Fantasy ~ FableWood ~

[Hel]

Anya awoke feeling infinitely better than she had the night before. She yawned and streached out, realizing she hadn't even changed out of her clothes from the night below, her dress's arm was torn from where she had been bitten, and it was scratched here and there. It was mostly in tact, and didn't look in appropriate so she figured she might as well leave it be for now. Perhaps she could find someone who could mend it? She looked for a brush, and took it through her knotty hair, not realizing how badly tangled it had gotten. 'If I'm going to keep doing this, I really need to get a haircut, this is impossible!' She thought to herself as she the brush battled the array of knots and tangles that had formed in her hair.


After she finished, she went downstairs to get food. She was famished, as she walked in she noticed the boy they had met earlier was there.


"Hey, It's... Ethan, right?" She asked, sitting beside him and shoveling a good helping of ham and fruits on her plate then digging in.


(I'll wait to catch Alexander up until @Flutterby responds, unless we get too far ahead!)

 

[Flutterby]

(Sorry guys, I must be in a much different time zone)


Quincy gave a shrug and finished her drink, savoring the last of its burn. “I won't feel so slow and annoyed. Soon, hopefully." She said, looking at the fire with a passive expression. “And drinking took care of the rest." She grinned wickedly at him, setting the empty cup down. “I might be able to sleep tonight." She added wistfully, feeling muddled and sleepy with the warmth of the fire. “We both should." She pointed out, her eyes resting on him again.


@KattRai

 

[Jecklyn]

Banba thought about the answers she got, rubbing her chin. She opened her mouth to respond, only to curl up further into the chair, yawning.


"I suppose that is true." She said, muffled by her position. "But then again, I am a freak of nature. Who says everyone else isn't?" She paused then, sitting properly in the chair with a worried expression on her face.


"Ah, that was rude of me, I apologize." She barely finished her sentence before she once again broke down into a fit of laughs.

 

[Lioness075]

Luness curiously lifted her head to look at the drops that Nyr put into her fur. She was tempted to sniff it, but didn't exactly look forward to attempting to sit up again.


Carefulyl laying her head down again, Luness felt the side of her head throbbing, but couldn't exactly remember what was wrong with it. She couldn't remember all of he injuries, though the pained ribs were evident enough that she had broken one or two of them.


Her arm seemed to bear the worst of it all, and it hurt far worse than all of her other injuries. She didn't even want to look at it, in fear of how bad it truly was.


In the midst of all her thoughts, Lunes shesrd Nyr speaking and flickered her good ear towards her to listen to what she said.


Once Nyr finished speaking, Luness felt an urge to say she didn't need any friends, but could already tell that Nyr wasn't going to be easily persuaded orherwise. Instead, Luness said, "I owed you one after what happened in the town. Now we're even."





Seeing the cup of healing liquid offered to her, Luness scrunched up her nose, but decided against arguing after hearing Alta snap at Ward. Using her good arm, Luness took the cup and quickly downed it before coughing and dropping the cup.


Startled, Luness looked at Alt and asked her, "What is that stuff? It tastes terrible!"

 

[Bea Delaine]

Elena gave up on eating and rearranged her fruit in random ways instead, more interested now in the conversation. She knew Ward was doing better, but the others were questionable.


"Ward seems a lot better than before.. And he will probably be recovered if he doesn't decide to strain himself again. I'm more worried for Luness. Her mental and physical state after yesterday are questionable."


She barely suppressed her sigh, though tried to. Since Ward could tell her self loathing expression, she wondered if her feelings were that easy to read.


"I could have helped them more.. But I didn't."


Turning to Banba, she raised her brows in concern.


"You're no freak of nature. Nothing's been more right. And who likes normal?"

 

[zCrookedz]

Leo almost spit out a bit of meat with his chuckle at Banba's proclamation. He finished his mouth full "You might have a point there. Who's to say the rest of the world isn't crazy and you are the only sane one." Smiling he finished the plate of meat and turned his gaze to Elena. "Do not put yourself down like that. You were a great help at the ice castle and you did everything in your powers for Ward and Luness. They are strong, and they will persevere." He sat himself up in a bit of a formal manner, crossing his legs and placing his hands together in his lap."Luness's mental status may be a bit hindered. It was a bit of a shock to have her father so close and then loose him. We must be there for her in this greatest time of need."

 

[Hel]

Alexander nodded, "You're right, we probably should." He said, watching her with interest, the flames dancing in his red eyes. "Would you like to walk with me to find our rooms?" He asked, standing and offering a hand to help Quincy up. He was realizing how tired he had become, having not slept between their last two excursions.


Anya watched the conversation, quite because she was eating, but listening all the same.

 

[Jecklyn]

Banba nodded in agreement with Leo.


"Help is helpful when help is not." She said, stealing a piece of meat off of Leo's plate.


"And help is only helpful is help is willing to help." She turned from the conversation, her eyes following a seemingly random pattern as she munched on the meat.

 

[Bea Delaine]

Elena didn't suppress the sigh this time. She stood up slowly, watching the full plate with some disappointment, grabbed it, and shrugged. She got a couple more plates worth and started towards the door.


"I appreciate the sentiment. I really do. And they are very strong, I don't doubt it. Have a good morning."


She said before taking her leave. She walked to the healers home once again. Her head was still heavy, and she figured maybe seeing first hand everyone was doing better would be more of a comfort.


Walking in, she saw Luness and Nyr were awake this time. Ward was up as well.


"Morning. Anyone want food?" She asked placing the three plates on a table.

 

[DawnAntalios]

Nyr looked at Ward with determination.


" For Elena I would do everything. " she stood up and looked at Alta " I will accompany Ward in this dangerous path, you need not to worry. " she then looked at Luness with a slightly troubled expression. " I think Luness should stay with you for now. I do not want any harm to come to her. "


She smiled at the cat, knowing that her word would obviously anger her... but it mattered not. If she could prevent her from being injured then so be it.

 

[Sleipnir]

Ethan looked at Anya and nodded. "You're Anya, yeah?" he replied. "How did everything go?" he looked at the girl, then took some food for himself, stilfing another yawn.

 

[Flutterby]

Quincy met his gaze confidently, not oblivious to his change in demeanor. He was paying a different kind of attention to her, behaving more kindly than he had before. He had been kind, as kind as she would have accepted, but never in the gallant manner of smiles and asking how she was and helping her up. His kindness had been of companionable silence and acceptance. Nevertheless, she took the offered hand and stood, ignoring the way the room wobbled. After so many years without it, she really could not handle alcohol. The kelpie looped her arm through his, a slightly goofy smile on her face. "I would be delighted," She responded, with a soft chuckle. She watched him out of the corner of her eye, wondering what he was up to, and if it would be improper to ask. "Gallantry is a good look for you, my friend." She commented vaguely as they went, still watching his face without turning her head fully.

 

[Hel]

"Yes," Anya said, smiling. Her smile soon fell when the boy brought up the journey, "And it went well enough, I suppose. I mean, we got the challis back, anyway. Ward, Luness, Nyr, and I got pretty hurt, and Luness found someone... Well, It could have gone better." She sighed, and finished the fruit on her plate, then grabbed a chocolate croissant.


"Thank you," Alexander said, walking along with her, "It is not a look I am very used to carrying." He confessed.


(Sorry for the short post! I'm a little busy.)

 

[Flutterby]

Quincy tilted her head curiously, trying to puzzle out what had gotten into him. "I sure as a dragon you're impressive enough without it," She said softly, a different kind of smile gracing her lips, "But perhaps there is a charming prince within you yet, Alexander." She said cryptically. She slowed to a stop next to one of the doors, noticing a small sign on the door that read her name. "I suppose that would be my room." She said, staring at it for a moment before returning her gray eyes to him. "Do you suppose yours is nearby?" She murmured sleepily, a sudden wave of fatigue hitting her. How exhausting it had been, to complete one quest after another without rest in between. But now she was tired enough to sleep in an uncomfortable place, so it was water under the bridge.


(its all good!)

 

[SilverFlight]

"Oh yes please!" Ward said as Elena came in again, flashing a plate of food. He discretely set the tea on a table.


Alta refused to let him have his own shirt back as it was stained and torn beyond repair. Instead he wore a crisp, clean fencing shirt, the billowing sleeves bunched at his wrists. His leather coat handing on a hook by the bed.


Ward shot Nyr and Luness a look that said: Not a word about what we're planning.


"Did you sleep well?" Ward asked, helping himself to a bit of fruit.


@Bea Delaine


Leia raced down the snow-covered alley just outside the great hall, dodging snowballs and laughing at her pursuers; a band of children that had accosted her with questions as soon as she got up.


"Are you magic?"


"What sort of games do they play in your world?"


"Tell us how you stopped that storm!"


She had told them honestly all that had happened and they listened in awe. They then invited her to see the town and she had agreed, now they were re-enacting the battle with a young girl playing Leia and Leia playing the part of the evil wizard.


"You're no match for my ice-powers lion, ha!" She lobbed a large ball at a boy carrying a large icicle. The boy dodged the sloppy shot and roared. "How dare you do that to my friend!!"


Then the boy caught up to her and broke the icicle on her boot.


"Oh! Ouch!" Leia fell over in the snow and howled in mock pain.


"Oh what a world!" she yelled and pretended to curl into a ball and cry.


The children, helpless with mirth tackled her, each wanting to have a piece of the glory of defeating their foe.

 

[Jecklyn]

Suddenly standing up, Banba walked to the window, staring out at the sky. She frowned, swallowing the last of the stolen meat.


"Sky lights are gone..." She murmured, then brought her eyes to the ground, seeing Leia with a gang of children piling on top of her.


"Good rest, Leo!" She called before jumping out the window, running as soon as she hit the icy pavement.


"Dogpile!" She shouted, falling to her knees beside the group and gently laying herself over the children, putting just enough pressure to keep them there. She squeezed her eyes shut, holding her breath. With a popping sound, her tail grew short and furry, droopy ears appearing out the sides of her head. She grinned giggling with the children.


@SilverFlight @zCrookedz

 

[DawnAntalios]

Nyr nodded at Ward's request and smiled at Elena, not wanting to disrupt the pair.


" They look so nice together... she truly deserves something wonderful for her birthday. " she thought in herself.


She sat back and looked out of the window, her smile slowly turning into something bitter. Birthday... such a strange earthly custom, yet it serves as a great opportunity to reward those we love. The more she thought about it the more she liked the idea. Yes, Elena does definitely worth it.


She gently brushed her fingers through Luness' soft fur as she hugged the injured werecat carefully not to hurt her.

 

[SilverFlight]

The children squealed as Banba leapt into the fray, and they laughed when she changed her appearance.


"Whooaa! Do it again!!"


"Did you really get the Troll mirror shard in your heart?"


"Of course she did! And she beat it!"


"Leo helped too!"


Leia was at the bottom of the pile and laughed as much as the rest despite the air being crushed from her lungs.


"Ban! Help! They've gone feral!" Leia barked between gasping breaths.


@Jecklyn

 

[Hel]

"Well, I know a few who may consider my other form less than impressive." He said, shaking his head a little, his small smile growing a little. Not because the memories that he referred to were good ones, but instead because he was beginning to realize he had let a small minority determine what he thought the world was like. From his recent interactions, it seemed that there were far fewer who thought dragons to be monsters than he had originally determined. He turned back to Quincy, noting her fatigue.


"I suspect that my room cannot be far. I can leave you, now, you seem exhausted." He told her, reaching to touch her arm. "I hope that the effects of being bound wear off, I dislike the thought of being the cause of any distress for you."

 

[Jecklyn]

Banba fell back, laughing.


"It is true, I have been pierced in the heart! And live to tell the tail!" She held her breath again, ears elongating, eyes shifting, tail shortening even further. Taking a deep breath, Banba wheezed, attributes to her white furred form adorning her.


"If you be good for Leia, I can teach you!" She almost shouted, bouncing on the spot.


"And it won't cost you a thing! Unlike me. And the break of insanity is almost over, so use the information I give up as if I were drunk carefully! Ask the proper questions!"

 

[zCrookedz]

Leo watched as Banba jumped from the window once again and could hear the playfull glee of children after a few moments. He himself stood and made his way to the window and watched the joyfull jubilation of the children and his friends. He turned away from the window and made his way back to the room. He reapplied his pauldrons to his shoulders, placed his ax on his back and sheathed the small dagger at the back of his hips. He returned to the great hall, then made his way outside. He stopped for a moment to watch the pile of children playing, smiling and laughing as they all played with Leia and Banba. He continued on his way, taking note of the shops and homes of the people of the town, stopping every now and then to admire something.

 

[Flutterby]

“I cant imagine why." She said softly, accepting his touch gladly. “I will be fine after sone rest." She assured him, giving her best smile. “Being bound isn't all bad, only the first few days are hard." She added, glancing down as memories intruded on her mind. With a small shake of her head, she looked up again, and took a step backwards towards the door. As she did, his hand slid down her arm and she caught it in her own, giving it a soft squeeze. “Goodnight." She said, before letting it go and turning to the door. “If you want anything, you know where I am." She said warmly, looking over her shoulder with a bright smile as she slipped inside. She left the door ajar, climbing into the bed with a smile still on her face. The cloak laid on the floor, along with the wool garments; she was back in her lightweight white blouse and dark pants in the warm bed.

 

[SilverFlight]

Ward did not want to leave while Elena was there, so he silently pleaded with Nyr, motioning to the door with a subtle glance.


Tell the others to get ready.


@DawnAntalios


The children untangled themselves from the pile and sat in the snow.


"Teach me to turn into a dragon!" Shouted one,


"I want to turn into a cat!"


"I want to be you!"


Leia got to her feet slowly and pulled off a boot to empty it of snow. She was still laughing. Her face and ears were red from the cold but she didn't mind.


When Leo emerged all the children fell silent, staring with wonder at him.


"I sort of made you a hero." Leia explained with a grin. It was true.


They watched him go before the children (some a little disappointed he didn't stay) continued to barrage the shape shifter with questions.


"Can you play with us?" the last child asked, holding the remnants of his icicle in both hands like a sword hilt.


@Jecklyn @zCrookedz

 

[Lioness075]

Luness'good ear perked towards the entrance upon Elena joining the group. Upon smelling the food, Luness perked up, but quickly realized she couldn't sit up to eat it on her own.


Frowning at this bit of knowledge, Luness said, "I, uh, I can't sit up to eat." Her frown only deepend at the image that popped up in her head of Nyr feeding her. No doubt the birdbrain would offer to do so after hearing that Luness couldn't do it herself.


Upon feeling Nyr hugging her, careful or not, Luness yelped in pain and exclaimed, "Get off of me!" Her ribs already ached enough as it was. Hugging was only making it worse.


On top of the hugging, Luness could feel Nyr running her fingers through her fur. Sighing, Luness wondered what she had done to get this birdbrain stuck to her.


Luness was definitely not going on any quest today, stubborn or not.

 

[Jecklyn]

"Well, first you need to figure out what works for you. Do you hold your breath, like I do? Or maybe backflip, like I also do? How about explode into a ball of smoke only to have the particles reform something new, which I have been known to do. Well you do whatever it is works for you, and then you change." She grinned up at Leo as he passed by, waving as he left. The children turned back to her, and she frowned cosmically, rubbing her chin in fake thought.


"Can I play with you? Of course I can play with you. I say we play 'catch the shifter.' I get a ten second head start and then you come fine me and catch me. Ready? Set? GO!" She shot up, easily climbing onto the nearest house's roof and dissapearing. She climbed up a tree, once again holding her breath to change her very colour, blending in with the tree's pine leaves. She chuckled quietly, waiting for the children's confused faces.