Fantasy ~ FableWood ~

[Jecklyn]

Banba dropped to all fours, nudging herself under Leo, as she was still the size of him. She walked, tail twitching as she did her best to ignore the pain. It was quite easy to do, her mind flitting from one thought to another, and onto a fifth. She soon reached the great hall, and shrunk back to her normal size, wiggling her way out from under the guardian. She glanced around, locating Atla and bounding in her direction, waving wildly.


"The worm has buried his head!" She nearly shouted, jumping from one foot to the other. "And the snake is still free."


@zCrookedz @SilverFlight

 

[Lioness075]

Luness heard Ward's mention of everyone using a turn at the healer's tent and chuckled before saying to him with a grimace, "Yeah, that would be a brilliant idea." She then looked around at her surrounding packmembers, all of which seemed to have mixed facial expressions of worry, exhaustion, and even fear.


Wincing at some pain from her burns, Luness took a deep breath and then said to her packmembers, "We're going to get some rest today, catch our breaths. Tonight, the attack will start again, but now we've weakened their forces considerably by taking down their general. The fight's far from over, but we've made a good dent in their strength." Meeting the gaze of each of her packmembers, Luness then added confidently, "We'll win this war, and drive back the darkness that threatens our very lives and homes."


The packmembers all nodded at what Luness said, feeling their confidence rising as their pack leader's confidence began to rub off on them. They still remained quiet though, and once Luness had finished speaking, her eyes trailed over to the remains of the packmember that had been killed by the demon's axe during the fight.


Feeling tears rolling down her face, Luness quickly looked away, shifting her gaze to her lap. The tears stung the small burns on her face, but she couldn't stop them with the knowledge that she' already lost one of her packmembers, one of her new family. She soon heard sniffing though, and looked up to see that the other packmembers had followed her gaze to the dead packmember.


Suddenly, one of the werewolves lurched back and looked to the sky, howling a song of memory for the loss of the packmember's life. Seconds passed, and then the other werewolves joined in song. While Luness was a werecat and couldn't howl, she simply remained silent and subtly smiled, as she listened to the howls for the now dead werewolf.


Back at the castle, and just about the same time as Banba arrived with Leo, the two packmembers helping Falarion along had just arrived. Seeing Banba shouting about for Alta's aid, the werewolves respectfully stepped aside while still holding up Falarion, who was beginning to lose consciousness from blood loss, much like Leo had been earlier. Except, Falarion was missing parts of his foot from the acidic blood that had doused it earlier, just after the demon general's death. He had extensive blood loss and just like Luness, his hands had been burned and then the metal battle claws had melded into the burnt skin, and the bottom of his feet were burnt pretty badly as well. Luckily, his armor had protected most of his body from burns though.


@SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Alta was quarreling with two elf healers who were insisting she take rest.


"I told ye I'm fine! Go sparkle somewhere else!" When Banba came up to them Alta waved Leo over to a wooden cot.


"Now I'd best be the one te look after him. Look at him, he'll take yer arm off if yer not careful!" She lied. The elves exchanged nervous glances and moved off, leaving Alta to continue her work.


As she prepared a charm for Leo's worst injuries she asked him to tell her of all that transpired. She continued working as Luness and her pack returned, alternating between gushing with frantic worry and berating them all for their disregard for their own health. The fatigue was beginning to get to the old healer but she refused to rest until the pack and its leader had been treated to the best of her ability. @zCrookedz @Lioness075

 

[Hel]

Anya, Alexander, and Quincy had taken off and were not around for the mention of the healer. 'Do you need rest, or healing, my friend? I think it would be best if we could catch another of their commanders off-guard. But not if we are not at our peaks.' Alexander thought to Quincy. He did not really think of Anya. They had spoken little and he figured that she would speak up if she needed anything. He flew quickly towards where Anya was directing them, towards what was probably one of the most dangerous places... and dragons were easy to see from a distance. Alexander hoped, however, that they would ignore him, thinking he was one of the dragons who was on their side and not feel threatened by his approach.





Anya, meanwhile, was still providing directions to Alexander, telling him where to go. She didn't know why she wasn't sensing a truly straight route, but something told her this round about path would be better than straight in. Maybe because it took them near the castle, first? She wasn't sure. As they drew nearer to the castle, however, Anya remembered the family of mice in her pouch, and called ahead. "Can we make a detour? I need to drop off some survivors!"





Alexander was reluctant, but he agreed, landing in one of the courtyards outside of the main hall as others were arriving.


Anya slid off of his back and ran into the hall, hoping to find someone who could take care of the family, she reached into the pouch and dipped her hand down, waiting for them to climb in. The little family promptly did so, ready to get out of her pouch and into safe, fresh air and solid ground. "Hey! Can you take care of them?!" Anya called to whoever was nearest, thrusting her hands- and the mice inside of them- out towards whoever she found.

 

[Bea Delaine]

Elena was set down by Ward and steadied. She could feel his hands were skin, and looked up to see his human form. He didn't look as alright as he considered himself. Tattered and covered by cut and burnt patches of skin, he looked half dead.


She herself had less cuts and burns than most it seemed, though her head felt like lead and her arm hung loosely and felt disconnected, with rings in a few places of blackened or severely bruised skin. She stood up slowly, offering Ward a small smile.


"We had a death, but you're okay. That's the most important thing to m- I mean mostly everyone is okay. I'm really glad."


She corrected herself.


"I don't need much rest, so as soon as you and the others are taken care of I'm going to work on making sure the barrier is rebuilt stronger. Maybe make some shelters for displaced families."

 

[zCrookedz]

Leo tried not to put to much strain on Banba's own wound. "Make sure you have the healers look at you as well Banba." Once they reached the infirmary Leo smiled at the old woman's sparkling gesture. He walked himself over to the cot and sat, being able to rest made his arms and legs feel heavier than normal. He began to fill her in with the details of the battle, and though his external injuries were healed thanks to Leia and her familiars, he needed the lest from the weariness. After concluding his tale to the old woman he leaned back against the wall the cot was next to and closed his eye, "I do not need any wounds healed, there are others that require more immediate attention." He gestured to both Luness's pack, and Banbas wound on her back. "I simply need to rest to regain my strength."

 

[Jecklyn]

Banba shook her head vigorously when Leo suggested she get healed. She shed the armor, dropping to the floor and pulling her now bare foot beside her face. A nasty scar ran along the bottom of it, scales missing and skin pulled tight.


"Do you not remember?" She hissed, baring her teeth. "Do you not remember how the frog laid her eggs but the fly ate them?" She stood up, curling up on the cot beside Leo, eyes drooping.


"The eggs don't hatch properly even if the fly doesn't eat them."

 

[zCrookedz]

Leo gave her a weak smile. "Ok, ok. No healers. But you know, we could fix that so that you wouldn't have any scars." Leo knew it was futile. When the little lizard girl had made up her mind about something, she was not going to let anyone or anything tell her differently. Leo sat back and watched the others filter into the infirmary. He felt useless sitting there resting. He was a healer after all, its one of the reasons he was chosen as a guardian. But no energy meant no healing. Leo gave Banba a pat on the shoulder "Banba i think i have enough energy to make it to the gardens in the castle ground. Last i checked they were still untouched." Slowly, he stood and made his way from the tent. Before he got to far he found a soldier who was heading back out to find survivors. "My good sir, if you or your company happen across an ax with blades at both ends of the staff, would you please have them bring it to me. I wont be much help tonight without it." He headed towards the castle and then straight for the gardens. They were still there, albeit the birds had flown away, but he was relieved to see the fauna still alive. HE found himself a clearing near a big rock, both sitting in the open rays of the sun. Sitting cross legged he reached for his peaceful stance and closed his eye. It slowly opened, pale green instead of the normal bright green.


@Jecklyn

 

[DawnAntalios]

Nyr walked back to the castle with the others. She was horrified when she saw the amounts of wounded people - now only from her friends but also the valiant defenders of the city. The siege was not over but the tide of darkness has ebbed, even if only for a moment. They had this breather to rest... but deep down she felt guilty.


Putting down her weapon she headed to find a secluded spot in the royal gardens. When she found the spot she meditated at previously and knelt down in the grass, praying. But she was not praying for the protection of her beloved mother, or for a good night's sleep. No, this time it was a selfish request on her part - she begged for forgiveness.


As she prayed she felt the dark thoughts and guilt overwhelm her which she thought they were planted in her head by Erzaul's magic. But now she realized that these were her own emotions, her own burden... and now she begged her blessed mother to forgive her sins.

 

[Hel]

Anya gave the mice to one of the men who had been fighting, but was relatively uninjured. He took them, and left to try and get them somewhere safe. She turned to head back to the dragon and Quincy, but realized that she no longer felt where it was she needed to go... She was confused. Wait... what? Where did they go? She thought to herself. She looked around, unsure of what exactly that meant. Maybe it meant a retreat. Maybe they left us alone... No, that can't be it... She focused on that intuition of her, searching for answers





Alexander, meanwhile, realized that Anya wasn't coming back out. 'Why don't we head inside? It would appear that no one is coming back out to join us. Anya seems distracted, also.' Alexander thought to Quincy. When Quincy dismounted, Alexander transformed back into his human form. He didn't feel like clamoring around as a giant clumsy dragon inside of such an elegant building- even with things as they were.

 

[Flutterby]

((Backstory time! *excited scampering about the room*))


Quincy was instantly nervous when they set down- there were elves everywhere. But she didnt argue, instead she untied the rope and jumped off, giving Alexander a gentle pat on the shoulder before he transformed. “Thanks." She said softly to his now human form, drawing closer to him as elves hurried past her. The kelpie ducked her head, trying to hide without being too obvious. It didnt work.


A loud, authoritative voice forced her to look up. “Kelpie! Do you still go by your Elf-given name?" The speaker was a tall, chestnut haired male elf, dressed in the gard of a warrior. She stepped forward, giving a small bow. Her face was in a tense smile, barely holding the turmoil underneath.


“Tharon. Always a pleasure to see you." She said softly, glaring defensively at him.


“I bet it is, demon." He said with a laugh. She was forced to ensure the insult without comment, as he kept talking. “I wouldve thought you sinking further into your favorite depths. Apparently youve become much less selfish since you killed Lorence."


The kelpie visibly bristled, and her gaze sharpened. “This is not the place for this discussion." She growled, and he dropped his lighthearted front. The elf stepped toward her, towering over her threateningly, eyes dark. The kelpie glared back, unflinching in her fury.


“I do wish we werent allies now. How wonderful revenge would have been." He snapped, and then spun away, heading away from the great hall to a group of warriors at the end of the street. Quincy stayed where she was, breathing slowly through her nose as she tried to calm herself. “Lets go inside." She said through gritted teeth, taking a few hurried steps away from Alexander.


@KattRai

 

[Hel]

Alexander watched the exchange, his nails starting to grow into his dragon claws ready to protect Quincy if it came to it. He wanted to say something in her defense, but worried that it would embarrass her somehow. He knew he personally did not like others steping in and fighting his battles. Especially when they did not know anything about the situation. He followed Quincy quickly, offering a burning glare towards the elf who had spoken.


"He seemed pleasant." Alexander said sarcastically, speaking aloud again now that he was back in his human form.

 

[Flutterby]

“He always has been." Quincy shot back, slipping into the hall and finding a place to sit and rest out of the way. “He's just angry. He should be." She said, still holding her own anger up as a defense. Then, softer, “He and his brother had a disagreement. About me. His brother died before they got over it. He died defending me." She explained, shortening it as much as she could.


(Gotta go for a bit)

 

[Hel]

Alexander watched, and listened to her words, highlighted by the sorrowful echoes of Luness's pack mourning their dead. He nodded, and said little, what advice could he offer? After she finished speaking, he touched her shoulder and said, "You cannot be blamed for brothers' bickering. I do not know the circumstances of the man's death, but I know enough about the type of people that seem to have been gathered here to know it is likely that it was not truly your fault. For what it's worth, I have no intentions of letting that man have his revenge, either way." With that said, Alexander was willing enough to let the conversation drop, if that's what Quincy desired.





Anya, meanwhile, finally figured out what it was that they she had been missing. She could find no direction because she already was where she needed to be. With this realization, she looked up and scan the room. 'If I was fighting a war, I'd strike to take out the leaders.' She thought to herself, struck with realization. She ran over to the prince and princess, noticing Nyr on the way. She wasn't sure what the raven-girl was doing, but she also didn't feel as though she should stop and ask. She didn't know Nyr very well, and had honestly only seen her enraged by a storm spirit of some sort or being shadow-ified by a demon. Oh, I guess I've seen her flying, too. She thought. When she got to the prince and princes, she tried to explain what she was sensing. "Your majesties, or whatever, I think you're in danger something is coming I don't know what, or when, or how, but I don't think it's something good you should head somewhere safer with the rest of the citizens." She said. Her words were fast, but in no way were they slurred or indistinct.


@SilverFlight @DawnAntalios

 

[wolfborn4]

(Ya I don't k ow where Rowe should be right now I'm not getting much action)

 

[DawnAntalios]

A dark shadow slipped through the injured warriors, silent and fast, only those could have catch a glimpse of it who paid very close attention but even they dismissed the though, thinking that they saw just a mirage. Under the guise of the coming night the menacing shadow made its way easily inside the castle without being detected. Only few unsuspecting guards looked around to find the intruder - only for their throats to be slit fast and their bodies disappear. Soon two illusions took their place, standing their vigilantly like the real ones.


This went on with most of the guards of the palace. One by one they died only to a reflection to take their place. Their discipline and awareness was lax due to the taxing war effort... they made an easy target. But the dark figure was not yet ready... its targets being much more important it waited patiently and cleaned up everything preparing for the events to come.

 

[SilverFlight]

Ward smiled down at Elena. He offered her his hand to lead her back to the castle as volunteers from the infirmary came down the cobbled streets with stretchers and carts to carry the wounded. He politely declined the offer to be carried back. "But Luness, and her pack may have need of you." he added. A young centaur pulling a cushioned wagon offered to take Luness and her injured back up to the infirmary.


Ward heard the low keening of the wolves as they mourned their member. His heart went to them and he wished he could do more.


Once back at the castle he actually felt a little better. It seemed Nyr's magic had taken its effect. His burns were healing already and the bruises ached less. "The healers likely have much more serious cases on their minds than me, but let's get that arm looked at shall we Elena?"


He was about to make his way to Alta when he caught sight of princess Briar and prince Fior, they seemed concerned. Then he saw Anya.


"Is everything all right?" he asked,


"We're not sure," the prince replied. "Anya says something is coming for us." Ward's stomach knotted itself.


"Here? Now? Anya are you sure?"


Briar furrowed her brow. "Ward?"


The gryphon turned to her, his expression deadly serious. "If Anya senses you are in danger, I'm afraid it is only because you are in the most mortal peril we can imagine here." He looked about warily, of course if the enemy held as much power as he had seen displayed that night then it wouldn't be a large stretch to create a disguise glamour...the infiltrator could be anyone.


@KattRai @Wild Born I have a feeling we're going to need Rose soon :3))


 
((@DawnAntalios Hey! Quit killing all the castle soldiers! They have to fight a war and there aren't many left. ))

 

[wolfborn4]

(Ok I'll just post that she was with the others)


Rose shifted back I to her human form the necklace returning around her neck. She felt a strong wave of fuzziness wash over her which made her shake her head and sit in the nearest chair. She rubbed her eyes and sighed not k owing what was causing the random fuzzy waves.

 

[Hel]

"I am certain... and I think it's getting closer." Anya said, glancing around the room with a very, very worried expression. From where she stood she could just make out a guard seemingly... almost glitch. Her eyebrows drew together in confusion It was like he started to fall but then it was right back. The anxiety she was feeling must have been playing tricks on her, she turned back to the prince and the princess, and to ward. "We really need to be ready... but... Whatever it is, It's definitely coming here. And if I was planning a war, I'd try to take out whoever was in charge, so I'm pretty sure that it's coming for the two of you."

 

[Bea Delaine]

Elena took the hand and started back to the shelter and makeshift infirmary. Stumbling only once or twice on the way there from rubble at her feet, she ended up feeling a bit better. The energy draining part of her power was less and less an issue now. When offered help back by centaurs with stretcher, she followed Wards lead.


"There are many brave soldiers with injuries far worse. Let's take care of them first." She said as they passed, kindly enough.


She arrived and ward brought up her arm. She felt suddenly protective, unsure if she wanted anyone to touch it. Elena winced, removing her arm guards. The skin on the offending arm was swollen with black marks and dark bruises in rings around several areas. The hand wouldn't react. She covered it with the remains of her sleeve and listened into their conversation.


Something coming? Anya always knew things immediately. Her feelings were accurate and more than just instinct.


"We will be prepared. Right? We can fight this force off.."


She said, cut off by a sound. Mournful cries of Luness's pack for the lost member. She silenced herself in respect.

 

[SilverFlight]

Ward thought for a moment.


"Your hignesses, take your most trusted guards and--"


"We cannot stay in the middle of the castle." Briar interrupted, "I won't have anymore of my people hurt."


With a wave she summoned Grenwin, who had been speaking with the elf casters on how to improve the barrier for the fall of night.


Grenwin obeyed with a bow, his pointed hat flopping over as he did so.


"Ward take care of Elena, when she is well them meet us in the Labyrinth. You know the way."


"The gardens princess?" Ward knew the old hedge maze, there was an open square at its center, but no one would be there now.


"Gather as many of your guardians as you can."


Leia had come over to listen too, things sounded serious.


"Leia, Anya, I would be very grateful if you would accompany us. After hearing of you face that demon general, I have no doubt your skills will be needed."


"Princess, I don't--"


"Ward, please don't argue." her expression was pleading so Ward kept his peace.


They parted, Briar taking her small party (Leia and Tad in tow) to the gardens while Ward insisted that Elena go to the healers. He tutted at the state of her injuries. Fussing over her with a furrowed brow.


"With elven magic your arm will be good as new in no time." He promised. "Let's go."

 

[Bea Delaine]

Elena worried for the state of the town now. Apparently the situation was still dire, and at the moment she had no way of helping. Their new location would be something called the labyrinth. The princess and her group headed out along with Leia, leaving Ward with her.


"It's not as bad as it looks.. But what is this place we are going to?"


She asked, finding her way to the infirmary area anyways. She lifted her sleeve timidly, afraid of someone touching or moving the limb. Still, without use of her hand, she wouldn't be able to use her book as well.

 

[wolfborn4]

(I can never get any interaction)

 

[SilverFlight]

@Bea Delaine[/URL]

 

[Flutterby]

Quincy laughed bitterly. “Except I was to blame. I owe you the truth Alexander, I cant continue this if you dont know how I ended up this way. Lorence was a top warrior, Id never seen such a fighter. He and I fell in love, accidentally really. But his brother had, still has, strong ideas about outsiders. We were engaged but.. Lorence's death.. I took him for a walk. A band of half-breed shifters attacked us, bandits, he was killed. He took a hit that was aimed at me. If not for me, he would be alive." She said sadly, tears pricking her eyes and escaping one by one. She wiped them away, laughing again. “Love is such a strange, fickle thing." She said softly, looking at him tenderly, making a subtle point. With a last sniffle, she pressed her hand to the dragon's cheek. “Come on. The others are gathering."