Fantasy As the World Burns

[AriAriAbabwa]

Elvish Prison
Juju​

Doi did not falter when the crime of necromancy was brought up, instead solidifying her stance. Such was one of many slanderous accusations faced in her home world. Many in the political side thought her gift unethical; that it interfered with the natural way of life. Fortunately, the one only known as the 'red bitch' had some perspective. A woman of action rather than words. Respectable.

She instinctively took a deep breath as her cell dissipated, though the air was still damp and sad. Doi stretched quietly, grateful to stand again. "Thank you very much," she said to the guard, showing no ill will to the woman. She followed obediently, curious about what this 'examination' held.

As for Rishii, Doi made absolutely sure to reciprocate the girl's needs. For as much as she clung on, Doi welcomed her closeness with open arms, sort of side-hugging her. In great contrast to her fear, the lady of white merely smiled. "Mind, body, soul, and all. I only wish to aid those in need." Her hand drifted up, patting the other girl's head. "Don't worry, Rishii. I promise, I will not let you be harmed."

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

Battlefield
Juju ThatWhichShouldBe November Witch​

Cynthora reeled away! Something gnawed in her head, like a poison reaching its deadly talons throughout the veins. This was not fear; she could recount days of such emotion like looking at the palm of her hand. And the Wolf Mother, though threatening as she was, could not destabilize Cynthora twice in a row. Rather, as the magnificent flames grew, she only felt accursed dread.

She looked away, but the headache did not cease! What was happening? She could not bear the mind to ask as words failed to escape her lips. Instead, Cynthora shuddered and trembled, almost reverting to the manic state she appeared in.

But as though he had heard her, Han lowered the divine flames, and with it, her apprehension. Cynthora looked back up, her breath returning once again. His consideration made her blush, but the imposing Wolf Mother apparently called Oshaka had not retreated. Cynthora rose again, firmer in demeanor. Trotting beside Han, she took a breath. "I apologize if you found my... condition unsightly. But all I wish is to make a few inquiries. I know not how I wound up here, nor where 'here' even is... But I do not wish for more blood to spill over my presence. Please."

 

[November Witch]

Autumn Ichor

Status: Relieved & Curious
Location: Battlefield
Interaction(s): Juju AriAriAbabwa ThatWhichShouldBe

Time slowed as the maws approached Autumn’s neck. Like an approaching avalanche, she could feel the cold inching ever closer as time slowed in the moment. Even though it seemed to take forever, she didn’t really have time to register what had happened as she was thrusted into the air and away from harm. That feeling and what had happened… She knew that lady wasn’t lying. At least, not about giving her power. She gracefully fell back to earth. Slowing before hitting the ground. She wondered what she would see behind herself, but she didn’t dare take her eyes off of the danger around herself.

The prey didn’t need to beat the predator. They just needed to outsmart it. She was glad Han had taken the opportunity Autumn had left open for him. Granted, it was somewhat accidental, as she didn't know what would happen. But it turned out this way nonetheless. She’d step back towards the doe they had been protecting and took her hand.

“Come with me, I’ll take you somewhere safer. We can explain more once we are out of harm's way.”

Autumn would come back for the mage after she was sure this girl was safe. She still wanted to find anything that seemed important on the mage, and maybe return it to someone it would belong to now that she was gone… She still felt so guilty for what had happened to her. She was glad the same thing hadn’t happened to this poor girl.

 

[YsFanatic]

Even if her training and experience as a bodyguard hadn't drilled the necessity of being focused in fight into her, Valleni's intense need to keep Lucille safe kept her attention primarily on the movements of their enemies and possible allies, and the 'blind' woman's proximity allowed her to seize control of her emotions. There would be time to respond to Lucille's comments and questions later, and the lightning mage knew the other woman would understand the lack of response for the moment. If anything, her current silence would convey just how dangerous she considered the current situation to Lucille, especially when the larger bird with its rider showed up.

Trusting Lucille to alert the others fighting the bird things if they were about to stumble into any of the electric fields she had set up, Valleni instead watched the movements of the larger bird as she waited for a moment to strike. Its dive was the chance she was waiting for. The lightning savant started off with just a single, lower powered bolt. If the bolt connected and the beast didn't show any signs of electrical resistance or immunity she would then crank up the power all the way and continue channeling the bolt before adding a second max power channeled bolt to its misery.

seasonedcat Firelie

 

[Juju]

• Healer's Quarters
• Old Battlefield
• Silly Jail
• Forest

• 
  YsFanatic seasonedcat jmann
  
  Wren raised her eyebrows and gave Sarah a peculiar look, blinking a few times out of sheer bewilderment. “Okay, so I have no idea what a memory eater is but I'm not that desperate yet, thanks. I'll let you know when I want my memories eaten, or whatever.”
  
  After Wren said this she gave a pause, ruminating on the words she just said as if only now realizing something. Then she shook her head and crossed her arms, regaining her typical cool demeanour, “Like I said, I've got a good nose for this stuff. Finding Zoro's stuff will be a piece of cake. Think of it like a scavenger hunt or a quest! Our first quest in this isekai!”
  
  Suddenly eager to be off, Wren took off at a dash to the door. She passed through the doorway and then leaned back, hanging her body nearly horizontal as she peered at the others still inside the room, “Well, are you gonna follow or what? Geez, you guys are so slow! What are you waiting for, a second death? Oh, well, third death for you, Zaren.”
  
  Her eyes flicked over to Gammariah, who still had Flub in his hands, “Oh and Flub will be our magic detector. He'll start getting hungry when he gets close to something with lots of magic in it. You'll know when he starts jiggling around like a super sugar lemon-jelly shaker.”
  
  With that, Wren pulled herself up from her hang and ran through the hallway to the exit. Once she made it outside she slowed to a walk, but did not stop for the others. She seemed to do this not to give the others a chance to catch up, but to give herself a break. It was obvious from her heavy breathing that even such a short sprint had been enough to wind her.
  
  Wren walked through the streets towards the centre of Cloud-Home. Now that midday was approaching, there was more activity and life in the ruin-city. Civilians filtered through the streets in what looked like a temporary market. Woven baskets full of pelts, herbs and other goods were placed along the sides, their merchants busy bartering with interested buyers. Unlike a traditional market, no gold or other forms of currency was being exchanged between buyer and seller.
  
  A few of the traders looked up from their echanges to watch the unusual group as they passed by, though none approached or spoke. As usual, Zareth received the same death glares he had likely grown used to by now.
  
  Though Wren said nothing about their destination, it seemed that she was heading to the North of the city, towards the silhouette of a broken tower. She kept glancing at it, and then into the sky as to keep watch for some airborne threat.
  
• 
  ThatWhichShouldBe November Witch AriAriAbabwa
  
  The staff’s strike was swift and precise, squarely landing on the Wolf-Mother’s burning wound. Strangely, as if made of ceramic or carved stone, the charred flesh around the wound cracked and concaved from the force.
  
  Oshaka's howl sounded nothing like a wolf, so warped in pain as it was. The great beast fell to the ground, but this time she did not rise. She writhed where she collapsed, panting heavily as the flames continued to slowly consume her cracked and blackened flesh. Even the frost receded, melted away by the blaze.
  
  “Cursed… blood…” The Wolf-Mother choked, her fangs dribbling with the inky black fluid. Choking, she coughed up a large blob of it, struggling to breathe. It was unclear if she was listening to Han's offerance of peace, but she looked up at him with hateful blue eyes.
  
  Though Han’s weapon lowered, the flames did not. Desperate now, Oshaka turned her fangs on herself, clamping her maw upon the wound and tearing at her flesh as it burned. Her hide ripped open, but instead of gore and blood, the blackened flesh sloughed off to reveal…gold. Oily ink-blood was replaced by a trickle of white plaster, luminescent in the sunlight like mother of pearl. It fell upon the ground, and where it pooled on the bloodstained earth it spawned tiny blossoms of gilded glass.
  
  Oshaka spat and coughed where she collapsed, choking on feathers and liquid gold as she tried to gnaw away the flaming flesh.
  
  The mere thought of ‘mercy’ transformed the burn in Han's chest into a searing blaze. It felt like it had engulfed his heart like Oshaka's flesh, making it difficult to breathe.
  
  The words returned, echoing with an unusual timber. Mercy. Mercy. Mercy. It filled Han's mind until his thoughts were drowned out by a choir’s chant as the word was repeated over and over again.
  
  It grew into a dizzying crescendo, and for a moment Han was no longer there. His vision fell into darkness and he felt invisible chains around his neck and arms and legs. Far above, waves mutedly gargled, as heard from far below the surface.
  
  Words came from Han's mouth, but it was not his own voice that spoke. The words were formed from a harmony of countless voices all speaking as one. The tune was melodic in its melancholy, beautiful in its reserved inquisitiveness. He could not understand the words at first, but slowly the voices coalesced until one familiar voice, belonging to 'the goddess' he sought to teach.
  
  “Mercy? Tell me, what is Mercy?”
  
  Han would have enough time to give a single answer (or none at all) before the dark silence receded and he was back as he was, watching the Wolf-Mother tear at her flesh like a mad dog. No time seemed to have passed between the beginning and ending of his brief vision.
  
  With the Wolf-Mother in her maddened state, Cynthora and Autumn were free to retreat without challenge. Even the pack of spectral wolves paid them little mind, too preoccupied with their ailing Matriarch. They circled around her, baying and howling. Some had even turned tail and fled off into the distance, their barks and yelps slowly fading away. Only about half of the pack remained by their mother's side, whimpering helplessly.
  
  Cythora's pleas to end the bloodshed was answered with a sharp stab of pain behind her eyes, a cumulation of her headache worsening into a single spike. Her vision swam with the pain of it, rimming the edges of her vision in dark, branching tendrils. A chill engulfed her body, making her shiver just as she had when she had been plunged in the endless dark sea.
  
  She could sense something then, like a tugging of strings on her fingers. Her pained eyes could just barely see the outline of dark tendrils, like vines, coiling around Oshaka. Although she did not know exactly what, Cynthora knew that should she choose to tug on those invisible threads, just as she once called the leaves and vines of her homeland, something would happen. It was similar to the feeling she had received when her eyes first laid upon the puddle of inky water; that vague concept of darkness and restraint and endings.
  
  Then again, was this needed? Oshaka was no longer a threat. Unable to rise to her paws, there was nothing the Matriarch could do to harm them now. Both could easily make their way back to the safety of Cloud-Home. Cynthora would also notice that every step taken away from the Wolf-Mother would weaken that unnatural pain behind her eyes.
  
• 
  AriAriAbabwa
  
  The guard was silent in response to Doi's words of thanks. She walked ahead with her back to both the prisoners, leading the way through the dark tunnel with her blue lantern. The light cast an almost ghostly glow across the walls, creating creeping shadows that followed after their twins.
  
  Rishii clung onto Doi as they walked. A soft smile crossed her face at those words of comfort, her wide eyes drinking them in. They held a look of deep adoration as she looked up at Doi.
  
  “I… I believe you.” she breathed, her voice still quiet despite having left the confines of her cell.
  
  The tunnel ended with a large set of stone doors, carved and painted with sigils of finned, serpentine creatures. Like the cells, imagery of rivers and waves composed the painted border of the doorway. When they neared it a flicker of red light ran up the stone. There was a click, and with a creaking groan, the doors slowly opened inward.
  
  “Go inside. Both of you.” The guard grunted, motioning with her lantern.
  
  It seemed that she would not be following the two of them. She waited beside the door expectantly, waiting for them to enter. As soon as the two crossed the threshold, the doors creaked shut.
  
  At some point the large circular room must have been a temple or communal building, judging by the carefully carved pillars and the walls decorated with watery mosaics. Perhaps the room might have even been beautiful, had it not been for the rows of black cages that took up each alcove in the wall. At this point the room had become some sort of menagerie, with bizarre creatures staring out from dark cages and arcane locks.
  
  From her night on the battlefield, Doi would recognize these creatures as spirits. At least, most of them. Some were more ragged in appearance, with baleful eyes and fangs sparking with violet light. They paced back and forth in their cells, eyes glowing in the dark. One of them, a black wolfish creature, slammed itself against the wall as the two passed by, mouth frothing.
  
  Rishii screamed and ducked behind Doi, cowering away from the ravenous creature. Her grip was tight on Doi's arm as she peered over her shoulder, voice shaking. “Something's wrong with them...”
  
  Despite her fearfulness, Rishii’s voice held genuine concern for the creature. Her eyes scanned the walls, carefully examining each cage until she found the one she was looking for. When she laid eyes on it she let out a gasp and broke away from Doi, sprinting off to the cage.
  
  “Yosod!” She cried out, reaching for the bars of the cage. The moment she touched it, a red burst of light flashed, and in a blast of arcane energy, Rishii was flung back from the cage. She landed on her back and skidded to a halt in the middle of the room. Dazed but alive, Rishii coughed and struggled to sit up.
  
  “Oh you silly girl. Haven't you read any of the signs? It says ‘please don't touch the cages’ and for good reason as I'm sure you have just found out.”
  
  The voice that spoke was the same one that had been carried by the red butterfly. It was disembodied, just as before, but this time there was the sound of heels clicking across the stone. The steps drew closer and closer, until they were directly in front of Rishii and Doi.
  
  For a moment there was nothing but silence, until one by one a swarm of butterflies appeared out of thin air. They balled up together until they made the vague shape of a woman. Then, just as quickly as they had formed, the butterflies dispersed, revealing a tall elvish woman with peculiar dark eyes and a golden star tattoo on her forehead. She had long crimson hair tied back into twin tails and an outfit of black silk and gold lace trim. Her choice of outfit was rather revealing, and the heels she wore had delicate blades in place of a heel.
  
  She extended a hand towards Doi, “There you are, dearie. A pleasure to meet you face to face at last. I have oh-so high hopes for you, so don't disappoint me now~! Oh, is there anything you need before we begin. Tea? Biscuits? What about faerie cakes, hmm?”
  
  At the snap of her fingers an extravagant table complete with a frilly lace cloth appeared. It was stacked with silver plates, each filled with a whimsical assortment of sweet treats. Delicate teacups with a matching pot were placed to the side of the table, fragrant steam curling up into odd, flowery shapes.
  
  “Go on, you can have as much as you'd like.”
  
  Despite the elf lady's insistances, Rishii did not seem interested in the offered treats. She kept her hands close to her chest and remained quiet. Her face was pale as she stared at the elvish woman in abject fear. Occasionally, she would glance at cage she had approached, but she said nothing.
  
  Spoiler: Bih

  
• 
  YsFanatic seasonedcat t Firelie
  
  Valleni's first bolt did nothing to stop the bird's descent, its feathers showing not even the faintest hint of a singe. Even as Valleni increased the power behind it, the creature showed no signs of stopping. It was only when the maximum amount of her lightning power was unleashed that the enormous bird gave any reaction.
  
  It opened its jagged beak and let out a sharp screech, wings flapping with effort to resist the push of the lightning. Black feathers began to fall from it like scattered leaves, spiralling down upon the forest below in a shower of black plumage.
  
  Just as Valleni's torrent of lightning appeared to be slowing the creature to a halt, a burst of violet light crackled from its back and surged forward, creating a half-circular barrier against Valleni's spell. Once again, the creature began to speed up.
  
  “Just a little longer!” The assistant called over, her hair being tousled by the wind produced by both Valleni's spell and the arcane sigils below her. They illuminated her face and caught in her eyes as she gazed up in fear at the approaching creature. “H-hold it back until then!”
  
  The arcane circle Lord Fenian was dutifully creating was near completion, but not before the bird would arrive. There just wasn't enough time. Of course, there was always the option of abandoning the scholars and scouts to their fate.
  
  It was certainly an option, but not one that Lucille seemed to have. Whether it be kindness or ignorance to the danger, She stood her ground, dress flaring around her from the harsh arcane winds. Her voice had raised to a shout just to be heard. “You can do it Val!”
  
  At that moment Velleni would feel a burning in her chest, just as she had when she first grasped for the fallen star in her dream-vision. She could sense it again, that untapped power waiting to be unleashed. Though she did not know exactly what it was, she could sense that it would obey her will. Just as it had been in the dream, all she must do was reach for it.
  

 

[Firelie]

SYNA'H YAR
WHEEL KEEPS TURNING
WORLD KEEPS CHURNING​

---

Here she was once again, slicing the flesh, proving her mettle. She had been hoping her trip into a new reality would bring less strife than her old reality because gods, she needed a vacation. Still the witch shoved her ruminations down, drawing forth Voskhad and launching into a sprint. Breath in, Breath out. Eight humanoids, seven... ten... dozens of large avian creatures. The tide of battle was obvious she hardly had to think. Kill the birds, defend the humanoids. It was a cramped space which was better for Lilliana, unfortunate for whatever these freaks of nature were. Perfectly composed Lilliana stepped past the first beasts sweeping claws, crouching beside its exposed neck and grabbing it around the head before the beast could react. Once, twice, six times Voskhad dove into the beasts supple flesh. With each stab a spray of blood and a cry of surprised anguish from the beast. It was effectively dead, choking on its own blood as it flailed wildly. Lilliana gripped the head feathers of the beast, deciding to put the thing out of its misery. With a gurgling pop the beasts skull ripped free of its spine, then came the sickening rip of flesh as Lilliana pulled its head free. Deftly she stepped onto the carcass of her fresh kill, holding her prize aloft for its comrades to see, letting its blood drip upon the witches already bloodied form.

"AK'SHANOR, ублюдок. YOU ARE OUTCLASSED!" Lilliana screeched into the battlefield with a cackle, hoisting the birds severed head aloft like a trophy. Lillana slid from her perch and moved in for the next kill, sprinting along the left of the ritual site, trophy still in hand as she stalked towards her next prey. Two bird creatures who were especially close to the ritual caught her eye. The first was focused on what it perceived an easy kill, so Lilliana stalked close with ease, cackling wildly as she pierced it through the top of its head with Voskhad and using it to pin the creature to the ground. The first bird twitched in place as its brain function began to cease, and the second turned to Lilliana. Already she had slipped past the range of its claws, and as it tried to bite out with its razor sharp beak Lilliana vaulted onto the beast, flipping over the strike and landing on the exposed neck, straddling it as she wrapped her arms around the base of its skull. With a panicked screech the bird tried to roll her off but it was too late.

CRACK.

Lilliana broke the creatures neck and in an instant it flopped to the ground, lifeless. she dismounted the corpse and drew her blade from its temporary sheath. Lilliana stepped towards the incoming assailants, covered in their comrades blood, one of their own in her hand, and unhinged glint in her crimson gaze. Lilliana began to hum a haunting melody, an old war tune she used to sing to intimidate her opponents. It served the same purpose now, all the showboating served that same purpose. The cruel galivanting, the pointless theatrics, it all showed to the simple minded beasts that she was the threat, Lilliana was the concern. There was no hunt for them anymore, the bigger predator had arrived. If that wasn't enough to make the avian lose their nerve, if their pack alpha gave them the courage to address Lilliana, well at least she hoped she was drawing attention to herself. Truthfully, she couldn't take being swarmed for too long, not without magic. She didn't need to survive forever though, just long enough for her allies to do their job.

Gods, she hoped her allies were doing their job.

 

[YsFanatic]

Sarah raised an eyebrow when the young woman suddenly decided that it was time to leave. The elderly woman had to wonder how much was her actually wanting to find those items and how much was her being creeped out by the memory thing... which if it was the latter then Sarah couldn't blame her.

Her gaze shifted over to the elf. "I'm guessing you are going to go with her?" Then her eyes moved over to the other man. "But what about you? I'm in no shape to be running after them, but how's your condition?" If he didn't have any serious injuries, the swordswoman figured he was likely to leave as well. But if he didn't, well it'd be good to finally start discussing and brainstorming about the current situation with someone.

Juju jmann seasonedcat

 

[jmann]

GAMMARIAH | Infirmary + Cloud Home
Juju seasonedcat YsFanatic

The impish girl continued to talk. She dreamt of drowning and a crying woman. Was this the other piece of a larger puzzle? Perhaps the saint gave them each a clue. The elderly woman denounced the choice in her dream and was eaten by a whale. Another clue. The ocean or some other great expanse would be their key.

The girl ran off outside, leaving the others. Interestingly, seemingly without having spoken to the elderly woman like she had initially planned. Perhaps it would be a short trip to find Zareth’s equipment and they would return shortly. Gammariah hoped so, there were still things he wished to discuss with as many of the chosen as possible.
The elderly woman spoke up, asking his intentions.
“I have to ensure this one is not attacked in the street,” he nodded to Zareth, “a defenceless mage is an easy target, doesn’t take an expert to see how weak he is in his current state. I will return shortly, you should rest, elder.”
Gammariah waved the elf over, gesturing to leave the temple.

Outside was abuzz with life and activity. People exchanged goods and supplies between each other, loud conversation thick in the air like smoke. He would have liked to exchange for some food, his last proper meal was both a day ago and many years passed. Gammariah held a hungry look at a cart of salted meats. He longed for even a soldier’s rations. Gammariah turned his mind from it. He was here for one reason only.

It took less than a minute for them to clock the Astellian in their midst. Gammariah knew what murder looked like, and he saw it in the eyes of those who held their glare at the elf. His left hand unconsciously rested on his hilt as he met each and every glare. Zareth was under his protection, now until their business was done.
Gammariah broke his glare for only a moment to look down at the elf.
“What is your name?”

 

[YsFanatic]

A low growl of annoyance emerged from Valleni when the barrier appeared to stop her lightning. But she had an answer to that, though it was an ability the lightning savant would have rather avoided using if possible. Even so, she would much rather do that than rely on the unknown power stirring within her to kill the bird.... but perhaps it would have another use. Mentally seizing the strange power, she attempted to force it into a barrier that would protect Lucille from harm.

At the same time Valleni's eyes started to shine with purple light, her skin turned to a shade of lighter purple, and projections made from purple lightning in the shapes of fangs, claws, and a pair of horns jutting up into the air formed on the court mage's body. Freed from the constraints of mortal magic, the lightning coming from her hands changed colors to match the projections before splitting into over a dozen smaller strands of electricity that would swerve akin to water around the enemy barrier to strike the bird from a variety of angles. Wings, feet, tail, it didn't matter as no matter were the bolts hit they would damage the creature's very soul. However, given just how quickly this was draining her magic supply, Valleni had to hope the bird would die before long, otherwise she wouldn't have anything left to fight with.

Juju Firelie seasonedcat

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

Elvish Prison
Juju​

Doi kept the girl close throughout. The walk was a refreshing change of pace from the night in the cell, and she was glad there'd be no more mistakes on the guards' end. Being thought of as a prisoner is one thing—but a heretic? How typical of a person to assume. Regardless of minor offenses, she braved the painted doorway and into the lair of the 'red bitch'.

Perhaps in another life, she'd be shivering as much as Rishii. But these creatures were nothing new to her. In Doi's original world, gigantic Beasts sowed terror wherever they pleased. And if the Beasts could be leashed, it was no surprise that these, too, were maintained. But above all else, these were spirits. Her words rung in her head, and her grip weakened enough for Rishii to run loose to one called Yosod. Doi doubted it was the one she knew, though.

She would have to approach them and call upon Her Gift. How? She knew not, but she was confident in the process. When? Not now, unofrtunately. Doi went over to Rishii, kneeling to her and taking the young girl's hand. "Are you alright? Tell if anything hurts. I will ask for..."

A presence in the room. Then a familiar voice. Miss Red at last graced them with her appearance. Doi rose, letting Rishii's hand drop unceremoniously and not even a word spared as she stepped away.

She composed herself like a noblewoman in front of Miss Red, not daring to make herself appear pitiable. But, judging by her attire, she doubted it mattered. Still, wouldn't hurt. Doi took her hand for a gentle shake. "It is an honor to meet you, as well." She glanced at the sudden appearance of the delectables, and while her appetite was what you expected after treading through a battlefield and an uncomfortable night, she made no haste for them. "I am ever grateful for the hospitality. It's by far an upgrade of that prison cell." Doi seated herself, keeping her back straight and hands on her lap. First things first, she wanted to know, "A few things, might I ask? What shall I call you by? I do not mean to tattle, but I only know you by the guards' unsavory title. And, I know you have heard my offer—I wish to know what exactly you have planned for me."

Finally, Doi allowed herself to eat.

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

Battlefield
Juju ThatWhichShouldBe November Witch​

It was too much. Cynthora groaned and cluctched her temples, trotting side-to-side as the world spun. The Wolf-Mother's rabid attempts to tear herself apart did little soothing, either. She wanted to run. Run into the unfamiliar forests with the familiar flora and fauna. To forget that she was back in a world with Astellan, even for a second. And thankfully, inching away from the burning wolf eased the pain. But, through it all, one of her heart's many aches were for Oshaka herself.

There was enough suffering in this place already.

A soft hand gripped hers. The fox girl from earlier. Cynthora mustered a pained smile for her, and she tightened the hold. "Thank you..." She could've left it at that. With Wolf-Mother wounding herself to the fire, and the pain subsiding with distance. Yet, Cynthora trotted forward, wincing through the migraines and stabbing sensations. She reached out to her... Please. End it.

Whether it worked or not, she was done.

She turned heal and retreated just as quickly to Autumn's side, only now realizing the tears streaming down her face as they bounced off clothing and onto grass. Without meaning to, she leaned further into the fox as the shivering returned, and her moment's bravery dissipated.

 

[November Witch]

Autumn Ichor


Status: Relieved & Concerned
Location: Battlefield
Interaction(s): Juju AriAriAbabwa ThatWhichShouldBe

Autumn could barely keep her eyes and focus on the deer girl before her. The writhing, whimpering, and snapping from the mother wolf was too distracting. Too much. While she agreed Oshaka deserved some sort of punishment, Autumn and Han were no judge or juror. There was no more need for such torture. She turned her head, and cringed at the sight before her. Not because it was something foul, but because it was hard to watch a being in such pain, even if she was attempting to kill Autumn just moments before. There was no more threat at the moment, so this shouldn’t go on any longer than it has to.

She once again walked towards Oshaka, but was surprised to find her movements in sync with the doe whose hand she’d still had in hers. Autumn let go, and stood between Han and Oshaka.

“That’s enough Han, this is too much. She is no longer a threat, let her be.”

Well, until she tried something else. However, Autumn felt as if that was unlikely, and a given that she didn’t need to speak aloud. It was clear that standing between the two would do nothing, but it was symbolic to Autumn, and would have more impact than if she stood nowhere. However, seeing the flames dissipate, Autumn would return to where she stood before, along with the doe, who seemed extremely distraught. The fox would feel Cynthora lean into her and gave the girl a hug.

“Let’s go somewhere with a more pleasant atmosphere so you can calm down.”

Autumn suggested.

 

[ThatWhichShouldBe]

Han Liuyang

Darkness and chains, bound deep below the waves. Words in his mouth, a choir- Was this their true form? The countless bound beneath the waters, the many in the depths. There down below, he hears a question, and Han Liuyang only smiles in response. How can one encompass mercy in a word? How can one grasp the fullness of it in the vibrations of air, in the limitations of speech and conscious thought? A fool's notion, to attempt to cage such a thing with so feeble bindings. Here's laughter in his voice, as Han gives them the only answer that could bear truth.

What cannot be captured in words could be captured in deed.

"Watch and learn."

The King strides forward towards Oshaka, mustering up his will, bracing himself to do what must be done. Autumn attempts to stand in his way, telling him to leave her be... But the warrior gently pushes her aside, shaking his head with a soft smile on his face and mirth in his voice.

"How can I leave her be, when it is my flames she suffers?"

Then he pushes onward, striding forward, one, two... Then his arms reach out and take hold of the struggling wolf. Her claws bite into his skin as she lashes out in her agony- but it is only blood and pain, and so it is nothing at all to Han Liuyang. He presses a hand against the burning wound, his body's strength bent to stilling the beast as his mind's strength is bent towards commanding that flame. For it was his flame, once- sunflame divinity born of another's power, spun and channeled through his own body. As alien as this power was, he had been a dawn-god once, to command such flames was second nature.

And so, weathering the injuries he receives from Oshaka's struggles, the King of the Rising Sun imposes his will upon the golden flames, and speaks his edict.

"The sun sets, the fire dies. Return, o' flame of my flesh."

And so he bids them to fade, to be as the rivers coming home to the sea, to dwell in his heart once more.

 

[seasonedcat]

• Gay Elf
• broke gay college student

• 
  Zareth | Cloud-Home
  Zareth visibly bristled at Wren's words, "you don't remember? Do you have any idea how priceless those were-" of course before Zareth could continue on his angry tangent Wren took off, "you-!" Zareth cut himself off with a long annoyed sigh as the girl left without a care for what he had to say.
  
  Zareth went to take off after her before the words of Gammariah caught his attention, "I am not weak," he hissed before his face fell into a small smirk, "I took you down without lifting a finger, remember?"
  
  without waiting for his response Zareth began to follow after Wren at a pace Gammariah’s trained body had no issue following. Zareth walked through the streets his head raised like he wasn't walking through enemy territory. What Zareth couldn't quite understand was why despite the glares the people almost felt more passive than before, like they were scared to say anything to him. He didn't care to find out why because he seriously doubted he ever could.
  
  At the question Zareth’sgaze flicked over to Gammariah, a glint of surprise flickering in his gaze at the innocent question, "Has the oh so great Mr. Leading Light already forgot my name?" Zareth teased, an almost lighthearted look filling his steeled eyes, "I am Zareth, only son of the Dirthneldth's house. I trust you won't lose my name this time."
  
  Interactions | Juju jmann
  
• 
  Mallory | Ruins 2.0
  Mallory gave the scholar a cheeky smile at her glare, "I am completely focused. In fact I have never been more focused in whole entire life-" of course, as he said that a bird dove in that he barely managed to avoid before shoving his flimsy box cutter into it. Mallory let out a nervous laugh at the scene, "you... didn't see that, 'kay."
  
  At the mention of chat Mallory seemed to beam, "chat is well... erm..." for once Mallory seemed to struggle to know what to say, how exactly does he explain twitch chat to a fantasy person, "girl, honestly, I think that might take way to long to explain, I will tell you about it after we kick some ass."
  
  Mallory did his best to take care of as many birds as he could, his strikes beginning to get clumsy as he grew tired from the continued strain. "Jesus fucking Christ, what exactly did you do to piss off Big bird? I swear to all the gods if you tell me you stole an egg I might be mildly unhappy." Mallory spoke between pants as he rose back up from another slain foe.
  
  The foes seemed endless and Mallory's poor aritist body was aching, "chat you better give me some serious donos for this because I am drenched. I also think we need to do some gym streams because I did in fact skip arm day and boy is she feeling it." Mallory spoke over his shoulder in the direction of the camera before turning back to the scholars, "please tell me you are almost done Picasso because we are about to be some tasty fucking birdseed if not." Mallory groaned.
  
  With Valleni's strange display of power Mallory stopped for a second in surprise, "okay, Goku, pop off." As a bird slashed at his arm Mallory swore loudly, bringing his blade down, "so either you super saiyan these oversized chickens or you finish finger painting because I am so over this combat sequence." Mallory complained loudly to both groups, hoping for something.
  
  Interactions | Juju YsFanatic
  

 

[Solirus]

Rodal could see the hatred in the boy's eyes, an ember with kindling, but he also felt the boy lacked a certain amount of hope, deigning his fellows as fools. Rodal would also note the boy's scar, it almost appeared like a tattoo, placed by enemies as a form of torture or marking, or perhaps for a ritual? Those questions would have to wait as the boy continued, anticipating for Rodal to offer him the power to smite his enemies away.

"I do not have the power to destroy your enemies with a thought." Rodal coldly whispered, "Their elite outmatch your spirits, and their frontline outnumbers yours. Should fighting continue as it did, Cloud home will fall."

"I offer you, and the rest of this place, a change of strategy and an opportunity. I am a soldier, but I am a general first. The people here do not use the advantages they are given to their fullest, and I can fix that. For that, I will need warriors who are willing to do what it takes to win. Hatred will get you far, but not far enough, I can teach you how to wield your weapon to the limits and how to fight like a true warrior. That is all." Rodal would finish, standing back up straight, his face relaxing as he returned to Sohaa.

"Alright, now let's see what we've got here" Rodal would walk and face both of the twins almost awkwardly asking them to show off their training.

Juju

 

[Juju]

• Market
• Medic Chamber
• Old Battlefield
• Training Ground
• Forest
• Silly Jail

• jmann seasonedcat
  
  The tension building up in the marketplace was broken by a singular shout from within the crowd. "Elf-kin! You have no place here!"
  
  Murmurs began to rise up as one by one the discontent of the onlookers began to grow ever more emboldened by their numbers. Despite the murderous look in Gammriah's eyes, the tides of hatred were breaking through the dams of fear. Soon the entire crowd was shouting. Overripe fruit was thrown, along with stones and shoes, at the direction of the elf.
  
  "Tough crowd today, eh?" Wren said with a shitty grin, rolling her shoulders into a lazy shrug. "Didn't think the isekai adventure would be this racist. What are you even, a colonizer?"
  
  Just as Wren began to chuckle at her own goading, Flub began to wiggle up and down, his transparent body flickering as the sugary pseudo-organs began to dissolve. It was a clear indication of something magical nearby, and enough of a warning for Wren to understand what was going on. She raised her head towards the sky, shielding her eyes with the back of her hand as she squinted up at the heavens.
  
  "Ah, well, that didn't take much time at all! Like I said, Zaron, your staff and book should be here any moment...." she announced, a wide and almost crazed grin on her face.
  
  A shadow fell over the raging crowd, distracting some of them long enough to ignore Zareth and instead stare up at the sky. It only took one of them to scream for the rest to look up from their stoning attempt. Within seconds, the crowd began to disperse, shouting and screaming as they ran for cover. The makeshift stalls and their merchandise began to sway and scatter in a sudden gust of wind as something swooped low and crashed down on a crumbled marble pillar.
  
  It looked like one enormous bird with inky black feathers and sharp talons, but instead of a bird's beak it had a protruding humanoid face, expressionless as if cast from plaster. Beneath it was a large horn-like protrusion, and a maw of jagged teeth that split open to hiss out the words.
  
  "Guilty...." the words coiled with malice as the creature lowered its head and slowly walked towards the trio. "Murderer..."
  
  The creature radiated with an awful energy, one that both Zareth and Gammriah could feel. It was the hum of powerful arcane energy, but something was wrong with it, restless and malignant. There was no way this creature was not a spirit, and yet it was different from any they had seen. Only Zareth, who had seen the wolf creatures from the night before, would recognize this unusual hue of arcane. The beast also had deep gouges on its chest and one wing, oriented in the curvature of a bite mark and claws respectively. Feathers were missing from it's wings, a sign that it had recently been in a struggle.
  
  "See, what did I tell ya? Book and staff are right here!" Wren said, lips curving into an impish grin. She held Flub in her hands, which were beginning to be enveloped in a bright light that slowly spread up her arms. "One small problem. They're in the bird. Sorry about that tiny detail. Must have slipped my mind in all the excitement!"
  
  
  Spoiler: Gloom

  
• YsFanatic
  
  Silence returned to the chambers after the trio left, leaving behind an echoing silence. With all the other Star-Fallen busy with their tasks, Sarah was ultimately left behind. Truly a misfortunate turn of events. Perhaps things would have been different had she accepted the blessings. Then again, her lack of choice had only resulted in some other consequence; that of the aptly dubbed 'Fish'. Was it a blessing? Or something else?
  
  As soon as she let Wren's memories be, the influence on Sarah's mind had all but ebbed away, like a shark losing interest in its prey after taking an unsatisfactory nibble. It would seem that for the time being, Sarah was all alone. Still, she could hear activity in the healing ward above her, made by hurried footsteps and stifled sounds of pain as the wounded were tended to by salves and one-eyed spirits. If she wanted to, she could likely call someone down to assist her.
  
  Until then, she could do little but recover in bed or contemplate the adventure ahead. Sleep was an option as well, a potential to explore the dreamscapes while freed of her aging, aching, injured body.
  
• ThatWhichShouldBe November Witch AriAriAbabwa
  
  Maddened by her pained metamorphosis, Oshaka's fangs found Han's arm. He could feel the strength beneath it faltering as her burning eyes locked onto his, the cold of winter's fury seeping through her fangs. More of that gold and white ichor bubbled up from her throat, spilling onto Han's finery as he wrestled the wolf to the ground and called upon his flames to make their return.
  
  The golden flames did not harm him, even as he pressed his hands to their source, as if stemming a flow. He could feel the golden substance leaking from Oshaka's mangled hide, the ichor dripping between his fingers. It was surprisingly warm, despite the wolf's otherwise frozen hide. Feathers poked out from it, soft and downy in the floods of resplendant gore.
  
  He felt the blessing within his chest flickering, the flames trailing up from Oshaka to harmlessly envelop his arm. Waves of that divine presence rippled through his body and soul, the words flaring up. Mercy? It sounded less of a question, and more of an accusation.
  
  It was at the moment of Han's struggle with the wolf that Cythora made up her mind. As if to answer her, the splitting migrane vanished instantly, leaving only the otherworldly chill in her bones as she felt something pull away from her soul. It started as a flicker in her shadow, made long by the flame enveloping Han and Oshaka. It almost nearly concealed the blob of shadow that departed from her own, joining that of the two wrestling beings. Then, as if breaching from a pool of water, inky chains burst from the ground below Han and Oshaka.
  
  The flames sissled and sputtered as the chains pierced into Oshaka's chest and hide, coiling around her like a constricting snake. Black, oily water dripped from them, stinging Han's skin wherever it touched. The rattling links entangled him with the Wolf-Matriarch, pinning him beneath their suffocating, heat-leeching weight. One wrapped firmly around his arm, the same one that had been enveloped by the flame he had called back.
  
  As soon as the chained touched him, the flames he had once weilded sputtered out, leaving nothing but a biting chill up his arm. He could feel it tugging not just the flames from him, but his lifeforce and blessing. It squirmed and thrashed inside of him, as if to sear a hole in his heart in one desperate attempt to flee.
  
  Oshaka no longer struggled, the only movement coming from the matriarch being her pained wheezes. The flames had sputtered out, and slowly the golden ichor began to lose it's luster, turning into an ugly gray. Pinned down with Han, her strength also seemed to be sapped by the unearthly chains
  
• Solirus
  The teen looked up at Rodal, and just before he left, blurted out the words. "I'll do it. I'll be your soldier if that's what it takes."
  
  He then stood there, watching as the warrior left to address the other two warriors-in-training, who at this point had already forgotten about their peer's outburst. When Rodal approached they stopped their conversation, eager to speak with the now-famed warrior.
  
  "See what we've got? Like... spar with you?" The boy asked, looking a little hesitant at that idea.
  
  "Let's just spar as usual. I think that's what he meant." The girl offered, an eager glint in her eyes as she rounded on her brother, already bouncing in a loose stance. "I'll strike first!"
  
  "Whoa!" her brother leaned back, narrowing avoiding the thrust of her training spear. When he recovered, he assumed a combat stance of his own. Neither of them looked to be experienced fighters, the girl being the better of the two, but they looked to have some basics down. No doubt at the direction of Sohaa, who watched them with arms crossed.
  
• seasonedcat YsFanatic Firelie
  Thankfully for Liliana, her allies were indeed doing their jobs. As she massacred the lesser creatures before her with wanton abandon, the scouting party and Mallory were acting as the last line of defence for the scholars. By now the sigils were blinding, each of them making the air around them shiver, creating the onion-skin illusion that there were multiples stacked on top of each other.
  
  As for the avian monstrosity, the collision between Valleni's soul-lightning and the barrier created an enormous explosion of energy that sent ripples through the treeline in a radius encompassing the ruin. An unnatural wind began to whip up in tide with the already overbearing wing beats of the bird as it pushed itself against the force of Val's magic. The lightning seared its feathers, yet the creature persisted as if it wasn't hurt, or perhaps that it was not aware or in control of its own actions.
  
  An eerie chant could just be heard below the bird's screeches. The figure poised on its back had raised a staff high above their head, one that bloomed with a bright violet light matching that of the barrier. It made the magical dome shift and squirm beneath the onslaught of soul-lightning, and after a moment it became clear just what was happening.
  
  The violet of Valleni's magic had been absorbed into the barrier in some way, and like the string of a bow being drawn taut, it was released in the opposite direction. A beam of neon purple shot towards Valleni and her group, but stopped short against a veil of golden light, no thinner than silken cloth, yet enough to split the beam in half. In one V of destruction, the beam evaporated any and all the bird-like creatures immediately around Valleni, Mallory, Lucille and the scholars. Parts of the forest ruin cracked and tumbled down, spreading a cloud of dust and dirt into the air.
  
  Valleni could feel the blessing burn in her chest and knew that this thin, delicate veil, was manifest of her will.
  
  It was at this very moment that the incantation made by the scholars completed. Arcane energy flickered in the area above the runes, creating a field of unstable sparkles and floating stars. To any layman of the arcane arts, it may have even looked dangerous, perhaps deadly. But then again, so did the bird and its army.
  
  "And it's done! Masterfully so!" Lord Fenian loudly declared, voice unusually loud. "My companions, I urge you to draw closer! You have approximately 5 seconds! Starting... now! 5...4.."
  
  "Shit!" the warrior scout swore loudly before bolting back towards where the scholar was. His hand was grabbed by his green-haired companion, already atop her feline steed. The same gesture was extended to Liliana as she rode past the woman.
  
  The only one running in the opposite direction was Lucille, who darted over to Valleni to grab hold of her hand. She had sensed the Soul-Lightning, recognizing it immediately from the last time it had been used. It was something that would take a heavy toll on her friend if used too much, and so Lucille intended to use all the strength she could muster to support her.
  
  "Come on, Val! Just a little closer!" she encouraged her as she tugged her friend alone, both her voice and hands shaking with fear.
  
• AriAriAbabwa
  
  The she-elf's eyes followed Doi's every movement as she went to sit upon the conjured chair, her horizontal pupils reminiscent of those belonging to toads or goats. Her smile remained completely unchanged on her face, as if painted on. After Doi was comfortable, they flicked over to Rishii, still standing to the side in terrified silence. The smile tightened.
  
  "You too, darling!" she gestured out to a chair beside Doi, her long nails filed to sharp points like claws. "Don't be shy now!"
  
  Rishii shook her head, but with a snap of the woman's fingers she was tugged forward, like a puppet on a string, and forced into one of the chairs.
  
  "Wonderful! I am so very glad you could join us!"
  
  Only once her 'guests' had been made comfortable did the she-elf move to sit down. She lowered herself onto a stool opposite Doi, crossing one leg over the other and leaning her elbow down upon it. Her chin rested on a fist, head tilted slightly to the side as she gave Doi a curling, feline grin. "Oh, no need for thanks. It is my pleasure to host someone so... interesting! Ask away, dearie!"
  
  The woman folded her hands together and then rested her chin on them, smiling as she listened to Doi. Only once she had named her inquiries did she go to speak her turn. "You are just a natural at this, you know that? How clever to ask what I am called rather than a 'name'. Those can be tricky, you see. I'm afraid I couldn't give you mine even if I wanted to, but I am truly touched that you have given me yours."
  
  Her last words held a certain ominous weight to them.
  
  "You may call me Mealladh, Arbiter of the Red Star." She dipped her head politely as she introduced herself. "As for my plans, I only wish to observe these fantastic claims of yours. I have heard so, so much about you. Oh, you must excuse my utter excitement to finally see it for myself! We arbiters are seekers of truth, after all. Just like our Mother, Astell."
  
  She plucked a cinnamon roll from the table and took a delicate bite of the conjured pastry, the icing clinging to her smiling lips. "And do not worry, this test will not harm you. Unless you are lying, in which case I will be dearly upset! However, we both know you're a special one... don't we. So please, enjoy your refreshments and as soon as you are ready we shall begin! I would tell you more, but that would ruin the surprise!"
  
  

 

[ThatWhichShouldBe]

Han Liuyang
Han sucks in a breath as the chains drag him down, entangling the matriarch, before he lets out a laugh at that voice of accusation. He bares his teeth as he looks up to the heavens- his life-force drained from him, the blessing in his heart struggling to tear its way free. He was chained and bound and perhaps sure to die for what he had done- So why does he not rage? Why does he not regret? His only reply is a sentence of whispered words, pride in his words.

"This is mercy. This is a choice of life before death. I choose it freely, and all that comes with it."

He looks back to Cythora and Autumn, raising his voice as he calls out. He's pinned and cold and and those damn inky chains kept coiling around him.

"IF ONE OF YOU IS DOING THIS, RELEASE IT! THE FLAME'S GONE, YOU CAN STOP IT NOW!"

 

[YsFanatic]

The enemy mage's abilities were unreal, beyond anything Valleni had seen before, causing her to grimace. Any mage from home would have been utterly destroyed by her Soul Lightning, unable to mount sufficient defense for even a moment much less turn the energy against her. Fortunately the golden barrier kept her and Lucille safe, but with it being such an unknown thing she didn't want to rely on it. Unfortunately her mana was on the verge of running out and the enemy didn't show any signs of weakening.

Then Lucille grabbed lightning savant's hand, the electric arcs and projections passing through her hand without leaving so much of a singe on her skin, and urged her to retreat. Valleni's trust in the other woman was complete, unconditional, so if she said it was time to go, then it was time to go. As such there was no delay, no resistance, she instead immediately stopped her magic, pushed her Soul-Lightning back into her soul, and accepted Lucille's support as they ran back to the others.

Once there she flashed the signal for 'Protect' to Lucille via electric currents before pulling her down and Valleni placed her body protectively over the 'blind' woman's, intending in shielding her from anything that was about to happen.

Juju seasonedcat Firelie

 

[Firelie]

MGVULGTNAH HNAH
HEAD BOBBING
JUST BELOW THE SURFACE​

---

Blood soaked and cackling, Lilliana dodged under a razor sharp beak and looked up to see the terrifying display of magic. The witch glanced down to the horned figure who jettisoned forth a stream of unnatural lightning. Had she had horns before? It was hard to tell in the heat of battle but she could have sworn she didn't. The witch certainly took note of the wizard battle, she would have to ask the strange lightning weaver more about it once they were out of this predicament; If they made it out of this predicament, actually. Lilliana sidestepped a pair of claws and swung out, causing the beast to cry out and retreat.

Ah, perfect. Lilliana's ears perked up at the mage's much to wordy announcement. She turned over her shoulder to see the completed ritual, then from the corner of her eye she saw some of her companions- the stick in the mud and the one with weird ears, the intention of the weird eared girls outstretched hand was received. Popping Voskhad in her mouth and still holding the severed hand, Lilliana stood from her crouched position and grasped the outstretched hand, hoisting herself onto the mount. As they galloped to the ritual site, Lilliana turned to her companions.

With that she ejected herself backwards off the feline, landing on her feet in the safety of the circle. For but a moment there was relief upon her expression. Then it was replaced by shock and dread as she realized- She was about to leave her blade behind. Lilliana wasn't stupid. This was a teleportation circle. "Wait! Zakat! I cannot leave behind!" Lilliana started as she started towards the edge of the circle, despair befalling her as she quickly realized she hadn't the time. If only she had realized sooner- she felt such a fool.

---

MENTIONS: Juju YsFanatic seasonedcat

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

Elvish Prison
Juju​

"Mealladh," Doi parroted, getting a feel for the 'name' on her lips. "A beautiful title." But it was the 'Arbiter of the Red Star' that interested her more. Were there more 'arbiters' out there? What was their connection to Her? Such a fascinating way the Astellans have learned under providence. Also coming as a surprise was this woman's way of speech. Doi wasn't so naive to think the guards and Rishii's fear to be ungrounded; Doi knew better than anyone how many faces one can have. Not the mention the buried weights under each of her words...

Perhaps that's also why she felt so drawn to the elf.

Eyes still on Mealladh, Doi grabbed Rishii's shaky hand under the table, giving her a light squeeze. Just to let her know Doi hadn't forgotten.

"I have a feeling we may just get along," she remarked, having nibbled on another pastry. "I admire the open-mindedness, and I can assure you, your faith is not misplaced. However..." Doi brought hers and Rishii's hand onto the table. "I must make sure that dear Rishii here will not be harmed. The poor thing's been left for dead and betrayed by her own kind." She sent an innocent—yet knowing—smile at Mealladh. "She'd fare better with us. Wouldn't you agree?"

After finishing the pastry, Doi let go of her hand, placing them in her lap. Keeping her back straight, movements minimal, and hair flowing behind her, Doi looked a pure white amid a sea of horror. A vessel of hope—though a mere mimicry in the place it has always belonged. "I am impressed by how delectable those are. And other than that, I am all the ready to demonstrate."

 

[AriAriAbabwa]

Battlefield
Juju ThatWhichShouldBe November Witch​

Cynthora felt a little better with Autumn's presence. Her hug was a simple gesture, but for Cynthora, it was everything. Shock, confusion, fright... When was the last time someone gave her warmth? When someone raised their hands against her, but not to hit? She carefully wrapped her own hands around Autumn, unsure if this was reality. Tears welled up, and her breath hitched. "Y-Yes..." she answered, trying her hardest not to make her stuffed nose and choked breaths apparent. "That would be nice..."

Unfortunately, that would have to wait. The doe snapped her head back to the battle upon hearing more action. "Wait... what?" Not once did Cynthora expect her desperate Hail Mary to work; especially in this way. The inky black chains from the 'dream' was very much real, and dragging both savior and foe down! "No!" And she pranced back, leaving Autumn's side.

What did she even do to cause this? Cynthora raised her arms at the inky appendages, scrambling with panic. "S-Stop...!" she uttered at the attack. "Please, stop! This isn't what I wanted!"

 

[jmann]

GAMMARIAH | Marketplace Juju seasonedcat

Gammariah raked his mind for answers. He had spent nights awake reading of the elvish houses and their weapons. Each gained their influence by a unique trait they provided their society. Those who could not provide power to the Dynasty were cast down; lesser houses. To count and describe every house was a fools errand, but Gammariah did his best. There were houses of master agriculture, scheming spies, masters of animal husbandry, and of course those of wickedly powerful magics. House Dirthneldth was not on that list. If Zareth had died before Gammariah’s time, his entire house had fallen shortly after…

Gammariah gave a knowing nod, pretending to recognise the name, disguising his confusion as anger. He caught a flying piece of fruit from the air, leaving only a smattering of rotten juices to hit the two of them.
When the shadow fell Gammariah’s hands fell to his hilts as if by instinct. A bird, monstrous in size, with a stony human face as if carved from marble. When it spoke, Gammariah drew the swords and dropped into a low stance. He subconsciously pressed the flat of the blade against Zareth’s chest and gently pushed him back, signalling him wordlessly to move to the rear.
Like a wolf, Gammariah kept his stance low and his back arched as he slowly began edging around the creature towards its flank.

It was impossible to tell who it was talking to. With maybe the exception of the girl, they had all killed in their time, and anyone could be considered guilty by one metric or another. Gammariah’s only crimes were loving his homeland and liberating his people. Who was to say if Zareth was any different back in his day.
The magical aura of the creature was so intense it was so palpable he could almost taste it. The air was thick like tar and just as black. But it was also injured, a struggle of some kind Gammariah could not deduce. He could only keep an eye on the girl and wait for her signal before attacking.

 

[November Witch]

Autumn Ichor


Status: Worried & Concerned
Location: Battlefield
Interaction(s): Juju ThatWhichShouldBe AriAriAbabwa

The relief that the flames were gone was soon replaced by more worry and fear as chains bubbled up from below. She stepped into action though, moving just as Cynthora did. She grabbed Han’s nearest arm and used those wings she’d discovered only moments before, beating them against the air, and pulling with all her might in an attempt to free him from the chains. She wasn’t strong, but perhaps with the help of the wings, she could at least dislodge him.

She was concerned when Cynthora spoke. It wasn’t what she wanted… Then were the chains an ability of hers? Maybe she didn’t have control over it yet, or perhaps the power was granted to her by some other being. And that other being was really the one in control of the power. She’d seen it too many times in her own world. Some spirit, devil or even god would offer power to someone. But in reality, that person was just a conduit to extend their power, and a pawn to get the power to where the granter wanted it.

But for now, freeing Han was the primary goal, so she steeled her resolve on that task and pulled harder.

 

[YsFanatic]

Fortunately for Sarah it wasn't long before one of the healers from upstairs came down to check on her. The healer helped the elderly swordswoman with getting to the bathroom, cleaned her wounds, and then left her sitting upright in her bed with a bowl of some kind of stew. As she ate, the injured woman's thoughts turned inwards, to her powers. The magic she had now was radically different than what she had before. Her heritage from her mother's side of the family meant that her mana pool was incredibly tiny, it only took a few spells to completely empty it. But it replenished itself at an insane rate, needing less than a minute of not using magic before it was full again.

But now her magic seemed to be more akin to a traditional pool of magical energy or the spiritual powers she had before coming her, holding a much larger reservoir of power but also needing far longer to recharge. Based on how she felt last night and now, Sarah figured that a good night's sleep should do it to get a full recharge, but more testing would need to be done to confirm. While she exactly do that very well in her current state, that didn't mean she couldn't try to figure out other aspects of her new powers. As the swordswoman chewed on some of her food, she raised a hand with fingers extended up in front of her and focused on the tips of the fingers. It was an old exercise from her childhood in learning how to control her magic. Without much effort she could generate a tiny bead of blue, generic magical energy above one finger and one of the purplish magic that covered her sword yesterday above another finger.... but that was it. She was unable to summon energy of any other elements at all, which told her that her magical affinities for fire, lightning, and wind were gone.

It was perplexing why her abilities had changed so much. Sarah knew that she had a trait that would have either allowed her old abilities to transfer over to this reality or changed them to the closest possible equivalent. This drastic of a change didn't match up with the understanding they had of the trait her and a few others had, which suggested to her that the force that brought her here did the changes itself, but the question in that case why such a huge nerf? It could have at least left enough of her spiritual abilities to empower her body, allowing her to better keep up with the others, but not even that remained. Knowing that she wasn't going to get any answers, at least not yet, the old woman just kept experimenting with her current powers with the intention of trying to get an idea of any other spells that she could use or anything else that she might have missed.

A few minutes Sarah's hand froze while bringing another spoonful to her mouth and her eyes shot wide as she discovered something most unexpected....

-------------

A while later, anyone coming down to the chamber would find Sarah asleep with the empty bowl set on the ground near her. It would be unclear if she was in a deep sleep or if she would quick wake at the slightest disturbance.

Juju

 

[seasonedcat]

• Gay Elf
• Broke Gay College Student

• 
  Zareth | Cloud-Home
  Zareth’s almost pleasant conversation with Gammariah was interrupted by an all familiar tone to Zareth: Hate. The rock that followed the words narrowly missed Zareth’s head, falling to the ground with a loud thump. The years of experience in the negative light of his people made a simple mob like this feel like nothing.
  
  Zareth produced a simple eye roll at the behavoir of the populous, "I was welcomed in by your superiors, something that was a far greater shock to me than it was you. If you do have any complaints I do suggest bringing it up with those in charge instead of throwing produce like uneducated children having a tantrums," Zareth spoke smoothly, a hand falling on his his hip. A sparkle of unbidden amusement shone in his eyes at his own sharp words, without care to hide it.
  
  At Wren's words a huff of air fell from Zareth’s nose in a small laugh. The ignorance to the crimes of war and the people of this world was refreshing in many ways, "I have committed no such act, but the citizens here and in many places would see my people's actions as such and thus me as a result to my 'association' with them."
  
  Gammariah's aid was unexpected to say the least, the surprise across Zareth’s face coming from far more than the sudden liquid splashing him. Zareth could not understand the action, the other hated him, so what could he gain from this? Zareth did not have time process this before the feeling of the sick magic came at the same time as the warning. Zareth’s head shot up to watch the beast land, his heart racing as the helplessness of him being unarmed stepped in.
  
  Zareth was quick to hide the growing dread inside him by fanning the flame of his anger at Wren, "You let two priceless and irreplaceable artifacts of my people get eaten by this abomination?! I can't tell if you are this incompetent or if you just like to pretend to be to piss me off." Zareth hissed in rage, yet still listened to the Gammariah's silent orders and stepped back.
  
  Zarerth was helpless and useless in this moment and it was obvious for all to see. Zarerth could practically feel eyes boring into his skin, regardless of if anyone was actually watching him. It made him sick. With every eye he could feel mockery and resentment. He wanted to run. To hide. To be anywhere but here, forced to be proved useless. He needed an arcane focus. His eyes flicked around desperately, trying to find anything to use.
  
  The monster's words brought a loud laugh to Zareth, "I hate to point this out, but I think he is looking for you Mr Leading Light. After all, you murdered me and then Wren stole from me. Prehaps it has come to inflict justice instead of slaughtering us all. Surely it will offer my staff and book to me, the victim in all these crimes."
  Interactions | Juju jmann
  
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  Mallory | Ruins 2.0
  Thankfully for Mallory, he was the closest to the onion shield and easily stepped inside it. It was only that when he was inside that something clicked in his little brain, his chest tightening with fear, "oh shit, raid boss mechanic, get down Mr president(chat)." Mallory didn't explain further as he took a few steps back, until his back was against the onion shield, creating distance between him and his camera.
  
  Without any fancy effect the camera was again in Mallory's hand, even having a few leaves on it from where it had been hidden. It was if you blinked and it was there, so instant and uneventful it could make you question if it was always there. Mallory gave a wide and toothy smile down at it, pointing it at his face, "Thank God for Coop mechanics. Hope you didn't miss me too much chat!" An easy laugh fell from his lips as a deep and unnatural relief filled him with the camera now in safety.
  
  At the cute mage, and first member of his harem's, request Mallory moved into the circle easily, being the only one not having to race to make it in time. As if on instinct, Mallory turned his camera to the people rushing to make the deadline, showing it to 'chat'.
  
  "Hey so quick question before we teleport, that will probably be comedically cut off right before you can answer me. Where are we going? And as someone who is only a casual Teleporter, is this going to make my tummy hurt?"
  Interactions | Juju YsFanatic Firelie