Fantasy Campfire

[Soliloquy]

Enkerzed xrakkax

Everyone around her could have been juggling flaming batons and it wouldn't have caught Aslandria's attention, even for a moment. Her thoughts raced in panic, unsure of just what she could and should process. This was real - real enough were the FireKeepers words - so what did that make the man before her? Her heart screamed out the answer that called from the void, one that her head argued was impossible. She knew who he was, even as she argued with herself, head tilting up just enough to peer at the man again.

One of his thick brows perked up, amusement playing across his face, a mannerism she could almost hear each time he had spoken. The lackadaisical approach to life that the lion had given off, echoed as he ambled about, just as the towering man did along the edge of the fire, caring not at the flames in such close proximity. He cared to close the gap between the two of them, Aslandria's eyes trained on him while he dipped down to take a knee.

"In all these years, I've never seen you so speechless," he commented, the corners of his lips toying with a smile once more. "If I'd had known that's all it takes to silence you, I'd have shown you this form long ago."

Her eyes narrowed at his words, brows furrowing as she raised an accusing finger up toward his face. "You - You could have told me all along! A decade and a half together and you never once thought to mention that you weren't a magical lion?" she said as the doubt melted away for a temporary phase of fury.

"I mean, I could have told you, but would you believe it?" he said with a casual shrug, clearly unconcerned with the Lioness and her rage. "Besides, this was much more fun, cub."

"Oh yes, because a mage in the form of a lion is so much harder to believe than a lion who speaks!" her voice rose, although with the volume came dominant sarcasm. "I swear, if I would have known-"

"I miss you being speechless," he smirked, clearly teasing the distraught maiden. "But don't forget, as the dear Firekeeper pointed out, this is a memory you'll lose when you leave. I'll go back to being the glorious beast that I am, rather than the man I once was." His words seemed to quiet down Aslandria, who sought refuge chewing her lip before looking back to the flames and their wrangler. "It'll all be gone?" she questioned him, unusually quiet in tone.

 

[Enkerzed]

xrakkax Soliloquy

As the visitors asked their questions, the Firekeeper looked up at them and carefully considered what he should say next. Alek, brimming with hope; Aslandria, almost meek in spite of herself. Both so full of joy only a moment earlier... but now came the time of hard truths. Deciding that it made no difference no matter how he put it, the Firekeeper spoke to each of them in turn and held nothing back, "I'm sorry, Alek, I do not have that power. I can only send you back to where you were before coming here. You will have to travel to this place yourself.

"And I am also sorry to say, Aslandria, but it is as your friend says. He is himself only a memory of what he once was here and when you return, his present self would have long forgotten this place. You will likely not remember it either, not for long anyway, so all I can say is to enjoy the moment while it lasts."

Looking back towards the fire, still shining with vigor, the Firekeeper cleared his throat as he continued offhandedly, "There are some who choose to stay here, but I would not recommend that."

 

[xrakkax]

Enkerzed Soliloquy

It was a long-shot, but Alek had to try. The journey to Moithyr would be arduous. And to think he had he just been there not too long ago! Strange, how that worked out. Alek gave a 'humph' as he stood and patted down his robe. "Alright. Thank you, Firekeeper. I think I will head off now. It's been quite the experience. I'll have a wonderful story to tell the others." Alek didn't know Aslandria for long, but he thought a farewell was in order. "Good bye, Aslandria. . .and Wrath." Might as well say it to him too, he's there after all. "I hope, in some way, this experience is at least a vague familiarity, as if in a dream. Perhaps someday you'll remember."

To any response, Alek would only smile. The dark haired man backed into the shadows and was gone.