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Post by Nyte on Oct 26, 2019 18:09:38 GMT -5
 Name: Edward (Ward) Thompson Age: 32
Ward was a self made man. When he was only 24 he secured a loan to open his own business. An outdoor equipment place where the local population could buy hunting, camping or fishing gear for the nearby national park. He loved the outdoors and wanted to encourage others to go out and enjoy nature as well. Of course, in his mind, he thought he would be able to have more time for such activities himself but his thriving business kept him home most of the time and he often worked late hours. He enjoyed it none the less! After a few years of stability his mind turned to that of settling down. He didn't want to be alone for his entire life after all. So he signed up for a few dating sites and began to seek out a good partner for himself. He went out on a couple dates, mostly ended up with little to no contact afterwards, but he didn't lose hope. Instead he kept searching. One night he was getting dressed for another date. This one he was feeling hopeful for. The woman had expressed her love for camping and being outside and seemed to be genuinely nice. Unfortunately he would never get to make it to restaurant they had picked out. On his way down the highway, headings towards downtown, a drunk driver ran a red light and smashed into the side of his car. The only thing Ward had seen coming was the headlights of the car and then the world went black. When Ward opened his eyes once more he was not in his car, he wasn't anywhere he could recognize. Instead he was floating in a blinding whiteness that seemed to go on for forever. "Hello?" He called out into the white abyss hoping that something would answer him. He was disoriented. He couldn't quite remember how he had gotten here, much less how he had gotten here, but somehow he knew he was perfectly safe and it calmed his nerves significantly. Looking down at his hands, which felt as if they were asleep, he saw that his body was completely shrouded in a soft multi-color shine. He couldn't make out his skin underneath and his entire body seemed to hum. Like the feeling when someone was playing their base much to loud and it shook your entire body. "Hello?" He called again. "Anyone there?" "Ward.." A voice came from every directly, as if it surrounded him completely even from above and below. "You have met an untimely end and the gods wish to make amends. Though we cannot return you to your former life there is a world which we believe would benefit greatly from your presence." "What, what do you mean?" He asked, confused. "Ward you are being given a second chance at life." The voice said and then Ward felt as if he were starting to fall. Gradually he started to pick up in speed till he was plummeting down towards an unknown end. "No! Wait!" He yelled and then he felt a jolt as he broke through something but it didn't stop or even slow his decent. Over a raging battle field a thunderous boom cracked the sky. A white hazy smoke appeared and began to swirl violently. Many soldiers in the battle, from both sides, had stopped to look up to the sky at it opened up. Fear ran through the ranks as they wondered if the gods were going to intervene. Then from the smokey cloud a figure began to fall. A man, it seemed, plummeted towards the earth and landed with a shock wave going out over the troops. In the crater that had been created from the impact lay a elven male, wearing simple black clothing, and seemingly blessed by the moon goddess with fair features. Even though he had fell hundreds of feet from the sky he didn't look to have even a scratch on him. Only covered lightly in dust that settled from the air around him. Ward, after making contact with the ground, groaned. The shock of being forced back into a body which was foreign to him and then being slammed into the ground was making it difficult to move. "Where am I?" He wondered out loud and tried to turn from his back to his side but found his limbs weren't working correctly. |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 26, 2019 19:15:50 GMT -5
The elves of Vahoule were a special breed. They were among the most ancient race of elves known to the world of Urey. Born of the moon goddess, that is what the ancients spoke. The words from their tongues were held highly by the rest of the culture. These elves thrived in their environment, they were skilled in the art of battle, the use of magic, and even the courts of social affairs. If it wasn’t for other species the Vahoule elves would have led a peaceful existence. Though, the happily ever after is simply something for a fairytale, reality never quite holds up to the words upon paper.
The kingdom that the Vahoule elves oversaw held many species within the land. Winged pixies or faeries, horned humanoid creatures with hooves, werewolves, vampires. The supernatural creatures that were only of story in other realms and other timelines, were real in Urey. Though the most foolish species still seemed to be the humans, greedy creatures that would stop at nothing but to gain a coin from the suffering of others. That, is where the story begins…
“Push forward! Hold them back!” A voice called from the back of a horse. A woman sat upon the horse with flowing velvet black hair, her eyes were the color of a deep blue. Her horse was clad in silver armor that clanked as the horse bobbed its head, ready for battle. The woman wore a silvery cloak with the seal of the Vahoule upon the back. Beneath the cloak glints of silvery gauntlets shined beneath the light of the moon. “We won’t let them take our city! Not like they took Newark!” She held her sword in the air and dropped it forward. With that the roar of the soldier’s voices echoed over the land. Elves. Pixies. Dwarves. They all rushed forward fighting in the name of the island of Talamuk. The humans must be stopped at all costs. Many of their people had fallen as the cities were ambushed….given no chance to retaliate.
The woman whom sat on the back of the horse was Princess Amaryll of Talamuk. Behind the shadows of her cloak the glint of the tiara upon her forehead could be seen. “Rangers!” She called. “Show no mercy!” She ordered the pixies into the air, the skies were flooded with flaming arrows as soldiers rushed forward on the battlefield. When the light shown in the sky Amaryll paused, a look of awe in her expression. Had the moon goddess decided enough torture? Was she to smite the humans and end this war? Though what came from the skies shocked even Amaryll. She watched the body plummet toward the ground with a loose jaw. What had the moon goddess gifted them?
**
“Where are you?” A soldier chuckled as he lifted his pistol and aimed it at Ward. “You’re about to be in hell you fucking pointy eared demon!” He spat as his finger tightened over the trigger.
“Amaryll! Get back here!!” A voice called in the distance.
Suddenly an arrow shot through the soldiers chest, the pistol fell from his hands as blood splashed to the ground. The sounds of hooves rumbled toward Ward and within moments the beautiful princess knelt before him. Her eyes searched over his body. “You’re safe...” She looked around slightly and let out a chuckle. “Sort of.” She offered her hand and then frowned slightly. “I’ll get you patched up hm?” She leaned down and touched Ward’s shoulder. “I have to get you out of here, you won’t fair very well in the battlefield in this shape.”
“Amaryll what the bloody hell are you thinking?!” A man rushed up he had armor on that was silver much like hers. His short hair revealed pointed ears. He looked to Ward a moment. “Is this what that flash was? Gods.” He spoke as he wrapped his arm around Ward and pushed him up on the horse. “Get out of here, princess. Get back to the capitol. That’s an order.”
Amaryll smirked to the soldier. “Ordering your princess around?” She chuckled softly. “Very wise general. What would the king have to say about that?” She winked before she climbed onto the horse. She adjusted Ward and groaned slightly. “Don’t fall off now, hm?” She kicked the sides of the horse as she held him stable in front of her. She leaned to the side to see where she was going, she was much smaller than him in stature.
The princess rode for nearly an hour before they approached a walled city. The craftsmanship of the walls was absolutely beautiful. Stone that was carefully picked and crafted. A gate that only the finest of woodworker could have created. The gate opened to the princess’ presence and soon enough they were within the bustle of the city. Many creatures moved about within the city, trading, drinking ale, playing games. Children of all kinds rushed about through the city streets.
“Princess!!” A child giggled and rushed up. “You won! Didn’t you?” The little girl grinned.
“Working on it Isabella.” Amaryll smiled, “One day at a time hm?” She clicked her tongue as she gave a gentle kick to her horse and they moved through the city toward the gorgeous castle. Armed guards stood at attention to the presence of their princess. She slipped from the back of the horse, careful not to allow Ward to fall. “Bring him inside.” She spoke to a soldier whom quickly moved to pull the elf from the back of the horse. The princess rushed inside and through the hallways swiftly until she came to the edge of a bed. She pointed and gave a nod. “Get our apothecary would you?” She gave a gentle smile before her eyes looked to the man. Amaryll placed her hand upon his shoulder, it began to glow a beautiful white color, her eyes took on the same glow as she began to whisper words in an ancient elvish language. After a few minutes of this she stepped back and took in a breath as she lowered the hood of the cloak. “What’s your name?” She asked curiously. “Were you sent by the gods to aid us in the war?” Her eyes searched as she awaited his response.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 27, 2019 0:17:30 GMT -5
When Ward heard the footsteps of the solider approaching and looked up to see the gun pointed at him he instantly tensed. When the arrow pierced the man's chest he jumped and stared wide eyed as the man fell back. "What the hell?" He said under his breath in horror. Then from over the crest of the crater he was laying in he saw the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on appear. She was wearing armor and had hair like that of a raven's feathers. Even in the chaos of the moment he found he couldn't help but stare at her as she leaned down over him and spoke in a voice like that of soft wind chimes. It was such a pleasant sound.
His focus was broken when he heard another voice, a man, coming over the ridge and looked up to see another armored individual looking down at him. This man was just as striking in appearance, had a thick accent, and notably pointed ears. Their comments didn't make much sense to him either. He didn't feel safe and he had no idea what gods the man was talking about. Though when he was lifted up, groaning all the while, he didn't offer any protest. Even when he was put onto the back of a horse he simply let the pair of them manipulate him, though when the woman climbed up behind him he did feel more than a little awkward.
As they rode through the battle field Ward looked on with a horrified expression. So many had fallen. There were burning bodies from fire arrows, strange creatures that were mangled and torn, and the sound of battle cries and roars all around. When they finally left the battle field he was greeted with the sight of those that supported the army. Medics, wounded soldiers, and supply wagons. Beyond that was a great forest that seemed to completely envelope them. He glanced over his shoulder at the woman behind him and then back to the road ahead. Where exactly had he been dropped? and what had happened to him in the first place?
When they arrived at the capital city Ward's legs and hips felt as if they were going to fall off. He had been horse back riding but never like this and his new body wasn't accustomed to the harsh form of travel. The city offered many more new and intriguing sights but he didn't have time to admire them before they continued on to the palace and he was promptly pulled from the back of the horse by another elf dressed in plate armor. His legs were sore and cramped now but his muscles were responding a bit better than they had been. He could even support the majority of his own weight while his arm was draped over the shoulders of the soldier.
As he was laid on the bed he let his body relax and took a deep breath while looking up to the ceiling. His mind was racing and couldn't seem to catch up. It wasn't until he felt a hand upon his shoulder that he refocused his attention on the woman. "Ward.." He answered her. "I don't know what you.." his words were interrupted by a commotion outside the doors of the room he had been brought into. Then another man burst inside, wearing long flowing robes, and gave a startled gasp. "Your majesty!" He exclaimed. "This is hardly appropriate for you to leave the battle field like this!"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 27, 2019 20:38:09 GMT -5
Amaryll turned her head as the door burst open, her hand withdrew from Ward’s shoulder. She looked to the man and tilted her head slightly, the advisor to the royal family. “Arden.” She spoke as she stepped from Ward’s side. “The moon goddess has sent him to our aid. He was weak, I couldn’t remain on the battlefield. Would you have rather me die trying to heal him?”
Arden took in a long breath as he glanced around Amaryll in an almost curious fashion. “The moon goddess?” He questioned and raised a brow.
Amaryll moved before him her silver armor glistened in the flickering candles of the castle. “Yes.” She spoke as she searched his eyes. “I was ordered by General Fin to bring him back to the castle. He fell from the heavens. This is a sign from the gods. There is not a scratch on him, just weakness and it’s gotten better.”
The elf drew his brows together slightly as he drew in a breath. “I have posted guards outside the door. If this newcomer gives you any trouble, princess...” He looked back to her a long moment. “I will inform the king.” He bowed deeply before he exited the room.
Amaryll turned to Ward a moment she walked over to a bookcase and pulled the stained glass doors open before she grasped a crystal glass. She then poured a few things into it before she grasped several other small bottles. She mixed a few things together here and there, no measurements needed, she knew exactly what she was doing. The princess then tapped the edge of the glass and the liquid swirled and took on a blue glow for a moment before it calmed and turned into a clear liquid. “There we are.” She turned and stepped to Ward’s side. “This is an elixir, it will help you recover swiftly. You’ve no injuries to heal so I can’t just simply heal you like I would a wounded soldier.” She held the glass forward to him. She then searched his eyes a moment, his perfect complexion. “So, Ward.” She spoke and tilted her head. “You were speaking before we were so rudely interrupted.” She smirked slightly, it was an infectious smile. One that drew many of the elven men of the capitol in toward the princess. “Do you know where you are?” She asked curiously.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 27, 2019 21:03:26 GMT -5
Ward was still terribly confused as he watched the interaction between the woman and the elf who had barged into the room. Though it seemed that she held a bit more power than the man did, despite his obvious displeasure with the situation, and he quickly relented and retreated back towards the door he had just entered through. Then there was the whole thing with the man referring to her as "Princess". Where the hell had he ended up and why couldn't he remember how he got here?
As Amaryll turned towards a cabinet with many different vials and decanters filled with various liquids Ward felt extremely uneasy. He didn't know what sort of things were in those containers and as she began to mix them together Ward pushed himself into an upright position on the bed. "You're a princess?" He asked as she finished up her concoction and brought the now clear liquid over to him. He wasn't sure how colored liquids made a clear but if he hadn't known better he might have thought it to be water.
He looked from the glass and then up to Amaryll with a skeptical look before taking the drink and bringing it up to his nose to take a quick sniff. It smelled like a mixture of berries and cilantro with an earthy tone to it. Not particularly pleasant really which made him even less confident in drinking it. When he mentioned it being an elixir and that he had no wounds he glanced over his body to verify. The clothes he was wearing weren't even torn. There was nothing wrong with him what so ever other than feeling more than a little out of place. One of the most striking things he noticed though was that his skin was no longer darkened from hours of being in the sun. He was extremely pale, almost as white as a sheet, and as he ran a hand across his chest he could feel the difference in the muscles there. He wasn't in his own body and that actually kind of terrified him.
"I.. I'm not sure what's going on or how I got here. I was.. going somewhere.. going to meet someone and then.." The memory of a bright flash and a blaring horn entered his mind and he flinched away from it. "Am.. am I dead?" He asked and looked back up to Amaryll with concern in his eyes. He realized he was still holding the drink she had given him and he quickly chugged it down. Hoping that whatever she had made would be anything like strong alcohol.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 27, 2019 21:36:26 GMT -5
To his question Amaryll smirked once again. “Yes, I am the princess of Talamuk Island.” She spoke as she looked to the glass that now sat in his hands. “It isn’t the best tasting elixir, but it will do the best at restoring your strength.” She nodded slightly as she watched him inspect the drink. She then watched as he looked over his body as if it was a foreign object. The look in his eyes was filled with almost confusion. “Trust me, I would know if you were hurt.” She spoke as she let out a soft laugh. “I already tried to heal you, Ward. There was nothing to heal.”
Then when he spoke again Amaryll had to hold back laughter to his question. “Are you dead?” She questioned. The princess shifted and cupped his cheek, she gazed into his eyes a moment. “You’re far from dead I’m afraid.” Her eyes glowed slightly as she sucked in a breath. “You seem to be in perfect health.” She stayed like this a moment as the glow slowly disappeared from her eyes. Her hand fell from his cheek as she heard a clatter of boots outside the chamber. Amaryll turned and took a few steps toward the door as it opened.
“Amaryll.” A man with a neatly kept black beard that was just as dark as her hair stepped into the room. He was dressed in noble garments with a cloak over his shoulders and a crown upon his head. He looked to Ward a moment. “Come.” He placed his hand upon her shoulder and led her from the room. “They need you back at the battlefield, our soldiers are falling without you.” His voice was full of concern. “I will have Leila look after the elf, if he is truly a gift from the moon goddess he must be protected.”
Amaryll took in a breath as she nodded to her father. “Of course, father.” She bowed her head slightly. “I have given him an elixir, he should recover swiftly.” She spoke before she turned and rushed from the castle to her horse to ride back into battle once again. The soldiers relied on her, she could pull them out of danger in a pinch with her healing magic. A fatal wound to the humans was nothing but a scratch to the elves, thanks to their princess. As Amaryll rode off into the night once again she couldn’t help but form more questions for the mysterious elf that had fallen from the skies. She wanted to know more about him. She wanted to ask him a thousand questions….and then more...
A few minutes later the door pushed open. A faerie stepped into the room, her wings were a beautiful blue that seemed to glow lightly. Her hair was short with braids and jewels within it that wrapped around her head. “The princess had to leave to attend to the battlefield and to tend to our soldiers.” She spoke as she walked into the room. She sat down at a chair near the bedside of Ward. “I am Leila.” She spoke with a gentle smile. “The king has assigned me to aid you and take care of you. He has also given you quarters that I could show you to, if you would like.” She searched his eyes. “Are you feeling any better? I heard you were rather weak. I could arrange a meal if you are hungry." She watched him as if awaiting his command.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 27, 2019 22:18:54 GMT -5
Nope, it wasn't like alcohol, and it tasted god awful. After chugging the elixir Ward coughed and twisted his face into a look of disgust for a moment before he was able to somewhat gather himself. The worst part was it tasted nothing like it smelled. In fact it was tens times worse and he could only pray that he wouldn't ever have to drink it again. Once he was able to gather his senses properly he looked up to Amaryll with the same persistent look of confusion. She had tried to heal him? When? He hadn't seen her look him over or even get out bandages for any wounds he might have. Was that what that glowing white light was in her eyes? Did she have.. magic? He could remember stories of elves and other beings from stories, but they weren't real, were they?
Ward didn't have time to ask more questions before another man, this one looking like a King of sorts, entered the room and drew the woman away with words of the battlefield. So that had been something that had happened. The fighting he had seen when Amaryll first found him and pulled him out of the crater. He felt his stomach churn a little at the thought and took a couple deep breaths to prevent himself from retching up the elixir Amaryll had given him. He could already feel strength returning to his limbs and moving was quite a bit easier, which surprised him.
Being left alone Ward took the opportunity to try and get up from the bed he had been laid in. He found his limbs listened to his commands now and he could move normally so getting up was no trouble at all. Once standing he looked down at his body once more and checked himself out a bit more thoroughly to get a feel for this new form. It was still strange to him but he found he was already getting used to it. That was until he walked by a mirror and he saw his reflection. He ran to the mirror hanging on the wall and looked at his handsome appearance. He hadn't been bad looking before but now he was sculpted like a god. The long white hair was new too, pointed ears, and tattoos going up his neck and face. Then there were the yellow eyes. Almost like a cat with their intensity. "What in god's name.."
His words trailed off as he heard the door open once more and saw another woman enter the room. This one was different. She looked more fragile, gentle and had wings sprouting from her back. There was another sense that he picked up from her as well. He had never felt this feeling before, like a hum coming from her body, but he knew he was sensing magic. Come to think of it the same feeling had come from Amaryll. "Leila." He repeated, committing her name to memory. "I'm Ward." He told her a bit sheepishly, though he didn't want to be rude and not introduce himself. "I have a room?" His stomach growled at the thought of food. "And, uh, a meal?" He reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, still a bit hesitant. "Sure, that sounds great. Maybe you can answer a few questions for me as well?"
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 27, 2019 22:40:12 GMT -5
Leila looked up to Ward. Her eyes took in his appearance. He truly was godly. Like no elf she’d seen. The only elf with such an alluring presence was the princess, the king and queen had managed to make a rather beautiful child and as Amaryll aged she only grew more beautiful. The faerie smiled to the elf as he spoke his name. “Ward, an interesting name, I’ve yet to hear it a second time.” She commented and then raised a brow as his stomach growled. “You sound starved.” Her wings moved slightly behind her back as she stepped forward. “Of course you have a room, you are a gift from the moon goddess, we wouldn’t want to anger the gods now would we?” She looked into his yellow eyes a long moment. “Any question that you have Ward I am here to answer.” She smiled before she turned, “Follow me.” She spoke as she led him into the beautiful halls of the castle. Marble flooring, carefully crafted statues and paintings lined the hallways. It was like something from a book, nearly perfect. She turned this way and that as she led him down the halls. “The tattoo.” She spoke as she stopped before the door. “The moon goddess has something similar.” She looked to the symbols. “Hope and Wisdom.” She smiled, “Hope is something that our people dearly need, Ward.” She led him inside the room where a dining table sat. “Have a seat.” She spoke and pointed before she disappeared into the back room.
Leila found the cook and ordered a fresh meal for the elf before she returned and sat across from him. Her eyes were an evergreen color, like the leaves of a lush forest. Her wings were completely relaxed behind her back now, slack, almost cape like. “You have questions?” She reminded him. “What questions may I answer for you Master Ward?”
**
Amaryll rode through rain as she neared the battlefield the hooves of her horse thundered along the ground. She could hear the cries of war, it was as if she’d never left. She rode to the wounded tent and she quickly began assessing the fallen soldiers. With ease she would touch the wounded, her hand would glow and then her eyes. Soldier by soldier she mended their wounds and they returned to battle to live to fight another day. The princess was well versed in healing war wounds. She didn’t even blink an eye when amputated limbs were brought in with screaming soldiers. Her magic would fix such a thing. If performed properly. Suddenly there was an explosion near the medical tent. It sent shrapnel and debris flying through the air. Amaryll let out a cry as she shielded herself. “Fall back!” She called out to her people as she began to run through the dust. She pulled her sword from her hip and as she encountered humans she slashed through them with the ease of a hot knife through butter.
Though the princess never stopped, she moved through the wounded like a machine until her body was exhausted beyond her means. She sat on the edge of one of the medical beds and let out a long breath. Her hands were covered in blood from the soldier’s wounds. She glanced about the room, only a few had died. They died from injuries that would have taken their life had she been there or not. Brutal injuries to include decapitation. Amaryll closed her eyes a moment, she didn’t have much time to sit, but she’d take advantage of a little downtime if she could, she never quite knew when she would get a break between wounded soldiers.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 27, 2019 23:30:39 GMT -5
A gift from the moon goddess? He didn't voice his question this time. He simply pondered over the words for a moment and thought back to the white void and the voice that had echoed around him. That must have been the entity that he had heard before he fell out of the sky and created the crater in the middle of a battle field. Though he should have still been rather panicked, given his situation, but he found that he was completely calm. Like he was on a sort of autopilot that told him he was in good hands. It was a dramatic difference than what he had felt an hour ago.
When he was lead through the palace he glanced around at the various decor. Everything was a masterpiece of artwork and there was an ethereal feel over every inch of the palace as they made their way through. When they arrived at the dinning hall he could smell the food cooking as it came from the kitchens a short ways away - down another hall. It was like when you walked outside and could smell the neighbor's barbecuing and smelled absolutely delicious. When Leila instructed him to sit at the table he did so without question and sat back in the chair as he ran his finger tips along the edge of the dark wood table before him.
His mind worked over a few things while he waited for his escort to return. When Leila did return he seemed much more in control of himself. His eye were more clear and focused, he sat up straight but with a relaxed posture, and he even smiled as the fairy sat across from him. "Yes, I have a few questions actually. I was told by the.. goddess(?) that I needed to help balance this world or something. Unfortunately I'm not up to speed on what exactly the conflict I saw is over exactly." If they thought he was some sort of herald for a goddess then perhaps it would be understandable that he wouldn't be exactly clear on what was going on.
When the food was brought out he smiled once more and inhaled the delicious scents before carefully picking up his silverware to begin eating. He tried to mind his manners as he didn't want to upset his extremely gracious host.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 28, 2019 12:08:23 GMT -5
Leila tilted her head slightly as she listened to Ward speak. His question sparked many of her own questions. Surly there weren’t many elves in the world outside of the Talamuk Island. There were only a few other places in the world that they knew of that elves resided, places that the humans had yet to soil. But falling from the skies, that is the story that she’d heard as well. How would an elf manage to get to such heights and fall such a distance without injury? The only logical explanation was that he was a gift from the gods. She gave a soft smile as she lifted a crystal glass into her hands and she looked to the servant that had brought out the meal. He nodded and returned a moment later with a dark glass bottle. He poured into her glass and looked to her as she gave him a nod and then he poured the red colored drink into Ward’s glass. Leila lifted the glass to her lips and took a drink of the bubbly drink, it was like a wine and a champagne, sweet yet bold.
“If the moon goddess hasn’t given you an insight to our troubles, then perhaps she expects us to do so?” She spoke finally before she took another drink from her glass and set it upon the table. She ran her fingertip along the rim until it hummed happily. After a few moments she looked back to him. “Years ago our king trusted a group of new beings that entered our island. Humans.” She searched his eyes. “They come from Omaron, it is a continent that is several clicks across the sea from here. A place that lacks magic.” She smirked slightly as she brought flames to her fingertips. She was one of the pixies that flew with the Talamuk Rangers. Her precision with an arrow was unmatched by any other. She allowed the flame to dissipate then as she lifted her glass to her lips and inhaled the sweet smell of the drink before the took another sip. “They were fascinated with our people. Or so it seemed.” She frowned slightly then. “Many of us were skeptical to such a fascination. Especially when a few of the humans took such a great fascination in Princess Amaryll. She’s our only true healer on the island. The things that she can do with her magic are beyond those of even our most ancient Oracle. She can do so much more than simply heal.” She smiled slightly before she took another drink.
The fae sat back in her chair slightly, “They waited many years before they forged an attack on us. They traded with us, learned from us. Foolishly our people trusted them and taught them. We helped them develop and master flight with an airship. It was our design and now it is the very thing that our soldiers battle within the war. We enchanted blades for them, bows….armor...” She shook her head. “We prepared the damn humans for the war without even realizing that we were placing the nails into our own coffins. We sent our people to Omaron, only to never hear from them again. They were thinning out our ranks slowly one by one so as we wouldn’t notice.” She drank more from her glass, finishing the last drops before she set it down once again. Leila sighed softly and shook her head. “Certainly the moon goddess does not care for you to listen to our foolishness? How naive we were to trust the humans...” She ran her fingertip along the rim of the glass again.
“Would you care for more?” The waiter stepped to the side of the table with the bottle once again.
“Please.” Leila lifted her glass to the man. He smiled to her as he poured the glass and he then topped of Ward’s glass as well before he disappeared back into the kitchen. The faerie looked to Ward again then. “So it is a war for our land, for our people. The people of Talamuk. It is a war to protect our ancient libraries, or ancient buildings and relics. The humans only seek to gain riches from us. Nothing more.” She shrugged slightly. “They seek to destroy anything that stands in their way of their victory.” She brought her forest green eyes to meet his once again, “What other questions may I answer Master Ward?” She asked before she took a drink of her freshly poured glass. It was a strong alcohol, possibly stronger than anything Ward had in his previous world.
**
Amaryll heard a crash outside of the medical tent. There was a cry as she got to her feet and drew her sword. As she rushed outside she watched as one of her soldiers was decapitated by the sword of a human that glowed blue beneath the light of the moon. A sword that Amaryll recognized. It was the sword of one of her officers. She rushed forward toward the attacker with a fury that burned within her soul. “You’ll stop at nothing but to kill us all. Why wasn’t our peaceful agreement enough for you?!” She cried as she swung her sword forward. Her own sword glowed with white inscriptions, the sword fed off of her magic. Her deep blue eyes were glowing white as she stared forward. She moved swiftly, blocking hits from his unknown attacker. The sound of their swords seemed to echo across the battlefield as if it was the only fight that was engaged. Like thunder the blades clashed. Amaryll caught armor a few times only for her sword to be swept away. She grit her teeth as she felt the sword of her enemy slice into her shoulder. Though this did not slow her down. She lashed forward and kicked the human in the center of his chest harshly, which sent him back a few steps. Blood ran down her left arm freely from the deep gash over her shoulder blade. Her fingertips still gripped tightly onto the hilt of her sword as she watched the man before her. Rain began to pelt down upon them as they walked in a circle around each other. She awaited his next move. Her eyes gauged his body movements, calculating carefully.
Once again the two clashed swords. It was like an intricate dance, two skilled fighters placed against once another. Amaryll sliced into the soldier’s upper thigh between one of the plates of armor. Her eyes watched as blood ran over the tarnished steel. Though the next blow that the soldier dealt was an elbow that caught her off guard. His elbow landed directly in the center of her chest which knocked the air from her lungs. Amaryll was tossed back into the thick mud, her silvery white cape became covered in the mud as she fought to breathe. Her sword was knocked from her fingertips as she turned and scrambled through the mud toward her blade.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 28, 2019 16:52:32 GMT -5
Ward watched Leila as she sat and drank the wine while she explained the reason for the conflict he had witnessed when he was first dropped into this world. He learned that this place was named Talamuk. Then he was interested to know that humans did not come from the same place but rather from across a body of water, perhaps a sea? He too sipped his wine as he took in the information and deliberated over the details that Leila provided. He was a bit torn between helping the humans and these other creatures at first, but the more he thought about it and thought back to the image that he had seen in the mirror when he looked into it he could see why they would expect him to align himself with them over the humans.
Of course he was only hearing one side of the story, but if people were anything like the people back home then he wouldn't be surprised if they had just gotten greedy and wanted whatever it was the elves and fairies had on this island. He was rather impressed with the people of Talamuk's initial generosity at helping the humans in the first place. Why mutual trade agreements hadn't been established was a little beyond him, but maybe these folk were simply the trusting type. They had brought him in to the heart of their empire without a second thought and asked him for help without giving to much thought to his true origins after all. He couldn't help but feel a little pity for such a gentle people caught in such a vicious war.
When his wine glass was refilled he thanked the man and then set the cup down on the table before folding his hands in front of him and resting his lips against his thumbs as he processed everything. "You must not be fairing well in the battle if the conflict has gotten so close to your door steps." He commented. "You're fighting against your own weapons and armor which gives you an advantage not a disadvantage actually, which is good. You know the weaknesses and flaws of every piece and how to exploit them." His mind was racing. He was never one to enjoy or study military tactics but it seemed his new mind and body was a bit more accustomed to it. If these people wanted his help he needed more information, much more, and he wasn't sure if Leila would be able to provide it.
"There are many more questions I need answered." He admitted. "I think I need more information on these.. humans first though. I need to know why they've attacked and what they hope to gain. Who's fueling the fire behind them and what sparked the hatred for the people of Talamuk. Humans are flawed but not inherently evil or malicious. Something's driven them to attack you. I just hope it's not for the sake of conquest. Wars fueled by "divine guidance" are the hardest to fight and bring to an end." He sighed and looked towards a door as it opened and a handful of trays were brought out and placed on the table between the two. Before the covers had been lifted Ward could smell the food contained within and found himself smiling in anticipation.
After they had been served and Ward had taken a couple of bites of food he glanced back up to Leila. "Explain your magic to me. How did you learn it and what is the source?" He knew it might be a dumb question in her eyes, but he needed to know. Plus he figured that if he didn't know perhaps the humans didn't either and that sort of knowledge could be invaluable. Especially since she had stated there was no magic where they had come from.
*****
As the fight between the human and Elven Princess continued others watched from the shadows. This was a sort of battle that demanded the attention of those around and most were locked in shock and awe of the physical prowess of the two skilled fighters. However, one individual within the crowd wasn't as struck as the others. He didn't want to distract the Princess, earning her a possible fatal blow from the human, and he simply waited on the sidelines and watched for his window of opportunity. When Amaryll was knocked to the ground and her sword flew from her grip the one who had been waiting saw their opportunity to leap forward.
As the human raised the stolen sword above his head to deal the finishing blow a large black figure slammed into his side, tacking him into the mud. There was a scream followed by a sickening crunch and the squelch of blood. Then silence fell over the clearing as a large black cat stood over the now dead human with blood running from its jaw from tearing the man's throat out. The cat growled and then it's body shimmered slightly before it changed back into the form of a rather wild looking elf. The woman was a druid. Someone who had welcomed the spirits of nature into their body and could control them like a mage with magic. Stepping over to the princess she knelt down and placed a hand upon Amaryll's shoulder. "Princess are you alright?" She asked as the rain and blood dripped from her hair and face while the rain continued to fall. Her bright blue eyes seemed to almost glow in the darkness around them.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 28, 2019 21:27:22 GMT -5
Leila could see the gears turning in the elf that sat near her as he thought over the words that she’d just spoken. Her gaze fell slightly when he mentioned how close the battle was to their capitol city. He was right. They were steadily losing ground to the humans. “You’re not wrong.” She spoke her voice softened as she spoke, her fingertip ran along the top edge of the glass once again. Leila took in a breath, her brows furrowed slightly when he spoke of the weakness of the weapons. She let out a soft chuckle, “Hm, I don’t believe the king has thought of using that against the humans. That is a rather good point, Master Ward.”
The fae leaned back in her chair once again as she listened to his questions, she gave a nod here and there. Valid questions. “The humans are greedy. They want what they cannot have. Their souls are not born into a world that is capable of magic. Our magic is closer to that of the soil that rests beneath us, the gods provide us with such essence. We are born with our powers. It is something that may be polished, something that can be refined to be stronger. Much like Amaryll. The princess is a healer. Though she is a healer with the skill to fight. Her magic courses through any weapon that she wields. That is a gift of the gods. Our oracle has a great prophecy that follows the princess. Though the oracle never spoke of you.” Leila fell quiet as she thought of her last comment. “Then again, the gods wish to surprise us often. The moon goddess in particular.” She smirked slightly before she finished off her second glass. “Though I digress.” She searched his eyes a moment. “The humans search to gather our riches from the depths of our hidden ritual sites. They have blown a hole into the walls of one and stolen every artifact from inside. It isn’t truly the knowledge that they seek though, they leave behind scrolls of parchment...and take small silver and golden statues. Things that to us are not nearly as worthwhile.” She shrugged slightly. “None of our people have ever returned from Omaron so their leader is as unknown to us as is our magic to them.”
Leila grinned when he questioned her of their magic. “Do you not have magic?” Her brows raised slightly. Her cheeks were pink from the alcohol. “Master Ward...” She sucked in a deep breath. “Magic is an essence, it is my soul it is within your soul...it is as bound to us as the sun and the moon are bound to our world. It provides us with balance.” She thought deeply and shook her head. “Without magic I am merely dust itself.” She held her hand forward and sparked a flame once again. “Fire is my specialty. We all have one, two for some of the lucky ones.” She smirked then. “Though I can do much, much more with magic than this. That is with steady training with our elders. Time spent learning from them allows us to push forward and perform more godly spells. Some of our magic is written...now that form of magic, perhaps a human could learn, if connected to their spirit enough. To their essence. If they found that connection it could be possible….” She sighed softly, “I...really don’t know what to tell you, Master Ward….” She looked to the food that had been brought out for him. “I do hope you enjoy your meal.” She nodded as she looked to her empty glass, she scrunched her nose slightly and sighed.
**
Amaryll was pushed into the mud by the soldier, his boot pressed firmly between her shoulder blades to hold her still as he readied for the blow. The princess groaned as she tried to move, to breathe. Then suddenly the weight was off of her back. She rolled quickly to see the huge black cat tear the throat from the human. She scrambled back and grasped her blade ready to defend herself. Though, to her surprise the creature turned into a beautiful elven woman. The brightness of her eyes was stunning. Amaryll looked up to her as her breath caught in her chest, she had been moments from death’s doorstep if it hadn’t been for this wild looking elf before her that was bathed in the blood of their enemies.
Amaryll gave a nod as her breath shook. “Yes, I am. Thank you.” She slowly stood her eyes never left the woman. The sound of the battle in the distance continued to echo over the lands as clashes of thunder echoed through the valley. “By the gods you saved me.” She spoke and searched the woman’s eyes. “Thank you.”
“Princess.” The general rushed over and touched her arm which blood ran down. “We are being pushed back. They’ve brought reinforcements. What do we do?”
The princess turned to him, her eyes moved to her bloody arm, she couldn’t feel the pain in her shoulder which told her it was a considerable wound at best. “Were are the rangers? Tell them to give it everything they’ve got. We must hold them back.” She drew her brows together.
The general nodded quickly. “I’ll gather the rangers. We won’t let them through the line!” He ran off back toward the battlefield.
Amaryll looked back to the elf before her as she took in a breath. “I don’t mean to cut this short, but it seems I have other matters to attend to...” She spoke as she began walking toward the direction that the general had run. Suddenly there was a loud explosion. It threw the princess back into the mud from the shockwave. Screams came from the battlefield. She rolled and stood as her ears rang. Another explosion in the distance sounded over her muddled ears. She screamed as she rushed forward, several of her soldiers had been hit, bodies lay riddled over the landscape.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 29, 2019 13:44:52 GMT -5
Stealing treasures and killing the natives. It was a story he had heard many times again with humans. He had never understood why humanity felt the need the interject themselves and subjugate the native population in any given area. The thought made him wrinkle his own nose in disgust and then sighed before taking another swig of his wine. The wine they had given him was strong, not that it was harsh to drink, but he could already feel the alcohol working its way through his system so he set the glass to the side for now.
It wasn't until Leila asked if he had his own magic that he really gave it much thought. He looked to her fingertips that had held the flame, her specialty, and lift his own hand while flexing his own fingers. Did he have magic? He wasn't quite sure. He hadn't tried because magic hadn't been a thing where he was from. It was all tricks and slight of hand not actual spell casting. "I'm still learning.. about this body." He admitted and lowered his hand once more.
Once he had finished his meal, his stomach full and feeling rather content, he sat back in his chair and rubbed the back of his head. His long hair still felt a little strange to him. "I want to explore and walk around a bit. See things for myself." He told Leila as he wasn't quite ready to simply go and sit in some room that had been assigned to him. Since he wasn't a prisoner he didn't feel it would be an issue.
*****
The wild woman only nodded to the princess in response as she thanked her and then another solider came to inform them of the arriving reinforcements on the enemy side. A low growl emitted from the woman's chest before the explosion which also sent her flying back and sprawled out in the mud. Another growl came from the elf and when she stood up once more it was on all fours. The cat that the woman turned into was much larger than that of a normal great cat. She was nearly twice the size of a normal great cat. She made her way over to Amaryll who was still in the mud and knelt down next to her. "Get on." She would hear in the woman's voice within her mind through a strong telepathic connection.
Once she felt Amaryll's weight upon her back she rose up to her full height and leaped forward and out of the muddy pit that had been made from the battle. She was carrying Amaryll away from the fighting but as she crested a small outcrop that overlooked the majority of the battle field she inhaled sharply and then let out a roar that echoed across the vast fields and armies. The roar was so loud that as it died off it almost seemed quiet, even with the fighting. Then, across the field from where they stood, a whole herd of what looked like wild animals burst forth from the tree line and leaped into the ranks of humans that had been steadily pushing the human's back.
Prior to this the druids had not wanted to intervene with the war between the humans and other fae creatures, but after a few forests had been burned and then the voice of the gods had been heard when the sky opened up for Ward they had finally decided to join in the fight. Bears, lions, stags and apes all joined in the fray. Companions and druids alike all savagely attacking the intruders who dare upset the balance of nature on Talamuk Island.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 29, 2019 16:17:18 GMT -5
Leila watched as he lifted his hand and stared to his fingers. A soft chuckle came over her lips, though it wasn’t mocking. She seemed amused. “The Moon Goddess has never been one to simply give something.” She gave a warm smile then as she searched his eyes. “The will to use your magic is that of your own, you pave the way for yourself with your powers. The more you work for it, the more it will become something that is natural to your body to perform. Much like breathing.” Her eyes were alight with curiosity. She wondered then what the Moon Goddess intended by sending them this elven man that seemed clueless to his surroundings and his own powers. “Perhaps tomorrow you should speak with the old Oracle, she could give you insight on your powers, certainly. She foresaw the incredible power that our princess holds when she was still within her mother’s womb.”
She then fell quiet and allowed him to enjoy his meal. Tomorrow would be a big day, she hoped. Perhaps they could make advancement in the war rather than trying to slow the humans as much as possible. So many of the cities surrounding the capitol had fallen to the humans weapons and aggressive nature. Her own city was one of the first to fall. She could remember the night. Bombs and gunfire broke out. The screams within the small city of faeries echoed through the forest. They were located at the southern most portion of Talamuk Island. Leila looked up from her empty glass as she heard Ward speak. “Of course, walking around might spark something within you.” She gave a soft smile at the end before she nodded and a waiter came over and lifted up the trays that were nearly empty.
“Shall we start with the gardens?” She stood her wings moved slightly behind her spreading out from being flattened against her back as she sat. Waves of blue and green magic flowed through the ribs of the wings and scattered across the translucent webs. She stepped from the room and led him through the castle. “You know, not many just get invited straight into the castle. Oh, and brought in by the princess even.” She winked to him, the alcohol clearly loosening her tongue. Leila turned down several halls until they came to a grande staircase that led down into the beautiful gardens. Fireflies floated about. The flowers had a glow to them within the gardens. It was an incredible sight to see, blues and pinks, yellows and oranges. Leila went up to a flower and leaned forward to smell it a smile upon her lips. “So Ward...” She turned to him and had to look up a considerable amount. “If the Moon Goddess has sent you….” She walked around him slightly, as if inspecting him. “Where has she sent you from? Another continent? Realm?” She was highly curious and it showed in her emerald eyes as she smiled up to him, a pondering look upon her expression. “I’ve heard stories from the ancients about the magic that the gods perform in times of dire need such as this.” She shrugged slightly and held her hand out as if to tell him to move about as he pleased. “I’ll follow you, Master Ward.” She bowed her head slightly.
**
Amaryll took in a breath as she heard the voice of the huge cat in her head. “I...” She glanced around, her horse was gone, spooked by the bomb no doubt. She grit her teeth and sucked in a breath. Sure she’d been saved by the druid and she was thankful, but the druids had failed to come to the aid of the war. The only species upon the island that refused to help. She understood in a way, it wasn’t their battle. But it was…
The princess had only hesitated for a few brief moments before she climbed onto the back of the jungle cat. She held on tightly as she had leaped forward bounding away from the battle. “No! Wait!” She cried. “We can’t abandon them!” She glanced over her shoulder toward the battlefield, another bomb exploded casting a flash up into the stormy skies. “Turn around!” The princess ordered just before the cat roared loudly beneath her. Her heart bounded within her chest and then the rumbling of the creatures filled her ears. She watched in awe as the animals of Talamuk Island rushed forward to battle the humans easily bowling them over. Amaryll’s jaw was loose as she watched the utter power of the beings. The druids were able to call upon the animals all this time? She slowly slipped from the cat’s back and stepped to the edge of the cliff as she watched the humans turn and run. The first retreat that Amaryll had seen from the humans. She watched in shock as the elves and fae stood and watched the humans running back to their ships. Amaryll sat down on the edge of the cliff, her legs dangled toward the ground that was several hundred feet below. She took in quick breaths as the rain began to slow, she gazed up to the skies as the moon began to come into view.
Amaryll glanced back to the wild druid, her ocean eyes searched for a moment before she stood slowly. Blood still trickled down her left arm and she winced slightly as she pushed herself up. “I...don’t know how to thank you druid...” She gripped her arm, “It has been months since we have even gotten a break from the humans wrath...whatever it is that I may offer...please...allow me to offer it to you...” She stared to the woman, the world around them was silent. Truly silent. The first time it had been in a long time. A wolf in the distance howled triumphantly and the hoot of an owl carried over the night skies. Amaryll gazed to the owl as it flew over the two, she could see the beautiful yellow eyes of the creature as it landed near them and tilted its head as it looked to the druid.
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Post by Nyte on Oct 29, 2019 23:14:09 GMT -5
The Oracle, yes maybe she would be able to help him, or at least point him in the right direction to get him started. He was completely lost and felt more a burden than any sort of help at the moment. When Leila mentioned him being brought to the castle by the princess herself he sighed and placed his hands on his hips. "Remind me to thank her for pulling me out of that hole in the ground. I'm afraid I might have missed that in all the confusion." He felt guilty for causing so much fuss over himself when it didn't look like he was going to actually be that much help.
When they reached the garden Ward couldn't help but to observe Leila's wings as they shimmered. They almost seemed made of glass in the moonlight and it was a rather beautiful sight to see. He wanted to reach out and touch them, but refrain in fear of upsetting his host. Though when she mentioned that he might hale from somewhere else when the goddess had thrown him into this world his attention quickly diverted away from the sparkling limbs on her back. "Yeah, you could say that. A totally different place, different world, technology you wouldn't believe." He sighed and thought back to his life. He hadn't been anything special. A store own and outdoor enthusiast. Not a fighter or general that would be useful in a war. "I just hope the goddess knew what she was doing when she sent me." He didn't mean to portray his lack of self confidence but it was quite evident in his speech.
Having free reign of the garden he slowly walked along the cobbled path that wound its way through the flower bushes and around plant beds. The glowing flora here was absolutely stunning and he could smell the gentle fragrance of flowers all around him. "You know, Leila, there's no magic where I come from. It's all in stories, myths and legends. Fairies are thought to be small creatures that only stand a few inches high. Not as tall as a human being." He shrugged and laughed a little at the irony. "I think once I get my barrings I'll be a lot more help."
*****
The druid watched the battlefield along with the princess from the vantage point of the cliff. When the humans started to clamber back up onto their ships she snorted and flicked her tail back and forth. The humans were cowards that only felt brave when they greatly outnumbered their enemy. They were like ants in her opinion and just as annoying. When Amaryll turned back towards her and thanked the druid for her help she nodded her head once more. "Do not thank us, Princess. We waited far to long to come to the aid of those of Talamuk. A decision I regret. My name is Fana and I am the chosen envoy for the druids. I have come to pledge our allegiance to the crown in this conflict against the humans." She bowed before Amaryll, with one paw out.
When Fana heard the owl she lifted her head and glanced towards the bird. "This is Ren. She's linked to me and will stay with you in case you are in need of us and we are not near by. She can convey short messages to me whenever you need to." Fana looked back over the battle field and then to Amaryll's injured arm. "Come, let us get you back so that you may have your wound tended to." She knelt down before Amaryll once more to make it easier for her to get back onto her back once more.
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