Fantasy Aetherspark IC

[SilverFlight]

Korro caught a snowball in the snout and yelped like a dog. Deserved, seeing as he was the instigator. He grinned back and created even more snowballs for the group to throw.
He chucked one back at the cheetah and sent another at Blestare.

MageMantis

 

[MageMantis]

Quickclaw got in on the action, arriving at the hot spring in a black loincloth and black rags over her chest and cannon-balling into the water, a splash of warm blue engulfing Adelynn and Kanon. Blestare peaked from cover only to be pelted by a snowball from Korro in the face, comically flopping onto the water with a grand splash. Elixen swiftly ducked, barely dodging the snowball from Korro as Quickclaw pointed and laughed at Blestare, only to be interrupted and knocked over by a snowball to the snout courtesy of Elixen, who now bolted towards more snowy ammunition.

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

As Lena savored the last bites of her meal, Tonnie eagerly leaned in, curious about the secret behind her creations. After a thoughtful pause, Lena began to share her process.

"Well," she said with a spark in her eye, "it mostly stems from all the formulas and ideas swirling in my mind. When inspiration strikes, I head out to gather my ingredients—no matter how obscure they might be. Sometimes, I even get lucky and stumble upon a treasure trove of what I need, like when I found that rare acid!"

She leaned back slightly, gesturing towards a collection of small bottles on the table. "Once I have everything, I carefully measure and pour them into these little bottles—each one meticulously separated, of course. Then comes the fun part: I mix them with water and channel my magic to transform them into the ingredients I actually need. I always try to prepare at least a day or two in advance. This way, when the moment arrives, I’m not wasting time on the transformation—it’s much less draining, especially if I know the environment I’ll be working in."

Her passion was palpable, as she finished her bowl of food. She moved closer to Tonnie.” Do you know what?” She grabbed her hand and started to pull her towards the hot springs. “Let's talk about it more over here while we soak.” As they joined Adelynn and Kanon. Then Korro started to throw snowballs. Lena started to let out a wicked laugh, “so is that what we’re doing now”



Warren would eat three more bowls while listening to the others talk. He watched some of the others go over to the hot springs. Then he heard Aaliyah's wish and her response to Alika. He would start laughing at Alika. “That is a nice wish. I don't see a reason for me not to help you out with that.” he would then get up to go join Korro in the spring sitting across from him. He would rest his head looking up at the night sky as he did, it could be saying that he had a strange brand on his chest over his heart. “ It really is nice to just sit back and relax like this before a long trip or journey wouldn't you agree Korro?” Warren watched Korro making snowballs and throwing them he thought it was funny. He would avoid any that came his way while telling Aaliyah to take cover.


MageMantis SilverFlight Noble Scion Fangs9090

 

[Fangs9090]

Adelynn was about to throw another snowball before a splash melted it out of her hand. She was confused for a moment before Kanon placed a snowball in her hand to replace it. Kanon watched Adelynn continue with the snowball fight before glancing at Lena. “Even adults must indulge in playing sometimes.”

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver giggled at Korros mischief as he looked down at the water "I don't mind water, it's very pretty it's just um...I don't know how to swim" he said feeling incredibly embarrassed, it seemed like such a simple skill that every adventurer should have yet...Denver did not possess it. He sighed a bit and laid back on the cool grass looking up at the heavens as he slowly drifted to sleep.

Denver opened his eyes again, now back in this void. "What happened?" he asked himself looking around, The last time he came here he had almost died, was he dying again? It didn't seem likely, he felt fine. He looked around for his mother but this time she did not appear. Just the soft quiet echo of her voice. It seemed to be calling for Denver, Like a siren calling to wayward sailors. The goat slowly went through the star-filled void until he stopped. Floating in front of him was...something? I shined like a star. Denver could hear it whispering, not his mother's voice...it seemed to be a symphony of voices, some feeling familiar and others completely foreign.

The voices all said different things. And that's when he realized, the voices were his own. "Did you think your stupid wish would impress the others?" one asked harshly as Denver looked down, "Completly useless, can't even make it through a battle without fainting" another growled.

"Do you think you'd have a chance with him?"
​

This voice was not harsh. It was scared... Like all of Denver's self-doubt bundled into one small, scared child. Finally, Denver responded, "I-I don't know," he said, lying down. He stared up at the stars as the ball of light took the shape of Denver. The other goat was made of stars and space clouds. The two of them lay next to each other for the longest time. Just laying there in silence. Finally, star Denver spoke up "Arnet you scared?" He asked looking at Denver who chuckled "Of course...Im terrified" he said pointing up at the starry sky and seeming to move them with his hand. "I was scared when It was just me I had to protect but now...Now I don't know what to do..." he said as Star-Denver chuckled, reaching up and holding Denver's hand "But...we don't have to be alone now." The star goat said looking up as Denver smiled a bit.

"We never liked being alone," Star-Denver said as The goat sighed "no...No we didn't," he said lazily as he closed his eyes again. The celestial goat asked one last question "Do we love him?" he asked as Denver smiled a bit "I think we do" he said slowly.

MageMantis SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Denver's admission of not being able to swim made Korro frown.
"If we're going anywhere near pirates on this quest...I think you'd best learn." He was about to suggest Denver get into the water, but the goat lay back and closed his eyes.
Thinking he was simply resting, Korro let him be, only watching is calm breaths for a moment before turning back to the fray.

Korro saw Blestare fall over, and then he did something he hadn't done in a very long time...he laughed.
The sensation was both alien and familiar and he reflected on his surprise until Warren came to sit across from him.
"It is." Korro answered pensively. "You know, this won't be easy..."
Korro noted the mark on Warren's chest. "What's that?"

He waited until the man had answered, then glanced back to check on Denver. The goat still wasn't moving. Korro laid one ear back in concern. He hoisted himself out of the water and leaned closer to the goat, checking his breathing.
"Hey, hey! Are you all right?"

Spoiler: from Denver's perspective

Stern LuLuLu Gummy Worm

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Aaliyah would watch Korro make his strange spheres, only for one to be launched at her face as Elixen would catch her unawares.

"Ack-!"

The little ball of ice would hit its mark, smacking into Aaliyah square on the nose as she'd let out an injured yelp like a dog that had just been kicked, unused to the cold as she'd instantly slink into the water and retreat to Warren's side to join him in the non-participation, a hand rubbing her nose as she'd sulk next to he half-elf, scowling at the cheetah woman she had saved.

She wasn't amused.

"That was cold! I thought she was nice too... I do my best to be nice to everyone and they treat me like this! Can you believe her, sir Warren?! And why would that wolf arm his allies?" Aaliyah would whine to the geomancer from underneath the sauna waters, her voice muffled somewhat by the liquid as it would bubble up to him.

MageMantis Stern LuLuLu SilverFlight

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver would slowly open his eyes, waking up from his dream? vision? He didnt quite know what to call it but it was pleasent. as he opened his eyes he jumped a bit, that temporary fear was quickly replaced by a happy smile as he giggled. "Yes im ok Korro" he said with a smile as he sat up and just...looked at Korro. Studying his face for a minute before feeling his face heat up as he looked away "I-I just dozed off"

SilverFlight

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Warren listened to the question that was asked of him by Korro. Oh, this is just a pause for a moment.” I guess you could say it’s kinda like the ring around your neck for me given to me by my mentor and the main person who raised me at my monastery. She was big on strength and the dark arts, so I got this. It just deals out punishment if I lose or pass out. But I can’t do anything about it, so I just deal with it.”

He would then look at Aaliyah and gently rub her nose.” He’s not trying to harm us. This is just a game us on the surface play whenever it snows. Granted, it’s more of a kid's thing, but you’re never too old to have a little bit of fun.” he would then reach out and gather up enough snow to make a small snowball to throw back at Korro but the weight was a little off and it ended up hitting Denver the small goat.”Oof that wasn’t my target but close enough.”

Noble Scion Gummy Worm MageMantis SilverFlight

 

[MageMantis]

Tonnie listened to Helena's method, intrigued by her details. She hoped that she would get a chance to practice replicating the Fae's process. Helena then took her by the hand and suggested that they go for a swim, shockwaves of terror rippling through Tonnie from hat-to-boots as she gently slipped from the Alchemist's grasp.

"Oh, I am afraid I cannot do that mate." Nervously begun she. "My kind, when we make contact with water we...melt." Explained the Witchblood.

Meanwhile, Barracuda remained at the campfire, examining the Map of Rekronia the Lyrenians had given them. Their destination was marked by a light green circle, along with numerous cautions they should beware along their quest. Steel-Mage sat on a log, equipped with a new metal prosthetic leg and foot that he had purchased back in Lyrenia. He looked to the others, "I do not have a wish. My creators promised me that if I locate the Aetherspark, I will get to kill the servants of evil on my way to the objective. I cannot disclose the identity of my creators nor their aspirations, but we will intersect with their domain during our quest to the southwest shores. If it benefits your mission, you can converse with them."

"Hmph." Barracuda grunted as he examined the map, mentally noting that they would have to make one detour during their quest.

At the hot spring, Elixen slammed her tail into two balls of snow, the two projectiles barreling at Warren and Kanon with eagerness. Elixen held her ground, determined to win this competition.

Stern LuLuLu Fangs9090

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon took a snowball to the side of the face while she was distracted before narrowing her eyes. Let it not be said she didn’t have a bit of competitive spirit. With a shared look between her and Adelynn, the two of them both focused their snowballs on Elixen.

 

[SilverFlight]

Denver's startle surprised Korro so much he recoiled, overbalanced and fell backwards straight into the pool.
He resurfaced spitting water and then shook his hackles, spraying everyone nearby.
Korro felt stupid, he had no reason to be worried about Denver. "Right well...good." He stammered, sinking lower into the spring to hide his embarrassment.

He turned back to Warren, now with the princess at his side. "Does your mentor really believe punishing you after losing a fight would make you a better fighter?..What sort of punishment?" Korro wasn't really one to pry, but if it was going to affect Warren's ability in combat, he wanted to know.

When the snowball missed him he was about to gloat, then he saw it had hit Denver. A roguish glint appeared in his golden eyes.
"Oh, picking a fight with the unarmed huh?" Korro over-dramatized the incident with enthusiasm. He caught an armful of warm water and sent it at Warren, aiming it just so, so as to avoid the mermaid, who did not seem like she was enjoying the game.
He caught Elixen's attack on Warren out of the corner of one eye and sent another snowball hurtling back towards her.

Stern LuLuLu Gummy Worm MageMantis

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver took the snowball to the side and giggled to himself as he sat up, he listened to the wolf give his dramatic speech before pulling his legs out of the water and moving farther onto dry land. he was going to let his friends have fun while he worked on his magic. Denver pet the sleeping mantis by his side and opened his grimoire. he decided to work on his telekinesis, reading his book he looked over at one of the empty bowls and took a deep breath, having it go into the air and holding it for a while. It was quite easy for Denver...he needed something heavier to really practice with.

SilverFlight

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Lena would remember that Tonnie is witch blood.”Oh yeah, I forgot well that's unfortunate. So what about you how do you go about things? You seem capable and strong. do you plan on taking out everything from this trip back to your people to win the war?” Lena said that she took a dip into the water.

Korro would follow-up question somewhat caught Warren off guard never had to describe it. “Yes, she did think that it would make me stronger in a way it did. If anything, because of it, that is the reason why here today.If I had to describe it, it feels like having a beast, rip my chest open and eat my heart or at least that’s what she said it should feel like.”

Warren would then take hits from two sides one from Korro and the other from Elixen.
” Alright let's do this!” Warren would grab some snowballs that began to target the both of them plus Kanon.

MageMantis Fangs9090 SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro put his arm up to shield himself as he threw a snowball back. At length they ran down the ammunition to nothing and Korro was content he had caused enough mischief.
"That sounds truly awful." Korro admitted to Warren honestly, when he explained the sensation of his punishment. It made the ring about Korro's neck seem tame in comparison.

Not long after that Korro could feel the heat begin to seep into his bones uncomfortably. A short dip was heaven, but Korro's tolerance for prolonged heat was low. He pulled himself out of the pool and gathered his old tunic. Once in place back behind the bushes, he removed the bating robe and rung it out. Then, he put both hands together and froze every drop of water in his coat. He shook fiercely, sending a cloud of powdery snow to frost the leaves around him.

Changed and clean, Korro returned to the fire, getting out a sleeping roll and throwing his armour haphazardly on top of it.
He yawned and glanced about the campsite, assessing it's safety.
"We could use a night watch." He commented idly, more to himself than anyone else.

Korro walked to the edge of camp and scented the air. He lifted his head back and howled. The sound faded into the night, and then suddenly, it was returned.
He did not have to wait long before a pair of wild wolves appeared just outside of the campfire's light. Korro could tell there were more in the darkness, hiding just beyond his sight.
To anyone watching, Korro spoke not a word, but his ears twitched and he growled and snorted, and the wolves listened intently. Then he threw them the remainder of the fish he had collected from the fireside.

The wolves ran in to take the fish. He could count all of them now: Twelve. A mother, father, and three generations of pups. They took the trade, and agreed to keep watch over the camp for the night.
The wolves vanished after that, but Korro knew they were there, and would alert him if anyone approached. By morning, they would be gone.

Korro came back to his roll and lay down on his back, staring up at the stars beyond the canopy.
He had only taken a handful of breaths, before dark voices came unbidden from the back of his mind.

You can try as hard as you like, but eventually, they will turn on you...when they discover what you really are...

Stern LuLuLu MageMantis

 

[MageMantis]

The four snowballs collided into the Cheetah as she sheepishly sat there bobbing in the water. Her targeting everyone had made her a primary target.

Tonnie looked to Helena, "Oh, I just hope to aid the Levron Keepers the best that I can. Oh and also, I am not affiliated with the affairs of the rest of my kind. I was banished from my tribe at a young age because I was not content with doing everything by the book. I was rubbish at following orders." Revealed she, a tinge of shame in her voice that she tried to suppress.

Soon, Quickclaw and Blestare finished pelting each other with snowballs and went to re-dress in privacy. Elixen, Quickclaw, and Blestare returned to the warmth of the campfire, preparing for a night's rest. Quickclaw turned her head to Korro as he lied on his back, gazing at the starry night. She had heard him unveil his past as a Warmonger on the icy mount earlier, sensing the anxiety of in his eyes of the ones who weren't aware.

"Psst..." Whispered Quickclaw. "Between you-and-me, you may have mercilessly killed a lot of people, but you saved a lot of people too. By stopping the Entomancer, we saved millions of innocent people. I would say you have redeemed yourself." Quickclaw quietly comforted, a smile written on her face.

Stern LuLuLu SilverFlight

 

[LustrousFox]

"you may not think I can tell but I can tell that you may not happen to believe in the rooster god...look at lest it can be a nice gift for a friend and a significant order if you have one." he gave enough a familiar emotless and unamused tone to them before simply walking away to go fight some buggies, returning back to normal once it was done as a to float in chaos with everyone else, ultimately making a campfire as Julian in a non-glowing state as he simply laid his lower body on a rock and admired fire from a distance, it was simply too destructive for him yet it was a beautiful thing to him when it flicker then wave into the air without a care, he was a firm believer that the beautiful things are always the most destructive things, not that he was a mix between both, a peaceful and gorgeous to destructive with and abled be able lot of people in a violent way only when there's a physical threat near to him and others. just like how a pendulum swing in the wind, he also had his own pendulum as one side swings for him to do good another side swings for him to do bad, depicted as a fear-inducing entity when it comes to nightmares but yet a shining line of hope when it came to dream, a embodiment of sweet dreams are also haunting nightmares.

jumping about in the grass with no mine as a zoomed across as a snow leopard was doing what they like to do best of hunting and catching the ones that she wanted to keep in little jars and release once back in the while that she didn't happen to connect with, shaking there little booty and wagging their tail while pouncing in the air to carefully catch all the new potential buggy friends, telling himself "I'm going to get ya!" here and there, they were completely zoned out from the world around them and into their own little reality where there truly a peace, a full grown adult with childlike innocence when even face with the most traumatic things as they were naturally like that the moment they were born then actually this be any sort of trauma holding for them.​

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver watched Korro for a minute before turning back to his study. he read his book for a minute before letting out a frustrated sigh and he dropped it. "It doesn't make sense...You've manifested yourself in the cosmos yet you can make something heavier than a bowl float?" he thought to himself as he covered his face and laid back in the grass staring up at the stars, What did this all mean? What did his visions mean? What were the stars telling him?

Denver laid back for a while before hearing a shuffle in the bushes. He sat up and looked around, a wolf? No...too small to be a wolf. Denver crossed his legs as he tried to peer into the bushes before something pounced on him. Denver was pinned down with a hand over his mouth as he looked up. Standing above Denver was a Possum. A grey possum dressed in traditional thieves garnets. He held out a golden saber to the goat's neck "Make any noise and ill be feeding you to the orcs" he snarled. his tiny voice failing to be threatening, he didn't look much younger than Denver, only about 18. He was about half the size of Denver yet he managed to hold him down quite well.

The Possum scanned the campsite to see if he'd been noticed then looked back down at the goat, specifically, the golden bell around his neck. "This." he said with a smirk "Take it off, It looks expensive," he said to which Denver replied by pushing the possum off. and turning to call for help. However the possum acted faster, his pink tail whipping around Denvers ankle and pulling him back. He covered the goats mouth again and pressed the sword against his throat "Nice try, don't pull anything slick goat-boy" he said as Denver gave up the fight, letting him take the collar off him. The possom then looked around "What else do you have? Dont keep me waiting, Im not patient" he snarled as Denver groaned and looked at him "Let me get to my bag and ill give everything I have" he said making sure to stay quiet.

The possum was clearly not too bright, since he let the goat up. Denver started towards his bag and suddenly dived for his staff, casting a levitation spell and holding the possum in the air as he kicked and fought "A LITTLE HELP?!?" he yelled over at the rest, Denver wanted answers from this possum but he couldn't restrain him by himself.

MageMantis SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro flicked his ears back when the lizard woman began to speak, but as she continued, he realized she was being nice to him. He glanced over, his expression a mixture of sadness and shame.
"If only it were that simple." He answered, returning her smile with one of his own, only this one was filled with regret.

Just then a yell reached his ears. It was Denver's voice!
Korro was off like a shot, charging in the direction of the voice.
He burst through the greenery and seized the levitating possum by the scruff with an enraged snarl, showing all of his snow-white teeth.
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't tear you in HALF!" He roared at the unfortunate beast.

The wolves he'd set to scout loped into view and Korro turned on them with a ferocious growl.
And YOU. Didn't I say to warn me if anyone approached?! What use are you?

The wolves whined and fidgeted with their tails low.
He was here when you gave us the order! We thought he was with you!

The wolf warrior sighed. "Useless."
He rounded on the possum, looking very much like he would prefer ending the creature then and there, and likely would, if no one stopped him.

Gummy Worm

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon was one of the last to leave the hot spring, but eventually followed after Adelynn. The both of them took quite some time trying to get dry, and by the time they did and got dressed again, the found the camp in a commotion. It seemed they had an intruder, but a small one that had already been apprehended. Kanon headed over to investigate, and help if needed. Adelynn followed behind her, mostly just curious.

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

"O-oh." Aaliyah would mumble back to Warren's explanation as she'd nuzzle his hand, somewhat surprised by his touch but finding it inoffensive as she'd watch the rest of the 'fight' pass on without much interest. She didn't like being hurt, and she definitely wanted to avoid hurting others, so she'd continue to slink around in the waters next to Warren while doing her best to avoid anything being flung her way.

Though she couldn't help but feel immensely satisfied seeing Elixen get pelted by the multitude of counterattacks.

Before long, the fighting ended with the main perpretrators returning to the warmth of the campfire, Aaliyah joining them as she'd jump out of the water and plod her way to the nearest log, her entire visage seemingly to glow with health now that she was hydrated, compared to their journey to the entomancer.

"Night watch? Aren't we safe this close?" Aaliayh would ask at Korro's mention of guard duty as he'd return, surprised at how quickly he'd dry himself. Though she wouldn't have long to wait for an answer as Denver's cry would send the wolf-man sprinting over to the goat, Aaliyah turning to face the floating creature and a very upset Korro.

"H-hold on! Hear the little fellow out first. Denver's okay after all!" Aaliyah would call over, sympathetic to her core as she'd start making her way to the three.

"Creature, explain yourself, or I fear I won't be able to hold back Sir Korro's wrath..."

Stern LuLuLu Gummy Worm SilverFlight MageMantis

 

[MageMantis]

Elixen sprang to her feet, searching for the source of the commotion before sprinting over like a speeding arrow and skidding to a halt at the scene. Blestare and Quickclaw ran over, assuming fighting stances. However, when they saw that the conflict had been mostly disarmed they promptly dropped their guards.

Blestare watched, silently agreeing with Aayliah as he stared at the Possumfolk footpad with pity. Elixen looked from Aayliah, the thief, and then Korro, "She is right. He is more useful to us alive." Said the Cheetah. Akila twirled her khopeshes as she slithered to the altercation, ready to slit throats only to droop in disappointment to see that the conflict had mostly ceased.

 

[Gummy Worm]

"Gah!!" The possum yelled as Denver panted and stood up, the rodent swung his sword uselessly. "P-Put me down! Put me down!!!" he pleaded with a growl as Denver looked at him, pity in his eyes as he looked at the possum "Why did you attack me?" he asked as the possum growled "Im just trying to get some cash, gotta eat to live y'know?" he said crossing his arm "J-just let me go! Ill do whatever you want!!"

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon crossed her arms. “You are quick to promise that, but would you really follow through?”

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro didn't seem convinced in the least. He looked towards the wolves he had employed.
"I could feed him to the pack," Korro suggested. Swinging the creature towards the beasts, who looked up hopefully. In the end Korro's anger began to subside. Aaliyah was right, Denver seemed unhurt, and the possum didn't seem like much of a threat at all.

He looked to Denver to make the final call.

Gummy Worm Stern LuLuLu MageMantis Fangs9090