Fantasy Tales of Ristafel

[Darksoul180]

"Sir, we can be civil, but you are obviously just being rude to be rude. Now again, i will ask politly for you to unhand this innocent lady. Your harassment is frowned upon."





The priest was attempting to keep level headed, which he was good at, he just did not enjoy this mans nerve to continue harassing this lady and making rude comments. Although the priest had a plan, and like all his plans, it was as non-violent as possible. Although, that doesn't mean he won't lay a hand on the man. If he kept on the assault on this lady's body, the Priest will have to step in. He saw the monk's face as well, and knew he thought the same of this man. Although, the Monk did not seem as level-headed. The priest had to do something before this escalated out of control. Without looking away front he man, the priest blindly pulled an old brown leather bound book from his satchel, and flipped open to a page all from memory. He began chanting out a line of scripture from the almost ancient book. This book was entitled "The Book of Heavens"


"To all who disobey the laws of the land, shall be sent into an endless nightmare, but those gracious enough to believe in Cerea's dream for all, shall be sucked into the heaven and eternally protected by Crea herself. The Goddess was god of both realms, the nightmare and dreams, and though them both she is the Goddess of both good and evil. Her power being both, but light will always outshine the dark, in dark times, the light will shine through, the light was the most powerful and from its many powers it held the power to ward of nightmares, the great Crea bestows a Holy Aegis!"





The priest read swiftly, and quickly, as he was motioning his free arm towards the lady being touched. His scripture was read, and pray granted, as Emerald was covered in a holy light, burning the mans hand constantly to encourage him to take it off of her. The holy light shined and grew hotter as time passed. The priest smirked as the man was slapped. His joyful smile returned, as he began to calm down, taking in deep breaths exhausted form the power he just exerted.

 

[ComradeSenpai]

Hachi didn't flinch as the etherborn woman's hand slapped across his face, harmlessly slapping off the steel of his armor. Neither did he move his hand even as a magical light began to burn it.


"It's one embarrassment to call another to fight for you. But to call for a woman to do your battles?" Hachi rubbed Emerald's belly, pressing her bellybutton before he raised his singed hand, and clenched it into a tight fist.


"A man should protect the woman he loves, not the other way around. If you're going to beg others to fight someone you've never even met, you're unfit to speak on such matters as protecting others."

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen approached Hachi calmly, but with hostile intent in his eyes, yier radiating from his gauntlets. "A philanderer who doesn't know when to quit, so prideful he thinks of another's kindness as an insult, one who would dismiss a priest's divine magic as a weakness, and a downright sexist at that! A man protecting his woman is expected, but insinuating that women can't stand up for themselves or who they love?! That they don't even have the right?! You... sicken me!" With that, Vallen delivered a swift and forceful punch to the side of Hachi's head, enough to knock even an armored warrior off balance, and dent most armors.

 

[Diavolo]

Watching the various antics of the people, Steven couldn't help but laugh. All of this over a single person who hadn't even been consulted on wether or not she even wanted them to be fighting to protect her. As he had been nursing his beer for the past five minutes or so. Steven quickly finished off the dregs and tossed the empty tankard back on the bar. Then headed back to the stage to retrieve his coat he left on the side. Giggling quietly as he did so.

 

[ComradeSenpai]

Hachi's own hand flashed, and his katana partially unsheathed as the pommel clashed directly with Vallen's fist, slowing, then stopping it right as it tapped the side of Hachi's helmet.


"You're one to talk, treating the Miss like a child. Anybody could tell you she's a grown woman; did you stop to consider that she could have just told me 'no' on her own and I'd have done so? Of course, someone like you resorts to violence without even considering the feelings of others. And not just a bar brawl-" Hachi nodded his head as he said this. "You're using spells to make up for your own weak body. But, if you really want to pull out tricks, I'll treat you to my own techniques."


A loud buzzing echoed from inside Hachi's armor, and was soon audible throughout the room.


"So... how about it?"

 

[DergTheDergon]

"You're one to talk about considering the feelings of others. I'm not blind, but I, unlike you, can tell that she is far too embarrassed, shocked and afraid to speak up at the moment. I also find it very ironic that you say I use magic to make up for my body's weakness, when you do the same with full armor. Sure, I'll humor you... I'll even let you make the first move. If you insinuate I'm a coward from that, then I'll just strike a second time, even though my code of honor dictates otherwise." He stood poised to strike, comepletely calm, watching Hachi's every move.

 

[Nautilus]

Hadi ambled down the road towards the tavern, legs aching from a long day's walk through the meadows of Ristafel. He had met few beasts in his travels thus far, something he ascribed to the large adventurer population, and thought that perhaps he could ask them to not kill quite so many for the sake of aspiring hunters such as himself.


He looked up at the building's face. A generic, nondescript tavern and inn, well known as the natural habitat for adventurers the world over. He entered through the door, rehearsing under his breath how he would ask them to please think of the delicate balance of the local ecology- and suddenly stopped. He watched from the doorway as a woman slapped a man in full armor- looked like it hurt- followed by a priest casting some sort of spell at him and a third man going for what looked to be a killing blow aimed at the armored man's head. Then, after being blocked and lectured, and the punch-enthusiast said something about allowing the armored man have the "first strike".


"Excuse me, sir!", Hadi called from the entrance helpfully in the careful, accented voice of a man not yet fully fluent in the local tongue, "But I am afraid that would be the fourth strike that you are allowing him to have. You and your friends have each assaulted this man in turn, you see, so it is not the first strike, but in fact the fourth- or possibly third. It depends on whether or not what the man in the robes has done qualifies as a 'strike' or not, you see. This is of course assuming that you have not done this prior, in which case it could very well be a fifth or sixth strike. What is for certain, though, is that it is not a 'first strike' you are giving this man, and I feel I must point this out in the interests of fairness.", he nodded, slowly backing out of the entrance and closing the door. He would ask these strange people later, when it was safer to come inside.

 

[ComradeSenpai]

"...Alright. A fight it is, then." Hachi said, sheathing his sword. He reached into his pouch, and produced a scroll of paper, a brush, and an inkstone. Spreading the paper, he dipped his brush and began to type up a lengthy document in his exotic language.


"Let's see. And... just need a few details. You were the challenger, so I choose the time and location. I'll mark us in for... the street outside seems fitting, and we can do this at sunset; that leaves a few hours to prepare everything." he wrote a few more runes signifying the time and day.


"Now, a question. Shall this be first blood, or would do the monks here actually go to the death?" the samurai looked up at him.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen was surprised, almost pleasantly, that instead of simply striking at him now, this prior-to-now rude and uncouth man began to write out a contract for a duel. He answered in a far more civil tone than before.


"My order does not fight to the death unless their opponents intend the same. First blood is one thing I can agree with." He slowly lowered his guard and sat back down.

 

[Xenonia]

Emerald had not moved an inch, not even twitching, since the ordeal had started. The world was turning upside down in her head, and she was on the brink of fainting. First, the rude foreigner had begun groping her, then the priest and the Etherborn female had stepped in to stop him, then Vallen... It was like a nightmare unfolding around her. She tried to make a sound, any sound, to assure the rowdy crowd that she was perfectly fine, but nothing came from her mouth no matter how she tried. And now the foreigner, 'Hachi', was preparing to duel with Vallen. Finally, Emerald found her voice.


"NO!" she tried to scream, but it came out more like a squeak. "No. This man was well intentioned, if very ill-mannered. Please, there isn't a need for more violence!" Her recently regained voice had a pleading tone to it. She turned to the hooded stranger who had just entered and gave him a desperate look. "Please don't exacerbate this situation. Bloodshed is not the answer!"

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

Backing away, Ayrenn's hand throbbed like the beat of a drum. Her face was twisted into a delicate frown, scolding herself silently for what she had done. Ayrenn's honeyed gaze was troubled, and she found herself looking back out the tavern window. Kyubi had seen it all, and was pacing quickly back and forth to ease his worries. A man came in and addressed the situation, and she looked up for a second. But her thoughts invaded her mind. She looked back down at the floor, hearing the man suddenly leave the tavern.


The high pitched cry of Kyubi seemed to confirm her next actions. With a apologetic frown, she glanced from Vallen, to Emerald, to Gustav.


"I-I should leave... Kyubi is getting tiresome." She said it in barely a whisper. Ayrenn slid past the four and stopped at the tavern doors.


"It was nice meeting you!" Ayrenn called back, forcing a small smile. With a push, the Etherborn padded outside and towards her restless companion. He immediately ran towards her, his glowing eyes alert. She smiled sadly and ran a hand down his neck.


"Let's go get you some food, hm?" Ayrenn murmured to him. As if he could understand her, the white deer relaxed his muscles. She began to lead him down the road with the hugely antlered deer following obediently. He walked close to her, as if protecting her from something.

 

[Nautilus]

"Ah, excuse me, yellow-haired woman. I am Hadi.", Hadi walked up to Ayrenn and patted her deer-like creature that was not entirely a deer on the flank, "This deer-like creature that is not entirely a deer is a fine example of domesticated livestock you are standing next to. It seems very obediant and well-fed."


He paused, trying to think of something to say. There was the introduction, a compliment, and then a question? He was pretty sure it was a question.


"You are taking this creature to market, yes? Its thighs are very plump, and I am sure it will prove very delicious.", He said as he inspected the deer-like creature that was not entirely a deer, "Yes, I am certain that this will bring your family much silver. do you plan to slaughter it on arrival, or sell it alive?"

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

The sound of a man's voice stopped the Etherborn. She turned towards him, and blinked rapidly as she listened to his... words. Kyubi let out a huff and pressed his ears against his head at the touch of this strange man. Ayrenn laughed softly to herself and shook her head.


"You're mistaken, Hadi. He is not for sale, nor is he food." She explained, placing a hand on Kyubi's back for reassurance. The magnificent white deer stepped closer to her. He didn't take his glowing green eyes off of the man once.


"He's my companion. I've had him since I was little. We're visiting the marketplace to buy some food." Ayrenn smiled gently towards him. She was relieved her mind was being distracted. The earlier dilemma had worried her, and Kyubi as well.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen, realizing he had apperantly only worsened the situation, looked downwards in shame. His demeanor had entirely changed. Where there was confidience there seemed to be a void of depression that has taken over. Very quietly, almost dejectedly, he spoke. "It would seem I have done nothing but make things worse, though my intentions were quite the opposite. I am a fool. Allow me to remove myself and try to understand where I went wrong."


He went outside and sat on a bench in the town, deep in thought. 'I had always thought that violence was the only answer to outbursts, insults, molestation and violence towards innocents, the only way the perpetrators of such acts would cease them.... but the more I respond to the perpetrators of these acts in such a way, I am continuously met with reactions by the victims that tell me I should not have stood up for them, when quite clearly if I had not, they would continue to suffer.... I simply don't understand.'


At this moment he noticed Ayrenn and that strange man who had interrupted his confrontation with Hachi earlier walk by. He looked up at them, gauging their reaction, hoping they would allow him to approach and speak to them.

 

[Nautilus]

"Ah, yes, a mount? Perhaps it is a pack animal?", he tapped the deer-like creature that was not entirely a deer's antlers, "I must tell you, I am surprised you have not seen fit to cut these down. Do they not get in the way? The risk of accidental goring if the beast is scared is not a very good thing.", Hadi did did level best to ignore the uncomfortable glare Vallen was currently aiming at him. He seemed like a very violent man, one who would attack and even slay his fellow man for petty reasons. It was probably a cultural thing. He decided it was best to keep talking and pretend not to notice.


"Your deer-like thing that is not entirely a deer seems to scare easily. Is this not a problem on market day, when the streets are filled with large men and strange sounds?"

 

[Blumenkranz]

Laria's jaw dropped as she got lifted in the air. It was the first time someone hugged her like that, let alone by the hips.


Well, actually, it was the first time someone hugged her. Her days inside the library were quite lonely, but all those romantic and more-than-romantic books helped her compensate for the human warmness she did not receive. In them, she found all the hugs she wasn't given, the cuddling she would never experience and the passionate kisses no person conferred her. Laria had never been loved, but at least she had a clear idea of how it probably felt... although a bit too much idealized.


The librarian was speechless. It was just like in the start of one of her books! A man, a woman, an adventure... and love flourishing in the middle of the journey. Laria just hoped this beautiful tale would progress just as she desired, with a breath-taking story of passion and tenderness, but she knew very well that, in order for that to happen, she had to take the pacing very carefully. No good love story had ever been built in just a few hours!


And then it was when the other knight grabbed her hand and placed it on his chest. She never expected to be treated like a princess in a tavern, but it was happening in this very moment. It was like a dream come true. Life outside of the library was better than she expected!


Laria completely forgot about speaking again, this time immersed in her own imagination. Her mind was in heaven, barely paying attention to the rest of the world.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen sighed at the man's nervous reaction to his gaze. He simply stood and spoke towards the two. "If you believe I would attack you, good sir, you are mistaken. I do not facilitate violence unless I witness an act of clear wrongdoing, or have evidence of such. If you would be so kind as to listen I could explain the reasoning behind my actions in the tavern." he approached the two slowly in a relaxed manner, showing physically that he meant no harm.

 

[DrBones]

Beltway gave Laria a saucy wink, and stepped back from her. His tone softened, and he spoke reverently.


"M'lady, it appears as though mine brusqueness has struck you dumb, and so I shall repeat my offer. If you are of need for further companions, mine silver tongue should prove sufficient to catch the ears of all who would be willing. Please, give me a message to repeat, and I shall speak it to anyone who could make use of it!"

 

[Xenonia]

Quiet again, Emerald slowly made her way over to the table where the third Etherborn of the day she had met was, alongside the bard, Beltway, from earlier. As she approached, she straightened herself out in an attempt to hide the signs of the horribly awkward and disturbing events that had just transpired. Clearing her throat, she spoke up, "Excuse me. Are you saying you need help?" she was getting a bit tired of asking the same question and receiving nothing but disastrous results. "Perhaps I could help you. My name is Emerald, and it is my duty and privilege to help all in need." she grabbed Laria's hand and shook it, not exactly accustomed to making deals of any kind, especially considering no deal had just been struck. "I will journey with you."

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

"His kind have always had very long antlers. I didn't think it would be appropriate to ruin their beauty. Don't you think?"


Ayrenn asked in a quiet murmer, glancing over to the white deer. Kyubi shook his head as Hadi touched his antlers. It clearly annoyed him. He let out a small huff through his nose and flicked his head upwards at him, warning him to back off.


"He is not afraid. Just a bit defensive. We've traveled to cities far bigger than this before. The neighboring folk don't seem to bother him anymore." Ayrenn explained to Hadi. A soft smile danced across her lips as Kyubi began sniffing at Hadi's clothes, searching for any scent of food in his pockets.


The sound of Vallen's voice caused the Etherborn to look up. Kyubi looked up to, his large white ears alert. But then he grew bored, and continued sniffing Hadi. Ayrenn's glowing gaze was sympathetic towards the monk. He seemed sorrowful, like his previous actions upset him.


"I don't think you are a violent person." Ayrenn said with a small smile. She tilted her head slightly with sympathy continuing to invade her eyes.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen was humbled by Ayrenn's response. He gave a small smile back, though there was still some sorrow in his expression. "While I very much appreciate your willingness to believe that, 'tis not exactly so. We monks of the Bursting Palm have been trained to feel nothing but hate towards those we deem cruel and uncaring to all others, yet only love and compassion towards everyone else. This seems to cause the shorter of temper of my order, myself included, to act without thinking at times. Where I come from this isn't much of an issue. In the settlements surrounding my monestary we monks are allowed hostile action towards anyone we deem wrongdoers, at any time, without any question from bystanders. We are seen as protectors of innocents and punishers of wrongdoers there, though here... I am not sure what we are seen as."

 

[Nautilus]

So it was a cultural thing. Hadi briefly wondered what sort of horrible society Vallen hailed from, where young men were given incredible power and then told to go out and kill whoever they felt had wronged them. It was a chilling thought, to say the least.


"Your actions outweigh your words, hateful one. You have attacked a man who had done nothing to you, and you say your power justifies such things? Your masters have taught you nothing but violence and ill will towards your fellow man, and I will have no business with one such as you or the place from which your kind come."


He looked to Ayrenn and nodded, "Believe him all you want, woman. Lay with him if you wish, but I must warn you: Do not be surprised when such anger is turned against you in a moment of strife."


With that, he walked into the tavern, sitting down on a long, wooden bench. What sort of terrible place had he stumbled upon?

 

[Blumenkranz]

The librarian snapped out of her daydream. The bard's soothing voice reminded her that she wasn't furrowing the seas under a strong captain's tight embrace, but in a small rustic tavern located near a tiny village in the middle of the mountains.


"Oh, I am so sorry!" - she said - "I am just feeling slightly overwhelmed by all the support I am finding here. I did not expect anything other than cruel laughter and condescending looks.".


Laria was about to answer the bard's question by searching her purse for another book, but she was interrupted by another woman's unexpected greeting. "Yes, I am indeed searching for brave adventurers, valiant mercenaries who can accompany me in a dangerous journey across these inhospitable mountains!"


"My name is Laria", pointed out the librarian. "Nice to meet you, Emerald. I am sure your presence will illuminate our jo...". Laria was interrupted by Emerald's sudden handshake. The librarian was surprised by what her fingers were able to feel in that moment. Her hand was soft, very pleasant to touch, and although she had greeted many women in the library, none of them ever had such silky skin. It reminded her of the smooth and pleasant texture of paper, which comforted her greatly. "Oh, many thanks! Now there is four of us, but we could use a few more companions".


The girl extracted a different book from her purse this time. Like the first one, this also had a smooth, featureless black cover, but it was much slimmer. "I had prepared a small speech to attract the attention of possible future comrades, but I am not confident in interpreting it correctly", said Laria before looking at the bard directly into the eyes. "Sir, could you please help me reciting it? Your voice is beautiful, and I am sure people will be more willing to listen to you than a pathetic tiny librarian like me".

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen rubbed his temples and simply watched the man walk away. He turns to Ayrenn. His tone was calm, though a little hurt. "What that man refuses to understand, is that my anger is reserved only for the wicked, and I do not deem either him nor you nor anyone I've met this morning besides that Hachi fellow as such. Where I come from, there is such rampant crime, and hate, and evil, that a few well-trained individuals with the conviction to mete out justice for anyone they see wronged, in any way, not just themselves, not just family... is a necessity." He paused for a second, then seemed to stare off into the sky while reciting something he had memorized. "Those who give naught but ill will deserve just the same. Those with kindness and compassion in their hearts must be protected, treated kindly, and allowed to choose their own path. In our hearts lies necessary balance between hate and love. We are fated to enforce that balance on the world, repaying hate with retribution and love with kndness and compassion, so as evil does not consume the earth." He looked back towards Ayrenn. "That is the motto of my order. I do not believe such a philosophy is without its flaws, but none can say they know they key to a perfect life, as nothing is perfect. I choose to follow it with all my heart, because it is my purpose."

 

[DrBones]

Beltway grinned smugly. Not only had he wooed a weedy librarian, he seemed to be winning back the heart of the woman who scorned him not an hour previous! Beltway would definitely have to watch her from now on, considering other men's untoward advances towards her maidenhood. He lowered his voice, allowing air to flow from his diaphragm, giving Beltway a husky baritone as he spoke.


"'Tis not above me to act as a crier for your sake, m'lady! Present to me thine speech, and I shall recite it with the grandiose voice seldom spoken by mine humble voice! Do beware, however... I might not recite it in full. Thine heart is as pure as gold, but methinks your syntax is not half as beautiful. Please, forgive any embellishments I see fit to include!"