Fantasy Call to Arms: The Raven Knights

[Moolock]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Kira watched Haldisa go, shaking her head a little- not that it showed with the heavy cloak. She gave Finley a pat and waited for Gareath to mount behind her before starting out of the Grove at a canter. As the road darkened with fewer lanterns and thicker trees above, the crow lowered herself in the saddle, urging the horse faster. Gareath could hold her waist, she didn't care. If it meant he didn't fall off, so be it. She didn't want to be at a pace slow enough for anything unpleasant to catch them between here and Montiven. As they continued riding, she grew unsettled. Beyond the sounds of Finley's hooves, the forest was quiet. No night larks or owls. No rustling to announce waking creatures. The silence only seemed go grow heavier as Finley picked up speed, now racing down the road. She hated this road, hated how it closed in and how the silence pressed. She didn't used to hate this road. Probably the shift in creatures about, Kira concluded.[/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The ruins of Montiven came into view, beyond them the castle. No drunk, lazy guards at their posts. She wondered what happened to that family that had chanced moving into the decrepit city. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As the dirt became cobblestones, Finley slowed to a stop. Kira gave him a pat and swung herself down from the saddle, the cloak billowing around her. Holding the reins, she waited for Gareath to dismount. Her other hand rummaged through the saddlebags for a scarf to nestle around her neck, beneath the hood. Once that was in place, she moved her sword from its cloth wrapping under the saddlebags into the scabbard at her side. Faintly, the crow hoped her drafting would be enough that she wouldn't need it. Apparently these things could vanish as they wished. Gesturing to the castle, she muttered, "Shall we?"[/SIZE]


@Hatt730

 

[NightQueen]

Nymeria


Nymeria gave a cheeky grin at the banter from the group. Giving a nod she spoke again with a teasing glint in her eyes


"It shall be a struggle my lord, but I shall try to keep my hands to myself"


Addressing Asbjorn with a smirk on her face as she urged her horse to move with the group. There was no point in being cold and withdrawn.


She wanted to get comfortable with her companions. giving the girls a nod, she followed on leaving Ravensgrove behind them as they began to


make their way to Arranhall. Despite the dangers now involved, a small part of her was excited at the prospect of an adventure. She knew why


she had been sent to go with this group, because as the child of a merchant family, she was well versed in the game of politics and with the rumours


coming from Arranhall, her skills would surely be needed.


@Onikuma @HumansArentReal @Lexi Whittaker @StarBabyPixel

 

[Andraus]

Yaro Azar
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@Onikuma @Hatt730 @Moolock @RunicFollower
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​

Yaro would peer inside, before speaking. "Okay, when we kill this Revenant? We go through this closet. Likely we'll find more than enough to cover the cost of our trouble here. " Yaro said, though he had a feeling they'd likely get to this closet again soon. Closing the door, Yaro felt the heavy sense of dread, and the scream only exacerbated the problem. Yaro would then close his eyes, as he felt his body become warmer, to ward off the dark sense of dread. It wasn't a full counter measure towards fear inducing creatures like a Revenant, but it at least made Yaro feel better. Opening his eyes to his companions comment, Yaro would take it.


"First....A simple wooden scrap piece won't burn for long, and you're likely to burn yourself. Here, let me help you."


It was easy to forget that Yaro had spent the last three to four years wandering the world, so he had to learn from trial and error the do's and don'ts of exploring. Taking the wooden scrap piece, Yaro would then look around, before walking towards the now-broken cupboard, and tore up some shreds of cloth. Tying it around the top, Yaro would then hold his hand to the cloth, as flames would spring forward, lighting the makeshift torch. "Here. This should be safe to hold now. Be careful next time, that's a very easy way to burn yourself, and cause a larger fire. Also, don't make that much noise again, we need to do this stealthy, as the Revenant could be listening in as we speak." Yaro said, as if he knew from experience about the fire bit, and fear obvious when it came to discussing the Revenant. Even if he had back-up, his odds of survival were less then what he'd wish them to be....It only excited him more, but there was still fear.


Yaro would then walk towards the other side of the grand hall with the Raven Knight, before look towards the two doors. Flipping a silver in his hand, and getting heads, Yaro would then go to the door on the left, before looking towards Reynald. "Ready? On three....One....two...."He would then light his left hand on fire, and draw his short-sword. "Three!" He nearly yelled, before opening the door quickly.

 

[BlightGiver]

"It's time to kick some undead behind!" Fjord drunkenly yelled; he smacked the back of his steed to make it rise onto its hind legs. The sight was the exact opposite of what you'd expect from a knight.  Unfortunately, the horse knocked into the stepping stool Fjord used, disrupting its balance. The poor horse quickly lowered back down, the force knocking Fjord off its back. "Well," Fjord dusted dirt off him. "Let's just get going then...." He tried to regain composure; this attempt made useless at the sight of Fjord using the stepping stool again.


Once again seated properly, Fjord mushed his horse and headed out. "Try to keep now, y'all hear?" his voiced could be heard echoing back to those practically done with their preparations. "Man, oh man. This is going to be a tough fight. Hopefully some of those guys can use fire magic." he mumbled. Leave it to Fjord to not pay attention to anyone's powers; or maybe it was just the rum affecting his memory, who knows? 


Once out of the Grove, Fjord hailed his horse to stop; his eagerness to fight crushed by his rationale. "Perhaps I should wait for the rest of them to catch up." He took another sip from his bottle of "Tree Essence" as he waited. Fjord's horse seemed to enjoy the slight rest, grazing on some grass off to the side of the road. "Strange attacks, King Dedrick's summons, an undead monster. What is the link between these?" Fjord pondered. Not like he'd be able to come up with a hypothesis, but he understood the severity of the situation nonetheless. The serious atmosphere in the Grove was normal, but on this day, it seemed to become even more so. Everyone was gearing up for any potential outcome; no matter what it could be. "I guess we'll find out eventually." A shiver ran down Fjord's back at that thought.

 

[caYabo]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Jaxon beamed back at Gareath’s oversized grin and offered a cheerful nod in return. however, their reunion was interrupted in short order by Fjord’s drunken antics. Jaxon tried and failed to keep a straight face as the dwarf shoved himself to his feet and dusted his bottom unceremoniously. Despite his efforts a snort of laughter managed to escape him. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Alcohol is a sea, a ship can float in the ocean, but it can sink in it too… [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Jaxon doubted Magister Curley would approve of drinking before a battle but by the man’s own admission each of the Raven Knights were different and each had a unique approach to battle, it was one the orders greatest strengths . The dwarf seemed not to notice Jaxon’s merriment at his expense and instead spurred his mount in the direction of Montiven. Fjord’s words were lost to the sounds of his kilterous pace, although his meaning was clear, it was time to go and complete their mission. [/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Jaxon hefted [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Frostbite [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]over his shoulder in a loose at arms; it being the most comfortable position he’d managed to find for the unwieldy weapon during a gallop and allowed the hammer to remain in easy reach. He squeezed Snapper’s flanks with his legs and then posted for gallop, and they were off, headed down the road towards Montiven. He arrived after Kira and slowed to a trot before stopping altogether, his eyes drank in the ruins of Montiven and a sense of foreboding that had followed him along the ride suddenly became more pronounced. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Always better to face a thing, than live in fear of it[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] he thought as Kira’s invitation reached his ears.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“I’m right behind you Kira.”[/SIZE]


@NostalgiaOwl @Moolock @BlightGiver @Hatt730

 

[idalie]

Asbjørn Agnarsson
​

He returned the playful mischief, sitting upright whilst grasping the reins in a single fist, brows pleasantly arched as Lady Nymeria gave a sly comment. "Oh please, I'd rather there be no restraints." Asbjørn aimed his grin, handsomely reaching his eyes with a certain look of joy and flirtation. Although by the time he'd let out a low, warm laugh, Agnarsson had quite caught up to Roderick. However, his gaze was permanently fixated behind him, till it was torn off towards the horizon. "I sure don't bite." He remarked aloud, aimed quite easily at the woman behind him.
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​

You couldn't change the nature of Asbjørn if you'd tried. Always the flirt. Had been since youth in Raven's Grove - where he'd been more than boasting about having a full beard at fourteen. Which was young, especially for a human boy. Nonetheless, it was in his nature. Charming, honest, and oddly sweet. Scared to break things delicate. Something which translated to how he treated people in particular - to hurt someone he cared about would leave him in more devastation than the murder of a stranger.
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@Haus Of Alaska @Onikuma @Lexi Whittaker @StarBabyPixel
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[Moolock]

Kira almost jumped at hearing a voice not Gareaths and had she not turned before unsheathing her blade,- the crow shuddered, again not visible with the heavy cloak. Scolding herself for being jumpy, she inclined her head to Jaxon. Promptly after that, she blamed the skittishness on whatever was lurking in Montiven. Turning back to the ruins after tying Finley to a post of questionable strength, Kira took in as many details as she could, knowing her night vision would be lost as soon as she lit a fire. The same silence of the forest rang here. The tavern sign did not creak in a breeze, nor was there the usual sound of thuds or scraping of small animals between the rocks. Everything laid still under the moonlight.


She knew the roads through the ruined city well, having lived there after being turned away from Ren Manor. Waving them forward, she picked her way through the streets, heading toward the castle. The dark ruins scared her now- they didn't before. As she walked, the crow felt herself growing even hotter. A small voice in the back of her head warned of fever, which she ignored shooting back that she'd need to pack as much as possible to have any decent part in killing the Revenant. Gradually, she became more and more aware of her footsteps and how they echoed in the empty street, of just how close they were getting to this creature. Everything seemed heavier and with the cloak making her hotter, distance felt like it was collapsing in. In a short moment of panic, she drew a rush of heat to her hands, urging the space above her glove to show flame. For a flash, a red flame illuminated her face under the hood. Remembering where they were and where they were headed, she extinguished it almost as quickly as it came. 


@Hatt730 @caYabo @BlightGiver @NostalgiaOwl

 

[Lexi Whittaker]

 Adjusting her satchel, she grasped the reins to speed up beside Roderick. She swept her partially braided hair behind her ear. Her eyes glistening with the mixed feeling of a new journey. 


She had always kept up with Roderick, asking about his well being from travelers who were from Cascadia. That was how she kept up with most of her fellow knights. She always thought that Roderick's ability was one of the most interesting and the exact opposite of her ability. She thought his peace endeavors between people and elves was noble and although she hated to admit it he was good looking. 


She leaned over to talk to to Roderick, "How's it going? Still making people sick?" She winked at him. 


@Onikuma

 

[Onikuma]

As Ylva caught up to Roderick's stride, he felt a small hint of relief knowing that he'd have some conversation on the way, not being keen on listening to his friend Asbjørn perfect his courtship rituals over the course of their journey. He offered her a smile and couldn't help but chuckle softly at her comment. "No, not for a long time now. As for how things are going, well, that's hard to say. I'm really concerned about what will happen when we reach Arranhall." He let out a sigh, glancing over in Ylva's direction once more. "Still, better not to dwell on the unknown. It's been a long time since we've last spoken. I'm eager to hear about your travels. You always were a remarkable woman," he said, returning her playful wink back at her.

Riding to Arranhall, Part One
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And so the group would ride. Far beyond Montiven, heading north some distance, then changing direction to the east. Their travels would take them off the beaten path, through dense fields and rolling hills, a great, wide expanse of beauty as the sun gradually rose and set once more. They'd been maintaining pace all through the previous night and the next day, rendering their party exhausted. Roderick suggested the party set up camp, much to the relief of those with him, he was sure. The group was now a half a days ride from Loenshire, which would put them another few hours away from Arranhall. This situated them on the eastern outskirts of a small forest that was directly north of Raven's Grove. Setting up tents, a fire and a pot with which to cook that evening, the group finds a bit of relaxation among the stars in the night sky.

Camp
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Roderick felt exhaustion creep up on him as he got settled in, positioning himself beside the roaring campfire for warmth. Despite his body telling him to just lay down and forget the world existed for a little while, he knew that if he didn't get himself some food, he'd feel a lot worse come the dawn. He reached out, lazily twirling the ladle that protruded from the pot that hung above the campfire. A stew was cooking, and the aroma was intoxicating. Herbs and spices, as well as a fresh rabbit went into the mixture, enough to make anyone's mouth water. Roderick lifted the ladle, taking a taste, letting out a small groan in delight at the flavor. "Not too much longer now. Should be ready shortly," he called out to the other four that were there with him. Returning the ladle, he laid back, feeling the cool grass touch the back of his head as he looked out into the night sky. Peaceful moments like this didn't come around that often, and Roderick wanted to soak every last bit of it in.


@HumansArentReal @Lexi Whittaker @StarBabyPixel @Haus Of Alaska


(Note: The time skip will only affect the five of us going to Arranhall so that way we don't hold the plot up. Everyone else will still be on the night of the Gathering as of this post. Thanks!)


---

Castle Blackmarsh
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As the two opened their respective doors, they were revealed to lead to the same room. A large, sprawling dining hall lay before them; as too did the source of the scream not moments ago. A large banquet table, was in the center of the dining hall, chairs situated around it with skeletal inhabitants occupying each of the seats. They were faced in the direction of the table where a fresh corpse hung from the chandelier in the center, strung up by his intestines, his legs still twitching. Blood was splashed everywhere; fresh, warm. The body, was unfortunately one of many, as the ground was littered in mangled corpses and scattered limbs. As the reality of the grizzly scene set in, a loud shriek was heard echoing around the walls. Directly in front of the hanging corpse, a shadowy circle began to grow along the table and from it, a creature began to emerge, slowly levitating upward and into view. The illumination of their torch revealed the creature's ghastly visage, and it's blackened armor. A sword, a massive claymore, appeared in it's right hand, glowing with dark energy. The Revenant of Montiven had arrived...


@Andraus @RunicFollower

 

[RunicFollower]

Reynald grabbed the torch from his Yaro. " Thanks Yaro, I'll make sure to to be more careful next time." Reynald said as he held the torch in front of him and pull out out his rapier.  As he turned around Reynald and Yaro went to both doors and then on three the both went through the doors only to discover that led to the same horrifying room. The room was covered in blood and littered with corpses, a corpse still dripping with blood hung from the ceiling it was fresh the color was still slightly warm. As he was looking at the hung corpse that's when the shadows in the room began to to circle on the table, this Revenant was emerging, it's huge swords loomed as it appeared. Reynald moved the torch to see the creature and that's when it let out a heart wrenching shriek. " Yaro we have to do something before it gets the chance to retaliate." Reynald said looking back at the creature , it was already making its move towards them.


@Andraus

 

[Andraus]

Yaro Azar
​

@RunicFollower @Onikuma
​

 


The grisly scene would be enough to make any sane individual sick, but Yaro knew this was typical necromantic stuff. Covering his mouth, he could only stare in horror as the Undead rose from the circle, night giving it strength. Yaro knew they'd be in a desperate fight for survival, and counted his odds. "I have fifty arrows in bag, my fire magic, and a trained Knight from the Raven's with me.....I have the advantage of numbers, so I hope I can use that well. " He thought, before looking towards the ring in his hand. He had to remember the cause this was for- His guild, his dreams, his....everything was placed on killing this creature. Not to mention, if he failed here, more would suffer. He couldn't let that happen!


 


No....


 


He WOULD NOT let that happen!


 


Yaro would then draw an arrow, as he got into his archery stance, and Reynald would be able to see a blue flame emit from the arrow tip. "We split up! Look for it's tether, what is keeping it here, it has to be in this room! I will hold it back as long as I can. That fails? We cut this bastards head off, or rip it's heart out! Now GO!" He said, letting lose an arrow towards the beast, aiming for the leg. Upon contact, the area the arrow struck would emit a ball of blue flame, that could damage anything it hit.. He would then draw two more, and aim the arrows towards the creatures arm, attempting to reduce it's mobility. While he knew the creature likely didn't feel pain, that didn't mean he couldn't hinder it's movements.


 


Yaro now only had forty-seven arrows left, but would already be drawing another, aiming to keep this creature occupied..

 

[Onikuma]

Castle Blackmarsh
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​

The Revenant let out a piercing shriek as the arrow made contact, the flames hindering it's movement and forcing it back. As two more arrows strike their mark on the Revenant's arm, the creature's howls began to fade out as it once again disappeared from view, slipping quickly into another shadowy circle. The air was still for only a moment as the creature suddenly reappeared in front of Yaro, taking a swing at him with his massive claymore, it's strength truly showing as it handled the exceptionally large sword with ease. The blow would be enough to cleave Yaro in two if it struck, and that is exactly what the Revenant intended to do.

 

[Lexi Whittaker]

Ylva sat crossed legged next to Roderick, "The unknown is the thing that brought me here on this journey because the unknown frightens me. However, once we have faced that terror the unknown becomes known and questions become answers. Remarkable knows nothing of me, but it surely knows you well. "


"My travels have been limited until quite recently, mostly dealing with issues at home. I feel like I only sleep a mere hour or two without being awoken by another issue. The pain rarely subsides these days, but on a brighter note the people I have saved have been many. Any interesting journeys you have taken these days? She smiled at him brushing her fingertips over the grass before her. 


@Onikuma

 

[Andraus]

Yaro Azar
​

@Onikuma @RunicFollower
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​

Yaro was lucky his attack did something to the creature, so when the creature vanished from sight, Yaro feared the worst. Sure enough, when the creature reappeared, It was right in front of him. Yaro was able to move enough so that the attack didn't cut through him, but the force of the attack not only cut through the front of his armor, but it sent him over the ledge, and onto a table on the first floor, breaking it and knocking the wind out of him. "Agh! Okay, ow! " He gasped, as he tried to stand, before pulling out his short-sword. "I better get paid double for this shit..."

 
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[Onikuma]

Camp
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Roderick was stirred out of his reverie by the recognizable tone of Ylva's voice, almost forgetting they were having a conversation before he started to lose track of things, hunger really taking it's toll on his mental faculties. He brought his arms up, locking his fingers and resting his head on his hands, finding a certain comfort between the contrast of the cool earth and the warm fire, not to mention the company. "I wouldn't be so modest, Ylva. You embody the word remarkable. It's exactly as you just told me. You've given yourself to the greater good of those around you, and you've been met with success. The Crossroads is lucky to have you, even if you don't see that yourself." He took in a deep breath, somewhat taking in the crisp, clean air, somewhat checking on the progress of the stew. "My journeys have ceased for the time being, I'm afraid. Between dealing with my father and his... well, dealings," he uttered the last word with some contempt, ".,,and of course these monsters making their return. I've been kept within the walls of Cascadia for some time now. To be honest with you, this little adventure brings me some level of relief. I was growing crazy sitting all cooped up like that," he laughed.


@Lexi Whittaker

Castle Blackmarsh
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With the first target out of the way, the Revenant shifted it's focus to Reynald, marching quickly over towards his position. The creature carelessly swung it's claymore around, destroying the chairs and their skeletal occupants, all in an effort to get closer to Reynald. The Revenant was enraged, the fire doing it's job in delivering some harm to the undead, but the anger was only fueling the Revenant, and that was becoming very clear. Once it reached Reynald, it hoisted it's sword above it's head, bringing it down with two arms in a vicious fashion, aimed at splitting Reynald down the middle.


@Andraus @RunicFollower

 

[RunicFollower]

Reynald saw as the arrows slammed into the Revanant , the creature disappeared and reappeared in front of Yaro swinging its massive sword at Yaro. "YARO!" Reynald yelled . Yaro struck and flew into the table, with a sigh of relief he saw Yaro reaching for his sword but the creature shifted its gaze on him it ran at him bring its sword upon Reynald but Reynald knew the creature would be furious from the rage as the creature brought up its massive sword the creature let of a loud screech at that moment Reynald shoved the torch into the creatures mouth and Reynalds hand  was surrounded by dark aura seeping on the ground, he slammed his hand on the creatures chest and blasted it away. " Yaro switch me roles I don't need you to get hurt anymore." Reynald said as he put away his sword and pulled out his spear and closed his helm cover. 


@Onikuma


@Andraus

 

[BlightGiver]

The sky got ever so slightly darker; Fjord knew this would not help the upcoming battle. As much as he would want to wait, he knew in his drunken heart that he need to get to Montiven now. "Sorry guys, I'm going on ahead just as I said before." he mumbled, lightly kicking his horse to get it moving again. "The night will make the Revenant a tougher opponent, got to remain steady and focused for this." Fjord decided, slurring his speech a little.


Not too much longer later, Fjord made it to Castle Blackmarsh. He quickly got off his horse and tied its lead to a post. But the sounds of a ruckus within the dark castle behind him made him jump. Shrieks of an unholy beast coupled with those of people fighting made Fjord realize what was happening. "There's already knights fighting! Oh no!" he exclaimed and rushed straight inside. The scene made Fjord speechless; a massacre of innocent people was strewn all over the room, and there in the middle was a huge beast fighting two people. And by the looks of things, the beast appeared to have the upper hand. 


The two combatants used fire and swords; both of which were enough to deter the Revenant, but couldn't keep the damned thing down. "HEY!" Fjord yelled, making both fighters turn to look at him. One almost got hit by the Revenant because of this, but he managed to dodge in the nick of time. "Oh, sorry." Fjord sighed. "No matter. Hey, bonehead!" he yelled as loud as he could. The Revenant took notice of Fjord's insult and turned to face him. "That's right, Fjord Fjordson is here! Face my dwarfy wrath!" Fjord grabbed his axe and spun it around intimidatingly. 


Not like that would work on the necrotic abomination, it simply lunged straight at the inebriated dwarf. Bony arms outstretched ready to grab and rip Fjord apart. The cunning dwarf dodged to the side, managing to keep the Revenant's attention for now. 'Alright you pile of bones, bring everything you got.' Fjord thought, maintaining his steadfast attitude.


@Andraus  @RunicFollower @Onikuma

 

[RunicFollower]

Reynald watched as the Revnant shifted its focus on the dwarf its rage intensified and began thrashing at the dwarf . Reynald took this sign and ran towards Yaro. " Yaro, oh good your armor absorbed most of the blow, I will tend to your wound when this mess is over, I need you to stay alive and find the tether" Reynald said he stood up and faced the Revenant. The Revenant was still busy with the dwarf he was incredible slippery which was good for right now. The monster gave a large overhead strike and smashed his sword into the door, Reynald took this oppertunity and charged the monster he drove his spear straight into its back and brought the creature to its knees. " In the name of the Knights of Raven and in light of Lady Minerva  let the end of my spear be your undoing!" Reynald shouted as he pulled his spear out from its back and put his hand on the back of the creatures head blasting it away again.


@Andraus


@Onikuma


@BlightGiver

 

[NightQueen]

Nymeria


Nymeria just grinned in response and spent the rest of the day travelling in relative peace.


When it came time to make camp, she focused on setting up her tent before turning to offer a hand for anything else.


While the food was cooking, she took their empty water canteens and went to the closest clean water stream to fill them up.


Coming back just as Roderick made the announcement she gave a nod before handing out the now full water canteens.


"Seems I was just in time then"


She gave a smile before sitting herself by the fire, while she was use the cold of Ravensgrove during the time she spent there,


the years she was back in Jivala made her lose her familiarity with the coldness that came from being further north.


[SIZE= 12px]It was not too bad, she just had to sit closer to the fire.[/SIZE]


[SIZE= 12px]"Well my lord, it seems it may be a bit cold for me tonight, care to share my tent. For the sake of keeping warm"[/SIZE]


[SIZE= 12px]She taunted Asbjorn playfully giving a wink as she held her hands out to the fire to warm them from the cold water of the river. [/SIZE]


@HumansArentReal @Lexi Whittaker @Onikuma @StarBabyPixel

 

[StarBabyPixel]

Mari was so overjoyed to be out of Raven's grove and back on the road, her shyness slowly disappearing back behind her more adventurous nature. She stretched her arms, loosening the joints in her shoulders and back as she let out a happy sigh, grabbing her satchel from Creed's saddle and picking out the horse bush. Marilyn grimaced slightly as Creed made another attempt to nuzzle her, Mari quickly pushing his face away again. "Enough you stupid beast, you wanted to be brushed did you not?" She huffed, Creed stomping his hoofs in a happy response, going for another nuzzle and being rejected again.


With Creed cleaned and looking respectable Mari moved to brush the other horses, once completely finished she actually remembered that she wasn't alone, her ears twitching slightly as she looked around to find someone to talk to and realise that everyone had already kind of paired up in discussions. Creed whinnied and Marilyn turned her attention back to the horses and back towards the group, she gave Creed one last scratch before heading to the fire, sitting down while doing her best not to disturb anyone, finally taking off her gloves, warming her hands in front of the fire.


@HumansArentReal @Lexi Whittaker @Haus Of Alaska @Onikuma

 

[Andraus]

Yaro Azar
​

@Onikuma @RunicFollower @BlightGiver
​

Yaro would look towards Reynald. Despite being hurt, he was grinning from ear to ear. "Me, hurt? Are you kidding?! This is the most fun I've had in awhile! Old age might kill me, but I am not letting a walking bag of bones take me down, that just insulting!" He said, before looking over, and climbing back up there, watching as a dwarf, who he recognized now as Fjord, shoved the torch in it's maw. "Still as crafty as ever, huh Fjord! Good on you! Been too damn long since I saw a dwarvan warrior in action!" Yaro said, feeling his blood boil with excitement. He would then step over.


Holding up his hands, Yaro would point it towards the undead monster, before shooting out blue fire towards the creature. "Return to dust, creature!" He yelled. Fjord would able to recognize him, at their now close proximity. 

 

[Moolock]

Kira'd become separated from the group on her way to Blacksmith, picking her way through a shortcut of back alleys and over mounds of toppled stone. Her pace increased as the castle loomed, picking up shrill cries and the faint sounds of fighting, gaining speed until she reached the entryway steps at a dead run. Cloaks billowing behind her, the crow reached up and unclasped them both, letting them fall on the steps. They'd be no good in a fight if they caught fire and they made her a much larger shape. She could get them on the run out but for now, the coldness of the castle enveloped her as she went in. Following the noise to the threshold of the great hall, what struck her first was the stench of freshly dead. Second, that the battle seemed already closing with a young knight putting his spear through what she assumed was the head of a shadowy form. 


It still has a tether somewhere, the spear will do no good. With the others already wielding fire, she reasoned it wouldn't be disputed if she brought a little of her own. Muttering a prayer and an apology, she drew her reserves to conjure a small fire and light a pile of bodies isolated from the rest, that way the whole of the room wouldn't catch fire. As soon as it caught and began burning the collection of corpses steadily, she drew as much heat as she could while keeping the fire going, concentrating it in her hands to prevent fever in her core. Kira wouldn't attack it full on unless the opportunity was clear. She'd never try to claim a heroic act in battle  while being a bastard crow. Standing with her back to the fire, watching the fight, she mulled over ways they could weaken it. The darkness of night gave it strength but if they could flood this battleground with light, it might just cancel out that strength. Turning to skirt the edge of the room, she jogged across to light a pyre in the other corner, turned, and ran to the far corner, moving swiftly past the fight. A louder woosh went up from this pyre as the more finely dressed corpses' clothes caught. Across again, in a woosh of similar volume, the hall crackled in orange and yellow as Kira ran back to her look on point, turning her gaze into the reds to draft massive amounts of heat, thankful that with the pyres, she'd take nothing from those fighting the Revenant. Once her body felt like it was boiling did she conjure a large fireball, rocketing it over Yaro to hit the Revenant as well. She shivered as the white-hot fire left her much colder. Regardless, she drafted from the pyres again, packing it while she waited for what would happen.


@RunicFollower @BlightGiver @Andraus @Onikuma

 

[idalie]

Asbjørn Agnarsson
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Lazily, Asbjørn lay across the grass before the flames of the fire. One arm tucked beneath his head. Bare-chested, although settled atop a roll of furs. Thick and well-worked hides which cushioned his head and back. Skin bathed in orange, each inhale and exhale, causing the inked tattoos tell their own stories. Half trained upon Roderick's conversation, although ultimately distracted by their surroundings. Forests and foliage getting thicker, the further they advanced towards Loenshire. However, the long dark locks of his hair, which had been tied up originally upon their journey, hung loosely over his collarbone; braided in a traditional manner. 
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Glancing up at the remark aimed towards him, Asbjørn gave a cocky half-smile whilst taking his own canteen of water thankfully. "That's what they call it now?" He snorted, refraining from a louder laugh. "All I should point out is keeping warm requires a lot of movement." He seemed utterly sincere, till his features could no longer contain the straight face. Drawing his palm down, over nose and mouth till it flattened his bearded chin - the Knight sighed pleasantly. "Nice night for a campfire on a mission to banish beasts from potentially ending us. Might even drop by my hometown. My sister is close to having her third bairn." Agnarsson freely spoke, unafraid to share about the family he was incredibly proud of.
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Glacier orbs, evidently playful and kind, turned then at Marilyn. "Horses are an awful lot of trouble. Prideful beasts, stubborn to the end. I remember one of my first horses being like that. Got gored on a boar. Shame too, I loved the stupid animal." Nonetheless, he gave the small woman a friendly, light push on the shoulder. "Don't be afraid of interrupting. We're all on a grand adventure - if talking to a nutcase King about magical extinct beasts reemerging is considered an adventure. I'm thinking about writing my memoirs down at some point. If I can manage to spell it correctly." He wasn't stupid. If he'd been thrown forward into modern medicines, Asbjørn would be diagnosed as having dyslexia. Yet managing to attain a good level of reading, and crude level of writing - was enough for him. On the other hand, he knew how to read maps and speak runic fluently, while being a formidable warrior and strategist. Either way, his weaknesses were made up for in strengths. And he'd learnt to be entirely accepting of both.
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@Onikuma @StarBabyPixel @Lexi Whittaker @Haus Of Alaska
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[Hatt730]

Gareath Woodstock


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He held on tight around her waist. As the murky black horse galloped it made the rural world look like whirl of different hues of green; moss, mantis and reseda green. Being an artist himself, he prided himself in tonal drawings rather than painting but his passion never shifted even when his water painting was soaked through. The mixed media of art transmuted into determination to see the world as the same; he always knew that life would go on, things would get better and people aren’t all tonal or acrylics… it made more sense to him, indeed. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]However soon the world was filled with  dark umber and darker green - darker blue. And it seem like the surroundings had gotten much more sinister, much more [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]ominous[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]. There was no doubt about it, Jaxon made Gareath jump as well. It felt threatening to even be close to a place where the air seemed more thick, the wind was dead or at least held little life. The stench held pungent odor of decay and the closer Gareath shuffled to it (after Fjord and Kira), but soon there seemed to be an awful, acrid smell that lightly smoked out. [/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Gareath didn’t wait up for Jaxon but instead rubbed grabbed some rabbit fur that had been sewn into a double sided cloth of some sort and began to rub his hands with it, soon he started to built something more than excess heat. A little buzz from his hands, maybe he would be able help…[/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]It was much much colder in the castle as he tiptoed in - he stepped out  instantaneously gagging on the rotting burning flesh. It seemed very superfluous if he went in on second thought. He was the biggest coward out of any of the knights indeed - and it seemed like he was definitely back in the Grove, how he managed to live for the past year was a miracle especially for a sprout like him. The sky was definitely darker than before and his magical ability needed a built up - that would take time. [/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]If anything his hands moved oddly faster than anyone else. [/SIZE]



[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He raised his hand in inspiration before lowering them unsurely with narrow eyes but putting them back up in mild happiness. His head was ticking…[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] fire is made from friction… friction gives excess heat… that doesn’t happen with hands… [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px]“Wood!” He finally answered himself, exasperatedly. [/SIZE]
 


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He looked around absorbing the ground, taking in the dark surroundings before chuckling to himself like the idiot he was. He had no idea whether Jaxon had stuck around at this point but if not, he was glad he didn’t see him behave like a maniac. He looked towards the dead trees, the dead small branches were easily dented by his nails that tried to break it off, but soon Gareath used his legs to stamp it off. He fell to his knees, and grabbed from his pocket one of his tonal pencils that had the lead broken in the middle. He jabbed a small straight parallel dent into it and then grabbing and spreading his hands wildly for thicker branch… grabbing a dagger from his side, he made the end narrow and stumpy-er ... it was dead yet again but it would work, right?[/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Eventually, Gareath had gotten an ember from the two woods and transferred it to his spare paper. It had been 10 minutes since he had started however and still no one seemed to have come out by then, maybe he was too late? Maybe they were dead or maybe he had taken too long and the undead was dead? Just then it went out. [/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Gareath yelled in frustration, getting up, brushing himself off and going back into the castle. It was cold but the Dwarven Elven man didn’t bother. His effort… his idea had been a waste of time. He tripped over some rubble but quickly held his balance. Heading towards the noise, the tremendous heat - he turned back quickly, ignoring the stench that made his nose wish to be closed and his throat wish to vomit back his stomach’s inventory. He had gotten a hold of himself, he would most definitely not enter[/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] a scene in which he was not prepared for, vulnerable and at a disadvantage. No - he would find the tether, wherever it may lay. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Drifting around the centre of the great hall, he entered the burnt umber door on the far right. [/SIZE]

@Moolock @caYabo @BlightGiver @Andraus @RunicFollower @Onikuma

 

[Moolock]

The warmth flooded her small figure, drinking in the copious amount of energy the fires had to offer. Hearing footsteps behind her to her right, in a flash she conjured another fireball and was seconds from hurling it when she recognized Gareath in the leaping shadow. Kira let out a rattled sigh, drawing the fire back into herself. Quietly, the crow scolded, It's just the Revenant making you jumpy. You're better than this, snap out of it. She'd been hoping the pyres would spread and burn something on one of the corpses. Of course they wouldn't be that lucky, but that didn't mean they could give up the easy way. She wondered if he'd been late because he was looking for it too. 


"Glad you could join us," she muttered to him, just barely audible over the crackling of the pyres to their right and left. Kira forced a smile. "Any ideas where we can find this thing's tie?" Poised to run somewhere, anxious, she shifted the heat away from her head and core, welcoming the rush of cool compared to packing the fire's warmth. Quickly, though, enough that her cheeks would grow red, she brought it back to fight off the chill of the Revenant's presence.


@Hatt730