Fantasy Arva: Tides of Darkness [IC] [Closed]

[joshuadim]

Zakala was quiet for a moment as Drokos made her 'request', but acquiesced to it and rolled over onto her good side so that her hurting side was facing upwards for view.

---

Lanya looked at Da'Vost with both an expression of fatigue and confusion before lying down again and closing her eyes to sleep. She was much too tired at the moment to comprehend much of what was actually happening currently, much to Da'Vost's temporary relief. As Hughin returned with some tinder and twigs from the nearby area, he gave Da'Vost a look that the Aervis could comprehend as reluctance. Words didn't need to be spoken at the moment as it was clear that eventually, someone would need to tell the girl about her family's disappearance... a burden that one shouldn't have to bear.

---

Arnas left Zakala to be tended to by Drokos as he walked over to Eidunn and gave her a bump on the shoulder with his fist: "You okay? Seems like you got a nasty bump from us being shipwrecked." he joked as he pointed to the back of her head.

 

[Adobe]

Eidunn laughed, rubbing her arm as she looked up towards Arnas. "Hit my head pretty hard, don't remember much." she sighed, crossing her legs. "Everyone else looking ok?" she asked. "Guess i can tick shipwreck off my list." she joked.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

As Zakala flipped over for Drokos to get to work, Sharad sticks around and quietly watches without offering to lend a hand. Observing her and the others tend to their injuries will be a good minor assessment of how useful these people will be to him. As well as a demonstration of how competent they are, of course.

 

[Infab]

Drokos soon got to work, moving clothing and checking Zakala's exposed side for any signs of heavy bruising. She would also gingerly press here and there with her fingers, to see where the pain was greatest. If her rib or ribs were broken, she might need magical assistance. Something Drokos could not provide. Drokos would also check for gashes or cuts, as those she could easily mend with needle and thread.

 

[Breadman]

"Everything alright with her?" Waylond asked as him and Pottrey finally joined the rest of the company. The knight looked towards Zakala a bit worried. If someone was injured then they would be a bigger target towards whatever was lurking these lands.

 

[joshuadim]

Drokos - 1d6 = 5.
​

With Drokos being familiar with many types of wounds from her own war-riddled past, it was rather simple to identify what was simple bruising and the swelling that accompanied it along Zakala's side. Fortunately, it seemed nothing was broken at first as Drokos investigated by pressing two of her fingers down on areas. For Zakala, it hurt but it wasn't anything particularly overwhelming that she couldn't bear properly. By the end of the investigation, it was clear that she would be fine but would need time to rest and to avoid any stressful tasks for the time being. As Waylond made his comment, Zakala spoke up: "Peachy." she replied in jest as she sat up to face Drokos. "...Thanks."

---

"Yeah... shipwreck is a first for me too." Arnas remarked, "Everyone seems to be doing fine... hopefully." He then took a look to Hughin, who had set up a some rocks in a circle and placed his firestuff inside of it before scratching his flint and steel to try to start a fire. A few tries was needed to get the flames to properly stick and to start engulfing the material placed there, which prompted Arnas to comment on it: "At least we'll be warm for the night."

With the fire started, and dusk starting to rapidly approach in the near future, Hughin divided out what food survived to everyone in the Company so that everyone could get a half-decent meal for the night. These included wrapped biscuits and salted crackers, cured beef from a barrel, brined vegetables as a delicacy, and finally topped off with a small barrel of mead that washed ashore which was popped open and passed around from person to person to drink from for thirst quenching. As everyone enjoyed, or tried to enjoy, their shipwreck meal, everyone was quiet for some time before Arnas spoke up:

"So, uh... does anyone wanna talk about what happened back in the sea?" he asked with curiosity, "I mean that was a god... right?"

 

[Infab]

Drokos nodded. "A god, or simply a very powerful individual." she replied, glancing over her shoulder as she sat facing the trees. "I wonder if they survived...they took a rough hit from the Kraken."

 

[Dmaster]

Da'Vost exchanged a longing glance with Hughin, nodding his head once in understanding. He was the one who took Lanya under his proverbial wings, so if anyone would have to break such terrible circumstances to the young utterlin it would fall to him to do so. For now he was glad that she was okay and resting.

Once they were all gathered around the fire and eating their meals, the Fateseeker reserved himself to the biscuits and crackers as well as some cured beef. His beak clacked quietly and nibbled on the food, and once again he requested an extra bowl to drink from, though he would not be having mead. Extending his fingers into the open air he coated them in Aether, pulling at the empty air before he rolled his wrist. Droplets of seawater were pulled from the humid air and dripped down from his fingers and into the bowl, the unwanted particulates filtered by the magic at his command.

Sipping on his water, he crooned as he contemplated the titan that aided them. "Hmm... We Aervis do not openly worship gods, only the Aether. As a result I must admit my knowledge of them is quite limited."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Whatever god it was, it didn't do us much good." Sharad interjects. "I have a feeling placing us here on this beach might turn out to be worse option." he says, almost concerned.

 

[Breadman]

"Didn't look like any god I've ever seen." Pottrey spoke up. Waylond glanced at his squire for a moment, confused by that statement "Tho I haven't seen any at all."

"In any case, he looked to be one." The knight continued "Although ancient, gods are not invulnerable. But even then. Mortal means shouldn't easily harm them. If a creature like that can strike at one and harm them...something isn't right."

 

[joshuadim]

"Indeed." Hughin spoke in agreement with Waylond as he finished chewing on a biscuit, clearing his throat a bit before continuing to speak. "I know nothing of gods... or what god we came across, but that kraken had something wrong with it. It was strong enough to hurt the being in its dying breath." He then looked at Shared and shrugged: "I don't think it had any hand in placing us here. Call it a gut feeling, but I don't think leaving us in a strange place without any supplies or bearings would be the act of altruism from something that came to save us."

"But... gods can't die. They're gods, right?" Arnas then spoke up again, give off a nervous chuckle. Hughin looked to Arnas for a moment before averting his gaze back to the ground, for he had no good answer to give to that question. "That's not important now. What is important is we get a move on soon and try to find our bearings." Hughin stated aloud for everyone to hear, "We start moving tomorrow."

"Where though?" Zakala chimed in, causing Hughin to look over to where she lay. "Do we even know where to go?"

"...no." Hughin stated flatly, not wanting to skirt around the truth. "But a start is a start. Da'Vost, you said that your people had a tower on Pengiros supposedly? If this is Pengiros, then we might be able to find our way to it."

 

[Adobe]

"It could be an island." Eidunn commented, shuffling around in the grass. "But hopefully you're right." She sighed, pulling out one of the small crystal bottles from her bag. Rubbing the back of her head, she took a quick sip of the liquid, shivering a little before settling back down.

 

[Dmaster]

The Fateseeker crooned as Hughin addressed him directly, a claw tapping at his beak idly in the few seconds he thought. With a nod of his head to Hughin he began to say his piece. "The West Spire, yes. The contact between Spires is not so constant as daily or even monthly, yet if one of them were to fall to turmoil or chaos we would be alerted in time." Da'Vost stated, his hands transferring to his knees. "If this is Pengiros and not some island in its path, it would be here though there are a few complications..."

"Each Spire is an exact amount of distance away from the other, erected just so that the different details of the skies could be seen and recorded. That way each Spire may commune and share findings in the most optimal way." he explained. "If we are on the... eastern coast of Penigros, truly, then the West Spire is even further west. If nothing else it can function as a landmark on our travels, as the Spires are quite massive."

 

[joshuadim]

"Well, then it's settled." Hughin stated with open arms, "We head west. As far as we can go. We find this spire and then we can find our way back home." He then positioned himself to lean forward, placing his arms on his legs as he sat atop a small rock. "Rest well. For perhaps we have a long road ahead of us." he then spoke to everyone around the campfire.

In the meantime Lanya spoke quietly to Da'Vost, having overheard the conversation in silence: "Vost, that was Octis. I prayed ta him an he appeared!" he stated with a bit of joy in her tone as she looked up towards the Aervis.

 

[Dmaster]

He seemed a bit surprised to see Lanya awake, though it only made sense given how long it has been since they had arrived here. "Was it..? Hm, I am inclined to believe you, even if I know quite little on such matters. Good work, Lanya, you may have saved our lives in doing that. The situation with the Kraken was a dire one indeed." Da'Vost replied with a nod.

"He made mention of being the lord of the sea... Perhaps he also ferried our unconscious bodies to shore after the ship was wrecked? Hrm, it is difficult to say for sure." the Fateseeker said, head twitching this way and that.

"I am hoping your family have found themselves to shore as well then, Lanya. If Octis may still answer your prayers humbly request their safety, wherever they may be."

 

[joshuadim]

Upon mention of her missing family, Lanya looked around for a moment and stared out towards the beach. She was quiet as she stayed still for a time, as a single tear dropped out of one of her eyes before she decided to curl up next to the Aervis to sleep. Hughin gave a melancholy look over to both Lanya and Da'Vost as he watched their interaction unfold and shook his head as she went to sleep. "No child should have to go through such things." he said quietly as he stared into the fire in front of him.

Zakala had been quiet as she listened for some time, and once Hughin had made his decision on where to take the company she turned her attention to the rest of the company. It became apparent that she hadn't had the time to properly socialize with some of the newer members of the company. She observed Cain for a moment before speaking up: "What's with the journal? If you don't mind me asking." she spoke to the half-elf with an inquisitive tone as she propped herself up with her arms behind her back on the ground.

Arnas in the meantime sparked another conversation with Eidunn: "I don't think we're on an island. That would be quite... boring if I say so myself." he said with a smirk to her, "Think of the kind of adventure one might write down or recite for the ages," Arnas remarked before looking over to the nearby Satyr with a grin, "right Krasso?"

 

[Dmaster]

Da'Vost gave a sigh as he patted Lanya's shoulder as she decided to surrender herself to sleep lest remain stricken with grief. "I am certain that they are safe." he said as reassurance, looking to Hughin before he gave a jittery nod. "... Everyone is reunited in time. Pray for them and all will be alright."

 

[Infab]

Drokos listened as the others spoke amongst themselves, as she faced towards the treeline up the beach. She did say that they needed to remain vigilant, in the event they were not alone in the area. As she sat there, back pressed against an old, dead piece of driftwood, she glanced over her shoulder towards Zakala as she asked Cain about his journal. She was curious as to why he kept it hidden and close to his person. Secrets perhaps? Diaries and journals tended to be full of them.

She looked back to the trees, as she let her poleaxe rest across her lap. Her left hand instinctively made its way into one of her vest pockets, fingers feeling around inside till she felt it. A charm bracelet, decorated with small, hand carved stones and jewels. She eventually drew it out, holding it in the palm of her hand as her bright yellow eyes inspected it. Tracing every detail of the stone carvings, as well as the tiny rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. After a few minutes of staring at it, she quietly tucked it back into her vest, and resumed her vigil. Watching the trees for any sign of movement...and she'd be there all night if she had to.

 

[Breadman]

Waylond stared into the fire for a short while. One thing he never expected to encounter on this journey was a god or a godlike being. That in itself would be worth praise in song back home. The knight who witnesses the titanic clash and lived to tell the tale. But that was just a mere prelude to the real storm. He had nothing to go by, but a hunch and that was all he needed to be sure of it.

The knight reached into his tunic when he remembered something. A sign of worry was on his face for a brief moment, until he could feel the piece of metal in his hand. He thought it might have gotten loose and lost in the waves. He pulled out his hand to make sure. In his palm he could see the object of his concern. That medallion that hung from his neck, the one Volog had pointed out during their conversation. A simple circle made of silver. One side adorned with a human looking face, the other with a more bestial likeness. After inspecting the trinket for a few moments he let it hang from his neck again, as if satisfied with what he saw.

Pottrey was already falling asleep. Good. They were through an ordeal already and needed the rest for the coming days. Waylond however wasn't feeling tired. Not yet. A quick glance towards Drokos revealed that he was probably not the only one.

"You want to take first watch?" He asked her "If not, I'll take it."

 

[Adobe]

"What names they would give you." Eidunn giggled, laying back and looking up at the sky. "Arnas the flatfooted has a nice ring to it, wouldn't you say?" She joked, shoving her hands deep into her lined pockets. "Know any good stories? I've hear all the old northern ones a thousand times, I'm dying for something new." She sighed, sitting back up and hugging her legs.

With her chin resting on her knees, she surveyed the camp while listening to Arnas, feeling a little bit safter than before.

 

[Infab]

"You want to take first watch?" he asked her, "If not, I'll take it."

Drokos glanced to the knight, before nodding. "I shall keep the first watch, and switch with you in a few hours." she replied, folding her arms as she got comfortable against the driftwood. "...We all need as much rest as possible."

 

[joshuadim]

"I was thinking more along the lines of... the Gallant! Or the Brave! Something rather prestigious, wouldn't you say?" Arnas remarked with a grin to Eidunn. "And for you, Eida the... err... hmm." Truth be told, he didn't know exactly what to say at the moment, out of both genuine thought as well as embarassment. He didn't want to make himself look like an ass in front of her, but couldn't think of a rather good title one might appreciate having. He thought about it for a moment before hesitantly speaking again: "Eida the... White? Like your hair?" he proposed, hoping that it wouldn't get a bad reaction.

 

[Fauxs]

"Best way to get to know someone is by finding out what they want."

Cain stopped for a moment. He thought of a reply but only loneliness came to him as his goal was finding his father. There is also the fact that people would rarely believe a freelance sword fighter is studying arcane magic out of the blue, yet he still replied with the truth, “I’m looking for my father.” Cain said while revealing the journal he had with him. “This was his, and it is really important that I find him.” He spoke as he gave a serious gaze. “there’s really no exact location to know where I’ll find him but traveling a lot would be much valuable for my search.” He stopped for a moment and mustered up the courage to say his next statement “I am also studying magic on the side, it would really come in handy for such a journey.” He ended.

 

[Adobe]

"Hmmm, many not Arnas the creative" she laughed, brushing the salty hair from her face. "Try to last long enough to get one." She sighed. "So, why a sell sword?" She asked.

Turning towards cain, she smiled at him. "Well, as long as you keep looking." She commented. As cain spoke about magic, jer smile dropped from her face. "Good look with that." She said a little less enthusiticly.

 

[joshuadim]

"Well, my pop is the one who does the sellswording... I just follow him I suppose." Arnas replied, pointing towards Hughin briefly. "I mean without him I'd probably be some street urchin. Or a criminal... I think I'd make a smooth thief."

As the night continued, everyone got themselves comfortable and rested as best as they could while Drokos maintained a vigil for some time. The evening would be rather peaceful, with the sounds of insects buzzing about in the distance giving the air some much needed liveliness to it. Drokos would then switch with Waylond to take the remainder of night watch until the morning sun rose over the horizon from the sea. As soon as everyone got ready and woke up, they began their long trek westwards.

...

...

...

The Plains of Ithrin




​

For days on end the group traveled as much as they could on foot, stopping for occasional rests as well as to eat and sleep. They first passed through a small expanse of regular woodlands before arriving at the base of a great mountain range. Fortunately, it was late spring and so the weather perhaps would not be so treacherous as one might expect in high altitudes. A chart was pathed through slowly and carefully which allowed the Company to move through the rocky slopes and passes with ease. With the sun as their guide, it was rather easy to determine where west was, and so the group continued to push forward without much need for true navigation. It took a few days until finally the group was able to make their descent down onto the other side of the range, and they were greeted with the serene beauty of what seemed to be rolling plains down below.

Continued to move forward, the group moved through the endless flats below as one could rarely see clusters of trees dotting its landscape. Fresh streams of water helped the group stay hydrated while an abundance of small animals allowed the group to maintain their appetites for the continued journey. One could notice that the air was rather fresh and uplifting as the group moved through this region, as if the vibrancy of life here also uplifted the vibrancy of the winds themselves. The temperature was rather cool and comfortable and the sun helped keep one warm if needed during these times.

Another week passed as the group still found themselves in these plains, but on this day something changed. Without the buzzing of insects and soft blows of wind, the area they now found themselves in after resting for the night was in dead silence and a soft morning mist obscured vision around them. Hughin took a look around as he woke up and immediately noticed the oddness of what was now transpiring before them and quickly became suspicious. As more and more members got up for the morning, he looked back towards them: "Stay on guard. Something's off." he announced to the Company.