Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[Mantra]

"Sorry, horsey, I haven't got a clue how to help ya. But... me mum always said a bit of competition was always a good way to get the ball rolling. So, Catch me if you can!"


And Coudron was off.....

*HEY!* Jay shouted, a loud whinny punctuating his projected thoughts.

Jay managed to extract himself from the brush, kicking and stamping on the offending brush every chance he got, and rushed off after his guide. His walk quickened into a trot, then a canter, but as he streched out to run, his front hoof struck a gnarled root, sending him stumbling and bouncing off a tree.

*This so sucks!* he grumbled, settling into a canter again.

Coudron was not far ahead and still smiling as Jay loped into view.
"Need a drink, horsey?"

Jay grumbled but lowered his head, sucking in the cool water loudly.

*I don't think I like the trees anymore.* he grumbled. *Stupid roots always tripping me up and stuff.*

 

[DarkPhantomLynx]

Kat and Rylia

Kat followed along behind Rylia, hearing her mention how close they were to the village pleased her she hoped to soon meet some of the locals and find out there attitude towards Guardians. From what Rylia has said they were not of the most favored sect.
Ahh hunting now that sounded like there would be meat involved. Her stomach rumbled just thinking of it. She smiled and wondered what kind of weapons Rylia might have she was fairly good with a gun but doubted they were used here in the Vale. As a child she had been taught how to use a bow and arrow but had not kept up the practice of shooting one so that was probably out. Glancing at her guide she suddenly thought of just how Rylia would catch dinner. With a small grimace she hoped her own meal wouldn’t be drained before she got it on the fire.
As they found a spot and settled in for the night she watched as Rylia moved off to hunt she fixed the fire then sat down contemplating her power she had accidentally discovered. She focused her mind and tried to bring back the same feelings of frustration and rage and suddenly the half dead tree across from her was blown down. She wavered on the log and turned her attention to another fallen tree and was able to lift and throw it. At this point she felt lightheaded and dropped her head into her hands. With a grin she suddenly realized just what she might be able to do with such powers. To save the Vale, is what she had heard she was here to do. And this Spirit person was supposed to show her how to do it. But her dream had shown her something else.
Her mind tried to tell her she wasn’t that dark demonic person of her dream but it had felt so right and the sense of power it gave her was overwhelming. Perhaps her dreams tonight would reveal even more to her. Hopefully she would discover just who and what this horned beast had been and what part of her life now it would play. She could almost feel the power now in her veins she looked up and saw a small rabbit darting across the way and suddenly it was lifted and made a small screaming noise and was dropped to the ground. Walking over she lifted the twisted carcass and headed back to the fire.
With an evil grin she skinned it and set it on the spit to cook waiting for Rylia to return.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

"Months?" Danaë looked at her. "Months?" She never longed for a airplane or even a car more in her life. "I thought this was urgent." She sighed. "Maybe urgent means something different here...in my world urgent means right away and even done yesterday if possible."

She ran her hands through her long white hair and looked up at the sky. "Yeah, resting the horses is probably a good idea. I don't want to over train anyway."

 

[Wolfsister]

Largos/Len/Fara

"It was slavers. When I went out to..... feed I saw them abusing this one. I knew that I could not let them do that to her so I rescued her after I took care of the slavers. Two of them got away though."

Len's pale blue eyes widened and a hand flew to her mouth in surprise. She blinked and looked down at the slender fingers that sprouted from her arms and shook her head slowly, she would have to relearn almost everything about her body. She knew that it would not be easy. She nodded slowly and smiled up at him, looking down at the unconscious felinoid in his arms.

A sprout of jealousy surfaced but was just as quickly stamped out.

"I think I finally know why I have been brought to this place; why it is this place needs the guardians again. This place has become so corrupted that there is no way it can be healed by itself and needs us to come and try to heal it. But how am I, one person meant to help to heal the Vale when there is so much wrong with it, when it allows things like Talon or those slavers to exist in it. I can only do so much and I know that I will not run away until I have tried to do at least as much as I can to help but I am only one person."

Once again Len nodded, this was what she had been telling Largos since the day that she had met him. She gave a searching gaze into his eyes and smiled, her heart singing that finally he was beginning to see the goodness in his heart that she had always been able to.

Her voice, while still soft, was stronger than when he had left her, "I believe in you Largos. I really do and I always will. I am here for you, never will I leave you alone in the dark." She smiled and hesitated then raised her hand up slowly as if to cup his cheek when the felinoid began stirring. Hiding a frown of irritation, she quickly let her hand fall and looked away.

During the entire exchange, Len was silent. She just watched, as her way had been when she had been an infant Avian (a Raven) and absorbed all the information that she could. She neither helped nor hindered Largos' attempts to gain the felinoid's trust and she nodded to herself when the cat finally lapsed into unconsciousness once again.

"Is there anyway that I can get rid of this curse of mine? I do not want to have to try and help people that want to kill me."

Len shook her head sadly, "A bite from an immortal has never been cured. At least not in my knowledge." Her voice was soft and slightly sad, "But you are a Guardian. I know Guardian's are strong and this is just the first of many obstacles that you will have to overcome. And I will be by your side always." Then she smiled, a little hope entering her sky blue eyes, "Perhaps the Spirit can help you? Maybe she knows something that will help you?" She shrugged delicately, wincing slightly as a fresh bout of pain lanced down her back.

She shuddered and then shivered, "Largos? Have you fed? Are there any clothes in that pack?" She pointed to the lump of material that was so clearly out of her reach that it was obvious he hadn't thought of it before he had gone and run off.

Not once did she mention the existance of the female cat.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

"Are you ready Sila?"

Sila stared into the deep set eyes of her future lover and sighed contentedly, when he was staring at her like that, she just couldn't stop the shiver of excitement that raced up and down her back. "Dreamy..." she sighed and a soft voice and continued to stare at Michael.

There was an awkward silence and then suddenly a slight barking cough interrupted the moment, Durbin lowered his hand from his mouth and grinned, "I think you be ready now lads and lass," he tipped his head towards the still staring Sila, he knew that she wouldn't see it, but it was polite, nonetheless.

Tula once again rolled her eyes. "Be safe, all of you and may your quest be both rewarding and challenging." She bowed her head respectfully towards the party members and then embraced her daughter. Sila finally coming out of her little infatuated daze.

"I love you," she whispered softly to her offspring and gave her a fierce hug. This queen was definitely good for both her daughter and her people. Then a stern look came onto her face, "Now remember, those weapons are only charged with enough magic that you can use their abilities but three times along your journey. I didn't get enough time to make the charms permanent." Then she smiled, "Good Journey! Keep her safe, wolf. Please."
Walking away, she left the party to make their own way into the depths of the earth.

Sila sighed and then smiled brightly, turning to Michael, "She's such a nag sometimes!" she giggled and skipped over to the Bassa as they all began moving into the darkness of the tunnel beyond. She patted it familiarily on the side and hummed quietly to herself, quite oblivious to the embarassing scene she had made earlier.

Durbin nodded, "Aye lad, safe journey. Come back in one piece." He also nodded his farewell and left them alone to go as they wished.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael chuckled to himself at Sila calling him dreamy. She didnt seem to even notice what she said. Durbin coughed loudly, the remnants of inner laughter apparent on his features. Michael nodded to the queen. "She will be safe, or I will be dead protecting her, my queen. I swear." he said. He shook Durbin's hand and off they went. They went in search of the saeriel, in search of his destiny. "So Renvir, Takkin, tell me about yourselves, i have a feeling that we have a long way to go."

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Eeth, Rolyn and Van

Eeth simply listened and nodded at the right times as Rolyn spoke. Rolyn seemed to not have realized that the fight yesterday had been the first time in his life that he had fought with blades like that, meaning that Eeth had absolutely nothing to work off of other than his instincts, and somehow those were pretty good, in Eeth’s opinion. All the skill that Eeth had shown during the fight had simply manifested itself, with little to no input from Eeth.

Before he knew it, Eeth was having a plate of food shoved under his nose. Eeth ate with relish, clearing nearly four plates of food before pausing. A question kept popping up in his head, one that must be answered.

“Rolyn, was yesterday’s fight long enough for your spell casters to do their job?” Eeth asked, looking at Rolyn as Van handed over a fifth plate of food.

Eeth continued to eat, but slower than before, as Rolyn answered. Eeth declared himself full after his eighth plate of food, and then settled in for Van’s instruction.

 

[Wolfsister]

Noah and Drakalin

"Perfect. Let me help you clean up and we can get settled..."

Drak smiled, amused at how the other was acting. He almost laughed, but instead shook his head, holding out his hand to take the plates. "There really is no need, Noah. I can fairly handle it myself. Tonight should be -"

"My ankle! I'm sorry... Do you know anything about sprains?"

Drakalin shook his head again, this time there was no amusement in his eyes. "Foolish!" he growled low under his breath but he was sure that the fox man would be able to hear him. He sighed and stood up, his wings expanding slightly to sheild him from the light and the moon shone behind him, giving his wings a halo'ed look.

Of course, he didn't know that he looked so good under the pale light of the moon.

He moved over to the fallen fox and shook his head once again at the odd angle the other had fallen in. He instructed Noah to sit up and straighten his legs out, then he took Noah's injured ankle in one large hand.

He had to remove his gauntlet, of course and it was revealed that his hand was covered in small scales, they looked slightly metallic yet they also looked soft to the touch. He reached around and felt the ankle, it was aleady beginning to swell up and growled slightly again, his eyes glowing a sort of pale white in the light of the fire.

Then he wrapped both of his now unglaunted hands around the ankle and began to chant softly, "Herael tis vaka, herael vaka ren," A soft white glow began to pulse between his fingers and Noah felt a sort of warm, liquidy feeling rush down his bones.

Then a the pain began to ease and the swelling reduce. Drak closed his eyes, sighing as he finished and smiling softly. "Not much to it," he explained and then got up, gathering together the plates and such that Noah had dropped, "Be careful." He growled and moved towards a small creek to wash away the remains of dinner.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Elmhand and Mia

"You... you don't want to save the Vale? The people are the Vale. Everything is the Vale.... don't you... care? Why would you be here if it wasn't serious?"

Elmhand smiled reassuringly down at Mia. “Young one, unless the collective strength of the people of the Vale amounts to nothing more than the equivalent of a dry twig, they can save themselves,” he replied. “Of course, they may not see the path needed. I will not walk the path for them; I will only show them the way.”

"Why do old people always answer questions with questions? Is it because they don't know the answers themselves?"

Elmhand simply continued to smile down at Mia. She would figure it out eventually.

"Oh alright. I suppose you eat sunlight, right? That's why trees get so tall, they love the sun and want to be near it? And they drink water, mostly from the ground. But you don't have to worry about that. I've got plenty of water; I am a nymph, after all. Ummm.. is it 'walk'?"

Elmhand’s smile broadened as Mia answered. She was thinking for herself, with a little prodding of course. “You have the right idea with the sunlight, and you are absolutely correct with both the water and the walking,” he said. “All I need to survive, Young One, is sunlight and water. And yes, I will walk to where ever we need to go.”

 

[MilkManDan007]

Asterion Questions Lira

She was certainly an interesting creature, Asterion thought. So trusting of a stranger, but it seemed she knew more than she was letting on to. She purred lightly and smiled a wicked smile as he laid her down. She seemed not to care what happened to her, even noting that he could kill her when he was done. This woman, she was definitely a feisty one; licking his face one moment in ecstasy, splitting ends between pretty and beautiful the next. It seemed something only a selfish beast would say, but this was a new world. Maybe things were different here in that regard.

Fell shrunk into the shadows as quietly as he had first come, but the chill that always seemed to be present in the air remained. Asterion knew he was still in the room, somewhere. The wraith probably didn’t even care. He had shown almost no emotion on the journey so far, and probably had little appreciation, if any, for the beautiful being lying with his charge.

As she traced her finger along his horn, the troubling thoughts in his mind cleared. All the clutter that rattled about day to day seemed to fade into the distance, bringing a light feeling of calmness over him. This woman seemed to have that effect on him, a disarming charm. The feeling had come over him almost from the moment she walked into the hovel. Everything she said, every movement she made just seemed to relax him more. His mind continued to clear, but one thought remained fixated in the darkness.

She knew who he was and why he was here.

His conscious mind began to drift, letting his animalistic urges come to the forefront. Her charm, her voice, the soft way her hands were touching him, the willingness to give herself to him, it all felt so right. But that one thought remained.

She knew who he was and why he was here.

He shook his head away from her light touch, clearing out the fog that had been clouding his thoughts. He grabbed her wrists and pushed her arms to her sides. Using both his weight and muscle, he straddled her to immobilize her, pinning her arms between her own body and the muscles of his thighs. He bent down, putting his hands on the packed dirt on either side of her head, and squared his eyes into hers. He wanted to know who this woman was and how she knew so much about him.

“How do you know who I am?” he asked, narrowing his eyes as he stared into hers. There were dozens of questions he wanted answers to, questions he would make her answer if necessary. “I have never laid eyes on you before, I have never heard your voice, yet you seem to know all there is about me. Give me a good reason not to snap you in half like a twig right now Lira.” He leaned even closer to her, resting his elbows on her collarbone and pressing down with mild force. “Because if you do truly know who I am, you know I would have no reservations about crushing you very slowly.”

 

[Dracona]

The searing heat was slowly being replaced by blessed coolness. Janelle drew it into herself with a pain filled shudder. Her chest began to rise and fall in deep steady rhythm as if breathing. The water flowing into her body through her mouth and nose, her skin soaking it up like parched earth.

"Don't leave me... not now..."

Janelle focused on Hiran’s voice…he’d come back. She felt his arms around her and struggled to reach for him. Her arms lay heavy and unresponsive and it took all of her strength to just force her eyes to open. Her lids slowly rose and she peered up into his face.

“Hi-ran…” Her voice sounded strange to her, even for being underwater but she gave him a trembling smile. “I’m sorry…I didn’t realize…”

Her fingers found and intertwined with his and she gave up trying to keep her eyes open any longer. She was so tired.

“Don’t leave…” she whispered softly as she drifted once more into darkness.

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay and Faelin

Faelin barked a short laugh, some of her humour restored by the ever cheerful avian, "No, I don't think that would be a possibility my dear chicken," she poked a little fun just to lighten the mood. All of a sudden, the wolf was no longer thinking about herself, about how hard done by she was. Instead she was thinking about another, like she used to. And for the first time she could remember, she knew she actually wanted to sheild this person from that cruelties of the world. From anything.

Faelin padded over to her and licked her hand gently, "Don't worry. Everything will work out. We can hardly ask you to solve everything. But yes, perhaps staying and helping as best we can would be advisable." Then she looked deep into Fay's eyes, "Don't worry Fay. You are strong enough. You have the most beautiful soul I've ever seen and you truly possess a grand and compassionate heart. I've only seen those things in a few people," then she smiled in her own little wolfish way, "And one of those was the Spirit herself."

It was clear that the wolf's regard for the avian had flown (no pun intended) high indeed. At it also appeared that the wolf could see into the soul of Fay, into the thoughts and doubts that ruled the young woman's mind. It was also clear that Fay would never again be alone and nor would she have to face the nearly impossible task ahead with out guide or companionship for Faelin would be both and so much more to her.

The large black wolf rested her massive head into Fay's lap and closed her eyes, just resting there and giving Fay some silent comfort and encouragement. There was a profound change in the guide, something that was clear and yet so unclear. Faelin was still herself, but now she seemed even more herself, even more at home in the skin she found herself in.

"One day... one day I will return to my home. And I would like for you to see... to meet my brethren. My... pack.." her voice cracked and she turned her head slightly so that her eyes were hidden from view. Then she huffed, sighed and picked up her head from Fay's lap.

"And no, you're not going to marry that pompous ass!" she growled, though rather playfully and in complete disregard to what she had just said.

 

[Wolfsister]

Becca/Kail/Brand

“I prefer Becca. ” Becca said coolly. “ Allessia was just a … necessity.”

Under his hot and heavy helm, Brand raised a bony ridge on his scaly head that could be called an eyebrow, if he had had hair, and his long snouted lips drew back into a none-too-friendly smile. Then he inclined his head, "Very well, Becca it is then. Allessia didn't really suit you," he added and grinned, his meaning not really all that clear. Then the dryad was speaking again and he forced himself to concentrate, his mind wanting to wander along a dark alley way he had found himself traveling a few hours earlier.

“That child was attacked. I’m going to stay until she wakes up, and hopefully she can tell me where it happened …”

Brand sighed and finally pulled off his helm, revealing and large scaled head with a somewhat crocodillian snout. His large yellow slitted eyes were dilated, allowing him to see in the dim light and he nodded to the matron as she drew back from him visibly as he leaned against the door frame. Effectively cutting of one of their escape routes. He grunted, "Well then, I guess, with respects to the matron, that I should wait also. No reason we shouldn't pool our resources is there?" It was clear that he didn't really expect an answer, especially a negative one.

“When I find the Nightstalker, I’m going to kill it.”

A sort of whistling sound emitted from between his long, sharp rows of teeth as he sucked in an impressed breath. "And just how does a mysterious young Dryad like you propose to do that? Haven't you heard, miss, that they're practically impossible to kill," he looked at the still unconscious young girl, "Its a miracle that this one survived."

Kail's light continued to pulse feebly, though it was getting steadily and steadily stronger, washing over all that were within a twenty foot radius of him. He cleared his throat and suddenly threw caution to the winds, "She's a Guardian."

Again Brand raised a bony ridge on his head, except this time all could see it, "Oh?" Then he turned to Becca, clearly waiting for her to explain herself.

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

"Foolish!"

Well... if Noah hadn't felt stupid before he felt so now as the other called him that word. He sighed and felt a deep blush running across his cheeks. could the other see it with the fur that covered all his skin. He didn't see how. "Sorry..." He managed a bit pitifully before chancing a glance up at the dragoon. He was surprised at the halo of light behind him and had to admit that he was not blush just of embarassment now.

The other removed his guantlets and was soon holding his ankle. He winced a littler, sure the other was behing very gentle but it was a little sore after his trip. How he could just fall over like that baffled him to no end. The fox was very surprised at the other's chant and soon found himself feeling considerably better. He couldn't help but stare at the other man. And that smile...

Wow... there was a fluttering of wings in his stomach.

"Not much to it. Be careful."

"A-Alright..." He managed as he got up and still insisted on helping the other man out, there was no point sitting around, it would just bring boredom. Not that watching the other man walk around and work wasn't a treat.

"What was that you did? Was it... magic?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Jay and Coudron

*I don't think I like the trees anymore. Stupid roots always tripping me up and stuff.*

These words echoed in Coudron's mind as they finally broke through the seemingly endless box of trees that made up the Spirit Forest. He sighed and breathed a silent prayer of thanks to the Spirit and turned around to wave at the still slightly stumbling horse behind him.

Their trip over the last few days had been somewhat boring, even to the extent that they often swapped jokes and riddles with each other just so they could pass the time. Of course, they're riddles and jokes often caused more confusion than anything else seeing as they were from two completely different backgrounds. Not to mention worlds.

"Here you are! The open road!" he bellowed out to the horse behind him that was hesitantly stepping into the sun, blinking and snorting somewhat nervously. He looked up at the glaring midday sun and onto the endless grassy plain that stretched before them. There were a few stranded clumps of trees here and there, but it was mainly just flat plains. It was wondrous.

"Ahhh," said Coudron as he stretched, finally feeling as if he could breathe properly for the first time in about two weeks. Of course he'd only known Jay for the second week. He looked back and grinned as Jay came stumbling up towards his him. The horse had grown somewhat accustomed to his new found third and fourth legs, but he still had a long way to go. He shook his head and grinned again, "Look kiddo, no roots here!"

Of course, there was no way of knowing if Jay even knew what Coudron was talking about. But still, there had grown a simple companionship between the two men in the last week and they were both glad to have at least another person with them for this trip.

Coudron pointed north east and smiled, "That way lies Vakare!"

 

[Wolfsister]

Kat and Rylia

Rylia left Kat alone that evening. She thought that the demoness would be able to handle herself for a few hours alone on the beach. Besides, if anything wanted to get to her, they'd have to go through the Drider first. She laid a small web trap a long the tree line near to where Kat was, just as a precaution.

She wasn't even sure if she wanted the demoness to run into 'trouble' or not. She wasn't even sure what she would do in that situation in the first place. She didn't even know if she wanted to be in that situation. The thoughts rolling inside her head only served to give her migraines and it certainly didn't help to improve her already dour mood.

She silently stalked through the trees, awaiting the emergence of the night's animals. Just something small, she didn't want to attract too much attention and she was frankly going to be damned if she ate fish. She hated fishing!

A movement to the right of her and she stilled, motionless, her breaths coming in short, shallow gasps. Her eyes went wide and she searched with her gaze for any further sign that she wasn't alone. Another rustle caught her attention and she quickly turned, pulling up her short bow and nocking an arrow carefully. Another movement caught her eye and she sighted, drew back and loosed.

************​

Rylia entered the circle of firelight just as Kat's rabbit began to turn a tasty brown. The spit was working well and Rylia raised in eyebrow, "So you have dinner already, then?" she asked coolly and looked around, almost casually. Then she dumped a small deer onto the sand beside the fire pit and smirked. "I guess that you dont' want any of this then? You know, that was incredibly rude. Here I am, providing for you and then you go and help yourself?!" Her voice began to raise and get harder until she was suddenly shouting at the poor woman.

Rylia wasn't really angry. Oh no, she was just baiting the demoness. She wanted to see just what the guardian/demoness could do. And if she would do it in the first place.

 

[Wolfsister]

Danae and Sishota

Sishota shook her head. "It does mean the same here, but what can we do? There is currently nothing faster than horseback here. There are wagons and caravans that could take us there, but they would only slow us down even more, dear." She sighed, "I know how it sounds. But we can only do what we can. I can't just transport you there. It doesn't work that way. It only works from Vale City's end. Not the other way around."

Of course, Shota didn't exactly explain what she meant by that last comment but she didn't really think twice about it. If Danae was curious about it, she would just have to ask.

Shota nodded, "They'll get plenty of rest while you sleep." Then she smiled and looked towards the tent, "I've made it as comfortable as I can. Tomorrow you can practice pulling it down again," her eyes twinkled at mention of this and she smiled again.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

The next few days were spent in complete and utter darkness. Of course the dwarves kept their torches lit constantly, but when they were too tired, they extinguished them and slept in the dark. Both the dwarves and Michael could see perfectly well in the dim light and only Michael himself could see well in the complete pitch black, but still, their journey was swift and largely uneventful.

Over those few days, Mike learnt a great deal about both his dwarven comrades and dwarven lore in general. He was regaled with stories of heros and demons, of gods and the creation myth itself. The wolf learnt that Renvir was a master craftman. He dealt mainly in statuettes and carving living images into stone. Takkin simply worked with the Bassa full time. He tunnelled and was most at home right under the earth, deep inside the heavy and often oppressive darkness. Takkin wasn't usually a talker and just mainly comunicated through a series of grunts, but Renvir loved the sound of his own voice. That was, until he was working on his current project. A small round stone on which he was depicting their entire journey. Like a journal of sorts.

Sila usually just kept to herself, the darkness often serving to frighten her more than anything. Sometimes they were forced to halt in order for her panic attacks to cease. No one minded and it was never openly mentioned, but they could all see that the old, darker version of Sila was slowly and surely returning.

She still fawned over Michael though and the other dwarves could only grin when she began to bug him with questions about his realm and about their own relationship. She seemed to want reassurance at every step, and was being on the verge of clingy. But.. it was Sila. What could you do?

Once, they heard a strange, distant rumbling sound. Like thunder deep inside the earth. It made the entire party pause and they had to wait for another half hour before they could coax the Bassa into moving further. It never came again, though it was remembered with distinct chills and fearful thoughts. They traveled for a further two days before they heard it again. This time much much closer.

On the third next day, it came from directly behind them. The entire party spun and peered into the darkness, but nothing revealed itself. They slowly began to relax, Takkin muttering something about the earth making confusing sounds sometimes and that the tunnels often warped what it really was when suddenly Sila screamed.

She was just as quickly swallowed up by darkness as a long tentacle wrapped itself around her and pulled her from sight. Her long scream of pure terror was suddenly cut off and a wet sickening crunch was heard. Then all was still.

"Princess!" yelled Renvir and he swung his mighty battle axe, but there was no one to hit. No enemy appeared and the inky darkness swallowed them up in silence once again.

"No..." whispered a normally silent Takkin.

 

[rengadeirishman]

The trip had been pleasent enough, given the circumstances, Renvir was a jovial dwarf, and enjoyed conversation. Takkin, while perfectly pleasent, was bit more taciturn. Sila had been the problem, she was getting so paranoid in the dark, whenever they stopped Michael would hold her close and kiss her gently, stroking her hair, doing his best to make her safe. He wasnt ready for what happened, and he could never have been.

They had been perhaps a week on the road, it was difficult to be sure in the darkness. They were still cautious, after the sound they had heard two days previous. They were walking along, at their usual pace when the sound returned, this time right on their tail. They all turned quickly, but saw nothing. Takkin muttered something about the warping of tunnels and how that was probably it. They turned to resume their journey, and suddenly Sila screamed, "SILA!!!! Michael roared, changing to his wolven form and drawing his weapons. Renvir swung his axe to no avail. Michael's nose was assailed with a strange smell, like that of wet rocks. "Guard the Bassa!" He roared to Takkin, "Renvir, with me!" He roared again, charging off in the direction of the scent, No one would take her from him.

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth/Van/Rolyn

“Rolyn, was yesterday’s fight long enough for your spell casters to do their job?”

Rolyn gave a sad shake of his head. "Alas, not even close Eeth. The fight yesterday lasted around ten minutes. The chant itself only takes five, but a further fifteen the twenty minutes to dissolve into the host, so to speak." He shrugged, "In other words, a half hour or more will be how long you need to last." True, he probably should have mentioned this already, but he hadn't wanted to scare the poor kid off.

Van mewed suddenly and got a rather impish grin on his face, "Okay! Eeth eat enough! Van teach now!" he yeowled and sprang up, turning on the spot and suddenly sat down again, closing his eyes and laying Sticky across ways on his lap.

"Eeth close eyes and listen. Listen carefully. Little cat screaming inside Eeth, Eeth need to listen to little cat," then he suddenly mewed, scratching his head, "Ehhh... Van mean little Elf. Yesh, little little Eeth Elf inside."

"Tell Van what Eeth hear."

Of course, it would be extremely, extremely unlikely that Eeth would be able to find the core of his magic on the first try. What with Van's unusual methods of teaching, but still, it should be interesting.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Danaë and Sishota

Danaë let Sishota's words tumble over her. Months of travel. Hello Little House on the Prairie meets The Hobbit....

She looked over into the pot. "Maybe, since we are taking a longer lunch break for the horses, you could teach me stuff like...how to make a fire, and cook over it like you do?" She smiled. "Might be usual stuff to know. I don't have the everyday skills of this world. What do you use for money?"

She pondered for a few moments. "How am I supposed to carry stuff when we aren't together? I mean...I'll be naked and stuff-less anywhere I swim to when I become human again..."

 

[DarkPhantomLynx]

Kat and Rylia

Rylia wasn't really angry. Oh no, she was just baiting the demoness. She wanted to see just what the guardian/demoness could do. And if she would do it in the first place.

Kat’s eyes blazed at Rylia’s indignant words. Rising quickly she looks at the creature and speaks lowly. “I wasn’t being rude I was about to offer you some of the rabbit until the deer could cook. How was I to know if you could even kill anything as slow and cumbersome as your body is? Besides you haven’t proven yourself to be overly caring to me so far, why should I worry if I hurt your precious feelings spider.” Her words filled with just enough venom her body vibrating with anger. She moves a bit watching Rylia for any signs of anger. She couldn’t believe how rude Rylia could be how dare her make such assumptions.
Wondering just how dangerous Rylia could be the snide words setting off her already short temper after the long hot walk today. She glances over at the small log on the other side of the fire and sends it sailing in Rylia's direction. With very little regard to the outcome she watches the log fly at the dryder.
Kat wondered just how strong this power could be if she honed it in and learned just how to use it. Turning away from Rylia she moves back over to the rabbit, cutting off apiece she sits down nibbling at it. Watching Rylia move slowly she narrows her eyes wondering just what the creature was up to. After filling her belly she moves to her bedroll and settles in for the night her senses high wondering if the Dryder would strike back at her for her outburst. She drifts off to sleep, dreaming again of the fight and creature with horns. This time she sees it’s a great Minotaur, and huge he is. She stands next to him over the remains of a destroyed village some shadowy creature is heard cackling with Rylia whom seems for once pleased. As she turns back to the scene of carnage she sees a movement it’s a pale looking woman moving towards them she starts to raise a hand when the Minotaur smiles and looks to her shaking his head. She feels a faint stab of hatred for the creature but lets it live. Awakening she glances around her brow is beaded with sweat, rising up she wipes it away. Gads what a dream, and what did it mean. She looks up at the moon and over at the sleeping form of Rylia and shakes her head. Her mind rolls back over the dream, she had felt so good looking over the destruction of people never in her life had she wished harm on anyone that she remembered. Though at times during her talks with her inmates she had wondered what it would feel like to have such courage to carry out such acts. Shaking her head she glances around this place was making her loopy, now she was thinking like those she helped put away. Picking up the skin she drinks some water then settles back down to sleep. She hoped this village was close she was sick and tired of water god how she wanted a drink.

 

[Wolfsister]

Elmhand and Mia

Mia nodded and thought silently to herself for a little while. It was plain that the little nymph was trying to decide the next best course of action. Then her face brightened as she suddenly thought of something, "We're close to both Vakare and the Spirit Road. I wouldn't worry about Vakare at the moment, I think we should travel to see the Spirit as soon as we can. We'll be safe on the Spirit Road and you've got everything you need to travel." She frowned, having thought of something, but her features soon cleared as she found a solution, "Oh yes, I can simply take my nourishment from the land." She muttered, almost to herself.

Then she looked up, "So, when do you want to leave?" she asked quietly. She wasn't sure if he had any more questions or if he wanted to go straight away. Either way, the two of them were now set on a path towards their ultimate destiny.

 

[Wolfsister]

Asterion and Lira

His voice was strong and soft at the same time, an animalistic burr slurring his words slightly which made her shiver uncontrollably. He suddenly pinned her and her heart beat even faster with excitment, she knew that he could crush her, she knew that he could easily kill her. Honestly, she did not care. As long as it was he who did it.

“How do you know who I am?. I have never laid eyes on you before, I have never heard your voice, yet you seem to know all there is about me. Give me a good reason not to snap you in half like a twig right now Lira. Because if you do truly know who I am, you know I would have no reservations about crushing you very slowly.”

She shivered, her pouting lips curving into another wicked smile as she looked up into his wild, demon's eyes as she considered her answer. Her words came out slowly, her voice soft and utterly submissive as she did nothing to resist either his grip or his suspicions, "I know all that there is." She whispered, her eyes showing a measure of arrogance that she could shake the great beast so.

"You would kill me before you gain your pleasure, Minotaur? Oh, I have no doubt that you have the power. You reveal yourself through everything you do, every word you say, every movement you make. I see through you because you cannot hide from me what you are. You are a monster. A killer designed for nothing more than slaughter," she smiled, her hips suddenly swaying under him as she wriggled her arms away from his thighs.

She traced the outline of a well defined leg muscle and smiled once again, "Your own body betrays what you are. So powerful, so much larger than life. You, minotaur, are what mothers are afraid of for their children in the night. You are the nameless terror that grips young and old men alike."

She grinned them and leaned up to pull his head towards her own, using her small teeth to nip his lips, "You are delicious...."

 

[Wolfsister]

Jannelle and Hiran

He felt her fingers entangle feebly with his own and he closed his fist around her hand, gripping her tight.

"Don't leave me...."

"I will never leave you again, Jannelle. I will never," he promised fervently, just realising in his own mind just what his charge had done to him. He even realised that some of it wasn't just the natural allure that a siren put out, but just the natural allure that this woman exuded. He could feel her soft in his arms and for a moment, he forgot about her wounded state, forgot the fear he had felt at the moment of finding her rapidly dehydrating body on the beach beyond.

He thanked all the gods and divine beings that he knew that he had been sent to guide this particular spirit. Being a water element was certainly an advantage, but secretly in his heart, he had to admit that this one was special. And it had nothing what-so-ever to with her species.

He inhaled slowly, willing the water to swirl around her, to enter her pores, to fill her body with its nourishment. How could he have been so stupid as to leave her?! Never again! He vowed it upon the very heart that he so often claimed that he didn't have.

He looked down at Jannelle and a smile crossed his features. It was weak, but it was genuine. "Rest now. Rest, I am here."