Illusion Vale: A Spirit's Cry

[Wolfsister]

Danae and Sishota

Sishota's eyes went wide as Danae burst into tears. She clucked in a motherly fashion and placed her airy arms around her, soothing down her silvery hair and cooing softly. "Its alright darling, you don't have to worry, everything will we okay," she repeated to the sobbing selkie. She wrapped her breezy form around Danae, providing warmth and comfort.

"Okay, what?"

Sishota blinked and smiled down at Danae. Her voice was softly musical in nature when she spoke and she continued to stroke Danae's beautiful silvery hair, "I am named Sishota," her words seemed to sigh out of her mouth, "And you are in Illusion Vale. You have been transported here to help us save ourselves, and I am here to help you in this new land,"

She saw the confusion on Danae's face and decided to take it slightly slower to better make her understand, "Perhaps we should start at the beginning? What is your name, dear one?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Than and Varic

Once again Varic found himself washed over with new and exciting information. He shook his head, dropped a few balls and bent mid-stride to scoop them up again. Putting them away, he frowned in concentration as he tried to soak up all the new information.

He laughed as Than commented about weapons, "Do not worry overly much my friend. I'm sure we'll find something that suits you," he kept walking, suddenly wishing that he had a horse. The giant's strides were long and he found that he had to quicken his own pace just to match Than's. Then again, it made for quicker going. He grinned to himself and murmured, "A kingdom for a horse," chuckling to himself.

Then he turned to his new friend and raised an eyebrow, "You're taking all this very well, my friend. It seems to me that you may have resigned yourself to your fate?" he took an apple from his pocket, offered it to Than and then took another out for himself.

He bit into the juicy fruit, "Perhaps I should say more about myself," he paused, gathering his words and started up again, taking a second bite, "I was born in Vale City a few hundred years ago, my birth mother was an elf, but my real mother is The Spirit. Some think that I'm privileged to be the Spirit's only offspring, but as my father, Malas, always says, 'It is harder to be born with responsibility rather than to earn it'. I can honestly say that his words are true, while I am better positioned than most I know, I still have my fair share of ups and downs and they are often marred by political maneuvers, assassination attempts and the very annoying female attentions," he grinned and threw his apple core to the ground, murmuring a prayer to make it sink under the earth.

"When I was young, I had to learn to defend myself from both the physical and the mental attacks. And they took a toll, but I'm glad to say that I would not be the elf I am today if it were not for who I was born as," he smiled and remembered the soft face of his mother. He adored her beyond the simple bond of a son to a mother. She was a goddess in his eyes and would forever be.

"How about you? Were you born to privilege where you are from, or were you less fortunate?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth/Van/Ilandria

"No, my lady, I have never killed any one. And I don't know if I could kill you, even if I wanted to, which I don't. Tell me, what prompted such a question?"

Ilandria's slow smile did not waver as she chuckled to herself, a low deep chuckle that sent shivers through the spine, the light in her eyes darkening as she considered her next question.

"Eeth, how is the food, it is not too strange for you?" She smiled, laughing softly, "I would hate for anything around here to be strange for you," she chuckled again, her earlier question about killing seemed to be forgotten for the moment.

Suddenly, her gaze sharpened and she looked over Eeth's left shoulder, her eyes seeing through him, "I said not to be here!" she stood to her full height, an impressive 5'9", and roared towards the vacant spot behind Eeth, "Get out! Get out now! I banish you!"

Then just as suddenly she sat and smiled once again at Eeth, her pleasant face back on. Then a light flickered on in her eyes once more, "What about another elf? Would you be able to kill him?" Her slow insidious smile creeping over her face once more.

******************​

Standing behind a nearby door, absolutely silent to better hide himself, Rolyn listened to the strange conversation at the feast table. When he heard Ilandria's latest question, his eyes suddenly widened with alarm.

 

[thanatos64]

Than and Varic

Slightly cocking his head toward Varic and raising an eyebrow, Than let out a little chuckle, “I heard that. Ya know it is said that Richard the third said that at a battle before he died and lost his crown.”

"You're taking all this very well, my friend. It seems to me that you may have resigned yourself to your fate?"

Thinking for a few seconds, “Something I learned awhile back, but had forgotten for awhile, you get farther by going with the flow rather then trying to fight the current. I believe folks control parts of their lives with decisions they make and their actions, but if Fate has plans for you, well there really isn’t much that be done once she measures, cuts and weaves your thread into her tapestry.”

He accepted the apple from Varic, “domo” he said with a slight bow of the head.

The apple was gone in a couple of bites, core and all, slapping his belly with both hands. “Well, that aught a tide me over for a few seconds, but beggars can’t be choosy now can they?”

He listened as Varic described his life as the son of the great spirit, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Varic tossing the apple core away, he heard him mumble something, then the core was gone, impressive, he thought, good way to keep a place clean.

Giving Varic a light slap on the back, “ya know, I could run interference for ya, with those ‘annoying female attentions’, it would be no problem, it’s the least I could do after all you’ve done for me.”

“as for me, I wasn’t born to royalty or nutt’n like that , but all in all I had a pretty good life” he thought for awhile, at least most of it was good, or better yet bearable, pushing the last few years back into the deepest part of his memories. Nodding his head and pressing his lips together for a second, he continued, “Yup not to bad really, we were middle class working folks, spent a lot of my time on my grandpa’s farm. I was always kind of big for my age, so I did well in sports, wrestling and football mostly. My mother’s family had money, lost touch with her side after she died, they were kind of stuck-up, didn’t know how to just let go and have fun. My fathers side, well, they were mostly farmers, hard working people, who knew how to work hard, as well as play hard. I ended up joining the military while I was still in school, sorta a family tradition, on my father’s side. I was in the Navy, did a lot of traveling to different countries. Do ya’all have a military?”

 

[rengadeirishman]

Michael looked around in wonder and smoked his own pipe. "Its brilliant Durbin my friend." he said. and an idea came to him. "Durbin, do ya think ya could teach me how to smith? as a dwarf it should be like second nature eh? ive heard that dwarven children can make weapons to surpass the finest human smiths. I need weapons, a sword and an axe. and armor, maybe enchanted to fit me as a werewolf and as a noble dwarf, if i am to complete this quest." he said, looking at the dwarf hopefully.

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

She saw the confusion on Danae's face and decided to take it slightly slower to better make her understand, "Perhaps we should start at the beginning? What is your name, dear one?"

In a few minutes she'd be herself. In a few minutes she'd be a hard as nails editor. In a few minutes she'd take names and roll heads. But for now...

She gave a shuddering breath and leaned into the comforting arms of the...thingie.

She saw the confusion on Danae's face and decided to take it slightly slower to better make her understand, "Perhaps we should start at the beginning? What is your name, dear one?"

"Danae. I was swimming, so I probably hit my head or something. I'm probably in a coma or something." She too a new gulp of air. "It's ok, it's good to walk again. This is a little odd..." She held up a hand with it's webbing and claws, not realizing her eyes now had no white and were solid black. "But when I wake up I can turn my little dream adventure into a children's novel and make big bucks, right?"

She smiled tentatively.

 

[Angelus]

As he rode the horse through the woods Largos noticed that there was something terribly wrong and not just with this place. It was far too quiet in his head and then he realized what it was. Len was worried about something, he could now feel it and had shut herself off from him. He wished that he could tell her that everything was alright but with what had happened the night before he really did not know. He had been bitten by a vampire, which he didn't even think existed and if the stories that he had read were true then he was supposed to be one himself and die as soon as the sun had risen.

He leaned forward on his horse and wondered what had happened to him? He had been bitten by a vampire but yet he had not become one himself? Was is something to do with this place or was it something to do with him? Was he so destined to save this world that no harm would come to him until his task was finished. His hand unconsciously went up to the side of his neck where the vampire's fangs had pierced his skin and he knew that was not the case. If that had been the case then this would not have happend to him in the first place.

He knew that Len was phased by this as well and wasn't sure of what to do right now. She had let something happen to him and she was blaming herself, he could feel it flowing from her as if it were water. He reached forward with his hand and stroked the features on her head, hoping to calm her down.

"There is no need to blame yourself Len. Neither of us knew that it was going to happen. You had no way of knowing that Raster was going to let that thing into the tavern unless you can see into the hearts of everything that lives here. I trust you with everything I am now Len because you are the only one that knows what is going on around here. Do not blame yourself; I don't."

He straightened up in his saddle and watched the trees as he moved away from the taven, wondering what was watching him at this very second. All that he wanted was to get out of this place alive and get to Vale City so that the Spirit would tell him what he needed to do and whether or not he was infected by whatever the vampire had done to him. He wanted to shake that thought away but it was hanging over him like a dark cloud.

He then let out a smile. If he was indeed infected then he would have to deal with it just as he had with everything else that had happened to him in this place. It was still true that this place was a mystery to him and he had no way of knowing where he was going and what he was doing but as long as he had Len with him he knew that he was going to be fine.

"Whatever happens, happens for a reason," he said to himself under his breath.

 

[ultimate_nerdslut]

Fay loved the dress, it was beautiful and ornate but there was a little reason for someone to travel in it. She was sure to be ever the thankful one however. She really was thankful for the clothes and would no deny the other as a friend... that would have been stupid. "I'd be more than happy to join you and the other for the evening meal," she said as she looked around the room for more things she could slip into the canvas bag.

"Could you tell me something?" She stopped the woman. "This bag... Where did you get it?" She asked. Maybe it was a bad idea to ask her such a thing because it could lead back to her orgins but she was genuinely curious.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Fay was impressed with the set up, it was like a giant block party, she only knew this because when she was just a little girl she had gone to quite a few of these block parties with her families, they were nice and built up a sense of togetherness amoungst everyone involved. Food was aplenty and there was normally lot's of music.

She could see that this was the case, there was a group, probably traveling musicians that were playing something festive. There were only a few people dancing, most were chatting animatedly and eating. She had to admit that it looked like fun but was nervous to be out without her wolf, Faelin was the only one that she could really trust after all.

She found herself eventually drawn out into the party and loved most of the people she was speaking with. Most of them were strange in appearance and had strange ways but overall were very nice and seemed to want to get to know her. She allowed herself to be taken out onto the dance... well there was no real floor it was just grass, by a handsome man with completely black eyes and a smile just a little too big for his face. He had some sharp teeth to but with the ok from Alelia she agreed to dance with him.

Unfortunately it was the man that she noticed about halfway through dinner that made her uneasy again. She saw him looking at her and then walking away...

Yes... Maybe... Maybe now was a good time to head to her tent. She walked along the slightly darkened area that was further away from the party.... now which tent was hers? She wondered.

 

[Dracona]

It's just the drugs.....

The spinning and whirling finally stopped but Janelle kept her eyes shut not wanting to set off another round. Whatever Marcus had given her it was some strong stuff. One of these days he was going to give her something she couldn’t handle, but right now she didn’t care. Right now she just wanted to make sure the spinning in her head didn’t start again. Actually…Janelle took a second to pay attention to her body and discovered that she felt pretty good. No queasiness, no more dizziness or the fuzzy feeling drugs gave her brain. The constant irritating tickle that plagued her throat seemed to be gone as well. Of course it was probably just the drugs, but that was alright.

Slowly her senses began to send strange input to her brain. There were sounds, ‘outside’ sounds like birds twittering and leaves rustling…and water. Janelle heard the gentle lapping sound of water at the same time that she felt water lapping around her lower legs. That couldn’t be right. She was sure that she had been inside, in her room, but then considering the amount of alcohol and drugs in her body who knew. She didn’t feel under the influence though, in fact her body felt better than she could remember feeling in a very long time. This was some really good stuff!

Using extreme caution, Janelle cracked one eye open expecting her head to spin, but nothing happened. Her eyelids fluttered open and the first thing she saw was a strange looking man. Man? She’d never met a man or any other person who looked like this guy. It had to be the drugs. She closed her eyes quickly and took several deep breaths. Just the drugs, just the drugs. The man was still there when she opened her eyes again, and he was frowning.

The gentle lap of water against her calf tickled her skin and she absently reached down to scratch, but something was wrong with her leg. It felt heavy and when she tried to bend one knee it felt like both legs bent, like they were tied together. Janelle struggled to sit up and several things registered at once. First, she was outside on a white sand beach beneath a clear blue sky. Second she was beside a body of water, a lake or something. This she knew because of the third and final thing that registered; her legs weren’t her legs anymore. Where once she’d had shapely long legs now there was what looked like a fish’s tail. She tried to kick her feet thinking someone had dressed her in some kind of costume while she was passed out, but the movement only brought a large gold colored fin up out of the water. Janelle’s mouth dropped open and her eyes got wider and wider. The fin slapped back down into the water and Janelle felt it.

Pushing with her hands she wriggled backward in the sand trying to escape the shimmering tail, but it came with her. To make matters worse, as she pulled her the tail clear of the water her body began to tingle. It was like a million microscopic fingers massaging her skin. As she watched, the shimmering blue and green scales began to move up over her body. It happened so fast that her mind had trouble keeping up and processing what she was seeing. She didn’t know where to look.

When the tingly feeling faded Janelle saw her legs sticking out from under a short gold colored skirt. Had her legs been this pale? Her torso was encased in some kind of light turquoise colored body suit, sleeveless and made of what almost seemed like lycra, but silkier. She looked down at her chest, barely covered by the garment, and it was the last straw. She had never in her life had cleavage like that!

“It’s just the drugs.” She murmured to herself, but it wasn’t her voice she heard. Not really, not the grating voice that she had been trying to get used to hearing for the past year. This was the sweet voice she had started out with, the voice that had won her gold records and made her so much money. It was her voice, but so much more. She shook her head frantically back and forth and scrambled to her feet, wobbling a bit. The sand felt warm on her soles. She looked toward the strange man beside her and pointed. “You’re not real. None of this is real. It’s just the drugs!!”

The sound of her voice, lilting on the soft breeze, made her breath catch in her throat. Her eyes closed and she let out a single sob. If this was just a drug trip….maybe she didn’t want to come down.

 

[blaster8]

Eeth and the Psychotic Queen

Eeth was beyond a doubt, absolutely, positively sure by this time that the queen had lost it a long time ago. She asked him how the food was, but before he could respond, she roared at the emptyness behind him. He nearly jumped out of his seat when that happened, and didn't realize that he had just missed kicking poor Van's head by an inch. Then she asked him if he could kill another elf.

"I...I don't know, my lady, if I could kill another elf. It would depend. Besides, I will not kill someone without good reason. If someone was trying to kill me, which is the primary reason why I would kill someone, I would most likely try finding them and talking to them first, to find out why they are trying to kill me. Like I said, I will not kill someone without good reason," Eeth replied, rather unsettled at this line of questioning. Is she going to try to recruit me to kill someone who has no reason to be killed? wondered Eeth. She certainly seems crazy enough to do it.

 

[EHawkins]

Becca/Kail/Tenesa

Becca sat at the table with Kail as the map of Illusion Vale fluttered into place. Her wood-like hand reached out to touch it, and for the first time, she got a sense of the scope of the place that she had landed in.

Goddamn… this place is huge. she thought.

Becca’s smooth fingers traced the lines of the major roads through out the Vale. They came to rest on the Spirit’s road, and she nodded.

“This seems like the most direct way to get to where we need to go, but is it safe?”

Suddenly, meat and bread floated before Becca and out of the corner of her eye, she saw the pink wisp settle in at her shoulder.

"Don't worry dear, he'll have everything sorted out. Just relax for now, the journey ahead will be hard,"

Becca tried a little of her food. It was damned good for something that was supposed to be largely foreign. The herbed bread complimented the heady spice of the meat, and for the first time, she really, truly started to relax in the midst of the wisp’s hospitality.

“Thank you Tenesa.” She said. “Thanks for this, for making me feel welcomed…”

 

[Wolfsister]

Than and Varic

Varic had never heard of this 'Richard III' fellow, but he doubted greatly that he was as wise as his father. He kept his mouth shut though and let Than speak.

“ya know, I could run interference for ya, with those ‘annoying female attentions’, it would be no problem, it’s the least I could do after all you’ve done for me.”

Varic laughed jovially and shook his head, "That would be most beneficial my friend, but be warned, the women here are ferocious," he tumbled forwards slightly at Than's slap on his back and rose smoothly from the ground, never breaking his stride. He smiled and shook his head towards Than, "Do not worry, I am alright. I had expected such strength from you,"

He listened on as the giant once again went on a tangent and gave the inquisitive elf even more information to mull over.

"...Do ya’all have a military?"

Varic smiled and shook his head, "We do have some military, mostly garrisons of three thousand or so stationed around the Vale. Each major city has its own military and the Spirit is able to call forth every one of them in time of need. There have been no major wars since the Darkening and soldiers these days are more for keeping the peace, rather than mounting a major offensive on anyone,"

Varic looked ahead and noted the distinctive land mark near them. It was a single rock four feet tall with various symbols etched on it. It signaled that they were only a scant two hours away from South Haven and soon they would begin to see the outskirts of the city.

"We're almost there," Varic informed Than happily. Then he mildly added, "Did I mention that for the mean time, it would be best to keep your true origins unknown? Guardians don't have the same respect they used to around here anymore."

 

[Wolfsister]

Michael/Sila/Durbin

Sila and Shela were happily chatting away in the main house, out of earshot of the two men. It was clear that they were talking about the dwarves in the smithy, what with the pointing and giggling that they were doing.

Durbin stoically ignored them and stood puffing on his pipe, considering Michael's question. "Aye, I think I culd teach ye, but yer hafta understend, its take a lot o' patience, an a lot o' teachin," he didnt mind actually. He had wanted an apprentice for a while now, and though Michael was a little older than he would have liked, he seemed eager enough.

"Quest? What be this quest ye be speakin of? I know of no quest... but ye be in no better place fer supplies ye'll be needin," he gestured around and grinned proudly.

There was a slight commotion as a stocky, thickly built dwarf came rushing up to Durbin, "Its da goblins, Durbin, they've returned an da livestock be runnin!" he panted and Durbin's eyes narrowed.

Sila came drifting over as Durbin strapped two hand axes to his sides, "Trouble?"

Durbin nodded grimly, "Aye, lass. Trouble."

 

[rengadeirishman]

"Have you got a spare blade Durbin?" Michael asked, "Ill transform and if you stay close the other dwarves wont attack me."

 

[Wolfsister]

Danae and Sishota

"Danae. I was swimming, so I probably hit my head or something. I'm probably in a coma or something." She too a new gulp of air. "It's ok, it's good to walk again. This is a little odd... But when I wake up I can turn my little dream adventure into a children's novel and make big bucks, right?"

Sishota smiled gently, sighing as she held the weakened Danae in her arms. "I'm sorry, dear one, this is no dream. Though I am glad you have the use of your legs back,"

She continued to smooth down Danae's silvery hair and was not in the least put off by the lack of white in Danae's eyes. It made the selkie look all the more beautiful to her and she could hardly stand the confusion the other must be going though.

"Danae," she whispered, "That is a beautiful name, it suits your beautiful face, my dear," she continued, her voice soft and gentle, slow and deliberate, while stroking the selkie's hair, "You are in a place far removed from where you were before. A world very different than your own called Illusion Vale. I am sorry but I do not know the exacts my dear, but I do know that I was sent here to help you find your way,"

She wrapped her arms protectively around Danae and smiled gently once more, her voice lyrical in nature, "There is no need to be afraid. I am here, dear one."

 

[Wolfsister]

Largos and Len

Len felt his warm hand come over her head and she closed her eyes briefly at the contact. It felt so good, so comforting and his next words made her want to feel so warm and loved that it was amazing she had felt so down only a moment before.

"There is no need to blame yourself Len. Neither of us knew that it was going to happen. You had no way of knowing that Raster was going to let that thing into the tavern unless you can see into the hearts of everything that lives here. I trust you with everything I am now Len because you are the only one that knows what is going on around here. Do not blame yourself; I don't."

Len looked back at him, watching his eyes as he looked around them, shifting uncomfortably in the unfamilar saddle. She chirped at him and a hint of a smile crept into her voice in his mind, "Thank you, my friend. But how can I not blame myself? If I were anything other than what I am... I would have been able to stop him. But I am not, and I couldn't," she gave a low sound from her throat and dipped her head down in sadness.

"I am so sorry," she whispered quietly into his mind and fell silent once more.

Then something else drifted into her thoughts. If she had been so ineffective last night, what would the new night bring? They would have to spend another in this forest and she knew that she could not push the horse any faster for risk of breaking it. She blinked out into the darkness and felt the presence of several beasts that lurked in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to pounce.

"I don't think either of us will sleep tonight," she said softly and mourned for the loss.

 

[Wolfsister]

Fay/L'elal/Korin

Alelia thought for a moment, glad that Fay had decided to join in with the evening meal. She knew that the people, with the exception of a few, were friendly and would love to welcome the new comer. Some were regulars of her camp and some actually lived here.

She took a closer look at the duffel bag and soon shrugged, "I'm sorry to say that I have a no idea. Many travelers pass through my camp and sometimes they leave things behind. We generally keep them and try to give them back next time they pass through, but sometimes we lose hope and just add them to our supply lists," she fingered the red symbol and shook her head, "I can't say that I've seen this before," she smiled apologetically at the Avian.

Moving towards the central fire pits, she looked over her shoulder and once again admired Fay's new outfit. She must have been thinking of giant birds when she'd sewed that. "I will find you more travel worthy clothing first thing tomorrow morning and you can continue your journey,"

Alelia watched Fay carefully during the dance and dinner. Making sure she was well looked after and that she didn't get herself into any trouble. When L'elal asked her for a dance, Alelia was actually really surprised. He was usually such a shy person and she was secretly pleased that he had plucked up the courage to ask Fay. They made a cute couple.

She was soon overtaken by general busyness though and her duties took her further away from Fay than she would have liked. In fact, she was rather alarmed when she looked up and saw that Fay had disappeared.

************​

A shadow detached itself from the side of a wagon and made its way stealthily after the feathered woman leaving the central pits. Korin chuckled to himself as he handled the edge of a small knife, the blade flashing in the weak moonlight.

He stuck to the shadows, silent except for his increasingly loud, rasping breath. He was getting excited and wasn't sure he could hold out much more. But he knew that he had to do this right, otherwise some pesky person would hear the commotion and come running to investigate. It wasn't his fault that women were so easy to corner. He just liked taking advantage of that fact.

He wasn't going to hurt her. Oh no... he never hurt women. But sometimes it was necessary for him to 'convince' them to enjoy themselves. He loved it when they 'enjoyed' it.

He was about to cross over to Fay as she stood hesitantly out in the open, deciding which way to go when another shadow fell across his. A low growl was heard and suddenly Korin couldn't breathe.

L'elal growled low in his throat and his eyes grew white hot in anger, "I do hope you weren't planning on paying that young woman a 'visit', Korin," his grip on Korin's neck tightened and all he could hear were Korin's rasping breaths, "I would so hate to have to disappoint Alelia again and lose my temper," his voice was low with threatening promise.

Korin struggled in L'elal's punishing grip on his tender throat. He tried to speak, to deny L'elal's claims, but could not get any air past his fingers. L'elal loosened his tight hold and let Korin speak, his fanged mouth turning down as Korin stammered an apology and tried to pull away, denying any and all connections to Fay.

L'elal's eyes returned to their voidal colour as he calmed down and his blood began to pump slower. He let Korin go and sneered in disgust as he scampered away. He flicked the knife he'd taken from Korin inbetween his fingers and looked at the still frozen Fay.

The shadows melted away and he smiled towards Fay, walking towards the avian, hiding the blade so she wouldn't be frightened. "Are you lost, Fay? I could help you find Alelia so she can take you to your tent, if you wish," he was the picture of a gentlemen. Except for the slightly razor sharp teeth...

 

[Wolfsister]

Janelle and Hiran

Hiran frowned down at the siren and tried to use his anger to escape her general allure. This was going to be difficult... and he hated difficult. He began to grumble and just as he did, her eyes began to flicker open.

He knelt back a little to give her more room, but stayed silent as she tried to figure out what had happened to her. She moved away from the water he had dragged her out of and her golden tail began to 'swim' up her body. She soon had pale legs and a new golden dress to go with them.

Hiran had to admit, he was impressed.

He cleared his throat, rudely interrupting her breakdown, "You're in Illusion Vale now, I have no idea what these 'drugs' are but I sure as hell don't want any. And I know for a fact," he stabbed his finger rudely in front of her face, "That you're not on any either,"

When she just blinked up at him in confusion, he shook his head and sighed, "Okay, fine. Lets do this another way," he looked down at her and held out his hand, "I'm Hiran,"

He waited a while and when a name wasn't forth coming, he sighed again and grumpily added, "You got a name? Or should I just call you 'Fish'?"

 

[Wolfsister]

Eeth/Van/Ilandria

"I...I don't know, my lady, if I could kill another elf. It would depend. Besides, I will not kill someone without good reason. If someone was trying to kill me, which is the primary reason why I would kill someone, I would most likely try finding them and talking to them first, to find out why they are trying to kill me. Like I said, I will not kill someone without good reason,"

At first she chuckled, then she laughed, then she outright screeched at his response. "You're funny, I like that," she said, suddenly conversational again as another morsel floated towards her out stretched fingers. "I've decided you can keep your head,"

The light in her eyes dimmed down and eventually died out. The rest of the meal was done in silence and no more outbursts came from her, though she would occassionally swat at something around her head that was not there.

Van eventually crept up to sit at the table once more and nibble on more food. Then he got alot more adventurous and soon was stuffing down delicious treats into his seemingly bottomless stomach.

At last he seemed satisfied and sat contentedly licking himself next to Eeth. He seemed pretty much ready to curl up and sleep right there and then.

Suddenly Rolyn appeared and whispered into the Queen's ear and a wide, malicious grin spread across her face.

"Excellent my love," she said softly and stroked him behind the ear. Rolyn ignored her politely, a pained look crossing his face momentarily. The Queen rose and she walked off into the darkness, the fairy lights dimming as they knew she was going off to bed.

Rolyn went to Eeth, offered him a weak smile and then showed him to a high tree top room. Van slept at the end of the bed in a small cot.

When leaving, Rolyn informed Eeth that the queen would require Eeth's presence early in the morning at court and gave him a quiet warning, "Do not fall for her advances. Her bed is a place you would not like to be, young one."

Then he was gone, leaving the two alone to the night.

 

[Wolfsister]

Becca/Kail/Tenesa

“Thank you Tenesa. Thanks for this, for making me feel welcomed…”

Tenesa chuckled and glowed rosy, sending a loving, comforting light over Becca. "My pleasure, dear. Sometimes a woman's touch is just the thing," she gave a small laugh and the imprint of a hand touched Becca's shoulders in comfort.

Kail zipped over the map, muttering to himself and quite forgetting the existence of Becca at his side. It was nothing against Becca, it was just that Kail usually became very absorbed in what he was concentrating on.... so it was understandable that any conversation headed his way would largely go unanswered.

Tenesa clicked her tongue and hovered around Becca, providing light conversation and a comforting presence. She offered her own room to Becca for the night and was happy to sleep downstairs in the shop.

Tomorrow, Becca's real adventure would begin.

 

[blaster8]

Eeth and the Psyco Queen

What the holy hell? I can keep my head? This woman is obviously insane, so why has no one replaced her? thought Eeth. He resumed eating, but kept an eye on the queen, expecting another outburst, but none came. Eeth was slightly startled when Van crawled back up. He had forgotten all about the poor feline. He didn't eat nearly as much as the cat with the seemingly bottomless stomach, but he did put a fair dent in the food.

Then in walked Rolyn who whispered in the queen's ear. After that, she got up and left, without so much as an acknowledgement of Eeth's or Van's presence. Eeth and Van were then led up to a tree top room by Rolyn. Rolyn then left them with the advice to ignore the queen's advances. Eeth had pretty much figured that was a duh sort of thing, given how the queen has behaved this night.

Van had curled up and went right to sleep at the foot of the cot that was in the room. Eeth laid down on the cot, and drifted into the waking trance that replaced sleep. He was completely aware of everything, with all his senses. He could see the ceiling of the room, he could hear Van's soft breathing, he could feel the cot he lay on. An hour later, he found himself getting up, still in the trance, and he walked over to the small balcony that overlooked the city. Looking over the city was like looking up into the stary night sky, but the stars were closer.

He stood there watching the night pass, until the sky in the east started to brighten with the approach of dawn.

 

[Angelus]

Largos took a deep breath then let it out slowly, reaching out to touch Len once again on the head. He could feel the sadness that was threatening to overtake her and he knew that it was not her fault what had happened to him. He had told her that but she had not heard him.

"There is no need to be sorry Len because you did the best that you could. I do not blame you for what happened to me last night. I do not think that anyone could have seen that coming, even The Spirit herself."

He knew that she was still upset over what had happened to him, how she had let it happen to him but he did not think that. The one thing that was on his mind more than anything was where they were and what was going to happen to them in this Vale, especially when they got to Vale City. He hoped that The Spirit have the answer to some of his questions. He reached forward to touch Len once more, scratching her on her head once more.

Largos hoped that Len would snap out of this soon as he needed a guide, he was truly lost without her.

He did not know how long they had been travelling but when they stopped he was so tired that all he wanted was to lay down and sleep. He watched as Len flew up to the nearest tree and stood on the branch. After he started a fire he lay down, hoping to get at least a good night's sleep.

As soon as he closed his eyes however he knew that something wasn't right. He suddenly felt as though someone had grabbed him and squeezed his body in a vice like grip. He tried to get back to his feet but his entire body was rigid and all that he could let out was a strangled cry for help. He looked up at Len, hoping that she could help him in any way but she stood on the branch and looked at him forlornly.

He opened his mouth to ask for her help but as soon as he did an unearthly scream ripped through the air that startled him to the core. It was then that he regained the use of his body again and as soon as he did he started to beat his hand against the ground as the pain flew through his body, threatening to tear him apart. He felt as though his entire body was being torn apart from the inside. All he wanted was for it to stop and wished that he could rip himself apart, just to stop himself from hurting.

He slowly got to his feet and tried to walk but a fresh bout of pain went through him and he dropped to his knees, the pain flying up his back and making him spasm. He wanted to scream out for it to stop but couldn't find his own voice, it was as if someone had robbed him of it. He crawled as fast as he could towards the tree where Len still stood in the branch and looked up at her. He could feel the helplessness that practically flew from her as his entire body spasmed and as he dug his fingers into the bark he noticed the gouges he was making in it as he ripped the bark from the tree. He knew that it could not be possible that he was doing this but there was something else growing within him, a sense of power so foreign he wondered if he could stop it from overcoming him.

He slowly got back to his feet again but it was then that the presence he could feel within him took over and his eyes went white as he fell rigidly onto his back. He did not move for so long anyone would think to look at him that he was dead but very slowly he got to his feet again.

As soon as he did he flexed his fingers, looking at the talon like fingernails there and wanted to scream out. This is not what he wanted, was this what he had been brought here for. Had this been The Spirit's plan all along, to become a vampire and kill anything. He let out another shout as his fist connected with the ground, punching a small crater into it. He was surprised by the power that this body had within it.

He looked up at Len who sat on the tree as if frightened.

"It is alright. There is no need to worry. I will not hurt you."

As soon as the words left his lips he felt something take him over and doubled over. He felt as though someone had stabbed him in the stomach with a large knife and was twisting it. His hands shot down to his stomach and he wondered what was wrong with him when he smelled something in the air.

"Please no. I do not want this, I never asked to be a vampire."

Before the words could leave his lips Largos's body moved as if of its own accord and he found himself moving through the trees faster than he thought possible. As he moved he could see each leaf on every individual tree that he passed and that gave him a reason to smile. He moved with a speed and grace he knew no living person could match as he searched for the scent that drove him on.

He hoped that he would not find anything this night but it was then that he saw the creature before him. It was not what he wanted to do but its blood drew him on.

He tried to stop himself but moved closer to the creature.

It was then that the arrow struck him, causing him to turn on his heels and fall into the nearest tree. He looked up in the direction that the arrow could have come from and saw the archer standing their, nocking another arrow onto his bowstring. Largos moved faster than the archer did and as the arrow struck the ground where he had been standing he got to the base of the tree, jumped up and grabbed the man's foot.

The archer fell to the ground next to Largos who landed carefully, pulled out the arrow and looked at the archer. He was shocked to see that the archer was a lizard man who looked at Largos with nothing more than hatred in its eyes. As he pulled the arrow from his shoulder with a wince of pain it moved faster than Largos and pulled its sword out, the wicked curved blade shining in the moonlight.

Largos stood there and wondered if he would be able to defeat this creature when he heard rustling all around him. He turned to the left then right as more of the creatures came out of the bushes around him. He took deep breath as they moved towards him, all with murderous looks in his eyes.

He stood there and drew his sword which gave the lizardmen pause but when he didn't move to attack they looked at each other and began to move forward, wicked swords in all of their hands. Largos loooked at them and wondered what he was going to do now but it was then that he realized what he was and if it gave him an advantage now was the time to use it.

He smiled as he moved towards the closest lizardman, his sword held tightly in his hand. The lizardman, seeing the attack coming brought his sword up to block but Largos was too quick and ducked under the blow as he brought his sword up. He felt disgust as the sword burst through the back of the lizardman that screamed in pain before it fell to the ground. As soon as he watched it fall to the ground he moved towards the nearest one but he wasn't fast enough as one of the others sliced foward, cutting into his back.

He let out a shout which echoed through the trees and dropped his sword, turning on the lizardman who had struck him. As he moved he no longer felt as though he had only seconds before. All that he wanted was to tear it limb from limb and as the lizardman tried to move back struck with his finger nails, tearing into the chest of the unfortunate lizardman with them as it screamed out in pain.

He then turned to the others, smelling the fear that hung over them and struck before they were ready. As they moved he saw it as if were in slow motion and moved out of the cuts so easily it was as if he could look into their minds. He moved aside from every cut and swipe that they did with their swords although he was not fast enough as several of them cut into his unprotected body. He winced at every blow but would not let them slow him down, they would die this night.

It was then that he heard Len's voice screaming in his head and he stopped, took a deep breath and looked down at the bodies around him. He wanted to fall to his knees and cry out but something called to him, forcing him to move to the bodies of the unfortunate lizardmen. He could smell it in the air but did not want to do what he knew was going to happen. He wanted to stop himself but he dropped to his knees near the closest lizardman and felt his fangs grow.

His inner voice screamed out as he punctured the neck of the lizardman, feeling its blood flow into his mouth. He felt it flow down his throat and give him his strength back, healing his body. He wanted to stop but he went to the other lizardmen and fed on them, all the while his inner voice crying out to be heard. He knew that what he was doing was very wrong but he could not stop himself, he needed to have the blood.

When he stopped he could feel the strength flowing through his body, healing him completely. There was only one part that it could not heal, the part of his mind that was crying out.

He looked up at Len, "I have become a monster!"

 

[thanatos64]

Than and Varic

Varic laughed jovially and shook his head, "That would be most beneficial my friend, but be warned, the women here are ferocious," he tumbled forwards slightly at Than's slap on his back and rose smoothly from the ground, never breaking his stride. He smiled and shook his head towards Than, "Do not worry, I am alright. I had expected such strength from you,"

Laughing at the site of Varic taking a spill, “Sorry, I’m laughing with you not at you.” he said as he looked over at Varic, impressed with his agility, he added “that was quit the recovery, but I am truly sorry, guess I don’t know my own strength.” looking over the elf, then himself, he took in the noticeable size difference between the two thinking, now isn’t that the understatement of the year.

Listening intently as Varic described their military to him, lacing his fingers together, behind his head, Than straightened his back, “Sounds to me like you have more of a police force.”

Than noticed the marker as he heard Varic announce they were getting close. Than slowed as they came to the marker, he raised his hand to his head and scratch at an imaginary itch, “Ya know it might be a good idea if you were to teach some of the common symbols of written words used here, just so I don’t look like a complete buffoon.”

"Did I mention that for the mean time, it would be best to keep your true origins unknown? Guardians don't have the same respect they used to around here anymore."

Placing his right arm across his mid section and the other arm around his back Than bowed “ Your wish is my command, my lord.” striating he added “ seriously though, if you feel its prudent to keep quite, that is what I shall do. It’s probably best that we don’t attract any unnecessary attention.” grinning he and looking down at Varic with a raised brow “unless, it is from one of those ferocious women you mentioned earlier.”

 

[PoliteSuccubus]

She wrapped her arms protectively around Danae and smiled gently once more, her voice lyrical in nature, "There is no need to be afraid. I am here, dear one."

"Nope, I'm fine now." Danae sat up. "I'm Bilbo, and this is my adventure. I'm good. Really." She looked around. "Sooooo, yes, Illusion Valley? And I'm here to help...who? You?" She looked at the ghostly form. "You don't look like you need any help, I mean...who could hurt you?"

She wrapped her arms around her legs...even her toenails were werid. But she wasn't cold, like she should be.

"Are there...others?" She didn't want to say people, the womanly form didn't look human...and somehow, Danae didn't think she looked human any more either...

 

[Dracona]

“F-fish??” Janelle stared at the hand extended toward her as if it might strike out at her and then looked up into Hiran’s face. Cautiously she reached out and slid her hand into his. “My name’s Janelle.”

Her mind ticked over what he had said so far, discounting his claim that she wasn’t on any drugs. That was, after all, the only logical explanation for all this. That struck her as funny and she giggled before she could help herself. Her hand flew up to cover her mouth and her wide blue eyes sparkled with her mirth. She could very well believe that Hiran had never taken a drug in his life, he was too somber and cranky looking. She wondered randomly what it would take to make him smile.

“Illusion Vale, hm?” The sound of her voice once again distracted her and she began to ramble. “It makes sense since this is all just one big illusion. I mean, I pass out in my own bed and wake up with a fish tail! I haven’t seen a sky so clear since I was a little girl and I….I’ve never head my voice sound this way before.”

Janelle flung her head back and her arms wide and began to dance in a tight circle. Her voice rose in a wordless song as she twirled round and round until her head did begin to spin again, but this time in a nice way. Laughter bubbled up from her throat and she finally sank to the warm sand to catch her breath. Her hair blew across her face and she reached up absently to push it away. The silky strands caught on her fingers and she drew them away looking at them with a strange expression before bursting out in laughter again.

“I’m a blonde…” she looked at Hiran and he didn’t look the least bit amused, he actually seemed a bit angry. So she tried to contain her laughter. She studied him for a bit and shook her head. “Seeing that this is all some kind of mind trip I can understand why I have my voice back, with extra kick. I can even see why I’d wake up a mermaid, I always had a thing for mermaids when I was a kid….blame Disney. What I don’t get is you. Where do you fit into my delusion? You aren’t exactly my type…no offense.”

Janelle tilted her head to one side and grinned mischievously, waiting to see if that got rise out of Hiran.