Fantasy Aetherspark IC

[MageMantis]

“Understood.” Responded Barracuda. He walked back to his sleeping roll, climbing inside and letting his consciousness temporarily slip away. As the stars glimmered over the mercenaries’ camp, Elixen prowled the outskirts of it alongside Warren for the night watch as their comrades slept. “If you do not mind me asking, where did you learn your Geomancy Warren?” Asked the Cheetah.

Stern LuLuLu Fangs9090

 

[Fangs9090]

With that settled, Kanon settled back down to sleep. She trusted those keeping watch to…well, keep watch. She would need her energy for the journey ahead.

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

As Warren stood watch under the starlit sky, he was petting he was petting on the wolves helping them when Elixen approached him, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. Where did you learn your geomancy? She inquired, her tone inviting him to share his story.

He paused, searching for the right words. “I learned it at the temple,” he started, his thoughts drifting back to his past. “I grew up in a place where only the strong could survive, a ruthless environment where weakness was a death sentence. That’s how I see it now, with some distance. There were several temples like it, each with its own harsh teachings. Whatever knowledge you seek, you had to earn it, painstakingly.”

Warren turned to face her, a hint of melancholy in his gaze before he went back to normal ways. “But what about you? Where did you hone your skills? Or will you tell me they all come naturally?”

MageMantis

 

[MageMantis]

Elixen walked alongside Warren whilst occasionally glancing off into the forests, “My parents taught me how to fight and hunt in the Savannah of Ta’Komb, but life is the greatest teacher of them all.” Explained she as she walked diligently, careful not to trample on any daises.

“It is amazing, is it not?” Begun she, gazing up at the stars. “Everything around us has a story, from every blade of grass to every bird in the sky. When we die, our bodies will contribute to birthing new life. Every one of us is a thread in the web of life. It is why we must fight to protect it, for every castle is dependent on its foundations.” Explained she.

Stern LuLuLu

 

[Fangs9090]

The scent of cooked food still drifted through the air beyond the camp. Food outside the city was rare, but it was usually less guarded. And even if you’re seen, you won’t be swarmed by the guards when someone yells. The rat girl slinking through the shadows wouldn’t turn down an easy meal, or any meal, really. Though she soon saw that this one wouldn’t be quite so easy. There were wolves pacing around, maybe drawn to the scent as well. She stayed low and out of sight, watching them. Like any patrol, there was a pattern. One would pass one way, then another the other way. Soon another would pass as well. Eventually, she found the biggest gap in their overlapping paths. As soon as that gap came again, she moved, quickly and quietly towards the source of that smell. She was quite good at moving quietly. Her life depended on it, so she had no choice but to get good. She lived from one meal to the next, dodging danger and cutting down those who stood in her way. The knife in her hand had been invaluable for that. It wasn’t a proper weapon, just a cooking tool she’d picked up a long time ago, but it worked.

 

[MageMantis]

Steel-Mage stood near a sleeping wolf pup as he stared off into the woods. He continued reciting the fond memories of him slaying the servants of evil, a lullaby to ease the pup to sleep, “…Battle of Mount Dread: I killed 32 Zykanite Soldiers, the War for the Eye of Lantrox: I killed 79 murderous anarchists, the Star-Crystal Tavern: I ended the lives of 3 abusers, the Siege of Firewood Fortress: I delivered 7 animal abusers to the fiery depths of Hell where they belong, the Vatanya Revolution: That day I executed 26 Vatanyan fascists and 23 of their dark cultist allies, the Skirmish of the Fields of Misery: I murdered 35 cannibalistic Orcs and 2 bearfolk extorters, the Liberation of Jym Encampment: I killed 8 Keth’draccui Slavers and 2 Exontian Extremists, the A-“ Steel-Mage stopped when noticed signs that the wolves were sensing activity. He turned one of his hands into a wooden-wand as he went to aid them in their patrols.

Fangs9090 SilverFlight

 

[Fangs9090]

The rat girl heard the howl. They caught her scent. They’d be behind her now, so she couldn’t turn back. All she could do was hurry ahead and try to snatch the food.

The wolf howl had made Kanon stir. She glanced over before laying her head back down to keep sleeping. At the sound of something rushing through the bushes, she sat up. An unfamiliar form came skidding into the camp, so Kanon grabbed her weapon and stood up. The movement woke Adelynn up as well.

The rat came to a stop in the camp. The food was right there, but this group was bigger than she’d thought. Worse still, the wolves had made enough noise that most of them were waking up now.

 

[MageMantis]

Barracuda awakened, springing to his feet at the commotion and gripping his snap lock pistol. He turned to see the Ratfolk footpad standing near the campfire. He let out a sigh, “That marks the second intrusive footpad tonight.” Commented he.

Elixen turned from Warren to hear commotion from the campfire, looking at the half-elf to exchange a glance before bolting over to confront the thief. She firmly planted her paws into the grass and soil beneath her, wearing a fighting stance, “Halt.” Commanded she. “You are surrounded. Drop the knife, and fall to your knees.” Ordered Elixen, her tail flicking behind her.

Blestare and Tonnie woke up, turning to watch the scene as Blestare stared at the skinny rat woman with a look of sympathy.

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver stirred a bit but he was currently deep in another vision but Shinobi did awake from the commotion. He dropped to the ground and drew his sword looking for the sorce of this noise. irritated by his sleep being interrupted. "First day here and I cant even sleep" he grumbled looking to Denver and rolling his eyes a bit.

 

[Stern LuLuLu]

Seeing that the wolves had found someone trying to enter their camp quietly. Warren would slowly position himself in a place that looked like the best place for them to run if they tried it.” My quick, companion is right it would be best if you gave up. I would rather not have any of this end in needless fighting or a chase. May ask what goal is incoming into our camp?” Once he was in position, he would take a non-combative stance to emphasize what he just said but he would leave the others and wolves to do what they wanted.

MageMantis Fangs9090

 

[Noble Scion]

Aaliyah Sh'ahn

Hearing Korro hypothesize her secrets straight away, Aaliyah couldn't help but clamp her pillow over her head with embarassment, letting out a soft, displeased whine. It wasn't terrible for people to find out, but if the news got out, it was only a matter of time for her father to her with whatever knights, or maybe even bounty hunters, were no doubt looking for her.

"U-uh.. Uuu... I'm not very good at this am I..."

The wolf's promise to keep it quiet would relieve her somewhat, though his thoughts on her upbringing would make her pout. She didn't really like to think about the sad side of things, and she couldn't help herself but be an idealist. Her father told her things were fine, and so they were. That's just how things were supposed to work.

"Thank you, both. I... think I'll take Sir Warren's advice, and sleep on this." Aaliyah would hum thoughtfully, glad that they were both being so considerate as she'd plop her head down and shut her eyes, blissfully unaware of any malicious thoughts drifting her way from Shinobi.

They both reminded her a lot of her retainers, and it was definitely making this whole adventuring thing feel a lot more comfortable as they'd both head off to patrol. She'd have to get them a gift for their services once this whole journey came to an end.

Swaddled in blankets and her canteen by her side in case she needed to rehydrate, it would take no time at all for the care-free sahagin to drift off into slumber. Quite a deep one, as she'd snuggle her pillow to the ambient sounds of danger, and letting out soft, sleepy moans and grumbles at howling wolf, determined to get her beauty sleep.

Gummy Worm Stern LuLuLu SilverFlight MageMantis

 

[SilverFlight]

"Good night." Korro said in a low voice, and, with Warren on patrol and Aaliyah drifting off to sleep, Korro turned his gaze on the sky once more. He too was beginning to fall asleep, when a cry from one of the wolves alerted him to another intruder.
"Aren't there any other campsites people could be robbing this evening?" He grumbled.
Korro stood up to add his imposing stature to the scene. He added in a tone that was more tired than angry: "We're not going to hurt you unless you give us a reason to."
He assessed where the rat was, and how she was standing. "If it's only food you want, you're welcome to it. Less cleanup that way."

Fangs9090 MageMantis Stern LuLuLu

 

[Fangs9090]

The rat looked around at her situation. One told her to drop her weapon and get down, which sounded like a death sentence to her. Others claimed to mean no harm and even told her she could have their food. That seemed highly unlikely and smelled more like a trap. She didn’t respond, instead tightening her grip on her knife and preparing to fight her way out of this.

At that point, Adelynn stepped past Kanon. She disregarded Kanon’s warning and picked up the pot that the food had been cooking in, which had thankfully cooled enough to be handled. She could tell this girl had been through a lot, and she clearly didn’t believe anything they were saying. So, Adelynn proved it with action, bringing the pot to the rat girl and holding it out to her. “Here. Everyone deserves the right to eat. All you had to do was ask.”

The rat girl was dumbstruck. She went from about to fight for her life to suddenly being given food? What kind of person willingly gave away their food? Still concerned it might be a trap, she carefully reached out to accept the pot. When the raccoon girl let her have it and just stepped back, she paused before helping herself, eating like she hadn’t eaten in days.

 

[MageMantis]

Blestare gave Adelynn a warm smile of approval as his tail happily swished back-and-forth behind him. He then looked back to the hungry stranger as he stepped forward unarmed, “Hey, I’m Blestare!” He greeted. “What’s your name, and where are you from?” Asked he.

Fangs9090

 

[Fangs9090]

The girl paused her eating to look at Blestare. This one looked…foolish. But that meant he wasn’t conniving, at least. She was quiet for a moment before she spoke. “Shadow Cast By the Light of the Moon. But MoonShadow is simpler.” She chose to disregard the other half of the question and kept eating, though she’d almost finished it already.

 

[MageMantis]

Elixen moved to Kanon’s side as she watched MoonShadow eat. “Red Knight, are we to send her off into the woods with a bundle of rations?” Asked the cheetah. What they did next was Kanon’s call, perhaps MoonShadow could make for a useful ally or perhaps it was too risky.

Fangs9090

 

[Fangs9090]

Kanon thought about that for a moment. Really, she’d been thinking about that. “She’s clearly not accustomed to generosity. If we send her off, she’s likely to follow us anyway.”

While they were still discussing that, Adelynn spoke up. “Would you like to come with us?”

MoonShadow looked at her, having finished off the food. “Where? Why?”

“We’re on a quest for the Aetherspark, and we could use all the help we can get.”

“I don’t know what that is. What do I get?”

“Well, we all protect each other, and of course we’ll share our food.”

MoonShadow considered that. Food in exchange for, what? Walking with them, stabbing their enemies? Seemed easy enough. “Mm… Fine.”

 

[Gummy Worm]

Shinobi rolled his eyes, he climbed back up into the tree and hung by his tail as he closed his eyes, slowly drifting off to sleep. Denver however tossed and turned as he was sent back to the star filled void. "Here again?" he asked himself as he looked around "Why do I keep coming here?" he asked himself as he slowly turned around and gasped. standing Infront of him was his mother. her majestic form clothed in a silky dress made form stardust and galaxies. atop her head was a halo-like crown made of stars and asteroids. she smiled down at her child as he slowly approached her. "I-Is it really you?" he asked as she knelt down to cup his face "It is me, my child" she said as Denver's eyes welled with tears, he hugged her tight her body was warm and welcoming, he felt like he was home again.

"I don't understand" he said as he pulled away from the hug "Why am I only seeing you now? What does all this have to do with me?" he said looking around as she chuckled "Denver don't you understand? All this...It belongs to you" she said motioning to the cosmos as Denver looked out, confused. "What do you mean?" he asked looking out as She giggled again "You don't remember your last name do you?" she asked as Denver looked up "What do you mean? Its "Love"...that's always been my last name" he said as she laughed again "Oh no my child...you are a Stamendine" she said as he looked even more confused.

"My you really don't know much do you sweet Denver" she said petting his head as he looked down "The Stamendine family is a long line of royals we all have been given a role at birth. I however left the kingdom and ran away with your father...so You were not given a role until the night I was killed. and you received mine" she said lifting up the goat's shawl to look at the massive scar across his chest "You would have died that night but i used all my remaining mana to heal you...but in the process i gave my abilities to you...Role and all" she said as Denver curled up.

"W-what role? What does this have to do with the stars?" he asked as she smiled "Still so impatient~" she teased as he huffed a bit "I was give the Role of Healer and Protector of the stars...that is what I do now." she said looking around "I am left to wander the stars alone...but now that we have found each other neither of us will be alone any more my son" she said as he smiled "So...does this mean you can help me improve my magic?" he asked as she smiled "Of course...but for now you have to go back...Its morning" she whispered before Denver gasped and sat up. It was morning.

Denver Looked around and stretched a bit as he listened to the bird song. He felt...rejuvenated...his mana seemed to be fully restored which was odd considering how much he used making that pact with Shinobi. He shrugged it off and headed to the nearby stream to get a drink and splash some water in his face. After taking a deep breath, he sighed and smiled a bit. He felt ready for the day ahead of him.

MageMantis

 

[SilverFlight]

As the interaction proceeded, Korro went to the pack and sifted through the items for a bed roll and blanket. He rolled both up and, when their new teammate had set the empty pot of food down, he tossed the bedding to her.

"Can't have you catching a chill before we get started." He said matter-of-factly. After that he went back to his own roll to lie down. This day had been long enough for Korro.

Whatever the others did after that, Korro would not know.

~~~

He was back in the stone forest; massive pillars of dark rock, standing like giants in a sea of mist. Korro began to walk.

There was a familiar silhouette walking beside him through the thick fog. The larger frame and longer hair of his brother...The Sunset King. Korro walked on ahead, where a light began to shine. He reached for it, when suddenly a hot, burning pain split his side. He saw the sword, his brother's sword, coated in his dark blood. Korro choked as he fell to his knees. The warmth began to run out of him, as the light in the distance turned cold as ice.

The Sunset King, a shadow in the mist with glowing red eyes, looked down at him with contempt.
"W-why?" Korro breathed, clutching his side where now a river of blood flowed.
"We were brothers...

"WE WERE BROTHERS!"

Korro sat bolt upright, a hand still plastered to his middle as if there was a mortal wound there. He was breathing heavily...a dream..had he just cried out? Had anyone heard? He could feel something amiss, and looked down at his paws. His claws had grown, and so had his fangs. His heart chilled. Without a second thought he sprung up and rushed for the river. He slid into a kneel to peer into a calm section of water. His reflection appeared...and the blood-red eyes of a monster stared back.
Korro thrust both hands into the water and splashed his face. He tried to calm his breathing, keeping his hands over his eyes tightly for a long moment, before he could feel the changes revert. He looked back in the water, and his familair wolf face looked at him from the surface, eyes yellow once again. Korro sat back with a miserable sigh.

He couldn't afford to change like that...he had to keep it under control...

MageMantis Fangs9090 Gummy Worm

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver jumped hearing a loud yell behind him. he couldent make out the words but it was clear someone was indistress. He got ready to run back too camp but stopped as he watched the large body run to the water. It hadent seemed to notice Denver which caused him to let out a small sigh of relief. He didnt know if it was hostile or not, Denver stayed behind the small bush he sat behind until he watched the large wolf shrink into a much smaller one...one he recconized. Denver looked at Korro for a second weighing his options. He could just leave and go back to camp... but then he could be spotted...He could stay here but then he might also be spotted...And if he approched Korro he might think the goat was evesdropping. As much as he wanted to help he decided to just play dumb.

He scooted back a few feet staying silent before getting up and putting on a smile and he went to the water. acting as if he'd just arrived, The goat knelt down and took another sip of water before finally looking over at Korro "Oh!" he said feigning surprise "Um...Hi Korro! Are you...are you ok?" he asked trotting over and sitting next to him. leaving about a foot of space between them incase Korro did actually get mad at him for being there. He gave a small smile to the wolf and looked at his face. It was still just as handsome as the day before.

SilverFlight

 

[Fangs9090]

MoonShadow offered a hiss in return for the bedroll, but she accepted it anyway. It took some time for her to settle down, she was a jumpy sort, but eventually she did.

MoonShadow turned out to be a light sleeper. Any movement from someone would be met with her lifting her head to look, as if still expecting a trap. It was a wonder if she got any sleep at all. By sunrise, she was up and about looking for food. They had promised to feed her, but she didn’t want to wait. She was hungry now. Besides, old habits die hard. She was in the middle of digging through someone’s pack when someone else shouted. She whirled around, knife in hand, ready to fight for her life. It was only when she saw the one shouting run off that she calmed down.

Adelynn woke as well, though she wasn’t sure what woke her up. Seeing that it was daylight, she sat up and stretched.

Kanon was up as well, glancing around at the camp to ensure no one had been ambushed in the night.

 

[SilverFlight]

Korro started when Denver spoke, looking like a spooked cat. For one terrifying moment he thought the mage had seen everything, but he certainly didn't act like he had.
"I am...I'm ok. Just...had a bad dream."

Denver's presence was welcome after the horrors his mind had shown him, he looked into the water as Denver came closer. The lines of his shoulders grew softer and his expression more peaceful.

He thought back to the battle they had fought yesterday, and how glad he was that Denver had survived.

"You said someting...back in the entomancer's castle..that you did not matter." Korro met Denver's eyes then, the concern he had was honest.
"What pain have you known to think so poorly of yourself?"
The question had bothered him since they had left that dark place, and he wanted to know.

Gummy Worm

 

[MageMantis]

The sun had risen over the distant mountains, sunlight pouring down from the heavens and blanketing the campsite in a warm radiant light. Songbirds chirped their morning tunes and sunflowers swayed in the calm wind as they basked in the sun. When Barracuda had awakened, Tonnie and Quickclaw had begun the process of packing up their campsite.

Feeling his energy replenished, Barracuda rose to his feet. He wasted no time, going to help Tonnie and Quickclaw pack up their camp. Elixen stretched as she munched on a large cooked mutton leg, Akila sharpening her khopeshes as she leaned against a tree, avoiding eye-contact with the rest of the group like the plague, viewing laborous work as beneath her. Steel-Mage sat still on a log, staring blankly as he watched the others perform their routines.

Blestare walked to MoonShadow with a friendly smile, offering her a large cooked mutton leg as his tail wagged blissfully. Perhaps before the group left for the road, Kanon could give a speech to kindle their passionate hearts. It would be soon that they officially begin their journey, and there was no telling what glory and grief awaited them on the long road to prosperity. Their numbers would serve as a great advantage, as even if they did not seek trouble: Trouble would almost certainly find them. However, one thing they all could confide in was that their best chance was together.

Gummy Worm LustrousFox Fangs9090 SilverFlight Stern LuLuLu Noble Scion

 

[Fangs9090]

MoonShadow was quick to accept the offering. One she didn’t worry about was poison. Her kind were immune to all but the most potent poisons, and those couldn’t be hidden in a meal.

Adelynn did what she could to help pack up and prepare for the road, which actually wasn’t much. She didn’t have much to pack herself, and the rest of the camping gear had come from someone else’s kit, so she didn’t know how they would want it organized.

Kanon had realized by now that the group generally still looked to her as a leader. It was one thing when facing the entomancer. She knew her way around a battle after all. But outside of battle was different. As she was trying to organize her thoughts to figure out how she was meant to lead these people, her morning was spent leaning against a tree and absentmindedly watching the others.

 

[Gummy Worm]

Denver cleared his throat awkwardly as he shuffled a bit. He remembered what he said during the fight and looked down in shame "I...I lost my family...when i was a kid...Some bad men broke in...I dont remember much..something about money I believe." he said curiling into a little ball as he spoke "I remember they came for my dad but after they delt with him they came for me and my mother" he continued his fur standing up as he stared out at the water "They cut me real deep," he said lifting up his shawl revealing his scar on his chest "I should have died but...My mother saved me...she put her magic into me with her dying breath..." he said with a smile.

Denver leaned back now leaning on the wolf "Then I was taken in by our neighbors...the Love family. They were a very nice family of foxes...they raised me as their own and eventually I got to have their name..." he said his smile dropping and he looked as the back of his hand "Then um...Then I lost them in a raid...a group of orcs came through and I lost them...That was when I dedicated myself to saving people...and if that mean I have to die then...so be it." he said looking up at Konno "I dont believe I mean much in the grand scheme of things...but I want to save those who do! You all have such grand destinys and im...well im Denver...The Aetherspark needs to be found and if my life is a price to find it then i would pay it time and time again."

SilverFlight