Take Back the Crown

Oceana was smiling at Nameen, sensing that she was lost in her memories of this uncle of hers.


She knew that feeling. 


That pleasure in observing someone you admired do something they loved.


Just like papa.


Then she saw Yaro storming over to them.


Rage played across his face, fiery brows furrowed deeply.


That isnae good.


She decided she should try to diffuse the situation before it even happened.


"Hello Bear boy." She said politely.


"Are we ready to head out yet?"


@Lo Alyssa
 
Cass looked sadly at the tea on the table, wishing she could drink it. It would at best do nothing, and if it contained a certain few herbs it would do rather more than nothing, but it was hard to elegantly observe unfolding chaos whilst just sitting with your hands at your side. Uncle Abe made it seem so effortless to be elegant, and she knew he did not drink. Well he did not drink tea at least. Shrugging she copied his mannerisms, leaning forward and resting her chin on her hand. She raised an eyebrow at Svetlana and said, "So I presume you are Svetlana Kozlov, and that," she inclined her head towards the way that Yaroslav had gone, "Was your assistant Yaroslav Kozlov? My father knew you long ago, although I doubt you would remember him. As to your purpose, aye I can hazard a guess after that. Headed off to unseat a Daemon King, accompanied by the heir to the throne and a band of misfits. Likely unprepared and incautious enough to let a new arrival know the identity of the princess, so all in all decent chances for this all to be doomed. I suppose there is really only one question worth asking at this point." She turned a Cheshire cat smile showing off a row of sharp metal teeth before saying, "Am I misfit enough to join your party? Doomed missions are good for the moral fiber anyway."


@Lo Alyssa
 
Bo hadn't been eavesdropping - as easy as it would have been to do, he simply wasn't interested. That is, until the nature of the other gathering of people in their groups's conversation was revealed by the angry outburst from Yaroslav.


He didn't know many of the other's motives for joining the group, besides a little about Nameen's, the Princess's, and Svetlana and Yaroslav's stories. He had willingly signed up for what he knew would be a war - he didn't expect much in return. He expected to die. If he made some friends out of this before... they... died (he had to think it inevitable, if he hoped otherwise, such a loss would be too painful to bear). Of course, he had a feeling that telling Yaroslav that wouldn't do much to calm him down. 


He couldn't blame Yaroslav for being angry - it was completely understandable given his history, and what Bo had witnessed of his nature. But he also knew that people of all sorts, no matter where they were from, were inherently selfish. Selflessness was something taught, and something practiced through hard work and by resisting the temptation to make selfish choices. That said, he couldn't deny that even he had somewhat selfish motives. So did Yaroslav. They all were in this for some sort of personal gain, and some sort of  personal goal. It might've ranged from desiring companionship and acceptance to vengeance and revenge, but they all wanted something. 


Of course, that didn't make revenge right. Of course not. But at this point Bo had begun to try to rationalize away the tension he felt building in the room. He felt obligated to stay and bear it, to push through it even as more people spoke out, rushed out, and fed into the conflict. He wanted to say something funny, or just... anything, to break through the tension. He could already feel himself growing weary of the constant conflict sparked among all of them. It often felt unecessary. Now I feel like I'm walking on eggshells.


He didn't want to say anything that would incite any sort of anger towards him. He hated seeing it amongst everyone, but he hated even more to bear the weight of being the cause of someone's grief or even rage. Especially when those people were... his comrades.


He sat quietly, chewing his food slowly, albeit visibly uncomfortable and anxious. 


"Oy vey." He muttered in hushed tones, dread and worry weighing down his words. 


@ any ??one idk @Queen of Fantasy @L1d1ja
 
(I apologize for not replying earlier!! I was at a family reunion and the wifi at my grandparent's house is not the greatest!)


Lilith yawned.  "I will make sure Jinx does not bother you, friend." She smiled. She looked over at her black feline and shooed her away. The cat jumped off of Lucas' lap and onto the stone floor. Jinx leaped elsewhere, exploring the canyon for desert mice for breakfast. Lilith sighed, and rubbed her eyes, then chuckled at Dorian's question. "I don't think I've ever had a good nights sleep. At least from what I can remember." She reached for a jam filled pastry from one of the many silver platters set out before them. "I do hope you two had a better rest than I did." She took a bite from her pastry, and then a sip from her milk. 


She looked toward Bo's direction when she heard him mutter. "You alright?" She asked, taking another small bite of her food. 


@soundofmind @L1d1ja
 
"Mmmmm...yes." He hummed, thinkingg about it for a moment. "If I weren't all-right, I would've left." He responded blank facedly, taking the last bite of a pastry, before looking over at Lilith with smiling eyes, a smile playing at the end of his lips as he chewed.


@Queen of Fantasy @L1d1ja
 
Last edited by a moderator:
He had stayed quiet during the end of their little groups conversation, and apparently Yaroslav could not do just that. The opposite in fact. His explosive defense and departure had left Foxrun feeling slightly offended. He may not have completely directed his words at him as an individual, but he was sure they were aimed at each of them. Honestly he had already concluded that he stayed with the group because he wanted to see the young princess take her rightful place, and to see children like Lucas live carefree. To see them live at all. He did not want another village to end up such as his had, regardless if it was dark fey or daemons that caused the destruction, he just wanted it to cease. He understood of course, that the man was under just as much stress as the rest of them, and that this must have been the bit to cause it to overflow. His well of patience rounds far deeper than my own I must admit. 


Also Tony is surprise, was the usual carefree valeiah seemed to finally snap as well. She always seemed so nonchalant about everything, so for her to open up so violently, well, in a different way than usual, was something he didn't know how to handle. In all actuality, he felt a sort of guilt twist in his gut. Is this because I was nosey? Did I push her too far? He sighed and slid his chair out as well "excuse me." He spoke to those who remained around him, few it may be, and headed after the younger girl. He thought he had been the cause behind her getting upset, so he wanted to try to fix it, try. He called out as he went to catch up with her "hey, where are you going?" He huffed, she had actually gotten a bit further than he expected in the short time between their exits. 


@L1d1ja@Lo Alyssa@Danika(not sure who else was directly near him. So whoever else was involved I guess ahaha)
 
"Where am I going? I don't know. Away from all those idiot people and this ridiculous quest for death." Valeiah picked up a smooth stone and threw it as far as she could. "I should have never tagged along on this stupid adventure, I'm just–ugh!" Now she kicked a big rock. She was still dark red. She was fuming.


@GalacticRam
 
Of course he didn't know what exactly to say, so he just jumped at the first thing he could think of "I bet I could throw one further than you." He picked up a smaller stone like she had, tossed it once lightly and caught it, then  chunked it towards the canyon wall where it planted itself on a ledge. He then glanced at her to see if she would accept the challenge. Then spoke up again as he searched for his next rock "you know, it doesn't matter what brought you here in the first place, or why you claim to stay." He stated it as if it was clear what he meant. "You made a choice to come. And I think, even if you deny it, that you do care. That's why you continue to stay. Nobody is forcing you to be here or to help. It just gets hard to handle everything. You've been with this group longer than I have, and I think I've gotten in more arguments than you have." He pointed out the last bit with a grin, testing the weight of another rock he plucked from the ground. He then, almost quickly and even more quietly added "I would miss you. But I won't force you to stay." This was something he struggled with saying entirely, coming out broken, maybe a bit childish even.


@Danika
 
"I don't know if no sleep at all may qualify as rest." Dorian chuckled. He watched Yaroslav's outburst blank-faced. "A day is starting with a fight. Must be Tuesday. And your jokes need some work." He smiled at Bo.


@soundofmind @Queen of Fantasy
 
(I accidentally skipped the page with the huge outburst, oh boy. Sorry 'bout that!)


Lucasta sat in her seat, listening intently as the others spoke of their reasons of being here. She was a bit uncomfortable about the topic of vengeance. It is a powerful and evil thing. Even if you accomplished the goal of revenge, it still leaves you broken-hearted, and alone. She jumped when Yaroslav stood from his seat to defend her, and speaking out against their goals. She was about to say something, then Valeiah spoke up and insulted the princess, then continued to leave the room. The fair haired royal stood, and ran after Yaroslav, with tears in her eyes. Once she managed to catch up to him, she grabbed his hand and held him back. "Yaroslav." She said, teary eyed. She shut her eyes tight and sniffed. "Thank you for defending me... However..." Her voice trailed off. She wanted to badly to defend her companions, but she knew that what Yaroslav had said was true. They couldn't risk it. She was silent for a moment, as her thoughts registered. She started to cry, and unexpectedly hugged the large man.


@Lo Alyssa
 
      The man lightened up ever so slightly hearing Oceana's question, "I certainly hope so." He grumbled, still hot and angry. He had been stomping towards the pile of supplies the others had been gathering around, but then felt a tug on his arm. He whipped his head around, about to yell at who he thought was the gremlin, but his expression softened almost instantly upon seeing the princess instead. She thanked him, and he grunted in response. But what he did not expect was her thin arms to wrap around his large waist the best they could. He stumbled a bit, unsure as to what to do, so he remained motionless until it finally registered. He responded in kind, and embraced her gently, feeling awkward at the notion. He eventually pulled her away, and knelt down in front of her.


      "I would defend you to the very end." He said with a serious unfaltering gaze. He meant every word.





      The old woman gave her a smile, "Aye, I have lived for at least five hundred years, and traveled even a more number of lands." She said almost apologetically, "I am afraid I do not remember him. Perhaps if I had a face, I would recognize, I never forget a face." Taking a sip of her tea, the old woman almost chocked at the accurate description Cass made of their group, and of their quest to boot. She laughed, "Why yes." She gave the girl a wink, "I think you might just make the cut!"


      Glancing slightly behind her, the old woman decided they had done enough lollygagging, "Speaking of which, we should all head out now! The sun has risen, our path is ahead of us! Let us go!" She nearly jumped out of her seat, anxious to finally get her hands on the first stone, and looking forward to more lovely bonding along the way.


      As she rushed everyone out of their seats, she spotted Sverrir on the stairs that led from the hall to his hearth, "Svetlana!' He called, waving her over.


      "What is it, dear?" The old woman asked.


      "I'm afraid the caravans are not finished yet, so you'll have to make the journey on foot- or horseback, whatever. I was thinkin' you could retrieve this artifact, and then return here. They should be done then!" The dwarf said with a smirk, knowing she would love the finished product, "And also," he added before she could say anything, "There's someone that I think you should meet- he's a trader of merchandise we've had business with for a few months now. In fact, Olaf and Bor were gonna go meet him today, and I think he'd be able to guide you through the canyons. You see, even though we're looters, we've never really gone beyond our territory aside from the shifting sands, and the pyramid I told you about is way beyond out territory. It'll probably take a day and a night to reach it in fact. So," He continued, "His name is Ashlar, he hails from some of the human tribes that lives in the sands."


      Svetlana pondered it for a moment, "You know, I think I shall take you up on that offer. We will need all the help we can get. Even in all my travelings, I have never laid eyes on this place, so it would be wise."


      Sverrir smiled, happy to have been some assistance, "Well then, Olaf and Bor are waiting on the outskirts, so meet up with them and they'll take you to this canyon guide." He then put his goggles back on, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some unfinished business in my workshop." He winked before dashing away, eager to continue his hard labor.


      Svetlana shook her head and then looked behind her to see if the remainder of their group was almost done with their chatter, "Come now, dearies! We have not all day to spare!" She shouted, her voice echoing off the walls in the large room. She was usually a patient woman, but being so close to their objective, this was a time for haste.


@Abberakelaran @L1d1ja @Queen of Fantasy @ everyone basically (hopefully I tagged everybody right thOUGH)
​
 
Noting that the ancient Mage made no move toward the wagons, Oceana decided to ask for a horse.


It was clear they would be making the journey to the pyramid without their stores or bedding.


Probably because her elven ears had overheard Sverrir tell her that.


Shouldering her sizable travel pack, the elf walked up to Svetlana seeing as Yaro was... occupied.


"May I use one of the wagon horses?" She inquired timidly, not meeting the elder's eyes.


The raven-haired elf maiden knew she wasn't on the best terms with... any Of the people in their group...


@Lo Alyssa
 
Last edited by a moderator:
      "Of course!" Svetlana smiled, "I think Sverrir had them stabled in the clearing somehwere. I am actually headed the same way, if you would like to join me." The old woman said, heading towards the building over the bridge.

 
Cass returned Svetlana's smile, and followed along as she moved towards the horses. She moved quietly, and remained a short distance away, lost in thought.


@Lo Alyssa


(Tis more a relocation notice than a proper post, sorry. Wanted to keep my character where the action is.)
 
Bo got up and followed Svetlana and the rest of the crew out to go get ready for their journey, but not without shoving two whole pastries in his mouth and grabbing three more. Just in case. A snack for later. He caught up to the younger gal who they found wandering in the rocky desert, chewing quickly and swallowing as he came up beside her, and licking around his teeth to ensure no food was caught in there before he spole up.


"Hey!! Cassandra, right? You travelling with us now?" He asked with an optimistic smile as he walked with her.


@Abberakelaran
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Cass looked his way when the man began speaking to her. At her eye level all she saw was rib cage so she looked up. And up and up and up, until she was finally looking at his face. She moved slightly away so that her neck was at a slightly less dramatic angle and walked on for a moment, considering her answer. Then she spoke, "Call me Cass if you would. I do intend to see this through to whatever end it holds. I am curious to be honest. I went seeking adventure and this seems as a good a one as any. How about you? What brings you along on this journey?"


@soundofmind
 
Bo nodded, wishing for the millionth time in his life that he could be even just a little shorter, as he noticed her crane her neck upwards. 70% of the people he met had to do that.  He couldn't imagine how bad that must be for their spines and necks. 


"Aah! Alright. Cass it is then. And I'm Bo, by the way." He added, speaking in a friendly manner. "I suppose the short answer, is that I came for adventure as well. More than that though - I believe in the cause. I want to do it because I believe it's right, and that it's  good for the kingdom's rule to be returned to its rightful leader. But if it's adventure you're looking for, I'm sure that this is the best quest to go on. I know it won't be easy, but it'll be worth it."


@Abberakelaran
 
Cass looked Bo over, considering his words for a moment. Then she smiled, with a trace of sadness and said, "Adventure is plenty for me, and this quest does appear to hold plenty. My mother was a hero once. Her fate was singularly unkind, when she should have been immortal. Heroics may be good for the soul, but it is not a kind pursuit." Her smile took on a slightly bitter edge before she said, "Nay, I am happy to help on an adventure but I have no desire to be a hero. I travel to learn, to see new things, and to adventure. Heroics, doing good things for the sake of goodness, is a path my family has had ill luck with. I wish you luck if that is the path you take."


@soundofmind
 
Even with his first question of her wereabouts left unanswered, he began to quickly piece together that she was not a threat. She was an adventurer, a traveller, a learner. Albeit, a wary one.


"Ah... well, thank you. I'm sorry about your mother. I hope that you, then, are able to discover and learn something from this journey like you so desire. However, even with heroics set aside, know it will be dangerous. But keep your head up! Don't worry. We'll all look out for you." He assured her, making a silent promise in his heart to do so. He was however, hesitant to say such things aloud. "We may be dysfunctional and excitable at times, but we're a team. I'm glad to have you with us, for however long you decide to travel with us."


@Abberakelaran
 
Last edited by a moderator:
He let out a slight sigh, frowning, almost pouting even. He knelt to speak to her better "Okay. Well. What do you want to do then? You left back there acting like you planned on never coming back." He pointed over his shoulder back to where the others seemed to be gathering. "And it looks like they want to head out today? But it's your choice what you do." He offered a grin, tiny, but still a smile "you gonna pass up the opportunity to meet a sphinx?" He wasn't the best with this sort of thing, but he still felt like it was his fault. "Look, I didn't mean to draw attention to you in there. It's your business. And if you want someone to know, it should be up to you who knows and for what reasons. So I'm sorry I caused things to get out of hand." He practically spewed the last bit, huffing because he felt like he sounded like a fool.


@Danika
 
The princess wiped away her tears, and gave a quivering smile. "Thank you..." She sniffed and straightened, trying to collect herself and push away the negative thoughts. Her face turned slightly red, realizing the action she just did. "I'm sorry if I acted strangely." She nervously chuckled, and twisted her hair around in her fingers. She felt extremely awkward now, and wanted to escape it. "Uh, perhaps we should go see what Svetlana is doing. I believe we are leaving soon anyways..." 
 
Cass smiled and for a moment there was a trace of sadness in her expression, but it swiftly vanished and she said, "Aye, many things to learn, many things to see. Do not trouble yourself overmuch with protecting me. I am less fragile than I look." She fell silent then for a moment, and looked away towards the canyon walls. After a few beats past a normal lull passed she turned back and smiled slightly before saying, "I do appreciate that though. I thought I would have to wander for a while before finding an adventure, but I only left home a week or two ago, and already I found adventure. An important one at that!"
 

@soundofmindSorry about the delay on that, I had some issue today
 
Oceana smoothly moved into step beside Svetlana.


"Thank you..." She said, slightly bewildered by the Mage's sudden kindness but grateful.


As they approached the stables, the elf tried to picture what meeting the Sphinx would be like; Beautiful. Mighty. Terrifying.


 She prayed to all the elven gods that Valeiah nor Alo or their sibling vitriol would get them eaten.


She prayed profusely.


Coming up to the horses, they made small chuffing sounds at the sight of her and their master and she walked faster.


Beasts of any kind often gave her comfort, whether it be domestic horse or prowling wolf.


There was something about horses though. They reminded her of deer, in a way. Deer reminded her of home.


Their regality and grace was something the elves strived to embody. And so they deserved a regal death.


Oceana knew that if one of these creatures, these horses, were injured under her care she would not forgive herself. 


She shook off the thought.


The rich smell of hay and horses wafted lazily in the desert breeze and the elf breathed it in.


Looking upon them all, the hunter decided upon a black mare with white spots, a single braid in her dark mane.


She stepped over to her, eyes shining, and put out her hand for the horse to smell it. The mare regarded her with large wet eyes.


"Hello my lovely one." She murmured in her mother tongue.


She felt her lips curve up of their own accord as the horse pushed her nose into the proffered hand.


"May we travel together on this day?"


The horse chuffed derisively, seemingly exasperated but willing.


'More likely, I will travel and you will ride.' Her baleful eyes seemed to say.


Oceana's laugh rang out softly, like a silver lute echoing in the dusty air.


"I don't deny it." She said to the horse smirking.


'It doesn't surprise me that Yaro and his grandmother would keep such strong-willed creatures.' She thought to herself.


"I am Oceana."


The horse whinnied softly, eyes blinking in a surprisingly demure fashion. Still with a slightly exasperated huff at the end.


Nevertheless, the horse was glad to be chosen and Oceana felt glad as well.


With a huff of effort, the elf woman saddled her mount and led her out to wait for the others.


As she stood there, the elf stroked her horse's neck and when they met eyes she smiled brightly.


"Dahlia is a beautiful name." She murmured, smiling a wide, dazzling smile.


Dahlia the horse blinked once, long lashes dipping shyly over her large grey eyes and pawed the sandy earth.


Oceana laughed again, feeling light. Feeling happy.


@Lo Alyssa
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top