Fantasy Tales of Ristafel

[DrBones]

Beltway gingerly took Emerald's hand in his, and hoisted himself up onto Kyouko. Just then, Pressmaster Crawley burst forth and talked about heading to a port, the nearest of which was several dozen miles away. Beltway, being a man of the now, decided to voice his objections.


"Merry, the port shall be our destination indeed, but not today! We are in dire need of supplies, for the road ahead will surely be treacherous! Thou mayst be a strong adventurer, but methinks these fair damsels have naught but the clothes on their backs and a supply of trinkets and tokens! Fair sir knight, do take us into the marketplace... I will have much ado about supplies for delving donjons!"





Beltway, realizing that Hachi most likely didn't know where the marketplace was, pointed towards it with a thrust-out dirk.


"Yonder ho, mine ebon-gold cohort!"

 

[Xenonia]

Emerald turned to Beltway, abruptly remembering her own unique gifts. "Actually... We may not need to buy supplies at all. You see..." She began moving her hands, humming quietly as a strange greyish blob began to form between her palms. Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, as her concentration grew more intense and her hands began to move faster and faster. With a bright but small flash, Emerald held up a rope and a compass where once there was nothing. "My abilities have many applications. I can make just about everything we need out of, well, pure Yier. It really is a blessing."

 

[DrBones]

Beltway grinned as Emerald worked her magic.


"Blessing indeed, my fair lady! Good sir knight, I shall dismount and fetch Laria, so that we may depart! I fear that there shalt be no room for both of us on thine beast of burden, and so I pledge that thee stray none too far from our caravan! "A party divided is a fate quickly decided", it is said!"

 

[MechaGhoul]

Matthew glanced back at the bard as he noted, that yes, he knew the destination was the port. But, he complained about supplies. A valid concern, Matthew knew. He was about to speak as the shedevil spoke out.


Pressmaster Crawley laughed a bit as he saw a compass being produced. He simply shook his head and tapped on his right temple. Matthew knew he would need no compass. He returned his focus to Beltway, "Aye 'specially with t'fleet." Eying Beltway up and down, he smirked as he liked what he saw. "Such as a fresh seaman, say like yerself, should stick close t'me." After saying that he flicked his tongue out, as his eyes glimmered a bit. He flipped a few strands of his hair back, as he eyed the bard once more.

 

[CallSign]

Lily, not expecting the step into her attack, couldn't react in time to stop the kick, taking it full on her thigh. Momentum carried the Dragonkin forward, falling upon Ajax should he not move aside. The shooting pain from her thigh took her mind off her headache with a jolt.


"JUST STOP FUCKING SHOUTING ALREADY!" Lily shouted, once the initial shock faded.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen bid the farmer at the stall good day and returned to the tavern delicately carrying a fresh egg for Lily. Outside the tavern quite a few of the group were gathering. He overheard talk of supplies, heading to the port and such. 'Hmm, it would seem we're embarking soon. Good, the sooner the better.


As he stepped inside he witnessed lily hitting the large man who had burst out of a barrel earlier with the blunt end of her axe, only to be kicked in the thigh, falling forward. 'gods above... it seems like being in this building facilitates hostility from nearly everyone...' Vallen stood back and watched the conflict rather worriedly, hoping that this man who could probably, from the looks of him, crush the life out of the girl with one fist, does not choose to do so.

 

[Zerohex]

"Okay". Ajax shrugged as he caught the falling girl by the shoulders before she crashed into him, holding her up firmly so she could remain standing. He wasn't particularly impressed with her fighting skills but she was strong enough that his forearm actually felt the axehandle's impact, she had the chutzpah to charge him and had taken the kick fairly well. Feeling your leg shutting down was not fun at all, and usually came with a lot more screaming and writhing. She was tougher than she looked. "But I win the fight, right? If not we keep going, and I like shouting when I start a fight. And when I win a fight. You should do it too, feels great".

 

[Darksoul180]

The Priest was staying quiet and just following ther group, watching as the make shift adveutere crew babbled out of the tavern, and slowly making their way to the port. Gustav was thinking deeply about the group as a whole, and how Crea brought them all together for this quest now. He looked to the sky, thanking her softly under his breath.


"Thank You great Goddess Crea."





He then toke a look at all his new friends. A tall hulking man, almost looked to be a large mythical creature, he looked to be a tough fighter, and a great warrior, a monster of the battle field. The drunken lady, who wielded a large axe. A very brave lady indeed, but also very questionable. Then the one who called out the Monk on his "frsit hit" dilemma, to the Priest he was an instigater, he was also very good at stating the obvious, although, he thought him to have a kind heart, hopefully. These 3 he did not truly meet yet. Then there were the ones Gustav has slightly met in passing. The Bard, whom had a beautiful voice! Then the Pervy Samurai. The small quiet librarian, and the Etherborn named Emerald.


Gustav chuckled, as he observed the group, then thinking of the ones whom he has made closer friends with. The hot-headed monk, the strange nature loving girl and her excellent steed. Also, even though not as close, the very... Interesting sea lover.


The priest watched as the scrabble between Ajax and Lily. He decided to intervene before something came out of it, and he also wanted to meet them both more formally.


"Hello, Hello! Mister Barrel Man and Madam Great Axe wielder! Please grace me with your attention for just a moment!"





The priest ran over waving his arms, his wondrous smile never leaving his face. Hoping he would gain the attention of them, so he could greet them formally, and also stop the fight.

 

[CallSign]

"I wasn't trying to fight, I was trying to tell you to shut up," Lily said through gritted teeth. She was thankful for the man's support, as it made the pain from her leg much more bearable as it continued to fade. "If it means you'll stop shouting, then fine, you win. Now, where's my egg?"


Before she could notice Vallen's presence, she heard herself being called to by an unfamiliar voice, with a strange amount of respect no less. Teeth still gritted, she turned to face the priest. "Who are you, and what do you want of us?"

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

With worried eyes, Ayrenn backed away slowly from the violent fight that had broken out next to her. The high pitched wails of Kyubi staring defensively into the window alerted the Etherborn he was far more than upset. She heard the tavern doors creak open, and Vallen appeared. She felt a bit relieved he was here, but he seemed busy with other affairs. She arched an eyebrow at the egg in his hand, not knowing why it was there.


Hearing a second wail from Kyubi snapped her back into reality. Quickly, Ayrenn burst into a slow jog and slipped past Vallen, flashing him a small smile. As soon as she was out of the tavern, Kyubi greeted her. His forehead was pressed up against her stomach with his white antlers sticking out. The Etherborn had to weave her hand around them to pet his neck.


"It's alright. I'm fine, Kyubi..." She murmured to him reassuringly. The white deer let out a huff and backed away, glancing through the tavern window once more. He seemed to be staring particularly at the huge man and the Dragonkin known as Lily. With a gentle pat, Ayrenn's hand met his forehead, hoping to distract him.

 

[Zerohex]

"Ahahaha! I am the best in the wooooooooorld!" Ajax said rather loudly once more, very honestly pleased with himself and his victory. He wrapped one of the woman's arms over his shoulders so she wouldn't have to carry herself on her mangled leg. The weaker sex needed that kinda leeway after all, he didn't exactly mind mandhandling the lady and she'd dealt with losing like a man should.


Ajax was the best, after all, and ain't no shame in losing to the best, but being a bitch about it was a sure way to tick him the fuck off, and that usually meant a hell of a beating. "I don't have an egg but I'll buy one if you're coming for the quest. Nothing better than a feast before adventure. Now lets get your leg fixed up, I'm sure there's a healer someplace".


Before he could head outside they were called over by...some guy. Some kinda priest or something, waving his arms and smiling like a weirdo and talking about the barrel. "Okay listen the barrel thing was a first for me too. Since no one seemed to really give a rat's ass but other foreigners I figured it was normal around here or somethin".


Before the priest could reply, Ajax's eyes wandered out a nearby window and he noticed a beast. Some sort of overgrown deer of some kind, with a pure white pelt perfect for a cloak and oversized antlers that would've made for a bitchin decoration. But he wasn't really interested in those. Oh no. Instead, he licked his chops while staring right back at it, muttering a single word under his breath. "Mmmm...venison".

 

[Darksoul180]

"Well sir, it is not normal here, but perhaps somewhere in the north! I don't like to judge people by their customs and i didn't wish to offend you if that was part of your customs! I have been many places, but none of them have any barrel related activities. Though i would not put it past someone for spreading an idea as such. Maybe we could spread that legend as well! And I do say, it was quiet the entrance! Sorry i did not comment at the time of! i was lost deep in though, talking to our Goddess Crea!"


Gustav looked at the man, smiling wide as he always was. He held out his hand for a greeting. Also glancing at the girl now being supported by his shoulder.


"My name is Gustav the Priest. A traveling nature loving priest! A pleasure to meet you both! I am ever so glad your fight did not escalate and you two seem to be on good terms now!"


The Priest was joyful that his aid was not needed to solve the violence. He was happy to meet these people in a more formal way, they would be friends at sea sooner or later, and a grand quest was ahead of the group!

 

[DrBones]

Beltway looked sternly at Pressmaster Crawley as he spooked, probing him for evidence of innuendos. With a sly chuckle, Beltway responded with a low, sultry tone.


"Keeping in close company with thee, sirrah, would be of little difficulty. I say naught of mine work with seamen, 'tis stories more of pleasure than work; I think nary of thine opinions 'pon the matter, thou art a man of action and discipline. Yea, I shall indeed work close with thee, mayhaps closer than thou wouldst wish. Do be forewarned, fair mariner... men such as I make for strange bedfellows. Art thou still immersed in thine adoration?"


With that, Beltway looked around for Laria. They would need to get moving soon, if they wanted to reach their destination before nightfall. Already, it was after noon; the night in these parts grew particularly dark.

 

[MechaGhoul]

Pressmaster Crawley smirked as Beltway gave a chuckle. "Aye, easy t'keep close. 'Specially in t'hold. Less it be lackin cargo. All the regions of t'vessel be important, 'n cargo is necessary. Course can't always keep it plentiful." He continued to follow Beltway, as he gave a nod. "Aye, both art needed, such when with dealing with t'aftcastle. Course many a mariner knows that. An aged tradition it be." Crawley shook his head as he chuckled at Beltway. "Yer warnin' be noted. As fer the inquiry, are thy mist of t'seas golden in the sun's light?" He said with a smirk. "Or doth the whale pierce the oceans deep?"

 

[CallSign]

Lily grumbled a bit as the monstrous man exuberantly announced his success. It wasn't because she'd lost, but because he was loud and she was still within spitting distance of him. However, she had accepted her loss and wouldn't aggress the man again, so she dealt with it. Now well-supported with the help of the man's shoulders despite having her trusty axe to use as a crutch and being a strong Dragonkin woman who didn't need no leeway, she made her way to the door.


"No need for you to get one. I got some cultish fellow to find one for me earlier; he should be along soon. It's not much of a feast, though, especially since it's to rid me of this horrible, no-good, blasted hangover."


THEN came the priest and talk of barrels that Lily did not understand, as she had not borne witness to the mighty man's awakening. However, she was reminded of a certain hammering that she hazily remembered from the previous night. With a shake of her head she perished the thought.


"My name is Gustav [...] nature loving priest [...] fight did not escalate [...] good terms now."


As they say, first impressions are the most important, and to Lily, this was not one. What a gypsy, Lily thought. I'd hate to be in a group with a guy like that; he'd be worried about the well-being of our enemies as much as our allies. She merely nodded in response to the introduction, hoping that she'd soon be united with her egg and the morning madness would end.

 

[Zerohex]

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"


Ajax only stared at the priest for a bit before bursting with laughter, a bellowing chortle untainted by shame or restraint that even the most patient man would've likely found offensive if directed at them. Ajax was not a believer. His home had its own gods, and he'd followed the customs and rites when he was a child, but his life had soured him to the thought of divinity, made worse by the rather volatile, cruel nature belief assigned to the deities of his fatherland. Priestly magics, he found, were even worse than regular sorceries too. At least wizards, puny as they were, gained powers of their own merit. Clerics and the like depended on the idea of someone or something giving them their powers.


As for nature, his love of it only extended to whatever man could take from it. Nasty creatures to fight, tasty creatures to eat (which usually overlapped with the first category) and good soil where those with no higher calling in life grew foodstuffs for those that aspired for something greater. That is to say, he didn't think very highly of nature at all, and was in fact quite pleased with his ability to pummel it into submission should he find himself in need of sustenance. The man's obvious aversion to violence also rubbed him the wrong way, since for him it was a way of life, something to elevate him from the masses. This person was about as different from Ajax as anyone could be.


Ajax finally managed to stop his laugh, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "Right, right, talking to your goddess. Okay. Two things. One, yer lucky you didn't interrupt or I would've beaten you to undeath, priest or no priest. Never mess with a man's fight, especially one of mine. Two, rather than talk about how awful fighting is, can't you actually do something and heal her leg? Isn't that what your magics are for?".

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen watched as the conflict between Ajax and lily was resolved, not even by Gustav's words for a change. It instead was Ajax that settled things, by being a better sport than Vallen expected from such a battle-worn man that had just been attacked.


Vallen approached Lily after things had calmed down, holding the egg out towards her. "Here. I could also try and fix up your leg, I know a bit of healing magic."

 

[CallSign]

Lily accepted the egg with her free hand with a grateful smile. She then proceeded to perform an act that would later be described by onlookers as "majestic," "nigh impossible," and "a wonder to be seen" - she managed to crack the egg on the blade of her axe one-handed, while holding that very axe in the very same hand as the egg. Obviously, this wasn't the first time she'd been hungover and had only one hand free for use.


She then raised the egg to her mouth and sucked on the opening, pulling the egg's contents into her mouth. Her eyes widened in surprise as something in the egg refused to exit the shell. She sucked harder and harder, but it just plugged the opening, forcing her to open the egg over her head and let gravity bring the mass and the rest of the egg white into her mouth in one glob. She looked at the shell quizzically for a moment after finishing, then tossed that into her mouth and began to chew.


She waited until she had finished the egg before she spoke - she did have manners, after all. "Hm... I guess that one was working on hatching. I would appreciate healing. I wouldn't want to be a burden on this fine man for too long, after all."

 

[The Velveteen Rabbit]

The light cool breeze outside of the tavern's walls ruffled Ayrenn's long golden hair like a curtain. Her beautiful companion raised his nose towards the sky, sniffing the sky and enjoying the freshness of the relaxing wind. Ayrenn's pink lips parted for a moment, letting out a small sigh. Her mind, as usual, began to wander, and soon became lost. A lingering thought of the future journey popped into her brain. She stared at Kyubi for what seemed like an eternity, thinking. His green eyes stared back curiously. Ayrenn smiled almost sadly, and rubbed one of his white ears. He closed his eyes in relaxation at her touch.


"Well, do you think this a good idea? Should we really leave our wandering days behind?" She murmured quietly. The breeze began to pick up, rustling her hair once more. Kyubi slowly opened his eyes. He had a strange look on his face; an almost understanding expression. The magnificent white deer opened his mouth and let out a soft noise. A smile broke out across her lips, followed by a delicate laugh.


"Okay, we'll go..." Her honeyed gaze glanced around, wondering where Laria had disappeared to. For a sliver of a moment, Ayrenn peeked inside the tavern. She caught a glimpse of Vallen placing an egg in Lily's hand, but she glanced away before she saw anything else.


Kyubi began to wander away from Ayrenn, and soon, she followed after him. She found herself missing the wilds, and she guessed Kyubi did too. The white deer began leading her out of the city, and towards the outside forest. He immediately leaped into the grass like a dog chasing a ball, and began nibbling on the leaves connected to a small plant. Ayrenn watched with complete amusement, glancing behind her from time to time to make sure no one would embark on the journey without her.

 

[DergTheDergon]

Vallen stared wide-eyed at the rather impressive display the Dragonkin woman made of cracking the egg with one hand, then eating the entirety of it in seconds, shell and all, rendered enterely speechless by the sight. As she replied, saying she'd appreciate healing, Vallen nodded, then proceeded to kneel in front of her, extending both palms over the wound. In doing so he caught a glimpse of something he perhaps shouldn't have, due to Lily's lack of an undergarment to hide it. He blushed at this, but then closed his eyes and began to focus on the spell. He focused on drawing Yier into his being, directing its flow towards his hands, and out of them in the form of warm, soothing Yier energy that gradually healed the wound over thirty seconds or so. Vallen then stood, and tried to gauge Lily's reaction. "Feel any better?"

 

[Darksoul180]

The Priest lowered his hand, he knew he was not going to get a handshake now. His smiling face grew a bit colder, and the smile faded. He was a bit off put by the reactions he got. A different group indeed. Gustav must have been Naive to think someone as big as him would have ever wanted to believe in peace and resolution without violence. Although, he was used to people laughing at him for his occupation. Not many were fond of the belief of Gods and Goddesses, and to many they were as much as a joke as the magic and stories they tell. Although, Gustav knew that he had a connection with his Goddess Crea, and rather he wanted to admit it or not, he had a fascination with her, a romantic love that was not only impractical, but near impossible, although, a man could dream.


"Well, i could have expected a better greeting, but, i do say for your looks you both are very well mannered, and both show signs of a great heart and show hospitality toward one another! I respect you both and you beliefs! Hopfully you could do the same for me!"


The priest said while taking a respectful bow. Then, reaching into his satchel and pulling out a small roll of yellowish bandages with ink splotches on them. He wanted to make sure the wounds were aided properly, and wanted to show off his own technique for health. Then he knelt down towards the Lady with a slightly harmed leg.

 

[CallSign]

Lily watched as Vallen kneeled before her to heal her leg. She didn't react outwardly when he flipped her skirt for a look - the monk would take the glance as his reward for the egg and healing. As the healing magic repaired her leg, she could feel the egg working its magic on her head - at last, the blasted hangover was gone!


Once the pain exited her leg to be replaced by a dull, manageable ache, the priest decided that a simple nod at the priest was equivalent to Ajax's comments, choosing to "show the power of the goddess" to her. However, Lily had already given out one almost-free flash, and this perverted priest had done nothing to gain a glance. Lily didn't like people looking to get rewards without effort.


As the priest reached out with the oddly-colored bandages, she swiftly raised the knee of her good leg into the priest's face. Unlike her swing at Ajax, this move had power behind it and no telegraphing to alert the priest beforehand. "So, not only is this priest a pacifist, but he's also a pervert! Keep your grimy hands off me, prie-vert." Perhaps the priest would need that roll of bandages for himself now.

 

[Darksoul180]

Unexpectedly the Priest was taken by surprise, seeing an act of aggression towards his kind gesture. Before he know it, the lady's knee was making contact with the priest's skull. With a loud thud, and a crack, the priest's vision was obscured. He was littarly seeing stars as his brain struggled to see what was in front of him.


Gustav raised a pointing hand, while murmuring.


"Prie-vert, not I. I was only..."


The Priests expression was lost from his face as he words trailed off. His vision went black, and eyes shut. Falling to the on the hard ground, his satchels contents scattering across the ground. A swift and quick knock out.

 

[Zerohex]

"Ahaha you got knocked the fuck out!" Ajax practically jumped in amusement when the woman kneed the priest right in the face, using his free hand to very rudely point right at the stupid face the guy was making while his brain shut down. What a wuss, couldn't even handle a knee to the face, religious wizards were the worst. Funny, though, she called him a pervert but had very obviously given the guy a good look at her privates while doing so. Maybe she liked that kind of stuff? "Yer alright woman. My name is Ajax Diagorides, and I approve of your amazon ways". Clearly, this was meant to be high praise. "Wanna loot the body and claim some short guy took his stuff?"

 

[DergTheDergon]

as Vallen finished working his magic, quite literally, he was relieved that Lily had said or done nothing about his his curious glance. As he was wondering why, Gustav reached forwards to do a bit of his own healing, only to receive a swift knee to the jaw. After the shock of witnessing this had settled a bit, a thought occurred to him. Wait, Gustav didn't even look there, so why didn't she.... wait, perhaps she thinks it a suitable reward? I'd... have to agree with that.... gah, what am I thinking?! Focus, you've an unconscious friend on your hands! Vallen returned the contents of the priest's pouch to said container and examined the poor man. It looked as if there where no broken bones or such, and he was quite drained from healing Lily's leg. Against his better judgement, Vallen decided to try and avert escalating this situation at all costs. "He's just unconscious, looting won't be necessary. He'll wake up soon, though not in wonderful shape I'd say. We should probably get back to the others, we'll be embarking soon."