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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 28, 2018 16:05:08 GMT -5
The world of Avaria was condemed in the shadow of greed. Blanketed by the sounds of war. The cheers of triumphs clashed with that of the blood the pooled on the battlefields. The wars had existed from the beginning of time, since the World Tree was first seeded. An attempt for power, for the magic that it held. The greedy always found a way, the demons within the living always found a way to corrupt the minds of those otherwise innocent. With each tree that sprouted outside of the Dream that the Wold Tree existed in a new surge of power would be given to Avaria...a new chance. Though, it seemed with each of the seven trees those that were gluttens for power would seek it and settle around it. Claiming that tree for their own, for their race. Though, not all that settled around the trees were that of greed...some sought to protect the trees, some would give anything to keep corruption from destroying the trees and ultimately bringing the downfall of the World Tree.
One tree of note is that the Life Tree of Alda. It is surrounded by a beautiful settlement near the burned forest city of Orne. King Marikoth of Alda has sworn to protect the life tree with his life, as have the people of his city, all of the members of this city are high born elves. Guards watch over the life pool beneath the tree at all hours of the day. Alda is one of the few cities that was founded not from power, but by a genuine love of the World Tree, a respect of the Dream and those whom protect the pools of the trees.
Nymphs in this land are nearly non-existent after the most recent war. Humans discovered a way to draw power from the creature that was most connected to the magic of the trees. The Nymphs. A war was started nearly 20 years ago. Humans stormed an old Nymph city called Orne, taking the lives of many that fought back and taking other Nymphs prisoner. It was a dark time for the Nymph race. To see a Nymph outside of slavery...is nearly unheard of. They are traded for power...used...most were born into it, or beaten into submission...
**
A young nymph sat before the fire pit her golden eyes looked over the flames as they licked at the logs. "When can we go to Alda again mother?" The young girl asked softly as she looked to the beautiful woman that sat across from her.
"Hm..." The woman hummed. "In a few days, when we need more supplies dear." She smiled. "Why don't you go play with Feno?"
The girl grinned then, "Really?" She asked her eyes wide with excitement.
"Yes, Kalise, go." The woman nodded and poked at the fire.
Kalise giggled and ran around the fire she hugged her mother before she ran off through the city. "Feno! Feno!" She picked up a toy wooden sword. "Ah ha!" She jumped and swiped at a tall Nymph's feet.
He jumped easily and chuckled. "Kalise where is your mother?" He grinned as he watched her.
"At home, she sent me." Kalise held the sword up, aimed at him. "I challenge you, sir." She grinned playfully.
Feno chuckled as he picked up his own wooden training sword. "Ah, but is it a challenge that you can prevail in?" He questioned as he tapped her sword with his. He looked to her with his striking blue eyes. "You're brave young warrior, I will give you that." He winked before he swung at her.
Kalise blocked and stepped back quickly adjusting her feet and charging forward. For a young child she was quite strong and agile. She chuckled as she blocked his attacks and made her own strikes. Then suddenly she pushed forward again causing Feno to tumble back over a log and fall onto his back. She leaped forward and aimed the tip of the sword at his throat, her foot was placed on his sword. "I believe I win." She grinned to him.
Feno laughed as he looked up to her, "You are getting quite good." He spoke, his smile never broke from his lips.
"Did you let her win?" Kalise's mother walked from the street, she held a lantern in her hands a smile on her lips.
Feno looked over from where he lay on the ground. "No, Astris, I would never give a win away." He grinned.
Kalise backed up allowing her mother to help Feno to his feet. He dusted himself off. "Ah well, Kalise must be getting good then?" Astris spoke with a smile. She then looked to her daughter, "It's time for bed dear." She looked to her.
Kalise sighed and leaned her wooden sword against the tree again where it would wait for another battle with Feno. "I'm not tired though..." She pouted.
Feno chuckled, "You're never tired." He raised a brow.
Astris smiled and shook her head. "Thank you Feno." She reached forward and cupped his cheek, searching his eyes a moment before she turned away. "Come, Kalise."
Kalise ran forward and hugged Feno. "See you soon." She spoke and waved to him as she ran off and took her mother's hand.
It was later that night that the attack happened. Kalise was shaken awake by her mother. "Kalise....Kalise get up." Her mother's voice was a whisper. As soon as Kalise went to speak her mother cupped her hand over her mouth. She held her finger to her lips. "We need to go."
Kalise blinked several times, she could smell wood burning...but it wasn't the same as the fire pit...something was different. She could hear the crackle, the orange light sifted into her room. She heard a scream, a shout. Kalise drew her brows together as she rose from her bed. Her mother shoved a dagger into her hands. She looked to it with wide eyes, her mother never let her play with real weapons...
Soon enough they were outside of the home, her mother's arm wrapped around her. Kalise watched as a Nymph was shoved to the ground before her by an armed guard that held a sword dripping in blood. She let out shriek as her mother was pulled from her. Her mother stabbed into the attacker and scooped Kalise up. They sprinted through the burning city. Bodies lay on the ground. "Feno!!!" Astris cried as she rushed through the streets. Suddenly she was tripped and she fell to the ground, she tumbled and Kalise fell from her arms.
Kalise scrambled to her feet as a guard grabbed her mother slapping glowing shackles over her wrists. "Mother!!" She cried.
"Run Kalise!" Astris fought against the man, "Run!"
Kalise was frozen for a moment longer until she heard the guard. "Get the child!" Her vision snapped to him and she turned sprinting off. Kalise leaped over the dead bodies moving swiftly. She rounded a corner to see a guard shackling Feno and shoving his face into the ground. "Feno!!" She screamed, fear in her voice.
She was grabbed from behind then. Kalise spun and sliced into the guard, slashing into his face with the dagger. He released her and gripped onto the gash. "Get that blasted child!" He snarled.
Kalise ran as the sound of clanking armor filled her ears. Tears began to stream down her cheeks. She was tackled to the ground by a guard then. She thrashed against him and managed to stab into his back. The guard groaned in pain as he slapped shackles onto her wrists before he slammed her head harshly against the ground...
**
Darkness. Fear. Pain. Everything that a child shouldn't have to endure...Kalise was lost to the humans imprisoned by one of their kings at the human settlement that surrounded the base of the Rain Tree it was several days travel back to their settlement at the edge of the continent...
It had been 10 years since she had been taken hostage by the humans...she'd been traded to other royals several times for money. Her tongue always got her into trouble. Though Kalise didn't lose her fire within her soul. She held a basket in her hand, a young age of 17 at the time. It was a late afternoon. The mist from the sea could be felt in the air. She plucked berries from the bush to bring in to the lord that owned her. The glowing shackles still remained on her wrists. The shackles prevented her use of magic. Dulled her senses. She'd gotten used to it over the years...though at first it had made her ill, it was painful to be separated from her powers like that. The humans would draw power from her blood. Using it to give them magical abilities....to lengthen their life...among other things...
Kalise turned as she heard a shout from the mansion. She watched as a man shoved a sword through the lord of the home. Her eyes widened slightly. The basket fell from her hands, the berries toppled over the ground. She could feel the eyes of the bandit upon her.
"Get the girl." A voice spoke. "She's more valuable than any treasure."
Kalise's eyes moved to a man that stood near the man that had murdered the lord. He wore a long coat with golden buttons and stitching. He had a big black captain's hat upon his head and thick mutton chops along his jaw. Around his waist was a red sash with a thick leather belt over it. A pistol was shoved into the belt, a sword on his hip. Kalise took a step back as the other bandit moved toward her.
"Don't run." He spoke staring to her. "It'll just make it worse for you."
Kalise took in a shaken breath. She turned then and sprinted off. The bandit growled as he chased after her through the field. Kalise waved about though eventually he caught her and tackled her to the ground. "I told you not to run." He growled as he pulled his sash and tied it tightly around her wrists. "What are these hm?" He looked to the glowing bracelets.
The other man, the leader walked forward. He leaned down and moved her hair slightly, a grin on his lips. "She's a nymph." He smirked and looked to the man that held her down. Kalise thrashed against him tried to break free. "It's been quite some time since I've seen one. That noble is an idiot for just leaving her in the fields like that, this close to the coast." He smiled wide. "Don't worry girl." He tilted his head. "You're worth too much money for me to harm you." He chuckled. "Knock her out." He nodded as he stood and began walking away.
"No!" Kalise cried and rolled from the man as he tried to grab her. She kneed him and rolled from beneath him. She struggled and got to her feet and sprinted off with bound hands.
The sound of a gunshot caused her to stop. "My next shot won't miss, dear." The leader spoke again. Silence followed until he stood before her, the smoking pistol in his hand. "Come along then, hm?" He gripped her arm and walked her toward the home. Others were inside, looting the home of all the valuables. Kalise trembled as he was led away down the coast and to a huge ship. Pirates. These weren't just bandits. They were pirates...
Kalise hesitated as the man, the Captain pushed her forward onto the ship. The men on the ship watched as he led her below decks. She was shoved into a cell and left then...
Hours later the captain had saved her from one of his men, he killed him for even touching her, using the man as an example. Kalise sat across from the captain with her hands still bound by the sash, her dress ripped from the pirate.
"Here." The captiain came across and pulled his dagger. He reached forward and carefully sliced through the fabric. "I apologize for that dog of a man." He spoke, "That won't happen again, I can assure you that." He grabbed a pile of neatly folded clothing. "These should be more comfortable than that dress, hm?"
Kalise took in a shaken breath, tears were rolling freely down her cheeks. "I don't need your clothing..." She whispered.
The captian sighed and sat down across from her at the table. He looked her over a moment as a man walked in with two full plates of food. One was sat before him another before Kalise. "You should eat." He spoke.
Kalise looked up to him a moment, she then looked to the food, her stomach growled from the smell, it was fresh fish, rice, beans. More food than the lord gave her on a daily basis. She lifted the fork and took a bite. "Thank you..." She spoke softly.
**
10 more years passed. Captian Brighton never sold Kalise off. In fact, she turned from prisoner to his second hand. He'd even figured out how to remove the magical bracelets that the royals had placed on her. Kalise stood, knee high boots that buckled all the way up, tight black pants beneath them, she had a red sash about her waist with a few belts. She wore a long black coat much like Captain Brighton. She had two daggers, one on each thigh.
"A ship ahead captain!" A man called from the crow's nest.
"Aye." Captain Brighton nodded. "Kalise!" He called to her.
Kalise stepped to his side at the wheel. "Yes?" She asked. Her golden eyes looked to him a moment.
"You know what to do, eh?" He grinned to her.
Kalise smiled, "Of course." She chuckled. She turned then and looked to the ship that was visible in the distance. Suddenly she disappeared in a swirl of shadows. Kalise appeared on the deck of the other ship. She leaned against the railing. She ran her fingertip along the stained smooth wood and looked out at the sea. "Nice ship you have here."
The man that stood at the wheel nearly jumped from his skin. "H-how...wh-where..." His eyes were wide.
Kalise turned a grin on her lips. "You'll hand everything over, hm?" She searched his eyes. "No one will get hurt, just get on the dingy and leave." She stepped to him.
The man drew his brows together. "Y-you're...." His eyes filled with worry.
"Yes." Kalise smiled. "Now, do you want to go about this the easy way? Or the hard way?" She turned swiftly and disappeared as a guard came up the stairs with his pistol drawn. She appeared and her dagger sliced into his chest. "Call them off." She kicked him over the side of the ship. "You only have a few men on this vessel. Captain Brighton's men will slaughter you." She drew her brows together. "What will it be?"
The man raised his hands. "Okay....okay...." He stepped back.
Kalise stepped to the wheel a grin on her lips. "Ah thank you." She smiled sweetly as she wiped her dagger off on his tunic before she sheathed it. "Have a glorious day." She cranked the wheel to the side. "I'd get off if I were you." The ship began to aim toward the pirate ship in the distance.
**
Kalise had become quite the pirate. Captain Brighton's crew may have been ruthless, but it was for a cause. They went after those that preyed upon the weak. Those that deserved it. They spread the wealth of their loot to the poor. To those struggling to survive in this cold world. Stories of the mysterious woman spread across the seas and the world of Avaria. She was famous, yet no one knew her name...she was a ghost or a fairytale as far as some were concerned.
A few days later they came into port. Kalise leaned against the railing. She watched as the men tied off the ship her eyes looking to them carefully. Captain Brighton chuckled as he walked up to her. "Always keeping tabs aren't you?" He smiled and gripped her shoulder. "Go get me that spiced rum, and get yourself something." He held a bag of coins to her.
Kalise looked to the bag and attached it to her belt. She nodded she looked to the city, "That's why we came here, it's always about the rum, isn't it Leo?" She spoke and glanced to him before she disappeared. She reappeared on the dock and walked into the city leaving the captian chuckling on the deck.
Kalise walked through the streets, her eyes moved to the large tree that overlooked the city. It looked different...something about it seemed off. Kalise shook her head, she saw so many things, her mind must be playing tricks on her. Though as she looked up again she saw the tree wilt before her eyes, her jaw loosened. Others around her stopped in their tracks, staring to the tree. Kalise drew her brows together as she moved through the busy city. She stumbled as she was bumped into, her eyes looked to the man his eyes were blood red. "Demon?" She questioned.
The man stopped in his tracks. He turned and looked to her, a grin on his lips. "Oh, looky here." He licked his lips. "A nymph, I knew I could smell you." He stood before her.
Kalise watched him, "What did you do to the tree?" She growled.
He chuckled, "Me? Oh why would you think it was me?" He looked to her wrists. "Where are your bonds? You're free?" He questioned. "Oh a special occasion this is."
Kalise growled, her hand on her pistol. "Free to kill you." She drew it and held it aimed at his head. "What did you do to the tree?" She snapped. A crowd had started to surround them. Whispers of the demon began to fill the air.
The demon snickered he looked to the crowd around them. "I'm just taking what is ours, the power that was taken from my kind."
Kalise cocked the gun, "Nothing is a right." She spoke. "Your king corrupts this world." She shoved the barrel of the gun into his jaw.
"Go ahead, pull the trigger." He grinned. "Do it."
Kalise took in a deep breath she reached forward and gripped onto his wrist. Suddenly they teleported away from the crowd. They were on the rooftops. "You think I won't?" She questioned and pulled the trigger then. Blood splattered and his body fell to the ground.
Kalise kicked his dead body and slipped her pistol back into her belt. "What did he do..." She muttered. "Was it him...?" She ran along the rooftops and teleported from top to top quickly. Eventually she jumped down and stood at the base of the tree. She walked in and stared to the pool that was a thick black tar. Her brows tucked together. She knelt and touched the pool and groaned as corruption crawled up her arm. She pulled her arm back and stood stumbling back from the pool as she gripped her arm. Black lines raced up her arm as she leaned against the wall breathing heavily. She stared to the pool as the lines began to disappear from her skin. She'd never seen a pool look like this before...
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Post by Raven on Jul 28, 2018 17:12:37 GMT -5
When the gods sent the titans to create the world – many offspring emerged, Demi-Gods which did their bidding… Cenarius was the offspring of Malorne, the god of the dream. In a summarized version – the Emerald Dream where all realms rest. When the Titans plotted the perfect world they created many different versions, deciding what should or should not be included, how it should be sculpted – each version that was thrown away was placed in a different realm space called the Emerald Dream. This even comes down the decisions Fate makes, to different creatures, threats and powers.
Malorne was the titan who managed this effort to contain these creations and seal them away. His son – Cenarius was crafted from the very magic of the Dream, to become a Demi-God to service it. The Dream’s great power began to leak out, rifts and cracks forming as the power of the realms buckled against the others…
The Earth began to absorb it – trees and creatures seeking balance began to consume it, creating Dream Enchanted Forests and animals, which in return protect the enchanted lands… Though, seeing how the Dream was crumbling in it’s own power – Cenarius figured out exactly what to do. Within the Emerald Dream is the Great World Tree – The Spirit Tree, it’s roots bear down into the Spirit of the Earth, and hold all of the realms together, and supplies the grand power across all of the lands. The Spirit Tree – was a gift from The Goddess Freya herself, which allowed Magic to flow into the earth, spreading to creatures, and the humanity that thrived within it.
Cenarius took seeds from the Spirit Tree and brought them to the Chosen Realm, of which humanity thrived. He planted 2 sister trees – the Sun and Moon Trees, these were first. They grew swiftly, their roots digging deep into the earth. They became a syphon of controlled power, directly from the dream, to the Chosen Realm, to it’s people. Immediately the world became swarmed with great magic, and relieved the pressure of the Dream, allowing balance…
The primary creatures that lived were Elves and Humans. The Elves were direct descendants of the Titans… Though over time they advanced into other sorts. The Elves that lived near the Sun Tree became Sun-Elves, later to be renamed as “High-Born”, and those of the Moon tree became named Night Elves. Their looks opposed each other, High Born were glowing and beautiful, pale or tanned skin. Night Elves often had darker – purple and blue colored skin, with moon like eyes….
5 Other trees were planted over time, gifting the world with different kinds of powers, and allowing the races to be manipulated. Gnomes, Dwarves, Halflings – and a few others came from this enchantment… populating the world with a variety of species…
To protect these trees were a very respect crowd, those of the Cenarius Circle. These mages are specifically chosen by Cenarius himself. Their leader – Malfurion Stormrage was the first of this circle. They became the Druids of the Trees, gifted by Cenarius to protect the Trees under all costs…
“Malfurion…. Let me see her….” A glowing figure stood. He was extremely tall, he had the body of a muscular stag. Glowing lines – like that of tree roots, crawled up his huge calves and body. The top half was that of a muscular man, a kind of Centaur, however his fingers turned into long roots… he had a bear made of vines and oak leaves – and about his head were two huge Stag antlers that were broad and old…
A man stepped forward – a Night Elf, he was typical in his muscular structure and height. The only difference was that he too had Stag Antlers, though his much smaller than the Demi-God before him… Though his antlers had a bit of electricity that crawled about it, and sparked from one tip to another…
He hand his hand on a teenage elf. She stepped forward and bowed before the visage… “Mya…” Cenarius’s great voice rumbled. “Mya Stormrage… Today Is the day…” he held his huge root hand out, it was glowing a bright green now. “You shall be gifted by the Gods – You will become a Druid on this day, a Guardian of the Trees… You will become the Cleanser….” A beam of green light shot from his hands and into Mya’s chest.
She stumbled back, her long dark blue hair fluttering back in the power. She gripped her chest and squeezed her brows together. All around her – flowers began to grow wildly, vines crawling across the ground, the wind began to pick up – her power surging. “There is only one Cleanser to walk, and you are gifted with that power. Your job is too ensure the Tree’s health… your spirit will become one with the Spirit Tree in this moment….”
Mya fell to both knees as she felt the power, it was like nothing else. She could hear the Tree’s whisper about her, the gentle hum of the flowers and earth, as if it all spoke to her…
“Do you accept this?” Cenarius questioned.
“Y-yes” he whispered.
“Very well” he finished the cast and stepped back. “Rise, Archdruid”
“You have woken from the dream” a kind voice echod in the cavern like room they were in. Mya knelt before a pool of swirling milky like water, she was praying. She turned her head to see a beautiful Night Elf approach. This woman had lighter blue hair, and beautiful milky-purple like skin. Tyrande, the leader of the Night Elves… She knelt next to Mya and smiled, praying momentarily as well.
“I have…” Mya nodded. “There is a disturbance…. I can feel it.” She looked to the woman…
Tyrande stood then and nodded. “Then you must do you duty, yes?”
“I was hoping… to continue looking for father…” she whispered and then sighed softly.
Tyrande approached her and placed a hand upon her cheek, her glowing white eyes staring into Mya’s. “He is strong… as are you. You will find him… in due time.” She smiled weakly, she remained strong even though her husband continued to remain lost in the Dream… “My daughter…” she smiled weakly. “You need to remain strong, you are guiding the Circle in his absence…you cannot faulter…”
“Mother….” Mya reached up and touched her wrist and then sighed softly. “I know…I must be more like you.”
“Do not think I do not mourn, I do, every day. But… our people look up to us for strength, hope and guidance. You must be their beacon of light…” Tyrande stepped back then and smiled. “Which tree is under distress?” she questioned.
“The Tree of Arcane” Mya replied, just after nodding to her mothers words..
“That is far…” Tyrande whispered and then nodded. “You should go – I will look forward to your return… Stay Strong my daughter, and May Elune watch over you” she then bowed and then stepped away.
***
It took approximately 3 days on the back of her steed, her companion – Akomi. She entered the city’s gates, which opened to her presence. She wore a medallion on her neck, it was a Tree – glowing white. The symbol of the Druids. No one ever questioned her, or the medallion – The Druids were a small group of powerful people, and they are known for their important role in maintaining the Dream. Without their work – magic would collapse, demons would rule, and everything would be shattered. They were a necessary force to the balance of the world…
Akomi grumbled to her as they came to a trot through the city – he could sense something. “What is it?” she whispered to him, her fingers brushing into his mane. She looked up to the huge tree. This tree normally had a slight purple glow to it, embedded in the roots and bark was crystals and such. Arcane magic was a very unique one, normally a human-style of magic, though all might practice it…
She grit her teeth “Demons…” she whispered, Akomi let out another grumble in agreement. They came to the base of the world tree within minutes. She noted right away that the glow wasn’t as strong, it was dull and pale, something was off. She knew all 7 trees very well, she spent a year with each of them in her training, to bond with them. She could feel them, all 7, at the same time.
Mya came to the pool in the center and she gasped. Black tar – swirling. “Damnit” she groaned. The tree’s whisper was quiet and faint, the corruption had muffled the tree, keeping it from telling her of it’ danger. Who ever was behind this – was smart, knew how to work around.
She knelt by the water and held her hands over it – her fingers glowing, she measured the corruption. “No…” she whispered and shook her head. Just then – she felt a blade against her back.
“You’ll do nothing – druid – you’ll die here” A High Born stood – though his eyes glowed a furious red. Within seconds the room began to fill with others, a sea of glowing eyes staring to her. Akomi stood next to her – growling, ready to pounce…
Mya slowly stood and turned around – the blade now touching her neck. “You’ll have to kill me” she whispered. Suddenly roots burst from the ground and gripped the demons. Though the leader before her sliced away at them and rushed forward. Akomi pounced forward and knocked him down – only for the cat to yelp in pain, a slice gutting down his side.
“Akomi!” Mya cried out and shifted to the side. She reached her hands out and shot roots forward, stabbing at the demon. The demon gripped the root and pulled harshly, causing the root to push deeper into him – but drawing Mya in. She cried out as the demon gripped her throat. He lifted her then and held her over the tar pool.
“I’ll drop you right here” he grinned through sharpened wicked teeth…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 28, 2018 17:43:39 GMT -5
Kalise stared to the pool a long moment. She grit her teeth slightly. "Rum..." She told herself. "This isn't your fight." She shook her head and walked from the pool, she only glanced to it once before she walked out. She snaked through the city and walked into the liquor store. She moved along the bottles and grabbed one from the wall. She set it on the counter along with a stack of coins.
"This is strong stuff for a lady." The man behind the counter spoke.
Kalise grinned to him, "Oh? Well I suppose I must not be the type of lady you're used to." She grabbed the bottle and chuckled before she turned on her heel and walked from the store. She glanced up to the tree again, something was pulling her to it. Her eyes caught something then. She stared to the woman that rode on top of the tiger. The medalion around her neck glowed brightly. Her eyes followed her as she climbed from the creature and entered the area beneath the tree where the pool rest.
Kalise paused a moment, she looked up to the wilted tree again. She then walked forward, following the druid. She heard the commotion as she came to the base of the tree. Suddenly Kalise teleported, her arms wrapped around Mya and she teleported away from the demons, they stood outside. Kalise looked to the Druid for a moment, "Hold this would you?" Kalise shoved the bottle of rum into the druid's hands. "Thanks." She offered a friendly smile before she teleported again.
Kalise appeared back in the room. The demon turned and growled. "Kill the Nymph!" He snapped. Kalise pulled her daggers and danced about the room. Her movements swift and quick as she sliced into the demons. She rushed forward and stabbed one in the chest, another she sliced through his throat. She was gripped by her shoulder and spun around as she finished off the last of the lower demons. The high elf demon stood before her a wicked grin on his lips. He kneed her in the abdomen and then lifted her up he stabbed into her abdomen harshly. Kalise gasped. She grit her teeth and brought both of her daggers into him, she slammed him to the ground and drew her pistol, she depressed the trigger causing the shot to ring out through the room. Kalise gripped her side as she stumbled back. She teleported back outside, her breaths were quick. She glanced around. "Druid?" She stepped forward and grabbed the bottle of rum with her blood stained hand. She touched her shoulder and they teleported deep within the tree to the pool again. "Alright druid...." She nodded and grit her teeth slightly.
Kalise stepped over to Akomi, "Hey there." She spoke as she knelt at his side. "Shh....let's see." She unwrapped her sash from around her waist. She poured a bit of the rum on the wound and blotted the blood away. "Okay." She nodded as she tied the sash around the creature. "It isn't too deep." She gave him a gentle smile before she collapsed back, she leaned her back against the wall. Blood rushed from her side freely. She grit her teeth in pain and leaned her head back. Her wound was deep and he'd twisted the blade before he pulled it out. She blinked and closed her eyes lightly as her vision swirled. "Captain is going to kill me..." She muttered to herself before she let out a soft chuckle. Kalise's grip on her side loosened as unconsciousness swept over her and her head lulled to the side.
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Post by Raven on Jul 28, 2018 18:11:06 GMT -5
One moment Mya was dangling over the tar pit – the next she was standing outside. She stumbled slightly and nearly dropped a bottle that was handed to her. “Huh?” she questioned and then looked up – her savior had disappeared. She moved towards the tree, her eyes watching as the demons toppled over easily, but she couldn’t see what did it…
She gasped then – watching a blade stab into a woman. “No – “ she called out and rushed forward. She held her hands out and several tendrils of roots shot through the air and stabbed a few demon in the chest and then snaked back. Though within in moments they were all dead. She gripped the bottle – though suddenly she was teleported again.
Mya gasped as she appeared before the tar pit again. She turned – “Wait – “ she held her hands out – the bottle was gone? She looked to the tar pit and sighed. Akomi groaned and slowly stood, with his new bandage about him, he nudged the Nymph and then whimpered.
“Yes…” Mya turned and made her way to the collapsed woman… “Thank you…” She whispered and knelt down. She held her hands out and vines wrapped about the woman’s body, cocooning her in it’s greenery. She then stood and cast a small spell – a green orb shot from her hand and into the vines, which activated them to surge the woman with it’s natural healing powers…
She turned then and knelt before the tree. She took in a deep breath… A few people had gathered In the room to watch. Several knelt on the ground, praying… Word had traveled fast it seemed…
Mya rose her hands up and from her palm a vine grew – until it morphed into her staff. Forming at the curved end was a glowing white ball of power, this was directly from the Spirit Tree itself. It was the only item in the Chosen Realm which truly belonged to the Dream world, though it was bound to her..
The power from her staff glowed and she gripped it – a wind kicked up in the room and the tar pit began to swirl. It moved faster and faster… Small beads of black began to float from the pool, she was separating the darkness – until a ball of black float above the pool. The original color of the pool was a light purple, sparkling and smooth…
The black ball began to shrink in the air – until it was a small was a pearl. It then hardened over and lowered into Mya’s palm… She slipped it into her pack, where she would give it to Tyrande to study… Where did this come from? How did it corrupt the tree that swiftly? These questions would help them repel the next horror…
She turned then and the vines around woman began to retract, leaving her body healed and fresh. Mya leaned down and pressed her hand to her forehead, a small beaming light would wake her. “Hello…” she smiled and leaned back. “Thank you for saving me…. You in turn – saved the tree…” she smiled and nodded her head. “I am Mya Stormrage – you…are?” her eyes looked over the woman’s features… Familiar, like those of the dream… A Nymph…here in the chosen world?
She turned her head back to the tree – “I fear that that will not be the last attempt on the tree, those demons were just peons…” she whispered and then stood. “The other trees… may be in danger” she whispered… she crossed her arms and thought for a second. “But… for now you have saved the day. There must be a way I can repay you?” she questioned softly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 28, 2018 18:41:56 GMT -5
Kalise opened her eyes as the light shined over her. She took in a quick breath as her eyes fell on the druid. Her pain was gone. "The tree..." She looked over the druid's shoulder to the pool. Her eyes then fell back on the woman before her as she introduced herself. "Stormrage..." She looked over Mya's features, she'd traveled a lot over the past 10 years, she knew of the Cenarian Circle and of the druids. She'd read the name Stormrage before in a book somewhere.
"My name is Kalise." She spoke finally after a moment of silence. She touched her side where the stab wound had been. "Thank you..." She breathed. She looked to the druid as she spoke of the demons. "Repay me?" Kalise raised her brows. She wasn't used to anyone offering such things. She picked up the bottle of rum and held it as she stood. "You can heal..." She nodded to herself, thinking. "I need your help, yes." She nodded, "I promise not to take too much of your time." She spoke and searched Mya's eyes a moment. "My Captian has been ill for quite some time now, he holds himself well...but I can see his health deterioating. He's a good man, he saved me." She nodded a smile on her lips. "If he hadn't saved me, then who would have saved you?" She questioned, a playful smile now.
Kalise looked to the mix of humans, elves, dwarves...you name it....that had gathered in the room. A few were staring to Kalise and the druid. "A Nymph..." One whispered.
Kalise adverted her eyes, she bit her lip slightly and looked back to Mya. "We should go." She nodded. She led Mya through the city. "You came just in time, didn't you?" She questioned and glanced to the druid. "I've never seen the tree like that before." She glanced up to it, walking backwards. The beautiful purple glow was restored. "I've never seen such a darkness come from the pools." She shook her head. She backed into the chest of a tall man then.
"Watch it." He grumbled and shoved her.
"Aye!" Kalise yelled at him and grit her teeth. She spun around and continued through the crowded streets. Soon enough they came to the port. The ship that she sailed on was called The Liberty Storm. It had beautiful decks and was well kept after, the sails were red and white. Accents of ligher wood ran along the side of the ship. "Up this way." Kalise nodded as she walked aboard.
"Who's this then?" One of the pirates asked, eyeing Mya.
Kalise slapped him instantly, "Hands and eyes off Jonsy she isn't here for that." She shoved him aside. Four or five of the others chuckled and one splashed a bucket of soapy water on the man.
Kalise led Mya to the captain's deck where she knocked on a door. There was a silence before the door finally pulled open. Captian Brighten looked to her a moment and then to Mya and Akomi. "What's this, Kalise?" He questioned, he held a hankercheif in his hand that had splotches of blood on it from him coughing into it.
Kalise gave him a gentle smile. "Leo, I've brought a druid, and some Rum." She held the bottle up.
The captain took the bottle carefully and then looked back to the druid a long moment. "What is the druid for?" He questioned a brow raised. He popped the cap and took a swig of the rum.
"She's going to help you." Kalise pushed him back gently. "Come on, Mya." She nodded. Kalise tugged the captain over to his bed and pushed him to sit. "You're very ill, we all know it. I had to man the wheel all week last week because you couldn't even rise from your bed, Leo." Kalise reached forward and took the rum bottle from him, she set it down on his nightstand. "You're dying."
"Everything dies, Kalise." Leo looked to her a long moment, he coughed and blotted away the blood from his lips. "You are just graced to be young for a very long, long time." He smiled.
"Stop being a fool, Leo." Kalise crossed her arms. She looked to Mya. "Can you help him?" She questioned. "We can take you anywhere you need, just...please help him..."
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Post by Raven on Jul 28, 2018 18:58:35 GMT -5
Mya looked to the people, hearing their whispers – she bit her lower lip slightly and then nodded. “Take me to him, I will see what I can do” she spoke and nodded. Akomi suddenly shrunk in size, to a small cat size – he leaped up onto her shoulder and curled his tail about her neck. She reached up and gave him a small scratch, it seemed his bandage about him shrunk as well, a sort of magic within him…
She moved swiftly behind her – and soon they came to the port. Her eyes fell upon the huge ship – it was glorious and beautiful, she was surprised to see it – truthfully. Just who exactly was her savior? She followed along, her eyes gazing to the shipmates who joked… a fun crowd it seemed… Mya remained quiet as she continued along.
They entered the chambers and she looked to the Captain with concerned eyes. She bowed her head “I am Mya Stormrage… Kalise saved my life, and so I am returning the favor…” she stepped over and plucked the hankerchief from his fingers – she turned it over and then sighed softly, handing it back.
“Sit…” She motioned him to the chair. She stepped forward and pressed two fingers against his chest, right on his sternum – she shut her eyes and listened. Her fingers glowed gently as she tapped into his spirit, she then could sense or – read his body, his organs, his health. She breathed in deeply and then brought her fingers back…
“Hmm…” She stepped back and thought for a long moment. “Healing wounds is easy… the earth about me gives me the power to do, but healing an illness is different…” she spoke and looked to Kalise. “My magic is all about drawing energies from the earth, the trees, the air – however, and using it. Often different plants provide a different…kind of magic… To heal him… I’ll need to draw the power of a certain plant – It’s name is Astral Glory. Located on the Islands of Keratov only. It is a rather mystical flower… I need it to be a fresh as possible, meaning I can’t go and buy it…” she bit her lip slightly.
“He has approximately a month to live… I can save him if we go the Island…” she looked to her. “Once we go there, I would need to come back here – my duty is to the trees, but I can perform this task yes… I will just need to write to the Circle and put more forces on the trees, to protect them…” she looked to the Captain. “So… what do you say?” she questioned. “When you are healthy, I estimate easily 20 more years in your future…”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 28, 2018 19:25:42 GMT -5
Kalise watched her eyes hopeful as she watched the druid press her fingers to the captain's chest. Leo took in a breath he drew his brows together slightly when she mentioned the Islands of Keratov. He opened his mouth about to speak.
"We'll do it." Kalise spoke quickly her hand on his shoulder, she gripped his shoulder then. "Right Leo?" She smiled to him.
Leo let out a chuckle, "You are the most pushy second hand I've ever had, Kalise."
"Right, well." Kalise smiled to him, "I'm just looking out for my captain, that's my job, isn't it sir?" She chuckled. "Come on then." She stepped out. "Man the decks!" She called out. The men whom were laughing and joking around turned to her, a few saluted before they scrambled to their stations. Others began to untie the ship. Kalise walked up to the wheel. "I haven't been to the Keratov islands in a good few years." Kalise grinned and looked to Mya. She then nodded. "Thank you, I'll owe you for this." She bowed her head slightly. She then turned. "Hoist the sails boys!" She called. The men rushed about and soon enough they were out of the port and into the sea.
Kalise stood at the wheel she pulled a compass from her hip and adjusted the wheel a bit before she leaned against it slightly. Captain Brighten came up the stairs, his feet thudding heavily. "I've got it, Kalise." He gave a gentle smile. "Show our guest to her quarters so that she can make herself at home, eh?"
Kalise nodded, "Of course sir." She stepped from the wheel. She glanced to him a moment, making sure he was able to hold himself up, that he was strong enough in that moment to sail. Her eyes showed her worry for him. She then looked back to Mya and a smile curved up her lips. "Ah a suite fit for a king....er...." She chuckled. "A queen in your case." She winked and headed toward the stairs. "Aye, Jonsy." Kalise spoke, she grinned devilishly. "You missed a spot." She pointed to the deck and then pat him on the back as she walked passed him.
He chuckled and shook his head. "You think you're funny, huh, Kalise?" He was still soaking wet from the bucket of water.
"Of course, Jonsy." She flashed a smile to him as she pushed the door open. She glanced to Mya. "We don't have much room on board, what with the crew and all." She walked down a narrow hallway and pulled key from her pocket. She inserted it into a door and unlocked the room. She pushed the door open to a cabin that held a large bed that was made neatly. Books were piled into a crate next to the bed. The dresser held several trinkets displayed. Kalise even had the bracelets that had kept her imprisoned for so long...
Kalise reached up and grabbed a hat from a hook, "I forgot this when I went into town." She chuckled as she pulled it on, it covered her tipped ears easily. She looked nearly human with the exception of her golden eyes. One side of the hat was folded up, a red feather stuck out from the hat, a stark contrast against the black material. "So this is my room." Kalise spoke and glanced to Mya. "Feel free to make yourself at home, it isn't much, but, it's better than me putting you with the boys. I wouldn't dare do that to you." She chuckled then. "Don't worry, we all joke, and mess around, but no one will hurt you." She placed her hat back on the hook and then took in a breath. "Stormrage, I know that name." She spoke after a breif silence. She looked over Mya a moment. "I've read it somewhere..." She tilted her head slightly.
Kalise thought for a long moment before she turned. She stumbled as the ship made an abrupt turn. "Ah..." She caught herself with the wall. "I'll be right back." She flashed a friendly smile to Mya before she disappeared.
Kalise appeared above deck behind the captain. "What was that all about?" She asked coming to his side.
Leo looked to her a moment and then chuckled. "I stumbled, that's all." He adjusted the wheel and stood strong then. "You've brought a true druid onto the ship." He grinned to her. "I suppose I did tell you to get something you wanted." He winked.
Kalise snickered then, "You did, and it didn't cost you a coin." She jingled the pouch full of coins he'd given her.
The captain chuckled and shook his head. He looked ahead as they continued on. "Well, you keep it and when you do find something, just buy the damn thing." He adjusted the wheel again.
"Ah, don't you worry." Kalise stepped from his side. She walked down the stairs and looked over the men.
"Is she going to help the captain?" A pirate asked, he was tieing of a rope.
"Hopefully." Kalise smiled.
"If not...you'll be our captain, right?" He asked his eyes looking her over.
"Of course." Kalise nodded, "Don't worry my friend." She pat his shoulder as she headed down below decks. She wound into the kitchen and grabbed two plates of food before she headed back to her room. She pushed the door open. "Room Service." She spoke as she entered. "You must be hungry, saving the tree and all." She smiled as she handed Mya the plate. She sat down on the end of the bed and lifted the turkey leg and took a bite. "So, what's your story Mya?" She asked a brow raised.
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Post by Raven on Jul 28, 2018 20:07:54 GMT -5
Mya nodded her head to the captain as she followed Kalise out of the room and to the deck. She watched as the woman shouted to the men and they scrambled with urgency. She smiled – they worked like a beautiful cog wheel, everyone seem to know their role. Men pulling at the ropes to push from the dock, others tightening down the sails. She even was in awe by the one who crawled up to the crows nest with speed. “Wow…” she whispered. It had been years since she had been on a boat, but she had not seen a crew like this before…
She stood on the bottom of the deck, eyes looking out to the sea as they emerged from the city, headed out to the grand expanse. She walked to the bow and placed her hands on the railing – watching as the boat cut right through the waters, leaving a tall wake…
She turned then and approached the stairs to the wheel, watching as Kalise made her way down. “This boat is wonderful…” she smiled, Akomi purred softly about her shoulder in agreement. She then followed as they walked towards the room. She chuckled softly at Jonsy and their interactions, it was pleasing to see such a happy-go-lucky group, even when their leader was dying… As her thoughts went about him…her expression faded and she bit her lower lip slightly. Saving him was going to be tricky… she could only hope they would arrive to the island in time.
She entered the room and turned about. “Well… this is quite nice… I’ve stayed in worse” she winked and then sat down on the edge of the bed. Suddenly the boat shifted and she gripped the ground with her boots. “Ahm… I’ll have to get used to that….” She looked up – Kalise had slipped away to figure out what the problem was…
Mya stood and walked over to the dresser – her eyes looking over trinkets and items… just observing. Moments later Kalise returned and Mya averted her eyes from her personals. “Oh – thank you” she smiled and took the plate and sat down on the edge of the bed with her. “I am a bit hungry..” she held up the turkey leg and Akomi took a nibble from it, after which she bit into it and grinned. “Mmm – It’s delicious” she spoke after swallowing..
“Oh… My story?” she bit her lip slightly. “Well, you likely know my name because my father is the leader of the Circle… Malfurion Stormrage, and I am his daughter… I am following in his legacy in terms of … capabilities and leadership. Currently… my father is missing, lost in the Dream – so I am temporarily filling that responsibility… Otherwise, I am what is called The Keeper of the Trees… My soul has been linked between all 8 trees, the Spirit Tree, and the 7 amongst us… I feel them, feed off of them, listen to them, and tend to them. Meanwhile… The rest of the circle protects them, and ensures it’s safety.” She fidgeted slightly. “I am the only one who could… cleanse the tree like I did…” she looked to Kalise.
“So… it is really important that I.. don’t die?” she smiled weakly. “You seem very capable of protecting me, obviously” she chuckled and hid her gaze, a slight blush covering her cheeks. “Thank you again” she spoke and took another bite.
“My friend here is Akomi… he is a Forest Panther, enchanted by the Moon Tree…” Akomi jumped from her shoulder and grew slightly bigger, about the size of a large dog. He strut around the room and then sat, eyes watching the two. “He is a goof…” she chuckled and then tossed the rest of her leg to him, which he happily cleaned up for her.
“And you – are a Nymph…” she titled her head. “The purest of creatures…. I am honored to be before you” she bowed her head. “How are you… here? What is your story?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 28, 2018 20:47:31 GMT -5
Kalise watched Mya as she spoke she nodded. "Yes! Malfurion! That's it." She grinned. She grabbed up a book from her crate and flipped through it. The back half of the book was empty, it was a journal. She wrote down important bits of information from her readings and travels. Kalise drew her brows together when Mya spoke that her father was missing. "Oh dear..." She spoke and lowered her eyes, "I'm sorry to hear that." Her voice was serious then. She thought a moment as she listened to the rest, her brows raised. "That was lucky then...that you showed up in time...quite the timing I suppose...from both you and I." She chuckled. "Don't feel ashamed." She spoke noticing the blush. "I'll keep you from dying, you can count on that." She grinned before her eyes moved to Akomi as he grew larger, she chuckled as he strutted around.
Kalise raised her brows when Mya turned her attention back to her, "Yes...I'm a Nymph, no need to bow your head." She spoke and then shook her head. "My story?" She let out a long breath. "Now that we will need tea for." She disappeared suddenly again. Both the plates were also gone from the room. Just moments later she returned with two mugs of tea. "Black tea alright? It's spiced. It goes rather well with a bit of milk in it but...uh...we aren't in port so, plain is what we get." She chuckled then and took a sip.
Kalise clicked her tongue slightly, her smile faded from her lips. "I was among those in Orne 20 years ago." She spoke, "When the humans decided to abduct my kind. I was taken from my family, I haven't seen them since, I'm not sure if they are alive or dead. Many of the Nymphs in my city were murdered in cold blood before me...I was just a child then..." She shook her head then sipped from her tea. "I was taken away, a pair of special bracelets slapped on my wrists, just like many of the other Nymphs." She stood and walked over to her dresser, she lifted up the rings of silver that had etchings around them the spell that syphoned magic from her and prevented her from using her magic. "Gluttons for power." She spoke and raised a brow. "I was a slave, passed from home to home for 10 years, the next highest bidder in the royal class would own me, one after the next I was used for my magic." She crossed her arms.
The Nymph paused a moment, "Then, one day I was picking berries for my lord as I was ordered." She set the bracelets back down and lifted her tea back up taking a sip. "Suddenly these bandits appeared, I was horribly terrified." She chuckled, "Little did I know it was the Captain and his crew. It wasn't his intention to save me, he didn't even know that the lord had a Nymph as the slaves are disbursed throughout the land...Leo told me when he realized what they'd stumbled upon he knew he must save me. He figured out how to release me from those bracelets that imprisoned me for 10 years." She grit her teeth slightly thinking of the horrible things that were done to her...
Kalise then shook her head. "He freed me and in turn I am in debt to him. We aren't your normal plundering pirates." She chuckled, "We take down the corrupt and we use their wealth to help the poor whom are worthy to live another day...it's what Leo has always done..." She sighed softly, "After I was on the ship for about 6 years he asked me to be his second hand when his other second hand passed away in a battle..." Kalise sipped from her tea a moment. "The crew is a great crew, a lot of good guys, they all mean well." She spoke and smiled. "Even Jonsy." She chuckled. "I'm glad we went into port when we did, we usually don't stop in that city." She noted and looked to Mya. "I would hate to know what would have happened to you if that demon had dropped you into the corrupted pool..."
Kalise took in a breath then, "I haven't met another Nymph in my lifetime." She spoke, "Yet I've been searching for my mother for 10 years. Every city we stop in I try to spot her..." She shook her head. "I fear she may have been among those killed...though most likely I will never know, I almost hope that she died that night..." She shook her head. "The things that the humans did..." Her voice trailed off.
Kalise stood as she finished her tea. She paused as she saw a flash from the window. "Ah a storm is coming in." She spoke. "Do finish your tea before the waves get any worse, hm?" She smiled. "I'm going to take over for the captain, give him a rest. If you need anything you know where to find me...make yourself at home." Kalise smiled to her before she turned and left the room. She made it to the upper deck and glanced to the sea as it began to grow waves from the storm. She took the wheel without a word and the captain nodded to her before he stepped off to his chambers his eyes tired.
Soon enough the storm was in full force. "Portside tighten up!" She yelled over the crashing waves that battered the hull. The ship rocked along as she turned the wheel, aiming into each oncoming wave. She was rather skilled at navigating the ship. Kalise fought through the storm as rain pelted her and thunder boomed. It was a good 3 or 4 hours worth of storm before it finally settled down. The ocean appeared nearly flat again. Kalise had heavy eyes by this point.
"I can take over for you, Kalise." Jonsy spoke his voice soft.
Kalise looked to him, "I have it Jonsy..." She spoke as she focused ahead.
"Oh? How far to the next harbor?" Jonsy questioned his eyes watching her.
Kalise pulled her compass and looked to it. "Not too far." She spoke and looked back to the ocean before them.
"Then I can handle it." Jonsy pushed. "Get some rest." He pushed her gently from the wheel.
Kalise yawned as she was pushed aside. "Wake me before we go into port, or if we have any issues..." She watched him.
"You got it, capi tan." He chuckled and saluted at her.
Kalise shook her head and chuckled. She walked down the stairs and found her way into the cabin. She tiredly pushed into her room and slumped onto the bed. She yawned again as she crawled into the bed and collapsed almost instantly sleep took her.
Soon enough there was a swift knock from the door. Jonsy came in and woke Kalise leading her back up to the wheel. Kalise stood as they approached the city of Treno. They would stop for supplies and continue onward toward the islands. "Man the lines boys! Get ready to anchor!!!" She called out, the men rushed about readying the ship to dock. Soon enough they were in the port. Kalise stood watching the men as they rushed into town to get what they needed so they could get back out to the ocean once again.
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Post by Raven on Jul 28, 2018 23:20:11 GMT -5
Mya pursed her lips and blushed slightly to her kind words – I’ll keep you from dying, you can count on that. She accepted the tea and sipped on it, a smile about her face. It wasn’t so bad, she couldn’t complain too much. Mya shifted, turning her body to face Kalise as she told her story. Though soon her smile faded – she listened to her troubling past. Though, she was not surprised… she had met Nymphs before, and none of them had a good story to tell.
“I’m…sorry you had to go through that…” she whispered. “Do you know anything about your kind? Nymphs – they’re creatures of the dream. Thousands of years ago the world was in despair, Malorne released the Nymphs to help fix the corruption and tidy it up. You are sought for power because you have a direct link to the dream, and like the trees – it can be syphoned.” She bit her lip. “You do know that if you were to die – you would live in the dream in an afterlife, right?” she sipped on her tea. “I have met many Nymphs in the Dream, this is why I say I am honored. I’ve received much help from them, I am not surprised it was you who rescued me.” She smiled then and finished her mug.
“In the end, you are here…Despite the past, you made the best of it” she smiled weakly and then giggled when she mentioned the crew – Jonsy and the gang. Even though her experience thus far was limited – she enjoyed their personalities and energy, it was different from her more serious vibe. However lately she had been traveling alone, so just to be around others was a gift.
“I admire your pirating that isn’t quite pirating” she chuckled. “Giving to the poor – what was stolen from them?” she nodded. “I just cause” she looked up when there was a loud booming thunder. Wind began to whip against the ship and push it. “Oh…” she set her mug down and moved to the bed. “Okay – I’ll stay here, thank you again Kalise –“ she watched as the woman left the room…
Mya moved to the bed and laid down in the middle, she was quite exhausted from all the efforts she had to exert – when healing the tree. Though she didn’t fall asleep until much later. The ship bobbed and bounced – with each shove she felt uncomfortable, but not queasy or the like, just odd. Once they hit flat waters…she passed out easily…
The morning came swiftly when she heard the ringing of bells, seagulls and chattering. They docked in at a port… She slowly sat up and brought her hand to her head, it hurt a little from all the commotion… She stood and adjusted her robes and walked out onto the deck.
“Mornin!” A pirate shouted to her as he passed by with a crate in his hands. She scooted to the side, Akomi coming up behind her.
Everyone seemed so giddy and happy, it brought a smile to her face… she walked up to Kalise and smiled. “I’ll need to get some supplies, a few herbal tonics, and I can probably get something to help him with his pain…” he glanced to the Captain who was coughing into his rag, a hand to his chest as he squeezed his brows together…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 28, 2018 23:41:17 GMT -5
Kalise had thought about Mya's response all night while she was at the wheel. She glanced up to her Captain at the mentioning of the herbs for pain. "Yes, yes please." Kalise nodded, she untied the pouch of coins from her hip. "Here, this should be more than enough." She held the pouch forward. "I will accompany you." She grinned, "Just a moment." She spun around and teleported, a moment later she returned with her hat on. She grinned, "Can't forget this beauty." She ran her fingertips along the brim of the hat and chuckled. Her smile faded and she rushed up the stairs as she saw Leo fall to a knee. "Captian!" She cried out as she teleported swiftly to his side. She held his back and drew her brows together. "Leo...you need to rest..."
"I'm fine." He pushed her away gently as he stood up. He spat a glob of blood over the side of the ship. "Get the supplies, Kalise, go on." He shoed her.
Kalise looked to him with a troubled expression. She took in a breath and let out a long sigh of defeat as she turned and walked down the stairs. "Perry." She spoke and looked to a man with fiery red hair. "Look after the captain would you? See to it that he has plenty of water if need be, get him in his cabin if you can."
The lanky man nodded, "Of course." He nodded to her before he headed up to the captain's side, Jonsy was also with him. Kalise could always count on Jonsy in times like these.
Kalise looked back to Mya then and gave a nod. A bell chimed from the ship. "Three hours boys!" The captain called weakly from atop the ship.
Kalise took in a breath as she watched him cough again after he'd spoken. It was getting worse. "I fear we may not be quick enough....do you fear this?" She questioned as she walked down the steep plank from the ship she helped Mya keep her balance by walking backwards down the plank and holding both of her hands up to her. "This port is a bit tricky." She chuckled. She then spun and walked through the crowd her eyes glancing through the crowd, analyzing them. "To answer your question...I don't know much of my kind, the humans have destroyed much of the historical articles that tell of my kind..." She shook her head. "I wonder if my mother is in the Dream..." She whispered then her voice incredibly soft. She looked to Mya, "She wouldnt' even recognize me." She grinned, "I've grown up quite a bit since I last saw her....I was barely this tall." She held her hand out and chuckled. "Just a sprout." She then sighed.
"Oh hey." She grabbed Mya's arm and tugged her into a shop. "Yes!" She grinned and took in a deep breath. The aromas of coffee filled her nostrils. "You must have a coffee." She looked to Mya. "This port has some of the best!"
"I'll second that!" One of the pirates from the ship walked in behind them. He chuckled as he walked up to order.
Kalise ordered two coffees and paid with her pouch of coins that she had on her hip. Everytime they went to port and Leo gave her money, she hardly ever spent it. She had several pouches in her dresser in her room. She brought the cup back to Mya and nodded. "The hebalist then?" She questioned and walked forward. "Have you met a Nymph by the name of Astris in the Dream?" She questioned and looked to the woman her eyes curious a moment before she looked away and began to lead them toward the herbalist.
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Post by Raven on Jul 29, 2018 0:02:38 GMT -5
Mya gasped as the captain fell…she bit her lip and watched as the crew tended to him… She looked to Kalise as she asked about the captain…she did not answer her question, she wasn’t entirely sure, and she feared slightly… but did not want to worry the woman any more than need be…
Mya slipped slightly as she walked down the plank – she swiftly reached out and grasped Kalise’s arm. “Thanks” she smiled and leaped to the solid deck of the portside. They made their way into the city…her eyes glanced about the new surroundings. “I’ve never been here before…” she spoke as she looked out to the crowded buildings and shops. The place was absolutely bustling, aromas and sounds filled the air…
Mya yelped slightly when she was tugged away. “Oh – “ she stepped into the coffee shop…she smiled as the thick scent wafted over her. It was dark and lovely, heavy, it made her crave a cup. “1 Dark Roast “ The barista poured the cup and handed it over – Mya took it and sipped happily. “Mmmm..”
Mya looked to Kalise as she mentioned a familiar name. “Astris…?” she whispered, her eyes growing wide. “What … do you know of Astris? I do know her, not terribly well but… she and I have had encounters…” she looked to Kalise a little closer. “Oh-…” she lowered her mug. “That is your mother, isn’t it? You have the same eyes…jaw…hair-“ she looked away briefly. “Interesting…” she whispered. “Ahm… I have only met her twice, both instances she rescued me from near death… Always appearing seemingly out of no where, and leaving just the same. Before I can even repay her….” She sighed softly…
“We should talk more about it later, hm?” she questioned. “To the Herbalist…” they headed off down the street together. She was quiet as she remembered those moments - putting everything together. The odds of this were so slim, it blew her mind completely away…
The door bell jingled twice as they entered a small shop. It had pot after pot lined up with fresh flowers, and then a three walls of dried herbs… She stepped over and plucked a few different pouches from the wall, she turned them about and even smelled them. “Yes…” she whispered and picked a few more.
From the back came a fair skinned Elf. “Oh – Hello” she bowed her head. “A druid? It is my honor… what do you seek?” she questioned and approached her.
“Greetings” Mya bowed her head slightly. “You seem to have everything I need except… BloodThistle?” she questioned.
“Oh – yes, I have it in the back, I was preparing it for oil… do you need the oil instead?” She questioned.
“No – the whole leaf would be best” Mya responded.
“Very well…” The woman slipped away and came back with a bright red leaf like herb.
Mya paid the woman a few coins and then turned, a small brown bag in her hands now. “This should do it…” she nodded. “Something to ease his pain, help his cough – and help him sleep…” she spoke and tucked the bag away in her satchel. “I should get to him as – “ her ears twitched slightly. She heard someone whispering.
“A nymph…get the boss”
“We need to go – “ Mya grasped towards Kalise – when suddenly something pierced into her. She cried out and grasped her shoulder, an arrow stuck into it. “By the gods!” she cried out in pain. Akomi growled and suddenly leaped forward, he jumped high into the air and grew in the midst of the jump, to his normal large cat size. He pounced the archer, who stood atop a low building…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 29, 2018 2:25:11 GMT -5
Kalise watched Mya as the realization came over her that she was in fact Astris' daughter. Her eyes lowered slightly. If her mother was in the Dream. Was she dead? Her mind began to wander as she walked around the herbalists shop. She plucked a few things, turning the herbs over in her hands examining them. She had never gotten into the art. She glanced to Mya as she paid, "I do hope it helps." She gave a gentle smile.
Everything happened so quickly then. Kalise lunged forward as a man rushed into the room. She looked to his armor and her memories rushed to her. She grit her teeth. Her daggers were drawn in an instant. "You're coming with us, Nymph." The man spoke as he rushed her.
Kalise moved swiftly, she kicked him in the back knocking him to his stomach. Others swarmed the building. Kalise glanced to the druid, she didn't have time to fight these soldiers, not with Mya injured. Kalise rushed to her side and wrapped her arms around her, suddenly shadows surrounded them and they teleported out into the streets. She glanced up to the rooftops and they teleported again. She looked to the arrow that was lodged in Mya's shoulder. "Can you manage?" She asked loooking to the wound. An arrow clattered off the building next to her. "Are you trying to kill us?!" She snapped and turned. She teleported away. She gripped the man by his throat and slammed him against a wall. "If you're trying to take me hostage you're not doing a very stand up job, you've shot a druid and you tried again to shoot me!" She snapped at the man as she slammed his head against the wall, causing him to lose consciousness.
Kalise took in a breath as she glanced down to the streets. She grit her teeth. She leaped down from the building and teleported mid air. When she reappeared her dagger was sticking through the center of one of the soldier's chests. "That's for burning Orne." She spoke, her face inches from his. She twisted the blade and ripped it from his chest. A few of her pirates had gathered in the streets and were tackling the soldiers taking them down.
Kalise turned and teleported again to the rooftop where she'd left Mya. "Come on." She helped her stand. She wrapped an arm around her, "Deep breath." She spoke and nodded to Mya before she looked out toward the docks. Suddenly she teleported and they appeared on the deck of the Liberty Storm. She stumbled and gripped onto Mya, a bit of blood leaked from her nose. "As soon as everyone is on board we depart..." Kalise choked out.
Jonsy rushed forward and held her up, he looked to Mya. "What happened?" He grit his teeth. "Kalise?"
Perry rushed from the captain's quarters and wrapped his arm around Mya to help hold her up. "If the damn rats would just allow the nymphs to be free there wouldn't be any trouble." He snapped as he carried Mya below decks. The sound of dishes being cleared from a table clattered through the room echoing off of the walls. "I'm the ship's medic, druid." He spoke as he helped her onto a table. He moved quickly and pulled a bag and opened it. "This isn't going to feel very good, I want you to bite down on this, okay?" He pushed a cloth into Mya's mouth. He didn't wait then as he cut the tip from the arrow. He then quickly pulled it from her shoulder and just as quickly he began to clean and dress the wound. He packed it with herbs and bandaged it quickly. He then held a glass forward. "For the pain." He nodded to her. He glanced over his shoulder, "How's Kalise?" He asked as Jonsy entered the room. The boat was already beginning to rock.
Jonsy chuckled and shook his head. "You know, Kalise...she's at the wheel as always." He took in a deep breath. "She asked me to check on the druid."
Perry looked to her and nodded, "She'll make it through." He turned then, "She's lucky it wasn't over a few inches." He drew his finger across his neck then, meaning if the archer had made his mark he would have gotten her in the heart.
**
"Anchors up! Tie the lines boys! Let's go we don't have all day!" Kalise called as she gripped onto the wheel, spinning it quickly. "Go! Go!" She cried. Soon enough as the men scrambled about they pulled from the port. Kalise glanced over her shoulder several times watching the other ships in port. She grit her teeth as one left, she could only assume it was a ship full of the human soldiers.
"You haven't been spotted like that in a long time." Leo spoke as he came to her side. "How'd they know?" He questioned.
"They must have been searching for Nymphs....I don't know..." Kalise shook her head. "My eyes give me away usually...when I'm spotted it's always my eyes." She sighed heavily.
Leo chuckled, "Well..." He paused and coughed. "All is well, eh?" He pulled his telescope and zoomed in on the ship. "Though we are about to have company following us. Would you mind?" He collapsed the telescope and placed a hand on the wheel.
Kalise turned and looked to the ship that was trailing them out to sea. She took in a deep breath and then suddenly she disappeared. She appeared on the deck of the ship. She walked forward without a word and drew her pistol, she pressed it against the back of the soldier's head that was at the wheel of the ship. Then without another word she pulled the trigger. She reached forward and spun the wheel swiftly causing the ship to turn abruptly. Several of the soldiers fell over on the decks. "Up there! It's the Nymph!" One called.
Kalise teleported to him. "You want me?" She asked, her pistol to his jaw. "You want to capture me so badly that you would rather die?" She stared into his eyes. "Pathetic waste of air." She narrowed her eyes and pulled the trigger. She then moved into the captains cabin as soldiers began to rush about. She found the liquor cabinet and began to smash the bottles causing it to leak all over the floors. She searched around and found a box of matches with the cigars. "Predictable." She sighed and shook her head as she tossed a match into the liquid. It instantly lit aflame, she glanced out the window before she teleported back to the Liberty Storm. She gripped onto the wheel again and looked to her captain. "Taken care of." She leaned against the wheel slightly.
Leo turned and looked to the ship as black smoke began to rise from it, he chuckled. "Very good. You're swift." He coughed again.
"Go rest, Leo. I will man the wheel. Jonsy will watch it when I need a rest." She nodded to him. "Go on." She turned her eyes ahead to the open sea. "The druid will bring you herbs once she's recovered."
"Recovered?" The captain looked to her with worried eyes.
"She was shot by those idiots with an arrow!" Kalise growled. "They nearly shot me! They want so damn bad to catch a Nymph that they will stop at nothing." Her breathing increased, her knuckles turned white as she gripped the wheel tightly.
The captain watched her a moment, he coughed into the cloth. He placed his other hand on her back a moment. "I am still glad that we found you that day, Kalise...you don't deserve the conditions you were placed in." He then walked off.
Kalise stood at the wheel through the day. Soon enough orange filtered into the sky as the sun set over the expanse of the ocean. She couldn't stop thinking about what the druid said in the coffee shop. She'd met her mother. She knew Astris. Her mind ran circles until the moon was high in the sky dancing with the stars and the milky way. She looked to her compass and adjusted the wheel. Her eyes glanced up to the beautiful clear skies, the ocean was calm tonight. She began to day dream, grasping at the memories of her childhood. The sound of the wooden swordplay echoed in her mind, a soft smile curved up her lips as she carefully adjusted the wheel of the ship.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 29, 2018 12:40:12 GMT -5
Mya groaned and gripped her shoulder - "I can manage - " she nodded. As Kalise disappeared - she held her hand up and roots began to emerge from the back of her arm, as it growing from her pores. She crafted a thick shield that was weaved from intertwining bark and limbs. Another arrow flew her way - and she blocked it easily, the tip lodging in the wood shield.
Mya glanced to Akomi and nodded. He suddenly transformed into a small version and leaped onto her shoulder, just was Kalise came back to teleport them. She groaned as she stumbled onto the deck of their ship - she felt arms wrap around her and help her up. Mya could fight - but she never engaged much in battle, she was often the medic herself, so being wounded was a rare thing for her.
She was tugged onto a table - her eyes looked the Kind pirate before her who worked on her swiftly. He packed her wound and covered it in a numbing salve. "Thank you" she whispered - though her skin suddenly absorbed the herbs, and a thin vine weaved the wound and tightened, sewing it shut...
She slowly stood and looked about the room. "I need to do some brewing..." she spoke and pulled her bag out and layed out the several different types of herbs. The medic began to dig through a few things until he pulled out a few items, beakers and the like.
"I have not brewed in some time, this is an older kit... I think I have some oil.." he pulled out a canteen and poured it into another container and then he fixed the wick, this would be the fire for her boiling. "You can use that work space... I'll leave you to it..." he spoke and then walked out.
Mya moved all of the goods to the table and set it up. She pulled out some of the herbs and a small knife and began to chop them up finely. For two of them she had to crush them, and another leaf she left whole. She poured some water over the beaker above the flame and began to sprinkle herbs into it. The water turned to a bright red color, and then slowly began to boil. After some time - she added the others.
Meanwhile, while it was brewing, she ground up the Dreadroot, a thick sandy like root - into a mushy paste. She then mixed in a powdery packet, a Thistlecap - a mushroom that was pre-dried and ground up for her. The paste thickened up into the consistency of cookie mix, she then began to roll little balls with them, and set them aside. There was easily 50 small balls laid out on a sheet...
She swiftly return to the brew and stirred it, she sniffed it and nodded. She sprinkled in another powder she purchased, and then dropped the large green leaf into the water and let it boil for another 30 minutes...
She lifted the tray of little balls and carried it into the kitchen. The chef walked up and smiled "Hello - what is that?" he questioned.
"Pills - do you mind baking these for 10 minutes at about... 400 degrees?" she questioned to him.
The chef walked over to his brick oven and fired it up. "Yes, give me a few minutes to warm her up...meanwhile...you hungry?" he questioned, he was working on some stews which rest on the wood burning oven.
"Oh - I am almost done with my work, but otherwise yes... I am rather hungry" she smiled. "I'll be back in ten?" she questioned.
The chef took the tray and set it in the oven and nodded to her. Mya rushed back across the hallway and into the medic's room, she stepped to the brew and then lifted it carefully from the fire, which she snuffed out swiftly. She let it cool off and then plopped a finger into the liquid and tasted it. Her nose scrunched and she coughed slightly - "Just right" she whispered...
Lastly she took ground up Mellowbloom and seperated it out, folding the 10 portions carefully in cut wax paper... She poured the brew into a canteen and placed the mellowbloom into a small bag. She then walked back across to the kitchen and stepped inside. "How did it go?" she questioned.
The chef pulled the tray and nodded. "Little pills huh?" he smiled and set them down. "What are they for?" he questioned as he scooped stew into a bowl for her.
"Pain pills, honestly. Your captain is in immense pain, he hides it very well... this should sooth it for him, but he might be a little dull - spacy, it is....well" she began to scoop the pills into a baggy, she didn't finish the sentence. The pills will make him pretty high, that was the nice way of putting it - but she didn't want to tempt the others with it.
She sat down at the little bar and ate her stew happily - she and the chef talked about the ingrediants of his stew, he sort of went on forever about how to make it just right... Once she was done she gathered her things and walked up to the deck....
She made her way to the captains chambers, her arms clutching onto her leather bag, with all the goodies. She knocked the door and waited - she heard a low groan and she slowly cracked the door. "Captain?" she questioned and stuck her head in. "I have some things for you.." she waited for him to wave her in.
She slowly approached the bedside, where she held a bloodied hankerchief to his mouth. "I'm here to help..." she set her things down and pressed her two fingers to his chest again. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply - his chest was muddy, his breathing labored, and his heart beat was rather fast.
"Okay" she set her bag down. She pulled out the canteen. "Two shots of this a day, morning and night - it will loosten up the crud in her chest, you'll be spitting more, but hopefully less blood." she set it on the side table. "I made pain pills as well..." she lifted a small pouch, much like a coin pouch. "You should take one every 3 hours, or as needed, but do not exceed 8 pills a day. They will make you...loopy, so beware... do not, absolutely not, drink alcohol, do you understand?" she questioned and set the pouch down. "Lastly, this powder you will add to tea, it will help you sleep, which you need a lot of..." she placed the 10 packets down in a little stack. "Lets get you started with that shot..."
She stood and walked over to his wardrobe, where he had booze and shot glasses and the variety resting. She plucked a glass shotglass and walked back over - she filled it and then helped him sit up, her arm resting on his back. "It tastes like garbage so..." she held the glass to him. "Down the hatch.."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 29, 2018 13:06:54 GMT -5
Leo watched the druid as she spoke. "No alcohol...?" He questioned and shook his head. He coughed up a bit of blood then. "Well, whatever you say, druid, I shall listen." He nodded and then fell quiet as she continued to speak of the medicine she had prepared for him. Leo reached forward to the shot glass that she held out. He inspected it and sniffed it, his nose wrinkled. He then tossed his head back as he took the shot. He coughed and hacked, "Oh...that is horrible..." His face contorted. Leo shook his head, the taste lingered in his mouth. "Thank you druid." He nodded. He then offered a smile. "Thank you for spending your time on a soul like myself. I know that you must have better things to be doing." He coughed and he grabbed the pouch of pills. He pulled one out and looked at it. He popped it in his mouth and swallowed. He let out an exasperated sigh. "I will rest." He nodded. "Thank you." He stood and ushered her from the room.
The boat rocked as a few larger waves crashed against the hull of the ship. A bit of a storm had picked up as they came near the islands. Kalise fought agaisnt the waves holding onto the wheel tightly and then spinning it quickly. "Pull the front mast! Tighten down the hatches!" A barrel rolled across the deck. One of the pirates caught onto it and rolled it inside.
"Aye." He looked to Mya. "Come on then." He escourted her into the cabin. "It's not safe for you land lubbers eh?" He chuckled.
Kalise groaned as she fought against a large wave, the ship tilted greatly. "How far off?!" She cried out glancing up to the crows nest.
"We've a rock wall 100 and closing on the right!" He called down to her.
Kalise adjusted her wheel, she grit her teeth as water splashed over her body nearly knocking her from the wheel.
"Rocks! Rocks dead ahead!!!" The pirate from the top yelled. "Rocks! Turn! Turn!"
Kalise fought against the waves spinning the wheel as quickly as she could. "Starboard side hard! Move! Move!" She called as she spun. The pirates ran around adjusting the sails. "Take the sails down!" She cried. She could hear a rock brush against the bottom of the ship, but she'd avoided most of it. She winced slightly, she could only imagine the damage to the lower decks. If she was lucky it was a small gash. The captain would kill her if she sank his ship. The nymph spun the wheel as the pirate from the crow's nest continued to shout directions. Soon enough they were sailing through a channel, cliffs on either side. Getting into the islands was incredibly dangerous, one of the most dangerous islands to sail to...
"We're taking on water...." A man rushed to Kalise's side.
She looked to him, "Scoop it out, do what you can, we can't stop here. How bad is it?"
The man shook his head, he didn't respond as he rushed off down below decks again.
Kalise could feel the ship start to tilt to one side as they slipped through the canal. It took quite some time but they eventually came to a small port. "Ready anchor! Ready ties!" Kalise called out. She guided them into an open spot and she let out a relieved breath as they were cinched into the dock. The nymph took a step back.
"That was quite some navigating." The captian spoke and chuckled. He spit into his cloth. "Go on, Kalise, help that druid find that flower, hm?" His eyes were glazed over from the drugs.
Kalise looked to the glassy sheen over his eyes and gave a swift nod. "Of course." She spoke and she came down below the decks. "Mya?" She asked as she pushed into her room. "Are you ready?" She questioned. "I will follow your lead, I will keep you safe." She nodded and offered a smile. "You can count on it." She chuckled as she grabbed her hat and pulled it on over her ears, she made sure the tips were well hidden this time.
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