Huntertabbysandshark3
The lord of randomness and the warp
Alno Teldor
interaction: (not sure just the main group really?)
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Fantasy ♞Legends of Leohain♞ (Medieval High Fantasy - Main - CLOSED)
- Thread starter Hawke.
- Start date
Alno Teldor
interaction: (not sure just the main group really?)
Sleipnir
The Eight-Legged Norse Horse
Seia didn't miss the big fae man staring when she struck the dog down. But then, it wasn't like he was the only one staring, and it wasn't like he didn't have a good reason to. Her weapon of choice was, after all, of an unorthodox size, especially for a person who wasn't particularly sizeable herself. She had met his eye briefly when she passed to return to the keep, and kept her eye on him as he continued to make like he was almost thinking about approaching her -- which, she had to admit, would have been fine with her. But ultimately, he left her alone, and she instead leaned herself against a wall near the others to think about the whole situation.
Her eyes drifted back to Aldwin, the man the dog had mauled. He was being assisted now. The dog bothered her... Or maybe she was just being paranoid and nervous. What if that had been one of those beasts their enemies were raising...? One was okay, but she was only fighting one dog. It would be different to fight them on a field of battle.
...Was that what she'd fought...? Did they know? She didn't often worry about whether or not others would notice she had some level of magic to her. Most of the time, it went roughly the way it did today: Others would watch her fight and decide she was simply effective. But those dogs... they'd know. And if they were all that big and vicious...
She frowned with a bit as she considered this. But her thoughts were interrupted by a new person appearing in the hold. She turned her head. Alno, he said his name was. She looked away from him again and instead pulled up a chair, got into her bag, and pulled out a darkened rag and a bottle before laying her sword across her lap to begin washing it clean. "Lord Robert is the man in charge," she told Alno. She nodded to the red-haired man and his knight. "That's Ser Silvyr with him. Over there's Shatter Roar. I'd say he's the military mind, not his lordship." Of course, there was no malice to her tone. Maybe even a tinge of affinity. It mattered not to Seia that Robert wasn't a man of war -- if anything, she could respect that he clearly knew his limits, even if his lacking confidence made him weaker for it. "Sounds like once he's not bleeding all over the floor, ser Aldwin there, with the arm, should have some news for us." Probably not good, though. She had a bad feeling about this -- but then, perhaps she was anxious on account of knowing she and most others there had targets on their backs, even if most of them save for Krow were unaware that she was one of them. "...Pull up a chair, boy. This may take a moment."
Her eyes drifted back to Aldwin, the man the dog had mauled. He was being assisted now. The dog bothered her... Or maybe she was just being paranoid and nervous. What if that had been one of those beasts their enemies were raising...? One was okay, but she was only fighting one dog. It would be different to fight them on a field of battle.
...Was that what she'd fought...? Did they know? She didn't often worry about whether or not others would notice she had some level of magic to her. Most of the time, it went roughly the way it did today: Others would watch her fight and decide she was simply effective. But those dogs... they'd know. And if they were all that big and vicious...
She frowned with a bit as she considered this. But her thoughts were interrupted by a new person appearing in the hold. She turned her head. Alno, he said his name was. She looked away from him again and instead pulled up a chair, got into her bag, and pulled out a darkened rag and a bottle before laying her sword across her lap to begin washing it clean. "Lord Robert is the man in charge," she told Alno. She nodded to the red-haired man and his knight. "That's Ser Silvyr with him. Over there's Shatter Roar. I'd say he's the military mind, not his lordship." Of course, there was no malice to her tone. Maybe even a tinge of affinity. It mattered not to Seia that Robert wasn't a man of war -- if anything, she could respect that he clearly knew his limits, even if his lacking confidence made him weaker for it. "Sounds like once he's not bleeding all over the floor, ser Aldwin there, with the arm, should have some news for us." Probably not good, though. She had a bad feeling about this -- but then, perhaps she was anxious on account of knowing she and most others there had targets on their backs, even if most of them save for Krow were unaware that she was one of them. "...Pull up a chair, boy. This may take a moment."
Hawke.
Member
Tarquin lead Aurarri as long as he would follow, at one point not bothering to see if the fae man was following. His eyes were instantly drawn to Alno, yet whos eyes wouldn't be drawn to a half wyvern? it wasn't exactly a common curse. Sure you sometimes got the odd person cursed to have donkey ears or a tail, sometimes they were turned into an animal entirely. But never anything as uncommon as a wyvern. "I've never seen anything like him, have you?" Tarquin looked to Aurrari for a brief moment before the wyvern-man spoke.
"Oh, he must be someone important."
Aldwin held out his arm to Helewys, "Yes, of course. You have my thanks," he said graciously, the bite was deep and bloody, though he was lucky enough that it didn't seem to have hit anything major in his forearm. He briefly nodded to Alno, "Yes, of course. When everyone's ready I should be able to begin. An injured arm doesn't hinder my speaking too much." He looked to Alno, then around at the others, finally able to get a good look. They were a raggedy bunch, but the best heroes always start out that way don't they? "Will we be waiting for your centaur friend?"
"Yes," Robert answered, "Healers have already gone out to help him, they''ll be able to restore enough of his strength that he can come inside with assistance."
Just as Robert said, Healers were helping the mammoth of a centaur in the courtyard, doing their best to heal the wound as well as they could. At the very least, they got the bleeding to stop. The entire time others were prodding and shoving at Basite to keep him awake, and to hopefully get him to his hooves. One pressed a bottle to his lips. "Drink this quickly, it's going to taste like piss but you'll feel better." They reassured him, "It's just going to give you some energy."
It was a difficult substance to swallow, but it took effect quickly. Allowing the centaur the strength to stand again. "We'll get you something for the pain inside."
With that he was helped up by another centaur, "Lean on me, let's go inside."
Most everyone had moved away from the gate by the time Zephriel approached, a poor decision on their part if this was some sort of diversion. But nobody ever claimed that the guards of Umbra Keep were competent. The door itself was partially open still from Kunkato entering, and when Zeph spoke someone finally came over, a man this time, rather than the rabbit or badger from before. He did not look kind, with a face twisted into a permanent sneer. "Of course, since we're jus' lettin' anyone in these days." He said, dramatically gesturing for Zeph to come inside as he opened the door wider for her, "You ought to hurry though, Gods know when the Kings men will be here, we've already killed one of their dogs." As soon as Zeph was clear of the door the guard slammed it shut and locked it, "You would think we'd be more careful about leaving doors open, wouldn't you?"
♞
Inside the hall the atmosphere had changed, it was quiet and tense, the silence only broken by footsteps and quiet, concerned whispers. There was no doubt that this knight brought bad news, that seemed to be the only news anymore.
"What news do you bring then, ser Aldwin?" Thelind asked, already prepared with parchment and pen to write down his story.
"Bad news, what else? Kester's men are marching towards Alban as we speak, they intend to intimidate Queen Calida into submission."
"And you think it'll work?" Shatter asked.
"I don't know, I believe she will do what she feels is right for her people, as I left the city was already going into lockdown, nobody was to go in or out of the city walls without good reason, and a curfew was in place."
"So why have you come to us? we don't have the forces to take on an army. We would be crushed as soon as they saw us!"
"I know, the odds aren't exactly even. But the walls have ears, Shatter Roar, and whispers of rebellion have already reached Alban. But they're only whispers, the people are afraid, they need to see someone willing to stand up for them."
"It's a big risk. It could be a trap." Thelind said.
"It could be, you're right. It's not a very clever one if it is." Aldwin shrugged.
"So what do we do? Go there and tell Kester no? just tell him to stop?"
"Hmm, that's something we haven't tried yet but I don't think that's a good idea. Unless you can just say no, not today to the god of death too." Aldwin chuckled deeply, trying to remain goodhearted even in the face of imminent danger. "All I'm suggesting is if you can gain their trust, and their confidence you may be able to grow your forces and help more innocent mages. You'd give them the courage to stand up for themselves, because if they lose hope Kester wins."
"You've got a point, I guess." Shatter still wasn't sure, this knight was strange, he knew of him and had heard of his fierce loyalty. "How long til they reach Alban, do you know?"
"A few days. I imagine they'll make stops to torment villagers too. If you ride hard you'll get there before them."
Shatter Roar thought about this for a moment, they would need to start traveling as soon as possible. And many of them had only just arrived at the hold and had yet to have a real rest.
"What if we get there, and the queen doesn't side with us?"
"Then the people will, I'm sure."
"Oh, he must be someone important."
Aldwin held out his arm to Helewys, "Yes, of course. You have my thanks," he said graciously, the bite was deep and bloody, though he was lucky enough that it didn't seem to have hit anything major in his forearm. He briefly nodded to Alno, "Yes, of course. When everyone's ready I should be able to begin. An injured arm doesn't hinder my speaking too much." He looked to Alno, then around at the others, finally able to get a good look. They were a raggedy bunch, but the best heroes always start out that way don't they? "Will we be waiting for your centaur friend?"
"Yes," Robert answered, "Healers have already gone out to help him, they''ll be able to restore enough of his strength that he can come inside with assistance."
Just as Robert said, Healers were helping the mammoth of a centaur in the courtyard, doing their best to heal the wound as well as they could. At the very least, they got the bleeding to stop. The entire time others were prodding and shoving at Basite to keep him awake, and to hopefully get him to his hooves. One pressed a bottle to his lips. "Drink this quickly, it's going to taste like piss but you'll feel better." They reassured him, "It's just going to give you some energy."
It was a difficult substance to swallow, but it took effect quickly. Allowing the centaur the strength to stand again. "We'll get you something for the pain inside."
With that he was helped up by another centaur, "Lean on me, let's go inside."
Most everyone had moved away from the gate by the time Zephriel approached, a poor decision on their part if this was some sort of diversion. But nobody ever claimed that the guards of Umbra Keep were competent. The door itself was partially open still from Kunkato entering, and when Zeph spoke someone finally came over, a man this time, rather than the rabbit or badger from before. He did not look kind, with a face twisted into a permanent sneer. "Of course, since we're jus' lettin' anyone in these days." He said, dramatically gesturing for Zeph to come inside as he opened the door wider for her, "You ought to hurry though, Gods know when the Kings men will be here, we've already killed one of their dogs." As soon as Zeph was clear of the door the guard slammed it shut and locked it, "You would think we'd be more careful about leaving doors open, wouldn't you?"
♞
Inside the hall the atmosphere had changed, it was quiet and tense, the silence only broken by footsteps and quiet, concerned whispers. There was no doubt that this knight brought bad news, that seemed to be the only news anymore.
"What news do you bring then, ser Aldwin?" Thelind asked, already prepared with parchment and pen to write down his story.
"Bad news, what else? Kester's men are marching towards Alban as we speak, they intend to intimidate Queen Calida into submission."
"And you think it'll work?" Shatter asked.
"I don't know, I believe she will do what she feels is right for her people, as I left the city was already going into lockdown, nobody was to go in or out of the city walls without good reason, and a curfew was in place."
"So why have you come to us? we don't have the forces to take on an army. We would be crushed as soon as they saw us!"
"I know, the odds aren't exactly even. But the walls have ears, Shatter Roar, and whispers of rebellion have already reached Alban. But they're only whispers, the people are afraid, they need to see someone willing to stand up for them."
"It's a big risk. It could be a trap." Thelind said.
"It could be, you're right. It's not a very clever one if it is." Aldwin shrugged.
"So what do we do? Go there and tell Kester no? just tell him to stop?"
"Hmm, that's something we haven't tried yet but I don't think that's a good idea. Unless you can just say no, not today to the god of death too." Aldwin chuckled deeply, trying to remain goodhearted even in the face of imminent danger. "All I'm suggesting is if you can gain their trust, and their confidence you may be able to grow your forces and help more innocent mages. You'd give them the courage to stand up for themselves, because if they lose hope Kester wins."
"You've got a point, I guess." Shatter still wasn't sure, this knight was strange, he knew of him and had heard of his fierce loyalty. "How long til they reach Alban, do you know?"
"A few days. I imagine they'll make stops to torment villagers too. If you ride hard you'll get there before them."
Shatter Roar thought about this for a moment, they would need to start traveling as soon as possible. And many of them had only just arrived at the hold and had yet to have a real rest.
"What if we get there, and the queen doesn't side with us?"
"Then the people will, I'm sure."
Hawke.
Member
♞♞Khipia, Royal Kennels, A week earlier ♞
The kennels were loud with dogs barking, jumping at the metal bars of their cages, puppies crying as they were taken from their mothers. And the smell was just as overwhelming, as Kester stepped from his carriage he tried not to inhale too deeply.
He stood patiently, hands held behind his back as the gates lurched open. Behind them stood a short, weasely looking man wearing padded armor. Behind him stood a big, grey wolf with piercing yellow-green eyes. Eyes that were almost too human. The creature appeared mangey and nearly emaciated, but he was no wolf. That was for sure, he was a spirit.
Kester had been reluctant to allow Cenred to keep his "pet", if you could call it that. The man claimed to have some sort of bond with the creature, similar to a mage and their familiar. But Cenred was no mage, he was a ranger, or had been before he had been thrown out for his brutality.
The man gave Kester a grin, bowing low, "Your highness." He greeted.
"Cenred," Kester barely moved, cold eyes staring down at the younger man. "They tell me that the dogs are responding well to training."
"Indeed, very well, and you're just in time for a demonstration, come, come." He motioned for the king and his guards to come along, leading them through the gates and into the courtyard. he led them past rows of kennels, all with the big, ugly dogs, like the one that had been killed at Umbra keep.
"They grow fast, don't they." Kester said, watching as one particular dog pawed at the kennel door.
"Indeed."
"It isn't magic is it?"
"No, no magic. Just... Good genes." He said, mouth twisting into and unsettling smile.
Behind them, the wolf loomed. Mouth hanging open slightly, Kester felt the hair on the back of his neck prickle.
"Good. Let's go, I don't wish to be near these creatures." The king pushed past Cenred, who had to scramble to keep up with the taller mans long strides. Their path lead them underground, to what seemed to be a small prison, a few mages sat in the cells, knees pulled to their chest. Some unconscious. They looked up to Kester, but didn't seem to see him. Eyes completely devoid of any hope at all.
Kester did not meet their gaze. He walked on with a cold countenance, reminding himself that these people, these monsters. They had stolen his wife from him.
They exited the dungeon, back up into the light, here they looked over a fighting pit, on the other side stood a young woman. Scared for her life as she looked for anything to defend herself with.
"Who is she?" Kester asked, his eyes didn't leave the woman, he had a feeling he knew.
"A witch, we have to have some way to train the dogs to react to magic."
"She's bait."
"Yes, bait. Watch, here come the dogs."
Kester's jaw tightened as a metal gate swung open, he watched as a man entered, holding two dogs by their collars, both barking and snapping as they struggled to get out of his grasp. They whined as they got closer to the woman, shaking their heads and yelping as if in pain.
The woman pressed herself to the wall, "Please, no, no don't do this!" She begged, looking up to the spectators.
There was so much fear in her eyes, Kester almost felt bad for her as he met them.
"You!" She cried, "You did this to me!"
"Let them go." He commanded the man.
The handler looked surprised to be given an order by the king, but obeyed, letting go of the dogs who were on their prey swiftly.
They made quick work of her, drowning her cries in blood as she was nearly torn apart.
Kester looked away.
"They're effective, aren't they?" Cenred asked, watching his dogs with a morbid sense of pride.
"Very. They'll do fine." The king's voice seemed a bit strained.
He heard the wolf growl, and saw Cenred exchange a glance with it.
Cenred escorted Kester to the guard house, pouring him a mug of ale which the king did not so much as look at as they sat down.
"So, any thoughts?"
"You are as brutal as they say."
Cenred paused, nodding. "I can be, when I need to. And right now.. It seems I need to." He said.
"I want you to gather your best men, and your dogs, and I want you to march on Alban and take it."
"Well, getting right down to business aren't you. No small talk or anything."
In truth, Cenred made Kester very, very uncomfortable. There was just... something about him that didn't sit right with him.
"I'm not a fan of small talk. The sooner we get the other kingdoms under control the sooner we can put this problem to rest."
"It's going to take some time to weed out all of the mages, you know this I'm sure."
"Indeed. We may never kill off every mage... but we can at least find ways to snuff them out before they become a problem."
"You know... It may be more beneficial in the longrun if we simply... Took control of them."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, if we harness their magic then we could use it for ourselves."
Kester looked disgusted, as if Cenred had just suggested something horribly disgusting.
"No, all magic must be destroyed, it is an evil, horrid thing. A disease!"
"...Of course, I apologize, my lord."
Cenred looked the king up and down, he could sense something was wrong with this man, something in his mind was going. But he simply chalked it up to age as he took a long drink from his mug. "I'll see about gathering my men, we'll leave as soon as possible."
Kester stood, leaning over the table, "Do not fail me." He growled.
♞Umbra Keep, Stables, time skip♞
The morning air was cool and crisp, with frost still coating anything that it could stick to, even inside the keep it was cool and damp. A light meal of soup and bread, with tea or coffee was brought up to the travelers, who were woken as gently as they could be before sunrise. The servants from the previous day were a little more wary of some of the new residents, especially the ones who had not responded well to being woken before.
They had plenty of time to eat and pack before a hunting horn was blown somewhere deep in the castle, signaling it was time to for everyone to head to the courtyard.
Shatter Roar stood in the stables with Robert, the two talking quietly as horses (and Silvyr's drake) were readied for those who needed them. Robert was holding something wrapped in a bundle of blue cloth with a silver trim, his face betrayed his worry. Even with Shatter seemingly reassuring him.
Robert of course could not leave Umbra Keep, he had only picked up a sword a handful of times in his life and would be a burden to the group. As well as needing to stay behind to ensure that Umbra Keep didn't fall apart.
Aldwin was the first to arrive, though with his dominant arm wounded he could not go with them he would still try and see them off.
The kennels were loud with dogs barking, jumping at the metal bars of their cages, puppies crying as they were taken from their mothers. And the smell was just as overwhelming, as Kester stepped from his carriage he tried not to inhale too deeply.
He stood patiently, hands held behind his back as the gates lurched open. Behind them stood a short, weasely looking man wearing padded armor. Behind him stood a big, grey wolf with piercing yellow-green eyes. Eyes that were almost too human. The creature appeared mangey and nearly emaciated, but he was no wolf. That was for sure, he was a spirit.
Kester had been reluctant to allow Cenred to keep his "pet", if you could call it that. The man claimed to have some sort of bond with the creature, similar to a mage and their familiar. But Cenred was no mage, he was a ranger, or had been before he had been thrown out for his brutality.
The man gave Kester a grin, bowing low, "Your highness." He greeted.
"Cenred," Kester barely moved, cold eyes staring down at the younger man. "They tell me that the dogs are responding well to training."
"Indeed, very well, and you're just in time for a demonstration, come, come." He motioned for the king and his guards to come along, leading them through the gates and into the courtyard. he led them past rows of kennels, all with the big, ugly dogs, like the one that had been killed at Umbra keep.
"They grow fast, don't they." Kester said, watching as one particular dog pawed at the kennel door.
"Indeed."
"It isn't magic is it?"
"No, no magic. Just... Good genes." He said, mouth twisting into and unsettling smile.
Behind them, the wolf loomed. Mouth hanging open slightly, Kester felt the hair on the back of his neck prickle.
"Good. Let's go, I don't wish to be near these creatures." The king pushed past Cenred, who had to scramble to keep up with the taller mans long strides. Their path lead them underground, to what seemed to be a small prison, a few mages sat in the cells, knees pulled to their chest. Some unconscious. They looked up to Kester, but didn't seem to see him. Eyes completely devoid of any hope at all.
Kester did not meet their gaze. He walked on with a cold countenance, reminding himself that these people, these monsters. They had stolen his wife from him.
They exited the dungeon, back up into the light, here they looked over a fighting pit, on the other side stood a young woman. Scared for her life as she looked for anything to defend herself with.
"Who is she?" Kester asked, his eyes didn't leave the woman, he had a feeling he knew.
"A witch, we have to have some way to train the dogs to react to magic."
"She's bait."
"Yes, bait. Watch, here come the dogs."
Kester's jaw tightened as a metal gate swung open, he watched as a man entered, holding two dogs by their collars, both barking and snapping as they struggled to get out of his grasp. They whined as they got closer to the woman, shaking their heads and yelping as if in pain.
The woman pressed herself to the wall, "Please, no, no don't do this!" She begged, looking up to the spectators.
There was so much fear in her eyes, Kester almost felt bad for her as he met them.
"You!" She cried, "You did this to me!"
"Let them go." He commanded the man.
The handler looked surprised to be given an order by the king, but obeyed, letting go of the dogs who were on their prey swiftly.
They made quick work of her, drowning her cries in blood as she was nearly torn apart.
Kester looked away.
"They're effective, aren't they?" Cenred asked, watching his dogs with a morbid sense of pride.
"Very. They'll do fine." The king's voice seemed a bit strained.
He heard the wolf growl, and saw Cenred exchange a glance with it.
Cenred escorted Kester to the guard house, pouring him a mug of ale which the king did not so much as look at as they sat down.
"So, any thoughts?"
"You are as brutal as they say."
Cenred paused, nodding. "I can be, when I need to. And right now.. It seems I need to." He said.
"I want you to gather your best men, and your dogs, and I want you to march on Alban and take it."
"Well, getting right down to business aren't you. No small talk or anything."
In truth, Cenred made Kester very, very uncomfortable. There was just... something about him that didn't sit right with him.
"I'm not a fan of small talk. The sooner we get the other kingdoms under control the sooner we can put this problem to rest."
"It's going to take some time to weed out all of the mages, you know this I'm sure."
"Indeed. We may never kill off every mage... but we can at least find ways to snuff them out before they become a problem."
"You know... It may be more beneficial in the longrun if we simply... Took control of them."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, if we harness their magic then we could use it for ourselves."
Kester looked disgusted, as if Cenred had just suggested something horribly disgusting.
"No, all magic must be destroyed, it is an evil, horrid thing. A disease!"
"...Of course, I apologize, my lord."
Cenred looked the king up and down, he could sense something was wrong with this man, something in his mind was going. But he simply chalked it up to age as he took a long drink from his mug. "I'll see about gathering my men, we'll leave as soon as possible."
Kester stood, leaning over the table, "Do not fail me." He growled.
♞Umbra Keep, Stables, time skip♞
The morning air was cool and crisp, with frost still coating anything that it could stick to, even inside the keep it was cool and damp. A light meal of soup and bread, with tea or coffee was brought up to the travelers, who were woken as gently as they could be before sunrise. The servants from the previous day were a little more wary of some of the new residents, especially the ones who had not responded well to being woken before.
They had plenty of time to eat and pack before a hunting horn was blown somewhere deep in the castle, signaling it was time to for everyone to head to the courtyard.
Shatter Roar stood in the stables with Robert, the two talking quietly as horses (and Silvyr's drake) were readied for those who needed them. Robert was holding something wrapped in a bundle of blue cloth with a silver trim, his face betrayed his worry. Even with Shatter seemingly reassuring him.
Robert of course could not leave Umbra Keep, he had only picked up a sword a handful of times in his life and would be a burden to the group. As well as needing to stay behind to ensure that Umbra Keep didn't fall apart.
Aldwin was the first to arrive, though with his dominant arm wounded he could not go with them he would still try and see them off.
DovahBeat
The Flame of Kamura
Hawke.
Quill was the next to arrive. Seemingly out of nowhere, as if he had been standing there the whole time. He had his black hooded Cloak on, concealing any weapons he had. Although, if one was perceptive enough, they may notice he had been stuffing something into his pocket that clinked softly like muffled coins.
He quickly noticed the bundle in Robert's hands and his curiosity was piqued.
"What's that you got there?" He asked, stepping closer to him and trying to get a better look at what he had.
sraes
Shay
Helewys deGrey Interacting with: Shatter Roar, Robert, Aldwin
Hawke.
Silent Quill
DovahBeat
OpenLocation: Stables of Umbra Keep
Helewys was awake well before the dawn, body sluggish and sore from exhaustion but thoughts spinning too quickly for them to find any more solace in slumber. They'd pushed themself too hard the day before - even they would admit that - but there had been little help for it; after healing Aldwin's arm and assisting the other healers with Basite's injuries, they and probably everyone else had spent the rest of the day frantically preparing to travel on short notice into what might very well end up being a battle. It didn't leave much time for recovering though the final nail in the coffin had been stubbornly using whatever energy they had left to fully heal their own mostly-healed injury.
A necessary precaution if they were going to be riding out with the others the next day; they could work through exhaustion but re-opening the wound - again - on the ride to Saphia when time was already going to be of the essence would be harder to deal with. Necessary or not, however, it knocked them entirely out which is why they'd waited until they'd gotten things settled before heading to their room to deal with it.
They'd slept hard at first but it had not been particularly peaceful, instead all-too-familiar nightmares made them restless and fitful. It didn't help that, despite their best efforts, Anziium's venomous words from earlier had sunk into their mind and wouldn't leave.
Eventually they gave up the fight and just climbed out of bed, washing up and dressing for the day even if there was still nearly two hours before they would need to meet up with the others. Nothing would be accomplished by just laying in bed, though; they'd gotten as much rest as they were going to. Might as well use that time a bit more productively. Making sure that all of their necessities, minimal though they were, were packed and ready to go next to the door they left their room to track down the healers they'd talked to the day before. Hopefully by now they'd had time to gather the things Helewys had requested.
They might not be as practiced at field medicine as they'd like, but they'd be damned if they weren't as prepared as they could be for anything Shatter Roar's little group might encounter on this mission.
By the time Helewys found their way back to their room to grab their things, two heavily laden saddle bags over their shoulder, the sky was at last starting to brighten with the first piercing rays of daylight. They found a light breakfast had been left out for them while they'd been gone and, despite the nauseated twist of their stomach, made themself eat a bit. After all they'd probably slept through whatever supper had been made the night before and they'd need to energy - it was the tea they were really interested in, though. That they downed with greedy quickness before pocketing two little sugar cubes and gathering their things to head to the stables as a horn called for them all.
It was time to go. Ready or not.
They were walking into the courtyard just moments later, unsurprised that they were among the first to arrive. They'd been up and ready for a while after all, the others may have still had last minutes things to see to.
"Good morning." They said politely to the small handful of people already present as they slipped into the stables, nodding to each of them in turn though they didn't quite meet Shatter Roar's eyes as they greeted him. Helewys, well cooled off from the fight the day before, now felt a bit chagrined at having been caught in such an undignified situation by what amounted to their leader. Not exactly the best impression to make. Instead they brought their things over to the stall where one of the stable hands was saddling Horse and handed over the saddle bags to be secured - though not without a caution to be careful with them.
Satisfied that the young woman knew what she was doing, certainly far more then they would have, they left her to her work and leaned against the stall door a bit wearily to wait for the others to start filtering in. Naturally their eyes were drawn over to where Aldwin stood though they were pleased to see it didn't look like he'd be going with them today.
"How does the arm feel today Sir Aldwin? Everything seem to be in working order I hope?" They asked, watching him for any sign of significant pain though they wouldn't be surprised if he was a bit sore still. Though they'd healed up his arm almost completely the day before, it had suffered some fairly bad muscle tearing. Even fully healed the muscle would need at least a few days to recover or he would be liable to re-injure it - they'd left the skin a bit bruised over the injury as a reminder of that.
Not, of course, that they were listening to their own advice on that subject.
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Juju
PREY-FOR-US
Zephriel
Morning came much too quickly, or perhaps it was thanks to that that long, dreamless slumber that took hold of her. The journey had been long and the luxuries too few for someone of Zephriel's pedigree. Her heart had nearly stopped when she set eyes on the dismal room she had been offered by a servant, the bed alone an eye sore at best. Whatever material had been used to stuff it was clumpy and rough, yet compared to what she had been sleeping on for the past few days, it was as lovely as a winter-goose down cushion. She would never have thought herself capable of sleeping on something of such horrid quality, but here she was, blinking in the morning light.
A servant of sorts had knocked on her door, forcing her out of her slumber. Every part of her ached as she sat up, her wings draped over the bed like a dead deer slung across a horse. Was it morning already? Surely there was a mistake.
"Ugh, I feel filthy just sleeping in this old bedding. When was the last time it was washed?" she lifted up a section of the blanket, not daring to investigate it too closely. "or at least, a proper wash."
As sleep began to wear off she realized the reason she had been stirred by a servant. Today they would embark upon a journey, just as Zeph hoped her's would have a momentary pause. She fell back onto her bed, stirring up motes of dust in the shafts of early sun. She groaned at the thought of having to venture out into the wilderness again, "Could they not have waited just a little bit longer? I just got here..."
Under her bed, something stirred on the floorboards. Zeph threw off her covers and peeked over the side of the matress, grabbing her hair so it wouldnt fall onto the dusty floor. A mass of pink scales and frills was huddled in the corner, scraping at something. "Aeonaxx, what are you doing? You'll get dust all over your scales down there!"
The tiny dragonoid turned around, a wriggling centepede in his mouth, and trotted towards her. Zephriel shrieked, "No! Don't you dare bring that thing any closer! You eat that this instant!"
Aeonaxx gobbled up the bug while Zephriel shivered from the crunching sounds. One less bug crawling around was a blessing, but that didn't mean she found it pleasant. While her familiar finished his business she washed herself as best she could in the wash basin provided. Afterwards, she dunked Aeonaxx in it and left him to splash around while she adressed the rest of her appearance. Her feathers and hair were in a sorry state, and brushing them out took up most of the time. Before she knew it, she was running late. Still, there was no way she would be caught dead looking the way she did. Even if she would likely get just as messed up on the journey.
She brushed the last strands of her hair while sitting with her legs over the windowsill. Off in the courtyard she could see the others amassing by the stables. How could they all rise and get ready so quickly? Did they even take time to bathe? She thought about packing, but all her belongings were still tucked away in her bag. There was hardly any time to unpack before she realized she would be taking off the next morning.
With a heavy sigh, Zeph plucked her cloak from the post of her bed and folded it into her bag. Time for another adventure. Funny how they seemed much more poetic in books. Speaking of which... she slid her hand into the bag until her fingers rested on the thick spine of The Thief. Even if there was no way she could have misplaced the strange book, it was a relief to know it was safe. "The wilderness is hardly a suitable place for a book, even with the protective enchantments, though I suppose staying on the move is a good way to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands."
Zeph took one last look at her room before stepping from the window. She free-fell for a moment before unfurling her wings and catching the wind. With a few flaps she cleared the surrounding buildings and fluttered down near the horses. Aeonaxx swooped behind her, landing onto her shoulder whenever she touched ground.
"Good morning everyone, and many thanks to you, noble Shatter Roar for the... lovely hospitality. " Zeph said, pretending that she enjoyed the conditions. She began playing with a strand of her hair and tried not to look at his teeth and claws. Her shoulders tensed up when she imagined them ripping into feathers and flesh. Regaining her composure, she bowed slightly, "If I missed introductions last evening allow me to introduce myself once more. I am Lady Zephriel of house Starwind and acting curator of the Alban magical library. Well, previous acting curator..."
"Ahem.. will we be taking horses? I, erm, unfortunately do not happen have a horse with me." she eyed the beasts warily and seemed to be thankful of that fact. When one snorted behind her she flinched, regaining her composure quickly.
Morning came much too quickly, or perhaps it was thanks to that that long, dreamless slumber that took hold of her. The journey had been long and the luxuries too few for someone of Zephriel's pedigree. Her heart had nearly stopped when she set eyes on the dismal room she had been offered by a servant, the bed alone an eye sore at best. Whatever material had been used to stuff it was clumpy and rough, yet compared to what she had been sleeping on for the past few days, it was as lovely as a winter-goose down cushion. She would never have thought herself capable of sleeping on something of such horrid quality, but here she was, blinking in the morning light.A servant of sorts had knocked on her door, forcing her out of her slumber. Every part of her ached as she sat up, her wings draped over the bed like a dead deer slung across a horse. Was it morning already? Surely there was a mistake.
"Ugh, I feel filthy just sleeping in this old bedding. When was the last time it was washed?" she lifted up a section of the blanket, not daring to investigate it too closely. "or at least, a proper wash."
As sleep began to wear off she realized the reason she had been stirred by a servant. Today they would embark upon a journey, just as Zeph hoped her's would have a momentary pause. She fell back onto her bed, stirring up motes of dust in the shafts of early sun. She groaned at the thought of having to venture out into the wilderness again, "Could they not have waited just a little bit longer? I just got here..."
Under her bed, something stirred on the floorboards. Zeph threw off her covers and peeked over the side of the matress, grabbing her hair so it wouldnt fall onto the dusty floor. A mass of pink scales and frills was huddled in the corner, scraping at something. "Aeonaxx, what are you doing? You'll get dust all over your scales down there!"
The tiny dragonoid turned around, a wriggling centepede in his mouth, and trotted towards her. Zephriel shrieked, "No! Don't you dare bring that thing any closer! You eat that this instant!"
Aeonaxx gobbled up the bug while Zephriel shivered from the crunching sounds. One less bug crawling around was a blessing, but that didn't mean she found it pleasant. While her familiar finished his business she washed herself as best she could in the wash basin provided. Afterwards, she dunked Aeonaxx in it and left him to splash around while she adressed the rest of her appearance. Her feathers and hair were in a sorry state, and brushing them out took up most of the time. Before she knew it, she was running late. Still, there was no way she would be caught dead looking the way she did. Even if she would likely get just as messed up on the journey.
She brushed the last strands of her hair while sitting with her legs over the windowsill. Off in the courtyard she could see the others amassing by the stables. How could they all rise and get ready so quickly? Did they even take time to bathe? She thought about packing, but all her belongings were still tucked away in her bag. There was hardly any time to unpack before she realized she would be taking off the next morning.
With a heavy sigh, Zeph plucked her cloak from the post of her bed and folded it into her bag. Time for another adventure. Funny how they seemed much more poetic in books. Speaking of which... she slid her hand into the bag until her fingers rested on the thick spine of The Thief. Even if there was no way she could have misplaced the strange book, it was a relief to know it was safe. "The wilderness is hardly a suitable place for a book, even with the protective enchantments, though I suppose staying on the move is a good way to ensure it does not fall into the wrong hands."
Zeph took one last look at her room before stepping from the window. She free-fell for a moment before unfurling her wings and catching the wind. With a few flaps she cleared the surrounding buildings and fluttered down near the horses. Aeonaxx swooped behind her, landing onto her shoulder whenever she touched ground.
"Good morning everyone, and many thanks to you, noble Shatter Roar for the... lovely hospitality. " Zeph said, pretending that she enjoyed the conditions. She began playing with a strand of her hair and tried not to look at his teeth and claws. Her shoulders tensed up when she imagined them ripping into feathers and flesh. Regaining her composure, she bowed slightly, "If I missed introductions last evening allow me to introduce myself once more. I am Lady Zephriel of house Starwind and acting curator of the Alban magical library. Well, previous acting curator..."
"Ahem.. will we be taking horses? I, erm, unfortunately do not happen have a horse with me." she eyed the beasts warily and seemed to be thankful of that fact. When one snorted behind her she flinched, regaining her composure quickly.
Sleipnir
The Eight-Legged Norse Horse
Silvyr
Silvyr had woken early, as he was so wont to do, and had immediately set to preparing for the journey ahead.
For him, breakfast had been swift, and he had fallen right back into the ways of a knight -- both physically and mentally, between preparing his gear, polishing his armor, going out to prepare his drake for travel himself... and worrying constantly about the journey ahead and leaving his lordship behind. He did not betray it though, as he now stood fully armored, a fine sword and shield painted with the Warren sigil strapped to his back. The sword was in perfect condition, his armor clearly his pride and joy. His hair and personal appearance, though, still appeared as if he had only just rolled out of bed. He listened in quietly to the conversations around him, most specifically that of Robert and Shatter Roar -- but he did not interfere.
His attention shifted when Zephriel approached the stables, though, and with his chin tilted down and attention upon his steed, he didn't try very hard to hide his amusement with her apparent discomfort in the dust and hay. When she brought up the horses, he simply could not stay quiet. The half-fae turned to look at her over his shoulder, blue eyes bright and alert even so early in the morning, and grinned. "Not a problem, lady Zephriel," he replied. "If you're not fond of horses, you can always ride with me. Sterling's a very strong little lady, and you can even ride in the saddle if it pleases you." He called her little, but the great black drake's shoulder was slightly higher than Silvyr's, but her disposition did speak to her gentle nature as he gave Sterling a firm pat upon her shoulders.
Seia
Though Silvyr was clearly pleased to be off and about, Seia looked slightly more uncomfortable. Nobles and politics were not her strong suit, and she feared very much that this was not the place for her. She paced among the horses, listening quietly to the conversations around her, deep in her own head. The stand-offish, slightly cold disposition she had maintained the day before had been replaced now nearly entirely with obvious insecurity in her position; no matter how effective she was at killing things, it did her little good trying to convince nobles to support lord Robert's cause. Perhaps, then, she thought to herself, I shall stay close to Shatter Roar's shoulder and simply do as I am told. Like a knight. Or a soldier. She was not a knight or a soldier, though. Rather, she was in the eyes of the law little more than an outlaw, but they didn't need to know that.
Silvyr had woken early, as he was so wont to do, and had immediately set to preparing for the journey ahead.
For him, breakfast had been swift, and he had fallen right back into the ways of a knight -- both physically and mentally, between preparing his gear, polishing his armor, going out to prepare his drake for travel himself... and worrying constantly about the journey ahead and leaving his lordship behind. He did not betray it though, as he now stood fully armored, a fine sword and shield painted with the Warren sigil strapped to his back. The sword was in perfect condition, his armor clearly his pride and joy. His hair and personal appearance, though, still appeared as if he had only just rolled out of bed. He listened in quietly to the conversations around him, most specifically that of Robert and Shatter Roar -- but he did not interfere.
His attention shifted when Zephriel approached the stables, though, and with his chin tilted down and attention upon his steed, he didn't try very hard to hide his amusement with her apparent discomfort in the dust and hay. When she brought up the horses, he simply could not stay quiet. The half-fae turned to look at her over his shoulder, blue eyes bright and alert even so early in the morning, and grinned. "Not a problem, lady Zephriel," he replied. "If you're not fond of horses, you can always ride with me. Sterling's a very strong little lady, and you can even ride in the saddle if it pleases you." He called her little, but the great black drake's shoulder was slightly higher than Silvyr's, but her disposition did speak to her gentle nature as he gave Sterling a firm pat upon her shoulders.
Seia
Though Silvyr was clearly pleased to be off and about, Seia looked slightly more uncomfortable. Nobles and politics were not her strong suit, and she feared very much that this was not the place for her. She paced among the horses, listening quietly to the conversations around her, deep in her own head. The stand-offish, slightly cold disposition she had maintained the day before had been replaced now nearly entirely with obvious insecurity in her position; no matter how effective she was at killing things, it did her little good trying to convince nobles to support lord Robert's cause. Perhaps, then, she thought to herself, I shall stay close to Shatter Roar's shoulder and simply do as I am told. Like a knight. Or a soldier. She was not a knight or a soldier, though. Rather, she was in the eyes of the law little more than an outlaw, but they didn't need to know that.
TheCrowKing
Member
Aurrari
Interaction: Open
Interaction: Open
An unfamiliar heaviness lurked within the fae’s piercing blue gaze as he reclined against one of the numerous stalls of the stables, awaiting the final call to their departure. He’d been one of the few early individuals, having been excused from his duties in the kitchen to prepare himself for their journey. Perhaps he should have refused such an offer, as all he’d done in the past handful of hours was worry. It was evident he was troubled, dark circles rimming his usually cheerful gaze. After the day’s previous incident, he hadn’t quite felt right, a sickly sensation pulling at his stomach through the duration of the night. So much so, that he had been plagued with a series of nightmares, each and everyone including one of those foul canines catching and ripping deep within his younger brother’s flesh; each time he having been unable to do anything to prevent it.
The night had been a long one as the nightmares came and went, he having tossed wildly about in his shared bedding until he could no longer take the twisted visions his mind created. Even now, as he awaited the rest of their party, an acidic taste coated the inside of his mouth.
While he wasn’t particularly fond of being away from his sibling for too terribly long, he knew this is what seeking aid from Umbra Keep meant; he had to offer up his help in anyway possible, as putting an end to this ceaseless violence wouldn’t just happen with a prayer. There were so many others like him and these people that currently surrounded him that deserved better, deserved to live their lives without worry of shredding mauls. And therefore, he would make certain he would do everything within his power to secure such a future for himself and those people.
A shaky exhale left his lips as he ushered his borrowed mount of the stables, taking his place amongst those that were merely waiting for the rest. Of course, he wouldn’t throw himself into idle conversation whilst waiting. His gaze did briefly flick up towards the windows of the Keep, wondering if the nursemaid would keep her promise of protecting the younger children as she had said. He certainly hoped so...
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Caligena
The Eldritch Slime From Beyond Space And Time
Interacting with: Open; Mentions: Lady Thelind, Shatter Roar
Hawke.
, Zephriel
Juju
Location: Path from her room to the courtyard
The previous day's events had left her drained by the time evening supper rolled around, which she had quietly sat by herself, having served herself and eaten only a small portion. The words her brother had stabbed at her with still stung for the moment, nibbling at the back of her mind. She tried to keep herself busy the rest of the day by studying silently in the keep's library, scrawling far too many notes in far too many notebooks, reading up on casters of old and their own notes and studies. Even if the day had turned out lukewarm overall, her crying session that morning followed by the attack and subsequent news had truly left a bitter weight on her eyelids. Catching herself nodding off for a moment halfway through a dissertation about the use of sulfur and saltpeter throughout history, she gave mercy to her tired eyes and retired early that night.
Very much so out of character for herself, Faralynn was up bright and early at the crack of dawn the next morning, due partially to the early bed time she had inflicted upon herself, but also her determination to aid those that she and her brother had come to help. This was it, this was the moment - their first mission. She dressed herself in her sturdiest clothes, layers of fine purple and blue linen, trimmed with ruffles and non-lace frills at the hems, and hurried to pack the things she had left strewn about that she used daily - makeups, perfumes, her collapsible mannequin head frame, spare parchment and her inkwell and quill. Standing in front of the mirror and giving herself a final once-over, she had a look of solemn resolve on her face, contemplating the final pieces.
"I think perhaps I'll use those ones today, yes."
Reaching into a locked and padded case she had kept hidden under the bed, she sallied up her headband and affixed a different set of horns to them. They weren't much different structurally than the ones she normally wears, but they were smoother, less overtly detailed, and a good few inches longer along the crest of her scalp as well, sporting a mellow fair tan gradient that faded into an eggshell color at the tips. Overall, once affixed to her head, the horns would traverse upward and slightly foreward from her upper brow, close to the hairline, before swooping straight back toward the crown of her head, with a slight cant to their alignment. Before attempting the song and dance of trying to attach it and hide the band in her hair, she tied a small blue ribbon bow around the left horn's base, and clamped a small faux-golden band around either of the horns, loosely approximating the half-way mark. It was then that the blare of the hunting bugle sounded throughout the keep, alerting everyone that it was meeting time.
Departing her bedroom at the keep for what may be the last time in a long while, she sighed some life into her bones and shouldered her pack and strolled downstairs toward the Great Hall, where she eventually encountered and struck up an idle conversation with an undoubtedly surprised Lady Thelind about some small ponderings concerning something she had learned about the night prior. They continued their conversation while they traveled their way to the courtyard, where Fara took a brief moment to peel away from the topic at hand to give a curtsy to Shatter Roar and Lord Robert. Before she recovered from the steep, she glanced over to the new arrival as well, whom she most certainly had not caught sight or the name of yesterday, but my, what striking hair and feathers she had. Darn that she had just barely missed the introductions it would seem.
"Some sort of celestial, I wonder? Absolutely stunning whatever they are, definitely'll have to snag her at some point ..." Fara muttered, barely audible to the people quickly gathering around.
TheCrowKing
Member
Jonako
Mention: Bramblehook & Horacio
Interaction: Open
Mention: Bramblehook & Horacio
Interaction: Open
Only when the mass majority of the Keep had emptied out and gathered around the stables did the inky feline figure hop its way down from the guard station with the rabbit and badgerfolk. The tom’s paws quite easily found small footholds that would guide him downwards towardfs the amassing crowd, soon enough working his way between their busy feet. He wouldn’t inconvenience anyone, as he took the opportunity to haul himself up upon an emptied saddle. No, he hadn’t the faintest clue whom would be riding the particular mount he had settled himself atop of, but he figured if it griefed them too much, he could always switch his position to another. Regardless of whom he would be riding with, he was bound and determined to be included in the journey, as he had his own motives that benefitted from remaining with this group.
Anziium
Mention:
Caligena
Interaction: Open
Mention:
Caligena
Interaction: Open
He could hear them now, everyone exiting their chambers for a second time this morning to gather for their travel to Alban. A heavy exhale escaped Anziium as he glared at the ceiling above him, still splayed out upon his borrowed bedding. He cared very little for snagging a breakfast this morning, although his body would say otherwise, as the last he had eaten was what little he had the day previous before the blowup in the dining hall. Ignoring the sensation of his dry tongue sitting uncomfortably in his mouth, his fingers gingerly grazed the bruises underlying his tired eyes.
“Damn elf-” While...he….she….they….it? Whatever the damn elf was-- While they had healed his broken nose, it still graced him with the remaining bruising and soreness that had morphed into a thrumming headache. It was one of the many factors that had kept him up. That and well...the issue all together. Common sense should have told him that he had deserved the strike, but his bitterness had brushed that aside altogether. From where he saw it, he had attempted to shoo away anyone that wished to pry too deep, but it had only left to confrontation. Therefore, it was the elf’s fault for pressing further...wasn’t it? His mind was too muddled to properly say, but he knew damn well he’d be staying away from the woodland bastard in the future. But with Fara-
No, no he wasn’t about to dive too deep down that rabbit hole either. He’d tried that on many different occasions, trying to drag whatever feelings he had for his ‘family’ towards the surface of the shattered remains of his memory. The lingering vision of her heartbroken expression yesterday had tugged at him just the slightest, just enough to draw up the even present issue of his condition. Yet, once again, he had stopped himself before he had thought too much of it, too much about them before he was a mess. It hurt every time he thought about it, all the things he couldn’t remember. It was easier to not think about anything.
And so he didn’t.
Anziium would eventually drag himself outside to join the rest of the riding party, his eyes downcast as not to meet the gaze of anyone in his path. Instead, he was surprisingly silent as he tromped through the cluster of horses and riders until he came upon his own mount waiting for him in the stable.
infectedmouth
horns like the devil ✗
LOCATION: umbra keep/courtyard/stables
TAGS: ofi
MENTIONS: ofi
TAGS: ofi
MENTIONS: ofi
BASITE / ROTORMUTH / VESANIA
Basite had slept the rest of the day after he had been attacked, allowing his hind leg to heal. He knew he was fine, but when he had insisted with everyone who had wanted to help, he was ignored. He hated being babied. He was going to be fine. The nightmares that had pursued during his rest were relentless, no matter which way he had tossed or turned, it felt as if he was plagued with bad dreams. Basite had been cornered, his heart was hammering so hard and fast in his chest, his skin was clammy and he was sweating. He could hear snarling, occasionally see the flashing of bared teeth snapping, red eyes. He heard a hideous howl, so loud that it made him clap his hands over his ears and rear up.
In his rearing, Basite's front legs had hit a bar, forcing him back down, where he could see the snapping jaws of the creature that had been chasing him every night. The dog had launched up, and so did Basite. His head shot up from the bed, startled and sweaty, feeling the heat of his panic on the mattress, where his hands had propelled him upwards. His front legs had hit the bed, the knees were slightly knicked from where he had struck them in his panic. It took the centaur a bit to realize he was in his room at the keep, and the howling he had heard in his dreams was a horn that was blared. Groaning, Basite allowed his body to fall back down to the floor, and his human torso on the bed. He pulled the warm pillow over his head to block out the noise, refusing to get up.
After a few moments of silence, the draft slowly peeled the pillow off his head and tossed it, grumbling to himself about the Keep, and that the wails could mean nothing nice. He got to all fours and stretched, hitting his head off the ceiling and deciding to stretch outside- there was a lot more space out there than in the Keep, for sure. He pulled his arms back to his body, which was way too hot for his liking, and headed out of his room, ducking his head under the frame. The Keep may be a bit small for the centaur's liking, but it wasn't so small that he wouldn't be able to fit. At least he was able to walk semi-normally in the halls. Basite had a limp, but he tried his best to cover it and ignore the aching pain that would shoot up his side every time he took a step. He refused to flinch.
A servant had stopped, trying to tell Basite that he should not be out of his room, but the draft shouldered past them and kept going, ignoring their exclamation. The source of the horn had been out in the courtyard, and he wondered if there was another breach past the guards, and if there was yet another dog out in the yard. Hopefully it wasn't after him again. The centaur ducked his head when he headed out of the keep doors, his bay roan fur blinding in the sunlight, his giant hooves clopping on the stone. He was not used to the cobble, and his legs would wobble.
Basite was used to the Outlands, with the forest, and the soft ground. He never had to worry about stone- but now, he felt even more out of place than when he started. He was reminded with every step that he was an outcast. A beast, now living amongst men. It was hard to believe that at one point, when he was a child, he had a family, and that his family had loved him. At a first glance, he was positive someone would assume he had been alone all his life. It would have been better that way. Basite's memory was clouded, but he knew that he was relieved to be away from his herd. ...Sometimes.
He missed being close to someone.
The centaur slowed to a stop when he reached the group huddled in front of the stables. He crossed his arms over his chest, glancing down at Robert. The object in his hands peaked the beast's interest, tilting his head and flaring his nostrils. He did not greet anyone, too intent on the blue clothed item, held in Robert's hands. He shook his head and stepped back- it wasn't for him. He didn't deserve anything. He backed up until he was somewhat at the skirts of the group, just looming behind them, brooding as usual.
--
Rotormuth had greeted the servant that knocked on his door, grabbing the tray from them and setting it on his table. He thanked them and wished them a good day and closed the door, turning to the tray. The water was used promptly to wash his face and get in between the cracks of his scales. He turned to face his bird, who had chirped and hopped on the windowsill. The large gator set the water down and pat his face with the cloth, heading over towards the window to see what his bird was chirping at. Below, in the stables, Robert was standing with Shatter and the mounts. He leaned on the sill, squinting to see what they were doing. His bird, curious about the cloth, hopped onto his hand and pecked at the fabric. Rotormuth leaned back, lifting his hands with his bird on them still, and turned towards the water.
"Here," he spoke. "Bath."
The bird hopped into the water and flapped her wings. The gator smiled and turned his attention to getting dressed. The shirts and pants that were supplied were not something that he could use- so he used his own clothes. He had packed before he ran here, and although he lost most of his possessions along the way, he hadn't lost his spirit. He had, however, gained Judy, who he wouldn't trade for the world. She splashed around in the water a bit more before she hopped out, puffing up and making Rotormuth laugh. He gently pat her head and turned to his clothes. The shirt he wore yesterday was dirty, but it wasn't like he had much of an option to clean. He sorted through his other clothes, pulling out a tan tunic that he enjoyed wearing. The sleeves were a bit longer, but they ended in a frilly band, the shirt was open at the top, loosely tied together with white string. He pulled out a dark blue wrap, folding it around his waist and tying the ends, then he packed and headed out.
As the gator left his room, Judy on his shoulder, a horn sounded. Rotormuth noticed others had left their rooms and started to head towards the stables, and relieved, Rotormuth followed, greeting the people he passed. He reached the stables and nodded to Robert and Shatter, avoiding Basite. Something about the centaur rubbed him wrong, and he didn't know if it was because of the height, the brooding attitude, or that the beast seemed to alienate himself. Rotormuth didn't like that about Basite- how he made himself seem like a monster. He wondered what had happened to him to make him think this. Maybe it was guilt, that made Rotormuth not like Basite. He leaned on a tree, letting Ruby hop around his arms and his nose, chirping and fluttering her wings. He smiled and let her perch on his finger.
--
Ves lay on his bed, silent. Twinkie was purring to his side, her paws kneading against him, but he couldn't hear nor feel her. His eyes were open, but the room was so dark, he thought his eyes were closed. He couldn't even lift his hands to check. He was frozen solid. Another sleep paralysis attack- he hated these. Ves could hear something shuffling in the room, but Twinkie did not move. He could hear the shuffling growing louder, until he saw his father loom over him. He leaned down, getting close to his face and sneering. Ves swallowed. His father's rough face was all Ves could see now. The dark, green eyes. The gaunt cheekbones. His beard, untrimmed. Ves wanted to cry. His father hadn't even spoken yet.
"You." His father hissed. "You're nothing. You are a failure."
Henry's hands wrapped around Ves' throat, squeezing. Ves couldn't even move to get his father away. His dad's yelling continued, screaming at him and refusing to let Ves breathe. His dad kept going, but disappeared with a loud, angry shout when Twinkie climbed onto Ves' chest and looked down at him. Ves took a large gulp of air, shooting up and grabbing Twinkie so she wouldn't fall. He sat there, panting, clinging onto Twinkie for several moments before he buried his face into her soft fur, choking a sob. He wished he could be free of these dreams. Twinkie's purring continued, watching him try to relax. He slowly lifted his head and glanced down at her and smiled. She was his world. She purred louder, rubbing her head against his chest. Ves calmed down after a while, his gulps of air settling down to just shaky breaths. Still holding Twinkie to his chest, he swung his legs off the bed and stood. He cooed at Twinkie for being a good girl and set her down on the floor to get dressed.
The horn went off, and Twinkie's tail puffed up, jumping up from where she had decided to sit down to have a bath. Ves flinched, at first ducking before he stood back up. It was a horn. That's all it was. Ves pet Twinkie when she hopped up onto the bed and picked her up, tucking her into his arms and heading for the stables. She purred and kneaded in his arms, comfy. She loved him so much, and she was his world. He pet her between her ears, hearing her purring pick up as he entered the stables. Everyone was here already, and Ves could feel himself hesitate. There was a lot of people, but almost too many. He tried to see if he could spot Fara, and waved to her when she had been spotted.
"What's going on?" He asked whomever he was standing near, his "quiet" voice loud.
Basite had slept the rest of the day after he had been attacked, allowing his hind leg to heal. He knew he was fine, but when he had insisted with everyone who had wanted to help, he was ignored. He hated being babied. He was going to be fine. The nightmares that had pursued during his rest were relentless, no matter which way he had tossed or turned, it felt as if he was plagued with bad dreams. Basite had been cornered, his heart was hammering so hard and fast in his chest, his skin was clammy and he was sweating. He could hear snarling, occasionally see the flashing of bared teeth snapping, red eyes. He heard a hideous howl, so loud that it made him clap his hands over his ears and rear up.
In his rearing, Basite's front legs had hit a bar, forcing him back down, where he could see the snapping jaws of the creature that had been chasing him every night. The dog had launched up, and so did Basite. His head shot up from the bed, startled and sweaty, feeling the heat of his panic on the mattress, where his hands had propelled him upwards. His front legs had hit the bed, the knees were slightly knicked from where he had struck them in his panic. It took the centaur a bit to realize he was in his room at the keep, and the howling he had heard in his dreams was a horn that was blared. Groaning, Basite allowed his body to fall back down to the floor, and his human torso on the bed. He pulled the warm pillow over his head to block out the noise, refusing to get up.
After a few moments of silence, the draft slowly peeled the pillow off his head and tossed it, grumbling to himself about the Keep, and that the wails could mean nothing nice. He got to all fours and stretched, hitting his head off the ceiling and deciding to stretch outside- there was a lot more space out there than in the Keep, for sure. He pulled his arms back to his body, which was way too hot for his liking, and headed out of his room, ducking his head under the frame. The Keep may be a bit small for the centaur's liking, but it wasn't so small that he wouldn't be able to fit. At least he was able to walk semi-normally in the halls. Basite had a limp, but he tried his best to cover it and ignore the aching pain that would shoot up his side every time he took a step. He refused to flinch.
A servant had stopped, trying to tell Basite that he should not be out of his room, but the draft shouldered past them and kept going, ignoring their exclamation. The source of the horn had been out in the courtyard, and he wondered if there was another breach past the guards, and if there was yet another dog out in the yard. Hopefully it wasn't after him again. The centaur ducked his head when he headed out of the keep doors, his bay roan fur blinding in the sunlight, his giant hooves clopping on the stone. He was not used to the cobble, and his legs would wobble.
Basite was used to the Outlands, with the forest, and the soft ground. He never had to worry about stone- but now, he felt even more out of place than when he started. He was reminded with every step that he was an outcast. A beast, now living amongst men. It was hard to believe that at one point, when he was a child, he had a family, and that his family had loved him. At a first glance, he was positive someone would assume he had been alone all his life. It would have been better that way. Basite's memory was clouded, but he knew that he was relieved to be away from his herd. ...Sometimes.
He missed being close to someone.
The centaur slowed to a stop when he reached the group huddled in front of the stables. He crossed his arms over his chest, glancing down at Robert. The object in his hands peaked the beast's interest, tilting his head and flaring his nostrils. He did not greet anyone, too intent on the blue clothed item, held in Robert's hands. He shook his head and stepped back- it wasn't for him. He didn't deserve anything. He backed up until he was somewhat at the skirts of the group, just looming behind them, brooding as usual.
--
Rotormuth had greeted the servant that knocked on his door, grabbing the tray from them and setting it on his table. He thanked them and wished them a good day and closed the door, turning to the tray. The water was used promptly to wash his face and get in between the cracks of his scales. He turned to face his bird, who had chirped and hopped on the windowsill. The large gator set the water down and pat his face with the cloth, heading over towards the window to see what his bird was chirping at. Below, in the stables, Robert was standing with Shatter and the mounts. He leaned on the sill, squinting to see what they were doing. His bird, curious about the cloth, hopped onto his hand and pecked at the fabric. Rotormuth leaned back, lifting his hands with his bird on them still, and turned towards the water.
"Here," he spoke. "Bath."
The bird hopped into the water and flapped her wings. The gator smiled and turned his attention to getting dressed. The shirts and pants that were supplied were not something that he could use- so he used his own clothes. He had packed before he ran here, and although he lost most of his possessions along the way, he hadn't lost his spirit. He had, however, gained Judy, who he wouldn't trade for the world. She splashed around in the water a bit more before she hopped out, puffing up and making Rotormuth laugh. He gently pat her head and turned to his clothes. The shirt he wore yesterday was dirty, but it wasn't like he had much of an option to clean. He sorted through his other clothes, pulling out a tan tunic that he enjoyed wearing. The sleeves were a bit longer, but they ended in a frilly band, the shirt was open at the top, loosely tied together with white string. He pulled out a dark blue wrap, folding it around his waist and tying the ends, then he packed and headed out.
As the gator left his room, Judy on his shoulder, a horn sounded. Rotormuth noticed others had left their rooms and started to head towards the stables, and relieved, Rotormuth followed, greeting the people he passed. He reached the stables and nodded to Robert and Shatter, avoiding Basite. Something about the centaur rubbed him wrong, and he didn't know if it was because of the height, the brooding attitude, or that the beast seemed to alienate himself. Rotormuth didn't like that about Basite- how he made himself seem like a monster. He wondered what had happened to him to make him think this. Maybe it was guilt, that made Rotormuth not like Basite. He leaned on a tree, letting Ruby hop around his arms and his nose, chirping and fluttering her wings. He smiled and let her perch on his finger.
--
Ves lay on his bed, silent. Twinkie was purring to his side, her paws kneading against him, but he couldn't hear nor feel her. His eyes were open, but the room was so dark, he thought his eyes were closed. He couldn't even lift his hands to check. He was frozen solid. Another sleep paralysis attack- he hated these. Ves could hear something shuffling in the room, but Twinkie did not move. He could hear the shuffling growing louder, until he saw his father loom over him. He leaned down, getting close to his face and sneering. Ves swallowed. His father's rough face was all Ves could see now. The dark, green eyes. The gaunt cheekbones. His beard, untrimmed. Ves wanted to cry. His father hadn't even spoken yet.
"You." His father hissed. "You're nothing. You are a failure."
Henry's hands wrapped around Ves' throat, squeezing. Ves couldn't even move to get his father away. His dad's yelling continued, screaming at him and refusing to let Ves breathe. His dad kept going, but disappeared with a loud, angry shout when Twinkie climbed onto Ves' chest and looked down at him. Ves took a large gulp of air, shooting up and grabbing Twinkie so she wouldn't fall. He sat there, panting, clinging onto Twinkie for several moments before he buried his face into her soft fur, choking a sob. He wished he could be free of these dreams. Twinkie's purring continued, watching him try to relax. He slowly lifted his head and glanced down at her and smiled. She was his world. She purred louder, rubbing her head against his chest. Ves calmed down after a while, his gulps of air settling down to just shaky breaths. Still holding Twinkie to his chest, he swung his legs off the bed and stood. He cooed at Twinkie for being a good girl and set her down on the floor to get dressed.
The horn went off, and Twinkie's tail puffed up, jumping up from where she had decided to sit down to have a bath. Ves flinched, at first ducking before he stood back up. It was a horn. That's all it was. Ves pet Twinkie when she hopped up onto the bed and picked her up, tucking her into his arms and heading for the stables. She purred and kneaded in his arms, comfy. She loved him so much, and she was his world. He pet her between her ears, hearing her purring pick up as he entered the stables. Everyone was here already, and Ves could feel himself hesitate. There was a lot of people, but almost too many. He tried to see if he could spot Fara, and waved to her when she had been spotted.
"What's going on?" He asked whomever he was standing near, his "quiet" voice loud.
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Juju
PREY-FOR-US
Zephriel
Zephriel's face turned a light shade of pink when she saw the knight stifle a laugh. Why did he find this humorous? Horses were enormous beasts that could kill people with a single kick. She was right to be afraid! They were the ones who were irrational!
She crossed her arms and peered around Silvyr to see what sort of mount he meant. Much to her surprise, his steed was an ebony drake, roughly the size of a draft horse but with the addition of equally large teeth and claws, "H-how is that any better than a horse!?" she exclaimed shrilly, looking back at Silvyr in both bewilderment and awe, "And how in the heavens did you come to own a drake such as this, let alone ride it? I was not aware they could be tamed like some draft beast."
She took a glance at the telltale-knight's armour. He definitely served a noble house of sorts, but she was unaware of any whom kept drakes. The shield on his back bore a sigil, but the angle she stood at did not allow for her to see it clearly.
Now there was a little bit of curiosity in her voice. It seemed like she wanted to step closer, but still kept her distance. "I suppose a drake is far less dirty than the typical horse... but there is hardly enough room on a saddle for two people, even those without wings. Surely I would be knocked from it, or-or damage my feathers! This is simply a nightmare. I do not think it is possible."
Zephriel tugged at her hair nervously and looked away from the group, more than a little embarrassed but less than willing to admit it. She was so focused on keeping her cool that she didn't notice Aeonaxx leap off her shoulder and take flight.
The little dragon zoomed over the heads of horse and bystander alike, chirping happily as he circled above Anzii and Fara. Finally, he dove straight for Anzii's head and landed squarely between his horns. As usual, he wrapped his tail around one of the tiefling's horns and then draped himself over his face, all the while emitting a rumbly sound akin to a cat's purr or a cricket's hum.
Zephriel's face turned a light shade of pink when she saw the knight stifle a laugh. Why did he find this humorous? Horses were enormous beasts that could kill people with a single kick. She was right to be afraid! They were the ones who were irrational!She crossed her arms and peered around Silvyr to see what sort of mount he meant. Much to her surprise, his steed was an ebony drake, roughly the size of a draft horse but with the addition of equally large teeth and claws, "H-how is that any better than a horse!?" she exclaimed shrilly, looking back at Silvyr in both bewilderment and awe, "And how in the heavens did you come to own a drake such as this, let alone ride it? I was not aware they could be tamed like some draft beast."
She took a glance at the telltale-knight's armour. He definitely served a noble house of sorts, but she was unaware of any whom kept drakes. The shield on his back bore a sigil, but the angle she stood at did not allow for her to see it clearly.
Now there was a little bit of curiosity in her voice. It seemed like she wanted to step closer, but still kept her distance. "I suppose a drake is far less dirty than the typical horse... but there is hardly enough room on a saddle for two people, even those without wings. Surely I would be knocked from it, or-or damage my feathers! This is simply a nightmare. I do not think it is possible."
Zephriel tugged at her hair nervously and looked away from the group, more than a little embarrassed but less than willing to admit it. She was so focused on keeping her cool that she didn't notice Aeonaxx leap off her shoulder and take flight.
The little dragon zoomed over the heads of horse and bystander alike, chirping happily as he circled above Anzii and Fara. Finally, he dove straight for Anzii's head and landed squarely between his horns. As usual, he wrapped his tail around one of the tiefling's horns and then draped himself over his face, all the while emitting a rumbly sound akin to a cat's purr or a cricket's hum.
Hawke.
Member
♞Aldwin, interacting with hel @Sraes♞
"Yes," The knight smiled at the healer as they approached, "Much better, thank you." He held up his now bandaged arm to show her. The wound had mostly been closed but the bandages were to keep him from moving it too much. He didn't need to damage the muscles further. "Though next time, I have to ask you not to exhaust yourself. You're a splendid healer, but you need your strength. Now go on, the others are waiting."
♞Shatter, interacting with Zephriel
Juju
mentions everyone♞
Shatter looked over Zephriel, amused at her clear distaste for Umbra keep, certainly it was far from comfortable. But it was good enough for the moment. "Oh you don't need to thank me," Me gave a throaty purr, "All thanks should go to Lord Robert, he's the one who's allowing us the use of his keep." Shatter motioned to the red haired man, who nodded to Zeph, but seemed a smidge intimidated, and maybe ashamed that he hadn't been able to provide better accomodations.
The lionfolk held his arms behind his back as he watched everyone gather, some more awake than others, into the stables.
"I apologize for us having to leave on such short notice. I didn't expect Kester to make moves so quickly," He announced, his voice booming in the breezeway of the barn. "If everybody's ready..." he stopped when he noticed Robert looking up at him, and the Lion motioned to the Lord.
♞Robert, interacting with everyone♞
"Oh, parting gifts for all of you," Robert answered the catfolk, shifting the bundle in his arms, there was the sound of metal gently clinking against metal. "I figure you all would find more use in them than I would, seems a shame for them to sit in a collection when they can still be of use." Once everyone had gathered he cleared his throat, not gaining much attention at first, he raised his voice, "Everyone? before you leave, I have something for each of you."
Robert stepped forward, motioning for the group to gather closer.
"First," From the cloth he pulled a long, delicate silver feather, it was unassuming enough, he handed it to Zephriel.
In his hands it was cold and heavy as a shortsword, and in the light it glimmered every color. "Featherlight, a mighty sword if you can learn to use it. It will take a delicate hand of course." He said, smiling at her. "Unfortunately, I can't give much information on most of these, you'll become attuned to them in time and using them will come naturally."
He pulled a compass from the fabric next, passing it off to Silvyr, like the feather it seemed ordinary. Its face marked with the same directions any other compass would have, but the arrows slowly rotated on their own. "Erasmus' compass, a useful thing. It always point where you need to go, but perhaps not where you want to."
Basite was next, Robert produced a set of golden horseshoes, "These horseshoes were pulled from the steed of a great hero. They'll make you swift and graceful as a deer, and as silent as a night cat."
Then he handed Ves a dagger, an ornate thing, its blade was black and shimmery, with a silver edge and strange ruins carved into it. "A minotaurs dagger, from the days they served Zon. It's said it can cut through just about anything like warm butter."
"For you, Rotormuth," he handed the gator a tiny vial attached to a golden chain, it was filled with a thick, red liquid. "Dragons blood. I'm not sure of the effects on Scalefolk... But in most races it has healing properties and will make you swifter and stronger in battle. Use it wisely, and sparingly."
For Quill, he had a ring, a shiny, silver ring with a large ruby in the middle. "A glamour, it will let you take on the appearance of any person you've seen. I trust you to use it for good, of course..."
He turned to Anzii then, handing him what seemed to be a mirror with two faces, one clear and reflective like a normal mirror, the other seemed fogged up, and no amount of rubbing could make it clear again. "A mirror of true sight, you hold up the clear side, and the other side will show you things as they truly are."
"Yes," The knight smiled at the healer as they approached, "Much better, thank you." He held up his now bandaged arm to show her. The wound had mostly been closed but the bandages were to keep him from moving it too much. He didn't need to damage the muscles further. "Though next time, I have to ask you not to exhaust yourself. You're a splendid healer, but you need your strength. Now go on, the others are waiting."
♞Shatter, interacting with Zephriel
Juju
mentions everyone♞Shatter looked over Zephriel, amused at her clear distaste for Umbra keep, certainly it was far from comfortable. But it was good enough for the moment. "Oh you don't need to thank me," Me gave a throaty purr, "All thanks should go to Lord Robert, he's the one who's allowing us the use of his keep." Shatter motioned to the red haired man, who nodded to Zeph, but seemed a smidge intimidated, and maybe ashamed that he hadn't been able to provide better accomodations.
The lionfolk held his arms behind his back as he watched everyone gather, some more awake than others, into the stables.
"I apologize for us having to leave on such short notice. I didn't expect Kester to make moves so quickly," He announced, his voice booming in the breezeway of the barn. "If everybody's ready..." he stopped when he noticed Robert looking up at him, and the Lion motioned to the Lord.
♞Robert, interacting with everyone♞
"Oh, parting gifts for all of you," Robert answered the catfolk, shifting the bundle in his arms, there was the sound of metal gently clinking against metal. "I figure you all would find more use in them than I would, seems a shame for them to sit in a collection when they can still be of use." Once everyone had gathered he cleared his throat, not gaining much attention at first, he raised his voice, "Everyone? before you leave, I have something for each of you."
Robert stepped forward, motioning for the group to gather closer.
"First," From the cloth he pulled a long, delicate silver feather, it was unassuming enough, he handed it to Zephriel.
In his hands it was cold and heavy as a shortsword, and in the light it glimmered every color. "Featherlight, a mighty sword if you can learn to use it. It will take a delicate hand of course." He said, smiling at her. "Unfortunately, I can't give much information on most of these, you'll become attuned to them in time and using them will come naturally."
He pulled a compass from the fabric next, passing it off to Silvyr, like the feather it seemed ordinary. Its face marked with the same directions any other compass would have, but the arrows slowly rotated on their own. "Erasmus' compass, a useful thing. It always point where you need to go, but perhaps not where you want to."
Basite was next, Robert produced a set of golden horseshoes, "These horseshoes were pulled from the steed of a great hero. They'll make you swift and graceful as a deer, and as silent as a night cat."
Then he handed Ves a dagger, an ornate thing, its blade was black and shimmery, with a silver edge and strange ruins carved into it. "A minotaurs dagger, from the days they served Zon. It's said it can cut through just about anything like warm butter."
"For you, Rotormuth," he handed the gator a tiny vial attached to a golden chain, it was filled with a thick, red liquid. "Dragons blood. I'm not sure of the effects on Scalefolk... But in most races it has healing properties and will make you swifter and stronger in battle. Use it wisely, and sparingly."
For Quill, he had a ring, a shiny, silver ring with a large ruby in the middle. "A glamour, it will let you take on the appearance of any person you've seen. I trust you to use it for good, of course..."
He turned to Anzii then, handing him what seemed to be a mirror with two faces, one clear and reflective like a normal mirror, the other seemed fogged up, and no amount of rubbing could make it clear again. "A mirror of true sight, you hold up the clear side, and the other side will show you things as they truly are."
TheCrowKing
Member
Paying little attention to his chattering allies around him, Anziium made his way to the nearly empty stables, albeit a bit ruffled from the day previous’s scuffle here. His tail stirred nervously around his ankles, half expecting there to be a similar encounter the moment he opened the doors. Unwishing to face that uncomfortable circumstance again, his gaze turned towards those awaiting orders to head out, scanning for that accursed blonde menace. It would take him a few moments but eventually his eyes would land upon Helewys as they chirpily spoke with the wounded knight. As long as they stay as far from me as possible.
The tiefling’s hostile nature would just ever so slightly lighten up as he made his way to claim his mount. While he and Fara had ridden together to Umbra Keep on said horse, it was clear the mare belonged to him, he even knew that. Her disposition towards him was far more gentle, more accepting of Anziium’s tending. Io, as the appaloosa was called, patiently awaited her rider, unfazed as the scholar gave her an affectionate pet. While Anziium refrained from most interactions back at home, reluctant to do anything, he at the very least tended to Io as best as he could remember or figure out how to do.
Tenderly ushering Io outside of her stall, the tiefling would struggle for a few moments to get atop the mount, nearly falling from the stirrup several times; thankfully most had already gathered and wouldn’t see him look foolish. After numerous attempts, the tiefling would guide himself and his mount outside to rejoin the others. Knowing that eventually Fara would turn to him for a ride, he reluctantly maneuvered not too far away, not particularly wishing to take place in the awkward conversation that was sure to come up. Alas, he knew it was unavoidable.
As he was about to exhale a tense breath, he’d lurch backwards as a sudden, unexpected weight landed dead-center upon his head. Whatever the foreign object was, it had managed to grab hold of the singular horn atop his head, forcing his neck to lurch to his left as his balance was even more off-set than normal. Io would nervously stir beneath him as he struggled to separate himself from the object, to which he’d come to realize was something living. It wouldn’t be another dog, not without there being another uproar. There was no pain either, no canines tearing into his face, just…..rumbling. After a pathetic struggle to detach it from himself, the tiefling would pull the dragon from his vision, grip firm around its limbs and wings.
“What in Vith’s name-” He muttered, turning the darned thing over in his hands, briefly oblivious to the indication an announcement was being made. Currently more concerned about the small creature that had chosen to divebomb him, Anziium spent a few minutes gazing at Aeonaxx, letting up on his grip just the slightest in case he was harming it; it didn’t seem to be of any harm to him as far as he figured, although he wasn’t certain why such a thing would be wandering around here. And that’s when it dawned on him it more than likely belonged to someone here at the Keep. Wishing not to spark another ‘incident’, he released it to do as it wished, assuming it would return to its master as he caught wind of his own name being spoken up.
Lifting his head as Lord Robert called upon him, he nudged Io to edge closer to the cluster of allies. It was obvious he hadn’t been listening, his gaze flicking about the others as they were presented their gifts and tools. With a sheepish nod of his head, he’d accept the hand mirror, offering an uncertain thanks in return.
Hawke.
Member
♞Robert, interacting with everyone pt. 2♞
To Aurarri, Robert handed a small, stuffed bird. Like something someone might give to a child, a cheerful little chirp came from it, though its little beak didn't move. As he held it, Aurrari seemed to rise from the ground a bit, and would feel nearly weightless. "Oh good, I was worried it wouldn't like you," Robert smiled, but didn't offer anymore guidance. He would figure it out. eventually.
He beckoned Kunkato forward, but stepped back when the Kirintaur approached him, he gave handed the taur a saddlebag. "The collectors saddlebag, it always seems to know what you need, and will do its best to provide something... close to whatever it is. Within the limits of the bags size. I hope it's okay that it's... a saddlebag."
Next was Helewys, who received a small pocket watch. "For when you need to buy yourself a little time." he said simply, before moving onto Fara, maybe he didn't know what it did, or he expected Hel to know.
He handed Fara a gnarled, wooden staff. "...I don't know what this thing does but it scares me." He said, handing it to her like it might explode. "You'll like it more, I'm sure." He said, stepping over to Krow and Seia, he handed Seia a whistle, carved into the shape of an animal skull, a death whistle. A strange item to see this far north. "A whistle, of some sort... I'm not sure what it does either, perhaps it summons something."
To Krow, he gave the fabric, unfolding it to reveal a cloak, embroidered with intricate depictions of animals and plants. In the light, they seemed to bound around the foliage.
"the skinchanger's cloak, once you've learned to use it, you can turn into the animal that best reflects your personality."
To Aurarri, Robert handed a small, stuffed bird. Like something someone might give to a child, a cheerful little chirp came from it, though its little beak didn't move. As he held it, Aurrari seemed to rise from the ground a bit, and would feel nearly weightless. "Oh good, I was worried it wouldn't like you," Robert smiled, but didn't offer anymore guidance. He would figure it out. eventually.
He beckoned Kunkato forward, but stepped back when the Kirintaur approached him, he gave handed the taur a saddlebag. "The collectors saddlebag, it always seems to know what you need, and will do its best to provide something... close to whatever it is. Within the limits of the bags size. I hope it's okay that it's... a saddlebag."
Next was Helewys, who received a small pocket watch. "For when you need to buy yourself a little time." he said simply, before moving onto Fara, maybe he didn't know what it did, or he expected Hel to know.
He handed Fara a gnarled, wooden staff. "...I don't know what this thing does but it scares me." He said, handing it to her like it might explode. "You'll like it more, I'm sure." He said, stepping over to Krow and Seia, he handed Seia a whistle, carved into the shape of an animal skull, a death whistle. A strange item to see this far north. "A whistle, of some sort... I'm not sure what it does either, perhaps it summons something."
To Krow, he gave the fabric, unfolding it to reveal a cloak, embroidered with intricate depictions of animals and plants. In the light, they seemed to bound around the foliage.
"the skinchanger's cloak, once you've learned to use it, you can turn into the animal that best reflects your personality."
Juju
PREY-FOR-US
Zephriel
Hawke.
TheCrowKing
"L...Lord Robert?" Zeph stammered, blinking in surprise. She glanced at the runtish looking redhead, giving him a second take. All this time she had thought he was just some squire. Thinking quickly, she dipped her head in an attempt to save face, "Ahem, well of course, I was just about to extend my gratitude. Many thanks to you, young lord. The bedding was indeed preferable to the roots I slept on the night prior."
She turned away from the lord as Shatter Roar addressed the group, one hand on her hip and the other over the bag she carried. As much as she loathed the thought of going back out into the wilderness, she did say she wanted to help the rebellion. Staying on the move would also help to hide The Thief, but then again, staying in one place would make reuniting with her parents easier. They should arrive at the keep any day now, likely with more than a few students.
If only her mother could see the state of her room! She would have a fit! Zeph smiled in amusement, bringing a hand over her mouth to hide the smirk so Shatter Roar didn't think that she was giggling at his words. When the smile faded she felt a small twang of fear. What if her parents had been overcome by the guards? No, they were exceptional mages. The only way that old frog Kester could take the both of them down was with a dragon. Or a lich. Or perhaps a dragon-lich. Right?
Zeph returned her attention at the word gift.The squire lordling began to rummage around some dingy looking bundle. Zephriel had no use for baubles, especially the sort this run down keep could produce. Her expectations were drastically low, so whenever the little lordling handed her a strangely brilliant feather she was caught off guard. It shone like a star in her hand. She gasped in awe.
"Sublime! How did you possibly come to own such a thing... no, forget it. I-I do not know what to say. My deepest thanks to you and your family." Zeph stared down at the feather in her hand. It was quite heavy, but not enough to make it too uncomfortable. Was it really a sword? If that was the case it was a fine enchantment indeed. She would most certainly have to attune to it, but the catch was that she was unsure how to do such a thing. Perhaps The Thief would know? One of the library's books was sure to hold guidance!
Meanwhile, the little Aeonaxx hung limply in Anziium's hands, stretching out like a cat. He let out a small chirp, no doubt wondering why he was not being pet like usual. Even worse, he wasn't summoning Biel. That's why when he was let go, he flapped in a circle above Anzii, chirping like a starving gull.
Zephriel had just tucked Featherlight into her bag when she heard her familiar's cries.
"Aeonaxx! What in the heavens are you doing acting like that, swooping around like some wild thing! I trained you better than this! You come here right this instant!" Zephriel raised her eyebrows in shock when the creature gave her a chirp and continued to flap around Anzii. She placed her hands on her hips, frowning, "Excuuuse me!? That's it, sir, you have lost your treat privileges for the day!"
Letting out a harsh sigh she stomped around the crowd of adventurers, "No more hunting fireflies tonight and most certainly no dried berries! And that is being generous! What has gotten into you!"
She came to a complete stop whenever she caught up to Aeonaxx, hands on her hips. The little beast landed on her head, humming innocently. Zeph gave a 'hmph!' and crossed her arms. "Please excuse me for this little devil, I assure you this will not happen agai..."
Zeph nearly choked on her words when she actually took a look at the tiefling's face. "Anzi? Anziium, by the stars!? It's no wonder Aeonaxx was so excited! Y-you're really here! I can scarcely believe it!" Zephriel fanned her face, fighting back the tears of relief. She covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, "Of course you would find yourself in the centre of this cursed rebellion!"
She then went to hit his shoulder, her demeanour quickly changing to chastisement, "You complete moron! Do you have any idea how worried I was when you stopped sending me letters! That complete lack of punctuality is a bit much, even for you! Why, you could have been dead in a ditch somewhere, or-or in the belly of some ocean beast! You had better have a good excuse!" Zeph peered over his shoulder and around the ground between them, "And where did Biel run off to? Up to no good, I'd wager~. You really ought to keep better tabs on him."
Hawke.
TheCrowKing
"L...Lord Robert?" Zeph stammered, blinking in surprise. She glanced at the runtish looking redhead, giving him a second take. All this time she had thought he was just some squire. Thinking quickly, she dipped her head in an attempt to save face, "Ahem, well of course, I was just about to extend my gratitude. Many thanks to you, young lord. The bedding was indeed preferable to the roots I slept on the night prior."She turned away from the lord as Shatter Roar addressed the group, one hand on her hip and the other over the bag she carried. As much as she loathed the thought of going back out into the wilderness, she did say she wanted to help the rebellion. Staying on the move would also help to hide The Thief, but then again, staying in one place would make reuniting with her parents easier. They should arrive at the keep any day now, likely with more than a few students.
If only her mother could see the state of her room! She would have a fit! Zeph smiled in amusement, bringing a hand over her mouth to hide the smirk so Shatter Roar didn't think that she was giggling at his words. When the smile faded she felt a small twang of fear. What if her parents had been overcome by the guards? No, they were exceptional mages. The only way that old frog Kester could take the both of them down was with a dragon. Or a lich. Or perhaps a dragon-lich. Right?
Zeph returned her attention at the word gift.
"Sublime! How did you possibly come to own such a thing... no, forget it. I-I do not know what to say. My deepest thanks to you and your family." Zeph stared down at the feather in her hand. It was quite heavy, but not enough to make it too uncomfortable. Was it really a sword? If that was the case it was a fine enchantment indeed. She would most certainly have to attune to it, but the catch was that she was unsure how to do such a thing. Perhaps The Thief would know? One of the library's books was sure to hold guidance!
Zephriel had just tucked Featherlight into her bag when she heard her familiar's cries.
"Aeonaxx! What in the heavens are you doing acting like that, swooping around like some wild thing! I trained you better than this! You come here right this instant!" Zephriel raised her eyebrows in shock when the creature gave her a chirp and continued to flap around Anzii. She placed her hands on her hips, frowning, "Excuuuse me!? That's it, sir, you have lost your treat privileges for the day!"
Letting out a harsh sigh she stomped around the crowd of adventurers, "No more hunting fireflies tonight and most certainly no dried berries! And that is being generous! What has gotten into you!"
She came to a complete stop whenever she caught up to Aeonaxx, hands on her hips. The little beast landed on her head, humming innocently. Zeph gave a 'hmph!' and crossed her arms. "Please excuse me for this little devil, I assure you this will not happen agai..."
Zeph nearly choked on her words when she actually took a look at the tiefling's face. "Anzi? Anziium, by the stars!? It's no wonder Aeonaxx was so excited! Y-you're really here! I can scarcely believe it!" Zephriel fanned her face, fighting back the tears of relief. She covered her mouth to stifle a laugh, "Of course you would find yourself in the centre of this cursed rebellion!"
She then went to hit his shoulder, her demeanour quickly changing to chastisement, "You complete moron! Do you have any idea how worried I was when you stopped sending me letters! That complete lack of punctuality is a bit much, even for you! Why, you could have been dead in a ditch somewhere, or-or in the belly of some ocean beast! You had better have a good excuse!" Zeph peered over his shoulder and around the ground between them, "And where did Biel run off to? Up to no good, I'd wager~. You really ought to keep better tabs on him."
sraes
Shay
"That is good to hear," They said, looking briefly over the proffered arm with a slight nod of approval. At least they wouldn't have to worry too much about him messing up their work - he seemed to know better than to overwork the injured arm. 'Now if only I could believe the same of the others in this group-' Their attention, which had drifted over to two such people in the crowd around the stables, snapped back to Aldwin in surprise at his light reprimand.
"Don't worry about me Sir Aldwin," They grinned, shock giving way to amusement as they waved away his concern. "I know my limits well enough. I'll be more careful now that we are going to be out on the hunt without a nice comfortable bed to recover in."
With a wave to the man, Helewys started over to the gathering crowd at the call of Shatter Roar calling them all together their ears perking up in interest when Lord Robert took over to mention 'gifts'. Curious they joined the majority of the people gathering around him to see what he had brought them all, watching with delicately raised eyebrows at the veritable wealth of magical items he was handing over to them. They'd known that Robert and the others wanted them to succeed but there was knowing and there was knowing.
Or maybe these were mere trinkets to someone like Lord Robert; they supposed that could also be the case, but they didn't think so.
Sweeping aside their thoughts when they heard Robert call them over, Helewys slipped between the sylphid Robert had called Zephriel and the tall fae-looking man they hadn't yet caught the name of to stand in front of the young lord.
They looked down at the small pocket watch unceremoniously placed into their hands, a touch of familiarity tickling their mind at the small runes carved into the metal outer case but it wasn't until Robert mentioned 'time' that their eyes widened slightly in recognition of what they held. Quickly tucking the watch closer to their chest they dipped their head to the young lord in gratitude.
"Thank you. I'll make sure to put it to good use." They promised wanting, briefly, to say more but instead stepping aside for Robert to continue doling out the items he'd selected for them all. Stepping away from the bulk of the crowd Helewys leaned up against Horses' stall door and opened up the watch case to get a better look at the delicate filigreed watch face set with three hands that looked to be made of some kind of crystal or stone. Probably foci for the item to channel their magic. They'd only seen a similar item used once before and, while they didn't really know the details of how the thing worked, they had a pretty good idea of what it did.
'Buy myself some time, indeed.' Hel thought to themself as they clicked the watch closed again and carefully tucked it away into an inner pocket of their mantle. From where it pressed against their chest they thought they could feel just the faintest hitch in their magic - a subtle draining they probably wouldn't have noticed at all if their magic hadn't been so consistently diminished recently.
With a smile, they patted the lump the watch made under their clothes and turned to open Horses' stable to lead her out.
Sleipnir
The Eight-Legged Norse Horse
“Well, I could always lead her and let you stay on her back,” Silvyr offered cheerfully. He turned the big black drake to where Zephriel could reach her head. He seemed completely unaffected by her obvious distaste for the beast or her nerves about it -- perhaps it was something the knight had seen before. "As for acquiring her... You see, I grew up near a timber baron's camp, and the man who ran the place -- he had money. Raised a few drakes for draft beasts. Hence how big miss Sterling is." He paused then to kneel down next to her and lift one of her back feet, to which Sterling did not object. "And she suffered a leg injury very young. Well, that's no good for dragging logs, is it? And she was set to be dog food. I often helped around the facility when I was young for an extra coin or two, and I stumbled across her in the stables. They told me not to bother with her, and on the spot, I insisted they should let me keep her. I'd pay for feed, I'd care for her, everything -- the only thing they'd be out was a stabling space, and once I had the money from my work as a knight, I'd buy her for double what she'd fetch from slaughter. Signed a contract and all, and I lived like an impoverished old drunk for awhile to get it done, but done it was. Sterling's been in my care ever since." He looked up at Zephriel again with a warm smile, then stood. "Believe me, you'll find no creature here more coddled than she."
Robert called them together and, instantly, Zephriel lost her hold upon his attention. He turned and joined the others. Gifts, it would be. He watched carefully as Zephriel's feather was handed to her, examining it carefully from his place. Then Robert moved to Silvyr next. He examined it carefully and held it as if it were a prized possession, then looked up at Robert with just his eyes as he finished his explanation. He nodded just a bit, then looked back down to the compass. Where you need to go, but perhaps not where you wish to, he echoed in his mind. Yes, perhaps. So often duty pulled him away to some reaches far from where he wanted to be. But such was the nature of duty. He turned to watch the rest of the gathering receive their gifts.
Seia also took herself to attention, with a look of unhidden interest and fascination. Such a collection of items... How had Lord Robert come across them...? Perhaps, she realized, there was a bit more to him than she realized, and he had his own skills elsewhere. Not a leader, Seia was sure. But a collector of strange and wonderful artifacts, or a cataloguer of the arcane -- both of those were valuable practices in their own rights. She could not begrudge him if his skills happened to fall there rather than in lordship. After all, one's birth hardly determined their future -- his knight, among others, proved so much, and she was certain that there were others among them who would be able to raise themselves up beyond the station they were assigned at birth.
As she contemplated all this, Robert made his way to her. Seia's attention turned first to the peculiar whistle he handed her, turning it this way and that as she considered what it was. Then she looked up at him abruptly as he finished speaking. He knew not what it did--? Was this some sort of riddle? Or was he really ignorant to the nature of this tool? She looked at it again as Robert walked away and once again brushed a finger across its surface. Perhaps, once she was outside, she should blow it, to see what happened--? Or would that be dangerous? What if she could only use it once? But what is the point of a whistle you can only use once? She wondered. And, if that's the case, am I to gamble on when it's time to use it...? Well... perhaps now was not the time. Perhaps, she supposed, she'd know when the time came.
Robert called them together and, instantly, Zephriel lost her hold upon his attention. He turned and joined the others. Gifts, it would be. He watched carefully as Zephriel's feather was handed to her, examining it carefully from his place. Then Robert moved to Silvyr next. He examined it carefully and held it as if it were a prized possession, then looked up at Robert with just his eyes as he finished his explanation. He nodded just a bit, then looked back down to the compass. Where you need to go, but perhaps not where you wish to, he echoed in his mind. Yes, perhaps. So often duty pulled him away to some reaches far from where he wanted to be. But such was the nature of duty. He turned to watch the rest of the gathering receive their gifts.
Seia also took herself to attention, with a look of unhidden interest and fascination. Such a collection of items... How had Lord Robert come across them...? Perhaps, she realized, there was a bit more to him than she realized, and he had his own skills elsewhere. Not a leader, Seia was sure. But a collector of strange and wonderful artifacts, or a cataloguer of the arcane -- both of those were valuable practices in their own rights. She could not begrudge him if his skills happened to fall there rather than in lordship. After all, one's birth hardly determined their future -- his knight, among others, proved so much, and she was certain that there were others among them who would be able to raise themselves up beyond the station they were assigned at birth.
As she contemplated all this, Robert made his way to her. Seia's attention turned first to the peculiar whistle he handed her, turning it this way and that as she considered what it was. Then she looked up at him abruptly as he finished speaking. He knew not what it did--? Was this some sort of riddle? Or was he really ignorant to the nature of this tool? She looked at it again as Robert walked away and once again brushed a finger across its surface. Perhaps, once she was outside, she should blow it, to see what happened--? Or would that be dangerous? What if she could only use it once? But what is the point of a whistle you can only use once? She wondered. And, if that's the case, am I to gamble on when it's time to use it...? Well... perhaps now was not the time. Perhaps, she supposed, she'd know when the time came.
infectedmouth
horns like the devil ✗
LOCATION: umbra keep/courtyard/stables
TAGS: everyone
MENTIONS: everyone, robert
TAGS: everyone
MENTIONS: everyone, robert
BASITE + ROTORMUTH + VESANIA
Basite's hesitance was loud and clear when Robert spoke to him, having been tuning out what he was saying. He was more focused on Shatter and Helewys' conversation at first before he let his attention turn to Robert. He swallowed, hands mid-reach, and he let out a pathetic, "me?" The centaur grabbed the horseshoes and held them close to his torso for a moment, unsure what to do with them at first. Basite never had shoes, so he couldn't quite wear them. He glanced around at the others for a brief moment, tilting his head down to let his hair cover his slowly reddening face. Embarrassment flared at his cheeks and he stepped away, putting the shoes in his backpack once the attention shifted onto Ves.
Being given gifts was very rare to the centaur, and he felt bad for taking the shoes. They could have gone to someone who needed them, he furrowed his brows and turned his head away from the group, watching out the front gates with a stone expression. The red in his cheeks had faded to a slight pink. He'd love to be out in the field now, or in his shack, away from all these people and the eyes on him. His spine tingled and he glanced around the group once more to see none of them were looking at him. He turned and moved further away from the group to rest against a wall.
--
The albino's attention was immediately grabbed, hungrily staring at the dagger he was gifted. The blade shimmered and his eyes widened even more, the reflection of the dagger in his bright, blood red eyes. Ves grabbed it and gently held it in his hands, staring at it with disbelief before he looked up at Robert and smiled wide. "Thanks, pal!" He turned to his right and practiced a few swings, getting a feel of the blade before he stopped, spinning it and dropping it, jumping out of the way as the blade clattered against the cobblestone. He laughed nervously, looking up at Robert with wide eyes before he quickly bent down to pick it up. From then, Ves slunk away from Robert and into the crowd.
--
Rotormuth's scaly brow raised at the antics Ves showed before he turned his attention to Robert at the vial being handed to him. His small, scaly hands reached forward, cupping his hands together to make a bowl and accept the small vial. He nodded slowly and attached it to his neck, adjusting the vial on it to make sure it was seen. He wore it proudly, pushing his chest out and smiling slightly, but not too much as to bare his teeth. He continued to play with it, rotating the vial between his claws and spinning it slightly on the chain, letting it rock back and forth.
Basite's hesitance was loud and clear when Robert spoke to him, having been tuning out what he was saying. He was more focused on Shatter and Helewys' conversation at first before he let his attention turn to Robert. He swallowed, hands mid-reach, and he let out a pathetic, "me?" The centaur grabbed the horseshoes and held them close to his torso for a moment, unsure what to do with them at first. Basite never had shoes, so he couldn't quite wear them. He glanced around at the others for a brief moment, tilting his head down to let his hair cover his slowly reddening face. Embarrassment flared at his cheeks and he stepped away, putting the shoes in his backpack once the attention shifted onto Ves.
Being given gifts was very rare to the centaur, and he felt bad for taking the shoes. They could have gone to someone who needed them, he furrowed his brows and turned his head away from the group, watching out the front gates with a stone expression. The red in his cheeks had faded to a slight pink. He'd love to be out in the field now, or in his shack, away from all these people and the eyes on him. His spine tingled and he glanced around the group once more to see none of them were looking at him. He turned and moved further away from the group to rest against a wall.
--
The albino's attention was immediately grabbed, hungrily staring at the dagger he was gifted. The blade shimmered and his eyes widened even more, the reflection of the dagger in his bright, blood red eyes. Ves grabbed it and gently held it in his hands, staring at it with disbelief before he looked up at Robert and smiled wide. "Thanks, pal!" He turned to his right and practiced a few swings, getting a feel of the blade before he stopped, spinning it and dropping it, jumping out of the way as the blade clattered against the cobblestone. He laughed nervously, looking up at Robert with wide eyes before he quickly bent down to pick it up. From then, Ves slunk away from Robert and into the crowd.
--
Rotormuth's scaly brow raised at the antics Ves showed before he turned his attention to Robert at the vial being handed to him. His small, scaly hands reached forward, cupping his hands together to make a bowl and accept the small vial. He nodded slowly and attached it to his neck, adjusting the vial on it to make sure it was seen. He wore it proudly, pushing his chest out and smiling slightly, but not too much as to bare his teeth. He continued to play with it, rotating the vial between his claws and spinning it slightly on the chain, letting it rock back and forth.
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Hawke.
Member
Shatter Roar
As everyone settled in, taking in their gifts and taking stock of their supplies, Shatter himself watched. What a strange troupe, the beginning of something great surely, but strange. He only hoped that they could hold themselves together.
Massive paws clapped together, his fur softening the sound. "Alright!" His voice boomed over the sounds of talking. "We can all catch up on the road! We've got to get going or the war will be over before we've even had a chance to get on our horses."
Shatter himself didn't have a horse of his, rather he was driving the cart that had been provided for excess supplies and those who didn't wish to ride.
Robert shuffled at Silvyr's side, as everyone began to pack he thought of his dreams and hoped that he was simply the victim of an overactive imagination. But still, he placed a hand on his knight's arm. "Be safe, and may Diolix go with you... Though I wish I could."
He looked back to the doors of his keep, where Thelind and members of his guard stood watch over the little group. "I dread being stuck here alone."
Alone, meaning without Silvyr. He hadn't been without him in some time. Not since the massacre.
The young knight was the only constant that he felt he had.
"Send me a letter once you get to Alban, won't you?"
Robert took a step back then, giving him room to mount Sterling.
As the sun burned off the morning mist, Bramblehook and Horacio opened both gates wide, light pouring in through them, filling the courtyard with bright rays of gold.
It was time, finally, for them to begin their adventure.
As everyone settled in, taking in their gifts and taking stock of their supplies, Shatter himself watched. What a strange troupe, the beginning of something great surely, but strange. He only hoped that they could hold themselves together.
Massive paws clapped together, his fur softening the sound. "Alright!" His voice boomed over the sounds of talking. "We can all catch up on the road! We've got to get going or the war will be over before we've even had a chance to get on our horses."
Shatter himself didn't have a horse of his, rather he was driving the cart that had been provided for excess supplies and those who didn't wish to ride.
Robert shuffled at Silvyr's side, as everyone began to pack he thought of his dreams and hoped that he was simply the victim of an overactive imagination. But still, he placed a hand on his knight's arm. "Be safe, and may Diolix go with you... Though I wish I could."
He looked back to the doors of his keep, where Thelind and members of his guard stood watch over the little group. "I dread being stuck here alone."
Alone, meaning without Silvyr. He hadn't been without him in some time. Not since the massacre.
The young knight was the only constant that he felt he had.
"Send me a letter once you get to Alban, won't you?"
Robert took a step back then, giving him room to mount Sterling.
As the sun burned off the morning mist, Bramblehook and Horacio opened both gates wide, light pouring in through them, filling the courtyard with bright rays of gold.
It was time, finally, for them to begin their adventure.
TheCrowKing
Member
Although he was uncertain as to what situation would arise to make a relic such as this useful, Anziium withdrew a small piece of cloth from his venturing gear to wrap the fragile object. The newfound mirror would be carefully placed within the tiefling’s pack as Lord Robert presented the remainder of the riding party with gifts.He’d take this free time to ensure he had gathered all of his belongings, rooting around in the pack until the whiley, little dragon circled back his way.
“Go on, shoo! I have nothing to offer you. Go on!” He half-whispered to Aeonaxx, fanning at the delighted creature to leave him be. It didn’t seem as though the familiar would be leaving him any time soon though, it in fact increasing in its volume. His bronze gaze would nervously flicker left and right, attempting to determine who might respond to its calls.
Not wishing for matters to be interpreted wrongly, Anzi extended his open palm upwards, offering it to Aeonaxx as a more proper landing space this time. Such a feat proved to be easy enough as the small creature returned to his possession without complaint. Seeing as everyone was still prepping for the riding, at least for the time being, he figured he’d search among the crowd to find its owner. As he stepped down from his mount, he strolled through the others with reins in tow, using the familiar as a leading system for the next couple minutes.
At the point Robert had nearly finished, Anzi was nearly ready to return to his stationary position to leave the tiny beast on its own quest to find its owner. Turning to take the path he had weaved through the crowd, he would pause in his tracks as Aeonaxx began squirming out of his hand, Anzi briefly attempting to retain him until he reminded himself this was his reasoning for searching in the first place.
Anzi cast a gaze over his shoulder as the familiar zipped over towards a blonde woman of celestial lineage, her grand wings appearing quite large despite being tucked in amongst the other riders. To be frank, she stood out amongst the others, something telling him this wasn’t particularly her cup of tea; then again, he could say the same for himself. Merely a ‘pot calling the kettle black’ situation, he supposed. It was only when she began speaking to him did he realize he had been staring for a beat too long.
“Ah, no worries!” He sputtered, forcing himself to crack a slight grin to ensure all was well. “He merely found me interesting, I suppose. And with us having found you, it appears as though all is...well….again-” Anziium’s words would trail off at the celestial began to tear up as his very own name slipped from her lips. Shock lined his features, nothing coming from his mouth as her words turned to that of scolding. Aeonaxx? Letters? Where was Biel? Where is all of this coming from?? Unless…
The combination of the light hit on the shoulder and Shatter announcing their departure withdrew him from repeatedly opening and closing his mouth like a fish, struggling to form a sensible string of words in response. “We uhm, we’re leaving now.” Without anything more coming from the amnesiac, he turned tail to lead his mount away, a hurried pep in his step as he sought out Fara, lest he have to answer questions he didn’t have answers for.
Caligena
The Eldritch Slime From Beyond Space And Time
Snapping her attention back to the matter at hand as the stoic rumble of Sir Shatter Roar piped up to bring order to the gather, she watched carefully as mystical items were doled out by Lord Robert one by one. Fara focused her eyes in such a way as to perceive the very faint glow of latent magics in all of the objects, eyeing them up until finally the lord arrived at her, and he bestowed her a staff that seemed to her focused perception to be writhing in wild and untamed energies. Her eyes sparkled with wonder and awe as she graciously accepted the staff and held it close to her with a curtsy.
"Thank you my lord, I will cherish it always."
After amusing herself at the chase of her brother by a diminutive pseudo-dragon, Fara pulled her attention out of her design-addled daze of the strange and well-preened winged one to something she had said -- namely the seeming familiarity with Anzi. 'Letters? Come to think of it, we did seem to have gotten mail from someone I didn't recognize, though... Mama usually collected them and we never saw them again. Figured they were from one of her old adventuring buds, but it seems I was mistaken...' Her thoughts trailed off in a stinging pain of remorse as the woman brought up the name Biel. Ever since the Incident, no one had seen the adorable little clownfish-dog, and after a while everyone had given up trying to help Anzi remember him. The pain was never worth the effort, but she had always wondered what had happened to him. 'That settles it, I definitely need to talk to her in private later -- if for nothing else than to catch her up on... Recent Events that she seems to be out of the loop on...'
Fara looked away as the angelic woman searched around for the pup, trying to make herself as invisible as possible while she packed her appropriate things into the saddlebags at the flanks of their blue roan appaloosa, Io. Making herself invisible however, was a task she found quite fruitless, as soon after, her brother had excused himself to rejoin her at Io's side. Fara's mind mulled over the angel-kin's words as Anzi approached.
"Good morning, Anziium," she slung out of a weary sideways glance while cinching the straps tight. She could choose to be petty and hold on to their fight yesterday but decided that ultimately if they were going to travel together and help the rebellion, it would probably be better to let such instances go, as long as they weren't too horrible. "That dragonling and its lady seemed rather familiar with you. Do they spark anything for you, memory-wise?"
"Thank you my lord, I will cherish it always."
After amusing herself at the chase of her brother by a diminutive pseudo-dragon, Fara pulled her attention out of her design-addled daze of the strange and well-preened winged one to something she had said -- namely the seeming familiarity with Anzi. 'Letters? Come to think of it, we did seem to have gotten mail from someone I didn't recognize, though... Mama usually collected them and we never saw them again. Figured they were from one of her old adventuring buds, but it seems I was mistaken...' Her thoughts trailed off in a stinging pain of remorse as the woman brought up the name Biel. Ever since the Incident, no one had seen the adorable little clownfish-dog, and after a while everyone had given up trying to help Anzi remember him. The pain was never worth the effort, but she had always wondered what had happened to him. 'That settles it, I definitely need to talk to her in private later -- if for nothing else than to catch her up on... Recent Events that she seems to be out of the loop on...'
Fara looked away as the angelic woman searched around for the pup, trying to make herself as invisible as possible while she packed her appropriate things into the saddlebags at the flanks of their blue roan appaloosa, Io. Making herself invisible however, was a task she found quite fruitless, as soon after, her brother had excused himself to rejoin her at Io's side. Fara's mind mulled over the angel-kin's words as Anzi approached.
"Good morning, Anziium," she slung out of a weary sideways glance while cinching the straps tight. She could choose to be petty and hold on to their fight yesterday but decided that ultimately if they were going to travel together and help the rebellion, it would probably be better to let such instances go, as long as they weren't too horrible. "That dragonling and its lady seemed rather familiar with you. Do they spark anything for you, memory-wise?"
sraes
Shay
Helewys deGrey Interacting with: Basite
infectedmouth
OpenLocation: Courtyard outside the Stables of Umbra Keep
"There you go girl, are you as ready to be carting me around again as I am to be carted?" Horses' reins in hand, Helewys led the mare from her stall with only minorly sarcastic cajoling. Despite their reticence, however, the horse followed them out without fuss - she stood calmly amongst the general chaos of the stables with no more then a flicker of a ear towards the most cacophonous of the noises. Hel breathed a sigh of relief, again thankful that the horse they'd... acquired was so mild-mannered. Truly they'd no idea what they would do if she got it in her head to be rebellious.
A flutter of movement through the air caught their attention, drawing their eyes from the mare over to a small dragonling flying around and pestering Anziium. Biting down laughter, they turned away to double check Horses' tack was secure more to keep from being caught watching than because they thought the stablehands hadn't done their job properly.
They didn't think it would end well if Anziium saw them laughing at him and they really didn't want Shatter Roar to have a reason to chew them both out again.
Luckily it seemed that the proceedings were coming to an end one way or another so, given Horses' stall was fairly close to the stable's entrance, they led her out into the much more roomy courtyard beyond as Shatter seemed to be leading them that way. There they were presented with their first of what was sure to be many challenges: mounting their own gods-damned horse. Again thankful for Horses' calm disposition, they proceeded to drag themself up into the saddle with all the grace an exhausted elf with practically no riding experience could manage: that is to say, none. Get up they did, though, shifting uncomfortable and red-faced in the saddle as the traveling group began to ready for departure.
Not wanting to be in the way, or in the crush of cart and horses and people, Hel directed Horse a bit off to the side of the main group near where Basite seemed to have had a similar idea.
"Hello, Basite wasn't it?" They drew Horse to a polite halt several feet back from the centaur, not wanting to crowd either him or their horse, and their eyes flickered of their own accord towards where he'd been injured the day before. "How is your leg holding up? If it starts to give you any trouble on the road I have something that should be able to help."
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Juju
PREY-FOR-US
ZephrielAeonaxx chirped happily, nestled back into his usual spot upon Zeph's shoulder. He was simply content, stuck in a happy sort of fatigue now that the excitement of a long lost friend was over. His master, on the other hand, was the complete opposite.Her pretty little face was slapped with a look of utter disbelief, trying to riddle out the line between joke and insult. The first change was a frown, then a narrowing of the eyes, and then the unmistakable sneer. It didn't take much to rile up the anger of Zephriel, but this was something else.
She planted her feet firmly into the ground and crossed her arms, "Leaving!? What do you mean, leaving!? It's been how many years and you think you can just slink away like an alley rat? Oh no. No you do not!"
There were a few horses and... other creatures... in the way between she and Aniium, no doubt a ploy to create distance between them, but Zeph was not so easily dismissed. She backed into a large enough gap between the horses and fanned out her wings. Her take off stirred up dirt and loose pieces of straw, perhaps even startling a few of the flightier mounts. Not that she cared.
Graceful as ever, she was up and over the horses in hardly a heartbeat, and in a moment more she landed directly in front of Anziium's horse. In her annoyance, her anxiousness of horses seemed quite far away. She stretched her wings out wide, effectively blocking off the path ahead. Her eyes were narrowed, glinting in the morning sun like hot coals.
"Hmmph! I see your manners are as polished as ever." Zeph scoffed, placing a hand on her hip. "Though such tactlessness is quite low, even for you."
Aeonaxx was a little slower, but not without flourish. Thinking it to be a game, the little dragonling swooped down and fluttered over to wrap around Zeph's shoulders. On his way he had caught a cream coloured butterfly and crunched it between little sharp teeth.
With her free hand, Zeph pointed a finger accusingly at Anziium. "Letter after letter I sent with no reply. As a matter of fact, I was urged to stop on several occasions in favour of not wasting good parchment. For all I knew you were skeleton in some troll's belly, or entombed in a sunken ship off the southern coast."
For a moment she almost looked sad. Years of regret and dread spilling out, even in the midst of her anger. To mask it, she deepened her frown."Yet here we are, at the end of the world, and you miraculously appear! What is the meaning of this? Where were you all this time... and why are you avoiding me? Unless... what have you done? Anziium, have you gotten yourself involved in lawless activities?"
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