Take Back the Crown
- Thread starter Lo Alyssa
- Start date
Danika
Member
Alo had finished braiding his little sister's hair, it took a while. He finished just in time though, because she was falling asleep. "Thank you..." She yawned. Alo patted her face and then she lay down on his lap and went to sleep. Sibling love. Adorable.
soundofmind
Blorbo Rotater
Bo came back with Foxrun and Yaroslav, carrying bundles of blankets in his arms. He hugged them close, because they were soft, and warm, and reminded him of sleep (which he wanted). Similarly to Foxrun, when they came back, he began to eagerly hand out blankets to people so they could finally start getting to sleep.
He handed blankets to Nameen - specifically giving her blue ones, since she said she liked blue. He set some beside Alo, who had Valeiah fast asleep in his lap. He also brought some over to Svetlana, and at that point, he only had enough for himself and one more person. He looked around, knowing he could just set the blankets down for when the other came back, since everyone else already had blankets and such to sleep with, but... he wanted to give them to people in person. Hesitating, he sat and waited for someone to come back.
@Lo Alyssa @Danika@Rydellius@ whoever wants to claim their sleepytime blankets from the manchild
He handed blankets to Nameen - specifically giving her blue ones, since she said she liked blue. He set some beside Alo, who had Valeiah fast asleep in his lap. He also brought some over to Svetlana, and at that point, he only had enough for himself and one more person. He looked around, knowing he could just set the blankets down for when the other came back, since everyone else already had blankets and such to sleep with, but... he wanted to give them to people in person. Hesitating, he sat and waited for someone to come back.
@Lo Alyssa @Danika@Rydellius@ whoever wants to claim their sleepytime blankets from the manchild
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Rydellius
I am not from this world
Nameen accepted the blankets from Bo, smirking quickly as she noticed their colour. Blue had been the colour she had told him was her favourite, and she supposed it was, even though she hadn't given the matter much thought. Bigger things occupied her mind as opposed to colour, and truth be told no one had ever bothered to ask her.
Remembering that she owed him a thanks, Nameen leaned in and whispered as he handed her the blue blankets.
"Thank you."
@soundofmind
With that, she spun and hurried away to claim the darkest far corner of the room before it was taken by someone else. A shot of adrenaline raced down her spine and through her limbs as she reflected on what the words entailed. As a result Nameen was especially eager to settle down in the shadows, sitting with her back against the wall, one hand grasping her sword.
Her eye drifted up to the ceiling, wide open. Her mind was too alert to sleep.
Remembering that she owed him a thanks, Nameen leaned in and whispered as he handed her the blue blankets.
"Thank you."
@soundofmind
With that, she spun and hurried away to claim the darkest far corner of the room before it was taken by someone else. A shot of adrenaline raced down her spine and through her limbs as she reflected on what the words entailed. As a result Nameen was especially eager to settle down in the shadows, sitting with her back against the wall, one hand grasping her sword.
Her eye drifted up to the ceiling, wide open. Her mind was too alert to sleep.
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Lo Alyssa
Close you eyes, and open your mind
Hjalmar silently wept with her, having never connected in such a way before. They sat there for what seemed like hours, but was more than likely just a few minutes. When there were no more tears to shed, Hjalmar pulled away from Oceana, his eyes puffy and his voice raw. Wiping away his own wet cheeks, he laughed, "We should probably head back." He said, heaving her to her feet. After exposing such a personal part of himself, he was left feeling awkward, unsure as to how one would get back to their feet after that. He just smiled, deciding to wait for her and let her take the lead. Maybe she didn't want to go back, maybe she wanted to go and be by herself somewhere. He wasn't sure. But now that he said what needed to be said, he wouldn't mind letting her go off on her own for awhile.
"Because you did not address me." The otherworldly voice sung, her chuckle rumbled in the princess' mind, "I was sleeping for a very long time... I do not have a name, but you can call me Keeper. For that is what I am. I keep and connect the stones together, I embody the will and life forces of the original six tribes." Though she had no voice, she made it known she would be smiling, "Young blood, I can guide you to the stones. If you place me on your head, you will be more in tune with the world around you, and to especially the boons. I find it surprising that you have not placed me on your head yet."
Yaroslav took a single blanket and pillow for himself, dumping the rest in a pile for whoever wanted to claim them. He was exhausted, which wasn't surprising considering the whole group battled through a storm all the night before. He plopped on a seat next to his grandmother, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. He was more than ready to sleep.
"Because you did not address me." The otherworldly voice sung, her chuckle rumbled in the princess' mind, "I was sleeping for a very long time... I do not have a name, but you can call me Keeper. For that is what I am. I keep and connect the stones together, I embody the will and life forces of the original six tribes." Though she had no voice, she made it known she would be smiling, "Young blood, I can guide you to the stones. If you place me on your head, you will be more in tune with the world around you, and to especially the boons. I find it surprising that you have not placed me on your head yet."
Yaroslav took a single blanket and pillow for himself, dumping the rest in a pile for whoever wanted to claim them. He was exhausted, which wasn't surprising considering the whole group battled through a storm all the night before. He plopped on a seat next to his grandmother, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. He was more than ready to sleep.
OlKaJa77
Valar Morghulis
Oceana turned to regard the human with still-wet eyes.
"No" she replied softly, her voice hoarse from crying.
She thought of the others, of Phaedra, and the fuss she had caused earlier.
A reasonable part of her tingled in shame and fear.
"It is better if I stay out here a while." She said with a somber smile.
Then she shot up onto the rock face and climbed up to sit upon the flat surface under the stars.
The desert moon bathed her in silver light as she sat and contemplated the sky.
Something brushed her knee.
The elf gently inclined her head to look at it and reached out a slender hand.
It was a single desert rose.
The fragile flower was dusky orange under the starlight. All around it lay the scattered remains of other roses.
Oceana felt a tug on her heart at the sight; at this lonely flower clinging to life in a harsh land.
She was reminded of herself and suddenly thoughts of the others poured in to her mind; a lost Hjalmar and a grieving Svetlana and Yaroslave, a chained Foxrun and an alienated Phaedra. And last, a certain tree nymph who had emerged to nothing but desolation.
She pictured them all; weeping, fighting, cursing the world.
Tears sprung to her eyes again as pain echoed in her chest, that same lonely pain they all felt.
The elf knew she had to apologize, but could not fathom how.
And so, once again at a loss for words she sang, her low, echoing voice reaching the others in soft, lulling tones.
'Tis the last rose of summer left blooming alone
All her lovely companions are faded and gone
No flower of her kindred, no rosebud is nigh
To reflect back her blushes and give sigh for sigh
Her voice trembled a small amount as she struggled against a fresh set of tears but the song went on.
I'll not leave thee, thou lone one, to pine on the stem
Since the lovely are sleeping, go sleep thou with them
Thus kindly I scatter thy leaves o'er the bed
Where thy mates of the garden lie scentless and dead
The elf maiden's ebony hair fell over one shoulder as her head tilted in emotion, her next words flowing powerfully from her lips.
So soon may I follow when friendships decay
And from love's shining circle the gems drop away
When true hearts lie withered and fond ones are flown
Oh who would inhabit this bleak world alone?
This bleak world alone
And as the last note settled into the canyon, Oceana lied back on the dusty sandstone and tried to picture her father's smiling face in the twinkling stars.
"No" she replied softly, her voice hoarse from crying.
She thought of the others, of Phaedra, and the fuss she had caused earlier.
A reasonable part of her tingled in shame and fear.
"It is better if I stay out here a while." She said with a somber smile.
Then she shot up onto the rock face and climbed up to sit upon the flat surface under the stars.
The desert moon bathed her in silver light as she sat and contemplated the sky.
Something brushed her knee.
The elf gently inclined her head to look at it and reached out a slender hand.
It was a single desert rose.
The fragile flower was dusky orange under the starlight. All around it lay the scattered remains of other roses.
Oceana felt a tug on her heart at the sight; at this lonely flower clinging to life in a harsh land.
She was reminded of herself and suddenly thoughts of the others poured in to her mind; a lost Hjalmar and a grieving Svetlana and Yaroslave, a chained Foxrun and an alienated Phaedra. And last, a certain tree nymph who had emerged to nothing but desolation.
She pictured them all; weeping, fighting, cursing the world.
Tears sprung to her eyes again as pain echoed in her chest, that same lonely pain they all felt.
The elf knew she had to apologize, but could not fathom how.
And so, once again at a loss for words she sang, her low, echoing voice reaching the others in soft, lulling tones.
'Tis the last rose of summer left blooming alone
All her lovely companions are faded and gone
No flower of her kindred, no rosebud is nigh
To reflect back her blushes and give sigh for sigh
Her voice trembled a small amount as she struggled against a fresh set of tears but the song went on.
I'll not leave thee, thou lone one, to pine on the stem
Since the lovely are sleeping, go sleep thou with them
Thus kindly I scatter thy leaves o'er the bed
Where thy mates of the garden lie scentless and dead
The elf maiden's ebony hair fell over one shoulder as her head tilted in emotion, her next words flowing powerfully from her lips.
So soon may I follow when friendships decay
And from love's shining circle the gems drop away
When true hearts lie withered and fond ones are flown
Oh who would inhabit this bleak world alone?
This bleak world alone
And as the last note settled into the canyon, Oceana lied back on the dusty sandstone and tried to picture her father's smiling face in the twinkling stars.
Vampiricdoll
Six Thousand Club
Lucasta sighed and rubbed her neck. "Alright, Keeper... It's a pleasure to speak with you." She mumbled. She was awfully confused about the whole situation. What kind of crown talks? She picked the silver circlet and placed it onto her head, explaining why she never did before. "If I speak truthfully, I did not think I was worthy to put on something that holds so much power."
Instantly Lucasta felt a rush of energy surge through her body, from her head to her feet. Suddenly her senses were amplified, she could hear everything, see everything, and have a stronger gut feeling. A chill ran up her spine, and she shivered. It was a feeling she had never felt before. If this is the crown without the gems, she wondered what it would be like with them! She felt a tug in her heart to go a certain direction. "That strange jerk in my heart, is that leading to the boon?" She asked.
@Lo Alyssa
Instantly Lucasta felt a rush of energy surge through her body, from her head to her feet. Suddenly her senses were amplified, she could hear everything, see everything, and have a stronger gut feeling. A chill ran up her spine, and she shivered. It was a feeling she had never felt before. If this is the crown without the gems, she wondered what it would be like with them! She felt a tug in her heart to go a certain direction. "That strange jerk in my heart, is that leading to the boon?" She asked.
@Lo Alyssa
TeeKay
Prismatic Monkey
Phaedra remained where she was for a time, watching Kacel'la rejoin the others. She pondered briefly on how long it would be until she succumbed to doubt and self-loathing again despite the encouraging words the elven woman had shared with her. And had she misheard her? The same insult - half-breed - was flung at her? Why? Not that she was very good at distinguishing features quite so well, but she looked remarkably elven for one who was only half. Regardless, she could relate to the pain Kacel'la must have felt at the time, being chased out of her clan. After all, Phaedra would never be fully accepted into neither the world of the air elementals, nor the world of humans - each regarding her as too similar to one and too different from themselves, and they were right to an extent. She wondered when and where she would find her home.
She sat there for some time before hearing Oceana's voice echo through the canyons. A spark of annoyance lit inside of her in spite of Phaedra simply because it was Oceana, but she settled that feeling down as she listened to the song. For lack of a better description, it sounded lonely. Hollow and sad. Feeling numb, finally finished wrestling her emotions and exhaustion now taking her back in full force, Phaedra carefully climbed down from her perch and returned to the hearth.
Upon returning, she saw Bo with a bundle of blankets. She cracked a small smile as she felt a warmth growing in her chest. He was probably waiting to give them out. Bo was remarkably sweet, though she would never say so aloud. She had already said more than enough and Phaedra was discovering that she wasn't too fond of speaking about her own feelings about others. Books, magic, places, things, and even her opinions on a variety of topics - she didn't mind talking about it all. Subjects of the heart? Not so much.
Realizing she was standing there simply staring at Bo from a distance, she flushed slightly and quickly marched up to him as fast as her tired, short legs would allow.
"May I have a blanket, too, Bo?" Phaedra offered a small, sheepish smile.
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soundofmind
Blorbo Rotater
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Bo had spaced out a little as he sat, waiting. His eyes were focused on an indeterminable point ahead of him, but he wasn't really looking anywhere - he was thinking. In comparison to their dull days of travel, today had been full. Full of action, changes, emotion adventure, conflict, food fights, and new information. It was only this morning that they all faced death after fighting the daemons, barely making it to shore. They were on their way to the first stone, and they ran into friendly dwarves with whom they feasted and threw food at. They were welcomed into their home, given a meal, hot baths, and a place to sleep. And then... he learned about Nameen's eye. And Dorian, who was an assassin. And Oceana, who... was emotional (that, and everyone talked about her like she'd told them all something that happened to her in the past, that he missed). He didn't know what to think of it. Heck, just this morning he was holding an unconscious Phaedra in his arms, praying she wasn't dead. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]His eyes re-focused on Phaedra and his mouth spread into a wide smile when she approached him. He found himself feeling remarkably relieved now that she had come back from her hiding place up above, among the cliffs. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Yes, of course!" He nodded, handing her a blanket and a pillow. Pointing to it, "They're surprisingly soft... um." He paused, his smile fading a little as his face grew more concerned. "Are... are you alright? Do you wanna talk? Or just sleep?" [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He would completely understand either way, but he wasn't sure. He was exhausted, but he'd more than gladly make the time for a friend.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]@TeeKay[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]His eyes re-focused on Phaedra and his mouth spread into a wide smile when she approached him. He found himself feeling remarkably relieved now that she had come back from her hiding place up above, among the cliffs. [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Yes, of course!" He nodded, handing her a blanket and a pillow. Pointing to it, "They're surprisingly soft... um." He paused, his smile fading a little as his face grew more concerned. "Are... are you alright? Do you wanna talk? Or just sleep?" [/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]He would completely understand either way, but he wasn't sure. He was exhausted, but he'd more than gladly make the time for a friend.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=14.6667px]@TeeKay[/SIZE]
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TeeKay
Prismatic Monkey
"I..."
Phaedra paused, pulling her bundle consisting of the surprisingly soft - as said by Bo and confirmed by herself - blanket and pillow closer. It had a mildly soothing effect on her, though she still had her doubts about explaining herself to Bo. Wasn't she supposed to be feeling better after Kacel'la's pep talk? Not self-conscious? She supposed that the self-doubt didn't take very long to settle back in. Looking around, she made sure nobody else was near. She remained quiet for a small time before finally deciding, but she kept her voice much quieter, stepping closer to Bo.
"Promise not to belittle me for this? It is probably very silly, but I'm very.. what is the word.. uncomfortable with what I am. Not who, but what."
She briefly gestured at herself from head to toe with one hand, then brought that same hand to her cheek.
"Being in this skin. Others don't see me as 'Phaedra' at first. They see the Sylph, if they don't immediately notice I'm mixed. If they do, they see the half-breed. For whatever reason, it defines me and it isolates me."
Giving a heavy sigh, she shook her head.
"I apologize. But.. that is what has been on my mind. This has been the most welcome I've felt among others in a long time, but Oceana simply reminds me that I don't truly belong anywhere."
But maybe one day my heart will find its home somewhere.
She hadn't forgotten Kacel'la's words and they brought some measure of hope, but right now, Phaedra was overwhelmed and unsure. Her wounds were still fresh.
soundofmind
Blorbo Rotater
Bo sat quietly, hugging his pillow and listening as Phaedra explained what she was thinking. He found himself searching his mind for the right thing to say - that perhaps, he could say something to make her feel like she belonged, or anything that would make her feel better. But he felt like he was so bad at things like this, even though he wanted to help so badly.
"You don't have to apologize for how you feel, Phaedra. Really, it's ok. And I'd never want to belittle your feelings. I ask because I care, and I think you're important. So you don't have to worry about sharing... ok?" He tried to clear the air, giving her a reassuring smile. It was strange. Of all people, she seemed to be the one who'd always make her feelings seem lesser, since she kept saying things like 'it's probably silly.'
"Ahh. Come. Sit." He looked up at her, patting beside him, motioning for her to sit down. It felt funny for her to confide in him, while standing and looking down at him, but he felt it would be more awkward for him to stand up, what with the height difference and all. He turned to face her, matching her hushed tone of voice, so only she could hear him.
"Look. Oceana was way out of line for calling you a half-breed that way. But when it comes down to it, the only person who really gets to decide who you are, is you. Cause I could tell you that it doesn't really matter what other's think of you, and that their opinions and their insults don't make you who you are - because that's all true. But what's really important, is that... you're able to love yourself for who you are - for the things you can't change. Because no matter who tries to isolate you... I... I don't want to see you isolate yourself. Because I totally enjoy your company. Like... if it means anything, I think you're really enjoyable. And I will always do my best to make you feel welcome, even more so because of that." He looked down, feeling his heart beat a little faster. What really helps people is when you're genuine. So that's what he was going to try to be. Even though it was terrifying.
"When I look at you, I don't see a half-sylph, or a half-human. I see a person - with a kind heart and -" He let out a short laugh. "- an insatiable curiosity. That, and usually you're floating. I see that too." He smiled, trying to remain serious. "I don't think anyone here is concerned with the blueish tint of your skin anymore than they're concerned about the scar across my face, or the princess's white hair. We're here for adventure, for Algoran, and... well, I for one am in it for the companionship as well."
"I meant what I said earlier. You belong here. With us. Most of us... we're all outcasts, outlaws, or loners in one way or another. But I think - without sounding too dramatic - that something like fate or whatever... brought us together. And I'm very happy that it brought you."
(I hope it's ok that I made her sit *sweats*) @TeeKay (Bo is a giant sap save him 2k16)
"You don't have to apologize for how you feel, Phaedra. Really, it's ok. And I'd never want to belittle your feelings. I ask because I care, and I think you're important. So you don't have to worry about sharing... ok?" He tried to clear the air, giving her a reassuring smile. It was strange. Of all people, she seemed to be the one who'd always make her feelings seem lesser, since she kept saying things like 'it's probably silly.'
"Ahh. Come. Sit." He looked up at her, patting beside him, motioning for her to sit down. It felt funny for her to confide in him, while standing and looking down at him, but he felt it would be more awkward for him to stand up, what with the height difference and all. He turned to face her, matching her hushed tone of voice, so only she could hear him.
"Look. Oceana was way out of line for calling you a half-breed that way. But when it comes down to it, the only person who really gets to decide who you are, is you. Cause I could tell you that it doesn't really matter what other's think of you, and that their opinions and their insults don't make you who you are - because that's all true. But what's really important, is that... you're able to love yourself for who you are - for the things you can't change. Because no matter who tries to isolate you... I... I don't want to see you isolate yourself. Because I totally enjoy your company. Like... if it means anything, I think you're really enjoyable. And I will always do my best to make you feel welcome, even more so because of that." He looked down, feeling his heart beat a little faster. What really helps people is when you're genuine. So that's what he was going to try to be. Even though it was terrifying.
"When I look at you, I don't see a half-sylph, or a half-human. I see a person - with a kind heart and -" He let out a short laugh. "- an insatiable curiosity. That, and usually you're floating. I see that too." He smiled, trying to remain serious. "I don't think anyone here is concerned with the blueish tint of your skin anymore than they're concerned about the scar across my face, or the princess's white hair. We're here for adventure, for Algoran, and... well, I for one am in it for the companionship as well."
"I meant what I said earlier. You belong here. With us. Most of us... we're all outcasts, outlaws, or loners in one way or another. But I think - without sounding too dramatic - that something like fate or whatever... brought us together. And I'm very happy that it brought you."
(I hope it's ok that I made her sit *sweats*) @TeeKay (Bo is a giant sap save him 2k16)
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TeeKay
Prismatic Monkey
Phaedra was silent, listening to Bo. She found his words banished the constant stream of thoughts in her head, offering her a temporary relief from the internal struggle between her dual nature she constantly faced. She simply stared at the man for a time after he had finished speaking.
..I'm very happy that it brought you.. Fate. You belong here.
Did she, really?
The warmth she had first felt in her chest had grown exponentially hearing Bo's words, some small amount of confidence - building upon the foundation that Kacel'la had set - restored in the woman as a smile slowly made itself known on her lips. She felt something warm and wet traveling down her cheeks and quickly went to wipe whatever it was away from her face. Tears. From what? She genuinely didn't understand as she had been riding this rollercoaster of emotions up and down for the entirety of the day, so perhaps it was simply the product of the stress she had been put under. Phaedra honestly didn't have an answer, but all she knew was that right now is that she felt safe and warm and welcome.
"Thank you, Bo." She paused, considering her next words. "Don't take this strangely, but may I rest my blanket by yours tonight? It just would be nice to be close to a friend."
Danika
Member
Valeiah had really tried to sleep. She really wanted to. But she was having yet another nightmare.
A ghostly pale woman with teeth like a bear, practically mauling her. Trying to rip her apart, bit by bit.
She started fidgeting until she felt something on her leg. She sprung awake. "STOP!! Please, no... Ah..." It was just a little lizard. She turned cherry red. She'd drawn everyone's attention now, and it didn't help that she was... Crying? Gods, no.
Valeiah silently wiped her cheeks. She saw the blankets set by Alo (he was fast asleep and never woke for anything. There were many times Valeiah had to drag him into a stream). She grabbed one and wrapped herself in it, hiding her face.
It was a bad nightmare, but she started drifting off again. Before she went to sleep, she promised herself something.
She was going to find very sharp toothed, bloody fingered cannibal that ripped her family and tribe apart.
And then she was going to kill all of them.
A ghostly pale woman with teeth like a bear, practically mauling her. Trying to rip her apart, bit by bit.
She started fidgeting until she felt something on her leg. She sprung awake. "STOP!! Please, no... Ah..." It was just a little lizard. She turned cherry red. She'd drawn everyone's attention now, and it didn't help that she was... Crying? Gods, no.
Valeiah silently wiped her cheeks. She saw the blankets set by Alo (he was fast asleep and never woke for anything. There were many times Valeiah had to drag him into a stream). She grabbed one and wrapped herself in it, hiding her face.
It was a bad nightmare, but she started drifting off again. Before she went to sleep, she promised herself something.
She was going to find very sharp toothed, bloody fingered cannibal that ripped her family and tribe apart.
And then she was going to kill all of them.
soundofmind
Blorbo Rotater
"Oh! Sure, yeah. If you want to! I don't mind." He whispered, noting that everyone around them was beginning to fall alseep, aside from a Valeiah who had woken up with a bit of a start. She seemed... startled. But she quickly turned back to go to sleep. He looked away and shook his head, scooting just a little bit over so she would have room to set her blanket down. "I was just gonna sleep here, hah. I'm too tired to try and find the softest place on the ground. I hope that's ok." He grinned, feeling a wave of exhaustion hit him. It seemed that now he knew everything was ok for now, his body had no problem reminding him of how sore and tired he was.
He briefly stood up, laying one blanket down, with his pillow on it, and then plopped down with a sigh. He pulled the edge of the blanket around him, holding it close to his face. His tucked up his legs a little so his feet wouldn't stick out, and laid on his side, facing Phaedra.
"Sweet dreams." He wished quietly, closing his eyes. Normally, sleep didn't come very easily for him, but after such a long day, he was out in under a minute, with his face squished against the pillow, fully relaxed.
@TeeKay(and he's outtt)
He briefly stood up, laying one blanket down, with his pillow on it, and then plopped down with a sigh. He pulled the edge of the blanket around him, holding it close to his face. His tucked up his legs a little so his feet wouldn't stick out, and laid on his side, facing Phaedra.
"Sweet dreams." He wished quietly, closing his eyes. Normally, sleep didn't come very easily for him, but after such a long day, he was out in under a minute, with his face squished against the pillow, fully relaxed.
@TeeKay(and he's outtt)
TeeKay
Prismatic Monkey
Phaedra laid her pillow and blanket out a few inches apart from his - giving ample personal space between them - and rolled herself into the blanket before plopping her head on to her pillow. She smiled drowsily at Bo, all the fatigue from the entire day finally overtaking her.
"Sweet dreams, Bo... everybody.." She yawned and, literally seconds later, she was out like a light. Too tired to even dream, she was plunged into a world of darkness, but Phaedra still slept fitfully knowing she had at least one friend - and others who supported her - who saw her for who she was rather than the skin she inhabited.
Lo Alyssa
Close you eyes, and open your mind
Hjalmar watched Oceana make her exit before turning back. He could hear her voice bounce off the walls as she sung, and he smiled. At least she was doing something that made her feel better.
He continued to rub his eyes, trying to make the puffiness less noticeable, and walked through the heavy door. He glanced around, most of the company was huddled near the warm fire, already sound asleep. Yaroslav snored, and was most likely drooling on his grandmothers shoulder as he rested his head there. The old woman was sleeping with a small smile on her lips, which almost made her seem awake. Hjalmar's lips curved in the slightest, but then morphed into a frown as he took a pillow and blanket from the pile Yaroslav threw on the floor. He had only been with the group for a week or so, and he still felt that he didn't really belong with them. Not wanting to disturb them, he took a corner on the opposite side of the room.
Spreading his bedding out, he plopped down, the exhaustion from the day and the night before finally catching up to him. He let out a long sigh, finally being able to simply rest. Though sleep did not come so easily.
He stared at his marked forearm from behind the fluffiness of his pillow. It was covered in bandages, but he knew what was hidden underneath. He could feel it. He was alone, so its presence was more imminent and noticeable than it was when he was distracted. His brows furrowed together, seeing shadows in the corners of his eyes, and hearing inaudible whispers in his hear. A shiver went up his spine as he felt brushes against his skin, but there was nothing there. It was like he was being haunted by something, and somehow Hjalmar knew these strange feelings came from the mark.
Why was it put there? Why did the daemon spare his life? Why would any of Kvacht's servants take interest in a simple thief with no extraordinary abilities?
I think you know the answer to that question...
He heard a deep voice in his mind, a harsh whisper, no louder than a gust of wind. But at this, Hjalmar sat up, looking around the room. He could have sworn someone just spoke into his ear. The room was dark, and it felt like his mind was playing tricks on him. There was nothing there... Or was there?
He laid back down, forcing his eyes shut and trying to focus in some other noise; the crackling fire, to lull him to sleep...
It couldn't come soon enough.
He continued to rub his eyes, trying to make the puffiness less noticeable, and walked through the heavy door. He glanced around, most of the company was huddled near the warm fire, already sound asleep. Yaroslav snored, and was most likely drooling on his grandmothers shoulder as he rested his head there. The old woman was sleeping with a small smile on her lips, which almost made her seem awake. Hjalmar's lips curved in the slightest, but then morphed into a frown as he took a pillow and blanket from the pile Yaroslav threw on the floor. He had only been with the group for a week or so, and he still felt that he didn't really belong with them. Not wanting to disturb them, he took a corner on the opposite side of the room.
Spreading his bedding out, he plopped down, the exhaustion from the day and the night before finally catching up to him. He let out a long sigh, finally being able to simply rest. Though sleep did not come so easily.
He stared at his marked forearm from behind the fluffiness of his pillow. It was covered in bandages, but he knew what was hidden underneath. He could feel it. He was alone, so its presence was more imminent and noticeable than it was when he was distracted. His brows furrowed together, seeing shadows in the corners of his eyes, and hearing inaudible whispers in his hear. A shiver went up his spine as he felt brushes against his skin, but there was nothing there. It was like he was being haunted by something, and somehow Hjalmar knew these strange feelings came from the mark.
Why was it put there? Why did the daemon spare his life? Why would any of Kvacht's servants take interest in a simple thief with no extraordinary abilities?
I think you know the answer to that question...
He heard a deep voice in his mind, a harsh whisper, no louder than a gust of wind. But at this, Hjalmar sat up, looking around the room. He could have sworn someone just spoke into his ear. The room was dark, and it felt like his mind was playing tricks on him. There was nothing there... Or was there?
He laid back down, forcing his eyes shut and trying to focus in some other noise; the crackling fire, to lull him to sleep...
It couldn't come soon enough.
Lo Alyssa
Close you eyes, and open your mind
"Yes." Keeper hummed, "And tomorrow, you and your group will hunt it down... You must sleep." She added, taking notice of Lucasta's weariness, "But I will be with you, as long as I am atop your head, I can help you through all your troubles." She said warmly, and then retreated back into the crown, the shimmering lessened and all was quiet.
OlKaJa77
Valar Morghulis
Oceana settled onto the surprisingly comfortable rock. Or perhaps she was simply that tired.
Pillowing her head with her hands she curled up on her side and contemplated the sand upon which she lied.
A small scorpion scuttled over a tiny dune and she fixed it with her sea-green gaze.
"Hello little one." She whispered in elvish. "May I sleep here tonight?"
The scorpion continued to scuttle, strangely cutting its path around the elf maiden's form.
Satisfied with the tiny creature's actions as a word of acceptance, Oceana closed her eyes.
Though the ground beneath her was dusty, the sand made a soft enough pallet to sleep upon.
And the elf had been in far worse sleeping arrangements before.
As the tides of sleep claimed the elf, a wave of dreamlike nostalgia rose up to meet her.
It was a vivid memory of a time when she was twelve and still training under her clan's hunting master.
Aisling was tutting her for apologizing that she had needed to rely on her hunting partner for once.
"But Oide Aisling" she protested "I failed to be independent and had to rely on Gavenia, who is two summers younger than me."
The blonde hunting master leveled her a look that spoke of amused exasperation.
"Your pride is what was truly wounded then."
Young Oceana scowled at that, rubbing her shoulder which she had injured while wrestling the badger they had been sent to evict from the elven beehives.
"Hmph." Was all she said.
Aisling rolled her eyes at her pupil, used to the cold and aloof schtick that the youth bandied about.
"Listen Oceana," she demanded, her voice a gruff alto; the girl turned to her in respectful deference despite her current ire.
"It's alright to need help."
The younger of the two scoffed
"I am serious, beag cuilean. It is nae a weakness to have allies. You will need help someday. You will. And it's okay to rely on others. There will always be a force stronger than you can handle."
Oceana was scowling now, worrying her lip between her teeth.
The elven hunting master rested a gentle hand on one slender shoulder.
"A wolf can only survive alone for so long. And it certainly cannae win against a bear by itself. It needs a pack."
The ebony haired girl tightened her shoulders and stared at the ground.
"But even if I desired a pack, none will take me. A person like me cannae have allies." She ground out, shame coloring her tan cheeks at this admission.
"Donnae worry." Aisling said softly, smiling and shaking her head.
"One day you shall find allies worthy of your efforts, Oceana. I can feel it in my old bones."
This drew a smirk, Aisling was barely middle aged in elven years; only 270 years old. But then the young elf frowned suddenly.
"Surely that cannae be true." She muttered.
The older hunter chuckled.
"Of course it can be true, girl. But you must resolve something first."
The hunting master gazed down at the young elf with serious Amber eyes; a hawk's gaze.
Oceana gave her a meekly inquiring look.
"First," Aisling said, "First you must deem yourself worthy enough to consider them allies at all."
Pillowing her head with her hands she curled up on her side and contemplated the sand upon which she lied.
A small scorpion scuttled over a tiny dune and she fixed it with her sea-green gaze.
"Hello little one." She whispered in elvish. "May I sleep here tonight?"
The scorpion continued to scuttle, strangely cutting its path around the elf maiden's form.
Satisfied with the tiny creature's actions as a word of acceptance, Oceana closed her eyes.
Though the ground beneath her was dusty, the sand made a soft enough pallet to sleep upon.
And the elf had been in far worse sleeping arrangements before.
As the tides of sleep claimed the elf, a wave of dreamlike nostalgia rose up to meet her.
It was a vivid memory of a time when she was twelve and still training under her clan's hunting master.
Aisling was tutting her for apologizing that she had needed to rely on her hunting partner for once.
"But Oide Aisling" she protested "I failed to be independent and had to rely on Gavenia, who is two summers younger than me."
The blonde hunting master leveled her a look that spoke of amused exasperation.
"Your pride is what was truly wounded then."
Young Oceana scowled at that, rubbing her shoulder which she had injured while wrestling the badger they had been sent to evict from the elven beehives.
"Hmph." Was all she said.
Aisling rolled her eyes at her pupil, used to the cold and aloof schtick that the youth bandied about.
"Listen Oceana," she demanded, her voice a gruff alto; the girl turned to her in respectful deference despite her current ire.
"It's alright to need help."
The younger of the two scoffed
"I am serious, beag cuilean. It is nae a weakness to have allies. You will need help someday. You will. And it's okay to rely on others. There will always be a force stronger than you can handle."
Oceana was scowling now, worrying her lip between her teeth.
The elven hunting master rested a gentle hand on one slender shoulder.
"A wolf can only survive alone for so long. And it certainly cannae win against a bear by itself. It needs a pack."
The ebony haired girl tightened her shoulders and stared at the ground.
"But even if I desired a pack, none will take me. A person like me cannae have allies." She ground out, shame coloring her tan cheeks at this admission.
"Donnae worry." Aisling said softly, smiling and shaking her head.
"One day you shall find allies worthy of your efforts, Oceana. I can feel it in my old bones."
This drew a smirk, Aisling was barely middle aged in elven years; only 270 years old. But then the young elf frowned suddenly.
"Surely that cannae be true." She muttered.
The older hunter chuckled.
"Of course it can be true, girl. But you must resolve something first."
The hunting master gazed down at the young elf with serious Amber eyes; a hawk's gaze.
Oceana gave her a meekly inquiring look.
"First," Aisling said, "First you must deem yourself worthy enough to consider them allies at all."
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L1d1ja
I tried. Definitely. Probably. Not.
Dorian was a person who rarely slept longer than for a short nap: he had long since lost the ability to sleep for a night thanks to more than a few rude awakenings through his life. Plus, he felt bad for not keeping watch. Even if his logical mind knew it was safe, the tiny voice of his subconscious kept reminding him that he could not leave others unguarded. It had always been like that with Dorian and his little brother: while one tried to rest, the other was awake, and this habit was hard to break, being so ingrained into his life. And Dorian knew that he could always take a nap in the morning, most likely curled around Garrett's neck as a snake. But it's not like he hadn't gone without sleep for longer.
And that's why he found himself walking around outside. It didn't take long for him to stumble upon the place where Oceana had curled up. "You are one stupid elf." Dorian muttered under his breath and focused, calling upon his magic. Soon he was holding a blanket, one that he had left behind inside. He quickly threw it over Oceana, careful not to wake her up. 'If I have to stay awake, might as well do something useful and make sure she isn't eaten by wild animals or something.'The familiar thought. Then he walked a bit away from her, shifted and sat down on a stone, a lone wolf keeping watch.
@OlKaJa77
And that's why he found himself walking around outside. It didn't take long for him to stumble upon the place where Oceana had curled up. "You are one stupid elf." Dorian muttered under his breath and focused, calling upon his magic. Soon he was holding a blanket, one that he had left behind inside. He quickly threw it over Oceana, careful not to wake her up. 'If I have to stay awake, might as well do something useful and make sure she isn't eaten by wild animals or something.'The familiar thought. Then he walked a bit away from her, shifted and sat down on a stone, a lone wolf keeping watch.
@OlKaJa77
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Vampiricdoll
Six Thousand Club
The princess took the crown off her head, and putting it back into her satchel. She didn't feel like going back to the house at the moment. The chilly air was refreshing anyhow after her tears. She laid down on the ground, and closed her eyes. She instantly fell asleep in the training area.
OlKaJa77
Valar Morghulis
Oceana murmured in her sleep at the dream, suddenly a warmth pervading her subconscious.
Unknowingly pulling the blanket tighter around her, the elf's face grew softer; the lines her usual scowling countenance bore smoothed, tattoos framing her features in feral elegance.
This made her look younger and her true youthful age showed, her high cheeks and strong jaw highlighting her elven descent in the pale radiance of the moon.
She mumbled something softly in her mother-tongue, completely unaware of the shifter keeping watch nearby.
Deep sleep reclaimed her and she would no doubt stay asleep until just before sunrise.
Unknowingly pulling the blanket tighter around her, the elf's face grew softer; the lines her usual scowling countenance bore smoothed, tattoos framing her features in feral elegance.
This made her look younger and her true youthful age showed, her high cheeks and strong jaw highlighting her elven descent in the pale radiance of the moon.
She mumbled something softly in her mother-tongue, completely unaware of the shifter keeping watch nearby.
Deep sleep reclaimed her and she would no doubt stay asleep until just before sunrise.
Rydellius
I am not from this world
Subconsciously, Nameen had begun to sink down into her blankets as fatigue took over. All around, her companions were nodding off, having earned a well rest after the eventful day. Their slumber left the chamber calm and quiet, with the dying fire casting a low orange glow from the hearth. It was the most peace that Nameen had experienced all day, and she wanted to make it last as long as she could stay awake. She breathed deeply, attempting to resist sleep for a little while longer.
Eventually she gave in, shutting her eye and letting sleep rush forward to consume her consciousnesses. The room quickly fell dark, but not too long before a vision seemed to paint itself behind both of her eyes. It took a moment, but Nameen clearly made out the face of the woman who had called herself her mother.
The woman reached out, smiling with her mouth but not with her deep eyes. Nameen could feel a hand combing through her hair, tucking it behind her ears and out of her face.
"Goodnight Nameen."
Nameen jerked, one hand pulling her sword half out of its sheath before she realized that- that woman was gone. All she could see were the shadowy figures of her companions scattered around the room in slumber. Nameen let out a breath of relief, glad that no one had been awake to see her near outburst caused by seeing her mother's face. She gently slid the blade back into the sheath, and lay back down again with the weapon hugged against her chest.
Nameen's good eye bore into the ceiling. It flickered intently between every shadow, every seen or imagined motion that her mind processed. Her other eye, slit and milky white, did the same. Only in quite a different way. She felt it at that moment, the living magic that had taken refuge there. Just how to access it?
Nameen sighed, resigning herself to the fact that she wasn't going to go to sleep for a long while.
Eventually she gave in, shutting her eye and letting sleep rush forward to consume her consciousnesses. The room quickly fell dark, but not too long before a vision seemed to paint itself behind both of her eyes. It took a moment, but Nameen clearly made out the face of the woman who had called herself her mother.
The woman reached out, smiling with her mouth but not with her deep eyes. Nameen could feel a hand combing through her hair, tucking it behind her ears and out of her face.
"Goodnight Nameen."
Nameen jerked, one hand pulling her sword half out of its sheath before she realized that- that woman was gone. All she could see were the shadowy figures of her companions scattered around the room in slumber. Nameen let out a breath of relief, glad that no one had been awake to see her near outburst caused by seeing her mother's face. She gently slid the blade back into the sheath, and lay back down again with the weapon hugged against her chest.
Nameen's good eye bore into the ceiling. It flickered intently between every shadow, every seen or imagined motion that her mind processed. Her other eye, slit and milky white, did the same. Only in quite a different way. She felt it at that moment, the living magic that had taken refuge there. Just how to access it?
Nameen sighed, resigning herself to the fact that she wasn't going to go to sleep for a long while.
Raven Kade
Only a little dead
The gorge was quiet save for the whispering wind. Night had fallen in the desert, and on its surface the nights inhabitants began to move. The moon shone down into the gorge, and the night was full of stars. Then at the top of the gorge something shifted, a bit of displaced dirt. Then a relatively thin chunk of rock that had weathered many years made a low groaning noise. If any of the dwarves below had been close to it, they likely would have paled, as it was the distinct sound of stone giving way. The stone dropped and atop it was a young woman in a brown dress. She fell like a stone, straight down with her dress flaring. The stone hit the ground and shattered, flinging a shard of rock through the wall of a nearby building. The immense crash of the shattering stone rolled throughout the gorge and a dust cloud kicked up for a moment where the rock had fallen. When it cleared the young woman was walking forward, brushing off dust, seemingly unharmed.
Cass was walking in the desert staring at the sky. She had been traveling in the desert for some time, and the stretches of rock and sand had begun to bore her. The bright moon hanging over it entranced her however. If she had been paying attention she would likely not have walked so close to the edge of the gorge, but she did and for a moment all was still as she looked down at the gorge in front of her. Then the stone groaned, and fell from beneath her. As she dropped she had a split second of panic, instinctively more than anything else.
She walked out of the dust cloud brushing dust off of her dress a moment after the impact.
@Lo Alyssa @soundofmind @Danika @OlKaJa77 @Queen of Fantasy @GalacticRam @TeeKay @L1d1ja @MasterOfRGB @Rydellius
Cass was walking in the desert staring at the sky. She had been traveling in the desert for some time, and the stretches of rock and sand had begun to bore her. The bright moon hanging over it entranced her however. If she had been paying attention she would likely not have walked so close to the edge of the gorge, but she did and for a moment all was still as she looked down at the gorge in front of her. Then the stone groaned, and fell from beneath her. As she dropped she had a split second of panic, instinctively more than anything else.
She walked out of the dust cloud brushing dust off of her dress a moment after the impact.
@Lo Alyssa @soundofmind @Danika @OlKaJa77 @Queen of Fantasy @GalacticRam @TeeKay @L1d1ja @MasterOfRGB @Rydellius
Hey again folks. This is Cass's entrance 
, she looks like the following image.
, she looks like the following image.
GalacticRam
Member
Foxrun had easily just as fallen asleep as some of his other companions, so much in fact, that he had not heard Valeiah or Nameen waking from startled dreams. He, unlike them, did not have such unpleasantness in his sleep either. He had spoken much of his mother today, and that seemed to be what his mind continued to be stuck on.
"My boy," her voice seemed to echo at first, slowly sinking in. He could not see her yet, but she still called out to him. "You have grown." Her tone was laced with a fondness he would never be able to replace. Then a hand rested, delicately, upon his shoulder. "Your mind is weary. Are you troubled?" Of course a mother could always tell when something was wrong. This dream was strange. It felt more real than any he could recall. And it was as if she spoke of the present, not some sort of memory or a fable. "Ah, you are feeling hurt, aren't you? Always were sensitive." A fluttered giggle escaped before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders to hug him. He was still too baffled to actually speak, and she seemed to be holding up the conversation even without his answers. "Remember, we do not all come from the same places, nor the same peoples. If it does not make sense, imagine a different perspective." She placed a tender kiss on his temple now, "do not let your past resentments cloud your sympathy for the elf. You must realize that even the surest of minds would be sent into turmoil with what the poor girl has gone through." A knot formed in his chest, she had never been the person for conflict. Even if the person trying to arouse unease within her was completely wrong, she had a way of staying calm and eventually leading them to their own calmness. He knew she was right, and the more he thought on it, the more it was obvious. She suddenly covered his eyes "rest easy." And her touch was gone. And with it, so was his sleep. He opened his eyes to stare at the nearest wall, about to push himself up when a sudden crash came from outside, shaking the earth around them. He shot up, looking around to search for each companion. He was panicked at first, would they be buried by the rocks?! The thought choked him up as he noticed a few of the others missing from the room.
@ whoever just throwing another sleepy dream post out there.
"My boy," her voice seemed to echo at first, slowly sinking in. He could not see her yet, but she still called out to him. "You have grown." Her tone was laced with a fondness he would never be able to replace. Then a hand rested, delicately, upon his shoulder. "Your mind is weary. Are you troubled?" Of course a mother could always tell when something was wrong. This dream was strange. It felt more real than any he could recall. And it was as if she spoke of the present, not some sort of memory or a fable. "Ah, you are feeling hurt, aren't you? Always were sensitive." A fluttered giggle escaped before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders to hug him. He was still too baffled to actually speak, and she seemed to be holding up the conversation even without his answers. "Remember, we do not all come from the same places, nor the same peoples. If it does not make sense, imagine a different perspective." She placed a tender kiss on his temple now, "do not let your past resentments cloud your sympathy for the elf. You must realize that even the surest of minds would be sent into turmoil with what the poor girl has gone through." A knot formed in his chest, she had never been the person for conflict. Even if the person trying to arouse unease within her was completely wrong, she had a way of staying calm and eventually leading them to their own calmness. He knew she was right, and the more he thought on it, the more it was obvious. She suddenly covered his eyes "rest easy." And her touch was gone. And with it, so was his sleep. He opened his eyes to stare at the nearest wall, about to push himself up when a sudden crash came from outside, shaking the earth around them. He shot up, looking around to search for each companion. He was panicked at first, would they be buried by the rocks?! The thought choked him up as he noticed a few of the others missing from the room.
@ whoever just throwing another sleepy dream post out there.
Lo Alyssa
Close you eyes, and open your mind
It was probably only an hour before the sun would rise, a light haze could be seen on the horizon, but the moon and stars were still evident in the sky.
Yaroslav was awakened by his small bladder, he let out a curse, not wanting to get up so early in the morning. But he pulled himself away from his grandmothers comfortable shoulder anyway. He carefully maneuvered around the sleeping bodies of his companions, and managed his way to the door. He winced as the hinges loudly creaked as he tried to push it open, not wanting to wake anyone. He gave a sigh of relief as he looked back and saw that no one had been disturbed.
He chose a private space to relieve himself, glancing this way and that to make sure no one was watching.
He was just about done when he heard a loud crash to his right, it almost sounded like an explosion! Instinctively, he reached for his axes, suspecting foul play at hand, and cautiously walked closer to the large puff of smoke where it had sounded. It's not like he needed help going to the bathroom.
He kept his distance, but called out, "Who goes there!?"
His question was answered when a young fair haired lass stumbled out of the dusty smoke. His brows furrowed together, she certainly didn't seem like an enemy.
But he didn't lower his weapons just in case, "Who are you?" He asked, utterly confused and astounded that this short petite girl caused such a loud noise.
Yaroslav was awakened by his small bladder, he let out a curse, not wanting to get up so early in the morning. But he pulled himself away from his grandmothers comfortable shoulder anyway. He carefully maneuvered around the sleeping bodies of his companions, and managed his way to the door. He winced as the hinges loudly creaked as he tried to push it open, not wanting to wake anyone. He gave a sigh of relief as he looked back and saw that no one had been disturbed.
He chose a private space to relieve himself, glancing this way and that to make sure no one was watching.
He was just about done when he heard a loud crash to his right, it almost sounded like an explosion! Instinctively, he reached for his axes, suspecting foul play at hand, and cautiously walked closer to the large puff of smoke where it had sounded. It's not like he needed help going to the bathroom.
He kept his distance, but called out, "Who goes there!?"
His question was answered when a young fair haired lass stumbled out of the dusty smoke. His brows furrowed together, she certainly didn't seem like an enemy.
But he didn't lower his weapons just in case, "Who are you?" He asked, utterly confused and astounded that this short petite girl caused such a loud noise.