Take Back the Crown

Oceana nodded in agreement with Phaedra's words.


"We will assist you, Miss Ayda"


Turning her gaze back to her lap, she continued to sew up the slashes in her leather armor. Finishing the stitch she reached for her polish and began to gently rub it onto the metal and leather plates.


She frowned a bit when she heard the human say no weapons but continued on.


"There are also other jobs one can do beyond fighting. Healing, scouting, gathering supplies" Oceana held up a gauntlet, shined it and turned her sea-green gaze to Ayda, eyes glinting proudly.


"Smithing"


She looked back to her gauntlet, then set it aside as she began to polish her greaves.


"I'm sure you can learn many if not all of these things. You seem like a smart girl..." The elf said gruffly. She paused, her ears now red, a bit flustered that she had let those words simply fall out of her mouth.


@QueenSaiko
 
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Valeiah was actually finding comfort in isolation. She placed a hand on her jaw, which was a deep purple. In a few seconds, it was back to her usual skin tone.
 
Ayda noticed when Oceana became a little bit flustered, and couldn't help but wonder why.


"I wouldn't call myself smart... I... I can't even read..." Ayda blushed as well, embarrassed at how she was illiterate.


"And I'm not even sure if I can do even one of those things..."


@TeeKay @OIKaja77
 

"You already did." Phaedra stated, after being quiet for a short amount of time during the exchange. "You gathered a fair amount of firewood - nice and dry. Don't underestimate yourself. You set your own limits on what you can or can't do, Ayda. You've already lost when you tell me you can't. Anything can be learned with time."

That was probably the most she had spoken at once and she felt nearly out of breath. Funny that, considering that she was half air elemental.

All of that aside - she was hesitant to dedicate herself to teaching the young woman anything. Phaedra probably shouldn't have suggested anything if she didn't want to be saddled with the task. She, much to her own dismay, practically volunteered herself, and it was sealed the moment Oceana said "we" will teach you.

She found nothing to be gained out of training the girl to do anything, other than potentially one less dead party member - but that wasn't her responsibility. Maybe it was heartless to say so, but Phaedra couldn't find it in her to care enough to teach Ayda anything. She would rather pass the task on to Oceana. Naturally - she would never openly admit this.

For the moment, she would have to grin and bear it... or find some way to weasel out of it. All she really wanted to do was just listen to Svetlana's story and go to sleep.

@OlKaJa77 @QueenSaiko
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Bo continued to eat as he listened to Phaedra and Oceana reason with Ayda. They all had very good arguments. If Ayda wanted to survive on this trip, then she'd have to learn how to defend herself somehow. It would be foolish of her not to. He wondered, briefly, if she had even considered the impending dangers that would come along with this journey before she decided to come along. What did she expect? For things to be easy? He wanted to say that she didn't need to worry, or some vague phrase of consolation and comfort, but he felt doing so would be lying, so he stayed silent.


He did hope that soon, Svetlana would interrupt, and gather everyone's attentions. For while they were all there, many of them were having their own private conversations. Bo didn't really know if he should start one as well, or wait for Svetlana. He didn't want to be rude and make it seem like he was interrupting or keeping her from telling the story many of them wanted to hear. Unfortunately however, as he had thought about whether or not to speak, he'd eaten all of his soup faster than he'd wanted to. Now, he had nothing to do at all while he waited... and the stillness began to make him uncomfortable. He shifted his sitting position a bit and put the bowl down so he could stretch. Just... waiting.
 
"Dinnae be disheartened Miss Ayda. 'Bíonn gach tosú lag.' Every beginning starts fragile."


The raven-haired elf stood and placed her armor back on the branch near the fire and stepped gracefully, in the way all elves do, over near the spot Phaedra and Ayda shared by the fire. She still was a few paces away and took out her long daggers to polish them.


After a moment she looked over at Ayda then around the fire at the two mages, Tetra at the edge of the firelight near the river, and finally at the old woman, whom despite all her wrinkles still had fire in her eyes.


"Even all of these prodigious people before you were once but wee babes, trying to muster the strength to take a single step."


She smiled the tiniest of smiles, wry as it may be, at Svetlana.


"And hopefully we'll get a story out of at least one of them tonight."
 
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Lucasta simply observed as everyone conversed. She saw Lucas poking the dirt, alone and she suddenly felt bad for him. She looked at Bo and smiled. "Erm, excuse me for a moment or two." She said, standing and leaving her bowl on the log. She walked over to Lucas, and sat next to him. She ruffled his hair and smiled. "Hey, Lucas." She greeted her brother warmly. "You haven't spoken to me since we left. Is something bothering you?" She asked, staring at the little holes in the ground that Lucas made with his stick.

@A Simple Egg
​
 

"Oh!" Svetlana exclaimed, "Sorry about that, I have so many stories, choosing one is the most difficult of tasks." She pondered for a moment more. She had a story in mind, but it was rather personal in a way, and would be difficult to share. But these would be her comrades, and that made her willing to share. She had been listening in on their conversations with each other, and she found that this story might help inform them of the history behind their quest.


Svetlana looked into the fire, "I will tell you a story about my people." She finally said, and she waved her hand over the fire, it shifted colors at her touch, giving off a greenish glow which reflected off the groups faces. The fire crackled violently, and sparks flew in the air as she took a seat closer to the flames. Yaroslav glanced at her, unfolding his arms, surprised that she was willing to share, knowing what story she was about to tell. He subtly shook his head, hoping his grandmother would notice his discomfort in her sharing. She gave him a sad smile.


"A long time ago, almost three centuries, the land was nameless, kingless and wild. Much like it is now. But we were not ruled by demons or beings from beyond our realm... We were ruled by uncertainty, and division." She said, the fire spiraled under her hand, "I lived with a tribe deep in the hostile marshes of Anthor. A land full of carnivorous man-eating plants, humanoid insects, and blood thirsty beasts always on the prowl..." The fire under her hand took the shape of the creatures, displaying their features and frightening qualities. "There were many tribes spread through out the land, but ours lived near the sea. We built our houses into the trees, as living on the ground was too dangerous. The world around us may have been wild, but we were just as so. We lived hard lives, but loved it, and knew no better. Despite the harsh lands we lived in, the true danger was not in our home." The fire then took the shape of great long ships slowly moving across the waves, carved to appear as a monster, sails wide and tall, "It was from beyond the seas. Invaders from savage lands far away, and their inhabitants were just as savage. They came looking for treasure, they were a desperate people forced to look towards other lands for means of survival. They chose ours..." She said with a touch of sadness, "They would come to our shores, and pillage any settlement they found, killing men, women, and children alike. We had tried to make peace with them, but they were blinded by their great needs. Many neighbor tribes fell to their swords and axes. I was younger, and was foolish and arrogant then. I was the elder of the village, and in charge of it's protection. I believed that my enchantments would be enough to protect my people, that the other tribes lacked strength and that was why they fell. I left for a council meeting with the other tribes of the land, even though the invaders were spotted on our shores. But I was confident that my spells and enchantments would be enough to protect them. And even if they weren't, my people were strong mages, and capable of defending themselves." The fire died down suddenly, so all that glowed was the embers, "But I was wrong..." She said closing her eyes, she flew her hands back, and the fire exploded. It displayed the raiders hacking away at the people, burning their houses, and trampling their land. Screams echoed in the roar of the flames. Yaroslav slammed his bowl down and shot up. He glared at Svetlana, who returned the fire back to it's original state, and he trampled away from the comforts of hearth and into the woods. Svetlana sighed, realizing her mistake. Though her wounds had healed since that day, Yaroslav's had not yet recovered. She would apologize to him later.


The fire turned green yet again as she continued, "Though my people put up a fight, the invaders killed everyone... My husband, my son and daughter-in-law, all of my grandchildren, all the people who were family through bond, my friends. When I returned, some of the raiders were still there, dragging our treasures away through the carnage they had wrought. A fury rose inside of me, of which I had never felt before, and hopefully ever will again... My magic consumed every invader standing." She said, the group of raiders lifted their arms in terror in the fire as the flames wrapped around them, drowning out their cries. "I even went to their boats, and demolished every last one of them. Of all that had come that day to take from us, none returned to their homes." The fire died down yet again, "When I returned to the place I once called home, I wept for my fallen comrades, for my family. They died with honor though, and I am sure, without a doubt, they are feasting and drinking in the great halls of the skies. I wept all the night, upon the ash of my world, I was the only one left standing. The tears I shed were not only for my loss, but also out of guilt. I realized I should not have left, and if I had stayed, perhaps the odds would have been in our favor. If not, I would have died in my rightful place, side by side with my family. I thought all was lost. But," She said looking in the direction her grandson had went, "I heard a cry from the wreckage of my own house... So, I used what little magic I had left, to lift the burning planks of my home, and the rubble of stone and mortar. Inside, I found the bloody and broken bodies of my family, all were dead. But one small body stirred. My grandson had somehow, miraculously, survived. Though he was badly wounded, as he had an ax embedded in his back, arrows in other places. I marveled at how he could have survived such injuries, while the rest of his family fell. Perhaps it was fate, but I thought it was more. He was like me, a chosen of the dragon blessing. Which meant his resilience was greater than any mortal, his will to live overpowered the wishes others had for his death... It took weeks of concentration, and endless healing and drain of mana, but I eventually nurtured him back to health. His wounds, became nothing but scars. We knew we could not stay there any longer, everything that tied us to that place was gone... So we traveled to other lands, hoping to find tribes willing enough to shelter us. We came upon such a place, it was where Brink stands now. We met the chieftain, Jor, who then introduced us to his son..." She smiled and paused for effect, "His name... was Algoran."


"His father had taken notice of the rising threat these invaders brought to their tribe, as well as all other free peoples of the realm. He was the first to do something about it. He sent word out, gathering the power of the other tribes in hopes that they could take a stand against these invaders, and all the while unite the peoples of their land, perhaps someday becoming one...


"It was a dream, but he was not alone, for it was a dream he shared with many others. With his leadership, they eventually built an army strong enough to fight against their common enemy. He even entrusted me with the title of adviser, looking to me for help in strategy and knowledge since I had seen these fearless invaders up close and personal. It escalated into war, which we were all prepared for, knowing full well that these stubborn invaders would not give up easily. Sadly, Jor died in one of the skirmishes, and his responsibilities fell to his son, Algoran. Soon after Algoran came in charge, the invaders were driven back, and our realm was liberated. The people were so pleased and impressed with Algoran's exploits, that they asked him to be made king, and to even name the realm after him. Though he declined at first, I managed to convince him that he was more than worthy to sit on a throne. He sacrificed much for our world, and he had always fought at the front lines, displaying the true qualities of a leader. Under him, our once separate tribes would be united. There were six of our peoples divided before, and each offered up a special stone for a crown they wanted upon his head. They believed the crown would symbolize their union and alliance in a ring, and the six stones would symbolize their people and the magic they possessed. Together, they built the Kingdom of Valer, all were welcomed to it's halls. And as Algoran took his place at the throne, he swore upon the crown that never again would our world be held captive. He, and all his descendants, were sworn to protecting it and ensuring it's freedom. If ever the land was threatened again, the united power of the people, the crown of Algoran, would be the key to upholding this oath."


The fire turned back to it's original color, as Svetlana finished her story, "And now here we are following the descendant of Algoran himself, in search of the only hope we have to fight back against this darkness that threatens us. The Crown of Algoran" She said with a gleam in her eye. She glanced around the group with a smile, hoping she had pleased her audience with her story.
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Valeiah had picked up her bag and creeped just a little bit closer, enough to hear Svetlana's story. Her heart ached for the woman, and she felt a pain similar but not the same. She had lost her tribe and family too. And now she just wanted to apologize to her for hours.
 
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Phaedra was completely enraptured by the tale that Svetlana wove with her skillful words and the mysterious magic within her hands, bringing the story to life as she spoke. For once, she was left with no questions and her mind was left blank for a while after the magic had faded. All she could wonder after some time had passed was how tragic it must be to live hundreds of years after the slaughter of their entire community. Though Phaedra was keenly aware of the long life ahead of her, there was no trauma that burdened her that she had to carry through her years.

"So, the power of the crown that we seek is the result of the accumulated magic from the original tribes of Algoran? Did they enchant the gems they offered to the king?"

Of course, she wouldn't be left without questions for long. There was always something. But she was truly curious as to what made the crown so powerful. Phaedra didn't want to seem dense for asking her questions, but she despised not being completely sure of something.

@Lo Alyssa
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"Exactly!" Svetlana said, "The six tribes had six different magical abilities, and they fused that into the crown, so even after death, their immortal and constant magic could continue to protect Algoran."

@TeeKay
​
 
Thora's eyes grew watery from large tears. It wasn't the fire that had caused her outburst of emotion, but the tale told. She knew of loss, for she had lost her entire family, her entire home because of invaders. They had attacked her mountain, looted the deep caves in search for precious metals and gems that were of no use to the nymphs, and set fire to the trees to scare the creatures out; Thora's tree, near the base of the mountain, was the only one left unscathed.


Svetlana's tale had resurfaced all of those memories and painful feelings. She didn't blame the old woman, but she could not stay near the fire any longer. She slowly stood and slinked away from the group. She didn't run (she learned that there are some things you can't run from) but chose to take a nice, seemingly peaceful, stroll through the forest. The energy and whispers of the trees would calm her.
 
Ferrix's eyes widened from the tale, he loved to hear stories but most of the time, stories were fake. Just something from people's imagination. To hear a story like what Svetlana had told the group was rare for him, a tale that really happened. He kept quiet, having nothing to ask nor say.
 
Oceana sniffed and sat back on her palms. Her eyes were burning. The stars, once visible through the forest canopy were blurry.


Father...


Mother...


I'm so sorry! Please forgive me...


Not willing to cry in front of strangers, Oceana stomped over to her tent, clenching her pack strap in an iron grip.


She had second watch but she dare not stick around the campfire for others to witness her weakness. And she dare not sleep lest the nightmares claim her again.


She whipped the flap of her tent closed, not caring if the others were baffled by her behavior.


Then she knelt.


And prayed to the elven gods for forgiveness.
 
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Her eyes were still puffy from saying goodbye to people in her tribe, and her last living family member. Now that some of the people were leaving, Valeiah shuffled over to Svetlana. "I'm... I-I'm.."


@Lo Alyssa
 
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"That.... That's horrible. I've already experienced how cruel people can be, but I... I never imagined they could do something so.... Ruthless. To do that to entire families...." Ayda murmured, starting to wish she never heard Svetlana's story.


"But.... I have a question... Why do you care for your grandson and your family so much? I thought... Nevermind." Ayda sighed, before nearly jumping out of her skin when Oceana started to stomp away, and Ayda could tell she was upset.


"Excuse me for a moment." Ayda said to the others, before hurrying after Oceana, and entering her tent.


"Hey, wha..." Ayda stumbled into the tent, only to see Oceana... Praying?


@Lo Alyssa @OlKaJa77
 
Bo sat in silence as the very emotionally stirring story came to an end. The story brought a lot of clarity, and it helped bring about a common cause for him to join them in, but... he didn't know how to respond. Several people were getting up and leaving, probably to go cry in secret (or not so secret, since the reason for their leaving wasn't really so), but he couldn't bring himself to move. For the first time, he really felt the weight of the mission they were on. This was a very real thing for Svetlana. This wasn't just some thrill-seeking, adventurous journey they were going on because it was the "right" thing to do. Saving the kingdom from oppressive rule was clearly beneficial, but this was about... honor, loyalty, and keeping promises. And for Lucasta and Lucas... maybe even revenge.


And it was horrible what had happened to them. He could tell that by even having the strength to tell the story, Svetlana must be a very strong and brave woman. In doing so she only earned more respect from Bo. Of course, he really couldn't blame Yaro at all for his response. Stuff like that is traumatic. He knew he probably would've left too.


It was at this moment that he became aware of the tears falling down his cheeks. It was kind of strange. Was I really so deep in thought that I didn't notice I was crying? Of course, it wasn't weeping, or sobbing, but there was definitely water coming out of his eye sockets. He sniffed and wiped his eyes, swallowing a lump in his throat that he only just realized was there.


He couldn't fathom the extent of the loss that Svetlana and Yaro had experienced, but there was a sharp pain in his chest even at the thought. The tears did not relent, so he rubbed his eyes again.


Well... at least empathy isn't weakness.
 
Oceana was so caught up in her fervent prayer that she didn't notice Ayda come after her.


"Please" she hissed quietly "Please forgive me. My traitor's curse. If only I had listened..."


The elf's tanned knuckles were nearly white, she clenched them so hard, and she knew she was bruising her palm.


But she didn't care. She deserved this pain. She must atone.


This sin was hers and hers alone.


After sobbing quietly for a moment, she swiped at her tears almost angrily.


And only then did she notice Ayda was in the tent with her.


Her temper was still flaring and she glared at the young human girl.


"What do you want, human?" she spat, as if the word burned her tongue.


@QueenSaiko
 
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(I think it's time to start introducing yet another character)


As the old woman told the story, a creature had watched from inside the trees, listening.


He cast his eyes around the fire. What had brought him to these people, ones who still carried the smell and dust of the city? Perhaps it was kindness- a will to protect, to watch over like animals watch over their cubs? Will they be his pack, now? Strange brothers and sisters they would be.


He was a creature of the old ways, one who wore the pelts of the earth itself to shield him, but he had lived other lives before, maybe even a city dweller like them. Even though now he did not share the sorrow brought upon by the old woman's story, as he watched people leave the circle of firelight, he followed to maybe try and console them, though he had no idea how he could even try.


He first followed the other dryad, knowing well what may have happened in her past, his last death being fire as a forest had been set ablaze. While he was still hidden behind the bark of trees, he sent out his power to curl into the ground, making a two lonely flowers grow and bloom before her. A white chrysanteum, a purple Hyacinth. Truth, declared the first, I'm sorry, meant the other. I'm truly sorry, was the message they both relayed, a message only the few people who knew the language, the meaning of flowers would get.


@plasticlizard022
 
"I... I just wanted to see if you were ok..." Ayda said quietly, noticing Oceana's hateful way of saying the word 'human.'


Grasping her hands together, Ayda tried to continue talking.


"I saw that... You were crying and I got worried."


@OlKaJa77
 
Svetlana frowned as some of her comrades left, perhaps the story was a bit too sad. She noticed Valeiah approach, "There is no need to apologize." She said with a smile and patted the empty space next to her, "You were blinded by rage and anguish. I understand that well. Perhaps that was why I was less tolerant of you before." She said with an apologetic smile, rubbing Valeiah's shoulder with her wrinkled hand. She looked around the campfire, at the people who still remained in their seats, "You'll have to forgive me." She said, "Sometimes I forget that even though I have let go of the past, there are some who still struggle with memories... Perhaps it was a bad idea to share that story in particular." She shifted in her seat, and looked at Valeiah once more, but her words she still meant for everyone to hear, "Tears are not an evil, so if you must cry, then please do, you will feel relieved afterwards. But keep in mind young one, that all sorrows must pass, darkness can not remain forever. Though the night is long, have faith that the sun will never fail to rise again. Take heart in that, for it is because I believe it so, that I am able to move on from any pain I have ever endured."

​
 
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Phaedra nodded to Svetlana's response to her question. Excitement - and even a healthy dose of anxiety now - welled up from deep inside of her upon the realization that history was repeating itself in a way. People gathering from different communities to band together under a common cause - to drive back the - now otherworldly - invaders that had destroyed the peace under which they coexisted for many years before. This time, Phaedra would be there. For all the adventure, the glory, and the hardships that their quest entailed. What a glorious, but misfortunate time to be alive.

If the Crown of Algoran was their only chance, Phaedra would fight tooth and claw to make sure to see it reassembled. There was no doubt in her mind that, while she enjoyed the thrill of it all, she had an extremely important task ahead of her.

She frowned to see Oceana stomp away, noticing Ayda quickly followed after her. Personally, she would've rather not disturbed the elven woman, knowing that if Phaedra herself were in a fit of anguish like hers, she would not wish to be disturbed. It seemed that many others had left as well in a similar fashion as a result of Svetlana's tale.

Deciding to turn her attention elsewhere, Phaedra looked across the way to see Bo and noticed the tears rolling down his cheeks. Her frown deepened as her heart reached out to her new friend. She was becoming more uncomfortable seeing everyone around her react so emotionally. It wasn't the displays that disturbed her, but rather her own lack of an emotional response. Perhaps it would be for the best if she retired for the night.

"Svetlana - excuse me.." Phaedra nearly whispered, looking between the older woman and Valeiah apologetically. She was interrupting a conversation. "Thank you for your story. It certainly gave me more to think about. It emphasizes how important this task is. I will be going to my tent now."

And with that, she turned and floated away from the fire to her own tent. Phaedra had to slide by Bo to do so and she put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, gently squeezing, as she passed by. She was sure after a good night's rest, everyone would be able to put their head back into the game. After all, now she was becoming increasingly aware that the weight of the world now rested on every one of their shoulders - they must protect the princess and secure the crown.​
 
If it weren't for her ability to sense the wildlife around her, Thora may have missed the flowers that had suddenly bloomed before her. She knelt down, a weak smile on her face, and ran her fingers across the crysanthemum. 'What a beautiful flower,' she thought to herself. That's when her eye caught yet another flower, a hyacinth. She tilted her head to the side and wondered, 'What a wonderful sentiment...." She knew it was unlikely that the forest grew the flower message for her, though she didn't rule it out of the equation. What she did guess, though, was that there was another forest spirit nearby and she was determined to find who it was. She hadn't been among any of her people in so long.


@L1d1ja
 
Nameen observed how many of the others left, while those who remained seemed almost shaken. But she herself remained composed, steady.


She fingered her deep red scar. The story, while she felt its deep meaning, did not faze her. If a past self had heard the tale, she may have had a similar reaction to many of her companions. She would've listened to the story, eyes widening at every passing sentence. How could anyone commit such evil? She would've almost certainly thought. But now in this moment, Nameen was not that naïve, trusting girl that she once was. Nameen knew firsthand the horrors that people could commit. She felt deeply for Svetlana and Yaroslav, having experienced similar pain, and how it had forced her to grow on.
 
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