Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[Wolfsister]

Fay and Faelin

Faelin sighed and rolled her eyes, "I'm a wolf, not a dog," she gently reminded the birdwoman. Then she tsked, "My name's Faelin, I'll stop calling you a chook when you tell me your name," she growled under her breath and deliberately stepped on the stick, breaking it in half.

It wasn't that she didn't like Fay. In fact, she couldn't care less, but there was her problem. Faelin wasn't your average wolf. She was cynical to a fault and quite easily ruffled. You could say that her emotions were always strung high. The fact is, Faelin pretty much didn't like anyone, and you had to work pretty hard for her to change her mind. The world she knew, the one that exhiled her, was one she would rather forget.

Then she looked back at the crater and looked up at Fay, "You did that, when you came here," she sighed, "Look, here's how it is. This is Illusion Vale," she gestured around them with her snout, "And you're from the world where the Lost Guardians were sent. Illusion Vale is breaking and the Spirit," she paused and looked Fay in the eyes, "That's what would be the equivalent to a pack leader, fears that the Vale will be destroyed. So she sent a desparate plea to the lost Guardians and you're one of the ones that answered,"

Faelin had no idea of the world beyond Illusion Vale and had no way to know that Fay had no clue whatsoever of what she was talking about. So... you can see the problems that are going to arise from that one.

 

[blaster8]

Eeth and Van

"Hey, I'm not evil. I just have a little bit of a cruel streak. Where I come from most people do. Now, shouldn't you be in front of me in order to be a proper guide?" said Eeth to Van. They continued to walk until the sun was low in the sky. At that time, Eeth suggested that they stop and make camp. He also suggested that Van can take a nap after they had eaten something.

Eeth went about gathering the wood for the fire, and then lit it using an old trick he remembered from before. Pleased that he still knew how to survive in the wilderness (to an extent), he sat back and waited for the food to be served.

 

[thanatos64]

Than and Veric

Than took a swig from the canteen, as the water hit his tongue, Than jerked his head to the side and spit it out, more by reflex then anything.

“pssst, shit, water.”

Looking back at the elf Than raised his right hand, palm out.

“Sorry, sorry. I was just kinda expecting something with a bit more of a kick; I wasn’t trying to offend you.”

Taking another drink of the water, than stood, he noticed he towered over the elf by a good 3 feet maybe more.

“Looks like we got off on the wrong foot. My name is ….”

Than was trying to remember, there was a name, but another was forming in its place.

Than continued “My name is Than.”

Handing Veric the canteen, giving a slight nod and raise of the eye brows he added “and sorry about the hair thing, blue berry it is.”

“Now that we go the hair thing and the age thing out of the way, mind answering some questions there? Veric, isn’t it?”

Looking down at Veric, than bending slightly forward with a stern look.

“How did I get here? What am I doing here?”

Fanning his hands down his body” how did I get like this?”

Raising his hands shoulder high” and where is here?”

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

Sila sobbed quietly and appreciated the little pat on her head. She also appreciated the relative gentleness too. She shook her head at the proffered pipe, "Mum says I can't smoke that, she says I turn into a horrible imp when I do," so she politely refused. Then she turned to him with big round eyes, "You're a bad man?" She looked at him in confusion and then vehemently shook her head, "But you're so nice! You say some strange things, but you're really nice," she gave him a weak smile and hugged him fiercely, her tears forgotten, "Thanks, you're a good man. The spirit wouldnt' have sent me to find you if you weren't," she stood up and was suddenly bright and cheerful, "You just look scary is all," she giggled.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael smiled in spite of himself at the little faery's hug, futile though it was for her to wrap her arms around his considerably larger form. "Ive done many bad things Sila." he said. "But thats for another time, where can we find some food? Im hungry." he asked. "And if there are bad men, ill need a weapon, no offense lass, but you dont seem much a fighter."

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

She smiled at how easily ruffled the other was. Fay could be quite emotional but at lease she was normally in control and nice. "Faigel... but you can call me Fay, it's just easier," she explained. "I know you're a wolf... it doesn't take the head cashier at walmart to figure that one out puppy," she said with a smile petting the wolf again. "And just because you're a wolf doesn't mean you can't fetch," she teased.

"Why would I answer? I'm having issues of my own," she said grumpily. but she didn't need to think about that rat bastard...

"Ok... so what exactly is wrong with the Vale?" She asked as she started to walk to find another stick.

 

[Angelus]

Largos and Len

Largos stood there and listened to what Len was saying to him. As soon as she had finished he walked slowly towards her and looked down into her eyes.

"Soooooo....... What you are trying to tell me is that we are responsible for the near destruction of this place and when it is time to bring peace back into this world you call on us again? Are you completely insane! I would have thought we would have been the last people that you would have wanted to bring back here to save it.... okay; calm down, calm down. So, what you are telling me is that the Spirit of this place, the so called Queen has brought us all here to try and save it because you can't? I don't mean to sound rude or anything but to me that sounds really stupid."

He moved to sit down on a log, turned his back on Len as right now she was the last thing he wanted to see and looked down at the ground.

Why did she have to bring us here against our will. Could she not have asked us? And just what the hell am I doing here, I'm a thief for god sake.

Very slowly he turned back to look at Len, noticing that she had not moved at all from her position.

"Just because I don't know anything about this place it does not mean that you have to treat me like a child. I know that you know more about this place because you are my guide and have lived here your whole life but it does not give you a reason to treat me like one. I have one last question for you though, our kind.... humans cannot live here because we almost destroyed it all. I just want to know if I am right. As to what I want to do I think that the first thing I need is a weapon then go and see this Spirit. Maybe she won't treat me like an imbecile."

He turned and looked at Len, knowing that his words would make her angry and upset but he needed to get a straight answer out of her for once.

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth and Van

Van eyed Eeth with a suspicious gaze and made sure to watch him as he took over the lead, "Where you from? Van curious," he licked his paw and began to walk at a more leisurely place, Eeth's previous evilness forgotten at the moment.

The day continued fairly uneventful and Van was grateful when Eeth suggested stopping. He watched as the elf made a quick fire and mewed with pleasure as he stuck his hands close to the flame. For some reason, the woods were chillier by night.

He swished his tail happily as he pulled out in quick succession a pan, three eggs, four dead rabbits, a pot, three herb plants, two water skins, tubular vegetables and 7 carrots. Then a knife, utensils and a makeshift chopping board. Van was indeed good at what he does, and cooking was his specialty. He soon had a hearty rabbit stew bubbling on the fire and was pulling out bowls for the both of them, handing out the steaming broth.

He licked his lips, ate with a passion and slurped all of his stew down in short order. Then, purring softly, he spun around a few times and curled up. Then sat up straight, scratching his head. Van looked at Eeth, seemed to consider something and then smiled, "Don't worry, Van know this protected part of Suvin Forest. Van and Eeth can sleep no worries. Van give you this," he pulled out a soft looking cushion and a bedroll, smiling triumphantly, "Van like being prepared,"

Then he closed his eyes, tucked his tail beneath his nose and was asleep in moments.

 

[blaster8]

Eeth and Van

Eeth watched in amazement as Van pulled out a lot of stuff from that small bag of his. Must be a magic bag. Interesting, Eeth thought to himself. Eeth ate the rabbit stew, savoring every bit of it. He complimented Van on it, accepted the bed roll, then watched as Van feel asleep instantly, again.

Eeth, not being very tired, sat up for several hours, reflecting on all that happened and listening to the sounds of the forest. He noted that his eyesight was pretty good, considering how dark the forest was. He could make out trees, bushes, and the occasional noctural animal, all of these things a good distance away from the light of the fair, a distance where they should have been hidden by the night. But Eeth could see them, though not as clearly as day, but he could see them nonetheless.

Finally feeling tired, he spread out the bedroll and lay down, after making sure that the fire was contained and wouldn't spread. He few minutes later, he found himself in a trance-like state. In this state, he was completely aware of all the went on around him, almost as if he were awake. But this state was restful, a good substitute for sleep, he knew. Somehow he knew that it would be very difficult for someone to sneak up on him, because he could bring himself out of this trance very quickly, and not have the disadvantage of lingering sleep on him. He figured that this new development was a result of him being an elf, and he thought it was a good thing, especially out in the wilderness.

He remained in this trance-like state until sunrise (or until something made him get up).

 

[Wolfsister]

Than and Varic

“pssst, shit, water.” Varic raised an eyebrow but stayed silent enough to hear Than's apology. He inclined his head, accepting the hasty apology and smiled, taking the canteen pack and taking a generous swig of it himself, "There will be plenty of that once we get back into town," he said softly and grinned.

He extended a hand in greeting, "Welcome Than," he flicked another strand of blueberry hair across his shoulders and grinned, "The name's Varic. Vaaarrric," he shook his head and decided to spell it out, "V-a-r-i-c, Varic,"

He looked up and nodded thoughtfully at Than's questions. "Well, you came right out of the sky, fell down here and now you're awake," he stated matter of factly, "I'm not sure of the mechanics, but gravity sure took a part in it," he grinned and then out and out laughed, "Sorry friend, you must be confused, let me explain,"

He gestured around them, "This is Illusion Vale, more precisely we're about five miles north of South Haven. Illusion Vale's in trouble, my mother, The Spirit, sent out a call and souls that were worthy enough to save us, answered. You're one of them. There's no telling how many more there are, but I'm sure you could count for at least two people, no?" he chuckled.

"The Spirit, although not all powerful, transported you here when you answered the call. Then she had to transform you into what your soul would most likely be if you had of been born here, in your case, it looks like you're a giant,"

Then he rubbed his hands together, "I know you will have plenty of questions and truth to tell, I'm here to answer them for you. There are some things that I don't know, but you can bet that its not alot," he sat on the ground in front of the giant and crossed his legs.

"Shoot,"

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

Sila's eyes got real big and round again, "Oh no, I don't fight, that's bad. Besides, I fought a borbak once and it really hurt! I broke all of my fingers, still it was better than letting the borbak get me," she shook her head, then grinned and waggled her fingers, a cheery tinkling sound come from them, "I can do some magic though!" she said brightly. "If we get in trouble, I got you to protect me," she patted him reasurringly on the thigh, "Dont worry, I know you're a good man,"

She frowned and suddenly cocked her head, "What else did you ask? I'm sorry," she fought the tears again but won this time, her voice slightly wavering, "I forgot," she waited a minute to try to remember and was interrupted by the sound of the werewolf's hungry stomach. "Ooooh... you must be hungry!" she hopped up and began to flutter around once again.

"I know a city where we can get food, its not far from here," she frowned and pulled a sandwich from the inside of her sleeve, "But you can take this while walk there, it'll help," she said helpfully, offering him the only piece of food she had. It was a delicious ham and cheese sandwich she'd made herself that morning for her lunch and even though she was fairly hungry herself, she thought Michael would do better having it. She offered him the slightly wilted sandwich.

Then she began to skip deeper into the mountains calling out over her shoulder, "Guarden Hall is so beautiful and its full of the cutest dwarves I've ever seen! Oh and you might get a weapon from them too!" her tone cheerful once more.

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay and Faelin

Faelin shook her shaggy black head, "Find a stick, throw it and watch as I just sit here," she said matter-of-factly. But let her continue looking for one, easily keeping up. She nodded her head, "I will call you Fay then, for the ease," then she cocked her head to the side, "What's a walmart?" but soon dismissed the question, pretending not to care about the answer, though she was curious.

"The Vale's long standing peace is in danger. More and more dangerous and criminal elements are making their way across the land and the Spirit is worried for us all, its essentially your job to make it right once more," she stopped, incidently next to a fallen stick, "How you do it is up to you, but the Spirit could probably tell you the right direction to ago in,"

She shook her head once again, "You seem happy, but you're not. Not that I claim to care about you, but what is the problem?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Largos and Len

Len sighed, then considered what he had said, "You may have a point, Largos. It does seem foolish to bring our earlier destructors back to save us, but I don't claim to know the mind of the Spirit," she cocked her head, her big red eyes staring into Largos's, "But I do know that you have power within you, the power of change. You know of the cruelty of your own world, would you rather see this world turn into that? Or would you prevent it? I can see your mind and its torturous existence, I can see the worry in you. But I can also see the compassion and the logic that screams inside you," she tsked, "I treat you like a child because you are one. In this land you know what a newborn knows,"

She hopped forwards and flew up to land on his shoulder, chirping in his ear softly, "I know you have questions, the easier I make it for you to understand, the less I have to repeat myself," she gently pecked his pointed ear, "But you could keep up a little faster," there was a trace of a grin in her voice inside his head.

"I can take you to the Spirit, but first you need supplies to make the journey. We are near a small tavern but there are creatures around of a less..." she paused, "Savoury character. I will take you to the tri-river junction. There you can get water and some food," she went on to explain a about a Tavern owner that had capitalised on the fact that it took less time to cross directly through the Dark Woods than go around it to get to Neferin. It only took a days travel from all directions to get to the tri-river junction.

She gave the bird equivalent of a shrug, "Nobody knows how Raster stays alive in these woods, how he keeps his tavern away from the beasts of the forest, but either way, his tavern is a haven for travelers passing this way,"

She pointed with her beak towards the north and slightly to the east, "Its that way."

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth and Van

Eeth woke with a wide yawn and scratched idly at his belly in the soft morning light filtering from above. His back paw kicked and he turned quickly to lick at it, biting slightly. "Van hates bugs," he muttered in a low voice to himself. He looked over the now smouldering fire and saw that Eeth was asleep.

A wicked grin suddenly split his face.

He crawled slightly closer and grabbed his pack. Sitting cross legged on the ground he poked out his tongue in concentration as he fished around in his magical pack. A quiet sloshing sound greeted his ears and he perked up, grinning madly.

As quietly and as carefully as he could, he pulled a bucket of water out of his pack. Inside the bucket were four fish. Fishing them out, Van held two in each hand, then, cackling madly, he threw them in a wide arc, directly at Eeth. The fish didn't all go in one direction though and Eeth would have to be extremely quick to miss all of them.

Of course, then came the water.

 

[EHawkins]

Becca and Kail

Becca had started off in her own direction when Kail zipped in front of her and motioned for her to follow. She still wasn’t sure about anything, but one thing was certain: she wasn’t having a nervous break down and this was definitely for real. Thanks to Kail’s light, her mind was too orderly and rational now for it to be anything else.

Jesus… she thought as she walked along side Kail. Aaron, Dane… they’re probably worried, probably thought I decided to say to hell with it, and left them. They’re probably pissed, too. I’d be….

Her brow furrowed. It wasn’t like she could just pop back over and say: “Sorry guys, I’m in fairyland—I have to save the world. See you next week!” Oh no. Becca had a bad feeling that this was a done deal and there was no going back. This was going to be home now whether she liked it or not.

Becca sighed as she pulled back the thick, dreaded cords of hair and oak leaves and the leaves grew around and bound her hair in her unconscious will for a pony tail.

"I know where the Spirit resides. I can take you there," he thought for a moment, "But first you will need supplies and a means to get to Vale City," he floated before her, "You do not posses the skills to handle most of what Dryads can do, so you'll have to settle for learning slowly, but do not worry, I am here,"

She gave Kail a sidelong glance.

“Well, that’s a start. The sooner we can find this Spirit, the better.”

Becca paused a moment as the forest started to thin out some. She saw daylight ahead breaking through more and more of the dense forest around them. Her heart suddenly pounded in her chest. She didn’t want to leave, to step out into this unknown world, especially in the form that she was in now, a form that was strange and unfamiliar to her.

This is your world now. Becca chided herself, the more you know, the more you can make your own way. It’s no different from before. No different.

“What kind of place is Vakare?” Becca said. “And how do I start learning about this dryad thing? You gonna teach me?”

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael took the sandwich gratefully and ate it. "Dwarves eh? We're off to see dwarves? Wont they try to kill me for being a werewolf?" he asked walking after her. "Do you know if werewolves stay like this all the time, or do they turn into something else some of the time?"

 

[Optimas]

On the ground in front of him was a man. A tall man by the look of him, and a scary looking one too. Goreab's eyesight picked up the tiny details of the unconscious form of the newly summoned Guardian and his eyes rolled back into his head, "Why Goreab get scary one?" he muttered to himself as he scampered a little closer, emboldened by the fact that Dinnie was out like a light.

He poked at Dinnie's clothes and picked up one of his hands, sniffing at it and made a disgusted snort. "Smelly and scary..." he muttered again and his large white eyes rolled back into his head. He scampered around, trying to figure out what was going to happen next when the lump on the ground began to groan.

The little 3'5" dark purple imp named Goreab squeaked and scooted backwards. He whimpered as Dinnie regained consiousness and whined as the man warily looked around. Trying to find his voice, Goreab tried to speak up. But it was a full ten minutes before he found the courage to make barely more than a squeak.

"Gor..gor..goreab o...ov..over...he..he..here," he managed to stutter weakly.

Dinnie jumped at the sound of the voice. He was freaking out, where was he? He scanned the area unawre that his vision was black and white, yet evrything perfectly visable. Then he saw it - well he smelled it - he could smell a deep sensual smell that made him think of food.

There in front of him in a vivid purple was. . .was. . . Dinnie did not know.

"Gor..gor..goreab o...ov..over...he..he..here," the purple being managed to stutter.
"Woah! steady on pal, what the hell are you." Dinnie was puzzled. He was not scared though, deep down he thought he was dead. He looked at the purple creature, short with long arms, his face looked like something out of a horror book, yet strangely cute.

Cute. . . What the shit, thought Dinnie. He shook his head trying to clear his thoughts, but it would not happen. He looked down at himself and realized he was as naked as when he was born. He then noticed his hands, they were strong hard and bigger than he could remember. They looked pale as well, almost white, but like the purple imp the colour (Dinnie assumed) - was as it should be and not tainted by this weird night vision he seamed to have acquired.

Dinnie calmed himself, there were a million and one questions bubbling in his mind, but one managed to break free.

He pointed a finger at the purple being, "YOU!," Dinnie knew how to be scary, he hoped it would work, "Who or what are you." Dinnie paused then said ,"ANd where am I."

 

[Angelus]

Largos and Len

Largos placed his head in his right hand before looking down at Len once again.

"I am sorry Len. I am just so frustrated about not knowing anything about this place. I have been dragged from a place I have come to know and love to be brought to a place where the fate of the entire place has been placed on my shoulders and to top it all off I am part of a race that was banished from this place because we almost destroyed it."

He stopped and looked into Len's eyes, trying to find the right words to say, "I know what we are all capable of, I see it every day. I was one of those people who did bad things just to survive so I have to ask myself why I was chosen to be a guardian, a saviour of you all. You say that I have an inner strength but what it I am too much of a coward to use it, what if I cannot do what you ask of me? I know that you love this land and do not want to see it destroyed as much as I do but I am only one person.... elf; what can I do?"

He then heard her say that she would take him to the Spirit and hoped that she would tell him what he had to do, how he was going to save the world when he could not save himself. He knew that he could have done anything as a human but he had chosen to become a thief in order to survive. He hoped that the Spirit would take the doubt away from him but he knew that he had to get to her at first.

He opened his mouth to ask her where this tavern was but when he saw her point her beak he started to walk that way and heard with a smile as Len took to the air. As he walked he hoped that she would be happy to take to the air again as he was happy to start walking, using the body that he had now.

As he moved through the forest he was shocked by what his new body was capable of. He moved with a grace and strength he knew no human would ever be able to duplicate and his eyesight was so acute that he could pick out a solitary leaf on a tree. He walked with a smile, hearing the wings of Len following close behind him. He moved throughout the trees with ease, missing every branch and root as he did which in the semi darkness that surrounded him was surprising.

It was then that he heard the noises around him and wanted to stop to ask Len what it was, what was in the forest but he knew that he couldn't. Whatever was tracking him could very well sneak up and kill him before he even had a chance to make it to the tavern. He knew that he was unarmed and unable to defend himself which gave him one question. If he stayed and tried to fight whatever was out there what type of guardian would he be then? A dead one was the most obvious answer.

He quickened his footsteps as he moved in the direction that Len had pointed, hoping that he was still heading in the right way as everything around him looked the same. He stopped for a second to get his bearings and it was then that he heard Len's wings, looking up just to see her flying before him. He watched her as she flew forward, following without thinking twice.

He wanted to ask Len where they were going but it was then that she heard her squawk loudly and looked up, smiling loudly to see her sitting on the top of a building. He moved forward with a sigh and said, "Thank you. At least I don't have sleep in the forest tonight."

Largos moved forward with an easy stride, grabbing the door and opening it. He watched as Len flew in before him before he walked in himself, coming face to face with the the most normal person he had ever seen in this world. He had the rosy cheeks, a large smile on his face and a round stomach that fell over his belt. If he didn't have gills, was green and have fins along his arms and across the top of his head he would have looked like any normal person.

"My my, we haven't had that many visitors here recently so I am happy to say you will have this tavern all to yourself for as long as you need it. My name is Raster and I will be your host for the night. Please do not hesitate to ask for anything you need. Now, what is the first thing you may need this night."

Largos had a huge smile on his face, "Well there are three things that I need. Not in order I would have to say a bed, something to eat, something to drink... oh, and if I could share the room with my friend here I would be most grateful."

Raster smiled again, "You have the pick of any rooms. Please follow me."

They moved upstairs, to the rooms. Tonight would be a good night.

 

[thanatos64]

Than and Varic

Than looked around and spotted a good sized rock a, few paces away, he walked over and sat. Pondered at what the elf had said about coming out of the sky. Than looked up scanning the sky, noticing a few clouds lazily blowing by, noting nothing unordinary. Moving His head and twisting at the waist, Than took in the lay of the land, Than had decide that east would be to the right, west to the left and so on, at least until his new companion told him different. To the east Than noticed a glimmer Than thought, must be a body of water of some kind. Than sat up straight putting his hands on his knees, closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply through his nose, his chest expanding and shoulders rising as he did so. Puffing his checks as he let the breath slowly leave his lungs. Taking slow, deliberate breaths, alternating between mouth and nose. It seemed as though his senses were improved, or even heightened, the smells of the clean fresh air, there was no squinting as he looked around, and it was as if he could almost taste the air. Than slowly opened his eyes, bowing his head, turning his hands upward looking at them he thought, at least some things hadn’t changed, his hands were still rough and callused. Than leaned forward with his forearms on his knees, loosely clasping his hands together as a child would to say their prayers, looking up at Varic.

“Alright let’s see if I can’t paraphrase this a bit. This place is, Illusion Vale, and it is in some kind of trouble. Your mom, who happens to be a spirit, put out a call, to I don’t know, all the known and unknown dimensions, and I got sucked here and dropped out of the sky like some meteor.”

Than placed his left hand on his knee and leaned on his right forearm on his thigh. Thought for a second or five, looking at the ground shaking his head, as if try to remove the cobwebs. Than sat up straight, folding his arms across his massive chest. Taking a deep breath he exhaled and continued.

“Now I’m a giant, because that’s what I would’ve been had I been born here. Are there any more giants around? What’s this trouble your world seems to be in?”

Than looked past Varic at his swords on his back.

“Nice hardware, will I be needing some? I collected blades, in my ‘other’ life. I prefer battle axes and broad swords to scimitars though.”

Than’s mind began to wonder back to that other life, of his blade collection, of being a student of the katana, of close quarter combat training, the jungle “training missions” in the PI and Thailand, as well as other countries, as far as everyone else was concerned, the Navy stayed at sea. It wasn’t the “training” missions; he was good at following orders. It wasn’t what he had to do during those missions, being up close and personal, it was his job, and he did it well. It was one little phrase she, his wife, had said to him a few years back that started the thinking, the remembering, which was a dangerous thing. ’your cold’ and she wasn’t commenting on the temperature. His motto, he would tell his men was ‘our job is not to die for our country. It is to make the enemy die for their’s’. Than thought he had left that part of his life behind him and now here he was in a strange land, world and body. His mind was reeling, his thoughts seemed to be jumping all over the place, remembering things he wasn't sure he wanted to and not remembering others, trying to make, heads and tails out of this whole thing. Than snapped out of his thoughts and gazed at Varic.

“Alright, Varic, where, do we go from here? What is expected of me?”

Than felt the rumbling in his gut before he heard it, looking down at his stomach then up at Varic.

“Ya got any food and maybe some coffee there little buddy?”

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

Danaë left work a bit depressed. The new artist had arrived today and she'd been attracted to him right away. He sat on the corner of her desk and toyed with her photos and files with long fingered strong hands, flirting lightly, and she'd flirted back. But when she pulled out around her desk to take show him the new layout...that look had flashed across his face. He was man enough to not act as if anything was different, he still flirted and such, but...that look had been there, and she had the feeling she wouldn't see him much after this. Avoidance was the key to success for men who didn't know how to handle a handicapped woman. And since they avoided her, they couldn't find out how wonderful she was.

Their loss.

Her gym was within a block of her work, which was convenient because she didn't have to worry about loading up into a cab to get there. The gym had a winch just for handicapped like herself which lowered her into her true element: The water.

In the pool she was faster than most, her figure cutting a clean powerful line entirely driven by the force of her arms and will.

Once, she thought she'd be famous for swimming. Now she was an editor for a children's' mag found in doctor's offices. Such was life.

As she swam she began to have trouble with her vision. It darkened and then brightened. Did they change the chemicals again? She seemed to be having a reaction...

She swam for the edge, but it seemed to be getting further away rather than nearer. I'm going to drown she thought as everything faded away. Well, it's better than the other ways I could go...

She woke on the edge of a lake, in a wood, in the sunshine. Nude.

"Wha...?" She rolled over and looked for her chair, and the warm mud smelled...nice. Fresh. Like spa mud or something. Rocks and pebbles under the mud pressed into her uncomfortably though.

"Hello?" She called out, and raised herself up to see better and then...her legs curled up to support her. She fell again into the mud in shock. Flipping over to her back she sat up and looked at the limbs.

They were long and straight and muscled. Not thin and wasted. And, YES, she could wiggle her toes and..she ran her hands down the muddy thigh and calf. She could feel her hands on her skin!

She kicked up a little, and then rolled around, laughing and crying at the same time, the whole time wiggling toes, bending her knees and kicking them out straight again. And then, carefully, she stood. She was a little wobbly, but she could walk!

"Ok, I died, and this is my heaven." She said aloud.

 

[blaster8]

Van woke with a wide yawn and scratched idly at his belly in the soft morning light filtering from above. His back paw kicked and he turned quickly to lick at it, biting slightly. "Van hates bugs," he muttered in a low voice to himself. He looked over the now smouldering fire and saw that Eeth was asleep.

A wicked grin suddenly split his face.

He crawled slightly closer and grabbed his pack. Sitting cross legged on the ground he poked out his tongue in concentration as he fished around in his magical pack. A quiet sloshing sound greeted his ears and he perked up, grinning madly.

As quietly and as carefully as he could, he pulled a bucket of water out of his pack. Inside the bucket were four fish. Fishing them out, Van held two in each hand, then, cackling madly, he threw them in a wide arc, directly at Eeth. The fish didn't all go in one direction though and Eeth would have to be extremely quick to miss all of them.

Of course, then came the water.

It was Van's cackling that caused Eeth to come out of his trance. He managed to lift his head in time to see Van lob the fish his way. Eeth rolled out from under one fish that was aimed perfectly at him, and then grabbed two more out of the air that he rolled into the path of. He then leapt to his feet and spun away from the water, avoiding it completely.

Eeth eyed Van, and then smiled. "I guess we're having fish for breakfeast and you want me to cook them, right? Okay," said Eeth, with the smile still on his face. He knew that Van had just tried to take revenge for Eeth scaring the living daylights out of him, but he wasn't going to make it easy for Van.

He moved over to the remains of the fire, and got it going again. He then waited for Van to produce the required implements to cook the fish with.

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

She smiled at how mean the other was. "I've had dogs like you before..." She said calmly and left it at that. "And Walmart is a super store that is ruining the economy..."

"So... I, a giant black raven...thingy, am supposed to save all of this?" She said waving her slightly feathered hands around. She spotted the stick next to the wolf. She picked it up and studied it before throwing it away, "It wasn't a good throwing stick..." She explained. "But you say that this Spirit will help me? And it called me?" She asked looking a little surprised, but it did make sense, she was saving her world a day at a time... recycling and all that jazz.

"How do we get to this Spirit?" She asked.

"I... it's hard to explain," she said as she touched her head, surprised to find it was a mixture of hair and black feathers. "I just found out that... someone I really cared about was using me and doesn't want me anymore..." For a moment her face grew dark for a moment but then she smiled. "I hope he rots...." she said as she stopped looking for a stick instead looking at something shining in the distance, it was in the grass... leave it to a bird to see something shiney... "What's that?" She asked walking over towards it.

 

[Wolfsister]

Becca and Kail

Kail spun for a moment, considering her latest question and pondering her reluctance to move away from the forest, "Vakare is one of the seven major cities in Illusion Vale. Its famous for being the way point for merchants traveling from Vale city to Nariel. Most people think that Vale is vibrant and colourful, but Vakare has the true vibrancy. Every race imaginable lives there, and though not as peaceful as the Vale, it is at least safe enough, considering the amount of peoples living there,"

Kail continued to float forwards, leading Becca along a well used road. It ran along side a field of green, tall grasses willowing in the wind. He hummed gently to himself, casting his light around in the relative brightness of the day. It only took a half days walk to get to Vakare and Kail tried to make it as pleasant as possible by chatting amiacably to Becca. Showing her different flowers and plants along the way and telling her some of the history of his people. He tried his hardest to keep her mind from the fact that she was in a strange land, with only him as a guide.

"I cannot teach you to be a dryad, Becca. But I can teach you what a dryad does and what it means to be one. You will have to discover your abilities for yourself, but don't worry, should anything go wrong, I am here always by your side,"

They crested a rise in the road, having passed several travelers by now, and stood overlooking the vibrant city beyond.

Vakare was built in concentric circles. The outer wall encompassed them all, guard sentries could be seen walking atop the walls and various guard towers dotted the outer wall. There were a few settlements inbetween the first and second wall. It looked slightly poorer, with children scampering around in old clothes and women hanging dirty laundry. The space between the second and third wall however seemed more prosperous. There, various inns and merchantry made their business. It was a large section and would have fit the poor quarters in it at least four times.

The inner circle held a great palace. From the distance it looked a pale blue, its intricate spires and towers reaching to the sky. Similar buildings, although smaller and often different colours dotted the space around the palace.

Kail gave a sigh, "This is my home, Becca. Here I can guide you like no other," then he got a serious tone in his voice, bringing her back to the fact that she was a newcomer here, "But there is one thing. You must not tell anyone who or what you are. Many peoples still hold ancient grudges against the Guardians and they would not be pleased that you were one of them," he spun for a moment, thinking, "We will say you are from Abark. It is far enough away that anything strange you do will be attributed to the different customs in the north.

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael and Sila

Sila shrugged, "Dwarves are very happy people," Obviously Sila didn't exactly pay too much to her surroundings, "And they like me, so if I tell them you're okay, they should let you in," she skipped ahead, talking in a high pitched voice so as not to let Michael hear her rumbling belly, "I'm not sure how werewolves change, I don't even know what you'll be when you do, but I do know one thing," she poked out her tiny little tongue and danced around his head, "You'll be real cute!"

She giggled and spun away from him, right into a cave. Stopping suddenly, she said a little quiet 'oh' and then went further in. Clapping her hands once again for fire, she lit their way through the dark tunnel. Vague sounds reached their ears, the scuff of boots and the occassional whispers until they reached a large gate hewn out of the side of the rock.

Three dwarves sat to one side, two of them smoking pipes, smoke trails wafting lazily around their heads. The one without the pipe got up, "Well now, lass, what 'ave we 'ere?" he walked up to Sila and patted her on the head but gave the werewolf a wide berth. He eyed the beast and his left hand never left the axe at his side.

Sila laughed happily and swatted playfully at Durbin's hand on his weapon, "No need for that, silly!" she giggled and flew up to perch herself on Michael's shoulders, each leg dangling down just past his neck on either side of his head, "This is Michael. Michael, this is Durbin," she tapped Michael on the head and giggled, "Michael's real nice, Durbin. He helped me stop crying!"

Durbin eyed the beast under Sila and its impassive stance, not to mention the pipe still hanging from its mouth, "Aye lass, but what made yer cry in 'a firs' place?"

Sila bit her lip and her voice was really soft as she said, "He did..." then she brightened, "But he made up for it!"

Durbin nodded and one of his companions spoke up, "Awe, let 'em pass Durbin, anyone's o' be putting up wit Sila's good in me books!" The two smoking dwarves laughed harshly and Sila's lip began to quiver, tears welling up in her eyes.

Durbin looked over his shoulder and barked at the other two, "Ay! No distressin' the fairy! O' do ya forgit yer sick wee one? Do ya forgit 'ow she cured yer daughter?" the two others fell silent. Durbin nodded in satisfaction and turned to Sila, "No need for that, wee lass. Yer welcome in Guarden Hall anytime," he looked Michael up and down, "I know wolves can change, best yer do that before yer enter, mate,"

Then he nodded once again, drew his own pipe and went to sit with the others, the huge earthen doors opening slightly, welcoming them in.

 

[Wolfsister]

Dinnie and Goreab

"Woah! steady on pal, what the hell are you."

Goreab calmed down slightly and there was an audiable change as his teeth stopped chattering, he was about to answer when suddenly the man got really scary and began to shout at him.

"YOU! Who or what are you? ANd where am I?"

Goreab's teeth began to click together even louder. "Gor.. goreab... be imp!" he managed to squeak, "You in Illusion Vale! In Ethari Plains!" his answers suddenly came tumbling out of his mouth, the stammering gone, replaced by rapid fear, "You smell like a vampire, you were transformed 'cos you wanted to come to Illusion Vale. I'm Goreab, just a little imp come to help and serve you. I'm here to help!" he suddenly yelled and then began to cower behind his spindly arms, "Please don't eat me!"