Fantasy A Horrid Yet Wonderful World

[Zelda18]

Daire eyed the girl worriedly, confused by the sudden shift in her mood. "That's... troubling," she muttered. "Why on earth would anyone want to wake the Atanka?" She asked dryly, her yellow eyes widening. "The seals should keep it safe... and I doubt the royal family would allow anything to happen to it."


She nodded understandingly at mention of the crowd. "Yeah, bad energy," she agreed, pouting slightly. "It doesn't do well to be among so many people when..." She trailed off, mentioning vaguely to her wings. "Still, it's troubling that there's people out there who want to awaken the Atanka. Do you believe all the legends?"

 

[A Guileless Fable]

"You're no good either." she muttered, her eyes lazily looking over the pathetic excuse for a human who laid crying at her feet. His soul reeked of desperation as the pale spirit swayed frantically in response to every one of her movements. Eloise payed no mind to the pigs constant squealing and cries for help no matter how annoying his groveling became. Only a few inches away from the struggling man, she quickly close the gap in between until her boot was nearly an inch away from his face. The man jumped at her sudden approach, tears falling from his eyes as a wretched odor filled the air. Wait .. did he just piss himself? Scrunching her nose at the distasteful scent she took one more look at his body trying to find some redeeming qualities within this living sack of meat. They're weren't any. Clicking her tongue, she had no more use for the scrawny human in front of her. What a shame too. He was quite young, maybe in his early twenties, his face was quite charming to day the least, and his eyes were a simply beautiful shade of green. If only he had worked out a but more and put a little bit more meat on his bones would he have been worth dismembering. Well, she had to admit that he did look increasingly better with those two fine cuts on his legs that destroyed his tendons. His face, what was once charming, was not a beauty with the newly acquired scars that danced on top of his nose and lower eyelid. Maybe she should go into the cosmetics when all this is said and done. Oh well.


"P-p-please! Please spare me! I won't tell anyone about this. Just PLEASE LET ME GO!" he hollered, his snot dripping down from his nose with a tiny spec falling onto her boot. A vein popped onto her forehead as she saw the disgusting green fluid touch her precious shoes which resulted in a kick to his mouth. Blood began to squirt from the newly open wounds on this man's mouth transforming his crying to an extremely loud yelling that simply was too loud for Eloise to bear. Instinctively, she grabbed her staff and slammed the sharpened edge onto his head finally shutting up the annoying peasant.


"You can go now, but only if you say you love me." she offered, the man no longer responsive. "Come on now. You want me to let you go right?" she teased, continuous stabbing his head waiting for his reply.


"Hmph. Must not want to leave me as badly as I thought." she sighed, removing the tipped end of her staff from cranium pulling out little pieces of his brain as well as creating a beautiful trail of blood that began sliding down the deceased face making him look better than before. Hmmmm, now what to do? This was an utter waste of time. Should I head back to the capital? she thought, nonchalantly walking towards a large black casket in which she opened to place her staff in. She stared lovingly at the contents of her casket, holding herself back from immediately jumping inside. Resisting her urges, she gave her attention to the white pieces of clothing that rested on the top of the tilting casket and quickly changed into them seeing as her current attire was covered in blood. Maybe she should wash it before heading back ... no that would take up to much time. Deciding against taking a detour to a river, she quickly changed into the pure white garments finishing it all off with a headdress that covered 3/4th of her face excluding her mouth. In this get up, she appeared to be a traveling nun/clergy although she had little to no knowledge of the use of healing magic she could still play her role well. Once she finished dressing, she neatly folded her clothes and placed it into a small compartment inside the coffin, her eyes once again staring at the contents of is. A smile graced the girl's lip as she slowly closed the lid as to not miss a single moment of the glory she was witnessing until she sealed the casket shut. Kissing the lid, a flash of death energy sealed the lid as to make sure the scent of her bloodied clothes would not seep out of it wonderful new home.


With that, she exited the luscious forest of the kingdom and made her way to the capital with the casket in tow. It didn't take long for her to reach the bustling streets of the city, Eloise examining the area from underneath her cloth. So many people, but none of them rose above the category of adequate while other falling lower in their categorization. Maneuvering through the sea of peasants, she noticed a large gathering near the pillory which normally put criminals up for display listing out the number of crimes they've committed. She made it a thing to avoid going there knowing that she was a wanted person as well, but for some reason her curiosity got the better of her. Who is it this time? A Murderer? War Criminal? Rogue Mage? she thought as she scurried towards the pillory where she pushed through the raging crowds of bystander. Upon the stand was an elf with a face of full of tomato thrown by one of the members in the audience.


"Oh my? What is someone from the church doing here?" a stray voice ask from behind, warranting her attention. It was a frail woman who seemed to be in her late forties or early fifties. Rather hefty, one could easily tell that she was quite the stunning maiden in her younger years.


Silently clicking her tongue, she turned she bashfully replied," I'm a traveling clergywoman ... I wanted to see what all the commotion was about and I just..." she paused allowing the woman to put the pieces together.


"Oh no it's quite alright. It's just not normal to see a member of the church in the crowd opposed to on the stage." she stopped to pointed towards the elf before continuing," Well bet you're glad you didn't have to deal with a bastard like him." she said, her eyes furrowing as she glared at the elf with such malice that she seemed acquainted with the art of killing.


"That scoundrel! The use of Necromancy is ..." Eloise stopped listening as she heard the word "Necromancy". A necromancer here in the capital?! she thought, a smile crawling across her face at this discovery. She didn't think she would find another one of her kind here, and surely not in such a state as this.


"Right nun? ... Nun?" the other asked, causing Eloise to jump in response.


"Y-yeah. But I do believe that there is always a chance to redeem oneself in the eyes of the lord." she said, the old woman seeming quite skeptical at her words.


"The lord is to generous." she muttered, Eloise diving deeper into the crowd of savage people until she pushed her way to the front. Although her face was covered, she stared deeply into the eyes of this rather useful specimen. He wasn't what she needed, but he could definitely be more useful alive then waiting two weeks to be executed for hypocrisy. Maybe it would do her some good to help a fellow comrade in need. Who knows. She might even get something extraordinary in return.


@Eye Of Magnus


(Not a lot of interaction but eh intro is finished.)

 

[WolfsbaneRain]

Kaylen looked at the girl, listening quietly, up until she mentioned the legends. " It is not just a legend!" Again her anger was visible, but under control. "Atanka is a monster and everything about him is true. There is no room to doubt." She looked but at the girl. Not wanting to scare her way, but struggling with the skepticism.

 

[Zelda18]

Daire waved her hands in front of her, her tone apologetic as she spoke. "Whoa, you don't need to tell me that. 'Legends' are just what us peasants call it. I believe it... but I'm probably one of the few. A lot of people seem to think that it's a fear tactic the royal family uses to control us." She shook her head slowly, biting down on her lower lip. "But that makes no sense. They haven't asked us to do anything because of the Atanka." She laughed shakily, trying to lighten the mood. "I'd be a fool not to believe. How many changlings have you seen in your lifetime? We're legends, too."

 

[Charlie12520]

The sound of vigorous merchants and boisterous children echoed through the broken windows of Adrian's home and into his bedroom. He yawned. Just before, four men dressed in dark cloaks had announced a fate worse then hell as if it were a piece in a stand-up comedy. Perhaps by magic, the man's voice struck Adrian from a place far away. Now, with the merchants outside, he could not possibly fall back asleep for a nap, a third time. More then five generations have passed, so what could those mage upstarts possibly do to an egg, that is not only hidden behind the royal guard itself, but also shrouded in a mystical spell? However, Adrian knew the bold stand from the mages prompted action. He will let the guard finish off the cult, but he will not stand down to watch. Glancing outside and seeing the citizens, Adrian scratched his head and headed downstairs.


Strapping his longsword to his back whilst grabbing an orange from the kitchen, Adrian prepared himself. Looking through his purse, he counted just enough for another fruit. He sighed. Perhaps it was not the best idea to forego a place in the guard from his father, even for adventure that he so desired.


The royal guard will deal with the cult, and he will talk to the people downstairs, and perhaps land a job.

 

[WolfsbaneRain]

Kaylen gave the girl a little smirk, but not a complete happy face, she wasn't won over just yet. "I just don't understand why people don't beleive. It all happened, I know it did. I mean why else would there be stories. Not to mention that those crazy, monsters of men are trying to bring Atanka back!" Kaylen crossed her arms and followed her eyes, looking to the ground. She hated this, this entire scenario. She had to make sure Atanka doesn't come back. What would be the point of all her families sacrifices if he didn't stay trapped in the little egg?


Kaylen felt her anger bubbling up again, but she worked to contro it. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath she finally made her decision. "I can't let them just bring Atanka back. I need to do something about it." She said ta with her eys still closed, not necessarily to the girl, just to herself. However, it was loud enough for the girl to hear. @Zelda18

 

[KittenSpankTank]

Maru Stepped from a tavern, looking out into the bustling crowd. She shielded her eyes from the blinding sun, her mind lost in thought of the strange group of men from before. She muttered in her native tongue to herself, reaching in her sack which dangled at her hip and pulling a pear from it.


"Ka'ruk no to bo ku la lin so"


("those men...trouble me....")


She took a large bite from the pear, gulping it down. She leaned against the tavern doorway, Arun circling her feet, hopeing for a scrap of pear. She smiled, and leaned down, giving him a quick bite of her pear. A few peasants walking by stared at the odd looking foreigner, but continued to go about their day to day activities. Arun purred a bit, and nestled agianst Maru's leg, absorbing back into her tattoo. Pulling her hood over her head to shield the sun, Maru began to walk through the town, center. her bangle bracelets and coin purse jingled with every step.

 

[Charlie12520]

Adrian could barely contain his disappointment.


"Are you completely sure?" he asked the fruit merchant, desperation staining his words. The sun was high in the sky - it was nearly noon, and hunger creeped in like a snake.


"Yes, absolutely. We do not need any more workers. Also, even if we did," the merchant said, almost with a sarcastic tone,"you are horrendous at barter and lack any expierence whatsoever in this field. Now, unless you want something else, please leave."


Adrian nodded and reached into his purse, and tossed the merchant what remained. "Give me an orange, and take the rest as a tip, I suppose. I can't buy anything with it, anyways." The merchant shrugged, and handed Adrian what might be his last meal for a long time.


As Adrian peeled the orange, he headed towards the castle. Perhaps, he thought, the guard will reconsider his denial. He certainly didn't look forward to the conversation. However, before he could turn the corner which lead the mighty palace, a woman clad with a red cloth and covered with tattoes caught his eye. Or, more accurately, her coin purse and bracelets filled his ears with a fercocious crackle. A foriegner, obviously.


He had seen many foriegners, many of them within the town walls. But foriegners that could feed themselves all whilst dressed as a tribal warrior? None. Maybe she is here looking for workers, in a town filled with them.


Perhaps to avoid the palace, perhaps to roll the dice for a job, Adrian walked up behind the woman and tapped her shoulder lightly. "Excuse me, miss, what's your name? I need a job with pay, are you, by chance, offering one?"


@KittenSpankTank

 

[KittenSpankTank]

Maru stopped in her tracks upon feeling the touch of a stranger. She turned around, and stared at the man.She reached up, and pulled the hood from her head, revealing her bright white-blonde mane, and her braids cascaded down her back. Her gaze met his, in a deep, solemn stare.


In a thick accent, Maru spoke


"Who are you, One whom i have yet to meet"


She placed her hands upon her hips, cocking her head to the side. she examined the man, looking him up and down. Her bracelets and earrings jingled in the breeze, and Arun slithered from a tattoo on her Shoulder, proceeding to climb across the span of her back before absorbing back into another tattoo.





"Job? Did you ask? Job?"





Maru muttered to herself in her home tongue, still with an un-wavering stare focused on the man.


@Charlie12520

 

[Charlie12520]

Adrian, momentarily stunned by the foriegner's lizard (which seemed to be absorbed by the woman's skin) as well as her white hair, nodded his head as a reply.


"My name is Adrian Shrapshort. And yes, I am looking for a job. Y'know, where one person pays another for labor? Are you offering one?" he said, standing straight and confidently as well.


Pausing, Adrian noted that she still has not said her name. Rubbing his neck, he asked, "What would you like to be called by?"


@KittenSpankTank

 

[Zelda18]

"Action would be best, but what can we do against those who would free him? Or even know who they are? We'd need that information from the royal family or guard..." Daire trailed off, speaking in a soothing tone as to not awaken this girl's anger. She shifted her long black hair out of her face impatiently, her yellow eyes sincere. "I want to help you, I just don't know what we could do." @WolfsbaneRain

 

[WolfsbaneRain]

Kaylen looked at Daire with ambition in her eyes....but no knowing what to do about it. "I do not know either, honest. There is no way we will be able to defeat the with just the two of us. The first step that should be taken would be to form a party. However I do no have any idea past that, or even hoe to recruit strong people." She said with disappointment. She was stuck.


@Zelda18

 

[KittenSpankTank]

Maru scoffed a bit.


Yes, i know what Job is, how do you say, Adrian?


She smiled a bit, and gently plucked her braid that clung to her side, playing with it and running its finger down her length. She was a bit dumbfounded by Adrians confidence, and yet, impressed as well. She had since gave up her merchant ways, for a more peaceful, almost retired life. after all, she had more than enough to live from for the rest of her days in the kingdom. yet, she was intrigued by the man. perhaps, he could run a few menial task for her? He had to, after all, be pretty desperate to come to her for a job. most people who weren't already aware of what she had sold in the past, were intimidated by her. hearing him ask her name agian, she stated with a thick accent.


I am Miakuna La Bo Kuna Maru. But most, Call me Maru. So, Adrian, what Can you do?

 

[Charlie12520]

Adrian Shrapshort - Town Center


Ah, this question. He knew it so very well, perhaps because all the people downstairs asked him this only a few minutes ago. Adrian was prepared, and he was ready to answer.


And so, Adrian rattled off his words as if he were an actor reading a beautifully developed script.


"I'm strong. I'm tough. I can handle any blunt jobs you would like me to, Maru. But, at heart, I am a warrior. A spellsword, even. I have a most excellent grasp of magic to complement my almost legendary swordsmanship. Therefore, if you have any adventures," Adrian said, thinking about the mages from before,"especially regarding those mages from before, I would love to join you. What do you think?"


Adrian finished it off with a gleaming smile. Of course, he had exaggerated his abilities, but he didn't suppose Maru could possibly tell.


@KittenSpankTank

 

[WolfsbaneRain]

In her deep thought of desperation Kaylen had a thought that was like a ray of sunshine in a storm to her. She sharply turned her head up to the girl a look of hope in her eyes. "I know what we can do. To the castle. if we are able to convince the Royal Highness then there would be nothing to stop us!" She excitement was almost contagious, it seemed to brighten the very garden that they were standing in. Nothing at all would be able to stop them. They could actually do it.


@Zelda18