Fantasy Skyheart (1 slot open)

[Naberius]

Caliban Lupei

"Nerene? She's around. Scouting for other enemies, probably. She's almost as protective as you are."

He smiled at Lea and her new partner before helping her to sit down. He began rummaging through his jacket pockets only to realize that he hadn't brought any of the supplies he needed with him. Damn it. Just about then, Katja was rushing over and delivered exactly what they needed. Before rushing off to see to the others. He perked up even more.

"Thanks, Katja. Once we're done, I'll help any way I can. I don't know much but I have a basic understanding of field medicine. Kind of. Just the kinds of things that a hunter needs to know for trips into the wild."

He did as instructed, using what little he knew to staunch the bleeding. He ripped a long strip of his shirt off and tied it around the upper part of his arm, just above the long slash. He applied the cream and bandage with a little help from Lea, then turned to help her apply her own healing items. It wasn't as bad as the blood made it look. Or so he kept telling himself. That brotherly instinct was raging at him to get her someone more qualified, someone who could fix her right there but he knew others were in more danger and had more serious injuries.

Cal gave Momo a gentle head pat, the little furry goofball was starting to grow on him. They had a new member in their family.

Lioness075 explosiveKitten

 

[kase9187]

Aldaf weakly tried to move his arms, blood dripping down and his eyes coated. He lifted his head to see Azurine and Zeke land nearby.
"Get... him... ov… er..." He spoke, his voice raspy and weak. He managed to somewhat point a finger towards Zeke, hoping someone would get the message.
He's... safe... Aldaf thought to himself. The dark pits of unconsciousness snagged at the corners of his mind, wanting him to pass out. He knew he couldn't do that right now.
He laid a bloodied hand on Katja's shoulder. "Th... ank… you..." He wheezed. He saw Spica land nearby and nudge his hand.

Lioness075 SleepyCreamy

 

[Lioness075]

Name: Leandra LaFrae	Nicknames: Lea, Firefly
Clan: Sudenta	Clan Job: Huntress
Equipment: Knapsack, Medicinal Pouch, Bow, Quiver (5/10), Twin Daggers

Spoiler: Momo's Appearance

Spoiler: Falarion's Appearance

Hearing about Nerene, Leandra smiled. With everything that had gone down, she had not had a chance to meet anyone's Skybeast besides Katja's. Undoubtedly, she would have a chance later today.
"Ah, well, since we haven't gotten to do this yet," she said while pausing to gesture towards Falarion. "This here is Falarion."
Hearing this, Falarion looked down at Leandra and then at Caliban before huffing again. He then promptly sat down on his hindquarters, favoring his injured shoulder.

When Katja ran up to them, Leandra smiled at her, grateful for the aid despite what all had just transpired. Katja was brave, focusing on helping everyone right now.
While Caliban spoke to Katja, Leandra subconsciously reached around her back for her knapsack and sighed when she remembered that she had only grabbed her weapons earlier. Her knapsack and other gear were still at the entrance ledge. She carefully turned to look at the ledge in the distance and saw a few beginning to gather there. She would probably need to move there with Caliban and their Skybeasts soon enough.

Turning back to Caliban, Leandra grimaced at the sight of the cream Katja had given him. She knew her arm was going to hurt ridiculously to be cleaned. As he tied a scrap of his shirt around his own arm, Leandra leaned over to use her left hand to help him tie it tight. She then helped him clean the wound area, and used the cream along with stuffing the wound area with some of the bandages before helping him wrap the wound area. It was not the best attempt, especially with Leandra only being able to use her left hand, but it was better than nothing for now. She knew he would need stitches, just as Falarion would.
Caliban then turned to her and Leandra blanched. She finally held her right arm up and saw all of the dirt and grit mixed with her raw and torn skin. Holding back tears, she let Caliban clean it up before he put the cream on top of what was essentially the entire outside part of right arm. Cleaning the wound area of course agitated it and fresh blood was mixing in with the cream. They ended up having to wrap her arm twice over, as the blood was starting to seep through. Tears rolled down her face, despite Leandra trying so hard to put on a brave face. She then looked at Caliban's arm and saw his bandages were getting soaked with blood as well, more so than her own were.

As Caliban patted her lemur, Leandra used her left hand to finally pry him off her head and put him down on the ground. She looked down at him and said softly, "It's okay, buddy. We've gotta take care of each other first, okay?"

Leandra then shakily stood up and approached Falarion with the bandages and cream. She saw the blood soaking his fur and wanted to cry for him. She sniffled and then approached his injured shoulder.
Falarion nuzzled against her left shoulder and Leandra halfheartedly smiled before she began shakily trying to wipe the blood from his fur. It was a feeble attempt, as some had already begun to dry. She shook her head and then began stuffing his wound with some of the bandages. She tried to start wrapping his wound, but her right arm was shaking with pain and she could not get the reach she needed to wrap the bandages around his chest to properly wrap his shoulder. She temporarily forgot Caliban was with her, determined to help her Skybeast.
Suddenly, Leandra's left hand spasmed with pain and she gasped as she dropped one end of the bandages. Her right arm was still shaking, as she lost her grip on the bandages entirely. They slowly drifted to the ground, as she muttered a curse and kneeled down to recollect them. Tears were now dropping from her chin, rolling down her face.
Falarion looked worriedly down at Leandra and then chuffed at Caliban, trying to get his attention in case he had not already noticed.

Naberius explosiveKitten

 

[SilverFlight]

Kari

Kari barely registered Katja as she approached and gave her orders. She managed a short nod, but she felt if she tried to move at the moment she would fall right over. Zephyr was the only thing keeping her on her feet. She looked around, slightly dazed.
Then suddenly someone was running toward her, face twisted with worry. She knew that face. He was missing a hat, and his dark hair stuck out at funny angles because of it. Then he was close...very close. She saw him tear his tunic and put her hands out weakly.
"Hey, don't do that...I'm...I'm okay." But she let him apply the cloth to the back of her head anyway. She shifted, tried to support her own weight, but she overbalanced and fell into him. Zephyr looked around, but didn't seem to have the desire to mutilate the boy...yet.
Kari tried to push herself back onto her feet, using Gerel to balance, it wasn't going well. Then he was chastising her. Even through her concussed, groggy mind the audacity of it made her look up at him. She shot him a roguish smile.
"You got a lot of nerve chewing me out for rushing in...where's your hat? Huh?" and she tweaked a lock of his hair playfully.
The danger was over, and with the rush of action draining from her Kari wanted to laugh and cry both at once. She rode wild monsters for fun, but that had been the most terrifying experience of her life. Slowly she let the exhaustion take her, and leaned on Gerel, giving up trying to find her own balance.
"You challenged that thing...and saved my life." She whispered into his shoulder "...Thank you."

A flash of memory, a feeling. This had happened before. The feeling of soft fur, someone's tunic, the scent of leather, lanolin, suddenly Kari's face was burning and she didn't know why. The feeling was so strong it made her step back. Her hand flew out and caught the gryphon's shoulder and Zephyr put a wing out to prevent her from falling back.
"I-I'm...I'll be fine." She said it almost defensively, but it was only because she had been so surprised by the surge of...was it a memory? Her face was still hot and she looked at Gerel with an expression of slight confusion. She cleared her throat.
"There are people a lot more hurt than I am...we should help them.."

~*~*~

Ferro was rallying the others. Setting up a temporary camp to let the most injured heal before they attempted to fly down, back to the camp. He built a fire and had hot water made in a small iron pot so wounds could be washed and dressed. Kari wasn't much help for the first little while, but even after a short amount of time her clarity began to return. The blood stopped running and the pain was less sharp. Zephyr seemed no worse for wear, though one or two feathers had been broken. He followed Kari diligently, making sure his new partner didn't loose her balance and fall off a cliff.
The rest of the time Ferro spent helping the most injured to the campsite, and giving Katja the tools she needed to work.

Kari cleaned herself up as best she could and at length managed to put a small meal together, she could cook at least, and soon the scent of the vegetable stew wafted over the landscape. The skybeasts were nowhere to be seen and Kari feared they might not return for days...not that there was a lot to return too, the creature's breath weapon had killed half the vegetation, long scars of black grass and dead flowers stretched all the way around the grounds, like burn marks.
For now though, they didn't have to worry about attack, though Ferro always kept one eye on the pit in the center, ready to spring into action if he heard or saw anything.

For some reason Kari thought that it was truly over. She didn't feel frightened of another attack. She couldn't explain why.


Naberius Lioness075 explosiveKitten YumenoTsukishiro Elenion Aura kase9187 Saturn_moon SleepyCreamy AncientBird

 

[kase9187]

Aldaf was lying on a bed roll, his chest piece removed so he could be bandaged properly. He weakly gestured to Zeke to get him to come closer, wanting to talk to him.

SleepyCreamy

 

[AncientBird]

Serik lay in the blanket as his temporary bed. A splint had been put on his leg to secure the bone in place. He was feeling better, much better but his mind still roamed somewhere else. He still hadn’t seen Marylka around the place. His anxiety could be clearly shown on his face.

Katja was really busy that he was too afraid to ask her if she had seen Marylka when she came to treat his leg. She had had enough work on her already. Serik looked around in hope to see any glimpse of her as everyone that could still walk set up a temporary camp.

Valkyrie was not far away. She had found a dead gryphon, crushed by a large rock that were sent flying as the giant monster destroyed the place. Its flesh survived the necrotic power of monster, so the stork drake started digging her beakn into its skin, tearing its off to reach the red meat inside. No other scavengers had arrived yet other than some crows, magpies and a few vultures, so she got to claim it all for herself.

Featuring: Naberius Lioness075 explosiveKitten YumenoTsukishiro Elenion Aura kase9187 Saturn_moon SleepyCreamy SilverFlight

 

[explosiveKitten]

“Annnd... there.”

Katja ties the bandage onto Barran’s leg and looked up at her with tired eyes.
“You’re gonna be okay.” She said, slowly standing up from her knelt position and reaching forward to pick through the feathers on Barran’s belly with her fingers, “Just don’t pull that off, okay?”

A wave of concern rushed over her as Barran leaned forward and clacked her beak at the young woman, worriedly blinking and squawking at her.

“No, no, I’m fine. Just... tired, I guess. I didn’t do any fighting, but I’m still tired. When I really shouldn’t be.” She sighed as Barran began to pick through Katja’s hair, blinking her yellow eyes.

“I’m fine, just... I need to go wash my hands off...” She lingered there with Barran for another moment, before she turned to walk away, finding a nearby washbasin she had asked Ferro to gather. She plunged her hands into the water and began to scrub at her skin, trying to the blood out from under her nails. There had been so much blood, especially after dealing with Aldaf’s injuries, nevermind Serik’s broken leg. She had hated listening to his screams... they rung in her ears.

She paused in her scrubbing, eyes unfocused and weary as she considered the whole bizarre situation they had been in. How could something happen here, on the god’s mountain? It just... it didn’t make sense.

Naberius Lioness075 AncientBird YumenoTsukishiro Elenion Aura kase9187 Saturn_moon SleepyCreamy SilverFlight

 

[Saturn_moon]

Marylka was still making her way back to the ledge where the others had regathered when she felt Archimedes tense beneath her, his feathers bristling. “Archie? Is something wrong?” She asked but the hippogriff gave no response, its attention focused on something below that she could neither see nor hear. Marylka frowned as a feeling of uneasiness bloomed in her gut. She noted that the air around her was far too still and from past experiences, this was never a good sign for it almost always foreshadowed something terrible.

“Maybe we should hurry back.” She’d wanted to say but her words were abruptly cut short as the skybeasts below all took to the skies in a panic, trapping her and Archimedes in the frenzy. Terrified screeches and squawks reverberated all around them and they were violently shoved hither and tither in mid-air as the skybeasts fled… but, what were they even fleeing from? It took all her might to hold on to Archimedes as he tried to navigate them out of the madness of feathers and scales. Somewhere, she heard a loud explosion and an earth-shaking roar, but her view was obstructed by the hundreds of skybeasts surrounding her. “I can’t see anything!” She shouted. “We need to get lower!”

She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting, but when they emerged Marylka froze with horror. Rising from the mist was a massive purple wyvern, or at least, the skeleton of one, easily ten times the size of a regular skybeast. It had reptilian features and leathery wings that could easily wrap around the entire mountain peak. It breathed out a deep purple flame, disintegrating everything in its path, and let out a deafening roar. She hurriedly scanned the area looking for the rest of the group. In the distance, she saw Kari rushing back towards the ledge on her gryphon to save the Northarian boy who had been stranded due to the lack of a skybeast of his own. On her tail, was Aldaf who was trying to hold off a one of the smaller skeletal beasts with help from his Seregios. Caliban soon joined to offer his assistance and finished off the beast with one swift blow. Some ways away was Leandra, expertly fighting off a skeletal beast on her own. Every arrow fired, struck her target hard and true.

From the chaos, she heard someone calling out her name. It was Matthias on his skybeast, a great brown bear with wings. “Create cover!” He shouted but her mind blanked from the panic. Cover? How was she supposed to create cover? Dissipating a fog was one thing but to create something out of nothing and of this scale would require an immensely powerful mage… Something which she wasn’t. “You are the water mage yes?” He urged roughly through gritted teeth “Then make water… Now!” This was all it took to snap her back to the present. Pushing her hesitations aside, she nodded, eyes set with determination as she watched him fly off into the fray.

She started to wreck her brains trying to find a feasible solution to her problem when her eyes landed on the areas that had been scorched by the wyvern’s fire. “Archie! We need to get over there now!” She cried with urgency to her hippogriff, pointing to the blackened land below. The moment her heard her instructions, Archimedes dived so fast Marylka felt her heart jump into her throat, slowing down only before they hit the ground. The air surrounding the area was hot and suffocatingly heavy. Exactly what she needed. If she could rapidly cool down the water particles in the air, they would condense against the heat from the ground and create the cover they needed. She took a deep breath, focusing her energy and magic. For this to work, she would need to collectively cool all the waters particles down in practically an instant. Too slow, and she would just cool down the ground as well rendering condensation impossible. Too cold and the droplets would freeze, creating hail and not fog.

Closing her eyes, Marylka concentrated on building up her magic inside of her, slowly but surely. When she could not contain it anymore, she released a blast of magic so strong it threw Archimedes off balance and he wavered, nearly tipping her off. She slumped forward, leaning against Archimedes for support, breathing heavily. She felt lightheaded and her vision was incredibly blurry. She rubbed her eyes, but they refused to focus. Looking down at Archimedes, she realised it wasn’t her vision that was the issue. Instead, they were now entirely surrounded by a fog as thick as the one they had to climb through to get to the peak. It rose steadily from the ground up to where the rest of the group was now busy fighting the monstrous wyvern, the smaller skeletal beasts mostly destroyed.

Gerel fired several incredibly quick shots straight into the beast’s chest but that only served to anger it and the beast let out another breath of its deadly purple fire, scattering everyone that was in its way like leaves caught in a wild wind. Cal and his feathered wyvern suddenly flew over her and she watched tensely as they snuck up on the unknowing beast from the side. To her confusion, he didn’t stop. Instead, when the beast reared up for another attack, Cal flew right up into the beast’s chest cavity. What in the Gods’ name is he doing?! Lea quickly followed behind, barely slipping past the wyvern’s thrashing arms.

By now, most of her view had been blocked by the fog she’d created. There were several that she had been unable to spot in the skies above, namely Serik, Aldaf and Ezekiel, and she could only hope that wherever they were, they were fine. The deadly wyvern had been weakened. She could see it in its slowing motions and hear it in its pained cries. Had the circumstances been different she might have even pitied the beast, but it had caused too much damage and when it came down to it, it was either them or it. Right then, Matthias surfaced from the fog roaring angrily with a spear in his hand. From where she was, she thought she saw it crackle with electricity. He threw the spear with all his strength, and it flew straight into the Wyvern’s chest.

A moment of silence. Then, something shattered from within the wyvern, and small crystal shards started to shower down. The beast’s body went slack and it started to fall seemingly in slow motion, into the chasm that led to the world below. It was over. Her companions had successfully defeated the monster. She looked around. Everyone had taken a beating to varying extents. “Come on. We have to go help them.” She said weakly to Archimedes. There was a deep ache in her body and she still felt it hard to breath. Archimedes turned his head back and stared at her with concern in his eyes. “I’m fine. I couldn’t help much earlier, but this is something I know I can do.” The hippogriff let out a defensive screech but started to take flight once more.

She found Katja washing blood off her hands, exhausted from attempting to treat everyone’s wounds. “Katja!” She called out as she headed up to the girl “I can help. Just tell me what to do.”


explosiveKitten SilverFlight Naberius Lioness075 YumenoTsukishiro AncientBird kase9187 Elenion Aura SleepyCreamy

 

[AncientBird]

“Was she lost? Was she injured and lying somewhere I can’t see or was she...” Just as Serik was getting worried that Marylka might not be there with the others for some terrible reasons. He spotted her...

Marylka was helping out Katja around the camp. Her face although showed concern and exhaustion as she ran around, yet still as bright as star, with the beauty of early spring magnolia...

Serik’s anxiety was lifted. From the look of it, Marylka was still strong and running. No visible injury on her at all. At the moment, he wished he could get up and rush to embrace her to eased all his bad thought of what could have happened to her. Serik‘s tear of joy leaked out but he brushed it out.

“Marylka!” He called out to her, hoping to catch her attention. Even if she seemed fine, he wanted to hear it from her herself... In fact, in this bad time, he just wanted to hear her voice, just her voice...

Featuring: Saturn_moon explosiveKitten

 

[YumenoTsukishiro]

Gerel expected a slap and a sharp retort from Kari in response. He didn't expect playful words and gentle fingers pulling at a lock of his hair. Nor did he expect her to lean fully into him. With one hand on the back of her head and the other hovering around her, it looked like they were embracing one another. When she looked up at him, smiling, his eyes didn't know where to settle.

She felt warm and soft and strong all at once. Gerel barely registered her grateful whispers for the roar of the blood rushing to his head. He felt hot and flustered and awkward all at once. Never had a girl his age been this close to him. He was torn between moving away and holding onto her to support her.

Cinnamon. The merest hint of it triggered something in him. Flashes of sand beneath a starry sky, soft whispers in the dark, warmth shared between two people. Someone had been this close to him in the past, close enough for him to take in the sweet-smelling spice. Compelled by something he didn't fully comprehend, he moved to pull Kari closer.

And she stepped back, faltering until Zephyr righted her with his wing. She looked at him with an expression that probably mirrored his own. What just happened? What did he see just then? What did he feel just then? Was that a memory? What triggered it? All these questions and more bounced around in his mind. More mysteries atop a huge pile of mysteries.

Kari cleared her throat. "There are people a lot more hurt than I am...we should help them.." Gerel was all too happy to oblige. Ignoring Jeff's knowing huff and the heat on his cheeks, he walked towards the rest of their companions.

-------------------

As someone fortunate enough to escape any major injuries, Gerel helped Ferro set-up their temporary camp in any way he could. With Jeff's help and Talon's eyes, he gathered dry wood for the fire. Once they were done, he looked around and saw their various states of injury.

Lea sported some minor abrasions, but were generally doing alright. On the other hand, Cal's arm was in bad shape, but was already patched up.

Serik's leg was in a splint. Perhaps he also faced his own battle as he fled. Gerel was relieved. He didn't want to stay mad at his tribal brother.

Aldaf was practically a bloody mess. No doubt he pushed himself past his limits again to save or help as much as he could. While admirable, Gerel made a note to remind him that one could only do so much.

Katja looked tired. No, tired was an understatement. She worked the hardest out of everyone present. And knowing how she reacted seeing his burn wounds, Gerel ached for the poor girl who had to deal with so many injuries.

He walked to her, about to ask if he could help her somehow when he saw him. The one person whose actions he couldn't excuse. Ezekiel. Blood rushed to his head, but for a different reason this time. Fists clenched, he made his way to the boy who reminded him so much of Qadan. Sensing his anger, Jeff clopped alongside him with Talon resting atop his head. The Kirin made no move to stop Gerel.

'The gods demand a reckoning, then.'


explosiveKitten SilverFlight Naberius Lioness075 Saturn_moon AncientBird kase9187 Elenion Aura SleepyCreamy

 

[kase9187]

Aldaf noticed Gerel moving towards Zeke and shakily stood up. He put his hand on Gerel's shoulder.
His legs were weak and he nearly collapsed, but he managed to make it to Gerel.

"Hey... Gerel… would you mind..." He coughed a bit. "Getting me... some water?"
His face was smiling, but his eyes held a vow to keep Zeke from getting hurt if Gerel got physical.
"Please?"


explosiveKitten SilverFlight Naberius Lioness075 Saturn_moon AncientBird YumenoTsukishiro Elenion Aura SleepyCreamy

 

[Naberius]

Caliban made his way back to meet with the others, Nerene and Mushu with him, and took stock of the situation as best he could. Katja had nearly run herself ragged making sure everyone was as stable as they could be. Despite what she had told him about not being a fighter herself, there was one thing that was extremely clear. They would all be in much worse shape without her help and her knowledge of medical practices. Some of them knew some basic first aid, but she was far more well prepared and knowledgeable than the rest. Many of their comrades were in a bad way, and there were bloodied bandages and discarded rags and salve containers nearby. For the moment, if seemed like everything had calmed down. People were stable. Then, he saw Gerel marching towards Zeke with a not so friendly intent apparent in his features. Now was not the time for them to come to blows, and he hoped he didn't need to step in. Hopefully, Aldaf's intervention would be enough for now but he would keep an eye open for any other attempts or potential physical altercations brewing.

That particular moment, though, he thought he would try and make himself useful. He went to Katja's side where she was intently scrubbing the blood from herself. Her body language was stressed, but that was to be expected considering the circumstances.

"Hey, you alright? Is there anything I can do to help? I still have at least one good arm and I'm not as exhausted as some of the others. I can do busy work, at the very least."


explosiveKitten SilverFlight kase9187 Lioness075 Saturn_moon AncientBird YumenoTsukishiro Elenion Aura SleepyCreamy

 

[Lioness075]

Name: Leandra LaFrae	Nicknames: Lea, Firefly
Clan: Sudenta	Clan Job: Huntress
Equipment: Knapsack, Medicinal Pouch, Bow, Quiver (5/10), Twin Daggers

Spoiler: Momo's Appearance

Spoiler: Falarion's Appearance

The campsite for the team was bustling with activity, which had begun to dwindle down until Leandra spotted potential confrontations unfolding around Ezekiel. She knew she was not the only one who witnessed him and Serik fleeing on their Skybeasts. Personally, she held nothing against them for it. It was an incredibly illogical and outnumbered fight, especially in terms of the monsters being undead and having only one specific weakness. Leandra just felt compelled to defend those around her and had always felt that way, especially after she met Caliban. She supposed his antics had kind of become a part of her over time. Though, she did not share his life-threatening desire to do what he had done with the massive wyvern. She had only pursued him in fear of losing him.

As everyone began to settle into the camp, Leandra turned to rub Falarion on the head one more time. He was lounging by the main campfire, his shoulder properly bandaged and stitched, thanks to Katja. She would need to thank her at some point, but she noticed that Marylka and Caliban were already at her side. Another time then.

A strong and delicious scent wafted through the air and Leandra perked up, looking around for its source. She spied Kari nearby finishing preparing a meal for the group. Leandra's stomach growled and she groaned both in hunger and delight.
Falarion chuffed at this and nudged her in the back.
Grinning, Leandra used her left hand to push herself up and said back to Falarion, "I'll be back. I'll bring some for you as well."
Momo chirped from underneath one of Falarion's wings and Leandra laughed before adding, "I'll get some for you, too!"

Walking away, Leandra was soon at Kari's side with a bowl of stew in her right hand. She was a lefty, luckily, and so she was spooning the stew into her mouth rapidly. She got several mouthfuls in before she finally swallowed and said, "Sorry, I was just so hungry. Thank you for the stew, it's delicious!"

Pausing, Leandra glanced out over the camp and then added, "I'm honestly amazed we survived that encounter. Especially since both of us got to experience our first crash landings. I gotta say, I'm not a fan of those."

SilverFlight

 

[SilverFlight]

Kari

Kari seemed like she was snapped out of her thoughts when Leandra came by the fire for food. Kari gave it happily.
"It's the least I could do." She replied. Her head still ached, but at least her balance had returned.
"I have no idea how we all made it out of that one. By all the horror that thing was...we should be dead."
She had to laugh at the mention of crash landings.
"Well, I'm sure our beasts enjoy it just as much...at least you only crashed once."
Then she remembered. "Oh!"
Kari reached into a sack beside the fire and drew out a few long strips of dried meat. She handed them to Leandra,
"For Falarion. Ferro brought them up from the camp. He said that its not uncommon for the beasts to get hurt and not be able to hunt for a few days, so he brought provisions. There's also some oat cakes, fruit, smoked fish..."
She pulled a piece of the fish out, wrapped in waxed cloth and tossed it into the air. Zephyr manifested from somewhere nearby and caught it, tossing it back in one quick swallow. He licking his beak and eyed Kari for more.
"There's nothing wrong with you you big birdbrain, go hunt for yourself."
Zephyr gave a snort and sat down to sulk. What good was being bonded to a human if they didn't give you free food?

"You fought with real courage," Kari told the other girl, the approval in her voice was apparent.
"Not just anyone does what you did to help Caliban. I think it's amazing."

Lioness075 @ anyone at the campfire

 

[Lioness075]

Leandra chuckled at Kari’s response. It was true. They really should not have survived that encounter. Leandra was still reeling at the thought that she and Caliban had gone into the monster and still survived.

Leandra grinned at Kari when she remarked on their crash landings.
“I suppose you’re right about that.
One crash landing was terrible enough.”
Pausing, Leandra was about to say something before Kari suddenly remembered the treats for their Skybeasts. Smiling, Leandra accepted the jerky to give to Falarion. He would certainly be grateful for it.
”Thank you,” she said, as she stashed the jerky away for later.

Watching Kari interact with Zephyr, Leandra was amazed at how quickly their bond seemed to have solidified. It was not that Leandra did not feel the same for Falarion, but her recent flashbacks still unnerved her and she felt a bit on edge around Falarion despite how calming he could be. It was very conflicting feelings.

Hearing Kari’s amazed reaction to her following after Caliban, Leandra felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
“I don’t know if you’ve caught on already, but Cal tends to react impulsively a lot. I’ve gotten used to running after him and saving him from the trouble he dives headfirst into. I guess I also act impulsively now, but for a different reason.” She sounded wistful, as she said all of this, looking out across the camp at Caliban. He was talking to Katja, likely offering help like he always did for anyone.

Rubbing the back of her neck, Leandra asked Kari, “So, how are you feeling now? I didn’t get a good look at you once the chaos had concluded. I only saw the monster knock y’all from the sky.”
SilverFlight

 

[SleepyCreamy]

Ezekiel 'Zeke' Marcellius

III✦III Location: Mount Arebos III✦III
III✦III Clan: (To'Bai) Westeros III✦III
III✦III Text Colour: #cf6713 III✦III
III✦III Mentions/Tags: None, as of yet III✦III
III✦III Interactions: None, as of yet III✦III

III✦III

Spoiler: Stitt

III✦III

Spoiler: Azurine/Azz

III✦III​

Ezekiel, of course, heard the cries of a nearby Aldaf trying to reach him, but he only held his head low as he sat next to Azurine and his warm hind. Ever since the two made their entrance, he has been silent and avoided any interaction with anyone. He was left alone to dwell with his own thoughts that were not pleasant at all. Azurine's head was placed on top of his two claws in a cat-like manner and his wings were lazily tucked in. Zeke sat with his left leg raised up and his left elbow resting on the top of his raised knee. He laid his forehead on his wrist as he looked down below him to hide his sullen expression.

Zeke closed his eyes as his other free hand fidgeted with his golden rings around his fingers. He anticipated the consequences of his actions as he felt the hair behind his neck prick up. It was the same feeling he had when he was a kid and was father-less. Images of the people of To'bai turning their back behind him flashed in his head as he suddenly felt his fidgeting fingers fell limp. He could hear the distant fuss of their healer, Katja and the ruffling of the semi-made tents in the distance.

III✦III

Zeke stayed in that same position until he could hear the peaceful sound of the people's chatter. The smell of food wafted into the air and he heard his Skybeast's belly rumble. When Zeke snuck a peak to the feathered beast, he was met with his azure gaze but only for a moment as it quickly turned its head around in a stubborn manner. Zeke didn't know what to think of it, he only placed his hand on his belly and petted that area to comfort the beast. Stitt however, found her way over to Zeke and Azurine just in time. Stitt gave Zeke his bag as Zeke could only sigh in relief, he was lucky enough to have saved a single sandwich in his bag, the very sandwich that Aldaf's mother packed from the very beginning of their adventure.

Before he could bring it out, his own stomach growled at the sight of the sandwich. Zeke glanced at his Skybeast and Stitt, who seemed to be staring at each other with fascination glimmering in their eyes. Before Zeke knew it, the heavy feeling he felt in his heart vanished and was calm once again when Stitt nudged his cheeks in comfort. She really knows how to comfort him and Azurine seemed to be learning from Stitt's lead and decided to nudge Zeke with his still wet nose. Zeke finally lifted his head up and pushed Azurine's wet nuzzle away from his face. Once he looked up, he felt a buzz on his neck due to the long amount of time he's been craning his head down.

He was greeted at the warm sight of everyone's relieved faces as they engage a conversation with each other. This site managed to calm Zeke as it reminded him of his own mother's warmth. Speaking of Zeke's mother, she would always encourage Zeke to give his share to others and to always be compassionate, but that was before the world turned their back on him. Zeke valued his mother and her words, so why did he flee like a coward instead of standing up with the others? Zeke knew why but he decided to not dwell on it any further. Zeke took the sandwich out of his bag and unwrapped it. He tore a piece off for Stitt and gave the rest to his horse-sized Skybeast. Zeke ignored the painful twist of his stomach as he watched Stitt fill her cute cheeks up with food. Azurine, however, just looked at the sandwich in Zeke's hand. Zeke stubbornly turned his head away from the sandwich as he sensed his rider's hunger.

Zeke, however, was not having it and decided to go for his beast's favourite petting spot, which is right behind his ears. Once he did, the beast's mouth opened in delight and Zeke firmly pushed the sandwich into the beast's mouth. Zeke was also careful to handle his fingers and was successful enough to have his beast swallow the sandwich. Zeke patted his hands together and went back to his previous position with his raised knee and having his elbow rest above it. Stubborn beast, Zeke rested his cheeks on top of his palm as he kept his hunger at bay.

Zeke the hypocrite, he thought to himself, however, his thoughts were soon cut off when he noticed a figure approaching him. Oh? You're approaching me? He wondered as the boy continued to move towards him. Azurine's hackles raised as he felt Zeke's alerted self. Zeke's austere yellow gaze made contact with Gerel's sharp gaze as the sunlight made it shine green for a moment. Stitt however, sat on top of Azurine's head, between his horns and kept the Skybeast from pouncing at the boy that made his rider unsettled.

Zeke lifted one of his eyebrows as he noticed the boy's tightened fist and the proud falcon the stood on top of his head. Gods above, please help me maintain my composure during this very... inconvenient encounter. He prayed silently as he felt his eyes twitch in annoyance.

 

[SilverFlight]

Kari
"Cal? Impulsive?" Kari was smiling at her.
"I was tipped off when he dove headlong into the rib cage of some strange undead giant skybeast."
She caught the wistful expression. "You care about your brother. Don't want him to die." Kari said simply. "I sure can understand that."
Kari paused when Leanrda asked if she was all right. It was thoughtful, and she appreciated it.
"Well, my head's still pounding a bit, but...in all honesty I shouldn't even be able to walk around. Whatever healed Gerel and Aldaf last night, it's still working on us...just strange that it didn't work on that boy too. The one who didn't get a skybeast. Had to change his dressings this evening, and it was just as red and angry as yesterday...you don't suppose it has something to do with us all waking up together in that tent do you? And our missing memories?"
She shrugged, it still didn't make sense.
"How are you? I saw you take that nasty fall, and your beast?"


~*~*~

The sun dipped below the lip of rock and darkness fell. Ferro had ordered that they stay until the injured were well-enough to travel.
The beating of wings made Kari look skyward, afraid that the beasts, now that the danger was over, had begun to return, but the figures that appeared, dipping into the valley, carried torches, they were riders, from the base of the mountain.
They brought more supplies, food, and a healer.
Ferro stood to greet them.
"The scouts saw the giant creature, and that someone was fighting it." An older warrior stated.
"Were those your charges?" He seemed almost not to believe it, but as he looked at them there was obviously an air of pride and approval. Kari felt warm under the silent praise.
"Let us know the moment the proven are ready to fly. We'll escort you all down, no doubt you'll be getting a hero's welcome."
And then came the question: "What in the name of the gods was that thing?"
Kari then remembered the orb and she stood.
"I'll be right back." She told those gathered about the fire.
It took her a lot longer to find in the growing gloom, but, fumbling around in the area where she had fought she finally came upon it. The orb, Spica's scale still lodged firmly in it. Kari reached to touch it...

The memory didn't just hit Kari...it hit everyone: They stood, all of them, in a room filled with copper piping, compasses, telescopes. The high ceilings and open windows let the sun cascade into the room. The air was hot and dry...Westeros. They were all in Westeros. There was a man there, a figure with dark skin and flowing robes, gold and blue. A member of the academy? He was holding an orb identical to the ones they'd shattered, the ones that gave life to those horrendous skeletal creatures. "There are magics that we don't understand...magics beyond the five..." The voice was faded, watery, as if something was actively fighting the memory. Soon the images and the sound sank back into oblivion, and Kari and the others were left with nothing but more questions.

Kari brought the orb back, set it down in the firelight. She explained to the new warriors how they'd come upon it. She looked at the others, and somehow they all knew that they'd shared the vision...they had all seen what Kari had seen when she touched the orb.

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[kase9187]

Aldaf shook his head, the memory forcing it's way into the foreground.
"Magic... beyond the five...?" He pondered the memory before it faded, noticing Kari bringing back the orb, one of Spica's scales from his gale caught in it.
"So." He spoke to his friends. "I'm guessing we're not saying goodbye that quickly then. To Westeros after this is over?" He was still sitting, gesturing to the orb.

AncientBird SilverFlight SleepyCreamy Naberius Lioness075 explosiveKitten Saturn_moon Elenion Aura YumenoTsukishiro

 

[YumenoTsukishiro]

A bowl of stew, a full stomach, and Gerel was ready to rest and leave the day behind him. But the gods weren't done with them yet. The moment Kari touched the purple orb -- their trophy from the earlier fight -- to show for the new arrivals, Gerel saw a vision more vivid than any he had so far. Where with Kari it was mostly hazy images woven with emotion, this was as clear a narrative as it could get. Gerel was reliving the clearest memory from the lost year, and based on everybody else's expression, he wasn't alone in the experience.

When Aldaf mentioned Westeros, something occurred to Gerel, something he felt he needed to share with the others. "We all saw the same thing. Westeros. We were in Westeros during the one year we cannot remember. Aldaf has a point. Maybe we can find more answers there."

Gerel hesitated, then looked at Ezekiel with knowing eyes. "Together."

AncientBird SilverFlight SleepyCreamy Naberius Lioness075 explosiveKitten Saturn_moon Elenion Aura kase9187

 

[explosiveKitten]

“Unfortunately there’s nothing to do, I’ve stabilized Aldaf as best as I can, set Serik’s leg, patched up everyone and their skybeasts, and now I’m just.. tired. I shouldn’t be, but I am.”

Katja said to Marylka and Caliban when they approached, standing up slowly and shaking as much water off her hands as she could before sticking the appendages into her armpits out of habit. Gotta keep those hands dry in Northaria.

“I’m perfectly fine, I’ve already done all that I can. But thanks for the offers, though.” She flashed a tired smile to the pair of them, before glancing into the sky at the sound of flapping wings. Her fight-or-flight instincts switched on and she flinched fearfully, only to find a group of people with their skybeasts, bearing torches and medical supplies.

That, for once, was a welcome sight.

-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-

Katja blinked and sat back after the memory washed over them all, and she glanced around, then she leaned over and added, “I uh... I’ve always wanted to go to Westeros. I really just wanted to rush home to my dad, but... I think we’re bound together. We were all in that vision, so...”

AncientBird SilverFlight SleepyCreamy Naberius Lioness075 Saturn_moon Elenion Aura kase9187 YumenoTsukishiro

 

[Saturn_moon]

The memory came to Marylka so suddenly and with such clarity, it felt like she was momentarily transported back in time. She could feel the warmth of the sun streaming in through the windows on her skin and smell the scent of the desert just beyond the walls; dusty, earthy and heavily spiced. Looking around, she saw the familiar visages of her companions, all attentively listening to the man standing in the middle as he spoke in riddles.

When it passed, she stumbled slightly as her senses reoriented themselves to her actual surroundings. By the looks on everyone's faces, they had all experienced the same memory at the exact same time. She would have considered it bizarre if not for all the madness that they had already gone through in the past sixty odd hours.

Her mind was in a daze. Could she really have been in Westeros? Had she really made it to the academy? Did that mean her grandfather had recovered or had he... She left the last thought unfinished. Some of them spoke about heading to Westeros after this was all over and she simply nodded. If there was one thing she was certain about, it was that their fates had somehow been bound and whatever answers they need to find could only be found if they took their next steps together.

SilverFlight Naberius Lioness075 YumenoTsukishiro AncientBird kase9187 Elenion Aura explosiveKitten SleepyCreamy

 

[AncientBird]

Serik was sleeping when it all happened. A vision, so clear and vivid. He was there, along with the other... In Westeros, the sensation of hot and dry climate, sand and dust... He saw the orb, magic additional to the five... A Westerosian in blue and gold clothing.

He suddenly woke up, kicking with both of his leg. “We were there!... In Westeros!” Serik exclaimed. He then overheard the other speaking of the same vision. His eyes widened.

“Alas, It’s not just me... Everyone saw it...” Serik whispered to himself.

Just then that he noticed... He has moved his leg! The one that was supposed to be all broken and hurt. What only left of it was the slithest of pain. He tried knocking on it with his knuckled and he almost just as normal as when it’s still firm and healthy.

“Whatever happened with Gerel... It’s happening to me too!” Serik spoke, to his amazement .

Featuring: SilverFlight Naberius Lioness075 YumenoTsukishiro Saturn_moon kase9187 Elenion Aura explosiveKitten SleepyCreamy

 

[SleepyCreamy]

Ezekiel 'Zeke' Marcellius

III✦III Location: Mount Arebos III✦III
III✦III Clan: (To'Bai) Westeros III✦III
III✦III Text Colour: #cf6713 III✦III
III✦III Mentions/Tags: SilverFlight Naberius Lioness075 Saturn_moon kase9187 Elenion Aura explosiveKitten AncientBird III✦III
III✦III Interactions: YumenoTsukishiro III✦III

III✦III

Spoiler: Stitt

III✦III

Spoiler: Azurine/Azz

III✦III​

After Gerel explained to Zeke how the group survived the humongous beast that terrorised the proving, he felt a pang of guilt hit him and also the feeling of relief as the group managed to survive the surprise attack. Kari also gave him a bowl of soup and gave his fellow friends some meat to chew on. Her comment about the sandwich made Zeke almost puke as he just realised what he just did. When he turned his back around, he was greeted at the sight of Azurine grumpily munching on the smoked fish that Kari gave him. "Food does bring people together, doesn't it?" With that statement made by Gerel, Zeke couldn't help but agree to the boy as his own Skybeast seemed to be favouring Kari more than his own rider.

"Yeah, I agree." He whispered his response as he felt a movement at the back of his neck. There stood a happy Stitt happily munching on a piece of fish she got from Kari. Zeke noticed Kari's Gryphon eye Stitt and Stitt eyeing the Gryphon back with her wonder-filled blue eyes. They were seated in a circle and Zeke sat next to Aldaf and Gerel sat next to Aldaf.

After Zeke finished his soup, he stared at the bowl with a sullen look. He realized he still has yet to say his piece. Zeke sighed and placed the bowl down and petted Stitt's cheeks with one finger. "I'll be right back." Kari said as she got up. Zeke paid no mind to her as he watched Stitt cuddle to the base of his neck. At this point, Zeke took off his scarf and was now idly sitting on top of his lap.

Then suddenly, as he was picking up his scarf, he felt his mind haze as a familiar memory took over.

That's... Westeros. My home. Zeke thought in a panic. He didn't realize how much he missed his home until the memory came. He hated the cold temperature here in Mount Arebos and he wished for the single touch of the blazing warmth of the Westerosian sands. Zeke clenched his hands as he recalled seeing a man in this familiar, yet unfamiliar memory of his. Zeke has seen this man around the academy, during his service to the academy as a mere librarian. But he has never bothered to speak to anyone during his time in the academy unless he truly has to. Now, he wished he had.

"I'm guessing we're not saying goodbye that quickly then. To Westeros after this is over?" Aldaf said and Zeke almost jumped at the thought of the whole gang 'visiting' Westeros. Seeing as he's the only Westerosian in the memory they had, he simply figured that he'd have to take them around his homeland.

"We all saw the same thing. Westeros. We were in Westeros during the one year we cannot remember. Aldaf has a point. Maybe we can find more answers there." Gerel hesitated, then looked at Ezekiel with knowing eyes. "Together."

“Right… Together.” Zeke nodded his head in agreement with a bit of uncertainty in his tone. Zeke was still feeling unwell from this recent discovery. If Zeke could only contact the very man he saw on his vision, he would do about anything to his power to get rid of the claws of curiosity that so eagerly teased him with its paws.

"Westeros holds the most ancient knowledge, so ancient that it even dates back past the Cataclysm. And it also holds the ONLY magic institution that caters aspiring mages who wishes to unlock their potential. I should know this because I'm the academy's keeper of books." Zeke stroke his nonexistent beard and scratched his chin as he let his thoughts aloud. He still has his doubts with his position as the academy's Librarian. Who knows what happened during that missing year? "We were standing in a room filled with some astronomical equipment, one could only assume that it must've been some type of Astronomy Room." Zeke's only job as a librarian of the academy was to keep the books of the Library well kept and guarded. He simply has no business with going anywhere that was not the Library.

"The man must've been a Professor in the academy, I've seen him walking around the school grounds but I've never actually spoken a word to him." He muttered in a low voice, but if you listen carefully, you could hear his words. He himself was not sure if this is all true, but he's just letting his thoughts be known. "He's going to be the key to regaining everything. Simply find him, and all of this could be solved." He said with a bit of hope in his tone.

 

[Elenion Aura]

Matthias ​

Matthias had gone his whole life without ever leaving Northaria. Matthias had never wanted to leave, outside of his Proving, which he figured was the only event to necessitate his leaving. This, apparently, was a lie. How many more truths would this nightmare yank out of him. Matthias was a tapestry riddled with moth bites. He huffed. Volos huffed too. Then he said simply,

”No.”

He would not be going to Westeros. Not again, his mind reminded him before recoiling at the thought of it. What madness had overtaken him during that lost year to drive him to such a place? The same madness that stole a year’s worth of memories, he supposed.

No. He would not be going to Westeros. He was going home.

Tags: SilverFlight Naberius Saturn_moon YumenoTsukishiro explosiveKitten kase9187 SleepyCreamy AncientBird
Lioness075
​

 

[Lioness075]

Name: Leandra LaFrae	Nicknames: Lea, Firefly
Clan: Sudenta	Clan Job: Huntress
Equipment: Knapsack, Medicinal Pouch, Bow, Quiver (5/10), Twin Daggers

Spoiler: Momo's Appearance

Spoiler: Falarion's Appearance

Looking up overhead, Leandra watched help flying in. It was a welcoming sight after the near devastation they had witnessed. Even without the giant wyvern reaching those below, it still wrecked part of the plateau up here. Leandra had to wonder if the plant life would ever be able to recover from the attack.
At the question of what the wyvern monstrosity had been, Leandra was quiet and looked around the group for someone else to answer. She was still confused about what had occurred and it was not the most pleasant of experiences to have to discuss already.
Abruptly, Kari excused herself from the group and Leandra watched her go, curiosity growing.
In a flash, Leandra's vision was filled with a memory she could not remember ever experiencing. She gasped and looked around, drinking in the memory as much as she could. As quickly as the memory began, it was gone. Leandra blinked and rubbed the back of her neck while she looked around. It sounded and looked as if everyone in their tent group had simultaneously experienced the same memory. They had all been there, so it made sense, but what did not make sense was why they had been together. Leandra could not recall ever having a reason to go to the Academy. Much less why she would be discussing magic. She knew she had no magic in her, but now she felt uneasy.

The moment Aldalf mentioned going to Westeros next, Leandra already felt herself biting her tongue. She wanted to ask about visiting their families first, but one by one, people began agreeing to this.
Gerel was mostly curious, which Leandra felt as well, even though she had conflicting feelings.
Katja seemed to share Leandra's sentiment of wanting to see their families first, but even she agreed to go to Westeros next.
Serik was excited, though Leandra could tell it was mostly because of his healing injury. Even Leandra could tell her arm was barely hurting now.
Ezekiel spoke next, sharing that he had seen the mystery man at the Academy before, but there was little more information to be given.
Then Matthias spoke up, adamantly refusing to go to Westeros. Leandra feared what the others may say in response to her own sentiment, but it seemed most everyone was taking a stance now.

Bracing herself, Leandra stepped closer to the fire and then said hesitantly, "I need to go home before we travel to Westeros. It's...urgent for me."
She could not shake the violent memory of her brother and was again afraid of what she may discover, just as she had been with her own hand.

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