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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 2, 2022 18:22:18 GMT -5
The isle of Tir Na Nog, it was the last known location that the fae existed in the wild. It was a coveted place, though it was one that not many traversed to. Quite dangerous even. The fae that lived here, they were truly wild. They did not listen to the commands of the humans, nor did they wait around to ask questions later. The age-old war. One that the humans of this day and age perhaps didn’t understand. Could they answer the question of why? Why was there a war in the first place? Was it truly a war? Or were they just hunting this magical creature into extinction? Perhaps the latter. Were the fae simply reacting to the damages that had been done to them in the past? The island was a whimsical place. Anyone had traveled there would speak of it as if it was a dream. The beautiful blue streams that seemed to hold a glow all their own. The flowers of an array of colors that seemed to come to life in the presence of another being. The orbs of light that floated within the air playfully. It was a dream, the island of the fae. A dream that was slowly dying. Humans discovered that the fae were good for one thing years ago. Magical power. They were a well for this power, an unlimited source it seemed. In touch with the spirits of nature the fae could conjure the most beautiful things. Or the deadliest of things from the shadows of the world. Humans were always fit to show their greed. Their want for more. Their need for more. With their wars between one another the fae were eventually driven to retreat to this island. It’s hard to say how many truly exist anymore. The humans would hunt then for their wings at first. When they first discovered that the very wings upon the back of the fae was the source of their energy. But then as the wars waged further the fae began to push back. They fought against the humans that stole their wings. It was a terrible nightmare. The humans and the fae had once gotten along. Before the discovery of their untapped power of course. It didn’t take long for the humans to realize that even the blood of a fae could produce magic. To drain a fae for their power…it was a terrible task. But the king who discovered this quickly destroyed his enemies. His entire army began to draw upon a dark magic that was long since forgotten. They could drain, and drain a single fae and acquire much more magic than they could ever dream of gaining from just the wings. Stolen magic is not as whimsical. It wasn’t as playful and sweet. The stolen magic of a fae did not create flowers or play with the spirits of nature. No, the stolen magic of a fae spoke to something much more sinister than that. It became known as shade magic, the dark magic that only demons of fables could conjure. Controlling such a magic was difficult. It drove many to the brink of insanity. Which was the downfall of the king eventually. Eventually he took too much of this magic and it distorted him into a terrible blood thirsty being that survived solely from the blood of the fae. His words made no sense. His actions even more so were confusing and erratic. It took the elves and their dragons to destroy this king. The dragon riders sought to end the war. To wipe the kingdom from existence…and so they did. Centuries later, the fae were still hidden away. The true question was did the king truly hunt them to the brink of extinction? It seemed so. Many feared the thought of them. The stories from centuries ago of the mad king that lost himself to the dark magic of the fae creatures. But some were curious of course. What would the world be without a simple yearning for more? But it could never be that simple. There is always one that will grasp for power and lean into their greed. **  Quartermaster (1st mate) Lyla Blackmyre Captain Ainsley Draegan of the Triteia“What’s that?” A petite woman questioned. She stood upon the deck of what could only be a pirate ship. What with the black skull and cross bone flags that flew from the top of the masts. A rapier at her hip, tall leather boots that flopped over in a fold at her knees. She wore a simple black tunic that hung down slightly from her shoulders, exposing her collarbones for the world to see. She wore a beautiful silver necklace that was tucked away beneath the material. “Let me see.” Her short fiery hair fell into her face slightly as she swiftly reached toward a letter in the hands of a man that was much taller than her. “Lyra do you really think that you must have your hands in everything?” The man smirked as he looked to her. He had blonde hair and icy blue eyes. There was a deep scar that marked down through his brow of his left side and finished just at his cheekbone. He had a well-kept beard upon his face that seemed to be groomed each day, it even smelled of the fine oils that he used in it. Around his shoulders was a fur cloak that turned to a thick black cape that fluttered in the slight salty breeze from the sea. He wore a brown leather jacket and various buckles throughout his attire. He had a large dagger upon his hip and a great sword upon the other side of his hip. If looks could kill, he’d scare away most of the land loving citizens of any town that they docked in. The woman placed her hands upon her hips, she had grey hues that stared to him. “Well, when it holds the seal of the king of Prilon I become a bit more interested.” She snatched at it again and this time she managed to grasp the letter. The tiny fiery haired woman rushed about as the captain lumbered after her. She giggled as she grasped a rope and swung across the deck of the ship that they sailed upon. She grasped a hold of the thick rope net that made up the rigging that led up to the crow’s nest. “Lyra!” The captain fumed as he stood upon the quarterdeck. “I haven’t even read it yet!” He snapped; his icy hues locked on her. “Oh good then. I can read it for us both.” She leaned back against the rigging as she grinned down to the Captain. She slipped her thumb beneath the intricate seal of the Kingdom of Prilon. It was a kingdom to the west a good two days of sailing. She knew this by the location of the stars at night, by the way the sea smelled. Lyra had spent most of her life at sea. At least what she could remember. She slipped the letter from the envelope and pulled it out. The perfectly folded parchment was a golden color as she opened it to view the calligraphy inside. Lyra lifted her gaze to the captain whom stood at the wheel of the ship, one hand upon it, a scowl upon his face. She cleared her throat and then smirked to him. “Dear Ainsley Draegan of the Triteia, I write to you in need of your assistance in a more delicate matter. I know that you have aided me in the past and you are the only sea loving pirate that I dare trust. No one can know that I am requesting this of you. I will pay you 50,000 gold pieces to accept and another 50 when you have delivered me the goods.” Lyra looked up from the page. “Hold on a minute! One. Hundred. Thousand. Gold. Pieces?” She chuckled happily. “This king must be in quite the pickle.” She settled against the rigging again and then looked back down to the page. “Nothing that the crew of the Triteia can’t handle!” She grinned happily as her eyes made their way to the words once again. “Many will believe me to be mad for wishing for such a thing. But I assure you when I was a child, I saw one with my own eyes. I wish for you to bring me a Fae from the Isle of Tir Na Nog.” Lyra paused there, her eyes narrowed slightly, the smile wiped clean from her face. She gripped onto the rope and swung down next to the captain, she landed next to him with a thud. “We aren’t doing it.” She shoved the letter in his chest as he turned to her with a surprised expression. “I’m not hunting down a fae for some king to turn the world to ashes! Haven’t you read the stories, Ainsley?” She questioned with a pointed tone, her brows furrowed tightly together. “I won’t. You can’t make me.” She crossed her arms over her chest like a child that was pouting for a toy. “I may be a pirate but I’m not an executioner nor am I going to willfully give another living being into a life of torture!” She was clearly fired up by this matter. The captain clicked his tongue as he looked to her. He grasped the paper that was now crumpled. His eyes looked back to the page. “You know, Lyra.” He spoke and lifted his icy hues to meet hers. “When the King himself requests that something be done. He expects it. It isn’t an ask, more of an order.” He tilted his head slightly. “Besides.” A grin split his lips. “100,000 gold. Are you not a pirate?” He chuckled. “How could you turn that down? That’s worth more than the Triteia ever could have dreamed to be.” He chuckled as he turned the wheel slightly. “We will sail to Ansvale. We will gather supplies…and well…I need to do some digging. That island seems to want to destroy anything that comes near it. Do you know of the Fae Island?” He questioned as he looked to her again. “I’m not going!” She huffed as she walked down the stairs. “No one on this ship has a death wish, Captain! Not like you!” She called out as she disappeared under the deck. A heavy sigh came from Ainsley as he stared forward, he adjusted the wheel slightly and the wind caught the sails. The slight spray of the sea upon his face felt good. The warmth of the sun soothed him. He’d have to answer to his entire crew. He knew this wasn’t a good mission, but he was nearly out of money. He never told Lyra that or any of the crew. He managed their funds as well as he could, and he made sure to feed them and give them ale to keep them happy. But at the end of the day, it was money in their pocket. A life or not. What was one life in the grand scheme of things anyway? ** The ship docked several days later at the port of Ansvale. It was one of the larger ports of the continent. There was much to be bought and sold here. Ainsley looked out to the city and the people that moved about. He watched as a young man approached the ship. The Captain walked down the plank as his crew secured the ship to the dock and began to unload goods to be sold. “Young man.” Ainsley spoke. The boy held a crate in his hands. “From the king, sir.” He bowed his head as he held the crate forward. He then turned and rushed off into the busy city streets. Lyra stood upon the deck, her hands upon the railing. “That better not be what I think it is, Ainsley.” She glared to him. The captain drew in a breath. Of course, he’d tried to talk to her over the past few days. But he couldn’t blame her in the end. He understood her side. Sadly, enough though, there wasn’t a choice in the matter. He knew what would happen if they declined the king. It would be the end for their ship. He’d see the back of bars and the insides of a cell for the rest of his days, as would the rest of his crew. They didn’t ever make their money doing legal trade. Everything that they offered was illegal. But that was what made it interesting. That is what made Ainsley want to continue to live. “You know, Lyra.” The captain spoke as he walked up the plank and paused before her, the chest held to his hip. “If I, were you, I’d be nice to the man that saved you, eh?” He smirked to her before he walked along the deck toward the captain’s chambers. “Oh, you think that just makes everything better do you?” Lyra chased after him. “We are talking about a life, Ainsley!” She moved and blocked the door to his quarters, her arms crossed over her chest. “No amount of coin is worth a life.” Ainsley looked to her and then chuckled lightly. “You’re right. I wouldn’t give two coins for you.” He smirked and then slipped around her. Lyra let out an exasperated sigh, “Why don’t we just take the money and run? Huh? How the hell are we supposed to get to the island anyway?” “You do realize you’re the only shipmate that is questioning their captain. Right?” He raised a brow as he looked to her. He set the crate down and opened it up. The gold glistened; a smile curved up his lips. He grabbed a pouch and put several into it. “Listen, Lyra. You’re the Quartermaster. I understand that it is your responsibility to question me and ensure that I am making the proper decisions.” He stopped next to her. “So, why don’t you come along into town? We can’t get this fae unless we have a way onto that island anyway. Right?” He turned and walked from his quarters. Lyra chased after him. “What do you mean a way?” She questioned as she matched his pace easily. The captain gazed down to her a moment before he looked ahead as they weaved about through the busy bustle of the city. “There are those that are in tune with nature, not a fae…but those that might be able to help grant us access to the island. Besides, we don’t even know if the fae are still alive. That king centuries ago killed so many of them. Perhaps we will be chasing our own tails, hm?” Ainsley stopped before a merchant and handed a few coins forward. He watched as the man handed two turkey legs forward to him. “Why don’t you eat? It’ll keep you quiet for a bit.” He chuckled before he took a big bite from his own leg. Lyra huffed as she took the turkey leg from him. “I hope they don’t exist.” She spoke. “Because if they don’t exist, we made 50 grand to sail around for nothing.” She chuckled then as they moved along. Ainsley gave her a long look and then shook his head as he turned down another road. The crowds began to thin as they moved deeper into the city. His heels of his boots clicked against the cobblestone as he munched upon the turkey leg. Fresh smoked meat always tasted better from the market. Why couldn’t his chef seem to get it that good on the Triteia? He shrugged to the thought as he continued on. The city seemed to grow quiet the further away from the market they drew. Soon enough he looked to a house that was build around a thick oak tree. “You think they could have moved that before they built it…?” Lyra questioned as she gazed up high in the sky. “It was surely there when this place was built.” She stepped forward and pulled at a piece of the chipped plaster. Her nose wrinkled slightly. “Are you so certain this is the place?” She asked as she tossed her turkey bone aside. “I mean…it looks rough Ainsley.” She poked at another hole. “Maybe they died.” She exclaimed and looked to him. “Oh darn, we can’t do it then huh?” She stepped to the door and knocked hard upon it. Ainsley looked to her and raised a brow slightly. “You’re so certain that you know everything aren’t you?” He spoke as he finished his own turkey leg and tossed it aside as well. “This way, Quartermaster Blackmyre.” He led her away from the dilapidated home. Lyra stood at the door a moment. She turned around as she’d raised her hand to knock again. “Wait…not here?” She questioned as she rushed to catch up to him. “Why were you staring at it then?” She brushed some of her fiery hair from her face. “It was interesting.” Ainsley admitted with a chuckle before he stopped before a home that had smoke puffing through the chimney. He knocked upon the thick cherry wood door and stepped back to wait. “Here’s to hoping my sources were correct.” He grinned to her. “Sources.” She rolled her eyes. “Sure, sure. Who wouldn’t tell the truth to a pirate?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “This place is worse than the last one, Ainsley.” She looked to a spider web that held a bit black shiny spider within the center. It was spooling its web around a recent catch. A shiver ran down her spine as she shifted away from it and looked to the door as it clicked open. |
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Post by Raven on Feb 2, 2022 21:09:17 GMT -5
It has been peace, since the day it seem to all come to an end. The people called it a calm, for some many years. No war… they had experienced years of war, which some grew knowing nothing other than. It all came to a stop – Damien Bane was brought down. The puppet of the King, rounding him Fae kind and bringing it back to the corrupted leech. She had been following him for some time, simply tracking him and watching his skill. With every Fae he came back stronger – darker. She could feel his presence from miles away, a darkness that clashed against her soul… The Resistance drove her efforts, she and several mages were planning an assassination on Damien. They narrowed their research down to a specific day that Damien seem to be waiting for. The double full blood moon, when his power would be strongest. It was that night he ate the marrow of Unicorn horn, drank the blood of Satyr demon goats, snorted Pixie Dust and ate crisped wings for desert. His power could be felt from the ocean to the mountains, it was so powerful that the sky became a tinted green. The waters of the world becoming brown and disgusting, his power radiating and bending even the light waves about… Violet stood in the great Kingdom of Vale, of which she was proudful. She had erected an entire college of magic, which was booming. People from every which way were coming to learn, to master their arts, and protect themselves from the corruption of magic. She was a young 30 years of age, barely a Master of Magic herself, but she cared – no, she loved. No one loved people, the earth, and her spirits more than Violet. The Coven had met several times, even had projected meetings. An astral projection in a spirit room for discussion from a distance. The Academies were opening now among the Sage Coven of Elipse, a Goddess in which they worshipped. The Goddess of Serenity, Wisdom and the Moon. They had spoke of the plan, a solution to the war, as they had finally sourced the key player in it all. The King’s mage… Damien Bane… Violet bit her lip and gathered herself. She pulled a white cloak over her head and grasped a staff as she rushed out of a large academy doors. She looked up to the sky which was a dark emerald color, the power of Damien radiated strongly. She could see the source, deep in the city. Violet bit her lip and then held her staff up. “ Melody, Belessima de’Zantom she flicked her hand, a bright blue spark flicked from her fingertips. Emerging from the earth some 50 years out came a creature. It was created by vines and twigs, it morphed together as it began to run, matching Violet’s speed. It was an entire horse made of earth and giant mystical glittering leaves. It had a mane of vines, flowers blooming from fluttering as the horse bobbed. Violet looked over and reached a hand up, she mounted the steed easily and gripped down on a thick vine. They rode through the cobbled streets with intense speed. Melody would glow gently, flowers and grass about would grow a little dull. She would draw on the magic and life sources around her, just enough, to fuel herself in intense moments like this. They blazed to the center of the Kingdom, standing before a huge oak tree. It was easily a thousand years old, and was magically imbued. Standing before it was a tingle man, a hand upon the bark of the tree. “Thank you – Melody” Violet pat the horse and the horse began to crumble into the earth. Stone and vines sinking away to nothing. She grasped her blue crystal staff and walked down the huge green field toward the towering tree. “Ah, if it isn’t Archmage Violet Lane… the forefront of Education and all things Grandeur” a man wearing robes and a large mage anchor about his cloak. The signet of the King about his back… He crossed his gloves armed and grinned to her. “Do you intend on stopping me, my lady?” he questioned with a lifted brow. Violet’s hood fell from her head, she wore her thick black hair braided to the side. She had a mature but kind disposition about her eyes and face. He stood however, staff in hand – fingers white from gripping tightly. “I do” she spoke. Damien held his hand out – a ball of growing energy was forming in his hand. He smirked as his eyes flickered, power around him began sparking about. Wind kicked up and pressed against her. “You can’t” he spoke with a dark voice. Violet grit her teeth and reached upward to her staff, she pulled the gem from it and tossed the staff to the ground. She shut her eyes and sucked in a breath. Inpartum Dispante Fusion A glowing white light emit from the gem and Violet opened her hues. They glow bright white and she emerged – a shining white image of herself, slipping from her own body. A spirit of white light. She float forward, her legs still bound to her human form. A single white hand brushed into Damien’s chest – his eyes looked down. He could not stop his spell, it seemed. Violet cried out and grasped as his soul – her fingers gripping into a mushing mass of cold ice. She pulled back with strength, a dark hue of smoke lingering from Damien’s body. Until his soul was pulled from him – a hue of darkness, opposite of her. She pulled him close until their wispy faces met – she leaned forward and she kissed him with what be her spirit lips. In a second they merged and the body of Damien flew backwards. Violet came to – one eye white, the other dark. She held a hand forward and magic summoned from her chest, not a word needed. Damien’s body merged with the ball of magic that was floating about the air. The magic burst into his now husk of a human body – it shattering into ashes and coal. Violet stumbled back – just as she heard the deep chuckling of a man. “Violet Lane, you surprise me” the voice of Damien flood across her mind…. *** The Academy grew and grew – but as the years came by, Violet found herself tending to the new found spirit about her premises. That was exactly it – Damien shared a vessel with her. He infested her thoughts, her emotions, her mind. She worked tediously to put up magical barriers of great seals. If anything – she easily became the world’s best mage in seals and traps. Though, it just gave Damien something to do, he would pluck away at her keys until he unlocked her once again. She resigned as Archmage and gave the Academy to her Coven sisters, though a small part still belonging to her. Just enough to say she was apart of it. That was the unfortunate situation. She gave everything she had dear away – to stop him. Damien… So she found residence in a neutral town. She was there to study a specific kind of magic, which she thought to help her handle Damien. Even after 300 some years – she wanted to find a way to seal him away. Get him out of her… Though, in recent years their relationship was beginning to smooth out. What she had do to sate him made her beyond herself. So, living where there was a strong black market and gangs… she sated him on at least equally evil people… but when he tortured someone… when Bane tortures someone… their cries never leave her. Knock Knock Knock Who had come to her little hut? She only expected one visitor, the young man from the lower district – Evan it was. She had a tincture for his mother’s head pain, as promised. Her cabin was quaint in the outskirts of town. One would have to ride down a very long winding dirt road to get to her home, deep in the forest. Where the flora and fauna were thick, mushrooms and herbs all about… Her home was humble, a stone and wood cabin. The front deck was small and mostly held dangling talismans, or hanging garlic and spices. Pots and plants all about of certain herbs she needed frequently. She was the people’s last resort – the Quiet Sage could make a tonic to cure anything. The people paid a pretty penny for her to supply them, a simple spell… A quiet life. “Who is it?” A voice came from the living room. It was a small living room with two couches and a single round table in the middle, low to the ground. A deck of Tarot cards rest in the middle, with a chess board – mid game. A shadowy figure of a man sat on the couch. “It is your go…” he pointed to the chess and huffed. He stood and twirled - a hand flung forward and a stick of incense on a stand lit aflame and burned, the sweet smells of vanilla and cinnamon filling the air of the small home. “Bane-“ she scoffed and opened the door. Violet placed a hand over her braided raven hair and pressed her lips together in a thin line. Her grey eyes studied forward to the two strangers before her. She tilted her head as she eyed over the man, brutal. Pirate? She lifted her nose.. Rum, yes. Pirate. Her eyes glanced to Lyra… the woman? A shadowy figure suddenly appeared behind Lyra and Ainsley. “Well, well. Couple of Sailors on your door step Violet, are you going to show your guests in for tea? I am very intrigued” he clapped his hands together. No sound came of the action. He disappeared and then stood in the small kitchen, sharing the open space of the living room. He put a pot of water onto the stove and hummed as he plucked through jars of fresh dried teas. Violet cleared her throat and opened her door to her small home. “Alright then, please… take a seat” she closed the door behind her. Her hands moved to the lock and gently placed it, before turning around while a weak smile. “Are you here for pleasure, or for business?” she questioned as she came to the kitchen. The dark shadow poured three cups of fresh jasmine, orange and honey tea. A blend you would never find any where else, the teas were her specialty. Violet brought the tea cup to her lips and took a sip with a sheepish smile. Bane appeared and sat across from them on the opposing couch. “Do you need a Tarot reading? I am exceptionally accurate” he spoke, his voice deep and sort of cocky. His head bobbed with emotion, though no expression could be seen across his thick dark hue. “Or perhaps a tincture to heal your ladies’ barren nature?” he nodded his head. “Bane” Violet cleared her throat. “I do not think you are here for pleasure…” she smirked. “What is it that you need of Sage Violet Lane?” she crossed her arms and stared, she had no sat down. She stood off center and peered to the two… |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 2, 2022 22:16:38 GMT -5
As the door pulled open Lyra’s grey hues looked to the woman, whom held equally grey hues. A different shade it seemed. But unique. Her lips parted to speak as she watched the woman look over Ainsley, a smirk curved up her lips. The Captain turned his head as the shadow creature appeared behind them, his icy hues looked to it. He didn’t flinch away. Though that was an understatement for Lyra whom turned and jumped to the sudden sound of the voice behind her. “We’re not sailors.” She scoffed and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Lyra.” Ainsley looked to her, the woman’s hues had gained a bit of a bluish glow to them. “Enough, I could have left you on the ship.” He raised a brow and then looked to Violet. He gave a bit of a forced smile as he looked to her. She wasn’t anything like he imagined. Sure his sources told him of her. He read of the stories of this woman of how she’d saved the continent from certain destruction. But was it all true? This woman didn’t look very old at all. He had imagined she would at least look aged. He glanced to Lyra whom still stood with her arms crossed over her chest. “Come on.” He spoke to her as he stepped inside.
Lyra walked in, her eyes watched Violet as she replaced the lock on the door. She furrowed her brows slightly and then walked over to the couch and sat down heavily upon it. She looked to the cup of tea and raised a brow slightly. “Tea….you weren’t kidding…?” She brushed the fiery hair from her face as she lifted the mug and sniffed it slightly. She then took a sip.
Ainsley glanced to Lyra a long moment before he looked to Violet. As he was about the answer her question the shadowy figure appeared on the couch across from them. He looked to it as it questioned about Tarot reading.
“I am not his lady!” Lyra snapped immediately. “Don’t talk about me like I belong to him. I don’t belong to anyone.” She laughed then as she looked to the shadow. She then looked to Violet as she spoke it’s name, her brow raised slightly. “Ah see the sage lady knows what she’s talking about.” She spoke with a smirk.
“Lyra, enough.” Ainsley glared to her a moment to which Lyra scoffed at him. There was no controlling her it seemed. He then cleared his throat. “I am here to hire you as a ward for my ship.” He lifted the tea and sipped from it.
“Pinky out.” Lyra commented with a playful grin. This only gained her another glaring look from her captain.
“My name is Captain Ainsley Draegan...” He paused after he’d spoken his name. If this sage was as old as his sources stated. She would know his surname. It wasn’t a coincidence at all.
The Draegan family had been around for centuries. They played a pivotal part in the resistance during the previous war. His great great grandfather had played a vital role in freeing fae from the castle dungeons. The man was nearly caught dozens of times. But did that stop him? No, of course not. Yet here his grandson was, following the orders of a king to trap a fae. It was the exact opposite of what he should be doing. But then again for 100 thousand gold coins, that was hard to turn down. The Captain watched this woman carefully. “I am the Captain of the Triteia.” He paused once again.
“Yep that’s right. You can shake in your boots.” Lyra spoke up, she then took another drink of her tea. “You know. This isn’t half bad. Not nearly as good as a rum or ale. But I’ll take it if that’s all you have I guess.” She glanced to the captain whom once again shot her a glance.
“I want to get onto the Fae Island of Tir Na Nog.” Ainsley spoke his icy hues focused in on the sage when he spoke this. “I hear there are plenty of treasures there to be had and well I have more than enough coin to pay you to come along.” He tossed the pouch of gold coins upon the coffee table. As it landed it made a loud clink as the coins adjusted within the velvet bag. “I’ll even give you my Quartermaster’s suite on the ship.” He looked to Lyra whom merely glared back to him as she sipped upon the tea. “You do not need to come upon the island if you do not wish to. I’ve heard it is terribly dangerous. But I know that there are artifacts that are thousands of years old there. They’d sell for a pretty penny.” He smirked to the sage then. “I just need you to protect my ship and my crew so that we can get on that cursed island. I’ve been told you’re about the only one that could ensure that we don’t end up at the bottom of the sea like every other boat that nears that island.”
Lyra finished her mug and huffed slightly as she stood. “Oh right. I’m terribly rude. I am his quartermaster that you’ll be stealing the room from...you can call me Lyra...Blackmyre if you want.” She shrugged slightly as she shifted to look about the room. Ainsley had told her not to tell the woman the true reason that they were going to the island. She let the silence settle in the room before she turned and looked back to the sage. She pressed her lips together, “What the Captain is saying is he will pay you a lot of money to come on one of the most notorious ships of the sea. Easy money right?” She spoke as she placed a hand on her hip. “I mean unless you can’t do it.” She shrugged and smirked slightly as she looked to Ainsley. “I told him his sources were prone to lying.” She blew a bit of her hair from her face and then chuckled.
“Why do I bring you with me?” Ainsley pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Ignore her. Please.” The captain drew in a breath. “I would like to set sail for the island tomorrow morning. We are at the port now gathering supplies for this voyage. It should take about a month to get there so long as the winds are in our favor.” He lifted his gaze to Violet. “I’ve heard great things about you...I haven’t heard anything about your...friend...” He looked to Bane a long moment. “Though that is none of my concern.”
Lyra walked around behind Bane and tilted her head. She reached forward and her hand pressed through the smoky shadows of his body. “Huh.” She spoke and a chill ran down her spine as she pulled her hand back. “Oh I don’t like that.” She shivered slightly.
Ainsley grit his teeth as he looked to his Quartermaster. He let out a breath and chose to ignore her this time. “Would you accept this position? I will return you here once we have finished. Of course there will be more pay involved. I can even give you a cut of the spoils we get from the artifacts.” He gave a grin. His eyes shifted as he heard the sound of a glass breaking. Lyra stood with a sheepish smile upon her face, she’d dropped a jar of herbs on the floor. “I’ll keep Lyra out of your hair too even as a bonus...” He sighed.
“I didn’t do it. It just fell off. Smokey over there must have caused it.” She waved her hand in Bane’s direction. “You know. Ghost things.” She looked down to the dried green herbs and the broken glass upon the floor in front of her. The fiery haired woman knelt down and inspected it. “Do you have anything good in here? Like...you know...the good stuff?” She grinned as she looked up to Violet. “Captain can pay you for that too, you know. Maximize your opportunity here. I’m a good businesswoman I would know.” She set the pieces of glass on the countertop and then she scooped up the herbs and set them next to the broken jar. She let out a breath as she pressed her lips together and pressed her finger to the glass. A bit of a blue glow came to her hues and the glass crackled. It turned a molten orange color as it formed back into the shape of the jar that it was before. She smirked and placed the herbs back into the jar. “There. See good as new.” She stepped over and plopped back on the couch next to the captain.
Ainsley looked to her. He had told her not to practice her magic openly in front of others. He’d told her a thousand times, but she just didn’t listen. She never listened. Lyra did as she pleased. Though that was one of the things that he loved about her. It made life on the sea more interesting to say the least. “Well...before we destroy anything else of yours I imagine we should go.” He stood and looked to Lyra whom happily stood. She was being annoying on purpose. She didn’t want Violet to come. If Violet didn’t agree to help then they couldn’t capture the fae. It was a win, win situation for her. “Would you like to think on it?” He questioned as he rested his hand on the hilt of his long sword. “Like Lyra said, it’s easy money. I just don’t have a mage capable of protecting us against the sea.” He chuckled as he looked to Lyra whom had stood and come to his side.
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Post by Raven on Feb 3, 2022 22:35:37 GMT -5
Violet lifted a brow, a smirk across her lips as this fiery headed woman seemed to express herself freely. The bickering between her and the Captain was more life than she had about her in some time. The engagement was full of energy, nearly sparks – flying across the room between them. As the door closed, the composed woman sat on the couch across from the Captain, her legs crossed in a comfortable manner. A single hand lifted and Bane set a mug in her fingertips.
Violet lifted her thick forest green hues to the Captain, after he spoke his name. A proper introduction. “Draegan…” she nodded her head slightly, a brow raised. How interesting for such a person to be captaining a ship, a pirate ship no less. She remembered engagements with the family, a man by the name of Marvin Draegan – she was in contact with for some time, as she gave him information from her own spies. Though she never officially met him, she wondered who Marvin may have been to this Captain… a small world it was.
She was pulled from her thoughts, her eyes dull and idle over her steaming tea as her mind rambled silently. Violet looked to the man – Tir Na Nog. He spoke such words with confidence, like he had been there before. A legendary place, so many have tried to imagine it, the world longed out of curiosity. Though –
Bane appeared suddenly and sat next to Violet, legs crossed and attentive. “Go on, I am so very intrigued” he spoke with a snarling tongue. He chuckled deeply, a dark sinister sort of laugh – waves of tension with each rise of his shoulders.
“No- I will not-“ Violet made to say, but there was a sudden black shadowy hand over her lips. While others would phase through him, his contact to Violet was final. Not only did he stop her from talking – but she physically could not talk. She tried to fight against him but even as his hand fell away – she could not utter a phrase.
“Go on, Captain” Bane nodded his head and tilted his head. If one could see his expression – it would be that of a dark grin.
Violet was finally able to break through his strength when glass shattered on the floor. She gasped and heaved for a breath. “I…” she glanced to Bane, who stared her down now. His eyes were just glowing pits of ember, which crackled before her with a stare that drilled through her mind and heart. He said nothing to her but his words were like a hammer to ice. She knew she had no choice.
“I will think it over, captain. I will meet you at your ship with my official answer in the morning…” Violet spoke with an uncertain voice. Her brows were pulled together tightly as she stood uneasily. She set her empty cup down on the coffee table and placed both hands before her, fingers weaving between them in front of her waist. She bowed her head gently as they stood and made for the door.
As Violet passed the repaired jar – she paused. The woman did not speak a word of magic… the Jar was perfect, though a gentle scar was etched into the glass… she ran a finger over the slight ridge and set it back down. She cleared her throat and nodded “If you are looking for a local bite… the Street Café on Jubilee Road is the best in town…” she spoke as she leaned against the door slightly. As they turned away she shut the door and sighed deeply.
“You know there is nothing I want more in this world than the sweet sweet taste of Wing-Tea, truthfully” he clasped his hands together and twirled. “You are going. You wont fight me on this” he narrowed his gaze to her, flaming eyes burning.
She could feel him stirring in her chest, he pulled at her now more than ever. It made her absolutely sick – she gripped her gut and rushed away. What came from her was a black substance, his darkness incarnate. If she did not succumb.. the torture would begin, and it always started with the sour dark bile… Violet gripped the toilet before her and sat upward. “Fine, you fucker!” she shouted with strained and tearing eyes. The pain subsided and then his chuckle crossed her mind…
***
Packing was simple. She was a simple woman, despite it all. She had two bags, one for clothing, the other for her medicines and such. Books and the like, her bag o’ magic. The life she lived was a quiet one, she only said good bye to two people. Her neighbor who she tended to frequently, and the girl that delivered her coffee every morning. That was all who cared for her, in truth. It was what she preferred anyways, with her partner – having friends, or even a loved one…was never a question. Bane would destroy everything she had, driving her to her ultimate mission: Get him out of her body…
She approached the docks with each bag in hand, her shadow was quiet. Resting in the back of her mind. He picked and chose when he dared to participate, usually never in her favor. She wore her white cloak, her outfit was that of a Shaman, in the sun – it had vines and plants, beautiful colors, traditional and comfortable. Her adventuring attire she called it. A knife strapped to her thigh, all of the necessities about her waist, prepared for all things. Though, she mostly wore this attire to venture the forests for flora. Violet could not recall the last time she was on a boat, in truth. Easily 50 years ago. At least.
Her boots clacked against the planks as she stepped up onto the deck of the ship, which bobbed slightly with the incoming waves. She turned her gaze to the Captain who came her way, respectfully she set her bags down and gave him a nod. “Captain, I suppose I am here to journey with you” she smiled weakly…
“At least… it is a beautiful ship” she spoke with a hopeful smile – it was a true compliment. It was overwhelming…it’s size, the people bustling about, all of the ropes tied off every foot or so. The wood about the deck was polished and tended to, the color fresh and bright….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 3, 2022 23:41:56 GMT -5
The one moment that Lyra fell quiet was when the shadow seemed to take more interest in the adventure than even her captain did. She looked to the thing, a brow raised slightly as she crossed her arms over her chest. When Violet spoke that she would think it over a bit of a frown came to the woman’s lips. Though only for a moment. “See look Captain. I didn’t run her off.” She slapped Ainsley on his back before she turned to leave.
Ainsley offered a smile to the woman. “Well, I do hope that you say yes. It could be the adventure of your lifetime. Besides, you’d be getting paid.” He chuckled as he stepped out the door. He glanced over his shoulder as the sage spoke of the restaurant. “Ah we will head right---….”
“Jubilee Road. You heard her.” Lyra smiled. “Nice to meet you sage lady...and...uh smoke guy.” She peered around Violet slightly and then grabbed a hold of Ainsley’s arm. “Come on I haven’t had anything but Egbert's food for the past two months. Dog food is better than that slop he makes!” She complained as she dragged the captain away.
Ainsley had his icy hues on the sage as the woman shut the door. He noticed how she’d grown silent when the shadow expressed such interest in Tir Na Nog. He shook Lyra from his arm and glared to her. “I really can’t take you anywhere Lyra. Are you trying to make her say no? You’re infuriating.” He snapped as he walked along at a brisk pace.
“Oh you could tell?” Lyra questioned with an innocent smile. It only lasted a moment before a chuckle came over her lips. “Did you forget that I don’t want to go to Tir Na Nog, Ainsley?” She questioned with a raised brow. “You know much of the crew doesn’t want to go. Not to mention did you see that extra baggage that the sage has? That shadow thing is creepy. Straight up gave me the chills.” She shuddered just thinking about the icy cold feeling that had run through her body when she’d touched it.
“Enough, Lyra.” The captain nearly growled. “I’ll throw you before the king if the sage says no.” He narrowed his eyes at her.
Lyra scoffed. “You wouldn’t.” She rolled her eyes at him. “You couldn’t replace me as quartermaster if you tried, Ainsely. Admit it.” She paused before the cafe and gripped the front of his tunic. She towed him down to her level. “Admit it!” She grinned to him as she held her grip.
Ainsley glared to her a long moment as silence settled between the two. A broken chuckle came over his lips. “I hate you. I really do.” He laughed then and shook his head. “No, I can’t replace you, Lyra Blackmyre. I know it.” He pat her cheek. “There, feel better?” He pulled her hand from his shirt and smirked to her. “Let’s eat, hm?” He stepped into the cafe. It wasn’t anything fancy from the outside. But on the inside it was an adorable mom and pop cafe. The love and care that went into the design of the place was beautiful. It looked almost as if they were outside. Candles flickered upon the small tables.
“Two?” A small woman asked with a smile. “Well aren’t you cute?” She asked to Lyra. “You better treat this one right.” She winked to Ainsley as she led them to a table. The place was busy, but it didn’t feel crowded and it wasn’t loud.
Lyra furrowed her brows slightly to the woman’s comment. When she sat at the table she looked to the woman. “Rum please.” She smiled brightly.
The woman looked to her and a chuckle came over her lips. “Rum?” She asked. “No, dear we don’t have rum here. I’m sorry.”
Lyra’s smile faded and a sigh came over her lips. “No rum...didn’t Violet say this was a fancy cafe? The best in town?” She grumbled.
Ainsley looked to the fiery haired quartermaster as she seemed to sulk. He looked to the woman, “Don’t mind her.” He flashed a warm smile. “Do you have ale? Wine? Anything like that at all? We just got in from the sea. It’s been a rough last few weeks.” He had his way of charming those around him. That was how Ainsley got to be captain in the first place. He’d stolen the ship from a noble nearly 10 years ago.
The woman smiled as she looked to Lyra a moment and then back to the captain. “I have something. It is a Vale secret. It’s better than rum if I do say so myself.” She turned and walked away then.
“You don’t have to spit at everyone you know.” Ainsley looked to Lyra a long moment. “What are you going to do when the sage comes along? Hm? I think she’ll do it.”
“Well I do suppose I’ll be sleeping with the rum in the hull of the ship since you gave away my quarters.” Lyra raised a brow as she looked to him. “Ainsley there was a war over this very thing.” She pushed her finger against the table, pointing against it as if a book of history was open beneath her index finger. “This isn’t a good idea.”
Ainsley smirked as he looked to her. “You’re right. I know. But it was a request from the king. Just try to relax, Lyra.” He glanced as the woman brought back the glasses of a murky looking liquid.
Lyra lifted up the glass and looked to Ainsley. She sniffed it and her nose wrinkled slightly. “It better be much better than rum to smell this terrible.” She spoke as she placed the glass against her lips and tilted her head back.
**
Ainsley walked about the deck as his crew prepped to send the ship off. He saw the sage before she even made it to the ship. A grin split his lips when he saw the bags in her hands. He walked over his own boots clicked against the polished deck. He raised a brow slightly to her weak smile. “You suppose? Hm.” He placed a hand upon her shoulder. “Don’t you worry I’ll keep Lyra busy. She won’t be any trouble and she won’t break any more of your things.” He gave a chuckle. When she complimented his ship his smile grew. “Ah yes, yes. Thank you. She’s a fine ship.” He nodded. “She does us well. One of the quickest ships on the sea.” He ran his fingertips along the railing. His smile faded slightly when he heard a sound. A familiar sound. A sigh came from his lips. There was a singing that came from the stairs that led below the deck.
“Oh, whiskey straight and whiskey strong! Give me some whiskey and I’ll sing you a song!” Lyra came up the stairs with a flask in hand, she had a huge smile upon her lips. A few of the men sang along with her as they continued to make for the ship to leave the dock. “O whiskey makes me wear old clo’es, whiskey gave me a broken nose. Whiskey killed me poor old dad, whiskey druv my mother mad! If whiskey comes too near my nose, I tip it up and down she goes!” Lyra tipped the flask back and giggled happily as she sauntered toward them, dancing about. “Here comes the cook with the whiskey can, a glass of grog for every man! A glass of grog for every man, and a bottle full for the shantyman!” She wrapped her arm around Violet’s shoulders. “Well, well. Welcome sage.” She spoke in a cheerful voice. “Shall we embark on our adventure?” She hiccuped. She held the flask toward the woman playfully. “You ought to drink some. It’s stronger than the stuff you keep in this city. Promise.” She winked.
“Lyra.” The Captain pressed his lips together. “Would you show Violet to her quarters?” He lifted the bags. “Here.” He swiped the flask from her hand.
“Hey! That’s mine.” She frowned as she held the bags in her arms now. “Give it back, Ainsley.”
“After you be a stand up quartermaster and you show her where her quarters are.” He chuckled. The captain then turned and marched off. He climbed the stairs up to the wheel. He looked about as the crew quickly loaded barrels and other supplies. Slowly the ropes were releasing from the dock. Soon enough the sails would be let down and they would move about the sea freely once again.
Lyra smirked to Violet, a bit of a wild look in her eyes. “Right after me, m’lady.” She spoke in a failed attempt to mock the nobles of the land. A giggle came over her lips. “I’ve prepared the room for you.” She moved forward, her steps light, she whistled the tune as she moved along. Lyra stepped to a door that was even with the deck. Only she and the captain had quarters above the deck. The rest of the crew slept in the hull. They had beds of course, but the views were not nearly as beautiful.
Lyra pushed the door open to a beautiful room. The bed was made beautifully, it held satin sheets and many pillows. A true luxury. A chest sat at the end of the bed with a thick pad lock upon it. Lyra set Violet’s bags upon the chest and she looked about the room. “Dresser for you.” She pointed to the dresser that held a mirror upon it with various jewels and items neatly placed upon it. “I couldn’t move everything out, so you’ll have to excuse some of my things.” Lyra spoke with a smirk. There was a bookcase that was overflowing with books from all around the world. Mainly fictional stories it seemed with a few educational reads mixed in. “I do hope that the room suits you well for the next few months.” She moved and pulled back the dark curtain to reveal the beautiful view from the back of the ship. “This is the best part. Especially at sunset.” She gave a smile. She heard a yell from above them. “That’s me!” Lyra rushed from the room then.
The woman quickly gripped upon a rope and she tugged upon it. The huge sails of the ship folded out and caught the wind. Lyra rushed about, she began to call out to the crew of the ship. They were a small crew. A chef named Egbert whom remained below deck most days and five other men that ran the lines and kept the decks sparkling clean. Lyra climbed up the rigging to the crow’s nest. She let out a loud gleeful yell and she giggled as the ship began to move.
Ainsley gazed up to the fiery haired woman and shook his head slightly. She kept him one his toes at least and she offered him laughs that the other members of the crew simply couldn’t offer. The ship took off into the sea with ease. The Captain adjusted the wheel and pulled a compass from his pocket. He gazed to it a moment as the spray of the sea came over him. This is what he lived for. There was a loud thud on the deck next to him. He lifted his eyes to look to Lyra whom held a hand out. “What?” He questioned. She extended her arm more and raised her brows. “Oh. Right, right.” He pulled the flask from within his jacket.
“A glass of grog for every man, and a bottle full for the shantyman!” Lyra sang and then giggled before she took a swig. “You know? If we can buy good whiskey and rum. I’ll follow you anywhere Ainsley.” She spoke and then chuckled. “But I don’t want to go to Tir Na Nog.” She frowned at him before she walked off and found her way to the bow of the ship where she leaned into the breeze and took in the feeling of freedom that was sailing across the open sea.
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Post by Raven on Feb 5, 2022 22:39:16 GMT -5
Violet smiled to the captain as he joked he would keep Lyra out of her hair, some how she doubted that in her mind. Her green eyes shifted to the wild read haired woman, she paraded about singing loudly and profoundly. For a moment she cracked a smile, she was certainly entertaining, and not the worst singer she had heard before. As the captain commanded Lyra to show her off – she sage turned to the Captain and bowed her head respectfully. “Captain” she then followed Lyra.
The doors opened to the large room, she smiled in awe as she looked over it. She did not expect the pirate ship to be so lovely... She expected… moldy, wet and stinky. This ship was tidy, clean, it smelled like oranges and lemons, it was delightful. As the large windows were opened – she gasped with joy. She could see herself huddled up with a book, soaking in the sunlight. She then felt a small pain of guilt, this was Lyra’s room…
“I… appreciate this, I know it was not your choice. Perhaps I can make a request to the Captain...” she sighed softly and picked up a book that was stacked over others. She turned and watched the woman rush away as she was called…
Violet set her bags down on the bed and sat down. Suddenly a dark being appeared, Bane hovered over the planks of the deck. “Oh where ever shall we go?” he hummed a shanty and twirled about happily. “You know, if someone asked me 300 years ago – Bane, would you ever expect yourself to be onboard a pirate ship?” he coined and then laughed. “I’d answer, of course, never in a thousand moons” he clapped his hands – which released no sound. “I suppose it has been a thousand moons” he rushed forward to Violet and plucked her jaw into his hand.
“You could end it all, you know. You know what you have to do” he whispered and then disappeared. He knew the answer, always was the same.
Violet pressed her hands to her cheeks and rubbed her eyes slightly. With a groan she stood and made her way to the doors that lead outward. She stepped onto the deck of the ship, the sun beaming down upon their backs. She held a hand up to block the sun – her eyes finding the captain at the wheel. She turned and made her way to the starboard railing. Her fingers curled about it and she looked out to the never ending sea.
There was a feeling of tranquility, peace. There was no smell like this in the world. The air was untouched and fresh, with a dash of salt for the taste buds. A few strands of hair that escaped her braid were fluttering about as the wind rushed passed her. The ship was moving quite fast, she was impressed.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 6, 2022 12:23:48 GMT -5
Lyra had merely smiled to Violet. “Make a request to the captain?” She chuckled and stepped over to the sage. She looked to the book in her hands and a smirk curved up her lips. It was a book she’d stolen from the libraries of one of the far continents that was shrouded in mist. She couldn’t remember the name of the place, but Ainsley would always remind her of its name. “You are a great mage.” Lyra’s grey hues lifted to look to the woman, she stood close to her. So close that the woman would be able to see the small freckles upon her cheeks. “I don’t believe you would enjoy sleeping in the underbelly of the ship with the boys.” She poked at the book. “You might enjoy that. It’s quite the tale of the fae.” She spoke before she slipped away at the beckon of the captain.
The book was a history that those of their great continent could only dream of. It was hand written, more of a journal than a story. Some of the pages were ripped or missing. The cover was terribly damaged. The book had definitely seen better days. The man who wrote it had spent time on Tir Na Nog among the fae. Long before the wars of the humans. Long before the fae locked everyone out and retreated in silence from the terrible deeds of this world. The man wasn’t mentioned in any texts of the main continent, no. No one truly knew him. But Lyra had read the book over and over. Her interest in the fae had always been quite high. But she had never wanted to go to Tir Na Nog for the purpose of capturing a fae. She never wanted to harm them at all.
**
Ainsley stood at the wheel, his icy hues gazed over the ocean as they moved along at a swift pace. He caught the light colored cloak of the sage as she came from the quartermaster’s quarters. He watched her as she stepped to the railing and gazed over the sea. He pulled the letter from the king from his pocket and read it over again. He’d read the parchment so many times since he’d first received it that it had become wrinkled and worn.
Lyra on the other hand leaned against the railing at the bow of the ship. She had a huge grin upon her lips. The fiery haired woman turned and rushed up to one of the men that was busy securing barrels upon the deck. “Hanlon.” She spoke as she watched his knot. The man looked young, perhaps he was newer to the crew.
“Quartermaster.” The man was scrawny as he stood and looked to Lyra with wide eyes.
“You’re doing it wrong again. Do you want to lose the barrels over the edge in a storm?” She spoke as she smirked to him. “I can bet the captain wouldn’t be too keen on that, seeing as he’s the one feeding your skinny ass.” She pat him upon his chest and then grinned. “Look, I’ll show you again.” She knelt down.
“It’s hard to remember all of the steps...I’m sorry Lyra.” The young man spoke as he adjusted his tunic. The ship crew was a mixture of men that Ainsely had saved. It wasn’t the normal pirate crew that one would expect. No peg legged, one eyed, black bearded men ran about the ship. None of the men looked particularly rough. Though if engaged in battle they could certainly hold there own. Well, with the exception of Hanlon perhaps. But he was a work in progress. The newest member of the crew even.
“No, no. Don’t apologize, Hanlon.” She smiled to him, this was the nicest that Lyra had been. “Now look.” She held the rope in her hand. “Listen carefully.” She moved her hands to the awning hitch that was secured to the deck of the ship. “Pass the tail around the standing end...” She spoke as she moved the rope about. “Then pass it around again.” She looped the rope through the eye she’d created in it. “Tuck it here. Remember the rabbit running through the hole?” She looked to Hanlon and he nodded. He looked as though he was in awe of her. “Now tuck it here.” She moved the rope easily within her hands. “And pull.” She tugged on the rope and it cinched down into the knot. “Now undo that horrible rats nest you have there and show me how to tie a knot properly.” She grinned as she sat upon the deck. She took a drink from her flask as the ship bobbed about over the waves of the ocean. Hanlon moved to the other Rolling hitch. He struggled with the rope and Lyra watched him with an amused smile. Soon enough he was attempting the knot. “Ah...you think you might want to go through the loop again?” She commented as he tried to mimic her knot. Hanlon looked to her and gave an uneasy laugh. She nodded to him. “Go on.” She took another drink from her flask. The fiery haired woman continued to watch him intently until he’d finished and he pulled it tight. “That’s it!” Lyra shot up and slapped Hanlon on the back playfully. “Now three more times.” She pointed. “Don’t lose our cargo.” She smirked as she walked off from him. Lyra continued about the ship, she checked in with each crew member and she sang as she wandered about the deck and made her way below the decks.
Soon enough Lyra came back to the deck and she stepped over to Violet. “Anything good out there?” She questioned. “Sometimes we see a great whale or two. Just depends on the day.” She smirked. “Have you ever been on the sea before? Isn’t it grand?” She popped the flip cap from her flask and took another swig as she leaned her back against the railing. She tilted her head back and let out a sigh. “The sound of the ship moving through the waters is my favorite part of it all. That and the stargazing.” She chuckled. “Are you sure you can keep us safe as we approach Tir Na Nog?” She questioned, her grey hues looked to the woman then. “I’ve heard the horror stories of what happens to ships that get too close to that island. I don’t particularly want to end up at the bottom of the sea.” She chuckled as she turned and looked over the edge of the ship to the deep blue waters below that rushed by.
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Post by Raven on Feb 6, 2022 19:17:12 GMT -5
Violet placed her palms against the railing and glanced out to the great sea. She heard a commotion behind her – Lyra, of course. Though what she eavesdropped was not what she expected. The fiery haired woman was actually rather kind and nice to the assumingly new ship hand. She shut her eyes as she pictured the knot in her head, though curiosity started to pick at her as she completed the knot in her mind.
As the two turned and spoke – Violet caught a glanced of the knot. She pulled her brows together in frustration as the knot in her mind did not look like so, at all. She quickly turned back towards the ocean. Her mind captured this knot in her head – she would practice idly when gazing away. Knowledge. That was all she ever craved. And as she thought it – a familiar chuckle would creep in the depths of her mind. Knowledge, a similar trait the two souls shared, and the ever lasting lust for it.
Violet cleared her throat and smiled as Lyra made her way to her. “Quartermaster” Violet nodded her head in respect. “Nothing but the calm sea…” she sighed happily. “There is something lovely about it. I think… it is consistency. You can predict the waves, the bob of the ocean, the direction we go. At least for me… that is what I love, so far. While, no doubt, the uncontrollable should and will come, for now… this is all that you have. Consistency… what a pallet…” she drummed her fingers on the railing of the ship.
“They say it is freedom, to roam the see’s. But perhaps… freedom is the same as control. You get to pick your path, not someone else…” she did not say this to Lyra, no. She said this for the black darkness within her. To Bane. He had always claimed he would set her free, but alas. She knew there was no freedom, no…. Just Control.
Violet turned from the edge of the ship and she stepped to the deck. Her eyes gazed to its size, she seem to measure the space. “I believe I am your only chance” she chuckled and turned about. “I have some ideas on how we might transverse there, but I think I will need to discuss it with the captain….” She crossed her arms slightly and peered to Lyra.
As the two spoke – a black figure appeared behind the captain, on the top deck of the ship…. “Ah Captain” the deep and thick voice of Bane snaked its way to the man. “Look at our ladies in waiting” he held his hands up and chuckled. “Disposable but yet so god damned important…” he sighed and vanished. He reappeared on the left side of the Captain, rather than the right. He stood behind the man with his hands clasped behind his back. “So, why exactly is a Draegan Son is marching to the forbidden isles?” his voice was cold and sharp, Draegan family gave him much distress. “Don’t tell me it is to gnab yourself a pretty fae girl, is it?” he questioned with curious glowing eyes. His expression was just darkness, but his voice was full of life.
From the bottom deck – Violet turned and waved to the Captain. “When do we get to the Isles?” she questioned as she caught the captains eyes. She shouted over the winds, though as she honed in on the captain. She sighed deeply – Bane lingering behind him, like a shadow….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 6, 2022 20:20:49 GMT -5
Lyra had a smirk as she listened to Violet speak the word. Quartermaster. It had a nice ring to it. She could remember the day that Ainsley officially named her the Quartermaster of his crew. Almost as if it was yesterday. She’d been in that position nearly 9 years now. He’d only been on the sea a year before she’d come into the picture. “You can call my Lyra.” She spoke, “Or if you prefer Quartermaster I won’t argue.” A chuckle came from her lips. She then listened to the woman speak of the consistency of the ocean, a brow raised slightly. “Hm, just wait until we traverse our first storm. That is when all consistency goes out the window. Yet.” She smirked as she looked to the woman a long moment. “The storm is more of something that I understand than a blue bird day...” A chuckle came from her lips.
She listened to the next line from the woman as she took a long swig from her flask. “Freedom is the same as control?” She turned and leaned her elbows upon the railing. She looked to the woman’s fingers that drummed upon the wood. “You’re not wrong.” She grinned then as she held her flask toward Violet. “Though too much control and you’ll make yourself tired.” The flask had a beautiful inscription of the initials LB. Lyra’s initials. With swirls about the flask carefully drawn upon it. “It feels good to lose control.” She tilted her head back. Her fiery locks hung back away from her face. A giggle came from her lips. “Doesn’t it?” She asked as she looked to Violet once again with her striking grey hues. “Hm...I quite enjoy it at least.” She took the flask back and took another swig from it.
“Ainsley believes that you are our only chance too.” Lyra spoke, she bit her lip slightly. Her playful expression had softened. “It’s just the kraken right?” She grinned then. “Just a few sea creatures and horrible storms.” She blew her hair from her eyes and then brushed it aside. “What’s to worry about?” She giggled.
**
Ainsley was watching the two, his icy hues upon Lyra. His lips pressed into a line. He’d asked Lyra not to bother Violet. Though he knew that was a big ask. Violet always liked newcomers on the ship. He could remember when he first saved her. The crew on his ship had been him and three others. It was difficult to get the ship moving well. But, he managed. Still he ran a skeleton crew but with Lyra’s help the crew knew exactly what to do. He jumped as he heard the voice behind him. His eyes turned to look to the shadow. “Bane...was it?” He spoke as the voice had greeted him. He stared to the shadow. “Ladies in waiting?” He shook his head. “Lyra is no lady in waiting friend, you must have that confused.” He then raised his brows. Disposable.
The captain drew in a breath. “Neither of the two are disposable. I do believe you are quite wrong there. Lives are not a disposable thing.” He gripped the wheel a bit more tightly now. He hadn’t liked the shadow back at the cabin that the sage had. But he imagined that the shadow served some sort of purpose to her otherwise she wouldn’t have brought it along. He was about to speak as the shadow disappeared. He gazed forward again and let out a breath. He’d ask Violet about the shadow later. Why bring it along? Lyra didn’t even like the thing. That meant something to Ainsley. There we not many things that Lyra would truly dislike. But she’d stated how the shadow had made her feel quite clearly.
That was when Bane questioned further. The cold tone in his voice caused the captain to tense slightly. He looked to the shadow that held curious glowing hues. “I’ve been requested to retrieve something from Tir Na Nog.” He replied his eyes watching the shadow. “What I am retrieving is none of your business.” He spoke as he looked back forward away from the shadow. It was then that Violet called up to him. He drew in a breath. “Three weeks at best. A month more than likely.” He called down to her. He glanced over. “Oliver, would you hold the wheel steady?” He questioned a man that swabbed the deck near him.
“Of course captain.” The man stood. He had a peppered beard. He was older, but he was built well. He wore a sword upon his hip, a grin upon his lips. “You deserve time away from the wheel anyway. That no good Quartermaster never gives you a break.” He chuckled.
“She’s too busy keeping the lot of you in line.” Ainsley spoke as he stepped from the wheel. He walked right through Bane and shivered slightly from the cold that encased his body after. He made his way down the stairs and over to the two women.
“Cap-i-tan.” Lyra grinned as she called out to him. She bowed playfully. “Shall I take my leave so you may speak to the lady?” She questioned and looked up to the wheel. “Oliver is supposed to be polishing up that deck!” She glared to Ainsley.
“You had better take the wheel from him then.” The captain replied with a chuckle. “Besides he might just steer us off course.” Ainsely watched Lyra a moment.
Lyra seemed to ponder the thought a long moment. She huffed and then looked to Violet. “M’lady.” She curtsied before she took a swig from her flask. She then ran up the stairs. “You missed a spot Oliver!” Her voice could be heard over the winds and the waves of the sea. The man could be seen looking. Lyra then playfully punched him in the arm before she started speaking to him a smile upon her lips as she took over the wheel. The two continued to speak among one another for a moment before Oliver returned to his tasks.
Ainsley watched Lyra a long moment before he returned his attention back to Violet. “I hope that you find your room sufficient for the trip.” He spoke and gave a bit of a awkward smile. “I do have one question...what is the plan for when we approach Tir Na Nog? I know that you’re powerful. But we must get this planned out now so that we have some sort of plan for when we arrive.” He shifted and leaned his elbows against the railing. The sea mist sprayed against his face. “Also, if you have any questions for me, I will be more than happy to answer them. Oh, and also, the cafe that you recommended was one of the best I’ve had in Vale.” He chuckled lightly. He was less tense as he spoke to her than he had been the night before. Not having to deal with Lyra and her tantrum was helpful. That was for certain.
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Post by Raven on Feb 7, 2022 22:45:29 GMT -5
“I suppose it depends who you ask then” Violet lifted a brow, Freedom is the same as control… Lyra saw it differently. Then again, how could someone summarize Freedom into a single line in the first place? It was much more complicated than that. What exactly was Freedom? She peered out to the ocean, she imagined she would spend the next few days pondering this very question. Scribbling about in her book as she mulled it over. Freedom, and how she craved it so. Her eye glanced to the shadowy figure that stood near the captain. Freedom… she grasped the flask and took a swig.
Violet smacked her lips together and coughed slightly. “Hmm” she sniffed the flask and then took another swig. “That is impressive” she handed the flask over. “That Whiskey reminds me of the rye from the islands of Treno, just the subtle hint of nut, a gentle earthy toast” she nodded and rubbed her tongue against the top of her mouth.
“The Kraken… surely” she smirked to the woman, and her wild imagination. Her green hues fell upon the captain who confidently strolled up to them. Her lips curved into a gentle smile as Lyra spoke the word Capitan in a unique way, the pitch in her voice made her chuckle even. She nodded to the woman, a farewell for now, though surely their paths would cross on such a ship. She imagined Lyra would be the thorn in her side… but at least the views were nice.
“Captain” Violet turned back to the ocean as she stepped up next to her. She stood with her shoulders aligned, her cloak fluttering slightly in the shifting winds. Violet glanced to Ainsley as he questioned her plan, she pulled her brows together. “The way into Tir Na Nog….” She turned to the man and then smirked. “Come, let us discuss over some ale?” she questioned and tilted her head.
She followed behind the captain as he lead her to the stairs that led below deck. “I am happy you enjoyed that café, I find that to be my favorite thing about travelling. Yes you see beautiful things, but I love culture, and I love food” she chuckled with the comment. “It is also enjoyable to hear the same songs from bard to bard, the differences and styles, even sometimes the lyrics morph…” she tilted her head. “Always a little experiment” she spoke as her hands guided on the railing down below.
***
Bane disappeared as the captain turned to his assistant. Requesting him to the hold the wheel. As the Captain walked away - Bane reappeared behind the man. He touched his shoulders and chuckled. A dash of cold would shoot into his spine. The man jumped and shouted slightly. "Oh shut it" Bane pushed the man away then. Oliver turned and scoffed. Bane had already stepped before the wheel and wrapped his blackened wisps of hands about it. He hummed softly and bobbed his head as he held the wheel straight, he adjusted it just slightly as the sea pulled at it. "Oohhhh" she hummed. "This is niiceeee" his red glowing coals stared to the man and he laughed.
As Lyra came up to the ship - Bane bounced his head back and forth. "Look at me, Look at me. Shadowy demonlord parading the sea!" he vanished suddenly and shoved Oliver back to the wheel. "This guy" he scoffed. "Better scrub the deck, eee matey!" he vanished again and his laugh could be heard throughout. He waited until Lyra took the wheel and he returned once more.
"So" he leaned against the railing infront of the wheel, eyes peering to the red haired fury. "You said... you wanted the good stuff?" he questioned and tilted his head. Suddenly in his fingers was a single thick cigar and he shifted it forward. Before Lyra could take it, he yanked it back and then brought it to his face. He sniffed it and laughed. He plucked it into his lips and snapped his fingers, it lit instantly and he took a long drag. "Ohhh...." he puffed a blast of the smoke towards her. "You can have it...." he held it forward once more. "If you let me drive the ship" he grinned then.
***
She always expected the belly of a ship to be dull, to smell musty, and be slick with ale. However this ship was clean and tidy. It felt like being a comfortable tavern, a sort of wooden texture and dimness, but a pleasant smell and feeling. The captain lead her a particular corner which had a rounded red couch sitting before a coffee table. The table itself had stains of circles – mugs placed upon the wood over and over. Violet pulled her cloak from her shoulders and set it on the couch.
Her shoulders were actually exposed, the long sleeves of her blouse, which was cinctured by a corset, was cut to expose the collars and shoulders. She sat and crossed her legs “Whatever you recommend, Captain” she bowed her head, as she awaited a drink to be placed before her.
“First, I will venture to the Island in the Fade. Quite a dangerous thing, but I actually – in truth – have no idea what to expect. I can sense any magical disturbances, and potentially discover the pathway in. There may be… a specific spot we may have to enter in, or I may even have to shield the ship from magical barriers, or perhaps… it will simply come to straight warfare…” she grasped the mug handed to her. She took a long sip and nodded in approval. She may not look like a drinker, but in truth – Booze was the only thing that kept Bane quiet, so she drank often. In large amounts.
Her green hues fell to the Captain who sat next to her. “I will need to know… exactly what presence you wish to display… Are we going for invisible and quiet, or loud and disruptive?” she took another sip and set her mug down. “And what exactly are we retrieving? Do you know what part of the island it rests?” she questioned. “I am intrigued, you speak to me like I would know the defenses of Tir Na Nog, but the truth is no one knows, not even powerful and knowing sages… I can try… but worst case scenario is I prepare the ship for anything…and I react” she sighed softly.
“I am… a powerful mage” she leaned back, her eyes studying him now. “And it is obvious… I am no stranger to the bizarre and absurd…” she narrowed her eyes and peered to him. “What does Tir Na Nog have, that you already don’t have?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 7, 2022 23:45:28 GMT -5
Lyra had grinned when Violet actually took the flask. She chuckled as the woman coughed, her eyes intrigued as she awaited the response. “You like it?” She had an ecstatic tone. She took her own swig. “I might have to share with you then.” She winked before the captain had approached them. As she made her way up to the wheel she saw the shadow and she could see the fear in Oliver’s eyes. She narrowed her eyes slightly as he placed his shadowy hands upon the wheel. Oliver looked to her as he gripped onto the wheel. “Quartermaster...” He spoke, he had goosebumps upon his arms. As Lyra took the wheel she took a swig from her flask and tucked it into her belt. Her grey hues fell upon the shadow as he reappeared. She raised a brow slightly as she watched him. “You don’t have anything good.” She scoffed with a laugh. “Face it smokey you’re just a shadow.” Lyra tilted her head as the thick cigar appeared in his hand. Her lips parted slightly and a grin curved up her lips. “Or perhaps not.” She made to reach forward and he swiped it back. “Hey!” She frowned as he sniffed it. “You can’t just offer something and take it back.” Lyra watched him closely as he lit the cigar. “You have to at least share a little bit...” She sighed. Then as he blew the smoke in her face Lyra tilted her head back slightly. Basking in the scent of the drug. “Oh what is that? Is that...that...” She drew in a deep breath. “Just what is that?” She asked as she looked to him with entranced eyes, a wild grin upon her lips. “It smells better than the stuff I get from the main port.” She leaned against the wheel a bit as she looked to him. He held it forward toward her Lyra lifted a hand off of the wheel. “Quartermaster.” Oliver spoke up. “I don’t believe that is a good idea.” He stood next to her. “The Captain doesn’t let you have that anymore. Don’t you remember what happened last time.” He looked to the shadow and shuddered slightly. “The Captain would be quite cross with you if he found you intoxicated by that. Not to mention allowing some...thing to drive his ship.” Lyra looked to Oliver and a giggle came over her lips. “Aren’t you supposed to be polishing up that deck?” She questioned and raised a brow. “What’s Ainsley going to do? Huh?” She turned, her hand still upon the wheel. “He might be mad at me for a few days. Suuurrrreeeee.” She took a swig of her own flask. She then looked back to the cigar that was offered toward her. Lyra bit her lip slightly. “One condition, Smokey.” She leaned forward and gazed into his ember glowing hues. “You listen to me. I’ll let you drive so long as you do as I say. I’m the Quartermaster of this ship. So when the captain isn’t around what I say goes. Capieche?” “Lyra.” Oliver spoke again, he looked uneasy. “You don’t even know what that is.” He pointed to the cigar. “Ohhhh but I do.” Lyra grinned excitedly. She looked to Oliver and pat his cheek. “It’ll feel so good. Like floating through the skies.” She turned back toward Bane. “What’s your story smokey? You seem like an interesting guy.” She spoke as she leaned forward and took the cigar into her lips. She drew in a long drag as she kept her grey hues upon him. She brushed her fiery hair from her face as she held a hand upon the wheel, offering it to him. “Lyra….” Oliver swallowed uncomfortably. “What are you doing?” He stared to Bane now. Lyra leaned her head back as she felt the high rush over her body. A giggle came over her lips. “This is much better than anything I’ve ever had, smokey.” She spoke with a wide smile upon her lips. She leaned against the railing as she faced him. “So...how do you know Violet?” She asked curiously. “You two don’t seem to be...of the same caliber.” She smirked, her voice playful. She had no idea how horrible Bane truly was. She’d given into the chaos of the moment so easily. Though, that was Lyra. She was chaotic in nature. She’d take what she wanted. Do as she pleased. She’d always been that way. Even when Ainsley was cross with her, it didn’t phase her. “You want some of this?” She asked as she offered her flask forward toward Bane, she drew another long drag off of the cigar. She held the smoke in her chest for a long moment before she blew it out and it swirled in the air above them. ** Ainsley smirked slightly as Violet mentioned ale. “Oh we’ve plenty of that. I don’t skimp on the stuff I buy either.” He chuckled. She was talking his language now. He didn’t expect a sage to want anything to do with the drinking that would happen upon a pirate ship. “Ahhh well perhaps, Violet, you must be a pirate at heart.” He chuckled as he led her below the deck. The sitting room, or the dining hall was quite exquisite for such a small vessel. Since Ainsley had stolen this ship from a rich noble it had all the fine fixtures. The golden inlays. The granite countertops. The woman he’d stolen the ship from hadn’t spared a dime on this ship. She got everything she possibly could on it. He moved to the bar where barrels were tapped to fill mugs of ale. Though Ainsley paused, his icy hues fell upon Violet as she removed her cloak. His jaw loosened slightly as he looked to her exposed collarbones. She was truly beautiful. A gorgeous woman unlike any other he’d ever seen. When she sat and spoke to him he cleared his throat slightly. He had been staring quite blatantly. “I think you’ll like a good dark red.” He spoke as he turned quickly to the barrel and began to pour two mugs. Ainsley came and sat next to her, his eyes played over the woman slightly before he turned his hues to look to the various art upon the walls of the sitting room. He took a drink from his mug as he listened. His eyes finally turned back to her as she spoke that she had no idea what to expect. “The Fade?” He questioned curiously. He’d never heard of such a thing. Then again Ainsley was not one of magic. He nodded. “I will follow your guidance. That is why I hired you.” He grinned and took a drink from his mug. It was then that she began to question. He drew in a breath, “As quiet as possible so as not to disturb the isles. That is what I imagine would be best.” He pressed his lips together as she questioned what they were retrieving. Ainsley looked away from her. He didn’t want to speak of what they would retrieve. “Well, I don’t exactly know where I will find what we are looking for.” He gave an awkward smile. “But if the island is not disturbed by our arrival, that would be most...important...” He took a long drink from his mug. Ainsley chuckled to her comment, “I was under the impression that you might be the only mage around that could possibly get my ship onto the island.” He glanced to her. “I have faith that you will get us upon that island.” The captain nodded. “I trust Nya a great deal, she said that you are an excellent mage.” He raised a brow slightly. She was digging in hard. Asking questions left and right. The captain drew in a breath. “It isn’t exactly about what I have.” He finished his ale. “You must remember I am a pirate, dear. I function off the aspect of making a coin.” He pulled a coin from his pocket and moved it about through his fingers carefully before he held it up before her face, a smile upon his lips. “So, what we are there to gather is no more of importance to you than it is to me. It is merely a job. I have been given something to retrieve from the island and I must deliver it back to our continent. Then I get paid, and you’ll receive a nice bonus.” He stood and took her mug. “Another?” He questioned as he walked over to the bar and refilled it swiftly. He brought the two mugs back and then filled a pitcher before he sat back at the table. “I believe any of the sites that are believed to have been inhabited at some point will do...somewhere that the fae lived at some point. That should get us a good start.” He was answering her in circles. Not quite offering a true answer. Yet not shying completely away from the topic. “Now...tell me something.” He looked to her his eyes stayed on her a long moment. He drew in a breath. He seemed nervous almost. “What is that thing that you brought with you on my ship? Does it serve magical purpose to you? Because it seems more interested in Tir Na Nog than you do.” He raised a brow slightly. “You uh...don’t seem like the type to drag around such a dark companion.” He spoke and then drank from his ale. “Perhaps I could be wrong. But you seem much...brighter of a soul than that.” He smirked to her then. “I may be a pirate but I’m not the scum of the sea as some might expect. My crew actually helps give money back to the poor...but we need to be paid for jobs in order to fulfill that dream.” He was talking a bit more as he drank the ale. “No matter how terrible the task at hand might be...if the number is right, how can I say no?” He raised a brow slightly as he looked to her once again. *** Upon the isles of Tir Na Nog 6 months ago... Rhaenerys (Rhae) ArgyreonThe glow of the waters that rushed through the forest of Tir Na Nog gave off a beautiful dim blue glow. It was a magical view as the moon watched over the island in the night. Fireflies fluttered about playing among the mystical plants and their large lush green leaves. In the distance a light laughter could be heard. It carried over the forest floor like that of the crisp piano keys of a music hall. A young woman rushed through the forest. She held purple hues and a silvery blonde hair that was feathered about her face in straight strands. She wore a beautiful silver clasp in her hair that looked to be hand crafted. Upon her body she wore a black corset beneath a purple sleeveless jacket that hung down to the height of her calves, almost like a cape. It held beautiful silver clasps upon it. Upon her left upper arm she wore another clasp that glistened in the moonlight. She wore a black frilled skirt about her hips and strapped shoes, which the straps reached up to about mid thigh. Though the most notable feature of this woman was the beautiful prism colored wings upon her back. “Hurry Alis, we are going to be late! This only happens once a year, father won't trust me to do this again if we are late.” The young woman said with a playful smile. She seemed to not have a care in the world. A small blue-purple pixie came from one of the trees overhead. Her hair was white and almost feathery in a way, her wings almost translucent. The pixie fluttered about and caught up to the young fae that rushed forward swiftly. The fae had a bag that was hung across her chest, it bounced upon her side with her swift movements. “We wouldn’t be late if you left one time, princess.” The pixie spoke with a giggle as she twirled about in the air next to her. The young woman looked to her with a grin, “Noble affairs, Alis. The capitol is quite busy. My father says that our people are finally gaining our strength back.” She leaped over a tree. Her wings fluttered slightly to give her some lift off of the ground until she landed once again and continued to run. "Besides, what sort of princess would I be if I missed a ball?" A laugh came from her lips. She rounded a corner and something cold slammed against her body. It stole her vision, it sucked the air from her lungs. The young woman found herself on her knees in a world of darkness. “Alis?” She asked as she held a hand to her chest. She seemed to glow in this world among the shadows. “Alis!” She tried to move, but her body felt heavy here. She gasped for air, it was difficult to even hold up her head.
 Allymys
“Princess of Tir Na Nog, Rhaenerys Argyreon. Hmm.” A dark voice filtered from the shadows. “You have such a lovely smile, Rhaenerys.” From the shadows a dark creature stepped with orange glowing hues. Her skin was black as the shadows around them, her hair filtered from beneath the dark cloak that she wore over her head. It held runes upon the edges of it. Long tipped ears pierced through the cloak. She looked to be evil incarnate. She wore dark plated armor upon her shoulder and arm that ended in a thick heavy gauntlet. A large sword rest upon her hip. The eyes of the skulls upon her shoulder seemed to glow with a white flame.
Rhaenerys still fought for air, her purple hues gazed to this woman. She didn’t have wings about her back. The princess tried to push herself up again but she found that she was beneath a crippling weight. “What…is this?” She questioned. “Who are you?” She winced as she fought against the horrible weight upon her body. The darkness. It wasn’t a place for the fae.
“This is what your future could look like, Rhaenerys. Cold. Dark. Debilitating. It is the future that many of your kind faced centuries ago.” The woman spoke as she knelt before the princess. “I am Allymys.” She spoke as she reached forward and touched the woman. Her hand cupped against her cheek. As soon as she made contact with the woman darkness quickly spread over her skin. "All you have to do is ask for my help, young fae."
Rhaenerys let out a whimper as she tried to pull away, she couldn’t. The icy cold spread through her body. “Please. Stop.” She pleaded as it became increasingly difficult to breathe.
Allymys grinned, her white teeth a stark comparison to her soot like skin and the dark world around them. “A time will come that darkness will overshadow your people once again, princess.” She lifted her hues and frowned slightly. The darkness had enveloped Rhaenerys at this point only her face was visible. “Hm, we will speak more later.” “Rhae!” Alis’ voice cut through the darkness which caused it to shatter into a thousand pieces around her. The darkness fell away in pieces as the beautiful blue glow of the forest was revealed once again. “Rhae are you there?” Alis stood upon the princess’ chest and tapped her cheek. “Wake up! Wake up!” She tapped harder. Rhaenerys’ eyes fluttered open and with that she sat up quickly. She reached to her face, she could still feel the touch of Allymys upon her. She looked to Alis whom flew before her now with a concerned look in her eyes. “Alis.” She spoke, her voice broken. Her eyes looked up to the skies. The beautiful stars were fading from existence as the morning sun began to rise. “Oh no!” She exclaimed as she swiftly stood and her wings fluttered furiously upon her back. Rhaenerys lifted into the air and flew through the forest with speed. She dodged trees left and right until she came to a clearing. A temple within the thick of the forest. She ran up the stairs and quickly pressed her hand to the runes of the temple. She spoke in the ancient language of her people and the stone door slid from its space. “I’m not too late right, Alis?” She asked as she rushed inside. She couldn’t shake the dream from her mind. What was that? Alis fluttered after her as they made their way to the center of the temple. What was left of the night light flowed through the openings at the top of the temple and glistened off of the markers upon the floor. It was gorgeous. The time and care that went into building the temple must have taken years. Carefully cut pieces of stone that were stacked and formed to make the temple. The art the was painted on the walls held fae of all sorts. The art was simply beautiful. One of the depictions held an exact replica of Allymys, which only caused Rhaenerys to shudder slightly. “What happened to you, Rhae?” The pixie questioned as she landed upon the alter that was at the center of the room. “You looked so frightened.” She looked up to her with her deep purple orbs. “I was afraid I would need to go get help.” Rhaenerys bit her lip slightly as she looked to her friend. She then offered a gentle smile. “We just…need to add something to our list. Hm?” She placed a small cannister upon the alter, it was filled with loose leaf tea and dried flowers which would make a smooth drink. “I had…another dream…Allymys.” She drew in a breath and shook her head. “It was more vivid this time.” She explained as she turned and walked from the temple, her wings were slack against her back. “Allymys…is quite dangerous, princess. Perhaps it is time to tell someone.” Alis spoke as she landed upon the bag that rest against the princess’ hip. She looked up to her and crossed her arms slightly. Rhaenerys gave a smile down to her small friend. “I’m going to start making offerings to the goddess that protects the island. I think…that might help…” She smiled and gave a chuckle. “Anything to ward off that…darkness…” She shook her head. “If Allymys is trying to tell you something, Rhae…You should listen…” Alis warned. “She is as ancient as this island. She lived through the dark times of the fae.” Alis flew in front of the princess to stop her at the top of the steps of the temple. “I really think you should speak to at least your father about this.” She placed her arms upon her hips. Rhaenerys smiled to her and then shook her head. “Add more stress to my father?” She questioned. “He is already working on rebuilding our people after what the humans did centuries ago. I shouldn’t bother him with such a trivial matter. Besides, we don’t even know what Allymys intends…she’s a goddess…” She shook her head. “It is known that the gods speak to the monarchs of Tir Na Nog. Even my mother has been visited by the gods.” “But not Allymys.” The pixie warned. Rhaenerys waved her hand and then smiled. “I can handle it, Alis.” She spoke as she rushed forward and took flight. Six months later...present day. Isles of Tir Na NogIt had been nearly six months that Rhaenerys started giving an offering to the goddess of the sea. She wrote small letters to her, requesting that she keep the island safe. She offered her teas and other goods. Rhaenerys made an offering once a week in the middle of the night as well as on a full moon night. It was said to be the easiest way to contact the gods. She would travel to the furthest north point of the island where the sea met the cliffs. The princess would sit upon the edge of the cliff and speak to the goddess as if she was there. Though, something told her that the goddess could hear her. The offerings would disappear. She truly believed it was the goddess taking these offerings. On the night of the full moon Rhaenerys made her way through the forest as she normally did. This part of the island was thick with foliage. She couldn’t fly through the forest here and flying above the tree line was something that the fae would not do, they didn’t want to risk a human catching eye of them…even if they were protected now. But she knew the way, the path was well beaten down from all the trips she'd made over the half a year that she had traveled here each week. Rhaenerys stumbled slightly and shut her eyes as she sucked in a breath. She felt a weight on her shoulders. “Alis…” She took another staggering step forward. “Alis…I…” Rhaenerys crumpled to the overwhelming feeling, this caused her to tumble down an embankment. As she tumbled down her body bounced off of a few trees. Soon enough she rolled to a stop next to the glowing stream at the base of the hill. “Rhae!” The pixie flew after her. “Rhae!” She landed near the princess and bit her lip slightly as she looked to the broken wings, the bruised and scraped body of the woman. “Oh no…” She stepped to her and looked to her breaths that shook. "Princess." She stepped up and brushed a bit of blood as it leaked from the corner of her mouth. Rhaenerys lay on her back in the darkness. She fought to move. “Allymys…let me go!” She cried as her purple hues began to glow. The same purple energy glowed in her hands like fire.
“The end is coming for you, Rhaenerys. It is closer still and yet you still fight me?” The dark fae knelt over her and tilted her head slightly. “Soon enough.” A dark smile curved up her lips. “Soon enough you will know the pain that I felt. They will seek you out. I’ve seen the future, young one.” Allymys tilted her head slightly. “The pain that you feel now will be nothing compared to what they will do to you. You must fight them.” She watched the princess. "But you cannot do it alone, young fae."
Rhaenerys pushed herself up, fighting against the darkness. She trembled as she made it to her feet. She formed an orb of purple glowing magic in her hands. “I….won’t….l-let you hurt me…any….more…” She hurled the ball of magic forward. Allymys easily stepped to the side to avoid the blow, a smirk upon her lips. Blood dripped from the princess' nose. She fell to her knees instantly after she’d thrown the ball of energy.
Allymys stepped forward and knelt before the princess. “That’s the spirit.” She whispered. “Ask it of me and I will aid you, young fae.” She crooked a finger beneath her chin. “You’ll never feel the pain or suffering that I had to endure.”
Rhaenerys stared into the ember glowing eyes of the woman. “I won’t…let them…hurt us…again…” She choked out as she stared to the queen of darkness. “If I say yes…you will help me?”
“Ask and you shall receive, Rhaenerys.” Allymys searched her hues. “I will help you in more ways than you could imagine.” She brushed a bit of blood from the corner of Rhaenerys' mouth. "You can even hate me if you like. Most do." She gave a dark smirk. "But you cannot save your people alone, young fae."
Rhaenerys choked as she fought to breathe. “Allymys….help…me…” She spoke in a broken voice, blood leaked from her nose a bit more now.
The goddess grinned as she looked to her. “Very well, child.” She leaned forward and pressed her lips to the forehead of the princess. “I will protect you.” Her touch disappeared and Rhaenerys collapsed upon the cold dark ground once again.“Please wake up, Rhae!” Alis was distraught. They would be late for the offering for the sea goddess. She paced back and forth on the forest floor next to the woman. They were almost there. Almost. She could hear the crashing of the waves. “Wake up.” She tapped her cheek. “Please wake up…” She looked to the blood that leaked from the woman’s nose. “You can’t die…I…I’ll never forgive myself, Rhae…I should have told the king…” She paced again. The small pixie looked to the glowing stream. She lifted a leaf and flew over the stream and filled it with water. She then trickled the water over the princess’ forehead. This caused the woman to furrow her brows, but she didn’t wake. “Come on…” Alis landed upon her chest. “Wake up.” She tugged at her jacket to try to shake the woman, but alas the pixie was too small for such an action. |
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Post by Raven on Feb 9, 2022 1:23:49 GMT -5
Bane lifted his head as the woman cave, despite the warnings of the shipmate. He handed the cigar to the woman and watched as she drew upon it – the instant flush in her cheeks and the fluttering of her eyes. A smirk across his lips as he revealed her pleasure, and with that he came before the wheel. “Well, if there are stipulations for your deal, then another for mine – “ he hummed and gripped the ship. “Tea” he rolled his head slightly. “It is tradition for me, Tea every night at sundown.” He reached forward and plucked the cigar from her lips. “If you want to finish this cigar, then you must accept this deal.” He chuckled and the cigar disappeared in an instant. “Since we are in the habit of a surprise riddled deal” he shifted his head and the cigar reappeared in his other hand. He awaited her – if she took the cigar, he would know she agreed. Though, it seemed an easy decision. He soon brought his hands back to the wheel and whistled a tune slightly. Her question of Violet, he smirked and glanced to her. “Do I look like I am any bit of natural?” he laughed then “If you think Violet has any in say in our acquaintance… then you are foolish. Look at me, whispy, black, dark, cold, hmmmmm” he laughed then, a deep and cold laugh. “Violet and I go way back, she made a small mistake, and now we are bound, such a poor fate for her” he seem amused. This was easily the first conversation he had made without Violet listening in, or perhaps to anyone other than violet herself. Bane’s red pits glanced to the flask and he grasped it from her hands. He swirled it and took a swig. It sloshed in his mouth and he swallowed. “Older than 30 years, barrel aged, in the Northern Shade Peaks, probably one of those – oh, the secretly elvish inspired Whiskey, You can tell – notes of apricot and hazelnut, a sort of combination that only they do. You wouldn’t think it… that” he clicked his tongue to the roof of his mouth, as if to taste the whiskey again. “Nutty but just juicy…” he nodded. Her question of his story – he blew it away, changing the subject at hand. He had no regard to it, his story was not one he ever wished to tell again. *** Violet smirked “To be a drunk doesn’t always mean to be a pirate” she held her mug up and took a big swig. “But – perhaps I may be, for now” she tilted her head and smirked. The dark red was perfection, toasty and full – this was something she could easily drink. She peered over her mug, her hues glancing to the man who seemed to peer to her. His eyes studied her, she watched them scan her up and down. Finally in his domain – where he felt comfortable. She tilted her head, as if to maybe pose. She allowed him to observe her, her flesh slightly enchanted with the sensational stimulate, in that one looking upon her would be flooded with endorphins. Though it was the same magic which gave her youth, health and immortality… Though, she was also a woman of politics – once upon a time. She was not afraid to flaunt what she had – a sexual advantage. Her maturity in her confidence made it easy to do, as if in a way – her lack of fear was usually the most appealing. Years of experience made her immune to the follies of humanity. It was only now that she was beginning to lose the other pieces of humanity, like guilt and humility. She had to abandon these, as they tortured her to pieces. Bane made it no easy task for her, either. Violet turned her gaze to the Captain as he rambled about the nature of the work. She did not question him, her eyes – so confidently – studied him. Clear judgement. He may be the Captain, but that did not give him power, not to Violet. Not when she could combust upon the ship and escape in seconds, a simple portal home. This adventure – it was not for the Captain, it was for her now. She thought it so, despite his belief that he had control. No, she had a man with Balls, one that may offer the road of resolve. She had searched far and wide, from ancient crone seers to Elven Elders, no one could break the bonds with Bane. The Fae were her last chance. Violet did not speak again until he questioned of Bane. She smirked and held her mug up “I will need a refill for that...” she chuckled and waited for the refill. She leaned back and crossed her legs. “Bane is his name, and he is a real… thorn in my side” she sucked in a breath. “He was once a mage, a very powerful one. Someone I knew…” she sipped on the ale and smacked her lips with a pleasant sigh. A sort of masculine move, for such a dainty woman. “A magical altercation ended his life, and his soul became bound with mine” she glanced up to the Captain. She knew her greatest weapon. The truth – and she would speak hers. “I ask your purpose of venturing to Tir Na Nog, so that I can be prepared. The truth is – no one is going to the islands with any good intention, other than ourselves. They do not wish for visitors, and there is no story that will prevent them from openly attacking us.” She spoke with a serious tone, her voice seemingly soft though – almost small. “I would be a fool to think it was for a noble cause…” she took another sip. “So, I am hoping the Fae might have an answer for me, it is a long shot, but Fae magic is like no other. It is the purest form of magic, capable of miracles, if it could be done… then here it would be” she shrugged. “So, that is my story. Why I would take such a forbidden and foolish trip, because – I am finally lucky enough to find a Captain with the balls to do it” she downed her mug then and slammed the wooden stein on the wooden table. She grinned with a proud smile – her hand brushed a bit of beer foam off her upper lip. “So, what bit of politics is making you do this?” she raised a brow “Do you owe an absurd debt? Is there a wife waiting at the end of the stick?” she rambled off possible typical cases. “There is no way a sophisticated sailor of your kind would bother with such a risky trip. So, there is something more driving this, life or death possibly” she raised a brow. “Your eyebrows pull tighter together when you talk about it, your voice raises about half a step in pitch, full of a red energy” she leaned back, assuming a sort of cocky and proud stance. Arm on the back of the couch, turned towards him with crossed legs, leaned back comfortably… “You wear fine clothing, your hair is clean and well kept - the ship is pristine, your men actually have nice teeth. You are no pirate – no….” she studied him for a moment, her head tilted, eyes thin as she thought. “A Green Cloak – son of a Rebellion leader, who’s father died in battle. Out raged but still passionate, you broke away and found the sea, where you punish the entitled and gift the poor” she snapped her finger, an aha moment aloud. “Yep, that is you. How close am I?” she smirked to him. *** Thousands of years ago – there was an Elven Kingdom that rest over the very sea it self. It float atop the sea with magical crystals, the place itself – heavily enchanted. It was known for its Peace, a place where all kinds could come. A resort in many ways too, to escape. The people as a whole worshipped Zenvar, God of Water and Sea. This city would become the home of his people, the first Bard College would be born here, a Ship-Mates college, and even the host of the largest fishing Festival of the lands. The Legendary Blue Elven City – Krestavere. The town’s love for it’s God eventually lead to his arrival. In secrecy – he watched his people, admiration and joy – he finally fit amongst the other Gods. He had a loyal following, and with his pride – came his gifts. With the Elven’s care – Whale species bounced back from extinction, the oceans brought plentiful harvests, and gentle storms, Zenvar would do what he could, with Kindness in his heart. Upon his visits he found himself falling for a young woman. She could come out to the same inlet, and she fed the seal pups fish scraps from her shift at the fish market. Initially she had rescued them, they had been wounded by spears - the long wooden stick stuck out of their sides several feet. She had tracked the seals down and nursed them back to health, and now they live among the cove, until they are ready to go out to sea again. And so – she would feed them and laugh as they butt each other for the food… Eventually Zenvar presented himself – a God before her. He thanked her for her Kindness and placed a single kiss upon her forehead. Nothing else, no gifts, no other words. Just thank you. And from there – he just started to appear about. A simple wave to her. A nod in passing. Until one day she finally stopped and turned around. She broke away from the moving crowd and approached Zenvar. “Who are you?!” A young woman shoved a small hand upon a huge chest. The barreling man was easily over 6 foot tall, broad shoulders, a grin. He had long hair which was pulled back into a slick black pony tail, he was simple. The woman herself was short, petite – but with fiery amber eyes that were full of life, of love. “Zenvar” he bowed before her. “As I was, the last time I saw you, and the time before – you just never thought to ask” he smirked and held his hand out to her. “Shall I show you?” he questioned. He held his hand out to her and the small woman stared to him. She stifled her no and accepted his offer, reluctantly. She grasped his huge hand and followed his step. They stood at the docks of this great city, and he lead her to step onto the water. She hesitated but proceed as he stepped. No enchant, no word, no glowing – they walked on water. “What is your name, my lady?” Zenvar questioned, his voice was deep and soothing. He guide them onward until the stood several yards from the dock. The sea was perfectly blue and crystal clear. Fish below could be seen passing, a reef of color and life was in the distance… “Rhaenerys…” The woman seem to have trouble speaking the words, she was in awe… “What… what am – why are you doing this?” she questioned, eyes peering to the God before her. “Because – you are the future of my people” he leaned a hand and tilted her chin up. “Let me show you your future….” He wrapped his arms around her and they dipped into the water suddenly. There was no splash – or lack of air. In fact, with his magic they could breath normally. They propelled forward with ease, Zenvar held the woman against his chest, but he turned so that his back face the ocean floor – and she could see with ease. He did not go fast – instead, they swam over the huge reef. It was full of colors and tendrils of coral, fish of every hue flitted along. It was beautiful. A manta ray skim the surface of one cliff side that dipped into the depths of the ocean. But where one might expect darkness – came light, and color, and life. There were runes in the land below, where reef grow among. Giant Goliaths swam about, like guards in the garden. Then there was a huge bridge under water – with statues and the like all along. It led to a giant glowing bubble under the water. Without the gift of Zenvar’s sight – this city would be just darkness. Finding it was impossible… “This is the future of Krestavere” Zenvar paused and they hovered over the huge bubble. In it was a castle and huge walls, a city of life below. Even trees and gardens about, a sustainable and huge Kingdom in the dark depths of the ocean. An entire world below. “It is true – your great city will fall. But it will be you – gifted by the mighty Zenvar, who will bring salvation” he caressed her cheek with a single finger. “They will become my disciples, and you their Queen. A Sunken City, and the gift of the sea… for her people, and my Queen” he grasped her hand and kissed her knuckles. It was just as he did – the crystals below the huge Kingdom began to flicker. As he looked up – the bubble below was suddenly gone. There was a shadow of the City above the ocean. As the flickering continued – the crystals seem to lose their power. “So tell me – what do you choose, my dearest” he grinned and glanced to her. With panicked eyes she grasped his shoulder. “Okay – yes. I do” she leaned forward and kissed him. It was full of fear, but also – a sort of lust. This God before her, offered himself like that? She threw himself at her and he took advantage of her in the very sea – while an entire city fell into the ocean past them. No, he grasped onto her and conceived – what would become the first Demi-God of the Pantheon. With the birth of this child – came too the Kingdom of new. The city was saved by a last minute magic. The city nestled on the ocean floor – a sphere covered it whole. The water disappeared and… the people began to wake. But when they woke – it wasn’t as an Elf. No, they were changed. Gentle blue skin, with glowing lines across their skin… and magic, magic of the sea. At first people rebelled – but soon life became normal. Life under the sea – as people gifted by Zenvar themselves, they called themselves: Krestian, a kind of Elven and Elemental species, masters of water and protector of the sea… they tended to her ecosystems, and species… healing the whales and tending to dolphins… Krestian’s – Keepers of the Sea. Word of the collapsed Kingdom spread throughout the lands, but soon it faded into history as a wild tale. A tale of obvious truths – don’t build your house ontop of the ocean. No one knew of a world below. Though, the daughter of Zenvar, the Demi-God: She would become just as known as he. Maeve, Queen of the Sea. While Maeve was the ultimate leader of Krestavere, she was ultimately the Queen of the sea, as Zenvar commanded of her. The Kingdom had an elected council, which lead the people with harmony and joy. In truth – they were the definition of peaceful. But of course there was – there was no fear under the ocean, and with no fear – came a true freedom of prosperity. Maeve would leave for months a time – venturing the sea to bring it’s peace. She took it to the next level though, at times she would hunt down the whale hunters. Creatures like the Kraken and the Leviathan – would summon from the depths and crush these ships. Soon myths and legends sung of a Woman who would appear before horrible events, and she began to grow a following. Hundreds of years passed and her tale changed – to the Queen of the Sea, her protector. They came up with specific moons that she supposedly did not attack, which made her chuckle. She would follow through and use those months to track down the whale hunters. She would often block their attacks, and then when the month ended – they would be crushed by her power. If it wasn’t a creature, it was a horrid storm, or a sudden wave that crashed just a little too hard. But with her following came a small religion, and like her father – she was drawn to this. Zenvar gave her advice to seize it, she could influence and help the world be better. And so she did – soon enough her people lead the banning of whale hunting, and the dumping of oil into the oceans… many dying reefs came back to life, and her following was making a true impact… Like her father – she should accept offerings and occasionally bring good tidings… At one point – the Kingdom of Reice offered ancient glass water sculptures, some other knacks they figured important – as a token of their love. And in return – without ask, she brought an entire fleet of naval military down, which intended on attacking the Kingdom. With such a display – it became known that Maeve would come to those who asked. Though over time the following dwindled and dwindled, the Kingdoms that once called to her either faded away to dust and ash, or lost their way over the hundreds of years. Only a few cultures partook, and of course – the lovely Island of Tir Na Nog. It was actually her father and the Goddess of Light who created the same protective barrier Tir Na Nog has, which is similar to that of Kresavere. Her presence on the island was frequent, it was one of few places that she felt comfortable. The Fae were the closest thing she had to family, in the way that their magic functioned. Born of pure magic itself, it made them connected differently. Maeve had felt a pull from the Island recently though. It had been a few months since she had checked in, but this came from the northern region, off the mountain side. She came to a stone where offerings were made, it was at the end of a cliff that looked over the ocean. Maeve stood, the sunset was just in the distance. She knelt down and lifted up the crystals and objects, coins and such. As she placed her hand on the item – she would see an image. She would see the woman whispering to Maeve, asking for her help… She questioned her father on the proper action. He guided her to just listen, test her loyalty. And so she did. Maeve would listen and watch the woman – though Maeve was always invisible at the time. She felt like she was there, like for a second – she stared this woman deep in her eyes, and she stare back. Maybe… Then one full moon… She was late. A pit grew in her stomach. She was beginning to enjoy these moments. With each full moon came this small Fae. She would lay her knacks and speak of the passed weeks, and ask of her help. Sometimes the woman would even leave other gifts – teas and spices, treats and wine. Whatever she could honestly offer – she did. This woman that came, the woman who did everything she could. Her name was Rhaemerys… This woman would become the leader of the Sunken City, the mother of a Demi God, and chosen Queen. Though her time came to an end, a monument in the open sea was erected. The legend of Rhaemerys - the wife of the God of Water would be a stroke of words in history. Wake up! A small voice called out into the air, like a piercing dart through the brain. Maeve turned from the little alter and found herself searching out the voice. A frantic cry of a small Pixie. Maeve began to run – some one was hurt. The blue woman came up upon a patch of grass. A smaller woman lay among the grass – pale and uncomfortable. “Hello-?” Maeve fell to her knees before the woman. She reached her hands forward and they hovered over the wings of the Fae. She had never actually seen a Fairy up close like this, the wings were gorgeous. They glowed with magic, and twitched slightly. “It’s okay…” Maeve hushed and looked to a small woman fluttering before her. “She was late… so I decided to check on her…” Maeve smiled weakly. She had beautiful crystal blue skin, it was youthful and fresh. There were blue lines that swirled along her arm and body, and decorated her face with a gorgeous Ancient-Elven markings, though with this unknown blue color. She was the first Kratian, though her kind unknown. So, to most – the Blue woman, with white lines, and flowing white hair – could only be one person. Maeve, Queen of the Sea. Maeve wore a simple blouse and trousers, with tight boots that came to her knees. Her hair had thick braids, and she held a sort of natural unkept beauty. She herself, though, was simple. For a Demi – God, at least. She did not wear gaudy armor, or carry foolish weapons. She was always meant for peace, anyways. Maeve waved a hand over the Fae before her. Her hand was glowing blue – a healing magic seeping into the woman’s flesh. Maeve sat back and awaited for the woman to come to. “Hello, Rhaenerys, I am Maeve… I’ve been waiting for you…” she tucked a strand of Rhae’s hair behind her ear and smirked. As Maeve drew her hand back – the scenery suddenly changed. They no longer sat outside in the grass and dirt. Rather, Rhaenerys sat in a plush bed, the room about her was her own – back at the castle. Maeve smirked as she sat on the edge of the bed. “I hear you, my dear girl…” she whispered and glanced to the slumbering woman. She then stood up and waved for the little Pixie to go. “I sense you, lord of the Shadows…” Maeve held her hand out – suddenly a tall Trident appeared in her hands. The weapon of her father’s choice. “You have summoned me here now… what would you ask of me?” she gazed her eyes around. She felt the presence, she sensed the dark tendrils that grasped the Princess before her… |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 9, 2022 2:46:47 GMT -5
Lyra’s stormy hues were focused in on the man, though as she took puffs of the cigar and her eyes fluttered the smile upon her lips only seemed to spread wider. She could feel the muscles within her body relaxing. “Another? If you keep adding stipulations my friend I may have to do so as well.” She giggled. Then when he spoke the word, tea. It was such a simple word. The quarter master tilted her head. When he reached forward and plucked the cigar from her lips a sigh came from her lips. “Must you keep taking that from me?” She questioned and then a playful giggle came from her lips. “Oh I have to accept tea with you?” She questioned as she watched him.
The Quartermaster hummed slightly as she seemed to think over her options. “Shall I drink tea with smokey?” She questioned to herself as she leaned her head back slightly. Her cheeks were rosy as she looked to him, the drug was rushing through her system. “Well, smokey. I accept your deal.” She raised a brow as she looked to him. “Only if.” She paused and leaned forward. She gripped onto the wheel. She stood on the other side of it facing him, her hands upon the two middle pegs. “I get to ask you more questions.” She smirked to him, her voice was playful as usual. She shifted and took the cigar from him, though she didn’t swipe it from him. She gingerly took it, her fingers brushed against the cold of his smokey fingertips. Goosebumps appeared on her arm that had touched him. “It isn’t often that I get to talk to someone as...mysterious as you...I mean you’re a fucking shadow.” She giggled as she placed the cigar between her lips again.
Lyra drew in a log drag. Her head leaned back and a groan came from her lips from the pleasure of the drug. “You’ve got to tell me what this is, smokey.” She blew the smoke into the air and watched it swirl about. She looked to him with a vibrant smile now as she leaned back against the railing before him once again. Her hips pressed against it as she took another long drag. When he began to whistle his tune she bobbed her head back and forth and then giggled. “Oh do you enjoy a good shanty?” She questioned, excitement in her voice. Her face seemed to light up. “The captain hates ‘em. Tell me you enjoy them!” She grinned as she stood from the railing and gazed into his glowing eyes again.
The Quartermaster then tilted her head as he spoke to her question of Violet. She smirked slightly. “No of course you don’t look natural, that’s why I asked.” She giggled and took a drag from the cigar. She frowned to him and then laughed when he did. His dark cold laugh didn’t seem to unsettle her one bit. That was the thing about Lyra, not much would disturb her. It got her into precarious situations many times over the years that Ainsley had to free her from. “Are you saying that I’m a fool?” She blew the smoke at him this time, it swirled and quickly disbursed from the movement of the ship. “No, no I could see it in her eyes. It’s almost like...a little brother she can’t shake.” She giggled then and watched as he took her flask. “Special batch.” She spoke to him as he took the swig.
As Bane began to speak about the whiskey Lyra’s eyes lit up once again. She stepped forward and placed a hand upon the wheel as she stared to him, listening intently. As he clicked his tongue she nodded and a giggle came over her lips. “Well, well, aren’t you the judge of fine liquor?” She grinned as she took the flask from him and took a swig of her own. She hummed as it warmed her belly. “Ainsley got this stuff one time, by accident. A single barrel of it.” She nodded to him. “A quarter turn to the starboard side.” She still had her hand upon the wheel. She gently adjusted the wheel with him. She looked to the sails as they moved about.
“The funny thing about being out at sea for so long is I’ve learned exactly where we are based on the skies, the position of the sun.” She giggled as she moved about, “There’s a song for it.” She winked to him. “But I won’t bore you with that one. It doesn’t have a good tune to it, if you ask me.” She moved and leaned upon the railing on the starboard side of the ship. She looked to the skies. “Now quarter turn back, straighten her out.” She pat the railing. She then walked back to him and stood at his side now. “It’s magnificent isn’t it?” She grinned as she looked to Bane. “This ship is quite special.” She touched one of the pegs upon the steering wheel. “I always hold that one.” It was more worn than a few of the other pegs. “It just feels…..right….you know?” She grinned to him. “Don’t let the Captain fool you. I steer the ship most of the time. At least when he needs a rest. When I’m not steering the ship...well...I’m making sure the crew is doing well...” She was thoroughly under the influence of the drug now, she rambled on endlessly it seemed. “Sooo what makes you so interested in Tir Na Nog?” She questioned after a moment of silence, her grey hues looked to the shadow. “You were much more interested than your sage friend. Hm?” She grinned. “Is it the adventure? The fae might rip us to shreds. If we even manage to get onto their beaches.” She giggled and then moved to lean against the railing in front of the wheel again. “I want to know what it is like...it’s supposed to be the most magical place in the world...right?” She watched him with curious hues. She took another drag off of the cigar and hummed in a content fashion as she held the smoke in her lungs for a long moment before she blew it out.
**
Ainsley watched the woman as she took a big swig of the ale. “Oh?” He questioned. “Well, you’re on a pirate ship. You can relish in being a pirate for a few months, hm?” He chuckled and shook his head as she smirked to him. What was it about this woman? It made his heart beat within his chest. She even seemed to enjoy his wandering eyes that he couldn’t seem to control. He cleared his throat as he looked away from her. This feeling. He had pushed down his feelings for so long, yet it was creeping up to the surface. Bubbling up like a shaken ale within a barrel. “Hm well, you seem to like the ale at least.” He commented and took a long drink of his own.
His icy hues wandered back to her and he took in her beauty. It was undeniable. He pressed his lips together as he stood to refill their drinks. “Gladly.” He spoke as he’d left to get the drinks for them. When he returned he sat and looked to her once again, almost as if he was in awe of her. His eyes played along her collarbones, her jaw. He sucked in a breath. “Bane. Ah yes. I remember you calling him that.” He spoke as his eyes moved to hers finally. He tilted his head slightly. The soul of this shadow was bound with hers? The man was once a mage? His brows raised slightly. “That must be mildly inconvenient in the least...is this the mage that you stopped from destroying the great tree?” He questioned. “Nya spoke of it...she said she remembers that day as if it were yesterday.”
Nya was an elf that was one of the elders that was around when the destruction of the mad king was forged. She worked hand in hand with Ainsley’s great grandfather. The elf didn’t look a day over 35. But she was quite old indeed. One of the few remaining dragon riders, though it had been ages since she had called her dragon from the great northern mountains. Ainsley’s thoughts were ripped away as Violet began to speak of her reasoning to go to the isles. He downed his ale and refilled his mug from the pitcher. “I imagine if we at least approach with a quiet nature...perhaps we can slip by...go unnoticed enough to survey what we are up against.” He spoke and looked to her.
Ainsley was curious now. His eyes watched her carefully. “The fae magic is much stronger than that of humans...even elves cannot fathom the amount of magic that a fae can hold.” He spoke, agreeing with her. “Well...” He grinned and then took a sip from his mug. “Hopefully we can find a fae willing to help you, eh?” He chuckled when she spoke of finally finding a captain with the balls to do it, to actually go to the islands.
Though his grin was wiped from his face as she questioned him of politics. “No debt….No wife...” He looked to her with icy hues. He drew in a breath. She told her truth. It was now time for him to tell his. As much as he hated his reason for going to the island. His brows tugged together as she spoke of his actions. A scoff came over his lips and he chuckled to her. “Proud of yourself, hm?” He questioned as he watched her. “Yes, yes I didn’t tell you why we are going. Because I am not in favor of it.” Ainsley smirked to her slightly. “But you’ve told me your reason for agreeing. So I shall tell you mine. The King of Raligh has requested that I locate a fae and return it to him. Now...before you...say anything.” He drew in a breath. “It is not my choice to perform this task. I know that the king will undoubtedly jail me if I do not at least entertain him. So I’m entertaining him.” He grinned then. “He’s already paid me half my sum. I have to at least try. I have too much at stake to end up in a rat infested cell in the kingdom of Raligh.”
Ainsley tilted his head slightly as he looked to her. “There are things in this world that I must protect. Even if some of those things don’t like my protection.” He chuckled. He then took a long drink from his mug. “So there you have it. I’m a dirty damn smuggler.” He sighed and shook his head. Though to his surprise Violet spoke of his clothing. She began laying out piece by piece. Another laugh came over his lips as he looked to her. “You’re damn good.” He admitted. The Captain leaned back against the cough. “Beautiful and fucking smart. That’s a hard thing to find.” He watched her, it was clear that her enchanting spell was working well upon him. “And you drink ale like a sailor? You’re quite the woman, Violet.” He chuckled and took a drink from his mug.
“My entire crew is of miss fits that I have saved over the years. Those that this world wouldn’t give a chance to. Or were otherwise worse off if I left them.” Ainsley shrugged slightly. “The nobles of this world crush those within the slums. They treat everyone that is beneath them like garbage. Hell I’ve been turned into a dog that must go fetch for the king. Haven’t I?” He took another swig, finishing his mug once again. He poured another and leaned back heavily. “Don’t tell Lyra, but I’m hoping to leave Tir Na Nog without a fae. I plan to claim we didn’t find any life at all. Even if we manage to run into a fae...I’ll bring the king back some relic from their temples. That should feed his thirst. Lyra is plenty angry with me for going through with this. But we need the money so that we can help those in need. I can’t tell her the truth because she’s not the best liar.” He chuckled and smirked to Violet then.
The Captain leaned his head back slightly as if thinking for a long moment. “Hm. I need money so I can feed these men. I most definitely need coin to keep Lyra happy. She’s the most expensive asset of this ship.” He chuckled lightly. “She’s the damn little sister that I never wanted. She’s my thorn in my side.” The Captain held a smirk as he spoke these words, his icy hues looked to Violet. He played over her a long moment before he continued. “Lyra is a real pain in the ass most of the time. But she keeps the men straight. I don’t regret saving her at all. I’d do it again if given the chance.” He was talking a lot now, more comfortable it seemed. Perhaps telling the sage the truth helped loosen him up, along with the nearly four mugs of ale now. Beyond that her beauty, his heart fluttered as he looked to her. He bit his lip slightly and looked away from Violet then. “I’m rambling, aren’t I? I don’t normally do that.” He sighed, almost as if he was embarrassed. “Um...my uh Grandfather fought in the rebellion. You were right about that as well.” He gave an awkward smile to her and then shook his head again.
**
“Wake up! Wake up!” Alis tapped on Rhaenerys’ cheek. “Please Rhae.” She held her hands forward and her small hands glowed slightly. Though her magic wouldn’t be enough to heal the wounds of the fae, not the broken wings and bones that she had sustained from such a fall. She was so distraught that she failed to hear the sound of footfalls coming toward them. The pixie had tears rolling down her cheeks. The voice caught Alis off guard, her heart raced as she gasped and took to flight. Her deep purple hues looked to this woman that fell to her knees next to Rhaenerys.
The look of fear faded away as Alis watched the woman closely. Her blue skin. The white lines upon her face. A smile split the pixie’s lips. “You...you came. You really came.” She was overjoyed. She fluttered forward inspecting the woman. “She fell...I should have told the king...” She spoke as her brows knitted together. “She’s...hurt...” A sigh came over the pixie’s lips. Alis landed next to Rhaenerys and placed a hand upon her arm. “I’m supposed to protect her.” Alis looked up to Maeve. “But the brave are difficult to protect.” She said with a weak smile.
Alis watched as the woman waved a glowing hand over the princess. Her eyes were hopeful. She watched as Rhaenerys’ wounds were healed. Her crumpled wings straightened and with that the magic within them began to glow a bit brighter in that moment. Rhaenerys’ purple hues fluttered open sleepily. Her eyes fell upon the blue woman, “Maeve…” She whispered her eyes fluttered as she fought to remain awake. Her head lulled to the side as the scenery changed to her bedroom. “Goddess of the sea...” She muttered in her slumber. “Hear me...please help my people...” She gripped into the blankets of her bed as her brows knitted together slightly for a moment before she relaxed again.
Alis fluttered about and landed on the end of the bed. She looked around the room. “You’ve heard her? All this time?” She asked curiously. Though when the goddess waved for her to leave she watched her a moment before she flew over to the night stand next to Rhaenerys’ bed. She tugged upon the drawer, her wings flapped quickly as she tugged it open to reveal a small bed that the princess had made for her. She sat upon the bed and peered over the edge of the drawer toward the goddess of the sea. As the trident appeared Alis’ hues widened slightly. Was this goddess calling to Allymys? “Oh no...” She breathed, her eyes filled with worry. Her wings fell slack against her back as she looked to the princess whom was sleeping peacefully now.
The temperature within the room plummeted as Maeve called out to Allymys. A dark chuckle came from the shadows. “Lord of the shadows.” The sound of hands clapping together slowly. “Leave it to the daughter of Zenvar to make such a joke.” The beautiful wingless fae stepped from the shadows. Her glowing amber hues looked to the woman. “It took you long enough, dear. Perhaps messages would be easier to send if you were a real goddess.” A grin split her lips as she walked over to the bed where the princess slept peacefully. Her hues fell upon the pixie whom was trembling like a leaf upon a tree in a storm.
“It’s been quite a long time Maeve.” Allymys turned and grinned as she looked to the Trident. “What are you planning to do with that pitch fork? Skewer me?” Laughter came from the woman. “How cute.” She stepped up and poked at the weapon. “Your father has tried that before.” She crossed her arms over her chest and shifted her weight to one foot as her hips tilted slightly to one side. Though she was quite shocking in appearance Allymys was beautiful in her own way. Long ago before the horrible darkness swept over the fae people she had sacrificed herself so that others may live. It was how she lost her wings. It was how she ended up like this. “I think you can put that away, I’m not going to hurt the girl. I had to get your attention somehow.” She grinned, her white teeth bright against her dark skin.
Allymys tilted her head slightly, “I have a small problem.” She spoke as she held her hands forward a dark ball of magic formed before her. “I hate being able to see the future. If someone else could take it from me I would gladly give it up.” She scoffed as she waved her hand. Within the orb a scene began to play.
A great ship approached Tir Na Nog. Upon the ship the black flags with skulls and crossbones. The waves crashed about as the ship grew closer to the island.
The scene flashed to the next part. A group exited the ship. A tall man with noble attire and a well kept beard. A fiery haired woman that was petite and wild as she dashed about yelling about something or another. There was a woman in a white robe...and something...dark over her shoulder.
Once again the scene flashed. Rhaenerys was in chains within the underbelly of the ship. Something dark sat outside the cage that she was kept in. She looked terribly frightened. Alis was in her own prison as well and beat upon the glass as she tried to escape the bottle.
Another flash. Rhaenerys was on her knees before an older man in a crown. The man had a wicked grin upon his lips as he stepped to her with a knife in hand. He drew the knife along her skin and captured the blood that leaked from her. He drank the blood right then and there. His eyes flashed with the magic that was offered to him. A darkness swirled around him as he stepped and ripped one of Rhaenerys’ wings from her back. Blood leaked upon the floor as the fae screamed in agony.
Allymys pressed her lips together as she waved the black orb away. She crossed her arms once again and looked to Maeve. “I did not lose my wings for history to repeat. I will not see the balance of this world be thrown off again by a human that has no right to our magic.” She spoke, her voice dark, hateful. “It has taken be six damn months to get Rhae to even ask for my help. But she prays to you every chance she can. So, you need to help her.” The goddess was clearly worked up. “Though there is something...more to it. We cannot simply sink the ship. No...that woman in white...” Allymys let out a long sigh. “She helped end those times of darkness...” She pressed her lips together. “I owe it to her that she not lose her life. She does not wish pain upon the fae.” Allymys glanced over her shoulder as the princess began to stir. “Help her. You are the only one that can. I cannot stay in this plain long enough to save her. Hm? Don’t let what I allowed you to see become true, Maeve. Please.” Allymys gave a slight smirk at the end. “Don’t tell anyone I’ve a soft heart.” She winked before she vanished into ashes.
The temperature of the room began to rise once again. Rhaenerys shivered as she pulled the blankets more around herself. “Alis?” She questioned as she sat up. She gazed about the room. “Maeve…?” Her brows tugged together as she remembered the beautiful blue woman...the goddess of the sea.
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Post by Raven on Feb 13, 2022 18:34:22 GMT -5
Bane watched the woman draw upon the cigar, a grin across his ghastly lips. “Isn’t that the point? I am asking for your acquaintance” his fingers drummed on the peg of the wheel. He could be bad – turn this ship about and be wild, but no. His plan was unravelling before him, carefully executed with purpose and intent. He smirked to her and tilted his head “A dealer would never reveal his secrets”
The dark being watched the woman “A shanty? The hollering of the seas, how I crave them” a lie, did he care? Not really, a shanty, a song, bards, whatever it be – it mattered not. As she commanded him – he tilted the wheel just slightly, he smirked as the ship followed his motions. She spoke, he listened, maybe. He gazed passed her to the unknown seas before him.
“Tir Na Nog? Oh” he smirked “Those cigars you smoke are of the Faevelen Leaf, a very lovely shadebloom, that has long since lost to these worlds. Tir Na Nog… she holds mysteries I wish to uncover, a world I miss, in truth” he glanced to her “Perhaps… home” he shrugged his shoulders. “I never knew what I had until it was gone” he smirked then “The Fae can try to rip us to shreds, but it is not Violet who will get us through their grips. It will be me” he glanced to her and tilted his head as he watched her dream of it.
“The world when the Fae mingled with us was… beautiful. You could feel the magic radiating, it was intoxicating. They have… music like no other, they have passion and beauty. They are the single thing closest to the most natural form of this earth, and she is beautiful” he tilted his head back and let out a long sigh. “I cannot dare to explain it….just wait, you will see it. You will Feel it. You will never want to return again” he chuckled then “Unless they skin us before we can experience it…” he grinned. “But – a little magic” he waved his hand. Both of their ears grew pointed, their faces masked into a Fae smooth texture. “An illusion….” He tilted his head, he was no longer black and dark. He was a man – short black hair and pointed ears. He was his self once again, though disguised as an Wood Elf. He wore decorated mage robes. He held his hands out as he viewed them, a smile across his rather handsome face. “Sometimes I forget….” He muttered “What it means to be alive again” the image faded and he returned to his shadowy self. “But alas, magic can eat away at your every being, if you let it” he winked and then stepped from the wheel. “Tea, 6pm…” he vanished.
***
Violet crossed her legs and pressed her lips together with a weak smile – thought it was a surprise. He knew of the Tree, he know of her. She tilted her head back and nodded slowly. “The price I pay for saving the world as we know it” she smiled weakly once more and then downed a long gulp of her ale. “It was has been a long hundred years of controlling him… Bringing him close to the Isles, in truth, is a risk on it’s own… but he is our only chance” she nodded “I will be spending my entire time controlling him, while he makes us passage” she nodded finally.
As the Captain told his story – she smirked, she had nailed him. Though, he was an open book – to her at least. The mission it self was suicidal, but no one would bother unless returning was also suicidal. He had no choice, and she could see this in his eyes. She smirked – a slight blush over her cheeks as the captain complimented her. “Now now – you hardly know me, Captain” she crossed her legs the opposing way, not shy to pry.
“Tell me… Captain” she leaned forward then and placed her mug on the table. “How would you feel about a much more devious plan?” she questioned with a raised brow. “This King… you may deliver him a fluke, or perhaps even a true Fae… he will taste their blood and his crave will be three times stronger. This… is just the beginning to the end” she leaned back and placed her hands upon her knee. “So then, you poison him with your own greed. Say we return a Fae, a bit of Blackshade in her blood – she would survive, but no human might. He draws upon her and….” She smirked “The temptations will be sated, with the last beat of his heart” she stood then and stepped towards the large barrel of ale. She grazed a hand over the wood “You are already doing the work of a deadman” she thumbed over the smooth barrel.
“What do you say?” she turned her gaze to him, the flickering lights of lanterns played over her soft cheeks. She flashed him her hues and then she smiled “Fire with fire, hm?”
***
Maeve glanced to the small pixie escape to a hidden drawer, a small smile crept over her lips as she noted the bed. Though she focused as the room grew cold – her breath appearing before her. Maeve chuckled slightly, her white hair shifting over her chest as she did. Her glowing lines about her skin began to emulate more, she was prepared for anything… “Oh, of course. Being a Goddess has always been my dream” she spoke with a fake voice, a smirk across her face.
It had been some time since she had seen Allymys, in truth the woman scared her shitless… but she was coming to her role, she would project confidence, even if it wasn’t real. If any, it was the Confidence of her Father of her – she would draw on that strength in this moment. Maeve gripped her Trident and tilted her head “I am waiting then” the Trident disappeared. She glanced to the sleeping Rhaenerys, and then back to Allymys…
She watched the scene play – her eyes squinting as she peered to this crew that landed upon Tir Na Nog. “Hmm… interlopers” she muttered and came closer to the orb. She could feel the cold emulation from the dark goddess, it was uncomfortable and made her stomach churn slightly. She pulled her brows together “Who is that?” she whispered, eyes peering to the dark figure.
The scene quickly changed – it became evident now. They came to retrieve a fae, and that was going to be Rhaenerys… She stumbled back as she felt the pain Rhaenery’s felt. She breathed heavily and shook her head, her milky blue eyes glancing back to the resting woman. “And what of fate?” she questioned and shook her head. “You know just as I… the damage we can do while interfering… could be much worse than just her death” she sucked in a breath. She knew what it meant though, she knew the humans would return to finish them off…
Maeve thought to poke at the goddess, to laugh at how the Fae woman had chosen Maeve over her. However, she did not. She listened to the woman and nodded slowly “Fine… but whatever comes of it – you will clean it up” she spoke with a stern voice and then she watched the Goddess disappear. Maeve gripped her stomach as she felt as if she were to hurl, but she choked it back. Only to turn around and smiled to Rhaenerys, who called her name.
“Hello my Child” she spoke with a soft voice, she stepped over to the bedside and knelt. “You prayed to me… every full moon” she caressed Rhaenery’s cheek gently and smiled. “So, what is it you ask of me?” she gazed into the Fae’s eyes with her own glowing blue.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Feb 13, 2022 19:58:45 GMT -5
Lyra chuckled as she watched the dark figure. “You want my acquaintance? Me?” She laughed and shook her head. “You are most likely the only one on this ship that is interested in that.” She grinned and drew upon the cigar. She smirked then. “Have you not realized that I am merely a thorn in the captain’s side?” She blew the smoke above her and leaned heavily against the railing. “I am simply awaiting the day that Ainsley decides for me to walk the plank.” She smirked and then laughed as she shifted her hips against the railing. Why did it make her happy to be wanted? Sure she had a fine relationship with Ainsley, but she knew she pushed on every last nerve of the man.
Then Bane spoke that he craved shanties. Her eyes widened with excitement. She stepped forward and gripped onto the wheel again leaning forward toward him from the other side. “You do?” She asked and then giggled. “Well I won’t mind being an acquaintance to you then.” She tilted her head slightly and then moved about the ship. She began to sing a shanty as she gave him directions for the ship. A few of the other crew members joined in with her. In truth, Ainsley was one of the few that did not like the Shanties. Many of the crew joined in with Lyra every time she sang.
The fiery haired woman stepped back over and puffed upon the cigar, she hummed the shanty. Though when he began to speak of Tir Na Nog her eyes turned to him. “Faevelen Leaf?” She questioned curiously. She’d never heard of it. Her brows tugged together as she listened to him speak of the mysteries, of the place as home. “The waters upon the island...I’ve heard they glow with magic...” She leaned her head back and closed her eyes as he continued to speak. She could see the things he described. The magic in the air. A smile curved up her lips, and a soft chuckle came from her. She drew in a long drag of the cigar and held it in her chest. She opened her eyes when he spoke that he couldn’t dare explain it. She smirked to him. “It sounds so beautiful.” She gazed to him. Her fears of going to the island had seemed to melt away. The anger of Ainsley’s mission had gone from her mind. She stepped forward and grasped the wheel again as she watched bane. “Perhaps we can all stay.” She giggled as she looked to him.
Lyra tilted her head slightly as he waved his hand. She watched as his ears pointed, she lifted her hand to her own ears that grew long and pointed. It felt real. She blinked a few times as she watched him with her stormy hues. She looked to his skin, his short black hair. He was handsome. A smile curved up her lips as she looked to him as though she had never seen a man like him before. She didn’t speak in this moment as she watched him. She merely gazed to his flawless features. Was this what he used to look like? She took in everything, but her eyes settled back in on his face just as he allowed the illusion to fall. “Magic...can be quite dangerous I’ve heard.” She smirked to him. When he winked to her, a slight blush appeared upon the young woman’s cheeks. She grinned as she slipped around the wheel and took it. “Of course, wouldn’t miss it.” She replied when he told her when they would have tea. She adjusted the wheel as she delved into her thoughts.
“You’re playing a dangerous game with that one.” Oliver stood and carried his bucket over to the Quartermaster.
Lyra drew another drag off of the cigar. “Am I?” She questioned and blew the smoke in his face. “Can’t a girl have a little fun? Did you see what he looked like?” She bit her lip slightly. A chuckle then came from the woman. “I’m just welcoming our new crew, Oliver. No need to worry.” She winked to him as she looked back forward to the wide open sea.
Oliver sighed as he watched her. “You’ve too much chaos to be speaking to something like that. What if it finds out about your magic? I’m sure it can feel your magic, Lyra.”
Lyra giggled as she looked to him once again. “It is fine.” She pat his cheek and then adjusted the wheel again. “Quite worrying, Oliver. Why don’t you go work on the lower decks? Hm?” she waved him off as she looked forward once again.
“Don’t think I don’t remember the time that your magic nearly sank this ship.” Oliver warned before he walked off.
Lyra rolled her eyes and shifted her weight to one leg. “Yeah. Right.” She drew upon the cigar again. “Like he knows what he is talking about.” She smirked and then giggled. Her stormy hues settled in on clouds in the distance. A storm would be in their near future. Lyra began to call out commands to the crew to prepare for the storm that would come soon enough.
**
Ainsley looked to the weak smile that the woman gave when he spoke of the tree. He lifted his mug and then took a drink before he nodded to her. “You helped save our world as we know it. Without what you did we would have all likely perished. At least...that is what Nya believes. If she believes it, I am certain that it must be true. She is a wise elf.” He chuckled lightly.
The Captain grinned to her when he complimented her. When she shifted he swallowed slightly as his eyes played over her. “Yes, I do hardly know you.” He smirked. “But you, Violet hardly know me as well.” He placed his arm on the back of the couch which put him closer to her. His icy hues gazed into her eyes, a side smile upon his lips. He was no stranger to what she was doing. Though he’d never been around someone so forward. As she leaned forward his eyes played over her hair as it moved over her shoulder. He pressed his lips together and drew in a long breath. Her plan that she began to hatch before him only caused him to smirk back to her.
Ainsley tilted his head slightly as he listened to her. Was this truly possible? To deliver a Fae that would kill anyone that drank from her? He leaned forward slightly as she stood, his heart beat within his chest rapidly. A chuckle came from his lips. Just the way that she walked. The way she moved about the room. He downed his mug to get his eyes away from her for a moment. “I’ve never heard of Blackshade, Violet.” He spoke as he stood.
Violet’s smile was intoxicating to Ainsley. He cleared his throat slightly as he walked over to her. “I’ll fight fire with fire.” He placed his hand upon the barrel that was behind her. He was standing incredibly close to her now, gazing down into her eyes. “That king deserves to die for what he’s asking.” He spoke his eyes locked upon hers, after a moment he smirked before he drummed his fingers upon the barrel above her head. He drew in a breath, this woman. She smelled like lilies of the valley...she smelled like a fresh summer rain upon the ocean. It was a beautiful smell, to go with a gorgeous woman. He cleared his throat slightly. “I should. Check on Lyra.” He turned and walked to the table where he lifted their mugs. He came back to the bar and then looked to her a moment, a sly smirk upon his lips. “Perhaps we can speak more later?” Ainsley watched her a long moment. “I’ll see you then?” He spoke as he glanced over his shoulder before he ascended the stairs.
Ainsley nearly ran into Oliver whom was coming down from above deck. “Oliver.” He nodded to the man.
Oliver looked to him and narrowed his brows slightly. “That Quartermaster of yours is flirting with that shade.” He threw up a hand. “I’m not going to wind up at the bottom of the sea because Lyra can’t control herself.” He snapped as he walked off down the hallway.
The Captain drew in a breath as he walked up the stairs and made his way to the wheel. Lyra was singing about. He stepped up to her and looked to the cigar that she held in her hand. “Lyra.” He spoke, his voice frustrated. “What’s that?” He asked and nodded to the cigar.
Lyra placed it between her lips and drew upon it. “Oh it’s nothing really.” She blew the smoke in his face and then giggled. “Just a little something I got for agreeing to tea time.” She winked to him and then kissed his cheek. “Did you have a good time speaking to the sage? She’s a stick in the mud.” She grinned. “You two ought to get along well.” She poked at his chest. “Might I take my leave of the wheel, Captain?”
Ainsley drew in a breath as she kissed his cheek. He froze slightly. He gazed down to her as his hand had rest upon her side. “Lyra...” He furrowed his brows as she walked away. Drugs were never a good thing to give to her. He pressed his lips together and shook his head. He would have to keep an eye on her now, among all of the other responsibilities he had. He sighed as he took the wheel and adjusted it. “Did...she prep for the storm?” He questioned as he saw the dark clouds in the distance. His eyes moved about the deck and as he looked to several different items a sigh of relief came from his lips. “Gods...at least she is a good Quartermaster...” He bit his lip. The clouds were dark. It was going to be a rough ride.
**
Lyra sang a shanty as she came down into the sitting room. “Ahhh Violet.” She walked up to the woman and grinned to her. She drew upon the cigar, it was nearly gone. “Want some ale?” She asked as she poured herself a mug. She squished the nub of the cigar out on her heel and placed the remainder in her pocket for later. She continued to hum her shanty and then giggled as she sat down on the couch. She drank down the ale and set the empty mug upon the table. “There’s a storm coming. Just so you know.” She looked to the woman. “Should be a fun time.” She giggled again as she leaned her head back against the couch and propped her feet up on the table. “If you get sick at sea you ought to take something now.” She smirked playfully.
**
Rhaenerys looked to the beautiful goddess, her expression filled with awe. “You...you’re here..” She breathed. She sat up slowly as she gazed to her. The blue glow of the goddess’ hues was incredible. The glowing white lines along her skin. She was more gorgeous than any of the books or art depicted her to be. “I do...I pray to you...Oh gods...” She looked about her room. “What...” She didn’t know how she had gotten back to her room.
“You fell.” Alis spoke up from the drawer. She looked to the fae with her deep purple hues. “Maeve saved you. Do you remember?” She questioned.
Bits and pieces. It was all a blur to Rhaenerys. She furrowed her brows a moment. “I...apologies.” She looked to Maeve. “Goddess...it may be a trivial matter to you. I know that you must be quite busy.” She stood, her wings fluttered slightly a moment as she climbed from the bed. She looked about the room. “Please come with me.” She spoke as she stepped from her room. Alis took flight and followed along behind the princess. Rhaenerys made her way through the castle her heels clicked against the cool stone floor. She pushed open a door to a gorgeous study that held a desk that had many books upon it as well as papers. “I began having...dreams...” She furrowed her brows slightly. “At first I believe it to be nightmares of my own creation.” She shook her head as she lifted her journal from the desk.
“But as time drew on...I’ve realized that the same vision that my mother held before I was born...has been passed to me.” Her voice softened. Rhaenerys bit her lip slightly. “There is a fae in each generation that is chosen to see glimpses of time...” She gave a soft laugh. “I...am certain you are aware of this...apologies.” She was nervous.
“It’s okay, Rhae...don’t...worry so much.” Alis spoke as she lifted a drawing up from the desk and held it toward Maeve. “She has seen the island on fire...overrun by blood thirsty humans...we have not told the king...” She looked to the princess then and sighed. “Even though I believe we should.”
Rhaenerys gave a weak smile. “I have seen other darkness as well. I have felt my own wings ripped from my back...I have felt the blades as they draw along my skin.” She shuddered, tears in her purple hues. “I do not wish to save myself, goddess...I wish...to save my people...please...please protect us from them...” Her eyes pleaded as she looked to the goddess. “I...I do not know what else to do...” She was clearly frightened by the visions that Allymys had shown her.
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