Pokemon Universe MMORPG
Creative Discussions => Roleplay Corner => Other Roleplay => Topic started by: WhistfulSoul on January 08, 2015, 06:25:24 PM
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Story
Unbeknownst to man, there is another world very similarly developed to the one they live on, one that exists on another plane of reality. The same plants and ecosystems, animals and beasts, and beings all inhabit this world. The difference between the two is magic; The World of Magic is special in that something within its core allows those tested by trials to govern the unseen and cast spells of wonder. This difference actually allows many small differences between the two worlds to emerge; where many people in the World of Man work every day to eat, many in the World of Magic grow crops in one day that last weeks.
This World of Magic and the World of Man are destined to collide through means that must be stopped. A deity from the World of Magic has chosen heroes of innocence from the World of Man and transplanted their consciousness’s into its own in an attempt to save both planets from destruction. These few heroes will lead a quest through both worlds to save them. This quest begins as a regular day; it is not until night falls and our heroes fall subject to weariness that the real adventure begins.
Your character is one of these heroes. During the day, you are your regular self, doing regular things in the World of Man. Once you fall asleep, however, you are transported to the World of Magic, and you must continue your quest to save both worlds. Remember, you are crafting the legend of your hero as the story progresses. Each character will evolve from the normal person they begin as to a true hero, (or villain), to both worlds as time progresses. Do not rush this process. Do not attempt to make it seem like your hero was chosen for any more reason than was already given. You will have plenty of time to develop your character, so don’t pour too much into your character all at one time.
Rules
- No God-modding. You may be a hero, but you are not a god. Don’t do anything that’s overpowered, and don’t do anything to or using someone else’s character unless they give you permission. Be fair in your acts.
- Unless your character is uneducated or you want them to seem that way, then please use proper spelling and grammar.
- All posts should be at least a paragraph (five plus sentences) but none should be more than four, excluding GM/Story posts. If you need or want to, at least ask first. Sometimes too much is just too much.
- Most discussion will take place on a Skype chat. On the same topic, some nights will be used as a Progress Night, where everyone will get on Skype and advance the story. An OOC will still be made to list chat logs of these nights, and progress will be posted the next day in the main RP thread in the form of a GM/Story Post. (Possibly)
JerryEDIT: Approved
Character Colors
Tyrren: Black
Jake: Teal
Daylin: Green
Neicha: Purple
Duriel: Brown
Jacob: Sky Blue
Floressa: Violet
? ? ? ? ?: Navy
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Story Post
The day started as any other. The birds awoke at dawn, the cattle waited for grain before grazing for hours upon hours, and the people went about their daily business as they usually would. And why wouldn't they? The World of Man was blissfully oblivious to the terror that was about to befall them. Again they did not know it, but forces beyond their reach were already working against their world, but there were also those working in their favor.
A waterfall pours into a clear pool within a grove, and through the mist are images of seven unlikely heroes. A maiden appears from a cave behind the waterfall, her gaze appearing to pierce the waterfall as though she intended to boil the water with her eyes. She turned towards the trees surrounding her outlet, and a young man emerged from the woodland. He looked to be no older than ten, but his eyes showed he was much older than any would guess.
It happens tonight. We cannot wait any longer. The day approaches when all time runs out, so we must act now. She looked upon the boy, his head still bowed. Wait until nightfall. They will be spread across the land, barely conscious and wary. You must guide them to me. They are our only hope.
The boy nodded, then disappeared in a wisp of smoke.
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He had that lethargic feeling one gets in the morning, when the mind is preoccupied with last remaining wisps of last night's dreams, unable to operate as efficiently as it should. When Daylin opened his eyes, everything seemed darker to him, the colors less vivid, as if the air had a bluish tint. And this is because even the sun had yet to arise, and so the world is suspended in some unrealistic fantasy in which everything is perfect and peaceful and blue - except he knew that outside the confines of these early morning hours, the world would return to its original deformity of depression.
He sat up, his movements smooth and supple, like that of liquid mercury. He ruffled the back of his hair, wishing to shake away such musings and forget how routine the world is, because now is the time of suspension and everything needs to be quiet, including his thoughts. And looking about, he noted that there was a certain dullness to the morning. The feeling caused him to sigh as he rose from his bed and neatly made it, then crept to the kitchen to make his first meal of the day. No one else had risen from bed yet, and by the time he returned from the fields no one would be awake. The only interaction he normally had with the family that possessed him was when he returned for lunch, which Iowen always had waiting for him with a smile.
The old woman's cheery face made him happy, and he finished his breakfast and silently cleaned up his mess, a slight bounce in his step. He slipped out of the family shack and into the dark farm yard with a smile. Though he may not like the hours he worked, he would never complain. He owed the kind family far too much to ever complain about anything they asked of him.
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Jake groggily opened his eyes to the feeling of sun rays on his face. He stared at the wooden wall for a while, trying desperately to find the strength to pull himself out of bed. A couple seconds passed and he felt a a freezing cold wave of water pass over him. He yowled in suprised.
?-Get up.. Now
He did an awkward roll onto his back so he was facing his sister, a frown on his face
Jake-Come now Silene, don't be like that.
Silene gave him a sharp look followed by a hard kick. Jake grunted softly.
Jake-Okay okay.
He sat up on his straw mattress and looked around the one roomed wooden shack in which they lived. There was a small fireplace for cooking, a table with a leg missing and a couple buckets of ice cold water. The walls were rotten and the floor was bare earth. This is barely living.
Silene-Anyway, I'm going to go to work, try not to get arrested today.
She smiled faintly but Jake knew it was fake, she was having a stressful time finding work and she only managed to get a job as a seamstress in a rundown tailor shop. Jake smiled and wagged his finger.
Jake-No promises.
His sister donned a red hood and walked out. Jake stood up lazily, a bit dizzy from the blood rushing to his head. He shook his head to get the water out from his hair then put on his boots, belt and jacket. He opened the door and sauntered out into the bustling street.
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The sun was just rising as it painted the skies in orange and red. The only noise was that of the wind caught in the trees and the cracking of leaves that crushed below a pair of hooves. Neicha had woken up early to search for food. The air was somewhat foggy from the morning dew. Her green eyes gazed around. Her ears flicked in many directions scanning for any suspicious noises. The first birds started to sing. The deer-human lowered as she gathered herbs and put them in her satchel, then pulling herself back up with the walking stick she held in her other hand. Still not adjusted to her new legs she wobbled a bit before she stood stable. She ventured further into the forest.
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Duriel slowly began to stir, groggily getting up. Thoughts in the back of his head begged him to just roll over in his bed, and go back to sleep, but he couldn't. It was a hard day at the tavern yesterday, a fight broke out and he had trouble stopping it, but he was sure it would be a better day today. He got ready for work and ate a smaller breakfast than normal, as he needed to get to work early today so he could clean up the aftermath, as they had to close early due to the fight.
When he arrived at work, he immediately began setting chairs back into place, sweeping up broken glass, luckily he had been able to clean the liquid before closing the day before. After eventually getting the place back into its normal, slightly run down state, he began to admire the building. He couldn't place it, but he felt... At home, in this tavern, and this put a bit of a smile on his face, as he turned a sign on the front of the building to show that it was open, he then walked over to his place at the counter, and placed his arms on the counter tops, smiling as he waited on customers.
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It was a beautiful sunrise that morning. It's a shame Floressa slept through it all.
She was up long past midnight earlier. A noble's nephew hired her as his "mistress" for the evening. His uncle was passing through town and the nephew wanted to impress him. She actually enjoyed herself that night. There was good food and wine, and the nephew was a kind gentleman with a hefty purse. She wanted to charge him less than what she would normally for such a long stay, but he insisted she take more. It was the most unorthodox bargain she encountered. But gold is gold, as they say.
She rubbed her ankles before climbing out of bed. It was the longest she had stood in her finest heels, and walking in flat shoes was bliss. But there was no time for her to bask in her even soles, for there was housework to be done.
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Jacob
Another morning came, the sun barely hanging over the skyline, Jacob's family still resting in bed as he moved out to the fields. The animals seemed ready as always for the daily routine. When he had finished tending to the livestock the sun had begun it’s ascend through the sky as Jacob moved in towards the house. His mother already cooking while his sisters were playing around the house, but his father was nowhere to be seemed. His mother explained he was still in bed "The last few week have been trying of your father." she said. Such an awful time to feel ill, around this time those damnable wolves show up at night. It will be hard to keep track of livestock with only one person watching over. Jacob let out a sigh; this problem could be avoided if they simply moved closer to town but his father's too stubborn to consider it. Broken from his train of thought he looked down to see one of his sisters pulling on his pant leg asking him to play in one of their games. He smiled, patting her on the head "I’ll come and play after I finish with my morning duties, now run along and get ready for breakfast." after assuring her he went along to gather the basket of dirty laundry and prepare it to be cleaned.
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The day had gone by much slower than he would have liked. He got up in the early hours of the morning like he usually did, hoping to get some free time before chores, but nothing preoccupied him for long. It wasn't until the roosters began to crow and his chores started that the hours turned to minutes while his body and mind worked separately. Tyrren wasn't the only person on his farm, but his father in his infinite wisdom thought that tending to the chores on his own would "build character, every young man needs character". Well, I disagree, Tyrren thought, The only thing this builds is my arms and back, sores in both, and the urge to sleep the rest of the day.
The boy heard hooves behind him, and his horse Raika plopped his head gently on top of Tyrren's. It was a trick he learned when Tyrren fell asleep on the steed and fell straight forward and laid his head on the horses, and it became a symbol of endearment between the two. Tyrren reached up and patted Raika's muzzle. Are you still hungry or do you want something to do? The horse stamped his foot into the ground, and Tyrren heard the familiar sound of the flick of his tail. He smiled at how intelligent some animals could be. Alright, I'll be done soon, then we can head out for a few hours.
He could feel the horse working his jaw above his head, almost as though he was working the deal over. Raika pulled his head off of Tyrren's and walked back to his stall, waiting for his rider. Tyrren finished feeding and the rest of his chores as quickly as he could, and shortly set off to nowhere upon his steed.
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Story Post
Without fail the day had once again passed by as normal; the sun rose and set, plants shivered in the wind, rain fell and water flowed. For some it went by quickly, everyone had their daily routines and it only took them so long to fall in and be swept away by the current of life. Others were slowed, bogged down by mind and body. Whether anyone realized it or not, this day was different from any before it. Some may have sensed it upon waking up and noticing that a single hair was out of place or discolored; others may have noticed it while eating, as though there was a piece of something that crunched unlike the rest, or a spoon of soup that was too thick to be right. As many as there were that may have realized that something was off, there were only seven who would truly experience the difference.
The sun had just begun to rise but within the grove night remained, the only source of light coming from masses of fireflies. The maiden sat behind the waterfall, on a small wooden stool that didn't look fully finished. Into the fine mist she gazed, where she saw the faces of seven young heroes ending another day of their routine lives. From her sleeve she produced a small flask filled with a green powder. She unstopped the flask and poked her little finger into the powder before tasting it; she had to make sure the enchantment had finished. Sure that it would work, the maiden flung the contents of the flask into the waterfall, filling the mist with green and creating frames around the heroes.
Bring them swiftly, Kaiyos. We do not know exactly how much time remains.
Tyrren
After spending several hours treading old hunting paths aimlessly through the woods, Tyrren had returned home to his father throwing a tantrum over how hastily his son had left. The two argued over chores and who was responsible for what and why Tyrren should have tended to the wheat and not his father and how the wheat wouldn't need tending until early fall and... Tyrren decided he'd had enough when he heard his stomach growl and stomped off to eat by his lonesome.
The barn didn't have much room in the loft, so Tyrren had made himself a small platform within Raika's stall, (which, being the biggest stall in the barn had room to spare), that he laid the horses hay on. On occasions such as tonight, he would lay with his horse and stare out the window of the barn. It faced east, so Tyrren could see the moon in all it's glory, the stars surrounding it like children surrounding an adult, waiting for a story. With such serenity around him, the boy fell asleep.
And then he woke up. The sun was higher than it usually was when he woke up in the barn, and he began to panic over chores when he realized he was on solid ground and not Raika's platform. Tyrren turned around to face.. Trees, and lots of them. Then he started to panic again as a boy poked his head out from behind one of the trees. Who are you, where am I?! The boy shook his head and put his finger to his lips as though to silence Tyrren. No, you need to speak. Who are you? The boy shrugged, then looked to the sky and threw his arms in the air. He turned back towards Tyrren. Name's Kaiyos. You wanna come with me and get answers or what?
The boy led Tyrren through the forest and into a grove with a small pond and a waterfall with a cave behind it. A beautiful woman emerged from the cave to greet the pair. Good work, Kaiyos. The first of few. Bring them quickly, and use your speed if you must. She raised her hand as Tyrren began to open his mouth. Patience. You will have your questions answered Tyrren, but only once everyone has gathered. Kaiyos disappeared in another wisp of smoke.
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kkrrRR-thwump kkrrRR-thwump kkrrRR-thwump
The longbow's steady rhythm resonated over the field. Her aim was getting much better at faster speeds. It was mid afternoon when she set out to the archery range. It was a good way to wind down from hours of housework, and she made an effort to get at least one hour of practice in everyday. She collected her arrows and went back inside to help her mother with supper: a hearty beef stew.
The meal had left her filled and drowsy. It was rare for her to sleep so early, but it was a refreshing change from her regular habit. Floressa made sure her equipment was ready before falling to sleep. Longbow, dagger, tunic, boots, cloak and quiver. She made all her clothes by hand, scrutinizing over every detail to ensure they are tailored exactly for her. She rubbed part of the tunic. The stitch was holding strong. She could still remember the wild cat that tore at her, its menacing claws digging into her flesh. She stood before a mirror, staring at the scar on her left side. It was almost unnoticeable now. But there was no time for personal grooming. Sunset was fading into night, and she wanted to be up early.
She didn't want to wake up on the forest floor, however. She was not familiar with her surroundings. She hadn't gone too deep into the trees that lay behind her land. Suddenly a sound. Movement in the bush. A large animal, not a common hare. Floressa's instincts told her not to follow, but curiosity led her on. " Where are you going... " she whispered to herself. It was fast, but not quiet. Its tracks were so obvious she could almost follow it without her cousin's training. On and on she followed, not knowing where she was being led, only that she had to go.
Until it led her to a grove with a pond and waterfall, but no sign of any animal. Just a tall woman and and a scraggly boy. Not quite the beast she expected.
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Tyrren walked out of the cave at the sound of another set of footsteps. He was investigating but there wasn't much in the cave besides a bed and large shard of mirror-like rock. Once he walked back into the sunlight, however, he was surprisingly greeted by another beautiful girl who could have passed for either a regular mortal or an elf. Things just uhh... Hmm. Keep getting.. Bet- weirder. He looked down at the pond for a second to see himself blush before he looked at the maiden with a guarded look. Is she another person that you wanted here?
The maiden gave him a small smile as if to apologize for the mysteries. Yes, she too was guided here by Kaiyos, by very impressive means. Good work, onto the next. He should be here soon. The boy nodded and turned into what seemed to be a cloud before it floated above the treeline and out of sight. Tyrren sighed and tried not to look directly at the girl for fear of embarrassing himself, but said in a semi-defeated tone, Welcome to the grove, where all your questions will be answered soon, including my name. He sat down next to the pond and closed his eyes, waiting for the next arrival.
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Duriel stumbled off into his home, it hadn't been a long day all things considered, but it was a hard one. He had gotten many more customers than he was expecting today, and it had been a real test of his talent at this point, but he felt good about it. He stretched as he walked towards his bed, he had eaten his meals whilst on his shift, so for now, he just had to get to sleep... For tomorrow wasn't going to be any easier. He slumped into his bed, and began to lay down, staring off into the only sky he knew-- The ceiling above. He began to think about what life on the surface was like... What was going on up there, how the other races lived up there... How they could live up there, without the safety of their walls... He slowly dazed off, smiling, as he was content with where he lived...
When he awoke, he wasn't in the safety of his walls... He was on the very surface that he had been thinking about, a forest, with tree's... With the warm embrace of the sun touching his skin... He slowly got up, thousands of questions entering his small, dwarven mind. He looked around, hearing a sound. He looked around until he saw them, but what he saw was odd. He saw what looked like a boy, and the boy motioned for him to follow, before running off, at oddly large speeds. He followed the boy without even thinking, chasing after as fast as his little dwarven legs could carry him. "Oi! Where am I?! Why'd you bring me here?!" The dwarf shouted, his voice echoing through as he ran after the person.
When he finally heard the tracks stop, and caught up, he was in a clearing, where he saw what looked to be a pond and a waterfall, with a tall woman, and a few other people in the clearing. "I don't supposed any of ya'd be willin' to give me some answers?"
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Floressa shrugged. "If I had answers to your questions, I would gladly answer them." She looked around the clearing. It wasn't very large, but it was . . . tranquil. And breezy. She looked down and suddenly realized she was wearing only her floral night gown. She pulled the light skirt down to her knees and her bare legs shivered from the damp grass in her toes. She could already feel her eyes start to turn yellow, but she kept them calm and gray. "But it seems all we can do is wait." She found a dry rock and sat on it with her legs crossed, one over the other, and hands folded neatly in her lap.
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Heat rained down on him like the breath of hell, and sweat trickled down his back and beaded on his forehead. He wiped it away with the back of his hand, savoring the feel of the cool breeze on damp skin. He tossed out another shovel full of dirt, wishing everything had gone routinely. He had come out to dig the ditches needed for a new crop in the cool morning hours, before the sun had risen, but the rusty shovel he had been using for years had finally given out and forced an impromptu trip to the nearest village to purchase a new one (which he paid for out of pocket, since he had broken the old one). Now here he was, in the heat of day, sweating buckets as he rushed to make up for the time he had lost. 'That should do it...!' He shoveled out one more scoop, then threw the tool over his shoulder and made his way to the stables. Now came the easy part.
Once inside, he put away the shovel and ruffled through an assortment of different tools. He stopped when he found what he was searching for for; the plow. He pulled it out with a grunt, then made his way to the two largest stalls. Inside them were Cairne and Garlock, the two-oxen team he used to plow the fields. Cairne, the older of the pair and gray with age, brightened at the sight of the slave, but Garlock, enormous and extremely temperamental, snorted loudly. "No talk back today Garlock, we're runnin' late." He opened their stalls to let them out and began to harness them. When he was done he lead them out of the stables, back to the fields he had just been digging. He only planned on plowing a fallow field today, so he could go back and replant it later in the year. The two beasts of burden got to work immediately, guided by Daylin's skilled hand.
By sundown the entire field had been plowed, and the oxen had been returned to the stall for the night (and given an extra fork of hay for good work). Daylin was extremely exhausted, his limbs aching from overuse and his stomach growling for dinner, but he knew he still had things to do. Diodoros had just bought another wagon load of hay, and he had promised he get it unloaded and into the hay loft before it had time to brown. He grabbed his pitch fork and went about moving the feed, and by the time he was done it was well past night fall.
He dragged himself back up to the house, not surprised to find it completely dark. The table had been cleared, save for a single container with his food in it. He was glad someone remembered to leave his meal out, people occasionally forgot and he went to bed hungry, but he never said anything. He was, after all, a slave. Even cold the food smelled delicious to his empty stomach, and he wasted no time devouring the enormous serving. Appetite thoroughly sated and drop dead tired, he dragged himself down the hall and fell down on his straw bed. He was snoring soundly in seconds.
He was wrenched from his rest by light shining down on his face, and after a moment of bleariness, he was on his fight and looking around in panic. He hadn't overslept since he was fifteen, and now he was late to- His thoughts froze, and he realized he was outside in a forest he did not recognize (and he had everything around them for miles memorized). How had he gotten outside, and so far away from the farm? How did he get back?
"Heyyo!" He was pulled from his panicked thoughts by a young boy, twelve at the most, shouting at him and waving his hand. He slowly nodded in acknowledgement, confused on what to do. "Can't answers any questions, but I know someone that can! Follow me!" The boy zipped off at speeds that defied his small size, and Daylin was hard pressed to keep him in sight. They soon emerged into a grove with a small waterfall, and several people standing around it. The first was a slender, beautiful woman, but something about her seemed... magical. The next was a tall, scraggly boy who looked agitated and out of place standing beside a short, stout little man that was presumably a dwarf. Directly to their left, sitting cross-legged on a rock was..."Floressa?"
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Jake had roamed the streets for hours, searching for people to relieve' from the weight of their heavy wallets. Eventually late in the evening he spotted an obese guard threatening a women in an alleyway. He waited in silence till the guard had finished and as the guard walked onto the street, Jake walked straight into him.
Guard-Do you have a problem?!
Jake smiled and excused himself. The guard shoved him away, Jake tripped and fell. The guard smirked and continued on his way, Jake remained on the floor for a while before bursting into a chuckle.
Jake-Fat guards have fat wallets.
He stood up and weighed his newly obtained purse of valuables.Not bad. Sun had begun to set so Jake had decided to call it a day. When he arrived home it was dark and his sister was sound asleep, even while asleep she had a troubled look on her face. Jake removed his boots and decided to keep on his jacket. He lay down on his straw bed and was out in seconds.
Jake felt the sun touch his face. He was quite suprised but decided to continue to lie down. The straw beneath him felt wet.. And moving. He opened his eyes slowly to find himself in a field of tall grass. He stood up quickly, feeling the mud between his toes. He had no idea where he was but had come to a conclusion that it was definately a dream. A boy who stood no taller than the grass approached him.
Boy-Come with me.
The boy gestured towards the forest. Jake was put off by the kid.
Jake-Sorry, my mum said not to follow strangers into dark forests.
The boy grimaced, Jake did not expect that reaction. Once again the boy gestured towards the forest.
Jake-okay I'll come.
The boy exploded into movement, moving at incredible speeds towards the forest. Jake attempted to follow but even his agility was no match. He had soon lost sight of his companion but continued in the same direction. He eventually reached a clearing with a bunch of people gathered around a waterfall. Instead of barging into the clearing he decided to hand around the edge, masked within the treeline.
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Neicha had just returned to the village. Welcomed by the rest of the beast-men. Her joints were tired from venturing through the forest.
"Neicha, you should stop venturing on your own through the woods. At least take an escort with you. What would you do if you got lost?"
Said one that had the face of a wolf. Neicha rolled her eyes. She'd rather didn't bother anyone to come with her, and besides. Her sense of direction was ridiculous. Even when she starts doubting herself she still manages to get home without getting sidetracked. But she knew most of the people were mostly worried about her because she had some kind of knowledge about herbs. And one of their hopes on returning to normal. Neicha didn't like having that kind of burden brought on her shoulders, it seemed like a lot of responsibility, and besides it almost looked like they gave up on finding a way to turn back themselves. She did agree to help them find a way to turn back to normal humans, even though she herself had no interest in turning back into a human herself. Most humans were greedy beings in her eyes, that try and take everything from each other. Her eyes narrowed at that thought.
"Well if you excuse me, I have some work to do."
Having said that, she pulled herself up with the walking stick. The hunting group just returned from deeper woods, with enough prey to keep the carnivores satisfied. Neicha already shivered just taking a quick glance at their catches. One of the reasons she didn't want an escort to go with her. The majority of villagers were carnivores. She didn't even dare to think of what it would look like how one of them killed an animal right before her eyes. Therefore, she was glad she was a herbivore.
Once she arrived at her secluded hut she tossed her satchel on the table. She sat down on a chair and inspected the herbs she gathered.
"Belladonna, Wolfsbane... Silver leaf... Mageroyal..."
Skimming through the herbs in the bag she didn't really find anything helpful. Another 'fruitless' exploration through the woods. Most herbs she found were either deadly on consuming, or had healing effects. They would be very useful for safekeeping. With a sigh she rested her head in her hands on the table. Outside the dusk was already coming. Neicha wasn't really hungry and she didn't feel like seeking through all the herbs if she find anything new yet. She stood up swaying a bit, holding onto the walls to remain in balance, carefully walking to the bed. dropping herself onto the stacks of fur skins. The villagers insisted she took some since they didn't want to let anything go to waste and it would be much warmer sleeping with them. And honestly, it was better than sleeping on the hard wood planks that were supposed to be her bed. She fell asleep rather quickly.
Until she heard the noises of dripping water. Her eyes opened rather fast looking around if there were any leaks in the roof. Then realizing her roof made of stone... Stone...? STONE!? Neicha tried to crawl up in panic. Her roof wasn't made of stone! It should be wood! Her eyes shot glances right and left realizing she was actually in some kind of cave. Her hands were moving all over the floor until she found her stick laying next to her. Quickly she grabbed it and pulled herself up in a swift movement. Nervously she looked around.
"O-okay Neicha... Calm down..."
She breathed heavily shaking from head to toe. She slid the mask she wore on her head onto her face trying to calm herself down. At least there was no sign of whoever had kidnapped her... Yet. On the end of the cave she could see light. Apparently it was already day. Quickly she made her way out of the cave reaching the forest outside. It smelt different than the forest she lived in. How far from home was she? What would be the reaction of the other beast-man if they realized she had been taken away? She looked around, but nothing seemed familiar in the slightest. Then she spotted a boy in the distance. He was looking at her from afar. She just wanted to head for him when he turned around beckoning and then started running. He ran... She did attempt to run too, tripping almost immediately on the spot. Crawling back up as fast as she could running after the little dot in the distance that was getting smaller.
"Wait!"
She cried out.
"I can't run that well!"
She lost sight him when she set hoof in a grove. Looking around. There were a few people around this place. Was this a trick. She warily stood there. Catching her breath hanging on her walking stick. Her mask hid her terrified expression while she slowly looked around at everyone. She was ready to turn around and run away. But she doubted that she would make it far.
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Tyrren again looked up from the water, hearing the boy, Kaiyos, disappear again in the wind. This time, he was greeted by three new faces: A dwarf with a nicely groomed beard, who looked very intimidated by the sunlight that found it's way onto his skin; a literal giant of a man, who was gawking at the girl in the night gown, and apparently knew her by the sound of him saying her name; and a... wait, a deer? Tyrren stood up, and found that as tall as he was still didn't compare to the large man-thing, nor was he nearly as built. Next chance I get, I definitely need to bulk up.
He walked closer towards the maiden, so he could talk without being rude to anyone in the clearing. I don't intend any ill thoughts, but, what is that? The maiden smiled at his curiosity, but also his slight ignorance. In a slight undertone, she replied, They have no true name, like the elves or humans do, but prefer themselves to be the Beast-like. These are a race entirely their own, humans that attempted to merge themselves with elven culture and instead had their spirits taken by primal urges. What you see is the result. She smiled at Tyrren once again, and said If you look past my other shoulder, there's another one that Kaiyos brought back.
Almost immediately Tyrren saw the flash of two red eyes from behind a tree. It sent a slight shiver down his spine, but he was comforted by the fact that the maiden seemed mysteriously powerful. Tyrren felt stupid as he talked to the tree, Hey, uh, you don't have to hide. None of us wish you any harm, nor do I think we would be allowed to do so. He turned back to the maiden and asked, How many of us remain to appear? With a quick glance to the forest, she replied, Only one remains for Kaiyos to find. Then all questions will be answered.
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Jacob
Mid-day came with the sun raised into the center of the sky, beaming down on the dwellers of the surface. Jacob walked through the forest carrying a bundle of buckets in his hands. He was accompanied by his sisters, Herah and Louise, as he walked towards the nearby river to collect water. They stayed near his side as he regaled them with stories of Elvin history that their mother once told him. He decided to tell them of the beast-like, creatures once human but that had turned feral after an extended period in the wilds, they sought to live like the elves of old but were force to pay a price. "They roam the woods at night like packs of wolves attacking livestock-." Jacob stopped his story short; Louise tugged on his shirt with a fearful look in her eye. "What if those beasts attack our farm at night?" Jacob could hear the worry in the tone of her voice; he couldn't help but let out a small chuckle. Before he could say anything Herah blurted out the absurdity of the story ridiculing her sister for buying into it. It was a bit upsetting hearing his sister so forwardly reject tales of their culture, but they had already reached the river so he decided to let it go.
After filling the buckets to the brim, the trio walked back, one bucket in each of Jacob's hands while his sisters carried one on their own. They enjoyed the sounds of the forest as they walked, basking in the shade of the trees as they neared their home. When they finally came back Jacob's father had finally gotten out of bed, Jacob noticed a small limp in his step as he moved around, he seemed to hold on to his back whenever he stood up straight. The day went on normally past that point, Jacob finished his daily chores and soon night fell upon his farm. Jacob patrolled the outskirts of the field, the moon had risen in the sky, and Jacob paused for moments in his walks his eyes beginning to close longer each time, the only thing keeping him awake were the howls coming from the woods. It really was that time of year he thought to himself. He felt a hand grasp his shoulder from behind, as he turned quickly shovel raised he saw it was only his father. “Go inside Jacob I'll take care of the night watch." he said. Jacob would've liked to go inside and sleep, but his father should be the one resting. He tried to explain himself to his father but his expression only turned sour. "I fought to get this land; I’ll be damned if someone goes and tells me I can't even doing something as simple as watch over it." A slight frown showed on Jacob's face but he gave in to his father’s wishes and went inside.
Jacob lied down in bed and quickly drifted off into sleep, letting go of all his worries. It felt like no time had passed of all; the sun was already in sky. I must have overslept Jacob thought. Only then did he notice he could see the sun clearly in the sky, when he should've been inside. "How did i get out here?" he spoke out loud. "Follow me and I'll gladly tell you." A child who appeared from seemingly nowhere and had spoken. A stern look grew on Jacobs face." As if I would follow some strange kid in the middle of a forest." Jacob picked himself up from the forest floor and looked to the sky. “If the sun is rising in the south then the farm should be north of here or at least the clearing to town. Later kid, with any lucky the next person you try this on might believe you." He waved to the kid as he walked north, but the child didn't seem to mind much. When Jacob was no longer in view he had finally talked again "Well at least he's headed in the right direction." As Jacob walked through the woods he began to realize the trees seemed different then the ones he normally passed through. How far could one child have dragged me? He pondered. He reached what looked like a clearing blocked by some bushes, as he pushed them aside Jacob saw something he wasn’t expecting. A waterfall and around it a number of unfamiliar faces, Jacob came to one clear conclusion, he was nowhere near his little farm on the edge of the forest.
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"Daylin?" She hopped off the rock and walked over to him. There was no mistaking the large man with his deep voice. "It's quite fortuitous that we-" she stopped her self mid-sentence and sighed. ". . . it's good to see you," she said with a smile as her eyes gained a warm tinge of orange. "How did you find yourself here?" She put her hands on her hips and looked around. "And where is here, exactly?" She looked around at the newcomers. "I don't suppose any of you recognize this grove."
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Story Post
The maiden regarded Floressa as she wondered aloud where they were. Do not worry, Floressa. You are in no danger, any of you, and there is nothing you are missing in your world besides restful sleep. She gestured her hand towards each of her guests. Please sit, there is much to be told. As she said this, each person in the grove besides the maiden herself and Kaiyos, who had seeming appeared out of thin air, turned behind them to see stones perfect for sitting and listening. The maiden regarded each of her selected persons as they sat. Jacob. Duriel. Floressa. Neicha. Daylin. Tyrren... Jake. Her eyes glinted as the last of the names was called, the one who had initially hid in the underbrush.
I will try my best to answer all of your questions. The first question that was actually vocalized: Where are we all? I have brought you here, to this world, my world, the World of Magic. She waited a moment for the shocked expressions and disbelief to pass, but it only took a second; everyone had remained focused on her. I have brought you all here for a specific reason: to stop the collision of this world and your own. This time she was required to pause, as the shock was much more forthright with this statement. Certain events have been enacted, through works of magic, that are forcing a shift in the destiny of this planet right into the path of your own. I have brought- Tyrren interrupted her, a short thought on his mind. Wait, what exactly do you mean by magic? Again she smiled, pleased by his curiosity. Works of wonder that use the unseen to shift what one does see around themselves and others. May I continue? Tyrren curtly nodded before bowed his head.
As I was explaining, I have brought you here as a means to prevent this calamity. I located and latched onto your consciousness' and transfixed them to switch between replications of your physical selves and your actual bodies on your home world. Every time you fall asleep on your planet, your mind and consciousness is transported to this world, and the opposite is true if you fall asleep here. Be wary, however: any injury you sustain here will be mirrored on your true self once you wake up, in the same state it was when you fell asleep here, and again the opposite is true. If you are injured and sewn up here, the sewn wound will appear on your true self once you wake. If you stub your foot using your true self and fall asleep while it still throbs, the throbbing will follow your consciousness here.
Kaiyos shifted his weight behind her. One of them is wondering just exactly how all of this is possible. You might want to explain. The maiden turned and patted his head, which seemed a bit childish for his intelligence. Of course, Kaiyos. She faced her chosen once more, and began to float half a foot off the ground. She closed her eyes, and when they reopened, they were made of pure light. I am a goddess of this World of Magic, one of three deities that rule over this land. I am known as the Queen of the Fallen, the Peacekeeper, the Wishgranter, the Maiden of Dawn. I need your aid in helping both of our worlds, for this is not peace. She resettled on the ground and her eyes gave a quick flash before returning to normal. I have brought you here and seek your aid due to the circumstances that I am unable to directly alter the fate of this world. I have seen what will happen to this world, and your own, and I have seen that each of you has a role to play in the events that are to pass. She paused for another moment before continuing.
I have two questions for each of you: will you help me, and do you have any other misgivings? If you choose to help, then I am certain you will have more questions, and thus will stay. If not, then you will return home and forget this encounter.
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Daylin listened in rapt attention to the goddess, awestruck as she rose off the ground and her eyes glowed with the Heaven's light. He had no doubt what she said was true, even in his wildest dreams he couldn't think up something like this, but... "You gotta have made a mistake, accidentally taken me with Floressa. I can't do nuthin' to change the world." He didn't look the goddess in the eye, his gaze cast downward and his brow furrowed. "You should send me back and find whoever ya meant to, cause it wasn't me. I'm just a slave."
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Carefully listening to what the goddess had to say she slowly slid the mask back up her head so her face became visible. From what the goddess said, this meant she was still sleeping in her hut. When she gestured everyone to sit down Neicha sat down on the rocks. The idea of worlds colliding seemed impossible, but so far nothing made sense at all. The fact that she was chosen to stop this cataclysm from happening made her lower her ears. Just what she wanted, more responsibility... And the fact that she could get injuries and actually die in her dreams kind of was scary. She hated when people put their lives and hopes on her shoulders. It was a large burden. And so far she wasn't even able to make any progress at all, what makes the goddess think she is suitable for a task to stop two worlds from colliding. She's a simple beast that couldn't even prevent humans from destroying her own home when she was still one of them. She was ready to refuse to help.
Before she could open her mouth one of the humans already spoke up. He too wanted to refuse finding himself incompetent for the task. She didn't blame him. The situation seemed hard to grasp. Besides, Neicha believed she had to focus on restoring the others from being a beast. Then she realized something. This IS the world of magic. Perhaps she could find answers to turning them all back into humans right here, in this world. Her ears raised at the thought of it.
"Um... I-I am not really that useful either... I just know somewhat about herbs... I'm not really sure how I can help worlds from colliding... But I might want to try and see what I can do. Just don't expect too much... There is just something I need to find out..."
She was nervously fidgeting with the stick in her hands.
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The goddess walked towards Neicha and placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling a slight shiver as she did so. Do not be afraid. I know it seems dangerous, and yes, death is a possibility. If one of you does end up dying, you will return to your true self on your home world, aware of what has happened and still the same as you were before such an accident. Think of it as though it is a back up, a plan B, if you will. The goddess smiled at the beast-like, hoping to soothe her tense nerves. She turned back to the rest of the group, but looked fixedly at Daylin. I know it seems a daunting task but I am sure that I have made no mistake. I have chosen each of you for the purpose of saving both our worlds. As I stated each one of you has a role to play in all of this, the strings of fate have shown me this. Do you believe that the strings of fate would lie about your destiny, Daylin? Or do you have no faith in yourself? She pursed her lips for a second, and thought of the best line to win their hearts over.
Have not any of you wished for a second chance, another opportunity, to forge your life as you want it?
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Jake had been surveying this 'meeting' with great care not to be noticed but had apparently failed. He walked out from the treeline, surprised that he was noticed by a strange woman who seemed almost mythical after he made sure not to be heard or seen. He listened as they talked about worlds colliding and the apocalypse but Jake really didn't care much about that stuff, it was too serious and stressful, instead he only thought of one thing.
Jake-As long as there's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, I'm in.
He gave a wide grin showing his fangs and his red eyes burned as if a fire had been set in them. Jake knew that this was some kind of dream but he might as well play along. Who knows, it might be fun.
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Jacob
*READ CLOSELY******
'What kind of a farce is this? Are you trying to tell me you took me by force, as if I’d be ever so joyous to assist in your phantasmal adventure of wonder and whimsy? That it’s apparently all okay because this is nothing more than a simple dream, because if we perish we are not dead? As if I’d buy into something as idiotic as that.‘ Flailing his arms about as he screaming till his lungs were fit to burst, he angrily paced toward the so called "goddess”. ‘Frankly the only thing that would make me half believe you are these pathetic excuses for creatures.' He spun pointing, arm extended in the direction of the deer-morph. ‘What is with that thing? It can barely stand with that stick, and I don’t even know what it is, but it’s clearly not human when you compare it to that lummox over there. I have no time to entertain such idiotic notions such as these, I suggest you find another sap.'
Jacob wanted to say all this and more, but instead he stood there, silently watching everything take place in front of him. He couldn't be positive at first but reaching this grove, Jacob confirmed his fear, and he wasn't near the farm or even the forest he knew as his own personal backyard. There was no telling where he was, and he couldn't take the chance of dying out in the grounds because he let his temper get the best of him. He'd have to play their game, at least until they reached some civilization, when that happened he could break free and plot his way home.
Have not any of you wished for a second chance, another opportunity, to forge your life as you want it?
Something about that line made Jacob snap. It felt like a vein had popped in his head, and his eyes bulged as he shouted at the godess. “No, I haven’t! I have never once thought of another life, I love my life! Working the fields my father fought so hard to obtain, caring for the animals every day, assisting my mother with the house work, and after a hard day’s work spending time with my sisters! I have never once considered it a burden, so much so that I would drop it all and abandon them. And for you to have the audacity to suggest that as if you can read me like some open book..." He stopped all of a sudden, his face flushed red from his frustration. He didn't even realize it, but he had stepped farther into the grove. It was embarrassing to have lost his temper from a few mere words, but he must regain his composure. "But," The anger could be felt in his voice, but his words were hollow. “If my family is in danger as you say, and I am in a position to help them... Then I suppose I have little choice but to assist you."
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Daylin kept silent throughout the elf's tantrum, sighing heavily and running a hand through his hair. 'Dear Creator, please tell me what to do...' He already had so much work to do, and the family that bought him would always come first and foremost in his life, even before a quest given by a goddess. They owned him body and soul, they could do anything to him, yet they supplied him with a warm bed and great food. The only thing they asked him in return was to tend the farm and make sure it didn't decay, to keep it in running shape. He couldn't divide his time anymore, he decided, he barely finished his daily work as it was. There was no way he could do this quest.
He turned and stared hard at Floressa. She was still dressed in her nightgown, but he knew she was a lot more comfortable than him. She was smartest person he knew, and wouldn't have any trouble keeping up with everyone here, unlike him. His brain already hurt and he wanted to go home, but he couldn't leave her to run off into a foreign world and get herself killed. "I'm a slave, she speaks for me." He motioned over his shoulder at the half-elf, big arms crossed over his chest. He was tired all of the sudden, and his eyes drooped. He was going to regret not just going home, he knew it.
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The dwarf's head began to spin with the talk of all that... Magic, and other world stuff... And this lady was claiming to be a god now?! Further more, if magic like that from fairy tales did exist in this world, and it was as dangerous as she said it was... What could they do against it? How could a simple dwarf even hope to help stop what they described as the 'collision' of worlds...? He was sure that the person had gotten the wrong dwarf, or even that they were pulling his leg... But... Was confused the small dwarf the most... Was when she said that she was that each one of them had a role to play, and that they knew they had gotten the right people... The deer girl who could hardly stand... The tall human who claimed to be a slave... Each, and every one of them, all.... Six? No wait, add him in... All seven of them had a roll in this, and that actually raised the simple dwarf's confidence in the situation...
Now, there was one more thing that caught his attention. She said that they would still have their lives in their home 'world'... And that if any of them were to die, they would still have their life on the other world... Well, to this... He felt like there were very little downsides, that he didn't have a reason to say no. After all, when death in the other world didn't mean death in his home world... Well, there's not a very good reason to back down, now is there? "I may not know what I can do to help, but I don't really have a reason to say no... So, I'm in."
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Floressa listened patiently to the goddess, her gray eyes wide with curiosity, but the elf beside her made it difficult with his immature whining. Her eyes would be red if she allowed them. She blocked him out and focused on the daunting decision before her. But what would the fates want with a lowly farm girl? Or anyone else here? Aside from those beast . . . things, it was a very normal looking group. But she knew well enough that "normal" was quite subjective, and few things were "normal" in life. Such as being a half-elf.
And who knows? It might be fun.
"I'll do it," she said decisively. "Daylin too. Won't you?" She was reminded of a younger self, with big eyes and tiny hands, dragging him around to help her pull an apple from the tree or carrot in the ground when Papa wasn't looking. And even if they were caught, she would always take the fall for him. He simply did what he was told. He shouldn't be in trouble for that.
But this wasn't an innocent game. "Getting caught" could mean the end of both worlds. This thought either hadn't crossed her mind, or it amplified her sudden surge of wild vigor. It was an adventure, something new, something big and important that she was taking part in. The very thought made her eyes turn a flaming amber, and even if she could stop it she certainly didn't care. Part of her wanted to jump out of seat and straight into the action, but instead she sat and smiled and waited for Daylin to say yes. She knew he would.
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Daylin hung his head and slumped forward, resigned to his fate. He knew she was going to say yes before she had, he was fully aware she was going to drag him along before she asked; that didn't mean it bothered him any less. It didn't upset him that she wanted him to go, even if she hadn't he would have insisted. It was his job to make sure she didn't go and get herself hurt. He was just skeptical about being a hero, unsure if he could even make a difference. No one else there may have been special, but at least they were their own people."I guess I don't got much of a choice, now do I. If you got hurt because I didn't go with you lord knows what all those fancy lords and ladies you go out with would do to me, not to mention your Pa. I'd be deader than a doornail."
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Story Post
The goddess surveyed each of them, and addressed each of their thoughts.
To Jake, There shall be great reward if you do manage to do as I ask of you, and although not all of it may be treasure I'm sure you will be pleased with what you find.
To Jacob, If you do not wish for another life, and instead wish to keep the one you have, then I thank you for agreeing to help, because this is the only way to save and maintain the peace that your world holds.
To Daylin, I'm sure that in this world, you will find that you can be whatever you wish. But I admire your loyalty and manners.
To Duriel, There are very little downsides, yes. When you fall asleep in your world, you will wake here and spend another day here. Once you find respite in this world, you will wake up on your on world once again. And so it shall go; if you fell asleep during the sixth hour of the day past noon, you would wake here in the sixth hour of the day past midnight. The opposite is true as well. The only downside is that if you do manage to die here, you will retain your memories from your time here, and guilt of not being able to help will slowly seep into your mind.
To Floressa, Yes, this is what some may call an adventure, but one must also remember that adventures are filled with perils, the likes of which exceed those you would see from planting crops late or from an injured animal. This is a true test of strength, courage, wisdom, willpower, and most of all, character.
The goddess then turned to Tyrren, who had not said anything through most of the encounter. And you, Tyrren. Do you agree to aid my cause? You have not said anything, nor have you asked any questions. Before she had even asked of his opinion, she knew what his answer would be. I've been waiting for an opportunity to mean something to someone for years. I knew I would help from the moment you began to ask.
She grinned, her brilliantly white teeth exposed to the sunlight. I have reason to believe that the current King is somehow involved with this calamity. Normally I am able to sense the thoughts of others around me and placate their minds, but when I attempt this with him, I am forced away from his mind. She shook her head in reminiscence of her failure. As I stated, each of you have a role to play in the events of this world. Tyrren, you must join the King's Royal Guard and find out what they know. They are the only ones who tread both inside and outside the walls of the castle. Floressa, you will travel with Tyrren to the King's Castle, where you will pretend to be one of the King's Ladies for some time. You will be around the King's closest hands, and you must gain as much information from them as they have. Daylin, you must travel to the land of the Orcs, and find where their alliances lay. If they choose to aid my cause, then we have a great power behind us, but if they have already decided, you must change their minds. Duriel, you must travel back to your kin, the dwarves, and discover where their weapons and armor is being sent. If too much of it is being sent to the wrong places, we must know why. Jacob, you must also return to your kind in order to gain insight into what truly happened to the previous king. He was an Elf who died of mysterious causes under strange circumstances, and we must know if the current King is behind it. Neicha, you will also return to your kind, although they will not recognize you. The Beast-like know the most of this land, and if any areas are being adversely or immensely effected by magic, they will know where and you must find out why. Finally, Jake, you will travel to the Home of the Thieves, where any and all information can be found, for the right price. I believe you of all would be able to find the lowest prices.
She sighed, releasing the breath she had been holding in order to talk. The goddess sat down on her stool, which had floated to rest behind her while she gave her speech. She closed her eyes, and placed her hands in front of her to make a triangle with her fingers. She captured each person within this triangle one at a time, and as she finished, a warm glow seemed to emanate from each hero. I have granted each of you the ability to gain what you need in order to complete your tasks. What you now must do is close your own eyes and think to yourself, Grant me that which I require for my journey.
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"Grant me that which I require for my journey."
Daylin felt calm when she blessed him, a warmth in his core that made everything seem like it would be alright. All his doubts melted away, and for the first time since he arrived at the glade, he felt confident. 'I'm not just a slave, she was right. The fates picked me out of everyone in the world, out of kings and queens and knights. I can do this.' He closed his eyes tightly, and shoved all thoughts away but one, 'Grant me that which I require for my journey.' The second it crossed his mind he gasped and stumbled forward, struggling to stay upright. It was like someone had dropped a hundred pounds on him.
His head felt a lot heavier, and his breathing and vision were obstructed by a mask of steel. It disoriented him, and he took several deep breaths to push down the lump growing in his throat, then glanced around. He stopped when he saw the pool beneath the waterfall, crystal clear and calm despite the torrent pouring into it. He stepped towards it, curiosity overwhelming him, and gazed down at his reflection. He didn't recognize the person looking back.
His armor was minimal: large pauldrons, greaves and breastplate over a blue tunic with white sleeves, wrinkled brown trousers, and heavy leather boots. He wore gauntlets crafted from a dark metal with cuffs that wrapped around his wrists lead into several interlocking plates that protected the back of his hand, as well as several more interlocking plates that protected his forearm. The grime on his face had vanished, and his greasy hair had been cleaned and pulled back in a short ponytail. A royal blue cloak with gold trimming was fastened around his neck, hanging to his ankles. Strapped across his back was double-bladed axe, nearly as long as he was tall. The blades were mounted to a circular centerpiece that consisted of a stone ring set with ten spikes around the edge, with a single, longer thrusting spike at the top. Set at the center of the circle was a vicious looking griffon head, complete with a pair of wicked fangs and extended wings that served as the blades. The haft of the weapon was crafted from onyx, black from the axe-piece down to the grip and leather bound for security. The pommel was of similar design: a small chalice, clutched tight by a wicked three-clawed talon.
'Maybe this is a second chance,' He mused, stomach fluttering in excitement. 'a chance to be better and help people. It's worth a shot.' He turned to face the goddess and dropped to one knee, his head bowed and fist drawn over his heart. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the gifts. I will try my best to live up to your expectations." He had stuttered on the final word and it hadn't sound very dignified to him, but he had said it. Floressa had rambled on about the proper etiquette in front of royalty since they were children and she had been obsessed with fairy tales, and he knew a knight did not stand in front of his queen. In his eyes, the minute he accepted the gifts, he was in her service. They all were.
-
She closed her eyes and tried to clear her mind but could not. Her mind was racing at what she was about to do, imagining great castles and stunning lords and ladies and a majestic king and . . . her breath steadied. Her muscles relaxed. She was calm, as if to soothe her eyes. Only one thought was allowed to cross her mind: Grant me that which I require for my journey. And so it was.
The familiar tightness of the corset surprised, as did the sudden feeling of being a few inches taller. She opened her light gray eyes and looked down at a beautiful evening gown. She could feel a scabbard pressing against her skin under its folds. Pulling up the skirt showed a blue pair of high heels that perfectly matched the cornflower dress. It was breathtaking. Literally. The corset was too tight and she found it hard to breath.
As if her thoughts were read - which they probably were - the dress and shoes disappeared on were replaced by much less formal attire. She now donned a fitting, brown leather tunic and trousers; a green, overcoat-like cloth skirt; a black leather belt and silver buckle around her waist; and brown leather boots that came halfway up her calf. On her left arm was a leather bracer, over her right shoulder a quiver, by her left hip a scabbard, and in her hands a bow. Instinctively, she nocked, drew, and released an arrow at a tree on the far side of the clearing. It struck a bit higher and to the right from where she was aiming. Getting used to this bow was going to need some practice, she knew.
She slung it over her shoulder. Looking down, she saw a pack at her feet. Inside was her dress and shoes, and some other necessities. She slung it over her shoulder - it hung just below her quiver - and turned to the goddess. "Thank you kindly for these gifts, madame," she said with a curtsey. "I promise you that you will not be disappointed by our actions." And that was a promise she was not going to break.
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Jacob
This was too much; Jacob had to hold his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing. It really felt like this woman really wanted him to just waltz into a kingdom and play investigator with a king's "murder". He almost lost it when she said beast-like, the creatures from the stories told to children.' Although that might explain the walking fawn. No! Such a thing is ridiculous and what was with that last line. As if saying some simple phrase would magically give someone all they need for an expedition. Grant me that which I require for my journey, please.'
In an instant he felt more weight on him. When he opened his eyes his attire had been completely changed. In his right hand was a spindly staff and a mysterious satchel draped over his shoulder. He was outfitted in a brown leathery suit with green trimmings. Resting over top of it was a grey cloak and a black substance akin to velvet lining the inside. Pining down the cloak were metal pauldrons and covering his wrist were vambraces made of the same material and design as his suit. Only when given closer inspection there was a small slit with... a flat knife inside! In fact underneath the cloak strapped to his side was a curved sword inside a very ornate sheath.
'I suppose I can’t complain about free clothes but to think she actually arm us ‘ He thought to himself whilst pulling the small knife in and out of his vambrace. He turned to the mysterious woman wishing to get directly to the point rather than saying thanks. “This is rather surreal, to say the least. So when do we start this epic adventure to save the world?"
-
Duriel watched as all the other's clothing began to... Change, as their new attire began to flash into existence, and appear over them... This had to be a trick, there had to be something to it... But he had an idea. He would expose this trick, for what it really was. He stuck his hands in the pockets of his pants, knowing that it would be impossible, even if they were as fast as nonphysically possible, to do it without moving his hand, and the trick could be exposed... He closed his eyes, and began to think to himself... "Grant me that which I require for my journey."
As the words left his mouth, and he opened his eyes, looking around... "Ha! Nothing had ch-" As if he had taunted the Stone itself, he nearly fell backwards, the weight on his back nearly causing him to fall backwards... He was wrong. Duriel looked at his new attire, feeling of himself, for he felt quite a bit more weighed down than he did a few seconds ago. His shoulders and upper arms were covered by plated-steel that could have only been dwarven forged, and thick chainmail covered his chest, hidden underneath a black vest. A dark green cloaked fastened tightly around his ample sized neck, and his trousers had been mended, rolled up neatly over his actually practical leather boots. All around, he felt... Cleaner. All of his clothing had been cleaned, with not a spot on them. Further more, he noticed his beard was now braided, and that it itself was now cleaner. Last, and certainly not least, there was a ornate maul of dwarven origin slung over his shoulder, crafted with metal and marble.
He looked around in disbelief... The dwarf patted over himself once more, making sure it wasn't a trick, and was even amazed at the fact that his left hand had stayed in place. He noticed that beside him was a knapsack, with a canteen full of water and other things that he would need for the journey. The dwarf looked over the others, noting that the taller one, the one who claimed to be a slave earlier, was now wearing a full suit of armor, armor that he would bet good money on having been forged by some of his dwarven brethren. Now, the one that perplexed him the most, was the one who was still in a dress, however he kept it to himself, not questioning the path she would be forced to take. He merely glanced over the others, looking lastly to the goddess who had given them these items, and began speaking, a serious, and honest tone to his voice. "Thank you, your godliness."
-
Tyrren stood from his rocky seat and closed his eyes. As incredulous as it sounded, he felt that he must follow the goddesses' instructions. He thought to himself, Give me that which I require for my journey, though a trace of doubt remained in his mind about the power that was being "bestowed" upon him. Just as Tyrren was about to open his eyes, he felt a slight change in the air around him, one that rather than making him tense and anticipate danger made him relax and slack his shoulders. It took him several blinks before he fully succumbed to the reality in front of him.
Just as the goddess had stated would happen, everyone was properly equipped with everything they could imagine that might help them in the coming days, Tyrren included. He himself was suddenly donned with the attire of what he could only assume would be a Royal Guard: a black long-sleeved cloth shirt under a chainmail chestpiece made of a dark metal, covered by a white jerkin with a hood; his hands had dark finger-less bracers with tiered plating that reached halfway up his forearm, which was the same dark metal that the chainmail had, but with a golden trim; beige cloth pants, like the favorite pair he had from home; and black boots that kept his pants tucked neatly in, since he had hoped he wouldn't trip anytime soon. On his back he could feel a sword and shield, which he pulled off and held in his hands. The shield was about the size of a buckler, but in the shape of a heater shield, and it was made of the same metal as the other equipment, with the same gold trim. In the center of the shield was what Tyrren guessed was the Royal Emblem: a swirling dragon head, with an orb in the middle that seemed to be filled with smoke. The sword was about three feet long, with a simple cross-guard and a diamond-shaped pommel that framed a hilt of black leather. This, however, was made of a different metal than the others, and it perplexed Tyrren enough that he resigned to ask the dwarf what it was made of.
Before that, he knew he must thank the goddess for her gifts. Helping her or not, this was so generous that he was afraid if he didn't, he might be smitten when he least expected it. He picked up the sack that had appeared next to him, filled with food, water, a sleeping bag, and any supplies he could think of that he thought it might be magic. He approached the goddess and bowed his head, and said, Thank you for your kind gifts. I hope not to disappoint you in the time to come. He waited for her smile, then turned to the dwarf. Again he unsheathed the sword, and asked, I hope I'm not being assumptuous but would you happen to know what metal this is made of?
-
Looking around the deer saw everyone getting equipment. Mostly for self-defense. She figured they would need it because it would be a dangerous journey. But pretty much everyone almost seemed to break their back at the sudden amount of weight thrown on them. On the other hand, they would get exactly what they needed for their journey. Neicha's nervousness calmed down at that statement. She slowly closed her eyes.
Give me that which I require for my journey.
After she thought the last word, her satchel attempted to pull her down to the ground by the sudden change in weight. If it wasn't for her walking stick she would've fallen to the ground. She opened to see what had caused the sudden increase in weight, out of the satchel she pulled a large tome. She opened it on a random page to see the contents, instantly realizing it was a tome about all the herbs of this land. Her eyes grew wide while her ears raised up. She put the book back in the satchel and looked for other changes, her walking stick had transformed into a staff. And on her left side a long sword was slung at her hip. She nodded thankfully at the goddess, taking a little bow.
-
Jake watched everyone obtain their gear one by one, each time, astounding him. He thought long and hard and muttered out the words softly.
Jake-Grant me that which I require for my journey.
Jake felt a material cover his mouth and head and a strange metallic object cover his wrists. He very slowly opened his eyes to find he was wearing a hood with a black cloth covering his mouth revealing only his eyes and hair. His clothes had been swapped out for black overalls, a small dagger that rested lightly on his side and on his wrists were two hidden blades on each wrist He pointed his hand out and instinctively flicked out his wrist causing razor sharp blades onto protrude. He pulled his hand back and the blade shot back into its socket. He looked back at the woman, pulled the cloth away from his mouth and smiled.
Jake-A city of thieves, sounds pleasant.
-
Story Post
The goddess raised her left hand, lifting the sacks that everyone had been gifted to easy grabbing height. If everyone thought of the incantation properly, then these bags should contain everything you might need for your journey. Along with that, they are magical in that anything you must fit within them will be sure to fit, no matter how big, and weight proportional to the other items will be added. If you have ten pounds of resources in your bag and you add five, then only two and a half pounds will be added. She got a glazed look in her eyes, as though the idea of complex numbers confused her. The goddess blinked and the image was gone.
She turned to Kaiyos, who had been keeping a leaf in the air simply by pointing at it. Kaiyos will accompany each of you to within sight of where your task lays. The look on your faces begs me to explain how both the leaf and his companionship is possible. With a swift turn, the goddess struck her hand at Kaiyos' head, but the boy did not flinch nor recoil. Instead, her hand passed straight through his right cheek. She faced her stunned audience once again, and stated, Hundreds of years ago, a swift orphan passed through my forest and found his way into my grove. He had no one to watch over him, so I took him in, and gave him very powerful wind magic, and he has mastered it to the point where he may become the breeze. Just as the wind is everywhere, so may be Kaiyos.
She began to pace as she explained the coming days. This forest is centrally located within the land of which these events are unfolding. If each of you allows Kaiyos to surround you with his magic, you should be capable of reaching your destination within the remaining hours of the day. I suggest you rest and return home for a day before the task ahead of you. She turned her head sideways and cocked an eyebrow at the group. Unless there is a better idea?
-
Daylin rose to his full height and pulled his helm, which he had removed to inspect his reflection, over his head. His hand moved to grip the handle of his flail, adrenaline pumping thickly through his veins. This was no time to nap, a job needed to be done. His voice was muffled by his visor as he voiced his opinion, "I say we go now. We're here, we got weapons, and we're all ready." He turned to address the rest of the group, dark eyes boring into them intensely. "Don't ya'll think so? Best ta get it outta the way."
-
Jacob
"I agree with, Daylin was it? If this quest is so important then we should not waste any time. You said so yourself we can reach our respective destinations by the end of the day. We can all concern ourselves with rest then. “ Jacob stood firm on this choice. He was prepared to leave regardless of how the others felt. Not so much because he cared about the grand quest, but because the first step to escaping these lunatics was by reaching some place populated. Besides, who knew what these people may try to do to or when they may take him again in his sleep.
-
Duriel watched as everyone got most of their items, however, there was one that... Perplexed him, it was one of the human's, a sword at that. He slung his knapsack up over his shoulder, and walked closer as the human asked what type of metal it was. He walked over to the weapon, and began to feel of it with his hands, and began to look at the metal with a bit of intensity, a bit of a confused look on his face as he answered. "Well, what ya' have here... Appears, to be dwarven steel, mixed with some sort of obsidian... There's very few blacksmiths who could do something like this, and it was done with great care and talent... It's going to be a rather trusty blade, I can assure ya' that.
Duriel eventually walked back to where he had been standing, and began to nod as the giant and the elf spoke, agreeing with what they were saying... He began to think of all that had gone on, his mind throwing everything about, examining all that had gone on in his small, dwarven mind... If this was true... If this was as urgent as she had made it out to be, it would be best to follow the other's lead, wouldn't it? Further more, the elf seemed smart enough to outwit him, and the giant struck fear into his heart as he spoke. Do to this, he decided that it would be best to leave while he still could. "Aye, I agree with the elf and human. If it's as urgent as you make it out to be, I don't think standing around here and sleeping is going to help anyone, your godliness."
-
Floressa shrugged. "I don't see a reason to continue discussing it either. Shall we be off then, Tyrren and Kaiyos?" After all, they were just burning daylight at this point. And the sooner they were off, the sooner she could make conversation with Tyrren. If he was the only one inside the castle she could trust, they might as well get to know each other. "After all, we're simply burning daylight at this point." She paused momentarily. "Daylin, you aren't normally this loquacious." Another pause. "Talkative."
-
Dwarven steel and obsidian... What an odd combination of materials. Tyrren thought to himself, his blade in his hand. I feel like I oughta be careful with it, but at the same time I have a notion that it won't be damaged anytime soon. He nodded in thanks to the dwarf, then listened to the goddess and what the others had to say.
Tyrren agreed with the other adventurers. The tasks they were given seemed urgent, and he decided to treat it as such and head out immediately. He didn't have the slightest clue where he should set out but he knew that Kaiyos would. He faced the goddess and said, Thank you for your generosity and guidance. Hopefully we can aid you as much as you need. Tyrren was about to address Kaiyos and ask him to begin leading in the proper direction when Floressa spoke up. Shall we be off then, Tyrren and Kaiyos? After all, we're simply burning daylight at this point. He could almost feel his cheeks boil before he looked away to calm himself. He decided if he focused on a point above her shoulder he might have a chance. I was going to suggest travelling together myself, considering we're heading to the same general place. Guess I'm a little slow to start, heh. He fiddled with something on his jerkin. Gods, who am I all of a sudden.
Tyrren walked up beside the girl, and turned to Kaiyos. Alright guy, lead the way.
-
Jake tipped his head as if to excuse himself and pulled the cloth back up. What treasures await me in a city of thieves. He smirked from under the cloth. I don't care about this calamity, this IS just a dream. He gestured to the boy that it was time to go. He must leave now before it grows dark, he turned around, put his hand up as if to wave goodbye and walked away.
Jake-I'll find whatever I can.
And with that he receded into the treeline once more, eyes burning a fiery blaze.
-
Daylin flushed beneath his helmet and shrugged. "Ain't normally nothin' that needs to be said." His attention on Floressa, he didn't notice Tyrren until he began to speak. 'Not another one...' The giant had seen countless men fall for the half-elven woman, enchanted by her beauty and exotic ways, but it always ended the same. She wasn't meant to be a farmer's wife, she was made for royalty.
He clapped a big hand over Tyrren's shoulder, rattling his armor, and squeezed painfully tight. "Make sure she stays safe, she don't know just how cruel the world can be. Keep it that way." His voice was a low growl, and he had leaned down to whisper in the man's ear so only they could hear. He let the threat hang in the air for a moment, then turned and ruffled Floraessa's hair. "Be safe, Flora. Yer daddy'll tan my hide if anything happens to you."
With his duties as the big brother finished, he walked away from the pair and away from the glade. "Guide me to the orcs, Kaiyos. He felt goofy talking to the wind, but the goddess had said he would hear.
-
Neicha was scanning through the book once again. She wanted to read it so badly, she almost forgot why she obtained it. She snapped out of it when the goddess spoke up. Closing the book and putting it in her satchel. Most of the group had to go to the same area. Everyone agreed to go to their assigned area right away.
"Alright Kaiyos, would you mind giving me a little help? I'm not that used to these legs yet so I'm not really fast."
With that the spirit nodded dissipating before her eyes. Neicha felt a cool breeze. Kaiyos' voice reached her mind.
Just start heading in the direction that feels right and I'll do the rest!"
Neicha looked around. Then she went off her body felt somewhat lighter as she walked swiftly using her staff as support to prevent herself from falling over.
-
The dwarf hadn't a reason not to believe the goddess, and so he smiled, making sure to get a rather tight grip on his knapsack. "Kaiyos, guide me to the Dwarves." As the words left his mouth, he felt the wind around him grow a bit colder, and a destination was displayed in his mind. He began not to walk, but to run as fast as he could with the new items, the ground around him being turned into much more of a blur than he had expected...
-
Jacob
What no one had realized was while they began to agree on departing from the grove was that Jacob had already left. His supplies in tow the second everyone’s gazes turned from him he had fled. He was already a good few dozen paces away by now; he could barely hear the waterfall in the distance. He did a quick check to make sure he wasn't followed before he started rifling through his new satchel, it felt rather light, but when he looked inside there were a number of books, one especially looked rather old and decrepit, they were all tucked nice and neatly with in the bag. Not that it mattered Jacob wasn’t that big on reading, it always seemed like a waste of time. But what he sought for had to be somewhere in the bag. ‘Come on now. If this thing really has what I require for a journey then it should be here.' He pushed away at the books, the rations, the waterskin, and the rest that only blocked what he desired. Until he reached what felt like the very bottom, he grasped it pulling it out the bag. Within his hands was a map, it wasn’t in to bad condition either, folded up nicely. It should convey the entire continent or at least that’s what Jacob hoped. Jacob had seen a world map before, it was in a tavern in the town nearby, it had shown the location of the town on over the landscape and he remembers it thusly in case he ever decided to travel and wished to return home.
But as Jacob unfolded the rough piece of paper his was left stunned. The map was some cross between a Political and landscape map, it wasn't that hard to read though some drawing of mountains and such did get in the way of a few names, but more importantly this map was completely different from the one in the tavern. Entire kingdoms were missing and the landscape seemed to change as quickly as you crossed borders. He kept turning the map every which way hoping he was wrong but it was unfortunately clear. The map revealed the entire continent, and in the center of it was the outline of a small pond and waterfall just like the one Jacob woke up in. This could be a trick; they may have just planted a map in the bag knowing Jacob was the skeptical type.' But if I'm wrong and this is all real.' It was best not to think about him.
He began to fold up the wondering what was real and what wasn't when the feeling of someone’s eyes watching him broke his trance. “I take it the map wasn't to your liking." Above him in the trees was Kaiyos looking down at Jacob. "How did you catch up to me so fast?" He yelled in a rather demanding tone. "Catch up? Why would I have to catch up when you haven’t left my side?" Jacob looked at him with anger and slight confusion, he must be referring to that wind magic none sense. “You know you have a pretty uncanny sense of direction. You seem to always go in the direction you’re supposed to without even meaning to do it." Kaiyos pointed off in the direction Jacob was headed. “If you keep going that way you'll cross into elven territory and soon enough the city where the king's castle resides." Jacob looked to the direction Kaiyos pointed in and then to them map, slightly crinkled from his tight grip. It was true, off further a head was the kingdom of elves but it seemed to be a ways away. “You still expect me to go?" Kaiyos looked to Jacob slightly confused at his question. “I doubt you will be so openly welcome anywhere else but there, besides if we don’t all play our parts in this then the world as we know it will end." The child made a fair argument. Though this may not be the world Jacob knew, strange things are most definitely going on around him, things he cannot explain but that are most certainly true. He still disapproves of how he was brought here to this world, but there is certainly no way he would be able to live with himself if he were to turn his back and let an entire planet be destroyed. "Very well child, you and your goddess will have your way. I do not see how this investigation will help but I will do what has been asked of me." Jacob turned his back to Kaiyos and began to walk off; it was funny the winds all of a sudden seemed to be carrying a rather pleasant breeze.
-
She rolled her eyes. "I'll be fine Daylin. Trust me," she said with a reassuring smile. And with that, she was off.
She hardly noticed how fast she was going. Her wandering mind offset her concentration. She saw Tyrren's face when Daylin's giant hand clamped on his shoulder. He tried to hide the grimace, but she had read through better liars than him. And the look in his eyes certainly wasn't pleasant. She didn't need a man to babysit her, carry her through all of life's roughness. This was an experience for her, an adventure. Ever since she was a little girl she dreamed of a chance like this, to go out and explore the world. In fact, she would've preferred walking on her own to the castle which was suddenly in plain view.
". . . oh," she said with bewilderment. "Well that was quick."
-
Tyrren
He stopped next to Floressa, and gazed up at the castle before them. Tyrren rubbed the shoulder that He-man had grabbed before their departure, thinking Just because I think she's beautiful doesn't mean that I'm a danger to her, nor that I want to be.. He sighed. But I get it. He set his pack down and rummaged around for a tent and bedroll. For such a light bag, there was quite an amount of space and weight within. Better set up now, tomorrow awaits us, in both worlds. Unless you wanted to talk, of course. He pulled out the tent and bedroll he was looking for, and set them both up. He figured the girl would want her own, but he wasn't sure if he should offer help or not. He sat down at the edge of his tent and let his eyes fall upon the stars above. I wish I knew where our real home was, so I could wave in the right direction.
GM Post
@Daylin
One of the guards spotted an outsider approaching, and grabbed him by the arm with a surge of force. He brought him to a tent on the outskirts of the village that they were now in, and threw him and his things in. Whoever you are, you can die tomorrow. Enjoy a last meal. Several minutes later, a slave woman stumbled in with a cup of grog and slushy soup that wasn't quite appetizing, along with some uncooked meat. She set it down and looked at Daylin and said, I am here to service you for the night.
@Everyone
Night had fallen and everyone had their sleeping arrangements settled, and as the moons and stars illuminated the landscape with a faint glow. Slowly, or with some time, everyone was asleep, and waking up at home.
-
Warning: Content may be considered slightly inappropriate
Daylin had no time to struggle, pulled into the village and shoved into a tent without hesitation. He landed flat on his ass, the wind knocked out of him, looking around wildly. The prison he had been placed in was accommodating; warm and spacious, mended together well enough to shelter him from the wind; a fire pit that burned softly and a cot to sleep on. 'It ain't as bad as I thought it'd be.'
The flap to the tent parted, and he whipped around to notice a pretty young woman. She had a heart-shaped face framed by sheets of dark tresses that had been tousled and curled by the desert breeze. Her body was lithe and graceful with fragile wrists and long fingers, full breasts that pressed against the torn that clothe that restrained them, and a narrow waist that flared out into perfect hips. Her legs were long and slender, marred by ugly bruises, and she was barefoot. But more striking than all of those features were her eyes—they were feral and strange and the deepest purest blue he had ever seen. Actually, he had never seen eyes like hers. "I am here to service you for the night."
The farmhand kept his gaze fixedly on her face. What do ya mean 'service me'?" He had a vague idea; the mere thought caused his cheeks to burn beneath his helm.
"They told me to make sure you were... satisfied here," she made her way over to him, seeming to glide across the ground. Pressing herself against his chest, she purred, "Your last night is supposed to be enjoyable, they told me to make sure it was."
Daylin stumbled back, tripping over the cot and landing on his ass for the second time in one night, sending his helmet rolling across the ground. His face flushed darker than his hair and he breathed out, "'They told you'? Who, the orcs? Why would they do that?"
The woman closed the distance between them again, straddling him. "Because," her pale pink lips were just inches from his, and he squirmed uncomfortably. "they want your last night to be good, before they kill you."
He was silent for a spell, trying to look at anything other than the woman in his lap. Finally, he managed, "K-kill me? Why would they do that?" He fiddled with random straps on his armor as he tried to keep focused on the proper task, but it was oh so challenging...
"That's how their politics work, they're brutal. If you want to speak with their chieftain, you have to defeat their warriors in combat. All of them. Even a big guy like you doesn't stand a chance, not against that many. Unless..." She looked from side to side, as if to check if someone was watching. Then she leaned in close, warm breath tickling the husk of his ear, and whispered, "unless I help you."
"Help me? What do ya mean?" To his credit, his voice had a small degree of strength to it, even if he was still in a stupor.
"I can get close, drug them, make them tired for your fights tomorrow. In return, I only ask two things."
His mind was clear of fog now, as if some spell had warn off. "What're those?"
"First you have to act as if we made love tonight. You'll have to sleep beside a woman, poor you."
He was silent a long time before, hesitantly, he nodded. "As long as I don't get a knife in my back."
The woman laughed, a beautiful and alluring sound that fogged his mind. "They'll beat me for not doing as I'm told if I injure you, and I don't fancy a beating.
"What's the other one?"
"When you leave, you have to take me with you."
He didn't hesitate on that one, his voice was strong as he spoke. "Agreed. If you'll help me, I'll help you."
-
Jacob
As Jacob progressed further to his destination the forest had only seemed to get thicker. The map showed a forest surrounding the elven capital, but he didn’t imagine this. There was hardly a step you could make that didn’t lead into a tree root. 'Gee, without this map I'd probably be lost by now.' Jacob could tell he was making some excellent timing, he made the final push through the thicket of trees reaching the outskirts of the capital and the sun was only grazing the horizon.
Exiting the forest Jacob came upon a clearing full of fields. ‘Must be nice having your home so close to the capital of your kingdom.' he thought to himself. Nothing was there was very extravagant, the farms houses didn’t look much different form his back home. As he walked along the trail Jacob could see the elven farmers prepare for a days end, putting away their wares and going into their homes. But what caught his eye more was the giant stone walls surrounding the capital; even from here he could tell that the walls were enormous. He was so distracted by what lied before him he wasn't even aware of the crossroads ahead. He very well would have bumped into a farmer pushing around a wagon full of grain.
He sounded ready to give Jacob an ear full but when took a closer look at Jacob he paused. "Pardon me sir but are you headed to see the king?" Jacob was taken aback by this sudden question. This farmer was rather peculiar looking, he was dressed like any other farmer but his skin was dark, not tanned like Jacob's but it seemed almost grayish and his eyes, they were a piercing yellow. Jacob gave a light chuckle while pulling a strained smile. "Ha, I'd be lucky to find an inn. I've never been to the capital before." The farmer looked Jacob up and down a final time. "Is that so, then please carry on and watch were your walking." Then mysterious elf walked away pushing his wagon leaving Jacob to continue marching towards the city walls.
The wall was staggering up close, the giant steel gate left Jacob in awe. Standing outside of it were two guards halted at attention. Jacob assumed it would be easy enough to waltz past them into the city, but there was no such luck as he was stopped before he could even make his way past them. “Stay yourself young one. What purpose do you have in the capital?" The guard’s voice was stern as he held his lance in front of Jacob. "Uh I’m just here to conduct some business with a patron within the city." It was a pathetic excuse and Jacob's nervous smile didn't make him seem any more convincing. The other guard stared intently at Jacob it was a bit off putting, suddenly his eyes widened and he pulled the first guard aside. They began talking in hushed whispers talking looking back and forth at Jacob, and then one guard rushed inside the city as the other went back to attention. "You may pass into the capital, sir. I apologize for holding you up." Jacob stood there befuddled for a few seconds, lost at the guards change in manners. "Am I going to find out what you two were discussing?" The guards remained silent staring forward, Jacob decided to shrug it off and head further into the city.
Passing through the gates the city looked far different then the town he knew. He hadn't realized it but dusk had already fallen, the stone streets were illuminated by several lanterns. All the open space that wasn’t taken up by the road or building was laid out with trees and fields of grass and flowers. Jacob trying to take all this in was only becoming more and more difficult. As he wandered the streets he saw the castle in the distance and wondered how he would possibly be able to enter and conduct his search. The idea of him entering seemed so far off. "You there with the staff." A voice rang out to Jacob, he almost forgot about the staff he had given strapped to his back. It was by a man dressed similarly as the guards outside the gate, he wore golden painted armor made out of some metal Jacob couldn't be sure the type. The difference was probably the trimming; it was red and contained a seal on both his shoulder plates.
“I am Andorr, captain of the guards. I'm here to welcome you to the capital, Marethari." Jacob again was at a lost for word unable to follow the situation. But this Andorr continued as he walked closer to Jacob." We were worried no one would come after your keeper refused to offer help. He said it was too dangerous to send anyone but you seem to be in good shape. Although you look rather young." When Andorr finally reached Jacob he was surprised. The captain stood at least half a foot over Jacob, and there were scars across his face showing he must have had some experience in battle. "Uh, I'm sorry sir i believe you have me confused with someone else. I'm no Mare-Marethari." Andorr let out a light-hearted laugh before he grabbed hold of Jacob’s shoulders. "There's no reason to feign ignorance, Your clearly one of the master herbalist, from the Marethari order, besides I don't know who you could fool while wearing the orders uniform. Look your sword even has the insignia on the hilt." Jacob looked down to his exposed sword, and sure enough the engraving of a leaf was carved into the iron hilt. He let out an embarrassed chuckle rubbing the back of his neck. This must have been the plan of that two-bit goddess dressing me up like this. “Ah ha, you got me I suppose it should be fine admitting it now that I'm within the city. I assume you know why I am here?" Andorr's expression turned more serious as he cleared his throat. "It would be best we discuss our reasons for summoning you later, it is rather late and the king will wish to speak with you in the morning. I shall escort you to your quarters for the night within the castle." Jacob followed behind Andorr to the castle with an unpleasant silence going on between the two.
He was guided by Andorr and presumably a servant to the king to his quarters. It was a pretty much what you'd expect from a room owned by royalty. A small room illuminated by candles, a large bed covered in expensive looking sheets, and a window overlooking the city. Jacob would have loved to just stare outside, but the current matters were more pressing. He was impersonating an herbalist, from what sounded like a pretty important group; he didn’t know a single thing about herbalism. He rifled through his satchel hoping for had something for him that could assist him. All there was, besides the rations, were books that varied on to many different subjects. The closest one about herbs was a book on seasoning combinations. “A book of spices! Of all the useless things that fraud of a goddess could have given me, she decided to throw in a cookbook!” Jacob angrily threw the book to the side of the room, flopping down onto the fancy bed. He was too tired to get agitated right now, he blew out the candles in the room and retired for the night hoping some fortune befall him in the next day.
-
As Duriel reached the land of the dwarves, the wind left him and he began to walk, at a normal pace again. He began to think about what he was to do... He was supposed to find out where the armor was being sent, so he would need information... Well, Duriel was a simple man, and he knew a place where knowledge would be thrown around more and more as people lost their intelligence... A tavern. Before dusk consumed the surface's light fully, he found something quite rare... A tavern above ground, and not within the depths bellow. He would have hoped to receive lodging within the building, but it seemed they had closed before he had arrived, and further more, wasn't sure if he had any coin on him.
As he grew more and more tired, he found a rather large tree, or at least, a tree that was rather large in comparison to him. It wasn't the best place to sleep, but it would work. He placed his sack under his head, as if to use it as a pillow, and began to lie on his back, trying to sleep as the night grew older and older. Eventually, he did find rest, but it seemed short lived as he woke up... Not under the tree, but in his home, in the other world.. His word. He began to rush, as he didn't hear the roosters crow from above ground, and assumed that he was rather late. When he began to run out the door, having skipped breakfast, he heard something... He heard the roosters. He had awoken earlier than they, and it was just now a proper morning time... Rather than staying back and waiting, he made his way to the Tavern, to start getting the place ready.
As he arrived at the tavern, he began to think to himself, about all that had happened... More and more thoughts began to cloud his mind, and he even began to wish that he was back there, with a clean slate, and something else to do, other than this day in day out routine. As he thought about it, he cleaned the bar, and set everything up as he did normally, as if he could do his job absentmindedly. His face held a look of unhappiness, however, he began to shake his head as he left the building, turning the sign from closed to open... He began to smile, as he walked back to his place at the bar, a grin on his face... What more did he need, than this?
-
Neicha stopped at the edge of a clearing. She spotted fire, and some silhouettes of humanoid animals. "Thank you Kaiyos I really appreciate it" Neicha whispered. "No problem! Good luck." She heard his voice getting further and further away. She turned her head back to the camp. Her ears lowered. "... Yeah... I definitely need it..." She hated attempting to interact with people, whether they were beastmen or not. She took a breath. Then stood up. "E-excuse me for intruding..." She face palmed in her mind. She had this pictured way differently. Now she seemed like some awkward deer. All faces were turned her way. It startled her and she was nervously holding onto the mask that rested on top of her head. "M-my name is Neicha. Neicha Felwood. A wandering herbalist..." She proceeded.
-
She sighed and looked up wistfully with eyes as blue as the sky above. "Yeah . . . I wish we weren't brought here so quickly though." She dug out a tent and bedroll and began to set it up as her companion was. "I think it would have been interesting to actually see this world and what it has to offer, instead of it all just being a blur." A sudden gust wind blew hair into her face. "Pbbt! Hey, come on!" It settled down and she managed to part it once more, although it certainly wasn't as neat. "I've lived on a farm my whole life. My line of work is pretending I'm a noble's mistress. Hell, that's what I'll be doing here too. I just . . ." She leaned against a massive tree. The subtle, noble-esque undertone in her voice was gone. What little air of formality she had left was gone, and instead she looked and sounded like a tall, unceremonious farm girl in ranger's clothing. "It's great and all. It's not like I won't enjoy it. I mean, this is what I've dreamed of since I was a little girl. But every once in a while, I want something different. I want to use this," she plucked at her bowstring, "to hunt. Gather my own food and prepare it over a fire somewhere in the wilderness. Live off the land like the forest elves do. Maybe not forever, but . . ." she cocked her head slightly and looked at Tyrren. "You know what I mean?"
-
Tyrren listened to the girl until he realized that she had asked of his thoughts. I understand. I've been on a farm my whole life as well, and this is actually the chance that I've been waiting for. Something to do, something that will prove that I'm worth something in someones eyes, a chance to show me that I'm needed, and not just the town drunk's son. He paused for a second, and flinched at his own words. Well, he's not the town drunk, but he gets the whole town drunk, supplying barley for any amount of beer. He looked out on the horizon, to where the stars all peeked their faces out, one by one. I just want a chance to be my own person. All I've done is listen to what my father tells me to do, and work towards the Maker knows what. Guess that's why I've never had a penchant for religion. He turned to the beautiful girl, wondering how she ended up where they were. You're lucky, sought after by many. Though I suppose it's not always in the best of ways.
GM Post
@Daylin
The girl laid down in the bed, and fell to dreams beside the man. He soon followed suit, on caution in case the Orc guard came back.
@Jacob
A scroll was slipped under his door while he lay in bed, unconscious. Inside was a note detailing for him to go to the royal library, with a small hand-drawn map.
@Duriel
As the dwarf slept, a dwarven wagon stopped beside the tree, apparently on it's way into the dwarven capital. A small man steps out. Well I suppose we'll just have to wait till morn to bring this here back to the tavern. It's a right piece of luck wine can't turn. He noticed Duriel sleeping on the tree. Aha! And I suppose I can wait to see if this young lad wants some extra coin!
@Neicha
A beast-like with similarities to a bear turned in the direction of the voice. What could be described as a smile could be seen in the light of the fire. You're just the person we've been out looking for! And to think we were going to give up and cut our losses! He stretched out his paw. Name's Slackjaw, or Rockjaw, depending on when you catch me!
-
Was it real, Daylin wondered, as he trudged towards the fields with two big buckets in either hand. It had really seemed to be. His muscles still ached from stomping around in that heavy armor, but Floressa had once told him that if someone thought about something enough, their mind would try anything to make it real. He had checked on her before he left home; she was soundly asleep in her bed, and he didn't have the gall to wake her. He was nervous to even mention it to her, afraid she might think him crazy. His only solution was to see if he went back tonight, as the goddess had told him he would. For once, he was glad for the backbreaking work ahead of him.
When the farmhand reached the fields, two pairs of blank eyes stared at him. The dairy cows were big, fat animals and their udders sagged with milk. Should have been out here last week, he chided himself, they've probably been in a lot of pain. As if they could read his thoughts, one of them mooed loudly, and he patted her on the head. "C'mon girls, lets get ya fixed up." They followed him slowly, stopping to graze the grass and wandering off at times. Daylin was very patient, used to their absent-mindedness, and they eventually got to the barn. He rested his enormous bulk upon a wooden stool, which groaned in protest, and beckoned the closest cow over.
The buckets were all filled by the time he was done, and he cautiously lead the cattle back to the grazing fields, careful not to spill anything. The trip back to the house was harder, since he had to hop the fence that kept the animals in, but he managed it without incident. He noticed a familiar figure waiting on the porch as he arrived. "Hey, need anythin'?"
The woman shook her head and tutted at him, wagging her finger as she scolded, "Daylin, you don't have to do all this on your own. All you have to do is ask for help," she reached out and took two of the buckets from him before he could protest. "It's not healthy to wake up as early as you do and not even stop by for lunch!" She lead him inside, tossing the door open and motioning for him to lay the buckets in the corner.
"I've told ya before, I'm used to gettin' up that early and I bring food out with me."
"Nonsense! It's not good for you to work so much, it'll make you old before your time. Come join us for lunch, there's nothing else to be done around here today!" She left little room to argue, and he awkwardly shuffled into the kitchen, resting himself on one of the chairs. Diodoros sat across from him, and his gaze rested on him as sat down.
"How are those ol' heffers doin'? Think they'll need to go to the slaughterhouse soon?"
Daylin shook his head and told him they had a couple years left before that, and shoveled a spoonful of leftover stew into his mouth. Within moments, the two were lost in talk about the condition the farm was in, when the sheep would need to be sheared, thoughts on getting a herding dog, and how long until the pigs would be big enough to cook up.
They talked for hours, and Daylin had to admit it felt good to take a break. It was over soon enough, though, because he had to leave to lock up the animals before the sundown and round up the eggs from the hen house. By the time he had finished both tasks and tucked the eggs safely away in their container, it was dark, and he retired to his bed. His thoughts were on the strangely feral woman and the orcs as the thick blanket of sleep washed over his mind and his eyes drifted shut.
-
After their talk seemed to trail off and the girl seemed to be nodding off, Tyrren suggested the two get some sleep so they were at least somewhat rested for the task ahead. He laid down and before he knew it he was bolting upright in the barn, hitting his head on the beam above him. Sh*t! How long have I been asleep? He turned to see Raika with his snout shoved in the hay Tyrren had slept on, munching away on his afternoon snack. From what he could tell, his father had stepped up and made sure that everything was in order. He snuck out of the window in the barn and circled around the house to see where his father was. As it were, his father was nowhere to be found, but there was a note inside telling Tyrren not to worry about chores, that they were all taken care of. His father had gone into town to gather some things they needed, and he would be back in time for supper, should it be ready.
As he walked into his room, Tyrren's hand crumpled the note in disdain. He didn't want to dislike his father, it was simply that he didn't feel that his father liked him as much as he would have liked. Tyrren slumped onto his bed, and his hand fell onto his pack, which jolted his memory of the day he had spent on a world not his own. His mind raced, trying to make sense of all that his memory had to offer and what it all meant. He had a quick thought to tell his father, but he didn't think the man would appreciate an elaborate excuse as to why his son shirked his work. Maybe when we're on better terms. He thought about the girl he had set up camp with, and compared her to the girl that he was interested in impressing from his home. He chuckled to himself, realizing how futile either would be to chase after. He wasn't impressive, and didn't think he would be for quite some time.
As the sun fell, Tyrren made a stew and made sure all the evening chores were completed. His father returned and Tyrren helped him unload all of the supplies that he had brought back, many of which he noted were to fix the rat problem once and for good. The two ate dinner in silence, the kind one might have after a fight that they wish to apologize for. As Tyrren passed his father and trudged into his room to sleep, the one thought that hadn't crossed his mind since he woke up popped into his mind: Was the other world actually real? He slid into his cot and wondered when his father peeked into the doorway. Son, I'm sorry for being so hard on you. I just want you to be a good kid, one others can count on, and one that you don't doubt. There was worry in his voice, and Tyrren was taken aback by his father's softness. Don't worry, Dad. You can count on me, even if I don't show it.
His father nodded, a small speck of water in his eye. As he walked away, Tyrren could feel the familiar grasp of dreams herding him towards his new task. Again he immediately woke, and before he could begin to weep for his lost dreams, he realized that he was again in the world that could be composed of them. Staring out from his tent he could see another, which he assumed the girl from the previous day was asleep within. He cleaned up his belongings then waited for Floressa to wake up so they could enter the capital together.
GM Post
@Jake
As the beast-boy walked through the forest, he thought he felt an extra shadow following him. As he turned to inspect what might give him a shiver down his spine, an assassin in dark plate armor jumped from a tree, pinning him to the ground. Kaiyos formed his body and ran at the man, Hey! Get off him! He's under protection of the goddess! The man turned to the boy and sliced through him with a hidden blade that protruded from his sleeve. Sorry, his allegiances have... realigned themselves. Kaiyos turned into a cloud, unable to help the beast. Sorry, Jake. The man turned back to Jake. Let's take a trip, shall we?
The man stabbed Jake through the chest, and instead of blood, smoke poured out of his body, engulfing both man and boy. When it faded, both were gone.
@Daylin
The orc guard that was keeping post outside Daylin's tent threw open the flap. In walked an orc dressed in bone, flanked by two others similarly dressed. He looked around suspiciously before addressing one of his officers. Wake him. Find the woman. She has to be here somewhere. One of the officers grabbed Daylin and flung him to the ground, and the other exited the tent, apparently in search of the woman Star, who was in the tent with Daylin the night prior. The giant shook his head to rid himself of his new headache while trying to remember when the girl left, then remembered her plan of the poison. The orc in bones faced him. I am Zang, Chieftain of the Orcs. You have entered into my lands without permission or notice. For this, you face trial by war. You shall face ten of our best warriors in combat, all of which are my officers. If you manage to best them, I may allow you to leave. The orc turned to his remaining officer. Have him gather his belongings and bring him to the arena. He has ten minutes to prepare himself for the onslaught that is facing him.
-
Day in... Day out. It was always the same. Go to the bar. Serve customers. Break up four to five fights. Call the dwarven police. Leave. Go home. Sleep. It was always. The same. He had been doing this for what, a year now? He hadn't truly thought about it until now, but... Was this what he wanted to do? To go to work, go home, go to sleep, wake up, go to work again? Did he really want to toil away for his entire life...? He wanted to stop thinking about it, he wanted to go back to his job, he wanted to think about normal things, but... He couldn't after having a taste of a different life, after even just thoughts of it... He couldn't stop thinking about it... And he didn't know what he would do if it was just a dream...
The dwarf slumped down in his bed as he attempted to go to sleep, hoping... No, pleading that the world of magic, and adventure wasn't a dream... And he wasn't disappointed. When he came to, he was no longer in his home, but within the world of magic, under that tree he had slept under... Originally, his first order of business was going to be the tavern, to listen for information... But that would wait for breakfast. He opened his sack, and began to take out a piece of bread, and some water in a canteen, eating just a bit, and drinking a small amount, as if to conserve it. It wasn't until he was putting his food and drink back into the sack, that he noticed the wagon beside him. He also noticed a few other dwarven men around the tree, just sort of lounging about as if resting. Some were whittling, some were reading, one was even knitting. The dwarf laughed, and began to try to speak to them, a tone of jest to his voice. "Oi, I didn't know this was a common resting spot."
-
Daylin shoved his armor on hastily, pulling his helm over his head and lacing up his greaves. He snatched up his axe from where it had been discarded and hoisted it over his shoulder. It's real, he thought, this wasn't a weird dream. His thoughts turned towards his current task and he grimaced, striding of his tent. Might as well get this done, 'ope that girl keeps 'er end.
As if the world could read his mind, he heard an unmistakable voice whisper, "It's done, all you have to do is swing that axe." Daylin whirled around, but there was no one there. He shook his head, of course she wouldn't be. She couldn't get caught until he had won, or else they would kill her. The thought added strength to his step, and he marched to face the chief, chin held high. "I'm ready, bring yer onslaught."
-
She hardly remembered falling asleep. What she does remember is waking up in her bed at home in her cosy cottage at the farm, not a tent by a castle. It was a surprise, but comforting. The rest of her day was a blur. Get dressed. Eat breakfast. Morning chores. Lunch. Archery. Supper. Evening chores. Bed. She didn't speak to Daylin. She hardly saw her parents. She didn't even go out to town. Her only thought was the . . . dream? No, it had to be real. There was no way it wasn't.
Falling asleep was like falling. You stand on the edge of a cliff, peering over the edge into nothing. It doesn't feel like you stepped off, until your breath is taken away. And when you breath again, you're lying in your bed staring at the ceiling of your bedroom.
Not this time.
Floressa woke up to the gray-brown roof of a tent, feeling a bit groggy, like she woke up in the middle of a deep sleep. Wearing green and brown clothing. There was no way this was a dream. She crawled out of her tent. Her hair was tangled and she had a rather large cow-lick over her left ear. She waved at her travelling partner and grabbed her bag. "I think I saw a lake a few metres back, I'm going to have a bath," she said and trudged, barefoot, through the forest. "If I catch you lookin' at me," she hollered, "I'll cut off your penis while you sleep."
-
Neicha's ears raised when she could make up a smile in the little light the fire provided. She was relieved they weren't as territorial as she expected. Apparently they had troubles of their own they couldn't fix. Perhaps that's why she was a welcome face since she pronounced herself a herbalist.
"Oh? Did something bad happen?"
She moved to the camp fire, careful not to trip over any roots. She knew it was actually time to wake up in the other world, but she had to at least hear what had happened here so she could make an inventory of symptoms so she knows what to look for. She sat down next to Rockjaw. She decided upon picking that name since she wasn't really that fast herself.
-
Tyrren @Floressa
Yeah, no worries, I'm no imbecile. Can't promise for Kaiyos though. The spirit whined. Aw, that's unfair! Tyrren smirked then unrolled his bedroll again so he could wait for the girl. He didn't mind waiting, he wasn't sure how he was going to begin his task and he wasn't ready to begin screwing up yet.
@Duriel
One of the men raised his eyes and grinned beneath the coat that was his beard. Aye, you know how dwarves are! Anywhere the ale be, is a spot to relax! And as you can see, we're carrying a large amount of the liquid gold, haha! The man seemed overly pleased with himself, patting both his wagon and his stomach. His companions didn't seem to mind, as they were both smirking as well. One of them spoke up, Name's Torig. The funny one's Herrish, and the quiet one over there is Colfer. We was heading back into the capitol tuh resupply our stock fer are tav'rn, and we thought any place good 'nough fer anuther dwarf is good 'nough place fer us. He got up and held his hand out to Duriel. We was hopin' that you migh' be willin' to come with us. Free ride into the capitol?
@Neicha
Rockjaw shifted uneasily, like the log beneath him suddenly wasn't as uncomfortably-comfortable as it was before. Well, more than something bad. One of the others, a fox, twitched his ears around to listen for intruders of their conversation. When he nodded, Rockjaw continued. A few months ago, some mages entered our territories without our knowing. We didn't catch them, but we definitely caught the aftermath. A whole chunk of the forest had up and disappeared, and around it, it looked as though everything was burnt. It was only after a week that we realized it wasn't a burn but a plague that was growing. It doesn't stop, and if you touch it, you're infected and it spreads over your body. It leeches off your body, only stopping once you've withered away to nothing. But we have learned that one plant isn't affected. We haven't touched them in case they're important or dangerous, but we have collected one sample and kept it safe at home. He patted Neicha's shoulder with his enormous paw. And that's why we need you. But, let us rest first.
@Daylin
The Chieftain grinned, the bloodstains on his teeth showing. He addressed the crowd of orc civilians that had gathered for the occasion, despite the short notice. Captains! Show this man what happens when he shoves his foot where he is not welcome! One of the captains arrayed on either side of the Chieftain stepped forward. He was what one might call a smaller orc, but he was still huge in comparison to Daylin. He wore little armor besides gauntlets and a chestplate forged of a weak steel. Instead he bore a huge axe, double sided and tipped with a red metal. It seemed heavy in his hands, but his eyelids seemed to droop as well. Rather than a charge, the orc seemed to stumble in Daylin's direction before remembering his task, and swung his axe at Daylin's waist.
-
The dwarf smiled at the others, looking over them... Torig, Herrish, and Colfer, eh? He liked them, they seemed like good, honest dwarves! Further more, Torig had said they owned a tavern, so he felt a bit compelled to do what this guy wanted, as it reminded him of home... He shook the other Dwarf's hand, and began to reply, a jolly tone to his voice. Ah, ye own a tavern, eh? I work at one back home, what are the odds!" The dwarf thought for a moment, contemplating whether he should have said that or not, but merely shook his head and continued on. "I'd love a free ride to the capital, but if ya' don't mind me askin', why were ya' hopin' for me to come?"
-
Jacob
A soon as he had closed his eyes Jacob seemed to reopen them in an instant. The sun was raised in the sky it had to be nearing midday already, and he was lying there in his room back home. It must have been a dream, he supposed, that made the most sense anyway. His father scolded him for waking up in the middle of the day. His sisters had a good laugh at his expense and his mother did her best at calming his father down afterward. The day was pretty normal form that point onward and when night fell he stood outside patrolling for thieves or wolves, still hearing their menacing howls out in the distance, until his father relived him. He lied down in bed exhausted from another days work and drifted off into sleep.
Jacob opened his eyes again with seemingly no time having passed at all. It was morning as early as when he usually wakes on the farm, but the room was different he was back in the dream again and in the elf castle. All the belongings the goddess had given him lied in the corner and a strange note lied on the floor. What could be in the library he pondered pocketing the note in his satchel as he dressed himself? As he left the room, there were few guards and servants wandering the halls, considering how early it is that seems pretty natural. They didn't pay Jacob any mind as he wandered to the royal library following the crude map. The library was substantially larger than any Jacob had ever been in, well if he had ever been to a library before. "I wonder if they expected me to come this early? I guess I could at least try and find some real books on herbs while I wait."
-
She kept up her end, Daylin realized. The drugged orc teetered forward and swung at him, but he backpedaled and the blow went wide. Seeing his opening he threw a punch at his opponent's face, and was met with a satisfying crunch. The warrior stumbled, reeling from the blow, and he lashed out with the pommel of his axe.
Crack! His axe hit its mark, silencing the jeering crowd that had gathered around them. The captain collapsed, clutching at his head and groaning, his blood mingling with the sand. Daylin planted his boot firmly on the orc's back, glaring at the chief, "Was that really needed? I just want to talk." The thrill of combat was getting to him, white-hot adrenaline pumping through his veins on overdrive. He was struggling to keep his head.
-
Neicha's ears lowered once again. A plague? Suddenly this task seemed like more than she could handle. Reverting the transformation of the villagers in her own world appeared like such a smaller problem than what was going on over here. This definitely required a lot more research the fact that there is a plant that survives it does give her a little spark of hope. A pat on the shoulder snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Oh yes, a good idea. I am quite weary from travelling."
With that she was led to one of the tents, offered a place to sleep. Placing her satchel next to the pile of hay that was her bed quietly going to sleep.
When she opened her eyes she looked at the wooden ceiling of her hut. She quickly got up grabbing her stick and satchel, leaving quickly through the door heading towards the village. It was pretty late in the morning. She walked right to the person she needed.
"Rayleigh."
She called out. A wolf turning towards her.
"Ah, Neicha, what can I do for you?"
"I need your help with something, it involves Self-defense."
The wolf was silent for a while.
"Self-defense? You know you can always take an escort with you--"
"Sorry but that is impossible."
"Why? Is it a matter of pride? Do you not trust us? You can barely even walk."
"I am going to change that, I no longer want to rely on a stick. I need to be able to defend myself when things go wrong."
"Look, if you think things get a little too dangerous you could just ask--"
"That is not the point in this case Rayleigh. I might be on to something. But it's a really hard way to get there, it even might seem a bit silly..."
Neicha talked quieter at each sentence, not really sure about what to say. It was all a dream after all. It could have all been just some imagination.
"Huh. On to something. You mean that you're making progress? Where is this place you need to go."
"It's kind of hard to explain... And it might have the answers you seek. I'm just not sure."
Rayleigh remained silent for a while, pondering. Everyone had gathered around the two, curious of what was going on. Whispering hopeful words to each other.
"Well, since you're stubborn... I might as well learn you a thing or two, but why did you come to me for this?"
"Well, you used to be a swordsman..."
Neicha looked shyly at the ground.
"I'd thought you could learn me a thing or two..."
The wolf looked at the deer.
"I thought you disliked violence?"
"I do... But... I should at least learn how to fend on my own..."
The deer fidgeted the stick in her hands.
"Fine, come with me... I know a clearing where we could practice."
The rest of the day Neicha learned the basics of deflecting, using sticks as swords. She tumbled over a lot getting caught in time by the wolf before she hits the ground. Rayleigh gave directions on how the deer could improve her footing letting her practice standing without help of her walking stick. They took short breaks going back to the village to have some food. And repeated the training until sunset. Tired and sweaty Neicha took a dip in the pond near her hut. Her muscles aching. After she was done and wrapped herself in some fur she went inside to dry. Then she dropped herself back on the bed and fell quickly to sleep from the tiring day. Hoping that the dream she had was actually real so she could keep grasping on it for answers.
-
She giggled at the remark, but said nothing.
The lake Floressa mentioned was more like a pond, but that didn't matter. The water was clear and tranquil and the grass was nice and soft under her bare soles. She dipped a toe into the water. It wasn't as warm as she would like, but it was bearable.
Less than an hour later, she returned to the campsite looking as stunning as ever. Noting the lumpy bedroll, she nudged it with her foot. "Rise and shine Tyrren, you've had enough sleep for today."
-
@Duriel
Herrish smiled his stupid grin again. S'we can swap underpants, o-course! Colfer walked by and slapped him on the back of the head, which only resulted in more giggling. Colfer began fixing up their wagon while he explained, We's got a meetin' with tha king see, like all the other taverns, to make sure we's makin' tha proper quality and the like. 'Cept we gots a problem, we's missin' a fourth representative, we's was hopin' you would make up for it, bein' the Lost Guard an' all.
@Jacob
Except herbs won't help. The voice came from behind Jacob, and from a stunningly beautiful elf who seemed very commanding, despite her young appearance. She approached Jacob, before offering him the traditional elven handshake: a touch of the first and second fingers to their own forehead, followed by a thumb to the opposite shoulder. I am Mayla, current Elven Lady. A book of herbs won't do you much good, as whatever killed my father isn't listed in any of these books. It must be something new, an herb we've never seen before. Though I suspect the tome in your satchel may glean some insight? Mayla nodded her head in the direction of Jacob's bag.
@Daylin
Zang's face spread into a wicked smile, apparently reveling in the scuffle. The only talk you may have is with the corpse you lay next to beneath the earth! Again! Another captain jumped forward, and instead of weapons in his hands, they were equipped on the back of them. Protruding from the outer part of his wrists were blades made of bone, and armor that extended from his wrists up to his shoulders with spikes, fashioned from what seemed to be the spines of several dead creatures. He was skinnier than the orc before him, and slightly more more mobile. As he stepped forward, he clashed his blades together, a bit of clumsiness in his movements. His eyelids seemed to droop as he egged Daylin on.
@Neicha
Neicha woke to the fox leaning in her direction. Sorry, just wanted to make sure you're alright. The only one who sleeps as late as this is Slackjaw, and that's where he gets his name. The fox motioned towards a tree, which was vibrating from a rough snore that seemed to emanate from the clouds. I'm Fleetfoot by the way, nice to meet you. You're name's not like ours, based on a quality. Where'd you say you're from?
@Floressa
Tyrren raised his hand towards the sky to show that he was still awake. Trust me, if I wanted to sleep, which I don't, I would be able to, hah. He crawled out of his bedroll and re-rolled it while Floressa gathered her things. I've been up thinking of how this all might go. I've only ever seen knights once in a blue moon, much less talked to them. How am I supposed to fit in?
-
Neicha sat straight up on the pile of hay she had slept on.
"Sorry for worrying you."
She stretched her arms. She wasn't really sure how much she was allowed to tell.
"I'm from a place where magic is not that strong. I guess the strongest kind I had seen there so far was our transformation from humans to beasts. Most of the people from my village wanted to become elves, and now they really regret their decision, they kind of turned to me for help into reverting this 'curse'. I myself didn't really mind the transformation, I wanted to start anew, somewhere nobody would bother me. Man is too greedy and wasteful in my opinion. Of course not all of them. I just had a bad experience with most. Anyways, I couldn't find an answer to their problem in the forest where we lived, so I decided to travel."
-
They weren't going to listen to reason, Daylin decided, scowling as he sized up his newest opponent. The orc wasn't as big as the others, and the drug fogged his vision. He was sure he could overpower him, if it came to that. He sprinted forward, axe clutched tightly in his white-knuckled grip, and swung.
The orc stopped his mocking and stepped backwards to avoid the attack, then rushed back in before he could recover, striking twice at his abdomen.
The first blow bounced harmlessly off his breastplate, but the second ripped through a chink in his armor, leaving a long cut on his stomach. Daylin grunted in pain and roughly shouldered the orc away. The wound stung. He hoisted his axe up between them, glaring at his opponent.
The orc was back to taunting him now, pounding his fist against his chest. Drops of blood flew off the blade that had cut him, meshing with the sand below. He stared blankly at it and the captain grinned. "What's wrong human, never seen your own blood? I knew your kind was only good as slaves. Frail little things, but your woman have nice, tight littl-"
Daylin tackled the captain with a guttural roar. They both went down in a flurry of limbs, swinging wildly at each other. The orc stabbed at him viciously, but he couldn't compete with the farmhand's raw strength. After several blows to the head he went limp, but Daylin continued to beat him until his face was an unrecognizable bloody pulp.
When he was finally done punching, he stood up and snarled at Zang, "I'm done with this!" He picked up the body of the orc he had beaten, lifted him over his head, and threw him at the Orc Chieftain. "Face me yourself, coward!"
-
@Daylin
The Chieftain frowned. The sight of one of his captains so mangled was not something he was accustomed to, but he had to applaud the human for doing such a good job in getting him to see it. I told you of the rules! The only way you'll face me is if you face the others, and come out standing! NEXT! Another captain stepped forward, this one much bigger than the rest. He towered over Daylin, making the giant seem like a regular height for once. The captain bore a huge club, fashioned out of a thick wood, and wore armor made of the same bone material the others had worn. He lifted the club, but seemed to struggle slightly as he did so. Now you pay!
-
The first swing glanced Daylin's shoulder, knocking his pauldron out of place. He noticed too late that it was a feint, though, when a headbutt smashed into his face and sent his helm flying backwards.
It was a hell of a shot. Outside of throwing his helmet off, which left him feeling exposed, his nose was busted and his vision swam. Blood dripped into his mouth and he spat out the coppery tasting fluid, stumbling backwards for his axe.
Fortunately, the orc had been drugged and, though he resisted it due to his massive statutre, it slowed him down. By the time he mustered to give chase, the former slave was across the arena and grabbing his axe.
Daylin stood straight, eyes red with rage, and stared his opponent—some mindless ogre who couldn't see straight—right in his big bleary eyes. The captain tried to intimidate him, but he was beyond the point of fear. He wanted revenge for the still-bleeding wound.
“You... are..." Daylin took a lurching step forward with each word. On the third, he swung: “dead!”
The blow was going to hit, the farmhand knew the second he swung it. It shattered green-skinned bastard's breastplate, lodging the head of the axe deep in his chest. He didn’t fall—sweet Maker how was that possible—but he was sent reeling back.
The farmhand pulled the axe free and winded back for another shot. The orc beat him to it, the heavy club smashing into his side. He struggled to stay on his feet. The club rose and fell again, and this time Daylin collapsed.
Then, he stood again.
It was unreal. Between the pain in his chest and the general confusion (he felt drunk), the sight of the human on his feet after the patented Tudagub-club sent the orc into a panic. He threw another swipe that Daylin ducked, then another that the man swung under again—and then responded in turn with a strongarmed uppercut.
Click. The sound of the captain’s upper and lower rows of teeth making unplanned contact rang out. Still, he kept his feet. Daylin stared in horror, how was it poss- slowly, chest gushing blood and eyes rolling, the orc fell backwards. He sighed in relief, using the axe as a makeshift-crutch and gazing around the gathering, face stained with blood. His vision fell upon the reason all of this was going on.
“Coward,” Daylin swore again at the chief, his throat sore from the effort of speaking that single word.
-
Jacob
His curiosity was raised at the appearance of yet again another mysterious woman who carried insight in the current situation. As she introduced herself Jacob waited and then did as she had done introducing himself. “I am Jacob, Marethari, what do you know of herbs to make such a bold claim. New species of plant do not simply appear out of thin air." He tried to put some authority in his voice, he had to at least sound like he knew what he was talking about pretending to be a master herbalist and all. He shifted the bag draped around his shoulder farther to his backside when she pointed it out.' It shouldn't be too hard to figure an herbalist would carry books on herbs but...' Jacob thought as he opened the flap to his bag seeing if any of its contents had been tampered with. "Should I assume you also know why i am here?"
-
@Daylin
Zang rested his giant head on a meaty fist, apparently not amused that his "best" warriors were one by one falling to a meat-sack human. He waved his opposite hand lazily, signaling the next captain to join the carnage before them. Another giant orc stepped forward, this one heavily donned in the same bone armor, and equipped with two bone axes that were created from shoulder blades, similar to the Chieftain's own. He held them in a defensive stance, but drooped every few seconds and had to recollect himself. He seemed determined not to make the first move.
@Jacob
The Elven Lady scoffed at the elf before her. I can see that they're attempting to educate nearly every student they're tasked with over at that order of yours. Not a nick of wit in you before you joined them, I assume. She quickly grabbed the tome out of Jacobs bag before he could react, a smirk appearing on her face. I jest with you. Of course I know why you're here, I'm the one who summoned you from your magely quarters, on your safe little island. She flipped through the tome, but stopped suddenly, confused by the text before her. She began pacing as she explained, the book still in her grasp. There have been mages seen entering and exiting the forests, with no context as to why. We know not of why they are there, or what they may be doing. What we do know is that as soon as the new king was instated, any herbology projects the now past king, my father, had ongoing were cancelled. Mayla then faced Jacob. And we have reason to believe that your tome here has secrets that your Marethari order has kept from us on their involvement on these projects.
@Neicha
Fleetfoot perked his ears up. Huh. Well, where we're from, our people tend to stay separate. Those who wish to remain as we are, get one half of the village. Those that wish to return to their previous form live in the other side. Slackjaw and I prefer to stay as we are. The only time that we've been able to get along and collaborate is to try and discern what's been happening with our forest. Rockjaw seemed to fall out of the tree, but landed on his paws, and walked over to the other two. That's why we're here, and hopefully yourself too. He paused as he began collecting some breakfast materials, then decided against it. He began packing his things as though to continue their journey. Your forest wouldn't happen to have these plague-spots as well, does it? He paused again, his jaw actually slacking as he thought. Well, tell us on the way. We've gotta return with you so you might be able to help.
-
A look of curiosity overtook Duriel's face, one of his eyebrows arching as he took in the information the other dwarves had given him. Something seemed strange, why would they set off without a fourth representative? Who was this 'lost guard'? Was it him? If so, he was certainly unaware of it. "Ai'd be willin' ta' go in t ha' fourth man's place, sure, but ai've gotta' know... Who's this lost guard fella?"
-
Jacob
They suddenly take his book and now this explanation. ' Why must matters always complicate themselves?' Jacob moved to grab the book, forcibly keeping his thumb on the page she turned to. "I'd prefer you'd ask before taking someone else's belongings. And what's with this nonsense of betrayal in the order? You sought to uncover the secrets, why have you asked for one to be sent and what of the others before me?" He added after another moments thought, "I have wit in spades, thank you very much!"
-
Daylin stared at his opponent, using his axe as a makeshift cane to lean on. Strands of wet hair clung to his broad forehead and his nose still gushed like a fountain, every shuddering breath bringing with it a mouthful of blood. He spat some into the sand and wiped at his mouth with the back of his free hand. "Ya know it'd be a hell of a lot easier to just talk with yer visitors."
The orc grinned lazily at his opponent. "It'd be simple if they announced themselves." He clanked his axes together, and gnashed his teeth as he grinned. "Though I suppose manners are you meat-sacks best quality, is it?"
"I 'spose so, but I ain't ever been the most mannered. I am nice enough to 'pologize for one thing, though." Daylin hoisted his axe with a grunt, and spit out one more mouthful of blood. "Sorry I gotta kill ya." He threw himself forward and brought the head of his axe down towards the orc's arm.
The orc allowed the axe to get just close enough to bat it away using his own. "Seem's you're gonna have to apologize to yourself, once you end up in hell!" He swung his second axe towards Daylin's open chest.
The blow bounced off harmlessly off his breastplate, knocking him back a few steps. "I ain't gonna die, I made a promise." He brought his axe down from over his head, directly at the orc's neck.
The orc again attempted to deflect the blow using his axe, but only achieved in slowing it down. Still trying to move out of the way, the axe came down into his shoulder, causing the orc to shout in a mix of anger and pain, along with making him drop one of his axes. One of his arms now limp, the orc let loose a fierce battle cry, and attempted to again swing his axe at Daylin, aiming for his thighs.
The blade slipped into a chink in his armor, digging deep into his thigh. Daylin squared his shoulders and grit his teeth, forcing himself to stay upright. He reared back his weapon and struck out with the heavy pommel.
-
'Well," she held out her hands to help Tyrren stand up. "you must act like them. Many knights are of noble blood and have proper mannerisms. Stand upright, with your back straight and chest out. Roll your shoulders back a bit, like this," which she demonstrated to him, "but not so much that you arch your back." On and on Floressa went with advise and instructions about how a knight should act - everything from greeting his fellow men and King to eating at a dinner table. She moved his body around like a toy doll when correcting his posture, pushing and pulling but softly. When asked how she knew any of this, she would simply shrug and say "I've read about it," or "I've seen it be done."
"The experience of acting as a proper noble is not something that any amount of learning can compare to. Knowing how to do something and actually doing it are two very different ideas," she added at the end of her lecturing. "For example, I did not acquire my lexicon from a book, or have someone tell me what words are appropriate and how to say them. I cannot emphasize how important it is to being a noble that you must experience their ornate environment for yourself and, for lack of a better term, learn the hard way." She looked into his eyes, hers pearly blue, wistful and hoping. "Can you do that?"
-
After everything was packed up and ready to go they started traveling. Neicha was walking a lot better thanks to the training Rayleigh gave her, it improved her posture.
"Well, I ventured a lot in the woods of my home, but I've never seen any plague-spots. Neither did the hunters spot anything out of the ordinary, otherwise they would've warned me right away."
Neicha couldn't help but being curious about the phenomenon. The way they explained the plague it was more some curse than a disease, diseases were very specific in what species of plants and animals it could affect. But at least there was one herb with immunity, so she had some leads on how to stop this curse.
-
@Duriel
Colfer gave Duriel a funny look. Quit talkin' like we's got a tongue down are throats mate, ih's a little insultin'. He kept preparing the wagon for the next stretch of their journey. Torig waved a hand in his direction. Don' worry 'bout 'im. He's jus' a little touchy. Long line of dwarves and purse... parse... persec... parsectution. Whatever the word is. Herrish could be heard giggling on the other side of the wagon. Torig continued, See, there's no rightly "lost" guard, ih's jus' that when one of the old guard got too old an' retired, the king said that there was no need to replace 'im, that "he will appear when he is needed", or some stoneborn-crap like that. And suddenly you turn up, not knowing much 'bout the capitol, and you're wearin' the Holy Armor of the Guard. He chuckled to himself. I mean, who else could it be but you, mate?
@Jacob
The Lady crossed her arms, and squinted her eyes in scrutiny. I would prefer that your Order would ask before journeying into my woods without reason. I believe that under the circumstances, a wary disposition is to be expected, or am I incorrect? She began to circle Jacob, inspecting his robes. The ones who came before you left no information in our hands. Their minds were locked, and even when they had forfeited their consciousnesses and allowed us to take the information without using force, we found that we could not grasp the slightest trickle of what might be happening within the Order. Except for your name. She began to list Jacob's physical attributes: height, weight, full name, age, and rank in the Order. You're only second to the Archmage, are you not? And rumor tells that you're nearly if not stronger than him. He answers only to the High King, but you, rather... You run his errands, talk to whomever he cannot or shall not. She stopped pacing. Two armed guards appeared on either side of the encounter. And we require your full cooperation in this investigation. We want you to act as the "traitor", as you would call them. We need you to relinquish the chains on the others minds, and allow us to acquire the information we need. In doing so you would help both our cause and the fate of the land. Mayla raised her eyebrow. Not to mention that if it turns out that the Archmage is performing Dark Arts, he would be removed from his position, and you would stand to replace him.
Tyrren @Floressa
He allowed her to instruct him in proper mannerisms and the like, moving him like a ragdoll or a pet a child might adore. Whenever she paused or looked at him, he tried his best to flush his face of any color or emotion. He tried his best to immediately begin practice once she had finished her tutorial, and addressed her with the best manners he could muster. One arm at his side, and the other in a fist over his heart, he replied, I do believe I can, miss. With a small smile, he shouldered both their packs and held his remaining hand out to Floressa. I hope you would not mind if I escorted the missus into town?
They set off, and within the hour they had reached the gates of the town wall. It was immense; the wall towered over any building Tyrren could remember seeing in his lifetime. It seemed to stretch for miles, encompassing what could only be the huge town at the foot of the High Kings' castle. There were bends and corners in the wall, which suggested both expansion and the possibility for more. The gates themselves were sturdy, and looked strong enough to hold the biggest beast in the land, (so long as it could not fly). They were made of a dark iron, probably imbued with another metal to create the actual alloy. It would be presumably weaker, but there was not a single scratch in the metal no matter where Tyrren looked.
A guard approached them, his armor rattling, and his javelin shaking from the movement. Halt! State your business! What task do you have within the... He trailed off when he saw Tyrren, and corrected his posture and tone as well. I'm sorry sir, I didn't mean to be rude sir. I didn't know it was you sir. Though, if I may inquire, what have you been doing away from the castle sir? Your fellow knights have been worried. Tyrren was taken back for a moment before he realized that the Goddess had set up the circumstances very precisely. I expected the situation to be explained by your officers. I had left to escort this lady back home, and as you can see, I have succeeded. He turned towards Floressa, Miss, would it be possible for you to explain the circumstances?
@Daylin
The orc was knocked unconscious, and the Chieftain stood before Daylin could strike again. Halt your assault. Harm my kin of blood again and I will ensure your death. A messenger orc walked into view, with a bound woman dragging behind him: Star. Not only that, but it seems you have some amount of care for this human woman. I highly doubt you would wish her blood upon your soul. Two more orcs entered the arena and collected the unconscious brother. I know of the poisoned grog. You are lucky I have not slain your... Friend, already. In a few hours the poison will have worn off. You will have your battle then. An orc in heavy armor began to turn Daylin away, just as the giant noticed both fear and tears in Stars' eyes. Bring him human food and drink. I want a fair fight!
@Neicha sorry Yuki
While they walked, the village approached in no time. All eyes fell upon them as they passed through, heading towards what seemed to be the Alpha's house. By the time they reached it, most of the beast-likes in the village had conglomerated behind them, but none of them followed them into the thatch hut. What they found inside was a slightly startled deer-like man, who was focused on Neicha.
He was big for a deer, almost as tall as Rockjaw. His antlers were big as well, and only seemed to contribute to his power rather than weigh him down or set him off balance. He had dark brown fur, like the bark on a spruce tree, and had a white tuft on his chest that stuck out from underneath his tree bark tunic. He sported similarly crafted shin guards and bracers, and had a wooden staff strapped to his back. He had many pouches strung to his belt, each filled with something different. His face was very clean, as though he hadn't seen much hardship, though the scars and pads on his hands told otherwise. He seemed to be very sturdy on his hooves, as he walked quite gracefully. When he realized that he was the center of attention, he made an attempt to seem more leader-like.
He took a step closer to the three. My apologies. I don't tend to see many other deer-like, so this encounter is... Extraordinary, in more than one way. He turned and nodded to both Rockjaw and Fleetfoot. Thank you, comrades. The fact that you were able to return with someone who may shed some light on the situation so quickly is very pleasing. He turned back to Neicha. I trust that they have filled you in on the situation, and that you know what we are asking of you, so allow me to fill you in on the information that you lack. I am Taurus, chosen Alpha of these beast-likes. My parents decided to make a change in their lives when I was young, so I have been this way for quite some time. I do not mind it, but I do not wish to relinquish it to this taint on our land either. We shall venture further into the woods, and have you assess the situation. We only ask that you do what you can, not what you believe you should. We will give you any resources you require. He walked through the three and motioned for them to follow.
Outside, the entire village had gathered outside the hut. Taurus raised his hands, despite the quite that was already spread among the crowd. With Rockjaw, Fleetfoot, and Neicha spread out behind him, he began to speak to his people. This woman has decided to help us. She will do what she can, if she decides that she does wish to help us. If she does not, then we will continue to search for one who does wish to aid our plight. This group of four standing before you will venture to assess the situation, and will return sometime within the next light cycle. In the meantime, continue your daily lives. The crowd all bowed to Taurus, then turned and began to mesh back into normal duties. Taurus again motioned for them to follow.
After another hour of trekking through the woods, this time very silently, they arrived upon their destination. The taint was a literal plague upon the wood; plants were tinted a dark purple, and the ground was various shades of blue and black. Normal water seemed to be a green ooze that seeped out of everything, trying to escape, but was caught before it could make it out. No animals besides birds could be seen, and even those were only perched in the highest reaches of the trees, where the plague had not yet stretched to. The only sign of normal life could be seen in tiny bulbed plants, which seemed to radiate a certain light. Looking out upon the diseased land, Taurus spoke to Neicha. One of our scouts tells of a spot in the middle of this carnage that looks as if the entire land was scorched by magic fires, but the scout himself was tainted by this infection. The only reason he is alive, which is the same reason why we discovered the plant's effects, is that he realized it was not harmed by this and tucked a piece in his tunic. He paused, the asked Neicha, What do you think?
-
Although her expression remained calm, a wave of anxiety rushed over her. She fought to keep her eyes from turning bright yellow. At least she didn't have to worry about her blushing, the warm sun made her cheeks rosy red, and she knew how to keep her voice from wavering. "Ah, my cousin invited me to a small dinner party at his estate a few miles to the south-east, only a day's journey, when his mother-in-law fell ill and I was forced to make leave early." She gestured to her travelling companion and continued. "Thankfully, Sir Tyrren was also returning to the castle and honourably offered to escort me home." She turned and lightly curtseyed to him with a gracious smile. "Thank you kindly, Sir Tyrren."
-
As the others spoke, several thoughts began to run through Duriel's mind, flowing through and leading him to begin collecting his thoughts. 'It seems I need to cut back on the forced accent, seems he didn't appreciate that. Though, I am tryin' my best.' As the second dwarf spoke however, his thoughts were... Different. The thoughts were somewhat happy, at least knowing he wouldn't have to think too hard as the lost guard. 'So that's what 'The Lost Guard' title meant, that's... A good thing, I think. I don't know much about this world anyways, so a title that means I shouldn't know much is a good one, eh?'
When he had finally collected his thoughts, he turned to the first dwarf, the one he had offended earlier, and began to speak, with a bit of an apologetic tone to his voice. "Aye, I'm sorry if I've come and offended ya'." Then, he rather quickly turned to the other, where he continued speaking. "And aye... I see yer' point, and I honestly agree with it. I guess I might be the lost guard after all."
-
Feelings of sorrow filled Neicha's mind when she looked at the taint. It was horrifying to see how much it affected life.
"Hm... It definitely does seem like something that shouldn't naturally occur. But I'd doubt most of this is done on purpose, nobody has use for land that kills you off the instant you touch it. At least, when I have to take it, humans don't just destroy things without a purpose. They mostly want to claim more land for their greed."
She took the tome from her satchel and looked through the index for the designated properties the plants had.
"Did you know some plants have the ability to communicate? I know it sounds kind of odd. But I noticed some plants started generating poison substances in their leaves the moment I harvest too much of a certain plant. It's like they can warn one another whenever one gets completely destroyed. But of course this kind of thing is quite exaggerated for a plant to try and destroy an entire ecosystem..."
She studied one of the bulbed plants comparing the plant with the drawn images in the tome.
"I will do what I can. First of all we need to find some way to stop this plague from spreading to keep the risks as low as possible. Then I try figure a way to bring this plague down, if possible..."
-
Daylin froze, his axe-blade grounding to a halt inches from the fallen orc's throat. His gaze flickered between the Chieftain and the orc who held the woman had helped him, Star. His hands trembled on the grip of his weapon, unsure of what to do. Every bone in his body screamed to finish the fallen opponent, but looking at Star, bruised and terrified, he couldn't bring himself to do it."I give, jus' don't hurt her."
A big, heavily armored orc stepped forward and shuffled him away from the clearing and back to the tent he had stayed in, shoving him in roughly. Daylin stumbled, falling to his knees. The handle of the axe, still embedded in his leg, bumped against the ground and dug deeper into his skin. "Argh!" The sudden burst of pain caused him to cry out in pain, and he grit his teeth and forced himself over to his cot. He had to get ready for the fight with the Chief.
-
Tyrren @Floressa
As Floressa finished her on-the-spot explanation of the situation, Tyrren made sure to stand up straight again, just in case he had begun to slack. The guard seemed to think for a moment before he realized it appeared on his face. Ah, is that so? I had not realized that Sir Tyrren had any outside relations besides the Guard. He so suddenly appeared within the force, with no record of before. Tyrren raised his eyebrow and inclined his head in order to ask a question of the man. When the guard realized he was under a certain amount of pressure, he too straightened his back. But enough of that. I'm sorry to question you, sir, and to have stopped you for as long as I have, sir. I'll go inside and tell the gatesman to let you in.
As the guard jogged off, Tyrren turned to Floressa. Quite the story you've got there. Who's your cousin? He smirked, then continued before she could reply with a flabbergasted remark. I jest. Just be sure not to state any names, not that you have any to give. These are the kinds of things that can get us caught.
Inside the gate tower, the guard approached the man responsible for keeping the gate closed or for opening it, if needed. At the same time, a young boy seemed to be leaving. Apt, hold it there lad. I need you to bring a message for me, just wait there a moment. He turned back to the gatesman. Let these two through. But have someone watch them. The man there's wearing a tunic for the Elite Guard, and the rest of the uniform to match. The gatesman didn't look up from his scroll he was reading. What's your point? Just a Guard. The Guard half threw his hands in the air and almost shouted, but looked at the doorway before continuing in a slightly more hushed voice. The King doesn't let any of his Elite's leave the castle, especially not the Captain, which is what this guy appears to be if his patches are correct. This time the gatesman looked up, with an are-you-stupid look on his face. Maybe he's just that good? I'm letting him through. The Guard sighed in response. Alright, well, you boy. You heard me, right? You follow him. Just don't get hurt. The kid scampered off out the other side of the wall.
The gate began to raise with magnificent glory, no screeching or groaning, until only the bottom that would set into the ground upon closing could be seen. The Guard re-emerged and waved his hand for the two to go through. As they began to walk through the outskirts of the city, Tyrren turned to Floressa. So, any idea what you have to do next? I assume that I just have to head to the castle.
@Duriel
Colfer nodded in respect. S'okay. I get cranky sometimes. Once Duriel finished, Torig smiled. So you'll come with us then? He began to rush about, loading the remaining things into the wagon, which wasn't much. Soon everything was ready, and the four dwarves loaded up and set off. The Stoneborn weren't naturally fast, but the ones that pulled the wagon seemed to be used to it and set off at a brisk pace. Within the hour, the capital began to appear. It was a place of bland colors, grays and whites and reds mainly, but the way that everything was build made it so beautiful that it could only be the dwarves handiwork. The wagon began to tour through the city on the main road only another half hour later, and soon the King's residence could be seen. Herrish spoke up this time, for once not giggling. We'll be 'eading there firs'. Once you're all settled in and dealt with, we can 'ead to the tavern and you can help however you can, righ'?
@Neicha
Taurus nodded his head, careful to keep his antlers from hitting Neicha. Of course. Whatever materials you may need are at your disposal, so long as we can get it to you in time. Rockjaw, Fleetfoot and myself will be your assistants at all times, and if it is alright with you, I wish to be at your side while your work. He began to blush, (as much as a deer can), then quickly continued, So that I may observe your work, of course. I wish to know what plagues my land and my people.
@Daylin
An orc with a staff covered in what could only be assumed as tribal markings and bones walked into the tent. He tossed a large and heavy sack into Daylin's lap. Medicine. I watch. Don't use too much. He walked over quickly, shoved the thinner end of his staff in Daylin's mouth, and yanked the axe from his thigh. The staff barely stifled the roar that followed. The orc reached into the medicine and quickly slathered a yellow paste on the wound. Luckily, it kept Daylin from passing out. The orc stepped back, apparently pleased with the new set of bite marks in his staff.
Jacob
His shoulders slacked. Alright, look. I'm not with the Order. I'm not even... Mayla looked stunned, her jaw slightly open. He looked around, and realized that he wasn't sure the two guards should hear what he had to say. Ah, may I have a private word with you? One of the guards stepped forward, but Jacob immediately dropped his weapons. Don't worry, I'm not here to hurt anyone. Mayla nodded, then turned and motioned for him to follow. Once they were in a seperate room of the library, Mayla nodded again for Jacob to continue. I'm not from this world. I'm from a world where magic doesn't exist, and in my first minutes here I saw a boy that could run like a lady Hauss. But I am here to help. Apparently I was brought by a goddess in order to stop events that are set in place but shouldn't happen. She sent me here, but this certainly wasn't the reception I was expecting. Mayla thought for a moment, looking around the room at the books around her. Once she spoke, she did so carefully and calculated. I have met this goddess you speak of. When my father had died, before I had even learned of it even, she appeared to me. I knew not what she meant, but she said, "I will right the wrong that has been forced upon you." Now I know how she intends to do it. She looked directly at Jacob. You're going to help take down the new king, aren't you? I realize that was not your intentions for being here, at my palace, but that is the grand scheme of your reason for being here, is it not?
-
Neicha hadn't noticed the blush as she wasn't taking her eyes off the book. She thought about the offer for a while. She almost instantly said 'no' as she preferred not to be bothered while working. However, this place was not like her own homeland. She knew the risks at home weren't that high. And mostly she would bore her escorts anyway and they would just wander off to hunt for some meat. She wasn't familiar with this forest yet so she could use an extra pair of eyes to watch for any threats.
"Very well."
She stopped skimming through the book. Carefully examining the image that was drawn on the page. She read through the text that was written along with it. The description definitely fit the plant. She bookmarked the page.
-
Daylin balled his hands into fists, panting, attempting to recollect his jumbled thoughts. The witch doctor was still standing in front of him, an orange tint cast upon his tattoos by the dying embers from the fire, a satisfied smile plastered on his face. He motioned toward the sack of medicine in the giant's lap. "Use."
"Y-yeah," Daylin nodded and pressed opened it nervously. Inside was more of the yellow paste and a roll of cloth. He crudely wrapped up the rest of his wounds, smearing the paste onto them and then wrapping them up. "Thank you." His voice was earnest; the Doctor had done nothing but help him. The medicine had taken away the the worst of the pain, leaving him sore, yet standing.
The orc grunted in assent, took the medicine, and hunkered out of the tent. Daylin stared at his retreating form for a moment, thinking of how he had sustained the injuries; that just brought Star, beaten and crying, to the forefront of his mind. His blood felt like fire boiling in his veins, boiling and crackling as it raged through him, fueling his rage. 'Don't worry, I'll make the bastard pay and get you out of there.'
With a new determination, Daylin prepared for battle. He adjusted his crooked pauldrons and smoothed out the mail beneath his breastplate, shouldered his axe, and put his dark-red hair back up. Finally, he cinched his royal blue cloak back up around his neck and pulled his helm down over his head. 'I'm coming for you, Zang.'
He stepped out of his tent, head held high, storming directly toward the chieftain's abode.
-
Jacob face look dumbfounded, to think she actually believe a story like that, he'd probably call her a gullible and naive if it weren’t for the fact it was true, but then again she did assume he was a herbalist. He was taken aback by her sudden proposal to take done the king that was his queue to walk away, or at least he would have if not for the guards.
"Ok, listen." He gave a gesture with his hands for her to slow down as he caught his train of thought. "Now the only reason I'm here is because I’m supposed to investigate who killed the old king. If you've already confirmed it was the new one then by all means capture and imprison or hell execute him. But my job's done so if you’ll be so kind as to inform your guards so that i may be merrily on my way."