis was at all competitive like Saurek tended to be then perhaps he would be inclined to place a bet of his own." } ]	512	2,548
450	2023-11-22	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Shogun Renji Zaraki", "message": "The dance of the shimmering leaves falling from its branches blew delicately through the crisp warm breeze of the autumn air. Children laughter filled through the air within the Makaya Palace as some bathed naked in the ponds with their parents nowhere to be seen. They splashed water over and over upon one another in a playful manner, enjoying the clear water while disturbing the koi fish that lived within. These were the young daughters and sons of the Daimyos, the Lords who serve Yronis. Women dressed in expensive silk robes and painted faces of bright pink and soft white giggled as they walked past and attempted to avoid the water from soaking their clothes. Those women are called attendants, which serve the men by exchanging their flesh for coin. Most of the doors within the interior of the Makaya Palace with no one to occupy inside the interiors. Decorations littered a small section closely to where the children played, marking that it was one of the child's- a daughter specifically was celebrating her Name Day.\n\nBut that wasn't the only event that was taking place at the Palace. A special guest's arrival was being planned throughout the past few days to greet the noble. Women in similar fine gowns stood tall with their heads lowered and stared at the tips of their toes. Standing in between were the royal guards, otherwise known as Okuzumeshuu dressed in black armor with gold dressings. They served the Shogun and take orders directly from him. The ten total stood at the top of the stairs awaiting for the guest's arrival at attention. Meanwhile, as the sun bathed warmly over the landscape and the dwellers within it music played lightly throughout the exterior walkways in a tune of great harmony. Talented musicians plucked their fingers away and blew smoothly into the instruments to create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. The Shogun was rather quite pleased as he hummed to it in one of two private chambers that he tends to quite often. His rough thick fingers tapped against the fine cloth upon the wooden table while his eyes examined the parchment papers that littered upon it. \n\n\"Hmmph.\" A low grumble of disgust escaped the man's throat as he skimmed over words. He was rather annoyed with what was written as it pertained to a Lord requesting men to be sent to Handrila Village to handle matters about citizens causing mayhem to create their message louder- a message about going against the Shogun himself. Why? Well..\n\nThe Shogun slammed his palm against the table in a dramatic manner before turning to look out the gaping open door that lead to the private office. Not only was he angered at the fact of threats being made, but the Lord who wrote it demanded compensation for his findings within the Village. It was the last thing the Shogun wanted to deal with and the last person he wanted to speak to in regards to treasonous behaviors. For once he wanted a day to himself but instead decided to grant an audience to a boy- a near man that many call The Little Prince. He has heard rumors of course but this would be the moment for them to be confirmed. That is if he shows up on time." }, { "author": "Princeps Aemilian Iraia", "message": "Arriving in the realm was none other than the heir apparent to the throne, the Crown Prince, the only son of the Empress. Aemilian Iraia, a man who only hit eighteen and yet was thrust into the monumental task of ruling a huge chunk of the Empire, and commanding the entirety of the Imperial Legions. \n\nHis arrival was marked by Imperial carriages arriving at the gates of the city's palace, and the prompt exit of him and his men. The man surrounded himself with his Consular Guards, the elite warriors of the Empire whose sole duty was to protect and serve the Imperial Dynasty. Their history was near spotless, as their reputation was tainted with the recent assassinations of the previous emperor and his family. Nonetheless, they were trustworthy, assuming no mysterious conspiracy plot had been concocted against them.\n\nHe sported his decorative armor, as usual. Purple cloak swelling outwardly while he walked past the Shogun's guards and their noblewomen - at least, he presumed them to be. At last he came up in front of where the Shogun himself was supposed to be. Aemilian simply stood there idly, introducing himself in an instant.\n\n\"Greetings. Princeps Aemilius Iraius, or Prince Aemilian Iraia at your service. I am glad that you, the Shogun of this realm, have graciously accepted me as your guest.\"" }, { "author": "Shogun Renji Zaraki", "message": "The men and women followed closely behind to guide them through the Palace to show the Shogunate's strength and beauty through their presence. The male took a strong stance as he was dressed in all of his formal attire, the family crest exposed at the back of the haori, the outer layer his jacket. He could hear the shuffling of armor plating and the ascension of multiple footsteps walking on wooden boards towards his open doorway. A smile crept up on his face as he relaxed his shoulders, ultimately changing his entire demeanor than what it just was. He placed his hands in front of him, clasping his hands together. At first the Shogun admired the Prince and his Consular Guards at that stood at attention at his sides. With a quick wave of his right hand dismissed the guards and women from behind, the group dispersing as one. The Shogun bowed half of his body in such a delicate and proper form while closing his eyes.\n\n\"Prince Aemilian. I appreciate you and your men taking the time for coming on such a long journey. It truly is an honor to have you come all this way. I hope that the roads were kind and gentle.\" His voice rumbled with a deep tone that flowed smoothly through the air between them. The words were true and bold as gave the utmost respect to the child that has now become a man himself. Though, Renji will still see him as a child until he hears the great stories of his achievements he has yet to create. As Renji raised himself to stand normally he glanced over the armored guards with a flick of his right bow raising.\n\n\"Will they be staying for refreshments with you or shall they be escorted by one of my female attendants to relieve some... Stress?\" Renji's hazel eyes flicked to the Prince for the answer. This was a test, in a sense to see if he welcomed that type of hospitality to them. His bare feet shuffled ever so slightly to place himself in a comfortable stance a few feet away from Aemilian." } ]	415	1,350
441.714286	2024-01-19	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis was not yet used to this new magic he'd unlocked, because it was less of a spell and more of a technique. Something ingrained into his body that tapped into his mana to activate. It came instinctively to him and yet the actual action, not the triggering, was foreign. He found it easier if he extended his index and middle finger out in a V, using them as a metaphorical focal point. He imagined himself leaping between that V as he triggered and thought of his destination, and he was there. \n\nOnce upon a time he'd traveled Aeterna by simply running, using a technique called Mana Dragging, where he pushed his Enhancement and his mana pool to the limits to run vast distances with high speed, but it left him exhausted and still took him time to get from one place to the next. This was... Instantaneous. It was an incredible thought, knowing the world was at his fingertips to go and see. It was almost enough to make him laugh with mirth. Leaving Almonde and temporarily parting with Wisteria had hurt, strangely. Almonde was soft, cute, plain in her own way and yet- she'd saved his life. That woman would forever hold a debt over his head he did not know how to repay. Wisteria was no different, except that she was not soft and cute, she was hard and beautiful- but still... He'd learned a lot about her. A lot he still needed to unpack. \n\nSo when that little fox began to rest by the shrine, it would find a surprise. As Noctis teleported, there'd be a moment when she'd feel the energy of Masculo in the air in front of the shrine. It was not immensely powerful or overwhelming, but it was without a doubt Masculo arriving. Only, it wasn't. \n\nAppearing on the spot and stumbling forward a step or two in front of the shrine was the most beautiful mortal man to have ever walked Aeterna. His hair was black as pitch and his grey eyes danced with the stars of the cosmos, his skin was ivory and yet had the colors needed to look warm and inviting. His cheeks had only the faintest of freck\n\nLes and his teeth that flashed as his soft lips parted were perfectly white. All on a sharp and strong jawline, a slender nose and broad muscular shoulders. \n\nHe straightened up and glanced around before his eyes fell on the shrine and widened, the wind came and swirled his raven feathered cloak around his ankles and he squatted down, gazing at the shrine as if gazing at an old friend. \n\n\"Is this what I sensed?\" He mused aloud, seemingly not noticing the fox. In truth he hadn't, his senses were not superhuman as they once had been. Further he was distracted, seeking the source of what felt like his father and assuming it was the shrine. \"Why did you call me here, Father?\" \n\nThe words were said to no one but the statue- only one conclusion to be made. This young man, who smelled of him, looked as if he could share his blood and spoke of him so casually- must be a child of the god of beauty himself." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "Before the creature could even fall into a slumber, the sudden aura of Masculo caught her attention as the creature turned her attention on the Shrine. Was her Patron sending a message or perhaps he was arriving to meet her himself, was this all a dream? As thoughts flood her mind, a figure suddenly appeared out of thin air and stumbled into her view. By nature, she remained cautious and within the darkness of the tiny shadow that the shrine created.\n\nHer crimson eyes turned to look and study the stranger, she began to wonder if it was Masculo himself but in a different form. His very beautiful appearance, one that was a steady balance between femine beauty and men's charms. Just as Masculo was dedicated as. The fox remained quiet however, unsure and cautious towards this man. She was at a vulnerable state, exhausted from her duties last night and was surrounded by the warm morning sun with little shadows around.\n\nWhen the demigod spoke, the fox was surprised as she'd assume at first it was addressed to her. Before the man spoke of his father, that's when things become rather clear. Akira was aware that demigods existed for centuries, even the blood kin of Masculo himself yet she never sought them out as they were not apart of her duties. Yet, it was clear that one of the children of Masculo stood before her. Although, the man seemed as confused as she was. But, the risk of danger began to fade and with that, the silent fox began to shape-shift into her humanoid form.\n\n```\"Child of Masculo himself arrives to see me, yet he remains as confused as this one. To what does this one owe the honor? Pleasure or business?\"```\n\nA woman spoke that not stood by the shrine, her eyes were as red as roses while her fur and hair was as white as snow. The kitsune had the features of an ancient fox, having nine tails and an aura of authority around her. Yet, that aura softened around the demigod.\n\nThe child of Masculo was quite an honor to be met, but the Kitsune was rather quick to business. The half god being must have come with a purpose, perhaps it was her recent findings of a gholl ritual or perhaps the God of Beauty had wished to send his blessing and love to increase her morale. The kitsune took off and held her flat hat, her ears high and alert as she stood tall in her traditional Yronis kimono. Ready to hear the demigod's words with a polite smile, eager to hear the divine commands or praise that she earned. There was suddenly a lot of pressure in the air." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "The young man didn't jump when she spoke or made herself known, instead his mortal grey eyes turned towards her and he tilted his head quizzically. He did not radiate power or presence, for everything but his beauty and his dark clothes, he could be an average mage. He took in the details, a beautiful woman, fox like ears, sharp eyes and... Nine Tails? A Kitsune alright, but the oldest he'd met in his time had possessed only six tales at most. A Kitsune was never an accident, believed to be servants of gods or the spirit realm beyond the mortal one. \n\nSo she was referring to herself as 'this one.' She hadn't been expecting him either and yet... Now that he focused, really focused, the trace of his father he had sensed while meditating had been... Her. His grey eyes widened slightly in intrigue before his face regained total composure. As lovely as it was, it could have been chiseled from stone from all it was willing to tell. \n\n\"My father created you. You've lived a good long life, haven't you?\" He asked, his voice a harmonic melody that made even elf song sound like a coarse grating. The young man's long legs carried him as he strode to the left of her, peering at her body quizzically before coming closer. He didn't seem to have much concern for her personal space, as he leaned forward as if to kiss her and studied her features closely. There was no divine glow in his eyes, but they were clever as a fox and sharp as their fangs. \n\n\"He did a good job.\" He said finally, leaning back and crossing his arms. \n\n\"Where is this?\" He asked, gazing at the mountain and then further along down the pathways. He had not yet learned every cultures workings but if he had to guess and he had already made his assumption, it was Yronis. Still perhaps the Kitsune could give him a clearer answer. \n\n\"And my name is Noctis. You can call me by that name... Please.\" The please came late, but it had come." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "Even if he held no divine powers or powerful magical ability, a child of Masculo was a demigod regardless. Her gut feeling was telling her that this was in fact his son, even if he seemed weak and far from divine. The kitsune would not discriminate, even if she herself committed cruelty. When the man spoke, she began to realize that the demigod wasn't too familiar with her specifically. Maybe she met a mortal man who just discovered his divine blood, she assumed and was sent to her for guidance by her beloved Patron.\n\n```\"The son's father had blessed two foxes, this one was one of them. Long life was lived, not all good but the one facing you is content. The son of Masculo himself holds his father's beauty, yet needs a lesson in manners.\"```\n\nShe spoke with a heavy and ancient Yronis accent, her hands extending forward as he got into her personal place. Her mimic blade was rather eager to cut the man down, as her dark urges began to flood her mind. To kill the demigod himself was a thought, how cruel and evil could that be. Maybe she should ensure only the purest of his blood is left alive. The woman held those thoughts away, as she gave the man a deep and respectful bow. Pushing and clearing her mind, as she spoke.\n\n```\"The voice and words of Noctis are pleasing for the ears, brings this one a lot of praise. Together, we stand on the path to Mornan Monastery in the realm of Yronis. Monks of all faiths train here and meditate, perhaps the God of Beauty has sent Noctis here with a purpose? Akira Kana doesn't not know but curiosity holds no strength on this one.\"```\n\nThe kistune spoke with a odd way of speech, her common was right and formal. However, it was an ancient tongue that spoke it. The kitsune sat herself down, sitting as one would to a Shogun with her eyes down at his feet and her posture straight.\n\n```\"What brings Noctis to this path? Does the man wish to connect with the God? Perhaps heal inner wounds and scars, no better place for him.\"```" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis narrowed his eyes upon her, for a moment he thought he felt... Killing intent? But it had happened so fast that he wasn't quite sure it had been there, still, he'd fought for hundreds of years and honed his battle sense to a razors edge. It would be wise not to let his guard down around her. \n\n\"The only lesson I need is to find out why I was guided here.\" He said dismissively, walking back over to the shrine and prodding it a few times. \"Has anything happened lately? Anything strange, anything to do with the forces of the dark masters?\" He asked, examining the shrine a few moments longer before becoming uninterested and rising up again. \n\nA monastery then, with monks? He supposed there had been a fair share of monks in his time but, the idea of a monastery was new. He understood the concept though, a place of religious sanctity. Religion had always been a strange concept to him because of his divine blood. When you've literally spoken with and learned from the being others worship... Well it gets hard to understand. Still, a place of worship at a time when his powers are both changing and still eluding him. He was definitely here for a reason. \n\n\"I like your name, Akira Kana.\" He said, finally turning his gaze back to her. Though he'd looked away, he'd never stopped paying attention to her. She was dangerous even if she was his fathers chosen." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "His words were taken with care and obedient white furry ears, the kitsune seemed rather serious as he asked if there were anything that needed his attention. To make the demigod do her duties for her was seen as a disrespect to her, did the God of Beauty doubt her ability. But, perhaps it could be seen as gift that he trusted her enough to allow his child to be assisted by her. She began to be flooded by thoughts, but heard his compliment.\n\n```\"Noctis is a beautiful name too. But to feed curiosity, a lot has happened. On the border and outskirts of Yronis, a large number of Gholls have gathered. This one hears that they wish to birth a new God, these feral and hungry beasts never venture into Yronis territory before. Brings much worry and concern to those that know of it, yet the only arrived last night.\"```\n\nThe kitsune explained the situation to the demigod as best as she could, last night was a harsh patrol for her. Gathering information and scouting their movement, the birth of a new God was read from the many letters that she stole. Gholl cultists gathering meat, slaves and wild dogs to a certain location that she couldn't pinpoint.\n\n```\"Does Noctis wish to aid this Kitsune? Is this a test for the son or the chosen? Darkness is potent on this season, united tribes of Gholls is a sight of great threat to all those who bleed and breath. Let alone the words of a new God.\"```\n\nThe kitsune moved closer to the demigod as she spoke, before walking by as her tails brushed against his body. She was confused about this odd situation that brought them together, putting her hat back on. That was until the kitsune leaned to hug the demigod, the hug was light and quick. After all, he was family in a manner of speaking.\n\n```\"Darkness can wait until the sky turns to rest. Now, Noctis and Akira can rest for now. Discuss and plan, the confusion leaves this one feeling very sour and pained. But, Noctis is family as both are blessed by the Father of Beauty.\"```" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Of course there were ghouls, or was it Gholls? Was there a difference? First it was vampires, now ghouls, or gholls, surely next would be an infestation of zombies. If only he had his strength back- still, being able to teleport at will was incredibly useful. Not that he could do it again any time soon, teleporting so far had been exhausting. \n\n\"He does, I believe that this will be a test for both of us, Akira. If the danger is as great as you say, it will require both of us.\" He said, watching her move closer. She reminded him of his father in the graceful way she moved, she was an entirely new thing and yet, he felt comforted by her existence. Another mark from his father- even if his warriors nature wouldn't forget that momentary bloodlust. Still when she hugged him, his slender fingers came up and stroked her hair gently before calling back by his side. \n\n\"Good, I've traveled far, and I need food as we plan. You can get me some?\" He said." } ]	454	3,092
568.333333	2024-01-21	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "The kitsune listened to the demigod's voice as he explained the simplified details with her, the little doubts that plagued her began to fade. He seemed to trust her, this made her smile for a few reasons. One that she could be counted on and the other that she could turn trust into sweet betrayal, the pain of betrayal was such a sweet pain for its own purity. Her thoughts could be seen in her crimson eyes, conflicted and mixed. Perhaps a constant cycle to rebalance themselves, like a forest fire burning away life before growing back into a vast forest once more. Repeat and return.\n\nSharing his tale on how he was tricked and slain, the age of dragons was brought up. He only confirmed how old he was, although the titles of Imperator was not something she was familiar with. Perhaps an honorable title, centuries past. Her sharp eyes noticed the motion of his hand, a single tear from his right eye. A moment of pain, the pain of the demigod was savory and delicate.\n\n```\"This one is not familiar with the names of Scipio and Imperator. But, titles that are earned and hold height from the manner you speak of them.\"```\n\nThe kitsune was rather polite and formal with her tone, her head leaning closer to hear the man speak. His recent wound that cost him his strength, a cursed blade had her curious. Such a weapon to defeat a demigod was rather surprising and threatening, the demigods were creatures that walked off critical wounds. The kitsune took a deep interest in his newly found powers.\n\n```\"Perhaps Noctis grows like a bamboo. Cut down and stolen strength, only for new strength to grow as a manner to adapt with each cut and death. Quite remarkable. Perhaps Noctis is still growing and vulnerable, Akira will stay until your new strength comes... But maybe it must earned through suffering and wounds like any other warrior. To create something beautiful, one must remove something first. Perhaps the strength of old will be replaced by the strength of new.\"```\n\nThe kitsune shared her own insight on the situation at hand, finding it to be rather brutal and beautiful. She also quietly approved of the name, she began to understand why he was sent her or perhaps began to make her own assumptions.\n\nAfter some time, the pair found themselves eating tofu and stew. Sitting on the floor nearby within the training grounds of the monks, who trained ruthless as their grunts and determined screams could be echoed occasionally. The food was meant for the warrior monks that defeated the Manastery, who happily shared their hospitality with a kitsune. Yet, Noctis was disgusted as a humble scholar from lands beyond Yronis. The monks who looked as tough as stone, were oddly humble and kind. Equally to the duo, providing honest words and a bow before leaving them to eat. They were a welcoming bunch but had their focus on their training. The smell of sweat, blood and tears filled the air, as the food provided some comfort with its savory scent. The kitsune shared a few words in between bites.\n\n```\"You may consider joining the monks for a few centuries, regain control over your body and grow your strength. Although, the act of breaking a stone is far different from breaking a foe. A stone won't fight back.\"```" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "He didn't like her words, it felt like everything she said was a terrible omen. Sure she was familiar, but more and more he felt she was dangerous and foreboding. His brow furrowed and he decided he wasn't sure how to answer, so he did not. When she finished talking he just sat in silence and gazed out over the mountain until food was brought to them. \n\nHe busied himself eating, he was starving. Traveling like that really drained him of energy. So he shoveled the tofu and stew into his mouth, neither of which he enjoyed very much. An ill omen indeed. Perhaps she was right, perhaps he had to regrow. After all, this was not his time, his life. \n\nHe'd lost all sense of purpose and was still trying to find what that was. Closing his eyes, he listened to her speak again and shook his head. \n\n\"I'll pass on the monastery. A rest and then we go and deal with these creatures. I'll part ways after that.\" He said, frowning. It was hard to care about the monks, about the Kitsune- he was finding himself feeling a stranger. He'd been awoken to... What? Why hadn't he just died in his own time? Why did he live and find himself in a time that wanted nothing to do with him, that was entirely alien to him. It was like looking after someone else's home while you left yours to burn down. \n\n\"I don't have a few centuries. When can we leave?\" Perhaps it was his instincts that had him so irritable. Something about the Kitsune pinged danger signals as loud and bright as facing the undead did. She made his skin crawl and yet, he didn't despise her. Perhaps she was another side of his father that he just wasn't, the same and yet entirely different." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "The warm and steamy tofu was no delicate dish, the flavor was simple yet savory. The stew was that of vegetables and chicken, a hearty meal that only complemented the meal. As the demigod closed his eyes and spoke, opening them would reveal a smiling kitsune who stared at him rather intensely. When their eyes were locked, the gaze remained as she spoke.\n\n```\"A rest on the move. A carriage shall take the two. To deal with the creatures is no simple job even for beings of centuries old. Unlike humans and other races, Gholls only have one purpose. To devour. Yet, do not invade or attack the same place twice. They gather and bulid, prepare for their ritual. Worship a God, a God of Savagery and Hunger. A beautiful title for a weak God. The God had returned before, was defeated by a band of champions but not before turning the rivers and steams red. The canvas of Yronis for the God of beauty, and his kin. Does the demigod before this one, agree?\"```\n\nThe kitsune spoke with an odd tongue, her choice of words more akin to a scroll or a book than regular conversation. The woman did not seem to mind that the demigod was eager to do business, she quite enjoyed the attitude of work first. She sat straight up as her voice began to speak about her plan, her hands on her lap.\n\n```\"As this one spoke before, a carriage will take the two. South, closest to the location of interest. Hidden deep along the mountains, the gholls may have destroyed a similar temple like this and turned it into a makeshift fort. But, this one cab only guess. What your decorative ears will hear, as foggy words of a dying cultist. Broken minds and delusion burying our precious truth, only a hint of it was found by the one you see. Noctis should know that, but two cannot kill hundreds. The two can only kill a few, a few that are of great importance to our prey. A leader, a sacrifice and a champion. Two must kill the three, or the three will give birth to a God. A God will kill many.\"```\n.\n\nThe kitsune spoke with a smile, her words were playful yet cold. A weird balance between being passionate and not caring, the woman didn't belittle the demigod but instead found herself dancing with her words. As if a person was learning to dance slowly before finding a new technique to practice. The details were given, simple and dry. Making her point as clear as she could, long details, explanations and theories were not her favorite motions to speak. A waste of time to speak of something you don't understand or know, like dancing without motion.\n\nThe pair eventually left the training grounds, as they waited by the dirt path. A supply carriage would bring the monks their supplies, Akira had planed to jump on it as it went south. Combining a day's rest and a day's travel in one trip, it was a small space for two souls." } ]	637	1,705
482.25	2024-01-22	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis' grey eyes no longer held their silver or amber glow they had once possessed when had the full power of his bloodline coursing through him, but his grey eyes were still as beautiful as twin full moons and he gazed back at her from beneath long lashes as she spoke with such intense intent. He nodded at the wisdom of her words, approving of her plan of attack. \n\nIt was often a strategy to cut the head from a snake, used often because the strategy was good. The Kitsune had a good mind on her, unsurpsing- Masculo treasured all aspects of the human condition and the beauty in them. Intelligence was just as important as the body. Once their food was eaten and the plan was set, he looked her up and down. \n\n\"Very well, the plans set. We aim to as assassinate, not wage war. It's more my forte anyways.\" \n\n- - - \n\nHe'd agree to her plan, so when the carriage came along he'd be more than fine. He'd gotten this far only because he'd been willing to adapt. This was to be no different. \n\nOnce they were settled in he stretched his long legs as best he could and then, after a moment, open his arm for her to put herself in the crook of his shoulder and press against him, allowing them to share some warmth and comfort. He couldn't deny that despite the thought that she might tear his throat out in his sleep- being around her reminded him of his father. He'd been held by his father only once when he was a twelve year old boy, but it was the greatest memory of his life. \n\nIf she agreed, he'd rest his chin atop her head and close his eyes. He'd jumped instantly from Velaris to Yronis, the toll it had taken on him had been brutal, but he'd hid it well. As soon as he was comfortable however, he'd fall into a deep sleep. A defenseless target, a beautiful image of serenity and peace." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "As the pair waited their transportation, it arrived in the form of a humble supply carrige pulled by a well worked ox. A bald man sat and stopped by, a few monks had begun to take the barrels of supplies from the small carriage. From vegetables, meats and bags of rice. As the carriage owner watched the monks, his eyes turned to the kitsune and the man. Akira approached the man and began to question him about his farm, a discussion would unfold.\n\nPleasantries were exchanged, the farmer's background and dry humor were heard. However, he share interesting details of his farm being attacked by gnolls. Stealing his livestock and his favorite goat, a lucky goat as he claimed. The man was worried that without his lucky goat, his luck would fade and his wife may leave him. He went on for a long time about his lucky black goat, Akira listened with a silent smile. Yet, killing intent could be felt from her. The bald man would not notice this as he continued his tales.\n\nEventually, Akira offered to bring back the man's lucky goat and livestock for free. As well as to rid the lands of the Gholls, the man was rather happy to hear it as he offered the pair a ride. Akira claimed that Noctis was an experienced hunter and warrior, much to the approval of the carriage owner. He offered to give the pair a ride as he made some room on his small carriage, clearly made for barrels of butts.\n\nNoctis found himself in a tight spot to sit, it had no space for two people. Only fitting a single person comfortably, so the kitsune turned herself into a small fox of dark fur. She sat her smaller self on his lap, the fox made a soft and raspy bark. Before a yawn escaped its maw, running a circle on his lap before laying down. Akira's fur was soft and smooth.\n\nTheir journey was a rough path but the pair were clearly exhausted from their past activities. The morning sun lit their road, as a cheerful song was sang by the carriage owner. A song about how handsome and strong his ox was." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Never hunt foxes, Noctis.\" His mother said softly, placing a finger over the tip of the arrow he'd drawn back to fire at a winter fox that had crossed his path. He glanced up at her, her midnight black hair and grey eyes atop her ivory skin. Beautiful in her own way, though paling in comparison to her child and the one she'd taken in bed to be his father. Yet Noctis would live hundreds of years and never think a woman more beautiful. \n\n\"Why?\" He asked, watching the fox jump through the snow playfully. His silver eyes seemed to shine in the bright light of the snow glare. \n\n\"They're your fathers favorite beast upon this land, he treasures them most above all for their cleverness and willingness to see beauty in the world too. Strong, smart, sleek, beautiful.\" Her laugh was sweet as she played with his hair. \n\n- - - - \n\nAfter some time, Noctis awoke with a start. The dream quickly faded, but the image of his mothers smile lingered. When he awoke, he looked down at the fox in his lap. Had that been a real memory? It had been so long since he'd seen his mother. In truth his time with her was a blip in the collage of moments that made up his life. Still his time with her shined more brightly than almost any other. Almost. \n\n\"Do we really have to find his goat?\" He muttered under his breath, mostly to himself, though he was unsure if the Kitsune was awake or not. He sighed and contemplated what would happen next. He wasn't as strong as he used to be, couldn't use fire or wind- how exactly did he plan to take on these Gholls? No, that was foolish. He was a Master swordsman and martial artist, even without damned super strength he was supposed to be a deadly warrior. \n\n\"Strength is a crutch to inhibit progress.\" He mumbled, realizing that he'd gotten so used to being so incredibly strong that he'd stopped focusing on his swordsmanship and martial prowess. \n\nHe Would Do this, he'd survive and move on until he figured this all out." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "As their journey began for hours, the morning sky of orange and gold turned into a darker blue. The mountain path and the rocky surroundings turned into a bamboo forest as tall trees of straight and odd trees surrounded them. The air was colder, the winds danced as the dry bamboo leaves filled the air. The sounds of a nearby stream of water could be heard near the path, as a man-made drain seemed to direct the waters to the farms. However, the small huts that the carriage passed were empty and recently abandoned. The road looked very used and old, buried by a thin layer of bamboo leaves.\n\nNoctis found a slow breathing fox on his lap, warm and resting. Yet, her crimson eyes were wide awake as it stared behind the carriage. It's ears peaked up as he spoke, the fox seemly barked a laugh before it turned into raspy barking. The creature shook its head slightly.\n\nAkira couldn't truly speak as a fox, a fox hardly had the mouth for words. Although, the man may come to notice that it seemed to have a right paw missing. It's tail swayed up and down, as the carriage owner continued his song. Their home was close and seemed to be the only farm left, as a smoke trail marked his humble home. The bamboo forest faded into a vast field of rice and water.\n\n```\"Now, you maybe thinking? Why did I stay? Is this farmer a fool? Then, you'd sound like my wife. No, I am not a fool. The other farmers might forgo their duties, but a lot of people need my food. I can't just leave it here to go to waste. The Gods gave me this blessed land, and I intend to give my labour to his followers. The Gods have sent you to me, haven't they? Faith is repayed always. Soon, my beloved Baono (his goat) will return home and my wife will finally see sence!\"```\n.\n\nThe farmer spoke with a passionate heart and a deep tone, to say he was jolly was quite an understatement. The carriage began to slow down as the fox that was on his lap, had turned into a kitsune. A woman was on his lap now, as she faced him. Her hands on his neck, as she leaned to whisper to his ear. Her body pressed against his, as the small carriage did not allow a lot of free space. To say she was in his personal space was quite an understatement.\n\n```\"Strength is the sign of great pain, Noctis will have to decide who's pain that will be. Noctis? His enemies? His allies? Or everyone?\"```\n\nThe kitsune leaned her face against his, enjoying his ivory skin and his silver eyes. A chuckle escaped her lips, as she turned into a fox again. Her human chucking fading into a raspy barking laugh, as the fox jumped off the carrige as it stopped." } ]	450.5	1,929
415	2024-01-24	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Strength is more than just might, Akiko.\" He said in response as he crouched down and examined the tracks. Once he'd been raised to hunt and gather, and had done it for many years alone before he met Scipio. After that, he'd trained with the elves and demigods of the hunt to hunt down fleeing foes across the realms. Yes he likely couldn't compare in magical power to even a first year student at the Magios Academy, but he was still a skilled fighter and well trained. \n\n\"You said they're trying to summon a False God and have a leader- we can assume then that what we see here isn't an accident. Whatever happened had purpose, we should be wary of that. \n\n\"Still, I think avoiding fights where we can is best. Our goal is to cut the head off the snake, so we should do all that we can to avoid detection. I've rested enough to make a few small jumps with my teleportation, so we can use that our advantage. \n\n\"I don't have a weapon, but my fists are deadly enough as is.\" He said, half to himself as he gazed into the dark trees. \n\n\"Let's get a move on, these tracks are old which means these Gnolls could be up to anything right now.\" He said, sighing and straightening up to continue along the path with the Kitsune." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "The forest was dense and dark, yet the trees protected them from the cold winds that were as cruel as they were strong. The full moon provided enough light to avoid walking in complete darkness, the blue glow of the moon illuminated their path. Although, Akira did not allow herself to get too distracted as even she could get lost in the forest if she allowed her mind to wonder.\n\nNoctis was a fun company, a pretty corpse if he should meet his end tonight. Perhaps even the most beautiful of corpes, the demigod was amusing. So desperate to be a hero and so eager to face death, bold or simply hungry for blood himself. Upon realizing he had no weapon, she began to wonder if he could truly kill a gnoll with his bare hands. However, his life was not her responsibility as the gods surely had their plans for him. Who is she to interfere.\n\nThe duo would hike on for an hour, venturing deeper into the forest. Akira took the opportunity to arm the demigod with her daggers, making a chilling comment as she gave them to him.\n\n```\"This one offers more, perhaps the demigod is too shy to ask. Makes the mind wonder if Noctis needs a moment of survival and raw animalistic will to grow. Forgive this one, it won't matter.\"```\n\nAkira said as her smile dismissed her words, the fox had a odd feeling in her heart. Cold, she felt a cold and sharp pain in her heart upon looking at Noctis. Although, she wasn't sure why. Was it disappointment? Mourning him already? Or simply fear? The fox was not enjoying a flooded mind during a mission, normally her head is as clear as a fresh stream of water.\n.\n\nAnother few hours past, and the forest began to lead to a cliff. The scent of smoke and blood filled the air, it was faint but present. Looking down the large cliff, a horrifying scene came to view. The deep forests of the valley surrounded a deeper valley where a massive war camp could be seen. The lights of torches were vast and the tents of mixed feral leather filled the empty space below completely. Gnolls by the hundreds it seemed, even a prepared army would have a struggle with this many savage beasts. The center of the war den seemed to have the most activity, as a large bonfire was surrounded by chanting gnolls. Rows of tied up slaves could be seen in preparation.\n\nAll hidden in a dark corner of Yronis, Akira watched closely. As the sounds of distant hyena growls and laugher was heard nearby, she'd put her hand on Noctis. Pushing him down and into a bush, as a patrol of hyenas came running by." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Well... Shit. Have you spoken to the Shogun about this? If not, why?\" He asked, crouching low and peering at the camp. Before he'd have been able to enhance his vision to easily scan the camp and identify weaknesses, entrances, food supply locations and barracks. He had perfect vision for a man, perhaps even above what a normal man could see- but he was nowhere near superhuman. It was all just lights and tents and bodies. Not enough to gather off. \n\nHe heard the group coming and moved with Akiras pull. The demigod waited until the patrol had passed before brushing a leaf from his hair. \"Any chance we can save the people they've captured? We could free them before we attack the leaders, they're likely to get slaughtered in the confusion of the assassinations.\" He mused, speaking of their deaths as casually as he might discuss the chance of rain. The truth was he would let them die if he had to, if it was the greater good. It was the kind of decision making he'd needed to make back in his own time as a leader of the Empire, it wasn't one he enjoyed and never made lightly and yet- he could make it. \n\nHe tested the daggers on his thumb, sharp. His forte was the sword of course, but his dagger skill was likely beyond most. It would be more than enough- he hoped. He Was More than his magic. \n\nHe turned his grey eyes to look at her as he slid the knives into his coat, watching her closely. Part of him was sure she'd like nothing more to see the slaves killed, to see Him Dead and to laugh over his corpse. Yet here she was actively seeking out threats to Yronis and the realms. Why couldn't his father create something that wasn't batshit insane, himself included." } ]	386	1,245
467.6	2024-01-25	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "The dagger was sharp and coated with an oil, ensuring its sharpness remains even after a few cuts. The fox listened to the man as she'd gaze around the darkness, her expression was relaxed and calm. She was in her element as crimson red eyes turned to stare at the demigod as a smile grew on her face. Her words soft as whisper.\n\n```\"No, The Shogun would only scare off. Delay. This one has been searching for weeks, priority is on the head not on the body. The body will die quickly without head. Best the two cut off the head swiftly and quick, then break the body as confusion leads. The two can break into one, one becomes savior while one becomes the distraction. But, the head is the target.\"```\n\nThe kitsune spoke rather carefully as she made her points clear, she was a guardian after all and to protect the citizens was part of her duties. With two assassins, the opportunity was there. As much as she'd enjoy the classic tragedy of slaves being killed and their blood filling the lands, it would go against her duties. It worked in their benefit, having a distraction and a savior in the end of this hunt. All priority was on the head, should Noctis die the heroic death than a beautiful death awaited him. But if he lived, he can try again.\n\nThe pair began to make their way down the cliff, as the fox teleported between shadows to arrive down the cliff. Watching as she waited for the demigod to make his way down, she watched a patrol of human cultists bring in another carriage of slaves into the war camp. Most of them were monks beaten near death, the distant echoed of growls and hyena laughs filled the air as they approached closer to the camp site." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "The question was who would be which, a question he pondered as he nimbly made his way down the cliff. He'd grown up in the Forstead Mountain Range, his feet were instinctively good at finding the right nooks and crannies to land for him to make his way down- though of course not nearly as swiftly or elegantly as Akira and her teleportation. Still, for a mortal man, for which he was no better than now, he moved remarkably well. One hand resting on the dagger, the other out by his side to keep his balance and catch a stone or an edge should he somehow slip. Once he'd reached the base and the campsite came closer, his hand would come up to Akiras shoulder and pull her closer so he could whisper into her ear. \n \n\"How far can you jump through shadows? My teleportings range is not limited, but I can only do it so much and trying to teleport where I can't see might result in disaster. However if we make a series of jumps together with you leading the way and signaling when its clear, we might make it to the 'head'.\" Once he was done, he pushed her deeper into the shadow against the cliff wall as he heard some laughs near, lingering there with her out of sight hopefully. His eyes could not pierce the darkness like they might have once been able to do, all the same he had his warriors instinct. Luckily it had stopped pinging for Akira, perhaps she'd decided for now that he would live until he was killed by others, not herself. One less problem for the moment at least. \n\n\"Do you know where to find them?\" He asked softly, watching her crimson eyes as she studied the camp. Her eyes were also like Elizas, blood red and alluring, there in the dark he could nearly imagine she was there. The demigod had to surpress a shudder of desire, a strange new wave of emotion for him. He'd never been racked with such intense Desire Before, it radiated off him like an aura. He'd shared one dance with Eliza and known this Kitsune but mere hours, neither of which should cause him any such affl\n\nIction. Which one was it though? His heart pinged like a shooting star when he thought of the Countess, and his heart raced like a scared rabbit when Akira gazed at him, but he couldn't tell if that was out of fear and adrenaline from the danger she posed in his weakened state and the connection she shared with his fathers magic, or the same heat that flooded him now. Whatever the case, wanting either would get him killed without a chance to find out. Focus, focus, Focus. \n\nThen just as quickly as the aura of lust had appeared, it was shut off. The demigod had a remarkable control over his mind and body, even if that control faltered at times. Focus on the mission." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "Watching and even studying the agility of the demigod, even without his divine powers, he held experience of a mountain goat it seemed. Moving quickly down the cliff, her white ears of fur peaked up to his questions. Remaining silent as she was pushed deeper into the darkness of the cliff. Darkness caused her to almost vanish if it wasn't for those two red eyes. Laughter bounced before it slowly became growls and barks, moving away as torches did not reveal the pair. Her hands reached out from the dark as she'd put her hands around his head, turning them to look at her. Her gaze was intense as if spoting something in souls before pitching his cheek.\n\n```\"Clear the mind, Noctis and his thoughts leak out silver from the eyes. This one can travel very far, but the closer the place, the easier and faster the leap is. The center must have one of three heads, this one does not know.\"```\n\nThe kitsune leaned her face closer towards the demigod, her breath hitting his face as she'd place her hand on his chest. As if hearing and feeling his heart beat, before leaning her head against the man's chest. Her ears hearing the heart of a demigod beat, he would surely bleed but that wasn't her priority oddly. His eyes were flooded with thoughts, thoughts she did not know. Hence her curiosity grew. Her cold hand reached up to grab the man's neck, lifting it up as she spoke looking over her shoulder.\n\n```\"Unbalanced and chaotic is the heart. Unsure and afraid of something. This one does not know but if Noctis wishes to be a hero, he must have balance and control. This one smells and hears none of those two when he locks a gaze. Savory and beautiful, either can cut the three heads however.\"```\n\nThe woman said in low whisper as her words were cold and intense, she placed her chin over his shoulder as she leaned against him. Before vanishing completely. She stood behind him with her focus on the camp, as if trying to find a good place." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis shuddered as her breath reached his face, it was a sensation he had not experienced in a long, long time. Her hands upon his neck were like a leash upon a dog, keeping him chained to his spot. Still, her words had merit. He wanted Eliza, he did not know if he wanted this Kitsune, and yet above it all, he wanted to live to be able to Want Anything. He did want to be a hero, he wanted to save people, he didn't want to be a shadow of the empire, a harbringer of death- he wanted to be a chance for hope. \n\nSighing, he nodded his head and as she pulled herself closer to him, he hugged her. She was soft and warm, different from Eliza but not better, though he'd never truly hugged the woman. Still, holding Eliza had been like getting to hold the essence of winter with a warm home at its core, a blazing hearth to draw in the weary. Holding Akira was like a performer hugging a serrated blade against their neck, exhilirating in the best and worst ways. Yet it did not swamp him now. Akira was right, he had something he wanted and he would take it. He'd save those people and end this Gnoll summoning. When she was gone and appeared behind him, he turned and stepped beside her to study the camp, all of his cool reserve finally returned to him. \n\n\"There, a break in the tent lines, theres a larger tent with no lights. We find those and use their cover, jump from shadow to shadow till we find the first of the leaders. Once we take down one, another might come out to bring control to their ranks- chaos will only breed more chaos. How does that sound?\" He asked, slipping a dagger out from his coat to have at the ready should it be needed." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "His words rang into her ears as she took note of the larger tent that had no lights. These torches were the only thing that caused issues for her, should a fire spread onto the ragged tents. Not to mention the problem of burning them and the slaves alive. Death by flames was the most painful way to go, at least from how loud people scream and panic upon burning alive. Her mind pondered on that though, an entire valley filled with painful screams was something rather savory to think of. Would a furry creature like a gnoll burn faster or slower?\n\nBut her mind cleared and she got into action, the fox vanished once again to teleport into the darkness of the large tent. It was filled with tools and butchering equipment, the rust was red mixed with dried blood. The scent around the war camp was disgusting and foul, as the scent mixed blood, fire and rotten flesh. Akira was not too bothered by the scent. Her crimson eyes searching and she'd secure the area, gnolls passed by the tent but none seemed to turn their attention to it. Instead turning their attention to the center of the camp where the slaves seemed to be placed and gathered up. She signaled the demigod to jump over once it was clear and safe. Should the pair be reunited, they came to view an odd sight.\n\n```\"No no! Flesh not for us! You bite again then we put you as feast! Put meat around gold cage! No! Not on gold cage AROUND! AROUND! THAT'S NEXT TO IT!\"```\n\nA gnoll spoke and yelled out to a group of gnolls that began to make preparations as their claws dragged cages filled with slaves of different races. This was when the kitsune spoke in a whisper as she'd pulled him closer to her maw.\n\n```\"The gold cage is meant for the special sacrifice, this one is sure that its meant to bring God of Savagery back. Must act fast and kill the special sacrifice. Unless Noctis wishes to fight another God.\"```\n.\n\nAkira said making her point clear, she was aware that the two were strong in their own right. But her confidence in fighting a God of Gnolls was not high. The two would watch and move as they'd begin making their way around the center searching for the special sacrifice. The gold cage in the center was empty and small.\n\nNoctis began to feel something familiar, a divine blood nearby. Another demigod? It was faint and weak, but a child of the gods was near. Perhaps the great sacrifice was a demigod...*" } ]	432	2,338
451.666667	2024-01-26	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "As Noctis teleported, he'd appear instantly beside Akira, his grey eyes adjusting to gaze at the sacrifices being lined up. He scowled at the monsters, wishing for both his former strength and his magical blade- with those he Could Have slaughtered this camp. Still he had to think and play it smart. \n\nHe leaned into her to listen, nodding his head in agreement to acting fast. As he began to make a plan, he felt the ping of divine blood and grabbed Akira by the collar, pulling her to him so he could whisper to her in return. \n\n\"I sense another demigod, or something akin to a demigod. I don't know what it is, but it might be the main sacrifice- divine blood is a powerful catalyst to summon greater demons.\" He whispered, releasing her clothes as he tried to focus in on the divine energy and locate it. If he could eliminate their ability to use that demigod, they'd have much much more time to rid the leaders and negate the chance of this dark god being summoned right away- though if they failed to kill the leaders they'd find another or use himself, he supposed. \n\nNoctis moved quickly and silently, his dagger held in his left hand, scanning." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "The war camp was lively and wild, if an unorganized military camp was considered a storm than this camp could be hurricane. Gholls and a handful of human cultists could be seen looking rather relaxed and comfortable, some didn't even carry weapons or armor with them. Confident in their scouts and warriors. A few hyenas sleeping and resting, the tents had generous torches around yet a sharp eye could find a lot of blindspots and darker corners. When the hand of Noctis reached out to pull her collar, he would not get the results that he expected. Due to how her kimono was made of soft and fine silk, he pulled her collar and clothing. Instead of pulling the woman closer, it simply pulled the kimono off of her. Causing her shoulders and cleavage to be bitten by the colder air, the kitsune slowly turned her head down and then at the demigod.\n\n```\"Normally I would politely kill a man who committed such perverted acts upon me. Haha, but enough of this. Let's find this demigod before it becomes a vessel for our ugly demon to arrive in.\"```\n\nAkira said as she'd fix up her kimono and had a smile on her face, adjusting the wardrobe malfunction for a moment as she pondered darker thoughts. Many have fell in love and lust upon seeing the kitsune, her beauty was undeniable but unfortunately her bloodlust was similar. All she truly required was a fair reason for one to die for her to act upon her terrible fantasies. The fox began to teleport swiftly around the large camp, carefully signaling the man to follow if it was clear.\n\nAfter some time of searching and scouting, a particular fancy tent came to view. A rather scary looking gnoll with heads trophies on his belt, began to bark orders as it ripped the ear off a smaller gnoll. It's voice was deep and rough, a monstrous voice that would give even men nightmares. Clad in cruel and rough armor, spiked shield and a sharp axe on its person.\n.\n\n```\"BRING MORE SWEETS! MORE SWEETS! MILK, HONEY AND SWEETS! NO MEAT. HEAR BOSS OR BOSS TAKE EARS!\"```\n\nThe general gnoll barked his order as a whining gnoll began to struggle in his grip, before being thrown into a pile of cages. The gnoll shook his head as he peeked into the fancy looking tent, his anger faded into concern and caution in his eyes. Although, his expression was hidden by a metal skull helmat. The gnoll slolwy turned its head up to the moon, looking at the moon... One would notice a shade of red beginning to form at its edge. A blood moon was on its early stage of forming. A distant storm echoed its thunder from a distant, as Akira remained close to Noctis as they viewed the scene. A singular ping was felt stronger and more potent, as if the gods themselves directed the demigod to the fancy tent. The tent was much larger and made with more sturdy material, although a few patches were made around it. This was certainly a stolen tent, the original owners must have been rich... And most likely dead now. A pair of gnolls began to exit the tent as they rushed to get pots of honey and milk." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Oh, please.\" He said, rolling his eyes. He'd seen enough breasts to last him a lifetime, although Akira was built as wonderfully as he'd expect from his father and was warm, soft in the right places and familiar- he was Not The type of man to ogle a woman in an indecent state unrequested. He'd been the unwilling object of others lust too many times to ever do it to another, even Eliza had not been looked at in that manner when she'd drawn her blade from her lovely bosom. His eyes lingered not on her as she readjusted herself, then he followed with his own teleportation as she began to move. The raven haired beauty was burning through his weakened reserves, but he had no choice but to push on. \n\n\"There, in tent. Who or whatever it is- they are within that tent. The large Gnoll-\" He said, grimacing at the sight of it. It would be no weak beast, its speech was clear and its aura menacing to him. This was a fell creature indeed, a cut above the others of its ilk. \"Is it one of the leaders then? If we strike together we may be able to strike it down before it can respond.\" He said, adjusting his knife to be ready to strike. \n\n\"I teleport behind him to get his knee and drop him, you use your own weapon or magic to strike at the neck, its unarmored and a vital point. If we fail to kill him then, the fight will be rough, but I will try to keep his attention so you can strike the killing blow.\" He said softly, wtching the gnolls run off for the sweets. That was odd indeed, sweets... What could want sweets, what would be the purpose? There was so much of the puzzle unseen but they had to act swiftly. If they killed this Gnoll they could get to the divine presence within the tent and ruin the Gnolls plans here and now." } ]	407	1,355
590	2024-01-27	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "Crimson red eyes stared at the large and savage gnoll, it had a lot authority but she wasn't sure if this was the famed general or the true leader of this large gathering of tribes. Regardless, he seemed important and had authority so his death was required. With the sacrifice being near, they could kill two birds rather quickly. The plan was set and she seemed to agree with the tactic of distract and strike. The gnoll general paced around looking frustrated.\n\n```\"Let's begin, draw attention in between the two tents there. Taking this head in the open is foolish. Two ghosts cause great fear than two enemies.\"```\n\nOnce Noctis somehow distracted the gnoll in his own manner, Akira waited for that golden moment to strike. The gnoll depending on how Noctis distracted him, would be drawn to him. Once he stepped into the shadows and between the tents, the kitsune appeared silently behind him. Using her mimic blade to cut and strike his knee, at that moment, two shadow clones of appeared next to the gnoll as they used their own blades to cut the thick neck of the armored gholl. It happened so quickly that the gnoll only leg out a whimper and a breath out before it was dead. It's body still kneeling and warm, simply decapitated. Akira then grabbed the body and pulled it with her, into the shadows as her clones vanished. A clean and perfect ambush.\n\nShe dumped his body in another tent nearby, hiding it as best as she could. Before appearing again into the demigod's view." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "After Noctis had finished distracting the creature, he marveled at how quickly the Kitsune had taken it down. She really was strong and fast, likely right now she could cut him down in an instant. Knowing he was so helpless made his stomach knot, he'd been many things in his life but helpless wasn't one of them. The demigod had grown up wrestling the fathers of giants in Forstead, battled dragons and gone toe to toe with other demigods of legend. Yet now a simple Gnoll could end him with a swipe of its hand. \n\n\"Have you forsaken me father?\" He asked the heavens as he glanced up at the wide stars. Once he'd basked in the glory of the knowledge that he was his fathers favorite creation, that he alone was honored amongst all others in the halls of his father and yet now, now he was a beggar seeking scraps of power. It flooded him with rage and despair, but all of that was a secondary emotion that stayed perfectly trapped beneath the layer of focus he had on the mission. \n\nOnce the Gnoll was dead, he waited for Akira to appear again and nodded, striding towards the tent that was pinging energy and pulling open the flap to peer inside, wishing and wishing he could simply enhance his eyes to see through the dark." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "Things went smoothly yet that always caused the wise to become even more cautious, there is always peace before a storm. A storm was approaching as tents began to fight the winds, the droplets falling from the darken sky. The two figures quietly made their way into the tent to discover a filled tent of pots, bones and a toddler...\n\nA tiefling child was seated comfortably on top of pillows and blankets, no more than a summer or two old. The scent of milk and honey was potent in the air, looking closer at the plump child. It become rather obvious that the child had been fed up a lot, seeing how she was still munching on her tail. Her hands sticky and sweet, the child's hunger was quite a sight. Although in the eyes of a weakened demigod, recognition was felt. A young quarter god, of Vendetta was found. The God of Retribution had a certain aura that made past sins ignite and the hunger for vengeance to burn. To Akira, she simply saw a sacrifice to be either killed or saved. Being the sacrifice was a small child, both options become infinitely easier.\n\n```\"Gnolls are birthed after a overfed hyena or hound is cursed by the God of Savagery. To think that a God is meant to burst out of this little one is a sweet tragedy and... A problem. This one does not know how the ritual works, perhaps the little one is already a door for Yeenoghu to enter. Safest to destroy the door, yet this one holds divine blood as Noctis said.\"```\n.\n\nAkira had no true morale or empathy for this quartergod, children die more often than people would like. At least, this one would die for the greater good and with a filled belly to boot. The little tiefling finally noticed the duo, looking rather happy to see them although probably assuming that more honey was to be given. Her stomach growled loudly as her smile turned into a yawn. It was rather difficult to know what stage of the ritual this was, the fox nor the demigod understood this odd ritual. Was it already too late or was this a preparation phase. To kill the quartergod of a God of Retribution, was a scary thought of one could look past killing a toddler who seemed rather trusting of all creatures. Akira stood by the entrance, knowing full well that the gnolls would return soon to feed and take the child. Keeping guard and a watchful eye out." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis stared at the toddler sitting in the tent, his grey eyes wide as he realized exactly what he was looking at. Once Noctis had been a master of his face, of his expression and of his very aura. Yet it had been many years since he'd been a soldier, an assassin for a man who could bring about peace. The dagger held loosely in his fingers, dangling with the barest of grips. \n\nIt was just a child, overfed like a lamb to be slaughtered for dinner. It was so small, plump and entirely unaware of the danger it was in. Not a full demigod, the spawn of one then- it's blood too weak but still more than enough to be a powerful sacrifice. It was a terrible sight to see, it made his stomach curdle. He needed to get the child out of there, to eliminate the danger again. Faced with the horror of the situation, his mind slipped into that of the assassins he'd once been. \n\nSo there was a dark entity to be summoned, this child was the conduit. Likely it would need to be done via a ritual, he could grab it and teleport away, but his magic was weak and dangerous and he'd never tried to teleport with anyone besides himself. It could result in something bad- not worth the risk. So the most efficient option in a case like this would be to make the conduit ineffective. \n\nMake the conduit inefficient... That meant... \n\n- - - - - \n\nThe night was silent as the coppery scent of blood flooded the air, it had already begun to dry upon his neck and cheeks. Most of the family had not been of the divine blood, only three demigods within the entire estate- all dead now. He stepped over the empty staring eyes of Lady Krane, her hand still stretched out towards her husband who's sword now lay uselessly beside his never to move hand. The Kranes had decided to pledge their allegiance in secret to King Yanis, so they'd needed to be eliminated. Their influence and trade connections would have been to beneficial. \n\nThe silence only left the ringing of screams in his ears louder, but he let it wash over h\n\nIm without feeling. He came deeper into the room and his hyper enhanced senses heard something, a Heartbeat.* It was tiny but healthy, unheard through the noise of battle. He walked closer to the bed, surely a servant or something that he hadn't see- \n\nThere in a cradle was a small baby, it's big eyes wide as it gurgled at him. With his sword held in his hand and his body covered in blood- This child's family, Noctis looked a beautiful and terrible specter of death. So this was the newborn child of the Kranes, he'd been informed the baby had been moved to the mothers grandparents. His silver eyes glowed in the dark night as he looked at it, numbly aware that his sword arm was raising slowly. It came to a stop overhead, the fresh blood on it dripping down into his raven hair as he continued to stare at it. \n\n\"Leave one alive and they'll always come back to kill you. You must be ruthless when you kill a man's family, you must kill the entire family- because hatred and vengeance are powers that come and hunt you down. Vendetta will guide their arrow, their blades and their footsteps to see you punished. You must leave even the Gods no room to meddle.\" \n\nHe'd been trained by the best assassins, taught to kill and how to be efficient, he was Noctis Camille, he was Deaths Lover- he courted death and brought her to shake, made her knees crash together and her hips buck, death was his mistress and his heart was black as his hair was dark. \n\nYet the blade did not move, the sword stayed frozen in place, every muscle frozen into a rigid statue. \n\n\"I can't do it..\" He said, and it was only then that he realized he was sobbing. The sword stayed suspended even as he hung his head and covered his gory face with one gauntleted hand, weeping as every ounce of guilt, misery and self loathing flooded him a bursting dam. \"I CAN'T DO IT!\" He screamed, and the loud sound startled the baby, which began to wail. The only sound in that house of horrors were the twinned screams\n\nAnd cries of the two souls who would never have a family, who's lives would be full of hate and death because they'd been born in the wrong place and at the wrong time. Noctis sobbed, and sobbed, and sobbed. \n\n- - - - \n\nA lone tear ran down his cheek just as it had before, and he blinked slowly. Noctis shook his head and strode forward, reaching out to pick up the baby. He was about to try to haul it to it's feet when his hand froze an inch from it and of all things, Eliza popped into his head. \n\n\"Her name is Alvyra.\" The look on that woman's face had been gentle and compassionate, loving and infinitely nurturing. How would she have handled this child? Slowly he kneeled and poked it softly in the cheek. \n\n\"I'm going to take you away from this now, nothings going to happen to you now that I'm here, okay?\" He said reassuringly, tucking his dagger into his belt and scooping the plump child into his arms. He turned to look at Akira, knowing their time was short. \n\n\"We have to rescue them, and the sacrifices. All of them, Akira. If I as a child of your master can ask anything, let it be that.\" He said, his voice firm and for just a moment, his eyes flickered a brilliant silver before becoming a dull but beautiful grey once more. \n\n\"Let's move before we are found, or perhaps we ambush the Gnolls that return so they can't warn the rest the child's missing?\"" } ]	420.5	2,360
910.75	2024-01-30	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "With her hand taken in his own, her brow raised as she'd stop in her tracks. His concerns were oddly amusing and charming, the demigod knew which strings to pull to reach someone's heart. Yet she'd even believe his concerns for a moment before giving him a firm nod, unsure of what connection these two had. Just like that, she'd quickly make her way outside and away from his field of view. Distant growls and hyena grunts were accompanied with the sounds of metal clashing, the winds began to pick up as rainfall began to slow down momentarily. The flames rising and growing as it devoured the fine fabric.\n\nOnce the tiefling toddler was secured in the makeshift holster, she began to whine loudly as the little one seemed to prefer being held or a pillow. But as she huddled the baby with his soothing humming, her whines began to quiet down. Resting her head against him as a loud burp escaped her, the sounds of the baby were luckily drowned by the fires and chaos outside. Distant war horns could be heard, such items were normal used to call for more reinforcements. Two horns could be heard from the North and the South. Luckily the demigod and the child were not found, the sounds of movement rushing past the tent could be heard.\n\nUpon waiting for the flames to grow, grow it did. The gnolls were caught in a panic as they'd assume the sacrifice died in the flames, or the kitsune held her somewhere. Some gnolls began to focus their attack on the swift and agile kitsune, others began to attempt to control the flames as others searched for the general. Any soldier knew that confusion and mass panic were valuable advantages in any battle.\n\nNoctis quickly and quietly ambushed a on looking gnoll, only letting out a whimper as its voice faded as the life in its eyes did. Dropping a rusty sword, far from his beloved loss but it was a sweet reminder in a bitter time. Smoke began fo fill the air as it caused difficulty in breathing and seeing, the rains clearly lost the battle.\n\nThe tiefling toddler was quiet as she'd began chewing on the fabric of the holster, only her breathing and coughing echoed from his chest. The wet fabric did a good job at filtering the dark smoke that plagued the air so quickly.\n\nUpon arriving to the center, the demigod turned to view a lot of caged prisoners and sacrifices coughing from the smoke that the winds cruelly brought to the center. Not many gnolls could be seen as a gnoll adorned with runes, bones and magical charms began to order them to secure the chosen sacrifice. Pointing his claw finger at the growing flames, the on going chaos that Akira brought was painful to ignore as panic began fo arose. Yet the leader could not simply leave and flee yet, all he needed was the sacrifice to be here and now...\n\nThe leader slowly turned to Noctis as he looked with narrow eyes, as if not believing what he saw. The smoke made it impossible to see but a simple cough of the toddler only confirmed his suspensions. The gnoll stood in front of a dozen cages with 15 prisoners that were clearly overfed in them. The gnoll began to chant a prayer as it swang its staff wildly in the air, a smile on his maw.\n\n```\"Ahhhh! Good! Gooooood! You brought the chosen sacrifice to the ritual site, may your meat feed our savage lord. May he tear through the vassal and rip himself a door to this fruitful realm! Mati Aku! Mati MAKAN MATI KAMU!\"```\n.\n\nThe leader began to chant a powerful ritual as the toddler in his chest began to cough violently, blood staining the fabric. The baby seemed to be in pain as the chanting continued, two undead gnolls stood in front of the leader. They were linked with the leader's magic, the caged prisoners looked in horror. The toddler was at the first stage of the ritual, as she'd begin to cry in confusion over crushing pain that began to form around her body." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "The world seemed to come to a screeching halt as he realized what was happening to the baby, as the cruel and horrific words of the Gnoll resonated out and around his skull. If he had his powers he could crush every Gnolls skull within moments, his sword a silvered blur that ended them before they could chant, he could, he could- but he wouldn't because he couldn't. He had a sword and... A little bit of magic. The child was going to die and become a dark vessel, he couldnt take that, couldn't survive that. \n\nA rage like hellfire burned within his chest as he let out a scream of defiance and rage. He'd never once been powerless before and now he was entirely abandoned by his father, by his own strength. He had to do something, something... He didn't have superhuman strength to cleave its head free with one blow, it could use magic which meant it might be able to reinforce itself with magic and not die even if he pierced its heart. He had to stop the spell, had to... He grimaced and dropped the sword, then he slipped the baby off as quickly as possible with a kiss on the head. \n\n\"I'll protect you..\" He whispered, and in a blink he was gone. Using his teleportation, he'd appear in front of the Gnoll that was chanting and instead of stabbing or fighting standardly, he went for a spellcasters real weakness. \n\nHe thrust his fucking arm into its mouth as far he could, gagging it so it couldn't chant anymore, tearing at its vocal cords with his nails, ripping at his throat with every ounce of strength he had, his legs wrapping around its torso and his other hand whipped out the dagger and slammed it over and over into its throat, even if he pierced his own arm within its throat he continued to stab and stab. He knew the toddler would be hurting and suffering now, but the Gnolls wouldn't hurt it- they were simply creatures and would obey their orders. It was small and low to the ground, the smoke wouldn't affect them like it was him. \n\nNoctis knew that his arm was forefiet, the p\n\nOwerful jaws of a Gnoll could easily rip man flesh- but maybe, MAYBE, he could do enough damage to its throat to stop it from casting. He'd die, he was sure of that now, but Akira at least had agreed to help.\n\n\"Father... Please help me do One Right thing.\" He prayed, and suddenly there was a flair of divine energy around his body. It shot up like a beacon only visible to Akira, alerting her of the danger and peril and location of one of the leaders. The beacon seemed to contain all the information Akira needed to know, whether or not she could come was a different story. \n\nIf and inevitably when the Gnoll ripped his arm off, Noctis would roll backwards and grab the dagger to slice at the leader if it lived or it's staff if he could break it, or he'd fight the other two Gnolls with one arm and a dagger if he had to." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "The dark sky began to be filled with the embers of the growing flame, smoke causing blindness and difficulty breathing to all that stood down wind. The rain was weak and pathetic as if it had been defeated, the war camp echoed with the sounds of death and pain. Screams, howls and the sounds of the ever growing flames filled the smoky air. Some gnolls began to panic and even ran away, as the war camp become a bloody graveyard. Akira continued to slaughter and create mass panic by appearing in unpredictable places, seemingly losing herself the the bloodied dance as the melody of howls and growls echoed.\n\nNoctis began to hear the toddler's suffering with a each passing moment fueling his rage, the baby loudly cried out as she'd be placed on the dirt floor. The kiss adding some comfort to the child's pain. The gnoll leader seemed very focused on the man, chanting the cursed tongue as if his life depended on it. The two undead gnolls began to take a step forward to the baby. The leader thought the human man was admitting defeat, surrendering to them. A smile could be seen on its maw before confusion grew, before being face to face with Noctis. Attempting to step back as he'd continue his chant until his maw was choking on his arm, gagging and choking which caused his chanting to stop. The undead gnolls making their way towards the toddler, seemingly unaware of their master's safety being threatened. Simple undead creatures.\n\n```\"IUAH- AAIY- MAA-\"```\n\nThe leader was confused and surprised by this tactic, trying to chant the ritual but failing. A painful growl that screamed suffering and panic vibrated his arm, the gnoll biting down on his arm while it's claws began to swipe wildly. Dropping its staff, struggling to remove the demigod off it, before the dagger wildly stabbed its throat. A bloodied scream of pain and rage howled from its maw, muffled by the man's arm. It was then that the undead gnolls began to turn around to assist their master.\n\nSeeing nothing else to be done, the leader began to fall back into feral rage. Sinking its sharp teeth into the man's arm, his throat critically damaged. His sharp claws began to swipe at the man's legs and body, yet each swipe began to grow weaker.\n\nThe beacon shot true, his prayer answered and a clear alert for help that could not be ignored by Akira was felt. She'd immediately snap out of her bloodthirst and began to turn towards the center, covered in warm blood and light wounds. Rushing and jumping shadows to quickly make her way to the center.\n\nMeanwhile, with its remaining strength and rage the leader made a final effort of spite by ripping off the arm of Noctis. The final slice that he made as he back rolled landed its cut onto the leader's eyes, spitting out the arm and struggling to even stand. The creature was bleeding heavily and attempted to weakly chant before it was its final words, falling to the dirt.\n\nThe two undead gnolls turned their attention to the one armed demigod, attacking at the same time as they swung their bone maces at him. One missed while one landed a brutal hit on his dagger wielding arm, the spiked bone mace sent the man to fly back from the impact. Akira appeared behind them, slicing ones head yet it continued to fight. Attempted to blindly swing at the fox, but instead it would hit its undead ally. Smashing it info pieces, Akira would be hit by the crashed bones and was almost hit by another wild swing. She'd create two clones that quickly overpowered the final undead gnoll. The fox was blooded and wounded on an average scale, although it was difficult to see it with the smoke.\n\n```\"Come, the three heads are gone. Leave now, or death is our fate.\"```\n.\n\nThe kitsune first turned to tielfing toddler before bring it to the wounded Noctis, she turned her furry ears to hear pleads and cries of the caged prisoners that still remained in the center. She'd hold the child carefully, the little one was still crying but was no longer in deep pain. Suddenly, another war horn could be heard coming from cliffs that lead to the forest. Gnolls turned to look up as torches began to be seen racing towards them.\n\nThe gnolls were now on a complete retreat, seemly afraid of the chaos created. Some didn't even waste time, simply running away from the hopeless situation. Gnolls that arrived in the center came to see their dead leader, the beasts were smart enough to understand a loss. Now, it was every gnoll for itself. Through the thick smoke, an small number of figures could be seen approaching the war camp. Akira wasn't sure if they were friend or foe, she'd reach out to Noctis with the little one on her shoulder.\n\n```\"Now Noctis, the two must leave now. This is no place to die. Get up now, don't die on this one.\"```" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis only dimly heard the voice of Akira, his entire world was dark with only the slightest glimmers of color and bright light and painful noise. The pain was so great that stars exploded in his vision and he hyperventilated, one arm ripped off and the other entirely shattered from the force of the blow, bleeding from the pronged head of the bone spiked mace. He hissed air between his teeth, blood and spit dribbling from his lips as he buried his head against the earth and screamed to try and fight against the pain, against all odds rolling to his knees as his arm hung uselessly by his side. \n\nHe raised his head, his grey eyes bloodshot from the exertion of staying conscious and his vision swam, the sting of the smoke minimal in comparison to the pain his body felt- and he dimly made out Akira holding the child. Both were alive, and amazingly, shockingly- he smiled. His eyes shut and his pearly teeth bloodstained but glinting in the firelight, his smile was pure and relieved and... Beautiful. A trained warrior, a seasoned assassin, a perfect lover, a monster, a million dark things but at the end of the day, Noctis had been born to be a beautiful addition to the world. When he smiled, it was as if he was truly showing his power. \n\nA power that surpassed the greatest feats of his strength, a power that blazed brighter than any fire spell, that was more wondrous than his wind and his illusions- no, his smile showed just how full of love for the world of Aeterna and its people his heart really was. Despite all the death and pain and betrayal he'd experienced, he still somehow managed to love the world with all the sincerity he'd had when he was a child. \n\n\"Thank goodness, you're alright.\" He said, beaming at them even as blood poured from his stump of an arm and his other mangled one steadily draining too. His gaze followed hers to the cages and he became aware of their screams of fear. \n\n\"I want to save them all.\" He thought numbly. \"Im so tired... Scipio, I'm sorry,\n\nI don't want to kill anymore. Forgive me, you trained me to be better, but...\" \n\nHe ignored her warnings and staggered to his feet. The demigod swayed and then began to walk- walk Towards The danger. Each step carried him closer to the cages, closer. \n\n\"Eliza, I don't know why I think of you so much, but I think I'm going to die. I feel like somehow though, I've gotten to know you. Perhaps I'm crazy, but I wanted to meet you again, there's something I want to tell you.\" He thought, taking a few more staggering steps towards the cages as the horde of torches grew closer and the smoke choked the air hatefully. \n\n\"Pride, I'm sorry I stopped getting stronger and got left behind. If I'd been as strong as you, perhaps you could have lived. Leks... I should have fought for you harder than I fought for the empire.\" He mumbled out loud now as he reached the gates. What was he going to do here? His arms were useless, pathetic additions to his torso- but he was lost in delusions now.\n\n\"Was it enough, Mom? Did I fight hard enough\" He thought dimly, feeling grateful that on deaths door he was no longer feeling pain. In fact, he felt great. He imagined that his arm was twisting back into place, the bones resetting and the wounds closing, he imagined his missing arm was regrowing itself, bone extending and muscle wrapping, flesh folding itself into existence, nails forming on the end of slender fingers. \n\nNoctis imagined a hundred lives, a life spent with Alekhya, a life spent laughing with Pride over their adventures, a life where Sylvar got to return to the ocean without fear, a life with Eliza on his lap, a life where he got to see just how much there was to Akira, the beautiful creation of his father that was as beautiful as she was terrible. \n\n\"I don't even know the babies name.\" He said with a laugh, unaware that for just a minute his superhuman strength had returned. On autopilot he bent back the bars on each cage to let the plump sacrifices out, and\n\nWhen they were free, he turned and walked over to Akira. \n\nOnce he reached her, he blinked and came out of his dream. In shock he realized that it Wasnt A dream, his strength had faded but his arms were returned to normal, MORE all of his wounds were gone. He was however exhausted beyond belief. His mind raced to understand, but now was not the time. \n\n\"Let's move, Akira.\" He said, putting his arm around the Fox and kissing her cheek. Too tired to speak more, it was all he could do to give his thanks as he leaned on her and began to move with her to try and escape the camp- though he'd delayed much. \n\n\"Leave.. Me... If you must.\"" } ]	958	3,643
588.666667	2024-02-02	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis had spent hundreds of years learning to read people, so when he saw the aprehension of... The warforged, his eyebrow quirked up. He too tensed as the Warforged neared, but as it walked away he felt a strange sense of relief. Seeing Akira so... He wasn't exactly sure, nervous, almost Worried He couldn't help but worry. So his hand came up and soothingly pet her hair, stroking it back. Noctis' touch had always been soothing, perhaps a blessing from his father, perhaps because his intent wasn't cruel or backhanded. Regardless, he spoke once they were alone. \n\n\"Very well, lets go then and get some rest, the three of us. We can discuss plans then.\" He muttered, scratching the back of her head before letting his hand drop. \"Come then, I am... Weary.\" He finally admitted, though he found that holding the child gave him strength he did not even know he had. \n\nHis head spun still as he contemplated what had happened. It wasn't that he'd activated his magic or cast any healing spell, before he'd lost his power he had never been any good with healing magic as much as he tried and gods, GODS Had he tried. He had hoped that perhaps he could find a way to cure Alekhyas... Infliction? If that was the word for it at all. In truth it was madness, plain and simple and yet he'd felt as if there had been more, after all, her father had been convinced that she'd join the side of the dark inevitably thanks to prophecy. How naive he'd been to think he could change fate with what weak power he had. So, what exactly had happened then? It was hard to tell through the delirium, he'd been on the verge of death, wracked with pain and operating on pure instinct and will at that point. \n\nIt wasn't just his arms that were healed, his entire body was, every minor scrape, bruise and bump was gone. His body was exhausted but it was entirely Healed And felt fantastic, with some sleep he'd probably feel better than he had in a while. There would be time enough to figure things out after s\n\nOme sleep. \"Lead the way, Akira.\" He said, his melodic voice always having a way of carressing someones name even when he didn't intend it." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "The heavy sounds of metalic steps shook the ground, the Warforged began to leave peacefully yet a machine made for war to leave was comforting. No thoughts were inside of it, only gears and magical energy. The quarter god toddler was not a priority, the kitsune was not a priority nor was the man a priority. His objective changed and these three were simple bystanders. It was aware of the fate of the toddler's parents, yet saw no benefit in explaining further. The child was no threat, should it grow into a threat than it'll only pose a welcome challenge to it and it's allies. The kitsune guardian posed no threat to it or its objective. It showed no curiosity towards the handsome man who healed his wound instantly, such power has been recorded by those who master healing magic. Noctis held no divinity in his eyes unlike the little toddler that he held. A small hue could be seen within the little girl, as she'd blink slowly struggling to stay awake. The Warforged faded into the forest, unaware of the demigod's true identity. Based on his data on the demigods, Noctis was a very different man from who he was.\n\nThe soft fur over her hair felt the warmth of the man's hand, carefully listening to the melody words. Akira could understand why so many fell for the demigod, he presented a comfort that many wanted. Her eyes drifted onto his body, checking the healing power and his arm specifically. Wondering if she could cut his hand and keep it for herself, would he still feel it and could it rot away?\n\n```\"This one is curious about how powerful the healing that Noctis possesses. But yes, rest and peace is needed to balance out the night of chaos.\"```\n.\n\nAkira said with a calm and confident tone, her clothes stained with ash and blood that even darken her fur. Snow that saw a bloody butcher and a wild fire. The toddler rested her head on the chest of the demigod, dead asleep as her soft breathing could be heard. The fox began to lead the way into the forest and back to the farm's direction.\n\n○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○\n\nAs the night's embrace began to fade, the creek of the morning sun began to tease it's light behind the mountains of the west. The morning birds sang their song as the trio emerged out of the forest to find the same farm. Luckily for them, it remained in one piece and unaffected by the chaos of the night. Perhaps it wasn't the goat that brought luck.\n\nNoctis and Akira, especially the little toddler were welcomed back by the farmer and his wife. His wife was clearly pregnant and seemed very happy to see the young toddler. The party were given food and a room to rest in, although the farmer seemed sad to not see his beloved goat.\n\nThe farmer was aware of the war monks and the survivors, proudly mentioning he wasn't scared by the sight as luck was soon to be with him as he expected the party to return with his lucky goat. His wife would shush him and lead the trio to take some well deserved slumber.\n\nThe room was that of a low class home, yet it was clean and tidy. Modest bedding and a warm flame, fresh rainy air and a safe environment. Noctis found himself laid back on a floor bed, the toddler rested on him and Akira joining him. Exhausted and drained not a lot was said, as the morning came, the three fell into a deep slumber.\n\nNoctis found himself in a dream, it was simple yet odd. He sat down on a bed with a woman tucked in the bed, first he saw Alekhyas. Her face radiating joy and peace, putting her hand over his. Before letting go and pulling away. Her voice as beautiful as it was cold, her words sank deep into the man's heart.\n\n```\"Was thee not worthy? Replaced again and again. Why.\"```" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "The farmer was strange, his obsession with the goat nearly worrying, yet he was still kind enough to open his home and for that Noctis was grateful. If he'd had his old powers he could ha-, well, he'd thought that too often of late. There was no point lamenting what he'd lost when he needed to figure out and master what he had now. \n\nWhich was a bed and warmth enough to lull him into a deep slumber. He stroked the toddlers hair, finding an incredible comfort in the child he had only just met and let Akira onto his shoulder to sleep, and soon he was fast asleep- his last thought strangely of Eliza. Was this feeling why she seemed to treasure being a mother so much? Would this have been his life with Alekhya had things worked out differently? \n\n- - - - \n\n\"Leks...\" He whispered, gazing at her face. She'd been his first love, his first everything. For hundreds of years, for such a long part of his life, she'd been his whole world. She'd been his drive, the reason he'd given himself to Scipios cause in a vain attempt to make her dream come true. \n\nDream, it's a dream Noctis.* \n\nThat small voice was barely a whisper though, and he flinched as if slapped as she spoke. She'd divorced him while the war raged on, that separation had caused both of them to spiral. Well, perhaps he'd already spiraled. Still, Alekhya was a part of himself that he could never get back, she'd hated him with everything she was by the end and then she'd died- and there was no getting that back. \n\n\"Your words are harsh and haunting, when I've never wed another since we parted.\" He responded, sitting still as a statue upon the edge of the bed, a beautiful and agonized statue." } ]	513	1,766
583.5	2024-02-04	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Dreams have long since been tied to the lord of beauties child, dreams are a realm that have harbored his soul even as his body and mind wished to die, they were a place for hundreds of years of memories to sit upon rows and rows of magnificent, terrible and neglected shelves. Often, nearly every night, his soul wandered down the long halls of the library of dreams he'd had and his fingertips brushed their covers- touching joyous moments, burning hatred and agonized wounds alike. So that still small voice knew that it could not reach Noctis as the torment went on, as the face of his first love filled his vision, so instead it began to run its own set of dreams alongside the one he was having now.\n\n- - - - \n\nNoctis stood in a chamber, he'd not alerted anyone that he'd come back yet. Truth was, when it was done- he'd run right back and couldn't even remember the run. It had been his first ever solo mission for Scipio, it had been a success of course. Quietly he walked to the wash basin which had been filled already, and pulled off his clothing until he was naked. Staring ahead, he knelt and grabbed a sponge, dipping it into the water. Noctis then began to scrub his hands, scrub his arms, scrub his neck. \n\nScrub. Scrub. Scrub. \n\n- - - - \n\n```Thine skin is sullied``` \n\n\"....\" Noctis was silent on the bed as she spoke, her words doing what this incarnation of her intended and shooting through him. His fingers tightened in the sheets as she went on, as her words continued to tear at his strength and yet he felt... Angry? Teeth clenched, he found himself nearly paralyzed as she spoke to him. \n\n- - - - \n\nThree sponges reduced to nothing but particles and still he scrubbed, the floor covered in waters and his skin red and raw from being rubbed so fiercely and yet he continued to rub. He could still feel the other demigods hands on him, a son of the Allfather with a taste for pretty men. Stronger than Noctis, too deadly to fight head on by anyone. Noctis could still taste the b\n\nItterness of the drug he needed to take to make... His body seem excited. \n\n- - - - \n\n\"You're wrong...\" He hissed, hot tears burning trails of slow lava down his beautiful ivory face. \"I'm not dirty...Im not dirty....Im not dirty!... IM NOT DIRTY!\" He said, his voice getting louder and cracking towards the end as he shouted out in defiance. \n\n- - - - \n\nThe wash basin was empty, a pile of ruined rags and sponges and Noctis' skin burned from the efforts, trying to scrub out the other man's touches. It was horrible, it felt wrong, it felt like a betrayal, it felt anything but good- but he had to do it. He had to do it because... \n\n- - - - \n\n\"I gave up... So much For you. Do you know what it was like for me?! The bitter foul medicine I had to take Every time To do my mission, how much of my own soul was ripped and passed around like bread at dinner?! PRIDE?! I sacrificed my entire being to create a world where you'd be safe! I drowned in blood and became a plaything for the world so I could make sure you'd be able to sit and sing to your doves till eternity came to rot. I always came back, I CAME BACK, IT WAS YOU WHO LEFT! YOU ONLY SAW WHAT EVERYONE ELSE SAW, A PLAYTHING, AND YOU __LEFT__ ME.\" \n\n- - - - \n\nNoctis stood at the entrance, gazing at the emptied room he shared with Alekhya. He had shared. How many times had he come into this room, how many kisses turned away, did he know? Noctis wondered why he had stopped being able to feel his face. \n\n- - - - \n\n\"All I had was you, and you didn't want me anymore. How was I supposed to save you? H-how was I supposed to know what you'd become?\" He choked out, his voice breaking upon the admission. His choking sobs racked his chest and made his body heave, he couldn't take this pain anymore. All of it was rushing back to him, he'd gone out and let so many people touch his body to the point it hadn't felt like his anymore, killed hundreds in their sleep or in their beds or in their showers- each time killing\n\nSomething in him too. All he'd had to hold onto was that he could come home to Alekhya, until one day she hadn't been there anymore. \n\n- - - - - \n\nNoctis swirled around in a dance with no one in a field of dandelions, perfectly in line in an elegant waltz and little puffs of white drift up and around him like snowing rising from the ground. His eyes were closed and he danced, he was Not Dirty, he wasn't sullied, he was Noctis Camille. \n\n- - - -\n\n\"I can't do that Eliza.. In too many ways the past is still my present. But I can't let it control me either. You shouldn't touch me, perhaps I'll sully you too- but I'd do anything to be cleansed and hold you again.\" He muttered as he gazed at the bloodied sheets. Her hand was cool and comforting as always, but now his skin itched, it was raw- as if he'd just been scrubbing it. \n\n- - - - \n\nNoctis danced amongst the clouds, he was free as a bird. There wasn't anyone to let down, anyone to need him, there was no master plan, no rulers or kings- no more wars, he was just a man, just a person who loved the sky and the flowers beneath it and the colors of the world and all of it joined him as he danced across the world. \n\n- - - - \n\n\"Did it hurt, when I killed you, specter? I hope there was no pain.\" He whispered as he did not fight the faceless woman's squeeze, surrendered to it. She was hurting, he'd wrong her, he'd taken her life and her pride, who was he to fight it. \n\n- - - - \n\nNoctis awoke from the dream, sitting up slowly and looking at his hands. They were clean, his raven hair grown long brushed his shoulders as he ran a hand through it. Alekhya, Eliza- one long dead, the other long gone, both tied to death while he himself continued to live. \n\nNoctis sighed in relief at hearing the child and Akira, and he watched as Akira came closer. When she plopped down, she looked rather pleased, so he stroked her hair again, petting her and scratching her ears. Then he sighed, nodding his head. It was best to lay low for now.\n\n\"Okay... How's the child?\" He asked as he got up, reaching for his sword and pausing when the black blade was once again not there. Shaking his head, he picked up his coat and found it was ruined, so too was his shirt for that matter. He was practically bare chested. Sighing, he exited the room to meet the Warforged. When he saw the child, he'd reach for her to scoop her into his arms. \n\n\"Hello. My name is Luce, a traveler.\" He'd say, once he had the child if possible and was situated on a seat." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "The air was light and warm as if Noctis had awakened in a family home with intentions to start the day as a humble farmer, the sky was clear from the dark storm of the previous night. Yet particles of ashes could still be seen as a light haze that fought a losing battle against the mountain winds.\n\nWith her head patted and her hair stroked, she began to ponder if she'd let anyone else commit such an act without some degree of violence against them. His soft flesh primed for butchery with the sweet reward of crimson to leak from it like a perfect fruit of flesh. Her eyes peaked up upon the question of the whereabouts of the child.\n\n```\"Oh, the child was so sweet they made a tea of the little one haha. But the quarter god is fine, the impregnated woman ensures it. This one is not the mothering fox of Masculo.\"```\n\nShe spoke with a calm tone as her lips were rewarded with the taste of the demigod's tea that he seemed to have no interest in. Her crimson eyes noticed the longing for a blade as his hand reached for nothing. Seeing him shirtless was a treat, she was tempted to direct him to the farmer's old clothes but held her tongue on that topic. She began to help herself to his breakfast being the opportunistic hunter that she was.\n\n○○○○○○○○○○\n\nAs Luce the traveller made his way to the main living room, he crossed paths with the toddler as she'd crawl herself over the carpeted floor. The farmer's wife carefully kept her eyes on her as she'd busy her hands with household chores, giving the man a polite acknowledgement as he scooped the child into his arms like a natural father.\n\nWith the child in his hands, he came to view the living room where a table was set and a large machine of a warforged sat. The living room was clean, the table set on the floor with pillow seats to be sat on. The pillow that the Warforged sat on was as thin as paper due to its weight, protecting the floor from it more than keeping him comfortable." }, { "author": "Waken Mati", "message": "The warforged machine was a large machine, centuries old from the moss and plants that grew from its body. The sounds of gears and moving parts replaced the beating heart. A torn red banner dripped over its shoulder, the yellow dots within its head turned to meet the man and the toddler. His voice was not that of a man, rather a machine attempting to sound like a man. Unnatural and artificial, no emotions nor tone could be heard. Simply words.\n\n```\"Please have a seat. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Grandmaster Waken Mati. A prototype of war, born and created by the Imperial War machine. However, I hold no loyalty towards the Empire. My loyalty remains on my clan. I request your aid with the promise of fair reward.\"```\n\nWaken spoke without emotion within any of his words, yet his chosen words were polite and formal. The machine turned its arm to its back as it placed a black sword with rubied roses craved into the metal onto the table. Ebony Rose, was placed on the table as the machine continued his sentence.\n\n```\"You may chose to assist me by joining forces with an ally of mine. I am held back by my duties to my clan. A hero of your caliber, one that can stop a lesser god may prove to be a useful asset to increase the success probability of my ally in hunting a powerful monster. The monster is said to rival the power of a demigod and a champion. The rewards I offer. This unbreakable sword, my assistant in finding and curing the young quarter god's curse and my personal gratitude. My clan would welcome a human like you, but I have yet to gain your trust. I will trust your desire to be a hero, protecting the child and gaining better equipment.\"```\n\nThe warforged said as he made his deal rather clear, going straight into business and not skipping a beat. There was much to discuss and questions to be asked, but with the rewards set and displayed on the table. It hoped it'd at least peak the traveller's interest." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis rolled his eyes at the strange way Akira spoke, he could feel the affection radiating off her and yet that lethal darkness never left either. Still, he truly felt as if he were safe around her without question. As he sat there poking the chubby cheeks of the toddler as she sat upon his lap, enjoying the presence of the child as he listened to the Warforged. Imperial crafted of course, but with loyalties to a clan? This was an interesting development. The mortal demigod felt a sinking in his chest as he was tasked with yet another quest, but then he was used to things like this. His body was entirely healed and his energy had restored overnight, he felt as good as he possibly could without any of his real strength. \n\nThen suddenly it was there, produced as easily as if it were a common longsword. Its midnight black blade, rubied roses engraved into the metal and glittering in the light as if the blade itself was bleeding, its platinum crossguard gleaming and the rube pommel flashing like fire. It was not the most powerful blade in the world, it held no real powers of other blades- but it was beautiful and it would never break, not even from the hammer strike of a god and it could cut through bone without resistance. It had been crafted by two very good friends and was a gift, a testament to his service to the empire and all that he lost, sacrificed for others to enjoy their peace. He wanted to reach out and take it, he knew it would fit into his hand like a glove, perfectly balanced. The thought occured that he could take it and teleport away, have his sword back. \n\nYet he had the child on his lap, and Akira was now his friend and comrade, his fathers treasured fox- so he looked away from the sword cooly, showing no emotion or recognition of the blade and tilting his head. \n\n\"You want me? I'm sorry, but I'm just a man. I can use a blade well enough and I have some magical ability, but I am not one who can fight demigods or champions. I survived off blind luck,\n\nIf it wasn't for Akira I would be dead right now. Why are you asking me for help? You could hire anyone from the adventurers guild, especially for a threat like this one.\" He said, his musical voice becoming tinted with anger. \n\n\"Why should I have to help you for her to get care? Shouldn't her being a helpless child be enough of a reason for her to be treated? Is that the heart of your clan, to offer aide only when you can be served?\" His grey eyes were stern and defiant, though he was aware that this Warforged could likely kill him with one solid blow. Still, he protectively held the child and glanced at Akira, seeing if she was ready to fight if need be." }, { "author": "Waken Mati", "message": "As Noctis spoke to the Warforged, the toddler began to struggle as if trying to bite his finger that poked her cheek, grabbing hold of his hand as a soft mumble was spoke. Akira leaned against a wall, watching with interest in what the scene was about. Unsure of what was really happening as if there were layers between the two, both the Warforged and the Demigod held back a truth. Waken showed no emotion as he patiently waited until Noctis finished his sentence. It was clear that he wasn't too eager to work with it nor seemed very friendly towards the stranger.\n\n```\"It is a simple offer. Reject it or accept it, you are not forced or threatened to accept it.\"```\n\nThe warforged machine spoke with a expressionless tone, attempting to calm down the angered man. It could waste its time explaining the lies that traveller already stated but that would not increase its probability in success.\n\n```\"My offer stands. If you reject it than I will hire adventurers as you suggested. You are not helping me, helping would mean that I do not offer a reward. It is a service. My clan is not kind or charitable. You seem either curiosity nor interested at my offer. If so, I will leave and search elsewhere. I have no interest in human arguments or fits of emotion.\"```\n\nThe warforged stated in its expressionless tone, his words were cold and stoic. It clearly had no admirable speech or somber story to convince the demigod for his service. It was confident in its valuable rewards for fair service. Having no interest in argument or debates, it began to stand up. The traveller showed no interest in helping the Warforged and his hostility would only decrease the probability of success.\n\n```\"If you wish to argue about my ethics and my choices, than you will have to excuse me. I came to make a deal and nothing more. Farewell, and good luck.\"```\n\nThe warforged slowly stood up, walking past the kitsune as he took the long sword with him." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Very well. Detail your treatment plan with the girl, and if the offer is not extended to Akira, I want her to be able to check in on the girl at any point. If its a transaction then I have set my terms.\" He calls, rising up, amazingly not looking at the sword though in truth it ached him with every inch it moved away from him. With that sword in his hands he might feel strong again, like some part of him was now back. Still- life wasn't all about power. He was learning that now. Too long he'd let his own strength make him weak and blind. \n\n\"I apologize for offense. Now, lets talk business.\" He said, his face hard set. Sure maybe it wasn't right of them not to help the child, but it was now his job to make sure she got care. So he'd take the job, probably die, but hey, luck had been on his side so far and perhaps this other person truly was strong. \n\n\"What about the tieflings parents? Do you know whats become of them? Could I possibly find them?\" He asked, realizing now that she must have parents. He felt a pang of guilt when he realized he would hate parting from the child, but who was he to take a child that wasn't his. Was he insane?" }, { "author": "Waken Mati", "message": "The warforged paused as he listened to the man's melodic words, his metal hands on the beautiful sword. Finally, the man began to ask questions that actually led somewhere related to the quest. Waken said nothing as he began to make his way back to the flattened seat, sitting back down as a loud thud echoed causing the farmer's wife to looked worried for her wooden floors. Akira smiled at the sight, her tails swaying side to side.\n\n```\"There is no need to apologize, but I accept it. Your terms are acceptable, should you deem it fit. The child will remain in our stronghold, Akira will be given full access to check on the quarter god's well being. The parents of the quarter god are dead, the father died facing the monster we spoke of. Only a statue of stone remains of him. The wife was found dead after the gnolls attacked her. The gnolls had no reason to keep the mother alive due to her lack of divinity. I believe the child lacks a name due to her age, tieflings gain a name once they show what virtue they value most.\"```\n\nThe warforged explained seeming rather content with sharing information about the tiefling. The machine itself was indifferent to the child's fate, even if the quarter god becomes a problem or a threat. To kill a child was against its code and law, and it did not fear the shadow that a child has.\n\n```\"The monster killed a demigod, turned him into stone and left many loved ones to go missing. If you are as righteous and heroic as you seem, it could be considered a duty to face this demon especially with worthy allies.\"```\n.\n\nThe warforged was hunting the little one's father for a few years, trying to find the demigod who committed crimes centuries past against barbarian civilians. It was both disappointed and curious once it learned the fate of the divine son of Vendetta. It naturally brought him to tracking down his family for a potential heir to neutralize, especially with the rumors of gnolls growing in the area. It assumed only trouble, but thanks to Noctis. The child was saved.\n\n```\"The demon is not in Yronis, it residences in the lands beyond. Too far for me to venture. However, you will accompany an experienced fighter. The road will be long, but the rewards are fair. I will even give you this sword, as a sign of good faith and begin with the child's treatment.\"```\n\nWaken spoke without emotion as he held the sword to the man, the toddler began to curiously reach out to grab the sword before Noctis could. Akira wasn't sure of she'd join a quest that was too far from her duties so she spoke up.\n\n```\"This son is loyal and caring to the man before her, but duties bound this Guardian to the lands of Yronis. The child will be protected and checked on by the silent fox, but the lands beyond is not a domain this one can willfully go to.\"```\n\nAkira said as her arms crossed and her tone was calm, she loved the idea of killing a demon. But venturing too far from her sister was something she could not commit to. The Warforged continued to detail the child's treatment.\n\n```\"My clan has a very powerful undead lich, who specializes in blocking the influence and control of godly figures from mortal bodies. I am confident that she can ensure the child's safety and well being. I have witnessed her ability to free paladins from their godly bounds and quarter gods from their parents influence. You may see her work first hand if you do not trust my word.\"```\n." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "The voice rang out again with no emotion or tone, simply the sounds of metal clashing together to spark a noise that sounded human. The fox began to approach the man, sitting next to him as she no longer saw the machine as a threat. Sure, it was cold but it's intentions were clear. Her tails softly brushed against the man's bare back, as she'd sit very formally next to him.*" } ]	441	4,668
557.1	2024-02-05	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"If Akira will be with her then I need not see it myself. If it's the beyond lands I head for then I will not delay, even the bravest of men start to falter if they dwell on the beyond lands long.\" He admitted, reaching out and taking the sword. Noctis nearly let out a sigh of relief, warmth flooded his hand and a tingling sensation rippled through his sword arm. It was like shaking the hand of an old friend you never you thought you'd never see again. He held the toddler and the sword just so, so that her little hands could explore the rubied pommel without chance of cutting herself upon its edge. He murmured a blessing of protection over her in the elven tongue, kissing her head. Then he whispered to her, \"If I return from this, and return I shall- I will give you a new life, we will find a place for you in this world.. I know what it's like to grow up alone, little one. You will not know this pain.\" His voice was a warm whisper, his magical melodic voice reaching the child's ears before he glanced at the fox as she sat beside him. \n\nHe was admittedly crestfallen she could not come, but he was sure from the start she wouldn't. She was bound to this land and she'd be able to keep an eye on the child, a child without a name. He knew of the Tiefling naming conventions- so he'd not start thinking of a name yet. \n\n\"Thank you Akira.\" He said as the Kitsune sat beside him, shuddering involuntarily as her tails brushed his back. He could still feel the ghost touches of dreams. \n\n\"Now then, where shall I meet this person and how soon? As I said I don't want to delay this if at all possible.\" He said, leaning against Akira and giving the toddler one last squeeze. He found that he would be missing both of them quite dearly, nearly as much as Eliza - though he could not figure out yet why he did. They'd danced together, nearly killed each other and yes the moment had been a magical one, perhaps in some ways his soul had chosen her then and there- but still he felt as if somet\n\nHing else had happened he just couldn't... Remember. Sighing, he'd have to figure that out later." }, { "author": "Waken Mati", "message": "As the sounds of a fire being stokked and started echoed within the room, the farmer's wife was trying her best to keep her noise to a minimum as it seems that an important discussion was being held. The machine listened to the man's words, pleased that it was going in a favorable direction. Placing a steel hand over its knee, the machine watched as the toddler explore the pommel of the blade. Before her stomach began to growl loudly, that it could be mistaken for a monster's growl. A smile grew as soft sounds of glee could be heard from the tiefling as her forehead was kissed, but the child began to grow restless with signs of looking for something to eat. The Warforged noticed this, recognizing that hunger will be begin to overwhelm the child in a few days.\n\n```\"That would be wise. Be careful of that blade, my blacksmiths considered it to be cursed by the hand of divine kin but it may serve you well. You may find this person in our clan's fort, hidden and forgotten along the roads of Yronis. My clan may assist you with proper attire and provide additional information once there. I can take you there immediately.\"```\n\nThe warforged explained as it answered the demigod's questions. Weapons of the gods and their children were always powerful items yet power always came at a cost, the machine was always cautious towards the demigods and their weapons. After all, he was designed to rival the most powerful demigod of them all. Akira leaned herself on the table as she'd gentky poke the child, who softly bit her finger.\n\n```\"Hmmm, I'll be sure to keep the child safe. Although I'd miss tormenting you once you're gone. Do try not to die, I prefer your warm vigor over a cold body.\"```\n\nAkira said as she'd nuzzle her head against the man's shoulder, the touch was soft yet haunting from that nightmare that didn't fade from memory. It was then that thr farmer rushed into the room, with a big smile on his face.\n\n```\"Everyone! I have good news! Our beloved goat has returned! He is is back and in all his glory, he must have followed you here. What a blessing! Thank you very much, now my farm and child to be are saved! I am in your debts, traveller and kitsune! Oh and you too, metal golem! We should celebrate an-\"```\n\nAs the farmer began to express his overwhelming joy, his wife began to panic and swayed her hands up and down to silence him. Gentky pulling him away from the room, as she'd mumbled something about respect and manners to him in the other room. Akira began to notice the hungry toddler, leaning to kiss Noctis on the neck as she'd stand to find something to feed the child.\n\n```\"Opa mmmh-\"```\n\nThe toddler spoke some words in a mumbled tone, her head spinning around as her attention shot all-over the place. The Warforged began to ask a simple yet personal question, as he was somewhat suspicious of the traveller. Something was odd about him, but it didn't have enough data to understand it.\n\n```\"I would ask a personal question, you may choose to answer if you wish. Who are you?\"```" }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis' long dark lashes blinked slowly as he listened, his grey eyes focused and thoughtful. Despite their current mortality, the twin moons of his iris' were as deep and rich as the one in the sky itself, and he nodded his head slowly, his soft and silk and feather down hair gently shifting as he did. \n\n\"Very well, let us be off.\" He said, then turned to Akira, shaking his head at her grim words but unable not to smile at her. Of all the things that were beautiful about Noctis, it was the smiles he rarely gave that were of the most high, dazzling and carrying their own magic- the kind of smile that made the person receiving them feel like the only person in the world. He figured that was the sweetest thing Akiras strange and twisted mind could think to say. \n\nHis thoughts were only confirmed by her displays of affection, Noctis glanced away from her to stare at the farmer. What an odd man, but then, to take pleasure in something as simple as a goat... Well, perhaps he wasn't odd at all. Perhaps he was living a life Noctis could- no, Did Envy. A child on the way, a loving wife that had not glanced once at Noctis' body nor face, a lucky goat, a home. Yes, this man had riches Noctis could cry over with envy. He smiled Again At the farmer, and then laughed. Oh what a laugh, a sound to rival elven songs within their tall trees, a joyous sound that could cure the deepest sorrows it seemed. \n\nThe laugh was broken as his neck was kissed, he blinked and watched the Kitsune rise then noticed the child's restlessness and hunger. Children got hungry, but he thought of all the people being stuffed with food. So the ritual was still affecting her. He rose and set the blade against the wall, waiting for Akira to bring food as he played with the toddler to distract her from her gnawing hunger, blowing raspberries on her face and hands. \n\nHe looked up at the Warforged and studied the machine for a while. Noctis was in no lesser way to say it, a genius. He'd survived centuries\n\nIn a world of demigods much stronger than he because of his ability to sense danger like he had with Akira, it had taken longer because of the dreams, the safety of Akira, the joy of holding the child and the machines emotionless existence- but he sensed danger now. This machine and likely then, this \"Clan\", hated divinity. It meant that it would hate him if he knew, all the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Akira being nervous, the desire to fight the Gnolls, the seeking of the Vendetta child. \n\n\"Luce Belmont, I was a mercenary most of my life serving in Velaris, then Forstead. I've retired from that work, I only have interest in killing monsters.\" He said smoothly, without hesitation, creating a story and running with it in a way only the best liar could." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "With his beloved old fried of a blade leaned against the wall, the Warforged was strangely focused on it. Akira with the help of the farmer's wife found some cooked potatoe slices to feed the young tiefling. The young child began to giggle as raspberries were blown on her face, struggling to playfully fight the demigod. Akira leaned to carefully feed the child as the Warforged listened to the retired mercenary's tale. Slowly rising as the metal limbs lifted the unknown weight of its body up, his foot steps were slow and carefully as to not dent the wooden floor below.\n\n```\"We will work well together then, depending on your definition of monsters.\"```\n\nThe warforged began to make its way outside, seeing that they'd leave soon and his aura was rather intense to the point it was aware of it. Akira watched the machine make his way outside, standing there as the black goat attempted to ram the metal golem. It failed and backing away with a broken hour, the farmer rushed to get his black goat away from the guest. The farmer's wife simply shook her head in worry and disappointment, she'd turn her head to Akira and Luce giving the odd pair a smile.\n\n```\"It's not everyday we get such colorful guests here, know that we are thankful for you efforts. If this little one is a boy, I'll be sure to name him Luce if it's a girl... Akira. Lovely names. I don't think we'd be alive or happy without your help. Also forgive my husband, he's a light hearted man heh.\"```\n\nThe woman sounded tired yet genuine with her voice, her hand on her bump of a belly. She knew these people were super weird, but it was an interesting story for her child to hear. Fun names too, as a little tribute. Akira seemed very happy to hear her words, although she was curious about what the toddler's name could be. But that was hardly important now.\n\n```\"It sounds like the journey is set and planned for, one death sentence to the next. My Oh my, Luce would make for a wonderful guardian.\"```\n.\n\nAkira had a lot of other flirts and brutal comments, but seeing the farmer's wife look so sincere like her sister especially with such tired eyes... She'd hold her tongue for now. She'd finish feeding the child, as the bowl was quickly devoured. For a child of her age and of that size, she seemed like a void hole that devoured mass.\n\n```\"Thankfully, the steel creature came with a carriage. This one prefers that over walking and hiking, more so in the hot day.\"```\n\n○○○○○○\nWith a donated supply of food and thanks, the farmer would wave the party off. As they'd join the warforged and his travelling caravan onto the roads. The caravan was massive and came with the company of war monks wearing masks of red and white, two large beasts of burden calmly awaited the party. Akira seemed on the edge however, as if unsure of what to make of this clan. These colors were known to hate the devoteed such as herself, but they were probably smart enough to work anyone valuable. The Warforged made his way onto the large carriage first, the caravan seemed more than able to carry its weight. Around five war monks politely bowed to it, before begrudgingly bowing to Akira. Yet they seemed to see Luce and the child as equals, offering a nod and a guiding hand to their equipment.\n\nSoon, the caravan doors were shut and the fox began peeking out the windows from her seat. The Warforged sat in silence, as the transport began to move. Heading west towards the Yronis roads. The interior of the caravan was made with clear defense in mind, little room for grand luxuries. Seats of wood and storage of a small militia could be seen, the warforged began to read a scroll of silver as Akira stayed alert. Only the child seemed relaxed and playful, attempting to reach out to grab anything she was curious of." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis was impressed with the resources this so called clan seemed to posses. War monks, carriages, it was as if they were a small military force of their own right. This didn't just take devotion, it took resources. Whoever was in charge of this was certainly someone who was very wealthy and powerful, and most of all, very dangerous. Fanatical hatred of the gods, he'd always found the concept of it ridiculous. Why hate something so far above one's self? Does an ant hate a human being? No, it bites in self defense and scuttles along it's day. Does a tree hate a man for felling it? Well... Perhaps that was different, trees were in many ways superior to that mortal races, and inferior in others. What good would blind hatred of the divine do when you could change nothing, certainly nothing would change with hatred and violence. It would take other means to see change if that's what one wanted. \n\n- - - - - \n\nNoctis watched the baby play with any loose objects she could find with an amused gleam in his grey eyes, before looking over and noticing the tension in Akira. He put away thoughts of what to call the toddler for now, some ideas had formed in his head but it was yet to be seen if they were fitting. Still he wanted to honor her parentage if possible. His hand came over and gently held the Kitsunes, and he squeezed it gently. \n\n\"This adventure will be over soon, it'll be time to part ways. I am thankful for all you've done, and thankful that you'll watch the little one while I complete this quest.\" He said, wanting to ask her to make sure the child got proper care if he perished but, unwilling to accept he might die. He couldn't die now, not after everything he'd been through. There was still this mysterious power of healing as well. \n\n\"Here, bite hard.\" He said, and put his hand in front of her mouth. He wanted to see if the healing was a fluke or if it really was something new. Only one real way to find out." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "As the distant echos of the heavy wheels of the caravan over dirt and the steady pace of beasts steps filled the environment, it was a regular and steady sound that began to cause the little tiefling to get sleepy. The ray of the afternoon sun leaked from the barred windows, as landscape of tree pasted one over another. It seemed like an endless sea of bamboo and green outside, the occasional bump and shaking of the loose objects in the caravan. Akira turned her head to listen to what Noctis had to say, her eyes rolling over the mention of adventure. This was more of a task for her than anything, but even she had to admit how different it was with Noctis around. His sweet words of love and gratitude began to bore her, but even he offered Akira to bite his hand. A blush grew from her face, as she'd take out her war fans. Steel and sharp, she'd hide her face as a soft chuckle left her. Muffled by the steel fans.\n\n```\"Oh my, at least take this one out for dinner if one wishes to request such naughty acts in public no less. Luce is quite bold and very naughty. Maybe once privacy is given.\"```\n\nAkira teased as she'd act overly dramatic over her words, although she knew what he wanted. She couldn't stop blushing at the offering of flesh, to request her to bite was like asking a barbarian to kill. A smirk teased from behind her fan as her eyes began to swift to the Warforged, who expressed no interest nor reactions to their words.\n\n```\"Oh fine, darling if you insist. This one suppose a little bite and a stab would be fun. Just for old times sake that is.\"```\n\nAkira said as she'd gently guide the man's fingers to her lips, before biting down hard onto his fingers. It left a terrible wound, her hands reached out to watch the wound begin to heal rather quickly. Her eyes filled with awe, as his passive healing began to drain some of his mana to heal that wound perfectly. This cause the fox to grab the man's hand and begin to twist his finger, letting go and watching the broken bone heal. The Warforged also watched with interest, as the witness statement were confirmed.\n\n```\"Oh wow, this is fun! Let's breaking and cutting something else? We have to be sure it heals at the same speed!\"```\n\nHer soft hand began to swift into an acidic blade as her other hand held his hand firmly, pulling it as her eyes began to show a scary amout of killing intent. She seemed to have an interest in cutting his hand off. That she did, so quickly and swiftly that it seemed like the air was cut as well. Blood dripped onto the toddler who was sleeping on the man's chest. Noctis found his hand missing and sliced from his arm. Akira stopped butchering the man as she'd hold the man's still warm hand with care, curious to see if it was still warm and if it would rot. Noctis found his hand quickly healing right back up, but the pain was definitely kicking in. The Warforged watched in silence, as Akira apologized for getting blood on the toddler.\n\n```\"Oh, this one apologizes. There's no harm, right? So quickly it heals. Oops, got some blood on the little one.\"```\n\nShe'd pocket the man's hand into her person, as she'd wipe the blood off the toddler. The seat was dripped with a little bit of crimson. The one war monk watched with widened eyes through his mask, slowly turning to the Warforged who said nothing." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "It was like facing a wild animal, he'd made a mistake and become too comfortable with her- now he was paying the consequence. He had no super strength, she was stronger than he was physically now and there wasn't anything he could do to stop it besides attempt to kill her, but that would be stupid for a multitude of reasons. Still, his free hand didn't fight her off, but fell to the dagger hidden in his cloak. One swift strike into her neck or heart, then threat would be over. \n\nNoctis grit his teeth as she ripped at him, sliced him and soon, severed his hand. The blood spurted across her kimono but already the bone began to reform and muscle threaded itself over until his hand had completely returned albeit feeling slightly tingly. The pain had been excruciating but had become a memory faster than he could process the pain and shock. As soon as she let go he'd pull his hand back and tighten his grip on the dagger until she'd pulled her hands away from the toddler and she was safe. Only then did he release the dagger and his killers intent faded. \n\n\"Too much, Akira. Next time you bite and only bite.\" He said sternly, putting a hand to his temple as a wave of exhaustion hit. So much of his mama had just been drained, he didn't have access to the godly reservoirs, he was just a man. Slightly harder to kill, but just a man all the same. \"But your apology is accepted, treasure your prize, consider it my gift for your aid with the child.\" He said, sighing. For someone who had just been mauled, his voice was remarkably steady. \n\n\"I would have preferred to not have used so much of my mana.\" He said, pushing his long hair from his eyes as he contemplated the dangers of where they headed. \n\n\"How much longer till we arrive?\" He asked the Warforged, seemingly entirely relaxed now, his hands cradling the sleeping child." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "His hand was a lovely gift indeed, so if she ever missed his kind touch, all she'd have to do is find that hand. A demigod's hands truly was a particular gift for the most twisted of kitsunes. Feelings the demigod's killing intent caused her fur and hair to peak up, her tails to sway and her blush to grow more red. She was truly a twisted woman to find a killing intent to be alluring and savory. One would begin to worry about leaving the toddler's care to her, but it was obvious that an easy kill like that was far too low for her taste.\n\n```\"Oh how silly of this one. But atlas, we have a grand understanding to the curiosities now! This one is very proud and happy to have helped. Surely, a mana potion may assist?\"```\n\nAkira said with a playful tone, her head titling to the side as her tails began to wag. Acting like a tamed fox that was given a treat. The toddler was oddly sleeping like a dead body, breathing softly with an occasional yawn and stretch. Blissfully unaware of the killing intent of her would be caretakers or saviors. Upon being asked a question, the Warforged paused as if running calculation for a moment before his voice rang with a low volume. Clearly not wanting to awaken the child.\n\n```\"At this pace, 13 hours. Give or take. Best to avoid losing more blood or mana on the way. If you have questions, I will answer truthfully. I have no questions at the moment for you or your companion.\"```\n\nThe machine had no reason to ask questions that were not related and based on the man's first hostile approach, it was clear that he had no interest in sharing more than he should. Secrets were a shield, the machine knew this and understood it. Akira began to get curious about the machine, asking her own question to pass the time.\n\n```\"I never encountered your kind before, the more metal and no flesh types. Are you a soul trapped in armor or a living metal puppet? Also what are your weaknesses? Lightning? Heat?\"```\n.\n\nAkira asked wanted to understand the machine more, questions of the clan and the quest were to be known in time but the fox was quite alien to the concept of living talking metal. Sure, she met magical creatures but there was something unnerving of a creature not made in the pantheon's image. The Warforged slowly turned his head to her, silent for a moment before answering.\n\n```\"No, I am neither. I am a machine. Made to complete a task. My weaknesses are my own, I do not intend to share them.\"```\n\nWaken spoke rather plainly as he withheld some information on his weaknesses, the exchange of presenting his weaknesses for a potential bond with these two came to a low priority. His safety and that of his clan were prioritized." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "\"Silence now, Akira. I will rest while the child does. I can recover mana with some sleep\" Noctis said, nodding as his question is answered. His newly reformed hand scratched behind her ears and he settled himself against the wall of the carriage, closing his eyes and resting his head on his upturned palm, his other hand draped across the child with his fingers splayed out. His black raven colored hair fell across his face like a natural curtain, and he practiced slow controlled breathing to put himself to sleep. Noctis had spent many years not knowing when sleep would come, he'd taught himself to sleep quickly and awaken easily- always ready to move, to survive, to fight. Truthfully he didn't care about how the machine worked or what it was weak too, maybe he should, but he just wanted to enjoy what he could. The feeling of the child safe with him, Akiras soft tails, the memory of sunlgiht, Elizas cool skin under his hands, his mothers warm smile. \n\nHe pushed away any thoughts of Alekhya, of Pride, of anything that carried so much hurt and willed himself to sleep. Thirteen hours and then it was off on another quest likely, no, surely because of its destination, filled with pain and torment. For now though, he would rest and face what came of it then. Perhaps this time the dreams would be better... Perhaps... \n\nAs he drifted off, his hand fell to rest against Akiras thigh, as if seeking human warmth and comfort." }, { "author": "Kane Akira", "message": "As the man's body began to relax and the silver almond shaped eyes began to blink softly, pushing the thoughts of his former comrades away. Akira crossed her arms as she'd begrudgingly obey the demigod's request. Leaning her head back as she'd take the time of daylight to relax and sleep herself. It wouldn't be long until the Warforged would find the trio falling into a deep slumber. As the caravan began its long journey to the Yronis roads. Akira gently placed her hand over the man's hand as he slept.\n\n○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○\n\nThe chill of the air was bitter and sweet, as Noctis sat on a stair case of a humble home. The full moon light over him, the flickering candle next to him. There was a sence of peace in the air, calm and steady. Behind him, the muffled echos of a laughing woman and a whines of a child could be heard, chaos of a young family within the home. For once, Noctis wasn't facing a monster or on an adventure. He simply sat outside to breath and rest, his hand held that comforts of a sweet ale. The lack of armor on his body felt freeing, the lack of a blade oddly made him feel content with his strength. Simplicity. There was some beauty in it. The dream seemed to be an experience of the world, if Noctis chose the path of a simple man like the farmer did.*" } ]	549.5	5,571
234.6	2023-12-13	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "scarletnyxi", "message": "``` Beginning of Scene, approximately three months before present time ```" }, { "author": "Sylvar Valrieth", "message": "His travels through Aeterna took him to Yronis. At this point, the mercenary had been all over, except for the lands beyond. While there was no particular reason he was in this Realm, made up of humans, he was waiting for someone... Precious. Sylvar thought of her highly and trusted her more than most. She was innocent, and kind, and the reason he was alive. The sun had just sunk below the horizon and the night was fresh. \n\nThe waves moved swiftly to shore, before sinking back into the ocean. His boots made prints in the damp sand as he walked gracefully along the shore. The shadow of his deep blue cloak blended with the night, his face a shadow to the rising moon. All was silent around him, except for the rush of the waves. He waited patiently, knowing it could be any moment before she showed up. \n\nHis companion, Luna, lay asleep on his shoulder, at peace for the current moment. It was a rather peaceful evening, which he found calming and relaxing. It allowed him to think clearly... About the past and future. But for now, he was looking to see her, not wanting to think about anything else. It was not often they crossed paths, but when they did, it was pleasant and welcoming. \n\nEventually, he stopped walking, turning to face the ocean. He gazed beyond, appreciating the sight. He missed the ocean, but some things needed sorting out first, and it would be difficult. The challenge did not faze him, but the memories did." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena waited submerged in the water, her icey blue scaled tail softly glimmering in the dim dusk light. Her eyes scanned the shore as she swam towards the sand, her hair gracefully flowing behind her. Then she saw him, eyes eyes lighting up with joy, Sylvar. He was her only real friend, well only friend who wasn't a fish. \n\nShe fanned her tail in the water, propelling herself forward as she climbed onto the shore, her wet body dripping with water as her torse revealed itself from the water. \"Yoo-hoo!\" She exclaimed, her voice was soft, excitable. \n\nShe then climbed onto a rock that sat on the shore a few meters away from the Drow, wringing her hair out as she locked eyes with him. Her eyes were nothing short of beautiful, pools of crystal blue ocean with icey blue curtains in the form of eyelashes. Her face was kind, her expression defaulted to one of compassion and grace- of pure love for all things big or small. \n\n\"Sorry I was late! Got distracted by some clownfish.\" She giggled as she spoke, reminiscing on the hilarious jokes they told her only minutes ago." }, { "author": "Sylvar Valrieth", "message": "There was soon a change in the ripple of the waves. He noticed because he was observant that way, specifically when it came to the ocean and its patterns. She had arrived. Once he heard her, Sylvar's serious manner soon shifted, changing into an expression much like happiness. It was not an act, but very much rare when it was genuine. He looked at her for a moment before she climbed onto a rock, admiring her tail. It was beautiful... As she was. \n\nHe turned away from the shore, walking toward her gracefully, lowering the hood of his cloak to fully reveal his face. His braided white hair shone in the moonlight, and his keen yellow eyes almost glowing. His dark obsidian skin blended with the darkness. There was no need to disguise himself in front of her. Once he was closer, Sylvar brought his hands to his shoulder and gently picked up Luna, promptly waking her and setting her down near the rock on the soft yellow sand. She soon curled up in the sand. With a smile, he looked at Syrena again, bowing deeply for her in greeting. \n\n\"It is rather alright, Syrena. I do not mind waiting,\" He replied in Nevian, her native language. His voice was soft... Charming, and beautiful. Surely if he sang, it would be the same way. \n\n\"It is wonderful to see you... Darling. How have things been?\"" }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena's face was lit up with a gentle, kind smile. Her finned ears and scaly body glistening as she adjusted her posture on the rock. Her face lit up as he responded in her native tongue, a courtesy Sylvar always employed- a courtesy that always pleased the mermaid. \n\nShe then took notice of Luna, who nestled herself in the sand beside the very rock Syrena rested upon. The maiden had an immense love for animals of the sea, but the animals of land intrigued her, piqued her insatiable curiosity. Her cheeks flushing pink as he spoke to her in his usual tone, with that wonderful title he bestowed upon her. \n\nDarling \n\n\"I'd love to pretend things are great but- the sea has been restless... I'm afraid it cannot be a good omen.\" She spoke with a melancholy sadness, the idea of her benevolent goddess' waters being ravaged by pirates and poachers. She then lit up once more, her face once again that familiar visage of kindness and beauty.\n\n\"But! The coralbacks are doing wonderfully, they've even started to have babies! Baby, coralbacks oh Sylvar, they're just precious!\" She couldn't contain her glee at the thought of the adorable little slug creatures. Creatures that she had nurtured from near extinction into a blossoming population residing within the ruins of Tiaris, where they were protected by her tidal song." } ]	294	1,173
301	2023-12-14	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Sylvar Valrieth", "message": "Sylvar appreciated seeing her so happy, enthusiastic, and so kind. Syrena reminded him much of his sister, whom he missed dearly. He would do anything for just another moment with his sister. That is how much he missed her. Sylvar could see she was pleased when he spoke in her native language. It came easily to him, and made sure to not become rusty. It was one of the few languages he grew up with, early in his days on the sea.\n\nHe inclined his head as she spoke, listening carefully. The sea has been restless. For a second or two, his expression had turned grim. That was ill news indeed, and he couldn't help but think Who Was contributing to the restlessness. \"That is not good news at all. I presume a certain someone has been wreaking more havoc than usual?\" He pushed down the bitterness, rage, and grief that threatened to surface and maintained his joyous smile once again.\n\nThe Coralbacks. Oh yes, what wonderful creatures. He smiled wider as she spoke more about it. Sylvar was glad to hear it and would love to hear more about how they were doing. He knew about the condition of Tiaris and was truly pleased it was thriving, under Syrena's care. \n\n\"That's truly wonderful, Syrena. I would love to meet them again... Sometime.\" \n\nHe did want to return to the Riable Isles but now was not the time. Especially when Iris was sending all kinds of assassins after him, to show him the consequences of Failure." }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena's mind stirred at the thought of the wretched pirate, he who has been ravaging her goddess' seas for years... Something about him stirred an uncharacteristic anger within the mermaid, pirates as evil as him had traversed the sea for centuries- she had seen it with her own eyes... So why was it this one angered her so? She collected herself before speaking.\n\n\"Oh I do hope you come and visit me soon, all the fish are just dying to meet you. I must admit I do tell them a lot about you.\"\n\nShe giggled as she spoke, raising a hand over her mouth as she did so.\n\nShe knew why her dear sailor wouldn't come to the Isles, which only made her heart hurt more. She tried her best to keep the area safe for all the creatures of the sea, if only she could protect the creatures of the land as well. If only she could protect Sylvar, although she worried- she knew he was a capable man. \n\n\"Any adventures? I so love hearing about your earthly travels.\"\n\nShe spoke with an innocent wonder to her voice, a childlike curiosity about everything that was unknown to her inexperienced mind." }, { "author": "Sylvar Valrieth", "message": "Sylvar moved past the thought of his enemies and what they could possibly be doing right now. Eventually, he would have the revenge he so desperately wanted but now was not that time. For now, he wanted to focus on this lovely interaction and think of more pleasant things. If it were up to him, he would visit Tiaris whenever he could, so he could see her and be around the sea again. It was quite flattering to hear she spoke of him often. No one aside from his family and crew had cared so much. She must be protected at all costs. It was a dangerous thing to have such a close relationship, as it made him vulnerable to his enemies. For once, he didn't mind. \n\n\"It would be an honor to meet all the fish, my lady. When the time is right, I will visit as much as possible,\" He said smoothly, moving to sit next to her on the rock. The moon was rising steadily in the sky, and shadows dominated the night. Sylvar kept a careful eye out because night was the most dangerous. There could be anything lurking about, especially assassins or hunters. \n\nIt took him a moment to answer her next question, about any adventures he may have been on since it has been five months since he officially returned to land. This was where he would have to choose his words carefully because his line of work... Was very questionable. He knew he did evil things, spying, thievery, and even murder occasionally. It was almost like he was living two lives like he wore two faces. \n\n\"Well... Nothing much exciting. You know I much prefer the sea over land. I have been doing simple jobs to make money and avoiding bounty hunters, honestly. And what have you been doing lately, my darling?\"" }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena clapped her hands together with glee as he told her he would visit soon. Just the idea of showing him around the beautiful underwater city made her heart soar with bliss. Once he sat beside her she smiled and rotated her body as to face him, her big blue eyes staring deep into his kind soul. \n\n\"You must be careful Sylvar! What would I do without my jolly sailor?\" She giggled as she joked with the Drow, although she was laughing she was being truthful. The idea of waiting by the shore just for him to never show up, to be... It simply terrified her. \n\n\"Oh well I've been having a very fun time in the city, I actually found a mysterious egg that must have gotten swept away by the tides, i've been searching for her mother.\" She didn't look sad, just pensive as she spoke. The thought of being separated from a parent was something that she resonated with. She never did see her family again after the city sank, she can only hope they got out alright and lived a fine life without their daughter.\n\n\"I think it may be a Leviathan Of sorts, it's rather big! I would show you but it's quite heavy, I left it at the city\" Her face now lit up with excitement. She spent most of her time tending to the creatures of the sea as it was rare that sailors attempted to sail near the sunken city, her defenses were quite impenetrable." }, { "author": "Sylvar Valrieth", "message": "Even if he didn't show it, it made him happy to see her happy. He was going to try his best to visit soon. The Drow wanted to spend time with and protect her. She meant that much. While he couldn't identify his feelings completely, they were pleasant and rare. The closest he ever felt like this was with Ekny, and she was gone. There was a fear he pushed away. He didn't want those he cared about to die. Not again.\n\nSylvar chuckled in reaction to her response, grinning widely. He would be careful, not wanting her to be alone. Even if it was a joke, he took it seriously. \"Of course, my darling. I will do my best. I would not want you to be alone,\" He said, his tone gentle with a hint of seriousness there. \n\n\"A mysterious egg? I do hope you find its mother. If it does turn out to be a leviathan, I am sure it would be a good protector for Tiaris,\" He said, his expression intrigued as he engaged in the conversation. A leviathan would offer good protection for her city, perhaps even against the Kraken, if big enough. Not only against other creatures but defense against pirates like Drake and his crew. \"I cannot wait to meet the creature once she hatches.\" \n\nSoon, another question came to mind, curious since it had been a while since they had seen each other. \n\n\"Have you spent much time on land?\"" }, { "author": "Syrena Calypso", "message": "Syrena tilted her head occasionally as Sylvar spoke, as if visually digesting the words he was speaking, she truly wore her heart on her sleeve. It was an interesting contrast to Sylvar, who was a master of concealing his thoughts and emotions to blend in like a chameleon, but Syrena was a spectacle and was an open book.\n\n\"Oh yes! It would serve as a wonderful protector... Whatever it hatches into. I've never seen such an egg... It- glows. But id rather it live free with its family.\" Although the idea of a big adorable new pet was tempting, her kind heard knew it should be with its kind.\n\nSyrena looked shocked as Sylvar asked his question, On land?. She hadn't stepped foot on land in over a century, she almost forgot she could. The ocean was so comforting to her, as if she swam with Oceania herself. She then chuckled nervously, looking at the floor in embrasement. \n\n\"Hehe... No. I haven't swam in-\" She paused, she was unsure how Sylvar would react to her age, to her past- she knew not of his relations to the gods. \n\n\"I haven't really left the shores in awhile! I almost forgot I could.\"" } ]	307	1,806
362.333333	2024-01-01	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "A spur of the moment idea had brought Thyri away from her smithy and travelling through the winding lands of Aeterna once again, a mere comment from a customer had brought ideas and ideals into her mind once again. Having closed up her shop for some time, she had begun the long journey towards the beautiful fields of Yronis. The feeling of the sun warming her skin as she travelled was a feeling she hadn't realized she missed so very dearly. Perhaps she would need to get outside of her forge more often, a grand idea would be to begin travelling the lands to learn from the masters of the craft. Maybe she would finally get the chance to travel to the land of the giants.\n\nTraversing up the beaten path, Thyri could feel the weight of her heavy leather armour, marks and stains showed how it had handled the sands of time, and the feeling of the large maul strapped to her back was growing exhausting. Underneath all her gear, her regular clothing was growing itchy and rather annoying. The trials and tribulations of travelling across the lands. No matter, she had previously asked for advice from a farmer far out in the country, and now she found herself nearing the first inn she had seen in a decent amount of time.\n\nWith a grunt, she double checked she had everything she had left with, before making her way inside. It was certainly a cozy place, everything looked like it had either been there for generations, or had simply been repaired frequently. She couldn't deny that the warm lighting from the candles and lanterns gave the place a homely feeling, and even a roaring fire that brought warmth into the building. It was pleasant. Thyri must have certainly been an odd sight for the people inside. A woman with large muscular arms on display, the dark ink of tattoos scrawled over them like a scroll, and long sandy blonde hair that hung over her shoulder. Still, there was an odd beauty to her sunkissed face, her sharp brown eyes seemed to brighten due to her lighting." }, { "author": "Hajime Watanabe", "message": "Hajime was sitting at the inn's bar when Thyri entered the establishment. At first he didn't pay any mind to her, she was just another person coming to grab some food or rent a room. But then he caught a glimpse of her, and his eyes widened. She was buff, had tattoos, and she wore armor. She was pretty much the exact opposite of everyone else around. After a moment Hajime realized he was staring and shook himself out of it. He turned back to the bar and started eating his food again.\n\nThat was the reason Hajime came to this Inn in the first place. Their rooms were arguably mediocre at best, but their food was to die for! Hajime had spoken to the owner on several occasions to try and convince her to shift the business over to just a restaurant. Nothing ever came of it though, the owner always brushed him off without even a thought. But as long as they kept serving their meatball and Gnocchi soup, he couldn't care.\n\nHajime slurped down the last of the broth until the bowl was empty. He patted his stomach and let out a satisfactory sigh as he swiveled to look at the rest of the people in the Inn. He was supposed to go train with Taka later, but he had plenty of time before he needed to get going. He smiled and gave a small wave to Thyri in peaceful greeting. Hajime always thought it was best to greet new people with kindness. Then he turned back to the bar and ordered another bowl of soup. He was blowing all the money that tourist had thrown at him, but it was worth it." }, { "author": "Thyri Sigtrygg", "message": "It seemed like a fairly decent little hovel. At the very least there were people populating the inn. Empty inns were always a damning sight, and she always did her best to avoid them, sadly there weren't always other options. As her gaze wandered over the various people, her eyes were eventually caught by movement, an individual waving at her. She couldn't tell if it was a simple greeting, or if it was a wish to speak with her. Might as well gamble a chance and speak with the man.\n\nMaking her way over, she eventually stood next to him, a kindly smile on her face as she spoke. \"Pleasure to meet ya. Can ya tell me if this little inn is any good? Been travelling for 'ours now and need a place to rest me 'ead.\" Her accent was as strong as ever. It was obvious she was from somewhere in the country, and likely had spent hours toiling away at the land or perhaps near the water. It was easy to tell she spent quite a bit of time lifting rather heavy materials.\n\nTaking a seat, she glanced at what people were eating to get an idea of what was available. A large amount of food she hadn't seen before, and certainly some interesting options. Luckily, she had found herself with a surplus of coin from recent works, and was quite confident she would be able to afford something decent. If they had any ale behind the counter as well, she was certainly going to be getting a proper tankard for herself. Ah, who was she kidding, she was going to go through a whole damn barrel. But, that was for later into the night." } ]	338	1,087
629.2	2024-02-07	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis watched Akira go for as long as she was in sight, he wanted to say more but was unsure what to say. For a moment he'd thought... Well, there was no time to wonder. Despite her savaging of him, his eyes only held fondness for her. He hoped that he'd see her again, that life would put the Kitsune in his path again. Perhaps that was a selfish desire, perhaps it would be better to be apart, but he hoped for it either way. Heart aching from the loss of the Kitsune and the child, he turned to face Waken. \n\nHe took the clothes with a nod, noticing the women but not paying them much mind. He pulled the tunic on to cover his torso, lean and rippling with muscle. It was flawless save a scar in his stomach where he'd been stabbed by Emi, as a child of Masculo it was supposed to be impossible for his body to carry scars. He also stepped into a secluded corner to change his ruined pants, then was following after the Warforged. \n\nA strange clan, it was as if they were ready for a war, or an onslaught. As they reached the paintings, his thoughts were confirmed. They'd made the divine their enemies. The gods had been so far removed from the world from what he knew of, their presence less and less in this age than any other. Some could see that as a curse, but others would see it as a blessing so that the lives of mortals would be their own. \n\nHe listened to the question and... He lied. Noctis had been practicing lies for several hundred years, he'd been a hundred, a thousand different people with different motivations and now he was Luce Belmont. \n\n\"No, I don't worship any gods.\" A truth, he did not believe in worshipping one's own father, but he loved his father. \"I think the gods presence and blood in the realms have caused some of the greatest harm and pain they will ever experience.\" Another truth, which always made the best lie. The cousin conflicts, the unification war- the bloodiest wars in history. It was the best way to lie, by telling the truth. \n\nHe kept his face a b\n\nEautiful mask as he sensed yet another quarter god, only this time, it was... A descendant of Masculo? His heart wanted to race, but careful breathing and exceptional mental control kept his pulse and breathing steady and normal. So he'd had a brother or sister out there, now a niece or nephew. Family he'd never gotten to know. Family that hated the divine. \n\n\"Well shit.\" He thought." }, { "author": "Eileen Hitokiri", "message": "The warforged listened to the man's words, if he could expression any emotion. It would be satisfaction. The mercenary was not blinded by faith nor seemed to be defined by their Patron. His understanding that the pantheons have been responsible for so much bloodshed was appreciated. The machine was convinced yet only gave the man, a slight nod before continuing to lead him towards the door where chatter could be heard. A older male voice and a female voice that was alluring to the ears.\n\nInside Eileen and an elder historian were deep in their discussion about demon of the lands beyond. A missing demigod was a concern to the man but an opportunity for Eillen, perhaps Noctis was imprisoned by this unknown creature. The lands beyond would be a perfect place to hide. Yet the elder man seemed more interested in finding connections based on the magic used, records of such magic used by the Era of Scipio were more concerning than finding the Son of Masculo. It sounded like a heated debate yet with a hue of respect between the two, one wanted to know if the source of the losses could be connected to Noctis while the other wanted to understand the motives of this unknown creature.\n\n```\"It's drive and motivation is hardly a priority. What if it's collecting champions and demigods as a source of power? One of them could be Noctis, imprisoned and sucked dry of his divinity.\"```\n\nEileen spoke with a enchanting voice as she'd lean next to the seated man, their attention on a map of the lands beyond. The masked woman wore the same simple tunic that Luce wore. Ivory skin shined, raven black hair with a hue of crimson flew straight over her back. Even with a mask on, there was little to deny a beautiful face behind it. The woman looked around her young adult years, yet spoke to the elder as if she was in charge. The elder shook his head as the door began to pry open, the Warforged politely knocking.\n\n```\"Come in! Eileen for my sake, calm yourself. This monster could even kill you. We can't be sure if it's some sort of charming magic, mental control or some demonic possession! More scouts and careful documentation. You know there's wisdom in my words.\"```\n\nThe elder man said as his frustrated eyes held some concern within, his attention turned to the Warforged and the guest behind him. Smiling to see a new face wearing their colors, a new recruit would be refreshing. A handsome young man, the Warforged introduced the mercenary to the two.\n\n```\"May I introduce Luce Belmont, a powerful mercenary. Capable of healing critical wounds and teleportation. He had just defeated a feral god. I believe he holds greater strength than me, once he masters his skills. A worthy ally to accompany you on this mission, Eillen.\"```\n\nThe warforged politely introduced the mercenary to avoid an awkward air and confusion, he was aware that Luce was not one to respectfully introduce himself. Yet, the air felt heavy and intense. The masked woman began to give out a very high and intense killing intent, her body shaking with rage as her mask stared at Luce.\n\n```\"Leave us, now.\"```\n\nHer voice that held an almost magical quality to it, held deep hate in each word. Yet it was held back. Noctis could lie to the Warforged but not to the woman who was obsessed with him for centuries. She learned every single thing she could of him. The shape of ears, every description ever written or spoken, each depiction and remembering the haunting words of her mother. Every tiny detail of Noctis was known to her, it was her purpose to find him. She had no doubts in her body that Noctis stood before her. His almond silver eyes, raven black hair and his perfect form. Her attention turned to his sword, the Ebony Rose on his hip. All he was missing was his armor and the blood of innocents covering his ivory skin. The Warforged and the historian were confused, but the intense killing intent coming from her would silence their questions. They made their way out, leaving the father and his daughter alone. Silence fell and filled the room." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Every step that brought him closer brought a larger and larger picture, one that was haunting and promised nothing but pain. So far he'd experienced misery upon misery, pain after pain, failure after failure since awaking in this world. Now after all this time of being a forgotten name and a spectre of the past, his only lifeline that no one would be seeking him was suddenly ripped out from his feet as he heard his own name. Not a common name and worse, matched the context of his existence. Thoughts flashed to one of the 11, theoretically possible for any of the ones who hadn't perished to have lived all these years. His mind raced as to who it might be, his first thought was to flee and he was on the verge of teleporting then when he remembered that Akira and the child were here. He cursed silently and decided he had no choice but to wait. \n\nAs the door opened and introductions were made, Noctis watched the woman in the mask and knew instantly that he would die soon. How many times in the past week had he come to that realization? Nonetheless it had been an almost correct thought, and he was sure that this would be no different. Worse, any cards he had up his sleeve were exposed by the Warforged. So she'd aim to kill with one blow. Now he Really Wanted to go, to vanish, but Akira and the child! He wanted to grit his teeth and shift into a battle stance to go out fighting, but once again he kept his mind and heart calm, no sign of panic inwards or outwards. He simply blinked at her almost stupidly and scratched his own chin, waiting till the two men left. Then, there was only one option- to fight. \n\nSo he waited, waited for her to strike and prepped his magic, he brought the teleportation ability to the brink of activating and held it, the second he released he could teleport again. If she was strong and fast, she could blitz him, but he might have just enough time to shift away before she took off his head or pierced his heart. \n\n\"Who are you?\" He asked softly, o\n\nNe hand resting on the sword. A bluff, it would make her glance at the weapon- one that would be useless against an enemy with any strong magic with his weakened body. But if it made her hesitate even a second it would give him the chance to jump- what then? He could jump through the fort till he found Akira and risk jumping with the toddler and have Akira flee through the shadows. He'd find another way to cure the child and he'd have his sword back. All it took was one wrong move..." }, { "author": "Eileen Hitokiri", "message": "The air was intense, it felt as if the wooden floor began to crack from the weight. Rage that was held back and allowed to be controlled, began to leak out of her body. She finally had him in her view, yet she couldn't reach him yet. To see the peak of the mountain, but unable to reach it. Eileen was aware of his teleporting ability, the coward was probably calculating a hundred different ways to kill her. Nothing more than a weapon that needed blood, even if it was his own. Perhaps he did not know her power. What a frustrating battle to be held, the moment that she'd gain an advantage... He'd just teleport away. However, death and a warrior's death was beyond what Noctis the Defiler deserved. He should lose any and all that love him, to watch them die as he'd turn into a husk of a man. That was true revenge, poetic justice. Centuries had made her patient and wise, yet that anger shook her core.\n\n```\"No. You don't get to ask questions, your voice means nothing here. Your words of lies and manipulation will never work on me. Noctis Camille. Oh the names that they call you. Death's Lover, Perfect Night, Scipio's Poison and Breaker of hearts. But I know what you really are. Father.\"```\n.\n\nEven if she tried to hold her anger back, her voice held those words with deep anger and hatred. Resting his hand on his sword. It felt more like an insult than a threat. Coming into her home, with her colors and holding his sword at her. Was he trying to goat her into attacking? Oh how she'd wish that her hands could rip his head off and punch him into a pile of flesh. But, no. That would be a mercy.\n\n```\"I really want to hurt you, Noctis. To end you. But, you would run away the moment I'd step forward huh? Is this a form of mockery? Then heed my words, before you vanish back to whatever shit hole you've been finding in. I will not kill you, Noctis. That's mercy. I will kill everyone you love, anyone you care about and anyone who even has a good memory of you. Once they are dead and rotting, you can do me the favor of ending your own life.\"```\n\nEileen spoke with a rageful tone, her words sharper than his blade. Her body held back so much anger, but she'd control herself. It would be foolish to attack him, that's what he wants. The masked woman took a stance with a lot of openings, she'd prepare herself for a revenge technique. Should he be foolish enough to attack her, than she'd wound him enough to send him bleeding to whichever whore he was charming now." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis listened to what she said with a cold, impassive face. The word father rang through him like a hammer upon a gong, everything reverberating as confusion and pain flooded his eyes- then it was gone again. He had to think logically, on close inspection he supposed he could see resemblance, in fact... She looked just like his mother. Without the mask, he might have thought she was his mother reborn. The blood of Masculo with the visage of his mother- all signs pointed to the fact that she wasn't lying. Yet it was an impossibility. Any children he sired through his years would have been only quarter god, they'd have lived a normal lifespan. Even the elves would not live thousands of years with no sign of age. \n\nMore confusing however was why she hated him, why she loathed him so that she'd make such vile threats upon him and those he cared for- like the Two girls he'd just deposited into her care.* \n\nNo, no need to panic yet. She hadn't known it was him until she'd seen him, so she hadn't prepped a prison or torture for the others. He needed to find his beloved Kitsune and his beloved charge and escape this place. So many questions, so much to try and understand. He could always flee, she knew that and hadn't made a move- he needed to ask her as much as he could, she'd be buying time to find a chance to strike, he just wanted answers before he fled this place. He'd kill every man and woman to find Akira and the child t- \n\nOnly... He wouldn't. The thought made bile rise in his throat. To take innocent lives again would ruin everything, he'd been reborn with a second chance, a clean slate- at least so he told himself. This woman's vitriol challenged that very ideal. \n\n\"How could you be my child, I haven't been with a woman in over two thousand years.\" He said, his angelic voice dancing through the air like a razor upon the skin. \n\nShe knew of his old titles, his old name... How? Perhaps... \n\n\"Magic. You've expanded your lifespan... What was the cost?\" He asked slowly, his g\n\nRey eyes, no longer their beautiful demigod silver, but mortal grey, analyzing everything. There were many fell magics that could do the impossible for prices no sane person would pay. \n\nIf she had done something so, what could he have done to hurt her? Could she really be his child? Had he had a child in the world, one that he could have taken in and raised in the empires wealth and power? He could sob at the idea and prayed he could prove this woman false." } ]	569	3,146
388.6	2023-11-20	GuildTextChat	[ { "author": "_stork", "message": "```\nTHE DAY COMES...```\n\nFor those who took the quest, the instructions were simple: meet up with Lord Amidawa and his men at a camp near the Keitan Valley. Upon arrival by the brave adventures, they would be allowed entry into the makeshift fortification, a humble home for the soldiers that were about to be the vanguard of this quest.\n\nOnly a march away from the camp was a green, lush forest, a very odd sight in the Realm, whose trees are as pink as a blush. Those with sharp ears will be able to pick up some noises, hushed whispers, muffled screeching, and the like. Enough to warn that something's coming, not enough to tell you what. \n\nLord Amidawa and his soldiers were clad in blue, steel armor with emblems of a phoenix on their chestpieces. None other than the Lord's clan symbol, of course, one that had brought him and his ancestors generations of luck. \n\n\"Good. You are here. Make your preparations, for we'll march in an hour.\"\n\nThe Lord spoke to the newcomers as he stood near the entrance, greeting them as they entered. He expected them to be armed and prepared, but the possibility of ambitious yet foolish men stumbling into this was a likely possibility. As such, they were permitted to arm themselves weapons like the katana, and equip a cheap but servicable spare gambeson armour.\n\n\"If you have questions, ask them now.\"\n\nRules n stuff\n\nThere's no turn order, but you can't send more than one message until gms turn/pinged again\n\nYou will all be given 24 hours to reply if 24 hours have passed, we will skip whoever didn't reply" }, { "author": "Valac Carnifex", "message": "Valac didn't wear armor, and instead regular attire. He did not need any, even if it proved beneficial, the clothing he had on was lose and allowed for mobility. His finger began to tap on the but of his blade, the Blade of Tragedy and Foresight. His long black, claw like nail... Tacking away. Like a grandfather clock ticking every second that passed by. Valac had no questions, but the sounds of muffled screeching, hushed whispers... It made him grin. \n\nHe couldn't get rid of the look of excitement off of his face. He was quite calculative in his thinking, but had no questions. He needed to witness this first hand in order to make an evaluation or plan. He pacified the plastered look of sadistic desire in his eyes. He had to be serious, he couldn't let the dark desires of wanting to afflict pain as much as possible get the better of him. Yet he didn't stand alone. \n\nHe stood by a tall man, his comrade, one who would always look presentable, one who looked as if he had never witnessed battle, Noctis Camille. He looked up at his comrade, with a bit of a gentle smile, before speaking. \n\n\"This makes my blood scream with excitement... It's time to have some fun. Though, I won't underestimate. What do you think my friend?\" \n\nValac may not look suited for battle, but he was a clear deceiver in his representation. He had some cards up his sleeve, even if he didn't look completely built in clads of iron. Valac was quite nonchalant of the situation, but didn't disregard that this may prove a challenge. He was being rational, calm, and collected, as much as he would consider this \"Fun\"." }, { "author": "Saurek Zerenex I Archduke of Lestos", "message": "Sounds of heavy metal scraping together indicated one of the arrivals was already set to arrive on time as was expected of the hero's going on the quest. On the dirt path one figure slowly came into view of the encampment the warhorse armored in thick dark metal to keep it protected. The horse itself was massive by all standards being a horse more made for heavy work in the harsh lestonian homelands. The rider itself was equally massive, adorning similarly colored dark metal armor, with finely trimmed in gold of the highest quality. It was certainly a set of armor that commanded awe for not just how expensive it looked but the obvious quality and meticulous craftsman ship right down to the smallest finger plate on the clawed gauntlets. Each spike and bladed part looked sharp... Because it was sharpened steal acting as a weapon itself should the wearer lose their weapon. The armor belonged to a well known figure in the world of politics and armies, Saurek Zerenex, Archduke and General of Lestos. A likely surprising sight to see on a quest, even more so that he traveled alone without any escort or companions of any kind. His glowing orange eyes, tattooed face, braided and shaved hair, and commanding aura giving him a most distinct apperance. \n\nThe whole place itself was odd to Saurek, a stark reminder that this was not his homelands. Where he knew lava there was water, where he knew jagged and dangerous volcanoes and mountains was gentle rolling hills and deep vallies. From what he had seen where he knew sprawling fortresses and bastions there was quiet downs and beautiful cities. Part of it rubbed him the wrong way, but what better way to make himself more known to the larger and far vaster empire and potentially meet worthwhile allies than taking up a quest to stop a dangerous foe. He noted Lord Amidawa and the soldiers as he approached the blue, steel armor and Pheonix emblems immediately commanding his attention.\n\n\"Greetings, Lord Amidawa, it appears you and your men are busy preparing for what lies ahead. Is there any notable information we may need to know before this all begins?\"" }, { "author": "General Markovic", "message": "\"This is the best they could do?\" Fenier asked himself as his eyes scanned the fortifications around them. Picking apart every little flaw his eyes could spot, his face contorting into an expression of mild concern. He wasn't expecting much, but something so humble seemed a little hopeful for what he was briefed on. There was little to do about it however, so he pulled his attention away from the fortifications and turned it towards the great lord addressing those who appeared before him.\n\nHe had no questions for the man, as he already heard everything he needed to. A plan was already forming in his mind on just how he would go about conquering those who stepped into his path. He had nearly 350 men at his disposal, an army of melee-centered warriors supported by a strong cavalry and unit of experienced musketeers. The injured were not going to be an issue either. With the capabilities of 2 adept healers supporting their efforts and a trained medical staff 6 in strength, those who were taken out of the fight could quickly regain arms. \n\nTo this battle, Fenier came prepared for just about anything. His heavy plate encasing him in a cocoon of adamantine. His kite shield providing him with a layer of added protection capable of withstanding a warrior's strongest attacks. His primary weapon being his glorious great sword of immaculate constructions, mighty enough to split a man in half and enchanted with the ability to cause jagged wounds. Not mention, if he were to somehow lose either of the two, he made sure to bring his full shebang of goodies.\n\nFenier was just waiting for his orders now, eager to take his men and earn the reward placed on the head of the bastard they were being tasked with impaling on a pike. His men were waiting for him outside, already taking their formations in preparation. They were just as eager for the coming bloodshed as he was, excited to spread the name of the Brothers of Silver, fill their pockets with gold, and make their God smile upon t\n\nHem! \n\nWhile awaiting further commands, Fenier took a moment to examine those around him. Trying to get a good look at who exactly he was going to be considering an ally in the battle. Based on the information he had access to he was expecting to see some of the more competent warriors the world had to offer. Warriors who would potentially be interested in hearing more about his little group of rapscallions." }, { "author": "Noctis", "message": "Noctis stood with the cloak of his hood down, exposing a face that was both femininely beautiful and masculinely handsome. His raven hair curled at the ends around his face, framing a delicate nose and a strong jawline, with high but not protruding cheekbones. This man was in all essences of the word, gorgeous- and it was true that he did not look as if he belonged within a mile of a battlefield. \n\nMore so with his perfectly clean clothes, lacking wrinkles and his strangely sparse armor polished- he seemed like a little lordling playing soldier. \n\n\"Fun is a word. As long as the gold we get from this is good. That tigers bounty will only take us so far.\" He said, his voice like musical chimes drifting along the battle. \n\nNoctis has pushed his senses to 50% and could easily make out the elusive sounds, but his silver eyes also made special note of Fenier and Saurek. The two stood out above all others- even Valac. He estimated that those two were easily the strongest here besides perhaps Lord Amidawa. \n\n\"I'll support you Valac, but I'm going to focus on observation. There's many things I could gain from this besides money- so once again I'll be relying on you to do the fighting.\"" } ]	378	1,943

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