Ember shrugged, opening a closet. In it was a giant container, she gripped the sides of it, and set it down. It was big enough for a human to lay in. "This is awkward, but do you need water to sleep in?" She asks, rubbing the back of her neck. She didn't know how this woman lived. It was odd to her. "Other wise, I can get you a mattress." She said.
Tilting her head as the elf pulled out the container, Charlotte walked over to it. "I don't need to, but I'm more than willing to if it's not too much trouble," she said. "I do believe that this on its own will be restplace enough." Lowering her head to it, the dragoness nodded. "Plenty of room, this will be fine. Thank you," she said. She didn't want to arouse suspicion by having the elven woman bringing up another mattress.
Ember runs some water into the container until it's full. "Feel free to use the restroom or sleep on my bed, I'm perfectly fine with that." She grins. "And if you want to sleep in water, here's the bin." She chuckles. It was odd to imagine a person--dragoness--sleeping in water. "I have to go find my mother and father. They will be looking for me." She smiles, leaving the dragoness to the room.
Avalynn had given a wider smile when he addressed his name, and seemed pleased when he shook her extended limb. The leg folded back near her once again, and she let out a small hum.
When the cry had rang out, she paused, her antenna twitching and her multiple eyes darting around for a moment. And get her smile never seemed to leave her face, as the eyes focused back in on Jal. “You, mushroom...or, Jalsinter...have found yourself in a realm once claimed by humans, that Mother Nature has taken back. Humans haven’t returned to this place, most claim it’s cursed. It’s awfully odd to find you crawling out of here after so many have gone...Many of your kind used to live here. It was even home to dwarves, elves...and yet these days, they only breifly pass through.” She gave a small huff of displeasure, and her smile faltered as she continued, “Those noblemen in the human kingdom...they throw their criminals here, bandits, murderers...and we fae, have taken up residence here.” Avalynn had slowly begun to circle Jalsinter, examining him. He looked human, but the way he sprouted from the earth signaled something else. Perhaps he truly was part vegetable, or perhaps he had some kind of fae-Blood in him? She was unsure, and decided that a strange man like him would most definitely not make a very tasty snack.
Or would he?
“You’re not the only odd one here.” She mused for a moment, taking her mind away from her hunger, which has slowly begun to grow. So much prey in the area, and a cry that signaled one was wounded... her stomach rumbled but the fae spoke on, “There is a strange statue man...your kind call him the ‘Way Watcher.’ He’s...awfully boring. Solid as stone to touch, and yet his chest rises and falls like he’s sleeping. Doesn’t talk. Doesn’t make noise.” She seemed displeased with this, “And he certainly doesn’t taste good. A waste of space if you ask me, but many have taken to leaving him gifts and offerings, as if he has any use.”
Avalynn had spent quite some time watching the strange knight, and had, out of curiosity, attempted to eat the human-looking being. After all, the likelihood it was poisonous was slim to none, and that would be a risk she was willing to take. Yet she hadn’t been able to break skin, or even leave a dent, and it left her hungry and very disappointed. But the man was still useful, and she had taken a bit of a liking to visiting him, to talk about nothing in particular and throw rocks in hopes that somehow that would wake him.
She had been, obviously, unsuccessful.
When the cry had rang out, she paused, her antenna twitching and her multiple eyes darting around for a moment. And get her smile never seemed to leave her face, as the eyes focused back in on Jal. “You, mushroom...or, Jalsinter...have found yourself in a realm once claimed by humans, that Mother Nature has taken back. Humans haven’t returned to this place, most claim it’s cursed. It’s awfully odd to find you crawling out of here after so many have gone...Many of your kind used to live here. It was even home to dwarves, elves...and yet these days, they only breifly pass through.” She gave a small huff of displeasure, and her smile faltered as she continued, “Those noblemen in the human kingdom...they throw their criminals here, bandits, murderers...and we fae, have taken up residence here.” Avalynn had slowly begun to circle Jalsinter, examining him. He looked human, but the way he sprouted from the earth signaled something else. Perhaps he truly was part vegetable, or perhaps he had some kind of fae-Blood in him? She was unsure, and decided that a strange man like him would most definitely not make a very tasty snack.
Or would he?
“You’re not the only odd one here.” She mused for a moment, taking her mind away from her hunger, which has slowly begun to grow. So much prey in the area, and a cry that signaled one was wounded... her stomach rumbled but the fae spoke on, “There is a strange statue man...your kind call him the ‘Way Watcher.’ He’s...awfully boring. Solid as stone to touch, and yet his chest rises and falls like he’s sleeping. Doesn’t talk. Doesn’t make noise.” She seemed displeased with this, “And he certainly doesn’t taste good. A waste of space if you ask me, but many have taken to leaving him gifts and offerings, as if he has any use.”
Avalynn had spent quite some time watching the strange knight, and had, out of curiosity, attempted to eat the human-looking being. After all, the likelihood it was poisonous was slim to none, and that would be a risk she was willing to take. Yet she hadn’t been able to break skin, or even leave a dent, and it left her hungry and very disappointed. But the man was still useful, and she had taken a bit of a liking to visiting him, to talk about nothing in particular and throw rocks in hopes that somehow that would wake him.
She had been, obviously, unsuccessful.
Charlotte smiled, nodding. "Thank you," she said. "I'm sure that I can manage, and I'm grateful for what you've done." She would have to find out the woman's name. She moved a little closer to the tank when the elf said that she was going to find her parents. "That seems like a good idea. I will be here when you return." Watching as she exited, the dragoness turned to the tank, slipping inside. There wasn't enough room for her to swim around in, but that was fine. The darkness was welcome, and as she closed her eyes, drifting off, she noticed that part of her scales were illuminated from the opening to the tank. Hopefully nobody would get suspicious.
Amara wrote:
Amara stood up as soon as the trap opened. She backed away, being careful not to place a lot of weight on her left hind leg.
"Thank you, again, my apologies. " She spoke again.
Amara looked at the man for intensively this time. There did not seem to be a way to see his age. Rather, like her, he had been around for a while. Yet... she was still young in the grips of time.
"I have never sensed your kind. Human... but not human...." She spoke in a musing manner.
"Thank you, again, my apologies. " She spoke again.
Amara looked at the man for intensively this time. There did not seem to be a way to see his age. Rather, like her, he had been around for a while. Yet... she was still young in the grips of time.
"I have never sensed your kind. Human... but not human...." She spoke in a musing manner.
"Most welcome. Your senses do not fail you. I am a little more and yet a little less than human. I am not of this realm nor am I a mere mortal." Isaiah's eyes gleamed red in the morning Sun as he spoke.
"Tell me, how did you come to be in a bear trap? And what can you tell me of this realm?"
Amara listened thoughtfully. So, she was correct, this one was indeed not entirely human. When he ask how she got into the bear trap and is she knew the land; the small unicorn almost laughed.
"I know not these woods, which is most likely how I got into this trap. I normally sense traps and overstep them. However, this one is laced with a magic I do not recognize or even heard of. "
"I know not these woods, which is most likely how I got into this trap. I normally sense traps and overstep them. However, this one is laced with a magic I do not recognize or even heard of. "
'This is getting ridiculous' Lucy thought to herself as she took yet another turn in what was turning out to be a very long spanning tunnel system. If she hadn't been taking notes of all the different twist and turns she'd likely be hopelessly lost by now. Lifting up her torch as she watched yet another spider web burn up in it's flames she started to wonder just how long she'd been there, 3 pages had been filled in her journal and still she was yet to see any signs of an end in sight.
At 6 pages she decided to sit down and take a break, her grumbling stomach agreeing with her decision. Pulling open one of her pouches she pulled out a ration bar, nuts and fruits and oats stuck together with syrup made for a delectable combination. Closing her eyes she savoured the taste while contemplating the area around her, 'sturdy walls, made of metal and stone. Dwarven metal like outside perhaps?' it was a curiosity as to why the tunnels stretched so far, and so deep under the earth. "Maybe they were made in case of an emergency?" she thought out-loud before quickly discarding the thought as she took another mouthful, "No, can't be, they wouldn't have abandoned the city so easily then" finishing up the bar she stood up stretching out her muscles and taking in a deep breath. She regretted it instantly, coughing on the dust her sudden movements had kicked up....again.
On her 10th page she noticed an interesting shift in architecture, seemingly changing down only one of the paths. Trusting her gut instinct she followed it down. Unlike the others this one grew in size and other than side rooms had no turns. It was simply leading her slightly downwards where it lead her eventually towards a massive door unlike she'd ever seen before. No handles, no keyholes, or even a seam to try prying open, just an intricate slab of metal preventing further progress. "Well, it must have been hours, might as well set up camp here and rest before trying to figure it out" she said out-loud staring in thought at the door. Placing a glove covered hand on its surface she felt nothing more than the grooves of the design. Sometime later she'd set up a bed role and makeshift tent by the door and used some waste scraps and debris around her to build a small fire. The cold had started getting to her, but she was determined to get past this obstacle.
At 6 pages she decided to sit down and take a break, her grumbling stomach agreeing with her decision. Pulling open one of her pouches she pulled out a ration bar, nuts and fruits and oats stuck together with syrup made for a delectable combination. Closing her eyes she savoured the taste while contemplating the area around her, 'sturdy walls, made of metal and stone. Dwarven metal like outside perhaps?' it was a curiosity as to why the tunnels stretched so far, and so deep under the earth. "Maybe they were made in case of an emergency?" she thought out-loud before quickly discarding the thought as she took another mouthful, "No, can't be, they wouldn't have abandoned the city so easily then" finishing up the bar she stood up stretching out her muscles and taking in a deep breath. She regretted it instantly, coughing on the dust her sudden movements had kicked up....again.
On her 10th page she noticed an interesting shift in architecture, seemingly changing down only one of the paths. Trusting her gut instinct she followed it down. Unlike the others this one grew in size and other than side rooms had no turns. It was simply leading her slightly downwards where it lead her eventually towards a massive door unlike she'd ever seen before. No handles, no keyholes, or even a seam to try prying open, just an intricate slab of metal preventing further progress. "Well, it must have been hours, might as well set up camp here and rest before trying to figure it out" she said out-loud staring in thought at the door. Placing a glove covered hand on its surface she felt nothing more than the grooves of the design. Sometime later she'd set up a bed role and makeshift tent by the door and used some waste scraps and debris around her to build a small fire. The cold had started getting to her, but she was determined to get past this obstacle.
Camelot, a kingdom of knightly warriors, of mighty deeds of chivarly, righteousness, bravery, loyalty, mercy and honour, a realm where the Old Code was norm, respected by lords, knights, kings and peasants alike. Where all those helpless, persecuted and in need could come and find shelter and perhaps prosperity, without living in fear.
It was a kingdom that flourished greatly under the rule of king Moriah Tydfil, The Fair, for the wise old king understood very well that magic was in the very fabric of nature and embraced it and welcomed it into his kingdom, taking under his command the guild of rangers, a group of elite warriors who were blessed with magic and served righteousness above all, rangers who became his royal spies and assassins, his hidden eyes and ears which scattered across his kingdom, who worked from the shadows to prevent darkness and wrongdoing tarnishing his realm.
On the other hand, knights remained his show of force and arms, imposing law and order among the populace, inspiring safety and preventing or lessening crime.
Elves and those of magic became the strongest allies and good trade routes were set to prevent Camelot suffering from pests and draughts and for a time it worked well.
Though all good things eventually come to an end and the death of The Fair king, Moriah Tydfil, gave way for the rise of a new king, Conrad, which spelled the end of friendship between humans and any creature of magic.
Conrad favoured the knights, the less righteous and more cruel ones over the rangers, he also grew suspicious and weary of the black arts and of those wielding magic and, in the end, he banned them all from among his lands, severing ties with elves and dwarves and invading their lands so as to expand the kingdom of Camelot and the dominion of humans over all other races.
Spurred on by the lord knights, who saw rangers far too righteous, and a hindrance to their abusive powers, Conrad devised and proclaimed new laws against magic and came over to the balcony of his castle at capital city, to announce the kingdom at large of the latest news, the expansion of his empire by most unusual means indeed.
"My beloved vassals, for too long have we been fearing for our lives, creatures of the dark stalking our woods, villages attacked in the middle of the night by the curses of magic wielders. We must put to an end to all those who are not of our kind and subdue them before they grow in numbers and strength and turn against us." started off Conrad.
"I have raised a mighty army, under lord knight Tron Pentre, an army of the bravest of the brave, dragonslayers, knights, assassins, all working together under the lord knights command whose purpose shall be find such beasts as are the magic wielders and execute them or bring them back subdued, that you may all come gaze at them for yourselves, how they are judged and cast out beyond our borders or executed. All will come to understand that us, the humans, are the mightier race and Camelot a kingdom to be respected and feared.
By royal decree I hereby declare that a bounty will be paid out for every creature, of human appearance or otherwise, who possesses magic and is brought back to my presence, dead or alive. For too long they have been stalking among us, within our borders and this has to change. I shall rule upon with an iron fist to erradicate magic and by the time this quest is done, these foul creatures shall be commited to legend and forgetfulness, to nothing more than a distasteful myth" vowed Conrad.
"Brave men, arise to your king's calling, knights, warriors, villagers, it is time to protect this kingdom and rid it from its foes and for your services you shall receive a bag of gold of no less than twenty pieces" assured Conrad.
"Rangers who have long hampered our knights work are hereby vanquished and if any is found, slavery or death shall fall upon them for daring to tarnish themselves with elven magic" concluded Conrad
"Long live the king" shouted the knights, a cry soon echoed by many peasants pleased to see magic wielders out of their lands.
No sooner these words were finished, lord knight Tron Pentre who was in charge of the knights and lead the council of lords gave appropriate orders for the knights and guards to start rounding up any known ranger, who would either be forced to serve him or face vanquishment or death.
Lord Zerald saluted Tron, a sly smile across his face for the hunt had just begun... the long awaited hunt that spelled the demise of the guild of rangers, whom many saw as traitors for favouring elves over humans in their affairs.
Lord ranger Aynor, the head of the guild of rangers, had been standing on the roof, out of sight, quietly listening into the king's words and absorving them. Such decree did indeed spell the beginning of the end for the guild and its rights and priviledges in the court of law.
Ranger lords had the ability to grant freedom to slaves, tax crooked lords and knights, and provide pardons in the name of the king among other varied sentences. Given rangers were outstanding at stealth and the best at archery, they often crawled the roofs and terraces, for height give them better aim, better views, greater chances to escape or catch runaways.
No sooner he heard the king's new command he ordered all rangers to disperse, those who were all too well known were better off hiding and ordinary rangers and lesser known apprentices were encouraged to return to civilian life, finding commoner's work and respecting the king's decision.
Aynor knew very well that the knights would be coming for him and broke into a run, down streets and alleyways, through the sewers and less known passages until he reached the edge of the forest, Camelot's border, venturing further in, closely chased by Zerald and some of his thuggish rogues he called guards and knights.
Aynor was already exhausted even before the chase began. He had yet to eat or sleep, after keeping watch on the king all night long, and had been deprived of a horse that very same morning, without an explanation provided. Now with the official persecution and hunt Aynor had no choice but run on foot, rushing out of the cities and villages towards the forest just beyond Camelot borders.
He followed the path, or what was left of it, running for dear life and barely stopping to catch his breath from time to time, until he came to the spot where the Way Watcher was known to rest.
Legend said he protected travellers from dark creatures who lived in the forests and ate men, other legends spoke he guided dead spirits of fallen warriors, others spoke of him as the forest spirits' guardian, their warrior... be it as it may, Aynor deemed it necessary to present an offering so as to not offend these deities and, if this statue did indeed protect wanderers and warriors, perhaps he would be lucky enough to be found worthy of his company and protection.
Upon reaching the statue for it clearly wasn't moving, Aynor took one of his daggers and ceremoniously placed it upon the man, closing his eyes for a few moments to mutter a prayer for luck, and took shelter right by this still warrior, hiding behind growths, fearing the voices nearby were from Zerald and his thugs who might be closing in on him.
Aynor scrambled up the closest tree and looked down at the still statue and anything and anyone around it. His eyes widened, taken aback by the assorted beings that were gathering there, perhaps they too came to pray for protection and guidance as well. Though the mantis woman looked menacing enough to neither need guidance nor protection.
Now that he ascertained Zerald had not made it there yet, he fell quiet and stealthily came to hide behind the statue of the still warrior. If Zerald came and caught up to him... he could always use the Way Watcher's offered weapons to fight these thugs with, there were swords, spears, shields, bow and arrows, a whole armory laid place by The Hanged Man, and all of them were usable despite their rust and conveniently enough, within easy reach too.
Amara wrote:
Amara listened thoughtfully. So, she was correct, this one was indeed not entirely human. When he ask how she got into the bear trap and is she knew the land; the small unicorn almost laughed.
"I know not these woods, which is most likely how I got into this trap. I normally sense traps and overstep them. However, this one is laced with a magic I do not recognize or even heard of. "
"I know not these woods, which is most likely how I got into this trap. I normally sense traps and overstep them. However, this one is laced with a magic I do not recognize or even heard of. "
"Magic, eh?" Isaiah's curiosity was piqued. This was one of the many reasons he had chosen a life of interdimensional adventure. To expand his horizons, to learn and harness the power Arcane, to make magic. "Where would I go to learn and master the mystic arts? I come from a world devoid of magic in any form beyond misdirection and parlour tricks. The reason I am here, the reason I have travelled such a great distance is to learn magic."
Ember rushes down the cold stone steps to the throne hall. Massive braziers hanging from each of the ten ivory columns light up the entire throne hall and shroud it in a dark orange radiance. The angelic paintings on the domed ceiling dance in the flickering light while statuettes look down upon the porcelain floor of this simple, yet impressive hall.
A cobalt rug splits part of the room in half from the throne to midway down the hall while swallow tail banners with embellished borders hang from the walls. Between each banner sits a small alter full of candles, none but a few have been lit and in turn illuminate the sculptures of folk heroes and legends below them.
Grand, stained glass windows of heavenly mosaics are enclosed by draperies colored the same cobalt as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with burnished corners and impressive needlework.
A striking throne of marble sits amidst two large statues and is adjoined by three rather plain looking seats for esteemed guests.
The throne is covered in intricate sculptures and fixed on each of the rather slim feet is a gem encrusted head of a legendary creature. The comfortable pillows are a light cobalt and these too have been adorned with gilded tufts.
Those wishing to witness their royal highness can do so on the several gilded and otherwise extravagant maple benches, all of which are facing the throne in a V-shape. Those of higher standing can instead take seat in the extravagant balconies facing the benches below.
Upon the throne, lie King Malvolio, and to his right, Queen Sidero. "Mother, father." She curtsies, nodding to them each.
"Where have you been?" Her father booms. Ember shrinks away. "I-i was exploring." She admits. Her father sighs, "Never mind that. Just sit." He gestures to her throne to the left of him. She obeys, and sits on her throne.
A cobalt rug splits part of the room in half from the throne to midway down the hall while swallow tail banners with embellished borders hang from the walls. Between each banner sits a small alter full of candles, none but a few have been lit and in turn illuminate the sculptures of folk heroes and legends below them.
Grand, stained glass windows of heavenly mosaics are enclosed by draperies colored the same cobalt as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with burnished corners and impressive needlework.
A striking throne of marble sits amidst two large statues and is adjoined by three rather plain looking seats for esteemed guests.
The throne is covered in intricate sculptures and fixed on each of the rather slim feet is a gem encrusted head of a legendary creature. The comfortable pillows are a light cobalt and these too have been adorned with gilded tufts.
Those wishing to witness their royal highness can do so on the several gilded and otherwise extravagant maple benches, all of which are facing the throne in a V-shape. Those of higher standing can instead take seat in the extravagant balconies facing the benches below.
Upon the throne, lie King Malvolio, and to his right, Queen Sidero. "Mother, father." She curtsies, nodding to them each.
"Where have you been?" Her father booms. Ember shrinks away. "I-i was exploring." She admits. Her father sighs, "Never mind that. Just sit." He gestures to her throne to the left of him. She obeys, and sits on her throne.
The crossroads did not mirror the frantic haste of Aynor's retreat. Two fat buzzing insects twirled around one another in an aerial dance, wholly unconcerned about the slayer and his pursuers, before drifting off into the trees. As Aynor took shelter behind the plinth, the sleeper's eyelids suddenly flickered as if he was dreaming, though they did not open.
The dragoness kept sleeping, her mouth hanging slightly open as her gills slowly pulsated, water flowing over them pushed by the gentle motions of her ears. The room was close to silent, the only sound being the low howling of the wind outside the tower.
Aynor kept silent for quite some time... his heart pounding louder at the imminent threat of Tron's arrival and his bands of thugs. He heard hooves, he heard leaves rustle, he heard unclear voices and assumed the lord knight was almost upon him, stalking him.
The sounds came from the direction where the creatures had gathered, perhaps, they had been slain or captured and Aynor certainly didn´t want to end up among either of those two groups.
He reached slowly for a bow and took a rusty but usable arrow from the Way Watcher's bounty of offerings, tensing the bow and releasing the arrow to shoot with good aim towards the sounds, though he did not see his target, he didn't need to either for rangers had outstanding good aim and archery skills through elven magic's assistance and years of intense practice.
Once the arrow had been shot, he returned the bow into the Way Watcher's lap, back to the offerings pile, and added one of the two hunting knives from his boot, making sure to give two offerings back where two offerings had been taken from the pile, least a curse followed.
He crouched behind the Way Watcher for hiding and protection, hoping its presence would ward off attacks and continued to remain silent and still, his back resting against the statue's back, his head buried into his folded arms, covered under the dark green ranger hood.
The sounds came from the direction where the creatures had gathered, perhaps, they had been slain or captured and Aynor certainly didn´t want to end up among either of those two groups.
He reached slowly for a bow and took a rusty but usable arrow from the Way Watcher's bounty of offerings, tensing the bow and releasing the arrow to shoot with good aim towards the sounds, though he did not see his target, he didn't need to either for rangers had outstanding good aim and archery skills through elven magic's assistance and years of intense practice.
Once the arrow had been shot, he returned the bow into the Way Watcher's lap, back to the offerings pile, and added one of the two hunting knives from his boot, making sure to give two offerings back where two offerings had been taken from the pile, least a curse followed.
He crouched behind the Way Watcher for hiding and protection, hoping its presence would ward off attacks and continued to remain silent and still, his back resting against the statue's back, his head buried into his folded arms, covered under the dark green ranger hood.
Maybe, if left alone, Avalynn would’ve retained her control until she had a chance to hunt. But her interest in Jalsinter was tugged away when an arrow flew past her, lodging itself into a tree. The mantis Fae dropped her stance suddenly, her body lowering, her two front legs sweeping In front of her as a large wings pushed out from beneath her lower body. It was quite a sight- anyone familiar with a mantis would recognize the defensive stance, but the animalistic expression on such a human was terrifying to say the least.
“Pardon me, Jalsinter.” Without hesitation, Avalynn went weaving through the trees, her vibrant lower body flashing through the shades of green. She was already hungry to begin with, and the sign of a seemingly hostile enemy...she was certain no one would mind her snacking on a threat. Oh goodness she hoped it was a human...it’d been a while since she had a lively one, perhaps this one will be pretty too, I’d love a handsome little one—!!
She barreled into the crossroads, her legs clicking on the stone- her antenna twitched and she swooped her head around, “Hello~ don’t be scared, it’s no use hiding!” Usually one didn’t accompany a comforting comment with a threat like ‘it’s no use hiding’ but Avalynn again, was not a “normal one”.
When she was met with silence, Avalynn turned her gaze to the Way Watcher at the fork in the road, examining him with a dissatisfied expression, “Just you again? Pity.” The woman huffed, looking around for a moment. She had lost sight of Jalsinter, and she certainly wasn’t going to remember where he had ended up...perhaps he would follow. Besides, at least she was familiar with this marking...the Way Watcher was a human force, perhaps a deity or hero. The folklore that surrounded him was entertaining, at least, and Avalynn had taken a liking to tossing rocks at the strange thing, as well as complaining to it frequently.
The Fae settled down on the ground (the feat took quite a bit of time, slowly bending her legs beneath her body before getting comfortable, and she looked around, picking up a small stone in her hands. She rolled it along her palms before glancing at the Way Watcher, and again, pouting, “Boring old statue.” And she dropped the stone, kicking it with her front leg and watching it hit his armor with a satisfying clang.
“Pardon me, Jalsinter.” Without hesitation, Avalynn went weaving through the trees, her vibrant lower body flashing through the shades of green. She was already hungry to begin with, and the sign of a seemingly hostile enemy...she was certain no one would mind her snacking on a threat. Oh goodness she hoped it was a human...it’d been a while since she had a lively one, perhaps this one will be pretty too, I’d love a handsome little one—!!
She barreled into the crossroads, her legs clicking on the stone- her antenna twitched and she swooped her head around, “Hello~ don’t be scared, it’s no use hiding!” Usually one didn’t accompany a comforting comment with a threat like ‘it’s no use hiding’ but Avalynn again, was not a “normal one”.
When she was met with silence, Avalynn turned her gaze to the Way Watcher at the fork in the road, examining him with a dissatisfied expression, “Just you again? Pity.” The woman huffed, looking around for a moment. She had lost sight of Jalsinter, and she certainly wasn’t going to remember where he had ended up...perhaps he would follow. Besides, at least she was familiar with this marking...the Way Watcher was a human force, perhaps a deity or hero. The folklore that surrounded him was entertaining, at least, and Avalynn had taken a liking to tossing rocks at the strange thing, as well as complaining to it frequently.
The Fae settled down on the ground (the feat took quite a bit of time, slowly bending her legs beneath her body before getting comfortable, and she looked around, picking up a small stone in her hands. She rolled it along her palms before glancing at the Way Watcher, and again, pouting, “Boring old statue.” And she dropped the stone, kicking it with her front leg and watching it hit his armor with a satisfying clang.
The pebble struck his breastplate with a soft plink, bounced off, and landed quietly on the path.
Something happened in the darkness. Its exact nature was uncertain, only that it made ripples like a pebble dropped in a still pond. The darkness stirred. Ripples grew into waves, their peaks glimmering as they caught ever more light. Then, something broke. The Keeper of Swords, Janus, Lua, the Way Watcher, the Sleeper, who had slept there at his crossroads for longer than anyone could remember ... opened his eyes.
He drew a deep and ragged gasp of air, followed by a violent coughing fit, as if he had lungs full of dust. He tried to move his arms but they didn't work right--every muscle was screaming in protest at suddenly being made to move after such a long rest. His vision was still blurry, but he saw moving shapes in front of him, the deep green shadows and dappled light of a forest, the familiar gleam of steel blades.
Then came the panic: where am I? Who am I? He tried to scramble to his feet to look around, but his legs didn't stretch out all the way, and he ended up tumbling backwards off the stone plinth. If Aynor didn't get out if the way, the armored figure might fall right on him. He looked very much alive now, a sharp contrast to his usual serene slumber--hair skewed, eyes darting, still coughing now and then as he grew accustomed to waking life again.
Something happened in the darkness. Its exact nature was uncertain, only that it made ripples like a pebble dropped in a still pond. The darkness stirred. Ripples grew into waves, their peaks glimmering as they caught ever more light. Then, something broke. The Keeper of Swords, Janus, Lua, the Way Watcher, the Sleeper, who had slept there at his crossroads for longer than anyone could remember ... opened his eyes.
He drew a deep and ragged gasp of air, followed by a violent coughing fit, as if he had lungs full of dust. He tried to move his arms but they didn't work right--every muscle was screaming in protest at suddenly being made to move after such a long rest. His vision was still blurry, but he saw moving shapes in front of him, the deep green shadows and dappled light of a forest, the familiar gleam of steel blades.
Then came the panic: where am I? Who am I? He tried to scramble to his feet to look around, but his legs didn't stretch out all the way, and he ended up tumbling backwards off the stone plinth. If Aynor didn't get out if the way, the armored figure might fall right on him. He looked very much alive now, a sharp contrast to his usual serene slumber--hair skewed, eyes darting, still coughing now and then as he grew accustomed to waking life again.
Jalsinter frowned upon hearing the mantis fae's revelations. There was no doubt that his return defied sense-- the more he thought about it, the more he was sure he'd been dead for a long time-- but he'd hoped that at least his travels into the forest would lead him to some semblance of civilization. Perhaps Avalynn had been lying, but as far as Jal could tell there was no reason to. That, and her story lined up. Beyond them rolled endless shapes of green and brown; a massive, unclaimed territory, just like she'd said it was. It had only been a few hours since his awakening yet the knight already felt tired. How long would he have to walk before finding someone like him?
Her circling movements did little to ease his discomfort. Jalsinter watched her as she examined him, eyes narrowed somewhat. Avalynn's following words distracted him from his predicament, however. Word of another person, bewitched as he certainly must have been, brought a spark of inspiration to Jal's mind. Perhaps his luck in revival might be contageous and this 'Way Watcher' would prove a worthwhile companion? Or perhaps he'd simply continue being a statue. He drew his lips into a thin line. Overthinking would get him nowhere.
So he'd begun to respond finally, only to be interrupted by the twang of the halted projectile; its path was so close to his that it tossed his hair and left a shallow cut across his cheek. Something about its flight tugged loose the ancient cord which kept his hair in a tail; it came undone, leaving his untended mane to drape messily down his back. Mayhap sleep had dulled his senses for it took the knight an extra few seconds to respond, standing wide-eyed with fright and hope alike. It could have been anything that loosed the arrow, but any hint at their humanity restored his efforts to find others in the woods. Reid would find her 'fungal' acquaintance similarly winding through the brush after her, though his lack of familiarity with it all meant falling behind, if for a moment.
Jalsinter caught up with her just in time to watch her settle and throw the stone against the statue's chestpiece. He panted a bit, eyes darting between the trees around them in search of their mysterious assailant. It made sense to him that they might not immediately be found; if the arrow's path was purposeful, it would be in the bowman's best interest not to be in plain sight after the act. But in searching, his green eyes availed him little beyond the blurred, familiar treeline. He cursed his luck, and similarly that nobody thought to bury him with a pair of glasses.
He kept looking until his gaze fell upon a new set of eyes, just opening after years of dormancy. The knight felt a tug of empathy, watching the other man cough, and so when he started to scramble Jal closed the gap between them, hoping to steady him in his seat with a hand on the Sleeper's shoulder. It put him at an ideal angle to notice Aynor, as well.
Her circling movements did little to ease his discomfort. Jalsinter watched her as she examined him, eyes narrowed somewhat. Avalynn's following words distracted him from his predicament, however. Word of another person, bewitched as he certainly must have been, brought a spark of inspiration to Jal's mind. Perhaps his luck in revival might be contageous and this 'Way Watcher' would prove a worthwhile companion? Or perhaps he'd simply continue being a statue. He drew his lips into a thin line. Overthinking would get him nowhere.
So he'd begun to respond finally, only to be interrupted by the twang of the halted projectile; its path was so close to his that it tossed his hair and left a shallow cut across his cheek. Something about its flight tugged loose the ancient cord which kept his hair in a tail; it came undone, leaving his untended mane to drape messily down his back. Mayhap sleep had dulled his senses for it took the knight an extra few seconds to respond, standing wide-eyed with fright and hope alike. It could have been anything that loosed the arrow, but any hint at their humanity restored his efforts to find others in the woods. Reid would find her 'fungal' acquaintance similarly winding through the brush after her, though his lack of familiarity with it all meant falling behind, if for a moment.
Jalsinter caught up with her just in time to watch her settle and throw the stone against the statue's chestpiece. He panted a bit, eyes darting between the trees around them in search of their mysterious assailant. It made sense to him that they might not immediately be found; if the arrow's path was purposeful, it would be in the bowman's best interest not to be in plain sight after the act. But in searching, his green eyes availed him little beyond the blurred, familiar treeline. He cursed his luck, and similarly that nobody thought to bury him with a pair of glasses.
He kept looking until his gaze fell upon a new set of eyes, just opening after years of dormancy. The knight felt a tug of empathy, watching the other man cough, and so when he started to scramble Jal closed the gap between them, hoping to steady him in his seat with a hand on the Sleeper's shoulder. It put him at an ideal angle to notice Aynor, as well.
Somewhere in the wilds of the mountains, there was a small, still-water pond that had once been fed by the brackish runoff of a narrow creek and was now all but cut off by a collapsed tree that was coated in fine white webs. In some season passed, this great cypress finally succumbed to the presence of a parasitic insect that had arrived in this land on the backs of travelers generations beyond the memory of any mortal bird or beast of the woodland. All then, except perhaps the very old and very wise, or those rare creatures who had been blessed by spirits and those mysterious beings the humans called Gods.
Among the latter of these creatures, was an ancient water fowl - a great snowy bird that somewhat resembled an egret, and was at present irritably stirring the surface of the water with their long, needle-like beak.
While the still-water made for a plentiful hunting grounds, fishing for brunch is hardly a glamorous affair, as the flashy frogs and patient spiders may have you believe. This is even more true when you are hungry, and tired, and do not particularly enjoy the taste of fish flies.
In what seemed like an instant, the white bird knocked her head back, feathers poofed. She shook her head like a tremor, and snapped down a thick, wriggling bug. Immediately afterwards she dipped her beak back in the water, lifted her head, and began to groom her feathers fussily. Evidently this was not an uncommon behavior - small patches of white were missing here and there along her body.
All at once, a great wind and horrible sound broke the silence of the otherwise quiet day, scattering in fear both the white bird and many of the other denizens of the lake.
The bird hopped away and flew quickly overhead, suspecting a huntsman or some unfamiliar predator. She wheeled far above the tree line faster than a boy could run, her eyes wild and cast about, as she sought out the source of the noise - and found it. Far below her, something very unusual was happening. She bore quiet witness as what seemed to be the gateway to another world opened, and somewhat gracelessly deposited it's passenger on to the unstable grounds below.
And promptly sent her careening into the depths of the earth.
The white bird watched all of this for a moment, and seemed to hesitate before gliding down to the pit and fluttering through the hole to investigate further.
Large white fowl are not often associated with stealthy or particularly sneaky behaviors, although this one was certainly trying their 'hand' at it. Staying what she hoped was a safe distance behind Lucy, the long-legged bird stalked after her, occasionally searching the tunnels around them for snacks.
Among the latter of these creatures, was an ancient water fowl - a great snowy bird that somewhat resembled an egret, and was at present irritably stirring the surface of the water with their long, needle-like beak.
While the still-water made for a plentiful hunting grounds, fishing for brunch is hardly a glamorous affair, as the flashy frogs and patient spiders may have you believe. This is even more true when you are hungry, and tired, and do not particularly enjoy the taste of fish flies.
In what seemed like an instant, the white bird knocked her head back, feathers poofed. She shook her head like a tremor, and snapped down a thick, wriggling bug. Immediately afterwards she dipped her beak back in the water, lifted her head, and began to groom her feathers fussily. Evidently this was not an uncommon behavior - small patches of white were missing here and there along her body.
All at once, a great wind and horrible sound broke the silence of the otherwise quiet day, scattering in fear both the white bird and many of the other denizens of the lake.
The bird hopped away and flew quickly overhead, suspecting a huntsman or some unfamiliar predator. She wheeled far above the tree line faster than a boy could run, her eyes wild and cast about, as she sought out the source of the noise - and found it. Far below her, something very unusual was happening. She bore quiet witness as what seemed to be the gateway to another world opened, and somewhat gracelessly deposited it's passenger on to the unstable grounds below.
And promptly sent her careening into the depths of the earth.
The white bird watched all of this for a moment, and seemed to hesitate before gliding down to the pit and fluttering through the hole to investigate further.
Large white fowl are not often associated with stealthy or particularly sneaky behaviors, although this one was certainly trying their 'hand' at it. Staying what she hoped was a safe distance behind Lucy, the long-legged bird stalked after her, occasionally searching the tunnels around them for snacks.
The newly awoken figure was held fast in his seat by Jalsinter's hand, protecting Aynor from getting squished. His was the first face that the sleeper focused on: the dramatic nose, intense green eyes, long straight dark hair. His own eyes flicked frantically and he raised a hand to loosely and clumsily grasp at Jalsinter's elbow. Several times he attempted to produce words, but only a dry wispy rattle emerged, followed by, "Wo ist ... who ... hhh, uh ... hhhurts ..."
Drip....drip....drip. A pair of eyes opened slowly, its owner not fully registering what was happening, sending their brain into panic until it...she, finally remembered where she was. Lucy felt the side of her face with a hand, feeling the wet slickness of whatever it was that had been dripping on her. As she grew more and more aware of her surroundings she realized just how dim it was, a sudden thought permeating through her as her head snapped to the once blazing fire, now a slowly dying collection of embers. Desperately she searched around for twigs, leaves, or fuel of any sorts, failing that she tried reigniting the fire to bring back its warm comforting flames, but it changed nothing. A small cry of hopelessness escaped her throat. If she couldn't see she'd never be able to open that door. She'd be forced to give up and retrace her path. As she huddled by the wall she brought her knees towards her chest wrapping her arms around them protectively as she watched the embers sputter and then finally, die.
As soon as the last ember was out a sudden blue light emerged, gentle but bright enough for her to see her surroundings clearly. Her heart pounding in her chest she slowly stood once more, not trusting her knees to carry her, and not truly believing the sight in front of her. Lines of a gentle blue outlined the door into sections, and each section into swirling patterns. Lucy wiped a stray tear before moving slowly towards the door. The more she studied the door the more her heart began to pound, she understood the patterns, each section relating to the next, she would have to move them around until they could be strung into a singular sequence. The dry taste in her throat and feeling of empty cold had left her by now, replaced with a feeling of excitement and giddiness. Her journey could continue, all she needed to do was fit the left piece to the final right piece and.......
A loud cranking noise reverberated throughout the tunnel as the door became lit in a golden light before slowly creaking backwards and then into a crevice in the walls. A small path lit by many colours and shades, each one slowly forming into a sort of mural. A story she could only partially make out. Blue circles in the middle of golden towers, green lines beside a grey pillar, reds and oranges, and finally a blue box with a grey figure inside it. Whatever it meant was lost as her attention was taken up by a chamber at the far end of the hall. Before she could make her way towards it she stopped. A sound of skittering had echoed from behind her, she wasn't alone. Bringing up her bow she spun around bringing forth an arrow and aiming into the dark corridor from which she came.
"I know not who you are, but I am not afraid. Show yourself" She yelled out to the darkness, listening as her voice echoed. She had made it this far, she wasn't about to let anything stop her.
As soon as the last ember was out a sudden blue light emerged, gentle but bright enough for her to see her surroundings clearly. Her heart pounding in her chest she slowly stood once more, not trusting her knees to carry her, and not truly believing the sight in front of her. Lines of a gentle blue outlined the door into sections, and each section into swirling patterns. Lucy wiped a stray tear before moving slowly towards the door. The more she studied the door the more her heart began to pound, she understood the patterns, each section relating to the next, she would have to move them around until they could be strung into a singular sequence. The dry taste in her throat and feeling of empty cold had left her by now, replaced with a feeling of excitement and giddiness. Her journey could continue, all she needed to do was fit the left piece to the final right piece and.......
A loud cranking noise reverberated throughout the tunnel as the door became lit in a golden light before slowly creaking backwards and then into a crevice in the walls. A small path lit by many colours and shades, each one slowly forming into a sort of mural. A story she could only partially make out. Blue circles in the middle of golden towers, green lines beside a grey pillar, reds and oranges, and finally a blue box with a grey figure inside it. Whatever it meant was lost as her attention was taken up by a chamber at the far end of the hall. Before she could make her way towards it she stopped. A sound of skittering had echoed from behind her, she wasn't alone. Bringing up her bow she spun around bringing forth an arrow and aiming into the dark corridor from which she came.
"I know not who you are, but I am not afraid. Show yourself" She yelled out to the darkness, listening as her voice echoed. She had made it this far, she wasn't about to let anything stop her.
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