Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[Angelus]

Largos wanted to lay back down but found that he could not, so full of energy and hunger was he. It wasn't the hunger of the blood that he had just taken but it was the hunger for the freedom that he had just had. He felt as though he could do anything and he wanted that so very much. He looked towards Len, ran one finger slowly over her head and could feel the sadness and pain that she could feel. He knew that she hated what he had become, how she could not have saved him from what he was now but as he felt the pain flowing through him he did not care. He felt more alive than he had ever felt in his life, as if he could do anything and it brought a large smile to his face.

He slowly raised up onto his elbows and looked at Len.
"You told me that I will not become a monster, that you will not allow that to happen to me but all I want is the power that this form gives me. I feel it flowing through me along with the blood that I took from those lizards and I want more. It scares me how much I want it, how much I want to run through the forest and take whatever I want to because I know that I can now."

He knew what he was saying, how he was skating very close to the dark side of himself but it was just so easy. He had more power at his fingertips than he had at any other time in his life and it would be a lie to tell himself that he did not like it. He wanted to just get up off the ground and run back into the forest, in truth he felt as though he could run to Raster's tavern and back again.

Largos then looked at Len and felt something flow over him, as if he wanted her to just fly away and leave him alone at that point but knew how easy it would be for him to go back to the way that he was in his previous life, the life that had almost gotten him killed. He looked at Len again, a smile that showed his fangs.

"I need you with me Len. You are the only one that keeps me good. I know that if I didn't have you here then I would go back to the life that I had and I do not want that. I was brought here to save the Vale and I know with this power that I can but I feel with this power that I will sink back into the way that I was. I need your voice of reason."

Largos moved very slowly but grabbed Len as he got to his feet. He let her go as he moved away from the fire, sniffing the air and instantly found another scent. It smelt as though it had just come from the grave, as if it was death itself and his eyes went wide. He wondered what it was but then it came to him. There was only one other time he had smelt it and it had been in his room of the tavern.

A growl escaped from his throat and he ran into the trees, wanting nothing more than to find the foul vampire that was there but he knew that he never would as it was too adept at hiding. Largos let out a loud shout as he ripped into the nearest tree with his fingernails. It was then that he heard the sound behind him and spun on his heels to see the small little creature standing there looking frightened.

Largos looked down at the creature, feeling the hunger of the kill growing within him again. He grabbed the creature quickly, before it could make a sound and threw it against the same tree he had been clawing at earlier. Its eyes opened wide as it looked at him seconds before Largos tore into its neck with his teeth.

As the blood flowed into Largos's mouth he let out a loud sigh of contentment. He could feel the power that the blood was bringing him again and wanted nothing more than to drain this creature. He held the creature hard against the tree as he drained it but suddenly stopped and moved back slowly. Largos looked into the creatures eyes in shock and could not believe that he had been drinking its blood.

He let go of the creature, watching as it slid down to the ground and looked down at the gaping wound that dominated its neck.

"Please not again. I never asked for this."

He turned and ran into the trees, hoping to lose himself.

 

[thanatos64]

Than and Varic

As Varic led him through the city, Than slightly moved his head from back and forth to match his pace, looking down alleys and becoming familiar with the path they were taking, never can be to careful, he thought. Using his peripheral vision Than had also been watching the local, taking note of the weapons, if any, attire as well as, species. He noticed, for the most part no one paid him any particular attention, there were some young ones that kind of shied away as they walked past, and some finer dressed ones that would nod to Varic then give Than a wide berth and kind of sneer at him, high society puke buckets, go ahead, keep thinking your better than someone else, right up until you need ‘em. Than was thinking, delt with your kind before.

They came to a building that had a sign with a tail of a fish on it, the fish tail, Than thought, like on his world in the old countries, taverns and such would have a picture, instead of a name. Than arched his back and lowered his head to get through the door Varic was holding open, looking at the elf he nodded slightly and grunted as if to say thanks. He noticed Varic motion towards a table with benches, he slide into the one so he could face the door, and surveyed the tavern, thinking that the back door must be in the cooking area.

Than heard Varic arrange for rooms, must mean we’re spending the night, he thought. Varic had also ordered food for the pair, and what showed at the table was a little less then a feast, he was starting to lean toward varic to thank him for it all, when he heard the elf whisper about supplies and getting horses, one better be a Clydesdale, he was thinking when he heard Varic scold him about his eating habits. Than smiled inwardly to himself thinking, let the games begin.

Than shoved another portion of some kind of meat into his mouth, reaching for the tankard of what he thought to be an ale or something of the sort, after taking a few noisy gulps, putting the tankard down, he drew his right arm a crossed his lips to wipe them off, he looked over at Varic and let out a powerful belch and said “don’t you be worrying about my eating, you just mind your fingers don’t get mixed into my food or you just might end up missing a finger or two, don’t make no never mind to me meat is meat.” Saying that he continued to eat like a slob. When he had his fill of the food and drink, he leaned back slightly, Than loudly slapped his belly letting out a long ah sound and asked, “Well little one, what’s next?”

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

She had sighed and was trying to massage the sore parts of her body, there were extra weights that she had not had to deal with before. Her wings for one... her boobs were not much bigger but she never just went without a bra back at home... She had just spent the entire day without one....

God they hurt...

But she had to cough at what the other was suggesting. "A mate?" She asked looking completely taken aback. "A mate?! ... Where did you get that from?" She asked looking confused as she sat up and raised an eyebrow at that.

Fay stared at the wolf for a long time.

"Is that how things work around here?" she asked as she ran a hand through her hair. "Do you guys care about love?" She asked as she started to get settled in again. Everything was so warm and she felt just wonderful cuddled up like she normally would have been at home. It was not a custom for her to sleep with actual pajamas on... she felt stifled in them.

Of course she would probably need to wear them here in case trouble ever arose.

Her eyes began falling shut, it had been a long day...

"I would just want to be really truly loved... and I would want... to love him..." She said as she reached over and petted the beautiful wolf's head. The avian pulled her arm back to her for extra warmth before letting out a tiny yawn which led to her eyes shutting for the final time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~​

She woke up fairly early the next day... Mostly thanks to the wolf that was supposed to be her guide. She thought she heard another voice but couldn't really open her eyes yet.

"Who is it?" She called to Faelin. She could have been imagining it but it was possible that she was hearing someone else. "When are we going?" She asked as she sat up hugging the nice warm blankets to her chest.. She did it to cover herself in case someone was in the tent.

 

[rengadeirishman]

The battle ended and Michael added his howls to the triumphant roar of the dwarves. They quit the field of battle and Durbin and Michael returned to Durbin's home.

what they found there shocked them to the core.

Shela had been knocked out, and there was a goblin laying dead near her feet. Durbin roused her and they heard the news.

"They've taken Sila."

The words echoed in Michaels head, already he had developed an almost fraternal attachment to the little fairy, and the words touched a a purely wolven part of his mind. He could smell the goblins, and he knew the scent of Sila, as these realizations took hold he felt his lips curl back in a snarl, his hackles showing. "Take care of your wife, Durbin" he said in an bestial voice filled with animalistic rage. He once again rose the axe and with a howl of the purest fury and hatred he ran off, his nose following the scents as he ran like a wolf possessed. Five little words ran through his head.

I will kill them all.

 

[Wolfsister]

Janelle and Hiran

“How can I say that when I’m not really sure who or what you are?? So tell me all about yourself and then we can at least be friends…can’t we?”

Hiran grunted, trying to distract himself from her more than obvious and powerful charms, he began to talk in his usual gruff voice, "I'm a Water Elemental. There are things I can't tell you about my race," he raised an eyebrow and looked at her, "Do you know the concept of secrets?"

He didn't wait for an answer and continued on, "You will find many different creatures in this land. Including yourself, I presume?" He had no idea what she had looked like before the transformation and he also knew that he would never see it. Didn't stop him from hoping that she had been ugly in a previous life.

"I have certain abilities to do with water," he said, his voice rising with self importance, "I'm one of the strongest in this region," then suddenly, having the urge to impress the siren at his side he spun his hand out and a thin column of water spun out from the edge of the lake. It pooled in his upturned palm and he frowned in concentration, which is to say his expression didn't change in the least.

The water began to move, sloshing around and swirling in his palm. It reared up and began to take the watery form of a half open rose, its stem covered in leaves, the petals long and smooth looking. He took a half breath and slowly breathed onto the water-rose.

The result was a slow crystalisation of the water form on his palm. When he was done, a clear ice rose was present and he handed it to Janelle with a flourish, a rare smile at his achievement on his normally severe features.

 

[Wolfsister]

Becca/Kail/Tenesa/Captain Brand

Kail hovered protectively over Becca as she began to frantically make hand signals. He had no idea what they meant, but curiously he soon realised that he could make out some of the signals. He recognised the hand signal for 'apple' and another for 'bed'. His initial thought that Becca was just making random hand movements was confirmed when he read 'accident' and 'mint leaf' one after the other.

She clearly had no idea what she was doing, but she was doing a very convincing job of making seem natural. The measured, natural movements of a Dryad were making things that much easier for their little deception.

He was inwardly proud at just how good Becca was at quick thinking. But he soon realised that he had to do some quick thinking of his own.

He zipped from side to side, brightening his light in concentration and noted that Tenesa was doing the same thing, mimicking whatever he was doing himself. He sent her a warm comforting and loving feeling along their Blood Connection and he soon felt the same returned to him.

Captain Brand narrowed his eyes at the tableau before him and had that nagging feeling in the back of his mind that something wasn't quite right. They had received a tip off from a very reliable informant that a night stalker was being harbored here. But all he saw were two very animated Wisps and a mute Dryad.

"She says that she is sorry she did not come into this great village without clothing. She lost them to some wolves in the forest. She is sorry if she offended the City Watch," came Kail's voice.

Becca's arms came to a rest and Kail took that opportunity to step in with some more information, "Like she said Captain, we're very sorry that she came here indecent and if there has been a complaint, we wish to personally say sorry to the person we offended. You see, Allessia here is an orphen, outcast from her kind for being mute and therefore unable to sing to the trees at night,"

Tenesa stepped in, "The poor thing, we found her a few years ago. Half starved and half wild. She was so scared," she reached over with the impression of a hand and stroked down Becca's hair gently, rippling the thick corded strands, "We gave her food and taught her what we know of civilisation," she moved closer to Becca and her voice gave the impression of a smile, "We also gave her our love,"

Kail pitched in again, "We usually visit her out in the woods. She's not that fond of so many people in the one place, but she felt a great need to see us,"

Becca once again made some signals and nodded enthusiastically. Kail floated over to the captain, "Please, Captain. We're just simple shop keeps. We didn't mean any harm,"

Tenesa floated away for a brief moment and the blanket that lay on the couch floated up to cover Becca modestly.

Brand narrowed his eyes at the Dryad, noted the slightly confused and alarmed manner in which she acted and sighed. Scratching his head, he looked at the two Wisps. They almost sounded like parents. But he knew for a fact that they were brother and sister, and that his source was impeccable. There was not much he could do though, the law did not permit him to take her in for questioning at this time. So far she had done nothing to raise his suspicions.

He noted the map and the travel supplies, raising an eyebrow he asked, "Going somewhere?"

Kail bobbed in the air, "Yes, Sir. We're going for a pilgrimage to Vale City. We hope to find a way to restore Allessia's speach. Or to find a better home for her,"

Tenesa hmmmed and clucked her tongue in a motherly fashion, "Poor thing was so excited to go see the Spirit that she couldn't wait a few more days,"

Kail bobbed in the air again and the Captain shook his head. Motioning behind him, the two guards at his back stepped down the stairs and disappeared below. "Very well, but do not leave for at least another day. We may need to question you further. It is a serious charge to be accused of harboring a Night Stalker,"

Tenesa and Kail both paled visibly and Kail's light dipped to hover almost a foot above the floor, "I had no idea. They are still in the city?" he murmured.

Brand nodded grimly. He had all the proof he needed for the moment, but he had to be hard, be strict. Wisps wore their expressions, their feelings on the outside and by their indication, they were deathly afraid of the mere mention of Night Stalkers. They would not be providing a known offender any kind of safety.

He turned on his heels, "Have a good day. And see that you don't leave unexpectedly," then he was gone, his boots echoing on the wooden steps.

Kail expelled a held breath. Then he began to flutter around erratically, suddenly seized with panic. "Night Stalkers?! Why are they still here?!"

Tenesa clucked her tongue at Kail's behaviour and saw the confused expression of her latest guest. She indicated that Becca should sit down, "Perhaps we should talk about a few things before you leave," she said softly.

*********​

Brand looked up at the second story window of the shop he had just exited and shook his head. A guard came up to him and asked for his orders and he sighed. "I don't know, I don't think they are capable of helping those murderers."

"You've been wrong before, Captain. If I may say,"
He nodded, "I know." Turning to face the street, his set his mouth in a grim line and nodded decisively, "Set a watch on them for two more days. Report all comings and goings," he began marching forward.

"Done. And where are you going?"

"To ask a man where his 'certifiable information' came from. "

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth/Van/Rolyn

"What ever you have in mind, it better not get me killed."

Rolyn didn't answer and instead quietly led him down to ground level. Once there, he negotiated the maze of the lower city and entered a large underground chamber. He took Eeth and Van deep below the ground, below the Tree-top city above them to what looked liked a dungeon. But he passed it, and the other elves escorting the prisoners said not a word as they followed him deeper into the dark.

When they stopped, Rolyn disappeared for a scant two minutes before materialising from the dark and ordering the restraints to be removed. He sent the rest of his party to key sentry points and a fire was built to ward off the chill of the cavern.

When the blaze was going, it cast an eery orange glow over the surrounding area. They were surrounded by stalagmites and stalagtites, a constant dripping echoing in their ears. Van whimpered, rubbing his sore wrists and eyeing Rolyn with renewed fear.

Perhaps Rolyn was going to eat him now?

For his part Rolyn was silent for a few minutes, refusing to talk and taking his time to settle down and prepare his words. He looked up at the startled Eeth and took a deep breath. "We do not have much time, I fear, before our race is destroyed from within," he cast a glance at the flames before continuing, "Let me tell you a story, much similar to your own."

Van's eyes widened and he suddenly mewed very loudly, "No!" he protested and dashed madly to Rolyn's side, grabbing him by the arm and sinking in his claws. Rolyn grunted with pain and Van hissed, "Spirit told Van that only Spirit can tell Eeth story. Spirit make Van promise!" he sunk his claws in even deeper and hissed threateningly, completely different from the frightened feline of before.

Rolyn managed to smile through the pain. Forgive me my friend for this deception but I must, he thought sadly and spoke quietly to the Neko, "I have spoken to the Spirit. For this mission to succeed, she gave me her blessing for me to tell Eeth the true history of the Vale," he pulled a light blue square of cloth from his pocket, "She gave me this for proof. She knew you would do right by your duty and stop me," he handed the wide eyed Van the cloth that was so similar to that worn by the Spirit herself that it was very hard to spot the difference.

Van sniffed it. It had Rolyn's scent and someone elses, but it also had the sweet floral scent of the Spirit and he realised that it was a fragment from the Spirit's dress. He blinked and mewed, extracting his claws and sniffed the wonderful blue square of cloth again. He gave Rolyn a funny look and then scampered over to the other side of the fire, sitting near Eeth and playing with the piece of cloth, turning it over and over in his claws.

Rolyn ignored the slight trickle of blood running down his arm and looked at Eeth. His eyes were dark and his voice low, "What you hear now is the real version of Illusion Vale's convoluted history. Something you need to know in order for you to succeed where others have failed."

He sighed and taking a last look at the cat, he settled back and began the story.

"Not long ago, there were others like you. Others that came from another world and called themselves Guardians. Illusion Vale was troubled, the Eternal Peace wavering and signs of the Spirit's power weakening. Crops began to fail, animals died, many people starved and were killed in the name of an ancient power arising once again. The Dark Kin.

"You may already know that The Dark Kin were a conglomerate of races that banded together and attempted to overthrow the current rulers of their time. The Guardians. In their attempt though, instead served only to corrupt the Guardians and soon the people of Illusion Vale ressurected the power of the Dark Kin. This time they succeeded, but only via a pact made through a person that we know of today as The Spirit.

There are many legends surrounding her, but what we do know is that she is devoted solely to the land. That she is tied to it in ways that mere mortals cannot comprehend and that the land is dying." He shook his head sadly, "We have no idea what this means for the Spirit, but we do know that if we continue on this path, Illusion Vale will destroy itself and everything it stands for.

In the beginning, the Spirit attempted to call forth the power of the former Guardians. Instead, She opened a gateway from their world to ours. For reasons we cannot fathom, they came through, transformed like yourself. But they did not have guides such as Van to help them understand this new world and their purpose here.

Once the Spirit realised what had happened, she searched frantically for those that had answered a call she had never meant to make. Some She got to, others... no-one can help them now. Of those that She managed to guide and show them purpose, only two are known to have survived today. Their names are not common knowledge and I do not think they ever will be.

You see, when they came through the Gateway, there was no knowing what kind of person had been summoned. Suddenly mass murderers were let loose on the Vale, people that had no conscience, no morals. No idea. And of those that were pure of heart... they soon faded away, choosing to believe delusions over the truth.

The reason I tell you this story is twofold. First, I do not want you turning into what they did. I don't want to see this land suffer anymore and personally I don't think much of the Spirit's plan to use you to fix Her former mistakes. But, I do know that you present me a rare opportunity and ashamed as I am to admit it, I will use it.

Our queen was not always as you see her now. She was once both beautiful and kind. Sane, logical and cool headed. A perfect person to lead us in our long lives in this land." His face darkened with past memories, "A Guardian came to us. An elf much like you and when he left us, she was changed. She no longer had the strength to lead us on the correct path. She possessed a madness that was both unpredictable and painful to watch.

There have been attempts to remove her from her office. But a suitable candidate to replace her has never been found. Let alone has anyone been willing to in the first place. There have been many deaths in her name and in ours, the Resistance. And it has been so long that many of us are beginning to believe that we are doomed. Beginning to believe the rantings of a mad woman."

He suddenly stabbed a finger in Eeth's direction, pointing, his face harsh, "Many have died attempting to reason with her. Attempting to find out what went wrong and how to fix it. I hesitate to take any action anymore, for fear that one of my own will die. But you," he stabbed a finger at Eeth again, "You I do not know. You I do not care for. If you stop this madness, you have my thanks. If you don't succeed, I will not grieve for your loss."

He settled back, all compassion lost in his eyes, "And there will be one less Guardian around to ruin the Vale,"

It was a desparate plan, made my desparate men. But Rolyn knew that now was the time to act, and Eeth was the man they needed for that action.

 

[Wolfsister]

Largos and Len

Len cocked her head to the side again gazed sadly at him. She leaned into his hand when he picked her up, but was put down again too soon. She chirped in alarm as she fully registered what Largos was saying. He wanted this power. He wanted what this night form gave him. He had killed so easily before and the power running through his veins was intoxicating.

She blamed herself. She had been blaming herself since it had happened and she knew deep inside that it was her fault. She was inadequate for this mission, she could not protect him. She would take him to the spirit and then she would ask that another be assigned to guide him. No matter how attached she had gotten to the young elf, she was not right for him.

He suddenly disappeared from her view again and a large tear rolled down the side of her face. She did not follow him, she sensed that even though he had said he needed her, right now he also needed to be alone. At least, she thought so. Her heart and her head were so torn in different directions and she did not know what to do. She didn't know that anything she did would be the right thing and the uncertainty was so alien and foreign to her that she felt as if she were breaking.

She hopped around the fire, pecking at the ground, bashing her beak against the hard earth. She had thoughts of flying into the fire, but soon banished them, not willing to just disappear on Largos. She would see him through to Vale City and it would only be then that she would part his company. She sadly reflected for a moment....

She blinked awake some time later. The fire had burned low, the embers just barely showing. She blinked sleep from her eyes and looked around.

Largos was no-where to be seen.

She squarwked in alarm and took off into the air, her avian eyes searching frantically for any indication of her charge. How? How could she have fallen asleep like that? How could she have just forgotten about Largos and left him to roam the Dark Woods at night?

How could she have?

 

[Wolfsister]

Than and Varic

Varic chuckled to himself inwardly and was more than happily to meet the challenge. He ignored Than's question for the moment and instead concentrated on his own meal. It was quite a fare, hot chuncky stew with spicy, hot bread. There was a selection of fine cheeses to choose from and the ale was only slightly watered down. There were plenty of roast vegetables and a steaming hunk of meat in the middle of the table. It payed to be traveling with a giant, he supposed. The innkeeper had given him way too much food.

Varic painstakingly carved several slices for himself, tearing the bread to smaller pieces better suited for his mouth. He then quietly and calmly sipped his soup, making sure not to slurp at his spoon. Taking a fork and knife, he sliced open the vegetables and took medium sized bites, chewing until it was well mushed, and only then swallowing. Taking generous sips of his ale and covering his mouth when he needed to belch.

He smiled up at Than, finally having finished and wiped his mouth with a cloth provided. He had his doubts that it was completely clean, but what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. He hoped.

"Simply delicious," he said loudly enough for Than to hear and a few other nearby patrons. "I do believe I will retire. I have no idea what an oaf like you does for entertainment, but mayhap you should turn to be also?" he raised an eyebrow and gave Than a quick grin.

Standing, he bowed cordially, "After you, dear friend,"

Two could play at that game.

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay/Faelin/L'elal

"Who is it? When are we going?"

Faelin poked her nose into the darkened tent and yipped in greeting. She seemed very excited about something and she told Fay to get dressed quickly. She pointed her snout towards a small bundle of clothes, "Alelia brought those early this morning. They should be more suitable for travel," then she disappeared and the voices outside Fay's tent resumed. One of those was definately Faelin and the other was most definitey male.

When Fay managed to exit her home for the last night, she would see that L'elal and a very impatient wolf were waiting for her. They were in a serious discussion, speaking in low voices as he squatted next to her to better get to eye level.

He looked up and blushed, quickly hiding his heated cheeks with another toothy grin. His voidal eyes swept over her attire and he nodded with silent approval. "Sensible traveling clothes," he grinned, "Good morning my dear, I trust you slept well?" he leaned over and whispered intimately into her ear, "I know Faelin snores something terrible," he chuckled.

He leaned away, suddenly embarassed and coughed to cover it up. Looking around, anywhere but at Fay, he mumbled something. When Fay didn't respond and when Faelin nudged him rather hard in the leg, he coughed and asked in a little louder voice, "Can we take a walk before you leave?"

He was silently thankful when Fay accepted and looped her arm intimately through his. He suddenly felt like a youngling. Shy and unsure of himself. Blinking rapidly, he led her past the tents into a small, secluded oasis.

"I know I promised you something last night, and I'm not trying to wriggle out of it. I just want you to be prepared," he smiled at her, trying to bestow a calming feeling, but his current toothy grin would just probably make her laugh. He didn't mind. He liked her laugh.

"Oh, and I know that my name is a little bit of a tongue twister. So you can call me Lee," he smiled nervously again.

"As you already know, I'm not really what I say I am. And there is a very long and convoluted history as to why I live every day as a lie. But I don't want to lie to you. You're too um.... nice," he finished lamely. Then he hurried on, "Anyway, I'm what the Vale calls a Shifter. That is, I can mimic the outwards appearance of any creature I desire. I'm limited to living beings of course, I mean, I can't turn into a tree. Well, I suppose a tree is alive, so... I could. But no, I mean that I can only shift into the forms of people. Like you and me," he stopped and swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. "I'm not sure what you remember, but Shifters aren't very well liked. Why? Well... ummm... I guess you can thank the stories mothers tell to children about the Shifters changing into the forms of their dearest and coming to eat them for that."

He looked up and blinked rapidly, "Ah sorry, I'm babbling. Its been such a long time that I've trusted anyone enough to tell them. But... its been a long time since I felt that anyone else trusted me just as much...." he trailed off.

Then he suddenly held up one finger and had an 'ah!" expression on his face as he remembered something else. He scrambled around in some bushes to the left of Fay for about a minute and then pulled out a small box covered completely in dark red velvet.

He smiled, "I also got you this... I kinda made it," he pushed the box towards her and he found that he couldn't even look at her. He was too fearful that she would not like his parting gift.

Inside the red velvet was a simple wooden box. When Fay uncovered the lid, she would find a coil of thick corded material that looked similar to wood. It had the grains etched into the leather and along the coil were spikes of wood that projected from the material.

Lee leaped forwards and removed the whip, uncoiling it to reveal that the wooden 'thorns' ran from the handle to the tip of the whip. It ended in a wicked looking barb that shined like metal but felt softer. Almost like the leather cords that made up the rest of the whip. The handle was made of wood and roses were etched all along its surface. The end actually looked like the bud of a half opened rose with wooden petals carved into the top.

"I called it a Rose Whip," he dropped the coils, keeping the handle in his hand and the corded leather dropped to coil slightly on the ground. It was easily five foot long.

"I hope you... I hope you'll take it on your journey..."

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Goblins

Sila was quite out of it the entire trip through the hastily made escape tunnel. The orange powder in the sack ensured that she would not wake for at least another four hours and by then the goblins hoped to far away from the Dwarven stronghold. They themselves had no idea just why they had been ordered to kidnap the little fairy. As far as they were concerned, she was a nuisance and nothing compared to the power of their Great Shaman.

They had no idea of the Wolven Rage that was about to hit them.

Gregan sniffed the air and grunted, he grieved for all his brothers lost in this attempt. He took a look at the sack in Trama's hand as it dragged along the ground. For such a small creature, she sure weighed a lot. He grunted and suddenly kicked the bag viciously.

Trama whirled around and growled at Gregan. He shrugged when he saw what the disturbance had been. Blinking, he stared at the sack, along with the rest of the kidnapping group.

Suddenly there were a flurry of green feet connecting viciously with the woolen sack. If Sila were awake, she would have been screaming with pain. As it was, when she did eventually wake, she wouldn't be smiling from a well rested break.

They stopped and picked up the very nearly broken fairy and began dragging her across the rough ground once again. They were soon topside and blinking in the harsh sun overhead. The tunnel had taken them far to the south of Guarden Hall and there were well over twenty other goblins waiting for their return.

They didn't hand Sila over, instead dragging her along and actually refusing to rest and eat. It was a rare thing indeed, but the others counted the missing goblin and realised silently what had transpired. In a rare show of honor, they left the group to their own and handed them food to eat while they walked. Scouts were sent out and a few trusty goblins watched their flank.

All in all, it was a surprisingly well orderered maneuvre. It was a strange sight indeed to see a group of well ordered goblins that moved in almost complete silence. Of course, their measures to prevent detection would be most ineffective to one that could smell their stench from a mile away.

 

[rengadeirishman]

The scent grew stronger, Michael could tell he was close. He kept running, emerging from guarden hall into the sunlight and speeding up. He kept running and saw a small blur of green in the distance. I have them he said to himself running faster. as he closed in he twirled the axe over his head and let out a long loud bloodcurdling howl. "THE WOLF IS UPON YOU!" he roared

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

She led Danaë to a little camp with a single tent. "You can rest in there if you wish, I prefer the open air." A few dead rabbits were hanging from a horizontal stick. "Do you eat meat?"

"Not like that." She said, looking at the rabbits. She didn't think she'd ever seen a dead animal and then was expected to eat it. Even if she cooked it, the image would still be in her head. She shuddered. That's was stores were for, to put a layer of civility between you and your dinner.

"Do you have anything to wear? I'm not cold, but..I'm used to wearing something." She was surprised to find she wasn't cold. She was outside, there was a breeze, and she could tell it wasn't a hot day...but she was as comfortable as if she was on the Beach in July.

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"Alelia brought those early this morning. They should be more suitable for travel."

Oh... Was she ever grateful for the clothing that Alelia had left for her. It was a skirt, pants just would not work with her feet being as big as they were, but it was a tie and button thing... It was pretty big but when she finally had it right it was tight at the top and very loose at the bottm and the bottom was just where he thighs met her knees... Her top too was a wrap and tie. The back was just under the wings and came up with a tie to go around her neck. Did she have a halter like this at home? She wasn't sure but it was done in blacks and reds which seemed to be the theme what with her beautiful necklace glinting away and looking beautiful on her chest. There was a cloak too and when she hugged her wings tightly to her back she looked almost normal... save the giant chicken legs.

Out into the world she stepped and she had to admit that she was comfortable like this.

"Sensible traveling clothes. Good morning my dear, I trust you slept well? I know Faelin snores something terrible."

"I must be a heavy sleeper then," she said as she laughed. She looked at the wolf who had obviously heard. And then he was suddenly mumbling and looking at the rocks and the grass and even other tents as if they were so sooooo interesting. She had to smile a little and thank Faelin silently when the wolf became impatient.

"Can we take a walk before you leave?"

"Of course," she agreed. Walking past all of the tents she noticed that people were watching them... she wondered why... did they know something she didn't?

"I know I promised you something last night, and I'm not trying to wriggle out of it. I just want you to be prepared. Oh, and I know that my name is a little bit of a tongue twister. So you can call me Lee."

She laughed. "Alright," Fay had to agree. "I will call you Lee from now on," she promised. The oasis was beautiful and it was the perfect spot for a couple.... um... she wasn't going to go there just yet... a couple of friends... right friends to talk about important 'friend' things.

"As you already know, I'm not really what I say I am. And there is a very long and convoluted history as to why I live every day as a lie. But I don't want to lie to you. You're too um.... nice."

She laughed out loud at that before smiling. "Thank you... That is just what I wanted to hear." She was sincere with that. She didn't want to hear that it was because she was sexy or beautiful... she wanted to hear more than that... and he, this innocense he was showing her was new and beautiful.

"Anyway, I'm what the Vale calls a Shifter. That is, I can mimic the outwards appearance of any creature I desire. I'm limited to living beings of course, I mean, I can't turn into a tree. Well, I suppose a tree is alive, so... I could. But no, I mean that I can only shift into the forms of people. Like you and me..." he stopped and swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. "I'm not sure what you remember, but Shifters aren't very well liked. Why? Well... ummm... I guess you can thank the stories mothers tell to children about the Shifters changing into the forms of their dearest and coming to eat them for that."

Another laugh erupted from her. "You eat children?" she asked softly. "I seriously doubt that... sounds like something just used to scare small kids," she said before huffing as if thoroughly amused. She was really starting to like him. "If you can be anything... why something with big scary teeth?" She teased. "I would think that you would be capable of eating children with that," she said. Fay was afraid she hurt his feelings and immediately countered... "But you are handsome and kinder than any man I have ever met," she said with a tiny blush gracing her own features.

"Ah sorry, I'm babbling. Its been such a long time that I've trusted anyone enough to tell them. But... its been a long time since I felt that anyone else trusted me just as much...."

She was going to comment but then he was on highspeed again...

"I also got you this... I kinda made it."

She took the red velvet and was surprised to find the box... in the box she found... well she was unsure of what it was at first. But when he spread it out for her she saw how beautiful it was. Her eyes grew large and she could feel her heart beating faster. and to hear that he made it for her was just too much for her to handle.

"I called it a Rose Whip. I hope you... I hope you'll take it on your journey..."

She moved to him and quietly wrapped him in a firm hug. Her face was buried in his neck and hot tears escaped her eyes. She never realized how shitty everyone had treated her until now.... All of her boyfriends had been complete assholes and here was a man, who honestly didn't expect anything more than friendship from her... who was truly chivalrous, giving her something that he must have spent serious labor and time on.

She took a step back and wiped the tears from her face. "It's beautiful..." She whispered and she could see the real him, not the face or they scary teeth... "Oh I can't thank you enough for this Lee..." She moved back in and kissed his cheek before just holding him and looking into his eyes.

"Can you teach me to use it?" She asked.

 

[Optimas]

friend or foe

The wolf looked at the purple being that had helped it. It was a brief moment in the eyes of an onlooker but it was an age in the mind of the wolf. Was there danger? Was this being a threat? Was he food, the wolf looked at Goreab summed it up and charged, teeth bared. He tackled the purple imp to the floor pinning him down; he looked at him for a second then licked the imps face.

Goreab had made a loyal friend and the wolf moved and let him get up looking at him with big eyes, the gold fur around his left eye shining in the sun. The wolf looked at Goreab the harsh eyes now that of a young animal, however big and scary the wolf was.

 

[Wolfsister]

Largos and Talon

The scent was strong. The scent of fear and self loathing, of anxiety, of confusion and the sweet scent of death hung over the young vampire as he moved through the forest. Searching wildly, running, then walking in circles then running again. He did not care where he went, yet he seemed at times to be searching for something, something he could not name.

Talon grinned, watching from afar, keeping pace easily with the elven vampire but keeping to the shadows. Masking his own scent with ease from the newly turned nightwalker. He barely held himself in check, wanting to laugh deliriously at the situation he had gotten himself in.

An elven vampire. How deliciously dangerous. Never would he have imagined the stories being true of their ledendary strength and speed. Of their natural abilities boosted so far that even he, an immortal beyond time, was having trouble keeping track of the beast.

But unlike the others, he would control this one. He would not let the elvish side win over and turn the vampire to the Light. He would leash and bind this devil and harness his strengths and banish his weaknesses.

But first, a chat was in order.

Largos moved to a tree, his eyes wide with fear and power, his scent strong with confusion as he paused, wondering which way to turn next. Talon was but a step behind him before he realised that he had been followed.

"Well, well. An elven vampire. How... interesting," came his deep, silken voice. A rich baritone underneath the barely concealed predator's rumble. Talon stepped forward, an eager light coming into his undead eyes, "Tell me, do you feel the power? Do you feel that thing coursing through your veins, rearing up, making you strongerp; faster? Do you feel the hunger?"

He took another step forward, forcing Largos back, "Do you feel it threatening to overwhelm you?" he laughed then, harsh and cruel sounding, "Do you want to control it?" his voice turned deeper, more ominous, "I can teach you to. I can teach you things that you would not believe. All you need do is trust me,"

His smile was cruel and twisted but he knew that it was an offer that Largos would find hard to refuse.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Goblins

"THE WOLF IS UPON YOU!"

Gregan, hearing the howl whirled around, dropping Sila's sack in the process. He blinked, at first trying to make sense of what he saw. A dull red blur was on the hill directly behind them. Another roar sounded and the blood in his veins chilled. He cried out to his clan brothers, not knowing that they had also turned and was witnessing the same red horror that he was.

Archers appeared and began unloading crossbow bolts towards the red blur. They could not tell if they hit Michael but they kept firing anyway. Walking backwards at a steady pace, they fired hoping they were hitting the enraged beast. They had an inkling that he was the fairy's guardian, but for that prize, they would pay their lives.

"Take the Princess!" Trama shouted at Gregan, pointing at the forgotten sack at the goblin's feet. Gregan blinked, shaking his head to clear them of fearful thoughts and snatched up the snatchel once again. A small detachment of goblin warriors surrounded him and he began moving off in a trot, his brothers staying behind to ensure his safe passage.

Gregan looked down at Sila's sack and stared at it in wide eyed shock as his feet carried him frantically forwards. Princess?

Oh this was good. This was really good. Those damnable fairies were going to pay!

 

[Wolfsister]

Danae and Sishota

Sishota smiled and nodded, rummaging through a small chest. She looked over at Danae. "Don't worry dear, I have a nice vegetable soup recipe that I can cook tonight," she would remove the little rabbits as soon as she could, she could tell that the sight of them were disturbing the selkie.

Sishota lifted out a sheet of light weight material. It billowed in a breeze like way, though there wasn't enough wind to blow it out this way. She shook it out and once again glanced at Danae. "I did not know who or what you would be. Or if you would have clothing, so I brought this along,"

She moved towards Danae and drifted the cloth over her shoulders. The silvery material settled over Danae and seemed to shimmer and morph until it fit her like a glove. It formed something much like a silvery blue catsuit with a high neck and sleeves that ran down to her wrists. Her legs were covered completely and the material snaked down under the soles of her feet to form fabric boots.

Sishota lifted an airy eyebrow, "This is called Dream cloth and it moulds to whatever design you wish it to. It has its limits and can only be the same colour as it started out as," it was extremely expensive but Sishota didn't mention that as money wasn't deemed all that important to her. The cloth was available in all different shapes, sizes and colours but Sishota preferred the silver blue. She admitted that it suited the selkie.

"Just think of an outfit and the cloth with emulate, to the best of its ability, what you want," she smiled, "Go on, try it out,"

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

"Just think of an outfit and the cloth with emulate, to the best of its ability, what you want," she smiled, "Go on, try it out,"

Danaë ran her fingers over the cloth. "Thank you, it's lovely." She tried to think of something that would match the place and time and...yes..Magic of the place. The only thing she could think of was the Celtic Bog Dress. Basically a tube, the cloth was long, and then folded a quarter of the way down, with the shoulders clasped with pins. The flap of the fold could be pulled over the head to form a hood. The whole thing was belted, and while working the bogs women would pull the back of the dress up and tuck it into the belt making a set of shorts.

It was simple, functional and elegant all at the same time....and the material tickled as it reshaped.

"Is this alright?" She asked.

Her tummy rumbled. She could really go for some sushi right now...but instead she sat down on a convent rock and asked...

"How can I help?"

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael roared as he charged, dodging bolts and deflecting ones he could not dodge. He crashed into the goblin lines sweeping through them like a scythe through a field of grain killing all of them. he kept going, following Sila's scent, killing any stragglers. "STAND AND FIGHT!" he roared at the fleeing goblins, bleeding from myriad small wounds.

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay and Lee

Lee was a little startled when she moved forwards and gave him an enveloping hug. He stuttered somewhat, but soon wrapped his own arms warmly around her. He closed his eyes and savoured the brief moment amongst her soft feathers and smiled to himself. This woman was surely something alright.

"Can you teach me to use it?"

"Err... Ummm," Lee blinked and took a step back, brandishing the whip, "Um, well you kinda just do this..." he brought up the handle and flicked his wrists slightly. The coil of leather picked up of the ground.... and then kicked limply.

Lee's cheeks went bright red and he chocked on his own laughter, "I honestly don't have a clue either!" he smiled down at Fay and for a moment a burning desire to kiss her threatened to overwhelm him.

He blinked and coughed in embarrassment, trying to hide his thoughts. "Perhaps you would like to see me as I really am?" He raised an eyebrow and then stepped back, not waiting for an answer before he began to change.

An intense look of concentration filled his features and he squeezed his eyes shut. Grunting in slight pain, his form began to radically shift in appearance. His arms became longer, thinner, though still muscular. Long talons appeared at his fingertips and he grew taller. Soon he was standing at an impressive 6'2".

His face changed, elongating, his jaw growing more angular. His scary teeth receded, though still remained sharp, his canines coming to a point. His skin colour deepened to a bronzed tan but his eyes remained that emptly voidal colour. Except now, where once they were a deep black, occasional quicksilver streaks raced across his dark orbs.

His ears elongated as well. While not forming a point, like elves' ears, they were still longer than that of an average human's. His chest filled out, muscles appearing along his arms and legs, his hair growing slightly longer to fall just a little past his shoulders. It has also grown silver in colour.

Large batlike wings began growing up from his shoulder blades. Four foot long and leathery, they flapped, as though being exercised after a long rest. He shook his head, his eyes clearing of their pain induced fog and smiled at Fay. "To tell you the truth, our true form is something like a puddle of quicksilver, but we learn from a young age that its useful to have limbs. So we take what we like best and take a 'form' so to speak. No 'form' is the same, though they can have the same elements. Anyway, this is the one I chose,"

He didn't think that Fay would be all that impressed with a puddle of silver mud, so the Night Avian was what he went with. Like he had said, it was a personal favourite.

His wings shifted slightly, "I guess you can kinda figure out why I was so drawn to you...." he chuckled.

 

[Wolfsister]

Dinne and Goreab

Goreab stared at the wolf a moment before it pounced. He squeeled in fright and tried to scramble out of its way, but to no avail. Luckily for him though, instead of a chow down, he got a wet, slimy, wolf breath bath.

He blinked and then began to cackle with mad laughter. He reached up and roughed up the fur behind the wolf's ears. When it retreated away from him, Goreab did not notice the vulnerable look in the fearsome beast's eyes, but he had enough sense to know that it was still Dinnie deep down inside the wolf.

He walked up and patted the wolf on the head, "You know, I like you better this way," he chatted cheerfully, his overgrown teeth shining in the sun as he grinned. He bopped his head from side to side as he adjusted his loincloth.

"Goreab feed you now," he said thoughtfully and rummaged around a little. He blinked and then howled in frustration, "Goreab eat all of his food!" he beat his little fists onto the ground and cried, throwing a right temper tantrum. Panting, he looked up at the wolf, "You big wolf. You can hunt for food. Be good wolf," he chattered once again, mumbling about fresh meat for his poor empty stomach.

 

[Wolfsister]

Danae and Sishota

Sishota smiled as she looked Danae up and down, judging how travel worthy the outfit was. She nodded with approval, a motherly glint in her eye, "Yes, beautiful as well as serviceable. It is perfect my dear," she said gently, her voice sighing like the wind.

She heard Danae's stomach rumbled, but did not mention it, instead she walked around gathering ingredients for her vegetable soup. "Do you know how to start a fire?" she gestured towards a neatly stacked bundle of sticks nearby. Producing a flint stone and striker, she showed Danae just how to use it to get a merry little blaze going. She was a patient teacher and realised just how little Danae knew of this world.

Soon enough the stew was bubbling happily in a pot suspended over the fire. It stirred of its own accord seemingly, but it was really just an extension of Sishota's powers. Producing several serving bowls and the appropriate utensils, she served up the piping hot broth and did away with the bleeding rabbits, burying them in the ground for scavengers to find. It was a slight waste of resources, but there was nothing to be done for the moment.

As they sat down to eat, she looked over at the landed selkie, "I can answer some questions, but I suggest we make way for Vale City to the Spirit. She will know how better to prepare you for our quest,"

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"Err... Ummm... Um, well you kinda just do this..."

She watched as the whip reacted meekly at best. She heard him laughing and had to admit that it was funny. He was so interesting and kind to her, unlike how she had been treated before. "Um... I think... I might need to get you some training with it," she said with a loud laugh.

"I honestly don't have a clue either!"

And it was then that the silence set in and she looked up at him and she wished... well she wished that this was who she was and that this man would kiss her and make all the bad things go away... She was sure that he could if anyone could. She took it from him.

"Maybe like this?" she offered as she cracked the whip loudly. She was surprised as hell but Fay fought the urge to drop the weapon. It had scared her and the avian was certain that that would do some damage to anything she attacked with it. She was amazed and found a smile on her face.

"Perhaps you would like to see me as I really am?"

She was surprised and would have said yes but he was already changing. Fay couldn't believe it. She was watching this man change from... that slightly scary guy to this taller still scary but still attractive man avian thing. She walked right up to him, she was not afraid as she touched his wings once they stopped.

"To tell you the truth, our true form is something like a puddle of quicksilver, but we learn from a young age that its useful to have limbs. So we take what we like best and take a 'form' so to speak. No 'form' is the same, though they can have the same elements. Anyway, this is the one I chose,"

"I think you're very handsome," she said looking right into his eyes. "Either way..." Fay said as she touched his skin as if to see if the bronzer would come off on her fingers. "Instant tan..." She chuckled to herself.

"I guess you can kinda figure out why I was so drawn to you...."

She laughed. "Well... I have to admit that... I like what I see Lee," she said with a smile. He was attractive, at least she found him as such. "I... I almost don't want to leave you..." She said as she touched his hand. She was getting comfortable.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Goblins

Many goblins died under Michael's onslaught, but many more just kept coming from the woodwork. They tried to shoot him, hack him, club him and kill him by any means possible. They ganged up on him, flinging themselves in a battle frenzy towards the red wolven blur and singing battle cries. For once, their cowardly out look on life was abandoned and they threw themselves into the attempt to forestall the werewolf.

Their numbers eventually slowed him down, one against too many, though he still managed to kill and kill and kill. The red fur on his body was more due to blood than to natural fur colour when reinforcements arrived.

Streaks of red, silver and blue lights began stream towards the goblins attacking Michael. When they connected, the goblins burst into combinations of flames, icicles or just disappeared altogether. A line of red globes trailed after the goblins, acting like seeker missiles and always hitting their targets.

If Michael turned to look behind him, he would see a line of determined looking fairies. All different shapes, colours and sizes. Male and female fairies alike muttered magical words and conjured all manner of fearful things to chase the goblins down.

Before they realised it, the goblins began retreating, Gregan running for his life, the sack bouncing along the ground in his death like grip. His fellow goblins fell around him and he screamed in horror. He wasn't sure what would be worse, falling prey to the avenging fairies, or returning empty handed to his clan cheiftain.

The choice was not left up to him as an orb of red caught him square on his back, bursting him into flame. He didn't even have time to compare this punishment against what he could have gotten from his chief.

Tula flipped up a hand and the onslaught halted, many fairies wilting to the ground. Not dead, but in serious need of rest and refreshment. She herself hurried up to the one flaming goblin who held a sack in his hand, a miracle that it had not caught flame itself. She pried his from his death grip with surprising strength and opened the hessian prison. Sila came tumbling out and Tula inhaled a quick breath and held it to avoid catching any spores of the orange dust still left in the sack.

"Oh my poor Sila," she moaned as she dragged the limp, unconscious fairy away from the battlefield. She herself was exhausted but she pushed the fatigue aside, concern for her daughter rising when the little fairy did not wake. She looked up and finally noticed the werewolf and smiled weakly at him, "Sila did always make strange friends," she murmured, cradling Sila's head gently in her arms.