| Onward to Kantara - First Night's Camp, Wyldewood |
| Delko Forden I have everything I require for travelling so naturally I am first out of the cottage and await impatiently for the others to gather their things and get their collective backsides out of the cottage. As I wait I start singing an old elvan tale of warriors in battle against gnomes and dwarven soldiers that had broken into the sacred vaults looking for treasure and gold. How the few guards that held their post at the vault’s boundary fought dwarves back. However, the dwarves, being the sneaky bastards that they are snuck in yet another way and stole several pieces of Loth's treasure including the gauntlets of power and the headband of truth, both enchanted by the great creator of all. Many on each side were slain that day and the articles stolen were never recovered. Singing in the elvan language I was approached by the other of my kind, Dev and he listened to the tale unfold as I sang. This particular song has seldom been heard due to its association to underlings like myself. He would not have heard it of it that I was sure of. As I reach the end the last one of the companions exited the house and were ready for the days travel. Yasmin Toshido As I sit staring out at the forest surrounding Maggie's cottage. The last few hours had passed whilst I was in deep contemplation after my argument with that arrogant and all knowing elf. Elves, elves indeed! They belonged in fairytales; thieves and vagabonds. Though K'Sheyna seemed honourable enough. And the others, no matter what Devaeriel said, I would wait and judge them when it mattered, when we were in battle, then true colours and loyalty would show. I missed the comfort and the camaraderie of my squad, my warriors. The laughing jokes, the closeness, and the absurd sense of humour from the hours of drills and bloodshed we had seen. The idle playing of dice in the barracks when off duty, the casual closeness and trust between us. The respect and binding they showed me and I them. The ultimate knowing that in a fight your comrades would be there at your back, that they would die for you as you would for them. Sure I had been on lone missions, but then I had known my surroundings and who I could rely on, namely myself, but to put my life in the hands of strangers, and magic users at that... I shudder as I remember the death of my parents. No Never that! How can they be trusted! Dishonour and corruption amongst the Sokudo. It was not possible. What nonsense, admittedly there were undesirables in the Squad, but training and fieldwork soon weeded those out, very early on in the training. And so many of those in the Sokudo came from the Elite houses of the Imperium. Trained as children, and installed within them the very code of honour and proprieties, the ethics of an unshakeable, honoured, and long standing tradition of warriors. The Sokudo Principles. Those not dedicated to the Sokudo were quickly enough expelled. Like Alister the traitor. The sun rises fuller and I rise. Well no use brooding we would see how it turned out and I would reserve my judgement. I stride back into Maggie's house and to my room. Bending down I retrieve my pack and frown. The lacings were different. I open it and find one of my shuriken slightly dislodged. My lips tighten and I stiffen my posture. Trustworthy indeed hmm? Nothing was missing, but I would keep a closer eye on my belongings. Probably that dishonourable thief. I swing the pack onto my shoulder and make my way out the house to join the others as they gather outside. Halloran *sigh*. On the move again. I begin to pack all manner of medicinals, both topical and ingested. Without a doubt, they would be needed at several points during the next weeks; whether from a true battle, or a fight between the Sokudo and the thief. My mind reverberates with many other voices. First, that damnable book. I am beginning to understand phrases now. I feel a renewed sense of sympathy for Maggie, having to listen to that silly thing go on and on. What's worse, I seem to get an echo of the book, from another source. A close source. It's unnerving. Add in assorted stallions who are full of themselves, mares who flirt outrageously, and a certain thieving ferret, and my head aches. Healer, heal thyself. Popping two small brown pills, I do just that. Before we get started, I do need to impress upon certain creatures the importance of our task ahead. They don't need to know I have no idea just what it is we are attempting to do. I can bluff with the best of them. First off. the horses. *oh Gringo, dear. Might I have a word with you?* with a snort, he fixes me with those big brown eyes of his. *Now stop that, you old fraud, or I will braid your mane and tail, with flowers and pink ribbons… and little jingly Bells. So there.* It is no surprise that any thought of a sarcastic comment gets pushed right outta the way. * I need you to keep the rest of the horses in line, which means no funny business with any of them, especially Kraheera. And no fighting amongst the stallions. You're a Prince. Be princely and command them.* Amazing how grumpy they get when you tell them they can't have any nookie for a while, worse than men, I swear. Now for Dodger. Willow tries hard to keep him in line. she's just too happy all the darn time, so he doesn't take her too seriously. * Dodger. I am a Healer of PEOPLE, NOT of Animals. So when the Sokudo finds out just exactly WHO was responsible for her shuriken being removed from her pack, well, I can't guarantee I will have the right antidote for a sword through your gullet. So lay off the thieving, until we tell you it's okay. Okay?* Wow. I never knew ferrets could turn pale with fear. With luck, he might behave for a whole day. Heading out to the barn one last time I send out a mental call for Mousebane and Reyk. I think it would be best if I have them follow along with us for a bit. Reyk can scout ahead, and Mousebane can be our eyes at night. In the back of my mind, Maggie approves with a chuckle. Next on the agenda is to warn the wolfpack of the impending crash of humanity through their territory. The ritual with the cubs impressed the Alpha, and he allows us a wide berth. Methinks he will enjoy the peace and quiet for a while. I'm jealous. *************************************************************************************** Refer to Rolepay: Ksheyna and Delko Portal to the Grasslands ************************************************************************************** One Eyed Fiona Going to the stables I find a horse that is to be loaned to me. Having come with nothing, I travel with nothing. The few things I had left at Connor’s camp had been carried to me by one of his sons, barely enough to fill a saddlebag. I am ready to be off, to what I don't know, but I am oddly certain that this is my destiny somehow. I wish I was not so sure, this endless breast beating and posturing is tiresome, and I don't understand half of what is being said, these people are strange, and I long for the simplicity of the Bandit camp where I know my place and my duty. For now I can only be an extra set of hands, I can only hope my role will be revealed to me soon. Bowrie Seeing dawn has already broken, a calming silence seems to settle over the cottage, yawning and stretching myself awake, I sit up and look about me, hearing not a sound I begin to think I've been left behind. I walk quickly to the window and look out, seeing the others gathering their belongings and readying their mounts. "Damn and blast, get a move on Bowrie." I say to myself, "Before they forget you all together and leave." I quickly dress and throw my belongings into my pack. Rushing out the door and looking at the others, "Now I hope you lot weren’t going to start this little adventure without me, you never know when I may come in handy." I hasten my steps to the stable and lead Camisra out, flipping myself onto her back, and lightly patting her neck, breaking her into a slight trot and circling the others. "Come on then, the sooner we get started the sooner we get our lives back." Maggie Heatherwick I exit the barn leading my dear old lump of a horse Tirade, with Milton resting on my shoulder and an odd assortment of packs dangling from the saddle. I had tucked my staff within my belt and now wore travelling clothes; rough homespun pants, a soft shirt, leather vest and a long cloak. I grin at them all. "We will be heading to Kantara." I smile at Willow's sudden grin and lighting of her eyes. "I have it on good authority that our quest begins there and... we need a pass to within the depths of the Kaera Sea." Her eyes widen.. "But.. the sea? Where?" I look at her seriously, smile gone. "We need to find the Temple of Illusia, hidden beneath the waters. Unfortunately it is near the Island of the Sea Raiders.." Willow pales and her eyes grow wider. Nervously she strokes the ferret within her cape. "Okay." She whispers.. "We have heard legends of Illusia.. but.. the waters are in the territory of the sea raiders.. fabulous treasure there, yet the Sea Raiders have not got it, noone has, they say something guards the Temple. Even the dolphins and denizens of the sea are frightened of the interior. Though the dolphins have brought me odd little trinkets from the outer edge..” I nod and smile. "We will be fine lass but your particular skills will be needed and knowledge.” I pat her hand and grin casting my eyes over the quietly listening group. “And so it begins..” I smile then the smile fades. “Where are Ksheyna and Dalko?” I turn to glare at the group then freeze as a wild surge of energies cascades through Wyldewood, the animals scatter and the shields around my cottage ripple violently.. “Figures.” Yasmin mutters, “I knew the thief wouldn’t stay around. Coward.” “She dares to make a gate here?? Now?? When we are to leave? That WRETCHED GIRL!! And where has Dalko Gone!!! When I catch those two!!!!” My eyes flash fire as I feel a surge of energy sucked inward, even from my own magic and a sudden drain. “Damn foolish girl!!” It dies. Silence once more. “Oh wait till I get my hands on that her and that thief! She refuses to use her powers and then suddenly does this!!!!” I glare at Devaeriel and the others then tighten my mouth. “Well they will have to catch up and meet us in Kantara. We cannot wait.” I scowl at them all feeling the anger plain upon my face and letting a bit of power gleam in my eyes. “If any of you others have likewise ideas, forget it else I shall be really angry.” I see some of them flinch. “Lets go.” I mount the horse and ride forward out the clearing West towards Kantara. I sense the others following behind meekly. I fume to myself as even the trees draw aside for us. We ride for some hours before deciding to camp as night falls. One Eyed Fiona We ride for some time. Stopping once within it's dark canopy to wait for the others...I'm tired, while they talk and wait, I find a tree against which to lean and doze off. I am startled awake by the sound of some frightened animal shrieking in the wood, the prey of some hungry hawk, most like...from further in the forest I notice an odd green light, green like spring leaves, dancing between the trunks of oak...I look about, the others are occupied, I go to investigate...all seems dreamlike, at the centre of the circle stands a man cloaked in dark green, his back to me...he speaks... "Ah, you come to me at last, I had begun to wonder if you would." He turns, and pulls the cowl away from his face, revealing a weathered dark skinned face beneath a shock of tangled red curls, and his eyes! Both silver in colour and seeming to have no pupil to them, eyes very much like the one she hides beneath the patch. Her hand goes almost of its own mind, up to her face and to the soft leather patch on her left eye. He is familiar to her, she remembers him, from childhood dreams that frightened her, from her mothers foolish ranting... "I can not stay long, child, there are things that I must say...you have fallen in with odd companions, be watchful, with both your eyes..." I ask him, "How do you know what I'm about? Why should you care?" "I have watched you since my master bade me sire a child on a human woman, you have a place in prophecy, girl, accept the card that you are dealt, don't nurture the fire of rage inside you, the smoke will only blind you. You will need to be watchful when the dark falls upon you, as it will, the elvan Kingdom is lost in twilight now, there are those who go willingly to the dark and those who will not, chose those whom you will trust with care." Reaching into his cloak he pulls out a drawstring pouch and offer it to her. "I will not have time to tell you what these are for, let no one see what is here, especially none of the elvan kind you travel with, NONE of them! Look on them when you are alone, you will know what they are for when the need arises." Reluctantly I take it, putting the pouch into my waistcoat and tightening the laces. "What is all of this about? Can you tell me that, at least?" "We are at war, daughter, we struggle to survive, the land was Elvan once, til men came, we were driven from the cities, some would have compromised and accepted less than what was theirs by right, and some would not, now is a time of deciding, as was prophesied, two books describe a different outcome, all of you here now will play a part in choosing which it is to be. You each have been given a place by prophecy, each will chose when his own time comes." "I can not tell you more, say nothing to your companions of me, they will not trust what you might be. I will take my leave, I remind you again, though, look at the world with both your eyes, to see half the truth is dangerous." And with that suddenly all went dark. I made my way back, seeing the others noticed with a bit too much interest, the direction from which I had come, I mumbled something about the call of nature and made my way back to my horse. Dysanter & Gringo Strangely silent both Dysanter and gringo watch the happenings around them as if there has been a lot of words said recently between the pair, neither horse nor rider look terribly happy.... Maggie Heatherwick This day's riding was uneventful and we make camp a goodly distance into Wyldewood heading West toward Kantara. I was surprised and somewhat uneasy. No attack. Nothing. I had been sensing the bandits in my forest, near my cottage, and as such ready for attack, but it never came. One minute they were there, then nothing. Either something was masking their presence by magic. And I would know about that in my forest, or they had simply up and left. Alister would not leave us alone, could not. The companions were as important to the prophecy as the Book itself. Yet they were gone, the trees could tell me nothing... I sit up straight as dusk descends, it got so much darker here in Wyldewood earlier than elsewhere simply because of the dark dense canopy above. Finding a likely stop, "OK, time we set up camp kiddies." I look around as they obediently stop, everyone seems rather on edge, not surprising." “I thought you said they were waiting for us Maggie?" Yas snaps belligerently, glaring at me. "I don’t like this. Its too quiet" "Don’t worry about it dear. They seem to have gone." I am hard pressed to conceal the little doubt of uncertainty but in some way Halloran picks up on it and shoots me a sharp look. "The animals too say nothing is here Maggie." I nod. "We will camp here." I dismount and put my pack on the ground, once everyone had gathered, I move around the circle establishing wards. Halloran busies herself getting food from our packs and preparing a stew, whilst the others either help or tend to the horses. Presently, a cheery fire is going, and the stew is dished out, with a few sharp comments from Hall, and the quick replies and banter of the others. I noted that the Dr’s golem had tagged along, well that wasn't so bad, and it did make a good defence, despite its culinary habits. Gringo is prancing a bit, playing up to the mares. Well he was certainly in his element, though I half expected Tirade to whap him with her rear hooves, she had no patience with young stallions like that. ehhehehe I chuckle to myself wondering which hoof print the Horselord would wear. It is a quiet night as everyone seems lost in their own thoughts, one or two going to bed early the others staying up around the fire talking quietly. Fiona seems to crash only to awaken and slip away from the group, I note her going but something prevented me stopping her... this was needed. She returns soon after, a queer look on her face, and a thoughtful cast to her manner. Seeing some of us watching her she mutters about nature calls and moves to her horse to check up on it. I smile lightly well that made two reconciled.. I had my suspicions where Kshey had gone... and more than likely her father will be sending her straight back here. I grin and chuckle inwardly then realise that the chuckles aren't entirely mine.. ((Chuckles... long and satisfied and just a bit malicious)) ((Book! Just what are you up to? Where did those two go? And what are you laughing at so smug like?)) ((Oh Maggie, our little resident thief is finding the truth strange for once. *more chuckles* However, Ksheyna and Delko are in the grasslands.. The rate they are going, you are better off meeting them in Kantara)) ((Oh great. When I get my hands on those two!!)) ((Actually don’t go too hard on them. Ksheyna made a vortex to her Father, to get affirmation as to her course with us. It was necessary. Delko however, just got curious and followed her. He came through the vortex behind her but unbalanced it and tripped it up giving her a bit of a headache and incidentally closing the portal. He is facing the Elder council at the moment)) ((WHAT!??????????? They will CRUCIFY HIM!!!)) ((*A pause.... longer.... longer.... small chuckle*)) ((Wood rot!! Answer me! What happened?)) ((Oh relax Maggie, you think I would let them kill him? he is fine, I am speaking through him now, he is revealing a bit of his story now, of course he isn't liking it very much... *A pause and then murmur* Oh my..... That is where it is?! Oh dear.)) ((Where is what?)) ((The Espiritos Drenada.)) ((It’s like drawing blood from a stone Book, What is the Espiritos Drenada?)) ((The Staff of Light - it lights the world........ oohhh and.. incidentally.. one of our icons.)) I blink. ((It is one of them? Then we should get it first rather than the Orb..)) ((No. Not yet. There is one icon you must retrieve first. The Icon of Earth, the Bowl of Healing. The Drows may ally to the dark, but they are of this world.. the bowl will be needed if we are to retrieve the Staff of Light beneath the Mountains of Krakkine.... Besides that is in the opposite direction to where we are travelling.)) ((Well duh.)) ((So Kantara huh? Fine... I am a bit concerned our attack force seems to be missing.. They were here..)) ((As much as I am omniscient Maggie, and as much as I KNOW, I can’t hold your hand every bit of the way, deal with it.)) I growl and wish the book was in person so I could strangle its spine. Concentrating I fail to see the sharp look Devaerial gives me. ((But I can tell you the Ashanti are moving, their Bandroi is rather focused at the moment and they gather their own group to thwart you. It may be that she has recalled them now that Alister has the book, but they will find out soon enough that it is useless to them then they will be after us again. But not tonight. Get some sleep Maggie. Don't be worried if some of your chicks dream tonight, I may not have been able to convince Yasmin verbally, and you might be protecting her ego, but I can sure as hell send them all dreams. In the morning they will be your willing participants.)) ((Hmmph, I shall believe it when I see it Book. You are far too smug and self-confidant for your own good)) ((Get some sleep. *Silence* )) Like that will happen… I look up at the group here and meet Hall’s eyes. Knowing and the beginning of comprehension, as if understanding is dawning. Well this is the end of her apprenticeship, now she was Journeyman, it was up to her to discover the next few steps I sigh and listen to the others Dysanter & Gringo Dysanter turns Gringo loose to harass the mares and turns to setting up his soldiers tent at the edge of the clearing so as to be close to the action should someone foolishly attack the camp.... After a few minutes he stands back and admires his work.... He watches all of the goings on in the camp, then when he is sure no one is watching he ducks into the woods Bowrie “Two missing already and we haven’t even started out yet” I mutter to myself. Maggie looking as if she’s ready to maim and kill the first thing that annoys her. We ready the horses and supplies; “What about the one called Kshey’s horse then Maggie? we can’t leave it here.” “I’ll ride her horse,” says a voice from behind me before Maggie has time to answer, turning to see the elf Deva. Smiling at him I say “here then” and I thrust the reins into his hand. He takes the horse and I turn my attention back to Camisra who was prancing round like a foal, “Will you behave, I see what your prancing about for, and you can just forget it, you’ll be far too busy to have anything to do with him” glaring at the talking horse and his rider, “You, Dysanter or whatever your name is, keep your friend there in check and away from my horse, or me and you will be having words, got it” He seems to chuckle but nods in agreement, I hear the horse moan, “didn’t want anything to do with the old nag anyway”. “Hear that Camisra he thinks you’re an old nag”. Laughing I mount up and follow the others out. The hours pass uneventfully, which makes us all feel on edge. "OK, time we set up camp kiddies." Maggie announces to us, I’m thankful as it’s been a long time since I've ridden for such a long time that my muscles ache. Getting down from my horse and stretching myself out and stripping Camisra of her bridle and saddle, and giving her a quick rub down. “I thought you said they were waiting for us Maggie?" Yas snaps at Maggie but she assures us that there is no danger for now. The one called Hall already started on a fire and supper, a stew, “That’s the best I've tasted Hall” I tell her and she smiles shyly at me. I think its going to be a hard task making friends with any of these people but as stubborn as I am, I am determined to get to know them. The one called Fiona slips off for a bit, and returns with some feeble excuse about a call of nature, she seems more on edge than the rest of us. I decide to try and make friends with the most difficult of our little band of merry folk, so I sit down beside Yas. So we haven’t been formally introduced, “ I’m Bowrie, you can call me Bow if you like, She stares at me as if I’m something she would like to stomp on but I just chatter on hoping to find a subject that will catch her interest, “So your from Terasi, I went there once” this gets a response at least, “You, don’t make me laugh girl” she says. “My name is Bow not girl, and I did visit once with the Circus, I think I was about 6 or 7 at the time”, she listens intently, “I remember it was my first time performing with the circus and I was very nervous, I had to walk at tightrope for some crotchety old gentleman sitting on a throne”, she seems to stiffen when I call him that, “No offence meant there. I liked him, he gave me a flower even though I fell off. We performed for three nights there. It’s a very beautiful place, I would love to visit that nice old gentleman again sometime.” from the look on her face I sense maybe the barrier between us crumbling ever so slightly and she smiles almost. We chat on and off about other things for most of the evening before retiring. I toss and turn in my sleep, vivid dreams entering my head, but not quite catching what they are about. I awake early in the morning with some images from my nights sleep still floating around; I sit quietly and reflect upon them, waiting silently for the others to wake. Gringo "I'm not interested in that old nag anyway" says Gringo indignantly...And then under his breath. "At least your old nag is more polite than you missy." For the rest of the day both Gringo and Dysanter are dead quiet with not a word passing between them all day. At last Maggie calls a halt to the days march and without a word Dysanter takes off Gringo's Harness and then still as silent as the stones he pitches tent and after a pause walks into the trees.... "Oh thank god" Says Gringo as with a toss of his mighty head he canters over and nuzzles Camisra.... "So how about it?" Yasmin Toshido I look up as one of my travelling companions sit near me. She had been quiet most the time, but I had seen a twinkle in her eye that told me once she got over the shyness and awkwardness she would chatter, maybe almost as much as Willow. I sigh inwardly, it seemed I would have to be talked to constantly. I was unaccustomed to a lot of small talk. With my own squad, we had often camped in a silent camp to avoid detection by the enemy. Likewise with a cold fire. Not one like this which would be a beacon to draw any enemy. Also we had no need of small talk and conversation, content within each other's company and confident of our peers. “I’m Bowrie, you can call me Bow if you like." I look at her as she sits next to me. She smiles a bit nervously but seems determined to plague me with conversation. As much as the girl Willow did, though neither of them meant harm, just friendliness, still... I liked my silence and solitude, “So your from Terasi, I went there once.” She grins and says it with a worldly air as if the cosmopolitan traveller, it made me wonder just how many times she would have been fleeced and tied in knots by my people. They enjoyed trade with outside countries, but took great delight in befuddling and diverting strangers from their matters at hand, taking a perverse pleasure in twisting and including them in subtle plots of power and politics. Even the lowliest Terasian participated in this game at the expense of non Terasians. "You? Don’t make me laugh girl.” A brief flash in her eyes, “My name is Bow not girl, and I did visit once with the Circus, I think I was about 6 or 7 at the time.” I blink well I did remember when a circus arrived in Terasi, a group of travelling people, they had been invited to attend the Emperor and the Imperial court, I remembered my father mentioning it and sitting quietly with some of the other Sokudo students watching the acrobats and antics. I remember not being particularly impressed, having with me all the worldly ego of a teenager and more than once having to walk a tightrope and manoeuvre out of difficult situations, our instructors had insisted we watch, to see what may be performed and of course she had then trained us in the skills the circus folk had shown, one never knew when such skills would be needed in our work. The next words she says make me stiffen in outrage. "I remember it was my first time performing with the circus and I was very nervous, I had to walk at tightrope for some crotchety old gentleman sitting on a throne." I glare at her. "No offence meant there. I liked him, he gave me a flower even though I fell off. We performed for three nights there. It’s a very beautiful place, I would love to visit that nice old gentleman again sometime.” I can't help smiling a little bit. She was referring to the current emperor's father. And he had been far from pleasant, being the most canny and intriguing schemer of all. One respected by the people but not particularly loved. I forbear to comment on his character though, it was not my place and as always I was loyal to the Imperial Family. "I am afraid Emperor Chuinko died some years back Bowrie. His son now rules, the second son, his heir having met with an accident." My face closes a bit at that, that death having led indirectly to my mother and father's death. At least this woman didn't have magic. "I remember your circus troupe now. Our instructor made us watch your performances as an example of what we should learn, we were trained exhaustively in the tightrope and balance, an excellent way to train weight transfer and poise, and also many other techniques." I shrug, "We had little time for enjoyment of the circus, being given it as a lesson instead." We chatted a bit more about that. I found myself warming slightly to her. She lacked the artifice once found in the Terasian Empire, and actually seemed genuine in some of her comments. But still I held myself slightly aloof. Soon enough though Bow excuses herself to make her way to bed. I note that Fiona had left and come back, and even Dysanter slipped off into the woods. It seemed everyone had a little journey planned. I sit still and stare out at the blackness avoiding the blinding light of the fire. The lack of interference bothered me, the uneventful trip, particularly after those bandits were disposed of and the visit of the disgraced Sokudo. He could not just leave us alone.. that would not be his way, there would be another plan beneath that. All my instincts as a warrior were on edge. Something would happen. I stand up and look at Maggie. "I know you are using magic to ward this group." I grimace a little hardening the accent on magic just slightly. "But I too will stand guard, I think I shall scout. I do not trust this peace." Before she can even protest I turn, and dipping into my pack slip a few oddments into my clothing, I detach my sword belts and strap them diagonally across my back to make it easier to move quickly, also removing my outer travelling robe revealing a darker closer fitting suit one that would blend into the night. And of course being closefitting I would not leave threads to mark my passage upon errant branches. Pausing a second I move out of the firelight and melt into the undergrowth automatically falling into the silent tread of a scout. Dr Darius I fly ahead and begin scouting the area ahead of the group as my steed and I travel above the treeline, gracefully circling back every few minutes after searching through the foliage for traps, bandits or assassins, finding absolutely none upon reaching our destination for the night we lower to the ground and I let Lepitch graze and rest his wings. I watch as the golem trundles up to the campsite and begins his patrol of the area as was his command, to protect the group from any outsiders. I create some barriers with magic to surround the campsite against any that may intrude past the golem's defences. I say very little during the meal of stew and even less when we all head to bed, a nagging feeling has been with me ever since feeling the gateway close suddenly back at the cottage. That Deveariel character is also a strange one, I sense nothing from him, like he is shielding himself from the rest of the group. Willow Whitewolf Slipping off Winnie, I make my way to a spot to make my bed for the night. Dodger dashes off undoubtedly in search of some playtime. I watch the others, smiling some and yet feeling a sadness I’d never encountered before. For the first time I could remember I felt at a loss. I didn’t know how to approach these people. They all seemed they would rather keep their own company or the company of the others in the group. Did I expect too much or was I trying too hard? The only one I felt at all comfortable with was Maggie and she had her hands full with so many of the others. Shrugging and finishing making my little area of the camp, I sit and pull out my journal. If nothing else perhaps this would give me the time to study the incantations father had given me. I am interrupted by a sad almost whispered neigh and a nudge to my shoulder from Winnie. I look up to see what is bothering her. Seems I wasn’t the only one feeling a bit out of place right now though Winnie was too good for that one anyway. I stand and hug her neck tightly. “Now now Winnie. C’mon you know your too good for that puffed up piece of pompous stud meat.” I look her in the eye and smile. Winnie nods her head a bit and neighs in laughter. I pat her neck and she gives the overgrown talking horse a humph and a flip of her tail as she turns and wanders off towards the nearby stream. I chuckle and spy Maggie sitting alone. I start to move towards her, feeling the need to talk to her. “Maggie? Can I talk with you a bit?” I ask before taking a seat next to her. Maggie grins and pats my arm reassuringly as I begin to tell her my doubts about being part of this group, my fears of not fitting in and not living up to this prophecy. Deva strolls by and sits opposite us, smiling that irrepressible smile of his. I try to continue to talk with Maggie but become more and more flustered, as he seems to be watching every move and listening to every word. With a bit of gulp I stand, “Um Maggie? Ummm I’ll talk to you later. Err I think I had better find Winnie.” I start to walk away and trip on the log Maggie is sitting upon. Regaining myself quickly, “I must be more tired than I thought.” With that I move more rapidly away and towards the stream. Finding Winnie drinking at the stream, I notice it is much deeper than I had thought. With a grin I walk into the water and dive under. My body transforming even before I am completely submerged. I lose track of time and surroundings before being awakened to reality by Winnie splashing the water with her hooves. I surface and give her a look. “What? “ She looks behind herself and motions with her head. She was trying to tell me someone was near. I swim towards the shore, my body slowly transforming back to human as I rise and now walk onto the muddy bank. I am pretty well hidden behind Winnie thankfully as I reach down, grab my clothes and redress. I nod to Winnie and we turn to head back to camp only to be met by Dodger rushing towards us, rolling a glowing ball playfully. I reach down, grabbing the orb and examining it more closely as we continue on to camp. I yawn and shrug. The orb appeared to be nothing special so I toss it down for Dodger, chuckling as he pounces it and rolls around on top of it. Winnie kneels and lays out partially, deciding to take a break from standing while she sleeps. I curl up under my bedding, falling into a fitful sleep. Dreams of being watched, of talking books and of a man who sees but without his eyes. Dr Darius Drifting off to sleep I find myself walking through the realms of dreams, being a wizard I have the ability to distinguish dreams from reality and with this knowledge can adjust the dream to my liking, although the dream I enter this night is like no other before, I stand before a pedestal where the book lays open at a page headed with my name. I read from the book the first two pages of my section but when I turn the page there is nothing upon the pages. The book then has eyes form in the middle of the page looking straight at me, then a voice tells me that I should interact more with the rest of the companions, that my services are needed already but the ones requiring help won't ask. The scene changes to a battle between the group and bandits, I am treating Maggie, a large wound to the stomach by a blade. I was healing the wound. I notice her blood is green as the leaves of the forest instead of the normal everyday red. I wake suddenly from the dream and attempt to work the meanings out. Maggie Heatherwick I sit on the log contemplating things as Willow approaches shyly. “Maggie? Can I talk with you a bit?” she asks and takes a seat. I turn and smile at her patting her arm reassuringly as a bit hesitantly, she begins to pour her doubts out about her being here. Her purpose, that she was not sure she could fit the prophecy and everyone here.. so standoffish. "Willow dear, You are invaluable and you have your place, it is natural for everyone to be suspicious at first. Goodness we have everyone from every corner of Praelen sitting at this camp tonight. And many are both warrior and mage, not used to relying on strangers for assistance or even friendship. The very nature of their calling makes them suspicious. The bond will form. Give them time." I smile at her. "Believe me Willow, when the time comes you will be more than ready and already I can feel the reservoirs of your power opening in readiness for your task. If you were not capable of the task at hand you would not be a chosen one. Wait till we reach Kantara, once upon the Sea, you will see and your worth will be proven. A weighty job for such young shoulders but you will surprise yourself my dear." I look up as Deva comes to us and immediately Willow retreats into herself in confusion. I sigh to myself. Oh dear, why did Deva have to be so good looking.. this will upend Willow no end. I study her suddenly averted face. Oh dear. To give her credit she continues to try to talk to me but I can see her becoming more flustered. “Um Maggie? Ummm I’ll talk to you later. Err I think I had better find Winnie.” She stands up hurriedly and moves away, tripping over my log with an even harder blush. Oh dear. Young ones. I sigh and give Deva a scolding look whispering fiercely to him as Willow leaves. "Damn elves, all alike! Just too handsome for your own good!" He just grins at me and stands up moving away in the direction Willow had hurried. Yasmin Toshido ghosting along the perimeter of our camp I am aware of the comings and goings of several of our companions. The one called Dysanter going off on his own business soon out of my sight and Willow towards the stream. I watch from the shadows warily as she transforms into something.. I shudder a bit, but an obligation rose with me... she was a companion even if a stranger and as my companion I would watch. It was not particularly safe, in fact quite foolhardy for her to travel off alone like this with no protection or weapons. I frown a bit and scan the surrounding vegetation. Eventually she climbs out as her horse stamps the bank and water, transforming back to human and making her way back to camp. I sigh a bit and continue my scout as she enters the area of the fire. The silence still made me uneasy.. too silent, too quiet and too peaceful! This was not right, not right at all. I have found nothing so far.. no sign of man or beast aside from the usual stirring of the nocturnal creatures. I pace and eventually turn a full circle, pausing I move back within the camp but remain awake. I would not sleep even if that thing the mage Dr had invented was guarding, how could one trust safety to a thing made of mud, wood and magic! Pahhh! didn't care what that pesky elf said. And as for KSheyna and the thief. My lips narrow as I glare out at the darkness. Devaeriel Stormsong I smile to myself as Willow stutters and disappears. Silently I follow, follow in my natural form. watching. She had strength. but she also had a child like nature. She would mature into a fine woman. She was also believe it or not the shyest of my children, the most unsure of herself. Her blather was just a cover for all this. She was coming into her powers even now. The exposure to the magic of Wyldewood, Of Maggie was opening up all her paths of power. I reform and sit close to her, knowing she would want to speak when she awoke. I am tempted to reach out and smooth away the dreams but I know that she would see the warnings, probably not able to decipher them but she would see them. I sit and start at the night sky, taking strength in the coming dawn. I hear her gasp as she awakens. "It is time for Us to Talk Little One" Willow Whitewolf A warming on my skin stirs me from my sleep. The dreams had lasted the entire night. I felt as I had barely slept. I turn and sit up, opening my eyes to see Deva sitting close to me. I gasp, startled and a bit uneasy having him so close. "It is time for us to talk little one." He says gently, smiling at me. "Little one!??" I think to myself. I must have been mumbling a bit out loud as I stewed about being referred to as a child for I stop as I hear Deva chuckle softly. I lift an eyebrow and look at him. "So what do you want to talk about?" I try my best to give him a look to show I am seriously interested in what he has to say all the while my insides feel like jelly and my body shivers each time I catch a look into his eyes. ************************************************************************************* Refer to RP3 – Willow and Deva Talk Refer to RP4 – Conversation between Dysanter and Devaeriel. ************************************************************************************* Dr Darius I rise to my feet after thinking for a little while about the vision I had in the dream, feeling totally useless in this environment, thinking how my powers could be better served helping to counter wrongly done spells, I walk towards the fire still in a partial daze and trip over a sleeping bag coming down hard to the ground next to it's occupant, the one that calls herself Bowrie girl, she doesn’t look impressed at being tripped over. "Sorry" I say quickly and quietly as the night still dominates the sky with darkness, only the glowing embers of the fire cast a orange red glow over the sleeping figures of the party, most I see are tossing and turning in their sleep, "You having trouble sleeping too? I ask not really expecting a witty remark at this hour from her, looking at the way her hair frizzes at her brow and eyes almost stare straight through me in her still half sleep stupor. "Yeah, having people falling over me always makes me less than sleepy." she comes back with. Did your dream concern the book?" I enquire of her. slowly sitting up to listen to her. Bowrie Lying bleary-eyed in my sleeping bag, looking up watching the stars go by slowly in the sky when something falls over my legs, “What the hell?” "Sorry", a quiet voice says, squinting in the dark, trying to see whom it is. His face comes into focus and I see it’s the one Maggie called Darius. I scoot myself up into a sitting position and give him a glare. "You having trouble sleeping too? he asks. "Yeah, having people falling over me always makes me less than sleepy." I retort. He sits up beside me and me being in no mood to be chatty either. “Did your dream concern the book?" he enquires, his voice soft and quiet. “How did you know I dreamed? And what concern is it of yours?” “Just making conversation, you seem troubled” he answers, How can I tell him of my dream, the dream that I dreamt the first few months after my gift was revealed to me had returned even stronger and more ghastly than ever. Shuddering slightly at the thought of it. “No, I didn’t dream of the book, its personal, you wouldn’t understand”. With that I turn away from him and snuggle down into my sleeping bag hoping that he doesn’t press the matter further. Dr Darius “How did you know I dreamed? And what concern is it of yours?” she asks, a hint of concern in her voice that suggests that she isn’t often asked about her dreams. “Just making conversation, you seem troubled” I watch her shiver from whatever memory remains from the dream. “No, I didn’t dream of the book, its personal, you wouldn’t understand”. She rolls over in her sleeping bag but I can tell she isn’t going back to sleep, whatever it is that she saw scared her, maybe this is part of my mission, to help this one work out her dream. I sit cross-legged and enter into a trance like state watching the figure of Bow, focusing on her, unlocking the protective shell she has formed around herself, I feel that she has a secret gift that she has told very few people about if any, I enshroud her in a spell that makes her return to the depths of sleep and enter her dream alongside her. I hazard a guess that I will be witnessing something strange, bizarre and possibly lethal so I enter the dream wearing a mystical suit of armour, carrying a sword of enlightenment and stand in a position ready to defend her from the creature that invades her sleep hours Bowrie I can sense his stare upon me, just lying still wishing he would go. A calming sensation fills my body and I feel myself drifting into sleep, fighting a losing battle to keep my eyes from shutting. The mists swirl before me and I’m standing once again in front of this huge black rock. I sense something new and turn to see Darius standing in some sort of armour, sword in hand. “How is it that you’re here?” Turning back eyes fixed on the rock. “To protect you” he answers, “You cant, noone can”, “Why are we here, explain your dream to me?” he asks. “Tell me your fear”. Pointing at the rock, “This is my fear, Cant you feel it, Can’t you hear it?” “Hear what?” he asks, “It talks to me, its draws me to it, I cant resist it” taking a step closer and placing my hand onto the rock. “What are you doing” he demands to know, “Watch” I reply, and push my hand down into the rock, feeling its cold touch against my skin, liquefying all around my hand as my hand sinks into. I feel the rock pulling me into it, inch by inch powerless to stop it. I feel myself giving into it, letting it take me, to have me forever. Something’s pulling me back; I feel a pair of strong arms around my waist and feel myself pulled backwards. I awake to find myself lying in Darius’s arms, feeling as if all the energy has been drained from my body, unable to move a muscle. Had it all been just a dream or was it part real. He whispers soothing words in my ear and I listen finding comfort for the first time since the “birth” of my gift. Dr Darius I find myself standing next to Bowrie. We are in front a great monolith of rock, she turns to me and asks, “How is it that you’re here?” “To protect you.” I answer, I could have said that I used a spell to enter her dream but that would be pointless as she can clearly see I am here. “You cant, noone can” she looks terrified “Why are we here, explain your dream to me?” if I can find the power that holds her in fear maybe I can cure it by destroying what scares her the most. “Tell me your fear” she points at the towering rock before us. “This is my fear, Cant you feel it, Can’t you hear it?” “Hear what?” I ask, as I cannot perceive anything but her voice. “It talks to me, its draws me to it, I cant resist it” she moves closer to the rock, hand outstretched as if to stroke the surface of the solid structure. “What are you doing” I ask her, not sure if she is attempting to quench her fear or becoming more frightened by the stone slab as she draws closer to it. “Watch.” is all she says as she places her hand upon the surface and then I see her hand sink into the rock face as easily as if it were wet mud. I see that she is no longer in control but something else is pulling her into the surface of the rock, I do the only thing I can think of and wrap my arms around her waist and pull her free of the surface of the stone. As the spell breaks I find that my physical body has moved to comfort her and I have taken the position from the dream holding her around the middle. I compose myself and start telling her everything will be fine, in soothing tones, never had I met a natural rock walker before. There were spells and enchantments that could be applied to create such an effect, but she was the first I had met whom could achieve it naturally. I place my palm to her forehead and chant a spell of calming, hoping to ease her fears, knowing it will take a while to get her comfortable with the ability of walking into the heart of rocks that could flatten a normal person in a second if falling, she must be absolutely terrified that she would become trapped inside and smothered by the stone, encased forever within a rocky tomb. No wonder she looked so frightened. "I can teach you how to use your powers if you like." I say to her soothingly, knowing the effects of rock walking myself after having to go in and retrieve people stuck in solid surfaces in the college. "What do you say? I am qualified to teach." Bowrie After a few minutes I feel my body returning to normal, the feeling of exhaustion disappearing and my movement returning. "I can teach you how to use your powers if you like." He asks in a calming voice. "What do you say? I am qualified to teach." Sitting up slightly unwrapping myself from Darius’s arms. “Qualified to teach me what? There’s nothing that I don’t already know,” I say sharply to him. “Do you think this is all new to me? “Isn’t it?” he enquires, “Of course not, its in my blood, my mother could do it and her mother before her. Its something passed down through the generations of women in my family. I’m a freak of nature”. “Then why so afraid of the rock in your dream” he asks. Sighing and stretching my muscles I turn to him. “The rock is different from others and I have walked through many of them to tell differences. When I walk into a rock, I feel a sense of welcome, as if the rock knows I’m there and is greeting me as a part of its kind.” I explain, “But the dark rock, calls to me, as if to take me whole and never let me go, the dream started when I was 13 and stopped a few months after, I used to claw at my skin in fear, trying to rip out that part of my blood, to make it somehow go away.” I roll up my sleeve and show him the old faded scars on my arm. “ I had forgotten the dream till now, this so called quest has brought it back and I don’t know why, perhaps they are linked. “So you see unless you can make the dreams go away forever, or help me face up to my fear, I don’t think there is anything you or anyone can do. As I wait for him to answer my attention is drawn away from our discussion by the sound of Yasmin rambling on about something or other. And I notice Maggie standing up and starting to approach us. Dr Darius She begins to sit up out from under my arms. “Qualified to teach me what? There’s nothing that I don’t already know,” she says in a terse voice. “Do you think this is all new to me?” “Isn’t it?” I ask “Of course not, its in my blood, my mother could do it and her mother before her. Its something passed down through the generations of women in my family. I’m a freak of nature”. “Then why so afraid of the rock in your dream” “The rock is different from others and I have walked through many of them to tell differences. When I walk into a rock, I feel a sense of welcome, as if the rock knows I’m there and is greeting me as a part of its kind. But the dark rock, calls to me, as if to take me whole and never let me go, the dream started when I was 13 and stopped a few months after, I used to claw at my skin in fear, trying to rip out that part of my blood, to make it somehow go away.” She shows me long raged claw marks of ages past scarring her skin. “ I had forgotten the dream till now, this so called quest has brought it back and I don’t know why, perhaps they are linked. So you see unless you can make the dream go away for ever, or help me face up to my fear, I don’t think there is anything you or anyone can do." "There are a few different potions I could give to you to reduce your dreaming ability during the nights, but the downside is they tend to leave patients a little groggy in the morning. As for you being a freak of nature, I don't think you are, heck just look at the assembly of the companions, we have drow, elves, samurai, talking horses, Bowrie with this group you are about the most normal person amongst us." I shift around till I am seated in front of her once more, looking into her eyes, "Trust me, I can make the dreams stop." ************************************************************************************ Continue to: At First Camp - Willow And Devaeriel Talk of Purposes.. An Unleaasant surprise is uncovered.. Or you may return to the Library |