Fantasy Halves; Rejects and Heroes

[ridermiyo]

The lands were covered with an unspoken peace, the humans provide sacrificial brides to the various monster species of the lands, and the monsters would for the most part not attack. It's isn't certain when this deal was made or how long ago it was started, but at some point it was broken, cut off from both sources. The cause?


A love found between a monster leader and one of the human brides. Up until this point most, if not all, humans gifted to the monsters had been treated with little care and eventually were pushed into games of death for the entertainment of the beastly parties. This new use for the wives was however to be the destruction of the fragile truce between races.


This new practice spread between the various monster species quickly, and before long many had taken it up, as with any interest of this sort, breeding soon followed, but the offspring were unexpected.


A mix of both beast and man. Stronger than their human kin but weaker than the monster that surrounded them. A child born with a strange charcoal mark on them, taking the form of a human at some moments, while taking that of their surrounding crowd at others. A mother would give her life to bring these beings into the world, only for the monster communities to spit them out in disgust.


The mark of the beast was the mark of a reject.


Ones shunned from both the monsters that influence their shape, and the humans that brought them to the world.


Contact with these Halves was made from both humans and monsters over time. Humans shooed them, terrified at the thought of a beast suddenly breaking out in their towns the monsters chased them out, feeling burdened by the typically weaker beings. However, while the Halves had approached both sides, and were rejected from both, this was not communicated from human to monster or from monster to human.


Both sides would think these mixed beings to be a plot against their lifestyles, shattering any agreement of peace that was held over the land. Humans having superior sciences and weapons, the monsters relying on their natural abilities war pulled apart theseams which held the calm in the land.

 

[ridermiyo]

The sound of water flowing surrounded the newly set camp, it was a stark change from the sounds of battle that had followed the small group for the past few days. The signs of the tearing relations between humans and monsters were only getting worse and the battles between the races were getting more frequent, and harder to avoid for the Halves who for the most part just wanted to find somewhere peaceful.


This battle almost swept the entire party away with its size, and the group was lucky to get away even if a few of the members had to act as decoys and were currently not caught up, no one knew whether they would return for sure, but hope was strong in the camp.




Frivali hung above the clouds, panting heavily as she scanned the ground below. She had finally lost the group of humans that had been tailing her, wings were handy in getting away from those stuck on the land.


Even if she had helped the others to safety, and managed to survive herself, her energy was running thin and it wasn't long before she was starting to lower. Slowly at first, using her last wills and the last drops of energy she had available she reached a pool of water, whether it was flowing or not, she couldn't tell. All she knew was that it would have been a better landing than anything else in the area.


Faster, she dropped. Her eyes shutting tightly as she braced for the splashing that would surround her soon. If anything, she was proud that she had helped defend her friends for at least a while longer.

 

[typhoon]

Arradis The Griffin
​

The day started off like any other. The griffin had found a cave to reside in but was quickly out by the time the sun had brushed the tops of the trees. He didn't know if the cave belonged to something bigger than him or not, but he wasn't taking any chances. His stomach rumbled loudly, and Arradis immediately began searching the forest floor. His wings made barely a sound as he saw a flash of movement and dove, snatching a stag in almost an instant. He couldn't help feeling accomplished at that. He surveyed an area before landing, scenting it just in case..clear. He quickly began ripping into the animal, soon leaving nothing but stark white bones. He was preening his feathers when a shape came hurtling past him, causing the griffin to screech in surprise and rear up. Was something attacking him? It didn't exactly seem very big, but neither were humans and look what horrors they were unleashing. Arradis was on guard as he watched the creature hit the water.
​

​

 

[animegirl20]

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​

Ella was asleep, she laying down in the grass hugging on to her big tail like a pillow. She was having sweet dreams until she heard a screeching noise. She sat up in a panic and looking around. "Huh? W-what was that?" She got up slowly and started looking around. She kept walking until she came upon a Griffin. "Whoa" She stood there unmoving not sure if it was going to come at her or not if it spotted her. She couldn't tell if it was a monster or mixed like her. She then noticed as something hit the water. It was some Kind of creature. She couldn't tell what though.


@ridermiyo


@Coal

.

 

[ridermiyo]

With a loud splash Frivali hit the water, floating for a few moments before sinking underneath. Her eyes snapped open as the water covered her and in a desperate attempt to swim she began fluttering her wings frantically, of course this didn't work very well, and it simply seemed to weigh her down more.


Despite her sapped strength she was able to wade close enough to shore the grab onto a log that was resting stuck beneath some rocks and rubble, pulling herself up she collapsed to lay on the log, lower body still dipped in the water. Even if she had had some energy remaining it would have been of little use, her wings were drenched and weighed about three times more than they normally would have. Her eyes noticed something glinting a small distance away from her, but she hadn't the energy to even so much as acknowledge it.


@Coal @animegirl20

 

[Tice]

Seslerther had pulled back, so that Val could ascend. Few of the humans charged him, as several of their comrades were strewn about. Ses took in every detail of each mans' stance. They were rigid fighters, though Sesler dare not kill them, or the rest of the party would move forward and get to his camp mates. He'd count in his head, methodically twirling the blade in front of him to appease the enemy assault. He held one hand in a karate-chop style against his nose, subtly perpendicular with the blade.


He was reading their thoughts as well as count passing minutes, waiting for the golden time when Val would be a preset distance away, if her flight speed diminished at an uncertain slope. A flash of movements would flash in his mind's eye as he severed the link to an approaching combatant, neatly parrying the expected strike. He'd point the swords downward, then catch the man's blade in the cross guard and slamming the free hand into his chest. It'd send the disarmed man reeling, into his comrades.


He'd turn heel, running at a calculated pace, his brain running almost trivial thoughts of how to further propel him through the forest. He'd focus on sending out telepathic messages, likely faint due to the distance. It'd be directed to Val, but not exclusive, as no other Trini could read them unless they were in the area. Although, the halves near her-if she was at camp-would hear.


Frivalia! He'd shout in the telepathic void, holding the link so that she can message back.

 

[typhoon]

Arradis hissed and recoiled aswater got on him. Maybe he was a little vain.. But who wouldn't be with the feather's he had? The creature struggled for a while before hauling it's body onshore. He noticed e wings, and realized the girl was just like him. He had never seen her before, but then again he hadn't come to this clearing in a while. Gathering courage, he came closer, examing her with golden eyes. The thing seemingly was female, and looked nearly dead. HHis beak connected with her article of clothing for less oif a second until he heard a sound in his head. He quickly scurried back. Frivalia? He made a hissing noise. Having voices in Hus head wasn't something he rather enjoyed. He quickly turned and was about to fly off when his gaze locked into another. Where were these people coming from? This one looked smaller..but he still puffed up and made a warning screech. He needed to leave now. There were probably more in the trees.


@ridermiyo @animegirl20

 

[ridermiyo]

Feeling her clothing move a little Frivali gave a small groan, it was supposed to be something of a warning but ended up sounding pathetic more than anything. She mumbled below her breath, various strings of words, none of them having much meaning as she tried to remember how the weird 'mind talk' worked again.


Focusing her mind she tried to make a coherent sentence to reply with in her mind, "Sesler? Are you at the camp? Are the others safe?" Even her thoughts seemed strained, small breaks separating each word. Physically she looked exhausted, and mentally she sounded it to match, "I won't make it there for a while... I've got to take a break, damn this stupid weak human part of me." She chuckled awkwardly, worried that if she spoke too long the connection would drop.


@Milus

 

[Tice]

He'd hold the link for a while longer, before slowing to a walk. He'd try to be subtle with his movements, but his overly-tall height and limbs made him an obstruction in the woods.


Now, at the lake, he'd confirm his suspicion that weather patterns would bring her here. Others were gathered, a large beast and another, smaller one farther away. They were obviously halves, as their stance and doctrine would show to Sesler. He had researched full beasts and mortals for years, and assumed based on stance. Not only was the Griffin's lack of overbearing confidence apparent, but the Carbuncle was only a mixed form. He skirted to a crouch, lining up distances between the three and probable outcomes based on aggression, passiveness, and the curiosity that most likely brought them to Val.


He'd send out another message, first to Frivalia privately, then outward.


Val, I'm near, let me sort this out, some strays are here.


Then, to the others, the Griffin and Half-buncle.


Do not fret about the "voice".We are vagabonds such as yourself. No harm in either of us. Is refuge your desire? If so, you must help me tend to my mutual compadre, Val.





His vocabulary may have been unnecessarily wordy, but he preferred to parlay to the possible sense of atonement Rogues have when they realize their power over the mortal people.


And to answer your question, Val, the others are safe. I deterred the battle elsewhere.

 

[animegirl20]

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Ella watched as the griffin made it's way to the creature that had fallen. She slowly followed a little ways behind curious to see what happened. Seemed like it was girl. 'I wonder....' The girl thought to herself. Right at that moment she heard another thought but not in her voice. "Huh?!" She looked around not seeing anyone. "Who was that? And who is Frivalia?" While she was trying to figure out what the heck just happened she suddenly found herself locked eyes with the griffin. "Uh" She gave a uneasy smile and waved slightly. "Hi?" She then covered her ears when it screeched and she took a few steps back. "Maybe I better get out of here." She turned around to walk away but stopped when she heard a voice. She turned around to see a man? Wait he must be like her. She listen to what he had to say. She smiled when he said that they could come with them. "Really?!" She walked passed the griffin and up to Sesler. "I'll help."


@ridermiyo


@Coal


@Milus

.

 

[Tice]

Not bothering to transmute it to thought, he'd point to Val's exhausted frame.


Griffin, we may need your flight to bring Val to camp. She is not dying or ill, simply exhausted.


Sesler himself was tattered. His black cloak was ripped, his leggings marred, and his sharply pointed face was bruised and cut. Though he stood full-frame, his muscles were lax with fatigue. He'd look to the Griffin as he transmuted the thought, keeping the link open. His stare wasn't challenging, though it didn't break. Griffins tended to be creatures of respect and strength, and therefore made it necessary to be rigid in decision.


His subconscious was gauging weight distribution along the large beast. It was obvious that it could support all three, though if it would is another matter. And, ironically, a dismissive thought of how the sun cycle ought to be a bit more elliptical based on distortion of light wavelengths in the atmosphere entered his mind, but it was absurdly unnecessary in this situation.

 

[typhoon]

Arradis watched another halfling enter the area, then turned to the girl in the water. He said no words but his face changed a little. He then turned to Arradis, and it seemed he was asking Arradis for help. It took him a few moments to process what the man was saying, since Arradis wasn't exactly used to conversation. He preferred silence, the sounds of nature, ripping into his prey, nice sounds like that. The smaller girl Arradis had locked eyes with earlier seemed up to it. Arradis glowered at the man for a few moments before slowly walking near the girl, surveying her then the mind-speaker. He paused, but then begrudgingly got down to where they could get on his back.


@animegirl20 @Milus @ridermiyo

 

[animegirl20]

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Her eyes widen in excitement. She was going to get fly and on a griffin?! She had always been envious of the one that could fly. She was about to hop on but then realized she should probably help the girl get on first. Mentally fussed at herself forgetting someone was hurt here. You could probably read her thoughts jut by looking at her face. "Want me you get her on the griffin?" She said looking towards the halfling man.


@ridermiyo


@Coal


@Milus

.

 

[Tice]

He'd nod, lifting under the forearms in a not-so gentle way, quickly heaving her upward. Although it appeared that he lifted her himself, he'd pull at the heavier weightset of her body with his mind, making the load a bit lighter.


Strap her in, he said to the girl, noting the lack of any riding gear. He'd look to the gryphon, not thinking in clear words, but rather a more primal notion of gratitude. I will not ride upon you, beast, but I shall instead proceed to the camp on foot. I need to establish communications and the height you'll fly upon will exceed my ability. I am a Halfling, after all.


He'd then send an image of the camp, imagining the path he will walk on, and upon a higher view. Therefore, the gryphon will fly there in the same direction as Sesler. Of course, he'd be faster.


If you need to speak with me, simply direct your thoughts to me. The link will grow faint as we distance each other, but it should be adequate. Try speaking to me in this way now, both of you.

 

[PurpleTurtle]

Eloya sat on the ground her hair tied back as she pressed her back to a tree and treated her minor wounds. Scratches here and there and one big gash just below her shoulder. She had got caught up in a fight with a monster and seeing as she could only send strong gusts of wind at the beast. She just ran until she got away, but stumbling here and there had gained her that gash. She winced as she stood then started walking. From her vantage point in the trees earlier she could see a large lake, and decided that gash needed a quick cleaning before she bandaged it. What she really hoped was nothing caught onto the scent of her blood. She shifted to her monster form in the blink of an eye. Smiling seeing as that shift was becoming so effortless. Upon reaching the lake she grabbed the piece of fabric she kept in her pocket, soaked it in water then placed it on the wound. She hissed a bit, then bit her lip as she got the cut clean.


After bandaging it she sat climbed up a tree and sat down, taking a bite of an apple she'd snatched. She looked around and noticed a small group gathered at the other side of the water. The teen studied them, her eyes flicking back and forth between the indivisuals. She could make out the shape of a large bird, and a few other things. What on earth are they doing? She questioned to herself, jumping down from the tree yet barely making a thump. She stalked along the trees then crouched down and watched.

 

[typhoon]

[center]


Arradis made a noise at the weight. He slowly rose, turning his face to the man. He was supposed to speak with his thoughts? This would be difficult. He did feel a picture of the camp and the way to it form in his head however, and he recognized it.


I-I'll get them there safe.


He thought it slowly, making sure he got the correct words. When was the last time he even spoke to someone who could understand? He couldn't even remember what he looked like in his other forms. His mind was still thinking about it as his wings unfolded, about to take off until he scented the air and got the smell of blood. His sigh was audible as he sauntered over to the treeline. He had been roaming these woods for years and never came across halflings, but here they all were on this day of all days.


He poked his beak through the brush until he finally saw the form of a girl, where the blood was coming from.


Any more injured people and Arradis might as well become transportation for every hurt halfling from here past the mountains.


@VioletDancer @Milus @ridermiyo @animegirl20

 

[PurpleTurtle]

Eloya's face went white as she made eye contact with a griffin, stumbling backwards then shifting to her mixed form and turning practically invisible, "Y-You're not an oversized bird." She said, then internally face palmed. Of course it's not a bird you idiot. She thought and turned back to a visible state with her embarrassment. She looked down at her necklace, that just so happened to be shiny then tucked it in her shirt. She tilted her head, wondering if he was a half or a plain monster, her mark was completely exposed seeing as it was wrapped around her wrist.


She was a loner, she had always been a loner, but she knew that monsters generally liked attacking on sight .Deciding on wether or not to run, she took the stupid approach then walked forward, and sat down about a Metre in front of the beast. She noted a few others were injured, "What happened to them?"

 

[Hokori]

Monica was watching the whole scene unfold from atop a tree a few meters away. She had never seen a group of halflings interact like this. She didn't know if she should be elated to find so many of her kind together, or to scold them for being so out in the open. She let the scene play out for a few minutes, watching as a number of halflings seemed ready to fly away on a griffin.


Monica would have preferred to simply let them go on with their business and stay away, but she felt it would be a disservice to her fellow kind if she didn't at least introduce herself. She was also extremely curious as to why they were in a group in the first place. With her decision made up, she hopped down from her resting spot and walked towards the group. She gave an unenthusiastic wave before asking "What's exactly going on here?".

 

[typhoon]

Arradis immediately zoomed in on the necklace, his body freezing up for a second before he gained control. He thought he had his fascination with shiny things over, so that was annoying. His beak made a clacking sound as he tried to speak. The girl came closer, but she didn't exactly seem threatening. Well, she looked like a ghost. He brought his face closer, eyeing the way she shone. It was rather calming for some reason.


"I-I'm not sure. I don't even know them, but here I am taking them to their camp. You should probably come as well." His words were slow and raspy, but he couldn't help himself. "And no, I am not a huge bird." @VioletDancer

 

[PurpleTurtle]

Eloya tilted her head then looked up, judging the group before her, "A camp? With people?" She smiled. She loved people, or just talking in general. It was a rare treat to her, "I'll come." She stated, then giggled over his last comment, she had figured that much. As she was about to say something she looked over to the new addition to her conversation. The girl seemed rather unhappy to be there, "I'd explain but I'm afraid I don't know myself." She hopped to her feet then held out her hand, "My name's Eloya, who are you?"


@Coal @Automagic

 

[ridermiyo]

Shaking her head a bit, and giving her wings a few flaps to shake off some of the water Frivali pushed herself off of Arradis' back, thinking that she was still on the log from the waterside.


Thumping onto the ground, the shock had her back on her feet in seconds, looking at the group gathered around her. She gave a stilted wave to those next to her, "Sorry, I appear to have uh. Been asleep for a while I guess. Can one of you fill me in about this gathering we've got going?" She considered the possibilities for a moment and her eyes went wide as the thought of 'Maybe it's a kidnapping' went through her mind.

 

[Hokori]

Monica rolled her eyes as she came to the conclusion that only the griffin seemed to have any clue as to what was going on here. She didn't even know where to start with the winged girl who woke up only a few seconds from now. She gently took ahold of Eloya's hand and gave it a small shake before telling her "I'm Monica, while it might not be obvious I'm also a halfling just like the rest of you". Monica looked towards the griffin with an ever so slight smile on her face "What's this camp you're talking about? Is there actually a place of refuge for people of our kind?".

 

[ridermiyo]

"You know of our camp?" Frivali fluttered her wings, trying to decide whether or not this was situation she should trust in. Though, one of the two girls before her was obviously Halves like herself, the other had said as much, and the griffin beside her hadn't struck them down yet which was always a good sign. She made a bird-like chirp before relaxing into a more comfortable stance, "The camp is our home. It's full of people- er monsters? It's full of Halves." She looked to the griffin, still uncertain of if he were a half or just a very calm monster, "I'm not really sure how it started, I've only been with the group for a year or so, and before I got there it was already quite a crowd. But it's nice." She gave a calm smile thinking of her adopted home and all the others there, then a look of worry overtook her.


"Oh no! Did they make it? Are they okay?" She looked around frantically, and then tried to reach Sesler telepathically, but her thoughts were too muddled to make any sense. "Dammit!" She ran off into the nearby scrub before returning within the same minute, "None of you would know where my camp has ended up do you?" She gave a embarrassed grin to the group standing there.

 

[Tice]

Sesler would sigh; it was enough for talking in the private recesses of his mind, he'd then speak, out loud, saying-


"Val, fret not, they are safe. I stayed back to deter the battle elsewhere. The mortals minds are open to influence by a Trini. As for these, they are all halves. Gryphon lack of ranking amongst themselves, the mark apparent, and the Half-Carbuncle here as well. Small details, but details nonetheless."


His voice was much deeper than the telepathically voice, and dry, as though he hardly spoke out loud.


Gryphon, there are much more people here than I originally presumed. I'll take some through the forest, otherwise you'll be over encumbered. Monica, as you said, I am Seslerther. And yes, there is a camp. And your mark is the ticket there.


The thought was directed to the gryphon, though he let everyone hear it as though he spoke out loud. The voice in his mind was much more pleasant, richer in tone. A private thought, to Val.


The gryphon is flying you to the camp. I sent him the location based on our latitude from the battle. I explained how most of this works.


As an afterthought, he'd add-


No one is hurt. At ease.


He'd look around, at the new acquirers. His tall frame gave him the foreboding look of looking down upon them, when he can't help the 6'7" height. He'd then look down, to his tattered clothes, and grimaced.

 

[typhoon]

"My name is Arradis." He said, annoyance in his tone but very faint. He felt grateful that the man would be taking some of the halflings, or Arradis felt like his back would snap from the weight. He shifted as the other's talked, slightly anxious. He wasn't the type to stay in a place to long, especially on the ground. A nice tree would suffice right about now. He ruffled his feathers and walked off a little ways from the others, scenting the air as he unfolded his wings and started flying. Yep, this was way better than staying on the ground. No wonder he was so solitary; he didn't exactly have the patience to listen to conversations. He stayed up there for a short bit until he scented something off. He quickly turned and went into a drive, leveling off at the last second and landing with a thud in front of the group.


"Hate to interrupt, but something or somethings are coming this way. Maybe we should get a move on, ey?