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Post by Raven on Jul 29, 2018 13:25:31 GMT -5
Mya chuckled slightly – “All souls matter – especially yours, you have done great things, and deserve a second wind…” she stood then and followed him to the door. As they emerged her eyes looked to the darkening skies, great clouds were in the distance and they were coming upon them swiftly. She could see the waters chop up, and waves crafting in the distance – she stumbled slightly as the boat rocked.
“Yes – “ she spoked as she watched the barrel roll down the side of the boat. She stumbled backwards and into the cabin. It was just moments later that she heard the grinding of the rocks against the ship – she gasped and stood. Swiftly she escaped the cabin room and rushed down into the lower deck. “Where’s the wound?” she cried out as pirates rushed around. Water collected at her feet, just an inch currently.
She rushed to the hull side, a good size gash was ripped into the flesh of the wood. “Move – “ she squeezed through the pirates who were nailing down wood to patch it. Mya held her hands up and roots formed from her hands, they weaved a thick later of intertwining roots and limbs – until the crack was mended. The crack was completely sealed now, and from the patch – little pink flowers grew and bloomed…
“Wow…” One of the pirates approached the patch and knocked on it with his knuckles. “It’s stronger than the hull itself…” he smiled and nodded. “Thank you druid –“
Mya heard the shouting of Kalise, they were at the dock now. She climbed up the stairs and approached the cabin, just in time for Kalise to step inside. “We are here – excellent…” she nodded. “The flowers grow at a slightly higher altitude, the mountain side there – “ she pointed to the mountain about the island, as they stood on the deck. “A bit of a way to go…” she approached the dock…
She walked across the docks and then suddenly she cringed. “Ow-“she held a hand to her head and squeezed her brows shut. She could hear the screams of thousands… Trees, woods, creatures… they were in massive pain. “Gods…” she muttered. “Something is wrong… The Astral Glory grows in an enchanted forest – the entire forest is screaming at me right now, it is in pain – we should hurry-“ she quickened her pace as they shifted through the port city…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 31, 2018 8:25:50 GMT -5
Kalise glanced up to the mountain that the druid pointed toward. "Devil's Backbone..." She spoke the name as she looked to the ridges of rocks that stuck up as if reaching toward the sky. It was a fitting name, it looked like vertebrae and even curved slightly like the spine would.
"Amazing job on the hull, druid." Jonsy spoke and pat Mya's back as he passed them, headed into the city for supplies.
Kalise glanced to Mya, "The hull?" She questioned as they continued forward. She paused when Mya stopped, her own brows creased. She held her hand up but she didn't touch the druid. "I've heard stories of the enchanted forest." She spoke as she followed her through the crowds. Kalise quickened her pace she reached to Mya and gripped her arm, she quickly pulled her to the side out of the bustling streets and into an alley. "The back alleys are how I usually get around, it's quicker." She spoke as she rushed through the city. They zig and zagged through the alleys until they finally came to the edge of the city. Kalise glanced to Mya, "Let me know if the forest tells you anything..." She spoke her voice concerned.
They moved into the forest and began up a trail that seemed to be well traveled. More so than she ever remembered it to be. She looked to the footprints that were pushed into the soil of the forest, several. As if hundreds had marched along this trail recently. Grass lay down in places to the sides of the trail. She could see the lines from wheels and drag marks. "Something isn't right." She spoke. There was a loud cracking sound from ahead of them in the forest as they reached the peak of a hill. Kalise watched as a tree in the distance began to fall toward the ground. As it landed on the forest floor it thudded loudly. There was laughter and yelling ahead of them in the forest. Kalise could hear a whirring of some sort. She drew her brows together. She pressed on down the trail as they descended into the valley that would ultimately lead them into the enchanted forest and up the side of the mountain to the Devil's Spine.
Kalise suddenly grabbed Mya's arm, they teleported several feet away, Kalise leaned against Mya as she glanced around the tree. Her heart was beating quickly. She looked to her, "Stay right here." She whispered softly.
She then teleported from tree to tree staying out of sight. There were four guards. Humans. Kalise grit her teeth, she could have guessed that they would be behind the destruction of such an incredible forest.
"Can you believe we tapped into the power?" One of the humans asked. "This could supply us for years!"
"Nothing tops the blood of a Nymph though." Another spoke his arms crossed as he leaned against a tree. "Though, with the Nymphs nearly extinguished we need to find something, eh?" He picked at his teeth with a toothpick and then flicked it away carelessly.
Kalise took in a breath as she listened to them. They were destroying the forest for power...just as they had destroyed almost all of her race. She lowered her eyes a moment as she thought. She carefully drew her daggers. Then she teleported. Two stood next to eachother, facing eachother the first man was about to speak again when she appeared between them. Her daggers sliced like a hot blade through butter as she pulled it swiftly across their throats and disappeared again. She listened as the two men fell to their knees gurgling. In her mind she counted down waiting on the other two to react. She glanced around the tree and she teleported behind one, she easily stabbed him through his back, her dagger pierced into his heart. She twisted it and ripped it from his chest. The last man standing threw his arms up, fear in his eyes. He was the coward, there was always at least one.
Kalise teleported to him and slammed him harshly against a boulder. "What have you done to the enchanted forest?" She questioned.
The human stared into her eyes. "Nymph..." He breathed, "Y-you're a nymph..."
Kalise narrowed her brows. "Yes." She spoke, her voice irritated. "What did you do to the forest?" She pressed her dagger against his throat.
"Our Earl...he's created a device, to draw the power from the trees as we cut them down...we can store it...for years...." He choked.
"Gluttens for power." Kalise said, her voice disgusted. "That's all you humans ever want. You've destroyed so many things in your search for ultimate power." She slammed her blade into his chest then. "It cannot continue." She breathed. She pulled her dagger from him as he slid down the boulder. She wiped her blades on his clothing before she teleported back to the druid. She sheathed her weapons and cleared her throat slightly. "They are using a machine to drain the power from cut trees and store the power..." She spoke. "We need to continue with caution, this isn't a small operation an Earl sent them to do this, I am sure he is backed by a king." She let out a breath. "I hope they haven't destroyed the Astral Glory...and I hope the forest isn't too damaged to rebuild..." She shook her head. "Just stay close." She nodded as she started through the forest again her eyes scanning for any attackers or dangers.
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Post by Raven on Jul 31, 2018 19:31:32 GMT -5
Mya smiled to Jonsny and bowed her head to his comment, a slight smile carving across her cheeks. She turned to Kalise and placed her hands in front of her in an innocent fashion… Moments later Akomi walked up, his normal size, he stretched on the deck and then gave a happy growl. He circled Mya’s legs – pressing his cheek against her as he rubbed. Mya knelt down and scratched his chin “Good morning handsome” she smiled and kissed his nose.
Mya stood and then nodded “Okay – lets go” she followed Kalise out to the city. They weaved around the bustling city until they emerged at the trailside. Akomi growled softly – he could hear something in the distance. Mya glanced to him and then gasped when she was teleported. She gripped the tree and leaned against it, her head pressed against the bark. Akomi snuck through the brush, he blended in easily and watched.
Mya glanced around the tree – just in time to see Kalise stabbing at the final man. She winced and then moved back against the tree. “Bastards…” she whispered. The tree hummed to her…telling her of the other area that was being attacked…
Mya slipped from behind the tree and she grit her teeth. “We have to stop them” she spoke. “If they have some kind of device – we have to destroy it, if we can…” her brows pulled together. “Please?” she questioned softly…
She followed along as they continued, Akomi lingered behind – watching their backs as he stalked through the shrubberies. “We’re not far – “ she spoke as her forehead crinkled – there was a tree screaming, it was being chopped over. There was a huge boom and the earth shaked… She glanced up to see dust forming in the distance, from the collapse.
The screaming and shouting in her mind grew louder and she winced. She paused and placed a hand to her head – it was painful. She opened her eyes and they were glowing a bright green – a sort of rage fueled her… She was lifted into the air suddenly by a root that grew under her, her fists squeezed tightly and then a burst of green light came from her – it spread across the canopy in an explosive fashion.
Suddenly…the trees began to move. Their roots pulled up out of the ground and they grew taller as their roots became legs. The sound of creaking was filled the air like rushing rapids – loud and continuous. Creatures from all around rushed the lumberjacking site where a group of humans, easily 15 of them, worked at clearing the area.
A tree stepped forward – its huge roots slammed down and squashed one of the humans. Blood leaked from the pustule of a human, it was nothing to the tree’s pressure. A group of glowing green bears came tackling out of the forest – lunging at the humans, ripping their chests apart and tossing them easily to the side. A jungle tiger leapt from one of the moving trees, down onto another human. The entire site became completely swarmed. Trees swung their huge limbs, impaling and crushing….
It was a matter of minutes that the human’s screaming stopped…and everything became quiet. The trees moved back to their spots and sunk back into the ground, as if nothing happened. The animals left – returning back to their hallows and homes…
Mya was lowered to the ground as the root retracted… she let out a deep sigh – she had never felt a power like that before. The forest cried for her help, and she gave it to them… She was breathing heavily and labored – it took much energy… “Come on…” she urged Kalise forward. They pushed through the forest until they came upon the large rounded clearing. They had easily knocked down 10 trees. Mya grit her teeth as she came upon the most recently felled. “Its okay…” she whispered and placed her hand on the giant tree’s bark. It was easily 100 years old, if not more… She held her hands out and channeled her power into the tree.
Slowly the tree’s limbs moved and lifted himself from the ground, and then he stood upright…. From the cut zone – roots formed and stuck into the ground and he perched upright. The stump – where the tree was cut, began to grow upright. What was once 1 tree now became two…
Mya stumbled backwards – her nose trickling of blood slightly…. The crying had finally ended… She breathed deeply and fell to the ground. Akomi walked over and nuzzled her…. “Peace and quiet now…” Mya whispered and then she glanced up…
A small doe approached slowly….The doe had something in it’s mouth. She lowered her head and dropped it on the ground and slowly backed away. It was a red and pink flower, blooming proudly – with a delicate scent. Astral Bloom. “That’s the flower –“ she spoke and she looked to the Doe, who was moving towards the forest. “I’ll need more… she is showing us where she got it” Mya looked to Kalise and then smiled. She stood and picked up the flower… and then headed towards the forest…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 4, 2018 1:34:36 GMT -5
Kalise nodded as she watched the druid. "Yes...I agree they must be stopped, we have to destroy it." She glanced to the men that lay scattered on the ground. As they continued into the forest Kalise glanced around, keeping an eye for danger. When she heard another tree crash to the ground she winced. It was a horrible sound. She turned then, "Mya?" She questioned as the druid stopped in her tracks. Kalise stepped forward. "Are you..." She stepped back when Mya opened her eyes, the ground beneath her rumbled. "What's going on?" She questioned, her hands moved to her daggers. Kalise was knocked back as the root pushed from the ground beneath them, she stumbled and glanced up as Mya was lifted into the air. Her jaw was loose as she watched the trees lift from the ground and walk across the forest floor. She'd never seen such magic.
Kalise turned and sprinted after Mya. She was passed by a huge glowing green grizzly bear that snarled as it rushed forward. Kalise pulled her daggers and teleported forward swiftly catching up. She stood in the clearing, her eyes glanced around as the trees moved back to their spaces in the ground. Kalise stepped over the dead bodies as she moved to Mya's side. She was quiet as she looked around to the dead. Soon enough they came to the clearing, to the tree that had just been cut down. Kalise watched as Mya once again used her magic to mend the tree and bring two back in the place of one. Kalise rushed forward when Mya stumbled, she steadied her slightly and then took a step back as the doe approached with the flower in its mouth. "That deer....knows you're looking for the flowers?" She questioned a brow raised slightly. She'd heard of the connection that druids had with nature, but she never knew it was so great.
Suddenly a pain pierced into Kalise, she looked down to see an arrow sticking from her thigh. She let out a painful groan as she looked to the tip of the arrow that pierced through her leg, blood dripped to the ground from the metal tip.
"Hurts, doesn't it?" A voice spoke. "How lucky am I? To come across a Nymph. You know your kind is short in supply these days." He chuckled. "That's why we have been forced to harvest this forest. Though, the forest could never come close to the power that I could draw from you."
Kalise grit her teeth as she locked eyes with the man that stood on a raised platform. He held a crossbow in his hands. He had a smug smirk on his lips, a cigar hanging out of his mouth to which he puffed smoke from. He had a thick burly beard, his body was built like a logger. Kalise suddenly teleported to him. Her dagger stabbed forward only for him to grip her wrist. She let out gasp as he held tightly, staring into her eyes.
The man chuckled as he stared to her, he pulled the sleeve of her blouse to reveal the scars that the bracelets left on her skin. A wicked grin split his lips as he looked to the old wounds. "You are one of the Nymph's that got away. Hm?" He blocked her other arm as she tried to attack him. His grip was incredibly strong. He glanced to the druid from the platform that they stood on he then looked to Akomi before he looked back to Kalise. "How many years did it take you to get those bracelets off?" He grinned.
Kalise stared into his eyes, her breathing heavy. She couldn't teleport. She couldn't escape his grip. Usually she could just teleport away, but this time...something was different. "I'll kill you." She pushed against him, her hands still holding onto her daggers. She brought her knee up into his chest. Though he didn't budge and pain raced through her leg from the arrow. She pulled back trying to gain control, but he wouldn't let up.
"Go on, tell me. How long?" He stared into her eyes.
"Almost 4 years." She spoke her eyes swirled with a blue magic as she stared at him, the more frustrated she became, the more her power surged.
The man chuckled, he wasn't afraid like most humans. "You're a strong Nymph, I can see it. Yes." He nodded. "Though, I have the strength of the forest behind me." He snickered, his eyes lit up an amber color as he moved quickly he moved his hand to the arrow that stuck from Kalise's leg and he ripped it forward harshly pulling it from her thigh. Kalise cried out and stumbled back falling to her knee. "Do you feel weak?" He asked a smirk on his lips.
Kalise stared to him, she took in a breath and teleported but she was only able to move a few feet. Her brows tucked together, she staggered to her feet. "What did you do?" She growled. She teleported forward and sliced at him, only to be blocked again.
The man slammed her to her back and held her down harshly. "I have a trinket." He pulled something from his pocket. "I found it in a ruin that we discovered in search of another way to draw the precious power that you Nymphs hold." He held up a small glowing jewel. "Turns out, it has an effect on your kind." He smirked.
Kalise brought her knee into his groin. The logger gasped and fell to the side, the jewel clattered to the wooden deck of the platform. Kalise limped forward and sliced at him, her dagger gouged into his back as he scrambled to his feet. He pulled his own sword and the two began to duel. The sound of the blades clanking against one another echoed through the forest. Kalise limped as she fought him, blood was draining down her thigh, dripping to the ground.
"You're wasting that precious blood of yours." The logger chuckled as he landed a blow to her forearm.
Kalise grit her teeth as she felt the fresh wound open up. She moved quickly then, pushing through the pain. She kicked the jewel from the platform. She let out a slow shaken breath as she felt the strange hazy feeling begin to lift. She turned then as the logger came down on her with his sword. Kalise locked both of her daggers with his blade and ripped it from his grip. Her foot slammed into his chest and she rushed forward. She sliced at him opening a wound on his chest.
"Enough!" The logger snapped. He pulled something from his pocket as Kalise sliced forward again. His hand gripped around her wrist once more, though this time something snapped into place.
Kalise staggered, her daggers fell from her grip falling over the edge of the platform and stabbing into the ground below. She fell into the man as a weakness washed over her body. She heard another click just as he pushed her back. She fell to her back the world spinning. She knew this feeling. She gasped for air. Kalise gripped a necklace, it had a red jewel upon it. She shakily held it and shut her eyes, focusing her energy that she had left into it. The jewel began to glow dimly for a moment before her hand fell away.
The logger stepped forward a grin on his lips. "Feels different doesn't it?" He stood over her, "We've made a few improvements on the bracelets, I'm sure you'll take a liking to them." He reached down and gripped her around her arm. Kalise fought to breathe as the bracelets surpressed her. "Don't worry, the Earl will pay me well for you as a delivery." He chuckled. She grit her teeth as he tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. The logger then looked down where his jewel had fallen. He teleported, though he left a trail of red ash. He landed and he lifted the jewel and slid it into his pocket. He stared to Mya a grin on his lips, "Until we meet again Druid." He chuckled before he disappeared a flurry of red ashes floated in the air where he was standing.
**
"Jonsy!!" The captain came from his cabin coughing. "Jonsy!"
Jonsy came rushing across the decks. "Yes sir?" He asked his eyes looking to the man. His eyes then fell to the Captain's hand. He held a jewel much like that of Kalise. His expression fell. "Is she..."
"Find her." Leo held the jewel forward. "Find that druid and find her." He coughed weakly.
Jonsy gave a quick nod. "O-of course sir." He saluted before he rushed from the decks sprinting through the city. The jewel was a magic ancient Nymph artifact that they'd found when taking out humans that kept Nymph's as prisoners. The two jewels reacted to each other...though one must posess magic to use it...but it could find Kalise. Jonsy came to the forest trail his breathing was heavy as he rushed through the forest. He came to the first set of dead bodies. "Kalise!!!" He screamed. "Kalise!" His voice echoed through the forest. "Mya!" He called. He leaped over the bodies and ran until he came to the clearing. He stumbled over a dead body, his eyes falling on Kalise's daggers. He skidded to a stop as he stared to the beautiful blades. His eyes then fell on the druid. "Where is she?" He asked his voice worried. "What happened?" He looked down to the jewel he held in his hand. "I..." He held the jewel forward. "I don't know how to use this...but...Kalise has one...the captain says we can always find her...with this..." He was breathless, his eyes full of fear.
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Post by Raven on Aug 4, 2018 3:05:18 GMT -5
Mya gasped as an arrow flew through the air – her eyes stared down to Kalise’s thigh, she grit her teeth and went to move forward – only to feel the gaze of the crossbow on her chest. She squeezed her fist together – her hues moving to Akomi, who growled angrily. Though it was just seconds – and suddenly the clashing of blades rang through the air. Mya rushed forward then – her hands shooting forward with roots. Though the moment she did – they disappeared.
She turned to see this man grinning to her… “No – “ she reached her hand out, and he was gone again. The only thing in his wake was Kalise’s daggers. “Bastard – “ she grit her teeth and moved to the daggers, her fingers picking them up.. she turned the beauties around in her fingertips and then she slipped them into her satchel…
“Akomi-“ she called. Though just as he did, someone came rushing forward. Mya held her hands out - but Akomi purred, knowing who it was. Jonsy came running forward, breathless and tired. “Jonsy?” he questioned. Her eyes fell to the glowing red jewel…she reached forward and took it in her hands. “Oh wow… the power…” she whispered as she observed it. Her eyes reflected in the beautiful craftsmanship that was the ancient relic…
“I haven’t felt something with this kind of power.. the signature is…unique” she whispered and then her fingers squeezed around the jewel and she focused her power into it…
Her eyes peered open to some environment before her – an empty clearing – though trees in the distance, that looked over the entire forest…. Her view was not the same as she expected – it was bouncing from Kalise’s neck…
It was obvious they were at the peak of the mountain, it had been completely cleared – a building rest atop it… They entered and Kalise as thrown to the ground harshly… the image darkened, the jewel hiding in Kalise’s clothing…
Mya grit her teeth as her vision came to, she looked to Jonsy and Akomi… “She has been taken, they’re ontop of the mountain…” she bit at her bottom lip. “We’ll have to get her” she spoke with some sort of confidence, though it was clear she doubted herself. This sort of thing… she could do it, but she hated it. She hated to kill…
Mya nodded and both she and Jonsy began to climb the mountainside. It took them roughly 2 hours to get to the peak… They stood in the brush, looking to the building. A few lumberjacks like guards stood, talking to each other… “Hmm…” he whispered. “He must be expecting us-“ just as she said – a patrolling group of men passed by, guns in their hand.
Mya squinted her brows together… she could summon the creatures to do her bidding, but they would easily die to their weaponry, she couldn’t do that. “Okay…” Mya got an idea…
She held her hands out and shut her eyes. “Give me strength” she whispered and summoned a great power. Before her an image appeared, it was a stag, who nodded his head to her slowly. He was glowing a bright white, sort of ghostly ethereal vision… The stag turned and he bucked into the air.
Clouds quickly covered the air – and lightening struck down. A huge boom filled the air and shook the mountain side, the lightning struck the building, lighting it on fire – and cracking it almost directly in half. The stag then rushed forward into several men – clashing into them, they shook on the ground shaking in violent electric rage…
The Stag slipped into the building – meanwhile Mya stood – her hands reaching forward as she was channeling the spell, to keep the stag in this plane. Her eyes were bright blue and sparking with power…
The stag rushed into the main room – his huge broad antlers bashed into the leader. The stag pushed him against the wall, half a million joules of power surging into his body – until he became completely crisp over, and burnt. The body slid down and burst into ashes… the Stag then turned and looked directly into Kalise’s eyes – and then he disappeared into static.
Mya gasped as she was released from the spell. Blood leaked from her nose, and her skin was oddly pale… She stumbled forward and looked to the burning house. “Go-get her” she spoke. A few men gathered – shouting, weapons drawn. “Akomi-“ she whispered.
Akomi suddenly grew into a huge panther, he launched forward and grasped at one of their necks and ripped it easily from his body. In a frenzy – he clawed at another, his huge talon like claws piercing into his chest and dragging down his body like a warm knife through butter.
Akomi dropped the last man - like a rag doll, from his bloodied mouth. He shrunk back to a dog – size and came over to Mya. He suddenly paused and then dashed off. Moments later he returned with a mouthful of flowers – Astral Glory to be specific.
She reached down and pat his head. “Very good…” she whispered and took the flowers. It was then that Jonsy came out of the burning building with Kalise’s arm wrapped about his shoulder, pulling her forward….
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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 4, 2018 3:55:40 GMT -5
Kalise was tossed into a chair. The head lumberjack tied her wrists to the chair and chuckled. "Look at this prize boys." He spoke and two men that were eating at a table perked up.
"A nymph!" One chuckled with enthusiasm. "How did you manage that boss?"
"She came right to me." He smirked. "The Earl said to be on a look out for them." He pat Kalise's cheek, her eyes fluttered and her head lulled to the side.
"What's wrong with her?" The other asked, his brows drawn together. "Boss, she's going to bleed out..." He muttered and shook his head, irritated.
"Whatever, she'll be fine." The head lumberjack waved his hand and stepped from the room.
The man sneered and turned his eyes back to her. He let out a long sigh. "I suppose the lacky is left to do the work that actually counts, hm?" He questioned as he pulled a kit from the cabinet.
Kalise pullsed against the ropes that held her. "Let me go." She breathed, "Get me out of here." She pleaded, her eyes fearful.
The man looked to her, his eyes softened and he let out a long sigh. "I can't do that." He spoke as he began to clean up her wound. "Hold still." He whispered as he began to stitch the wound shut.
"Please." Kalise begged, "Just say I broke free, don't let him do this to me." She had tears in her eyes. "Please."
The door was pushed open and the head lumberjack came back in. "I'll handle her." He spoke. He had a bag in his hands.
"Boss, she's weak." He stood and turned, "You can't harvest from her in this condition."
"Oh yeah? Says who?" He shoved the man to the side. "Get out." He snarled and turned to Kalise. He set the tool bag down on the table. "You know." He spoke as he pulled a few tubes from the bag. The glass clinked as he set it on the table. "It's been..." He brushed his beard in throught. "About 4 years since my Earl has had a Nymph. 4 years." He looked to her and chuckled, "He hasn't felt the power that you hold since our last Nymph died." He pulled out a syringe. "He's been sending me on these excavations, doing whatever in the hell he wants me to. Sending me out for months at a time to get him something of power. Well." He screwed a needle on the tip of a syringe, "I finally found it, didn't I?" He questioned. He set the prepared syringe on the table before he moved forward.
Kalise tensed and pulled her arm back as he untied it. "I'm not going to let you take it." She snapped. Her eyes flashed blue. The bracelets lit up red hot and she yelped.
"You'll obey, Nymph." He stared into her eyes, his hand still holding her forearm. "Now relax, this will just take a moment." He straightened her arm out as he tied a rubber band around her bicep. He then tapped her skin. "Ah perfect." He chuckled. "I won't have to cut fucking trees down anymore. You know before all of this I was a scientist. A scientist. And I have been resorted to cutting down trees." He scoffed before he poked the needle into her arm. Kalise jerked again. His free hand gripped around her throat then. "I will not hesitate to knock you out, Nymph." He stared into her eyes. "Whatever I have to do to get this, it's your choice." His grip tightened as Kalise struggled. Her face became red as he tightened his grip and eventually, darkness consumed her...
**
Jonsy looked to the druid as she grasped the jewel. He watched as she seemed to slip away, only moments passed before she told him where Kalise was being held. "That thing...it really is magic." He searched her eyes. "You've got me." He nodded, "I'll do my best to keep you and your furry friend safe. But we have to get Kalise back, captain won't like it if she's lost. Especially like this." He nodded.
**
Kalise woke to the heat of flames. She coughed as smoke entered her lungs. The lumberjack leader was cutting the ties from her wrists. "We have to get out of here!" He called. "Leave everything, we will bring the nymph." He went to grab her just as the stag rushed into the home.
Kalise gasped, she fell to the floor on her back, her eyes stared up to the stag as it incinerated the leader. When he looked to her, her breath shook. "Thank you..." She breathed as he disappeared. She turned and pushed herself up. She limped horribly and fell forward.
Arms wrapped around her body and lifted her up. "There you are." A familiar voice. "You know, Kalise, I would say getting captured isn't on the list of things Captain wants for you to do." Jonsy chuckled as he slung her arm over his shoulder.
"Jonsy..." She breathed leaning heavily against him.
"That's it come on." He pulled her along. "Lean on me, Kalise, don't put weight on that leg, it looks pretty bad." He noted as he looked to the blood that soaked into her pants.
"Where's....the druid...?" She coughed and grit her teeth as she tried not to put weight on her leg.
"She's the one who saved you." Jonsy chuckled. He sluffed her to the ground next to Mya. He looked to her. "You don't look so hot yourself, druid." He noted her pale skin. He took in a breath and glanced around. "Hold that thought." He spoke as he walked back toward the cabin.
Kalise lay, her eyes slipped shut. "Mya....thank you..." She spoke, "I owe you my life, and then some." She grit her teeth. She winced as she felt the bracelets pierce into her, drawing power from her. Her world began to spin again. The bracelets glowed a pale blue as her power filled them. The bracelets were designed to wipe her of her power, to prevent her from using it. The humans had a device that would draw the power from the bands daily. Though when she was held captive before they had also taken her blood just as the lumber jack did. Her blood combined with the power that they drew from the bracelets packed a strong punch that lasted much longer than one or the other alone. Her master before would use it daily, he was one of the strongest nobles in the region at the time.
Jonsy came back, his hand held the reins of a huge Clydesdale horse that was towing a wagon. "No way..." He muttered and rushed over. "Kalise..." He lifted her wrist and looked at the bracelets, he tugged slightly only to cause Kalise to whimper in pain. "Fuck me....Captian is going to kill me..." He muttered. "It took us the better part of 4 years to get those off of you, Kalise." He sighed heavily and glanced to Mya. "Maybe you know something about these?" He asked then shook his head. He lifted Kalise and carried her to the wagon. "We'll get you fixed up." He nodded. "Even if we have to go to Yamir again to get those damn things off you, that's where we will go." He walked back over to Mya. "Alright you." He wrapped an arm around her waist and grinned to her. "I'll be your chaufer today." He winked. "But I'll expect a kiss for it." He chuckled, "I'm only kidding, don't worry." He lifted her up, cradling her in his arms a moment before he lay her in the wagon. He glanced to Akomi. "Get on up." He pat the wagon and smiled. He looked to Kalise with worried eyes and then to Mya. "Alright..." He spoke and looked back to the cabin.
Jonsy climbed onto the horse and kicked gently and they were off. It took about an hour to get down with the help of the horse. Kalise had fallen unconscious by time they made it back to the docks. Jonsy climbed off of the horse. "Hey! Some help here!" He called up to the ship.
A few of the pirates climbed down and rushed to the wagon. Kalise was hoisted up by one of the men and Mya was helped up by Perry the medic. Jonsy rushed onto the ship with them. "Where's captian?" He questioned one of the pirates whom lowered his eyes. "Where is he?" He asked.
"He isn't well...sir..." He watched as Kalise was carried down below decks. "Neither is our captain's apprentice it seems..." He sighed softly.
Jonsy grit his teeth. He rushed to the captain's cabin, "Captian...we...." He stopped speaking as he stared to Leo upon the bed. He was ghostly pale. "Captian?" He asked his voice soft.
"Jonsy..." He gasped. "Good...." He shut his eyes. "You found...her....yes?" Blood dripped from his mouth.
Jonsy came to the side of the bed. "Yes...but..." He stared to his captain.
**
Kalise whimpered as Perry worked on her leg. He cleaned the wound and began stitching it. "Is there anything I can get you Druid?" He asked and glanced to Mya. "Tea? Water?" He turned his attention back to the Nymph.
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Post by Raven on Aug 4, 2018 19:56:35 GMT -5
Mya chuckled as Jonsy pulled up with a carriage – she slowly stood and climbed onto it. There were several wooden boxes stacked about in it… She shifted some around to make room and helped Jonsy lower Kalise onto it. She knelt over and looked to the wound on her thigh - “A shotty job of taking care of this wound…” she muttered as her fingers pulled at the cloth about her thigh… she held her hand over the wound and two vines slipped from her palm and shoved into her wound. “Hold on” she whispered. The vines began to weave, sewing her wound together – very precisely.
Soon they pulled back up to the docks – she could tell because the ride became cobble like – bumpy, and the sound of seagulls cried out in the distance, ringing of bells and the bustling of crowds… She groaned slightly as she stood, Akomi at her heels – they hobbled from the carriage and to the portside. They made their way onto the ship – where she was whisked away.
“I’m fine –“ he spoke as she stepped into Perry’s shop. He looked over her leg and his brows raised –
“What is this?” he questioned as his eyes looked over Kalise’s wound which was packed with vines… In response - Mya raised her hand it they slowly disappeared, but they had stopped the bleeding and even absorbed some of the toxins, cleaning the wound naturally. “Oh..impressive” he spoke as he thought for a moment. “Like with the ships hull…” he nodded and then smiled.
Suddenly then the door burst open – “My lady druid – please” a shipmate called out. Mya stood, her hands clasping onto her satchel, she grabbed the brewing kit that Perry had and made her way up to the deck and to the captains chambers.
The captain lay on the bed, gargling on his own blood practically. She came over and pulled her brows together – “everyone out –“ she spoke, forcing everyone to clear the room. She needed to focus… She stepped over the captain, who gripped her hand before she could bring it to him.
“If I’m…to far gone…” he choked slightly. “Just let me go…” he whispered.
Mya pulled her brows together, and then slowly nodded… He let go of her and she placed her two fingers against his chest… She sucked in a deep breath and then grit her teeth. This was not good… She shut her eyes and then nodded. She turned to his desk and began to set up the little burner and vials. Her fingers lifted the collection of Astral Bloom and she plucked the feather like petals, they were red and pink in her hand… she then twisted the petal and squeezed roughly – one single drop of blood red liquid dropped from the petal.
She did this on 10 more petals, until there was a tiny layer of redness on the bottom of the beaker. She then turned on the heat and began to sprinkle different types of powders… it boiled slightly. A sweet scent filled the air, like a freshly baked pie…
“Elune…” she whispered as she shut her eyes, her finger stirring the liquid. “Please bless this…” she whispered. “A salve of fortune” she turned the burner off and let it cool down. Meanwhile she stepped to the Captain and gripped his hand. “Listen….” She whispered to him. “This is going to hurt, a lot…. But if it works, you will be healed once it is over. If it doesn’t…you will die…” she sat on the edge of the bed.
The captain’s hand gripped hers and he sighed deeply, giving a nod. “What…is it?” he questioned, his eyes glancing to the potion.
“A potion of luck… I infuse with healing properties, the natural magic within it will enhance it, and if…you’re lucky enough, it will cure you… it is… a very rare and powerful potion…” she stood then and walked back to it. “One alone would normally cost you roughly a million and a half gold. Just because the life of the Astral Bloom is 2 days. Getting there is difficult, and then brewing it correctly…” she spoke. The potion had become a thick red sludge now…
“My mother and I brewed a batch of 5 together, and it alone paid for rebuilding my home, after it was burnt to ruins…” she lifted the glass and then she pulled out a syringe. She drew in the liquid and stepped over. “Are you ready?” she questioned. “You will experience every version of emotion and sensories all at once. Extreme love, extreme pain… and such…” she spoke and held it up.
He nodded slowly, just after hacking up a thick goblet of blood. “Do it” he held his arm out.
“I wish it went there…” she shook her head. “Tilt your head back…” she whispered.
“Huh?” he did as she said.
She leaned in then and pressed a firm hand to her head – her fingers pushed his eyelids back and with amazing precision – the needle poked into his eye and she released the medicine…
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Post by Raven on Aug 5, 2018 3:05:19 GMT -5
Kalise shot up and gripped onto Perry’s wrist when he began cleaning the gash on her forearm, her eyes glowed a beautiful blue. Though she winced as the bracelets drew her power, her muscles tensed and she took in quick breaths. “Get…these…off….” She lay back. “I can’t breathe…”
Perry looked her over with soft eyes. “I remember when we first picked you up, Kalise.” He spoke as he continued to clean her wound. He stitched up the gash on her arm and wrapped gauze around the wound. “You were strong, even though you didn’t have your magic, you were one of the toughest Nymphs we have ever run into.” He chuckled lightly. “Do you remember that? The day we brought you onto the ship and you nearly killed four of our men, Jonsy included. You stole the captain’s sword from him at the dinner table and you made a run for it.” He rolled her onto her side and pulled away the cloth of her top to clean the deep slash in her back. “The captain had never been tricked quite so easily before.” He poured clean water over the wound causing Kalise to whimper in pain.
Kalise pulled at the bracelets, tears in her eyes. “I remember always fighting.” She whispered, her voice almost inaudible. “I remember my body always feeling fragile…” She closed her eyes, the pain was overwhelming her.
Perry grabbed a glass jar and opened it up. “Here.” He held a small round ball to her and slipped it into her mouth. “Chew it up, it’ll do you some good.” He moved back to the wound on her back stitching the needle through her skin.
Kalise chewed the pill, it tasted bitter and chalky. Though, it didn’t take long before her pain began to subside. He’d moved to another cut cleaning it and inspecting it by the time Kalise fell back into a deep slumber.
“How is she?” One of the pirates came in, his eyes worried. “How’s Kalise?”
Perry looked up as he wrapped gauze around Kalise’s calf. “She’ll survive..” He sighed softly and shook his head. “Someone with power bracelets found her and slapped a pair back on her…” He shook his head.
The pirate stepped forward, he drew his brows together as he looked over her wounds. “She put up a good fight at least…” He reached and inspected the bracelets holding Kalise’s arm as he turned it about. “These are much different than her original bonds.” He spoke his eyes curious.
“What do you make of them Rey?” Perry questioned as he washed the blood from his hands. “When she woke I saw her power in her eyes and then the bracelets lit up and she complained of the pain…”
Rey took in a deep breath, “I’ll need to research…we most likely will have to go back to Yamir to get these off, the Captian isn’t going to like that, it was dangerous enough last time.” He sighed as he lowered her limp hand and crossed his arms. “We will cross that bridge once that captain recovers.” He nodded. “I’ll take her back to her quarters.” He scooped her up and nodded to Perry as he carried her from the room. Rey walked down the hall carefully with Kalise in his arms, her head lulled and threatened to fall as he pushed her door open. He carefully lay her down and slipped her boots from her feet. “Alright, when you wake we will see what these things do.” He watched as the bracelets took in a gentle glow. “If only we could stop them from making these things.”
**
Leo let out a whimper and grit his teeth as the needle was inserted into his eye. Once the injection happened his breathing increased. The captain fell back his chest heaving his muscles tensed, his eyes rolled back into his head as his body succumbed to the potion.
Leo appeared in a dream like world he fell to his knees, his body felt as though it was submerged in the fires of hell. He gasped as he fought to stand. He glanced around the room, it was his room on the ship, completely emptied out. The boat creaked as it moved through the ocean. He rushed forward, blood ran down his face from his eyes and nose. He began to giggle. He couldn’t control it. This overwhelming sense of anxiety gripped at him, yet he found the situation to be comical. He shoved the door open and fell forward. His crew stood outside celebrating with full pints of beer that sloshed over the decks. Thunder clapped above them as dark clouds brewed. “What….is….” He held his head as the world spun around him he collapsed onto his hands and knees and let out a scream. The mix of emotions were overwhelming.
“Leo.” A hand held forward in front of him, a gentle blue glow to the skin. “Leo it’s okay.”
Leo looked up as he took the hand, his eyes looked into the blue glowing eyes of Kalise. She had a warm soft smile on her lips. “Kalise?” He asked his breaths jagged.
Kalise pulled him up and smiled brightly. “It’s okay, I’m here to help you.” She nodded. “Don’t worry.” She turned and walked off, her body fell to ashes before him.
“Kalise!” Leo lunged forward gripping to where she was just standing. He fell to the ground, it felt like his body was being compressed under the foot of a giant. He screamed in pain. Then suddenly the pain melted away he opened his eyes and found himself to be laying in the middle of a lush green field. The clouds above him were white and fluffy.
“I’ve heard about the Astral Glory before.” Kalise laughed, she sat next to him. “It’s a flower of the gods. That’s what my people call it. Though the spiral that it sends you down is something to be spoken about. Isn’t it?” She sat in a beautiful blue dress, her hair was combed and blew with the gentle breeze that wafted through the valley. Kalise looked to Leo a moment, her smile remained.
“You’re not real…are you?” He asked his eyes searching hers.
“I’m as real as you want me to be, Captain.” Kalise watched him, “This is your dream after all. Yet you’ve chosen to pull your apprentice of all people to pull into your dream.” She shook her head. “I could be dying you know, maybe that’s why you’ve pulled me here.” She lay back, her arms crossed behind her head, she stared up to the beautiful skies.
“Jonsy said he got you…” Leo looked to her.
Kalise continued looking up toward the sky. Her eyes closed, blood began to form where her wounds were, her skin became pale. “It was all an effort to save you, Leo.” She burst into ashes then.
Leo took in quick breaths, overwhelming sadness gripping his chest. “Kalise…” He stood and spun around. “Kalise…no…” He shoved forward suddenly the world around him melted away. Leo stared into Mya’s eyes, he was gripping her shoulders. He stared to her a long moment, his grip slowly loosened. “I…made it through?” He questioned and looked around. “Where’s Kalise…” He rushed from the room he ran down into the cabins and pushed her door open.
“Captain…” Rey looked up, her had a toolkit in his hands he was working on trying to release the bracelets from Kalise’s wrists.
“What….happened…” Leo stepped forward his eyes looked over Kalise’s battered body. “Kalise…” He shook his head.
**
Kalise stood in a beautiful world, magic seemed to float through the skies. The sky was orange and pink, just like before the sun would set for the day. She smiled as she walked through a lush forest. The trees moved and swayed, she could heard them speaking amongst themselves. “Is this what the druid hears?” She questioned, a smile on her lips. She climbed up on a huge mountain, it took hours yet the sun never set. Once she came to the peak she was looking out over a vast world, she could see a huge tree in the distance…the World tree. Kalise’s jaw loosened slightly. “How…?” She drew her brows together. “how am I here…?”
“I could feel your soul…you were in danger of losing your life…” A familiar voice spoke.
Kalise spun around, her eyes widened as she stared into the eyes of her mother. “M….Mother?” She questioned, tears instantly welling in her eyes.
Astris stepped forward and pulled her daughter into a gentle embrace. “Yes my dear.” She kissed the top of her head. “You have power bands on you again, don’t you?” She questioned and watched as Kalise nodded. “I could feel that as well…we will put an end to it, you’ll see. Come on then.” Astris took in a breath and they teleported. They appeared in a beautiful home. “Tea?” She asked.
Kalise stared to her mother, still unsure to believe what her eyes saw. “Are…you dead?” She asked softly after a long pause.
Astris sucked in a deep breath as she set two mugs of tea down on the beautiful kitchen table. “Come sit my dear.” She gave a weak smile. Kalise moved forward and sat as the table her eyes watching her mother. It had been so long…it felt like a dream. “It was 5 years after Orne was raided.” Astris began, “I fought every single day, trying to get back to you, to find you, to get word of where you had been taken…nothing ever came to me.” She shook her head. “Then it happened, I fought too hard one day. The noble that bought me was tired of my attitude, he drained me of all of my blood. He watched as I withered away until my soul left my body. I have resided here in the dream since…I’ve watched you grow my dear.” She smiled then. “The captain of your ship saved you from that life…he’s kept you safe, you’ve become such an incredible fighter, Feno would be proud.” Astris took in a deep breath. “I’ll get you back out of the dream, your soul doesn’t belong here.” She nodded, “We will get these off.” She looked over the bracelets. “Then, I’ll help you return.”
**
Kalise’s breathing slowed so much that it was hard to tell if she was even alive. As her soul slipped into the dream her body remained as an empty shell. “What’s happening to her?” Leo questioned his eyes worried. “Druid? What’s going on? Is this from the bracelets?” He questioned as Rey continued to try to get one of the bracelets to release.
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Post by Raven on Aug 5, 2018 4:01:22 GMT -5
Mya looked Leo – she pulled the needle back and sighed deeply. She watched as his hues turned completely white – glowing wildly. She set the needle down, but just as she did – she felt his hands grip her shoulders. She leaned over him, her hand cupping his cheek. “I’m sorry” she whispered and her brows pulled together. She watched him as he struggled in his dream world…
Though moments later he woke and she was tossed back slightly. She staggered and then watched – mouth agape – as he dashed from the room. “Thank god…” she whispered. It worked. She had only witnessed one occasion where it did not work. The nightmare the poor elf lived was beyond anything she had seen – and she watched as he killed himself in reaction. It was painful, but… that was part of the potion. Luck works both ways…bad luck and good luck.
She gained her balance then and rushed down the deck, leading downward into the hull. She heard her name being called. She rummaged past the people and to the edge of the bed, where she stood over Kalise. Mya stared to her… eyes wide. She placed her fingers to her chest and closed her eyes – feeling for her pulse, listening to her soul.
“Oh shit” Mya muttered. She glanced to the others as she retracted her hand. “She is in the Dream…” she shook her head. That meant… that meant she died? “I have to go see… everyone out. I need peace and quiet, do not dock until we return. It could be some time…” she spoke and then she moved to the other bed in the room. She laid down on it and took in a deep breath.
Everyone filed out of the room, though against their own will… Leo stood by the doorway, gripping the red gem now in his hand. “You get her back…”
“I will do everything I can…” Mya spoke and then crossed her hands on her chest. Her eyes glowed a bright green – and she easily slipped into the dream… her body falling asleep in the bed.
***
Her eyes opened to a lush canopy… She slowly stood from resting against a tree… It was always a surprise when she entered the dream, for often than naught – it was in a random place. She slowly stepped forward- her hand reaching outwards. A blue wisp float over to her and landed on her palm.
In an instant she suddenly knew. She wasn’t far off from the world tree. She figured – she could feel it’s whisper, it’s call. She slowly stepped forward… As she walked through the path in the forest a trail of flowers was left in her wake, growing slowly and then blooming. Her power was beyond anything here, and the closer she got to the tree…and the more intense it became.
She smiled as the euphoric sense immersed her… But then she pondered. Why here? What brought her here? She looked to the tree – it was healthy, it was happy… she could tell by the way the forest sang. It’s crystalline whispers were like a faint song in the distance…
Mya brought her fingers into the air – they rolled slightly as she thought for a moment. She turned then as she heard rustling… A small doe came from the bush. Mya knelt down and held out a hand – an apple forming in her palm. The doe slowly stepped over and took a bite, chewing happily before her.
“Hello…” she whispered. “I’m looking for a friend… can you help?” she questioned.
The doe paused…and then chewed some more. It took another bite and then slowly nodded mid chew. “It is a Nymph – this should be her first visit, so she is foreign. Her power is… intense… but I think she might be lost?” she questioned.
The doe tilted her head and then turned her gaze towards a tree in the distance. It had a small building wrapped around its trunk… a few others were amongst it. The Nymphs lived there, closest to the World Tree, to protect it.
“She is…?” she pulled her brows together. It would be a start. She finally turned the apple in her hand and the doe finished it off, before trotting away. “Thank you” she bowed her head and dropped the apple core into the bushes.
She weaved through the trees until she came upon the one home which had a gentle light glowing through the window. She lifted a hand and knocked on it – not sure at all what she would come to see. “Hello – “ she spoke through the door. “I am Archdruid Mya” she stepped back slightly. “I am searching for a specific Nymph… can you… help?” she spoke softly, almost innocently…
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Post by Raven on Aug 5, 2018 17:46:07 GMT -5
Astris watched as Kalise took a sip of the tea. “All these years…” Kalise spoke softly. “I…hoped to find you, with each noble fleet that we took down, we searched through their riches I hoped to find you captive among the ships or among the homes…” She shook her head and rubbed her thumb against the grip of the mug. “I wanted so badly for you to be alive, mother…”
Astris stepped forward, a gentle smile on her lips, “But I am.” She looked into her daughter’s eyes. “I am more alive than I ever was in the other realm. I serve a purpose, to protect the World Tree. All of the Nymphs here in this village protect it.” She sat back in her chair. “You’ll see, every Nymph lives on after their life in Avaria.”
Kalise’s eyes fluttered slightly, she grit her teeth as the bands on her wrists lit up. Pain rushed through her body and she let out a small whimper.
Astris moved quickly then. Her hands held over the bracelets, her breathing increased. Pain filled her expression as she watched her daughter suffer. “I’ll free you.” She whispered softly. “Don’t worry.” Astris pressed her fingertips to Kalise’s forehead, to which her fingertips began to glow the same golden glow of the Life tree of Alda. Astris closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, the words of the ancients came over her lips, her expression became calm as she spoke. When she opened her eyes she reached forward and pulled Kalise into a gentle embrace. “It’s okay.” She soothed as she lifted her and brought her into the living room where she set her gently on the couch.
Kalise looked up to her with tired eyes. “How…are you going to get these off?” She asked softly.
Astris returned a smile, “The same way we remove the bands from everyone. We must travel to an old Elf named Reiger. He holds power great enough to break the bond of magic that holds the bands to your wrists…” She paused a moment, “Don’t worry, Kalise, you are safe here.” She touched the bands and the glowing disappeared from them. The pain dissipated from her body. Kalise took in a deep breath of relief. Astris cupped her cheek a moment. “Rest, we will begin the travel tomorrow. Hm?” She pressed her fingers to Kalise’s forehead again and held them there a moment until she saw Kalise’s body loosen as she drifted off to sleep.
Astris moved into the kitchen where she began to pull dried herbs from the cabinets. She began chopping and grinding different herbs to create a tonic that would help Kalise with the pain of the bands. Astris’ ear twitched slightly, her brow raised. “Ah, right on time.” A gentle smile curved up her lips as she heard the knock from the front door and the gentle words of the druid.
Astris set down her knife and walked to the front door of her home. She pulled the door back and offered a smile. “Welcome Mya.” She searched her eyes a moment. “I can help you yes, she’s inside.” She nodded. “Come on, I’ll make you some tea.” She turned and stepped into the home. Astris glanced to Kalise as she lay peacefully on the couch, a blanket tucked around her. “She grew up so fast.” She spoke her voice soft, a tint of sadness was held within it. Astris glanced to Mya then, “Thank you for watching over her, Mya.” She smiled to her, “I’ve watched you grow as well. I remember your first time in the dream.” She chuckled softly. “Do you remember me?” She asked curiously.
Astris stepped form the room and grabbed the warm kettle from the stove to which she poured two more mugs and came back into the living room. She offered Mya a mug and then glanced to Kalise. “Her soul was threatening to slip from her body, the bonds that were placed on her will kill her if we do not remove them. Whatever the humans have changed…it is the reason that the Nymphs are almost extinct from Avaria.” She shook her head. Her eyes then flicked to Kalise again. She set down the mug on the table. “No…” She reached forward. Black lines were scrawling across Kalise’s skin. “Druid….” She drew her brows together.
Kalise’s eyes opened, her chest heaved. Her eyes locked with Astris’ and she reached out, she gripped onto her mother’s arm. The bands on her wrists were a bright red color now. Kalise squeezed her eyes shut and then suddenly she disappeared…
**
Kalise appeared a tight hold around her neck. She writhed in the grip as her eyes looked into the fiery eyes of a demon. “What have we here?” He questioned, his voice deep and booming. “This soul does not belong in the dream world.” He snickered as he drew her closer. “A strong Nymph too.” He stared into her eyes. “How pitiful you are without your powers, Nymph.” He chuckled as he gripped her.
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Post by Raven on Aug 6, 2018 20:04:46 GMT -5
Mya was surprised to see the door open – to a familiar face. “Wha-what?” she whispered to herself. She slowly entered the little cottage home. “I’ve been here…before” she whispered, her eyes tracing the architecture of the home. Her memory was fuzzy – but slowly it came back to her…
***
“Oh young one…” Astris held a teenage Night Elf in her arms, she opened the door to her home with her shoulder and rushed into the bedroom
***
Mya followed the footsteps of her dream, and she stood in the small room – where now Kalise rest. Her eyes fell slightly and she sighed – What was Kalise doing here? How?
***
Astris placed Mya on the bed – she had a huge gash in her shoulder, which crossed down across her chest. The breaths of the druid was low and grumbly, and even had a muddy texture to it. Her inhales were gasping and dry, the pain seeming to block her breath. Mya glanced up to the Nymph – who had fetched a bowl of water.
“Relax…” She whispered with a smile. Some how this woman was comforting in a near death experience, a soft smile – gentle gaze. Astris gripped a cloth and dunked it – where she drew in the milky like water and then squeezed it over her wounds.
“First adventure into the Dream I see…” Astris tilted her head as she continued to drip water into the wound. “Daughter of Malfurion… I can see it in your eyes, your face – you have his serious yet calm expression…” Astris smiled then as her fingers squeezed the cloth. “He has helped me in this way more than once… It is only fitting that I return the favor…” she set the warm cloth down and moved so that she sat over the young druid.
“The World Tree, just a few feet away… It gives us and you power like you’ve never felt…” she held her hands over the wound and drew in a deep breath. Her fingers began to glow and a blue humming power seeped into the wound, and it began to close naturally.
“Water infused with the sap of the tree, a touch of magic… Can heal all things, even the earth itself.” Astris smiled as Mya came to.
Mya slowly sat up, her pain was gone – it was if it had never happened. “Wow…” she whispered. Mya’s voice was young and high pitched, with a bit of softness that in due time would grow. “Thank you… um…who are you?” she questioned.
Astris stood and bowed her head slightly. “I am Astris, leader of the Nymphs of the Dream, the sole protector of the tree, and the watcher of the groves… I knew you entered the second you did, and your soul screamed for my aid – when you were severed in that way…” she smiled and bowed her head. “As long as you enter this world, you and I will always have a connection. I am bound to the tree, almost as if I am of it…” she reached forward to her pocket and lifted a single acorn like seed.
She set it in her Mya hands and bowed her head. “A Seed from the World Tree – protect it with your life. I am gifting it to you, to plant at your home in Teldrassil. From it a spawn of the world tree will grow… and your people can live off of its great power… and you will be its protector…” she then pulled out a vial then. In it was a thick blue substance. “That is from the Tree herself…and this is from me” she handed the vial forward.
Mya took it in her hands and turned it about, watching the sludge move from one end to the other. “What…is this?” she questioned.
“Sap from the World Tree – Drink it and you will become bound to her, and all of nature. You are the Tree’s protector – you must be able to speak with them. This sap will give you the same ability I have, to listen to the souls of the forest.” She nodded. “Go on” she urged her.
Mya popped the cork and stared to it for a long moment… and then downed it. And then… nothing happened.
“You will hear them soon…” she then stood. “You must make your way home, tell Malfurion of the vial, of the tree seed… we will meet again, young Druid.” Astris then guided her to the door.
***
Mya followed her steps back to the door and she paused. “You…” she whispered and turned her head to Astris. “You saved my life… you gave me the seed to plant at home… you’re the reason my people thrive… and… the souls of the forest…” she pulled her brows together. Somehow these memories had faded from her.
“Yes… your mother washed those memories away to protect me. If everyone knew I did such things, I would be hunted to offer more.” Astris smiled weakly. “You will perform the same ritual I did – to Kalise..” she held up a bowl with milky white liquid in it. “It will help her.. and then-“ Suddenly Astris’s head jerked to the bedroom.
The bowl clattered on the ground, the liquid splashing over the wooden floor. From it flowers and grass began to instantly grow, feeding off of its power. “NO!” Astris shouted – she caught the glimpse of a demon, wrapping his arms around Kalise. And then she was gone.
Mya hurried forward – her hand jerking outward, she caught some of the red dust… She rubbed it inbetween her fingers and then she grit her teeth. “I can use this…” she hurried to the clattered bowl. She sprinkled the dust into it and poured white water into it, from a pitcher on the kitchen table. Mya held two hands over the bowl and an image began to form from the swirling waters.
It was an image of a Volcano – spewing black ashes from its core… The scene moved forward, dashing forward to the volcano’s side, where a cavern was make-shifted into a huge building of stone. It had winding paths that crossed over the lava pit in the center of the volcano, leading to other areas – all used for certain things.. Summoning demons, sacrificing… Huge chains crossed the miasma of soot and fire – which added a kind of hellish feel to the area.
Kalise was being held by her throat – just before 3 large oval stones that sat upright, used to aid in teleportation…
Mya stumbled back and heaved – “Blackrock Hold” she spoke and looked to Astris with terrified eyes. Blackrock Hold was known for being the centerfold of the demon ritual zones… only the most powerful owned it, and usually only a single demon and its army. They often fought over it, as it’s power to them was equal to the World Tree. It, and the land around it, was tainted by the demons – a Nightmare to the dream. Everyday the druids fought to keep it at bay, keep the poison from corrupting the rest of the lush forests. The land amongst Blackrock was cracked and barren, dry with rivers of lava flowing through it. No sky, just ashen expanse… It was the hell in the Dream, of which everyone feared…
“We’re going to need help…” Astris whispered, her voice through her teeth…
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Post by Raven on Aug 7, 2018 20:32:10 GMT -5
The demon grinned as he held Kalise higher. “What our luck that you’ve fallen into the dream.” He snickered.
Kalise’s eyes began to glow blue then. Suddenly a burst of power rushed from her body. The demon’s hand fell away from her neck and she collapsed onto the ground on her knees. She gasped for air, a dim blue glow remained. The bands began to glow and pain rushed through her body. She grit her teeth as she slowly stood fighting against the draw of the bracelets.
The demon cackled as he stood, he brushed a bit of blood from his nose. “That is incredible.” He stared to her with fiery eyes. “For you to exert so much power, even with those on.” He didn’t step forward as he watched her.
Kalise winced as she took a step forward, she pulled her pistol from her hip. Her daggers still remained in Mya’s satchel. She aimed it at him, the inscriptions upon the metal of the pistol began to glow bright blue. She pulled the trigger and an explosion of power happened, like a wave the blast washed over the land. She collapsed to her knees, a dizziness washed over her body, she couldn’t breathe. In the next moments as her vision caved in she felt the hand of the demon wrap around her wrist, she could feel him tug on her as she was pulled across the barren rocky ground.
**
“Wake up.” The demon’s voice echoed in the darkness, a splash of ice cold water washed over Kalise.
Kalise gasped as her muscles tensed. She opened her eyes and tried to move to find that she was securely fastened down into a chair. A device was attached to her head, the metal bands wrapped around her head, it covered her nose and mouth. A line ran from it into a machine that glowed with an orange tint. She pulled against the shackles again, but she couldn’t even budge an inch.
“Cozy?” The demon questioned. He stepped forward and cinched down a band that ran over her chest. Kalise gasped slightly, it felt as though someone was sitting on her now. “There, that’s better.” He chuckled. “Now.” He moved about. “We haven’t had the pleasure of finding a Nymph here in the dream with such a great power. You’ve more power than the leader of the Nymph’s at the base of the World Tree.” He pulled a cable and clipped it into her bracelet. He lifted another cable and attached it as well.
Kalise fought against the bands as memories rushed through her mind. “No….don’t do this!” She pleaded.
The demon knelt before her his eyes staring into hers, a wicked grin on his lips. “That’s the fear I expect.” He chuckled then. “I’ve studied the humans and these devices.” He tapped the bracelets on her wrists. “You overpowered them earlier in your rage.” He chuckled again, “You nearly brought the mountainside down, and I had a few scratches as well.” He stood and walked over to the machine base where all the buttons were held. “I can draw power from you and once I gain your power we will march forward, the druid will stand no chance against us, the Nymphs of the World Tree will perish, and its power will be ours.”
Kalise thrashed, “No!” Her eyes began to glow blue again. “You won’t!” She snapped. One of the shackles around her right arm popped loose from her strength.
The demon looked to her with surprise in his eyes. “You have no say in this Nymph.” He spoke as he pressed a button.
Kalise pulled at the cable that was fastened into one of the power bands just as a gas began to come through her mask. She fought against it as her world began to spin. Kalise whimpered as the demon gripped her throat and slammed her head back into the chair. “I won’t let you.” She growled, “I won’t let you do this…”
“You’re fighting for something you’ll lose, Nymph.” The Demon searched her eyes.
Kalise writhed in his grip as he stared to her. She felt the machine kick on then, the familiar feeling of the needles within the bracelets gripping into her wrists. She let out a cry as she fought against him. The blue glow slowly began to dim from her eyes. Kalise fought against him until darkness consumed her vision.
**
Astris paced slightly. “That demon…that was Tyrvin…he is the leader at Blackrock Hold…” Her voice was fearful. “Druid, I believe there is something you must know.” Astris glanced to her with worried eyes. “Luna, years ago…the ancient nymph that she was, she foretold the future. She told us of this terrible time when the humans would overpower the nymphs and steal our magic…she also spoke something to me when I was young.” Astris crossed her arms as she stared out her window to the beautiful forest. “She saw a key in my future, that my daughter would be the key to the fight against the demons…or if Kalise were to fall into the wrong hands she could become the destruction of the dream world itself…” Astris lowered her eyes slightly. “I fear I have made a mistake bringing her here, I have delivered her to Tyrvin…I was so afraid of her dying, of this prophecy …that I did not stop to think what brining her would do…we have to get her back, Mya…if we do not…I fear the demons will be upon the World Tree before we can even attempt to fight back…”
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Post by Raven on Aug 12, 2018 19:01:24 GMT -5
Mya turned her gaze to Astris… her eyes still looking into the pool of water. “Damnit…” she cursed and then she stepped from the waters. She crossed her arms as Astris spoke – a prophecy of some sort… She grit her teeth slightly – the Prophecies of the Nymphs were often spot on…she paced slightly and let out a deep breath.
“I never thought myself to be caught up in such a thing, but in the end – turns out she is very much tied to the trees, so I suppose it would have been a matter of time…” Mya paused and looked to Astris, who nodded slowly to her.
“You are exactly right, fates have tied your destinies together…” Astris then gathered her things and sighed deeply. “We must go get her…”
“My father –“ Mya huffed then “I have no idea where he is though…” she shook her head. “It has been… 8 years” she sucked in a deep breath and peered to Astris.
Astris stood, a staff in her hand – she was smiling. “I know exactly where Malfurion is…” she nodded and lead Mya out the door. She turned and locked it and then she held a hand in the air. There was a loud neighing sound – from the skies a figure came approaching.
It was a horse – glowing white with accents of blue wafting off of its beautiful fur. It was a type of unicorn, but not the kind she imagined it being. The beautiful horse landed on the ground and neighed, approaching Astris. Another landed behind the previous and came towards Mya, as if they were made for her…
“Wow…” Mya lifted a hand and placed it on the side of the horses’ cheek, scratching slightly. The horse pressed her cheek into Mya’s hand and rumbled low to her. Mya watched as Astris climbed and mounted her horse, and so she followed suit. Instantly the horse lifted into the air, magically, Mya cried out slightly and wrapped her arms around the horse, holding on tightly as they cut into the air.
They flew outward, avoiding the limbs of the world tree, and out above it. Mya lightly turned her head and glanced down – gasping in pure awe, she had never seen the tree from above. It covered so much land…. She glanced back then as they flew across the biomes. They flew towards the Mountains of Creation, and soon dipped down into the valley. Snow had began to fall from the skies, lining herself and horse – though she did not feel its cold. Perhaps the horse was warding that off.
They landed in front of a huge gate that entered into the mountains. It was cracked slightly… Mya stood and stared to it for a long moment. It was taller than she could imagine, only a giant might be able to open and close it… She approached the door – which was easily 20 feet thick or so… She and Astris slipped between the crack of the doors and entered the giant hallowed out mountain…
“He is here?” Mya questioned. “Where are we?”
“This is The Hall of Creation… Malfurion is…” she paused.
“Is what?” she questioned loudly.
“In prisioned…” she muttered. “I came across this news not long ago, and was divising a plan to get him out…” she shook her head.
“What? You didn’t try and tell us?” She rushed forward. Suddenly braziers lit up with a glowing blue flame…Chained up to two poles was her father. The chains were glowing bright blue – enchanted by magic…
“Father!” Mya stumbled forward – her hands grasping on his shoulders…
Malfurion slowly raised his head and then smiled weakly, it was obvious was in a great amount of pain. “Oh, young one…” he chuckled “My little blueberry” he smiled and sighed deeply. “You should not be here” he spoke through a cough. “You cannot release me, this is my own punishment”
“No – there must be some way, why are here ?” she questioned, her hands lifting his head so she could see him, he had no strength to hold it up.
“The price for power. I sought the knowledge of the Creators…” he shook his head. “Anything to get me home, to you, and this was my punishment…” he muttered through dry lips.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 13, 2018 8:41:10 GMT -5
Astris watched her eyes looked over the weak being of Malfurion. “I didn’t try to tell you because the living do not belong within this chamber, especially not the keeper of the trees young druid.” Her voice was soft as she looked around the room, the ceiling rose high disappearing into shadows as it peaked jaggedly at the top. “The creators will retaliate against me bringing you here, I do imagine.” She lowered her eyes slightly. “But we’ve no choice.” Her eyes fell on Malfurion once more. “I’ve grave news, Malfurion. My daughter nearly lost her life. I brought her here to protect her, only to lose her to Tyrvin...” Her eyes fell away as she spoke. “I fear I have fulfilled Luna’s prophecy and I have handed over Kalise to the demon that will bring this world to its knees.”
There was a chuckle behind them then. “You think you can walk into the hall of the creators and no one will notice?” Tyrvin stood, his eyes were glowing the color of embers in a fire, runes were illuminated on his arms. “You should know better Nymph.” He suddenly teleported, a wicked chuckle echoed through the hall. “How easy it was to steal the girl from you.” He grinned, his hand clutched around Astris’ neck. “You even made it less trouble for me by delivering her with the power bands the humans created.” He teleported again with Astris still in his grip. He slammed her against the wall, tiny cracks scattered outward from the impact causing Astris to let out a cry.
“You will not have her power for long, Tyrvin.” Astris looked to him, her eyes began to glow blue as she summoned her power, her breathing increased.
“Oh?” The demon snickered, “Let’s dance, shall we?” He grinned as he released her. A thick clear barrier shot up out of the ground around them forming a circle. “Just you and I.” He smirked. He slowly stepped back from her, “If you win, I’ll give you your dear daughter.” Tyrvin snapped his fingers. Red ashes fluttered through the air and swirled around a center point, something began to form in the center of the ashes.
Kalise appeared on her knees, chains shackled her to the ground. Her eyes were a pale color in comparison to the normal beautiful golden color that she usually had. Her skin was slightly pale though it held bruises and fresh cuts. One of her eyes was blackened from the demon provoking her to get her to release more energy. She didn’t move though as she sat there, the chains were slack as she stared off aimlessly.
“There.” Tyrvin smiled, “You know I am of my word.” He brought his eyes back to Astris, whom was fuming now he chuckled once more. “What’s wrong? You look angry.” He grinned.
Astris rushed forward suddenly. She held her hand out and a blade formed from a blue light. It was a beautifully crafted short sword with blue runes upon it. She slashed at him catching the front of his chest slightly as he stepped back. “What have you done to her?” She snapped as she glared at him.
Tyrvin tilted his head and then smirked, “I’ve only gotten her to obey. She had so much to say, so much to fight for. She just wouldn’t shut up.” He teleported and appeared behind Astris. He pulled his dagger and slashed forward.
Astris teleported she skidded across the ground and grit her teeth as she looked back to him. “You’ll have to work much harder than that if you want to kill me, Tyrvin.” She narrowed her brows.
The two began to teleport within the chamber that the demon created. They would appear only for the blink of an eye only to disappear again and appear several feet away. The only trail left on the ground was that of blood dripping from open wounds.
**
“Young one.” A voice spoke.
Kalise trembled, she pulled against the chains, her breaths quivered within her chest. She screamed as she tried to escape the chains.
“Young nymph.” The voice spoke again. “Calm yourself. You are giving into your own demons, you are creating this entrapment for that demon.” A figure appeared before her. The figure glowed all white, no details were visible, with the exception of the long ears. A creator. The ears were much longer than that of a high elf...or even a night elf...the only beings that glowed in such a way were the very creators of the dream world....of Avaria itself.
Kalise’s eyes looked up to the being before her. She took in a shaken breath as the being reached forward and placed its hand on her cheek, cupping it. “Why...are you here? Am I dead?” She questioned softly.
“Hm...” An amused chuckle came from the being. “No, far from that. You are very much alive, Kalise.” His voice was deep and metallic sounding, it was like nothing she’d ever heard. “You are the prophecy, you cannot fall to a demon. You understand?”
Kalise took in a sharp breath as she felt an overwhelming since of warmth rush through her body. “H-How...can I escape...?”
The being tilted his head slightly and chuckled. “With the power I have unlocked within you, young one, you can do anything you wish.” He pushed against her then.
The chains suddenly snapped and she fell back. Kalise fell back as though she was falling off of a cliff, wind rushed around her as she free fell into the darkness.
**
Astris was thrown to the side a deep cut in her side. She rolled several times before coming to a stop. The demon had cuts along his body blood ran from his nose. “I will end you.” He snarled. The glow of magic had disappeared from his eyes. “I don’t need her power to kill you.” He took heavy angry steps toward her though he suddenly stopped as he heard the clanking of the chains.
Kalise took in a gasp of air, she pulled tightly against the chains. “Mother!” She cried her eyes fell upon Astris. Her own eyes were glowing a bright white color.
Tyrvin looked to her and chuckled. “How interesting, not only does she fight the bonds she breaks a spell.” He then looked back to Astris. “I’ll finish you off and then I’ll deal with her.” He snapped as he twirled his dagger in his hand.
Kalise pulled against the chains. “No!” She cried. Suddenly just as the chains had broken in her dream the chains snapped. She stood up as energy swirled around her. “I won’t let you do this!” She rushed forward. Kalise slammed against the demon. Suddenly a huge wave of power burst through the room. A bright white flash blinded the room as she collided with the demon.
The walls rumbled from the exertion of power. The sound of chains rattling to the ground sounded. Was Malfurion released? Astris held her hand up as she slowly got to her feet. Her vision was splotchy at first but the black body of the demon stood before her. She stepped forward and reached a hand forward. As soon as she touched the body it fell apart into ashes that fell to her feet. Astris glanced around. “Kalise?” She questioned her brows tucked together. “Kalise?” She asked again.
**
Kalise fell through the darkness, she thrashed about trying to gain her bearings until suddenly she slammed into the icy cold surface. The air was knocked from her lungs as she lifted herself up. Her eyes once again fell on the creator. “Well done, young one.” He spoke in approval. “You will do just fine.” He glanced around. “You’ve thrown yourself into another realm it seems. The void is an unforgiving walk of memories.” He stepped up to one and it played like a video before them. Kalise stood on the bow of the ship, she teleported and held her dagger to the throat of a captain. She was ruthless as she took down the ship. A chuckle came from the creator. “Even if gifting treasure back to the poor...are you not still stealing?” He questioned and looked to her a long moment before he shifted his weight. “Kalise it is I who chose you, before you were even born fate has written this path for you.” He nodded.
Kalise stared to the creator for a long moment. “Why...am I here?” She whispered softly.
“All in due time, young one.” He spoke and began walking off.
Kalise stood her expression baffled. She rubbed her wrists where the power bands had been. She looked down in awe that the bands were gone...
**
Astris stooped down and lifted one of the power bands into her hands. She turned over the charred metal. “This is incredible.” She spoke as she looked to it. “I knew Kalise was strong...but...” She shook her head as she flipped it over a few more times. “Not like this...she has to be here somewhere...she didn’t perish...I know it.” Her eyes fell on Mya once more.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Aug 13, 2018 19:04:12 GMT -5
Mya cupped her fathers limp cheek, she was holding his head up as she peered to him - brows pulled closely together. “Damnit...” She whispered. Though seconds passed and suddenly another presence was upon them - she could feel its corrupted taint of darkness spread across the entire room, as if to bring the walls down just with its corruption. She turned and held her hand out - forming from palm was a very decorated staff of vines and roots, which curled at the top - a shining orb of magic appearing in the center of the curl.
Her eyes fell upon the demon - he didn't look any different than a typical elf. His physique was cut and strong, his hair dashing and his features undeniably handsome, with two curving and tipped ears... Though there was a red aura that traced his body, the aura carved out two luminscent horns that curved backwards and upward - his natural corruption he could not hide to the eyes of a magical being, such as herself - and the nymphs.
“No-” Mya called out to Astris. She rushed forward, a blue barrier blocking her - she placed her hand on it and tried to push through but with no avail. “No!!” She slammed her fist onto the protective barrier. The force repelled against her and sent her body flying backwards. She tumbled onto the stone ground, her staff clattering a few feet away. She hissed as she placed both palms onto the floor and rose upward. Her hand shot out and a vine from the staff reached out to her hand - the staff following moments later, and she held it once more.
“Let Astris fight....the demon” Malfurion voiced with a raspy husk of a tone. Mya turned and looked to him with concerned eyes... Mya’s eyes turned to Kalise as she lay on the ground within the orb. “The young Nymph.... She is powerful...” He coughed briefly. “The Creators told me I would be released....by a Nymph of the prophecies...” His eyes slowly opened and glanced to her - he nodded slowly. “Fate was for me to bring her to them..” He turned his gaze to Kalise, who was glowing slightly with radiant power.
Suddenly Malfurion stumbled forward, his chains becoming ashes on the ground. Mya gasped and reached forward, she wrapped her arms around him and helped him to the ground. “Father” she whispered, her chest heaving with adrenaline...
“Show me your strength, daughter...” He held a hand up to her, offering a small pendant. Mya looked down to it and lifted it from his fingers - it was a orange crystal, a chunk of amber.... It glowed brilliantly, from the world tree. She could feel its insane power emitting from it, and seeping into her skin... The amber was attached to a thin leather string, of which she placed the necklace around her neck.
Mya stepped back and held her staff upward, one hand under the other. She sucked in a breath through her nose and let it out slowly. Suddenly a huge beam of light burst from the end of her staff, it became a beacon of her power. From the source of magic came a burst if wind which threw her robes and hair back, fluttering in it’s sheer strength. The beam of light penetrated the barrier, and it shattered as if it was glass, only to fade.
Three more beams shot forward - it touched Astris, Kalise and Malfurion. She syphoned the energy of the tree into them - rejuvenating their wounds and giving them strength and energy, healing them in a sudden burst of power.
Malfurion stood and smiled as he watched his daughter. “Not many can harness the raw power” he spoke and he looked to the fighting demon and Nymph. Though it all ended so suddenly - the demon was just a figure of ash, that suddenly shifted into the wind.
Mya lowered her staff, her chest heaving - she was moved by her own power. Never before had she heard of the capability to mass heal in such a quantity before. Her father was on the edge of death, and now he stood lively. Though the task it self took much power from her, almost if she had leant them her own life force. She tucked the gem away and turned to Kalise - who lay limp on the ground still...
Malfurion stepped over to her and knelt down. “She is lost....” He whispered. “The weaving realms have drawn her into the unknown... she is not trained to withstand the forces of the dream...” He spoke and sighed deeply.
“I was able to learn much in my visit, in my own efforts to return to home, as the dream twisted my realities... I can open a rift to her location, but Mya - you must enter it and get her. Bring her back here, and I can lead us all home...You both cannot stay her for too much longer, you know this...” He spoke and then peered to Mya, awaiting her response.
Mya gripped her staff and then nodded. “I will retrieve her...” She nodded.
Malfurion placed a palm on Kalise’s shoulder and then another arm outward. A channeling power created a blue portal floating in mid air. One could see through it - it only led to a great darkness. “The Void...” Malfurion hissed. “There will many great threats awaiting you... do not forget the power you harness, my daughter” he spoke and turned his gaze. “Be the shining beacon of light that you are.” He nodded.
Mya slowly approached the portal and drew in a breath, holding her staff to her chest now. She slipped into the portal, which felt like walking through air. She turned her gaze to the room about her - which was a swirling mass of darkness....
She slowly stepped forward. Beacon of light.... She took in a breath and her staff began to glow brightly, enough to create a path of light around her, so she could see about her. The area was just one slight marble surface, she could see her own reflection in it... “Kalise - “ she called out....
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