Fantasy ~ FableWood ~

[DawnAntalios]

Nyr - troubled by the dark omens bestowed upon her by the winds - needed a place to rest and meditate to forge a plan how to repel the tide of darkness. As she wandered through the palace she remembered a quite good spot where she coul think and recollect her thoughts: the shady, cool gardens of the castle.


As she walked to find a spot she noticed something quite unusual. A mystical best resembling a large cat was sleeping in the middle of the gardens, resting easy. It surprised her that such a ferocious beast would be alone and enjoy solitude - but prejudice was never really present in her heart. Curiously she went to the peculiar figure and in a relatively safe distance she sat down and also closed her eyes to think. As curious as she was about the creature she did not want to disturb it. Not yet at least.

 

[Lioness075]

Luness' ears flickered in the direction of someone approaching. Despite having been in the middle of meditating, she was always on high alert and was fully aware of the someone approaching her. The moment the mysterious person approached her and sat down, Luness' eyes shot open, her green and gold eyes both glowing in the shade, as she stared at this newcomer. A quick sniff made her think of this human-like person as part bird.


Remembering that she hadn't eaten in a while, considering almost nobody went to her part of the dark forests, Luness let out a small growl at this mysterious person. Would anyone know if she went missing? Within seconds, Luness was standing on all fours instead of sitting indian-style. Despite being able to stand like a human, Luness wanted to appear to simply be a creature and leave her ability to speak or be a humanoid to be a mystery for the time being. For all Luness knew, this person would be a danger to her and so Luness wanted to hide all of her abilities for the time being. Narrowing her eyes at the person, Luness began to slowly walk around the person, circling her and getting an idea of just how dangerous the being may be. Hungry or not, Luness wasn't about to just charge and attack someone who could end up causing Luness to tuck tail and run.

 

[DawnAntalios]

Nyr smiled as she noticed the other figure to rise from the ground, growling at her menacingly. She remained calm though, focusing her mind on other matters before she looked at the beast, still smiling.


" It is quite unusual for someone as fierce as you to embrace calmness and solitude, my bestial friend. " she said as she stood up and walked before her, bowing before the cat in apology. " I am sorry if I have interrupted your rest, I did not want to. "


Almost being certain that the beast understood her perfectly she sat down before her.


" How come that you are out here and not in the palace? There is a celebration going on with a feast which should sate even the hunger of a giant. "

 

[sitanomoto]

Foxy watched the group fly away, and her heart sank. They didn't notice she wasn't there. They hadn't responded to her. Maybe they had found out.....


Foxy felt a tear slide down her cheek. Maybe they didn't care about her part of the forest. Goosey was still missing, and the bird said that most of her friends had fled. Chicken little was nowhere to be found. She resigned herself to the rejection that she felt. She walked carefully to the spot where the Pegasus was and something caught her eye. A Pegasus feather! She could use this! She picked it up and immediately her feet lifted off the ground. She concentrated hard and she shot into the air towards the castle. She didn't want to miss the ball.

 

[Lioness075]

Luness remained silent, stopping her pacing and watching the being closely. What feast was she speaking of? The odd calmness that the being had was also a bit unnerving to Luness. She wasn't used to anyone remaining calm in her presence. It also seemed very apparent that this being knew Luness understood her and could communicate with ease. Disregarding the fact that Luness was able to keep calm with ease and meditate despite her bestial background, Luness decided to move onto more important matters.


Speaking in a low and raspy tone, Luness said, "I accidentally came here through a pool-portal. I do not belong here." Narrowing her eyes, Luness noted the wings on the being before her. What exactly was she? Some kind of guardian or oracle? Luness had no idea and this was in fact the first time she'd spoken in a month or two. It was the first time she'd properly communicated with someone in a long time.

 

[SilverFlight]

((@Bea Delaine did you draw that yourself! That's awesome! And such beautiful dresses everyone! @sitanomoto , there was a horse waiting for Foxy))


Leia allowed herself to be led away. The bath waiting for her was absolutely divine. They had added sweet smelling salts that made her skin soft. there must have been a spell on the water because instantly her wounds began to close and her ribs didn't hurt anymore. She washed and several maids helped her dry her long hair. She decided to grab some sleep while she could, letting the day wear on until mid afternoon before she awoke and got ready to dress.


When she wandered into the changing room that had been prepared for her she saw what they intended her to wear.


The dress was beautiful...but Leia had never felt comfortable in dresses.


"I, er...I don't want to be rude...the dress is great and all...but.." She didn't know how to say it. Luckily the old hedgehog maid adjusted the glasses on her nose and nodded. "Just a moment dearie, I think I can find something you'll like.


Leia waited in night gown for the maids to come back. When they did the old hedgehog set the garments behind a blind.


"Try those on for size."


Leia thanked her and went to slip the clothes on. When she came out she spread her arms, accepting judgement. The hedgehog chuckled. "A fine young woman." She said happily.





"You think?" Leia smiled. She admired the outfit in the mirror. This was much better.


"I'd better leave the sword in my room." She said, wondering why they brought it in the first place.


She thanked them all again and went to find Elena, Anya and the others.


It wasn't long before she found them, and greeted them warmly. The preparations for the ball were well under way, with flowers being woven around archways and decorating the tables set around a large outdoor stone dance floor. There was also the ballroom inside, around which people began gathering. Musicians began filing in through one of the doors, tuning their instruments quietly by their stand. Leia looked about and couldn't help but feel excited.


"I feel just like a princess." She said happily. The real princess and the prince had yet to appear.


Ward beckoned to Alexander. "Let me have my injuries seen to and we can ask for food" He led the way into the healers' wing and had his wounds treated. "Two times in one day," he mused. Then they were led to a room with a table full of sweat meats, bread and cheese. There were two servers who waited to fetch them anything they did not see on the table.


In the next room were towels and a large pool of water built into the floor. Bathing in his human form was much less hassle than trying to dry all of his feathers. He was in and out it seemed, toweling off his pink skin until he was comfortably. When he reached for his old clothes however he found that they were missing.


"They are being washed for you." said a grumpy-looking rooster in a tailed waistcoat. I have had something...more suitable brought for the ball."


"Ball?...erm, I beg your pardon...but I am expected to attend?"


"Of course! The princess wishes to publicly thank all of you for your heroics. Now put those on:"


Ward took the clothes and went to change.


"Oh for heaven's sake..." he muttered as he emerged.


"This really is over the top." He glared at the dragon, almost daring him to laugh as he tried to smooth down the lace at his throat.


"I can't go down there looking like this!"

Spoiler

But there was no other option, he couldn't fit through the doors or windows as a gryphon, and his old clothes were far away. He wandered down the hall to the gardens, wondering if his feathers would now be white if he decided to transform.

 

[DawnAntalios]

" I see. " she flapped with her wings in anticipation. This cat like creature - or she as she heard it from her voice - was also somewhat alien to this place. Noticing that she looked at her ebony feathers she smiled and stood up.


" Do not let my human appearance deceive you. " she said " I am an avian child of Mother Moon. "


And with that she transformed into her big raven form. As her human like features vanished now a big dread raven stood before the cat lady, gazing at her with her void like black eyes.


" We are all children of Mother Moon. " her voice boomed in Luness' head " You are the child of the night as well, I presume? "

 

[Lioness075]

Luness stood still as the being before he shifted into a dread raven, something that Luness had more or less been expecting already since she'd caught the scent of bird earlier. Standing up onto her hind legs, much like a human now despite her cat-like features, Luness immediately felt threatened by the immense bird before her.


Flickering her ears at the voice now in her head, Luness growled and said, "Stay out of my mind, Raven."


Crossing her arms across her furry chest, Luness looked the avian being over. It was such an immense size and would definitely have no trouble tearing Luness apart of she picked a fight with it. As usual, Luness was content with her decision to not recklessly charge into a fight with someone she did not know.

 

[DawnAntalios]

Nyr reverted back to her human like shape.


" As you wish. " she said to her and stepped closer to the cat like beast. " I am Nyr, child of Mother Moon. I am honored to meet you, mighty cat. "


Even though the cat-beast looked relatively hostile to her she could not help but to like her. She reminded her of her past self - the lonely life she had to live. She felt that somehow she may have found a kindred spirit in her but she did not want to intruding. Everything had its time.

 

[Lioness075]

Luness involuntarily took a step backwards the moment Nyr approached her. Letting out another low growl, Luness said, "My name is Luness, not 'mighty cat'."


Despite disliking Nyr, Lunes figured she'd be her best bet to getting out of this odd city and away from all of those humans that she'd seen earlier. Looking around for a moment, Luness then shifted her gaze back to Nyr and asked her, "Where exactly am I?"


Luness didn't recognize this place, though this wasn't odd to her considering how much time she spent in the dark forests. She rarely showed herself, if only to scare some humans or to hunt for her next meal. With how many magical beings she'd seen in the group earlier, especially that large lion, Luness doubted she'd be getting any proper meals here. At least, not what she considered to be a proper meal to say the very least.

 

[Bea Delaine]

Elena joined with Leia not long after being in the gardens. She walked through the garden to the ball area with amazement. She had never been at a party.. except at one point which she had to pick up a drunken mother. Her eyes, golden brown, became bright and reflective with the lights and flowers. Looking her new friend up and down, she was more than impressed.


"Leia.. you look wonderful. Like a knight." She said, now disappointed in her own choice. The leather satchel which held her book, however, was pretty clever in her own opinion. Still, strong looked so much better than pretty. She smiled warmly at her companion. "You look like you belong here." She said, softer and with a smaller voice.


Elena suddenly found herself suddenly lookinga bit odd. Her own dress was slender but showed off her too boney parts. It made her look sort of weak. At the same time, her hair was bigger than before from the washing.


"I should have stayed in my ordinary clothing..?" Her cheeks turned fairly redand she moved a hand to cover the scarlet bridge of her nose. Then she thought of Ward. For whatever reason, the Gryphon popped into her head. Without thinking further she kept talking.


"Wards probably going to look regal too.."


(I drew it, but dont judge! The pic isnt how it actually looked because i had to tilt it to get rid of shadows, also i was in my ceramics class and the pen was on paper for slab building.)

 

[DawnAntalios]

Nyr smiled slyly as she motioned around with her hands.


" This is castle Branbern, the heart of this world known as Fable Wood. I guess you have already figured that this place is home to mythical creatures - like you and me. If you have come from the world of humans then yes, this is a different dimension. "


She folded her arms in front of her as she looked at her distrusting eyes.


" I can offer you two choices and when we are done we can part ways if you would like, I will bother you no longer. " she waited a few second before she continued. " I can lead you out of the city, show you the woods and you can continue your adventure on your own. "


She then smiled again.


" Or, of course, you could join the team of humans I also follow. Darkness encroaches upon our lands and they are here to fight on our side. " she now lowered her voice to a whisper " And those who aid them get feasts fitting for kings. "

 

[BloodThunder27]

After getting some sun, Ashley walked back into the Castle, thinking about going to the Ball. When looking at a particular dress, Ashley began to wonder. But got a little skeptical because it wasn't going to match her bright red hair. However, the Dress itself did look very beautiful and it was definitely something that she could wear to the Ball tonight. It also looked like it could accommodate with her ever-growing belly. Most of the other dresses probably wouldn't fit her anyway. Although she didn't touch it, she began staring at the Dress in an inconspicuous matter.


(Possible Dress for the Ball ^^)

 

[Lioness075]

Luness silently listened to everything Nyr said, intrigued to say the very least. Luness had been struggling to find a solid meal for at least two days now. A feast sounded better than anything else. But humans? Luness could never work alongside any of those rats.


Huffing, Luness said in a low tone, "I don't work well with humans." Pausing, Luness then added, "A feast sounds great, though."





The decision was a difficult one. Luness preferred her solitude, but game had been scarce and Luness could only assume that the ascending darkness was driving it all away from where Luness lived. If she joined this odd band of humans and magical beings, then perhaps she could restore order to the forest. Then she could leave and live on her own yet again.

 

[DawnAntalios]

" You would not need to work with them. " she said cunningly " All you need to do is to fend off the forces of darkness, occasionally making an uneasy alliance with the humans and other creatures - like me. "


She looked at her, nodding with her head.


" I know how good it is to be independent and a lone hunter - I used to be just like you. While I still believe it to be a very good way of life you must also admit that alone we do not stand a chance against the coming storm. "

 

[SilverFlight]

((That is actually amazing. I'm so psyched you're drawing Elena XP ))


"Hey, you look amazing too." Leia said, noting her friend's distant expression. "And you're pretty no matter what you wear."


She brushed a fleck of dirt off her own collar. "You don't need to be nice, I look like a dude. I could probably give the prince a run for his money." She grinned at her friend. "But to be honest, I like wearing this. Sure beats jean shorts and a tank if I'm going to run around fighting giants and evil pansies."


The sun began to touch the horizon as Ward wandered out into the gardens. It wasn't long before he spotted the girls. He waved to catch their attention and then saw Elena. He stopped waving, suddenly very self-conscious in his new outfit. She looked lovely. The dress fit her slender shape perfectly, her hair having an almost wild look about it that he admired instantly. Too late, Leia saw him. Swallowing he made his way over.


"Its er, starting to look more like a party now," he gestured to the ballroom. The lace around his neck was tight all of a sudden.

 

[Hel]

"Thank you," Alex said, following the griffon.


While Ward bathed, Alexander ate from the treys. He had been hungry enough when he decided to follow the group, after the fight and the cursed woods he was famished. When Ward came out, Alexander couldn't help but laugh. He'd never heard himself laugh in human form, and it sounded very strange to him, making his laugh a bit longer than it should have been. "I'm sorry, I do not mean to be rude." Alexander told him. "I've just never seen such- ah- extravagant clothing." He would have called the clothes silly, but he felt it would be rude of him to say such a thing.


Anya smiled at the other two girls, she had arrived just barely before Leia. "Elena, you look gorgeous, don't worry about it." She said, reassuringly. She had taken the time to actually fix her hair for the event- something other than loose or a pony tail. Her hair was pinned up with some of the pins she had found in the room set aside for here, and the underneath layer flowed down over her shoulders. It was still fairly simple, something she had learned to do so that she looked like she cared about her appearance on early mornings, or for job interviews. Looking around the room she smiled and noted: "You know, this feels like prom all over again, what with everyone thinking everyone else is prettier than them and reassuring each other in elegant clothing." She shook her head and said, "Though, I must say this is a much bigger affair!"

 

[SilverFlight]

((Sorry @sitanomoto, I totally forgot Foxy said something about her home. We can address that on our way to the new quest if you like. I have go go for now, but I'll hopefully be back earlier tomorrow, I'll also actually post the teaser as I have an idea for it now, and some good pics.))

 

[Lioness075]

Luness cocked her head at this, saying in return, "I know nothing of this coming storm that you speak of."


Hearing the idea of simply fending off the forces of darkness as opposed to working alongside the humans, Luness felt more willing to work with the small and odd group. She would never agree to help any of the beings, unless they had a strong offer of something that would benefit Luness herself.


Beginning to become increasingly curious, Luness said, "Explain to me what is going on. What is this 'storm' and why are humans here mingling with us?"

 

[Jecklyn]

Banba wished to stay outside with Leo, but a particularly tall maid gripped her tail, pulling her away.


"Come on, you wee shifter!" She grinned at the struggling furball. "I've heard stories of you, and god knows the last time you bathed was!"


It wasn't long before Banba was dunked unceremoniously in a bath of her own, emerging as her lizard form, splashing the water about.


"Bath do not make the scales of my skin clean! Lies and slanders do! Lies and slanders!" She shrieked, but stopped struggling as soap was applied to her hair. She still didn't like the feeling, but she soon realized that the less she struggled the less time it would take.


"All done, you squirmy thing." The maid said, sitting back. At once, Banba shot out of the tub the splash hiding her transformation into a dog that shook violently, water spraying all around the room. Before she could be caught and any other 'cleanliness' tasks were put to her, she shot off, zig zag through the personnel that dove to catch her, thinking she were merely a dog. She found herself running through the kitchen, knocking over pots and pans as she leapt onto a counter, running down the length of it and into the ballroom, where she found the closes exit outside, into the garden where she ran straight into a bush, gone from sight among the leaves. Poking her head out, she saw ward and the girls, and grinned, barking once.

 

[zCrookedz]

Leo sat in a small patch of open grass in the gardens. The light of day was waiting and he had spent the entire time he had Ben in the palce communing with the spirit. As he learned more about her, she began to take on some more personal qualities as their bond strengthened. She had decided to give herself a name, Lilly after her favorite flower. The two shared more and more of themselves becoming more intwined. Leo was overwhelmed with joy that he could become this close to his spirit, not something forest guardians got to experience often.


Bot now as the sun began to disappear he needed to tend to his physical being . He had removed his mantle and was polishing the gold metal with a rag and resin he had collected from a large nut in the forest. He had removed his robes for the servants to wash per their insistence. And though he did not wish to disrespect the princess or her kingdom, he was not overly fond of the cloths brought to him. So he sat, in nothing but a pare of loose short pants, soaking up the last rays of sun in his scar and fur covered body.

 

[Bea Delaine]

Elena turned even more red when Leia offered her a complement. Then at Anyas two cents. Even she looked gorgeous. The blonde was a natural beauty to start. When Leia called herself manly in a sense, Elena started chuckling. It was not as if she agreed. The idea sent a very funny image in her head. Playfully, she deicded to humor the other. She bowed as gracefully as she could for the other girl, speaking in a soft and slightly accented tone.


"The prince Fior himself holds no stone to you, as you might be the hansomest of the ball tonight, sir Leia the feminine." She joked, holding in her own laughter until the skit was thoroughly followed through. She started to laugh at herself a bit before she noticed Leias eyes elsewhere and then heard the voice of her companion. Turning around to greet Ward comfortably, she ended up a bit taken aback. Looking at the other, she once again became unsure of her own garments. He looked more extravagant than a prince.. no offense to the true prince Fior, or Leia for that matter. She tugged at her sleeves slightly and smiled. His voice mirrored her mind andfor a second, she wondered what was wrong.


"Yeah.. its really nice. I-I've never seen anything like this before." She paused and looked at his entire appearance once more. Not wanting to seem as though she was being judging, she explained her thoughts.


"You look really nice. Are your wounds taken care of?"

 

[DawnAntalios]

Nyr frowned and was silent for a moment before she replied.


" An unknown dark force marches on the land of Fable Wood, consuming everything in its path. You might dismiss it as a minor threat - a mistake we have made a long time ago. Yet the truth is much more dire. "


She paused for a moment.


" If the shadow claims this world then not only will we perish - the gateway that connects this world to many others will be used as a conduit for the forces of darkness: they will be able to spread to many other worlds, consuming them as well slowly. "


She looked at her, her expression now being dead serious.


" I will not stand idle while to see all I hold dear to die in vain. Will you, Luness? "

 

[Lioness075]

Luness matched Nyr's frown, though her reasoning for why this news upset her was different. She could care less about those around her, though she wanted her forest safe along with the chance of game returning to her home.


Meeting Nyr's gaze, Luness said, "I fight for myself and my home. Nothing more. If this shadow you speak of threatens my home, then I will fight against it."





Looking around again, Luness asked Nyr, "Now, where is this feast you speak of?"

 

[DawnAntalios]

Nyr smiled at her.


" I knew you would see reason. " she said, satisfied as she motioned he to follow. " Come, as you are a savior of the kingdom, legendary warrior I can surely convince the cooks to give you a proper meal. " she said as she started walking in the castle's direction.