Fantasy Tales of Ristafel

[Nautilus]

"I am very confused as to why you all seek to hurt your fellow man.", Hadi said weakly, more to himself than to anyone. He looked around for a barman, found that there was none- he'd probably fled in the night, for he too must have known of the strange magnetic quality a tavern with adventurers inside of it had. Once one strange person had entered a tavern, many more strange people would follow, until they were given some sort of job or place to plunder at which point they would rapidly disperse to parts unknown. Hadi had read treatsies on the phenomenon, back it his homeland, and had seen it in action many times before. Did that, perhaps, mean that he was a strange man? An honorary djinn- yes, he supposed he was.

 

[Blumenkranz]

Smooch.


The scholar's face blushed as Hachi's lips caressed her cheek, and the same sensation from before just accentuated. What used to be just a metaphor, was now a reality: there was a warm light coming from inside her chest. Literally.


How embarrassing! Her delicate silk shirt was now blushing itself, a blueish glow coming from the center of her rib cage. Such a thing only happened when her heart was racing, maybe caused by a long day of (stealthily) running across the library to return all the books people brought back from rental to their proper place or a tad too intense novel. Judging by the situation, it was probably more similar to the latter.


Laria covered her breast with both hands as they traversed the path to the door. It would be better if nobody noticed she was losing her mind because of a simple kiss in the cheek a strange she just met some minutes ago gave her.


However, she promptly forgot about that once she saw what awaited for them on the other side. A giant winged creature, slightly taller than the tallest horse and infinitely more menacing, greeted the group with what she would have considered a smile, if it wasn't because she knew better.


Laria had read about these creatures. They were called Suzumebachi, and they were an exotic species from far away lands. These giant winged monsters were known for their viciousness and ferocity, often even going as far as hunting heavily armored men to satiate their hunger. However, they were somehow tamable, and they were indeed a common mount in Nippon, although there were several documented cases where they turned on their masters. In fact, the king Hirostingo the Unfortunate got his title after getting his head chopped off by his mount Shārotto.


Not used to screaming, but still connoisseur of fear, she silently walked back behind one of the tavern's corners, hoping the beast would ignore her presence. It may be domesticated, but she sure was not going to trust a giant bug with mandibles soaked in blood.

 

[MechaGhoul]

Pressmaster Crawley glanced back at Beltway. "S-" He paused in his dialogue as he glanced around in the tavern. He swore he saw a pathetic and cowardly individual. One who would be fodder for the true sailors, such as Regnvald and Beltway. But he quickly disregarded that, as he glanced back to Beltway and spoke.


"What do ya seek, before headin' t'port?" He smirked as he tapped at his right temple, " 'Sides some low-hangin' fruit, such as t'juicy lemons. Useful thing it be."

 

[DrBones]

Beltway was about to answer, but stopped himself. That green woman can create things. In fact, I probably don't need anything when I'm around her. I suppose I'll have to keep her hanging on to me for a while longer, then. Beltway let out a deep hum and err, trying to think of what he could use that Emerald couldn't provide. Visions of greasy pub food danced in his head, and he realized all the things that make life worthwhile: mounds of salt, fat, and grease stuffed into a thin container of meat and bread. Barely containing his lust for junkfood, Beltway spoke wistfully.


"Now I put mine mind's eye to the matter, I can think of naught but comestibles. Yea, I trust in your judgement to bring the sweetmeats of nature's loom with us, I must say we shall require more lasting fare. I know of a butcher over yonder, whose fare is salted meats and offal. Were you to give me time, I am certain a provision of dry-breads and hardtack wouldst be forthcoming as well. Speaking from mine own travels, 'tis nothing that is more travel-worthy than sausages and jerkies. Knowing you as a man of the mast, what say you to a fine slab of salted fats?"

 

[MechaGhoul]

"Of course nature's loom needs time to be as ample as can be. Such fruits must grow 'n blossom." Crawley wagged his finger, "Hardtack will be nary a trouble, for I always carry plenty. With just a bit o' refreshment, it goes down t' gullet most smoothly. Course it does not always go down well, especially in those inexperienced with t'meal 'n its contents."


He grinned as he licked his lips, when Beltway spoke of the delightful greasy meats. "Such a thought causes me t'water in an expectin' satisfaction. Especially if t'salted fats be from a thick cut. Time I can spare, fer such rations." He chuckled, "Ah, I trust t'butcha be more than familiar with the salty practices of an with t'flesh?"

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

"W-Wait! Kyubi!"


The golden Etherborn exclaimed as the white deer bounded away deep into the shrubbery. She frowned and glanced behind her several times, before finally taking off into the woods after him. The voices of the others began to fade, only peaking her worries higher. As usual, Kyubi was running at full speed, while still managing to avoid his antlers being struck. It was impressive really.


"Kyubi!" She called one more time as the light of day began to dim in the dark forest. He had skidded to a halt near a berry bush, and was munching away furiously. Ayrenn let out a sigh and padded up to him slowly.


"We shouldn't be here. We need to go back." She said in a soft whisper. He looked up at her and stopped, but then continued to eat.


Before she could say anything else, there was a swift crack of a branch somewhere within the bramble thickets. Kyubi's ears shot up immediately, and his stance was motionless.


Slowly, Ayrenn reached behind her and lifted the golden bow from off her back. She nocked an arrow and concentrated for a movement. The entire area around her became colorless and distorted as she tried to sense a nearby life force. A large, blue life force was hidden away in the shrubs just in front of them. A tail flicked from side to side, and the animal seemed to be in an attacking position. She pulled the string back to her ear and shot with extreme precision. The original colors of the world came back when the animal fell dead. Ayrenn nudged the white deer with her elbow, telling him to run forward. Obediently, Kyubi ran off and disappeared. He burst out into the dirt road with leaves clinging to his antlers. He glanced behind him, but Ayrenn had not followed. He let out a loud cry, a sort of whimper. But no one responded.

 

[CallSign]

Lily stood before the fallen priest. "Huh, he took that poorly." She turned toward Ajax's antics. "My name's Lily, and while I don't know what 'amazon' means, I like your ways too. Seems the bearer of eggs doesn't want the priest looted, so let's just get off to adventure."


Lily flipped a pair of gold coins onto the priest's chest as she struck off for questing.

 

[DrBones]

Beltway laughed in sympathetic glee to the art of charcutiery, and gave him a hardy slap on the back. It was great to find a fellow traveler, especially one with such enthusiasm for the etiquette of making salty, greasy foodstuffs.


"Merry, 'tis a good omen indeed, to meet one so receptive to mine rambling! Good sirrah, yon butcher is well-said in matters of butchery! Yea, a barrel of lard and a sack of beef-cuts go for scarcely-breaking prices here. I wouldst recommend stocking up here, ere we face the prices of yon portly purveyors. 'Fore we leave for matters of rations, I must find our caravan leader. Hast thou seen her? Weedy, purple hair, puts on airs of a scholarly yeoman with nary an idea of men's doings?"

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen sat and thought for a while, about what he should do. The time before the group decides to depart seemed to be looming rather close. He decided to go find Ayrenn, partly because he would like to enlist her help in tending to poor Gustav, and partly because he simply wanted to see her again, and get to know her better.


Looking around outside the Tavern, Vallen saw neither hide nor hair of her, or even kyubi, who would surely stand out wherever he was. He started to search farther from the tavern, and eventually saw the unique beast off in the distance, Ayrenn beside him, stroking his fur.


Vallen began to approach the two, when suddenly, Kyubi darted off, Ayrenn behind him. This didn't bode well. Almost without thinking, he bounded after them. If she had gotten lost in the forest, Ayrenn may be left behind, and Vallen could not abide by such a thing. He ran as fast as he could, utilizing his physical training to the fullest. As he finally caught up to Ayrenn, she had just fired an arrow at something in the bushes. Vallen approached slowly, hoping to make himself known without startling Ayrenn. "Ayrenn, what has happened? Do you need help?"

 

[MechaGhoul]

Crawley smirked as he gave a nod at Beltway, as he was given the firm slap on the back. "Aye, I appreciate a man with such a talented tongue of yours. An' a good hand as well." He wagged his finger as he smirked at him, "Tongue quick an' never tied. Admirable trait. As for t'portly purveyors, always amusin' how they find the ability t'push so firmly on wares most undeserving for the price they demand."


Matthew began laughing hysterically as Beltway talked of the caravan leader. He held both of his hands at his gut as the thought occurred to him of those ill-prepared types. "Och-aye! Swore I saw some manner of shedevil, with such a face, cowerin' round a corner. Stowed away like a mouse in thar dark'n damp hull. With the manner like a cowerin' scullery maid worried 'bout 'er head." Presssmaster Crawley leaned his head around as he tried looking for Laria.


"Ho!" He shouted out trying to grab her attention, "Off t'port with thee o' t'purple locks."

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

There was another rustling sound, but whatever it was, it was much larger. If Vallen hadn't spoke up in time, there would have been an arrow pointed at his head. She swiveled around and met his worried gaze with her own. She let out a sigh of relief, happy to see a friendly face. Ayrenn shook her head, and for once, there wasn't a smile on her lips.


"No, no... Kyubi ran off. We almost got attacked, but... I took care of it." She responded in a soft, almost tiresome voice. There was a slight hint of blood in the air, and it grew stronger by the minute. Her honeyed eyes looked over to the shrub, which now had a pool of crimson around it.


With slow steps, Ayrenn padded over to the shrub. She leaned down low and reached into the sharp branches. Her hand met wet fur. With a gentle tug, Ayrenn dragged the beast out into the open. It was a simple cougar; a male. It's caramel colored fur was drenched in blood, and it's face twisted into a snarl before death. The arrow she had shot was deep inside its forehead. Ayrenn gripped the wood and yanked it out swiftly. Blood edged down the arrowhead, dripping to the floor.


"Sometimes I wonder who the real killer is..." She suddenly said. Ayrenn stared at the fallen animal before her, silent. She stood up and backed away. The Etherborn stood beside Vallen now, staring blankly at the cougar.


"We both had the same intentions. But who won in the end?" She said in a whisper.


The golden Etherborn snapped out of her trance when the sound of another body crashing through the undergrowth echoed behind them. Kyubi appeared with twigs and plants stuck to his white antlers. Ayrenn laughed softly, unable to contain her amusement. He stared at the two confused.


"I can't tell you how many times I've had to clean his antlers. Can you believe a bird nested in there once? I woke up one day and there was a mother laying her eggs. It was unbelievable, really." Ayrenn exclaimed with a laugh. Her personality had changed so quickly, it was almost odd. She began picking the vines and leaves off of his antlers, flinging them to the side.

 

[Blumenkranz]

Two beautiful blue eyes peeked through one of the corners of the tavern. "I-Is it safe to come out already?", said timidly a faint voice. The way the girl was frowning and the concerned look in her eyes made it clear that she was still terrified of the monster that was awaiting for them at the exit of the building.

 

[DrBones]

Beltway smiled at Laria, and moved away from Pressmaster Crawley.


"Indeed it is, m'lady! Yon stallion is scarcely more dangerous than any steed you'll find amongst this township's stables! Art thou ready to leave? My bones ache for the grit of the open road! Prithee, make ready what few supplies you have, and I shall rally our compatriots!"





Beltway made his way into the tavern, and called out softly but firmly. His words banged around the tavern's walls, but failed to penetrate them due to the thick wood used in their construction. "All who art partaking in the scholar's expedition must come at once! 'Tis time to leave! Gather your belongings, and be ready to make tracks!"

 

[MechaGhoul]

"T'port." Pressmaster Crawley noted firmly, and annoyed at the cowardly lot. He pointed at the eyes of the nervous wretch that emerged up. "Worry 'bout safety when on t'ship." He gestured with his right index finger in a beckoning motion at Laria.


He returned his attention to Beltway and perked back up. He gave a nod as he flicked back some hair. "Aye, t'port. My belongings are with me and ready. Rally the rest and let's shove off." Matthew rolled his shoulders around as he headed out, ready to shove off to the port.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen sighed in relief. "I'm glad you're alright." He was saddened by the sudden disappearance of Ayrenn's smile, a small frown spreading across his own face.


As Ayrenn dragged the corpse out from the bushes, his eyes went wide. "Quite the aim you have there," he commented, giving an approving nod. Ayrenn then spoke words that he had... mixed feelings about, you could say. On the one hand, he was saddened along with her that she had to end the creature's life, but on the other, he felt it was justified. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder, and spoke gentle, reassuring words. "Ayrenn, you protected a dear friend from one that would harm him. You needn't be saddened for doing what had to be done."


At Kyubi's return, Vallen smiled, greatly relieved that simply seeing that Kyubi was okay was enough to lift Ayrenn's spirits so highly. "Come, we should return to the others. They are preparing to embark."

 

[Blumenkranz]

"T-to port?". Laria didn't know who this man was, and she definitely couldn't make sense of whatever he was talking about. Maybe it was his thick accent? No, there was no way "tomb" could ever sound like "port".


The librarian approached the pirate with small steps. Her legs were still shaking of fear, and getting closer to the thing she was scared of certainly didn't help.


"E-excuse me, sir...", she said in an even fainter tone than usual. "But we are going up in the mountains in search of Sigmar's Mausoleum. You can join us too if you want!".

 

[MechaGhoul]

The Pressmaster glared at the Librarian as he shook his head. "Yer bein' dragged t'port. I've got business t'do." He swaggered on up, keeping a stern glare at her. "I've got my seamen, an' they are NOT gonna go wanderin' off, away in desertion." He held out his right hand and waggled his finger, "Y'see, I don't-"


He paused for a moment before chuckling in a boisterous manner, "Care whether or not on what ya assumin'. Fact of the matter is," He extended his arms out in a wide and grandoise showboating gesture, "Yer headin' t'port." He quickly lowered his left arm back, but kept his right arm up. Pressmaster Crawley smirked, "Cause thar be ships needin' crew. And I take my tasks seriously, an' I'm back t'work." Musing over the situation, he leaned his head closer to the librarian as he kept staring her dead in the eyes.


" 'Less my future seamen, give me a good reason, on why I shouldn't-" He mimed a pulling gesture with his left hand, at his lower regions. He made sure to be rather, noticeable in doing this gesture. "Y'know, drag ya thar. Leave fer shore, always comes t' an end. Why should I allow such sailors t' go into tha mountains, when I got meself t'crew gathered and know exactly where port be?"

 

[DrBones]

Beltway shrugged, and attempted to dismiss Laria's concerns.


"It matters not which direction we take, all roads lead to the same end. Yea, 'twould be best to relax and take as things come. Freely have we of the road, and all the time in the world to finish our work! To sup in the Tomb of Sigmar or to ride the waves of yon ocean are as one and the same, says I. Fair mariner, what say ye to a small diversion to gather wealth for yon port'swork?"

 

[Boomrocker]

How fortuitous it was that El Saldo de Marad found himself approaching a tavern on this fine day in Ristafel! He was clearly what some would call a tourist, with clothes that did not match the locals and a visage that screamed 'foreign'. He walked with a brisk pace, his large backpack not weighing him down, as he reached the front of the tavern and eyed the locals.


And what an interesting crowd they were! They would certainly be visiting new and interesting places! Perhaps El Saldo would find more disciples at their destination, or indeed within their very group!


"GOOD DAY!" El Saldo boomed at the chatting people. His voice was obnoxiously loud. Still too far away for a decent conversation, he strode forward, cutting through the crowd with the pace of a man many inches taller. "I wish to accompany you on your adventures, for I wish to see the wonders of the world with my own eyes!" he elaborated, his words rapid and heavily accented. "Is there room in your adventuring party for a man such as myself?"

 

[Blumenkranz]

"No, please!", exclaimed Laria as she grabbed the man by his shirt. It seemed like she was about to burst into tears. "I need to go there! Really!"


"Sigmar's Mausoleum has legendary treasures! His sword, his armor, some of his jewels, long forgotten knowledge... everything you can think of!". The way her speech started to accelerate suggested that Laria's voice was about to break. She was clearly growing desperate. "Fame, riches... it will be all for you if you want! I just want to read those documents at least once in my life. It is my dream! I-I can give you all the money I have. I can..."


Laria blushed once again. Such a lewd gesture! Her heart was clearly not going to stop glowing any time soon. "B-but that's...!". The librarian covered her now red cheeks with her hands and looked around. "I... I... do I have to... I-Is it necessary?"

 

[DrBones]

Beltway gently untangled Laria from Pressmaster Crawley, and gave her a warm hug. His tone grew soft and soothing, and he patted her back and massaged her shoulders as he spoke. Beltway whispered conspiratorially into Laria's ear, making sure Pressmaster Crawley couldn't hear them.


"Worry not, fair lady! I have reason to believe that yon pressganger thirsts not for thine maidenhead. Rather, he might be a man of men, be you privy? We shall visit your destination in due time, but for now a visit to the open sea wouldst be heaven indeed! 'twould be good to gather more resource 'fore our expedition, ere we find ourselves felled, by frost or fiend.


Beltway caressed Laria's hair, and gently brought her gaze up to look him in the eye.


"M'lady, consider the benefits!A stay on a ship of the line wouldst bring thee to much worldly knowledge, and make a woman of iron out of you! There is little sense in plunging to thine death, as a babe in the woods!"

 

[CallSign]

Lily stepped forward and gave Laria an encouraging pat on the back. "It's just a quick ride on a boat, lass. Nothing to be afraid of!" There was a high chance that Lily had completely misinterpreted the conversation, thinking Laria afraid of the sea.


Meanwhile, a barmaid approached the fallen Gustav, having noticed the two gold coins on his chest. She picked up the coins, then fished a vial filled with an unknown substance from her pocket. It seemed this tavern was no stranger to bar fights ending in unconscious patrons, and had means to ensure the patrons paid before being hauled out to the streets. The barmaid used this smelling salt to bring Gustav back to consciousness, then returned to her work wordlessly, for the coins were payment enough. @Darksoul180

 

[MechaGhoul]

Pressmaster Crawley simply glared at Laria as she grabbed at his shirt. Oh she tugged at it, revealing more of the chest from the loose garment. With a disdainful sneer he pulled off the ladies' hands from his shirt, well as quickly as he could before Beltway actually fulfilled the untangling.


Matthew glanced towards the fine compatriot that was Beltway. Scowling a bit he tapped on his head with his right hand. "T'wealth be of importance, tis true." He noted with a nod, as he wagged his finger once more. "But it be not enough t' miss out on t' trainin' that'll occur on t' vessel. As is, t'crew must be prepared, more than collectin' treasure, when t'sea is full o' bounties rich."


He glanced back at the pitiful creature that stood before him, as he simply stared. "Shedevil, I care naught fer ya dreams." He stated in a rather apathetic manner.


He used his left hand as he stroked at his beard, "Yer bargainin' all of it, t'me. Treasure, fame, riches, all o'this I claim aboard t'high seas." He began laughing a bit maniacally. " Yer goin' inta service. That is what'll happen." He glanced back at Beltway. He was such a fine companion.


Meanwhile Crawley stroked his beard, "I care naught of thar tomb, and the sea is far more beneficial. But-" He paused for a moment, "I heard tales spun, o'a ship. A ship o'er the clouds themselves. I might consider allowin' fer my seamen to go on that diversion then, if such rumors were true, and such a vessel were crafted."


"But as is, t'sea is the course we shall take." Pressmaster Crawley noted.

 

[Xenonia]

Emerald turned to look at the rather peculiar stranger as he approached, shouting in a voice several decibels above any safe volume. His request, though worded in about as awkward a way as possible, seemed innocent enough, and so Emerald thought nothing of it. "Certainly you may, dear kind, albeit obnoxiously loud stranger! We'd be happy to have you. There isn't much room left on this giant hornet creature, so you may have to walk beside us as we travel, but other than that you can look forward to smooth sailing!" She reached out to shake his greasy-looking hand.

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

Ayrenn smiled lightly at Vallen's words. She glanced up to him as he placed his hand on her shoulder. It was warm, and soothingly gentle.


"Thank you for your kind words, Vallen." She murmured to him. Kyubi's white antlers were cleared of all debris, and had been restored to their original beauty. He nibbled on a plant, munching away busily. Vallen's mention of the others preparing to embark brought Ayrenn back to her senses. A worried frown appeared on her face. Ayrenn returned the golden bow onto her back. She nodded and clicked her tongue softly.


"Come, Kyubi. We're going back." Ayrenn said to the white deer. He looked up with a leaf hanging from his mouth. He chewed on it for a couple of seconds before swallowing, and letting out a huff. She began to walk forward with Kyubi following closely behind. Her glowing eyes glanced back at Vallen.


"You coming?"


She smiled gently, tilting her head to the side.