Benevolence (Under development)

[Beaurmont]

"Tha' 'ell are we leaving Frostfall fore BelCyn?" Agren asked with a low grunt, stomping through the chilled grass. BelCyn Ignored the complaints of his friend, he would complain no matter the situation. "Oi, don' ignore me Cyn. Fer wha' did we leave FrostFall? Tha elders'll will swamp us wit' qestion's they will." Agren continued on, the chirping of the morning Yeui was loud in the background. The two Goblins continued walking in dead silence for a while until Agren began to ask more questions about the destination. "Nd another thin', why're only the twoh of us goin'? We should be bringin' moar men then this. Twoh jus' aint enugh if ya ask Agren." BelCyn turned back to his companion, irritation glued to his face in a snarl. "Shut it Agren, before I wallop you again." He turned back toward the small town coming into the distance, seabirds could be heard from where they stood. A fresh breeze rolled over them consistently. "We're here for business Agren. Don't mess this up..."

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

The crackling sound of boots stomping against gravel was heard as two men made their way down a lonely road. One of them held a silver bucket filled with fresh bait, swaying from side to side in his thick fingers. The other grasped a wooden fishing rod, the hook fastened tightly against it to prevent any injuries. The two men were different in both age, and size. A father, and his young son. The father had a bald scalp, except along the sides of his head, where sports of white hair grew. He concealed his baldness with a worn hat; withered and dull with age. The father was pudgy and short, with deep wrinkles aligning his skin. His son, however, was young and filled with bright energy. He was around the age of 15 or 16 years old. He looked similar to his father; short, but more muscular and had messy chestnut brown hair. The son looked up to the sky, sheltering his eyes with his one free hand.


"It's a good day for fishin', huh pa?" He asked in a voice filled with confidence. The father let out a chuckle, which sounded more like a grunt. He nodded before responding to his young son.


"Sure does." He responded simply. The two began nearing Lake Eyrie, which was one of the most abundant, but mysterious out of all the lakes in Vuile.


The lake appeared as if by magic as the two fishermen crested the ridge. It was teardrop-silver in color and it was shaped like a perfectly flat disc of metal. No sound rang out from the shimmering emptiness of space around it. Monastery quiet, it was lined with pine trees and the whiff of mint wafted up to them. They decided to make their way down to the old dock. Unruffled by wind or rain, it was vault still and restful. The only sounds were the bumbling of bees and the heavy echo of a raven cawing.


Out on the lake, flopping iridescent fish were slapping the surface, hoping to catch one of the squadron of flies that buzzed above. The heaven-leaking light added a golden tint to the face of the lake. The nipping midges bit at the fishermen's skin, causing them to shoo the insects away with a wave of their hands. A small fishing boat was tied to the old dock, moving back and forth from the current of the lake. Preparing for their trip, the fishermen stepped into the boat, untied it, and pushed it out into the open waters of Lake Eyrie. The young son rowed slowly, propelling the boat further. As they reached the middle of the lake, the depths underneath grew darker, concealing all creatures lurking beneath the surface.


With a raspy sigh, the father began readying the wooden fishing rod. He attached a strange, and unfamiliar piece of meat onto the sharp hook. The son did the same on the opposite side of the boat with his own rod. When they were ready, the two cast the clear line out into the dark depths, and waited as the hook disappeared under the water.

 

[Beaurmont]

The scenery became increasingly different as BelCyn and his compatriot, Agren, neared the port town, a strange aroma stuck to the breeze. It was vastly different than the snow covered landscape of FrostFall, foreign to the two Lone Goblins. The ocean could be heard crashing against the port, even from the outskirts, BelCyn smelt raw fish being sold from the markets. It was a plentiful season for this port, or at least he had come to realize. His research of human economy would truly benefit him. Agren grew increasingly impatient behind BelCyn, and grumbled to himself low and often. He would not be able to contain himself long, thought Belcyn, sighing with exasperation.


Slowly, they came upon the port's outer gate, two militiamen standing guard watched them approach with extreme caution. Their faces were scrunched in distrust, and they held their weapons ready. When close enough, the two young militiamen finally gained the courage to speak toward BelCyn. "W-what do you want G-Goblin? Why are ye here?" One asked, he was slightly broader and tall. His helmet could barely contain the black curls, they looked long enough to reach his shoulders. They both were dressed in leather armor, covering a majority of their bodies. BelCyn studied each man intensely, getting an estimation on the war power this port had. Pathetic really. Untrained men placed in leather clothes and told they are soldiers. How easily one could overthrow such a weak defense. It wouldn't even require an army.


BelCyn bowed his head slightly, and spoke in a slow and clear manner. "We be humble Gobs, wissin' tah sell sum of 'are wears. We meen no harm sares." He tried to seem kind and incredibly stupid to the men, obviously playing his part well. The two men relax their shoulders a bit but still stare suspiciously at him. "I-I see...well...what have you got to sell then?" The broad one asks again, keeping his spear pointed at Belcyn. A tinge of irritation rung in BelCyn's mind, but he ignored it and continued. He looked up excitedly, a big goofy grin on his face. "Aye, I got sum good stuff here Iz do." He began to rustle into his pockets and pulled out many different stones. "Yes, yes, aye got some pretty stones. Look! 'Nd dis one even sparkles!" Both guards sigh and exchange glances. "Look Goblin, no ones cares about-" The broad one starts again, but the skinnier one pushes him slightly with his elbow. "Just let em go...there aint much he can do...and maybe someone will buy a stone er two." He completely lowers his spear and starts leaning against the tree beside him.


The broad guard eyes BelCyn one last time before finally lowering his spear as well, sighing heavily. "Alright, just cause no trouble when ya enter the marketplace. I'll hang ye myself." He states before finally standing aside. BelCyn had to contain the need to grin, and finished off with yet another goofy smile, stuffing the useless pebbles he found on the way into his pocket. "Thank ya, aye promise to stay outta trouble I doo!" He states, quickly walking past the militiamen. Once out of sight and far from hearing distance, he spits on the ground and irritably tosses the pocket stones. "Arrogant humans....they see a dumb Goblin and think we mean no harm. They believe themselves to be above us. Disgusting. Now who is the intelligent one?" He muttered, stretching his arms. "Yeh BelCyn, they not as smart as you! Good thin' aye found them pretty stones right?" Agren proclaimed proudly, puffing out his chest. With yet another sigh, he patted Agren on the shoulder. "Yes, yes. You did wonderful to stay silent Agren. Good work." Agren was a complete imbecile, but he was as loyal as a guard dog.

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

The shining silver hook thrown by the fishermen sunk deep into the dark depths of Lake Eyrie. It descended further and further down, no longer visible as the sunlight from above began to fade away. Just below the deadly hook was the bottom of the lake. A forest of water plants sat below, concealing anything that was swimming above the sand. Jagged rocks with deep crevasses lay along the lake bed as well, but were hidden away in the darkness. The hook came to a sudden stop, swaying back and forth. The water was still, and mysteriously silent. Until something sped past the hook; something large. It began to sway faster from the sudden movement. There were strange high pitched noises echoing throughout the water, sounding like the chiming of a bell. Whatever it was, the glinting of the hook caught its attention.


She was slow, and cautious. But curiosity seemed to drive her as she left the safety of her pod. They swam away, unknowing of the missing nymph. She hovered below the hook, tilting her head and swimming around it in a circle. Her gills flared and retracted. With white webbed fingers, the lake nymph tapped the mysterious object. It swayed forward, and then back. She blinked, her caution beginning to fade away. She began tugging at the hook with her finger, trying to figure out where or how it came to be.


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It had felt like hours since the boy had thrown his hook into the water. Him and his father sat in the boat silently, listening to the sound of a crow in the distance. They didn't say a word to each other. Until, something began tugging at the boy's line. He removed his hand from under his chin, and smiled.


"I think we've got one, pa!" He exclaimed to his father, who whipped around. His father laughed excitedly, motioning towards the fishing rod and nodding.


"Well, reel it in!" He exclaimed. With an even bigger smile then before, the boy began to turn the reel furiously.


____________________________________________


The nymph continued to tug at it, her finger hovering above the sharpest point. Out of nowhere, the hook began to pull up. It caught her finger along with it, the tip digging straight through the bone. She let out a high pitched cry, trying to pull away. A stream of glowing blood followed the nymph as she swam back down. Unfortunately, the hook continued to pierce her finger while trying to make her escape.


_______________________________________________


The boy, who had been proud before, was now beginning to panic. The line suddenly was yanked back down, causing the rod in his hands to lurch forward. The reel spun wildly. With a grunt of frustration, his father grabbed the rod and began reeling in the large catch.


"Stubborn thing, ain't it?" He muttered, managing to pull the 'fish' back to the surface. As the hook rose up, so did the nymph. Excitedly, the two fishermen waited. A sparkling glint of scales was seen, and than the splash of two separate fins slapping against the water in protest.


The fishermen stood astounded as a woman with fins fought wildly underneath the surface. Without thinking, they flung a fishing net over her. They pulled her into the boat, falling back in shock. She scrambled to the farthest corner of the boat. Blood trickled down her finger, and formed into a pool of crimson on the floor. She had ripped out the hook, and was grasping the line in her hands tightly. The nymph's beautiful facial features were twisted into a deep frown, along with a look of fear. Her aquatic ears folded against her head.


"By the gods..." The father whispered, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.


"I-It's a lake nymph... Like in the legends!" The son whispered to his father. Slowly, the father nodded. And then a realization hit him. He leaped towards the nymph, beginning to tie the net to keep her from escaping. She screeched out wildly and flailed.


"Row, son! She's coming back to the village with us!"


And in quiet obedience, the son rowed back to shore. They were out of the boat and inside the village in no time. The two ran through the village streets, pushing past a goblin and his fellow companion.


"'Scuse us!" The boy yelled to them. The father held the netted nymph in his arms, who had mysteriously lost her fins. Human legs and feet replaced them now. Pointed ears, and a strange blue symbol was marked on her forehead. As they ran past the goblins, the nymph flashed them a helpless look, before glancing around in fear. The father and son disappeared into the fishery, and soon, the discovery of a lake nymph spread through the village like wildfire.

 

[Beaurmont]

The port town smelled worse when BelCyn began walking through the streets. It was crowded, loud, and to be honest, he was confused why there were human women in sparce clothing on a corner. However, it was of no concern. He was here for buisness, not understanding of human customs. While no ome interacted with BelCyn, he could feel their stares peirce his back, the curiocity and fear. He grunted a bit, annoyed but somewhat proud. He must be an example of the FrostFall Goblins, he would eventually garner both respect and fear from humans. Soon enough they would look away as not to be an object of his fur- A large man and boy pushed past BelCyn, shoving him aside. "Scuse us!" The boy muttered, hurrying by without much of an apology. Carrying with them a creature caught in netting.


"Be careful of who you bump into boy." BelCyn hissed, quickly turning away and walking forward once again. Argen watched as the two hurrid away, noticing the creature that had been captured. Its eyes were worried...it was shaking quite a lot. "Oi...BelCyn." Argen started, chasing after his agitated leader. The Snow Elf glared back to his ally, shaking his fist. "What do you want Argen, it better not be more complaining." Argen shook his head and pointed at the two who passed by. "Well, I thoughts aye saw sumthin." BelCyn sighed, exasperated. "You see something all the time Argen, what is it? What did you see?" Argen squinted his eyes a bit, trying to spot where the two humans went. "Aye think dey has a fish lady."


BelCyn's face turns from iritation to sudden realization. A fish woman? Does he perhaps...BelCyn perked up and began walking in the direction of the boy. "We must follow them Argen. With haste, where did they go?" Argen cocked his head slightly, confused. "Well, dey went tha' way. Wai? We gonna save 'er?" He asked, pointing in a direction. BelCyn grinend nastily. "Yes Argen...we are going to save her. She is quite...profitable." He chuckled a bit, zigzagging through citizens.

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

Now on the floor and still entangled in the net, the lake nymph tried to scramble away as humans of all kinds watched her. They were speaking to one another in a strange language she did not know of, making the nymph more fearful. The largest, most pudgiest one of the humans called out loudly. She jolted at the sound.


"Do ya want the guards to hear ya? Quiet down!"


He snarled to the fishermen. The man turned towards the beautiful creature and knelt down low towards her. His smile was unnerving. She let out a hiss as he grabbed the net and hoisted her up off of the floor forcefully.


"B-be gentle with 'er!" The same boy from before cried out nervously. His father shushed him as all eyes turned towards them.


"Shut it, boy. She's nothin' but a bag of money to me. Just profit." The pudgy man growled, continuing to examine the lake nymph.


"But how are we gonna sell her? And to who?" He muttered to himself.


"Perhaps put her on display?" Someone called out.


"Yeah! She's naked, ain't she? Profit right there, boss!" Another person called out. The group of men howled with laughter. Nerina glanced around fearfully, unaware of what they were saying. Their boss told them to be quiet once more, and the fishery fell silent. He leaned in close to the nymph, smiling. His breath smelled of sour cigar smoke, and she recoiled at the scent.


"You've been awfully quiet, fish. Tell me, how does prostitution sound, hmm?" He said with a grin. The others chuckled wickedly. But she remained quiet. The boss began growing irritated and his smile vanished. He shook her violently like a goldfish trapped in a plastic bag.


"Aye, best start talkin'." He snarled. She still did not speak. With a grunt he dropped her back onto the floor with a thud. Nerina glared up at him, her face twisted into a deep frown.


"Put 'er in the back room." He muttered to one of the men. A muscular man stepped up and grabbed the net, throwing her over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes. He began to take her away.

 

[Beaurmont]

"Excuse me gentleman, might I ask you question?" A voice spoke out as people began to disperse. The fishermen gathered in attention once again, looking around for who was speaking. The large man carrying his profit turned back, confusion on his face. BelCyn appeared out of the massive crowd, walking forward with a coy expression on his face. Argen followed behind, grinning happily. The two Frost Goblins moved to the center of the crowd, every human's eyes on them. Some gazed with disgust, others with interest and concern. Goblins were pretty rare in this part of the country, but Frost Goblins never left FrostFall Mountain regions. The boss from before grunted unhappily, but seemed to allow them to walk forward.


"A'ight then, Goblin. What do ya want?" He asked, folding his arms before him. Argen, snicked quietly BelCyn, not bothering to contain composure around the humans. BelyCyn stepped toward who he considered the leader around here, stopping a few steps away. "I heard you have a...water nymph in your possession, yes?" He began, inspecting his surroundings a bit. When he spotted the nymph, he smiled happily. "Ah yes, that's it. The beautiful water nymph." He looked toward the boss, coy and friendly. "So, I'd like to take her off your hands." He muttered, still smiling.


The boss raised and eyebrow, his frown turned to a entertained snarl. "Oi, looks like we've got a joker here." He started, the men around the Goblins begin to laugh. "Tha nymph's not fer sell yet Goblin. Later on however...ya can buy her for a night service." He stated, winking. "Aye guess a freak would only lay with a freak 'nyway." BelCyn continued to smile, looking back at Argen. "You remember what I told you about a tough customer Argen?" He asked, ignoring the boss now. Argen paused for a moment before returning to a grin. "Yea, yea, I 'member! Ya gotta persuade the buyer right? Make em listen." BelCyn's smile slowly turned dark, his expression sinister. "Yes, good job my friend. You've got to-" In a quick motion, BelCyn drew his blade and stuck in into the boss's right leg, a shrill cry escaped his lips. "Persuade the customer."


The crowd of humans stood silent and in shock, unsure of what to do. BelCyn removed the blade and cleaned it on a cloth. Indifferent of the curses the man shot at him. Finally with a final cry, he hopped back a few times desperate. "Oi, don't let this freak get away! Aye want his Fuckin' head!" BelCyn shot a kind glance at the nymph, but turned back to the boss. "Argen...dissenters are bad for business. Make sure they all die alright?"

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

As soon as the boss was stabbed, the human holding Nerina dropped her. He began running towards the pudgy man, trying to get him to safety. The lake nymph watched some kind of... crimson liquid drip from the human's leg. She glanced down at her finger, where a dried trail of the substance was. A flashback of the mysterious silver object piercing her finger came back to the nymph. Immediately, a dark fear hit her. The strange creature that had hurt the pudgy human, shot a glance at her. Nerina's frown disappeared, and instead was replaced with a look of terror. She scrambled into one of the far corners, trying to get away from the fight and the creature approaching her.


No one seemed to notice the escaping nymph. She tugged wildly at the brown netting, even beginning to bite at it. The son who had caught her tried to run towards the lake nymph, but he was suddenly tugged away by his father. They disappeared back into the village together.


It wasn't long before the humans started attacking the other creature, driven by pure anger. Nerina looked up from her work and was struck with even more fear from before. Her large blue eyes glanced over to the strange creature, and then to the fight, not knowing what to do.

 

[Beaurmont]

With ease, BelCyn cut and sliced his way through various fishermen. Some attacked without weapons, some swung large sticks aimed for his head. Each attempt made him laugh, a dark chuckle escaping his lips. These humans with no experience...their efforts were futile. He had been fighting the entirety of his life...they untrained whelps meant nothing to him. Argen grunted as he slew another human, his large axe red from cutting flesh. BelCyn nodded at his companion, and began moving in the direction of the tied water nymph. A large man stood in his way, armed with a javelin. Even against this large man, BelCyn felt no fear and raised his blade with a sneer on his face.


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Kalth walked slowly along the dirt road, silently daydreaming. Memories of the places he has visited filtered in his mind, thoughts of the people he has met. Crowded cities and small villages alike, he has seen a lot. 6 years ago, he was narrow-minded and cared very little about the world in which he resided. He lived day by day on his next contract...the next kill. He shook his head a bit, tensing at the thought. That's not me anymore. I've changed. For...the better, for...her. He brought his hand to his face, an old scar lining his cheek. I will make my life of use...I promise. He thought, starting to walk again. His next destination was a port town, said to have many different types of fish for sell. It would indeed be interesting to try some of the food, as he saved up a good amount of coin.

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

While the two strange creatures were occupied with fighting, Nerina had managed to bite through the rope. Her hands scrambled to remove the netting from her body. The lake nymph tore it away and tried to stand. Nerina's knees wobbled, like they had absolutely no strength. And then she plopped down to the floor. She stared at the strange pink things on the bottom of her legs. But the cries of angry humans distracted the nymph immediately.


She scrambled away, crawling on all fours and managing to sneak out of the back door. Nerina collapsed onto the alleyway street, the cold stone making her skin become ice. She rubbed her arms, and tried once again to rise to her feet. The lake nymph managed to stand and take small steps, but needed the support of the building wall. She stared at the end of the alleyway leading out into the road. Humans passed by, talking with each other or just walking by themselves. Nerina's pointed ears pressed against her head, taking a step back in fear. She shot a quick glance behind her, and than back towards the road.


Slowly, Nerina began to make her way towards the end of the alleyway. But than she stopped, still afraid.

 

[Beaurmont]

In the midst of fighting, BelCyn lost sight of the nymph, her ropes laid across the ground. "...She got away." He muttered, annoyed. Most of the fishermen fled the scene after a few men were killed, screaming for town guards. "Pathetic. All of them." He walked up to the ropes, inspecting them thoroughly. "The creature...chewed through. What poor rope quality." Argen trotted up next to him, cleaning the blade from his axe. "We can still chase 'er Cyn. She ain't far yet." The frost Goblin nodded at his companion, rising to his feet. He tied the ropes around his arm, in-case he'd need them later. "We can't let her escape after that Argen. We must catch up." With that, the two Goblins moved after the light tracks, in search of their prey.


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Kalth found his way toward the end of his long journey, already having past the port's gates. Many citizens were walking along the long road leading out of the port, chatting as usual. It was loud, but there weren't as many people as he had seen. It was just a port town anyhow, nothing like the Imperial Citadel. His feet were now hard from travelling and he could walk for days without the slightest sense of pain. Absentmindedly, he chewed on a loaf of bread he had bought from a stall on the way. Something strange caught his eye however, a creature shook against the wall, watching as people passed by. Kalth eyed her, interested, but cautious. Should...I? He wondered, stopping in his tracks. Upon further inspection, she seemed to be quite afraid. Gentle and afraid were the vibes that he got. The wanderer walked toward her slowly, trying his best not to frighten her. "U-um...are you okay?" He asked, half-expecting it to not know his language. Depending on her reaction, he would try a few other languages, including his elvin 1st.

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

Nerina watched the humans pass by one by one. They didn't seem to notice the nymph hiding in the shadows. Until one saw her, and stopped. He stared at her, beginning to approach. The human spoke to Nerina, but she did not understand this strange language and did not respond. She took several steps back, knees continuing to shake. Her experience with humans had been far from good. Naturally, the lake nymph feared him like the rest.


There was a sudden clatter behind her, coming from inside of the wooden structure. The voices she heard sounded similar to the strange creatures she had seen earlier. They grew louder. She looked back behind her, and then to the human, and then back behind her. Clenching her fists, the lake nymph sped towards the human and hid behind him. Her hands met his shoulders gently as she peeked to see if the creatures were still following her. Other humans stopped and stared at the beautiful strange woman. A few recognized the sapphire blue symbol on her forehead, and immediately began whispering to one another.

 

[Beaurmont]

Kalth, surprised, watched as the girl fled behind him, gripping his shoulders. He was being used as a shield from something, he didn't know if he quite liked it. Foot steps were heard, and Kalth veered forward, watching as two shadows appeared from the alleyway, both grinning. He felt unnerved by their expression, but stood his ground. He glanced back at the blue creature, a gentle smile on his face. "Oi, you wanna move outta the way?" The brutish one asked, his voice deep. "Quiet Argen, let me handle this." The first muttered, looking back toward Kalth. He was taller and thinner than the other, he also carried himself with pride and esteem. The look in his eye gave a weird impression, Kalth could sense he was sinister and clever. "If ya say so Cyn. We shood gut em like tha rest."


The one named Cyn stood straight up, and spoke in a respectful manner. "That creature there is my property, I paid for it with a great deal of coin." He smiled slightly at the girl, before turning back to Kalth. "I would ask that you move aside so I can restrain her. One should not interfere with another's property." The crowd nervously spoke to each other behind Kalth, watching the scene play out. They were distrusting of the Goblin, but the creature also raised caution. The wanderer thought to himself for a moment, not wanting to get caught in something bad. He sighed and looked back at her again. "I don't think a living creature is property. Your logic is flawed greatly." He stated evenly, looking back at Cyn expressionless. The Goblin stood silently for a moment before his expression turned dark, a snarl leaving his lips. "If that's how it must be."


Quickly, Kalth drew his shortsword to intercept the Goblin's strike, it was quick and accurate. Cyn took a step back before lunging at him again, with the intent to kill. "S-shit." The wanderer whispered under his breath, turning and sweeping the girl off her feet. "I know you can't understand me, but please trust me." He muttered, turning tails and running from the two Frost Goblins. "Don't run from me human." One of them scream, trying to chase after him quickly.

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

The whole scene played out in front of the lake nymph. She began to back away slowly, fear driving her. Until she was swept up into the human's arms. She let out a high pitched yell of surprise, not expecting the sudden movement. He began running, and she gripped the strange fabric aligning his body to keep herself from falling. Her blue eyes were wide. Nerina peeked behind them, seeing the creatures fade into the distance as the human ran. She got the idea they were running from them. They were extremely dangerous after all.


With a worried frown, the lake nymph scanned her eyes around them, looking for something. When she had an idea of a place to hide, Nerina quickly pointed in the direction of a building. It seemed to be some sort of shop. Urgently, she slipped out of his arms and grabbed his wrist, leading them inside quickly. The store clerk running it looked up, completely shocked. When he saw the unclothed woman in front of him, his face turned a bright red.


"U-Uh... excuse me, miss?" He began to say, but stopped when she pulled the man behind her away. They ran upstairs into the store clerk's room. She shoved the man into the bathroom and shut the door. The store clerk began yelling angrily, not at all happy they intruded into the top level of his home. Before he had time to reach the stairs, two goblins burst into his shop with weapons unsheathed. His eyes widened in fear.


"C-Can I help you?" He asked politely, trying to act normal.