Fantasy Hallowed Voyage

[BugDozer73]

I lifted my bag off the floors and placed it into a hammock, turning to take Faes bag and finding her staring behind me with a shocked expression. I spun around to find the adolescent face of the Oracle stowed away with the cargo, but stowed wasnt really the right word: Lodged in? She stood next to a port window, looking at us both expectantly.


"Oracle? What are you doing here? Where are your guards?" I looked around wairly as if I expected them to be lurking around the cargo hold.

 

[Purize]

The Oracle smiled politely at Thorin and I as we both acknowledged her presence.


"Good morning Adventurers. I have come to accompany you on your journey to Tu'ru." Suddenly, her smile widened, looking more childishly mischievous rather than polite.


"And you needn't worry about my guards." She waved her hand dismissively.


I blinked at her for a moment. "But why are you 'accompanying' us, Milady?" I asked, curious as to why she'd be interested in such an endeavor as this one. She folded her arms neatly across her chest, a sort of boldness that I hadn't seen from the Oracle in the short time I'd known her.


"I simply wish to," She replied smoothly. "I promise my presence won't be a burden."


Now, for the first time, I could see the oracle for the age she was. I realized that without her guards she didn't have the regular restrictions and expectations for acting proper and neutral.

 

[BugDozer73]

I looked back at fae to gauge her own reaction at her words. I hadn't counted on the oracle ditching her own guards, but I was decently sure she had a rebellious side. I shrugged, not really caring why she was here. If she wanted to come, thats fine. If she was trying to assert her woman form, good for her. I was home, back on a ship, preparing to roam the ocean once again, even if just for a few days. "Great. Did you bring any gear?" I Grabbed Faes bag and swung it onto the hammock neck to mine, both of them surrounding a port hole.

 

[Purize]

I jerk my head to stare at Thorin, not expecting his reaction. The Oracle, however, seemed satisfied, smiling calmly at Thorin. "Not much, but enough to protect myself," she said. I watched my things as they were tossed into a hammock.


I looked her over, not seeing anything in her hands or any bags of some sort, but it was entirely possible that something was concealed beneath her cloak.

 

[BugDozer73]

"Well, you can just pick any hammock, I suppose." I would have taken her things for her as well, but I couldn't see them. I turned to fae and shot her a relaxed smile. "Hey, Ill be back, Im gunna go and talk to the captain and see when we sail." I walked past her and went to the opening, hopping up to grab the railing and roll nimbly onto the deck. I felt bad about leaving fae alone in a strange environment, but She had the oracle with her, and I wouldn't be long.


I passed the crew, mostly clean looking men: Most likely a more yellow bellied bunch. I looked over the side of the vessel, and spotted the captain deep in conversation with two midgets with long grey beards and mining equipment. He looked busy, so I turned to climb the rigging, and smacked hard into the enormous belly of the looming giant before me. I tumbled back and looked up, eyes upon the bulging silhouette of his face in front of the glowing morning sun.

 

[Brendanfp]

In front of the doorway stood a youthful looking lady, who greeted me with a wide welcoming smile. Her presence made me uneasy, but I disregarding my suspicions and entered the small temple, closing the door behind me.


"Hello, young man what can I do for you ?" She seem as relaxed as the rest of the city folk, but for some reason she had an air around her that put me off. She definitely wasn't a demon, but there was something dark about her. It wasn't her long dark hair or her dull grey eyes, but it was something about her smile.


"I would like to use one of your Alters of Magus", I said calmly.


"Of coarse, that will be 16 gold."


I sighed at the outrageous price of the alter, but I should have expected an alter to one of the more important gods to cost a bit more than usual. I reached into my satchel to retrieve my coin bag, but as I did the women reached for her side and pulled up a small silver flask. She lifted the lid off of the flask and pour the contents into her mouth, and as she did the strong scent of blood filled my nose. I took 16 pieces of gold out of my coin bag and held out my hand to women.


"Are you a vampire ?" I let the question hang in the air as the young lady finished up her drink. She reached over and took the gold from my extended hand. She closed her flask and began to walk down the hall way, beckoning me to follow.


"Yes, I was turned as a child", she said as she led me further down the hall. "The Circle rescued from the Horde a few years but my parents didn't make it, and now I'm just trying to make a living."


She was turned not born as a vampire, which made me a bit less tensed. In the old days dark creatures like vampires,demons, and shades weren't allowed to own shops, but after the Hight King of Nymserine had passed the Anti-Species Discrimination Act and allowed dark creatures into the ranks of the Circle as long as they had pure intentions. The Horde was also a hub for many species like renegade angels and malevolent faeries. Soon we stop at a door which was marked with the symbol of Magnus, the same symbol that branded my satchel. The vampire women opened the door and waved me inside.


"Thank you for sharing, and my apologies for intruding in private matters." I went into the small room and closed the door behind me. Inside the room in the middle of the floor was a large summoning symbol for conjuring, against the wall was a small alter for offerings, and above the alter was a small hanging book shelf which held the Twelve Tomes of Mana Fundamentals, which I had read several times over for fun. I crossed over the summoning circle to the alter. I picked up a small golden knives with white etchings in it. I cleaned the blade with a cloth to make sure that I didn't contract anything strange diseases, and then took the blade and pressed it into my palm. A few drops of blood fell down into a silver dish on the alter and instantly fizzled away as if the dish had been over a fire. I began to recite the Magnus Creed, and as I did I felt my mana channels open up as I was filled was a large amount of raw mana, of coarse in my body most of my raw mana is instantly converted into black demonic mana. Magnus didn't care what species you were, mana was mana and he supplied it to everyone in Nymserine, however those who worshiped him usually had larger reservoirs of mana.


I sighed as I got up and walked out the door and to the lobby. Next to the main entrance stood the vampire who flashed me a smile, and this time I took notice of her two fangs. She wasn't as bad as I thought, but I would never truly be able to accept her as she was. Just then a thought popped into my head.


"Pardon me, but would you know anything about how to get to the island of Tu'ru ?" Her eyes widen upon hearing the islands name.


"That's been the talk of the town, haven't you heard about the ship in the docks which is apparently going on a voyage to the island of Tu'ru, they tired to keep it a secret, but everyone know that pirates can't keep their mouths shut", she said with a giggle. "I'm just wondering who the crew is."


Doesn't matter I thought to myself as I bolted out the main entrance of the temple. As I exited the shop I summoned up demonic strength in my legs as I took off. The docs were on the other side of Akron I thought as I ran down the cobblestone road to the outer rings of the city.

 

[Purize]

At his departure, the Oracle shrugged and turned to me. She still looked reserved, I noticed. She held herself properly but I also could tell she was much more relaxed. Her shoulders weren't rigid and squared, they were lax and slumped contently. Her eyes were also softer, not icy and focused.


"I apologize for the suddenness of all of this, Fae." She said, interrupting the silence. I smiled at her and gazed out the port window.


"You know... somehow I don't mind it all that much." I smiled and I heard the Oracle laugh. It was a tinkling sound like wind chimes. "I figured you'd say that." Then we both laughed.

 

[BugDozer73]

I was immediately restrained by a tight grip around my body, which constricted around my arms, prohibiting use of them. I felt the constriction begin to tighten, and thrash about wildly, bringing spots to my eyes.


This is how I die...


I began to hear strange sounds coming from the shadow in-between the wind whipping by my body being spun around wildly. My face was shoved into a deep layer of fat in the body of the creature, where I began to suffocate.


Oh my god, its all over!


Suddenly I was released, and felt the air return to my lungs.


The world slowed its spinning and in a daze I heard someone calling my voice.


"M...mom?"


"Mother?" A large, sea stained voice let loose a slue of hearty laughter.


"Did you hit your head lad?"


I looked up at the man, and watched as his facial features became clear. He had a large, bulbs nose, and yellow, crooked teeth. His eyes were two grey shore clouds, and his hair was as wispy as as them.


"Bosco??"


The old chef from the Aquilla let his hand reach down and hall me up, but still he toward over me.


"Aye, lad. Fancy running into you here. I say, was it you who got the captains head turned in the direction of Tu'ru?"


At the joy of seeing the old friend, I embraced him quickly, and nodded my head.


"The oracle came to visit me and some friends, and told us tempes willed us to seek out and enlist in the ranks of the circle. Im making a stop at Tu'ru to convene with my old master and leave a message for Greuwn."


Bosco laughed again, clapping me on the back. "Just like old times: You and your adventures. So where are your friends?"


I smiled, and led him down the steps to the secondary deck.


I called over to Fae and the Oracle.


"Hey you guys, I want to introduce you to someone from my old ship days."


Bosch took one look at the ladies and removed his small bandanna he wore on his head and preformed an astonishingly graceful bow for someone his size, hiding his blushing cheeks.


"It is a pleasure to meet the fine compn'y of me ol' lad Thorin here. God, I could tell you stories of him from when he was just a toddler, swiping the other mates eye patches. He was such a little barnacle."


My face shot red. "Bosco! there is no need for stories."

 

[Purize]

The Oracle and I turned to greet our new company. I couldn't help but grin at Bosco, I could already tell that this trip was going to be very entertaining and interesting. Even the Oracle was smiling, she dipped her head politely to Bosco and said, "Pleasure to make your acquaintance." I nodded in agreement and dipped my head to him as well as I fought off a fit of giggles.

 

[BugDozer73]

Bosco winked at Fae and the Oracle, returning his hat to his head. "Thorin, you didn't tell me you were in the company of such beautiful nobel ladies! They must think ye be some kind of king! Have you been fiben once again?" I shot Bosco a look warning him that he might end up on one of his own shish kabob, to which he smiled back at me and ruffled my hair. I grumbled and pulled my head away. "No, I haven't been fibbing. And Technically I am a king now, but ill explain tonight at dinner." I paused, then looked him straight, my empty stomach jumping in to my head. "Say, what you cooking for tonight?" Bosco's eyes twinkled, and he waved to us all. "Come with me to the galley and I'll show ya!" He turned and made his way towards the back of the boat, towards a tiny door that looked like he wouldn't be able to fit through. I turned to Fae and the Oracle and smiled. "Bosco's crazy, but he's the best cook on the seas. Come on!" I turned and followed

 

[Purize]

Equally amused, the Oracle and I gave each other a smirking side glance. We both new that this was going to be interesting, and so we followed after Bosco and Thorin. I had to admit, being among the company of pirates was both exciting and intimidating, but seeing the light in Thorin's eyes and how comfortable he moved about the ship made me feel at ease. One could tell he was a man of the sea, born and raised on ships and docks. Even as I looked around the ship at the pirates that once seemed to glare- looked content and almost jolly. It was like a big family.

 

[BugDozer73]

Bosco reached the doorway and jammed himself through the wooden frame, wiggling his body to squeeze through. When he made it through, the ship lurched subtly.I chuckled, and followed through. Same old Bosco.


I found myself looking at an old style kitchen, with counter tops in the back, with a kettle of boiling water in the center. Bosco was slicing up vegetables in dancing motions, accompanied by light humming. I went over to the pot, and smelled the rising vapors, and smiled.


"Crab and seaweed soup?"


Bosco winked, spilling his cutting board of an entire sliced carrot into the bubbling waters.


"Aye lad, your favorite. Something to remember ye rasclness by, I suppose."


He grabbed three bowls and a ladle of the soup, pouring some of the chunky liquid inside, and thrust them into our hands.


I took a spoonful and let my eyes shut at the familiar flavor of childhood.


Suddenly I heard a dock whistle blow, and some cheers from the deck, as well as the sound of retreating ropes and flowering sails.


Bosco looked up at the noise.


"Thasias bident, we seem to be casting off."

 

[Brendanfp]

My heart pounded in my chest as I ran down the roads of Akron. Who knew if the vessel I was searching for had begun leaving the harbor, or if it was even still in the harbor. A one way trip to Tu'ru was just what I needed, and I thanked the gods for providing me with one. I was expending large quantities of demonic mana to power my legs to go faster and farther than ever before. I didn't stick to the main road, as it was cluttered with people and traffic of all sorts, so I stuck to the ally ways which were fairly empty but harder to navigate. My breath grew shorter and faster with each step.


"Didn't Azil tell you to stop doing that", Levia commented.


"Stop what ?"


"You keep restricting your demonic energies to only certain parts of your body. Like right now you are only using your demon mana to enhance your speed by pumping it to your legs, but that will take a huge toll on your lungs and heart as they have to compensate. You know if you keep this up you will end up destroying your body."


"Why do you care so much ?"


"Because I have a lot invested in you, and if you die then my life will be forfeit. Now just slow down and let the demonic mana flow freely"





I thought about it. I would never bend to Levia's will, however I didn't want to ruin my body over stupid stubbornness. I slowed down and focused on my mana. My raw mana resonated around me in an aura, and as I took raw mana into my body it was quickly converted into my natural demonic mana which I was currently was sending to my legs to increase my running speed. However, from what Levia and Azil were telling me that was only over-stressing the rest of my body out. I was always hesitant about allowing demonic mana to freely flow through my body because of the damage it might cause, however it now seemed like restricting my mana was doing exactly that. I took a deep breath in and stopped restricting the flow of my mana. The surge of mana rushing throughout my entire body was like a second wind.


I took off running again, but this time things felt different. I was no longer short of breath, and my heart rate was steady despite my increasing speed. I began to push myself more and more picking up more speed as I dodged in between houses. My entire body was singing in harmony and at a fraction of the mana I was using before. Soon I came out from the alleyway and found myself at the outer ring of the city, and in front of me was long harbor.


I scooped out the ships which were docked, but most of them seemed to be either fishing boats or inactive. However one of the ships stood out among the rest. The vessel was a fairly large passenger ship and it was the only one in the harbor which seemed like it was currently en route to the open sea. I quickly deduced that the passenger ship was the vessel I was seeking to board. The ship had only just started to leave the harbor, but that wouldn't stop me. I took off towards the harbor as fast as my legs could manage, and then as I reached the edge of harbor I squatted down and then pushed against the ground. The leap carried me across the gap between me and the ship and with a soft thud I landed aboard the unknown vessel. I lifted my head up as I prayed to the gods that I had not made a mistake.

 

[Purize]

I looked down curiously at the bowl of soup in my hands. It certainty looked good, and the aroma asserted my observation. I glanced at the Oracle, who was swirling the contents of her bowl thoughtfully rather than eating it. I ate a spoonful as I listened to the sound of the ship jumping to life. My eyes widened at the taste. It was the perfect blend of crab and seaweed and effectively reminded me of the ocean.


I look to Bosco and give him a wide, pleased smile. "This is wonderful! It's been so long since I've had crab." With a dreamy look on my face, I ate another spoonful. The Oracle watched me discretely from the side before deciding to follow my lead in eating it rather than studying it. Perhaps she wasn't accustomed to seafood. She seemed to like the soup well enough though as her expression became pleasantly surprised. She nodded in agreement and murmured. "Yes, It's very good."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

​

Again the shadows rippled and shifted. He was aboard the ship and it was about to set sail. It was comfortably dark and damp in the living quarters. He knew the girl was nearby even though he couldn't see her. He didn't need to see her anyway. He knew she was in safe hands even among the pirates... for now anyway. He knew that he'd still be watchful. For now he rested in the shadows, blending in with the scene. Silent. Undetected. Just another shadow.

 

[BugDozer73]

I smiled and dropped my empty bowl on the long scratched wooden countertop and mumbled a quick "Ill be back" before turning and racing to the grate to the main deck. Bosco chuckled as he worked on his soup, not bothering to look up from his work.


"That boy could never resist the calling of the sea. I find it hard to think he will ever grow up."


Then, very casually, he turned and began dicing up some potatoes: his face was a knowing smile, completely removed from the view of the two women in his kitchen. "So, what in Tu'ru has captured the interest of the oracle and Princess Ophelia?" his voice moved through the kitchen with an air of amusement.


I quickly scrambled onto the main deck, and bolted for the prow of the ship, dodging pirates left and right who completed busy tasks, ducking under a box, and not paying attention to the frustrated sailors, until I reached the rigging. I swung myself over the side of the ship and latched onto the ropes, and climbed like a spider, reaching the beam of the front mast in seconds, where I perched and enjoyed the feeling of the increasing speed of the salt air brushing through my hair, and the familiar feel of the splintery wood in my hands.

 

[Purize]

Simultaneously, we stopped eating and stared at Bosco as he stirred the spoon in his pot. My jaw dropped and my blood turned to ice... while the Oracle simply looked intrigued. "A business trip." She replied casually, a cool smile slipping onto her face. I could only produce a stiff nod.


"How did you know...?" I whispered quietly after a moment.


It was not often that people recognized my last name as a clear indicator to my past... to my heritage. Yet in the past day and a half the Ophelia name has caught the attention of two people. I knew i'd have to be more careful about my last name. Maybe I would have to change it.

 

[Brendanfp]

I quickly took note of my current situation: I was on an unknown vessel which may or may not be on course to Tu'ru, I just boarded this ship illegally assuming that the crew was even conducting legal activity in the first place, I was tired, I was hungry, and I was still sore from getting knocked around by Azil. Today was not my day, like every other day.


Right now I was standing at the rear of the ship surrounded by some barrels of various liquors, and in front of me was the open deck. I thought about whether or not I should stay where I was, but I assumed someone would check on the goods sooner or later. I could try to blend in with the crew, however with my foreign dessert apparel I wouldn't be fooling anyone. Maybe I could use a hex trance on the crew, however after further thought I realized that a vessel of this size would have a larger crew than I could handle with just hexes. I also had not weapon available to me at the moment. It was useless I couldn't think my way out of this one, so I decided that the best coarse of action would be to find the captain and tell him my current predicament.


I came from behind the barrels and made my way towards the open deck. I saw the first crew member swabbing the deck with a mop I knew by his appearance, the cutlass hanging from his side, and the chantey he was humming that this ship was home to a pirate crew. I cursed and continued walking down the deck gathering more stares as I passed by. I was never too comfortable using a sword in combat, but right now I was longing for one. I swallowed hard, and glanced into the sky trying to avoid their gazes, and that's when I saw him. I cursed as my heart sank.


"Why is he here", I whispered.

 

[BugDozer73]

Bosco only chuckled as he spilled his veggies into his soup, having a taste and nodding with satisfaction. "Nomads are the barers of all news: pirates may be unfavorable to most, but we are the nomads of the sea, and provide the rumor service. The oracle was easy enough to place; you ms.Ophelia, were a little more difficult. Most people had heard of the kingdom of the elves losing their princess, but not many know your appearance like the oracles. Your ears and slight accent are giveaways. Not to mention your Royal Beauty." He smiled in her direction. "I suppose I'm more interested in your interest in my thorin. That boy has a knack for getting himself into difficult situations. He was always an adventurous jack ass. He's like a nephew to me." Bosco leaned forward slightly, as if pained by a troubled thought. It was apperent that he was fond of Thorin, and in no hurry to see him below the ground.


I heard the leering jibs from the crew below and pardoned a moment of my attention to pick out an odd looking passenger strutting along the main deck.


I saw his dark skin, sun protective appeal and short white hair, along with his darker energy aura.


Look who decided to show up





I turned from the rolling waves and grabbed a rigging rope, loosely wrapping it around my foot, and stepped calmly off the beam, falling towards the deck to the sound of whirring wheels and speeding rope, until I gracefully landed on the deck, drawing some awed expressions from the sailors.


I faced Ali and smirked, crossing my arms. "Changed your mind about joining us??" I offered arrogantly.

 

[Brendanfp]

I watched as the King of the Akron, a city which was now far behind the ship, swung down on a rope from the beam above me. He landed with grace and then approached me. His stance was loose, but he also seemed alert and aware of his surrounding. He was cocky as ever.


"Changed your mind about joining us?" The tone of his voice reflected that he was much more relaxed than, he was at the palace. I reflexively reached for my sword, but my hands came up empty. I wondered on why the King of Akron, son of Aurora was aboard a pirate ship, and if he was hear did that mean the others would be too ?


"No, there must be I misunderstanding, you see I am on my way to a certain island. I told you before that I have no desire to join your destiny bound flock carrying out the will of the gods."

 

[BugDozer73]

My smile faded. I was no puppet. "This isn't about the gods. It isn't about you, or me. Its about the people who are suffering from the demons and darkness plaguing our world. The same darkness that killed your people, are killing others, and yet you traipse around on your own selfish whims: you may be two hundred years old, but you still act like your 16." Some of the pirates snickered.


"We need him. He plays an important role"


I sighed at Adamants words. She had been silent for a while, and it was both a pain and relief to have her back in my head.


My tone dropped its aggravation and become more complacent.


"Look, you tried to avoid the prophecy, and you ended up on the same ship as the rest of us. How many more times are you going to try and veer away from this?"

 

[Purize]

I frowned at Bosco, hating that I could be identified and connected to my past so easily by a stranger. The Oracle simply seemed impressed by his canny observations. I had to admit I liked Bosco so far. He seemed like a nice guy, especially for a pirate... but I would have to keep a wary eye on him. When he complimented me yet again, I simply averted my eyes.


"I suppose I'm more interested in your interest in my Thorin." He said, making me look up again.


"Thorin?" I repeated dubiously. From the look on Bosco's face it wasn't hard to tell he had a soft spot for Thorin. "The Oracle came to three of us and told us of a prophecy..." I hesitated, not sure exactly how much information I should divulge to Bosco. "We are currently traveling with him to The Circle, but we are making a quick stop at Tu' ru."


I looked at Bosco a moment. He was a rather large man and he had kind eyes. Eyes with laugh lines and a certain twinkle of warmheartedness. "We are in this together, I promise I'll keep an eye on him." I gave a soft smile and dipped my head. I meant what I said too. Thorin was on the same road to destiny as I was right now. We had to stick together.

 

[BugDozer73]

Her words seemed to ease Boscos mind, and he smiled again. "He's making a stop in Tu'ru... He must be trying to contact Greuwn. Of course" He laughed loudly. Before he could finish his thought, he was cut short by the sound of angry commotion on the upper deck.


He looked up with concern. "I wonder whats going on up there?"

 

[Purize]

This time the Oracle spoke up, setting down her empty bowl gently on the counter. "I think it'd be best if we go see." She had a the sort of smile on her lips and look in her eyes that suggested she knew just what was happening outside. I set down my own bowl and was the first to duck out of the kitchen doorway. I made my way to the deck above, the Oracle following right behind me.

 

[Brendanfp]

"Destiny ? Was it destiny for my people to die by the hands of Hoard. No, I don't believe in destiny, I believe only in the will of the individual. It just so happens that our wills align for the moment"


I rejoiced internally that there was at least one person on this ship that I knew. As much as I didn't trust the King I knew he was would be kinder than the rest of the crew. I would need to arm myself sooner or later.


"Would you mind showing me to the captain of this vessel ?"

 

[BugDozer73]

One of the pirates stepped forward and scowled at ali.


"The captain is not to be disturbed, by his orders. Sorry lad, but looks like your not going to be seeing him."


I noticed a contraption at his belt, a small device of metal screws and wires, with a static chamber.


A fractle...


I didn't want things to get ugly, so I turned my attention back to Ali, hoping to catch his own.


"You can see the captain later, lets get you set up in the crews quarters."