DawnAntalios
Wandering Soul
(( I guess we should arrive in the city any time now ))
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Fantasy ~ FableWood ~
- Thread starter SilverFlight
- Start date
SilverFlight
Tende altum, volare altius
((We are indeed))
Ward chuckled, "She'll have to ride with Rose, my maximum weight limit is two small girls!"
He turned back to the new human. "Come with us, you will be very safe with princess Briar." With that he rose higher and leveled lout, evening his strokes to carry them forward. He allowed Rose to take the new human.
The flight was short. Ward marveled at how long it had taken him to walk out and how little time it took to fly back. How he missed flying. The gates of the town rose up to meet them: massive oak doors enforced with gleaming silver metal. Each gate post was guarded by a stone unicorn clasping an oak branch in its teeth. On the towers each side of the gate four real guards stood, decked in the silver scale armour and unicorn helms of the castle.
"The city s beyond these gates, and at the top of the hill, the castle. We should go on foot from here." He landed gently, so as not to jostle Elena and her injured leg.
"I will carry you to the castle, you can have your leg mended properly by the palace healers."
"Who goes there?" Cried a voice from the wall, one of the guards stepped forward, cracking the butt of his spear against the stone floor.
"Ward, gryphon of the kingdom, guardian of human life and servant to the princess!" Ward called back, flaring his wings elegantly. "I have returned successful!"
At this there was a large amount of excited talking, then another guard called out: "Open the gates!" The call was echoed by the gatemen several times and slowly the gates creaked open.
Ward stepped through them proudly into a street filled with cheering people, who had all dropped what they were doing to watch them walk through. The gates opened up onto a sunny square with a fountain at its center. The fountain consisted of an elegant brass spout the shot straight upwards and fell back into a basin of burnished copper. Flower beds encircled the whole piece displaying exotic blooms of every colour. Quaint shops lined the plaza and stairs wound upwards to more shops and different districts of the city.
"You know they have a dragon district here." He mentioned to Rose. There were many inhabitants of the city that were not human shaped. Everything from centaurs to wolves, fauns and unicorns all gathered to see them.
For emphasis the weather suddenly changed and great fat snowflakes began to trickle down like confetti from the sky. The temperature however stayed as it was.
Ward chuckled, "She'll have to ride with Rose, my maximum weight limit is two small girls!"
He turned back to the new human. "Come with us, you will be very safe with princess Briar." With that he rose higher and leveled lout, evening his strokes to carry them forward. He allowed Rose to take the new human.
The flight was short. Ward marveled at how long it had taken him to walk out and how little time it took to fly back. How he missed flying. The gates of the town rose up to meet them: massive oak doors enforced with gleaming silver metal. Each gate post was guarded by a stone unicorn clasping an oak branch in its teeth. On the towers each side of the gate four real guards stood, decked in the silver scale armour and unicorn helms of the castle.
"The city s beyond these gates, and at the top of the hill, the castle. We should go on foot from here." He landed gently, so as not to jostle Elena and her injured leg.
"I will carry you to the castle, you can have your leg mended properly by the palace healers."
"Who goes there?" Cried a voice from the wall, one of the guards stepped forward, cracking the butt of his spear against the stone floor.
"Ward, gryphon of the kingdom, guardian of human life and servant to the princess!" Ward called back, flaring his wings elegantly. "I have returned successful!"
At this there was a large amount of excited talking, then another guard called out: "Open the gates!" The call was echoed by the gatemen several times and slowly the gates creaked open.
Ward stepped through them proudly into a street filled with cheering people, who had all dropped what they were doing to watch them walk through. The gates opened up onto a sunny square with a fountain at its center. The fountain consisted of an elegant brass spout the shot straight upwards and fell back into a basin of burnished copper. Flower beds encircled the whole piece displaying exotic blooms of every colour. Quaint shops lined the plaza and stairs wound upwards to more shops and different districts of the city.
"You know they have a dragon district here." He mentioned to Rose. There were many inhabitants of the city that were not human shaped. Everything from centaurs to wolves, fauns and unicorns all gathered to see them.
For emphasis the weather suddenly changed and great fat snowflakes began to trickle down like confetti from the sky. The temperature however stayed as it was.
DawnAntalios
Wandering Soul
Nyr swore silently as they entered the grand city. She hated attention, especially unwanted one... and now these people were cheering at them like they were some kind of attraction.
" They sure like humans it seems. " she whispered it to Ward " Also you did not mention that you were a celebrity here, Ward. I thought we would go in silently without a charade and now look at this... "
" They sure like humans it seems. " she whispered it to Ward " Also you did not mention that you were a celebrity here, Ward. I thought we would go in silently without a charade and now look at this... "
Bea Delaine
Sugary Sweet Sadist
Elena contently continued to wait, slightly disappointed the newer girl had to hitch a separate ride. When landing, it was gentle enough for her to barely notice, not jostling her out of her thoughts. Rose brier..? Taking out her guide she recognized the story and found herself quite happy to have figured out the story allusion.
The gate opened and they entered, and the sight immediately knocked the small brunette back into reality.
Cheering was heard, first. Then the sight of so many people staring back at them was realized. Elena felt herself grow tense and red with embarrassment, lowering her head but peeking through a wall of curly hair at the colorful and cheery kingdom. Snow fell and her eyes rose again with childish wonder, a smile gracing her features more real than the previous ones.
"Nyr.. Have you seen snow before? I can't say I have." The weather was still at a comfortable warmth too.
She then looked upon the colorful crowd once more, retaining her warm smile even though she was thoroughly embarrassed
The gate opened and they entered, and the sight immediately knocked the small brunette back into reality.
Cheering was heard, first. Then the sight of so many people staring back at them was realized. Elena felt herself grow tense and red with embarrassment, lowering her head but peeking through a wall of curly hair at the colorful and cheery kingdom. Snow fell and her eyes rose again with childish wonder, a smile gracing her features more real than the previous ones.
"Nyr.. Have you seen snow before? I can't say I have." The weather was still at a comfortable warmth too.
She then looked upon the colorful crowd once more, retaining her warm smile even though she was thoroughly embarrassed
Lumina
b i r b m o m
Elyse looked around to make sure it was safe, then walked into the opening. She figured her best bet would be to follow them to the castle...she didn't know what else to do. She had never been on this side of the forest before, much less the castle. She always shied away from the cities. ..there wasn't enough plant life there. But today was a good a day as any.
sitanomoto
Totally Right Brain
Foxy smiled as she slid off of rose's back and walked over to ward. "A friend of mine should be here soon," she said. At least, I hope so. When she saw it start to snow, she couldn't help it. She turned into a fox and began to pounce at the snowflakes like a kit, making little yipping noises as she rolled around and play in the snow.
DawnAntalios
Wandering Soul
" Snow... " Nyr murmured " Yes, I have seen them before. Mother Moon always said that every snowflake is like one of her child, that they are sent down from the heavens to soothe the raging, blistering heat of the Sun. "
She was not sure about this unnatural snow though. For the first time in her life she doubted the words of the beloved Mother Moon. It both frightened and amused her.
She was not sure about this unnatural snow though. For the first time in her life she doubted the words of the beloved Mother Moon. It both frightened and amused her.
Bea Delaine
Sugary Sweet Sadist
Elena took a moment to search Nyrs expression when she spoke of this mother moon. "Is she... Someone you know well? Maybe like a parent?" The way the other spoke of her reminded her of how a friend in elementary school spoke of a sibling who saved them from bullies.
"Where I'm from, it's very hot and there is no fresh air. Instead we have tall brick buildings and hot weather rain."
"Where I'm from, it's very hot and there is no fresh air. Instead we have tall brick buildings and hot weather rain."
DawnAntalios
Wandering Soul
She closed her eyes and hesitate for a bit before she replied.
" I was banished from my home when I was young. " she recalled painfully " While others dabbled in dark magics I harnessed the wind as my protector and companion. I was exiled by my own 'parents' leaving me to die alone. On one fateful night Mother Moon found a dying, weak hatchling. She nursed me back to life, taught me how to fly, how to transform, how to hide from the blistering rays of the sun. "
She took a deep breath and with sad but grateful eyes she looked at Elena.
" I owe her everything. "
" I was banished from my home when I was young. " she recalled painfully " While others dabbled in dark magics I harnessed the wind as my protector and companion. I was exiled by my own 'parents' leaving me to die alone. On one fateful night Mother Moon found a dying, weak hatchling. She nursed me back to life, taught me how to fly, how to transform, how to hide from the blistering rays of the sun. "
She took a deep breath and with sad but grateful eyes she looked at Elena.
" I owe her everything. "
Bea Delaine
Sugary Sweet Sadist
Elena's smile turned sad and sympathetic. So she was right to an extent. This mother moon was like a guardian. Maybe more of a parental figure even.
"Then I owe her too, because without her I wouldn't have gotten the chance to meet you. Right?" She said, fixing her expression.
She opened and closed her mouth as if wanting to add more, but decided against it. Nyr was going to be one of the important people to her, at least until she gets another chance to disappear and find the bridge again, but no need to say it yet. She had work to do here.
"Then I owe her too, because without her I wouldn't have gotten the chance to meet you. Right?" She said, fixing her expression.
She opened and closed her mouth as if wanting to add more, but decided against it. Nyr was going to be one of the important people to her, at least until she gets another chance to disappear and find the bridge again, but no need to say it yet. She had work to do here.
SilverFlight
Tende altum, volare altius
((Hey all, I've added a Lore section and started putting stuff in it. Check it out Bea, I found Elena's book xD ))
Ward suddenly found the pebbles at his feet very interesting. "I'm not a celebrity, not at all, they did know about my quest though. They have been waiting for humans the humans to arrive."
He shook fat snowflakes from his hackles and started for the largest flight of stairs. The climb was shallow enough, it wound about small houses and shops with cheery decorations scattered on window sills and steps. A bench was laid outside an inn, the table that accompanied it was spread with the most delicious-looking food. Around it sat a fox a badger and a stag all collected in a heated conversation about what would happen now that the humans had come to FableWood.
They passed a magnificent garden in the center of another plaza. the sweet scent of roses accosted Ward's nares and he reveled in it. Everywhere they bloomed, and wisteria and ivy coiled about a gazebo set off to one side and overlooking a drop-off to the front gate. After the garden another set of steps appeared, these wider and arched elegantly outwards. These led an open court and the doors to the palace.
The entire structure was made of white stone with copper trimmings and blue, tiled roofs. A representative was already outside to meet them. A proud unicorn stallion with a coat as white as the falling snow and a mane of flaxen hair. Around his neck, strung on a ribbon of red velvet was the crest of Branbern; a rampant unicorn in front of a rose.
"Welcome, friends." He said in a deep voice that Ward did not expect from a creature of such delicate appearance. "The princess briar bids you refresh yourself before you meet with her." The unicorn eyed some of the injuries the party had suffered. "I will send for the castle healer as well. please, this way."
The gates parted silently before him and Ward followed.
((You can all take some attendants to care for your characters, luxury time :3 ))
Ward suddenly found the pebbles at his feet very interesting. "I'm not a celebrity, not at all, they did know about my quest though. They have been waiting for humans the humans to arrive."
He shook fat snowflakes from his hackles and started for the largest flight of stairs. The climb was shallow enough, it wound about small houses and shops with cheery decorations scattered on window sills and steps. A bench was laid outside an inn, the table that accompanied it was spread with the most delicious-looking food. Around it sat a fox a badger and a stag all collected in a heated conversation about what would happen now that the humans had come to FableWood.
They passed a magnificent garden in the center of another plaza. the sweet scent of roses accosted Ward's nares and he reveled in it. Everywhere they bloomed, and wisteria and ivy coiled about a gazebo set off to one side and overlooking a drop-off to the front gate. After the garden another set of steps appeared, these wider and arched elegantly outwards. These led an open court and the doors to the palace.
The entire structure was made of white stone with copper trimmings and blue, tiled roofs. A representative was already outside to meet them. A proud unicorn stallion with a coat as white as the falling snow and a mane of flaxen hair. Around his neck, strung on a ribbon of red velvet was the crest of Branbern; a rampant unicorn in front of a rose.
"Welcome, friends." He said in a deep voice that Ward did not expect from a creature of such delicate appearance. "The princess briar bids you refresh yourself before you meet with her." The unicorn eyed some of the injuries the party had suffered. "I will send for the castle healer as well. please, this way."
The gates parted silently before him and Ward followed.
((You can all take some attendants to care for your characters, luxury time :3 ))
chamomile
frond-shaped
"Nice to meet you Nyr!" Lexi said, her Scottish accent was jolly happy to be used once more. "And Fablewood sounds a nice place!" smiled widely and nodded, happy to ride on "Rose". 'Except for the part where darkness will take over' her conscience remarked which she ignored. "Another human?" she asked, wondering why a girl like her, used the term but she shrugged it off. She giggled in the breezes of the wind and soon they landed, gently. Lexi hopped of gracefully and looked around. The city could be what she had always dreamed.
People were cheering and Lexi grinned, waving at the casual person who always seemed quick to return her smile with a smile of their own. They walked into a garden, a garden of roses. Lexi have been to her aunt's rose garden but this one really made her want to pick all the flowers and be embraced by their wonderful scent. She decided against it though, afraid that it might be seen as a form of disrespect. Then, a unicorn came up to them.
A unicorn. Lexi had to resisted the urge to come up to him and give a pat but instead, she stared which was just as worst. The unicorn, fortunately, paid no attention to her staring and she walked along with the others inside the castle where her marble eyes stared more at the elegance. She twirled and continue to marvel before putting her hood back up and scampered with the rest of the group.
People were cheering and Lexi grinned, waving at the casual person who always seemed quick to return her smile with a smile of their own. They walked into a garden, a garden of roses. Lexi have been to her aunt's rose garden but this one really made her want to pick all the flowers and be embraced by their wonderful scent. She decided against it though, afraid that it might be seen as a form of disrespect. Then, a unicorn came up to them.
A unicorn. Lexi had to resisted the urge to come up to him and give a pat but instead, she stared which was just as worst. The unicorn, fortunately, paid no attention to her staring and she walked along with the others inside the castle where her marble eyes stared more at the elegance. She twirled and continue to marvel before putting her hood back up and scampered with the rest of the group.
sitanomoto
Totally Right Brain
Foxy continued to play in the snow around Ward's feet, oblivious in her joy and childishness, which was uncommon for her. She was just glad to be in the city again, surrounded by mythical and wondrous creatures. She stayed in her fox form for a number of reasons:
1) She was a hired mercenary at one point for the big bad wolf, not exactly "ideal" to mention around people.
2) she was scared of recognition as the girl who scared Chicken Little nearly to death
3) it was fun!
1) She was a hired mercenary at one point for the big bad wolf, not exactly "ideal" to mention around people.
2) she was scared of recognition as the girl who scared Chicken Little nearly to death
3) it was fun!
DawnAntalios
Wandering Soul
Nyr walked with her designated healer where she was instructed to go which - to her surprise - was a nice shadowed place, just the likes she adored. Within the healer and his assistants took her in custody and while at first she was skeptical about their magics she soon realized how soothing and how powerful they were.
First they mended her wounded wings so she was now able to feel the freedom of flight without anguish then they tried to heal her completely. After minutes of trying the apologized that they were unable to fully restore her strength but she smiled and shook her head. Obviously they would not have the power of Mother Moon.
" I am grateful for your aid, benevolent healers. " she said, bowing before them and walked out of the room calmly.
She didn't have the time to inspect Branbern when they have arrived but now she felt she was free to explore the magnificent city. Flapping with her wings again she flew high above the massive houses and she observed everything from above. Hundreds of magical and mythical creatures were moving on the streets talking, buying, selling - living their lives. It was sad to believe that the darkness may consume these merry creatures but that is why they were here in the first place. To put an end to this madness.
She looked for a tall, secluded spot and she found one at at the top of one of the palace's highest towers. Flying there and sitting down she closed her eyes and prayed.
" Mother Moon. I will come to you today to beseech for your blessing, to forgive your wayward child. I have exhausted your powers without your permission and I will come to repay my debt at night. Thank you for listening to me and aiding us on our journey. "
With that done she sat back and relaxed.
First they mended her wounded wings so she was now able to feel the freedom of flight without anguish then they tried to heal her completely. After minutes of trying the apologized that they were unable to fully restore her strength but she smiled and shook her head. Obviously they would not have the power of Mother Moon.
" I am grateful for your aid, benevolent healers. " she said, bowing before them and walked out of the room calmly.
She didn't have the time to inspect Branbern when they have arrived but now she felt she was free to explore the magnificent city. Flapping with her wings again she flew high above the massive houses and she observed everything from above. Hundreds of magical and mythical creatures were moving on the streets talking, buying, selling - living their lives. It was sad to believe that the darkness may consume these merry creatures but that is why they were here in the first place. To put an end to this madness.
She looked for a tall, secluded spot and she found one at at the top of one of the palace's highest towers. Flying there and sitting down she closed her eyes and prayed.
" Mother Moon. I will come to you today to beseech for your blessing, to forgive your wayward child. I have exhausted your powers without your permission and I will come to repay my debt at night. Thank you for listening to me and aiding us on our journey. "
With that done she sat back and relaxed.
Bea Delaine
Sugary Sweet Sadist
Elena tenderly removed herself from Ward, her good foot supporting herself. The splint and charm helped as she wobbled half way to her attendants and healer, until one came and assisted her into an extravagant room of white stone with deep mahogany furnishing and cornflower blue trimming and cushions. Taking a seat in one of a few large, comfortable lounge seats, Elena avoided tempation to rest or sleep. Instead she pulled out the never ending paged notebook and added what events occured, taking a great deal of time and attention to detail within the craftsmanship of the castle.
She looked up over the book to see those who had helped her inside were repairing her leg as well. Paying them a smile, she took a moment to show her appreciation.
"Thank you for taking us in. You dont even know me and youre helping me.. though I suppose im going to try my hardest to help all of you as well."
She paused, making sure an image and literal depiction of each one was on the pages, for accuracy of course.
"My leg feels much better, thank you." She said as she stood up shakily but without pain to test her leg. Walking to a table, she set the book down and returned to the oversized chair, curling up in it and closing her eyes to get rid of this bleary tired feeling. When she awakens, she decided, she will learn to weild her sword as well as her power.
She looked up over the book to see those who had helped her inside were repairing her leg as well. Paying them a smile, she took a moment to show her appreciation.
"Thank you for taking us in. You dont even know me and youre helping me.. though I suppose im going to try my hardest to help all of you as well."
She paused, making sure an image and literal depiction of each one was on the pages, for accuracy of course.
"My leg feels much better, thank you." She said as she stood up shakily but without pain to test her leg. Walking to a table, she set the book down and returned to the oversized chair, curling up in it and closing her eyes to get rid of this bleary tired feeling. When she awakens, she decided, she will learn to weild her sword as well as her power.
Archangel
100% silk
His suspicions had been confirmed; the barrier had been difficult for him to pass through. A seemingly invisible force had stopped him dead a little way out from the castle. He placed a hand on it, feeling a smooth, solid surface, and pushed lightly. After a few moments, his hand slowly sank through, like the barrier had decided he wasn't really 'evil' as such, but would still make life difficult for him as he wasn't good, either. It was like walking through an invisible wall of thick, sticky honey, but he was soon through, and he managed to slip into the city just before the gates were closed.
He melted away into the cheering crowds as soon as he entered, weaving smoothly between the citizens as he followed, parallel to the group. His height made it a little more difficult to remain inconspicuous here than it had in the forest, granted, but he made it to the castle completely unseen. He didn't give much thought to the snow drifting softly down, used to it from the many years he spent up in the mountains.
A slight frown crossed his face once more as he watched them converse with the Unicorn outside the castle. In the streets was easy, but entering the castle unseen was going to be far more challenging.
But even so, he managed to find his way inside. Perhaps the gates aren't quite as well guarded as they should be. The barrier makes them confident... Almost too confident. His hand fell to the hilt of his sword as he moved silently down the corridor, sticking to the shadows of the walls, only a fleeting shadow with strangely glowing eyes to those who could be watching.
((Sorry about the wait @SilverFlight, the internet currently hates me for no apparent reason ;^
)
He melted away into the cheering crowds as soon as he entered, weaving smoothly between the citizens as he followed, parallel to the group. His height made it a little more difficult to remain inconspicuous here than it had in the forest, granted, but he made it to the castle completely unseen. He didn't give much thought to the snow drifting softly down, used to it from the many years he spent up in the mountains.
A slight frown crossed his face once more as he watched them converse with the Unicorn outside the castle. In the streets was easy, but entering the castle unseen was going to be far more challenging.
But even so, he managed to find his way inside. Perhaps the gates aren't quite as well guarded as they should be. The barrier makes them confident... Almost too confident. His hand fell to the hilt of his sword as he moved silently down the corridor, sticking to the shadows of the walls, only a fleeting shadow with strangely glowing eyes to those who could be watching.
((Sorry about the wait @SilverFlight, the internet currently hates me for no apparent reason ;^
)
SilverFlight
Tende altum, volare altius
Leia had a few scratches and bruises, but nothing too serious. they gave her a sugary drink and a plate of fruit to take to the chambers that had been provided for her. The room was incredible: Glass windows from ceiling to floor allowed light to flood onto a blue velvet carpet, trimmed with gold. The curtains matched it, ornate embroidered unicorns prancing about their edges. Leia had never felt a bed so soft and she allowed herself to role on it for a good long while. Boredom finally caught up with her however and she decided to take herself on a tour about the castle.
The halls were mostly deserted, now and again a little half-goat man (a fawn she was told when she had asked) would come bustling down with plates or linen. There were little alcoves everywhere, most with windows that allowed sunlight to filter in. A slight gust tickled the back of her neck, someone must have let a window open. Just then something appeared in the corridor...or did it? When she did a double-take she saw nothing at first. It was only by staring very intently at the same spot was she able to make out a slight shimmer in the air. She was about to dismiss it as a trick of the light when it moved, and a distinct serpentine face peered back at her.
"Whoa!" She cried as whatever it was solidified a little more and rushed about her, kicking up a wind as it went. A wind?
"Hey, did you make that gust that saved me from the giant?" A definite nod. Leia considered the creature. "That was awesome. Well, um, thank you." She started on her way again only to have the creature follow her.
"You've been stalking me since the woods huh?" The creature nuzzled her calf. She got a good look at it now, its body only a fine outline of cloud-like mist but it was definitely snake-shaped. Small sail-like wings protruded from were its forelimbs should be and it had a dorsal fin too.
"You're some sort of...air spirit?" The creature nodded. "And you're not leaving me alone are you?" A shake this time.
"Ok then, help me explore." The creature vanished with a twist, but the drapes and plants continued to be bustled by its passing.
In one particular windowless alcove Leia stopped. A shadowy figure was lurking in the darkest part. If lurking was a sport, this guy would be a gold medalist. The most unsettling thing however was his glowing eyes.
"Um...you don't look like you work here." She said. A fawn skipped happily down another hallway, humming to himself as if just to emphasize her point.
"Who are you?"
The halls were mostly deserted, now and again a little half-goat man (a fawn she was told when she had asked) would come bustling down with plates or linen. There were little alcoves everywhere, most with windows that allowed sunlight to filter in. A slight gust tickled the back of her neck, someone must have let a window open. Just then something appeared in the corridor...or did it? When she did a double-take she saw nothing at first. It was only by staring very intently at the same spot was she able to make out a slight shimmer in the air. She was about to dismiss it as a trick of the light when it moved, and a distinct serpentine face peered back at her.
"Whoa!" She cried as whatever it was solidified a little more and rushed about her, kicking up a wind as it went. A wind?
"Hey, did you make that gust that saved me from the giant?" A definite nod. Leia considered the creature. "That was awesome. Well, um, thank you." She started on her way again only to have the creature follow her.
"You've been stalking me since the woods huh?" The creature nuzzled her calf. She got a good look at it now, its body only a fine outline of cloud-like mist but it was definitely snake-shaped. Small sail-like wings protruded from were its forelimbs should be and it had a dorsal fin too.
"You're some sort of...air spirit?" The creature nodded. "And you're not leaving me alone are you?" A shake this time.
"Ok then, help me explore." The creature vanished with a twist, but the drapes and plants continued to be bustled by its passing.
In one particular windowless alcove Leia stopped. A shadowy figure was lurking in the darkest part. If lurking was a sport, this guy would be a gold medalist. The most unsettling thing however was his glowing eyes.
"Um...you don't look like you work here." She said. A fawn skipped happily down another hallway, humming to himself as if just to emphasize her point.
"Who are you?"
Archangel
100% silk
Saer felt the cold breeze of an air spirit near by brush past him. His eyes followed it's trail across the corridor, until he saw something else entirely. So, one of the humans. What could the air spirit want with her..?
He watched, curious, as she spoke with it. From his experience with air spirits, they were playful, good-natured creatures. It looked like those two had met before. He was about to move again, but her words stopped in his tracks. He immediately locked eyes with her, tilting his head slightly. Seems like I've been found out. His grip tightened somewhat around the hilt of one of his swords, sliding the blade ever so slightly out of its sheath, but apart from that, he stood motionless.
Her presence was a strange feeling for Saer. A practically imperceptible shudder rolled down his body; if he had any hackles, they would be raised. He was silent for a few long moments.
"My name is Saer." he finally spoke, his voice soft and low. He made no move to emerge from the shadows concealing his features, preferring to keep a distance from this... Human. He watched her every move, almost like a predator watches it's prey, his eyes never once leaving hers.
He watched, curious, as she spoke with it. From his experience with air spirits, they were playful, good-natured creatures. It looked like those two had met before. He was about to move again, but her words stopped in his tracks. He immediately locked eyes with her, tilting his head slightly. Seems like I've been found out. His grip tightened somewhat around the hilt of one of his swords, sliding the blade ever so slightly out of its sheath, but apart from that, he stood motionless.
Her presence was a strange feeling for Saer. A practically imperceptible shudder rolled down his body; if he had any hackles, they would be raised. He was silent for a few long moments.
"My name is Saer." he finally spoke, his voice soft and low. He made no move to emerge from the shadows concealing his features, preferring to keep a distance from this... Human. He watched her every move, almost like a predator watches it's prey, his eyes never once leaving hers.
SilverFlight
Tende altum, volare altius
Leia was more than a little weirded out, especially as the figure began drawing a sword. She had no weapons, nor did she have any idea how to use them. She did however know how to call an air spirit, and the one following her, had tested itself against a giant. She felt pretty confident as a gentle breeze felt cool on her legs, though that didn't stop her from feeling terrified too. Maybe this place wasn't as protected as she thought.
"Uhuh." She bluffed confidence for all she was worth. Hey, humans were magic or something around here, at least if the bird-cat thing, the gryphon was to be believed. If she could pass it off that she was more powerful than she felt, it might convince this guy she wasn't worth any trouble.
"You gonna stick me with that?" She nodded toward the partially-drawn blade. The air spirit manifested itself a bit more, curled about Leia's knees. With an expressionless serpentine face it stared at Saer.'
Ward sighed as he lay in the sun, a dryad applying some paste to the spider bites on his legs. Fawns combed his thick, golden fur with fine-toothed combs, sponging leaves and mud from his flanks with rose water. Another dryad rubbed a light powder into his feathers and smoothed them out gently, cutting broken flight shafts and knitting the barbs back together.
"You should be more careful with yourself." She scolded in a motherly tone. "We only have one gryphon in this kingdom and that's you."
"Ah but plenty of guardians now." He added happily. "And four humans, our luck is improving."
"I wouldn't say..." but she stopped herself abruptly.
"What?" Ward asked, all of a sudden concerned.
"We are not supposed to speak of it, the princess shall reveal everything in the meeting this evening."
"Tell me what happened." the gryphon's tone was gentle but firm, his fierce golden stare made the dryad shrink back. Whether he liked it or not, he was still a beast, and was reminded of it every time someone reacted as she did.
"T-the prince...he's missing."
"Uhuh." She bluffed confidence for all she was worth. Hey, humans were magic or something around here, at least if the bird-cat thing, the gryphon was to be believed. If she could pass it off that she was more powerful than she felt, it might convince this guy she wasn't worth any trouble.
"You gonna stick me with that?" She nodded toward the partially-drawn blade. The air spirit manifested itself a bit more, curled about Leia's knees. With an expressionless serpentine face it stared at Saer.'
Ward sighed as he lay in the sun, a dryad applying some paste to the spider bites on his legs. Fawns combed his thick, golden fur with fine-toothed combs, sponging leaves and mud from his flanks with rose water. Another dryad rubbed a light powder into his feathers and smoothed them out gently, cutting broken flight shafts and knitting the barbs back together.
"You should be more careful with yourself." She scolded in a motherly tone. "We only have one gryphon in this kingdom and that's you."
"Ah but plenty of guardians now." He added happily. "And four humans, our luck is improving."
"I wouldn't say..." but she stopped herself abruptly.
"What?" Ward asked, all of a sudden concerned.
"We are not supposed to speak of it, the princess shall reveal everything in the meeting this evening."
"Tell me what happened." the gryphon's tone was gentle but firm, his fierce golden stare made the dryad shrink back. Whether he liked it or not, he was still a beast, and was reminded of it every time someone reacted as she did.
"T-the prince...he's missing."
sitanomoto
Totally Right Brain
Foxy shifted into her human form outside the doorway, having quietly followed Ward. She gasped loudly and then closed her eyes. If I'm found, I'll be a suspect! They don't trust me much..... She had tried to keep her cool, but her reputation had proceeded her.
Bea Delaine
Sugary Sweet Sadist
Elena only managed a short nap, wandering back into the world of floating in murky water, though this time she saw something through the water. Her mothers suicide. Her uncles drunken stupor. And finally, pages of a book in her plain white apartment room, dusty and old hard cover. It showed this fable wood. A missing man. A shadow of a beast. A sword, and a fire.. And finally a bridge being leapt from, this time uninterrupted by a change, and as warm burning saltwater stung her face in a splash, she flew upward. Elena felt slick with sweat yet rested.. Or at least less likely to sleep soon.
She grabbed her book and went out into the courtyard. The gardens held a serene mood. She opened the book and pulled out the ink pen that never needed a refill. Retracing the sword, but this time also herself with a shadow removing itself from the ground, she removed the weapon from pages and watched as a shadow did the same. A fighting companion. Her ability was strengthening.
Her imagination made it so other objects casting darkness did the same. They couldn't hurt her. She trained.
She grabbed her book and went out into the courtyard. The gardens held a serene mood. She opened the book and pulled out the ink pen that never needed a refill. Retracing the sword, but this time also herself with a shadow removing itself from the ground, she removed the weapon from pages and watched as a shadow did the same. A fighting companion. Her ability was strengthening.
Her imagination made it so other objects casting darkness did the same. They couldn't hurt her. She trained.
Archangel
100% silk
His eyes narrowed slightly at her comment, tilting his head a little further. How curious.
"..No." he finally replied in a somewhat apathetic tone, yet had no intention of sheathing his partly drawn blade. It glinted faintly as he shifted slightly. "As long as you don't give me a reason to."
His gaze slipped from hers to the air spirit entwined around her knees, whom he regarded with an equally unreadable expression. Technically speaking, the two of them were kin; distant, yes, but kin nonetheless. It seemed to be fairly young, at least, compared to him, it was. Whether it was young in her eyes was a different matter entirely. His gaze exuded a kind of dominance, almost superiority as he stared the wraithlike being down, like he was willing it to look away. I wonder.. Does it recognise who, or even what I am?
"..No." he finally replied in a somewhat apathetic tone, yet had no intention of sheathing his partly drawn blade. It glinted faintly as he shifted slightly. "As long as you don't give me a reason to."
His gaze slipped from hers to the air spirit entwined around her knees, whom he regarded with an equally unreadable expression. Technically speaking, the two of them were kin; distant, yes, but kin nonetheless. It seemed to be fairly young, at least, compared to him, it was. Whether it was young in her eyes was a different matter entirely. His gaze exuded a kind of dominance, almost superiority as he stared the wraithlike being down, like he was willing it to look away. I wonder.. Does it recognise who, or even what I am?
SilverFlight
Tende altum, volare altius
Leia relaxed a little. Only a little. The air spirit suddenly unwrapped itself from her legs and curled about Saer's instead. She could have sworn it started purring. Leia raised an eyebrow.
"Well, if that thing thinks you're ok, then I guess you are." No doubt, this guy was all kinds of creepy, but for some reason Leia wasn't picking up a "connivingly hostile to humans' vibe.
"I'm Leia...what are you doing here? If you don't mind my asking."
Just then a rabbit bounded up to them. He was dressed in a waistcoat of red velvet with gold trim down the sides.
"Lady Leia, the meeting will begin shortly, you are to meet the other humans and volunteering warriors in the gardens. Shall I show you the way?" His darting gaze fell on Saer and he shrunk back. "August s-said he sensed something like you. Unicorns are highly attuned to things like this, you should have made your presence known you know." The rabbit was clearly nervous, though valiantly trying to do his job.
"Uh, he's with me." Leia said hastily. "Can't go anywhere without a guardian right?" She looked at the shadowy figure and flashed him a grin. The air spirit stayed firmly attached to Saer's legs, though it couldn't really restrict his movement, being made of air.
"You coming?" Leia was already walking down the corridor after the rabbit.
It wasn't long before they reached the high glass doors leading out into the royal garden. They were massive, iron support leafed in gold was woven gently into the frame, outlining flowers and flowing water. The glass had also been cut into patterns, some refracting the light and sending a shower of rainbows dancing across the marble steps. In one corner she could see a familiar face.
"Hey Foxy, what's up?" She tilted her head at her friend's nervous expression and moved closer, lowering her voice to avoid attention. "You look like you just stole something. Is everything ok?"
Ward smoother out his vest and straightened the feathers lining its collar. Preening was something that did not go away, no matter his form. He stepped into the secluded corner of the garden, he would go to the center conference area when more people had shown up.
A figure with a sword caught his eye and he smiled as he recognized her.
"Keep you knees slightly bent." He offered, approaching her slowly. "And your feet a shoulder-width apart. You'll be harder to knock over."
he examined the sword from a distance, it was truly beautiful.
"Your gift promises to be quite surprising." He said happily. Then his expression grew worried and his gaze drifted past her. "I don't think we will be able to stay here for long..."
Just then a trumpet rang out through the trees.
"That would be the princess, come, we should join the others. Her highness will be delighted to meet you.
Ward led the way to an open Grecian-style auditorium with stone rings lining a gentle slope. Each ring was covered in soft, dry moss that offered a fantastic cushion. Slowly members of the court took their places here and Ward recognized a few faces: 3 pigs represented the Thresher, Carpenter and Masonry Guilds here in the city. A tiny girl was seated on top of her coach with a fairy prince. There was a royal stag, his antlers stretching majestically towards the sky. An old blue dragon sat coiled in the back, adjusting a pair or silver-rimmed spectacles, smoke trickling from his nostrils. And there was a cast of many more. Ward was just scanning the crowd for their friends when another trumpet sounded. The unicorn known as August stepped slowly into the center ring accompanied by a beautiful young woman. A tiara of red gold adorned her pale forehead and her dress shimmered and seemed almost to change colour in the aging light of the afternoon.
"Princess Briar Rose! Of castle Branbern!" Announced the trumpeter loudly.
"Well, if that thing thinks you're ok, then I guess you are." No doubt, this guy was all kinds of creepy, but for some reason Leia wasn't picking up a "connivingly hostile to humans' vibe.
"I'm Leia...what are you doing here? If you don't mind my asking."
Just then a rabbit bounded up to them. He was dressed in a waistcoat of red velvet with gold trim down the sides.
"Lady Leia, the meeting will begin shortly, you are to meet the other humans and volunteering warriors in the gardens. Shall I show you the way?" His darting gaze fell on Saer and he shrunk back. "August s-said he sensed something like you. Unicorns are highly attuned to things like this, you should have made your presence known you know." The rabbit was clearly nervous, though valiantly trying to do his job.
"Uh, he's with me." Leia said hastily. "Can't go anywhere without a guardian right?" She looked at the shadowy figure and flashed him a grin. The air spirit stayed firmly attached to Saer's legs, though it couldn't really restrict his movement, being made of air.
"You coming?" Leia was already walking down the corridor after the rabbit.
It wasn't long before they reached the high glass doors leading out into the royal garden. They were massive, iron support leafed in gold was woven gently into the frame, outlining flowers and flowing water. The glass had also been cut into patterns, some refracting the light and sending a shower of rainbows dancing across the marble steps. In one corner she could see a familiar face.
"Hey Foxy, what's up?" She tilted her head at her friend's nervous expression and moved closer, lowering her voice to avoid attention. "You look like you just stole something. Is everything ok?"
Ward smoother out his vest and straightened the feathers lining its collar. Preening was something that did not go away, no matter his form. He stepped into the secluded corner of the garden, he would go to the center conference area when more people had shown up.
A figure with a sword caught his eye and he smiled as he recognized her.
"Keep you knees slightly bent." He offered, approaching her slowly. "And your feet a shoulder-width apart. You'll be harder to knock over."
he examined the sword from a distance, it was truly beautiful.
"Your gift promises to be quite surprising." He said happily. Then his expression grew worried and his gaze drifted past her. "I don't think we will be able to stay here for long..."
Just then a trumpet rang out through the trees.
"That would be the princess, come, we should join the others. Her highness will be delighted to meet you.
Ward led the way to an open Grecian-style auditorium with stone rings lining a gentle slope. Each ring was covered in soft, dry moss that offered a fantastic cushion. Slowly members of the court took their places here and Ward recognized a few faces: 3 pigs represented the Thresher, Carpenter and Masonry Guilds here in the city. A tiny girl was seated on top of her coach with a fairy prince. There was a royal stag, his antlers stretching majestically towards the sky. An old blue dragon sat coiled in the back, adjusting a pair or silver-rimmed spectacles, smoke trickling from his nostrils. And there was a cast of many more. Ward was just scanning the crowd for their friends when another trumpet sounded. The unicorn known as August stepped slowly into the center ring accompanied by a beautiful young woman. A tiara of red gold adorned her pale forehead and her dress shimmered and seemed almost to change colour in the aging light of the afternoon.
"Princess Briar Rose! Of castle Branbern!" Announced the trumpeter loudly.
Bea Delaine
Sugary Sweet Sadist
Elena continued to work on form as the shadows danced dangerously yet harmlessly at once. Her golden brown eyes became so trained, her mind tuned out surroundings. Brown curls tied in a tattered ribbon were vacant enough from her line of sight to not be as obstructive.
When Wards voice broke the concentration sharply, she jumped and the shadows vanished, returning to their old form. She turned around momentarily and nodded, voiceless but thankful for the advice. Just as proof, she shifted into the stronger, more proper position. The expression on his face though was incentive for her to allow the weapon to vanish.
"Wait.. What do you mean? Did something happen?" She asked, recollecting her nightmare. "I was worried things were going too smoothly for us." She joked with a dry tone. A trumpet cut her chain of thought, and she nodded shyly to Wards explanation.
Striding alongside him, her eyes wandered into the beautiful architecture. Everything was so happy, the surroundings themselves recreated her mood. When they arrived, she was met with more colorful characters. When the beautiful woman stepped in before her and was introduced, Elena's first reaction was to dip her head in a very slight bow. The effect of a queens presence was something she has never felt before.
When Wards voice broke the concentration sharply, she jumped and the shadows vanished, returning to their old form. She turned around momentarily and nodded, voiceless but thankful for the advice. Just as proof, she shifted into the stronger, more proper position. The expression on his face though was incentive for her to allow the weapon to vanish.
"Wait.. What do you mean? Did something happen?" She asked, recollecting her nightmare. "I was worried things were going too smoothly for us." She joked with a dry tone. A trumpet cut her chain of thought, and she nodded shyly to Wards explanation.
Striding alongside him, her eyes wandered into the beautiful architecture. Everything was so happy, the surroundings themselves recreated her mood. When they arrived, she was met with more colorful characters. When the beautiful woman stepped in before her and was introduced, Elena's first reaction was to dip her head in a very slight bow. The effect of a queens presence was something she has never felt before.
sitanomoto
Totally Right Brain
Foxy smiled warmly. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just have a really bad habit of eavesdropping." She winked at Leia slyly and waved her to the meeting place. "Come on, We'll miss all the fun!" she turned to look at Leia as she began to walk out the door. "You coming?" She asked. She spotted the Princess and she took Foxy's breath away. No matter how many times she saw her highness, Briar Rose, or "Sleeping Beauty," was always a sight to behold. "Hey, Is that a new crown? Haven't seen that one before...." Then again, I haven't been here in years.....
