Fantasy Tales of Ristafel

[Xenonia]

Emerald was shellshocked. Moments ago she had been manhandled out the very same door that some ne'er-do-well had just forced in, using some poor soul's body as a door-opener. Was that a thing? A door opener? Surely, such a device existed... Emerald shook her head. This man was in need of help! Not the door opener man, of course, he was merely coincidental. No, she turned her attention on Vash. "Excuse me, sir. You seem frightfully excited by something. Are you in danger? Do you require help?" She approached him to put her hand on his shoulder. "Please, it is my duty to help those in need."

 

[Blumenkranz]

Laria shook her head. No, she was not a deaf-mute; she was able to listen to Hachi without a problem, and she actually had a beautiful soft voice. She just... forgot about it, like every time she got nervous or scared.


The librarian had lived all her life amongst her friends, the books. They taught her all she learned, they were there in her saddest hours, and they never failed her. They were her real family, the only one she ever knew, but they obviously were never able to provide her oral conversations. Due to this reason, and because she learned how to read long before she managed to pronounce her first word, speaking just felt unnatural to Laria, or at least compared to writing.


The girl took a deep breath before attempting to communicate to the bee knight the reason of her brief stay under that table. "I wa... I was.. I was I was w-waiting for the mo... for the approrprpi... appropriate moment, sir", said Laria with a shaky voice. She just hoped stuttering was not considered rude, like standing under a table.

 

[ComradeSenpai]

"The appropriate moment for what? Are you hiding from something?" Hachi asked. A thought occurred to him, and he scratched the chin of his faceplate in thought. If this girl was hiding from bandits or mob enforcers, he could defend this town out of charity. Only it wasn't charity; he'd get glory out of it, and maybe even a head if the leader was strong.


"Actually, if you're hiding from something dangerous, you should tell me. Danger and I go together like pollen and nectar." he continued.

 

[Blumenkranz]

"No, I am not...". Laria let out a sigh, a sigh of relief. Whoever this man was, he actually seemed willing to help, which was specifically what she came to this tavern for. "It is not that I was hiding from anyone in spe... cific. I simply was not sure about the propropr... proper moment to pres... present myself to the tav-tavern".


"I came here to ask for help", she added.

 

[DrBones]

Beltway shrugged, as the crowd growing around Brand and Vash grew thicker and thicker. Deciding that an injured person was far less important than a fair maiden in need of help, he sauntered back and towards Laria and Hachi. He grinned cheekily as he cocked his eyebrows inquisitively at Laria.


"Help? God's wounds, what sort of help wouldst one of such fair skin need of a tavern's bounty of laggards and lummoxes? Marry, if you were to evoke what you need help with, I am sure I and my foreign colleague here would be loathe to neglect it!"

 

[ComradeSenpai]

"Ask for help?" Hachi asked, his faceplate concealing any semblance of emotion. The samurai buzzed internally. This was playing out like an actiony play. He'd probably get to shoot hundreds of bees at some thugs.


"What do you need help with?" the samurai inquired. He hoped it was bandits or some monster.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen was surprised, astonished and a little worried that Emerald was being so friendly towards an individual who exuded an air of 'don't be friendly with me'... again. "Be careful Emerald..." he warned her as he approached the man cautiously, standing in a relaxed position but subtly channeling Yier into his gauntlets in case this obviously quite strong individual wasn't done causing trouble.

 

[Darksoul180]

"I will not repeat myself again Sir. Either fix up this mess, or i will have to convince you to!"





The priest said as he was growing impatient with the shaded fellow. This man, known as Vash caused a disruption, and Gustav did not want to wait to much longer for the man to create yet another problem. As the priest got closer to the man, the shadow shifted, allowing a full view of the man, he smirked, and darted away. Something was differently wrong with the man. That smirk was one that embodied nightmares. The priest ran out the door after than man, but saw that he was already very far away, and gaining speed. He was no ordinary being, he was running much faster, and the priest knew that he would not catch up to him.


Stopped jsut outside the doorway, he noticed some people standing by. One was a monk of sorts, and the other was a greenish Etherborn. The preist noticed the worried look on their faces, and the monk's aggresive stance, he looked ready to take on the strange man who had jsut ran off.


"Well, i believe I chased him off for now! Nothing out here to worry about! Lets head inside and make sure everything is alright!"


The priest said, putting his glimmering book back into his satchel. Returning inside, and back to the side of the orignal Etherborn, the one with the deer who he still had interest in. Overlooking the man's wounds who had been thrown into the tavern. He did not look to be dying, but he was defiantly hurt. His eyes closed in pain, and seemingly passed out cold.


"Barmaid, please get this man some water, and a bed to rest in! Tend to his wounds if you must, he should be okay when he awakes, if anything he may have a throbbing headache!"


He said this as he tossed her some coinage in order to take care of her labor, the mans rest and drink, and hopefully enough to help with repairs. The priest was now low on coin, but he normally did not have a use for it anyway, he mostly gave to charity fonds in the first place. The preist smiled, and looked to the interesting Etherborn, still attempting to tend to the man's wounds.


"Don't worry, he will be okay!"


The priest sat back down, at a near table, and motioned for her to take a seat once again. Greeting her once again with a soft smile.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen watched after the man who ran off, having half a mind to chase him. "He's up to no good, that's for certain... but I'd rather not contribute to any more conflicts this morning..." Vallen sighed and released the Yier he was concentrating into his fists. he peered into the tavern, noticing that the priest had taken care of situation for the most part. He approached the man. "Well good sir, you seem to have a knack for settling conflicts in a nonviolent manner, something I myself can't seem to do." He turned towards the honey-eyed Etherborn. "And you there young lady, seem to have a knack for restorative magic. Impressive. I am Vallen, Monk of the Bursting Palm. Good to meet you both."

 

[Blumenkranz]

Laria's eyes illuminated at the bard's gentle, silky words. The man's vocabulary was so rich it made her blush, and his diction was so clear it was very easy for her to understand what he was trying to say. And he noticed her! It was like in her romantic books, which always managed to make her feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.


"Sigmar's Mausoleum", said Laria with a determined tone in her voice. "I have been studying all the poems of the Elegy for the Dead King for a long time. They talk about mountains not even clouds can reach, dense forests that capture the souls of those who dare wandering for too long in them and a river so cold, the only thing preventing it from freezing is it's swift descent through shiny shards of beautiful Yier gems".


The librarian paused for a moment to search inside her purse. After introducing her arm up to the elbow and digging inside a huge pile of books and scrolls, she extracted a small book of flat dark cover that looked rather new. Her fingers quickly slipped through hundreds of pages before stopping in a page that contained a pretty detailed map of the zone.


"According to the description given in the texts..." - said Laria as her finger traced imaginary lines all across the paper - "I am fairly certain that the location of the Mausoleum is between these mountains, probably inside this valley."


"It is said Dunhavenim, his legendary weapon, lays inside his tomb, united until the end of time, just like the king wished. His riches, long forgotten documents and artifacts we can only dream of are also buried with his corpse, awaiting for eternity". Laria paused for some seconds. "Or so the legend says..."


"I know it is just an old tale. Nobody has been able to demonstrate that Sigmar existed yet, let alone about his legendary tales, but I am fairly sure that they are real, all of them. I know it sounds risky, but what if it is true?". The librarian's eyes tried to avoid contact with neither of the men's faces, instead deciding to focus on her book. "I do not have much money with me, but I promise that if we find it, you will be able to take whatever you find with you. And if we do not, I will give you all I have."


"But for a journey like this I need people. Adventurers like you."

 

[Darksoul180]

"Greetings friend! A monk is always a friend of mine! That being said, everyone is welcome to be a friend of mine!"





The priest gave him a hardy smile, as he always did, and leaned back in his chair attempting to relax again. His chair started to lean back onto 2 legs, as he gestured for the bunch to take a seat at the table he was sitting at.


"Also, it to be known, most situations don't need to be solved violently! With some work and convincing, anyone can be calmed down or talked out of a bad situation! It just takes some work, belief, and a calm and confident mind! Although, convincing sometimes can turn a bit violent. Thankfully that man's instincts were to run form me. Probably a blessing from the great goddess Crea! That man looked like a nightmare carrier to me."


The preist said all this as he looked around the room, seeming another gathering of people, near a girl who was under a table. He looked at them quizzically, and started to speak again.


"Oh, and how rude of me! Preexist Gustav is the name! Just a general peace maker, nature lover, adventurer!"

 

[Xenonia]

Quietly, a bit embarrassed that the man she had intended to help had ran off before she was given the chance to, well, help him, Emerald followed Vallen inside. She sat herself at the table with the jovial priest and the other Etherborn woman from before. The priest spoke like a jolly fellow, reminding her of some form of very kindly hog or something. It was pleasant. Hearing that they were introducing themselves, Emerald felt it best to restate her own name. "I am Emerald, and I, too, love nature. And to make peace. And adventure." She blushed, not meaning to parrot the man so nearly.

 

[DrBones]

There was a pregnant pause, broken only by a light chuckle from Beltway. The chuckle reached maturity and segued into a hearty gut-busting chortle that ebbed and flowed into uproarious guffaws. In his fits of laughter, Beltway grabbed hold of Laria by the hips and swung her up into the air like a long-wayward mariner greeting his faithful wife.


"An adventure! A chance for glory, coin, and legend! Forgotten treasures and untold-of perils! Were thou not in my presence, m'lady, ifaith I would have mistaken such words for mine own mad dreams! Such a chance for glory would be found nowhere else but here, and to let it go would be as withering a flower as beautiful as your countenance! Yes, m'lady, I will agree to lead you through trials and terrors to this ancient king's ransom of which you speak! Prithee, thou wouldst need none other than myself, the great Beltway the Bawdy, at your beck! Marry, to leave at this moment would be nonesuch a loss for me as would missing out on this! We must away, as soon as possible!"





Beltway briefly caught himself, and gently lowered Laria to the ground.


"But, if thou wouldst need more compatriots, ifaith mine services would come in handy. A bard, after all, is widely-known for his impeccable voice and a knack for merry raucus!"

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

The priest she had spoken with before seemed to take care of the situation, and she glanced worriedly behind her. The mysterious man who had kicked the one before her had run off, leaving the tavern. Shortly after, the priest returned and payed a nearby barmaid to take care of the man. Ayrenn returned back to a normal standing position, worry still lingering in those bright eyes of hers. She watched the barmaid begin to help the man in front of her.


The priest's words reassured her, and she nodded while taking a seat next to him. The monk from early approached, beginning to introduce himself to both of them. Ayrenn smiled gently, and bowed her head.


"You are correct... Restorative magic is my practice. I am Ayrenn, a wanderer and a noble. It's very nice to meet you all." She murmured in her light and calming voice. Ayrenn flicked her golden eyes to each of their faces.


"What brings you to this city? Passing through?" She asked in a soft tone.

 

[ComradeSenpai]

Hachi stood silently. All this journeying, all the searching was about to be worth it.


A girl was dangling foreign golds and treasures and knowledge right in front of his face. Surely his family would be proud that his venture could bring in such wealth. Moreover, mountains were dangerous, and filled with malicious youkai; he could totally bring in many trophies. This would be the most glorious thing Hachi could do until more war happened.


The samurai took Laria's hand in his, and held it to his chest.


"Please, Miss. Take me on this adventure."

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen smiled back at the Gustav and Ayrenn. "Likewise, Ayrenn. Not exactly passing through, per se. I was looking to find a few fellow wanderers along with a bit of an adventure to partake in alongside them. It would seem I have found one of those things, at least. What of you fine folk?"

 

[Darksoul180]

Gustav looking at his new found friends, he smiled brightly, and announced in a loud voice.


"I came here because my Goddess lead me here! Crea talks to me through my dreams, and it is my job to interpret them, and follow the paths put in front of me, and my, does my Goddess lead me to strange places! More importantly I am of interest of your deer out there my dear new friend Ayrenn! Or at least i presume it is yours, i noticed it eyeing you up since i noticed you! I myself am a nomad of sorts, and a religious druid to many! Although i have never seen such a creature in quite a long time!"


The priest was ecstatic with his words, loud and clear, sure the whole tavern could hear him. He wanted them too! His life goal was to spread the word and joy of dreams! He knew he was being lead into a new adventure today, with such great people as well!

 

[ComradeSenpai]

"Hold on a second. I almost forgot." Hachi said, raising his free hand. His arm shot out, and his hand wrapped around Emerald's chest.


"...Such volume. These would be great for nursing heirs. Have you considered settling down and raising some children?" he asked the Etherborn. With his other hand, he continued to squeeze Laria's, still awaiting an agreement to travel together.

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

Her golden eyes throbbed gently in the lit tavern. Ayrenn smiled a bit embarrassingly.


"Unfortunately, my companion ate all of my food last night while I was sleeping... I'm here to resupply."


Ayrenn laughed softly and bit her lip to quiet herself, turning towards Gustav.


"And yes, he is indeed mine. His name is Kyubi." She murmured and flashed the priest a gentle smile. Her hands were clasped in her lap politely. She enjoyed that he shared a love for animals, just as she did.


"His kind is dying out... I found him as a calf when I was a little girl." Her tone was sorrowful, but then she smiled, as if recalling a beautiful memory. Ayrenn stared off towards the magnificent white deer who continued to linger curiously in the window. She turned back to Gustav.


"Perhaps when we are done speaking, I can introduce you to him. He's a bit... strange." She chuckled quietly.


"But... he's a sweetheart." Ayrenn finished, glancing back over to the priest.

 

[DergTheDergon]

"Ah, I see... tis fine, nothing to be embarrassed about. Where were you heading, if I may ask?"


Vallen glanced out the wnidow and saw that the beautiful deer-like creature outside of it was certainly glancing impatiently towards Ayrenn. "Quite the creature indeed, I'd like to meet him as well."

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

Ayrenn smiled happily and nodded towards Vallen.


"Of course! I would love to! And perhaps Emerald as well? If she wants to of course." She turned her golden gaze towards the other Etherborn, and flashed the green eyed girl a sweet smile.


And then there was a sudden loud tapping noise.


Ayrenn turned towards the window to see Kyubi head butting the glass with his vast antlers, making it rattle. He occasionally stopped and gave her a look, and then continued.


"Oh no... I-I'm sorry. Please excuse me." She whispered to the three and quickly slipped out the tavern doors. Immediately, the white deer stopped his head butting and padded to her. He nudged his black tipped muzzle against her stomach and made a strange high pitched noise.


"Kyubi... behave yourself a bit..." Ayrenn said while leaning low to the ground. She slid her hand down his back, and he closed his eyes. As usual, the deer's white fur was soft and soothing.


"I'll be just a few more minutes." She whispered to him, scratching the side of his face. He huffed out impatiently and waited back by the window. Ayrenn reentered the tavern, and smiled nervously to the three at the table.


"I'm sorry for the interruption. Kyubi gets impatient when he's hungry." She explained, taking a seat.

 

[Darksoul180]

The priest chuckled at the description of Ayrenn's campaign. His curiosity met for now. He did enjoy the idea of meeting the creture, perhapes he could help extend its lifespan! The Goddress Crea has granted Gustav with many many forest dreamly creturesa in the past, why not help one live longer and be healthier than ever? And why not help feed them as well, the Priest had access to a lot of food back at his village!


"A beautiful friend for a beautiful lady if i do say so myself!"


Gustav was very charming, but always in a friendly way, as a priest, most people toke him to not be flattering at all, and he prefered it that way! It aloud him to use more complements and not be taken as creepy. He looked outside at the animal peering into the window, listening to what the monk has said.


"I concur! We should all great the beast as friends! I may even have a slight surprise as a gift to Kyubi!.





The priest was happy to let his powers work, and give them surprise of a more healthy and longer life for the beast! He hoped the Goddess Crea would giving him her blessing for this. Then the priest noticed something, the other Etherborn girl, Emerald, was sitting at the table, and a samurai character began to touch her breast and making rude comments! The preist could not stand for this perverted behaver and stood up from his chair and pointed to the man, not even looking in our direction, having his own conversation with another girl, with the other girl's hand on his chest.


"Sir Samurai, I do have to say, please unhand this lady's chest! I will not stand for this behavior!"





The priest announced with a face of disapproval. Glaring at the perv as the almost permanent joyful expression turned into a frown of disgust. Gustav did not like when men acted this way towards women, and though it was disrespectful and a disgrace to act in such a way.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen stood as well at Hachi's continued groping of emeralds chest, whilst also attempting to court the rather studious-looking lady at the other table.. He had crossed the line a long time ago. He simply narrowed his eyes towards Hachi, disgust written on his face, and cocked his head towards Gustav at his disapproving remark.

 

[ComradeSenpai]

Hachi stared at the priest and monk for several seconds before turning back and moving his hand off off Emerald's chest.


Immediately, he placed it on her waist.


"Oh. Good hips. These are good for carrying children, like a big cradle." he examined, rubbing his hand over her belly to feel the opposite side.


"A big cradle means plenty of room for the children to grow, so they can be strong." the samurai continued.


"I'm surprised you haven't been married off yet. You would make an excellent mother."

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

The golden haired Etherborn was quiet, listening to the man and his disrespectful words. Her delicate hands clenched tightly and a flicker of anger sparked in her glimmering heart. There was a sudden change in her. Ayrenn's usual gentle smile had vanished, and was replaced with a blank canvas. Her muscles were tense, instead of relaxed.


As soon as the man ran his hand down Emerald's hip, she leaped to her feet. The chair creaked loudly as it was pushed backwards on the wooden floorboards. Calmly, she sweeped past Vallen and Gustav and approached the man. Ayrenn stopped in front of him, and was silent for a moment. Until her facial expression quickly changed into an angry frown. With a raise of her hand, she brought it across his cheek. And hard. The slap rang out through the tavern.


She was silent, letting the pain sink in. And then she spoke, but her voice was stern. Ayrenn lowered her hand back to her side.


"Don't ever touch her like that again." Her glowing eyes stared into his, and oddly enough, she remained calm. Despite her previous action...